Lilly's Surrender by Jenika Snow

Lilly's Surrender by Jenika Snow
Publisher: Siren Bookstrand
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (89 pgs)
Other: M/F, M/F/M, Ménage, Anal Play
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Reviewed by Poppy

Lilly, Riley, Christian, and Tallinn have been friends since grade school. Moving to the city was one of the hardest things Lilly had to do, but when an unexpected phone call leads her back to the small city of Burkett, Colorado, home just doesn’t bring back the same warm feelings it used to.

With an unexpected tragedy filling her life, Lilly must turn to the men she loves the most, and hope that the comfort they offer is enough. What she doesn’t expect is for them to give her a soul shattering pleasure, one that leaves her breathless and makes her pain almost bearable. She must now decided to stay in Burkett and be reminded of what she lost everyday, or go back to the city and loose what she found in the arms of the men she cares about the most.

Looking for a book with as much heart as it has heat? Then you should try Lilly’s Surrender.

Lilly has been best friends with Riley, Christian, and Tallinn since high school. Inseparable, she even took all three as dates to the prom. But, when Christian dies unexpectedly, it throws them all into a tailspin.

Lilly doesn’t live in her childhood town anymore and has to return for Christian’s funeral. She makes it through, struggling with memories and regrets, with the help of her buddies, Riley and Tallinn. But, when they’re stranded together during a snowstorm, things begin to change. A hot look here, a shiver of desire there ... she’s puzzled and discomfited by this sudden attraction. They’ve never been more than friends, ever, and the change is nearly as difficult to accept as Christian’s death.

Author Jenika Snow skillfully penned a believable story about three friends who slowly become more. Too often, we see stories where they just leap into bed without a second thought and that always feels a bit false. You won’t get sex in the first few chapters... instead you’ll read about a relationship, the relationship between Lilly and Tallinn, Lilly and Riley, Tallinn and Riley and the three together. There are multiple dynamics here, and they’re all addressed in a realistic way.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story that touched my heart long before it touched my libido. But don’t assume that means there wasn’t plenty of steam! Once things started, whoo!, even a fan on high wouldn’t cool me off. The author not only addressed the emotional dynamics between each set and then the three together, but the sexual ones as well. Each of the men is very different in how they handle Lilly, and though they aren’t entirely thrilled with having to share, they understand that the love between them is between them – all three of them. After dousing my head in cold water, I gave a sigh at the end, especially when reading the epilogue, which was touching and added a wonderful sense of togetherness.

If you want a story that’s romantic, real and oh-so hot, then Lilly’s Surrender is the perfect choice. I highly recommend it.

Bittersweet: A Story of Dominance and Submission by Jenika Snow

Bittersweet: A Story of Dominance and Submission by Jenika Snow
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (90 pages)
Other: M/F, M/F/M, M/F/M/M, BDSM, Anal play, toys, mild spanking, menage
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Honeysuckle

When Piper agrees to go on vacation with her friend at an exclusive sex resort, she finds it has more surprises than she is ready for. Because what Piper doesn’t realize is that when she agrees to play a submissive for two weeks, it won’t be with only one dominant man, but four.

Piper finds out she has been hand selected to not only submit, but to be possessed and conquered by the towering men. To make matters worse, the four men that have chosen her to play their sex slave are the sovereign and arousing Grayson brothers--her employers and the men she has been lusting after.

With her identity hidden behind a mask of feathers and jewels, Piper allows herself to experience the delicious pleasures that only the Grayson brothers can conjure within her. But soon she realizes it isn’t only her body that is in the game, but her heart as well.

“It isn’t like you would even see anyone you knew. The place is on a freakin’ island.” Famous last words!

Piper Crane has a decision to make. Does she continue to live her boring structured life or does she give in to what she really wants and become a submissive for two weeks to a complete stranger? It wouldn’t be much of a story if she stayed on the straight and narrow. So, of course, she takes a chance and joins her friend for two weeks at the Bre’zail Resort, where kink is always on the menu! If it wasn’t intimidating enough to be served up to one male dominant, Piper soon realizes that she is to be the sex slave to the four men whom already dominate her thoughts and now will have complete control of her body as well.

One of the things I really appreciated about Bittersweet was how Ms. Snow wrote Piper’s reaction to first seeing the Grayson brothers on the island. At one point Piper thinks to herself that if she hadn’t been wearing a mask she was sure she would have that “deer in the headlights” look on her face. The mask seems to serve a dual purpose of providing anonymity as well as a boost of courage for Piper. Ms. Snow’s writing is very vivid and I could almost feel Piper’s apprehension as well as her anticipation.

There were multiple times while they were on the island that I wanted one of the men to jerk her mask off and reveal her identity but that would have messed up the dramatic ending to the story. Want to know what happens? Read the book!! This little novella moves pretty fast from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down and was eager to get to the HEA. The title may be Bittersweet but the ending is anything but bitter and a whole lot of sweet!!

The House in Birdgate Alley by Anel Viz

The House in Birdgate Alley by Anel Viz
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Genre: Historical, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (113 pgs)
Other: M/M, multiple partners, anal sex
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Foxglove

London, 1889. Dr. John Williams suspects somebody has been blackmailing one of his patients, Sir Hugh Cockburn. The same day, the body of a young man is found floating in the Thames. Mere coincidence, or is there a connection? Willliams’ eccentric cousin, Cyril Fosterby, turns his mind to unraveling the mystery.

From the opening lines, I was pulled in to this enthralling first person story. Our main character starts us out with a preface, a bit of an introduction and his reasons for writing it all down, which I enjoyed because it allowed us to get immediately inside his head, making him a very well-drawn and likable character, a true gentleman.

When Lady Cockburn comes to him with her worries of her husband being blackmailed, Dr. Williams vows to do his best to get to the bottom of things for her, all very discreetly, of course. Then we meet Cousin Cyril, scientist turned amateur detective, who always seems to be a step ahead of Williams, certainly with more experience of the seedier side of London. This leads us to Johnny Rice, a male prostitute and the best friend of Nelly, the young man who was murdered.

Dr. Williams is surprised when he learns from Johnny that not only can a person of the lower classes be intelligent and charming, but that a young man can be beautiful. In order to help Cyril discover Nelly's murderer and exonerate Sir Hugh, Williams and Johnny must spend a great deal of time together, and it's to Dr. Williams' credit that he's willing to change some of his lifelong beliefs in the face of other evidence, including his beliefs about the wrongness of men loving men.

He's also surprised to learn that some other gentlemen of his acquaintance enjoy the sexual attentions of men, and the struggle he goes through, both with this information and his own feelings, are very well done. He didn't have an abrupt overnight change, but it happens realistically over time as he and Johnny get to know each other.

The romance in this story is very subtle, so subtle that it took me some time to realize who would have the main relationship in the story; much more of the focus was on the mystery side. There is only one short scene that could by any stretch of the imagination be called a sex scene, but there are scenes of great tenderness and affection.

The House in Birdgate Alley is a very well-written, throughly enjoyable story that plunges the reader headlong into late 19th century London. I'm very impressed with Anel Viz' ability to write in a style that sounds as if it was written over one hundred years ago, with perfect language, voice, and tone, both for the characters of the upper classes, and for the Cockney voices and sensibilities of the others. Since the story is open-ended, I will be reading other stories by Anel Viz as soon as possible, and hoping for others featuring some of these characters in the future.

Personal Research by Cari Quinn

Personal Research by Cari Quinn
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (84 pgs)
Other: M/F, Anal Play
Rating: 5 cherries
Reviewed by Anemone

Briefs are Elena Thomas’s life, whether they’re legal at her day job or on the men in the erotic novels she writes. She’s just fine with saving her imagination for her books until temptation appears in the form of Nunzio, the smokin’-hot office IT guy. When he discovers one of her scorching books shooting out of the printer, Elena’s not sure if he wants her because she’s inventive or because he thinks she’s desperate. That doesn’t stop her from taking advantage of his “services”.

On her desk. On the copier. And, oh yeah—in her boss’s chair.

Nunzio’s shocked to learn Elena’s wall-hugging persona hides a wildcat of a woman with delicious fantasies and an enticing wit. She’s exactly what he’s been looking for in an adventurous lover—and girlfriend. He knows she enjoys their sexual research. Now he just has to convince her that sizzling sex is only the first chapter of their blazing-hot romance.

Elena Thomas is a legal secretary by day and a steamy erotica writer by night. While at work, she works on her writing until Nunzio, the new computer tech, gets a look at her work. His interest piqued, he pursues her, wanting to make her fantasy into a reality.

Elena resists temptation since they work together but the fire between them is too potent to deny. One night at the office, she lets him break down her walls, thinking one night will put out the fire but as she soon finds out, one night will not be enough.

I'm normally not a huge fan of the whole writer as a main character but the cover attracted me to this book. Ms. Quinn has proven that a good writer can make anything work. From the passionate build-up between Nunzio and Elena to the smoking hot sex scenes, everything flowed perfectly.

I literally couldn't stop reading this book. The sex kept getting hotter and even hotter with every passing scene. Even though I had to sleep, I needed to keep reading because the plot and the writing just completely had a grip on me and wouldn't let go. Nunzio was one of the hottest heroes I have seen in a long time, and not just because I'm partial to Italian men. The chemistry between the hero and heroine was off the charts.

This book was deliciously sinful and I'm looking forward to other books from Ms. Quinn, especially since her sex scenes are amazing.

Loving Scarlett by Lola Newmar

Loving Scarlett by Lola Newmar
Scarlet Rose and the Seven Longhorns 1
Publisher: Siren Publishing, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (89 pgs)
Other: F/M/M/M/M/M/M, spanking, BDSM, Menage
Rating: 4 cherries.
Reviewed By Myrtle

After a traumatic and mysterious fall off a cliff, which results in amnesia, virginal twenty-one-year-old Scarlett Rose is saved by seven sexy cowboy brothers. Frightened and disoriented, her confusion peaks when she immediately feels an inexplicable, intense attraction to the beautiful strangers, including a doctor, a mysterious nightshift ranch hand, a set of triplets, and a set of twins!

Scarlett's reality receives another sucker punch when she discovers her heroes are actually Texas longhorn-shifter cowboys who claim she is their destined, life-long mate.

The Lenox brothers have waited their entire lives to find the one woman they were born to share. Their newly discovered mate exceeds their wildest dreams. She’s gorgeous, witty, and her blood-red lips drive their bulls wild with passion.

But this Texas yellow rose has thorns. She demands outside contact, but the men insist on protecting her from the mysterious person who hurt her. They decide the only way to get their stubborn mate to stay is if they make sure she never wants to leave.

I wonder why the color red drives bulls crazy? I wonder what in the world a woman would do, if face with seven brother’s all-claiming to be her mate? Last but not least, I wonder if said woman would end up running from the house screaming when she learns that all seven are Longhorn shifters.

I have never laughed so hard in my life while reading a erotic romance book. When the Lenox brothers find Scarlett hurt in the woods, they know she is their mate by her scent. What they do not realize is Scarlett Rose is a sassy rebel and it is not long before they learn this “yellow rose of Texas has thorns.” You would think that a Texas longhorn would be able to take on just about anything but these seven shifter brothers just do not know what they are getting into.

Scarlett cannot remember how she ended up falling off a cliff, or how she ended up on the Lenox ranch. The only reason she knows her name is from a locket around her neck. What a shock she has when she learns that the brothers can shift into longhorn but more than that, she learns that the sight of red brings out the beast in them.

I so loved this book. Don’t know of a woman that is crazy enough to take on seven men but the story is so refreshing and new with a wild but cute plot. The only thing I didn’t like was how it ended but I guess it does make a nice ending to the first book and a good beginning for the next book. So I will be adding Lola Newmar to my wish list so I can keep up with the series.

Sex On The Slopes by Susan Lyons

Sex On The Slopes by Susan Lyons
Publisher: Berkley Heat
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (200 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed By Myrtle

Get ready to melt with the latest sizzling novel by the author of Sex on the Beach...

Wedding planner Andi Radcliffe wants to be a man's "first and only," yet she can't take her eyes-or hands-off sexy firefighter Jared, a widower who's already loved and lost. Though she doesn't want to be any man's second choice, their secret rendezvous are setting off all the right alarms.

Brianna George, the groom's boss and friend, is the celebrity host of a TV talk show. She's all about business-until Zack, a hot young Aussie ski instructor, shows her the sexy side of life. But will their secret romance jeopardize her career?

Maddie Daniels, the groom's little sister, always had a thing for his bad-boy friend Logan. Seeing him again after so many years, she won't miss her chance to prove she's all grown up...and find out just how a good a bad boy Logan really is.

Warning: You may want to turn on the fan before starting Sex On The Slopes.

Believe me, the book is hot enough to melt the snow and ice on the Alpine slopes and is divided into sections dealing with three different couples and intertwined around a wedding in the Alpine. The first is Fire and Ice, which sets the stage for the whole book.

A fire in a little alpine chalet is where fire fighter Jared Stone rescues Andi Radcliffe, a wedding planner. When he see her standing in the snow out side the inn, dressed in only a short nightie and a thigh high robe that could have been one of those sexy numbers from a Victoria's Secret advertisement, Jared sweeps her off her feet, gives her the coat off his back, and lets her know that everyone in the wedding party is fine. Fire and Ice is a nice drink recipe included in the book it is also a good description of how they met. Sex on the slopes is another drink with recipe included for one of “those life-doesn't-get-much-better-than-this moments.”

Slippery Slope the second section picks up after the fire when the wedding party is sitting in the lounge waiting to return to their rooms. Brianna George is the groom’s boss and the only one from work invited on the pre-wedding trip. Brianna has always been all work and no play until she meets Zack Michaels, a ski instructor from Australia, on an outing schedule by the wedding planner. With Brianna being Career-driven and Zack fun-driven will they have a holiday fling or can they meet somewhere in the middle and fall in love?

In Hot Pursuit of a Bad Boy is the last section but just as hot as the first two. Logan Carver grew up with the groom Tom, but there is another reason he has been invited to the wedding and the alpine trip. Ten years has past since Maddie, Tom’s younger sister, has seen Logan but the flames she had for him all those years ago still burn. Logan pushed her away back then saying she was to young and innocent and then he left town without a word.

I was completely blown away at how Ms. Lyons connected each section together, bringing each couple to the forefront for their own hot sex and love story. It was amazing how the story flowed from one section to the other almost like reading a series only better, because everything was wrapped up in one big read. What make Sex On The Slopes a Best Book to me was the details played out in the plot and how each section blended together like a well made drink. Added bonus is all the mix drink recipes scattered between chapters. Truly a book well worth reading and adding to your permanent library -- one that I am excited to recommend to all my friends as a must read.

Secret Cravings by Kris Cook

Secret Cravings by Kris Cook
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc.
Genre: Holiday, Paranormal, Contemporary
Length: Short Story (78 pgs)
Other: M/F, M/F/M, Ménage, Anal Play
Rating: 3 Cherries
Reviewed by Dahlia

Kate Bullion’s chance to surprise her grandmother for the holidays goes awry when, instead of Gran, she comes face-to-face with twins Rance and Troy Keekoti, her childhood best friends. They’ve grown up into two very sexy men, but pain from their past still stings Kate.

Rance and Troy have never forgotten Kate--the girl of their dreams, now a woman they crave to possess. Yet tribal law prevents them from coming clean with her about their true nature as shifters. They can’t resist being near her, though, no matter what the risk.

Kate bakes some of Gran’s famous cookies for Rance and Troy, but what none of them know is that one of the ingredients magically lowers inhibitions in humans. In the twins, it unleashes primal urges that scorch her to the core.

Will she be able to let go of old pain and choose the love of her two wolf-shifters?

The teenage trio known as The Three Musketeers have certainly done a lot of growing up since the last time twins Troy and Rance had seen Kate. It was one fateful summer night which had officially torn them apart, now several years later, it's tribal laws that prevent the twins from recapturing what they once had with Kate and taking it to the next level. Troy and Rance stayed in the quiet Texas town, but Kate couldn't take the apparent rejection she felt from them, so she ran... also known as going off to college. Now she's back to surprise visit her Gran, but just like that summer when she was a teenager, fate has decided to intervene again.

With a dose of magic, Ms. Cook writes a fast paced reunion with lots of lusty encounters. The dialogue between the characters during those intensely sexual moments will leave you panting, since no desire is left unchecked or quiet. Readers who adore wolf shifters will love these twin alphas with their Texas drawl.

If you're in the market for for an enjoyably quick and dirty read then look no further. Ms. Cook has you covered with writing that will leave mental images you'll be wanting to try out. Oh and she adds a great recipe for some cookies that are sure to help put you in the mood.

Pride and Joey by Devon Rhodes

Pride and Joey by Devon Rhodes
Publisher: Total-E-Bound
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (37 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal Play, Forced Seduction, Voyeurism
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Peppermint

Vance thought his pride meant everything to him...until fate sent Joey into his lair and into his heart.

Vance grew up the odd one out in a macho and very insular pride of lion shifters. Differences like enjoying the cool fall weather are bad enough-his pridemates would kill him if they learned he was gay. Still, his pride is all he knows. He'd never even met a shifter of another type...until he discovers an unconscious cougar male in his lair.

Joey is on the run and wants to keep Vance at arm’s length, especially since someone very close to the lion is the root of all his troubles. But there is something irresistible about Vance, something which has Joey wanting more than he ever dared to dream.

When their lives are threatened, Joey must choose whether to sacrifice himself, or try to live and keep Vance close...for the very short remainder of his life.

For such a short story, it was sure packed with a lot of great characters and a strong plot. I couldn’t believe how thorough of a job the author did with this story in such a compact space. I usually expect a certain amount of missing detail, plot development, and characterization when reading stories less than 100+ pages. Had I not know the page count no one could have told me this was not a larger story because it was so complete.

Vance may not have had what it takes to be considered an alpha in his pack but as far as I am concerned he has all the alpha qualities I love in a shifter, one of which is his committment to protect Joey, even if he doesn’t know much about the man. When having to choose between Joey and his pride Vance does what he thinks is right, even if it means sacrificing what he holds dear.

Joey, poor innocent Joey. The guy wakes up and finds himself thrown into problems he didn’t even know existed let alone wanted to be part of. What he does know is that Vance a lion-shifter claiming to want to help and Vance feels comforting. With everything going on around him, comfort is something he can truly use, but may not want to get used to. Joey is truly a victim in every way, yet he still wants to try and protect Vance, even if it means walking away from the only happiness he may ever experience. To be so self sacrificing really shows what a pure heart this cougar has.

For those who do not like forced seduction scenes, please do not let that minor detail turn you away from this story. This is very mild and done extremely tastefully.

The plot in this story is astonishing. From beginning to end it pulled me in and held me by my throat until the last page. The twist the author was able to incorporate worked perfectly and left me holding my breath. If this is not intended to be the beginning of a series, the author should really reconsider because this is a precious gem that I can only see getting brighter and would love to get more of.

Shelter from the Storm by Samantha Sommersby

Shelter from the Storm by Samantha Sommersby
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (150 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Cholla

Not everyone has to go looking for love…for a lucky few, love finds them.

In any other circumstance, Jennifer Jones’s first meeting with Maclain Moore would have been called serendipity, a happy coincidence. She’s looking for a new roommate; he’s looking for a place to live. It doesn’t hurt that he’s sexy as hell, either.

But the man who crosses her threshold isn’t there to sign on the dotted line—he’s the bearer of news bad enough to shake the very foundation of her life. A life built around a fierce sense of independence, born of a violent incident from her past.

Mac is no stranger to heartache. His career in social work immerses him in it, plus he has his own share of skeletons rattling around in his closet. His attempts to comfort Jennifer bring the two of them closer together. With each touch, she becomes harder to resist. Mac’s body’s response would try the patience of a saint. And a saint he’s not.

Baring her soul isn’t high on her list, but she finds herself opening up to Mac in ways that make it hard to hold him at arm’s length. And as her life spins out of control, their growing passion becomes the only tangible thing she can cling to…

How do you control the uncontrollable? That’s the question always at the back of Jennifer Jones’ mind. Having survived the unpredictable childhood from hell, her exacting control over her day to day life is the only thing keeping her sane. Come, take her hand and step into the darkness of her past…

Jennifer was simply looking for a roommate. What she found in Mac was so much more than she could have hoped for. She is more than just a woman with baggage, she’s emotionally damaged with a dark and unhappy past. I was worried at first that she’d be one of those heroines that make you insane – the kind who hides behind her past and pushes the hero away completely. To my enjoyable surprise, she wasn’t like that in the least. When she does hold Mac at arm’s length, she has good reason behind it. Jennifer’s emotional growth during this story is wonderful and realistic as well.

Maclain Moore is a woman’s dream come to life. Because of his job as a social worker, he’s not only familiar with the damaged goods that can result from a rough childhood, but he has that one skill lacking in so many adults – the ability to simply listen. More than anything, that is what Jennifer needs in her life. I love Mac’s character to no end. He knows how far to push and just when to back off as well. He takes her as she is, baggage and all, and embraces her dysfunctionality fully. If there was ever a man made specifically for a woman with Jennifer’s history, it is definitely Mac. Add in the fact that he’s athletic and gorgeous and you’ve got the perfect package.

Shelter from the Storm is an emotionally intense story that will grab you by the heart, refusing to let go. If you’ve ever wondered how a woman with a dark and dreadful past finds happiness, then you will want to read Jennifer’s journey to just that – happiness and release from her personal demons.

Breakfast By The Sea by Destiny Blaine

Breakfast By The Sea by Destiny Blaine
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Action/Adventure
Length: Full Length (276 pages)
Other: M/F/M/M/M, M/F, M/F/M/M, anal play, menage
Rating: 4 Cherries
Reviewed by Honeysuckle

A beautiful woman with a checkered past runs a legitimate bed and breakfast on Jekyll Island. Several young men posing as cowboys move in Breakfast by the Sea and things become chaotic right from the start when the oceanfront B&B turns into a command center for a very determined group of special Super-Op Forces.

Pursuing a man known as the King of Hearts, five tough operatives fall fast for a woman they’re supposed to eliminate. When the team discovers Paige Lambert is in fact the Queen of Hearts, they can’t ignore their handler’s orders. Is the bed and breakfast owner destined to die for her past crimes or will she end up under the protective custody of the men hired to kill her?

“You told me you were cowboys on an extended vacation!”

Turns out a few lying cowboys/operatives is the least of Paige’s worries. Being married, separated, and hunted by the world’s most wanted mob boss certainly ranks somewhere near the top of her “wish I could undo” list.

Paige is one tough lady but can she protect herself from an obsessive ex and five tough and determined men who may or may not have to kill her before the mission was finished? Sit back and prepare yourself for a deep and intense story that will have you turning the pages, anticipating each new development in this exciting novel.

Ms. Blaine has penned a very in-depth and layered plot that kept me constantly trying to guess her next move. This is not your typical ménage storyline where the heroine automatically falls madly in love with all the heroes involved. While Paige doesn’t reject any of the men outright, she has a deeper and more obvious connection with two of the men. I won’t give away which two she ends up favoring, partially because that would be a spoiler but also because I don’t want the reader to not appreciate what she has with the other men involved.

If you like a heroine who has been put through the wringer and came out tougher and more self-sufficient on the other side, you will love Paige Lambert aka Jillian Carpasia. She lived in an abusive relationship and has finally broken away and is simply trying to live quietly as the owner of a bed and breakfast on Jekyll Island. Just as an aside, I really loved the setting of Jekyll Island. There’s history and beauty there that seems almost out of place until you remember how close you are to the Georgia coast.

Like Paige, the men in this story are each unique and captivating characters. Adam is the leader of this band of brothers. Connor it his second in command and oozes self confidence. Callan and Miles are the youngest members of the group and the least experienced. What they lack in experience they more than make up for in enthusiasm. Jeff is the lady killer – literally and figuratively.

My only real problem with the story, other than a few editing errors, was some of the dialogue. Both Paige and the men seem to speak a language that was a bit over my head. She has a history of dealing with mob men and they are espionage agents. They seem to understand each other perfectly but I felt like I was trying to catch up to an inside meaning that alluded me. Ms. Blaine obviously put in some real time and effort for the sake of accuracy. I loved the ending of the story and as such I will likely go back and re-read it for a better understanding.

Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Breakfast By The Sea. This novel is packed with plenty of action, tension, personal growth and some steamy hotness that had me reaching for a fan.

Sacrifice to the Stars by Viola Grace

Sacrifice to the Stars by Viola Grace
The Hashka Chronicles Book 1
Publisher: Extasy Books
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (74 Pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Reviewed by Holly

Tia’s life has been defined by avoiding the priesthood, so when she finds herself on a foreign world with seductively familiar males, she is conflicted. General Jenner Mathwin is striking and his voice sends her body into a full-on riot. Can she trust him when it comes to offering her for sacrifice or will the Lassing priesthood tear her to pieces? She really hopes that her trust is earned because when she offers herself to the star’s avatar, she will be tied hand and foot in a public forum. It may be a little late to change her mind once they bind her...

Oritia ran from her home planet of Morvigeth to escape the priests of Lassing. As a latent psychic, she would be sacrificed to Lassing at her first heat. Her parents help her to prevent the onset, but in Hashka females, this could cause madness. So her family saved so she could escape Morvigeth and the priests.

She thought she had made a complete getaway, but a meteor strike caused her to make an emergency landing on Emicar IV, another Hashka world, and right back to the problem she fought to escape. She disguises herself, pretending to be Misrael, whose traditional garb covered her from head to toe. But General Jenner Mathwin realizes there is something strange about the new barmaid, and soon uncovers Tia’s secret. He hides her from the priests, and convinces her that the actual ritual of the sacrifice is not supposed to cause pain, but pleasure, and certainly not torture and death. And Tia wants badly to believe him, and not have to run anymore. Can she put her trust in a man she just met? Can Jenner stop the priests and protect Tia? Most important, will becoming the avatars of the stars provide a new life for them both?

This is the first book of a new series by Viola Grace. I like the Hashka race that Ms. Grace has created, as they are different from anything she has done before. This first book sets the stage for many more adventures in this universe, and the journey looks to be filled with adventure, peril and lots of hot and steamy sex. The characters are well thought out, and the story here, while quite graphic when dealing with the sacrifice perversion on Morvigeth, is one of hope and happy endings.

Oritia ‘Tia’ is determined to escape the only possible fate for her on Morvigeth after the priests show her the horrific result of one such sacrifice. She is strong and smart, and her quick wits help her in tight spots. But time is running out, as the drugs she took are wearing off, and soon Hashka men will be drawn to her. She is afraid, but wants to trust in the hope offered to her.

Jenner Mathwin knows right away that Tia is no Misrael woman, but he didn’t expect the powerful attraction he felt for her. I enjoyed watching these two come to terms with their feelings. Jenner is gorgeous, and hot, and has a brother, Morrer, just about as hot. I liked that Jenner and his brother, one of the priests of Lassing on Emicar IV, were able to foil the evil priests, and protect Tia.

The ritual sacrifice ceremony was a surprise for all involved, and I found many twists and turns in this one lead to a very satisfying conclusion. If this first book in the Hashka Chronicles is any indication, then Viola Grace has another great series to enjoy. I look forward to meeting more of the Hashka people, on the many worlds of their universe.

Closer by Charlotte Stein

Closer by Charlotte Stein
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday
Length: Short Story (30 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Forced Seduction, Fetish, Voyeurism
Rating: 4 cherries
Review by: Anemone

Judy has a bad habit, one that gets worse during the busy Christmas season. She likes to rub against strangers on trains. And with all the hot businessmen on her route, she’s not kicking the habit anytime soon. After all, she’s not really hurting anyone. But she definitely feels dirty when a gorgeous stranger catches her in the act—until it’s clear he wants to join in, and he’s not the type to take no for an answer. In fact, he isn’t taking no for an answer on a lot of things.

Judy may think she’s only willing to go so far, or get so close. But Holt thinks differently…

What does it feel like to indulge in a fetish in public? Judy loves the holiday season because at this time of year, no one notices how much she enjoys rubbing up against strangers, not even the people themselves. Until one man sees her. Holt wants to help her out and take her fetish one step farther but can Judy make a leap of faith?

Ms. Stein explains Judy's fetish perfectly along with the euphoria and sexual gratification that drives her to keep pursuing these avenues. When she is caught practicing the fetish, especially in public, the shame and pleasure comes across in her words. In every description, she nails it beautifully.

The story is well written with the promise of a future relationship. Judy and Holt have great chemistry between them and I was worried this was simply a quickie for both of them, never to be seen or heard from either again but the ending is a pleasant surprise. While the sex in the beginning is hot, the end lovemaking scene felt dull in comparison and I missed the explosive chemistry from the first scene.

I hope Ms. Stein delves into the fetish area again because this book sinfully delicious. I look forward to reading future stories from her with the amazing character development and gorgeous prose. Her books are definitely keepers for my bookshelf.