Fertile Domain by Jude Mason

Fertile Domain by Jude Mason
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short (134 pages)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/F/M, M/M, Multiple Partners, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Review by: Tiger Lily

In a world where pollution and greed has pushed humanity to the brink of extinction, fertility is one of the priorities. Men must prove themselves to fertile fems. For those who are lacking, or who cease to please the women, harsh treatment follows. Two new men, Jax and Trev, vie for a place among the elite 'studs' of a beautiful fem. Will they succeed, will the love they feel for each other survive?

Jax is attracted to Trev. Trev is attracted to Jax. To survive, they must go to the Women who rule the planet. The only other option is to starve to death. What happens when the Lady in charge sets her sights on a new sire? It’s a Fertile Domain, anything can happen.

Ms. Mason writes a captivating novella. I liked her themes of female domination and role reversal. Some men treat women like cattle. In Fertile Domain, men find out how it feels to be the lesser individual: confined to stalls, fed from buckets, and forced to parade their sexuality. The men also have to figure out how to work together. Nothing can be worse than starving to death.

I liked that Jax and Trev never lost sight of their goal. We all know how it feels to be alone and the thrill of finding a partner to help encourage you on. I also liked the parallel love stories. That kept the reader engaged throughout the journey.

If you want an exotic journey through the eyes of one remarkable man, then Fertile Domain is the book for you. I give this novella 4 ½ cherries.

Deadly Inheritance by Jayelle Drewry

Deadly Inheritance by Jayelle Drewry
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short (58 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 5 cherries
Review by: Tiger Lily

Locked away. Hidden. Caged. Starved and driven to the brink of madness, Ivan Harker is the prisoner of a madman. It is in the dark of his prison that he learns patience and feeds his need for revenge.

Gabrielle Murray dreaded returning to her deceased stepfather’s mansion, yet there she must stay until the estate is settled. Wandering the vaults beneath the estate, she hears a man call for help. Pushing aside the stone door of an ancient crypt, she thought to save a life, not lose her own.

Bloodlust and hunger drives Ivan to attack. Reluctant gratitude and remorse cause him to do the unthinkable--share his immortal blood. If she lives … he’ll be back.

He’s cursed to a life of eternal damnation because of the choices made by his ancestors. She’s inherited a house she doesn’t want because she’s the last member of her family. What happens when these two souls meet? Read Deadly Inheritance and find out!

Ms. Drewry writes an exciting short story filled with connections to the non-fiction world. But the story is told in such a fashion that the reader comes away interested and curious, rather than bored. Her characters are strong individuals thrown together due to circumstances they cannot control and have to make the best of. I like her modern day twist on the vampire theme.

One of the parts of the story that really held my attention was Ivan’s pacing. He got to know Gabrielle. Their strolls through the country to visit landmarks and churches were a unique means to get the characters together.

I also enjoyed the mega-hot kiss at the club. You could feel the steam of their passion in Ms. Drewry’s storytelling. Very hot.

If you want a sizzling short story filled with vampires, sex, and a shred of vampire history, then Deadly Inheritance is the novella for you. I give this one 5 cherries.

A Toy For Two by Jennifer Cole

A Toy For Two by Jennifer Cole
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short (68 pages)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/F/M, M/M, Ménage, Spanking, Anal Intercourse
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by Hibiscus

Will Megan play it safe, or follow her heart and become a toy for two?

Megan Washington is the perfect daughter...as long as she keeps her wild streak hidden. Only after a trip to the Le Club d'Esclavage does she give free reign to her sexually adventurous spirit.

Troy Simon and Ransom Seager need the ideal partner, and not just any submissive will do. Their third must match their passions and indulge in the roleplay both men find so arousing. With trust building and temperatures rising, will Megan's powerful politician father destroy the growing bond between these three hearts?

Book Two Le' Club d'Esclavage Series.

Warning, this title contains the following: graphic language, explicit sex, menage a trois, bondage, the use of sex toys, m/m, and nontraditional sexuality.

What can I say about the perfect daughter from the perfect family except -- maybe everything is not what it seems? Imagine any political family nowadays and you will understand the apparent background of this Washington family. This story, though, has a twist that had my heart breaking at times.

Megan Washington had me pulling for her through the entire story. I gathered that Megan was on the shy side. She was twenty-nine and looking for a special someone that could take charge of her. Her friends take her out for some fun and they actually set her up with a kind of date at Le Club d’Esclavage.

Dani and Natalie are Megan’s friends and believe that Megan is a submissive. I loved how they set all the wheels in motion to help their friend out. Their characters were well written and had me rolling with laughter at times. Dani’s conversations with Mike and her snappy lines throughout the rest of the story really were fantastic. She is a friend that anyone would be happy to have on their side.

My biggest problem was picking who I liked more, Ransom or Troy. Troy Simon was the owner of Le Club d’Esclavage and I loved his long dark brown hair and very masterful way. Ransom Seager is also tall with honey blonde hair. Even though Ransom is Troy’s sub, he took charge of Megan at times. By the end of the story, I decided it was too difficult to choose just one.

I loved how the story worked through Megan’s issues with her father. The way that all her friends along with Troy and Ransom stood by her had me cheering for the poor little rich girl.

I thought that A Toy For Two was such a good story that I am going to read the first book in this series about Natalie, At The Dungeon Master’s Hand and look forward to the third book about Dani. Jennifer Cole is an author I’ve added to my auto-buy list.

Captive of Love by Wendy Stone

Captive of Love by Wendy Stone
Publisher: Phaze Books
Length: Full (172 pgs)
Genre: Fantasy
Other: M/F, BDSM
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by Bittersweet

The continuing story of the people of Daring Castle.

Trace and Ryder, sons of Lord Damien and his Lady Raven, have been kidnapped along with their hunting party. Disappearing without a trace, they are spirited to another planet, this one run completely by women. Ryder has captured the eyes of a princess while Trace is made a gift to her General. Can the two men reconcile the changes in their situations or will they fight being Captives of Love?

After reading “Bound by Love”, I became a fan of Ms. Wendy Stone. Therefore, when I stumbled upon “Captive of Love” and discovered it was the story of the sons of Daring Castle, I just had to read it.

In “Captive of Love”, women dominate men treating them as little more than sexual slaves. As Trace, one of the sexy, male character explains: “I will be giving away my freedom, giving away my right of choice, giving away my life to become nothing more than your sex slave” or as his brother, Ryder, more blatantly puts it: “I am naught to you but a slave, a cock for you to fuck”.

I would have loved a little more insight on the characters feelings, for at times their actions seem a little abrupt. For example, it seemed a bit unbelievable that Trace fell for his captive so fast, or though the attraction that Ryder feels for Katrina is undeniable, the why he falls in love with her is a bit obscure. I was also surprised to discover that Katrina in such a world was able to maintain her virginity.

However, these are but minor details, for overall, in “Captive of Love” Ms. Stone not only builds a great novel but she also leaves the word “hot” meaningless.

Along with a good dose of humor, magic, action, avid descriptions and love, “Captive of Love” is an unforgettable story.

SnowFire: Snow Job by Cameo Brown

SnowFire: Snow Job by Cameo Brown
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Sci-Fi, Paranormal
Length: Short
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by Agapanthus

Working undercover, Para Marshall Marina Fareeky thinks her sham wedding day will end with her arresting the groom and most of the wedding guests. Just as she’s ready to walk down the aisle, a minion from the Para Marshall’s Office shows up and informs her there’ll be no raid… and no way to avoid her fate. Aleksi Nicholas, eldest son of the Nicholas vampyre clan, watches his reluctant bride shuffle toward him. He’s waited long enough, and now he intends to claim the heart of the woman who’d rather arrest him than bed him.

Undercover work is always difficult. But when an undercover cop gets left high and dry on the day of her wedding she finds things are a lot more interesting than she had bargained for.

Cameo Brown does a great job in this short story. The characters are nicely developed, you really feel for the heroine, and I have to admit I got a tiny bit jealous of her as well. The plot moves nicely, with well defined scenes and interesting dialogue. And the erotic scenes are mouth watering, the sex in this story is almost tame in comparison to some of the stuff in this series but it is still so vivid it leaves you looking for a cold shower.

An excellent addition to the SnowFire series.

Soaked by Lena Matthews

Soaked by Lena Matthews
Publisher: Loose ID, LLC
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short (115 pages)
Other: M/F, Light Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Review by: Tiger Lily

Ali Hernandez knows better than anyone that good girls finish last. Last in love, last in life and last in the line to get laid. Finishing last in the eyes of Jonas Lennox, however, is the final straw. When Jonas ends things with her because of her lack of experience, Ali does what she does best, turned lemons into lemonade. Six months later she’s forced to face the man she worked so hard to get out of her system at her friend’s birthday party.

The birthday surprise is on Jonas, however, because Ali's the last person he expects to see. He’s tried his best to put the sexy voluptuous woman out of his mind, even though she never left his heart. He knows he can't be the man she wants, because she'll never consent to participating in his voyeuristic and exhibitionist games.

Ali’s not as innocent as she looks though. When the opportunity to enter a wet T-shirt contest comes up, she jumps at the chance to prove him wrong about her. She’ll risked getting soaked, if in the end she gets her man.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Exhibitionism, ménage (m/f/m), voyeurism.

Which is better, to run from trouble or to cozy up with the devil you know? For Ali Hernandez, the choice is clear. She wants her man and is willing to test her limits to prove she’s the woman for him. Can Jonas accept this? Find out in Soaked.

Who would’ve thought a wet t-shirt contest would lead to love? Certainly not Ali Hernandez. Oh, she knew it would turn Jonas Lenox on, but little did she know it would start a fire burning out of control.

I like the original approach. When I think of wet t-shirt contest, I think of frat boys and lots of beer. True there was an undercurrent of that, but this story showed that a simple stunt can turn the blossom of a relationship into more.

I also liked that Ali willingly ventured out of her comfort zone. In life, nothing is comfortable all the time. Even favorite sweaters wear out. Sometimes you make concessions and find hidden desires you never knew existed. Although I felt Jonas was a bit rough and callous, I grew to like him and rooted on the potential relationship.

Who can’t relate to the intrusion of friends? Even if the interlopers aren’t friends, but family, who hasn’t been in some sort of relationship where others egged them on? I have and that made this story relatable to me.

If you want a steamy read for a cool night, or a novella that makes you think in sexy ways, then Soaked is for you. I give this work 4 ½ cherries.

Saje by Deborah J. Panger

Saje by Deborah J. Panger
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short (63 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by: Wisteria

What could be worse than waking up lonely on May Day? Finding a naked male stranger with wings in your house.

That is exactly what Amanda Birchfield discovers when she stumbles out of bed to make her morning coffee. After rousing from a faint, Amanda learns her intruder, Saje, is a trinket-hoarding, seed-spreading bastard of a Woodland Fairy. And he’s brought her a room full of May Day Baskets in hopes she'll trade a little pleasure.

Instead of fleeing for her life--or admitting herself to the local looney bin--Amanda is drawn to Saje’s scrumptious body and carefree spirit. But once the brief, but oh-so satisfying sexcapade atop her dining room table is over, he refuses to leave. How will she get rid of him. Or will she want to?

Amanda is lonely. Since catching her fiancé in a compromising position and the wedding canceled, no one ever came to see her. With no friends and a sucky job, her life just feels like crap. Until a chance encounter with a sexy, horny fairy changes everything and gives her reason to love life again.

Saje is a fresh, whimsical story that will leave you breathless. I can only imagine the bewilderment of waking one morning to find a sexy, naked man sporting wings in my home. But I think Amanda “handled” him the best way possible ;)

Fresh and fun, with characters you will love and a witty sense of humor, this story will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm spot in your…er….well, you get the idea!

Wishing Ms. Panger a boat load of sales and many, many more stories like this one to tease, please and leave you panting. Bravo, my dear, it was one hell of a ride!

Nothing to Fear by Lacey Savage

Nothing to Fear by Lacey Savage
Publisher: Loose ID, LLC.
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short (127 pages)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/F/M, Ménage, Spanking
Rating: 5 Cherries
Review by Cholla

Three women haunted by horrors from their pasts. Four men who want to show them there’s Nothing to Fear...

In the Air
If Kirk Healey hadn’t threatened to steal her biggest client, Meadow Gardiner would never have boarded another plane. In flight, only Kirk’s smoldering touch keeps Meadow from succumbing to soul-numbing fear. As kisses lead to a frantic encounter in the airplane lavatory, Meadow must trust her greatest rival to see her safely back on solid ground.

In the Dark
When a total blackout forces Shelly O’Rourke to face her paralyzing fear of the dark, she’s rescued from engulfing terror by the scorching caress (and occasional spanking!) of her estranged-and presumed dead-husband. Making love to a memory forces Shelly to confront her deepest fears...and some are just as menacing by the light of day.

In their Arms
Jennifer Meehan has no qualms about taking two lovers. A long history of cruel betrayal has taught her that unbridled sex is the only way to guard her heart. But the men she’s been seeing separately have joined forces, and now the time has come to reveal all: her body, her soul, and every secret fear she harbors in her heart.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, male/male sexual interaction, ménage (m/f/m), mild spanking.

Lacey Savage outdoes herself in this erotic romp through a collection of common phobias: flying, darkness, and intimacy. In each short, the heroine is faced with her fear and finds a steamy, sexy way to overcome it. With a little help, of course.

In the Air is the first novella in this collection and one of the most exciting. Frightened of flying, Meadow Gardiner is prepared to conquer her fear head on. Little does she know that her arch enemy, Kirk Healy, will be coming along for the ride. Meadow is a strong, upfront kind of woman. She knows her limits and is bound and determined to push them in order to get what she wants. Kirk comes off as a bit of a jerk at first until his real plan of action surfaces.

In the Air is followed by my favorite story in the series, In the Dark. In this second story, Shelly O’Rourke is coping with having been abandoned by her husband only to discover that he just may be dead. Shelly is an emotional woman struggling to come to grips with the way her life is headed, while trying to reassure her son. While on a flight to Madrid, Shelly is staying in a hotel when the city experiences a blackout. I think this was my favorite not because it was the most explicit, or the most emotional, but I think it was probably the most intense of the three. Trapped in the darkness and surprised by what you least expect…

In Their Arms finishes off the trio of stories with a bang. Jennifer Meehan suffers from the saddest of all phobias – the fear of being close to someone. She doesn’t let it interfere with her pleasure seeking, however, and has found not one but two constant lovers to run to when she needs them. This is a sweet and steamy story of how her two lovers turn the tables on her and help her on her way to learning to love and trust for the first time in many years.

Nothing to Fear is a wonderful collection of stories centering on something we’re all familiar with – the fear of something. Lacey’s frightened heroines are strong and seductive, scared and sexy. And as an added bonus, all three stories connect in a way that you’re really reading one story told from many viewpoints. It was a fascinating and different touch that made Nothing to Fear an even more enjoyable read.

Casino Star Shine by Sultry Summers

Casino Star Shine by Sultry Summers
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short (97 pages)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/F/F, Multiple Partners, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Review by: Tiger Lily

Intrigue, sex and planetary domination are swiftly flowing stellar undercurrents at Casino Star Shine.

Sold by space pirates to Casino Star Shine, Blaze is determined to escape before she is sold at their virgin auction. Her escape attempt is foiled as, tackled by Casino guards, she tumbles at the feet of Lord Kalx.

Attracted to the fiery duchess, Kalx’s vacation of gaming and exploring erotic escapes with the Casino’s trained ladies dulls. Biding his time until he can buy Blaze at the auction, he meets an ominous woman general. She’s rumored to be intent on buying Blaze as a ransom in exchange for a rare mineral found on her world, and Kalx senses her malicious intent. Outbidding the general, he wins Blaze and marries her to unite their two worlds.

A relationship of master versus slave/wife turns to one of trust, respect and love. However, the general is determined to snatch Blaze by any way possible, including murder.

What do you do when you have something valuable? Guard it with your life. What about when the valuable item is another person you hardly know? Buy them at the Casino Star Shine.

Kalx is a king and excellent judge of people. He can sense when they have evil on their minds. Minestra simply wanted to defend her land, until pirates took that away. Her fire and attitude either reels people in or pushes them away. In Kalx’s case, he’s hooked.

I liked Ms. Summers writing. Her characters are engaging and keep the reader interested in the story. The details are rich and sumptuous. She uses secondary characters well to buoy the story.

The relationships between the characters happen fast, but I liked that Kalx took to her based on her being, not her beauty. People can relate to that. We want to be wanted for who we are inside. I also liked that they worked together for the common good. They shared the heroism. And the baddie? Very nicely evil. You rooted for her to see defeat or die trying.

If you want a saucy read for an afternoon at the beach, then find a copy of Casino Star Shine. I give this novella 4½ cherries.

Yummy Love 3: Apple Crisp by Kate Hill

Yummy Love 3: Apple Crisp by Kate Hill
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short (76 pages)
Other: M/M, Voyeurism
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by: Tiger Lily

Cass is a gardener at a magical museum near Hot River. He takes loving care of all the trees and plants and is pleasantly surprised when Fidel, a Transcendent apple tree sprite, decides to show his appreciation. Cass quickly learns that Fidel is harder to resist than his favorite dessert.

Since his Transcendence Ceremony, when he changed from an ordinary tree sprite to a shapeshifter, Fidel has stood silent and alone. Hurt by his former lover, he thought he'd never fall in love again, but Cass has lured him out of hiding.

Cass finally believes he can put his dark past behind him and find a new life with Fidel. Then a killer begins stalking Transcendent sprites. Fidel suspects his old lover of the crimes and he and Cass must risk everything to stop him.

There’s evil about, but there’s also the flush of new love to counteract it. Which will prevail? And are apples the way to a man’s heart? Find out in Yummy Love 3: Apple Crisp.

Cass tends the garden at the Fairy Museum. His favorite tree to tend is an apple tree. Many of the trees are truly shifting Transcendental Tree Sprites. When Fidel, the apple tree sprite, breaks his self-induced silence he finds that Cass just might be the man to break his heart.

I liked that this story wasn’t simple. There were quite a few plot twists that kept me engaged in the story and rooting for love to conquer all. I also liked that Cass believed in Fidel. True trust and admiration is something rarely found in the real world, but Cass and Fidel shared it.

Ms. Hill writes interesting characters, though fantastic, that are easy to identify with. We all make decisions we aren’t proud of, but the strong do find ways to rise above the tragedy. She uses pacing and brilliant descriptions to pull the reader in from page one until the very end.

If you’re interested in a story that‘s filled with a pair of handsome heroes and an exotic love affair, then Yummy Love 3: Apple Crisp is the short story for you. I give this story 4 ½ cherries.

Modern Day Vampires: Vampire 101 by Paige Tyler

Modern Day Vampires: Vampire 101 by Paige Tyler
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full (153 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 5 Cherries
Review by Wisteria


Savanna Royce is a weekend Goth-girl who has always been fascinated with vampires. She doesn’t really believe in them, of course, but that changes when she is bitten by a rogue vamp and left for dead.

Fortunately, two-hundred-and-seventy-eight year old vampire Kaige Travers is there to rescue her. Unwilling to let her die, he turns Savanna into a vampire to save her life, not knowing if she’ll thank him or hate him for it.

While Kaige is teaching Savanna what she needs to know about being a vampire, neither of them can deny the chemistry that’s there. Somewhere between getting her registered at the local vampire admin office and teaching her how to order blood on the internet, they fall for each other, fast and hard.

Just as things are heating up between the sheets–and everywhere else–they encounter one minor problem. The rogue vampire who attacked her is back and this time, he wants to finish the job he started.

Savanna Royce has always had a thing for vampires. Mysterious, dark and dangerously sexy -- what more could a girl want? Kaige Travers has been around for a couple of centuries but has never had a woman affect him like Savanna. After a brutal attack in a back alley leaves Savanna fighting for her life, what else could Kaige do but turn her.

Absolutely delightful and wickedly tempting, Ms Tyler has put a new spin on the vampire curse giving it a fresh look. Filled with deliciously sinful love scenes written to set the sheets on fire and characters that will make your mouth water and leave your eagerly flipping to the next page to see what happens next. Guaranteed to tease the senses, push you to the brink and leave you squirming in your seat.

There is no way I will be missing anything Ms Tyler puts out next. My hats off to the author, a splendid job!

My Lady by Shiloh Walker

My Lady by Shiloh Walker
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full (161 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 cherries
Review by Lotus

In the darkest of nights, hope shines through.

Pawn in her father’s maniacal quest for power, Princess Nae Corda doesn’t see any way of escaping her impending marriage to the leader of the Oonkaen. That is until a dark shadow enters her prison-like bedroom—and offers her hope.

King Tyan will do anything to save his kingdom and the lives of his goblin people—even if it means flying into his enemy’s land to steal away an elvish princess. Ty has plans for Princess Nae. What he didn’t plan on was falling for her—heart, wing and soul.

But in a world where war, dragons, lies and danger lurk everywhere, the future is uncertain at best.

Warning: This title contains dragons, goblins and elves all behaving badly.

There’s a kind of romance that features swinging sleeves and soaring dragons, dark princes and, above all, political machinations that must be solved by marriage. This is the kind of romance that founded the genre and, lucky for us all, it hasn’t yet died out. My Lady is that kind of romance. From the first pages Walker reveals a world of castles and cottages, plains and cities, where bravery and chivalry are present in men and women both, and where wars are fought justly, and treaties must be upheld. It is a story where an elf princess can fall in lust, and then love, with a goblin prince, and where that can actually solve everything.

That’s not to say that My Lady doesn’t have its faults—the business of deflowering poor Nae is epic in its pain and gore, and the sex scenes have a contemporary feel that the rest of the story doesn’t—but these are far outweighed by its successes. Nae is a realistic princess, hapless and tough, brave and complicit. She approaches everything that happens to her with an honesty and level-headedness that is all too rare in romantic heroines. Ty is perfect for her. He is older, steadier, more experienced, and yet utterly undone by her strength and honesty. They make perfect sense as a couple, and it is a joy for the reader to watch them overcome all their self-imposed obstacles to move towards their happy ending.

My Lady would be almost embarrassingly blissful and by-the-book if it wasn’t for its underlying theme of tragedy and reality. This is a story about nations at war. People die, sometimes horribly, and without regard for rank and importance in the story. And you will feel the death, almost as keenly as the characters do. You really, really want everything to work out all right in the end, no matter what the odds. That’s magical, and it’s the essence of old-fashioned romance. Read My Lady if you’re prepared to be swept away into a world where the just will always win, and love will always triumph. And there be dragons…

Sexual Studies 2: Blindsided by Kate Watterson

Sexual Studies 2: Blindsided by Kate Watterson
Publisher: Siren Bookstrand
Genre: Contemporary, Action/Adventure, Suspense
Length: Short (134 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by: Tiger Lily

The inhospitable weather of Northern Wisconsin can be a welcome sanctuary...

Dr. Kerin Burke is in a full panic. She's run, and in the process, made a very bad judgment call. Still, the storm blowing in is the least of her problems. Help arrives, and it is the last thing she needs because instead of concentrating on how to solve her current problems, she's instantly involved with a man she barely knows. Tall, dark, and sexy is fine, but it doesn't do anything to stop her life unraveling like a loose thread.

Jesse McCutcheon isn't interested in unwanted company. He comes to the woods to get away from life, not to see the darker side of it. But when he rescues a woman in a stranded car, his life takes a turn that makes him wonder why he's always been so afraid of commitment. She's what he has always wanted, but there is something else there, something dark and mysterious and she doesn't want to talk about it. Fine. He can be patient, but he knows this isn't going to go away.

Whether she'll admit it or not, they've both been blindsided...

Ever been stuck in a snowstorm? Not fun. What about really deep blowing snow and a dead car battery? Would you give up or give in to the handsome stranger knocking on your window and inviting you to enjoy his shelter? See what happens when Dr. Kerin Burke gives in to Jesse McCutcheon in just such a situation in Sexual Studies 2: Blindsided.

Ms. Watterson writes a driving novel with intelligent, likeable characters. Although a bit complicated at times, the snags make the story stronger and the main characters more fun to read about.

Jesse makes one fine hero. He comes to the aide of a woman stranded on the side of a blustery Wisconsin road. He stays the gentleman, which isn’t always the case in romance. To top it off, he’s sexy and good with his hands. Kerin, though timid at first, is a woman the reader can identify with. She’s running away for a respite. Someone’s bugging her house and she only wants a good night’s sleep. Though it doesn’t hurt that Jesse might be interested in sharing that sleep. You want to see them overcome the issues and continue the relationship.

If you’re looking for a hot read for a lazy spring afternoon, then grab a copy of Sexual Studies 2: Blindsided and cuddle up. You’re in for a treat. I give this novella 4 ½ cherries.

Honor Within by Mima

Honor Within by Mima
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short (111 pages)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Voyeurism
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Review by: Tiger Lily

Burke is one breath from breaking. At war with the inner Mountaincat that stole his birthright in the Wolf Clan, he is a lone alpha, banished and distrusted. When he finds Nomi, a wandering soul uneasy in her Guild, he knows he should stay away. But he can't. At the same time he recognizes she can never be his, for to claim her would require acknowledging the cat he despises inside himself. The balancing act of befriending Nomi and holding his cat at bay is shredding his already perilous control. Then Nomi decides to seduce him ... and the balance is lost.

Contains: voyeurism, shifted sex, shapeshifters, fantasy, paranormal, forced sex, anal, light bondage

Soon a race of people will rule the Earth. They will truly understand the elements: fire, wind, water. They will also divide and live peaceably, unless threatened or pursued by black magic. Enter the world and show your Honor Within.

I like dominant characters. I really like dominant women who know what they want and aren’t afraid to take it. In Mima’s Honor Within, Nomi understands the waters. She also knows the pain of being an outcast. Her differences make her easy to relate to. Who hasn’t been shut out of a group or clique because they are different? Yes, it gets her down, but she doesn’t allow it to control her life. She channels her attentions to the Beast Burke. He’s an outcast too, but he’s also hiding a great man underneath. When they gave to each other, they had the other person’s interests at heart – not their own. That said a lot for them as people.

Mima’s writing is peppered with rich details that made the reader feel like he or she is truly there with the characters, experiencing what they go through. Some parts of the story were a bit slow, but that didn’t take away from the overall tale. You rooted for Nomi to get what she truly wanted: Burke and his love in return.
If you want a fantastic story with sexually charged scenes and animated characters, then Honor Within is the novella for you. I give this story 4 ½ cherries.

Escaping Darkside by Amanda Steiger

Escaping Darkside by Amanda Steiger
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Paranormal, Dark Fantasy
Length: Short (60 pages)
Other: M/M
Rating: 3.5 Cherries
Review by: Cactus

Death is just the beginning of Christian’s problems. After he’s killed in a hit and run accident, he wakes up in Darkside -- the demon-infested world between life and death -- and learns that he’s being hunted by the merciless Council.

Then he meets Seth, an inhumanly beautiful man with silver hair and golden eyes. He offers Christian his protection, and a glimmer of hope. At the far end of Darkside is a door to Earth. If Christian can reach it, he’ll have a second chance at life.

There is only one problem. Going back to Earth will mean leaving Seth behind forever… and Christian is falling in love with him.

The choice between life and death is much harder than Christian imagined when he meets an angel in the portal between hell and earth. Seth is a fallen angel that can read Christian’s mind and wants to fulfill his every wish and fantasy. This kind of instant love can only come from an angel, but Christian must choose between returning to Earth and continuing on to Hell. Seemingly an obvious choice but Christian’s growing attraction to Seth throws a wrench in that easy decision.

This is an interesting and entertaining short story that incorporates a lot of issues but wraps them up neatly within the context of angels and demons, heaven and hell. While at times the story was slightly corny, the author at least keeps the underlying messages obvious without being too in your face. The story ends up being a quick, easy read with some hot angels while giving some food for thought – if you so choose – to some bigger problems.

Christian is a basically good human who’s been condemned to hell by a corrupt Council of angels when he had the misfortune to die in a hit and run accident. Although confused and completely out of his element in Darkside, an afterlife between hell and earth, he quickly gives his trust to Seth. While it’s debatable how Christian instantly “knows” Seth is wonderful and good and won’t hurt him, he’s at least lucky that Seth indeed is one of the rare good people in the hell side portal. Christian has a lot of emotional scars from his life and led a pretty solitary life while alive. Past fears and assaults prevent him from getting close to others, leaving him desperately lonely and unhappy.

Even though Christian falls for Seth rather quickly, it’s also easy to understand. The combination of Christian’s loneliness and the concept of angels offering instant and total love allow these two to form a bond that would otherwise come across as cheap or unbelievable. Instead the companionship fulfills needs from both men and the upcoming parting causes pain on both sides. The slight BDSM twist to Christian was unnecessary and distracting as not only was it unneeded but it was unresolved and later completely ignored. However, this aside didn’t detract from the story and its enjoyment at all.

This was an impressive short story filled with enjoyable characters and an interesting setting. It also reads like an ongoing story with multiple references to past and future conflicts, and the ending especially sets up a sequel. While I won’t give away what choice Christian makes, it does set up for a happy ending so romance lovers are safe to read this. You’ll love the relationship between Christian and Seth and for a short story, it’s pretty satisfying.

Terms of Surrender by Becky Barker

Terms of Surrender by Becky Barker
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short (32 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Spanking
Rating: 5 Cherries
Review by: Azalea

Only one way to trust her—teach her the true meaning of tamed.

Years ago, Cassie Pallard let her wild and headstrong nature cost her the best thing in her life: Brody Chambers. Older and wiser, she’s back to try to heal the hurt and win her way back into his heart—and his bed.

Not so fast, says Brody. He loved Cassie most of his life, but her temper-driven desertion destroyed his faith in her and their future. If she wants his trust, she’ll have to earn it. Before he opens his heart again, he plans to make it clear his love comes with strings.

And handcuffs. And a blindfold…

Warning: This one’s short and hot with some bdsm, so not for the faint of heart. ☺

This story has one excellent equestrienne who loves rodeos and two cowboys: Chuck and his best friend, the sexy, handsome Brody who has good reason to be jealous of life-long friend Chuck. Or does he? Only Cassie and Chuck know, and Brody isn’t in the mood to discover the truth.

After leaving Brody and the ranch to take off with Chuck, Cassie returns to her roots hoping to take up where she left off. Brody is not the same man she remembered and he’s determined to show her who controls the ropes in their relationship, if indeed, there is to even be one.

With tight writing and a strong plot, this story grabbed my interest and didn't let go. I enjoyed the light bondage, coupled with some spanking. I’m not always a fan of BDSM, but this story was an exception. Author Becky Barker did an admirable job of pulling me into the story and making me care for the characters.

This is an excellent love story, well told and hot -- I highly recommend it!

Mark of the Moon by B.J. McCall

Mark of the Moon by B.J. McCall
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short (46 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by Vervain

The mark of the moon prophecy ordains that Ivy Ward must mate with the werewolf bearing a birthmark similar to the one she bears, a crescent-shaped moon. No were in Ivy’s pack will touch her and she’s lived her life saddled with the nickname, Poison Ivy.

Frustrated and looking for love, Ivy takes an extended vacation with a California pack. Since her mark isn’t readily visible, Ivy embarks on a personal mission of passion. All she needs is a sexy, unsuspecting were to help her.

Lodan Hunt bears the mark of the moon, but there is far more to the prophecy than a preordained mate.

One were and one she-wolf, destined to mate.

Ivy has spent her life hating the mark of the moon branded on her skin since birth. It’s kept her from accepting a mate and having a normal life; so when a friend invites her for a visit in California, Ivy jumps at the opportunity. She feels this is her one chance to have a wild, passionate time without her horrible nickname following her – Poison Ivy.

Lodan has always been a love ‘em and leave ‘em kind of guy. However, it isn’t because he doesn’t want a mate, it’s because he can’t take one. Marked at birth with a waning moon, he is part of a prophecy, with a destined mate chosen for him at birth by the fates. Lodan isn’t sure he believes in the prophecy… until he meets Ivy and the sparks begin to fly.

Even though the story was short, it still had a good plot and the characters were well developed. While Lodan first appears to be a “typical man” only interested in sex, it doesn’t take long to discover that there is more to him than meets the eye. It’s obvious from the first that he and Ivy are meant to be together, but it’s interesting to watch them come to the realization themselves. The love scenes are plentiful and steam up the pages with graphic detail and delicious descriptions. Occasionally the sentences were a bit stilted, but overall it flowed pretty well.

I can recommend this story, hands down, to anyone looking for a quick read with scorching love scenes and a good storyline. Mark of the Moon is a page turner, gripping the reader from the first page and not letting go until the very end. Ms. McCall definitely has writing down to a science.