His Final Seduction by Scarlett Childs

His Final Seduction by Scarlett Childs
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Length: Full Length (177 pgs)
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Other: M/F, Voyeurism, M/M/F, F/F
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by Holly

Signed, sealed and seduced.

When an affair with her boss wrecked her legal career, Sydney James finally admitted her sex addiction and swore off men. After a year of self-imposed celibacy, her friends surprise her with a trip to a Caribbean resort. Only they fail to mention her destination is the infamous erotic getaway, Club Carnal.

She fully intends on fleeing temptation—until the club’s hotter-than-the-tropical-sun manager puts a kink in her plan. And her celibacy.

Moments from death, Damien Blake signed a contract with a succubus who promised to save his life…for a price. In exchange, he must use his newly granted sex-demon powers to seduce and steal energy from one hundred women. Now, ninety-nine women later—just one conquest away from freedom—he meets his final victim, the alluring, enigmatic Sydney James. Long-dormant emotions sizzle to life and ignite a fire in his blood unlike any he’s ever known.

But when a lethal clause in his contract is revealed, Damien is forced to make a deadly decision. Spend eternity in slavery…or kill the woman he loves.

Warning: If you like hot sex with even hotter partners, then you’ve come to the right place! Here at Club Carnal, anything and everything goes…foreplay for dinner, hands-on body massages, toys that take on a completely new meaning, girl-on-girl action—and, if you’re not careful, you might run into a sex demon. Or two.

What would you do to save your life? Damien Blake and Sydney James both have to answer this question in His Final Seduction. In Sydney’s case, it is figurative, while Damien must decide literally whether to live or die. The choices they make will influence their lives in a major way.

Damien Blake is literally on the verge of death after eating poisonous blowfish, when he is offered the chance to live by what he thought was a sexy woman. All he has to do is sign a contract, in his blood (of course), and he will live. Like any contract with an evil demon, there’s a catch. He must take on the powers of an incubus, and he has one year to seduce one hundred women, take their essence while making love to them, and transfer that essence to Giselle, the succubus.

Sydney James swears off sex after an unfortunate encounter costs her almost everything: her career, her reputation and her self-respect. Her friends think she needs a break, so they get together and give her a weeklong Caribbean vacation. Unbeknownst to Sydney, the trip is to a world famous sex club, which is owned and operated by, you guessed it, Damien Blake.

When we first enter this world, Damien is close to the end of his agreement. He has seduced ninety-nine pretty willing victims, and only has one more to go to fulfill the conditions of his contract. That’s where Sydney comes into the story. He decides she will be his final seduction, and starts putting plans in motion when he sees her arrival.

That is when Giselle drops the bombshell on him...the fine print in his contract with her. Seems with the last victim, he not only has to take her energy and essence, he must steal her soul in order to fulfill his duties completely.

This is a super hot tale of sex and seduction. I love the way Scarlett Childs draws you into her characters' world of "anything goes" with anyone at this resort. If you like tales of steamy sex and seduction, this book is for you. The characters are well thought out, and there are enough different scenarios to please most anyone who reads this. There are some surprises I didn’t see coming at all, and I like that in a book. And the supporting characters are quite a surprise as well.

This is Scarlett Childs’ first book, and I think with a start like this, she has a great future. To see if Sydney’s legal sense saves the day, and Damien, just pick up a copy of His Final Seduction and enjoy.

Never Say Goodbye by Jenna Byrnes

Never Say Goodbye by Jenna Byrnes
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (55 pgs)
Other: M/M, Multiple Partners
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by Zinnia

Damien Hall has never done an honest day's work in his life. On his own from a young age, his street wiles got him by until he ended up in Corcoran State Prison for theft. Five years later, he's moved in with a man who only wants him for one thing, nightly hot sex. But he's off the streets, and Damien thinks the trade-off is worth it.

Travis Slater wrangles horses for a living, and wants to wrangle Damien in his off hours. He sees potential in the man who suffers from extremely low self esteem, and quickly falls in love with him. He hopes to take Damien and leave, knowing they can make their own way in the world.

Damien isn't so sure, and is terrified at the thought of being homeless again. When his employer admits the real reason Damien was hired, it's decision time. Do what's easy or do what's right? Only Damien can decide.

Damien Hall’s naiveté in trusting Charles, a man who uses him as a sex toy, is the mark of a desperately seeking soul. Damien’s first goal in life seems to be having a roof over his head and food to eat. If he pays for it with sex, hey, it’s not like he doesn’t excel at work he enjoys.

As tough as the protagonist tries to be, the street kid who just wants to be loved keeps popping through—and that’s what makes this short read, by Jenna Byrnes, work. On his own from a young age, all of Damien’s street wiles have gotten him nothing but a stretch in Corcoran State Prison for theft. Five years later, out of jail, with the stigma of being an ex-con, he believes that he has only one sellable skill—and the reader is definitely convinced that he excels in this area as Damien gives and receives rough, satisfying sex.

Author Jenna Byrnes has taken 55 pages and created a memorable story that leaves one pondering the inequities of life, the harsh trade-offs one might embrace to survive, and why it is that male on male sex is totally arousing.

If the story has any weakness, it would be the bothersome dialogue between Damien and his new lover. The conversations were cliché; discussions between Damien and Travis Slater seemed more like two awkward teens first meeting, than lusty adult males. But, the robust sexual content was definitely enough to forgive the forgettable chit-chat.

Jenna Byrnes has written a short story with a hot, tightly constructed plot, clean editing and an easy to read style. Never Say Goodbye, will tease all of your senses, not just your libido. All things considered, it is a very satisfying read and this reviewer anticipates enjoying future books by Ms. Byrnes.

Tally’s Gift by Elle Amery

Tally’s Gift by Elle Amery
Publisher: Ravenous Romance
Length: Full Length (177 pgs)
Genre: Contemporary
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by Holly

Tally Bennett's always been a giver, Brett Huntsman's always been a player. When Brett has a snowboarding accident and can't use his hands, Tally's happy to help him out-in more ways than one-but for one night and one night only.

Then Tally is asked for one more favor: take care of egotistical rich boy Brett while his broken bones heal. She just started developing her new bath and body line, Naughty Body-how is she supposed to find the time to take care of Brett and deal with his latest request: that they indulge in a six-week sex fest?

Brett always gets what he wants, and he wants sex with Tally. But a sex fest with lush, earthy Tally affects Brett in a way he never saw coming, and he's just discovered the one thing money can't buy-Tally's heart.

Can a self-centered rich boy and a self-made country girl come to learn the true meaning of giving before their differences rip them apart?

Can a small town budding entrepreneur find happiness with a rich and handsome playboy? Does she even want to? Can a playboy see behind a façade of a woman he’s known most of his life and find the inner beauty hidden from everyone? These questions and more can be answered in Tally’s Gift, the third book of Elle Amery’s Quartzton books.

Tally Bennett is beginning her new career as an entrepreneur, with her line of sensual bath and body products when her best friend Sophie calls from New York and asks her to visit her brother Brett in the hospital.

Spoiled rich boy Brett is used to having his way, with life as well as with women. But after a snowboarding accident, he is sidelined in the hospital and can barely care for himself. He gets his way where Tally is concerned and they both think that's the end of it.

Unfortunately, Sophie can’t come back to help care for her brother as planned, and asks Tally to let him stay with her for the time it will take for Brett to heal. Against her better judgement, Tally agrees to let him stay at her house. She quickly sets up ground rules of no sex between them while he is there. This becomes difficult early on and after one really difficult night of avoidance, the ground rules change. They make an agreement to have a six-week “sex fest” after which they will go their separate ways, no strings attached. But, can Tally and Brett remain friends with benefits and then go their separate ways with no regrets? The answers are in Tally’s Gift, and it is well worth reading.

Elle Amery has a talent for writing well-rounded characters, people that we can recognize as someone we may know or want to know. I loved the idea that Tally was her own person, not some cookie cutter heroine. She is eccentric, and just imperfect enough to be any woman. Tally is honest, with herself as well as with others.

Ms. Amery gives us situations of real depth and I find myself hoping to revisit Quartzton California again sometime in the future. With Tally’s Gift, she has actually gifted us with an excellent story of passion and love, and someone who feels like a friend. I would recommend that all three of the Quartzton books be a part of anyone’s library, but most especially Tally’s Gift.

Wanderlust by KyAnn Waters

Wanderlust by KyAnn Waters
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short (146 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: Best Book
Review by Wisteria

The world is waiting for her…and he’s waited long enough.

Meg Snow is having hot and wild sex with Cory Traven…in her dreams.

Four years ago he had his chance for a relationship with her. Instead, he joined the military, leaving her to endure Milcott, South Dakota on her own. Now it’s her turn for adventure and a chance to banish those erotic Cory fantasies once and for all—on a singles cruise to Jamaica.

Cory has come home for what he’d denied himself four years before. Meg. But she’s made it clear she wants anyone except him. There’s only one way to show her that what she wants and what she needs are two different things. How? Storm the beaches of Jamaica. Infiltrate his way into her bed. Breach the walls of her heart.

And show her that paradise is not in the Caribbean, but in his arms.

Warning: This title contains scorching sex on the beach, in the shower, in bed, and against a wall. A hot hero with a wicked tongue who goes after what he wants and a heroine who gives it to him…again, and again and again.

Meg Snow has always had a thing for her best friend and now neighbor, Cory Traven. But she has no desire to be stuck in a one horse town for the rest of her life. She wants to travel and see the world, have adventure and be wild. When a snafoo lands her on a singles cruise that isn’t exactly what she had in mind, she needs Cory’s help to get home. Sparks fly when the duo spend time on a tropical paradise together, well away from the drab life they knew in South Dakota.

HOLY MOLY!!!!! Not only is this creation filled with hot, steamy, I-want-to-be-her love scenes, but I laughed so hard in spots I thought I was going to embarrass myself! The secondary characters were memorable and added a wonderful layer to the ongoing story between Meg and Cory. I found the realism of the characters, both H/H and the secondaries, refreshing. A totally believable and entertaining plot that has me giving a standing ovation to Ms Waters.

Rest assured that THIS reviewer will be jumping over to Ms. Waters' website to snap up more of her work. If the rest are anything even remotely as fabulous as this one, she has earned herself a new fan and a BEST BOOK rating by me. From the bottom of my heart--and laugh box--I urge you to take a peek at this story. It will, no doubt be as memorable for you as it was for me. A definite keeper I plan to re-read in the future. Thank goodness it’s e-book, or I would probably wear out the binding and have pages falling out!

Beef Cake by Kris Eton

Beef Cake by Kris Eton
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand Publishing, Siren
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (60 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by Mistletoe

If you bake it, he will come.

Naomi Keller receives a mysterious cookbook on her doorstep. Bake a cake, and a hot, sexy man arrives at your door, ready for action. But there's a catch, not every recipe is a winner and she has to act fast before the right one slips through her fingers. Can Naomi find true love in a cookbook? She'll have to find out, one recipe at a time.

"The idea for BEEF CAKE came to me over a year ago. I wanted to write something fun and sexy, and because I love to bake, the plot was a natural. When I brainstormed about which cakes Naomi would use, it was so much fun coming up with men who fit the recipe's name!" ~Kris~

Imagine baking a cake and finding your true love. Now who would not want that? Food and love all in one? It gives a new meaning to the saying have your cake and eat it too! I know I certainly would not mind trying a few recipes out myself.

When Naomi Keller receives her grandmother’s old cookbook, the mayhem begins. With her feisty roommate to encourage her, Naomi begins the ride of her life: trying different recipes to find that special one.

With a whole cookbook of cakes to try you can just imagine the fun that ensues. Can Naomi choose the right recipe? She must read through the book carefully. A few mishaps and recipes later has she finally found the right one? Naomi hopes and trusts she will make the right decision and has the reader rooting for her as well.

This was a fast paced story filled with lots of spice and a little bit of humor mixed in. It was a great read and very interesting concept. What a new twist on an old adage!

Getting It In The End by G.A. Hauser

Getting It In The End by G.A. HAUSER
Publisher: Linden Bay Romance, LLC
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (227 pgs
Other: BDSM, M/M, M/M/M/M
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by Magnolia

Too much is never enough, especially in LA.

Action! Book 3

In Los Angeles, where everyone is a ten, Mark Antonious Richfield is an eleven. Too gorgeous for anyone’s good. Externally flawless, but inside? That’s another matter.

He’s been an almost-husband. Been swept off his feet by an ex-cop. Seduced by two young, handsome TV stars. But who is he? He’s looking for the answer to that question himself. All he’s sure of is that he loves too much and craves love in return. Desperately. To the point of testing his current relationship to the limit.

Then a look back at one freeze-frame moment reminds Mark of the love he could have had—and threw away.

Years ago, Jack stood patiently by, madly in love, until Mark broke his heart one too many times. Eventually Jack moved on, but now Mark is back, begging for one more chance. And Jack can’t help but crave him, even if it means sacrificing the peace he’s found with another man.

Out of this quagmire of love and lust, only one picture is crystal clear: Mark wants it all. And what Mark wants, he goes for with his whole heart, whatever the cost.

Warning! These books contain unthinkable acts of forbidden sensual passion and hot, wild bouts of unbridled sex between men and men, and more men, sure to shock you or drive you wild.

Gorgeous, hot, sexy, and seriously in need of a shrink, Mark Richfield has just a few problems. He seems to have it all, the looks, the body, the talent, men and women who fall all over themselves to be near him, and although he seems to be star quality on the outside, he’s a mess inside. This book delves into the psyche of a man raised by an abusive father who made sure Mark knew he was worthless and would never amount to anything. Even though Mark is now a grown man, and his father is long dead, he can’t seem to get past his father’s opinions and hears his father’s words echoing in his mind constantly.

Mark goes from man to man, lover to lover trying to validate himself, trying to convince himself that his father’s words aren’t true, but Mark screws up every relationship and opportunity he has. He is haunted by the demons of his past, which include ex-lover Jack, who Mark tries to hang on to even though Jack has moved on to a loving and committed relationship with someone else. As a result, Mark is about to screw up his relationship with current live-in lover Steve Miller.

Steve is madly in love with Mark and just the sight of this gorgeous hunk turns Steve into a walking hard-on. But Steve’s love for Mark isn’t just skin-deep. Steve has given his heart and soul to Mark and will do anything it takes to make him happy--even having sex with another couple. Steve wants to have a deep, meaningful relationship with Mark, and even though Mark’s pain is mostly self-inflicted, Steve tries to find a way to reach Mark and help him put his self-loathing and self-destructive ways to rest.

I really liked Steve and I felt sorry for him. There were times when I thought he was just wasting his time and his heart on someone who would never grow up and let the past go. I didn’t think Mark was good enough for Steve and of course, neither did Mark. That seems to be his biggest problem. The more people adore him, the worse he feels about himself because he knows inside that he’s a cheater and he uses people. Yet his need for sex with multiple partners is almost a driving force in proving to himself that he isn’t worthless, but afterwards he feels more worthless than before, and seems to be caught up in this cycle with no end in sight.

I have always liked G.A. Hauser’s work and I think she did a superb job in Getting It In The End. The depth in which she characterizes Mark is wonderful and I think will resonate with many people who have low self-esteem issues. She also writes a great character with Steve, who is the type of person we all need in our lives—the one who will always be there and will love us unconditionally. And of course, the sex is really, really hot! Ms. Hauser writes M/M sex scenes with an insight that makes me wonder if she’s really not a man in disguise! Although I don’t think Getting It In The End is Ms. Hauser’s best work, I certainly wasn’t disappointed and highly recommend putting it in your “I’m gonna read this one next” pile!

The Last Stallion by Christine DePetrillo

The Last Stallion by Christine DePetrillo
Publisher: Whispers Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (75 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by Wisteria

Large animal veterinarian, Cassie Stone, is done with cowboys. It’s her New Year’s resolution after she catches her current rodeo clown in bed with another woman. On her sister’s invite, Cassie heads to New York City where the chance of corralling another cowboy is slim. Or so she thinks.

Blake Mareson is traveling from Louisiana with his four horses. He stops briefly in New York City to make some money, and soon his plans to hide in the quiet woods of Vermont change when he meets Cassie. Her long red hair and sharp green eyes reel him in immediately, but he’s not looking for love. In fact, he’s trying to avoid it in order to protect his secret—a secret he’s sure would send any woman running.

Though Cassie initially sticks to her New Year’s resolution and dismisses Blake, she can’t totally erase the blue of his eyes from her memory. When she sees him again, the pull toward him is too strong to resist. Will Cassie regret ignoring her no cowboy pledge or find the stallion she’s been looking for?

Perhaps she’ll find so much more.

Cassie Stone is tired of cowboys. All the ones she has ever been involved with have burned her and left a bad taste in her mouth. Some time away is just what she needs. A trip to visit her sister in New York sounds like the perfect plan. Far away from Texas and anything that could resemble a cowboy. Her first night in the city she goes out with her sister to a club and what does she find? The only cowboy in New York City. Talk about luck.

Blake Mareson hates modeling, but he needs the money. He and his horses are doing a shoot when he meets Cassie. Something about her calls out to him. He convinces her to give him a chance even though he is a cowboy. These two hit it off and find love in the most unexpected place. The Big Apple

Okay, I have to say that this story was not what I expected, though it was a truly enjoyable read with a paranormal twist. It certainly wasn't your typical shifter story that’s for sure. A good read for anyone who loves short stories, cowboys and horses. The author definitely used her imagination to really deliver a unique story that will leave you feeling fulfilled after you finish.

The editing was clean and the plot good. It had a good twist I didn’t see coming. Congrats Ms DePetrillo, I am looking forward to reading more of your work.

Crossroads by Keta Diablo

Crossroads by Keta Diablo
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (73 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/M, Forced Seduction
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by Magnolia

Handsome ex-cop Frank McGuire is on a quest to locate his dead partner's missing son. Rand Brennan has an identity issue, exercabated since the death of his father. Hoping to find himself, Rand drops out of college, takes to the streets, and doesn't realize he's embroiled in duplicity and murder. In order to save Rand, Frank must confront the nefarious killers and...confront his long-suppressed feelings for Rand.

Elements: scenes of intense sexual activity

Frank McGuire communes with the dead, which comes in handy since he’s a Private Detective who has just been asked to help with The Black Rail case. Seven young women are dead and the police don’t have a lot to go on, so they’re counting on ex-cop Frank to give them at least a clue.

When Frank’s partner died in his arms life changed, not only for him but for his partner’s wife, Emily, and for their children. Now Emily’s son, Rand, is missing and she’s looking to Frank to find him. The only problem Frank has is that he’s always been attracted to Rand. Once he tracks Rand down and the teenage boy he remembers is now a muscular and gorgeous man of twenty-two, Frank’s attraction just might get the better of him.

I really enjoyed this story. I like crime stories anyway, but throw in this kind of heat between an ex-cop and a young man in trouble, and the sex reaches new levels. Keta Diablo writes a wonderful crime thriller that delves not into the mind of a killer, but into the mind of a former cop who communes with the dead who help him catch the killer. The author’s knowledge of psychic phenomena transfers to this story with insight and believability. There is just the right amount of suspense and drama, even though the storyline was just a little predictable with the little sister’s involvement with the killer, but doesn’t distract the reader in any way.

I recommend this short story for anyone who is looking for a walk on the dark side.

Send 'Em Packing by Hannah Beckham

Send 'Em Packing by Hannah Beckham
Publisher: Changeling Press, LLC
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery, Shapeshifter
Length: Full Length (232 pgs)
Other: M/F, M/F/M, Menage
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by Magnolia

Maya Eddings is six feet tall, a black belt in tae kwon do, proficient with handguns, and an empath who runs her own private security firm in Kansas City. Her life couldn't be better, with the exception of two men who each want her to be exclusively theirs.

Matt Brewer, legal investigator and werewolf, wants Maya to be his life mate, but while she likes a little tail, actually growing one isn't all that appealing to her. Stephen Daniels, architect and part incubus demon, wants Maya too -- body and soul. But he's willing to settle on her body -- for now.

With two hunkalicous men fighting for her attention, mysteries to solve, bad guys to shoot, and a secret past that will rock her world, Maya's beginning to feel she's bitten off more than she can shoot.

Publisher's Note: This collection contains the three previously released novellas Packing Heat, Packing for Three, and Packing Up.

Maya Eddings has all the makings of someone you don’t want to piss off. She’s ex-Army, a martial arts expert, and she’s six feet of stealth and muscle. Not to mention she packs a 9mm pistol. And did I mention she’s also an empath? All of this makes her perfect for her job as a bodyguard. There are just a couple of problems: a werewolf named Stephen and an incubus demon named Matt. Both men are hot, or hunkalicous, as Maya would say, and she wouldn’t mind a tumble with either, or both, but settle down with just one? Ain’t no way! Though Stephen and Matt might argue that point.

This was one of the most enjoyable reads I’ve had in a long time. Well written with humor and sass, this story draws you in, holds on tight, and doesn’t let go till you’ve read the last word. The author combines elements from several genres, which I just love, and brings them together for a really good, really hot read.

The sex is also really, really smokin’ hot from the first scene with Matt, who tries to explain to horny Maya that he’s seeing someone else. Maya couldn’t be less concerned as she explains, “See her, fuck me,” and continues this way right on through the book to the very end with a threesome. But what I like about the story more than the hot freaking sex, and I really liked the hot freaking sex, was that the plotline and characters could actually hold their own even if there hadn’t been graphic sex. (Though I would like to thank the author for including it!)

Hannah Beckham provides a rollicking, frolicking, licking good time that will keep you engrossed all the way through. Put down what you’re reading now and pick up this book!

Whom Gods Have Favored by Denyse Bridger

Whom Gods Have Favored by Denyse Bridger
Publisher: Absolute X-Press
Genre: Paranormal, Historical
Length: Short (60 pages)
Other: M/F
Book/Cherry Rating: 3.5
Review by Wild Plum

Pompeii lies complacent and decadent in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, the populace thriving on their depravity and their hunger for blood and Games. Within the elite aristocracy, games of another type are being played, deadly secrets are a threat to more than status, and conspiracy is a way of life for those who are unhappy.

Lucius has long been exalted as a warrior without peer. Adored and covetted by men and women alike, he is blind to the plots that are thickening around him. While total control is his on the bloody fields of war, on the battlefield of the heart, as he is about to discover, even the strongest man can be deceived by his ignorance.

Watching over it all is the majesty of Vesuvius, sputtering smoke, promising retribution. In the midst of the looming destruction, an ancient evil emerges, and will claim not only a celebrated general of Rome, but the slave girl he has slowly grown to love and cherish. A girl who will follow him into hell itself?

I love Denyse Bridger’s style of writing: she has a unique voice. I have to say that this book is a different read for me to begin with, so I wasn’t sure how well I would like it. But I quickly lost myself in the pages of her story.

My fondest wish for this story was that it had been somewhat longer and had had more to do about vampires. I didn’t really realize it was even about vampires until halfway through the book. I’m not sure if Lucius is a vampire or not, since there is no scene of him biting Xina, or anyone for that matter. But Lucius’s son is a vampire, but this really wasn't thoroughly addressed, and there is very little going on with that aspect of the story.

If you're looking for heat, however, you'll find it in this story. The love scenes between Lucius and Xina are explicit. There were a few scenes that made me a bit uncomfortable, such as one of the first scenes between Lucius and Xina: they are engaging in something rather intimate, but Lucius’ son walks in and they have a casual conversation as if nothing is going on. Another disturbing scene for me was when, again, Lucius and Xina are engaged in sex, and Lucius’ son walks in with his current fling and they all four have sex in front of one another. These two scenes just didn't seem normal to me, not with it involving a father and son. I think, for me, if it had been two men who weren’t so closely related, it wouldn’t have been as uncomfortable.

I have to point out the amazing cover of this book. I really loved it -- so stunning. Despite my discomfort with some aspects of this story, I must say that Denyse Bridger is one of the authors I have on my must-buy list, because of her style and the strength she gives her characters.

Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen

Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen
Publisher: Lethe Press
Genre: Historical (WWI)
Length: Full Length (333 pgs)
Other: M/M (Note: NON-erotic)
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by Phlox

New York, 1919. His career as a concert pianist ended by a war injury, Sutton Albright returns to college, only to be expelled after an affair with a teacher. Unable to face his family, he heads to New York with no plans and little money, only a desire to call his life his own. Jack Bailey's life has changed as well. After losing his parents in the influenza epidemic, he hopes to save their beloved novelty shop, now his, by advertising on the radio, barely more than a novelty, itself. Sutton lands work in Jack's corner of the city and the two conclude they couldn't be less suited for friendship. But when Sutton loses his job, Jack gives him a place to stay. Sutton returns to the piano to play for Jack and finds the intervening months have healed him. The program promises to rescue Jack's business and Sutton's career... but success brings its own risks for two men falling in love.

Whistling in the Dark is not an erotic tale but a traditional romance in every sense of the word but one. Certainly, there are moments of sensuality, some lovely kisses, some handholding, even (oh, my!) some naked snuggling, but the actual consummation is implied or accomplished off scene.

On to the story – Jack and Sutton are both suffering from the damage done on the front lines of WWI. Sutton returns home to a family who can’t accept him and an injury he has been led to believe signals the death of his career as a concert pianist. His impulsive move to New York, with little money and no prospects, is his answer to the gray, despairing life of a respectable marriage and a dull, corporate job his family wants for him. They believe his homosexuality is an illness brought on by the horrors of war. Jack has come home with a case of shell shock (we’d call it PTSD today) so horrific the little sleep he gets is haunted by shaking nightmares and flashbacks. Oh, and by the way, Jack, sorry it was so awful for you but we have some more bad news, both of your parents died in the flu epidemic while you were in France. These poor boys- the reader knows they need each other, despite the vast differences in their backgrounds and upbringing. Well-rounded, fully formed main characters are a must and these two fit the bill. Add to that a cast of fun, quirky supporting characters and one can’t help be drawn in and held fast.

I often hesitate to read historic romance because of all the possible ways one can be jarred out of the story. A bit of tech that doesn’t belong, dialogue that doesn’t ring true for the times, attitudes or objects that don’t fit the period show up altogether too frequently. Allen, however, has the era down. She either loves this period enough to immerse herself in it or she is somewhere over a hundred years old and lived through it. Cars, music, the impending specter of prohibition, the laws and attitudes surrounding homosexuality, the rise of radio, the clothes, the language, she’s managed it all but only as necessary to the story and never as a history lesson. The only real issue I had with the story was the bit of a slow start after the initial scenes of Sutton’s visit to the police station. Even the issue of Sutton’s dialogue, which struck me as oddly stilted at first, was quickly cleared up as his privileged, sheltered background is revealed.

Read the book and you will, unless you’ve had your heart removed, fall in love with Jack and Sutton, with the neighborhood, and the times. It’s not often that I think about characters after I’ve finished but once in a while a story comes along that tugs at all the right heart strings. I won’t give the ending away, of course, but I will tell you I’m still humming a certain song to myself as I go about my days. You’ll know it when you get there.

Penetrating the Darkness by Shiela Stewart

Penetrating the Darkness by Shiela Stewart
Publisher: Linden Bay Romance
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (227 pgs)
Other: M/F, Voyeurism
Rating: 5 Cherries
Review by Tiger Lily

Even in the darkest hour, love can light the way.

The Darkness, Book 6

Felicity Hawthorne is finally waking up—literally. Everything about her sheltered life in the Land of Mystics has been a lie, including the whopper that her natural mother is evil. Determined to find the truth, she breaks free…and touches down in the middle of stark, cold Jacob’s Cove, surrounded by a pack of bloodthirsty demons.

Dusty Ryder didn’t ask to be turned into a vampire. Even now, on the brink of his unwilling initiation, he is looking for a way out. A reprieve comes in the form of a dark-haired goddess whose beauty drives him to rescue her from his new “family”. Except she’s not quite as helpless as she looks.

As they embark on a journey of self-discovery, they uncover more secrets that bring Felicity face to face with her forgotten past—and make Dusty wonder if he’s gotten in over his head. But it’s too late. Now that he’s had her in his arms, he can’t bring himself to let her go.

Until Chaos rains down on them, threatening to end it all.

She’s never been on her own in the outside world. He’s never fit in with the outside world. When they collide, sparks fly and inhibitions disappear. So it goes when Penetrating the Darkness.

The last book of the Darkness Series by Shiela Stewart is a great finale. Her word remains crisp and the characters interesting. The scenes are rich with passion and intrigue.

I liked that the main characters, Dusty and Felicity were innocents. Both suffered through terrible atrocities, yet managed to hold on to their virtue. Dusty wanted to be human. He craved the life he once had. Who doesn’t feel that way when they receive devastating news, such as an illness or the loss of a job? We can identify and that makes this story powerful. We can stand in their shoes.

I liked that the characters from the previous story came back. As each story took place, I felt a kinship with them and liked seeing where they were.

By the end of the story, I felt like I went through the journey with them and was about to walk away from good friends. Great stories make you feel that way.

If you want a sexy story with unique characters, then read Penetrating the Darkness. If you want to read more, then grab a copy of the Darkness Series. I give Penetrating the Darkness 5 cherries. Well done.

My Sun Your Shadow by Suzannah Safi

My Sun Your Shadow by Suzannah Safi
Publisher: Mystic Moon Press
Genre: Paranormal, Contemporary
Length: Short Story (34 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3 Cherries
Review by Wisteria

Cat Mckibben wakes up one night to find herself chained to a bed at the will of a mysterious dark stranger. Yet his allure is more than she can handle as he entices her to follow him down a path of self-revelation and self-indulgence. When given to her fantasies, Cat finds the stranger more powerful than she imagined-and his identity is revealed as Dracula. Set out to take for himself a queen, Dracula informs Cat that her secret heritage makes her the predestined queen. Cat faces a decision-to stay with Dracula and enjoy a vampire's life teeming with sensual bliss, or the alternative fate that awaits her when she wakes up once again in her former nightmarish reality . . .

What would you do if you found yourself chained to a strange bed, with a phantom man lavishing affection on your body in ways you could only ever dream about? That is just what Cat has awakened to. Struggling to make sense of where she is and what is going on, she needs to keep her thoughts together and think clearly even though her captor is giving her very thorough loving.

Aside from sentences with missing words, spelling errors, and overall poor editing (which is what drove the rating on this review down), the story itself wasn’t bad. If you can overlook the errors, you should be able enjoy the story for what it was: an interesting, short paranormal story with hot sex.

I wish the final product had been better edited, as this author is one to watch. I would love to see something else by her. Her imagination is superb, her ability to color a story is commendable and her use of descriptive words in the telling was great. If editing errors don't bother you, and you're a fan of the paranormal, do yourself a favor--grab a copy of this story and dive in.

Tea for Two by Shelley Munro

Tea for Two by Shelley Munro
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (144 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 5 Cherries
Review by Xeranthemum

Lies and secrets have a way of returning to bite a girl in the butt…

Hayley Williams thought she was past the screwing-up stage of her life. These days, she wears her good girl persona well—except when she moonlights as a gypsy tea leaf reader in order to earn money to buy her own home. There’s something about Sam Norville, though, that prods her inner imp back to life. A chance meeting, a margarita…okay, two…a stolen kiss, and suddenly she’s back in hot water.

Sam, a successful businessman, doesn’t believe in love at first sight. Not anymore. For him, involvement with any woman means risking a run-in with the tabloid press. But his mysterious gypsy lover keeps him coming back, keeps him prodding her for more…like the truth. Of course it’s not love. No, sir. Sam only does lust.

Hayley knows she shouldn’t want Sam, especially since she lied to him. The right thing to do? Shove that naughty imp off her shoulder and come clean. But the pesky imp just won’t budge…

Warning: There be lies and secrets ahead, wrapped in pretty bows with margaritas, a one-night stand, fortune telling and a gypsy. Oh, and tea. Lots and lots of pots of tea.

Tea for Two is a wonderful story of seduction in slow sensual degrees. You’ll find yourself wanting to be in Hayley’s place just to experience that perfect moment, when the stars align and fireworks are tame in comparison.

The chemistry between Hayley and Sam is as romantic as a reader could wish. Ms. Munro taps into some of the hype we hear about. You know, “Go with the flow, it’s just sex.” As we all know, that reality is based on TV and tabloids who scream about the casual nature of sex, vilifying and courting it at the same time. For me, Tea for Two shows that cavalier sex isn’t without cost. The cost can be life changing, as in one’s future happiness. Ms. Munro’s story touched the die-hard romantic in me. I thoroughly enjoyed her backwards approach to the happily ever after, and its dynamics of falling in love despite things not being what they seem.

Hayley is delightful in a quirky and utterly charming way. She has dreams and is working hard to get there. I like how Ms. Munro played her off of the secondary character, Suzie. I also appreciated how the author totally sidestepped a worn out cliché of the ditched girlfriend. In fact, I think that whole scene was a class act in and of itself. I also was fascinated by Hayley’s family dynamics. Ms. Munro’s choice of conflict for Hayley was truly a character building event. By the time of the resolution scene I was so pumped for Hayley. Finally, a heroine with a spine!

Sam kept me grinning. There was something about his character that just tickled my funny bone and I totally enjoyed not only him, but his relationship with his family and his detecting skills. Sam could have been written many ways so it was refreshing to find a man who used his head even while fighting the ‘curse’. Sam’s got ‘husband material’ written all over him. Hear me sigh.

A strong point of Ms. Munro’s writing style is her relationships. She does not disappoint and you’ll enjoy each hot and seductive encounter between Sam and Hayley.

Tea for Two is a book I definitely recommend for readers who enjoy upbeat, funny and touching romances between two characters that come to life from the moment you meet them.

A Bid for Love by Michelle Houston

A Bid for Love by Michelle Houston
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (26 pgs)
Other: M/F, BDSM
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by Hibiscus

Erika had thought that Ryan was out of her life, and that she was over him. When they run into each other at an art action, and he outbids her on a painting of her grandmother's, she's willing to do anything to get it from him - including agree to spend 48 hours with him. Her head says at the end of it, she can just walk away. Her heart isn't so sure.

A Bid For Love is a delightfully deceptive story. Being only 26 pages, I did not expect to read a concise, well written story of love lost and then found again but it showed me that looks are deceiving.

The story itself is about a deception that was played by a minor character for her families benefit but that also deceived our heroine. The instrument that brings our main characters together again is a painting by a grandmother. Virginia Gleeson’s paintings were not what one would expect and they were sold off for gambling debts when an uncle deceived his sister and niece and sold them.

The characters of Erika and Ryan were beautifully fleshed out. I found myself caring about them and their individual stories. Ryan Carstairs is Erika’s ex-boyfriend who purchased the painting that she was trying to acquire at an auction. I loved that the painting itself was of the two of them. He sees his opportunity to acquire more when he offers the painting to Erika in exchange for 48 hours of her being his slave. I could tell that he really cared about Erika’s feelings when he stopped his games.

The way the past break up was explained was done in an ingenious way. I could not be mad at either Ryan or Erika. The well written plot and emotional dialog had me glued to my chair to see what occured next. A Bid For Love is another fantastic story by Ms. Houston that I highly recommend reading.

Fortune’s Chance by Karen Erickson

Fortune’s Chance by Karen Erickson
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (125 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by Stephanotis

Money can’t buy love. But it might just buy a second chance…

A Fortune story.

Lauren Tollson can’t believe it. She’s just run into her old flame—in a sex club, of all places. Since winning a huge lottery jackpot, she’s not big on trusting any man’s motives. But David Fairfield could be just what she needs to satisfy that nagging little urge. At least temporarily.

Once, long ago, David made the biggest mistake of his life by letting Lauren slip away. Now that he has her back in his life, he’s not going to let her go. Ever. He’s older now. Wiser. Or at least he’s trying to be.

If Lauren becomes wise to his secret, though, it could ruin any chance she’ll see him as anything other than a freeloader—not the forever kind of man she deserves.

Part of the Fortune series with Fortune’s Deception and Fortune’s Promise.

Warning: Lots of sexy hot lovin’ that might set you afire. Read at your own risk!

This might not be a problem for most of us but for Lauren Tollson it’s a major headache. She’s 30 years old and just a year ago she won the lottery. These days as she describes it ‘she’s rich beyond her wildest dreams’. But winning isn’t everything because she’s bored, lonely and wishes she could meet a man who doesn’t care about her money.

When the book opens she’s out on the town with her best friends celebrating her birthday when a man creeps up behind her on the dance floor. She thinks she’s found the perfect man to spend the night with, well, that is until she turns around and discovers it’s David Fairfield, her ex-boyfriend who she’d hoped she’d never see again. But there’s an upside to running into him. He hasn’t heard she’s now a millionaire. So Lauren thinks she’ll spend the night with him and then send him on his way. The problem is he kisses her the following morning and everything changes. She’s really in love with him; he’s really in love with her.

This book is part of The Fortune’s Chance series and after reading it, I’ll be checking out the rest of the titles. I loved the characters because they seemed like people I know. Mostly because the author gave them problems we all face, like should we trust someone’s who’s previously hurt us? And the dialogue is very natural sounding which makes it seem like you’re eavesdropping on a real conversation. It’s an enjoyable book and I’ll definitely be looking out for more titles by this author.