Call It What You Want
ISBN 978-0-9794305-0-3
Tea and Tome Publishing
Author: Rhonda Jackson Joseph
Review:
Call it What You Want gives us a look inside the love story of Cishawn and Tonzell. Both are busy professionals who mutually agree to enter into a neutral “relationship” with no strings attached. Though, their hearts soon pull them in a different direction. Attempts to separate prove more challenging for both of them. When they both decide to put their issues with commitment aside and end the games, true love is allowed to blossom. One of the lessons in this story involves how possible it is to love and need another without losing yourself in the process. Any fan of romance should enjoy this journey. I did.
Review:
Imagine having to complete sixteen 'dares' to get the date of your dreams with movie star, Drew Sloan. Would you be able to carry all of them out within the time set out? I dont know if I could. I enjoyed this story and finding out the lengths Darcy would go through to achieve her goal. I found myself completely sympathizing with Darcy as she races against the clock and pushy men. A very fun read!
www.authorcolleenlove.com
Title: Weathering the Storm
Author: Kelley Vitollo
Publisher: Forbidden Publications
Genre: Contemporary/Romance
Heat Index: Erotic/Carnal
Book Length: 28 pages
Cover Artist: DJ Alling
Editor: Rene Walden-Wilson
Reviewer: Kelly
Blurb:
She’s tough, stubborn, and hard to get along with.
He’s a cocky, flirtatious, ladies man.
Together they’re combustible in more ways than one.
Tomboy carpenter Stephanie Bridges hates going to the hardware store. Scratch that, she loves the store, but despised the owner, her ex-boyfriend, Lucas Carr. The man angers her to no end, yet her hormones don’t get it. She still wants him. Badly.
Lucas Carr may be a flirt, but there is only one woman who holds his heart, Stephanie. Too bad she’s too stubborn to really hear what he so often tries to say.
Today, Stephanie’s hormones aren’t the only thing that’s raging. There is a monster storm coming into town. The storm forces Luc and Stephanie to take shelter in his hardware store. Being trapped in the store, they have plenty of time to enjoy each others company. That is if they can stop fighting long enough.
Review:
I read Weathering the Storm with both tears in my eyes and a smile as Stephanie and Luc weather far more than the intense storm outside. Their feelings--both hidden and well-known to one another--create a tale that's well-rounded and touches the reader deep inside. The sex scenes were not paraded around solely for our voyeuristic pleasure. Instead, we are given the gift of a very private and erotic view of Luc and Stephanie's love for one another that they refuse to speak out loud.
Weathering the Storm has a satisfying ending that will have you reaching for a tissue or two--I did! Kelley did a wonderful job of creating a heady, sensual atmosphere for these two heart-sick lovers in, of all places, a hardward store. Whoever thought that lumber and patio furniture could be so arousing?
Title - Guardian Series: Extraordinary Love
Author -Skylar Sinclair
ISBN - 1-934329-52-5
Publisher - Mardi Gras
Cover Artist - Skylar Sinclair
Genre - SR - Fantasy / Shifter
Heat: Cajun HOT!
Reviewer: L.A. Day
Blurb:
One woman's demise and a long ago legend is were this story begins…
Apolla is getting married to her prince charming today. Little does she know that things will not quite go as she and her husband-to-be, Prince Kyanite had planned. Their honeymoon is put on hold when a vital meeting is called with all the sea Guardians, a race of shape-shifting men that guard their underwater world of Animanee, with their unique abilities to communicate with the sea creatures that live in the ocean.
Along with all of this, Max, a shark-shifter and Ariella, Kyanite's sister, will have enough sexual tension between them to create an underwater volcano before it is through.
Review:
Ms. Sinclair has written a remarkable tale of despair, hope, love and lust. This is one hot story that I thoroughly enjoyed. The underwater story came to life as her words unfurled an original, imaginative world.
The main and secondary characters sizzled and left you panting for more. She has created a well-developed world and I am sure Ms. Sinclair will deliver more erotic tales from this world to delight her fans.
This is one story you don’t want to miss.
Title: Shifter III Claiming Skyler
Author: Jaden Sinclair
Publisher: Mardi Gras
Release Date: April 14, 2007
Cover Artist: Teresa Jacobs
Genre: SR - Paranormal / Shifter
Heat Index: Just Right
Reviewer: L.A. Day
Blurb:
Adrian Laswell made the ultimate mistake at Stefan and Sidney’s party by sleeping with someone he shouldn’t have. The mistake became even larger when he made a claim on Skyler Draeger twenty-four hours after he was caught with his pants down. He decides to let some time pass before he re-enters her life, only to discover that she hasn’t forgotten what he did. Skyler also has not forgiven him.
Adrian thought his biggest challenge would be to get Skyler to forgive him for what he did, but his biggest challenge has yet to come Just when things start to work out, old and new threats emerge with the promise to destroy everything they hold dear.
Can this newfound relationship withstand all, or will they parish within the heat of the full moon?
Review:
Ms. Sinclair has written a winner in Shifter III Claiming Skyler. I have not read the earlier books in this series but now I feel as if I must. The characters were brought to life in this erotic shifter tale. Adrian is a hot alpha male that is more than up to the task of claiming his mate.
Skyler is virginal and unsure if she can trust the male that broke her heart. Ms. Sinclair does an admirable job of exposing Skyler’s pain and eventually healing her heart. I know there is more to come in this series and I look forward to it.
Title: The Stud Farm
Author: Skylar Sinclair
Publisher: Phaze
Reviewed by Tori James
The Stud Farm was a true tale of revenge. Eight years ago, Dale went to the Stud Farm looking for employment. He was young, dumb and full of -- well you know how the saying goes. Dale was fresh out of the closet so to speak and he was trying to find his way in life. What he found instead was the handsome, suave, rich Preston. Preston was the owner of the Stud Farm and he had no problem using his charms to get over on Dale. Unfortunately for Preston, Dale never got over being seduced without being kissed. It took eight years before Dale put his masterfully crafted manipulation into action. Dale successfully unleashed the ultimate vengeance on Preston.
The Stud Farm is a gay male, sexually explicit story. It is not for the faint hearted. Some of the raw, violent, explicit content would have readers clenching their butt cheeks. If you like hard core gay erotica, this book is for you.
Title - Secrets Inc. Lick Me
Author -Justine Paper
ISBN - 1-934329-53-3
Release Date - April 14, 2007
Cover Artist - Skylar Sinclair
Genre - SR - Menage - Cajun HOT
Word Count - 4,863
Publisher - Mardi Gras Publishing
Reviewer: L.A. Day
Blurb:
The lines of old magic are dying, diluted every generation by those without power. The few who realize their ancestry pull together and form Secrets Inc. in an attempt to find their perfect mates and strengthen their bloodlines.
There is one catch. Few partners realize the magic in their blood. To unlock this power, the deepest darkest sexual fantasies have to be brought out and fulfilled. Only then will the magic be reborn.
Review:
Ms. Paper has penned a wickedly erotic short story. It was fast-paced and immediately jumped into the action, which is necessary in a short story. I enjoyed the read immensely and the ending left you wanting more. I am sure Ms Paper will provide us with more entertainment from these characters.
Title - Lipstick and Stilettos
Author - Tarra Young
ISBN - 1-934329-47-9
Publisher - Mardi Gras Publishing
Cover Artist - Stella Price
Genre - Contemporary / F/M/F
Heat Index - Cajun HOT
Word Count - 8,638
Blurb:
Have you ever thought what it would be like to just get away from your day to day life and venture into a world of erotic adventures in a secluded place where no one has to know about it? While out searching for a job one day, Jenna Taylor stops and sits down at park bench to rest. She flips through the latest issue of her her favorite magazine, Lipstick & Stilettos. Coming across an add for Ocean Breeze Resort & Spa, a sex resort of all places, she decides that it would be the perfect location for her and her best friend, Stacy Patterson to get away for a couple of weeks. Without telling her best friend first who happens to be ultraconservative, she decides to use her life savings and book the trip. Find out what adventures await Jenna and Stacy at Ocean Breeze Resort & Spa.
Review:
This was a very fun story! Imagine being able to escape to such a place as Ocean Breeze Resort & Spa! I found this story fast paced and very enjoyable. I wish it could have been a little longer to see the characters develop a little deeper, but I did enjoy it from beginning to end.
Colleen
TORRID TEASERS Volume 24 by Shawna Moore
Andante & Immortally Yours
Publisher: Whiskey Creek
Genre: Erotic Contemporary
EBook formats ISBN: 978-1-59374-8
Reviewer: Sabrina Michaels
Blurb:
ANDANTE – Accomplished cellist Mara Wynne ventures to Venice, Italy, and submits to unorthodox but arousing lessons conducted by maestro and disciplinarian, Armand Crespi. World renowned Crespi walked away from fame when betrayed by the love of his life. In Mara he senses a kindred spirit in sexual and musical performance. While feeding each other emotionally and otherwise in bed, Armand proposes that he’ll follow his favorite pupil to New York where a wedding and the Philharmonic await.
IMMORTALLY YOURS – San Franciscan museum curator, Zoe Nyland, admires the creative genius of painter Renzo Volpe. The fact he’s five-hundred years old doesn’t daunt her. She poses for a portrait at his mansion and reveals more than flesh. Zoe coaxes details of his past from the close-mouthed Venetian. Renzo presents Zoe a dagger. She must choose between plunging the blade into his heart and making an eternal place for her love within the same. Renzo’s breaths flare against her neck. Zoe is left a prisoner of her passion.
Review:
Ms. Moore delivers a pair of short, sexy reads in this edition of teasers. The setting of these two books was fresh and different. I enjoyed briefly visiting the worlds of music and art. These stories are very short, so there is really no character development and little plot. The main problem I found with these stories, however, was Ms. Moore’s use of graphic language that, in my opinion, was ineffective and overly blatant, particularly in Andante. Instead of being aroused, intrigued and drawn in, I often felt jolted out of the stories. I found myself more drawn into Immortally Yours, as Ms. Moore’s use of first person narrative was very effective and her characters more defined.
Title: Between Darkness and Daylight
Author: Gracie C. McKeever
Sensuality Rating: Sizzling
Publisher: Siren Publishing
ISBN: 1-933563-35-4
Reviewed by: Julie
Blurb: Nova Foxx is psychic. She doesn’t want to be. But she is. So she leaves
Review: Over all it is well written and interesting, three hundred and thirty-nine pages of this are the story the other seventy-four are excerpts from other works. The book contains elaborate description which is occasionally unnecessary. Both characters are of mixed race, though the topic is brought up only twice in the entire story. The paranormal element of this novel is completely encompassed by New Age phenomena; psychic connections between characters and premonitions. Though the book qualifies for the sizzling rating there’s a lot more talk than action.
TORRID TEASERS Volume 23 by JT Schultz & Cassi Armstrong
Kiss of the Wolf by JT Schultz
Publisher: Whiskey Creek
Genre: Steamy Paranormal
EBook formats ISBN: 978-1-59374-856-2
Reviewer: Kelly Wallace
Blurb:
Successful attorney Brianna Le Roux wakes up with fur in her sheets and a smile on her face. However, it isn’t until she meets her new client that she realizes her hot howling one night stand is more of an animal than even she suspects.
Jarred Forester comes from a long line of werewolves, so being on the prowl is something he’s familiar with. However, his night with Brianna was anything but a chance encounter. She is the key to his destiny, a destiny he wants no part of .
His father’s will dictates he must marry or lose his cherished property. Wolfishly clever, Jarred gives Brianna an ultimatum. Find a loophole in the will or prepare to walk with him down the aisle. To sweeten the deal, he dangles her cherished heirloom necklace as bait.
Brianna refuses his “proposal,” but can she resist the Kiss of the Wolf?
Review:
I love paranormal romance but I’ve never read a book with a werewolf as sexy as Jarred Forester. Though Brianna tries, she can’t resist the charismatic man, and I couldn’t blame her a bit! She isn’t looking for a relationship, and neither is Jarred, but after one night together neither one can let go. Oh, Brianna tries, since she knows Jarred’s type all too well. His extreme good looks, dry wit, confidence, and money should turn her off. And it does, for about ten seconds here and there throughout the story. But, Jarred has something she desperately wants and Brianna has something Jarred needs--on more than one level. I would have liked Kiss of the Wolf to be a bit longer so I could relish the ending, but I wasn’t disappointed in the least. There are plenty of steamy sex scenes and JT Schultz does a fabulous job of creating a short story you can really to sink your teeth into!
Title: Becoming A Mistress
Author: Destiny Blaine
ISBN: 0-9791570-4-8
Release Date: 11/06
Genre: Steamy contemporary
Publisher: Mardi Gras Publishing
Reviewed by: Dwan Abrams
Review: Becoming a Mistress is an entertaining read that will leave readers wanting more. Mike is mysterious, sexy and in control. He’s the type of man who’s hard to resist, and Hope is captivated by his good-looks and charm. Hope has been disappointed by love and isn’t looking for a serious relationship. They find that the benefits of their relationship are mutually beneficial. However, since Hope and Mike have not known each other very long, the use of prophylactics would’ve been appropriate. The chemistry between Hope and Mike is undeniable, and the dynamics of their physical interactions steamy. I recommend this book.
Release Date: March 13, 2007
"Steamy" Contemporary Romance
As I read Muse by Adra Steia what kept going through my mind was how much I’d love to see this made into a movie! The main couple, Leah and Miguel, share a psychic bond that Adra describes in a way that I haven’t read in other novels. The old family farm house they move into with Jose, Miguel’s younger brother who has trouble accepting the truth of psychic abilities and harbors a secret love for Leah, has more than its fair share of ghosts that soon take over their lives in destructive ways.
When reading this story you won’t want to skip over any parts since you may miss something. The ending was incredibly satisfying and I feel there could be no better way for things to work out.
Muse is filled with spooky scenes that I could easily picture in my mind with the help of Adra’s wonderful, descriptive writing. I found myself angry at the characters and spirits, in love with them, fearful for them, and even sad at times. Every emotion is touched upon in Muse and the reader will feel them deeply!
Kelly
Karly’s Drifter by Sage Burnett
Rodeo Cowboys, Book 2
Siren Publishing
"Sizzling" Contemporary Romance (Please see our sensuality rating page.)
ISBN 1-933563-56-7
Siren Publishing-Sage Burnett
Blurb:
In spite of Hawk Rivers’ refusal to share in her book, Karly yearns to know the real man who guards a secret with his life.
Hawk insists he’s bad for her even while at the same time expresses his desire for her in no uncertain terms. Attracted to him beyond reason, Karly willingly tumbles in bed with him, knowing in her heart she will definitely get hurt.
As Karly follows the rodeo circuit, snapping photos of cowboys, her focus remains zeroed in on one particular, mysterious, sexy cowboy--the cowboy who already has the power to break her heart.
Review:
Karly's Drifter brought a tear to my eye on one hand and gave me hot flashes on the other! I read the story in one sitting, needing to find out how it ended. The emotional depth Sage Burnett put into her characters is incredible, especially for such a short story. Although the sex scenes are sizzling and numerous, I found myself more drawn to Hawk and Karly as people and truly enjoyed getting to know them. Hawk is the epitome of masculinity, hard and rough on the outside, although Sage does a wonderful job of showing the reader his true thoughts and feelings. This gives Hawk an excellent blend of "tough and tender." Karly is his perfect match both in the bedroom and out. She's independent and sassy, as well as vulnerable and caring. I can't imagine any other woman being able to break through Hawk's emotional armor except for Karly.
Karly's Drifter is satisfying on all levels. I'll definitely read this story more than once!
Kelly Wallace
New Concepts Publishing
ISBN: 1-58608-967-6
September 2006
"Steamy" Romantic Suspense (See our sensuality rating system.)
Tricia Stephen’s made some bad judgment calls, but finally escapes her abusive boyfriend and is determined to create a better life for herself. With no other place to go and Matt hot on her trail, she grudgingly finds refuge in the home and, ultimately, in the arms of her ex-boyfriend Clint who broke her heart and shattered her trust years before. Throughout the story Clint does everything in his power to protect Tricia since he refuses to let another loved one die at the hands of an abuser. He also does all he can to break through Tricia’s barriers and have her taking a chance with him once again.
Pamela Tyner handles the subject of domestic abuse wonderfully in Her Protector. As the story progresses, the reader witnesses the transformation of Tricia as she goes from untrusting and bitter, to strong and hopeful. Her Protector kept me riveted from page-one. In fact, I wish it would have been longer so I could explore the characters more in-depth. When a book leaves the reader wanting more, you know it’s a good book! The ending was satisfying, the characters well-developed, and the plot well-paced. I look forward to future stories by Pamela.
Kelly Wallace