The Sex Pocket column by Deidre D.
WARNING: Some books contain disturbing situations, dubious consent, strong language, graphic sex and violence. For mature audiences only.
The Sex Pocket column focuses on the hottest storylines, favorite characters, best known authors and the up-and-coming creators for Historical, Contemporary, YA and Erotica Romance, and all things taboo dealing with love and sex. I look forward to discussing some of the sexiest books out right now as well as taking on those that challenge your morals and the authors behind them.
What makes you blush and leaves you breathless?
January 24, 2012
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Synopsis: Overall rating 7 out of 10 Stars
The book starts by introducing Emma. Your classic “good girl”, Emma grew up in the south, in the church, loves her grandparents, dogs, cooking, and has only slept with one man in her life. The only thing that doesn’t fall under her “good girl” image is her desire to have a child – with or without a husband. Sure, she’d prefer to have a prince charming, but when he doesn’t appear and her need to have a baby doesn’t diminish, she’s on the hunt for a sperm donor. Turning first to her life-long gay best friend, Connor, she’s turned down when his partner isn’t okay with him having a child. So, resigned to going to a sperm bank, she is surprised when a man she works with, Aidan Fitzgerald offers his sperm. The catch? They have to conceive the old-fashioned way. Though Aidan’s plan is just to have some fun and gain a conquest that he’d been after for a while, neither expected to become both physical and emotional smitten.
The Worst Thing: by Deidré D.
Let me start by saying that when we agree to do a dual review we randomly decide who will write the Best and Worst opinions for the book. That said, I really did enjoy The Proposition. This is the perfect lighthearted love story.
There are a few things that did get in the way of my focus and basically bothered me throughout the story. First, we know that Emma is almost 30 and desperate for a baby, actually a husband and a baby. She actually thinks she’s on her way to ‘Spinsterhood’, what? She isn’t even 30 yet...(I personally feel some type of way about that because we are the same age. lol) Secondly, Emma has chosen Conner to father her child. This makes sense–she’s known him since forever, best friend and everything–he’s a good selection, until he’s not and drops out of the agreement. I can’t understand how she agrees to allow Aidan to be the father. She doesn’t know him..okay well he works in her building, all the woman swoon over him and he’s supposedly slept with most. So again, I ask this question, What was the criteria for fathering her child? Thirdly, it’s my understanding from reading about Emma that she’s pretty traditional. Unfortunately, time is not working on her schedule and hasn’t produced a husband or child so she’s turned to alternative options. This is absolutely fine, but as the story progresses I begin to lose sight of that traditional girl. At times I’m reminded that she’s traditional and wants the husband, child and picket fence happily ever after, but that is with the help of others in the story, ie. her family. On the other hand when I think about Aidan I think, he’s suppose to be this guy that doesn’t want a family or a relationship. How can this be when he immediately agrees to father a child just to sleep with Emma. A man who can and is thought to have slept with many women throws caution to the wind to have Emma. (How very romantic, however this doesn’t seem to fit the character we are introduced to initially) As the story continues Aidan becomes more involved (not saying he can’t change his mind) attending doctors appointments, family meetings, dinner with Emma and just the normalcy of taking care of her. He falls into this role of boyfriend with a baby on the way and then reverts back into his old ways. (How very sad and disappointing). So I can’t make up my mind. Is Aidan a sexy womanizer that had to add Emma as a notch on his bed or is he this commitment-phobe who is fighting himself to try a relationship. HMMMM.
I know it sounds as though I’m ragging on the book, and maybe I am just a little. But most of my comments can easily be answered and understood with the sequel, so I cannot wait until it comes out. I really did like that this has potential to become a sweet (not too cheesy) love story.
Overall: 7out of 10 stars
The Best Thing: by Liz B.
So many authors strive to write an unconventional story, built on non-traditional values. But they go too far. Try too hard to prove that they’re edgy. For that reason, I found this book refreshing. Emma was extremely traditional, but it was interesting to read and, though cheesy in some parts, the sum of its parts were very heartwarming. The character development was good and you really understand what motivates both of the main characters to act the way they do.
Her foil, Aidan, is set out as your classic “bad boy”. However, he doesn’t quite live up to his reputation. Where Emma is consistent in who she is from the beginning, we see a great change in Aidan as their relationship progresses. He starts off as a colossal commitment-phobe with a reputation for ruthlessly womanizing, but with Emma there’s something that makes him want to protect her. It was like watching someone be rehabilitated against his will. Through every step, Aidan has a “one more thing then I’m out” mentality, but he keeps moving forward and becoming who Emma needs him to be. Though he trips up at the end of the book, I think watching his transformation as one of the best things about this story.
Another thing I appreciated was how much they brought in the character’s families because I feel like a lot of books of this kind are written in a vacuum where there are only 2 or 4 people in their worlds, which is totally unrealistic. This book incorporated family from both character’s sides, which helped to add to the situations complexity. I both loved and hated the ending. There are cliffhangers that are crafted to give the reader a certain amount of resolution while still dangling bigger plot points in the future, but this book was a heartless. It was cut off in what felt like mid-sentence and although it served its purpose of making me want to read more, it’s also one of the most frustrating things ever!!
Overall: 7 out of 10. Not overly original, but sweet and somehow uplifting.
Word Feud!
Where your favorite reviewers duke it out
Better Than Me- Hinder
Rules- Jayme Lee
Are You Here- Corinne Bailey Rae
Little Bit (remix)- Lykke Li
Two- Ryan Adams
Give Me Love- Ed Sheeran
Die Alone- Ingrid Michaelson
You Give Me Something- James Morrison
Careless- Amos Lee
I Want You- Luke James
The Proposition Playlist
Liz & Deidré
If you loved Fifty Shades then hold onto your panties. Release Me was 10x hotter !!!
Damien Stark is many things; sexy, smart, confident and irresistible. He is one man that can get whatever he wants, whether charming his way there or using the many resources he has at his disposal. Few can resist him and now he's spotted the perfect woman and is determined to have her.
Nikki Fairchild has been raised to be the proper Southern girl––wearing the mask to disguise her true self. But proper manners, social climbing and being a kept woman are just a few things that don't make the top of her to-do-list. Her guile, determination and witty personality have landed her in LA––despite her mother's best efforts––and she's found herself as the personal assistant to an up-and-coming entrepreneur in the technology industry.
When Nikki attends a work event with her boss Carl, she doesn't expect her skin to become a live wire or her insides to do somersaults across the room when she sees her once wet dream, Damien Stark. His presence in the room has captured everyone's attention, while tension has been building between her thighs with just the site of him. On the other hand Damien can't help but feel this unmistakable attraction to Nikki (he's waited so long to see her again), and when the pressure to control their ache for one another is almost to much to bare he strikes a deal that will places Nikki in his bed and leaves her one million dollars richer. (Does this sound a little familiar? Think 'Indecent Proposal' with a HOT twist.)
What begins as an agreement of purely sex, art and a transfer of funds (to only last for 1 week) quickly turns into a hot affair leaving Nikki and Damien both wanting much more. As they journey down the path of their erotic and combustible relationship Nikki learns that Damien is much more than meets the eye. She's found 'one million reason why' she wants to keep him for herself, forever. He's possessive (but not in a creepy super controlling way), he's got a gentler side that he slowly reveals and only shares with her, but one of his most impressive traits is his dominance in the bedroom (and sometimes other places). But she can't help to question that while she's been sharing and opening up to Damien like no other, she's yet to learn what he's about, what he's really hiding. Forging forward in an attempt to understand him and see if they can possibly have more, Nikki begins to ask questions. Questions about his past; his relationship with his mother, father, tennis–why he quit. The woman he last dated–was she murdered or was her death an accident? She's shared so much with him and only wants him to share in return, but he'll pay anything to keep secret even if it's to protect her. Now that they've come to the understanding that this 'casual fling' is anything but casual his own dark secrets threaten to surface and break their fragile relationship apart.
The Best Thing:
I absolutely loooooove both Damien and Nikki. Kenner created Damien to be this gorgeous guy on the outside with some serious flaws on the inside. He's so much more than meets the eye. Despite the 'problems' that we know he's dealt with when he was younger, he's still very giving and concerned for those he cares about. Nikki is the perfect leading lady. She's not 'supermodel' beautiful, but that's what makes it all the better. She's had a challenging childhood–– an over obsessed mother whose verbally and emotional abusive and the suicide of her sister–that's left her with some of her own control issues. These two main characters both struggling for control find kindred spirits in one another.
The build-up to [all of the] climax[es] in the story was perfect. There were just enough secrets and questions about truths and pointing fingers that left me second guessing my hypothesis of whether certain events happened the way we are led to believe. There was just enough STEAMY sex that I couldn't forget this was erotica but didn't feel like I was reading SMUT.
The Worst Thing:
I wish the book was a little longer, maybe even if it tied up more loose ends before starting book two. If the characters Jamie and Ollie were suppose to be her closest friends then it would have been nice to read more about them.
I have a love/hate relationship with CLIFFHANGERS so, while I love that I [can but can't] imagine what Carl is holding over Damien's head, I hate that I'll have to wait until book two before I can find out more.
Last Read: Release Me
by: J. Kenner
December 5, 2012
Title - Release Me
Author - J. Kenner
Publisher -Random House Publishing Group
Genre - Erotica Romance
Heat - Steamy
Rating - *****
Provided by: NetGalley
December 13, 2012 by: Aleatha Romig
Overall rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Where do I start?
This book kept me up late at night. It’s creepy and totally intense and reminded me of an intro for Law & Order: SVU, one of my favorite shows.
Synopsis:
Claire Nicholas leads a pretty normal life. At 26 years old she’s working as a bartender due to layoffs at the TV station she worked at in Atlanta. She’s got a great sister, Emily and brother-in-law, John that she keeps in contact with, but no tight knit group of friends.
Anthony Rawlings is the picture perfect ‘EVERYTHING’. At 45 years old he doesn’t look a bit over 38. He’s extremely good looking, a great friend, a great businessman, a philanthropist and a great leader in the community. At least this is what everyone thinks. The true Anthony is domineering, cruel, brutal, cold, overbearing, sadistic, controlling, manipulative, vicious, ruthless and as the story progresses, he shows us that he can be inhuman and heartless. But this man has ‘WEARING A MASK’ down pat. He can be loving and kind and seductive and caring one minute and in the next his mask can slip (only in private) and his true colors show.
All seems well for Claire until a ‘CHANCE’ meeting with the attractive and mysterious businessman at the bar that she works in. He’s attentive, charming and very interested in her. So despite her best efforts to decline his offer of dinner she breaks down and accepts. It isn’t until Claire wakes up in a luxurious strange place with memories of a brutal attack that she realizes something went horribly wrong. She quickly learns that she’s now being ‘HELD’ against her will to ‘WORK’ for Anthony Rawlings.
From beginning of this story I found myself biting my nails and cussing Anthony out. MENTAL MALFUNCTION!!!! ALERT. ALERT. ALERT.
We get to experience the next TWO YEARS ( OMG ) with Claire and Anthony. Let’s shorten this a little. Basically we get a severe case of whiplash reading about Claire and Anthony. Making me feel helpless.
She gets beaten to a pulp, then rapped, then beaten again. She gets 5 star service in this beautiful house, top-of-the-line clothing, expensive jewelry, extravagant vacations. She is locked in the room for weeks, deprived of all communication to the outside world, (more) emotionally, physically and mental abuse. Then she is whisked away for major functions, entertaining Anthony’s friends, pleasurable sex (thought that doesn’t happen often). As time progresses Anthony continues to hold strong to his views of APPEARANCES and CONSEQUENCES. These both lead to some really HORRIBLE moments for Claire and some really great moments for her. (No Spoilers) They marry close to a year after her kidnapping. I know, you’re thinking WTF, but it’s all about survival. Throughout the story I totally HATE Anthony. I know there’s gotta be a reason for doing this. I can feel it on the tip of my fingers, the edge of my mind, it’s just waiting for me to grasp why he chose Claire. Why not some other woman? And then, the last 2 chapters of the book everything falls into place. I knew that the past haunted Anthony and knew it would be something that affected Claire, however I had no idea how long he planned his sick game.
The BEST thing:
I know I’ve left some details out of the summary, but there is way too much information to include. I can go on and on and on about this book and the major events that made me want to but I’ve finally learned that I have to cut myself off ...or at least try to.
Aleatha, you’ve created some of the best characters I read this year. I literally hate Anthony. I don’t care about his cause, I don’t care about his pain and I surely don’t care about his feelings. The man is a true SADIST fueled by revenge. He’s the perfect villain and you wrote him well. I look forward to hating him in book two:)
Normally I get irritated with woman like Claire, however she’s great. She’s so smart it’s funny in this case. Most characters would have been written as the damsel in distress and she would have eventually given up. (I’d never want to be in her situation, however if I had to be then she’s a good character to look to.) Claire is so strong. She quickly learns that physically, trying to fight Anthony won’t work. She has to meet him on a mental playing field in order to survive her ‘hell’ (play the part). I even understand that she may have actually developed feelings for him. When everything is taken away from you, even your freedom and you only have one person to depend on, it can get pretty confusing mentally and emotionally. I’m not mad that she chose to marry him. With what we know at the end of the book, it was probably the safest choice at the time.
Moving on. Thank you so much for giving details throughout the book about her personality, her day-to-day life, her past and more. This created such a bond so that I understood her better and I literally found myself scared when she was scared and somewhat excited when she was, and definitely sad and depressed when things would go south. Not every author has the ability to create a strong connection with their readers and characters, but you did. And thanks for providing an awesome epilogue that keeps us interested and on the edge of our seats for more.
I can’t believe I dragged this book out so that when I completed it book two would have already arrived and I could start immediately.
The WORST thing:
I’m still thinking about this. I mean I’m really stretching it to say that I would have like to read more about Anthony’s past. I honestly think it was just enough to know why he is the way he is and why he’s doing what he’s doing.
Title - Consequences
Author - Aleatha Romig
Publisher- Romig Works
Genre - Fiction, Mystery, Thirller
Heat - Crazy Good
Rating - *****
Overall rating: 2 out of 5 Stars
Synopsis:
I was very excited to read this book. I love stories that are based on fairy tales especially erotic stories. I've followed Cathy Yardly's attempts to take Snow White and Sleeping Beauty on in a modern, sexy way and I've enjoyed them immensely. This book, however, fell flat. A good renovation of a fairy tale should present a clear world for us to live in, it should have a relatable princess, and it should, more than anything present a new, interesting take on the original story. Climbing Her Tower took the story in a different way, granted, but everything was done on the surface. It lacked depth and much of that was due to the irritating heroine. I understand that Rapunzel is essentially a mentally abused shut-in who doesn't know anything about the world. However...her naivety didn't come off as endearing so much as annoying. I think there was a way this could've been done well, but that wasn’t achieved in this rendition.
Another issue I had with this book was the way the author sprinted through the story. We started with Rapunzel staring out her window and seeing her soon-to-be lover Prince Richard. She throws her hair down for him and drops her panties, too. The reader quickly finds themselves immersed in a nightly sexfest. Which is good. Except that during the first 5 chapters there is only a very thin veil of a plot. So, we emerge from this sexfest feeling mildly turned on and ready for the plot to ramp up when we suddenly go on a four year detour where our lovers are separated. Instead of following our heroine, we follow our injured hero where he finds solace in the arms of Cinderalla's fairy godmother who is apparently a dominatrix and makes Prince Richard into a switch (someone who both doms and subs)? It got confusing here and the plot didn't really seem relevant anymore - the detour was obviously just to achieve the aim of cramming more sex into this story. But it was to the detriment of the overall story.
The world they were living in got confused toward the end, too. There were phones and modern sex toys available, but you still got the feeling that they were supposed to be in the “olden days”. Just another element adding to the larger jumble.
The ending is a happy one...of course...and all the loose ends (of which there weren't many because that would imply a multifaceted plot line) were tied up. One thing the book did well was the sex scenes. There were some common fetish threads that went throughout the book, but each sex scene was a new and exciting foray into eroticism. The author takes us from virginity, to shaving, to bondage, to S&M and in the sex scenes the writing becomes the most vivid and clear.
Best Thing: The premise and the sex scenes steal the show in this book.
Worst Thing: Lack of plot, lack of direction. I think this would've been a better one-off sexy vignette than a full story.
Overall: It tries hard, but doesn’t quite make it. 2 out of 5.
Title - Climbing Her Tower
Author - Elizabeth Black
Publisher -Self publish
Genre - Erotica Romance
Heat - Fizzle
Rating - **
Provided by: Elizabeth Black
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Oh how I enjoyed this book! It's filled with lies, cover-ups, betrayal, grief, heartbreak, breakdowns, and more. It features some great characters that specialize in twisting words and situations to suit themselves, disconnected personalities, and overall MESSED UP PEOPLE.
This is the story of a soul torn apart. Desniah Williams was a bright, beautiful and fun girl. She grew up in a wealthy and prominent family and never wanted for anything (except maybe the attention of her adopted father). Her life changed when her best friend's father Caden Currington 4th took advantage of her over the course of several year and continued to until caught by his wife. It was after these events that with Mr. Carrington that Desniah began to withdraw from life, from her best friend Caden Currington 5th.
Fast forwarding a few years and Desniah has managed to salvage some type of relationship with her friend Caden. Caden has falling for Desniah and wants to be with her but doesn't understand her negative response to him. Things only get worse when she learns that he's leaving her and going overseas to train for the family business. This particular event sets in motion the end of a long friendship and the creation of London Brown.
When Caden leaves Desniah has a breakdown. Realizing her continued downward spiral London Brown is created to maintain her sanity, to fight the pain that she's endured throughout the years. London Brown is sexy, strong, self confident and enjoys being a whore. She teases men with her sexuality and prides herself on being able to wrap them around her finger. Working with an exclusive callgirl Agency and high-end clientele, she sells here body to the highest bidder.
Desniah has finally found -after years of searching- her own sense of normal where she can live her life while Lodon deals with the heavy stuff, that is until Caden comes back. When Caden requests an audience with Lodon and explains he'll do anything to repair what they had and to get her back, he doesn't realize the extent of what his presence is doing Desniah. Little does he know that while he's professing his love and apologizing for the past, he's pushing Desniah into the arms of her new best friend, Rhys Stowell. His presence is the catalyst for Desniah falling for Ryhs while still battling with her feelings for him, thus creating a huge mess.
Desniah still loves Caden but can't move forward with him because of the past. Caden wants Desniah but can only really reach London. Rhys wants Desniah and they really make a good match because of their friendship, but his dark needs are probably better meant for London. Who will end up together? Oh the drama.
The Best Thing:
When I read the synopsis for this story I didn't get that it would involve a character with multiple personalities. I thought I'd be reading about four physically separate characters, but I loved the twist. While at times I was a little confused and not one hundred percent sold on the multiple personality, I did find the storyline very intriguing. I really enjoyed how every other chapter gave a different view point between the characters.
Reading about Desniah and what she experienced while growing up really upset me, but made me understand why she is afraid of many things and views herself as being weak. When I learned about London I really hated her although I knew she was vital for Desniah's survival. I'm torn between loving Caden the 5th and loving Rhys. While one seems like the golden boy the other is really messed up but seems to be ar to give Desniah what she needs. They both love her in their own way but I can't see this working out for anyone- someone's bound to be devastated- thus adding and waiting for a really great climax.
The Worse Thing:
Maybe it was me but I wasn't sold on Desniah and London having completely different experiences when one took over. It wasn't until London slept with Caden and told Rhys that I began to believe the difference and how separate that are.
I would have loved to seen more development between Desniah and London. When does Desniah take over, is she capable of controlling Lodon or vice versa? Will London allow others to get close to her? Hopefully these questions will be answered in the next Collection Vol. 2 ( I can't wait)
Overall I did really enjoy these collections of confessions and can't wait to read more!!! 4 out of 5 stars!
Title - Confesions Collections Vol.1
Author - Leila DeSint
Publisher- New Dawning
International Bookfair
Genre - Erotic Literature, Erotic Suspense, Erotic Thriller
Heat - Crazy Good
Rating - ****
It's 1856 in New York and Heather Fitzpatrick falls for young Army lieutenant David Whitman, who is tracking a runaway slave.
Despite their divergent views on slavery, romance ensues between David and Heather at the Cotillion Ball, and an engagement quickly follows. But when he receives word that his father is ailing, he wants her to accompany him home to Savannah, GA to meet his family.
After his father passes, his mother insists any marriage will have to wait the requisite year, but she really wants to send Heather home, and have David pick from one of her potential brides.
Will Heather be able to fight against all the obstacles that stand in the way of their love or will she have to pack and head back home?
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
God I was so obsessed with Consequences (book1) that I never really thought about where Aleatha would take book two, but I'm so happy with where it went.
Keeping it short and sweet let's start by saying I absolutely loved this book.
Claire Nichols has escapes her captor, Anthony Rawlings, by way of prison. She endured a little over a year in prison where she was able to reflect on how she got to where she was. (Kidnapped, beaten, rapped, taken care of, loved, married, divorced and imprisoned). That was a lot over the course of 3 years so she contemplated revenge! How could she hit Anthony Rawlings where he least expected it. Her goal, to get close enough to learn more about him-research his history and then use it against him. When she arrived to his home, this time of her own free will, she couldn't believe she was going through with it. Having him so close when her feelings for him still lingered despite all that had happened between the two of them. Their passion for one another was still evident despite the fact that she was now somewhat interested in another. The emotional roller coaster of remained although Claire no longer allowed Anthony 'Tony' to verbally or physically abuse her. She struggled daily with moving on mainly because he made his presence in her life clear, he wasn't going anywhere. In fact he intended to stay very close and keep her for himself again. [Note: I must say I kinda felt silly when I made the same decision as Claire by falling for Anthony again, despite his crazy ways. I still doubt my own sanity, lol. I know it has to have something to do with the fact that he's made some significant changes to how he handles Claire and anyone close to her, but it still makes no sense]. While Claire and Anthony continue their back and forth routine (and Claire continues her research about his past) neither of them realize that there are others that know the TRUTH about Anthony Rawlings and his real connection to Claire Nichols. As the story unfolds of course we are presented with mysterous new characters, the grand old prize of true betrayal, the desire to not only obtain but maintain control, the continued struggle between love and hate, another attempted kidnapping, an unexpected addition and a new understanding and alliance. This book packs everything you need with a punch and the some.
The Best Thing:
I already fell in love with these crazy characters when I read Consequences so Truth just solidified everything for me. I really love how I can guess certain events that might take place but also left to wonder who's responsible for the new crazy events that take place if Anthony is no longer a threat to Claire. I love the guessing game of whether Anthony really does love Claire or if he's just confusing love with his long time obsession for revenge. Of course nothing made me happier than to continue reading about our strong the leading lady is. Although Claire's been through hell, her broken spirit has mended and anyone one who isn't with her is against her (that's how I took it). Finally, I really like how Aleatha skillfully sums up most of the issues from book one and two but also creates news dilemmas that lead into book three. Once again I'm left pulling our hair and pounding our fists anticipating what's to come. Can't wait!😆
The Worse Thing:
Duh! Having to wait to until next year to read book three
Title - Truth
Author - Aleatha Romig
Publisher- Romig Works
Genre - Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
Heat - Sizzling/Great
Rating - *****
This short tease of a story was just that, a tease.
Sizzle to Fizzle - 2.5 out 5 stars
I started reading the story of a woman who is desperately in need of having sex with her man. The significance of her name is obviously irrelevant compared to her desire of getting off. I say this because I either missed her name or never read it :(
The problem starts when Evan, her boyfriend, offers his place up for his Uncle Jules to stay for a while. This is the beginning our mystery woman's problem because Uncle Jules is always around, always seems to be lurking in the corner or in their common space. She becomes so distracted by his presence that she begins to push Evan away, declining their very active sex schedule. After what seems like a lifetime she asks Evan to talk to his Uncle about moving on to another place.
Since her needs haven't been met on a regualr base, her desire, her need to get off has become so great that she can't seem to concentrate on anything else. She leaves their home in hopes of giving Evan and his Uncle Jules time and space to discuss his departure. Hoping like crazy that when she returns Uncle Jules will no longer be there and she can finally jump Evan's bones again without an audience. Finally, it's with great pleasure that when she arrives home the house is clear of Uncle Jules. She can finally have Evan all to herself.
The Best Thing:
This quickie definitely left the wanting to read more, learn more about the characters. This could be considered a good or bad thing. The teaser at the beginning had me very interested in the types of games they played with one another.
The Worst Thing:
Although this was a short story I wasn't able to form any type of connection with the characters. In my honest opinion this short story did not meet its full potential. I would have liked to at least learned our main character's name and reach some type of climax beofre it ended. . Maybe some of the other short stories give more detail.
Author - Kathryn O'Halloran
Publisher- New Dawning
International Bookfair
Genre - Erotica
Heat - Sizzle to Fizzle
Rating - **
January 14, 2013 by: Elle Aycart
No Spoilers
Synopsis:
This story went straight to all my tingly parts. In the second installation of Bowen we get a closer look at the super serious Cole Bowen. Known for his killer yet rugged looks, dominant personality, and strong family ties, Cole runs his family on a tight rope. With a past for plagued with untrustworthy woman, he steers clear of any serious relationships demolishing any woman that attempts to get close. At the peak of his brother James’ engagement and Alden’s summer filled with festivities in the community, Cole and his baby brother Max have been fighting women off more than usual. He can’t think of anything more depressing and irritating then having to continuously dodge the frenzy of woman that are doing any and everything to capture his attention.
Christine Sheridan, AKA Christy has had a pretty interesting year so far. Leaving her home and recently sorry-excuse-for-a-fiance in California after finding him with her neighbor, she’s only interested in relaxing, updating Alden’s ancient library and STAYING CLEAR OF ALL MEN. A night out with her girlfriends and a bottle of Cuervo Christy change Christy’s life for good, as she yells to the sky that she’s sworn off relationships and will soon be searching for own male gigolo to get properly laid.
When Cole over hears Christy’s pledge he can’t believe the woman that has been making spotlight appearances in his dreams is now available. Determined to strike a deal that will land Christy in his bed and not a gigolo, Cole agrees to offer sex in exchange for a few fake dates that should hopefully kill most if not all of the traffic (woman) coming around. Against all of Christy’s uptight feelings–Cole’s too sexy, too domineering, too many women around–she decides this is the best opportunity she’s had ever and has to accept.
What they get in exchange for this little agreement? Well a hella-of-a-lot-of-SEX, some really fun dates, and comfortable companionship without strings until the tables begin to turn. Slowly but surely their encounters become anything but ‘JUST SEX’, as Cole attempts to tear down Christy’s barriers, lowering her defenses. For the first time ever Cole wants more than just a romp in the sheets. He can’t believe all of the baggage that Christy is carrying around –her severely dysfunctional mother and her own self worth/self-image–that seems to be plaguing what they have and what he wants. Yet, Cole can’t deny that everything he’s been feeling is so much more than we they agreed on, it goes against everything he’s ever wanted and strives for.
Cole has so much to figure out. The closer he gets to Christy the more she sees (despite his hot-and-cold play on sharing his past with her). He’s worked so hard at getting Christy to open up and believe the things he tells her, yet when she challenges him to do the same he shuts down. As Cole searches for the words to solidify what they have Christy has to be willing and able to accept her true self, understand and be patient with Cole’s baggage, and fight like hell to keep what she really wants.
The Best Thing:
What wasn’t great about this book? The story flowed nicely and I fell right in with the characters. I love how Cole and Christy have real issues and real problems; it makes them extremely relatable (although I haven’t experienced what either of them have). The heat between these two was unbelievable!!! I wish there was more to the story just so I could read more about them and their new relationship. I even loved the fact that neither wanted a relationship but somehow found themselves in exactly that, but because it was working so well they didn’t even realize it;)
But to add a serious touch to the story, I really loved how Cole and Christy dealt with their issues. Elle did an excellent job writing characters that have depth with real personalities. I absolutely can’t wait to read more. PLEASE ELLE HURRY UP AND FINISH WRITING THE OTHER STORIES IN THIS SERIES!
The Worse Thing:
I don’t know if the worse thing about this story is really a flaw in the book itself (very doubtful) or just my supreme hatred for certain characters. I really despise those that act superior over another person and go out of their way to humiliate them. With that said I reserve my hatred for Rose and gang of vultures. Again, great work Elle!
Title - Heavy Issues
Author - Elle Aycart
Publisher- Loose Id LLc
Genre - Romance, Erotic Romance
Heat - Sizzling/Great
Rating - *****
Title - More Than Meets The Ink
Author - Elle Aycart
Publisher- Loose Id LLc
Genre - Fiction, Romance, Erotic Romance
Heat - Sizzling/Great
Rating - ****
Title - Falling In Love
Author - Stephen Bradlee
Publisher- Stephen Bradlee
Genre - Non-Fiction
Heat - Warm/Pretty Good
Rating - ****
When I started this story I had an idea of what it would be about, or at least I thought I did. I made an assumption that it would somehow be lighthearted and the typical erotic romance with the typical ending. God have I ever been so wrong. I won't do the displeasure of adding all the fun and crazy gifs to such a serious book, it wouldn't do it justice. But I will attempt to give a short synopsis from my view point along with the best and the worse parts about the story. Sherry Johnson tells her story to a trusted writer in hopes that it may help someone else, to open people's eyes to addiction or maybe she did it to relieve herself of everything she went through and continues to be challenged by everyday.
Sherry falls in love, often. Actually she falls in love many times throughout her life and has left a trails of tears, humiliated partners and memories, unexplainable situations and unbelievable outcomes behind. Most of her sexual encounters left me feelings rung out dry and with a horrible hangover until the next huge mistake.
[I absolutely hate having to witness/read train wrecks] When the story starts she’s is balling her eyes out and driving down the highway (running away from one of the first humiliating situations we read about). When the car dies on the side of the road and Paul the tow guy comes to help, but Sherry knows immediately things will end badly. The attraction she has toward Paul will leave nothing but destruction behind when it’s over. It doesn’t take much for Paul to convince Sherry to hang around town and work for him (he’s a lawyer full time). When she decides to stay Sherry finds herself daydreaming about a life with Paul, the only problem is that she can’t seem to block out the urge to go satisfy her ‘itch’. She soon realizes that despite her nightly adventures in town, she’s fallen on love with Paul. Against her own warning signs and Paul's own questions of fidelity, Paul proposes and she accepts. Of course like many times before all of her bad decisions and past excursions come crashing back when Paul confirms that she hasn't been faithful, but instead has slept with half of the town. It’s not hard to guess what happens next. Paul sends Sherry packing and while running away she misjudges the highway and crashes her car leaving her in a comma.
After a short blip in recovery and a very short attempt at getting Paul back, Sherry is left once again devastated and she decides to continue her travels to New York in search of her moms best friend Elaine. She sets up shop finding a new apartment with Elaine's friend Gregory and a temp position in an upscale law firm courtesy of a new friend, Dede. Unfortunately, it doesn't take long for Sherry to fall into her old habits and wake up in a strange beds with fuzzy heads and memories. This happens one to manny times until she is let go of her first temp position. Once she lands her next significant position with another prestigious law firm again courtesy of Dede, she decides she can’t screw this one up. She struggles to stay sober but the pressures of work and her personal life get the best of her she ends her work with Adam.
It isn't until she starts attending AA meetings with Elaine that she begins to admit that she has a problem. Dipping into the candy dish (dating a fellow AA member) doesn’t prove successful either so Sherry sets out for the challenge of her life–– NO SEX WITH ANYONE INCLUDING HERSELF for as long as possible. To help pass time she works longer hours, learns more about her mom’s past, and even stumbles into soccer, her LIFESAVER. Sherry’s life doesn’t really change until she meets and becomes a part of a prominent soccer team in New York. The ladies of this team challenge Sherry at every end to be the best, not give up, and work hard for the win. They also provide Sherry with one of the most important things she needs right now, A LOVING A SUPPORTIVE NETWORK.
Although challenging at times, Sherry was able to meet her goal of no sex, confront her past with her mom, continue with her AA meetings, hold on to her job as a Legal Assistant, and learn to live a little without over doing it.
The Best Thing:
The best and worse part of this book is that it's base off of true events. Again, I had an extremely difficult time getting past the first few major struggles that Sherry shares, so much so I didn't know if I could finish the book. (But again that’s because I hate reading about train wrecks that seem to have no happy ending.)
For the heart-on-sleeve-moment, I couldn’t believe how invested I became in this story. I really wanted Sherry to become a better person, to fight the urge to go out and sleep around. I stopped waiting for the next horrible thing to take place and anticipated when she would turn her life around. While I do not fully understand addiction from firsthand experience, I can understand that her past relationship with her mom (or without) and her relationship with her Uncle probably had a huge impact into how Sherry viewed herself and the relationships she had.
I think Sherry’s story is one that shows all readers that we must first love ourselves before others can love us or before we can love them. Sharing her story will not only open minds to the reality of addiction, but the road to recovery. I think it was very brave of her to share something so personal and painful.
The Worst Thing:
I hated sitting on the edge of my seat, hold my nook tightly waiting for Sherry to make another terrible mistake. I would have loved to read more about what, if any, did Sherry find out about her father. Why didn’t she go into detail about growing up more, was it not relevant to her?
I hope that Stephen Bradlee will have another interview with her where she’ll discuss more of her past and how things turned out for her future with Paul and Elaine.
SYNOPSIS:
This little love story of James and Tate is totally intense from beginning to end. In short, it’s a story about heartbreak, trust and loss. Their journey is one of learning how to love without boundaries and judgment.
When Tate decides it’s time to leave Boston and go down to Eternal Sun Resort in Florida to check on her mom, she most definitely didn’t have men on her mind. In the middle of mourning the unexpected death of her father and brother, she’s been thrown full force into the family restaurant business, watching over her mom and making sure her older sister is dealing. Of course the last thing she ever expected was for her longtime boyfriend to breakup with her right after the accident. So when Tate meets SEX-ON-A-STICK, James Bowen, covered in bad-boy tattoos and his perfect jeans, her world is turned on its axis.
James Bowen may look like a bad-boy from afar, but when Tate crosses his line of vision he’s determined to show her that he’s different. James can’t ignore the chemistry that he and Tate share and he’s willing to push aside his uneasiness to have a ‘FUN FLING’ with Tate for the weekend. When one night of HOT & STEAMY sex leaves both Tate and James breathless, Tate’s instinct for (FIGHT OR FLIGHT) or in this case (FLING OR FLIGHT) kick in and she splits town for Boston.
But James won’t let Tate get away that easily. Once he’s back in Boston he makes it his goal to submerge himself into Tate’s life, leaving no room for her to deny that the connection they have is so much more than physical. James challenges Tate to let her walls down and get over her own bigotry.
This story is jammed packed with HOT SEX, tearful moments, and stalkers.
The Best Thing:
WOW can Elle write a love/sex scene. I absolutely love reading about Tate and James; their awesome chemistry and how they fell for one another. I really like how realistic the issues in this story are and I appreciate how Elle’s characters reflected how most people deal with major issues if and when they don’t have a support system.
The Worst Thing:
I really didn’t like Aiden as a character. I understand he was suppose to be the ex-fiancé that disappeared when Tate needed him most, however his reappearance confused me. I wish it was explained a little clearer as to why he did the things he did. I couldn’t fully dislike him like I wanted to (beside that fact that he left).
January 22, 2013 by: J.C. Valentine
Title - Stranded
Author - J.C. Valentine
Publisher- self published
Genre - Romance,
Heat - Flaring/Good
Rating - ***
Synopsis:
Poppy has finally settled in and accepted her new life. After divorcing her cheating husband Jimmy of ten years and getting laid off from work, she decided it would best to pack up and move to the peaceful country. Building walls to protect herself, Poppy has decided against dating. In fact Poppy finds every reason under the sun why she can't date. So she decides on Bo, her dog and protector, to be the perfect companion.
Felix is a successful literary agent. A few years removed from his own marriage, he has taken on a different stance on dating. Instead of shying away from women or jumping into more meaningless relationships, Felix just sleeps around. It seems to work well for the perfectly chiseled body, deep seductive eyes and über masculine presence he exudes. Funny thing is that he really believe he's happy with his current life and he women in it.
But one long day and night change the game for Felix. Deliriously drowsy and rung out, Felix attempts to keep his eyes on the highway praying he can make it home soon. Unfortunately, he finds himself upside down ditch deep with water slowly running into the car. Once he's able to release himself he makes his way up the hill and down the roads through freezing rain seeking the tiny light coming from a small house. Once in his site he can't believe his eyes. Before him is the most beautiful woman he can ever remember seeing and she's yelling at him to get out of the rain.
Poppy can't believe what's happening. She's daydreamed for what seems forever to have a drop dead gorgeous guy in her grasp that isn't a douche, but they only appear in her trashy novels. Now that this stranger is here and looking like death is at his door, she can't believe it. As she brings him inside and nurses him back to health, she can't help but to admire his strong and manly physique. She's never responded to any man the way she's responding to Felix and she soon realizes that she's having the same effect on him, and for the first time she doesn't want to let anything get in the way. What comes next is some explosive, life altering, steamy sex that stirs something inside both Poppy and Felix and changes how they've been viewing their Iives.
With cold feet and broken hearts Poppy and Felix almost let one another slip through cracks. Neither wants to continue to deny what they feel, so they'll have to push aside their past pains in order to take what they really want- an unquenchable, undeniable love.
The Best Thing:
I think Stranded was the perfect length for what it offered. So often authors try to squeeze everything they can into a short story and it comes off as rushed. Although in this particular story I didn't agree with Poppy's take care attitude (for a complete stranger) I thought it was hot once the ball got rolling.
The Worst Thing:
I was a little confused by the fact that Poppy went to great lengths to seclude herself from men and parts of the city, but invited a stranger in to her home and had a wild a passionate night with him. (Don't get me wrong it was hot but didn't match up) I also thought that it was very interesting how the story ended keeping in mind how things started between POppy and Felix and learning about their pasts and paths. But then again it is a novella and you can't jam everything in there.
