Author Archive

PRIMAL
Lora Leigh, Michelle Rowen, Jory Strong, and Ava Gray
ISBN: 978-0-425-23905-6
ASIN: B004Z8MJB6
February 2011
Berkley Sensation
Erotica/Anthology
Paranormal Romance/Anthology
Trade Paperback

The anthology begins with Bleeding Heart by Michelle Rowen. Jill is seeking a cure to the formula tainting her bloodstream. She’s become an anathema to vampires as just one bite of her blood kills them. There’s just one tiny problem… the formula is unstable and is killing her. Declan Reyes, dhampyr, is determined to help her. Will Dr. Reynolds have the answers they seek?

Bleeding Heart picks up just after the conclusion of NIGHTSHADE, the first book in the series. Without the context of the first book, Bleeding Heart has too many missing pieces to fully stand alone. I thoroughly enjoyed Rowen’s Immortality Bites series but her trademark humor is absent from this series. Declan is a hard man to like. The serum injected into him has made him almost heartless at times and the added touch of impotence just seems over the top. Quite honestly, I won’t be reading anything further in this particular series. Rating: 1.5

Skin & Bone by Ava Gray begins with an earthquake. Silas is on the run from the Foundation but he can’t refuse the cries of the woman buried in the rubble. Juneau sees beneath Silas’ tough exterior… but what will she think when she learns of his hidden power?

Silas first appeared in SKIN TIGHT but it is not necessary to read the book to appreciate Skin & Bone. However, knowing the context of what Silas has suffered only makes his happily-ever-after all the more beautiful. Silas is somewhat of a different type of hero, drawing his strength from what he has hidden rather than any displays of power. Juneau is the perfect counterpart to him, light hearted enough to dispel the darkness Silas has endured at the hands of the Foundation. Without a doubt, Ava Gray’s story is the best in PRIMAL. Great story! Rating: 5

In Jory Strong’s Angel-Claimed, Sajia’s entire world hinges on locating her missing charge. To fail means death, both for herself and her family. Addai has been searching for Sajia’s reincarnation since her murder long ago.

According to Jory Strong’s website, Angel-Claimed is set in the world of GHOSTLAND. This story was the biggest disappointment of the anthology to me because I loved GHOSTLAND and yet I couldn’t connect with the characters or the world of Angel-Claimed. I wanted to like Sajia and Addai but their relationship is too closely tied to pain for me to enjoy it. Rating: 1

PRIMAL concludes with Lora Leigh’s Primal Kiss. The Breeds have been free for awhile, but that hasn’t stopped those who oppose them from attacking. Meanwhile, Creed Raines has been hired to protect Kita Engalls, the daughter and niece of the men who experimented on the Breeds. How will Kita react when she discovers who Creed really is?

Primal Kiss is part of the Breeds series but does stand alone. The overall storyline involving the serum and the possible effects towards the Breeds is explained well enough that new readers can understand it, while giving fans a further glimpse into Brandenmore’s history. The romance between Creed and Kita is hot and quite steamy as the sparks fly between these two. Kita is no cowering victim and Creed has definitely met his match with her. Rating: 4.5

PRIMAL HEAT offers a mixed bag of stories. It’s hard to rate the overall anthology has the stories ranged in strength. As a fan of all four authors, I am still surprised that I didn’t enjoy all of the stories rather than just the ones by Ava Gray and Lora Leigh.

POSSESS ME
R.G. Alexander
ISBN: 978-0425235287 (Trade Paperback)
ASIN: B003QMLBSY (Kindle eBook)
August  2010
Penguin Putnam/Berkley Heat
Erotica/Anthology
Erotica/Fantasy
Erotica/Menage
Erotica/Reincarnation
Trade Paperback and eBook

What happens when a voodoo spirit, a Loa, helps fulfill sexual fantasies? R.G. Alexander tackles that question in three sultry hot stories….

In Release Me, Allegra Jarrod is fascinated by Celestin Dias Rousseau, even as her best friend, Michelle, warns her to avoid him. Rousseau has a dark reputation for fulfilling a woman’s deepest fantasies and desires after sexually satisfying a woman. Called Bone Daddy for the Loa residing in him, Rousseau harbors a lonely secret… will Allegra help release him?

Release Me is a fascinating introduction to the world of the Loa. It was nice to see an erotica tale that involved something slightly different than the usual fare of vampires and werewolves. The attraction between Allegra and Rousseau steams up the pages and one can’t help but cheer for them while wondering what will become of Bone Daddy. Luckily, the intertwined tales answer that question quickly!

Reclaim Me focuses on Michelle Touissaint and her secret fantasy for Ben Adair. Michelle is determined to avoid her attraction to Ben and her sense of the spiritual world. Bone Daddy has other plans for them both, however….

All three stories are sizzling hot but Michelle and Ben have one scene in Reclaim Me that is beyond scorching hot- it’s an inferno! I have to admit that it seems a bit awkward with Michelle and Ben initially after the ménage scene in Release Me, but R.G. Alexander uses Michelle’s voyeurism to make it work.

POSSESS ME concludes with Redeem Me. Bone Daddy is almost out of time. All Saint’s Day is his last chance to enjoy the pleasures of New Orleans. Bethany Sorelle has left the comfortable confines of her home in New York to help Michelle solve a historical mystery. Instead, Bethany finds Bone Daddy. What is behind the instantaneous bond between them?

Redeem Me gives readers the necessary happily-ever for Bone Daddy. R.G. Alexander does a marvelous job at making the Loa seem human and so it’s with little surprise that we see he, too, has a story. Bethany’s transformation from a timid woman to a woman full of self-confidence is beautiful to behold. Redeem Me is the perfect conclusion to POSSESS ME.

POSSESS ME is one hot, steamy anthology! R.G. Alexander takes readers into the darkest secret fantasies- from ménages to voyeurism- and shows love blossoming. Intriguing.

Buy it at All Romance eBooks:

YOU BURN ME: A TALE OF THE EVERVERSE
Stella and Audra Price
ISBN: TeasePrice04
May 2010
Tease Publishing
Erotica/Fantasy
eBook

Xxieda Rolla has faithfully served her goddess, The Morrigan, and remained a virgin for all of her twenty-six years. Recent dreams have led her to believe that it is about time for that to change as The Morrigan has found the perfect man for her. But is Dante Barratt going to be the man of her dreams or will he break her heart completely?

Dante previously appeared in SUGAR AND SIN but it is not necessary to have read that tale to enjoy YOU BURN ME. In fact, while YOU BURN ME is a part of the Eververse world, it stands on its own quite well. Some of the characters from the Eververse do make appearances but the central focus is on the relationship of Xxieda and Dante.

YOU BURN ME is somewhat of a departure from the other tales in the Eververse world as Xxieda is a virgin and remains one for quite awhile. Don’t misunderstand this, however, as YOU BURN ME is a book of passion, both in and out of the bedroom. Dante’s temper is befitting a fire demon and things between Xxieda and Dante are quite rocky at times. Stella and Audra Price do a magnificent job at showing each character’s struggle to overcome their misgivings about the commitment. The scene with Xxieda’s family is especially important as it provides a perspective on how relationships differ in the Eververse when goddesses and other entities are involved.

YOU BURN ME is another sizzling hot read from the very talented duo of Stella and Audra Price. I like that they were willing to do something a little different with this tale and as usual, they have produced a story that is top-notch. If you haven’t read Stella and Audra Price, YOU BURN ME is an excellent way to get a taste of the Eververse. Superb!

BOUND HEARTS BOOK 11: GUILTY PLEASURE
Lora Leigh
ISBN: 978-0312541866
Kindle ASIN: B002UXREGS
January 2010
St. Martin’s Griffin
Erotica/Contemporary
Erotica/Ménage
Trade Paperback

FBI Agent Marty Matthews has been watching Khalid el Hamid-Mustafa for two years at the request of her boss, Vince Deerfield. Deerfield is convinced that Khalid is a terrorist due to his family ties. Marty knows better, however. She knows Khalid is actually an operative for the FBI… and that he is one of the most sexually active men she’s ever met. Khalid is part of an exclusive club Marty has grown up around, one in which members take a third party into their bedrooms. Marty hungers for Khalid, but does he just want to make another sexual conquest out of her? And just what secrets does his past hold?

Let me start off by saying that I’ve jumped into this series midstream so my lack of enthusiasm for GUILTY PLEASURE may stem from not reading the prior books. I certainly enjoyed aspects of it, particularly the intrigues involving Khalid’s past and the potential consequences it could have on his relationship with Marty.

However, the relationship between Marty and Khalid just didn’t work for me. It seemed somewhat forced and at times I was so annoyed with Marty for chasing after him like some sort of stalker. Yes, I know her job had demanded that she watch him in the past but it seemed as if she tried too hard to show she was a big girl and all grown up. Admittedly, her godfather has sheltered her but come on, she’s an FBI agent! On top of that, the chemistry between the three- Khalid, Marty, and Shayne- just didn’t have that sensuous feel I’ve come to expect from a Lora Leigh book.

I also tired of hearing about the relationship between Marty’s godfather, her father, and her mother. For a club that is so exclusive, it seems that everyone knows about the inner workings of it! Again, perhaps I’m missing nuances from prior books but as a stand alone story, I’d suggest borrowing this one from the library or skipping it altogether. Lora Leigh has written much better books.

BODY RUSH
Anne Rainey
ISBN: 978-0758238993
Kindle ASIN: B003KN3JMK
June 2010
Kensington Publishing/Aphrodisia Books
Erotica/Contemporary
Erotica/BDSM
Erotica/ Ménage
Trade Paperback

It all started with a bet….

Three close friends share their innermost fantasies and decide to see just who will follow through with them. In Legal Briefs, secretary Lydia Burke is determined to keep things on a professional basis with the three lawyers she works for, despite her growing attraction to one in particular. Will her frustration allow her to let loose when her friend, Roni Smart, drags her to a BDSM club?

I don’t generally like stories involving attorneys so I was a bit skeptical that even Anne Rainey could make me enjoy Legal Briefs. Boy, was I ever wrong! The sexual tension in this story sizzles before Lydia ever arrives at the club but once she arrives, whew, the heat is DEFINITELY on! I also appreciated the fact that Anne Rainey addressed the potential conflicts that can arise with a workplace romance. Sizzling hot!

Doctor’s Orders features psychologist Roni Smart. Roni is tired of men trying to impress her and just wants to see what a blue collar man will be like. Problems with her computer cause computer repairman, Jake Cornick, to enter her life. Little did she suspect that Jake might also be the one man she couldn’t walk away from.

Doctor’s Orders is a much sweeter story than Legal Briefs, offering a nice change of pace. Don’t misunderstand me, however- the heat level is scorching hot! Roni is a bit cynical about relationships and she needs the sweeter touch of Jake to show her that love is more than just sexual satisfaction. And oh, what an ending Anne Rainey has in store for the reader- it brought tears to my eyes!

BODY RUSH concludes with Midnight Snack. Jeanette Williams has fantasized about the man she calls Mr. Motorcycle Man but now Hunter Trace is making his move on her. Can Jeanette stand the heat when it’s not in the kitchen?

Midnight Snack is the perfect conclusion to this blazing hot book. I love the image of Mr. Motorcycle Man! Anne Rainey seamlessly ties all three stories together as the friendship between the three women is woven into each and every story. BODY RUSH is yet another outstanding read from the very talented Anne Rainey. Don’t miss out on this one- it’s easily a Recommended Read!

Buy it from Samhain:

WILD THINGS BOOK 1: COUGAR
Beverly Rae
ISBN: 978-1-60504-945-8
Kindle ASIN: B0037BS2HM
March 2010
Samhain Publishing
Erotica/Shape Shifter
Erotica/Ménage
eBook

Werecat Chase Reyna has been sent to the Shiloh Hills Ranch to learn to work with humans. He never expected to find a human like Shannon Tally- he wants to possess her in every way. Shannon has other ideas in mind, however. She’s been burned once before by a man and is playing the field. Chase attracts her attention, but so does werewolf Dirk Claxton. Can Chase get past his inhibitions to enjoy some wild sex and perhaps even find his mate?

COUGAR is HOT HOT HOT! The attraction between Chase and Shannon practically sizzles off the page… and then if that isn’t steamy enough, Dirk adds another dimension making this story quite spicy. Beverly Rae does a marvelous job at handling Chase’s inhibitions, both sexually and in regards to the various races. Chase matures as the story progresses, learning to appreciate the differences of others as he enters into a ménage with a human and a werewolf.

COUGAR is an interesting take on the theme of an older woman on the sexual prowl. The focus is mainly on the relationship and trust that develops between Chase, Shannon, and Dirk. Beverly Rae makes the passion between these three seem believable and real, drawing the reader into one scorching hot story.

DANE: THE LORDS OF SATYR
Elizabeth Amber
ISBN: 978-0758241283 (Trade Paperback)
B003KN3JEI (Kindle eBook)
May 2010
Kensington Aphrodisia
Erotica/Fantasy
Erotica/Historical
Trade Paperback and eBook

Evangeline “Eva” Delacorte has a secret, one she has kept hidden from the other ElseWorld beings while aiding them in her role as a marital broker. None of them suspect that she is the only femaly satyr alive. Dane Satyr now threatens that safety as he wants to hire her services even as he finds himself attracted to her. However, Dane has secrets of his own as his personality is fractured and his alternate personalities may be the only key to finding his missing brother.

Wow! Elizabeth Amber has outdone herself with the latest book featuring The Lords of Satyr! DANE is not only one sexy, hot read, it also features a fabulous mystery. In fact, DANE is my favorite book to date in this series.

Dane’s fractured personality is at the heart of the story, and Elizabeth Amber does a marvelous job at capturing how a mind can fragment into various personalities in order to cope with trauma. She treats the subject with great sensitivity, giving a voice to those considered mentally ill. Through Dane, we see the struggles and the fears but we also see the inner strength as he deals with the emerging personalities.

The mystery in DANE is grounded in the mythology of the world created by Elizabeth Amber. The myths and legends of ElseWorld only get more intriguing with each installment as we see both the dreams and the depravities that the clash of worlds induces. And whew, what more can be said about the sex scenes between two satyrs other than they are steamy hot and full of passion! DANE is nothing short of outstanding!

GHOSTLAND WORLD BOOK 2: SPIDER-TOUCHED
Jory Strong
978-0-425-22793-0
August 2009
Penguin Putnam/Berkley Sensation
Urban Fantasy
Erotica/Fantasy
Erotica/BDSM
Trade Paperback

Araña’s nightmare has come true… and she now finds herself trapped in the post-apocalyptic version of Oakland. The world has changed since The Last War as supernatural beings have emerged from hiding and the Church has taken a strong stance against them. Araña knows all too well the damage the Church can wreak for she bears its brand. She’s not the only one suffering, however, as Tir is held captive by the humans with no memories of his past. Tir hates humans for what they have done to him and yet Araña touches his soul. Can Tir be freed and still love Araña or will he seek revenge on the race that enslaved him?

Jory Strong crafts an interesting albeit very bleak world with SPIDER-TOUCHED. I actually preferred the first book, GHOSTLAND, as the world seemed a bit more daring and unique. SPIDER-TOUCHED may be a bit confusing to readers unfamiliar with GHOSTLAND as the characters and plotline intersect without a lot of back story for new readers.

Araña is an interesting character, full of compassion despite the hardships she has faced in her own life. She softens Tir’s hardened heart, making him likable even in the midst of his anger. Araña and Tir’s romance is quite steamy as the attraction between them ignites instantly. However, I couldn’t help but wish I could read Rebekka’s story instead as the side story involving her and Levi was far more intriguing. Regardless, I will be curious to see what direction Jory Strong takes next in this dark world.

THE SHADOW WRANGLERS BOOK 1: CALEB
Sarah McCarty
978-0-425-23057-2
October 2009
Penguin Putnam/Berkley Sensation
Erotica/Vampire
Erotica/Shape Shifter
Trade Paperback

Allie hopes to seduce Caleb Johnson, but little did she realize Caleb is hiding a secret. Unfortunately, Caleb’s life as a vampire is about to change everything for Allie as she is about to learn about the vast paranormal world that surrounds her. Will Allie’s physical attraction to Caleb grow stronger, even as forces seek to separate them forever?

CALEB should have been good. I’ve read other books by Sarah McCarty and enjoyed them and the idea of vampire cowboy had so much potential. Unfortunately, potential is about all it had, as the resulting storyline is confusing while the heroine is flat out annoying. In fact, it seems like Sarah McCarty had so many good ideas she tried to cram them all into one book, creating a perplexing mishmash of a plot.

Let’s start with Allie… seriously, what woman would listen to voices in her head without questioning the need for medication? Instead, Allie follows the direction of these voices, even guessing correctly that Caleb was helping her- although later there are other voices magically popping into her head. Not only is there no explanation for why she is hearing voices, but her willingness to follow the voices is never put in any believable context either. Worse yet, she continuously whines throughout the book to the point I wondered what on earth Caleb saw in her.

However, if the world building had been entertaining, I could have ignored Allie’s annoying personality. Unfortunately, the story seems to skip many essential elements that would have made it understandable. The rules seemed to change from moment to moment or vampire to vampire, making it confusing to figure out exactly what the boundaries of this new world were. I kept looking back to see if I’d missed something, as even basic conversations seemed to be lacking vital information.

CALEB is a story with a lot of unfulfilled promise. CALEB seemed to lose focus quickly, never truly developing a solid romance or crafting a paranormal world one could dive into. Sarah McCarty has demonstrated her talent at storyweaving in other books and this reviewer would highly suggest readers seek out some of her other books in order to appreciate those skills.

NAUTI BOYS SERIES BOOK 5: NAUTI DECEPTIONS
Lora Leigh
978-0-425-23255-2
February 2010
Penguin Putnam/Berkley Sensation
Erotica/Contemporary
Trade Paperback

Caitlyn “Rogue” Walker’s sedate life as a schoolteacher was destroyed by Nadine Grace and Dayle Mackay, but she refused to let them scare her away from Somerset, Kentucky. Now, four years later, Nadine and Dylan are gone and Rogue is running the Bar when tragedy once again strikes. Two members of the Walker clan are dead and Sheriff Zeke Mayers suspects they are the victims of a murderer who has remained undetected for years. Will his investigation but Rogue’s life at risk? And has Zeke finally met a woman he can’t turn away from?

NAUTI DECEPTIONS is the fifth book in a series. Lora Leigh does give enough of the past history to make it a stand alone but I suspect readers will enjoy it better if they have been following the series. The multitude of characters and the various intertwined relationships might be a tad difficult to follow if one doesn’t have the context of the prior books.

NAUTI DECEPTIONS is fun to read, even as the logical side of my brain had me questioning a few things. It’s starting to get a bit difficult to buy into Somerset as being a terrorist haven so in some ways, I’m glad this series seems to be winding down even as I know I’m going to miss those wild Mackay boys! In fact, I think the reason I didn’t love NAUTI DECEPTIONS quite as much as the earlier books was the fact that we didn’t see as much of the Mackay family.

Rogue and Zeke are an intriguing couple. On the surface, Rogue is wild, with images of her on the internet in a very compromising situation. However, underneath that image, she’s still the schoolteacher willing to sacrifice her entire career to stand up for one student. Zeke, on the other hand, is an honest sheriff on the surface but his past haunts him and keeps him distant from others. Watching these two characters find solace in one another’s arms makes for an enjoyable read as you can’t help but cheer for their happily-ever-after.

NAUTI DECEPTIONS is yet another spicy hot story from the talented Lora Leigh. While perhaps not her best story, NAUTI DECEPTIONS is still a worthwhile read and the Nauti Boys series as a whole is one not to be missed!