Please continue reading only if you are an adult.
Master Class
by Cassandra Carr is the delightfully spicy erotic novella that chronicles the journey of Ryan Tomasi as he explores his Dominant nature, mentored by his friends Jack and Callie. Ryan is new to the world of BDSM but he has been carefully researching various aspects of the lifestyle and is cautiously willing to explore some of its facets with the alluring sub, Lisette. Both Ryan and Lisette have issues with previous partners to overcome but her desire to submit coincides with his inclinations to be her Dom. They have to decide how far to push their respective limits and whether they are truly suited or if a few scenes at the BDSM club will be all that they share.
This intriguing story was a fascinating depiction of the give and take of a Dominant/submissive relationship. The safeguards and care displayed by those who responsibly engage in this lifestyle are vividly described in an enchanting tale which is both sensual and romantic. I enjoyed the author’s ability to describe two wounded souls who are able to explore their carnal natures and learn to heal even as they find satisfaction in each other’s need for a kinky side to their relationship. This is the first work that I have read by this talented author but I am definitely looking forward to reading more of her enjoyable tales.
It is my understanding that this novella will be released in early December!
A copy of this work was provided to me in return for an honest review.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
Fair Game (and upcoming titles)
Fair Game 
by Patricia Briggs gives a glimpse into the life of Anna (the Omega of the Marrok pack) and her mate Charles (the Enforcer). I love this series (one of the few that I purchase as hardcover novels) although I am uncomfortable with the amount of rape that is either implied, threatened, or directly described throughout the various books in the series. I originally fell in love with Mercy because she is unafraid of the uber-male alpha who is her neighbor and Anna has a similar disregard for the growling and male posturing because she is protected in her status as the Omega wolf in the pack. The stark realities of a bond with a mate who is the uncontested executioner for the Marrok are delineated in this book that is filled with glimpses of the complications of dealing with a world that is still filled with prejudice, although the lines are drawn into human vs. other. The allies introduced in this particular novel will undoubtedly have future roles although I must admit that I didn't expect the ending...very dramatic! I am still trying to picture the pancakes and how one achieves that shape but I have trouble with any non-oval shape, lol. Another dramatic and action-filled read that reminds us that these particular wolves operate according to their own strict protocols and there are Alpha wolves and then there are ALPHA wolves! Yum. Okay, I have indulged myself by reading a couple of my personal TBR books...now for the ones that are on tap to be reviewed in the next few weeks:
The Moonstone and Miss Jones by Jillian Stone
Ballroom Blitz by Lorelei James (one of her tamer stories)
Carnal Compromise by Robin L. Rotham (whew, definitely a hot read)
Enemy Overnight by Robin L. Rotham (sequel to Alien Overnight)
(have to be written up)
Alien vs. Alien by Gini Koch
Furious by Mike Shepherd (currently reading)
Tart by Lauren Dane
Nauti Temptress by Lora Leigh
The Silvered by Tanya Huff
Hmm...guess I'd better get busy, lol!
by Patricia Briggs gives a glimpse into the life of Anna (the Omega of the Marrok pack) and her mate Charles (the Enforcer). I love this series (one of the few that I purchase as hardcover novels) although I am uncomfortable with the amount of rape that is either implied, threatened, or directly described throughout the various books in the series. I originally fell in love with Mercy because she is unafraid of the uber-male alpha who is her neighbor and Anna has a similar disregard for the growling and male posturing because she is protected in her status as the Omega wolf in the pack. The stark realities of a bond with a mate who is the uncontested executioner for the Marrok are delineated in this book that is filled with glimpses of the complications of dealing with a world that is still filled with prejudice, although the lines are drawn into human vs. other. The allies introduced in this particular novel will undoubtedly have future roles although I must admit that I didn't expect the ending...very dramatic! I am still trying to picture the pancakes and how one achieves that shape but I have trouble with any non-oval shape, lol. Another dramatic and action-filled read that reminds us that these particular wolves operate according to their own strict protocols and there are Alpha wolves and then there are ALPHA wolves! Yum. Okay, I have indulged myself by reading a couple of my personal TBR books...now for the ones that are on tap to be reviewed in the next few weeks:
The Moonstone and Miss Jones by Jillian Stone
Ballroom Blitz by Lorelei James (one of her tamer stories)
Carnal Compromise by Robin L. Rotham (whew, definitely a hot read)
Enemy Overnight by Robin L. Rotham (sequel to Alien Overnight)
(have to be written up)
Alien vs. Alien by Gini Koch
Furious by Mike Shepherd (currently reading)
Tart by Lauren Dane
Nauti Temptress by Lora Leigh
The Silvered by Tanya Huff
Hmm...guess I'd better get busy, lol!
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Adult titles
Please only continue to read if you are an adult !
The following two tales are erotic menage tales that I thought were very well written but are admittedly very spicy and not for every taste!
A Perfect Trifecta
by Delilah Devlin continues the 'Delta Heat' series that centers around a group of policemen and firefighters who come together and share very kinky encounters with one another. The series started with Five Ways 'Til Sunday and continued with Fournicopia and many of the characters continue to appear throughout the series. Personally, I don't really 'get' sado-masochism but it works for the characters in this particular story and I enjoyed the progression of the relationship but be advised that none of the stories in this series are for the faint of heart! My Amazon review for A Perfect Trifecta is at this link and for Fournicopia is at this link. I have not read the first in the series at this time.
The Billionaire Bad Boys Club
by Emma Holly added to my education as I have not read many M/M titles (I started with one a few months ago and wasn't quite sure I wanted to continue but fortunately I am perennially curious) but I was enchanted by the romance that was depicted (ok, and the very hot scenes) which deepened as the story continued. I was enthralled by the story and was delighted by all of the asides that gave it depth and color (and I would love to sample some of those dishes that were described!) even as the sizzling scenes added to the allure of this scorching read. My Amazon review is at this link.
The following two tales are erotic menage tales that I thought were very well written but are admittedly very spicy and not for every taste!
A Perfect Trifecta
by Delilah Devlin continues the 'Delta Heat' series that centers around a group of policemen and firefighters who come together and share very kinky encounters with one another. The series started with Five Ways 'Til Sunday and continued with Fournicopia and many of the characters continue to appear throughout the series. Personally, I don't really 'get' sado-masochism but it works for the characters in this particular story and I enjoyed the progression of the relationship but be advised that none of the stories in this series are for the faint of heart! My Amazon review for A Perfect Trifecta is at this link and for Fournicopia is at this link. I have not read the first in the series at this time.
The Billionaire Bad Boys Club
by Emma Holly added to my education as I have not read many M/M titles (I started with one a few months ago and wasn't quite sure I wanted to continue but fortunately I am perennially curious) but I was enchanted by the romance that was depicted (ok, and the very hot scenes) which deepened as the story continued. I was enthralled by the story and was delighted by all of the asides that gave it depth and color (and I would love to sample some of those dishes that were described!) even as the sizzling scenes added to the allure of this scorching read. My Amazon review is at this link.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Delusion in Death
Delusion in Death 
by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) is part of her delightful futuristic series that features Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her oh so yummy spouse, Roarke. This imaginative series has remarkable advances in transportation and communication yet still has its share of the evil that mankind can perpetrate on itself.
This latest addition to the series involves a horrific chemical cocktail that removes all inhibition on its victims while escalating hostilities to a killing level very quickly. I was a little nauseated by all of the violence described even as I was quickly drawn into the spell that this amazing enchantress weaves with every one of her books. I am always fascinated by the author's ability to paint a word portrait of the prickly homicide detective and her interactions with all of the beings (including an obese feline) who have managed to sneak past her defenses and become important to her. The stark descriptions of the horrendous abuse that Eve endured as a child and its ongoing influence upon her are leavened by the incredibly touching vignettes that depict the genuine anguish experienced by those who love (despite her protests) the somewhat socially inept but incredibly loyal and determined advocate of justice. E.g. Roarke tells Eve..."understand I love you beyond anything and everything there is." and Dr. Mira explains to Eve...."He loves, Eve, and those who love suffer when who they love suffers". Sigh. Can't help but love this series.
Eve continues to grow as a person throughout the series and I am delighted that she has come to regard her partner Peabody as a true partner and not just a protege and I enjoy the repartee between the two of them. There's a great scene where Eve playfully warns Peabody away
from lusting after Roarke by threatening her with an icepick, a dull one...and Peabody contemplates whether it still might be worth it, lol. The occasional lighthearted moments, including Eve's fumbling attempts to understand what her goddaughter is burbling, not to mention Eve's thumbnail sketch of Creationism vs. the Big Bang Theory, keep the drama from being overwhelming but this is definitely a murder mystery which ratchets up the tension to the very last page. Another wonderfully crafted tale.
by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) is part of her delightful futuristic series that features Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her oh so yummy spouse, Roarke. This imaginative series has remarkable advances in transportation and communication yet still has its share of the evil that mankind can perpetrate on itself.
This latest addition to the series involves a horrific chemical cocktail that removes all inhibition on its victims while escalating hostilities to a killing level very quickly. I was a little nauseated by all of the violence described even as I was quickly drawn into the spell that this amazing enchantress weaves with every one of her books. I am always fascinated by the author's ability to paint a word portrait of the prickly homicide detective and her interactions with all of the beings (including an obese feline) who have managed to sneak past her defenses and become important to her. The stark descriptions of the horrendous abuse that Eve endured as a child and its ongoing influence upon her are leavened by the incredibly touching vignettes that depict the genuine anguish experienced by those who love (despite her protests) the somewhat socially inept but incredibly loyal and determined advocate of justice. E.g. Roarke tells Eve..."understand I love you beyond anything and everything there is." and Dr. Mira explains to Eve...."He loves, Eve, and those who love suffer when who they love suffers". Sigh. Can't help but love this series.
from lusting after Roarke by threatening her with an icepick, a dull one...and Peabody contemplates whether it still might be worth it, lol. The occasional lighthearted moments, including Eve's fumbling attempts to understand what her goddaughter is burbling, not to mention Eve's thumbnail sketch of Creationism vs. the Big Bang Theory, keep the drama from being overwhelming but this is definitely a murder mystery which ratchets up the tension to the very last page. Another wonderfully crafted tale.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Untamed Journey and an interesting animal book
Untamed Journey 
by Eden Carson introduces a new author who fearlessly undertakes to give the reader a glimpse of life in the semi-tamed west of the United States. There are descriptions of many practices that we would never tolerate in today's world (thank goodness) but also a nicely conjured atmosphere of the camaraderie and fellowship that was so essential to the pioneering spirit and survival in an literally untamed environment. This debut novel introduces a delightful new author who has penned a lovely read.
My Amazon review is at this link.
Also, during my many wanderings I came across an interesting collection of animal pictures from the book More Than Human by Lewis Blackwell and photographed by Tim Flach
at this link. Naturally, I love the tiger/water picture the best as this is my favorite cat but the rest were impressive as well!
by Eden Carson introduces a new author who fearlessly undertakes to give the reader a glimpse of life in the semi-tamed west of the United States. There are descriptions of many practices that we would never tolerate in today's world (thank goodness) but also a nicely conjured atmosphere of the camaraderie and fellowship that was so essential to the pioneering spirit and survival in an literally untamed environment. This debut novel introduces a delightful new author who has penned a lovely read.
My Amazon review is at this link.
Also, during my many wanderings I came across an interesting collection of animal pictures from the book More Than Human by Lewis Blackwell and photographed by Tim Flach
at this link. Naturally, I love the tiger/water picture the best as this is my favorite cat but the rest were impressive as well!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Thanksgiving!
In the United States we celebrate Thanksgiving by having a hearty meal, hopefully with friends and family. It is a day that is more stressful to some of us than others...whether because one is facing the daunting task of cooking an enormous fowl that is still frozen, traveling through uncertain weather to reach a dinner destination or the prospect of dealing with a slightly disconcerting friend or relative.
Personally, I am disappointed that one of my brothers has not managed to span the abyss that developed between us with aftermath of the death of my stepmom but I am grateful that I have a supportive husband who has helped me get through some of my complicated emotions. I am striving to be grateful that my mother-in-law maneuvered us into preparing a Thanksgiving meal although I daresay it will be unlike the one served in many households as there are only a few dishes that we prepare well...and turkey and dressing is not one of them, lol.
Nonetheless, there are countless things that I have to be thankful for this year, among them the many new friends that I have made who share my love of reading who have encouraged me to share my opinions and enthusiasm for all of the wonderful authors out there. I am thankful that there are so many warm and gracious people in the field and I truly appreciate all of the authors and others who are active in the publishing field who take the time to reach out to fans such as myself. I wish all of you (whether you actually celebrate the holiday or not) the time and opportunity to remember to be grateful for the little things in life, not least of which is the ability to read this message and comprehend the good wishes that are sent to each and every one of you.
Personally, I am disappointed that one of my brothers has not managed to span the abyss that developed between us with aftermath of the death of my stepmom but I am grateful that I have a supportive husband who has helped me get through some of my complicated emotions. I am striving to be grateful that my mother-in-law maneuvered us into preparing a Thanksgiving meal although I daresay it will be unlike the one served in many households as there are only a few dishes that we prepare well...and turkey and dressing is not one of them, lol.
Nonetheless, there are countless things that I have to be thankful for this year, among them the many new friends that I have made who share my love of reading who have encouraged me to share my opinions and enthusiasm for all of the wonderful authors out there. I am thankful that there are so many warm and gracious people in the field and I truly appreciate all of the authors and others who are active in the publishing field who take the time to reach out to fans such as myself. I wish all of you (whether you actually celebrate the holiday or not) the time and opportunity to remember to be grateful for the little things in life, not least of which is the ability to read this message and comprehend the good wishes that are sent to each and every one of you.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Fundraiser for Hurricane Sandy victims
From the Linnea Sinclair loop...
a group of authors have gotten together to do a fundraiser, this would be a great way to get a gift for a fan and support a worthy cause as well.
a group of authors have gotten together to do a fundraiser, this would be a great way to get a gift for a fan and support a worthy cause as well.
From the posting:
Good stuff for a good cause! Several authors--
all organized by Cie Adams and Cathy Clamp aka CT Adams--
have pooled together for a charity auction on eBay,
with proceeds going to the Red Cross and Best Friends Animal Society.
There's stuff from Carole Nelson Douglas, Jim Butcher, Rachel Caine,
Charlaine Harris, Jade Lee, Lucienne Diver, Shannon Butcher,
Brenda Novak, Carrie Vaughn, Deanne Gist
and, of course, me! Take a peek and please, spread the word! Thanks!
http://stores.ebay.com/Authors-Assist-Hurr-Sandy-Victims
**permission to forward granted**>>
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Ruined by Moonlight
Ruined by Moonlight 
by Emma Wildes is part of her 'Whispers of Scandal' series and is a delightful combination of sensual historical romance and mystery. I enjoy this author's facility for presenting two different love stories in each of her novels, often featuring rather unconventional lovers. The implication that, after six months of marriage, there is no real communication between the two people who occupy their own little worlds, is a saddening reflection of many relationships. This is contrasted with the tale of a couple who have never even met yet are thrust into enforced proximity. The ending is a little surprising and dangles bait for additional stories in the series but I enjoyed the lush romance and mystery that permeated this wonderful story. My Amazon review is at this link.
(and for those of you who like entering contests...make sure you look a my previous post...there are quite a few with giveaways for stories!).
by Emma Wildes is part of her 'Whispers of Scandal' series and is a delightful combination of sensual historical romance and mystery. I enjoy this author's facility for presenting two different love stories in each of her novels, often featuring rather unconventional lovers. The implication that, after six months of marriage, there is no real communication between the two people who occupy their own little worlds, is a saddening reflection of many relationships. This is contrasted with the tale of a couple who have never even met yet are thrust into enforced proximity. The ending is a little surprising and dangles bait for additional stories in the series but I enjoyed the lush romance and mystery that permeated this wonderful story. My Amazon review is at this link.
(and for those of you who like entering contests...make sure you look a my previous post...there are quite a few with giveaways for stories!).
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Mortal Ties and even more contests and freebies (updated 11/17/12)
Mortal Ties 
by Eileen Wilks is one of my favorite shifter series. I like the fact that not only is there the requisite 'Romeo and Juliet' romance...between a wolf shifter and a human but that the heroine is from a relatively non-traditional race (Asian) and brings her own set of prejudices and 'baggage' to the mix, including a very rigidly traditional mother and a VERY unconventional grandmother (it's not every day that a girl has such an impressive backup to call in an emergency...but when that someone is comfortable scolding a dragon...wow!). I love strong heroines who do their own share of kicking butt so the fact that Lily is an FBI agent is very gratifying to me and I love the way she constantly makes that adorably annoying overprotective male in her life remember that she is competent and self-sufficient. Finally, I love tigers...they are one of my very favorite animals...so I am always thrilled when this one shows up (although the reminder that it is a carnivore necessarily means that there will be blood!).
My Amazon review is at this link.
I have been relatively busy lately so I am not keeping up with all of the contests that I normally peek at but there are a couple in addition to the ones I talked about during this post.
The Romance Reviews is having a Year End Splash (YES) party at this link. There are always plenty of prizes available.
Kendall Grey has a contest to advertise the upcoming release of the final novel in her fascinating paranormal series, the Just Breathe trilogy (the profits benefit whale research) at this link.
Author C.J. England evidently went on a fantastic vacation and wanted to share in the good things. The contest is almost over but it's fun to look at the entries. Start at this link.
The Romance Studio (TRS) is having a Thanksgiving party at this link. There are tons of giveaways and is open until 11/20/12!
and don't forget (which I had, drats!) Pocket After Dark provides a couple of free reads every month at this link. At this particular time they are featuring Alison Pang's Sliver of Shadow (which I am embarrassed to admit is on my teetering TBR pile) and Jane Feather's A Wedding Wager
Good luck and happy browsing!
by Eileen Wilks is one of my favorite shifter series. I like the fact that not only is there the requisite 'Romeo and Juliet' romance...between a wolf shifter and a human but that the heroine is from a relatively non-traditional race (Asian) and brings her own set of prejudices and 'baggage' to the mix, including a very rigidly traditional mother and a VERY unconventional grandmother (it's not every day that a girl has such an impressive backup to call in an emergency...but when that someone is comfortable scolding a dragon...wow!). I love strong heroines who do their own share of kicking butt so the fact that Lily is an FBI agent is very gratifying to me and I love the way she constantly makes that adorably annoying overprotective male in her life remember that she is competent and self-sufficient. Finally, I love tigers...they are one of my very favorite animals...so I am always thrilled when this one shows up (although the reminder that it is a carnivore necessarily means that there will be blood!).
My Amazon review is at this link.
I have been relatively busy lately so I am not keeping up with all of the contests that I normally peek at but there are a couple in addition to the ones I talked about during this post.
The Romance Reviews is having a Year End Splash (YES) party at this link. There are always plenty of prizes available.
Kendall Grey has a contest to advertise the upcoming release of the final novel in her fascinating paranormal series, the Just Breathe trilogy (the profits benefit whale research) at this link.
Author C.J. England evidently went on a fantastic vacation and wanted to share in the good things. The contest is almost over but it's fun to look at the entries. Start at this link.
The Romance Studio (TRS) is having a Thanksgiving party at this link. There are tons of giveaways and is open until 11/20/12!
and don't forget (which I had, drats!) Pocket After Dark provides a couple of free reads every month at this link. At this particular time they are featuring Alison Pang's Sliver of Shadow (which I am embarrassed to admit is on my teetering TBR pile) and Jane Feather's A Wedding Wager
Good luck and happy browsing!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
The Curse
The Curse 
by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love is part of the Belador series that started with Blood Trinity and continued with Alterant. There always seems to be so much going on in these books that I feel like I am watching a three-ring circus...and I don't know where to look first. There are plenty of different conflicts taking place and lots of people who don't trust each other, gods and goddesses who are demanding virtually impossible things (that make one wonder--if this is how they treat those who follow them, how do they treat the others). The individual characters are fascinating and the tortured heroine is feeling her way along as she tries to overcome the traumas of her past but it's a little difficult watching her reactions to the various strong males who are demonstrating interest in her. I absolutely adore the little gargoyle who is an amazing handful...it just tickles me to picture her tossing him lug nuts as treats. This author pair has written yet another enjoyable story, it is just dense (like fruitcake?) with lots of little nuggets that can get frustrating as one waits (and waits, and waits) for them to resolve.
Anyway, if you haven't read the series...I highly suggest that you start at the beginning--and take notes, lol. My Night Owl Review for The Curse is at this link, for Alterant is at this link, and for Blood Trinity (read this one first) is at this link.
by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love is part of the Belador series that started with Blood Trinity and continued with Alterant. There always seems to be so much going on in these books that I feel like I am watching a three-ring circus...and I don't know where to look first. There are plenty of different conflicts taking place and lots of people who don't trust each other, gods and goddesses who are demanding virtually impossible things (that make one wonder--if this is how they treat those who follow them, how do they treat the others). The individual characters are fascinating and the tortured heroine is feeling her way along as she tries to overcome the traumas of her past but it's a little difficult watching her reactions to the various strong males who are demonstrating interest in her. I absolutely adore the little gargoyle who is an amazing handful...it just tickles me to picture her tossing him lug nuts as treats. This author pair has written yet another enjoyable story, it is just dense (like fruitcake?) with lots of little nuggets that can get frustrating as one waits (and waits, and waits) for them to resolve.
Anyway, if you haven't read the series...I highly suggest that you start at the beginning--and take notes, lol. My Night Owl Review for The Curse is at this link, for Alterant is at this link, and for Blood Trinity (read this one first) is at this link.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Veteran's Day
Just wanted to stop and say how much I appreciate those who have served or are serving, both in active duty or by supporting those who are. It is difficult for those of us remaining safe in our homes to conceive the kind of horror and stress that these brave souls endure daily and I know that I am inadequate at expressing my true gratitude and empathy for them. There are many great authors who give us a glimpse of the lives of those who serve in the military but it is impossible to know what life in the warzone is truly like unless you have experienced it yourself. I am always shy about greeting strangers in uniform so I try to show my support through agencies like Soldier's Angels, AnySoldier.com and Operation Paperback but there are countless organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project which need support as well. Those who are able to send letters or Christmas cards may wish to contact Kim at the SOS Aloha blog for addresses to use to brighten some soldier's day with a note or a card.
Some of my many favorite military romance authors are:
Suzanne Brockmann (Troubleshooters series), Mary Margaret Daughtridge, Jessica Scott, Tanya Huff (sci-fi Valor series), Linnea Sinclair (actually sci-fi romance but still a military theme), M.L. Buchman, and many, many more....and don't forget that Anne Elizabeth's delightful new book, A Seal at Heart will be released the first week of December!
Some of my many favorite military romance authors are:
Suzanne Brockmann (Troubleshooters series), Mary Margaret Daughtridge, Jessica Scott, Tanya Huff (sci-fi Valor series), Linnea Sinclair (actually sci-fi romance but still a military theme), M.L. Buchman, and many, many more....and don't forget that Anne Elizabeth's delightful new book, A Seal at Heart will be released the first week of December!
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