Brazen Seduction by Morgan Ashbury

Brazen Seduction by Morgan Ashbury
Publisher: Siren Publishing, Inc.
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary
Length: Full Length (199 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/F/M, Ménage, Anal Play, Toys, Fisting, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Mistletoe

Molly Durant has been in love with Richard Grant since she was a teen. Richard has always treated her as a kid, but she’s never given up hope that he would someday notice her and claim her as his own. Then Molly met Alan Zimmerman and felt an identical kick to her lust-o-meter that Richard inspired. When she discovered the two men were D/s and members of a certain club, Molly planned a most Brazen Seduction.

Richard has always told himself his best friend’s baby sister, Molly, is off limits. When Molly appears at Reckless Abandon, a submissive to be auctioned to the highest bidder, Richard knows he must win her.

But another wants Molly and believes she was meant to be his sex slave. And he will stop at nothing until he has her exactly where he wants her.

Will Richard and Alan claim Molly as their mate, or will time run out?

Molly Durant is taking the chance of a lifetime. With the help of her dear friends Marcus and Jordan she puts herself up as a sub for auction at Jordan’s BDSM club in the hopes that Richard Grant will bid on and win her. She has always loved Richard and hopes with this bold and daring move Richard will finally see her as more than his friend's little sister.

In the midst of all this another has become enamored with Molly and at believes that she is destined to be his sex slave. Will Molly be able to get Richard and his lover, Alan to not only accept but to love her? Is Molly safe from the one who is obsessed with her and longs to claim her?

Morgan Ashbury writes an intriguing and engaging story. I was hooked from the first page. Molly is a strong woman who sees a chance to get what she wants and grabs it with both hands. Richard is a great Dom; he understands the wants and needs of his subs and does not hesitate to give them what they need.

The relationship between Richard and Alan is a strong and secure one. Seeing the love they share and them wanting to share it with Molly was a great read. As the three of them make their connections physically and emotionally the reader can feel the love. The author paints a beautiful picture of their special bond.

Not only does the story revolve around the cementing of the relationship between these three we see their lives at work and we meet the man obsessed with Molly and his strange behavior. With a good plot and well developed characters full of depth and emotion this book should not be missed.

Make A Wish And Blow by Christina James

Make A Wish And Blow by Christina James
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (204 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Spanking
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Reviewed by Fern


Birthday wishes really can come true—just make a wish and blow.

Daren Hughes has been tortured by his desire to have hot, kinky, wild sex with his best friend, Cassandra. So when he turns her across his knee for a bare-handed birthday spanking, she squirms but doesn’t demand that he stop, awakening his darkest desires. Daren hopes that by introducing Cassandra to bondage and spanking, she will embrace her submissive side and satisfy his Dominant hunger. But Daren never expects Cassandra's sexual appetite to match his own.

Cassandra Wright has been in love with Daren forever. So when he proposes they be "friends with benefits" and plans a weekend to explore their sexual attraction, how can Cassandra refuse? Even if he can’t give her the happily-ever-after-love she craves. But will Cassandra and Daren’s weekend of sexual bliss destroy the one thing that means the most to them…their friendship?

When Daren shows up at Cassandra’s door on her birthday, he brings cake, a promise to show her a fantastic night on the town, and a little something extra. Best-friends for years, they’ve each harbored a secret attraction to the other. It’s not until Daren takes that first step via a birthday spanking that they explore their desires. As a Dom, Daren wants Cassandra’s absolute submission. While Cass, eager to explore the darker side of sexuality, is intrigued and excited by the offer. A weekend away allows them to explore and share their fantasies, but can Daren convince Cass there is more than sex that exists between them? Can he claim her body, mind, and soul?

Making A Wish and Blow is a sizzling hot story with oodles of heat. From the start, you get the chemistry and the sexual tension that has been brewing between the characters. Their friendship adds depth, while their attraction fans the flames. The only issue I had with the story is Cassandra’s determination to keep Daren at an arm’s length, convinced that he only wants sex and will leave when the novelty wears. Considering their long-standing friendship, it felt odd that she could trust him so readily with BDSM style sex and her safety, but didn’t trust him to be honest about his feelings. Of course, her hesitancy does add some conflict, which works, but I had a difficult time understanding her motivations and fears.

Aside from this, however, the story is wonderful and entertains from start to finish. The writing is fantastic, allowing you to experience the intense longing Daren and Cass feel for one another, while the sex scenes blister. Each encounter is surpassed by the next, and I couldn’t wait to see how Ms. James kicked it up a notch. You’ll writhe like mad and fan yourself uncontrollably while reading this naughty and delightful erotic romance, and you’ll enjoy every wicked moment of it. This is the kind of story that increases the heart rate and keeps you coming back for more.

If you’re looking for a book that will spice things up, Make A Wish and Blow.

A Wolf By Any Other Name by Kate Douglas

A Wolf By Any Other Name by Kate Douglas
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (106 pgs)
Other: M/F, F/M/F, Anal Sex/Play
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Reviewed by Holly

Three men and a leprechaun? When Dermot, Greg and Zev meet at the wedding of a past lover, a little green guy offers each man a golden opportunity to possess his greatest desire. Unfortunately, figuring out what that greatest desire amounts to isn’t as easy as it sounds.

When computer nerd Zevulan Cable awakens in a dungeon, bare-ass naked, chained to a bed as gorgeous, identical-twin witches have their sensual way with his body, he figures he’s found his greatest desire, just as the leprechaun promised. Then why is the tiny, sexless woodsprite the one who captures his heart? And how can he explain his growing need to howl at the moon?

Would you want your heart’s desire? What if your heart’s desire wasn’t what you expected it to be? Zevulan Cable is a geek: a computer nerd if you will, who thinks he wants beautiful women at his beck and call. Until a chance encounter with a leprechaun in the Irish countryside puts him in a whole new frame of mind. Chained to a bed, at the mercy of two gorgeous witches, Zev quickly learns more about his desires and himself than he ever knew. Can Zev accept what he learns about himself and move on with his life? And will he act on his attraction to the wood sprite that is being held captive by the same witches?

I love Kate Douglas’ characters. They are all richly detailed, and surprisingly real. This story was a fun read for me, and I giggled at the predicament that Zev ended up in. I also loved the premise that we really don’t know what our heart’s desire is until we achieve it.

Fern is a wood sprite, but has always felt a bit different. Essentially sexless, she nonetheless has “feelings” and when she meets Zev, she wants more.

If there is a message here, it would be to be careful what you wish for. I recommend this for those who want a magical romance with special twists and surprises.

Dawg Town: First Snow by Selena Illyria

Dawg Town: First Snow by Selena Illyria
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (36 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3 cherries
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

Robbie's a prairie dog shifter... Kitty's a Scottish Terrier shifter. They've been friends since they were toddlers, and lovers since high school. Unfortunately, when their parents, who used to be best friends, had a fight, Robbie and Kitty became the Romeo and Juliet of Barkus, Kansas.

They've been hiding their love affair for years. Now Kitty's decided she's had enough. It's time to put up or move out. Robbie's off to tell his parents and has now returned to claim his mate.

Romeo and Juliet for the shifter set.

I like a love story where the love is damned. The whole idea of lust on the run and slick sideways glances at the object of your affection is exciting and sexy. If that’s your idea of hot, then this book doesn’t disappoint.

The Dawg Town is a great series of books to get involved with. The characters are vibrant and the plot lines complex. With First Snow, we meet Robbie and Kitty. Robbie is a biker and prairie dog shifter. He’s loyal to the woman he loves, but he’s not perfect. What reader can’t relate to an imperfect man? But you have to give him his dues; he’s devoted and in love with Kitty—despite what everyone might say. I liked his determination and hated his means by which he dealt with his issues. At the same time, he grew through the story, making him my favorite character.

Kitty is the Juliet in this story. She’s not supposed to be in love with Robbie and his leaving shattered her. I liked her strength and her need to move on, but there were times when she came across a bit terse. I wasn’t real fond of her for a good portion of the story. I understand she’s hurt, but her blunt attitude didn’t win her any points with me.

But the sex scenes sizzle and the climax of the story is worth the read. You really want to see these two get together and stay together.

If you want a book that’s chock full of memorable characters and steamy sex, then you need to read First Snow. I give this story 3 cherries.

Hungry for Your Love: An Anthology of Zombie Romance Edited by Lori Perkins

Hungry for Your Love: An Anthology of Zombie Romance Edited by Lori Perkins
Publisher: Ravenous Romance
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Full Length (340 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3.5 cherries
Reviewed by Phlox

In the pages of HUNGRY FOR YOUR LOVE, the very first zombie romance anthology ever, you'll find romantic stories about loving a zombie, love stories between zombies and a tale of love and lust during the zombie Apocalypse. There are funny zombie stories, a zombie story that will make you cry, and even a few that might make you blush. We have zombie noir and zombie paranormal romance. You will be amazed at the scope of zombie lovin'. There's something for everyone in this star-studded collection, including stories by New York Times best-selling authors John Skipp (writing as Gina McQueen) and Brian Keene.

The best part about themed anthologies is the challenge it creates for the authors to stay within the theme set before them and I can’t think of any greater challenge than creating short stories about Zombie Romance. The sheer, wonderful weirdness of the concept attracted me. There are some incredible stories in this anthology, which I wish I could have rated separately, but essentially the stories fall into several main categories: the zombie apocalypse, zombies among us, zombies integrated into society, zombie as human love interest, and the traditional Caribbean stolen-soul zombie. I’m going to try to pick the best of each group here.

As a disclaimer, I want to mention that I think I may not have had the final version of this anthology. Some editing still seems to be missing. No cover art was included (which disappointed me, I truly wanted to see that!) and there are far more stories here than in most anthologies, with twenty-one stories. A more selective picking and choosing would have alleviated some of the feeling of repetition and would have made a tighter, more compelling group of stories. As it stands, the reader will be hard-pressed to remember all of them.

Of the zombie apocalypse stories, unfortunately, many followed too-familiar paths. There have been so many movies and books on the theme that, by now, the sub-genre has fallen into predictable patterns, clichés that are a bit too well worn. There was one exception:

Last Times at Ridgemont High by San Francisco resident Kilt Kilpatrick. Kilpatrick revels in taking bits of pop culture and twisting them into pretzels, and this darkly funny story is pressed from that mold. With a non-traditional but resourceful hero, a high school full of zombies (who were just as dangerous to our hero before the apocalypse erupted) and a non-traditional romance, which is definitely not the one the reader expects, this is a roller-coaster romp through the necessary elements of the genre.

In the ‘zombies among us’ group are the stories that contain zombies as an agent of menace, but not to apocalyptic levels. Some of these were too dark to be called romances, others simply failed to say much new or intriguing. There were some gems here, as well, though:

Inhuman Resources by Jeanine McAdam plays upon the feeling many office workers have of feeling like inhuman zombies stuffed into grey boxes, and takes it to its extreme conclusion, turning the office workers at this insurance agency into actual zombies. Darkly funny, with an interesting budding romance to boot.

Some New Blood by Vanessa Vaughn isn’t dark comedy as much as it is dark irony. I won’t give anything away except to say it’s beautifully paced and written in such a way that the reader is led from one thing to the next with growing anticipation, and then left chuckling at the end and feeling very guilty about it.

The ‘zombie as human love interest’ grouping had authors making some of the most interesting choices. When it’s all said and done, this is the hardest route to take. Love with a zombie just sounds icky, but with some adjustments in mythos and world building, several proved it could be done well.

Later by Michael Marshall Smith – Perhaps the most poignant story in the collection, this one is simple: a tale of deathless love and acceptance of one’s mate no matter what happens. Well-written and bittersweet, this was an excellent choice to end the collection. Always end an anthology on a strong story.

I Heart Brains by Jaime Saare – The hero isn’t technically a zombie by the story’s end, though not technically living his original life either, but this is a solution that was original and worked for me. With sympathetic characters and engaging dialogue, I was more than willing to suspend a bit of disbelief here.

Through Death to Love – Another sweet zombie tale (I can’t believe I just said that) where the relationship is one I would never have considered: zombie and his speech therapist. In the end, it’s a short, well-constructed piece about a sweet soul trying to adapt to a world in which he doesn’t quite fit in. Which of us can’t identify, or at least empathize, with that?

Of the zombies as part of society group, there were two outstanding, very different pieces:

Revenants Anonymous by Francesa Lia Block – Part tongue-in-cheek irony, part cautionary tale, part true romance, this story about two people who meet at an RA meeting says as much about modern life as it does about zombies. Letting one drab day melt into another, walling ourselves off emotionally, never reaching outside ourselves, we may all be going to RA meetings soon.

Eye of the Beholder by Stacey Graham – At first glance merely a black humor piece about two people who are, quite literally, falling apart. There is an underlying message regarding what love is willing to accept even when society is not that I found quite touching.

Finally, we have the traditional zombie, where a sorcerer has stolen the person’s soul. There are only two stories I can place here, but I enjoyed both of them:

Undying Love by Regina Riley – Not quite traditional, since the zombie’s heart has been cut out and held by the sorcerer rather than just his soul, but without it, he can’t die. The story unfolds for us slowly, why this happened to him and the terrible consequences of his actions. A poignant and beautiful story told through the eyes of a cynical young woman who finds that, perhaps, she’s not as cynical as she thought.

White Knight, Black Horse by Mercy Loomis – The only true traditional zombie story in the collection, in the sense that it concerns the old practices, complete with the loa and bokors. This is an immersive and exciting story told from the zombie’s POV, a young man who abandoned his training as a houngan, a voodoo priest, for the lights of the big city. The narrator’s voice is so consistent, the telling so beautifully done, that the reader feels in the moment with the characters. This was my favorite story in the collection, no question.

The answer to the question, can zombie romance work? Yes, in the hands of some inventive, imaginative authors, it can. I know, it sounds rather grotesque at first, but some of the solutions writers have devised and some of the plot lines contained in this anthology have made me a believer. Give zombies a chance.

Kaydana and the Dragon Prince by Nyki Blatchley

Kaydana and the Dragon Prince by Nyki Blatchley
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (50 pgs)
Other: M/F, F/F, F/F/F, BDSM
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Reviewed by Holly

It takes a dragon to rescue a princess

After Princess Atto is kidnapped, the king offers her hand in marriage to the one who rescues her. Mercenary Tela needs the magical aid of sorceress Kaydana to help save her lover.

But when they find the dragon who kidnapped Atto, things take an unexpected turn. Kaydana is equal to most of the challenges she must face -- but how does she cope with being in love?

Kaydana and the Dragon Prince is the fourth book in the Kaydana saga by Nyki Blatchley. I felt at a slight disadvantage, at first, not having read the others in the series. That quickly faded as I got into the story created by Nyki Blatchley. This is a story of love and also of betrayal, but one where all comes out right in the end.

Kaydana is a magic wielder, a sorceress and an observer of people. When dragons take Princess Atto from the palace, her father, the King, offers her hand and heir to the kingdom to the warrior who rescues her and brings her back. The only warrior to step forward is Telendinith of Quilin (Tela), a female mercenary of unusual strength and character. Kaydana accompanies Tela on the quest, and soon discovers all is not as it would seem. Atto is a mix of innocence and sensuality, and it is clear that Atto and Tela have a relationship. Kaydana, Atto and Tela share some passionate sex when they are reunited, but Zazzu, the Prince of the Dragons, also fascinates Kaydana. In fact, Zazzu is the dragon that first took Atto, but not for the reasons first thought.

I loved this world, with so much detail and passion in it. Nyki Blatchley has included palace intrigue, love and lots of hot sex in a myriad of locations. Atto is the perfect combination of innocent maiden and sexy seductress, while Tela is perfect as the protective and determined lover out to save her true love. Zazzu, the dragon prince, as well as his people, is tall and sexy. Nudity abounds in the dragon kingdom, because clothing does not fare well with shifting. When Zazzu makes his intentions toward Kaydana clear, the tension is glorious as to "will they or won’t they?".

There is a definite happy ever after for Atto and Tela, and a very interesting happy for now with Zazzu and Kaydana.

This is a very good story, with intrigue and lots of sexy action. I do think reading the earlier books would be advisable, however, as it would add to the history of Kaydana and who she is.

Burning Up Flint by Laurann Dohner

Burning Up Flint by Laurann Dohner
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (129 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Spanking
Rating: 5 Cherries
Reviewed by Fern

Book 1 in the Cyborg Seduction series.

Flint is tall, gorgeous and dangerous. He’s a cyborg—the absolute ultimate alpha male. He takes what he wants and holds what is his. Mira is his now. He takes her aboard his ship and has her branded with his mark. He captured her, owns her, and she will serve his every need.

Mira is instantly drawn to Flint, fascinated by his seductive appeal. The sex between them is smoking hot. Until she finds out he is a breeder, contracted to a dozen cyborg women, and she is no more than a possession.

Mira won’t share her cyborg and she belongs to no one—not even to a man who has captured her heart. She doesn’t know if cyborgs feel…anything. Can Flint love her? Mira is determined to find out, no matter how much trouble she makes for the big guy.

Burning Up Flint is a sizzling hot, sci-fi erotic story that is out of this world. Laurann Dohner has created an utterly fascinating reality with ships, planets, and characters that leap off the page.

From the moment Mira’s ship is boarded and she sets her eyes upon the pirate cyborg, Flint, she experiences an immediate attraction. Notably different than her, he is equally fascinating. Of course, the same goes for Flint. He’s enraptured by this small human female who is so unlike anything he’s ever seen before. As he takes her captive, they cave to the undeniable desire that exists between them.

Unfortunately, passion cannot erase the substantial difference in their belief systems and lifestyles. There is so much anger and hurt as Mira struggles with her growing affection for Flint, and by the same token, Flint attempts to understand her feelings and reactions to his nature and responsibilities to his race.

The writing is fantastic and the sex is melt-the-tips-of-your-fingers hot. Ms. Dohner excels at world building and character development, and her plot is complex enough to progress the story and keep the reader thoroughly entertained. I loved the world, the characters, the tension, and the heart-wrenching scenes between Mira and Flint. This is a super-sexy read, yet, manages to choke you with emotion when necessary.

Sci-fi fans, as well as those who are new to the genre, will adore Burning Up Flint. A definite must read, don’t forget to pencil this story onto your TBR list. I can’t wait for the next installment in what is sure to be a fantastic series.

Getting Intimate by Victoria Blisse

Getting Intimate by Victoria Blisse
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (48 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

The sequel to Getting Physical!

John and Terri have been dating for six months now, and John is anxious to commemorate this special anniversary. As much as Terri loves the time she spends with John, she still can't shake her negative self-worth. When a series of misunderstandings drives the two apart, it's up to John to convince the woman he loves that she's the only one with whom he wants to be intimate.

Have you ever had that one special someone in your life? You want them so badly, but when things get sticky, you push them away? How do you get that trust back into the relationship? And how do you prove the relationship is stable?

You’ll need to read Getting Intimate for the answers to these questions and more.

I like unconventional love stories. Not every heroine has to be a stick-thin blond. Not every hero has to be buff and brawny. Readers can identify with the characters in Ms. Blisse’s story. You feel like they are friends you know in real life.

Terri has a weight issue—she’s not rail thin and she thinks it makes her hard to love. Many women can relate to her feelings of being judged by her size. She has a certain fragility that makes her more realistic. You want to see her get her guy. There were times though, when I thought she jumped a bit too far without looking where she leaped and that drew me out of the story. Still, her reactions are how many people would deal in the same situation.

John is buff—he’s a health nut and a workout freak. Is that bad? No. It makes him approachable. There’s nothing wrong with being conscious of one’s appearance. What I liked about John is that he’s not a brawny, bully alpha male. He has and willingly shows his emotions—a bit too much on occasion, but it didn’t detract from the story.

And when they make love, whew! It’s hot. The trust between them when they make love is a thing of beauty. Really.

If you want a steamy story for a cool evening, then you need to read Getting Intimate. I give this novella 4 cherries.

The Wife School by Samantha Winston

The Wife School by Samantha Winston
Publisher: Red Sage Publishing Inc.
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (126 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Ambrosia

Arnold Souche has everything under control. He made a mistake with his first wife, but his second wife will be perfect. So that she doesn’t get any wild ideas, he sends her to an all-girls school in Switzerland to be raised by nuns, and gives her in the dowdiest clothes possible. Amelia is content to go along with Arnold, until the day Ben arrives in her life and suddenly she realizes that nothing can replace passion and love. But if she leaves Arnold, she’ll owe him a quarter of a million dollars, and suddenly true love is looking like something she’ll never attain.

Losing everything you own isn’t so bad when you find more than you’d hoped for in love. When a sharp-minded, bankrupted businessman, and a not-so-prim affianced woman meet, she thinks he’s gay and he lets her in order to seek revenge against her betrothed. It’s a classic star crossed-lovers tale where the couple loses their hearts and hopes of being together when all odds are against them.

The heroine, Amelia, is a contrast between innocence and sultry sexuality as she attempts to use her wiles on men and finds she isn’t very good at it. One minute she’s submissive, the next ready to take on the world of business and career. When she meets the hero, she doesn’t worry about barriers but sets out to get what she wants. The only downside to her in the beginning is giving in to a relationship only because she’s afraid of not having money and someone to care for her.

The hero in this story, Ben, acts as though he’d do anything for revenge, yet when he believes that Amelia will be hurt by his actions, he redeems himself and does his best to help her get what she wants while planning on keeping her for himself. He’s a good man and it shows in his care of her.

As the villain, Amelia’s guardian and fiancé tries to keep her under his thumb until she begins to blossom in a ‘My Fair Lady’ way under Ben’s tutelage. From the start this man is unlikeable and one only hopes he doesn’t succeed, though it seems he holds all the cards.

The Wife School makes you believe that you’ve time-warped back to old England then fast-forwarded once again to the Millennium where Amelia and Ben find true love while Souche gets his just desserts. The heroine was a contradiction between innocence and an experienced woman who, though she had a strong sense of honor about marrying Souche because of the contract, had no concerns about sleeping with his enemy.

All in all, the story was a pleasant read, well-written, and easy and quick to read.

Bought and Paid For by Debra Glass

Bought and Paid For by Debra Glass
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (122 pgs)
Other: M/F, BDSM, Spanking, Anal play, Forced seduction
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Honeysuckle

Unable to support herself and her beloved servants, Widow Carrie Hatcher contemplates the unthinkable—offering her services for money. Forced to board wounded Colonel Wesley McEwen in her home, Carrie vows to make the striking Confederate soldier her first “client”.

But Carrie gets more than she bargained for when she agrees to comply with Wesley’s every illicit request for one week. Throughout long, sultry nights, Wesley tutors Carrie in every position, every skill, of her illicit new trade. From dark taboos to pleasurable punishments, Carrie becomes his willing pupil.

Passions inflamed, the couple becomes more scandalously intimate but Carrie realizes she wants to give him far more than just her body. The colonel, however, may be too haunted by his past to risk accepting more than he’s bought and paid for.

“Men had started this war and the women they left behind had all suffered because of it.” Carrie was sick and tired of suffering and was ready to do whatever was necessary to secure her future, a future that would keep her from being beholden to another man if she had anything to say about it.

Ms. Glass did an outstanding job of recreating the old South with heart-wrenching visual images of what was going on in and around war ravaged Georgia. Marietta is a perfect backdrop to represent the suffering endured by both soldiers and citizens. It is symbolic of the war torn states as well as the war torn hero and heroine.

Carrie has very little hope left and is willing to give up the last shreds of her dignity in order to keep her home and family safe. She stoically battles discrimination towards her beloved servant, Jenny, in order to get her the medical help she desperately needs. With Wesley’s “encouragement” Carrie experiences a sexual awakening that she never expected when she agrees to be at his beck and call for a solid week. Her resolve to endure soon turns into a desire to willingly participate in Wesley’s outrageous requests.

This was a fantastic and erotic journey from beginning to end. I love Carrie as the spirited and determined widow. She was strong because she had to be and compliant because she wanted to be. Likewise, Wesley is the perfect combination of Southern gentleman and curl-your-toes lover. His personal struggles with losing his wife and child make him want to protect Carrie and remember how it felt to be part of a family even if only for a short time.

I give this beautiful and heart wrenching story 4.5 solid cherries!

His Sister’s Kiss by Kate Hill

His Sister’s Kiss by Kate Hill
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Recent Historical
Length: Short Story (96 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 Cherries
Reviewed by Fern

After surviving captivity in a Vietnam prison camp, Master Sergeant Abraham Marley Forbes longs more than ever for a loving family life. It’s a dream he doubts will ever come true, until a promise to a deceased friend sends him straight into the arms of the one woman who can fulfill his deepest desires.

His Sister’s Kiss is an emotional and moving story about two people who have faced tragedy, only to connect to one another in the aftermath.

When Master Sergeant Forbes returns from a tour in Vietnam, it should be cause for celebration. Instead, he finds himself visiting the sister and young daughter of his friend who perished after they became prisoners of war. Needing to share a final message, Abe is shocked when he meets Angela. As the sister of his fallen comrade, he never anticipated he would be so attracted and drawn to someone who would normally be off-limits. As he and Angela get to know one another and he becomes acquainted with Polly, he realizes that perhaps what he’s been missing most in his life has been serendipitously placed in his path.

This is the kind of story that leaves you with a smile on your face – even if the journey isn’t always easy to read. Angela is fantastic as a woman who meets the man of her dreams through tragic circumstances, yet, opens her heart to him regardless. Abe is perfect as the tortured hero who wants to live a happy life but continues to carry mental and emotional scars that are not so easily vanquished. I loved their chemistry and felt that the pace of the story maintained a perfect balance between heat and heart. His Sister’s Kiss is a very emotional read; however, the heat is definitely there when Abe and Angela give way to their desires.

Recommended for those looking for an emotionally charged and heartfelt romance, I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend His Sister’s Kiss.

Saving Sarah by Michele Bardsley

Saving Sarah by Michele Bardsley
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (81 pgs)
Other: M/F/M, Ménage
Rating: 5 cherries
Reviewed by Cholla

A couple marred by tragedy indulges in a night of passion to redeem their marriage—and the lost soul of the handsome ghost who shares their bed. But the evil that almost destroyed them all a year ago still lurks in their lives, and it wants revenge…

An intense and cathartic story that will engage your senses and your sympathies, and will make your heart pound for all the right reasons. Sarah is damaged, brutally so, and feels like she’s beyond repair. However, her husband, Ben, isn’t quite ready to give up on her just yet. His love and dedication to her is amazing and the basis for a beautiful story.

When tragedy struck Sarah and Ben’s life a year ago, they had had hopes of rebuilding. But Sarah has come to the conclusion that, as much as she’d like things to change, she’s just not able to make that change. However, she is a strong and admirable woman. When her husband suggests a way to repair their marriage – and their lives – she swallows her fears and puts her best foot forward despite her reservations. The amount of courage it takes for her to do what is asked of her is unbelievable. I’m not sure that I would have been able to move forward like she does in this.

Ben is a pillar, he is her safe harbor in the stormy sea that is her life. He is the type of man every woman needs on her side – no matter how bad things get for the two of them, he is always confident that it will eventually work out. Together, I do believe that they could face anything and come out ahead.

While certain aspects of this story chilled me to my core, the strength of the characters and the absolute love they have for each other is an inspiration. Sarah’s terrified, and with good reason. Ben is in love and striving to save his dearest friend and lover. In the end, they will both take the risks needed to move forward and finally be able to heal. An amazing story that will encourage you to stand up and be noticed, not let your fears rule your life, and to be what you need to be in order to be happy. More than worth the read, it deserves to be read twice!

Caging the Tiger by Michelle Huston

Caging the Tiger by Michelle Huston
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (21 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal Sex
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

Kyle thought that he was all alone, the only of his kind, until he attended a magic show and saw through the spectacle to the method behind the illusion. If he wasn't wrong, Meric the Magician, in addition to being his best friend, was also a tiger shifter.

Coming clean about your fears can sometimes be the most rewarding experience of your life—if you’re willing to relax and trust. That’s what makes Caging the Tiger such an engaging read.

When I picked up this book, I knew I’d meet a cat shifter. I like tigers and gay romance can be very sensual. Let me tell you, I wasn’t mistaken. This is one great read.

Ms. Huston draws you in with realistic characters that you feel like you know right away. There are fumbles and bumbles between them, but the trust is always there. And when they get the issues worked out and let the tiger play… man is it hot! You'll have to check your fingers for burns.

Meric/Mark is a magician and he’s stolen Kyle’s heart. I liked that even though Mark plays the showman, he’s still a tad fragile. His fragility and heart of gold endears him to the reader. You want to see him find the man of his dreams. I liked the interplay with Kyle as well. Kyle has secrets that would drive many away. Those secrets have kept him locked in a mental prison, so to speak. When he gets past his fears, you see what a truly remarkable man he is. I liked his quiet nature.

If you want a story that will reel you in right away and will leave you with a smile, then you need to read Caging the Tiger. I give this novella 4 cherries.

Mr. Right-Now by Paige Tyler

Mr. Right-Now by Paige Tyler
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (105 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Spanking
Rating: 4 Cherries
Reviewed by Fern

Kate Gentry is always the bridesmaid, never the bride. When her best friend asks her to be maid of honor, it just reminds her of how crappy her luck is when it comes to finding her own Mr. Right. Her friends point out she’s trying too hard to find Mr. Right instead of having fun with Mr. Right-Now. They convince her to put her search for the perfect man on hold and have some meaningless sex with a hot guy.

Kate takes their advice and propositions the gorgeous best man, Dawson McKenna. When he eagerly agrees, she finds herself doing things she never dreamed of doing—spanking, bondage and some amazing anal sex!

Despite knowing Dawson isn’t supposed to be Mr. Right, Kate finds herself falling for him big-time anyway. But since she was the one who made the rules, how can she now tell him she wants more than just a weekend fling?

What’s a girl to do when she can’t find Mr. Right? She initiates a weekend fling with Mr. Right-Now, of course!

Always the bridesmaid but never the bride, Kate Gentry has come to be the maid of honor for one of her best friends. An innocent conversation with the bridal party makes it official – Kate needs to live in the now. After an introduction to the delectable best man, Dawson McKenna, she decides to throw caution to the wind and offer him a no-strings attached weekend of sexual bliss. Their first night together is mind-blowing, but since she’s set the rules to keep things casual, can she also change them?

Mr. Right-Now is a wickedly hot story with oodles of sexual heat. Author Paige Tyler has created two super-sexy characters that are both passionate and adventurous, and each of their encounters is more sizzling than the one before. The shift in Kate and Dawson’s feelings unfolds as it should, slowly and over time, and provides a dash of romance and tension. Dawson sees the potential for something more with Kate but fears asking for more, while Kate experiences the same concern. As they skirt around the issue, yet, fall harder for one another, you’ll hover on the edge of the pages to learn what happens next.

Aside from a few repetitive wording choices, the writing is fantastic, and the pace never slows. You get heat, you get heart, and you get a wonderful story. This is definitely something erotica fans will enjoy, but also includes enough heart for those who expect a touch of romance.

Be sure to put Mr. Right-Now on your TBR list.

Happy Feet by Dana Littlejohn

Happy Feet by Dana Littlejohn
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (17 pgs)
Other: M/F, Fetish
Rating: 3 cherries
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

Kerri felt like Cinderella as her birthday arrived and a pair of special shoes sat waiting at her door, but she had no Prince Charming to speak of. Planning to thank her friend for the gift, she later found a Prince waiting in the wings. And not only did he want to slide the shoe onto her foot to see if it fit, but he planned to do so many other wonderful things for her feet, too.

To each his own. That pretty much sums up the story Happy Feet.

A pair of shoes can cause a ruckus in a room full of women, but who knew they could nab a boyfriend? I liked the premise of this story. Although I wanted a bit more from this story, I felt drawn in immediately. You feel for the characters right away.

Kerri wants a sexy man to celebrate her birthday with and, hey, finding the right outfit to make the date perfect is just icing. Kerri wants a man who seems out of her league. The reader can identify with her feelings. We all know what it’s like to fawn over someone we think is above us. Her occasional pessimism was a tad irritating because it felt like she didn’t want to give him a chance (or herself for that matter).

Rueben was an enigma for most of the story. From descriptions, you get the idea he’s a hot guy. So why single? Women can’t handle his obsession—feet. Now, feet aren’t my thing, but they are for him and you feel, through her point of view, his need for Kerri and her tootsies. His approach is very Cinderella-ish, but it’s sweet and you feel the passion that simmered below the surface for the both of them.

The sex is interesting and scorching. You’ll have to cool off the screen before your read again.

If you want a story that’s got a new spin on a love story, then you need to read Happy Feet. I give this story 3 cherries.

Timeless Wrath: Going Down Under by Lexxie Couper

Timeless Wrath: Going Down Under by Lexxie Couper
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Paranormal, Science Fiction/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (108 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Reviewed by Holly


A book in the Going Down Under series.

Beatrice “Ricki” Sullivan is every man’s fantasy. Drop-dead gorgeous, she exudes a sensuality none can ignore. More than just a stunning face and body, she’s intelligent, kind, gentle…and madly, inexplicably in love with Evron, a man she’s known mere hours.

Evron McKenzie is troubled, struggling with undeniable anger that scorches through his veins. And the irrational feeling he is someone else, something more. Someone rich, powerful…someone to fear. But in Ricki’s arms, Evron may have finally found his place in the world. At last he is at peace.

So who is the seductive redhead who invades Evron’s dreams? Why does she urge him to touch a mysterious sculpture—a sculpture that seems to radiate death and sin? How can she make him hornier than he’s ever been in his life with just a look, and at the same time turn his anger into bloody, murderous rage? And, more frighteningly, why can’t he resist her?

Timeless Wrath is a story of ancient evil and fated love. It is also a hot romance, with characters you want to meet. Evron McKenzie and Beatrice “Ricki” Sullivan have one of those instant attractions that are set in motion by Fate. But they have to overcome the deep-seated rage that simmers constantly inside of Evron. The journey to true peace and happiness for these two will be a rough one. Can they conquer the demons and win?

Lexxie Couper has a talent for creating stories that jump off the page at you. The characters are all well developed, with several facets to each one’s character. The attraction between Ricki and Evron, while fast, seems so right. Ricki is a supermodel, an American, who goes to Australia to escape publicity while she prepares for her first movie role. I liked that she went with her first instinct when she met Evron. In some stories this would have seemed too quick, but in Ms. Couper’s able hands, this works to the better.

Evron is a strong and sexy character, but one with an extreme anger problem. He feels the simmering rage, always just below the surface. When he meets Ricki, it all just stops when they are together. Of course, this wouldn’t be a story without the curse that has afflicted Evron’s bloodline for thousands of years, and the she-demon who thrives on his rage. I liked how this curse surfaced in the past with mention of two famous men who were affected by the curse, and who passed it on through a sculpture that, when touched, creates havoc by the rage it imbues in it’s possessors.

There are several ironic twists and turns before we get to the happy ever after, and at least once, it appears that we may not get there at all. I do want to add a warning with this-be prepared for super hot sex in a variety of places, and keep your fan running on high.