From Afar by Ava March

From Afar by Ava March
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Historical, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (80 pgs)
Other: M/M, Voyeurism, Anal Sex
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Phlox

Some rules are destined to be broken.

Loneliness. A concept with which Raphael Laurent is very familiar. He’s lived a solitary life for thirty-six years, shunning the excesses of the local vampire clan—until he spots Lord Aleric Vane, the handsome and dissolute third son of a duke. For three years Raphael has watched from a distance, for only when he is near Aleric does the hollow, empty ache in his chest ease.

Cut off from his family for refusing to follow his father’s dictates, Aleric’s nights are filled with vice. But after three years in London, the city has lost all appeal. Desolate and penniless, his future appears bleak. Until a mysterious man drops from the shadows to drive off a trio of murderous thieves.

When Aleric awakens, he finds himself forever changed. The itch for more that drove him to London is gone. In its place is the feeling that he’s known the beautiful Raphael all his life.

But to save Aleric, Raphael had to break the rules, giving him a chance to love the one man he never thought he could have—a chance that could be ripped away by Aleric himself…

Only Ava March could have pulled this off with such flair: a M/M Regency Vampire Romance. Talk about your sub genres. I went in with skeptical eyebrow raised – how could these elements work together? The eyebrow forgot to be skeptical halfway through the first page. From the first scene, with Raphael’s desperate, lonely voyeurism, to the last, the reader is sucked into this dual world Ms. March has created for us.

In order for the story to work convincingly, there are two parallel societies existing side by side. The strictly controlled manners and mores of Regency England stifle Aleric and keep Raphael isolated, while the libertine, violent nature of London’s vampire society leaves Raphael feeling hollow and empty, and threatens them both. On the surface, neither one of our heroes are upright citizens, both of them guilty of debauched behavior and self-indulgence. But their failings are more a product of frustration and loneliness, of needing what society tells them is unthinkable.

This is told in deep third person POV, with only Raphael and Aleric’s thoughts, thus limiting distractions as is necessary in such a short piece. There are fragments and bits of sentences, but in such a deeply embedded viewpoint, these lend a natural, conversational flow to the piece. If I have one nit to pick on this one, it is, indeed, the length. The emotions, the detailed world of the other London, unfold so carefully. When the end comes, it feels rushed and abrupt. We do reach resolution but the release of dramatic tension, the feeling of at least temporary safety one wants for characters to which one feels so attached, was missing.

Ending aside, my heart went out to Raphael, so convinced he is cold and soulless, (he is anything but) and to Aleric, so abruptly thrust into a life where he feels out of control and constantly off balance. I did fear for my hard drive during the sex scenes, expecting smoke at any moment, and the stripped-down, character-driven plot moves along at a nice gallop. My hope is that the feeling of incompletion at the end means we will see more of these two. Please don’t make us beg, Ms. March.

More by Sloan Parker

More by Sloan Parker
Publisher: Loose Id LLC
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense
Length: Full Length (245 pgs)
Other: M/M/M, Ménage, Light Bondage, Anal Play
Rating: 5 cherries
Reviewed by Tuberose

For fifteen years Luke Moore has lived by three rules: stay off his father's radar, never spend more than a single night with any man, and never fall in love again. But one night of explosive sex and two men whom he can’t get out of his head have Luke breaking them all. Richard and Matthew push him past all his boundaries—both sexually and personally—and now he’s no longer hiding from his senator father; he’s taking him on. And he isn’t just falling for one man; he’s falling for two. If you're going to break the rules, might as well break them big.

But Luke’s father has his reasons for hating how his son lives, and he’ll do whatever he can and use all his power to keep Luke away from Richard and Matthew.

Can this threesome find a way to make their unconventional relationship last with the world around them trying to pull them apart? And will Luke be able to keep breaking his rules for Richard and Matthew, or will he head back to his familiar way of life just when his new lovers want to bind him tighter?

More is the perfect name for this book because the reader definitely wants “More”. More Luke, more Matthew and more Richard.

Luke and Matthew have noticed each other before at Haven, a sex club. The timing has never worked out for them to be together in the past. Then Matthew approaches Luke and asks him if he is available for the night. Both know they need something more though - Richard. Luke has a rule that he never has sex more than once with the same man and he also wants to be tied up, Matthew and Richard agree to his rules. They have a night filled with great sex and Matthew’s addicting kisses. They all part thinking that is all they will have together. But neither Luke, Matthew nor Richard can stop thinking about the other two men. All three show up at Haven the next night expecting to be with someone else but it doesn’t work out that way. Despite Luke’s rule, they enjoy another night of sizzling sex. Luke begins to worry, because he has his reasons for his rule.

I really enjoyed More, even though I normally don’t read a lot of ménage stories. The main reason I love this ménage is all three men are together from the very beginning. Luke, Matthew and Richard are stronger when they are together. When Luke’s father tries to separate the men, will he get his way? When an associate of Luke’s father joins in the threats, will this finally destroy the relationship?

Ms. Parker has the reader cheering these three very different men on throughout the development of their relationship. We have Luke who has spent the last fifteen years of his life living a very solitary life filled with one-night stands, Richard the successful businessman, and Matthew, the adorable and vulnerable kid. Three great characters that work so well together, you can't imagine them any other way.

I was very shocked to learn this is Ms. Parker’s debut book. It is just such an amazing story. I’ve heard that Ms. Parker is planning to write additional stories; one in Matthew’s POV and one in Richard’s POV. I hope this is true. I would love to read Richard’s POV. Richard has one of my favorite lines in the story. When Joseph, one of Richard’s business associates, asked Richard if he gets jealous seeing Luke and Matthew together, Richard says “The attraction and affection you see between them—it isn’t just about them. Wrapped up in that is me—their feelings for me.” I had tears rolling down my face reading that and Luke and Matthew feel the same when they see the other two together.

I have already told people about this book and will be telling everyone I can that they definitely want More.

Phaze Binary Stars Volume 2: Perfect Strangers and Foreign Relations by Jack Greene

Phaze Binary Stars Volume 2: Perfect Strangers and Foreign Relations by Jack Greene
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (31 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/M, Voyeurism, Anal Sex
Rating: 3 cherries
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

In Perfect Stranger, Robert comes to Jordan's rescue in a mall parking lot then ravishes him in a department store changing room. It's lust at first sight.

In Foreign Relations, Jesse gets some extra credit from a hot Swedish grad student. They have their own international incident right in the Laundromat.

A hero in the parking lot comes to the rescue once again in the dressing room. A Nordic God teacher who wants a new lesson. Did I pique your interest? Then you need to read Perfect Strangers and Foreign Relations to find out more.

Jack Greene writes stories with characters I could relate to. Who hasn’t been in a jam and had someone they don’t know come to the rescue? Okay, so maybe we don’t get to meet our personal Superman everyday, but the Good Samaritan idea is a nice one.

In Perfect Strangers I got to meet Robert and Jordan. I liked that Jordan wasn’t perfect—he’s too skinny and a little self conscious. Robert isn’t anything that Jordan expects and that was interesting. I liked seeing the opposites attract. What was my least favorite part was the coupling in the dressing room. It was hot, no doubt, but it was also a bit stereotypical. Yes, it's quick, but I wanted to see more emotion in it - to feel what they felt other than the pleasure.

Foreign Relations is the story of Eric and Jesse. Jesse cracked me up because he was so smitten. I wished I’d been in Eric’s POV a bit more to see how he felt as he got to talk to Jesse. There were moments when Jesse came across as sweet and others where he was too blatant. Although it’s a short story, this one was hot and more satisfying because I felt like the ending was something real, not just a stopping point.

If you want some super hot man-on-man love, then you need to read Phaze Binary Stars Vol. 2: Perfect Strangers/Foreign Relations>. I give this twosome 3 cherries.

Necessary Seduction by A.D. Christopher

Necessary Seduction by A.D. Christopher
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Paranormal, Contemporary
Length: Short Story (120 pgs)
Other: M/F, F/M/M, Voyeurism
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Eglantine

Mercy Howe knows what she wants. Caleb. In her bed, in her life. She’s loved the wereleopard warrior since he rescued her from the fire that killed her family. The fact that Caleb is warrior-mated to Kerrick, a male former Unfree slave, doesn’t matter. Mercy wants Kerrick too, and wants to carry on the traditions of her pride, where females can have several mates.

However, the Orion pride is different. The women are allowed one mate and must remain celibate until their twenty-second birthday. Mercy is determined to change that, and a weekend in the city gives her the opportunity she needs. Now all she has to do is convince Caleb and Kerrick to let her into their hearts and their happy marriage. She sees her actions as a very necessary seduction.

But someone else is watching Mercy…determined to kill her before she taints the Orion pride.

Once in a while, you come across a book that reaches out through the pages, grabs you by the heart and doesn’t let go. Necessary Seduction did that for me.

A.D. Christopher manages to craft a tale that was gripping. The story in and of itself isn’t Interview with a Vampire level original (those of my age might remember what a ground-breaking concept Anne Rice’s take on vampires was): shape-shifters or were-creatures are nothing new in Paranormal Romance. Even conflict centered around the social rules of the specific fantasy creatures’ community is not a unique concept. The wonder of this book lies, instead, in the writer’s skill.

The characters come alive on the pages. Each is as rounded and real as you can hope for someone to be without meeting them in the flesh. The sex is sizzling hot, and feels believable (I sometimes have to work hard with the suspension of disbelief in erotica, thinking: surely nobody without a diagnosable disorder can be that horny). Character development is also handled well: the reactions and changes are spot-on for the experiences described.

This is not the book to read for unexpected story twists or gasp-inducing plot developments. I knew halfway through the first page how it was going to end. This is no problem: the whole point of Romance and erotica is not ‘how is it going to end’, rather, it’s ‘how is it going to get to the desired end’. Even so, I was on the edge of my seat reading many of the scenes, as Mr. Christopher manages to weave tension into the tale, then twist it tighter with every word.

Necessary Seduction is simply one of the best erotic books I have ever read. Go and get your copy right now - you won’t regret it.

Lush Velvet Nights by Tina Donahue

Lush Velvet Nights by Tina Donahue
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (142 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/F/M, Anal Play, Voyeurism
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Mistletoe

During the day, Adriana’s a lonely corporate heiress, helming a supermarket empire. At night, she hires escorts, scripting provocative fantasies of kidnapping, lust, submission and endless longing. It’s all she has to excite her until she meets Nathan Wynn.

Tall, blond and muscular—like a modern-day Viking—Nathan is a labor relations attorney representing Adriana’s union employees. His imposing presence intensifies her basest desires. When he protects her from an escort he believes is an attacker, she knows he’s wonderfully dominant and unrestrained.

Fascinated by Adriana’s underlying sensuality, Nathan brings her to his secluded mountain estate, determined she submit fully to his hunger. At a gentleman’s club, he makes certain she denies him nothing. Engaging in a seductive sexual journey, Nathan’s caught off-guard by his stunning need for Adriana—and a growing emotional connection she will not let him deny.

Supermarket heiress Adriana Greco has spent many a lonely night. When she meets Nathan Wynn, a lawyer representing her union employees, all her lonely nights may just be over.

After a misunderstanding in the parking garage of her office building, Nathan and Adriana spend the weekend together. Both are lonely and want to enjoy a weekend of play with no strings attached. As they spend their weekend together feelings begin to grow and establish. Will Nathan and Adriana grab a hold of the love within their grasp or will they stay lonely forever, never opening their hearts?

This was a good story about two people in love who must get over their pasts before they can move forward. Adriana is a strong independent woman who takes control of everything in her life while secretly wanting a strong dominant man that will control her sexually. When Nathan saves her from what he thinks is an attacker Adriana knows she has found her man. Nathan is a strong man but he has skeletons in his closet that make it hard for him to embrace another relationship. The bond that develops between these two was a wonderful read. The trust and love that Adriana feels and shows to Nathan was a wonderful gift.

Tina Donahue draws the reader into her world and keeps you entertained all the way to the end. Well-written and fast-paced this is a book that should not be missed. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will be on the look out for more books from this author.

Rediscovery by Mychael Black

Rediscovery by Mychael Black
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (31 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal Sex
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

Nikky and Danny know they are different, and are perfectly happy being with each other. Yet, Nikky yearns to know more about his kind, for surely other werecats exist in the world. A chance encounter with a woman who could be his twin sparks a desire to research his murky past...but will Danny go along with it?

Just when things seem to be perfect, life throws a curveball and it’s up to you to swerve, duck, or catch it. In the case of Nikky and Danny, well, you have to read Rediscovery to find out what happens next.

Mychael Black is in my pile of must be read and devoured books. This story is one for the keeper shelf. Rediscovery hit raw nerves in a way that made me think. There are few times when a romance is more than a romance. This is one of those times. Mr. Black’s characters are accepting in a society where acceptance isn’t always deemed appropriate. I liked the touch. I also liked that they were so devoted to each other. Nikky loves Danny with his total being. Even though the word love isn’t used frequently, I felt their passion.

The plot twists in this short story were the clincher for me. I totally didn’t see the ending coming and wanted more when it arrived, but in a good way. I didn’t want to let Nikky and Danny go.

As I said above, I felt their passion. Each time they touched, I thought my screen would melt from the heat. Even when things got a bit rough, I knew these two men had nothing but respect and desire for each other and it was beautiful to see it unfold.

If you want a story that will stick with you long after the last page, then you need to read Rediscovery. I give it 4.5 cherries.

Eternity by Christina Jade Loren

Eternity by Christina Jade Loren
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: Paranormal, Contemporary
Length: Short Story (20 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/M, M/M/M, Ménage, Voyeurism, Anal Sex
Rating: 3.5 cherries
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

Human errand boy Jason was sent for one purpose: seduce Damien Meade.

Damien Meade is a fledgling vampire who's learning the ropes and falling in love with his maker, but there remains one problem: he can't resist the sexual games his sire plays.

With toy in tow, Damien leads the man back to the apartment where Nathan is waiting to join in the fun.

His one desire—blood. His one passion—sex. The one person he needs in his undead life? His mate.

I love a good vampire story. Add the element of man/man love and I’m hooked. Eternity is a good mix of both. Ms. Loren drew me into the story quickly. I wanted to know more about Damien and why he met up with Jason what seemed like a seedy environment. I felt their desires, needs, and deepest emotions as if they were my own. And the out come—that was something I didn’t see coming and loved.

If anything, I wanted to see more in this story. I wanted to know more about Jason—why was he there? What was his story? And Damien. It took me a while to really get to like him. His motivation—sex—was evident. He was a vampire; but did he want something or someone else? I liked the BDSM angle and wanted to know more about Nathan, the Dom. He acted as an enigma through much of the story and I yearned to know his role in Damien’s life. There is so much that can be done with dominant vampires. The hint of raw sexuality really added to the tale.

Now, I realize this is a short story and there is only so much room to work with—but I think this is a positive for this story. If Ms. Loren writes the continuation (and I hope she does), then there is plenty of room for growth and development of the characters. What wasn’t touched on in this story can be wrought in the next one.

If you want a story with a hint of bdsm, lots of man on man action, and an ending to satisfy, then you need to read Eternity. I give this story 3.5 cherries.

Do Me Good by Adele Dubois

Do Me Good by Adele Dubois
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy
Length: Short Story (73 pgs)
Other: M/F, Anal play
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Reviewed by Honeysuckle

Penny throws her hot but worthless mooch of a boyfriend out on her front lawn with his clothes, and vows never again to be a bum magnet. Exhausted by overwork and mountainous debt, Penny pleads for divine intervention.

Gunnar, a rebellious Nordic warrior cast into servitude by an angry god to learn humility, answers. While Penny sleeps, the celestial arrives to houseclean, but she awakens and confronts him. The handsome immortal kisses her, sparking a passionate, forbidden sexual encounter.

Dark forces seeking vengeance for Gunnar’s past misdeeds mark Penny as a target. To protect his lover, Gunnar tests immortality in a death battle using a god’s magical sword. But the strength of Penny’s love and their lusty connection might be what saves them both.

Being a magnet for hot looking bums is nothing to brag about, at least not in Penny’s opinion. So she resorts to praying for divine intervention. The answer she receives is more than she could have hoped, or even dreamed, for. Tall, blond and decidedly Viking, Gunnar makes up for all the guys that left Penny high and dry. Instead, Gunnar leaves her wet and wanting.

This was a really fun read. Ms. Dubois tapped into several girlish fantasies inside this short novella including going to sleep and being awoken to a smokin’ hot man doing dishes. Honestly, is there anything sexier than a man doing housework? Not if he looks anything like the Nordic warrior turned Light Elf, Gunnar. This non-pointy eared elf has more going for him than just his looks, though. He’s loyal, caring and honest to a fault.

Penny’s history with men has left her a bit shy but there is just something instinctively honorable about Gunnar. Their chemistry is the perfect blend of hot AND steamy.

Ms. Dubois writing style is very easy to read. The premise is clever and unique; I was hooked from just reading the blurb. Also, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how Ms. Dubois resolves the issue of an immortal loving a mortal. This reviewer will be keeping an eye out for further installments by Ms. Dubois. She has earned herself another loyal reader with Do Me Good.

A Taste of Midnight by Aubrey Ross

A Taste of Midnight by Aubrey Ross
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (75 pgs)
Other: M/F, M/F/M, Ménage, Voyeurism, Anal Sex
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

Brenna Skyler, Mistress Air, chooses ambition over love. To become an Elemental, the most exalted position among the Unseleighe Sidhe, Brenna has to end her scandalous affair with Phillip Noir, a vampire. Although she never stops loving him, she is resolute in her decision, until now. A vampire is preying on Dark Elf females. And it takes a vampire to track a vampire…

Phillip is thrilled when Brenna comes crawling back to him. He’s not used to playing the jilted lover, yet he’s never forgotten the only woman who ever really touched his heart. He doesn’t mind destroying a rogue vampire—it’s the right thing to do—but Brenna needs a lesson in humility. She’ll pay for her callous rejection with her supple body. And they will both enjoy her punishment!

Want a story that will keep you locked in for the duration? Then you need to read A Taste of Midnight.

There is a lot going on in this short story. When I read the blurb, I had a notion formed of what I was getting into. Let me tell you, the blurb doesn’t scratch the surface. Ms. Ross’s story is a conglomeration of a lifetime and is spread out over a large period of time. There were moments when I wasn’t sure how many years had passed and the setting was a tad fuzzy, but it wasn’t enough to detract. What took away from the story a bit for me was the different species of characters contained within the plot. It was hard to keep them straight and to remember who was who.

Still, I liked the story.

Brenna, though a bit snobby at times, was an interesting heroine. She knew what she wanted, but wasn’t at all sure how to be herself which many readers can identify with. She’s not perfect and she makes mistakes that she thinks are the right choices. I liked that about her.

I liked Phillip better as he moved through the story. Yes, there was a moment when he wasn’t my favorite character, but I understood his choices and respected his decisions. I loved the brooding, tattooed man better anyway. I felt like I got to know him better later in the story.

If you want a story that had a scintillating ending you won’t see coming, then you need to read A Taste of Midnight. I give it 4 cherries.

Riding The Wolf by Jessica Quinn & Mary Winter

Riding The Wolf by Jessica Quinn & Mary Winter
Publisher: Loose Id
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (130 pgs)
Other: M/F, M/F/M, M/M, Ménage, Voyeurism
Rating: 3.5 Cherries
Reviewed by Fern

Red Taylor thought she had it all: her wonderful lover Daniel and the career she’d always wanted. For years, she’d trained her grandmother’s horse, in hopes of becoming the first woman to win the Kentucky Derby. Then an envelope arrived, full of graphic pictures of murdered women--and a note telling her she was next.

Detective Jack Kennedy was assigned by the police to protect her. But Jack has his own secret: an attack three years ago infected him with lycanthropy, and every full moon he struggles to control his inner beast. His hunger for Red makes it harder to control the creature inside him, but giving in to those desires will inevitably infect her, too--and in turning her into a predator, prevent her from ever riding again.

Daniel has been Red’s lover for years, but before Red, he dated men as well as women. He resents Jack for wanting Red, but at the same time, he’s fighting his own lust for Jack. The three will have to figure out more than their relationships to keep Red safe from the Axeman.

When Red is targeted by a serial killer out for blood, the police department insists she have an officer on duty at all times to protect her. She never expects to be so attracted to the ultra-sexy detective Jack, drawn to him in a manner she cannot deny. To further complicate matters, her bi-sexual lover, Daniel, is also attracted to Jack, meaning things in her relationship are bound to get complicated. As they struggle to control their desires and fantasies, they’ll have to outwit a killer and learn to trust one another if they want to stay alive.

Riding The Wolf is a steamy and surreal erotic fantasy come to life. This isn’t your average werewolf tale but something else all together. From the moment the story begins, the reader is swept into a fantastical world in which becoming a werewolf can be done via the exchange of saliva or bodily fluids of any sort, which means that the stakes are high. It’s a unique premise and, while you’re aware of where things have to go, the journey remains both exciting and incredibly hot. It’s a constant dance -- will they or won’t they -- and the sexual tension is so stifling at times it’s difficult to breathe.

The mystery of the killer is nicely done and kept me on the edge of my seat, which was a nice distraction as the character development -- for me -- was a bit lacking. When the action starts, it doesn’t stop, and the result is a story with tight writing and a fast pace that is sure to captivate and entertain, but rushes into the emotional aspects that never quite make it to the finish line. You don’t get to know too much about Red or Daniel, aside from the fact that they are very liberated sexually, and the same goes for Jack. The three, quite literally, are thrust into a situation and are forced to acclimate if they want to survive.

With that said, Riding the Wolf is a story that paranormal enthusiasts are sure to devour. The sex is hot, the characters are lively, and the dark tone of the story gives it an edge many are sure to enjoy. If you’re looking for something with a whole lot of heat and pulse-pounding action, be sure to pencil this one onto your TBR list.

Cilla’s Master by Katherine Kingston

Cilla’s Master by Katherine Kingston
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (85 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/F/F, Multiple Partners, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 4 Cherries
Reviewed by Fern

Longtime divorcee Charles and recently widowed Cilla have been friends for years. They play together and put on BDSM demonstrations at the club they both frequent. But when their feelings for each other heat up to match the fiery sexual chemistry they generate, other issues come between them. Cilla knows Charles wants a full-time relationship, but having been married to a control freak once, she’s wary of allowing another man that much power over her, especially another who plays the Master role in the BDSM scene.

Cilla wants a family and a safer relationship with a man who’ll be her partner and lover, not a full-time Master. She challenges Charles to prove his love transcends their play. Can he leave the Master at the club and give Cilla what she needs?

Cilla’s Master is a story about second chances, accepting who and what you are, and going after what you want most. Although a BDSM themed work, the material focuses on the emotional scars that occur when you lose someone you love and are left to grapple with what you want and need most.

Cilla and Charles have a long history. In fact, Charles often joked that if his best friend hadn’t proposed to her first, he would have. Theirs is a relationship built off trust and admiration, but when Cilla’s husband passes away, everything changes. Now, Charles is ready to bridge the gap and claim her for his own. Unfortunately, Cilla is afraid of falling into the controlling pitfalls of a full-time D/s relationship and fears what a commitment between them could mean. They agree to explore a life together that is vanilla only, but will it be enough? Or will they discover that the true power of submission rests in the trust you place in another?

Cilla’s Master starts off with a sultry and unforgettable bang. The heat is incredible -- so hot it burns, in fact -- but it’s the flourishing relationship between Cilla and Charles that takes front and center. He knows he can support her and love her in a manner she deserves, while she is someone who is unsure of what she wants and is too afraid to take the risk to find out. It’s a constant give and take between them, with an ending you’ll see coming, yet, will enjoy nonetheless.

The writing is fantastic, the sex scenes sizzle, and the characters are well developed and likable. I enjoyed watching Cilla emerge from her shell and felt that Charles was the perfect hero to show her the way. Those in the mood for a blistering BDSM erotic romance should definitely place Cilla’s Master on their TBR list.

The Wedding Night by Ava Delany

The Wedding Night by Ava Delany
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (11 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3 cherries
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

When Debbie suggested that they wait until the wedding night to be physical again, Todd had reluctantly agreed. Now after two months of celibacy, he is hard and ready for the honeymoon to begin. He grumbles when she asks him to go get champagne, but he’s not complaining when he returns to see what she has in store for their wedding night.

A hotel room, a white flowy gown, and a hot-for-his-girl groom. You guessed it. It’s The Wedding Night.

I have to say, this is a short, but hot read. Ms. Delany knows how to reel the reader in with just a few words. That being said, I wanted more. I liked the idea that story ended where it did, but at the same time I felt a tad cheated — like I needed to know what happened next. I wanted to get to know the characters more than I was able to.

Short stories are great and this one hits all the right hot spots. I squirmed with anticipation. I liked that the point of view was Todd, the groom’s. I saw through his eyes the enchantment and need of that first night together as man and wife. But again, I wanted more—what did she think? What was she feeling? I wanted more background on them—why make him wait...that sort of thing.

Now don’t think that the questions left to be answered took away from the story. Not in the least. It’s a hot read that will satisfy the need for a spicy read on a chilly evening. It whet my appetite for more by this author.

If you want a story that’s spicy, saucy, and a little naughty, then you need to read The Wedding Night. I give it 3 cherries.

Tagging Her Lynx by Abby Wood

Tagging Her Lynx by Abby Wood
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (103 pgs)
Other: M/F, Anal Play
Rating: 3.5 Cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Living in the bush of Alaska, Chloe Barrant wanted to take care of the animals at her wildlife refuge and ignore the times she shifted into a lynx. Even she knew that wasn’t normal. Little did she know that the day she'd turn away the poachers she'd find a male lynx coming to her rescue. What surprised her even more was when the lynx turned into a man claiming her as his life mate.

Granger, alpha of the Lynx clan, would do anything to protect the Lynx. They'd lost too many members to the hunters who preyed on them. Finding his alpha life mate gave him back dreams for the future that he'd given up on long ago.

Chloe didn't understand how the other Lynx expected her to fill the alpha role within the clan, when around Granger she only wanted to slip into beta role and submit to him. Could she figure it all out in time to save the Lynx?

Hot and spicy is the name of the game in this paranormal romp in the Alaskan wilderness.

Chloe is thrust into a new world where she struggles to reconcile her fears with her new reality. She’s no shy miss, but she’s not worldly either. Ms. Wood created a good balance in Chloe’s character because there is growth and confidence gained as the story progressed.

Granger is her mate and her hero. He’s in charge and top kitty. He thinks he knows how to bring her into his world, until certain things come to light which make it a bit problematic. He ends up facing more emotional upheavals than he planned on and it showcases his skills and worthiness of being Chloe’s mate.

The internal conflicts are typical for when someone has to come to terms with what they really are. The external conflict was a good one but the way Granger dealt with it was a bit over the top. I won’t get into specifics but I’m thinking the cavalier way they mete out their brand of justice was irresponsible, especially when the goal was secrecy and avoidance of attention so they could protect their existence. But that’s just my opinion.

For erotic romance lovers, Ms. Wood delivers consistent, well-written, explosive and hot scenes. The love claimed in the beginning on the side of Granger has a chance to grow and be expressed with each smoldering encounter, until Chloe accepts the wonderful truth – she is loved and has a home. It’s a beautiful thing. The dialogue started out a bit stilted for me, but it smoothed over nicely as the tale unfolded so I was able to enjoy reading it to its happy conclusion.

Tagging Her Lynx is an enjoyable read about a unique set of shifters in a harsh environment. The relationship between Granger and Chloe shows growth and solidarity while their expressions of love, both physical and verbal, are fun to read. The secondary characters provide understanding for the reader as well as Chloe herself as she navigates the nuances of her new people. It’s an interesting world Ms. Wood has created and I’m glad I visited.

The Lost Son by Mychael Black

The Lost Son by Mychael Black
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Action/Adventure, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (91 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal Sex
Rating: 5 cherries
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

One warrior, one sorcerer, and a legacy that will change their lives forever…

Secrets of Socendor, Book 1

In the world of Socendor, humans are forbidden from using magic and elves keep their distance.

Kalen Ysindroc has risen far from his humble beginnings as a blacksmith’s adopted son. Now the king’s general, he investigates reports of magic-wielding half-human, half-elven lithings sighted along the kingdom’s borders. It would be a lonely life, if not for the company of his best friend and long-time elven lover, Micheil Theirauf, the king’s sorcerer.

An attempt on Kalen’s life makes it clear to Micheil that there’s more afoot than random breaks in the land’s defenses. His lover is plagued by dreams no human should endure, and Micheil’s probe into Kalen’s subconscious reveals a past neither of them expected. And a future Kalen can’t escape.

Suddenly, everything Kalen never knew about his life is laid bare. A father possessed of terrible magical power. A half-brother who could be the family Kalen never had—or the catalyst that will rip Micheil out of his life forever…

Non-stop action and a red-hot love affair. You won’t be able to put this book down.

I know when I pick up a Mychael Black story, I’ll be on a thrill-ride. The Lost Son is no exception to this rule and totally worth the read.

Mr. Black’s characters are strong, independent, and have a reckless streak I love. I felt immediately transported to the world Kalen and Micheil live in and didn’t want to leave. The secondary characters add a distinctive flavor to the plot. They kept me guessing throughout and not wanting the story to end. And the ending...it’s a short story, but it’s very much worth it and exciting.

Kalen is a typical warrior. He’s a fighting man’s man. But what I liked the best about him is that he’s willing to say, ‘Hey, I made a mistake’. That takes guts. I also loved the idea that he loved as fiercely as he fights. He’s the type of hero I want on my side in any confrontation. And the plot twists concerning his future—I didn’t see them coming, but I loved them.

As much as I liked Kalen, I liked Micheil. There were times when I wasn’t sure about him, other than he needed and loved Kalen passionately. But when his true nature and role in the story were brought to light, I knew I liked him. In fact, I didn’t want the story to end. He’s as strong and unruly as Kalen, but with the added flavor of magical powers.

If you want a story that will indeed stick with you long after the last page, then you need to read The Lost Son. I give it 5 cherries.

Torment by Iona Blair

Torment by Iona Blair
Publisher: Club Lighthouse Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Action/Adventure
Length: Short Story (53 pgs)
Other: M/F, M/M, Multiple Partners, Voyeurism
Rating: 3 cherries
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

Amidst the dangers of war torn Afghanistan, an army officer finds himself irresistibly drawn to another soldier. The forbidden attraction shakes him to the core and plunges him into a bitter inner conflict.

But the battle against these new and disturbing desires is not the only war he must fight. A patrol goes missing, under suspicious circumstances, while on routine surveillance. The subsequent media interest, and the shocking truth as it unfolds, challenges his belief system and rocks the comfortable world he grew up in.

One minute he knows exactly what he wants. The next moment, he’s knocked off his feet by the last person he ever saw coming. But the Torment truly is: What’s he going to do and who’s he going to choose?

Iona Blair never shies away from a hot-button subject. She tackles the disputes in the Middle East and the soldiers working for peace with ease. The situation isn’t pretty and she doesn’t dress it up or make it easy to read. Still there were times when the story was a tad hard to digest.

Ms. Blair writes white-hot sex scenes. The need-to-be-primal-together feeling is undeniable. Whereas I might not be a fan of characters that have multiple partners, the readers who do will find this story a treat.

Jay isn’t a polished hero like most stories. He can’t be. He wants to be what everyone wants, but he’s not who he wants to be. He’s a gritty guy confused by his desires. I was a bit turned off by his way of dealing with his confusion, but I understood it. Everyone has those moments when things aren’t clear and we do things we later wish we could take back. Although he grew through the story, it took me a while to really like him, but once I did, it was good.

If you want a story that will make you cringe, smile, and squirm, you’ll want to read Torment. I give this story 3 cherries.

Insolence by Lex Valentine

Insolence by Lex Valentine
Publisher: Cobblestone Press LLC
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (54 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F
Rating: 5 cherries
Reviewed by Mistletoe

Aric Calderwood owns a BDSM club called Insolence. When his childhood best friend offers to be his sub for the weekend, Aric discovers that a decade as a Dom is no match for his long held feelings for the arrogant Ainsley Connor.

Once he touches her, Aric’s control is overcome by a flood of memories and emotion, and by then he's not even sure it's her submission he wants. A weekend of intimacy with Ainsley shows Aric what he's been missing in his life and he realizes that regardless of whether she's submissive or insolent, all he wants is her.

Aric Calderwood and Ainsley Connor have been best friends since they were children and when Ainsley shows up at Aric’s BDSM club, Insolence, he can’t believe his eyes. Even more than that he cannot believe his ears as she offers herself up to him for the weekend as his sub. Will he accept Ainsley’s invitation? The more important question being: Will their friendship survive?

There is a lot packed into this short read. I really enjoyed the interaction between Aric and Ainsley. Aric is a strong and loving man who decides to jump at his only chance at true love. Ainsley is a bright young woman determined to try and reach for her dreams one last time no matter what the consequences. The deepening of their already strong relationship was a great read. As Aric realizes his feelings and must come to terms with them he endears himself to the reader and has you hoping for that happy ever after for this couple.

The author does a good job of pulling the reader into the story. The characters in this book are full of emotion and depth, never one-dimensional. You are taken on an emotional roller coaster ride with this story. Lex Valentine has quickly become one of the few authors that I eagerly await for their next book to come out. No matter what she is writing I have yet to be disappointed. This book is no exception. If you are interested in a quick, but poignant, read you should definitely pick this book up.

Cinderella Undercover by KyAnn Waters

Cinderella Undercover by KyAnn Waters
Publisher: Siren Bookstrand
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary
Length: Short Story (73 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Victoria Rosso works for Echelon Shield, an elite group of special agents. Their assignments sometimes require they work outside legal boundaries. Her assignment—to help the one man who'd ever gotten under her skin. Jaron Quinn was the best lover she'd ever had—and the one who left her six months ago without an explanation.

Jaron is undercover and has missed his extraction date. He works best under pressure and as former Navy SEAL, he’s been in harried situations before. Apparently ES has concerns. What in the hell is Victoria doing on his mission? It doesn’t take long to realize Cinderella Undercover is there for Jaron. So much for a simple operation. Now he has to deal with the one woman who knows exactly how to push his buttons—especially the switch that turns him on.

Excitement, suspense, danger and sexual power plays abound and astound in this action-packed short story by the incomparable Ms. Waters.

Victoria and Jaron are two lovers who face death in their jobs and this time it might be permanent. I liked this take on the romance between spies and secret agents. Ms. Waters didn’t use the trite civilian and the special agent ploy, no. She presented this fast-paced tale with two very capable and talented agents and plopped them in a scenario where they have to face their own internal fears and external dangers at warp speed. What a rush!

Victoria doesn’t play coy or waste time. She knows the score, mostly. She is dedicated, professional and totally in tune with her inner vixen. She doesn’t suffer from doubts about her capabilities. Neither does she stew and worry herself to death about what might have been - she faces it and demands answers. I like that because it is empowering and strong.

Jaron is a man who is out of time. Yet, he’d give his life to see the job done. And that is the crux of his internal quandary. Someone put a bug in his ear about the unfairness of his job, a job he loves, believes in and does exceptionally well, and how it would influence any serious relationship he might have. So he does the manly thing. Except Jaron is a better character for not hiding from himself or the reader. I have to respect a man who doesn’t completely shut out his heart so that the truth penetrates and he can act accordingly. He’s a well-balanced man. I even applaud what happens in the swamp. It takes a strong man to ignore his initial preference and really listen to his partner – and then own up to it.

The external conflict haunts them throughout the book. I appreciated the gritty and brave actions that Victoria had to perform in the line of duty and how Ms. Waters kept it classy, intense and gripping. The dialogue is to the point, bringing a reader into the suspense and drama of the moment. When Jaron and Victoria get together in the way of passionate adults, it burns up the pages, as hot as the way Victoria feels for her man.

This is a must read for romantic suspense buffs who are short on time but want a book long in substance. Cinderella Undercover delivers what a reader looks for with enough heat to make you sweat, characters that are exciting and a romantic happily ever after with a twist that is perfect for the story.