Some Like it Hot - Erotic Novel Reviews

My Top Ten Books of 2011

2011-12-31T11:48:00.000-05:00

2011 was an excellent year for romance, urban fantasy and erotica. Ebooks were hitting an even stride and I finally got an ereader which solidified my book mania. So even with my fanfiction hiatus, I was able to compile a suitable list of favorite reads this year.

I start with an unexpected frontrunner for me. I had never heard of Selena Kitt until I got my ereader and found one of her novellas for free on the nook. I was hooked and then picked up this little gem, which on first glance I thought would read like the worst blend between babysitter porn and erotica, but it didn't. The dialogue was lively, the story had a good premise and it was the start of a beautiful relationship between myself and the wonderful Ms. Kitt.

There's not much that I can say about Shelly Laurenston's books that doesn't sound like extreme fangirling. I've loved her books since I picked up the first one, to the point where I own them in both dead tree and digital. I anxiously await each new story and devour them multiple times and B-cubed was a particular favorite because it starred Dee Ann Smith, my favorite of the many cousins of Bobby Ray Smith. Needless, to say I'm already in countdown until Bear Meets Girl is released. Until, I've got the previous 6 books in the series to keep me occupied...for now.

I said it before and I'll say it again...I'll never look at the word lubricous the same way again...or a plum for that matter. In what was one of the best erotic retellings of a myth that I've ever read, Nadia Lee had the nerve to give this gem away for free for Valentine's Day. If you missed it, I feel sorry for you, but feel free to go put down your .99 and pick it up. Worth your time and money that's for sure.

So in late-April, early-May something was amiss in the force. A not so new author was stirring up the universe with a new series...and it starred some Dragon and had some chick in it. Lemming that I am, I followed the crowd and was swept up in the storm that was Dragos and Pia. I read the book, then I reread it...and I reread it again. Then I dogeared the pages and I was this close to getting out the sparkle pens (cause that's how I roll), before I came to my senses and bought the digital...So this joined the ranks of paper and digital purchase. Love the series and can't wait to reread them again.

Saw this one in my bookstore and couldn't figure out why it was in hardcover. New author, never heard of her and yet she rated a hardcover? Okay, I'm intrigued. After reading the first frenetic pages I realized why the publishers just didn't even bother with coaxing people in with paperback. This series didn't need it. Any character who names her lady bits: Danger & Will Robinson and Beam Me Up & Scotty, gets an automatic add into my TBR Mountain.

Two words: Soulless Thundertwat.

Nuff said.

What do a werewolf and a yoga hippy have in common?
Absolutely nothing, but it's never been written so well as when Molly Harper did it in this book. I wasn't sure what I would be in form when I picked this one up in my bookstore, but it was different from what I was used to and yet familiar in the same way. I'm a sucker for a funny punchline in the middle of a sex scene, so having the heroine tell the hero that she'll put her very flexible foot behind his head and having him drool in response rates this pretty high on my to be read o-meter.

Okay, this time, one word:

English.

Lauren Dane is on this list twice because no matter what's going on or what I'm in the middle of reading (except for NR, nothing stops that train), I will always set them aside to be completed after I have inhaled the words she's put on the page.

This book gave me gooseflesh...goosebumps are too tame. This one is another book that fell into the high reread ticker (3 times) and that was before I even sat down to write the review! I've seen some authors torture their heroes and heroines before, but this was probably the first time I was truly worried that I wouldn't get my HEA. Books that bring forth that kind of emotion should be treasured...and this one definitely was.

The series of books that I have dubbed The Holman Collection by Deanna Lee have been delighting me for years. I wondered when she would get around to giving my favorite eye candy someone to play with. She kept Connor on his toes with Lauren, and she even gave the reader an eyeful of the previous characters as they showed up on the pages (this is something I'm happy to see more and more authors doing). I rang the reread bell for this one 4 times this year and will probably ring it again when she announces the next story in the set.

#31DDD - Homestretch

2011-12-29T15:17:00.000-05:00

I can almost feel this ending, but its been fun while its lasted. Here's my attempt to catchup!

Day 21: if you could only eat 3 things for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

There are few foods that I like enough that I could nosh on them daily, but if I had to make my list of only 3, this is what they would be: grits, blueberries and kimchi. I know its an odd mix, but they have given me some of my best memories. Grits remind me of my childhood and my mother making breakfast, blueberries remind me of my discovery of my foodie nature and kimchi reminds me of one of my best friends who opened my eyes to an entire nationality of food that is both awesome and tasty in each bite. So my mother, the Food Network and author, Nadia Lee get credit for my addictions to these three things. Not to shabby in my opinion.

Day 22: what were you doing five minutes ago? what would you prefer to have been doing instead?

When I'm on vacation, the hardest decision I plan to make is what I'm wearing and what I plan to eat. Anything that takes more brain power than that is not going to get any notice. So, since I'm on vacation, I've utilized a great portion of that time with the internet and any subsidies thereof. So five minutes ago, I was on my computer in my new favorite internet cafe, Coffeesmith and there's nothing I would have rather been doing...this is my nirvana, coffee by my side, computer in front of me and the whole internet to explore. One day I'll reach the end, but today is not that day.

#31DDD - Do you have any unusual family traditions? What are they?

2011-12-22T09:27:00.001-05:00

This holiday season brings one tradition to mind.

I don't have a tree. And for that matter neither does my mother. Years ago, when she finally got rid of our artificial tree that had been in the family for over 30 years, she decided that she wasn't going to get another one. My sister and I were grown and the whole purpose of a tree was for the children to have something to dive under and get their presents...she was over it. And by proximity so was I.

When I moved to Northern VA, I didn't bother getting a tree because I pretty much felt the same. So after almost 10 years of not having a tree, I still have the holiday spirit, but that bit of green that takes up space in my living room...totally unnecessary in my world view.

Thanks Ma!

#31DDD - Best story about NYC, real or made up

2011-12-22T01:04:00.000-05:00

I love NYC...if for no other reason than its not VA.

My favorite story includes two of my fellow #31DDD compatriots; Serena and Scarlet.

There was a trip, an apartment, some Scottish booze and someone tried to climb the Wall Street bull...that's all I'm going to say.

#31DDD - Tell Me Where to find the best Fried Chicken

2011-12-18T21:51:00.000-05:00

There are few things I miss as a vegan like I miss fried chicken. Or in this case, pollo a la brasa. If you haven't had Peruvian chicken in NoVa and more importantly if you haven't had El Pollo Rico in Arlington, then you haven't had chicken worth talking about.

I was first introduced to Pollo years ago by my then roommate, Sarah, she and her friends raved about this place until me in my scoffing disbelief made the journey up 66 to the place.

I was pissy that I had to wait in line...that is until I got my plate. You have never had flavors like this cross your palate and sink into your tastebuds. So when you ask me about where to find the best fried chicken I'm not sure what I can tell you accept, there IS no fried chicken that can measure up to this chicken roasted on a spit.

#31DDD - If there were a book entitled, The Ramen Chronicles, what would its first line be? How would it end? AND Post a photo from your phone and tell me about it

2011-12-17T22:02:00.001-05:00

Opening Line:

Some required a cigarette after a really good orgasm, for Ricki it would always be a nice bowl of Top Ramen (c) with a liberal squeeze of siracha pepper sauce on top.

Carrying her bowl back into her bedroom she nudged over the lump that was her boyfriend and in a careful balance of bowl, chopsticks and body, managed to settler herself against the headboard without spilling a drop.

End:
Now she no longer looked for the packages of Top Ramen (c), she found a cigarette would do just fine.

This is of course me. I love hats, however, with my big melon of a head, they don't exactly love me back. But when I do find one that does fit and doesn't make my head look like a watermelon I am more than willing to pose with it, case in point, this pic. This particular hat embodies everything I love about headgear...its pink, its stylish (no baseball hats for this girl) and it fits!!!

#31DDD - What song encapsulates how you feel today? Why?

2011-12-15T22:14:00.000-05:00

For me, hair has always been an accessory. If I want long/colored/straight hair, I can sew it in, pull it on or braid it in. And recently, I've been rediscovering my love of all the things my hair can do.

This evening as I was trying to figure out what to do with the hairs on my head (which are currently in small twists), I decided to pull out my wigs and pull one on. I had done this just the previous weekend with the bottom photo and loved the look.

So for today, the song that encapsulates me: Whip My Hair by Willow Smith. Just watch the video and if you can keep from whipping your hair back and forth, you're doing better than I was...

Luckily, I didn't whip my wig into the toilet.

#31DDD - Three Posts in One

2011-12-15T00:13:00.003-05:00

I'm a few days behind...so to catch up I have all three in one.

First, "your thoughts on Beyonce":
Well, I've never heard a song by her I don't like. She isn't satisfied to just create the same album over and over again (thank god), and she keeps her personal life and her stage life separate...for that alone she gets my respect.

Next, "one of the recipes you're willing to share." This is harder, because as a good Southern Lady, my recipes should either pass on to my closest female relative (preferably a daughter who has proven herself a proficient cook) or with me to my grave...

Seeing as I have no plans to have children, I guess the internet will have to do.

Crack Soup (this soup is not healthy, it will take one year off your life for every bowl you eat...but really, what were you going to do with that year anyway)

1 lb. thick cut bacon
1 pt heavy cream
6 cups chicken stock
5lbs russet potatoes (cubed w/skin on)
2 bunches scallions, chopped (optional)
2lbs cheddar cheese (or whatever blend of cheeses you like, as long as its 2lbs.) shredded
1/4 cup flour
Salt
Pepper
Olive Oil
1/4 tsp nutmeg

To start:
Fry up entire rasher of bacon, set aside and chop into pieces when cooled.
Coat potatoes lightly in olive oil, salt and pepper and roast at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Should be crispy, browned and have some give when poked with a fork.
In a large soup pot, bring chicken stock to a simmer and then add in heavy cream and nutmeg. Mix flour in with shredded cheese to coat and as cream and chicken stock mixture bubbles on the edges begin to add to soup pot by the handfuls, whisking slowly. Keep heat low and do not allow mix to boil, it will thicken and then you can add in the roasted potatoes, bacon and scallions.
Serve in sourdough breadbowls or if you need to sin even more...make corn pudding and serve over that. (Again, takes another year, but you don't need it after having this dish)

And finally, "draw your picture on a post - it" and voila! I'm not the most artistic of people...my medium being words, I gave it my best shot. This is what my friend Serena calls my typical look. Over the rim of my glasses with an eyebrow raised. Today this look was directed at many...some co-workers and some customers, not a look of derision, but one of knowing.

#31DDD - Keebler's Elves or Santa's Workshop Elves

2011-12-11T20:21:00.001-05:00

Keebler's elves vs. Santa's elves. No question..Keebler, ALL THE WAY!

I don't care if its Christmas, I don't care if Santa's workshop elves are working to make toys for one night a year. Keebler's elves work to make goodies for kids for every day of the year. Take that, you cookie munching elf.

#31DDD - The first thing that comes to mind when I say the number 2

2011-12-11T00:23:00.001-05:00

When I think of the number 2 I think of sequels and when I think of sequels, I think of movies that should have never had a sequel. And it makes me sad for the movie industry, who just doesn't know how to leave well enough alone. Case in point my examples here.

Both are Sandra Bullock movies, and the first in both of these series was a hit. Did well in the box office...which would explain why it spawned sequelitis and gave us the horrendous number 2. Thank god, the studios bowed out of creating a third...

#31DDD - Which celebrity is living the life you were supposed to lead?

2011-12-10T00:15:00.001-05:00

There are very few people I envy or want to do what they do on the daily basis...and then there is Anthony Bourdain.

Live a life of cooking, traveling and doing it your way. Yep, that's what I would really love to be doing and he does it and remains self deprecating about it. And the funny part about this whole thing?

I'm vegan and if you've ever watched an AB show...he is most definitely not. And that's okay, if I could do what he does, I wouldn't be either.

He is the Frank Sinatra of cooking and his is the life I should be living.

#31DDD - Tell Me about your First Crush

2011-12-09T08:40:00.001-05:00

It's not surprising that my first crush is a book, but it actually dives deeper than that. My first crush was a BIG book. I remember picking this book out of my schools library based solely on the cover picture and it's size. I was in 2nd or 3rd grade and this book had come from one of the upper level sections.

I distinctly remember pulling the book from the shelf and the weight of it. It was almost new because when I went to open it, it wanted to stay closed. I checked it out, despite the warnings from the librarian that it was too advanced for me and finished it in two days. When I returned it, said librarian had a look that I now know as smugbitchery on her face and she condescended to me that I hadn't been able to finish it...to which I replied that I had and if she didn't believe me she could ask my grandmother (who worked for my school).

For a first crush Caddie Woodlawn wasn't bad.

#31DDD - Take a picture of your fridge and tell me about it

2011-12-08T19:30:00.001-05:00

Day late, dollar short and all that jazz. But this is a pic of one of my fridges. I actually have two in my kitchen and they both function fully.

When I told little Miss Diva of Yum about this she declared me her "hero," so I think that's a plus of this post altogether. Now, the reason I have two fridges is very practical...

There is more than one person living in my house. Which is to say that I have two roommates and since all of us do some form of cooking, in order to have any semblance of order a second fridge was going to be necessary.

Also, luckily for me, at the time I was looking one of my friends was looking to get rid of it and was more than willing to help load it up and ship it out.

Now to the contents. Currently, the 1st shelf is sporting the final remnants of Thanksgiving dinner...which means the collard greens and sweet potatoes are all that's left. Then there is one of my favorite bottles of wine. One of my roommates is quite the cheese hound, so there are pounds of different types for his amusement.

But really, the only thing of any real concern is the wine.

#31DDD - What is your most embarrassing moment?

2011-12-06T21:04:00.001-05:00

You ever have one of those moments when your mouth opens and words escape before you can slap your hand over it to keep them is? Yes? Me too.

I was a young idiot attending some teen leadership conference at a 4H camp and our group was discussing HIV and the transmission thereof, and as we were talking I in my young need to feel important said with absolute seriousness: "you know you can't get HIV from a toilet seat right?" And then the monster that had taken advantage of my mouth let go and I as you imagine, I was mortified.

Really?!?

This is what I chose to say? Young leader of tomorrow and all I could come up with was some random factoid that I knew wasn't true and spew it forth???

I could actually feel my ears burning.

I don't think I said anything else to anyone that day...never know when that monster would take over again.

#31DDD - What was the last song/album you bought? Be honest!

2011-12-05T21:36:00.001-05:00

I think the last album I bought was the Adele iTunes festival cd. And this is a big thing for me, because I'm not an itunes fan...and given it's name that's the only place I could buy it.

My love affair with Neo Soul and in particular with Adele's voice has been long. I remember hearing her song Hometown Glory on SYTYCD three years ago.

It was that kind of sound that hits your ears and immediately puts goosebumps on your arms. It lit that Imustsearchforthissongontheinternetsuntilifindit fire in me and didn't let go. It basically gave birth to my current favorite genre of music in one go. This particular album only has 6 tracks, but they are six of the best live tracks I've ever heard. Best way I can describe the very humble Adele's voice...Erotic Notes for your Ear.

#31DDD - Best Experience You've Had in Another Country

2011-12-04T19:32:00.001-05:00

I've only been out of the country once. And for it, I didn't even get to use my newly minted passport. So, while I've been to the Caribbean, I don't have much to show for it. However, the memories of it have always stuck with me.

I took a 10 day cruise with one of my best friends, Nadia Lee in 2002. We hit the islands of Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Belize and Ocho Rios. The best experience I had while on these islands was right after the ship hit the port of Grand Cayman. I remember standing line to get on the small boat to be take to shore and as I was crossing the little gangplank to get to the vessel, I looked down at the water.

And I marveled at the purple water! PURPLE WATER!!!

It was AMMMMMAAAAZZZZIIIINNNGGGG! I was staring so hard I nearly assoverteakettled into the ocean.

I don't remember much about that vacation, but man do I remember that water.

Day 3 - #31DDD: Tell Me about your Grandfather

2011-12-03T23:03:00.001-05:00

photo courtesy of Anson Mills

The funny thing about this post that is in telling you about my grandfather, I'm really going to tell you about my grandmother, considering, I didn't know my grandfather very well (he died when I was very young). I don't know who my paternal grandfather is...and that's a post on a totally different blog.

My grandfather (or rather, my grandmother's first husband...because she had at least two, that I'm aware of), was a bastard...and he didn't last long before he met with the kind of justice that anyman who hits a woman should.

According to my grandmother, my grandfather had made his physical dislike of something she had done known and had then gone to take a nap. Now she, being a good southern girl and full of piss and vinegar, put a pot on the stove an prepared my favorite breakfast treat: grits. When they were done, she took the pot off the stove, carried it into her bedroom and promptly dumped the entire pot onto the face of her sleeping husband.

I'm told he never hit her again.

#31DDD - Day two - Write a poem about an apple -- any apple

2011-12-02T23:06:00.001-05:00

Since this a blog about erotic reading, I felt it appropriate to give the apple poem the same treatment.

There once was a granny smith apple
And a couple that liked to dapple
A wife without her gown
Kept her husband bound
And the fruit stopped his babble

Now that's what I call fruit for a cause.

#31DDD - Blog 'em if you got 'im

2011-12-02T00:08:00.001-05:00

I started this blog a little over a year ago with the intent of thrilling the masses with my love of erotic romance and how they culminated in the smoking hot read. I had delusions of grandeur of becoming the next Smart Bitches or Dear Author. I would reach super blog stardom by doling out words of praise or spewing vitriol on a book.

And then I realized, I really just wanted to talk about the books I was always reading.

And maybe someone else would feel the same and comment and conversation would be born...besides I think my friends, (as supportive as they are) can only handle so many conversations about why some African American erotic romance novels drive me crazy and here are the 5453 ways to fix them.

Then I got lazy.

Six months in and I realized that the blog was actually work, I wasn't having as much fun, I had started to set goals for when I would have to finish a book and then post a blog. It was no longer a fun place for me to talk about what I loved, somehow I had sucked that right out. So I took the summer off (intentional or not), to regroup, read whatever I wanted to without my self imposed deadlines and rediscover why I started the blog in the first place.

Then fall came and I felt like I was ready again, but the looming deadlines crept in and poked at my inspiration...and I stumbled.

So here I stand at the precipice. Trying to answer the question of Why are YOU participating in #31DDD? For me it's a once more into the literary breach and all that kinda deal. I've joined the #31DDD (31 Days with Ding and Doy for the unwashed masses) hoping that with someone else giving me a little bit more inspiration and some topics I can focus back in on what I loved about this blog in the first place and hopefully give me a fresh perspective.

So finger, toes and weaves crossed that I get this right.

Watch this Space...

2011-10-10T09:52:00.002-04:00

I haven’t abandoned my blog.

Rumors of my demise have been grossly misrepresented.

Instead, I had summeritis, with a side of fanfiction girl flu. To make a short story a tweet, I spent the summer curled up in a new fanfiction fandom and have only recently returned to real books.

So what’s it to you…or at least those of you who are still checking this blog? Well, my reviews will be back in full force and I’ll be coming in hard, with a new author favorite of mine this week, Thea Harrison’s, Serpent’s Kiss.

So, if you dare…watch this space.

Cat's Call by Natasha Duncan-Drake

2011-07-22T07:23:00.000-04:00

I've returned to the land of the book review living and I bring with me the awesome that is Cat's Call by Natasha Duncan-Drake.
This is a first for me, an author with whom I'm familiar with their fanfiction first before diving into their actual fiction works. I wondered if I would be as frantic to read each chapter as I was with her twists on everything from RPS to HP fanfic...lets just say I'm very glad to see she's made the leap to ebooks and hope that book 2 in this series isn't long in coming.

Charlie Waterman thinks of himself as your typical teen; plays video games, rugby with his friends and is about to attend Uni. That is, until a clay cat figurine decides he would be of better use Between. Charlie begins his journey into Between as one of 7 teens who will be tasked with maintaining order in their multiple universes.

I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK.

LOVED. IT.

Typically, I'm not a fan of teen quest novels, but because I'm a rabid fan of Duncan-Drake's fanfiction, when she mentioned this I decided to give it a go, knowing that if anyone could change my view of said genre it would be her. And how right I was.

For this book Charlie is our main focus and as such, we're treated to how he deals with being the oldest and late student entering Between. Things like a changing body, shapeshifting, the use of weapons and the inner workings of teenage conversation are all put into play. The hormones and angst aren't too thick and the writer maneuvers through it well enough.

Duncan-Drake also does an excellent job with handling the whole you will live forever and this is how we handle you not becoming a bag of bones when you've existed for thousands of years. Universe building is hard work, but the writer doesn't overdo it. We're given a cast of characters we can believe in, an intrepid hero who is coming into his own and no prophecy (thank the stars!).

The main cast of characters in this story offers all of the elements I had previously missed in teen fictionn. I have a bit of a block when it comes to this and I've admitted that while they are teens I hold them to adult standards and ideals, which while not fair, is how I roll. And this means that the more adult the teen acts and behaves in situations the more likely I am to like them. For this very reason I liked Charlie, he was adult enough to realize he was older, but young enough to realize he still had much more to learn. The relationships he begins to build in Between show that. But Charlie isn't the only character that keeps this story going long and strong.

Meet Alexander.

With red hair and poise Alexander is the teen vampire that I wish other authors would write, but am glad that Duncan-Drake got their first. Alexander makes the perfect foil for Charlie's more fun loving personality. And the interplay between the two is rife with tension. Case in point, Alexander is gay and Charlie is not...yet? They flow into their relationship like some of my favorite guy pairings to read.

I could ramble on about this book, but I would much rather you go read it. I think its on sale on everywhere this week for $.99.

Teaser Tuesday

2011-06-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

Meme originally hosted by Should Be Reading.

Here's what you do:

Grab your current read (or open your current file)
Open to a random page (or for you ereaders out there, flip through until your finger hurts)
Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

“Chocolate,” Yesnia tried out the word and the lack of a slight burr told him she was actually saying it in English, “I have not heard of that. What is it?”
“Food of the gods,” Charlie said and saw Kaelyn’s eyes widen a bit, “well not literally. It’s sweet and, well, chocolaty; it’s difficult to describe. Try some.”
Cat’s Call by Natasha Duncan-Drake

I don’t need to Root, my NookColor does it all!

2011-06-06T09:56:00.000-04:00

In case you didn't know I got a NookColor a few months ago and in that time my obsession with tech and ebooks (I've had ebooks for years and was just waiting for the right device to read them on), has shot through the roof. So, since I obsess, I figured that the best way to deal with that is to share it with the masses. Hence this post.

Currently, the nook app store is stocked with just under 200 apps. For those of you who haven't rooted this device to have access to the Android Market you DO have some options.

So let's start with the essentials shall we.

- this handy app allows you to read in both portrait and landscape, annotate, upsize the font, and even sticky note on your side loaded pdf content. What's not to love? My one ping at this app is that it requires an installed microSD card to run, but if you're going to be sideloading pdfs anyway, that's almost a given. This app offeres flexibility that the native pdf reader doesn't have and its functionality is close enough to the general nook UI that it doesn't make it difficult to use.

Evernote is probably one of my favorite apps on the market. I was really surprised to not see this in the nook app store when it first opened. Thankfully, the guys behind it didn't take long to bring it on minus the camera and GPS capabilities. I find this app particularly useful when I need to access any of the recipe sites I've added to my Evernote account during the week. Making the Post Punk Kitchen's Carrot Cake Pancakes is so much easier this way.

Goodreads is the 1^st app I downloaded after getting my NookColor up and going. I didn't even think about it, I just tapped through the prompts. The UI couldn't be easier to use and it keeps track of what I'm doing. I only wish it were more invasive and could update my goodreads status when I insert a bookmark (or at least ask).

Seesmic just made its way onto my NookColor this weekend (I think) and I'm so glad it's there now. Access to my multiple twitter accounts, my facebook and foursquare (not that I use it, but whatever), LinkedIn and even GoogleBuzz (if anyone still uses that). I could laud this as the best social network app for the nookcolor, but it pretty much speaks for itself.

So what are your favorite apps for the NookColor? I have more, but this is a good start.

Back in the Saddle - Teaser Tuesday rides again...

2011-05-31T09:00:00.001-04:00

Meme originally hosted by Should Be Reading.

Here's what you do:

Grab your current read (or open your current file)

Open to a random page (or for you ereaders out there, flip through until your finger hurts)

Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Shuddering hard, she tried to fight the physical reaction to his nearness. The screaming of her nerves for his touch. Tingles flashed over her flesh, and she struggled to keep from arching in her binding toward him.

In the Tempest: A Carnal Desires Short Story by Crystal Jordan

Teaser Tuesday

2011-05-17T07:51:00.002-04:00

Meme originally hosted by Should Be Reading.

Here's what you do:

Grab your current read (or open your current file)

Open to a random page (or for you ereaders out there, flip through until your finger hurts)

Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"Only part of my reputation is a fairytale," Harry replied, noting that from the corner of his eye he could see Anita trying to cover her astonishment.
"Which part?" the Traveler asked with a smile.
"That I'm a fantastic lay," Harry replied, his tone changing completely, "I have yet to find out."

Black Magic by Moonlight, by Beren_Writes*

*This week's snippet is from a work of fanfiction of one of my favorite authors. If are not a fan of it…I don't care. I like it and this is my blog.

Review – Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison

2011-05-11T11:54:00.005-04:00

After a flurry of activity on the internets last week I picked up a mass market of Dragon Bound (dear pub industry, I'll buy paper with a discount, if you can't price ebooks better). By midnight on Wednesday I was naming the bags under my eyes the following morning after Angela James and Thea Harrison.

In a word, this book was fantastic.

Pia Giovanni is on the run. Part-human/part-wyr and hiding in plain sight this has always been her life, that is until she's blackmailed into stealing from the wrong person. Dragos Cuelebre is one scary wyr and is unapologetic about how he acts, particularly when it comes to someone stealing from his hoard. But when he captures the snarky vegan (that's rigth VEGAN...with a side of humanely harvested honey) he's tempted to make an exception, and anyone who doesn't like it will have to face his fury and like it.

This story is the type of first book I love to read. A well explained universe, a villainous plotline, street smart heroine and a take no prisoners hero go a long way into putting this book in this years top 10 for me. The author sets up a well developed plot and helps us understand our main characters...even if they don't have the reaction one would expect...case in point Dragos, when confronted with theft (okay its a penny, but still!) reacts in the following manner:

I'm sorry, the message said.
The theft was a violation of privacy. It was an unbelievable act of impudence and disrespect. Not only that, it was—baffling. He was murderous, incandescent with fury. He was older than sin and could not remember when he had last been in such a rage.
He looked at the paper again.
I'm sorry I had to take your penny. Here's another to replace it.
Yep, that's what it said.
One corner of his mouth twitched. He gave himself a deep shock when he burst into an explosive guffaw.

The above quote is one of the best ways to describe the development of the relationship between Pia and Dragos. Equal parts frustration and humor. Pia and Dragos are that quirky odd couple that you stare at harder because you're not sure how they're able to navigate their differences without it resulting in bloodshed.

Pia is proof possitive that being a vegan (and in Dragos eyes somehow inferior) does not make your a pushover, nor an idiot. She knows the fine are of picking her battles and displays this constantly throughout the book. Dragos however, is an alpha male of the might makes right school of leading...unfortunately, this fails in the face of a Greta Garbo lookalike frowny face.

Dragon Bound is probably one of the best second debuts of an author I've read in a long time. If you've hesitated in buying this book because it's by a new author, wait no more.

I would send my my copy, but I'm on my 3rd reread and can't be parted with it right now.

I have three words for this title: Read, Enjoy, Repeat.

Teaser Tuesday

2011-05-10T07:11:00.000-04:00

Meme originally hosted by Should Be Reading.

Here's what you do:

Grab your current read (or open your current file)
Open to a random page (or for you ereaders out there, flip through until your finger hurts)
Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

“How do you punish a man when your heart beats in his chest? How do you hurt your beloved without also hurting yourself?”

Ember by Bettie Sharpe

Review – Big Bad Beast by Shelly Laurenston

2011-05-04T09:43:00.003-04:00

If you don't know by now, I tend to go all fangirly when a new book by a favorite author is released. That fangirlyness increases exponentially based on how long I have been anticipating the title. Since I've been waiting for Big Bad Beast for three years, I'll let you do the math as to how high-pitched that squee was when I got it in my hot hands.
I was introduced to Dee-Ann in Shelly Laurenston's The Mane Attraction and met Ulrich in The Mane Squeeze and then had to wait another two years before I got to their book. So my fangirly squeezing when
arrived two weeks early to my bookstore, probably set off many a shifter given the high pitch.
To start, Ulrich Van Holtz is a chef who is an Alpha in the kitchen and a beta in the pack and doesn't let things like his father and brother hating his guts and plotting his death get him down. Add to this Dee-Ann Smith, enemy of his pack, super scary Alpha female and post Unit badass and you've got a story that looks like it's going to be a fight to the finish. Except Ric is wily and Dee-Ann is dangerous so it's probably best if you wear your blood splatter suit if you're going to read this story.

Like all good pairings Ric and Dee-Ann have a past, a violent one given their families hate one another, but a past none the less. Meeting when they were 6 and 10, respectively it went something like this:

"What are you looking at, shorty?"

Yep, even at 10 years-old Dee Ann has no problems with calling it how she sees it. Luckily, as an adult Ric and Dee Ann can at least see eye to eye; since they're the same height (a respectful 6'2").

I have been obsessed with this series since I picked up the first book and each additional story gives me more to love about the characters. The women are MEAN, the men are violent, and the characters are unforgiving about their shortcomings; really it's not their fault that you're uncomfortable with how much the lions eat or the wolves picking your lock and showing up in your bathroom unexpectedly…that's YOUR problem. The humor is well placed and each pairing doesn't fade into the sunset when the story ends. But the real reason to love this series if you haven't already bitten the bullet is the consistency of storyline and characters. Big Bad Beast also has the Big Bad Cameo! in Sara Morrighan, Angelina Santiago and Dr. Irene Conridge; each character making an appearance with requisite bitchiness/snarkiness intact.

From the prologue, to the vermin infested apartment scene, the smoker's commiseration, to the 4^th of July weekend festivities B³ lived up to all of my expectations and continued to remind me why I anticipate each book in this series. Dee-Ann and Ric were fun to read because they remained true to their makeup. Dee-Ann didn't suddenly become a pile of female goo when confronted with the hotness of Ric and likewise he wasn't seduced any more than he already was by her skill with a blade. The elements of the Pride Series Brand of Humor were present in helping them reach the goal of couplehood: character with OCD of some sort (for Ric it's cleaning and torturing Novikov...for Dee-Ann its killing and torturing her family, when see can stand being near them), some really good fights (or brawls) with friends (Malone and Dee-Ann rumble wherever they can), those embarrassing family moments that no one can get away from (Hello door meet Alder's head) and the possibility of death for anyone who gets in Eggie Smith's way (Time to start the killin') .

I could go on forever about this book. Having it arrive two weeks before the release date (don't know how that happened, but I'm not going to complain) meant that I had time to devour the title 3 times...yep, that's right, 3. I didn't even blink, I would get to the end and then turn the book back over and start again, and the only reason I haven't read it more is because the digital version refused to bend to the power of my mind and jump onto my nook color before the actual release date. Dammnit! However, after those three readings I can say with confidence this is another hit in the Pride series from Laurenston and I'm hoping…HOPING that the next book is Malone/Reed. I'll let you know if I'm right.

/end fangirly

Teaser Tuesday

2011-05-03T08:51:00.002-04:00

Meme originally hosted by Should Be Reading.

Here's what you do:

Grab your current read (or open your current file)

Open to a random page (or for you ereaders out there, flip through until your finger hurts)

Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"This was completely unprofessional. Inappropriate. Insane. Just one more minute, she silently begged her conscience." – Truly Scrumptious by R. G. Alexander

The Bookish Fangirl Mind…Mashups

2011-05-02T11:30:00.002-04:00

I like to think of myself as a fangirl.
For authors, musicians and any other media outlet I'm into.
But mostly for authors. So when I'm into several different authors I start imagining spinoffs of their titles or to use a music term, mashups. For example:

What if Brown Siblings met up with the The Sinners? (Rock out and Rock On? Tattoos for everyone? If anyone can convince Myrna to dread her hair, it would be Erin)

or

What would the Nauti Boys think of the sons of KGI? (All that testosterone and lots of female tapping feet, school marm style)

how about...

The New York Prides cross paths with The Breeds? (oh, the lion egos...the snarling, the scratching...and that's just from the guys)

I could go on, but I'd like to hear what the masses thinks. Who are your favorite book mashups?

Review – Bound by Blood by Cynthia Eden

2011-04-29T09:07:00.002-04:00

When Cynthia Eden tweeted that she was going to give away free review copies of her new novella Bound by Blood being pubbed on Smashwords I was johnnie on the spot to get a copy. I couldn't wait to tear into the title and even though it was short, with the plot and such cast of characters it read like a novel-length work.

Bound by Blood finds vampires and werewolves in the precarious position of having to work together against a common enemy. Demons have been escaping from hell and the vampire council is willing to sacrifice their princess to the local werewolf pack in order to gain their alliance. What on the surface seems like a pretty easy transaction is anything but. Genetics, betrayal, hell and burn down the house sex (literally) make this a fantastic quick read. And this is one packed novella; Ms. Eden took time to paint a backstory as well as give us some basic physiology of how this universe works. Basically, blood swapping with anyone can be both a good thing and a bad thing. Improved physical strength and abilities, but in exchange you have to take on the memories of that person as well. Good thing the hero and heroine are such dominant characters.

Morgan LaBreaux and Jace Vaughn are a great pairing. In 'fuck-me or fuck-off black boots,' Morgan is dangerous in more ways than one. She wastes no time in getting to the point when she seeks out Jace in his dive werewolf bar. This is no love at first bite, but definitely lust and you don't feel like you have to be tricked into believing this. Ms. Eden makes good use of the chemistry they have going as well the violence of their very natures. I appreciate that she doesn't make an attempt to romanticize what will happen between them.

It's obvious that both Jace and Morgan have outside agendas, but that won't stop them from enjoying the moment. This alpha male isn't interested in playing nicely with his new mate, nor is he going to be cruel, but it's obvious that he's going to stake a claim. 'Some days, a bride was just lucky,' or she will be as soon as she gets over that whole fear of this werewolf bit. Morgan is portrayed as a badass to start, but she's a woman who knows her limits and exhibits a healthy fear of a man who could tear her head off if he weren't trying so hard to get her off. Let me be honest, sex between these two is a real mating dance.

As I delved deeper in to the plot I realized that there was more afoot than just the demons. There's a past between the characters that only Jace seems to know about. And as it is revealed where their lives have entwined the characters live more off of the page and the romantic elements begin to take shape. From the beginning we get the feeling that Jace had a plan and all the things that he had done leading up to when Morgan walked into his bar were part of the plan. But his endgame was for Morgan to be his and anyone standing in the way of that was very likely to be dead after he was done.

The more I read the more my tastes change and solidify and what I require in a hero/heroine becomes concrete. I don't necessarily need my hero to be a good guy. He doesn't have to be a dyed in the wool patriot that will die for everyone, but he does have to be willing to sacrifice himself for his beliefs (which may or may not mirror those of everyone else) and his woman. Jace is a great example of this (and truly, most werewolf Alpha males are); he doesn't rule through fear, he tries to be fair, but he's not above kicking some ass as necessary, especially when it comes to his mate. Likewise for the heroine; Morgan is willing to put those black boots far up an ass if it becomes a threat to Jace. This couple is into each other, there aren't any gimmicks to make us believe they're being led around by the nose, they just recognize the chemistry they have and see where it leads. Luckily for us it's to a HEA…a bloody one, but still, one all the same.

Teaser Tuesday

2011-04-26T16:22:00.002-04:00

Meme originally hosted by Should Be Reading.

Here's what you do:

Grab your current read (or open your current file)

Open to a random page (or for you ereaders out there, flip through until your finger hurts)

Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"Is that nice, ma'am?"

I could only nod. I watched his long tan fingers, nicked from hard work and dealing with God knows what or who, track and dance along my skin. Down the small swell of my belly, the dip of my mound. I watched the teardrop-shaped birthmark dance above his thumb, and then his fingers found my clit even as he started to thrust harder.

With this Ring I Thee Bed – "Racing to the Altar" by Sommer Marsden

Review – Management Skills by January Rowe

2011-04-21T09:00:00.008-04:00

After reading January Rowe's Management Skills I'm never going to look at the phrase "dress like a nun" the same way again. In fact there are a lot of things I'm not going to be looking at the same way again. For example my shower head, the pool (lavender scented only, I hope) and the BDSM community. I've spent some time in this community and while I wouldn't say that this book gives and accurate description of the going's on, it does give a small peak into what a relationship, between a master and his sub, could look like.

Grant Edmonds first meets his new employee Allie Fairfax several years prior to her actual hiring at his company. In her previous life she was Silver, an exotic dancer from a fetish club he did work for and her dances did way more than titillate his senses. When he recognizes her on her first day at work he's determined to have her in his bed at all costs.

While I enjoyed the premise of this story, the inconsistencies with Allie's characterization made it difficult to buy into the plot. I kept readings echoes of the Madonna and the Whore within her actions to Grant. She went from being called a prude by her friend in her first week of employment and having her fashion described as nun-like to wearing almost nothing under her suit. The image of her very conservative clothing style was thrown off by how little she actually wore. Further confusion arose when her very vocal protests of "I'm not a slut," is turned on its head a few short paragraphs later:

"Do you want me to go? No harm, no foul?"
With a cry, her arms shot up to embrace his neck.

Her hesitancy to not have sex with Grant was unrealistic given how quickly she gave in to his seduction. Furthermore, learning about her vow of chastity and her previous foray into the lifestyle just makes her characterization ring even more false. How can I believe that she wants to stick to her vows if she drops her panties at the first provocation from a man who shoes interest?

As a character Grant held up his end of the dominant male perspective, almost to the point of being overbearing, however, given the explanation for the type of relationship he wanted it plays. He establishes the relationship between himself and Allie quickly and proceeds to mold her into the sub he intends for her to be. He is methodical in his training and has laid out his demands clearly…or at least it appears that way. Until I realize that this is supposed to be the romantic conflict of the story. Grant wants ownership and expects to control Allie's sexual satisfaction. Since Allie is no innocent to the lifestyle, she understands what Grant is asking for and she counters. He's adamant about his unwillingness to compromise on this fact when Allie offers to just be lovers, however in the end Allie agrees to this relationship, but she eventually balks at it, which brings us to the "renegotiation" phase and finally the end.

This novella confused me for several reasons. The plot was intriguing, but Allie's emotional teeter totter made it difficult to know where she stood. She claims to prefer an "exacting nature," but when faced with it in Grant, she rebels. And this is even more confusing when played out within the confines of a Master/Sub relationship. January Rowe, shows definite promise with her writing skills, but the consistency of her characters needs work.

Teaser Tuesday

2011-04-19T08:27:00.001-04:00

Meme originally hosted by Should Be Reading.

Here's what you do:

Grab your current read (or open your current file)
Open to a random page (or for you ereaders out there, flip through until your finger hurts)
Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Looking down, he found the blue plastic-coated metal bench and willed his prick to ignore the pretty man with the wet dripping muscles and washboard abdomen. This was proving to be a test of willpower. All these well-formed bodies parading around in the buff were going to be the death of him. It was going to bloody kill him to keep from gawking and blushing.
The Englor Affair by JL Langley

Book Junkie – Party of One?

2011-04-14T18:18:00.001-04:00

I'm sure a lot of you are familiar or have friends who don't do things by halves. Are they a Pisces? Good. Then you'll understand this post easily.

I'm a Pisces and I learned long ago to accept the good things and bad things about my sign.

First, I obsess over things…shoes, books, the internet, more shoes, more books, more internet, shoes, books, the internet, you get the picture.

Next, I have an addictive personality which feeds the obsession part, see above for more info.

The reason for this post is to highlight the book portions of my obsession/addiction. And also to explain that there is a method to my madness that I continue to work in a bookstore and have done since I was 16 (I'm currently 32).

Books. By all intents and purposes I should be waxing poetic on the latest book review, in fact I've got it written, but I felt that I would instead share my manic love of all things wordy. I realized this week that I am a book nerd. Okay, well I've always known I was a book nerd, but the depths of my nerdiness came crashing down on me.

I read, everywhere. No matter what I'm doing. I keep pages of articles and fanfic up while working so that my eyes can skim a few lines of dialogue or plot even while I chug away at my latest project, I have an ereader, but that has done nothing but explode my love of books and give me quicker access to them. I read at stop lights, when I'm driving (I actually like DC traffic for this reason), I read at the gym (aerobics classes cut into my reading so I will use this machine, thankyouverymuch), I read while working at the bookstore (a hard feat, yet I manage to finish at least one book per my 12 hours there a week) and I read while the TV is on as background noise.

Reading is my joy, my curse and my obsession. I counted (via my goodreads account)and I'm actively reading no less than 5 – 6 books at any given time…and that doesn't even count the short novellas I pick up for free on my nook that I plow through at lunch.

Since I was an early adapter to digital books I have erotica and romance that I bought years ago and I'm just finally getting to enjoy on my ereader, which you think would center my reading, but nope..no way…not even part of the train of thought. I have added more new authors to my mental rolodex of books in the past 6 months, than I have in the last 2 years of reading. Twitter…is no help. Authors, fellow book bloggers and random RTs recommend authors and I of course have to read a snippet to see if I like them, which most of the time I do and they go to my TBR pile.

Actually at this point it's more like a TBR mountain.

So tell me there are more of you out there. Who obsess, pine and would wither away without your words on a page. Come join my table; I'll be the girl with the out of control 'fro (although at this moment it is braided), sitting at the table with food to my left, and my ereader front and center…

Review – Friendly Fire by Megan Hart

2011-04-13T09:00:00.006-04:00

Friendly Fire is a novella that digs deep into the question of how death can inspire loyalty, even for the most hated of individuals and what people are willing to sacrifice to that end.

When DEA Agent Kendall Frasier is sent to be mentally assessed by the government on a tropical island she looks at it as an opportunity to take in some sun and sand on someone else's dime. However, when Zane Vincent, the man who shot and killed her partner is also there for a similar reason, she begins to think that maybe she should have looked before she leaped. Even worse is the guilt she's bombarded with because of her attraction for her fellow agent. Megan Hart once again shoots (I know…the pun, that's how I roll) and hits her mark with this novella.

Megan Hart's writing is like a palette cleanser for me.

It wipes away all of the fireworks that I can get caught up in when I'm on a book binge, and it distills a story down to brass tacks; a man and a woman who fall in love and have to deal with the emotional ramifications that come with it. No vampires, no shifters/weres are harmed in the making of her stories; instead I always get really good plot, well thought out characters and romantic conflict I can don't have to suspend reality to believe in (not that I don't mind doing that, mind you).
For Kendall, Zane is off limits for one reason: he killed her partner. Denial is a river in Egypt for this heroine. Lest we forget that she hated the bastard…we have Zane to bring it to the forefront.

"You must miss him."
That statement made a short, sharp laugh burst from her throat. "Dan? He was a mean-spirited son of a bitch who made my life miserable. He was a misogynistic, chauvinistic pig who thought women could never do half the job men could. I spent all my time with him defending myself against his digs, trying to convince him I was as competent as he was. That I could do the job. Working with him was its own special level of Hell. He was awful."

I could find several comedic ways in movie form in which this could play out, but I prefer how Hart dives into the issue of self loathing, loyalty and how we often are willing to forgive bad behavior when someone dies tragically. As a device of romantic conflict it works well. Because the story is short the issue needs to be dealt with in a relatively quick manner, but without seeming contrived and eyerollingly obvious. Both of which are avoided.

I wish this novella had been a bit longer if only to see what happened to the characters after they left the island…but then again, I feel that way about all of Megan Hart's stories, and good reads, every last one.

Teaser Tuesday

2011-04-12T07:55:00.002-04:00

Meme originally hosted by Should Be Reading.

Here's what you do:

Grab your current read (or open your current file)

Open to a random page (or for you ereaders out there, flip through until your finger hurts)

Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I'm horny. The thought stunned her. Sex, for her, was recreation at its best and a horrid waste of time at its worst. Her job prevented her from dating as much as she would have liked, because even men who spent sixty hours a week at their corporate careers couldn't understand a woman who put the same amount of effort into her job.

Friendly Fire
by Megan Hart

Teaser Tuesday

2011-04-05T16:56:00.003-04:00

Meme originally hosted by Should Be Reading.

Here's what you do:

Grab your current read (or open your current file)

Open to a random page (or for you ereaders out there, flip through until your finger hurts)

Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"The one thing I took away from my upbringing was an aptitude for yoga. I was doing sun salutations before I could walk. And now I practice for about an hour whenever I can, usually when I'm waiting for something to come out of the oven. I have very, very good balance," I said, nipping at his lip.

He shook his head as if rattling something loose. "Everything you said after yoga is kind of a blur. Can you put your foot behind your head?"
"Yes, yes, I can. And if you're a very good boy, I'll put my foot behind your head."
Cooper swiped a hand across his mouth. "I think I'm drooling."

How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper

Review – Twice as High by Elise Logan

2011-04-04T18:30:00.001-04:00

In a Tweet: Heroine with ladyballs meets winged duo to gain mile high club status and more. New to me author, Elise Logan scorches the page.

Elise Logan offered me a freebie and I chose this threesome title (I've been on a kick lately). I love to read threesomes because they're a kink that I could imagine in reality relatively easy.

In Twice as High Madeline (Maddy) Crane has just done the impossible, turned whistleblower and won the lottery. With her newly freed self and lottery winnings she's riding off into the sunset or so she thought. One dream and an orgasm later she's plunged into an assassination threat; her own. Luckily she's got her own pair of body guards that strangely enough look like the culprits of that dreamgasm©.

Kyle and Julian are a winged alien couple who were extradited to Earth after a coup on their planet doesn't go in their favor. For them there is life on this third rock from the sun in the form of bodyguard work…which gives them ample opportunity to look for their mate. A funny trick of their anatomy requires two males to a female in order to reproduce. Ms. Logan gets major points for explaining how the anatomy works in enough detail that it is both a turn on and a science lesson in one.

I've always loved a good threesome story, this one was great. I've got a heroine I can support, heroes with wings and a thought out plot that doesn't leave the reader hanging. Madison gets to join the Hands on Hips Heroine club for Some Like it Hot Books, she doesn't pull any punches when dealing with her new bodyguards. In fact she makes it clear that she's not going to just sit back and let them make the decisions around her:

"There isn't a way to avoid it. I need to decide what I want, and that requires you two," she swept her hand out, "give me enough to make a decision. And so far, you haven't given me squat on you personally. Yes you've told me about the whole alien thing, but nothing about you. The only personal things I have are from this bizarre psychic thing we have going on, and it just isn't enough."

I like that when presented with an unusual situation she makes an effort not freak out and then asks questions, but doesn't immediately fall into line and take everything that's said to her at face value. Maddy challenges the heroes and that gives her depth. I like depth…a lot. Nothing worse than a heroine who falls on her back without putting the man in his place or out of his comfort zone.

Both Kyle and Julian hold their own as two halves of a whole. Their background as soldiers set the precedent that they would be very dominant (top and bottom in the bed, aside), but, this was one fault I found in the writing. Julian was the more passive of the two, he was the caregiver to Kyle's provider. This balanced the threesome in the end, which to me is a more realistic ideal, but given that this is fantasy, the more dominant male in Julian should have prevailed.

The emotional depth of characters also can't be denied. Despite the possible killer out for Madison, there is the emotional wall that she's erected. I love how this story takes on the perception of what a unit is when it comes to love, how more than one does not necessarily mean that someone will be left out in the cold. Twice as High is a welcome addition to the many threesome stories I've read. There's something in it for everyone, so if you want a book that's going to challenge your perceptions of what makes a perfect relationship, while giving you three very different characters, this is your book.

Wank Off Wednesday

2011-03-30T11:56:00.000-04:00

Since I missed yesterday's Teaser Tuesday, I bring to you a hot snippet to help you get your WankOff Wednesday going in the right direction.

He grabbed Dez around the waist and tossed her up on the bed. By the time she landed Mace had already crawled up her body. He rubbed and licked his way along her legs, stopping to nuzzle her crotch and give a quick lick to her clit, which almost sent her over the edge—but not quite. He dragged his big body over her until they were face to face. He stared down at her and, for a minute, she thought he wanted more begging. But his hand reached up and cupped one side of her face. “You are so beautiful, Dez.”
Dez looped her arms around his neck and opened her legs wider so Mace could fit comfortably between them. “That’s really sweet and all but can that fuckin’ wait ’til later?”
Mace chuckled. “Damn, Dez.”
Growling low she rubbed her head against his chin. He’d done it to her a few times—she wondered if it would work on him as well. When she heard him purring, she knew it had.
With one quick, hard thrust, he slammed into her and she had never been so happy to have a dick inside of her before. She worried about his size, but she was already so wet, so fucking worked up, that she was thankful. His big cock filled her up and took her right to the edge. But Mace left her hanging there because he wouldn’t fuckin’ move.

The Mane Event: Christmas Pride by Shelly Laurenston

Review – The Baumgartners plus One by Selena Kitt

2011-03-23T09:00:00.002-04:00

I ran across Selena Kitt's titles one night while at work. At first, I thought they would be from the land of PWP (Plot, What Plot?), but they hail from the burg of Smoking Hot with Plot instead.

I was two paragraphs in when I hit the back button and clicked (several times I'll admit) the BUY button.

In short this is the prequel to the scorchers Babysitting the Baumgartners and Meet the Baumgartners. And what a suitable addition to the set this turned out to be.

The Baumgartners plus One, in the storyline of the series falls between Meet the Baumgartners and Babysitting the Baumgartners. It takes us back to the couple before the kids and after they've met in college. Doc and Carrie, our favorite horny couple are newlyweds and welcome into their life Dani, a neighbor whose own marriage has hit a rocky patch and could use a good friend or two, which she finds in the couple. Life in the university's married couple housing complex will never be the same.

In between bouts of peeping tommery, assisted bikini shaving (for those hard to reach areas), a visit to a very familiar beach house and a costume that could have malfunctioned, there are two women who bond over life's misfires. This story works because it's both a good mix of fantasy and reality. Sex with the hot neighbor combined with the inability to have children draws the reader in. I had wondered if Kitt would be able to keep up the hot factor with such a life-altering plot twist included and she did. She kept me engaged in the story beyond the sex and I bought into the friendship that Carrie and Dani had.

With the successful reading of this book, I've decided to work my way through the rest of the series (A Baumgartner Reunion, Baumgartner Legacies: Janie and Baumgartner Legacies: Henry), in addition to more of Selena Kitt's titles. I'm sure they'll be just as engaging and hot, given this reader equal parts prurient enjoyment with plot.

Teaser Tuesday

2011-03-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

Meme originally hosted by Should Be Reading.

Here's what you do:

Grab your current read (or open your current file)
Open to a random page (or for you ereaders out there, flip through until your finger hurts)
Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
He shot her a steely stare. "You screwed my beauty sleep, white girl."
"Black man, just how much prettier do you want to be?"
"Smart answer."
Treachery in Death
by J.D. Robb (AKA Nora Roberts…for those of you living under rocks)

This is what a Feminist looks like…

2011-03-17T16:45:00.004-04:00

Last Tuesday, March 8^th was International Women's Day, Feminist Coming Out Day and March is also Women's History month and in the business of March I forgot about the blog post I wanted to put up about feminism and me. I borrowed the idea of a list from my friend Serena and her feminist post.

This feminist does not ask a question when I'm giving an order.

This feminist's body is all my own and is mine to give away by choice.

This feminist loves the color pink but does not need the color to make something attractive for purchase.

This feminist will rock a 5 inch heel with fishnets and a skirt or a pair of jeans and sneakers and still look hot.

This feminist will shed tears, raise a brow and laugh out loud with equal passion.

This feminist refuses to be treated like a girl…I am a woman, full grown.

This feminist reads erotica and romance and doesn't hide the cover as I do.

This feminist lives part of her dream until she can make the rest come true.

This feminist knows how to cook well and does not need a husband as proof of that.

This feminist does not require a husband, boyfriend or significant other to feel vindicated in her life accomplishments.

This feminist is owned by herself and no one else.

So wherever you are and whatever you're doing, celebrate your womanhood this month (and every month really). This feminist wants you to.

Operation Auction

2011-03-16T08:38:00.001-04:00

If you've been around romance for a while or even if you're new, you've heard of or seen in passing Fatin from RR@H Novel Thoughts and Book Talk. A little over a week ago she lost her husband to an act of violence that no one should have to.

The authors, reviewers, editors and readers have responded many-fold. Operation Auction is that response. If you want to donate items or funds or for updates as the auction progresses, check the Operation Auction site. The auction will be held through ebay and will be happening either on the 28^th or 29^th of this month so keep up with the Operation Auction site for details.

I'm new to the community of book reviewing and one of the first people I heard of was Fatin and her love of books. I'm glad to see the community come together for something so worthwhile and it renews my faith in the human spirit to see things like this happen.

My thoughts and prayers are with Fatin and her family as she soldiers through this time.

Teaser Tuesday

2011-03-15T08:27:00.001-04:00

Meme originally hosted by Should Be Reading.

Here's what you do:

Grab your current read (or open your current file)
Open to a random page (or for you ereaders out there, flip through until your finger hurts)
Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
She wasn't just wet from the shower – she was slippery. Aroused. God knows I was too. My pussy felt fat and swollen, and I squeezed my thighs together, resisting the urge to touch myself…
From The Baumgartners Plus One by Selena Kitt

Falke’s Peak by Anna Leigh Keaton and Madison Layle

2011-03-13T23:05:00.002-04:00

Dakota Tokala is an advertising executive in need of a little adventure and a good screw, luckily for her she finds both at Catamount Outfitters in Leavenworth, Washington. Falke's Peak is by a new author pairing for me. I liked taking on this new series by Anna Leigh Keaton and Madison Layle; they brought a fresh eye to the genre that will only improve with time.

Falke's Peak checked of a number of yes things for the paranormal romance, shifter style.

Wereanimal of choice is incredibly attractive (almost too attractive) in human form
There are siblings/close family members meaning sequel stories
They live in a place that makes it easy to explain the overabundance of their animal
They will be cute/funny when interacting with the female who is unaware of their true nature

Falke's Peak was a different sort of shifter romance and yet it was very typical. It was different in that even though the heroes shared their mind with a wild animal the portrayal of their character with the heroine did not play out this way. It was similar in that they all signals pointed toward Dakota as their mate and her needs superceded theirs, even to the point where they break their own rules about sleeping with her. There were also some quirks that made the book a more interesting read. The stereotypical dominant nature I've come to expect in shifter/were titles was not overwhelmingly present. This is not to say that I expected them to strip her naked in the middle of the store and attempt to mount, but I was did expect that machismo of a man claiming (or wanting to claim his mate) to appear (times two, even).

This made the romantic conflict, between Dakota being the one vs. her own agenda about having sex with the twins just being a fling, difficult to accept. With such diverging ideas of what was going on it was a wonderful surprise to see that this did not follow the route I expected. While there were many things to like about this book, the authors get props for creating a new universe with shifters who don't stick to the established rules or heroines who aren't muddled down by their feelings in the face of her reality.

Teaser Tuesday

2011-03-08T09:05:00.001-05:00

Meme originally hosted by Should Be Reading.

Here's what you do:

Grab your current read (or open your current file)
Open to a random page ( or for you ereaders out there, flip through until your finger hurts)
Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
As Lena gaped at Roderick, his eyes glinted wickedly. He had her over a barrel, and he knew it.
Bad metaphor, she immediately thought as her mind conjured an image of him literally bending her over a barrel and having his way with her.
Whatever You Like by Maureen Smith

Review – Sweet as Sin by Inez Kelley

2011-03-01T09:00:00.002-05:00

I have tried write this review without emoting into the likes of fangirl squeeing of epic proportions…and I have failed.

Prepare for the squeeing fangirly madness.

But first, a brief synopsis.

Sweet as Sin by Inez Kelley brings us John Murphy, kids author and Livvy Andrews, baker. The two mix it up in what is supposed to be a steamy summer affair. Amidst the romps in the hot tub, discovering a use of casting sugar that it wasn't intended for and pages upon pages of his latest book, John and Livvy discover love. Unfortunately for John and Livvy this is not a love that is soft or easy to tumble into.

Now the fangirling…

I have no idea how I have not heard of this author. I read this book in two days, put it down and then reread it three more times before I fully accepted that it was exactly as I read it.

There are only three authors I reread that much…THREE. And with one book Inez Kelley became number four. She pulled into her writing such humanity that I cried and feared for John's sanity in each reread. I kept expecting the end to somehow alter despite what I knew awaited me with The End.

I applaud Ms. Kelley for putting such emotion into the spoken word. She made the feelings of her characters palpable. I felt each bit of fury and anguish that Livvy felt when reading about John's past. I worried how John's YA story would turn out (and for the record, if she could please write this series for the kiddies I would appreciate, kthnxbai) and I even became entrenched in the many side stories that existed.

But in the end I returned to John and Livvy's story that had so many layers as to enrapture any reader.

One of my favorite things about reading is how the gooseflesh rises on my or when that shock of tears burns behind your eyes that you can't hold back, but you're so full that there is nowhere for those tears to go, so they spill over your cheeks. This book pulled those emotions from me and kept asking for them the more I read. Kelley didn't try to soften the blow of how love is for the readers, John needed to be loved hard, because, "love doesn't shy away from fear. It erases it."

This is why I read romance and erotica, because the authors get it, they know that the many sides of love can be put on paper and can be shown to all. I praise this writing and welcome any and all to not read it and grip the cover a little harder in the emotion that evokes.

Teaser Tuesday

2011-02-22T07:27:00.002-05:00

Meme originally hosted by Should Be Reading.

Here's what you do:

Grab your current read (or open your current file)
Open to a random page ( or for you ereaders out there, flip through until your finger hurts)
Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
"Okay. Feel free to yell if it hurts too much."
"Marcus would mock me if I did."
"Not if I hit him with my trusty shovel."
Both men laughed.
"Beautiful, brave , and possessed of violent tendencies. I like her," Marcus declared.

Darkness Dawns by Dianne Duvall

The Must Buy List

2011-02-17T14:02:00.001-05:00

Deep down I'm a rabid fangirl.

I lust over the covers of books, the jackets (when hardcover, the back cover where the interesting tidbits of the story are unveiled and I really miss the inside page where they used to put that hot kiss scene that would just get my full attention.

But even in my most frothy of booklust states I must maintain a semblance of sanity. Or at least that's how I console myself when I put the book down.

Because no matter how much I want to buy everything that piques my fancy, I can't…and until there is a venue that carries every erotic novel that comes out from every publisher, I'll have to be picky. So I give to you my MUST BUY SHORTLIST.

Who are the authors you buy immediately, who you stalk er, visit their blogs with frequency in anticipation of the next installment of a series or standalone? Which authors write books you can't wait to get to the register to start reading or you may own the ebook, but need the print copy for those times when the ereader doesn't cut it. These are your curl up in a chair, read the story over and over again, until just thinking of a scene will send you back into reread mode. That's what my list is made up of…what about yours?

Here's my list in no particular order. Do you read some of these authors? Who would you add? Who's on your list? Let me know.

Megan Hart
Hands down the covers of her books get me. Fate was sealed with Naked.

Lauren Dane
The Corps and the Brown Siblings…nuf said

Shelley Laurenston
Own in ebook, paperback and would have bits of it tattooed to me for rereading when I forget either my ereader or book.

J.D. Robb
The hottest hero/heroine set I know. Eve will kick your ass and Roark will do the same and with an Irish accent.

Laurell K. Hamilton
This cast of characters is flawed and well written, Anita or Merry, doesn't matter, love the series of both.

Cynthia Eden
Newest addition to the party. Hot men, smoking women and all I can say is 'rawr'.

Carrie Vaughn
A different type of werewolf who is out of the closet, and an interesting take on pack life.

Lora Leigh
Seriously…I've been reading since the Breeds were on EC, I will never give this series up. EVER!

Maya Banks
One of my first forays into threesome stories, and the Sweet series keeps me coming back for more.

G.A. Aiken
Pseudonym of Shelly Laurenston. A high fantasy version of her SL stuff and just as funny and kickass. Buying ebooks soon!

Crystal Jordan
Not afraid to poke a stick in the eye of the tough stuff of life interspersed with smoking hot sex, yeah, this one will be a keeper.

Jim Butcher
The only guy on this list…for a reason, he gets his characters right, his plot is tight and then there's the dog…gotta love Mouse!!

Selena Kitt
Another newbie to my list…Love how dark and realistic her stuff is and totally self pubbed, oh yeah, I'm there!

Teaser Tuesday

2011-02-15T07:36:00.001-05:00

Meme originally hosted by Should Be Reading.

Here's what you do:

Grab your current read (or open your current file)
Open to a random page ( or for you ereaders out there, flip through until your finger hurts)
Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
He rested his damp forehead against Star's, fighting for control, their labored breaths mingling. "Hi," he managed. "I'm Roark."
"Hi, Roark. Nice to finally fuck you."
Snaring the Huntress by Sylvia Day
*as an added bonus, this book is a free nookbook from Barnes & Noble

Review – Naughty Bits 3 by Multiple Authors

2011-02-11T09:00:00.001-05:00

I have never read an anthology where every story left me wanting for more. EVER.

Until this week.

This week I started and finished Naughty Bits 3 and I loved every moment. I traversed the period pieces and was sucked in by the contemporary counterparts. There was a whorehouse and a chef, a tale of want and a pirate's tale, a closed movie set and a locked library door, a mirror revealing its secrets and a wife reasoning out her future and finally a convenient feminist arrangement (take that trite piece of Jezebel tat).

Even though this was comprised of novellas you could tell that if there were a larger story to be told it would be worth rereading the small portion included in the anthology just to get to it. Each story was the perfect catapult to introduce the reader to each author and showed off all of their best writing assets. I met new to me authors Letty James, Eva Cassel (she doesn't have an author website???), Alison Richardson, and others, and visited with an old friend in Megan Hart. By the time I was done, I had a new list of authors and a continued respect for Spice Books.

Even though the copyright dates on the stories were older, the anthology was very well put together. The characters were diverse and even in the case of the historical piece where you could see similarities there were vast differences. Appropriately enough, this Naughty Bits will be out on the day after Valentine's Day. Give your naughty bit a treat and pick up a copy.

Thursday Giveaway Roundup

2011-02-10T09:04:00.002-05:00

Annnnndddd the roundup is back!!!

This week for your pleasure I present the following:

Bookaholics Romance Book Club
–
Valentine Book Giveaway: 1 copy of Goodnight Tweetheart by Teresa Medeiros

To
Win: Just email the group at bookaholicsromancebookclub@yahoo.com with the subject: Teresa Medeiros Contest

Giveaway
Ends: February 14^th

Bookaholics Romance Book Club – Interview with Jennifer Ashley: 1 copy of Primal Bonds by Jennifer Ashley

To
Win: Just email the group at bookaholicsromancebookclub@yahoo.com with the subject: Jennifer Ashley Contest

Giveaway Ends: February 28^th

Teaser Tuesday

2011-02-08T09:00:00.001-05:00

Meme originally hosted by Should Be Reading.

Here's what you do:

Grab your current read (or open your current file)
Open to a random page ( or for you ereaders out there, flip through until your finger hurts)
Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
The powerful strokes, so smooth and right in her lubricous channel, pulled her deeper into pleasure. The more she sank into the sensual bliss, the larger the grape became.
From Destiny Entwined by Nadia Lee
(as a side note if you sign up for her newsletter before Valentine's Day you'll get this for FREE)

Review – Destiny Entwined by Nadia Lee

2011-02-07T12:25:00.000-05:00

I will never look at the word lubricous the same way again.

February seems to bring out the lover in us all and after reading Destiny Entwined I have found that Nadia Lee gives us much to love. Reboots of the classics are everywhere nowadays and it takes a gift with the written word to be able to paint a well know story in a new light. If after reading this you aren't hoping for more stories with the NL treatment, then reread and languish in the written word. There is no Disneyfied retelling, just an erotic undertaking that revels in the lush setting of the Greek gods.

Ariadne has been cast ashore by Theseus and as she ponders flinging herself into the ocean she is met by Dionysus. He offers to take away her pain of betrayal and she is willing to let him try. Now, it's been a minute since I've read my myths, but I've got Percy Jackson and the Museum of Love to remind me that it has something to do with a golden thread, a ship, being abandoned on a island…and "Dionysus's admiration and loving embrace."

When an author is able to take something that could be mundane (even myths can be dry) and enrich it through language, they get much more of my respect. Considering that this is a scant fourteen pages I wondered how it would pan out, but Nadia Lee, takes imagery from the text and brings it to life. Everything from her description of Dionysus and Ariadne, to the poor expanding grape (want to know where it expands…read the story), to the use of foliage (foliage smut FTW!), I'm really kind of hoping there's going to be another story for the first of spring.

Destiny Entwined is an excellent example of how story reboots can be handled. When properly executed with respect to the premise of the story as well as what liberties the writer can take, you can be presented with a carnal undertaking that will have you eyeing your nearest Classic text with glee.

Review – Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning

2011-02-03T09:00:00.002-05:00

The Thursday Giveaway Roundup has been replaced by a review, it will return next week.

Also, if you're a fan of Karen Marie Moning's Fever series, this may not be the review for you.

To start, Darkfever is about MacKayla Lane traveling to Ireland following the murder of her sister, discovering she is a sidhe-seer (a Null to be specific) and then realizing that she needs to find the elusive Fae text, the Sinsar Dubh, of which Jericho Barrons is very interested in. These all make for an interesting plot, and KMM does an excellent job of using book one to introduce characters, rules and realities that will be the status quo for the reader. However, by the time I finished the book, I had come to the following conclusions:

Mac is a heroine undeserving of her hero (Barrons)
This book had been classified in the wrong section

Its been a while since I've come into a series after its complete. Typically, I've caught the buzz a lot sooner and give the first book a shot and have either kept up with the series or let it fall to the wayside. For some reason this book never got my full attention. After completing book one I'm falling more on the side of letting this series go rather than continuing it, mostly for the reasons above. Despite popular opinion, I was not racing out to get book two in this series. Mostly because of how I think of Mac as a character and how I feel about the genre this book is marketed in. I didn't find Mac to be a believable female character, at least not one for a romance novel, her very teeny bopperish introduction did not get me off to a great start. Even though she's an adult with a job at a bar, she didn't give off what I thought would be the persona of a bartender. She was more hostess at a swanky restaurant than bartender at a dive bar.

I will totally own up to the fact that how the reader feels about the characters is subjective. I prefer my heroine to be smart and I'm not picky about what kind of smarts she has; either by street or by book, as long as she has them and the first inkling of this I see in Mac is promptly squashed by a local so I was left with nothing. For this reason, I don't think Mac would bring anything to the relationship (if there is going to be one) with Barrons.

Because this book is listed as romance I have certain expectations that I think it fell short of meeting. And that colored how I viewed the rest of the book. When there was no chemistry between the hero and heroine I feel like I've been let down by the genre. I've come to expect that female character + male character + adventure = chemistry fueled by danger. This was not the case with Darkfever. It's apparent that Barrons barely tolerates Mac and only because of her usefulness to him. Furthermore, it's obvious that Mac has no feelings (other than passing musings about his looks) for Barrons. Which causes me to wonder, why is this series listed as romance?

I think had this book been introduced to me as Science Fiction/Fantasy or Urban Fantasy, I would have been able to accept the lack of a budding relationship between Mac and Barrons instead of expecting a spark after every long look or misplaced warning. I'm not sure if the publisher or the author establishes where the title goes, but for the Fever series (based solely upon my reading of book one), this should be in another section, instead of creating expectations that the story isn't going to live up to.

So on this series my stand is this: I'll check out book two, but I'm lowering my expectations, if only to see if the developing story and hopefully the spark that was missing in book one can somehow be kindled.

Teaser Tuesday

2011-02-01T09:00:00.002-05:00

Meme originally hosted by Should Be Reading.

Here's what you do:

Grab your current read (or open your current file)
Open to a random page ( or for you ereaders out there, flip through until your finger hurts)
Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"Get a battery," he called, lowering the Subaru hood as she climbed behind the wheel. "Unless you want me to jump you again." His suggestive tone firmed her jaw. She leaned out her window and shook her head. "You know, Murphy, I like you better when you aren't flirting."
"So you admit you do like me."
Sweet as Sin by Inez Kelley – page 16

Thursday Giveaway Roundup

2011-01-27T09:30:00.001-05:00

Here's the roundup (cues whiplash) for this week.

Larissa's Bookish Life - Author Interview & Giveaway w/Joss Ware – The Giveaway: 1 Copy of one of the 1^st 3 ENVY Books
To Win: Leave a comment about anything in the post by filling out the form on the post. ENTRIES IN THE COMMENTS WILL NOT COUNT. There are extra entries available for this giveaway.

Giveaway Ends: January 31^st

Suzanne Johnson's Preternatura – New Releases Jan. 23 – 31 – The Giveaway: 1 copy of a new release.

To Win: Leave a comment letting Suzanne know which book you're looking forward to. There are two posts so you can leave a comment in each for the different books on each post.

Giveaway Ends: January 28^th

Libby's Library – Notorioius Pleasures Giveaway – The Giveaway: 1 of 3 copies of Elizabeth Hoyt's book Notorious Pleasures.

To Win: Leave a comment with your email address. Additional entries are available for this giveaway.

Giveaway Ends: February 15^th

Goodreads – Book Giveaway for Backstage Pass (Sinners on Tour, #1) – The Giveaway: 1 of 2 signed copies of Backstage Pass.

To Win: Enter on the goodreads site.

Giveaway Ends: February 1^st

Fiction Vixen Book Reviews – Review and Giveaway: Deadly Heat by Cynthia Eden – The Giveaway: A copy of 1 of 3 sets of Deadly Heat and Deadly Lies.

To Win: Simply leave a meaningful comment on the given review.

Giveaway Ends: February 7^th

Teaser Tuesday – Darkfever

2011-01-25T09:27:00.001-05:00

Meme originally hosted by Should Be Reading.

Here's what you do:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser:

"And there, my dear Fio, you make one of Womankind's greatest mistakes: falling in love with a man's potential. We so rarely share the same view of it, and even more rarely care to achieve it."

Pg. 185 (MM) – Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning

Review – A Little Harmless Lie by Melissa Schroeder

2011-01-24T23:10:00.002-05:00

I'm here to tell you that Melissa Schroeder lied to me. There is nothing harmless or little about this book.

And the sex…well that just screams for itself, or should I say it stays silent, unless it's going to use the safe word.

A Little Harmless Lie is book four in the series and picks up seemingly a few months (maybe even a year) after Evan and May have come together. This time we get to watch Dee and Micah or as I kept referring to them, the Boxer and the Dom. Dee has spent the past 10 years running for her life, and for now she's settled in Hawaii, where she makes the drinks, flirts with customers and keeps her virgin behind out of the sights of one, Micah Ross.

Or at least that's what she thought.

Micah is very aware of Dee and what she is (a virgin, a sub and his employee), but he's willing to take the risk if it means he can have her. Not bad work for a bartender if you can get it. As these things often go, just when the spankings and the anal sex are getting good, reality crashes the party.

In what could have been a convoluted mess, the author makes good use of the backstory and a missing relative to sew the plot together…she also manages to introduce us to some future characters with a possible relationship brewing…Zeke and Maura, anyone? For me this book shows the great potential of the writer. The universe she's created with the idea, characters and location make it a worthwhile ready.

This is the kind of book that if you're looking for an exciting local, a hot man a woman who can kick some ass and some BDSM and murder wrapped in one, you'll get it…or if you're looking for a great series that will keep you panting for more.

Now what I want to know now is when is Melissa Schroeder going to tell me another Harmless story…? Or even better…can she tell me who won the pool?

Thursday Giveaway Roundup

2011-01-20T23:17:00.002-05:00

I've decided to designate Thursday as Roundup Day, so please stand back as I gather up the many giveaways on the web, all equally smutty, steamy and smoldering. Please be sure to wear your asbestos gloves when partaking, as these offerings from your favorite authors are HOT HOT HAWT!!!!!

Order of the Smut Vixens: 5 Days of Fever – The Giveaway: 2 Copies of Shadowfever (1 signed by the other and 1 unsigned)

There are five chances to enter and although the book was released yesterday, the website has not posted a winner yet. So get cracking.

Eve Silver's
Nightshade & Shadowfever & a prize…oh my – The Giveaway: a $25 giftcard for an online retailer for one lucky winner.

Take a pic of yourself, or your stuffed animal, your favorite sword, whatever, but make sure you take it with the visible cover one of Eve Silver's books and post it to FB, twitter, etc. or leave a link in the comments of the contest page. Oh and in case you want to do all of my suggestions, multiple entries are allowed, but must be a different book/picture each time.

Winner to be announced: January 25^th

Jaci Burton's
Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series (A Giveaway) – The Giveaway: Any book in the Archangel's Consort series (Angel's Blood, Archangel's Kiss or the soon to be released Archangel's Consort)

Simply tell Ms. Burton which book you want.

Winner to be chosen: January 20^th

^UPDATE!!!

Moira Rogers’ Kindle Contest: January – Let’s Chat About Psychics – The Giveaway: Kindle 3 WiFi Edition (They will be doing this contest every month with a brand new e-reader as the prize.

There are four ways to enter and all in the spirit of sparking conversation, check out the contest page for details.

Winner to be chosen: January 31^st

That's all I have for this week, if you have an upcoming Giveaway or know of one that you would like to see crossposted here shoot me an email (somelikeithotbooks@gmail.com) or reply in the comments field.

Manic Monday – The Burn Through Reads

2011-01-17T15:27:00.001-05:00

Have you ever had a book that you picked up on a lark and read and before you know it you were done? Well that's what today's meme is about.

Go over your mental rolodex of books that you've read in the past year.
List the top 3 books that were burn through read titles.
Give a short summation of why you liked the story.
Share the Author and Title so that other readers can know who you read.

My Books

Naked by Megan Hart
This book was insightful, erotic and realistic. Her characters remind me of why I read erotic romance, because it's believable that something like that could happen to me.

Beast Behaving Badly by Shelly Laurenston
Mighty bearcat meets manic wolfdog; hockey, roller derby and trips to the great north of Maine. The dialogue is fantastic and the sneak peeks into the lives of previous books doesn't hurt either.

Backstage Pass by Olivia Cunning
I know next to nothing about being a rock groupie, but Backstage Pass makes me wish I was. Anytime you find a book that can make you want to dye your hair, rip your jeans and stand in an alley waiting for a glance from a hot rocker, it's a good thing.

Teaser Tuesday – Precious and Fragile Things

2011-01-11T08:24:00.002-05:00

This sounded fun. It's a meme hosted by Should Be Reading.

Here's what you do:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser:

            Gilly woke up blind. She lurched upright, clawing at her face. "My eyes!"

            Her eyes were merely gummed shut, not blind. Her head ached in the dull persistent manner that means no amount of aspirin would stop it.

            Pg 85, Precious and Fragile Things by Megan Hart

WARNING! Precious and Fragile Things is NOT a romance novel, erotic or otherwise. Megan writes wonderful erotica, however this one is full fiction. So remember that when you pick this one up and get sucked in.

Review – Allure by Sommer Marsden

2011-01-05T17:35:00.002-05:00

Allure is like a good fuck. Hot, quick and a little dirty.

And considering that May's temp keeps spiking, she moves faster than the average human and has to romp through the woods every five minutes, that's a pretty accurate description.

Sommer Marsden is a new author for me. Her Gilmore Girl-esque erotic stream of conscious writing appeals to the chatty Kathy in me. This Quickie from Ellora's Cave gives shows us a peak at what happens when a shifter goes on a date and she's on the rag…Of course, in Marsden's world, ovulating comes with bennies: dewy skin, full lips, and an additional bra cup size.

But they can be a drawback when you're trying to not give it up on the first date…However, May doesn't let that hold her back from going on her first date with Chase, the coffee shop owner she's been lusting over for months.

Marsden did an excellent job of setting up scene, background and pretense for her characters and delivering on the hot factor for this reader. Handjobs, movie star kisses and then some rug burn kept me turning the page on this one.

Review - The Lovers by Eden Bradley

2010-12-28T04:58:00.000-05:00

This review has some spoilers about the plot so I caution the readers before they continue with this particular review.

Imagine my surprise when I go searching for more books by Eve Berlin and discover that Eden Bradley is a pseudonym of the same author.

*cue angelic music*

This was fantastic. I went back to the beginning of The Lovers and reread the story through the lense of Pleasure's Edge. What I found is that beyond the two male characters both having tattoos and the heroines being writers the similarities of the stories diverged there.

The Lovers introduces us to Bettina, Audrey and Jack. And with them come instances of bicurious sex (for Bettina), menage a trois, and a relationship between man and woman (Bettina and Jack). Because of the complexity of the relationships flying fast and furious in this story, at first, I expected more introspection between most of the characters, but as the story is written in first person (a marked difference between this and the Eve Berlin title), I knew that wouldn't be the case. Eden Bradley made this very much a story for Bettina and how she learned to cope and deal with her issues.

For such a short tale (only 250 pages in ebook), we see growth of the heroine over time that includes bouts of hot sex. I loved seeing this in the story. For me its verification that the heat of the moment doesn't fizzle out as Bettina begins to pick apart both herself and the relationships she is in. Also, it allows the growth of the character to seem more realistic. As a borderline agoraphobic it would be quite unbelievable to have the heroine suddenly be cured of all her ails because of freely given pussy and cock. Instead Bettina comes to the conclusions about who she is and what she wants as her relationship with Jack and Audrey progresses.

To sum it up, The Lovers is an erotically rich novel that has well developed characters, a believable storyline, and sex so hot you'll scorch your fingers on the pages.

Review - Pleasure's Edge by Eve Berlin

2010-12-18T00:16:00.001-05:00

I'm not exactly between books, but when I read the back cover for Eve Berlin's Pleasure's Edge, I paid for it in record time.

That was Wednesday and I closed the book 20 minutes ago.

What I assumed would be an slightly different take on the author researching for the next book scenario veered off around the time the characters met. This was not going to be some story of the heroine discovering herself while her Dom guided her through being a “good subbie.”

Thank god for that.

Instead it was a heroine of such control freak proportions that I at once felt a kinship with her. Add to that, the Dom himself, was a fully developed and moved from working on his own writing to whipping it out to masturbate to the images of said heroine.

The chemistry on the pages was palpable. The introspection shown for Dylan (the heroine) and Alec (the hero) puts a new spin on the subject matter altogether. Instead of the focus remaining mostly on Dylan we get equal time with Alec as well. Both characters, are confused by their feelings for one another and we get to watch between bouts of hot sex, hotter dungeon scenes and what has to be my new favorite wall!sex scene while they figure it out.

There aren't many BDSM stories that can dance that delicate balance between romantic feeling and the mind fuck that is the scene. Kudos to Eve Berlin for doing it well enough that I'm going to hunt down the rest of her books and I suggest you do too...right after you read this one.

Review: Unwrapped by Megan Hart

2010-11-30T22:18:00.001-05:00

I'd like to start this review by saying that when I grow up I would like a Bandboy/Bingo/Fuckmachine of my very own. Those who know me, feel free to add this to my Christmas list, be sure to poke airholes in whatever box you leave him in under my tree. If you're not familiar with any of these terms and what they may mean, I advise you to pick up Taking Care of Business or No Reservations and introduce yourself to Leah and Brandon (aka Bandboy/Bingo, the Fuckmachine gets attached in this latest installment). Unwrapped is one of four stories in Naughty and Nice anthology by Carina Press

There are many things to like about this holiday novella with one of my favorite couples. There is being able to see some of the happily ever after that only a good epilogue in a story can give. The imperfections of this relationship that make it a perfect portrayal of what a real relationship could be like. Recently, I spent time talking to Megan Hart at a booksigning and I loved the idea that she and many other authors are writing books based on the realities of being in love is like instead of the fantasy that is likely to never occur. Reality-romance if you will.

I love reading about snippets in my favorite characters lives. It's like being a guest that's always invited to every party…except I get to watch them sleep with one another…I guess that makes me more of a voyeur? Well whichever person I am, it's good to be able to know what's going on. In this excerpt from the lives of Leah and Brandon, we get to see the happy couple on both their honeymoon and their first Christmas together. Like all newlyweds some things continue as they began and other things crop up…like FUCKMACHINE!!!

I'm going to fangirl for just a bit. There are authors I love to read because the dialogue is good, there are authors I love to read because the characters or settings are good and then there's Megan Hart. I love to read her works because the exposition is so well done. It's not what the characters say (though she gives good conversation too), so much as what they think while they're saying or doing it. She doesn't mince the thoughts of her characters, when she says they just make love they do, no "fireworks singing Yankee Doodle," necessary.

So Happy Holidays and Good Tidings to all. Unwrapped is so much more than a present, it's a gift.

Blog Like I Mean It…

2010-11-24T17:45:00.001-05:00

I've been keeping this blog for a few months now and I'm finally getting the hang of it. Or at least I feel like I'm getting the hang of it and if I'm not can you just lie and tell me I am anyway. I've figured out the following:

I blog about books the way I used to write papers in college, which is to say, I do it like I expect my professor to read them.
As a result of this, I'm not as snappy as I am when I'm talking to people about books.
I need to learn more about blog layouts so I can change the dismal font that I have.
I love meeting new authors via all the social networks I join, but worry that my fangirlness could be remotely stalkerish
It's not world peace so I shouldn't worry.

I've had long running blogs before, but this is the first one I've had that's very near and dear to who I am as a book person. So I want to make a promise to those of you (all three of you) who read it. I will always blog like I mean it. Just thought you would want to know. I'm off now…to read and do more bird prep for tomorrow.

Review: The Mammoth Book of Threesomes and Moresomes

2010-11-21T12:10:00.001-05:00

In the Mammoth Book of Threesomes and Moresomes there's a little bit of something for everyone. While comprised of newly published (in 2010) and previously published works, the anthology manages to have more than just you bang and go story lines. Linda Alvarez edits this piece and seems to get that,

the thrill lies in being the focus of so much attention – sexual attention – and, in the realm of make-believe at least, the more the merrier. Three is decidedly not a crowd, and nor is more.

And with this large body of work (over 450 pages in all), there are many different ways to explore that sexual attention.

This book does not begin with a slow build up, instead it hits with a very realistic story based on the fallout of infidelity. A cheating husband, a shut down wife and clueless waiter who will mend this rift. The anthology continues from there. All avenues of kinkiness are explored: foodsmut, bdsm, two cheerleaders and one geek, the occasional fairy tale and even a western. If you need name recognition there are plenty here: Lacey Savage, Elspeth Potter, Maxim Jakubowski, Kate Dominic and Saskia Walker. There were so many things about this anthology to love. From the wife facing Alzheimer's and the heartbreak of forgetting the other two-thirds of her love life to a string trio that makes music in more ways than one; I could wax poetic about this book, but I'll leave that for the reader, this is an awesome gateway title to discover what flavors of threesomes (and moresomes) you may enjoy.

The Browns give me Comfort…

2010-11-10T23:31:00.001-05:00

When we last left our erstwhile Brown siblings, Brody was about to embark upon his new life with his new wife, Elise and adopted daughter, Rennie and Ben, Todd and Erin were celebrating the pending birth of their first child…We pick up with the latest couple Cope and Ella, their story already in progress…

Andrew Copeland and Ella Tipton go from friends to lovers and progress from harmless flirting to hot monkey sex in such a natural progression of character development. After finishing Lauren Dane's Inside Out, I felt as though this was what they must have been talking about in Comfort Reading. An escape from the reality of the world, but so closely linked that the reader can put themselves in the place of the main characters. The abused and broken woman can become the survivor that is Ella Tipton. The husband who is drained emotionally can become Cope who is so consumed by his love for his woman that they pour from him in verse like Pablo Neruda. Beyond the main characters, we are reminded that it's already been four years since readers were introduced to Ben, Todd and Erin in Laid Bare, and as things do, life moves on, people grow, families develop and grow apart. I'm glad that this book took time to show how the lives of our favorite characters move on, all while building upon that romance that was Cope and Ella.

One very distinctive feature of Lauren Dane's writing that I love is how she develops the relationships of future characters within earlier books. It's not always overt and I appreciate that because it makes it more believable. Sometimes, love happens in a flash, but most times it's a slow build over time. The relationship between Cope and Ella doesn't come about as a result of her needing protection from an abusive boyfriend, in fact I cheered at the idea that the abusive boyfriend had no part to play in this at all (other than the afterthought of the woman who survived and learned from it). Instead, the big bad (to use a Buffy reference) proved to be the love Cope had for Ella and his own self doubt. Ella knew what she was about, and she needed Andrew to believe that as well.

What I'm beginning to see more of in my erotic romance is male leads that have more depth of character. They become more than the cock that the female lead will ride. They suffer and worry and by god they fear. Some of my favorite moments in this book were the conversations between the men (shooting the shit, as it were), they moved beyond the male posturing and were truly concerned for each other and the relationships they were in, they leaned on each other, much in the way that women do, but in such a male way. Andy/Andrew/Cope was so diverse that I wondered how the quirky, cartoon, superhero of Ella would stack up. Turns out I need not to have worried because she did just fine. Where he seemed to be tripped up at times by the emotions he has for Ella, she is willing to meet them head on and try, even in the face of failure to face them. Watching her go toe to toe with Cope's father in the hospital comes to mind.

I won't reveal all of the plotlines that made this such a fabulous read, but I will leave you with my thoughts on Lauren Dane's writing. You get so much more than great writing from her stories you get a lesson.

What makes this story SLIH-worthy: Any man who would compose poems in the flavor of Pablo Neruda and/or get them inked on his skin is hot in ways that have more to do with his talent in the bedroom.

There’s no place like home…

2010-11-06T00:39:00.003-04:00

Just when I think it's safe to delve back into the world of erotic classic fiction remakes I get Oz by Eden Elgabri and Heather Peters. The storyline is given a modern twist: Theadora is about to be swept up in the hurricane of a foreclosure when Tim, her modern day Tin man, leads Oz to her. The man behind the curtain makes her an offer she can't refuse; 30 days of sexual submission for two years of her mortgage paid off. Given the cast of characters I was expecting a sexual romp filled with munchkins, tongue in cheek metaphors about golden roads and of course ruby slippers. I got the shoes, but the sex was a mixed bag that ended for me with a poorly written guy on guy scene that skirted the line of dubious consent/rape for me.

This is my first review book from Netgalley.com. I have to say this book was not for me. The dubcon male penetration scene killed any redeeming qualities of this story. Instead of writing the male anal sex scene as a case of nerves for Tim, it appears he is very much not on board with the idea at all:

The young stud walked toward the platform and Tim froze when he saw Lionel was heading behind him. His last meal galvanized in his stomach and threatened to come back up… He gasped as if he'd been sucker punched and burning pain shot through his ass as if a knife were trying to slice it in two.

The scene continues with Thea coitus interruptus apologizing which somehow manages to give Tim the needed boost to continue despite his pain and bring everyone to completion in a shower of sparkles, lights and warm happy sighs. Okay, so not with the sparkles, lights and warm happy sighs, but it should have…despite the very badly done anal scene, right? All of this compounded with the revelation of love the next day from Tim and resulted in my putting the book down.

I can only recommend this book as a poster child for how to NOT write an anal scene. This book reviewer in the land of Oz warns the reader to refrain from peeping behind the curtain because who knows what you may find.

Dear Judith Griggs, Today the Internets do NOT Like You...but hey At least Google does

2010-11-04T12:43:00.000-04:00

Dear Judith Griggs,

Plagiarizing should not be coupled with an email to author you took from saying you should get payment.

So here's our response to you.

‘Hello, Tweetheart’

2010-10-31T18:18:00.002-04:00

In the spirit of Teresa Medeiros', Goodnight Tweetheart, I have composed the review in 140 characters.

Uninspired author meets witty professor; coffee-spilled garments, int'l locals, snarky banter and experimental medical treatment draw u in.

I used all 140 characters for that! But there's so much more that this story offers. While this is not the usual fair for SLIHBooks, I thought the idea of a book done in tweets (and was wondering how long it would take before someone did it) was inspired. I've never read Teresa Medeiros and this was a wonderful introduction to her writing style and type of banter. Abby and Mark reminded me of many great pairings in pop culture, most recently, Lorelai and Rory of the Gilmore Girls for how quick the dialogue goes back and forth. If you doubt, I give you the following example:

MarkBaynard: So let me get this straight—I'm a God-fearing Liberal and you're a Conservative Atheist?

Abby_Donovan: I never said I was an atheist. I prefer to think of myself as a devout Narcissist.

MarkBaynard: What does that mean?

Abby_Donovan: If the sun is shining, I thank God. If it rains I blame him.

There are many things to like about this story. First the story moves along quickly, and for a short story that is key. I never put the book down because I was afraid I would miss something at any moment. Much like my addiction to twitter; you don't leave it because you may miss something that a follower will say/could say to you. Because of that I was fully engaged in the life of Abby, as she struggles to find her mojo after her first book skyrockets to fame in one Oprah praised moment.

I don't want to give away too much of the plot so I will leave it to you to enjoy, but know this, you'll be sucked in from the very first Biff the Bunny moment. Enjoy the story, because while I was able to summarize it in 140 it takes up many more in how much it can be enjoyed.

Rating System

2010-10-29T21:45:00.001-04:00

I was going to wait until I had been blogging for six months before I instituted a ratings system, but I haven't found one I can live with. So I ask you guys, suggestions?

I thought about going with the stars system, but I wanted something that would mesh with the blog.

Finally, they finally get it! A Tablet I can love…

2010-10-28T09:53:00.001-04:00

*we interrupt your review blog for something a little bit different*

Let me caveat this piece with the following: I work part time for Barnes & Noble. Have done for over 10 years. However, I'm very real about the decisions the company has made and where they are going.

I don't own a nook. And had no plans to buy one.

And then last week the buzz began.

I'm an avid tech person. I have my share of computers, ebooks (that's right I read on my desktop or laptop, without the benefit of portable device), and other gadgets that I'm inclined to carry because somehow I'm convinced my world will end without them. But up until this point I held off from buying a dedicated ereader because I needed it to do a little bit more.

Initially, I was going to go with the Samsung Galaxy Tab. With a 7-inch screen, Android 2.2 OS and ability to open PDFs, it was perfect…and then the pricing came out for the carriers for both the 3G and wifi versions, and I was no longer interested. I was willing to entertain a price point of $300 – 400 and since I would be getting the 3G (if wifi wasn't available) I would bend more for the fees of that. I have not one, but two laptops and anything above that meant I would just be spending the equivalent thereof without the benefits.

I had basically decided that it wasn't meant to be or that laptop #3 in mini form would be in my future. Then the buzz started about Barnes & Noble having an event on October 26. And I hit the net.

By Monday of this week I was dying to see this "rumored color nook." And on Tuesday I finally got to see.

The nookColor is a Reader's Tablet. This is exactly what I was looking for. I will be able to read my ebooks, hit up my twitter and facebook, load my pdfs, and read magazines and newspapers. I can expand beyond the 8gigs of space that's already on there, and its wifi. Best of all, I don't have to pay a 3G fee for something I'm going to use mainly for reading. The 8 hour battery gave me pause until I realized how I charge my phone; which is to say every other day. So that's something I can live with.

I love to read the comments on all of the tech sites and see what people are saying, but honestly, I'm already sold. I've always wanted an ereader, but I just needed it to do a little bit more, the colorNook is going to do that for me. So if you're an ereader purist, but the original nook. This tech friendly reader is going to get some color with the latest addition to the Barnes & Noble nook family.

*we now return you to your regularly scheduled review blog*

My name is BlackVelvet Suxsed…

2010-10-25T22:46:00.003-04:00

You know you like a new author when 6 months is WAYYY to long to wait for the next book.

Olivia Cunning's Backstage Pass was a great first read. I wondered if I would get hung up in the concert-speak or if it would be endless banging between the hero and heroine with no character development. Myrna and Brian were equally hot and fun to watch. Like many of the new titles coming out the author makes more of the secondary characters who will be in future books. She gave enough background on each of the other guys that I knew going in that I couldn't wait to get to the next books…and then I learned that Sed's book won't be out until next April.

This is when the panic set in.

So after taking a few calming breaths and promising myself that April was only a few short months, days and minutes away I remembered that like Brian, absence would make the heart grow fonder. Or at least the idea of how hot the sex would be between Sed and his heroine would keep me in wait. And that's another thing. The sex didn't feel out of place, despite the large amount of it. I felt influenced by the rockers, much like Myrna's groupies, who we ready to toss bras, panties and sanity out the window to be with the rocker of the choice.

If there was one thing that I would ding this story about it's the lack of involvement of the so-called villain whose name is as unimportant as his actual presence was. He didn't stand out throughout the story and seemed like more of an afterthought and the effects of what he did to Myrna stuck out more. Honestly, the story could have done without him. Myrna already seemed to be hung up on what he had done to her, having him show up, while I understand his necessity, could have been handled better, three weeks on the road and he didn't appear at all?

Bottom line, will I be reading the rest of this series? Please see my panic moment above for confirmation. Should you read this book? Yes. For any fangirl who has ever had pipe dreams of touring with the band and becoming more than just another stop on the tour this is definitely the book for you. Olivia Cunning's love of the music and the groups who provide it come out and she gets a call for an encore from me.

As the Fur Flies…Getting Primal

2010-10-23T17:57:00.002-04:00

Crystal Jordan always manages to weave together the fantastical and erotic without making the reader feel as though they are stepping too far outside of the romance comfort zone. In her latest book, Primal Heat, she gives a glimpse of an Earth that is an unwilling host to the Kith, whose emperor has come to claim his One. There are two novellas in this one book: Wicked Lord and Carnal Empress.

The first story does not shy away from the fact that on Earth the response to the unknown is fear and with fear comes death. Jordan has created believable characters in U.S. Sergeant Major Bren Preston and Lord Farid Arjun, who are not clichéd even though they initially reside on opposite sides of the Earthan/Kith divide. Using the antagonist of this story, Jordan works the absolute power corrupts absolutely track between bouts of screaming hot sex, that include her signature touch for writing an anal scene that makes even the reader flutter as they devour the book.

This theme continues into the second story, where a flourishing relationship is tested with infidelity. Jordan asks in this story: can a relationship bounce back from infidelity? Even if the physical relationship seems to go back to the status quo, is it possible to have time heal all wounds with an orgasm? Kyber and Jana prove that much more is at stake.

I would just like to say that each time I pick up one of Crystal Jordan's books I wonder which hard angle of an established relationship she's going to test. In her previous books she's tackled the death of a child (Carnal Desires, In Heat) and infertility (On the Prowl, Undeniable). I've come to respect her ability to walk the minefield of a relationship and bring both characters out on the other end whole. As I read this story, I found myself eyeing the small number pages and wondered if the conclusion would be rushed. Luckily, I was not to be disappointed. Jana and Kyber's story, was a maelstrom of personal strife and regret, but had a flicker of hope that Jordan delivered on.

There are many things to love about this book (which would also explain why I tore through it in less than a day), but my favorite was the wealth of male introspection. I've read many if not all of her books, and this was the first, where I felt that the male perspective overshadowed the female. I loved it! Watching Farid and Kyber work through their own emotions on paper created more depth in the characters. Often in romance the male protagonists thoughts are glossed over and don't really make an impression.

To sum it up, if you haven't picked up Crystal Jordan, do so. She's not afraid to poke a stick in the eye of the serious issues that can end a relationship, use hot sex to keep the bond established, and have her characters realistically resolve their issues by pulling them apart for the audience to see.

Cold Nights just got Hotter

2010-10-18T22:56:00.000-04:00

Joan Elizabeth Lloyd is one of those authors where you know you're going to get a good read. There's no second guessing; you don't have to think consider if the book description accurately gives you a glimpse of what you're about to read. You just know based on the author name alone that you're going to be satisfied with what you've read when you're done.

Which is why I was glad to see her latest collection, Hot Stories for Cold Nights, on the new releases table at my local Barnes & Noble. I didn't hesitate to pick it up for reading and I didn't hesitate as I tore through story after story. Based on the cover alone I assumed that this was an early release for a Christmas collection, which typically, I'm opposed to reading before November, but I was willing to make an exception in this case. Luckily, for me, it wasn't.

Lloyd's books have the uncanny ability to make the characters in any of the situations very lifelike, to the point of you assuming you know these people or have met them or could even be them. Which for me makes the reading more engaging because its not just a universe of the author's choosing (though it is), instead its the corner store down from your house, its your husband imagining that he's Han Solo doing things to Leia that George Lucas never dreamed up. Or you're the woman obsessed with an online game to the point where you abandon friends and after work events for the blue glow, and promise of carnal delight.

In her books the female form is not perfect and marriage does not mean that the bedroom doors are locked and missionary style sex is the only sex available. Quite to the contrary.

It is obvious that she draws from both her own experience and the research from her non-fiction titles that keep readers coming back for more. A new style of erotica perhaps, I dub it modern erotic literature, and urge you (if you haven't done so already), to pick up any of her books and give them a whirl.

Who Ever Said Obsession was a Bad Thing...

2010-10-17T23:04:00.002-04:00

Has obviously not read A Little Harmless Obsession by Melissa Schroeder. This was both a fun and informative read.

Besides keeping the tune for Elvis' "A Little Less Conversation" running on a loop in my head anytime I thought of the title, this book kept my attention because it showed a very dominant woman, May, realizing that the bedroom was the last place she wanted to be calling the shots. This Harmless title did a good job about not making May and the readers feel like the character was betraying herself (and women everywhere) with this admission.

I love how snippet's of the previous characters lives peak through and how well she builds upon the next book with the current title. Pick this read up as a reminder of the sun and sand of Hawaii or if you enjoy reading about a dominant woman come into her own.

The magic dust has settled and the lube has dried…Alison’s Wonderland Pt. 2

2010-10-09T22:44:00.002-04:00

I gave myself another few days with Alison's Wonderland and they were days well spent. Sometimes when I read themed erotica I worry that the subject matter will take over and the erotica will get lost while trying to connect the two. Thankfully, this was not the case here.

I finished up this collection with a sigh of satisfaction and I've already reread some of my favorites. When last I left you, I'd only ventured through Moonset. Now I have to collection as a whole to draw on and complete the review.

I read Alison's Wonderland just as you would read a collection of fairytales. Which, is to say I read them before bed every night. Each tale reminded me of the fairy tale it was about, but with a new face to the characters. Little Red of Riding Hood fame became Ruby, and the Wolf who had big teeth became Wolff, the bartender with the same big teeth, but now he had multiple jobs…running a bar, running a tow truck service, and screwing Red (Ruby). The old woman who lived in a shoe with so many children and didn't know what to do morphed into the late thirties female exec who sublet her apartment to two male tenants who she doesn't know what to do with; however, it doesn't take her long to come up with something to keep them occupied.

The second half of the book solidified the intricate blending of fable and erotica. In Gold, On Snow, voyeurism vies with revenge as the Queen watches her nemesis Snow White with her dwarves and plots her downfall; while Heidi Champa reminds us in After the Happily Ever After that even in fairytales you have to succumb to reality eventually. The editor's own Rings on My Fingers, was a wonderful penultimate tale, where her characters seem to embody what the collection itself is about; turning the traditional ideas of what will make you happy on its head and learning to ignore those who will try to change that.

I recommend this book to anyone who has a love of fairytales and a passion for flying in the face of tradition. Go job Alison. An eccentric blend of tradition and erotic, what is right versus what is right for you.

BV

It’s not always about the sex

2010-10-07T11:27:00.003-04:00

Yes, I do read erotica...problem?

I typically don't get offended when someone raises and eyebrow at what I'm reading. This begs the question, then why am I blogging about it? And the short answer is because I'm going to put out there for anyone who cares to know that it's not always about the sex.

I'm used to people finding problems with the cover (too much nudity), the subject matter (too much sex) or the author (who's that, what literary prize have they won?). I've built up a callous to the remarks that I get and I even have a few zingers that I will happily trade for those who overstep the boundaries in providing an opinion on what I'm reading. The easy answer is that I like a happy ending, but a better answer comes from Alison's Wonderland:

"…we all love a happy ending (traditional or otherwise), especially when the characters turn out to be kinky."

And now I take off on a tangent.

I love it when the web universe coincides with what I'm blogging on. As I was writing this I ran across the recent SmartBitches post on Porn vs. Romance and I realized that in some cases when people in my life voice their concerns with what I read, I feel the need to explain to deaf ears why romance or erotica is not always about the sex. That's not to say I don't enjoy reading the sex scenes, because I do, but I also enjoy the interaction between the characters and the plot. Any of the authors in my must read pile: Shelley Laurenston/G.A. Aiken, Larissa Ione, Megan Hart, Lauren Dane, Jaci Burton. Lora Leigh, Lisa Lawrence, and Zane, all provide this. They build the relationship between their characters and create a universe for them to play in that offers a slice of life that I'm looking for at that time. I've even witnessed cases where the SEX itself is its own character, with idiosyncrasies of its own that must be navigated just as carefully as matters of the heart.

And now to reign it in.

People read what they do because they like it. The reasons behind it don't matter. I'm done with explaining myself, but I'm pretty sure I'll never be done with people giving me the side eye. For that I'll take the more childish route and hope that their face doesn't stick that way.

"Sometimes all that's needed is a little magic dust -- and a bit of lube" - Alison's Wonderland Pt. 1

2010-10-05T22:52:00.000-04:00

Alison Tyler's Alison's Wonderland is an erotic romp through classic fairytale. While I have read my fair share of kinky fables this collection has given me a new perspective of what the Brother's Grimm and Hans Christen Anderson could have meant with their cautionary tales. And like the children and women they meant to heed their warnings I dove right into the collection without a worry for my libido's safety.

I broke this review into two parts because I'm doing something I haven't done with an erotic collection; I'm savoring it. Each new tale from The Red Shoes (Redux) to Moonset, gives the reader a brief glimpse into what a modern day version would be like. The first 12 stories boldly move from one fable to the next. They beckon to the reader to come dance in the red shoes, that "clasped her feet like the hands of a lover," or be punished by Ernest, the bookseller in the most delicious of ways. Become Beauty and bring the Beast to his knees or let the moon change your roles. The characters are boldly written and I found in Portia DaCosta's Unveiling His Muse the height of obsession bought to a stimulating sexual peak by having your muse walk out of your work and into your life.

Thus far the collection is a distinct mix of fantastical and modern, keeping the reader intrigued in how the story will play out, while remembering how the story used to be. I'm glad I chose this collection as my first book to review and I look forward to finishing this in small bites and not one big gulp.

Is that porn on your ereader or are you happy to see me?

2010-09-29T18:48:00.002-04:00

I was all set to do a montage of 'reclaiming the cunt' a la Eve Ensler style when @SmartBitches tweeted a current Slate article about ereaders and porn. Since I'm about reading all things pervy I decided to give this a spin. Only to discover that maybe there needs to be some sort of dictionary definition for porn vs. erotica vs. romance, rather than the gender line that this article dances between. Are they going to whip out ye ole tar and feather with the porn label again?

Let's start with this: I've never thought of the books I've read as porn. However, that doesn't mean that in describing them to friends, family and coworkers I haven't called them porn or romance (depending on how racy it was) at some time or another, because I have, but, my understanding of porn differs greatly from theirs and in order to hold off on a long list of questions that they would ask, I give an answer that can be easily digested and filed away.

Porn brings to mind images of Ron Jeremy, Jenna James, et al in a tangle of limbs, oily bits and cheesy 80s muzak. Erotica and romance instead bring none of these to mind, since its medium is book, either digital or dead tree, I don't have any visual other than the cover to work from. Which begs the question does the visual representation define its genre?

Or since this revolves around the Kindle, does the device determine the genre? Considering stacks of books with (sometimes, though not often) non-descript or easily stacked covers over magazines with bright images of men and women with their assets on display it's hard not to believe that's the case. Or at least that's the status quo that the Slate seems to be reporting.

I think the shift to digital has opened up the accessibility of what we can read and where. Want to sit on the train and can't wait to get to the next chapter of Compromising Positions, or Slave Women of the Czar – Book 2, pull out your ereader of choice and go for it, likewise if you want to catch up on your Penthouse letters. Hopefully, Amazon and other ebook retailers will see this is as plus, besides who cares if what you're reading is considered porn, erotica or romance at least you are reading and given some of the adult literacy statistics that's something for the plus column any day.

Some Like it Hot or What Happened to the Sixth Grader who read the ‘dirty books’

2010-09-26T18:39:00.001-04:00

I've been a lover of erotica, erotic novels, erotic romance, paranormal erotica, literary porn, etc. for what seems like forever. From the first time my sixth grade English teacher took away my Virginia Henley novel, which she considered a 'dirty book' because of its content I was hooked. To my 12 year old mind, I needed to know everything there was to absorb in those books, and so I set out to devour each and every one.

As I grew up my tastes matured and I began to build my collection. In the late 90s I began by gathering small anthologies and scouring the bookstores for obscure publishers, (do Black Lace or Blue Moon ring any bells). Even before the internet breathed life into e-publishing I had developed a very discerning palate for what I considered a hot read. Sex in large quantities, various positions and many locations were important, but equally so were the plot, continuity and character development.

Today, I look at my shelves that are groaning with all I've read and my lists (which have lists of their own) and know that it's time to take this to the internet and hopefully give some feedback on what I consider hot. I'll make comparisons to other titles, I'll contrast characters from previously written ones from the same author and all the while I'll delve into what makes these titles stand out from all the other. Because I like my erotica hot enough to singe the pages
and this may be the only way to prove to my sixth grade English teacher that reading 'dirty books' is and always will be a good idea..