Showing posts with label Novella. Show all posts

Showing posts with label Novella. Show all posts

Monday, January 16, 2012

Dragon Training 2: Dragon Fire by Emily Carrington

Title: Dragon Training 2: Dragon Fire

Author: Emily Carrington

Publisher: Loose Id

Publication Date: July 2011

ISBN: 978-1-61118-455-6

Genre: GLBT paranormal

Length: novella

Heat Level: Erotic

Other: Oral, anal

Reviewer: Brecken Stevens

Date: January 13, 2012

Luke and Mark are committed and hitting the hurtles that arise when lust turns to love. Luke wants to be more to Mark and Mark wants Luke to be happy. In their floundering the two must deal with Mark’s past, namely his family. With love in place, the rest of the relationship must cement, and if Mark can’t trust his lover, all the love in the world won’t make either of them happy.

I can honestly say I’ve never read anything like Dragon Fire. A gay, Jewish dragon who has trouble shedding and has deep seeded trust issues? To say Mark has a nicely complex personality is an understatement. My favorite parts of this story were the main characters. Luke and Mark are great characters who work well with and off of each other. It is erotic and harsh at times, but Mark and Luke made it so I couldn’t put Dragon Fire down.

Buttercream by Roslyn Hardy Holcomb

Title: Buttercream

Author: Roslyn Hardy Holcomb

Publisher: Loose Id

Publication Date: July 2011

ISBN: 9781611184402

Genre: Innerracial, contemporary

Length: novella

Heat Level: Erotic

Other: Oral

Reviewer: Brecken Stevens

Date: January 13, 2012

Poppy’s free spirit and crunchy ways leave her feeling like she’s in the wrong time at moments. A hippy at heart, she channels her simple ways into her career as a baker. When Poppy meets Matthew she thinks he’s cute and the chemistry flairs, but they are completely different people. A soldier, Matthew’s lifestyle and beliefs are fundamentally different than Poppy’s. Explosive together, their lust has the potential to burn bright, but flair out before love can come.

Overall Buttercream had some really interesting and engaging characters. Some of the supporting staff have moments that hit harder than the leading characters. Buttercream is definitely a hot story with a flair for making sweets even sweeter. Without giving any spoilers, I really don’t see these two living happily ever after though, and that left me not too thrilled with the ending. Readers looking for something sweet and sexy will really enjoy parts of this story.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Dillon's Claim by Callie Croix

Title: Dillon’s Claim

Author: Callie Croix

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Publication Date: December 2011

ISBN: 978-1-61217-159-3

Genre: Contemporary BDSM

Length: 119 pages

Heat Level: erotic

Other: anal/oral play, BDSM

Reviewer: Gabrielle

Date: 1/10/12

When Dillon gets another chance to win Charissa’s heart he jumps at it. He knows the attraction that they feel for each other is so much more than fleeting but can he convince Charissa of that? Something has scared her off and he intends to find out what it is and banish it forever.

Dillon and Charissa are a great couple. I loved Dillon right from the start. He is not afraid to go after what he wants and right now that is Charissa. Dillon will do anything to break down the walls Charissa has erected around herself. Charissa is a sweet girl who found herself in a bad relationship and is now afraid to try again. It was nice to see how much Dillon really cares for Charissa; he fights till the end never giving up on her or their love.

As hot as this book was it also has a nice romance to it. I enjoyed watching Charissa wrestle with her emotions and her wants. The sex is hot but you see the connection and the trust as well. I loved the scene where Charissa finally gives Dillon her utmost trust. The emotions truly come flying off the pages in that scene. The author does a wonderful job of pulling the reader into their world.

Not only did I get to meet Dillon and Charissa but some secondary characters made an impression as well. I hope we get to visit the ranch again some time soon.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Romancing the Hero by Cate Masters

Title: Romancing the Hero

Author: Cate Masters

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Publication Date: 10-26-2011

Genre: Fantasy Paranormal

Length: 70 pages

Heat Level: Sensual

Reviewer: TJ

Date: December 31, 2011

For romance writer Jody Feather, love is wonderful—on the page. Her books are instant bestsellers and readers love her delectable hero, Jake Emerson. He's the kind of man who knows exactly how to please a woman. The kind of man who doesn't really exist. Or at least not for Jody—she's too busy writing about delicious heroes to find one of her own.

When a man shows up on her doorstep claiming to be Jake Emerson, Jody's hormones shoot sky high. This would-be hero is everything she imagined him to be, and when Jody takes him to her book signing, readers swoon. But Jake only has eyes—and compliments—for her. Before long, Jody stops doubting his story and starts doubting her sanity.

When Jake convinces her she is overdue for love, Jody begins to wonder—instead of just writing about adventures, has she conjured one?

Romancing The Hero is a sweet escape from everyday life. As a long-time fan of romance novels I have always wished for my favorite heroes to come to life and that is exactly what happens here. Jake is a fantastic leading man so make no wonder all the fans adore him at the conference. Jody’s ex is a completely entertaining jerk, the kind of guy we all love to hate. I’m sorry to say I didn’t really have a good connection with Jody, she seemed a little arrogant to me, however the story idea itself and the setting made it an enjoyable read and almost convinced me I was judging the heroine a little too harshly.

Publish Yourself: Create and Sell Your Own E-Books by J.M. Snyder

Title: Publish Yourself: Create & Sell Your Own E-Books

Author: J.M. Snyder

Publisher: JMS Books

Publication Date: 2011

ISBN: 9781611522099

Genre: Non-Fiction, Self-Help

Length: 139 pages

Reviewer: TJ

Date: December 31, 2011

If you've ever wanted to retain more of your royalties or try publishing e-books but didn't know where to start, this book is for you!

Recently e-books have exploded onto the publishing scene, making it easier than ever for writers to break into the market. But many people who read e-books aren't familiar with how to create them. What formats should you offer? Where do you sell them? What do you use for a cover?
And, most important, how do you go from a Word document to an EPUB, MOBI, or PDF file?

Best-selling, multi-published author J.M. Snyder has written this no-nonsense, hands-on guide. She takes the mystery out of e-publishing while making the process of creating an e-book simple, cheap, and easy.

Using Microsoft Word (or an equivalent word processing program) along with inexpensive or free software readily available online, you will learn how to create the nine most common e-book formats. You will be walked through cover art design, interior book layout, and e-book creation, as well as given many of the tips J.M. has learned along the way. Also included is a brief guide to online bookstores where you can
sell your finished e-book.

Let J.M. Snyder help you discover how easy it is to publish yourself!

Publish Yourself: Create & Sell Your Own E-Books is a fantastic guide for those new to the ebook publishing business. It isn’t a miracle book that will teach you how to write and sell your book but it does give you the proper instructions to create your own books. And possibly keep more of your money in your pocket if that is what you are looking for. It is a simple straightforward book that gives you the information you need to start working on creating your complete ebook and the tone makes it an enjoyable and informative read. This isn’t going to give you all the secrets of the ebook publishing industry but it will give you easy to follow steps on how to format and publish your book on line.

Tony's Haven by Dominique Eastwick

Title: Tony's Haven - Sherman series Book 2

Author: Dominique Eastwick

Publisher: Musa Publishing

Publication Date: 2011

ISBN: 978-1-61937-013-5

Genre: Erotic Romance, Rubenesque, Sherman Family Series

Length: 139 pages

Heat Level: Erotic

Other: oral

Reviewer: TJ

Date: December 31, 2011

Sometimes love comes in a package we least expect to find it in. Tony Sherman may be a modern day Adonis and a well-known ladies' man, but hiding beneath his carefree, playboy persona is a man who knows how to be discreet. He keeps his desire to protect all those he loves from being seen by anyone, particularly his family. Fate intervenes when he uses his charm to beg a favor from a co-worker, a woman as unaffected by his charisma as she is by his looks. Haven Pelletier is anything but the kind of woman usually found on Tony's arm or in his bed. She's mousy and rubenesque, unmoved by his Adonis appearance. But when circumstances bring them together, she sees right through his tarnished armor—to the true man underneath. As Haven learns more about Tony, she discovers a man who might just steal her heart if she lets him. Can Tony be the knight in shining armor Haven needs? Or will the secrets in his past keep them both from finding happiness?

Tony's Haven is a great read with a fantastic hero. Tony is just the right mixture of “too good to be true” and flawed man making him a near-perfect leading man. I wanted to hate him a little at the beginning of the book but his charm won me over long before it did Haven. Our heroine was easy to relate to and even though I really enjoyed her solid personality, I think I enjoyed her so-called flaws even more so. I loved the Sherman family and all of Tony and Haven’s coworkers as every character was well developed and added to the story. I will say I did find it frustrating that at a size 18 our heroine was considered so surprisingly big and I found it a sad commentary on the way society thinks but was so very happy to see that it really had no impact on Tony’s attraction to her. This author’s tone and style kept me highly entertained and I cannot wait to see what else she has to offer as I love reading stories that have me laughing out loud.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Wishful Thinking by Sandra Sookoo

Title: Wishful Thinking

Author: Sandra Sookoo

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

Publication Date: December 5 2011

ISBN: 978-1-59578-885-6

Genre: Contemporary/Fantasy

Length: 54 pages

Heat Level: erotic

Other: oral play

Reviewer: Gabrielle

Date: 12/29/11

This book brings us a hot retelling of a childhood fairytale. Jovie has been evading her coworker’s roaming hands for what seems like forever and now he has tricked their boss into thinking the impossible. Who in their right minds would actually think a woman could transform paper into gold bars but that is exactly what has happened. Jovie is locked in a conference room and threatened with not only her job but her reputation as well.

Just like the fairy tales that we grew up with this one brings us a romance and a story of evil versus good. Yet this story contains so much more in the romance department. I loved Rand, he is a great man who has spent centuries locked away by a curse and when he is finally able to be release he must make a hard choice. Seeing the relationship build between Rand and Jovie was a nice read. As with all fairy tales the characters must make a life altering choice to save their true love.

If you enjoy fairy tales and romance this story is one that should not be missed.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Whispers by Suzanne Rock

Title: Whispers

Author: Suzanne Rock

Publisher: Loose ID

Publication Date: November 2011

ISBN: 9781611186574

Genre Historical Paranormal Menage

Length: 89 pages

Heat Level: Scorching HAWT

Other: Menage, Anal, m/m, Oral

Reviewer: Suki

Date: December 21^st 2011

Rose is skeptical when Lady Denville hires her to take care of some ghosts in her townhouse. She expects to find a nest of rats or leaky water pipes. Instead she finds two sexy spirits intent on fulfilling her every sexual desire. They introduce her to a whole new world of pleasure -- and a curse that may destroy them all.

Lionel and Jonathan have been trapped in the townhouse for decades, waiting. When Rose walks in, they know that she is the one with the power to save them. The key to their freedom lies within reach, and both men must put aside their differences if they ever hope to break the curse that binds them to the townhouse. As the men set out to seduce Rose and gain their freedom, their sexual desire turns into something more. Now they must be honest with the woman they love, or stay imprisoned in the spirit world forever.

Ms. Rock has given us an amazing story with gripping characters and sex that will knock your socks off. Rose is desperate for money, her husband left her in debt and now she has to find a way to support herself, not easy when society looks down upon members of the Ton working. So to make ends meet, she is forced to take jobs clearing ghosts from the homes of her clients. So far all the ghosts have been nothing more then oddities about the houses. UNTIL she walking into Lady Denville’s house and two spirits have sex. Not only can she see them, they can see and touch her. And the ghosts see the way to break the curse that binds them to the house and might set them free. But is Rose ready to let down her society morals and do what must be done to set them free.

This book takes you on a sexual adventure that changes the three in the house forever. If you are looking for a sexy book to steam up your nights this is the one for you. I highly recommend it. Look forward to more from this author and checking out her back list.

Whispers in the Dark by Cia Leah

Title: Whispers in the Dark

Author: Cia Leah

Publisher: Red Rose Publishing

Publication Date: September 2010

ISBN: 9781604357783

Genre Contemporary Suspense

Length: 32000 words

Heat Level: Sensual

Reviewer: Suki

Date: December 21 2011

Thriller novelist, Amanda Carter returns home to her childhood lakeside home to help her pregnant sister. Memories swamp her and fill her with dread and when night descends on Whispers, she feels her old childhood fears return. She must stay and help her mentally unstable sister, Tracy, who insists she is carrying the demon's child.

Whispers with its dark secrets and creeping lake fog enfolds many a nightmare and a terrifying killer.

Amanda has come home because her sister is in trouble after years of running away from her past. She is now faced with the very things she writes about. Ms. Leah has created very engaging likeable characters in this story; every character has depth and secrets that are brimming to be told.

While I love the mystery surrounding the house, to truly enjoy this story my suspension of disbelief was stretched a bit too thin in this story. Warning Spoilers Alert. I cannot imagine any person staying in a house where they know a killer can get in and out freely. To leave a pregnant traumatized sister in this house seems beyond the realm of reality. This is one of many instances that left this reader scratching her head as to the motivations of the characters. Small town or not, I could not believe that the sheriff didn’t do more investigations into certain matters.

And although I loved the hero and heroine, their love story seemed rushed and the conclusion happened so quickly it was jarring. Please do not get the impression that I disliked the story. It was enjoyable and it took me a long time to figure out who done it. I think for some this might be just what they were looking. 3.5 Diamonds.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Pleasure Playground 2: Power Play by Eliza Gayle

Title: Pleasure Playground 2: Power Play

Author: Eliza Gayle

Publisher: Loose Id LLC

Publication Date: November 2011

ISBN: 978-1-61118-663-5

Genre: BDSM

Length: 144

Heat Level: Erotic

Other: anal/oral play, BDSM

Reviewer: Gabrielle

Date: 12/17/11

Eliza Gayle does it again. This second book in the Pleasure playground series is a wonderful read. This time we meet Daegan and Jennifer. Both have pain in their pasts that they must deal with before they can move forward and enjoy each other but when that past comes calling it may just be the end before they even begin.

I don’t know whom I loved more Daegan or Jennifer? Daegan is a strong Dom who is ready and willing to fight for what he wants and what he wants is Jennifer. Jennifer is a strong woman who has always had to stand on her own and must learn to trust and rely on others. Not only does she find herself a great man but she also finds that she has some great friends that care deeply for her. I loved watching Jennifer blossom. With the help of Daegan she finds the place she always longed to be in. The two make a beautiful couple. Each finds what they need in the other and love grows quickly. I also enjoyed the glimpses we get of Eve and her men in this story. This is a great book in a wonderful series and I hope that we get to visit this world again.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Yes, Justin by Michele Zurlo

Title: Yes, Justin

Author: Michele Zurlo

Publisher: Loose ID

Publication Date: November 15, 2011

ISBN: 8-1-61118-638-3

Genre BDSM Contemporary

Length: 60 pages

Buy Link

Heat Level: 5

Other: bondage, D/s, spanking,

Reviewer: Suki

Date: 12/1/2011

After fifteen years and two kids, the romance has fled from Trish’s marriage. She’s a different woman now, and she wants different things. When she stumbles upon an emailed ad from Oasis, an adult fantasy fulfillment service, she seizes the opportunity to spend a weekend having her body and soul mastered by a man who is completely focused on her.

Justin is shocked when he finds out his wife is planning to cheat on him. Willing to do anything to keep the woman he loves, he arranges with Oasis to become the Dom she wants. He’ll carry out her kidnap fantasy, fulfill her desire to be dominated, and force her to confront the reasons she wanted to be there in the first place.

What I loved about this book was Justin from start to finish. He was the perfect Alpha Male. He was flawed yes, he put his job ahead of his family yes, and he fell into a rut with his wife…YES. BUT he went far and beyond out of his way to make it work for a woman he loved and was determined to never let go.

Trish redeems herself quickly enough in the story that the reader can forgive her decision to cheat on Justin, allowing this story to proceed, as a novel about forgiveness, release, trust and Submission. The sex scenes are scorching and I would be shocked if anyone who read this didn’t feel a tingle somewhere.

I look forward to the next in the series.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Rough, Tough and Tumble: When in Rome by Kate Hill

Title: Rough, Tough and Tumble: When in Rome

Author: Kate Hill

Publisher: Changeling Press

Publication Date: 2011

ISBN: 978-1-60521-491-7

Genre: Paranormal, Action/Adventure/Suspense

Length: Novella

Heat Level: Spicy erotic

Other: Menage, GLBT

Reviewer: Starla Kaye

Date: 11-30-11

This was a time traveling adventure with lots of danger and plenty of heat. The characters were fairly well drawn for such a short story. It felt like this was part of a series, but I couldn’t determine that. Either way, the story was a great read.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Hybrid Misfit by Eve Langlais

Title: Hybrid Misfit

Author: Eve Langlais

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

Publication Date: Out Now

ISBN: 978-1-59578-816-0

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Length: 72 pages

Rating: 5 Diamonds

Heat Level: Erotic

Other: ménage, anal/oral play

Reviewer: TJ

Date: November 20, 2011

I lost my humanity in a government experiment, and now find myself hunted because of it. Demons, vampires and even angels—everyone wants a piece of me. I say bring it on and prepare to die, because I intend to fight for my right to live.

A chance meeting with a giant shifter and his best friend—an actual genie with a bottle—has evened the odds just as a prophecy involving me increases the danger. But, this Hybrid Misfit isn't about to give up, and with my lovers supporting me, I will change the world—and discover that two naked men in bed is better than one.

Hybrid Misfit has just about everything you can imagine; everything you could need or want in a paranormal romance. Beth is such a sympathetic character. With everything she experienced her personality could have turned out very differently and while I had moments of sorrow for her past she is such a survivor that you never feel pity for her just awe at her strength and wit. Gene and Simon are mind-boggling heroes, each on their own are fabulous enough for any woman. Having both of them is almost overwhelming. I enjoyed the friendship between these two men and discovering the bond they shared that seemed to grow stronger as their relationship with Beth develops. The additional characters in this story add to the atmosphere and meeting all the interesting species this author has brought to life was amazing. I cannot wait to see them make appearances in upcoming stories. I am looking forward to reading Beth’s roommates’ stories as well. I love Eve Langlais’ tone and humor and this was one of my favorites of hers.

Toxic by Eve Langlais

Title: Toxic

Author: Eve Langlais

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

Publication Date: August 3, 2011

ISBN: 978-1-59578-829-0

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Erotic Romance

Length: 73 pages

Heat Level: Erotic

Reviewer: TJ

Date: November 18, 2011

Humans are for eating and I am not one to play with my food, so I’m baffled as to why one geeky mortal doctor makes me wish our kind could be together without my brand of love being toxic. As if suffering from human emotions isn’t problem enough, our world is about to engage in a war where our chances of survival are slim at best. And no one wants to listen.
But, I didn’t become the general of the vampire Queen’s army by being diplomatic. Everyone will fight in the upcoming battle, or they’ll feed my troops and me. Either way, all things living will do their part.
I am, after all, the Blood Countess: toxic lover to humans, vicious bitch to my enemies, and my word is law.

Toxic was not quite what I was expecting and I’m not sure if I should love Eve Langlais because of that or rant at her. The story was another stellar offering from the author and I am a huge fan of her humor and tone. The woman has a wonderful talent when she creates characters and this book was not a disappointment. What did bring me to near tears was the abrupt ending, I wanted to throw a fit an all-out tantrum because I want more and I want it now. Ellie has to be one of my all-time favorite heroines; she is blunt and uncompromising and yet still manages to be very likable in an “I wish I was as confident as her” kind of way. Rafe is fantastic. I love me a sexy nerd and this leading man not only has the brain and brawn he knows how to work both attributes. The setting is engaging and the supporting cast including the villains add to the entertainment. I cannot wait to read the next adventure that this couple experiences.

Bind Me by Stacey Kennedy

Title: Bind Me

Pact of Seduction Book One

Author: Stacey Kennedy

Publisher: Loose Id

Publication Date: October 2011

ISBN: 9781611185706

Genre: BDSM Erotic romance

Length: 63 pages

Heat Level: Erotic

Other: anal/oral play, BDSM

Reviewer: Gabrielle

Date: 11/15/11

This book is the first in the Pact of Seduction series. In this story we meet a group of women who make a pact to live out their fantasies. We meet Marley and Reed in this book. Marley’s fantasy is the first to be enjoyed and she wants to try her hand at BDSM. Marley soon finds herself in Reed’s capable hands but is their love meant to be or is it too much to ask?

While I enjoyed the idea of the pact that the women made, I found it hard to connect with Reed and Marley. They lacked emotion and made this a flat read for me. Their sex is hot and flows well but the spark that they share doesn’t come to life for me. I really liked Reed and Marley and would have liked a bit more depth and emotions from them outside of the club without sex being the main objective.

Although this story was not a favorite of mine I have read and enjoyed other books by this author and will be looking for more in the future.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Disenchanted Christmas By Sandra Sookoo

Title: Disenchanted Christmas

Author: Sandra Sookoo

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books

Publication Date: Out Now

ISBN: 978-1-59578-769-9

Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance

Length: 71 pages

Author website

Author Email

Heat Level: Sweet

Reviewer: TJ

Date: November 6, 2011

Christmas in 1899 starts as a joyless affair. Bethany Cundiff has hit a rough patch in life. While caring for her young niece and nephew, she's evicted from her residence and fired from her job ten days before Christmas. To make matters worse, a gentleman who desires her company for the holiday, and has the money to back up the promise, propositions her for sex.

Blake Wenchal is a disenchanted elf that's been banished from the Northern Realm and Santa's court because he's lost the spirit of compassion and charity. Lonely from years spent by himself, he's thrown off balance when Bethany accepts his ill-advised offer of paid bed mate—except she arrives on his doorstep with children in tow.

Neither one counted on the power of love, acceptance and the miracle of family to make the holiday unforgettable.

Disenchanted Christmas is a heart-warming holiday keepsake that I will be sure to reread every year. Bethany is in desperate straights and even while facing an ethical dilemma she is still a strong and principled woman. Blake is malcontent with the season and humans in general until Bethany and her niece and nephew burrow their way into his disgruntled heart. Experiencing his interactions with the children and his reviving joy through them is such a treat. I loved how well developed every character introduced was and Blake’s neighbor is someone I hope to see make a reappearance in upcoming adventures. This story left me feeling that holiday miracles definitely can come true and that even our bleakest moments can lead to a lifetime of happiness.

Midsummer Night’s Steve by Sandra Sookoo

Title: Midsummer Night’s Steve

Author: Sandra Sookoo

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Publication Date: Out Now

ISBN: 9781616502782

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Length: 58 pages

Heat Level: Sweet

Reviewer: TJ

Date: November 6, 2011

Three months have passed since Steve Compton’s last visit to Crystal Falls. Now he’s back, but far from pleased about it. Convinced there is more in the air than clean living, he’s a journalist on the hunt for a story that'll launch his career into the stratosphere.

Zoe Nickles loves the small-town atmosphere, the people, and most especially the great hiding places in Crystal Falls. She’s heard rumors about the magical aura in the tiny town, and when her powers come to fruition one June night, she knows the whispers are true. She’s the Tooth Fairy--with a sexy new look!

But there's a problem: a nosy reporter is on Zoe’s trail, with just enough street smarts and cynicism to thwart her ability to practice her newfound skills. Can she convince him Crystal Falls is harmless before he tells the world about the town’s “unique” quality, or will Steve blab the news, putting Zoe and all the paranormal residents at risk?

Midsummer Night’s Steve was another fabulous Holiday Magic Series story. Zoe is one of the sweetest heroines I have ever come across and her child-like belief in magic is infectious. Too bad Halloween has just passed as I think her outfit might have made a wonderful costume. Steve borders on the obnoxious until you delve into his past and personality and then his determination is almost admirable. Once again the setting is a fabulous one as this little town is full of fascinating inhabitants. It was nice catching up with some characters I’d already met and it made me eager to acquaint myself with those I’d yet to. This author has a solid spot on the top of my must-read list and this short story helps to cement it.

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