The Awakening by Jamieson Wolf

Title: The Awakening

Author: Jamieson Wolf

Publisher: Breathless Press

Publication Date: 2009

ISBN: 978-1-926771-07-6

Genre: Paranormal erotic romance

Length: 36 pages

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Author Email: jamiesonwolf@gmail.com

Rating: 4 Diamonds

Heat Level: Erotic

Other: Oral play

Reviewer: Paris Beauchamps

Date: 01/31/2010

Cleopatra, the young Egyptian queen, has powers that she herself does not completely understand. She is able to see and converse with Isis, the goddess of motherhood and fertility; and her dreams not only transport her into supernatural realms, but also seem to prophesy her own future as well as Egypt’s.

Osiris, Isis’ lover and husband, has been abducted by Anubis, the god of the Underworld—accomplishing the wicked kidnapping with the assistance of Osiris’ brother Set, who desires the beautiful Isis and wishes to make her his wife. The distraught Isis visits Cleopatra, and pleads with her to rescue her imprisoned husband Osiris. Cleopatra, who has witch-like powers, finds the entrance to the Underworld, travelling there to confront Anubis even though he has powers which greatly surpass her own.

While in the Underworld, Cleopatra discovers her true identity as well as the true extent of her magical powers. The final outcome of her mission is unexpected and satisfying, making this read an interesting and very enjoyable experience.

Cleopatra’s passion for the virile and sexy Mark Antony sizzles, and the richness of their true love for each other is reflected in the author’s detailed and stimulating descriptions of their sexual intimacy. In the end, their mutual love for each other helps to consummate a happy ending for the two lovers, Isis and Osiris, and all of Egypt. I highly recommend this novelette. Well-done Mr. Wolf!

Sex Holiday by Natalie Acres

Title: Sex Holiday

Author: Natalie Acres

Publisher: Siren Publishing, Inc. (Poly Amour)

Publication Date: December, 2009

ISBN: 1-60601-704-7

Genre: Erotic

Length: 63 pages

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Author email: none available

Rating: 4.5 Diamonds

Heat Level: erotic

Other: oral play, sex games, ménage, m/f/m, toys

Reviewer: Jo Pfander

Date: 1-27-2010

Bad relationships always hurt in the end. Double the men, double the heartache. Patience McKay dealt with two exes who lied to her, but she couldn’t overcome her addiction for more of what that relationship offered. So vacationing away for Christmas was the answer. Add her two best-friends and their wish for her to be happy equals the McCoy twins. Would Patience forgive the intrusion into her private life and take what the cowboys had to offer her? Or would she do what every good girl should do when faced with gorgeous twin brothers?

Natalie Acres spun a wonderful erotic ménage tale of sex, pleasure and love that left me wanting to read more. Anyone who loves cowboys and thoughts of desirous action between the sheets won’t be disappointed with this short romance. For myself, I think I may need to rethink my thoughts on cowboys and romance. Because this was steaming hot!

Timeless Valentine by Claire Ashgrove

Title: Timeless Valentine

Author: Claire Ashgrove

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Publication Date: 2009

ISBN: 1-601554-715-3

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 261 pages

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Author Email: claire@claireashgrove.com

Rating: 4.5 Diamonds

Heat Level: Spicy

Reviewer: Starla Kaye

Date: 1-26-10

Lucas Benning and Olivia McDaniels have known each other since childhood, teased and tormented each other as youths, something that has continued into adulthood. Due to his best friend (her brother) and an awkward situation, they are sharing a house and once more rubbing each other wrong. Except they each begin to notice things about one another: he sees beneath her jaded perspective toward Valentine’s Day, sees the hurt woman and is determined to help chip away the walls around her heart. She discovers he can be more than annoying in disrupting her work; he can be tender, selfless and thoughtful. This is one of those “love finds a way” stories so enjoyable at Valentine’s Day time.

Beauty and the Geek by Roni Adams

Title: Beauty and the Geek
Author: Roni Adams
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: 2007
ISBN: 1-60154-159-7
Genre: Contemporary
Length: 265 pages
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Author Email roni@roniadams.com
Rating: 4 diamonds
Heat Level: sensual
Other: oral play
Reviewer: Dana Dean
Date: Jan. 2010

Computer geek Louie Hanson loves Becky Richardson, the elusive town beauty. In fact, Louie has loved Becky most of his life, but she sees him as her buddy, the one man she can expect not to hit on her. She does not want the fairytale of marriage and children. She’d rather love ‘em and leave ‘em so she doesn’t get hurt. However, when her nerd pal gets a chance to oversee the renovation of the Ryan mansion, Becky and Louie find themselves drawn to the house’s history, the mystery of its new owner, and of course one another.

I loved Louie from the very first page. He’s cute, funny, and clever despite his somewhat misguided plans to capture the heart of his beauty. Becky, however, is the epitome of the over indulged beauty. She is well written and believable, but in all honesty I didn’t like her much at first. She seemed too shallow and superficial for the delightful “Nerdman.” Even the nickname she lays on him felt insulting rather than fun. However, Ms. Adams did a good job of showing me Louie’s princess through his eyes. Slowly Becky’s insecurities and issues come to light and make her redeemable if not nice. Ms. Adams’ Beauty and the Geek made me cheer for this unlikely couple and believe in the possibility of true love.

Hunting JC by Dominique Eastwick

Title: Hunting JC
Author: Dominique Eastwood
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
Publication Date:
ISBN: 978-1-60168-270-3
Genre: contemporary romance/suspense
Length: 238
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Author Email: dominique_eastwick@yahoo.com
Rating: 4 diamonds
Heat Level: sensual
Reviewer: Brecken Stevens
Date: Jan 25, 2010

Hunter and JC have been watching each other for years, but neither knew or showed what they felt. With JC’s huge, doting family and Hunter’s honorary place in it, Hunter has always been hesitant to take the step of having a relationship with JC. Then the timing is finally right. She’s old enough, he wants to settle down, both are single and the family is in a good position. Then all hell breaks loose. Is their love enough to get them past their own personal demons, let alone when an outsider tries to destroy everything Hunter has every worked for?

Hunting JC had me playing the cheerleader, trying to get the two to be together. The back and forth was killing me! In a good way, of course. They are engaging, flawed characters who belong together right from the start. JC’s family is made up of wonderful characters, especially her brothers. I’m sure before long they will each have their own stories and I look forward to reading them. Hunting JC is a four diamond kind of story. There are moments that are touching beyond belief, lines you’ll read over and over because they are that darn sweet, and humor to keep it all running until JC and Hunter finally make up their darn minds!

Stormy Weather by Nancy O'Berry

Title: Stormy Weather

Author: Nancy O’Berry

Publisher: Red Rose Publishing

Publication Date:2009

ISBN:978-1-60435-469-0

Genre: contemporary

Length: 94

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Author Email : yesitsromance@yahoo.com

Rating: 3 1/2 diamonds

Heat Level: slightly spicy

Reviewer: Brecken Stevens

Date: Jan 25, 2010

Lauren beat breast cancer, but is having trouble being a survivor. A long-time assistant and project manager for an architecture firm, she takes comfort in her work after the medical side of the cancer has been seen to. The rest she’s still dealing with. Her husband left after diagnosis and his parting words ring in her mind…less than a woman. Cole McGuire has seen Lauren around the office for years. She’s a nice woman, a woman in recovery, a woman he can’t get out of his mind. Lauren thinks Cole is sweet, but as a broken woman, what can she do about it? Will Lauren let herself truly beat cancer and embrace the rest of her life? Or is recover still a long way out?

Stormy Weather was a touching story. I learned more about breast cancer in from it, than I did in high school health class. Unfortunately, the focus on cancer took away from the characters. They had so much potential. I would have loved to really get to know Cole because in all cases he seemed very sweet. The supporting characters had all the pieces of being really interesting, but were never explored to the depths the deserved which can be a down side of such a short book. The story is a solid three and a half and with the proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen For the Cure Tidewater fund, that shoots it to the top of any woman who has had her life touched by cancer’s to-read list.

Valentine's Day Do-Over Part II: The Siblings by Donna Michaels

Title: Valentine's Day Do-Over Part II: The Siblings

Author: Donna Michaels

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Publication Date: 2008

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Length: 86 pages

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Author Email: dmluvs2write@yahoo.com

Rating: 4 Diamonds

Heat Level: Spicy

Reviewer: Suki

Date: January 25 2010

"Eros, God of Love, thought bringing soul mates Ivy Valentine and Roman Hartt together last year was tough until he met their siblings, Mia and Race.

Forced to suffer the same do-over fate his younger brother endured last Valentine’s Day, Racine Hartt must share the holiday madness with his worst nightmare—his beautiful superior, Major Mia Valentine. Mia doesn’t have time for irresponsible men in her life and is not happy to discover she’s stuck in a repeat Valentine’s Day with the handsome, yet chauvinistic Captain Racine Hartt. With her sister’s wedding day in jeopardy of never arriving, Mia looks for someone else, anyone else other than the sexy Captain to fill the slot. How many days will it take this military minded couple to look past their preconceived notions and see into each other’s hearts? Can Eros accomplish this miracle? Or will the world repeat Valentine’s Day forever?"

Eros is at it again this time He is trying to match up Race and Mia in Donna Michaels sequel Valentine's Day Do-Over Part II: The Siblings. And these two are not too happy to play along with Eros games. This is the sequel to Valentine's Day Do-Over., and although I would recommend reading that one first, a reader could get on just fine by reading this one on its own.

The Plot to this one again reads a lot like Groundhog day the movie. With the two main characters having to replay the Valentines day over and over until they get it right and fall in love. I really appreciated that Ms Michaels gave these two character's an extra 20 pages from the last book it gave them real time to develop who they were. It also enabled Ms Michaels to developed some real conflict and make this book fresh. Ms Michaels did a wonderful job with the secondary characters in this one, the fact that they could feel that Valentines day was dragging even though they didn't really know it was a great change from the norm.

Valentine's Day Do-Over by Donna Michaels

Title: Valentine's Day Do Over

Author: Donna Michaels

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Publication Date: January 2007

ISBN:

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Length: 51 pages

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Author Email dmluvs2write@yahoo.com This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Rating: 4.25 Diamonds

Heat Level: sensual

Reviewer: Suki

Date: January 24 2010

"Eros, God of Love, has looked into the hearts of Ivy Valentine and Rome Hartt and knows they are soul mates. What he didn't know, was how hard it would be to bring them together and vows to make the day repeat until they get it right. Rome-owner of his late father's floundering business-isn't sure how to stop the repeating day, but he's determined to have the winning lottery ticket in hand when it does. Ivy the scientist's life revolves around rules and facts. How can a day repeat? Unable to figure it out, she looks for a way to stop it. Could the handsome man she keeps bumping into be the key?"

In this Valentines Day story meets Groundhog Day Movie, two fated lovers are forced to the relive Valentines day until they get it right. Valentine's Day Do Over is enjoyable and entertaining short story. Rome and Ivy must find their way together with a whole lot of help from Eros and a dog named Cupid. Ms Michaels Romantic Comedy is the perfect Valentines day read. Because nothing could be better then romance, two fated lovers, and a very annoyed Eros.

Take Me, I'm Yours by Michelle Miles

Title: Take Me, I'm Yours
Author: Michelle Miles
Publisher: Cobblestone Press
Publication Date: 2009
ISBN: 978-1-60088-414-6
Genre: Erotic
Length: 187
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Author Email: none available
Rating: 5 Diamonds
Heat Level: Erotic
Other: Oral sex
Reviewer: Dawne
Date: 01/24/2010

Marion Parker experiences every brides' worst nightmare when her future husband, Ethan Baxter, leaves her moments before their ceremony. Best man Graeme Butler delivers the forged note to the devastated bride, all the while he's been pining away for Marion for the last three years. After six months of seeking solitary comfort for heartache, Marion and Graeme meet up after a brief and hostile encounter she has with Ethan. Marion and Graeme have dinner and casual conversation while both are thinking about how they can get the other into bed and naked. Weeks of non-dating, because they're just friends, the couple can't fight the sexual attraction.

Marion faces mixed emotions for both Ethan and Graeme and must decide to take another chance on love with Graeme or to forgive Ethan for breaking her heart. With the assistance of her best friend, sassy Delilah, Marion makes her decision. Once again, Miles builds great relationships between her characters and the saucy Delilah adds just the right touch of elegance and spunk. Very well written and Miles weaves a tale of love, sex and relationships to perfection.

No Matter What by Erin Nichols

Title: No Matter What
Author: Erin Nicholas
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Rating: Sweet
Page Count: 167

ISBN: 978-1-60504-687-7
Release Date: 2009
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Author Email: erin@erinnicholas.com

Rating: 4.5 Diamonds
Heat Level: Sweet
Reviewer: Dawne
Reviewed: 1-24-2010

Leaving a well-respected position as a physical therapist for a temporary career as a barmaid, Jaden Monroe, finds herself and her rehabilitation services being requested for by multi-millionaire Adam Steele and his teenage daughter, Emily. But fighting the immediate attraction she feels for Adam is heavy on Jaden's mind since at her previous position she became involved with the father of a patient and it ended on a sour note.

The million dollar compensation Jaden is offered for the employment will go towards the completion of her previous employer's expansion of a physical therapy department.

Fiesty and strong-willed Jaden breaks down Emily's stubbornness to walk again all the while fighting the building sexual tension between herself and Adam. Jaden is still reeling from her collapsed relationship and discharge from the hospital while Adam is dealing with feelings of desertion from Emily's mother.

Eventually the duo give into the carnal desires with sparks flying when Adam becomes too protective of Emily. The conflict causes Jaden to leave now that the young girl is rehabilitated. Can the lovers find their way back to each other before losing each other completely?

No Matter What is well written and descriptive book with instant sexual tension being felt the very first page. A definitely must read for every romantic individual.

Perfect by Jennifer Leeland

Title: Perfect

Author: Jennifer Leeland

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Publication Date: 2007

Genre: Contemporary

Length: 54 pages

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Author Email: writerjenleeland@yahoo.com

Rating: 4 Diamonds

Heat Level: erotic

Other: anal/oral play, sex toys

Reviewer: Jillian Carroll

Date: 01/24/2010

In the hills of northern California, Folly camp has a magic all its own. Three couples discover love and passion in the beautiful Redwoods and nature does the rest.

This anthology is spicy and full of fun against a romantic backdrop of California Redwood wilderness. The three couples all have difficulties and issues needing to be resolved before they can find happiness and a "perfect" relationship together. Although all three little stories were exciting and sexy, I especially liked Holly and Jeff's tale because it gives a hint of the BDSM genre that the author is so great at telling. If you like Jennifer Leeland's books, this is highly recommended.

A Lesson in Pleasure by Crystal Jordan

Title: A Lesson in Pleasure

Author: Crystal Jordan

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Publication Date: 2007

Genre: Historical

Length: 16 pages

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Author Email: crystal@crystaljordan.com

Rating: 4.5 Diamonds

Heat Level: Erotic

Other: anal play, light bondage

Reviewer: Jillian Carroll

Date: 01/23/2010

From the moment their king called her husband to the Crusades, Lady Eleanor prayed for his safe return. While in the Holy Lands, Sir Gavin sent home extraordinary riches: tapestries, spices, oils. Tucked between the lush fabrics was a wicked book depicting lovers entwined and exotic ecstasies a lady could never even imagine. Eleanor has spent many a lonely night dreaming of Gavin pleasuring her in such ways, but when Gavin returns, he seems cold and distant, and Eleanor fears she's lost the only man she's ever loved. Using the book as her guide, can she teach her lord a lesson in pleasure and regain his love?

For such a little story, A Lesson in Pleasure definitely satisfies a romance readers needs! A lady who loves her lord, a big, strong, handsome man who adores his wife. Throw in some hot sex and it's fait accompli...a fantastic read! I have always liked Crystal Jordan's writing and this story didn't disappoint. Highly recommended!

Show Me! by Barbara Keaton

Title: Show Me!
Author: Barbara Keaton
Publisher: Red Rose™ Publishing
Publication Date: 2009
ISBN: 978-1-60435-475-1
Genre: Contemporary
Length: 92 pages
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Author Email: BNewell572@aol.com
Rating: 3 Diamonds
Heat Level: erotic
Other: oral play
Reviewer: Gabrielle
Date: 1/22/10

46-year-old Camille has decided to start living life again. It has been four long years since her husband has passed away and now that she has met Jacques she finds a spark of something that she has not felt in a long time. Although he is much younger than Camille she feels as if she could lose her heart to the young man. On a whim Camille agrees to go on a cruise with Jacques. As the two enjoy the sites they hope to find each other and maybe even love. Jacques intends to charm and woo Camille hoping to win her heart. Will Camille be able to get passed her fears and love Jacques in return?

Show me is a fast paced sweet story about never giving up on finding love. Both Camille and Jacques have gone through their own trials and learned from their mistakes. Jacques is a wonderful man who sees what he wants and is willing to fight for it and Camille is a strong smart woman. The two make a wonderful couple. Making the reader hopeful that they will find the kind of happiness that Camille and Jacques find in this book.

Cupid's Dilemma by Mia Romano

Title: Cupid’s Dilemma
Author: Mia Romano
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: 2008
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy
Length: 88 pages
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Rating: 3.5 Diamonds
Heat Level: spicy
Reviewer: Dana Dean
Date: Jan. 2010

Cupid’s on a deadline. He needs to meet the woman of his lifetime and make her fall in love with him by midnight February fourteenth. Miki has no plan to do anything before she gets her finances in order, that is until sexy Preston Heartgrove shakes up everything.

Cupid’s Dilemma is cute and flirty. A talking cat, hundreds of boxes of chocolate, and a reconnaissance expedition in the middle of the night add to the fun. Ms. Romano pushes the mystery right to the end as she leaves Miki and the reader wondering. Although the story stats a little slowly, overall it’s an enjoyable short read.

The Dom's Dungeon by Cherise Sinclair

Title: The Dom's Dungeon
Author: Cherise Sinclair
Publisher: Loose Id LLC
Publication Date: December 2009
ISBN: 978-1-60737-492-3
Genre: Erotic contemporary
Length: 131 pages
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Rating: 5
Heat Level: erotic
Other: anal/oral play, BDSM,
Reviewer: Gabrielle
Date: 1/21/10

MacKensie and Alexander Fontaine swapped houses for a two-week vacation. While Mackensie is exploring Alexander’s house he is missing his flight to her house. Not being able to get another flight out he decides to go back home. Where he finds Mackensie in a most interesting position in his dungeon. He is angry that she has opened the only locked door in his home, yet her nervousness and her actions bring out his protective nature. Growing up without parents and in the foster care system Mackensie has a skewed idea of love and pain, especially spanking. When she discovers and opens Alexander’s dungeon she begins to investigate and imagine just how it might feel. Once she is caught, Alexander and Mackensie strike a deal for her to be his submissive for the remainder of the vacation. As they begin a tentative relationship they must also deal with an obsessive submissive who goes over the line in an attempt to win Alexander. Will Mackensie finally trust Alexander to tell him all and let him in?

I loved this story from beginning to end. Cherise Sinclair writes a wonderful story that pulls you in with great characters so full of emotion and depth. I enjoyed the love and trust that developed between Alexander and Mackensie. Alexander is a wonderful man and Dom. Being very observant he sees the pain and fear in Mackensie right away. Mackensie is a sweet woman who not only works her way into Alexander’s heart but the readers as well. She is spunky and willing to try just about anything never one to back down from a challenge. These two seem to be made for each other. The beautiful bond that the two share is a special one that not many can find. Even the secondary characters pull you in as well and have you wanting to know more about their lives. As scary as the other Doms like Drake and Steele are they still capture your interest. I would love to visit them and the club Chains again to find out more about their adventures. This book is not only a hot read but it is also well written and delves into the strong emotions and the damaged psyche of a woman that needs more than just reassurance. I for one am eagerly awaiting the next book by Cherise Sinclair, this author has quickly become an automatic buy for me.

The Business of Sex by Rhonda Leah

Title: The Business of Sex

Author: Rhonda Leah

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Publication Date: 2009

Genre: contemporary

Length: 76

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Rating: 4 diamonds

Heat: explicit

Other: n/a

Reviewer: Brecken Stevens

Date: Jan 21, 2010

Laurel’s world in the Big Easy just took an unexpected turn. Life as a business owner is always busy, but selling condoms and sex toys leaves her open to ridicule and now, threats. Lee Carter, a former lover, comes to the city and the sparks start flying like there wasn’t a decade of time spent apart. But Laurel’s afraid to buy it. The threats keep getting worse, and though she wants to talk to Lee, she is hesitant to make their relationship more than sex. Will she confide in him before it’s too late?

The Business of Sex had all the necessities of great a shorter story. The characters were likable, flawed, and funny. The pressing issue of the threatening letters kept the plot moving when the romance between Laurel and Lee could have fallen into a predictable rut. Ms. Leigh gets four out of five diamonds from this reviewer. Short, southern, sweet and sexy; it’s a read for those who enjoy a nice story and steamy sex.