When one member of their marital triad dies, Dominic Wells figures he’s all set to have his happily ever after with his beautiful wife, Tabbitha. However, now that he finally has her all to himself, he realizes he can never be enough for her. No one man could. So, they set out on a quest to find a new husband to complete their loving marriage.
A dark, erotic story of polyandry, I thought Double Jeopardy was fantastic! The sex was intense and hot but well-written. The first person point of view was necessary to understand Dominic - his perception, neediness and sacrifices he made for the marriage with Tabitha came across well and added a great dimension to the story. The twists and turns were great and I will definitely be looking for more erotic suspense from author Ericka Scott.
Blurb: Gina knew the moment her husband grasped her firmly that was filled with lust, but was it lust for her or for someone else?
Not sure where to begin with this review but even the blurb is poorly written. Staking Claim had great potential to be a quick, highly erotic read but quickly fizzled into a boring story completely told in narrative, passive writing. If the sex on a bathroom counter is so mind-blowing, internal thoughts are a must but rather, I felt like I was watching an insecure woman and detached husband go at it instead of feeling part of it. Best part of this story was the beautiful cover and that warranted part of the rating. I could go on but instead simply suggest readers find a different erotic quickie story to spend their money on.
The last time Dante saw Giulia, they'd been undergrads and she'd broken his heart. Twenty years later, he's a college professor, successful and confident yet unable to commit to a long-term relationship with anyone. At an art gallery near campus, he sees a woman who eerily resembles and reminds him of Giulia. When he asks her to meet him later and she agrees, he feels his heart open again.
Prepare yourself, this isn't your typical erotic romance. Written completely in the hero's point-of-view, you will get a glimpse into the male psyche unlike nearly any other hetero romance. Giulia didn't simply hurt Dante when they'd known each other as young adults, she'd devastated him and he's never fully recovered. When he thinks he's found her again (she looks and acts like Giulia but two decades have gone by so can it possibly be her?), he discovers she's aware of he and Giulia's past. She offers to listen to his side of the story and the ensuing explanation is rich, has complex depth to it I don't typically see in highly erotic stories and while Dante definitely comes across very sensitive and in touch with his feelings, he isn't a wuss. The reader will feel the strong spiritual bond he shared with Giulia and his reasons for keeping other women at arm's length and as the story progresses and concludes, the happily ever after ending will make you believe that some lovers are soul mates and truly meant to be together no matter how long it takes.
Dana sat quietly in her office. It was the week between Christmas and New Years and her phone wasn’t ringing at all. That was why she was so reluctant to go home. It was so quiet here, and her chair was sooo comfy. As Dana’s eyes began to close, she slid further down into the plush upholstery in the teddy bear brown reclining lounger she had bought against all of her stylish business partner’s protests last winter. When things got too crazy at home, she needed something to curl up and sleep in at the office. Like now.
Just as she slid into a sensuous dream, and into the arms of her dream date Martin Bowers, chief of detectives, her cell phone buzzed insistently from her jacket pocket. Dana pressed her eyes tightly closed and pulled her hand-knitted cashmere afghan over her shoulder with one hand. The phone buzzed for a minute and stopped. Only to be followed by the loud ringing of her desk phone. Dana reached across the space between her chair and desk, not a lot of space in her little office, and lifted the receiver. She cleared her throat discreetly and answered, “Burke and Williams, this is Dana.”
“Dana, it’s Mom. Are you coming home soon?”
“Oh, it’s really awfully busy here, Mom.” Dana darted her eyes guiltily around the office. “A total zoo!”
“It’s just that I need a few things from the store, if you don’t mind. We’ve decided to have a New Year’s Eve party here tonight, and, well, you don’t seem to have any food here to speak of. Or scotch.”
“A party?” Dana stifled a groan. “Isn’t it awfully last minute?”
“Well, dear, since we’re all here until the day after tomorrow, it seemed like the perfect time.And,” Dana’s mother sounded way too cheerful, “We invited some of your friends!”
Dana held the phone away from her ear and stared at it. “Mom, you don’t know any of my friends. How did you happen to ummm invite them?”
“Oh, I knew you’d be thrilled! I looked at your phone list, the one on your computer.”
“On my computer?”
“Yes, Dana, on your computer.” Her mother sounded a little impatient now, as though she thought Dana was being a trifle dense. “Now, dear, we don’t have much time, so take down what I need you to pick up.”
As Dana took down the list for her mother’s party, she fought not to panic. There were a couple of address lists on the computer. One was indeed her friends, and the other was, for lack of a better word, a hit list. Dana Burke, private eye, was also Dana Burke, Dragon Slayer. She struggled to write down the list of fancy cheeses and try to think of a way to find out which list her mother had used. With her entire family descended en masse, without any warning, Dana had a lot to worry about.
“Mom, do you remember any of the names of the friends you invited?” Dana tried to keep her voice even and not squeak, as she had a tendency to do in the most stressful of situations.
“Oh, no, dear. You know I don’t know anything about computers. Your sister found it and invited them.”
“Can I talk to Dierdre then?”
“She’s not here. One of your friends insisted upon picking her up right away and taking her shopping to find a dress for the party. You know Dierdre never travels with anything fancy, just jeans. That girl has no sense of style.”
“Right, Mom. Can you tell me one thing? Did you notice what car they took? I’m wondering who it was...after all, it might not be one of my more stylish friends and Dierdre might not get a nice dress for tonight.”
“It was some kind of black car, and I think it was your friend Stacey or Susie, something with an ess I think.”
Dana was even more at a loss than before. She didn’t have any friends by those names, and dragons rarely went by names like Stacey or Susie. “Mom, I’ll be right there, don’t go anywhere.” She flung the phone into the cradle and grabbed her purse and jacket, flying to her car. At least at home, she could try to figure out what was going on. As she slammed the Land Cruiser door shut, her cell buzzed.
“You won’t forget the cream cheese, will you Dana? I can’t make the pinwheel appetizers without them. And the little colored toothpicks. I don’t know if I mentioned them. Maybe I should go over the whole list again.”
“No time, Mom.” Dana knew she had to stop at the store, even if it could be that her house, her safe haven, was about to be descended on by murderous dragons. It wasn’t a situation she could explain to her family, who had no idea what she did as a side job. Braking with a squeal, she leaped out of the car and grabbed an empty shopping basket. She had to do this, but it would have to be fast. Unfortunately, most of the ingredients her mother wanted were not what Dana could find easily in her corner market, and it took nearly an hour. She was sweating under the jacket by the time she tossed the last bag in her trunk and started for home again.
Her mother came out to meet her at the curb, followed by the one person Dana wanted to see less than the aforementioned murderous dragons.
“Look who stopped by, dear. You remember Sammy. Mrs. Albertson’s nephew on her husband’s side? He called to wish you a happy new year and I told him to come right over. He’s been the biggest help!”
Sammy smiled gleamingly over her mother’s shoulder. It couldn’t have been Martin who just happened to call, oh, no. It had to be Sammy, who was not only one step short of a stalker where she was concerned, but also a dragon. He lived just a step on the right side of the law, so Dana couldn’t slay him, but it didn’t mean she didn’t dream of doing just that.
“Hi, Dana, I’ve been spending the day with your mom. Carol and I have been having a great time, sharing Dana stories, haven’t we, Mom?”
“Do not call my mother Mom, Sammy. And I’m sure you have somewhere else to be? Don’t let us stop you from going to all the parties I’m sure a wild bachelor like you has lined up for tonight?”
“Dana, don’t be rude! Sammy is coming to our party tonight. He’s been helping me get ready all afternoon.”
Dana muttered something about a restraining order under her breath and went around to open her trunk. When Sammy offered to help, she stalked into the house and left him to unload her mother’s party food. This day was going downhill fast. She walked into her office and looked to see if her computer was still booted up. Maybe she could find out which guest list to expect, friend or foe. No luck, though, Dierdre had shut it down after her interfering behavior. There was only one thing to do, arm herself to the teeth, and wait. She went upstairs to take a shower, put on a party dress, and stash all the weapons she could manage about her person.
The afternoon passed slowly while Dana waited to see if they would all be massacred. She tried to stay in her room, but her mother called her to help arrange the bar on a low table in the living room. One thing led to the next and the house looked gaily festive, unlike its usual dusty blandness.
Finally, it was dark and time for guests to arrive. Dana stationed herself at the front door to greet the guests, shoot the villains, whichever came first.Amazingly, the first guest was a former client, as was the second. There had been a third mailing list she hadn’t thought of, her business Christmas card list. They were all thrilled to be invited to her actual home and sat around sharing the details of their cases with one another, each trying to have been her biggest case ever. The evening was actually going great, even her cousins and sister were not completely embarrassing themselves and Dana for once.
Dana stood in a corner of the living room, watching everyone have a good time, eating, drinking and bragging. He mother was very proud, once she was convinced that Dana wasn’t angry about the list being business and not social. If only she knew what might have happened!
The high point of the evening occurred when Sammy followed Dana as she made her way out to the garage freezer for more ice. He made a pass and she got to jab him in a most uncomfortable area with her knee. And to top things off, Sammy’s bad behavior was noticed by Detective Bowers, who had also been on the business contact list, and who had stopped by to make a polite appearance. He grabbed Sammy by the collar and took him outside to discuss polite behavior around ladies.
Dana sighed as she watched Martin force-march Sammy behind the garage. She was a dragon-slayer, but just this once it was nice to be a lady in distress. And detective Martin Bowers might not be her boyfriend, he was, just for tonight, her knight in shining armor. Dana walked back into her very successful party, a little skip in her step. And just think....she could write off the whole thing as a business expense too!
Title: Babies in the Bargain Author: Mona Risk Publisher: The Wild Rose Press Publication Date: 2009 ISBN: 1-60154-514-2 Genre: Romance Length: 220 pages Buy Link Author Website Heat Level: Spicy Reviewer: Dominique Eastwick Date: December 24, 2009
“With only one year left to complete her medical training in Neonatology, Dr. Holly Collier vows not to let anyone mess up her sacrosanct schedule. Especially not the drop-dead gorgeous Dr. Marc Suarez who broke her heart seven years ago. When a tragic accident transforms the carefree playboy into a dedicated but novice father to his nephew, Holly gives in to her maternal instincts and turns her structured life upside down for the orphaned preemie. But can she learn to trust Marc again and believe in true love?”
Ms Risk has a sweet, well written love story on her hands here. Holly badly hurt by what she perceived as Marc's betrayal and desertion seven years earlier has dedicated her life to her career. Marc after spending years in Puerto Rico taking care of his family is finally able to return to the states as luck would have it he lands a job working along side Holly. Unfortunately for Marc, Holly wants nothing to do with outside the O.R.. But a series of events works both with and against his desire to reconnect with Holly. The publisher has listed this book as Spicy, for those looking for a truly spicy novel this one will come across as a distinctly sweetened version of Spice. This story is both heart warming and heart wrenching. Ms Risk has created beautifully written, well rounded, realistic characters. I enjoyed watching Marc and Holly grow so much from the beginning of the story to the end, professionally, personally and, as in any good romance, romantically.
Review: When Jared left, he took Holly’s heart with him. Fifteen years later he returns to his hometown, injured and tired of running from his family. Holly greets him with a snowball. She’s angry and still hurt that he’d left with only a note of goodbye and little contact since. Jared understands her feelings, but he wants her anyway.Is his determination enough to bridge a fifteen year gap when Holly is finally ready to move on with another man in another state?
Holly’s Big Bad Santa was a great combination of sweet, maturing and some slightly naughty play. Jared was completely attractive with his bad boy demeanor and Holly was real with her anger and quirks. The secondary characters also added so much to this story, their little additions, especially Jared’s parents, giving the whole story a deeper, more meaningful feel. I give Starla Kaye’s wonderful Christmas story four candy canes and can’t think of anyone who doesn’t mind a little tiny bit of kink who wouldn’t love it.
Daisy Cooper is by day a mild-mannered office worker working in a cubicle, supposedly leading a very plain life, dating little. By weekend, she sheds the mild demeanor and becomes a man-eating siren. She craves the hedonistic pleasures of a notorious sex club. Attempts at romantic liaisons hadn’t worked for her. She is satisfied with her life until she meets a new man at the club, until he gets hired at her company. Keeping her personal and professional lives separate has now become a problem. A great read that appeals to that inner wanton in many of us.
After a life-time spent regretting her decision to give up the her true love, Sister Mary Cantrell faces her impending death alone. When a familiar looking visitor dressed in a Santa Claus suit offers her a chance to go back in time, to relive that life-turning event, she finds the answer she'd been seeking was always there.
This was a sweet story, filled with what-ifs and a nice resolution. Mary's guilt and regret is resolved with a holiday visitor who helps her deal with the pain and move on. Definitely a Happily-Ever-After story!
Patrick is pretty new to the idea of having a Dom. When Leo gets trapped in that endless cycle of word-lock, and the inspiration just doesn't come for his writer Dom, Patrick decides discretion is better than taking his needs and frustration to Leo and asking for what he wants. Leo is not pleased to find his sub trying to satisfy his own desires, but even giving Pat what he needs doesn't break through the block, and Patrick knows drastic measures are in order. He has to drag Leo half way around the world before the writer realizes it's time to put his muse, and his sub, in their places.
For a quick read, this had great character development and emotion. I loved Patrick's need and willingness to please his lover and Dom. Leo was a bit harder to like at first but within a few pages I realized the author made him distant as a result of his inability to think past his writer's block. Once Patrick figured out how to help Leo deal with the block, the intensity of Leo's feelings for Patrick was very apparent. I enjoyed this story very much and look forward to more from Jaime Samms!
From the second Ranulf Verlaine, werewolf, meets Dante Allerton, vampire, on a train travelling to Paris their need for one another sizzles. His gazes make her burn hot. Just looking at her sends flames along his clan marks. Both know they are bloodmates, but it isn’t easy for a werewolf and a vampire to have a future together. I very much enjoyed this short story and the flash of passion that ignited between them.
Title: Seducing Santa
Author: Dahlia Rose
Publisher: Amira Press
Publication Date: December 2009
ISBN: 978-1-935348-86-3
Genre: Holiday
Length: 40 pages Buy Link Author Website
Heat Level: erotic
Other: oral play
Reviewer: Gabrielle
Date: 12/20/09
This year it seems that Nicholas Kringle is burnt out and in need of some Christmas spirit himself. So he decides to take a vacation. Hoping that soaking up the sun and enjoying some quiet time will rejuvenate him Nicholas heads to the warmth of Trinidad. As Nicholas sits and enjoys himself he soon hears a woman calling to him for help. Neeva is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen and she may be the one that Nicholas gives his heart to. He must get Neeva to believe in the magic of Christmas in only a few days. Will Neeva let Nicholas in and start to believe in him before time runs out.
Neeva has had a hard time of it as late and has become jaded but she is a strong willed woman and longs for love just like the rest of us. Nicholas is a great man with a big heart that cares for all who deserve it especially Neeva. Even though they only met days before Neeva finds herself falling for Nicholas. With his witty banter and flowering speech Neeva finds herself loosing her heart. The bond that grows between Nicholas and Neeva is a special one and proves that if you really believe, the magic will find you.
Dahlia Rose writes a sweet short story that proves that love can be found even when you are not looking for it and that love can heal all wounds if you let it in.
If you are a reader who likes stories about love and magic sit back and enjoy this enchanting story for the holidays.
Review: Reagan Thornton isn’t happy and can’t fake it even for her two children. The Christmas season reminds her of losing the love of her life and she uses her unhappiness to erase as much of the season as she can from her family’s lives. When Jack Frost shows up at her door, reeking of Christmas spirit and winter wonder, she immediately wants to shut him out, but something about him draws her closer. Jack’s on a mission of his own. Created just for Reagan’s Christmas wish, his only goal is to make her happy but from the moment he sees her, she makes him yearn for all the things he cannot have. Can Christmas magic bring them together, or will the very magic that brought them together, set them apart?
Mr. Jack Frost is a sweet holiday story. Jack Frost himself is a wonderful character, his innocence is beguiling yet he also manages to be practical enough not to get annoying. The scenery is beautifully described, December in Minnesota the perfect backdrop for any white Christmas story. I wanted to like Reagan a lot more than I did and she kept the candy canes down to three and a half, but Mr. Jack Frost is definitely a story I would recommend to readers looking for a heartwarming, magical tale.
Title: Christmas in Hell Author: Lex Valentine Publisher: Pink Petal Books Ltd Publication Date: Dec. 2009 Genre: Holiday Length: 26 pages Buy Here Author website Heat: spicyReviewer: Steph Beck Date: Dec. 20, 2009 Devon can’t say she’s thrilled to spend her Christmas in Heil aka Hell, California but her boss’ family is the only one she can reasonably be with during the holidays so she goes along. Part of her negative attitude stems from being tired of being alone, but also from one cowboy in particular: Jarrod Abbott. He’s gorgeous and sweet from all she’s seen, yet she always has the feeling he doesn’t like her. When the opportunity arises to change the animosity, Devon reaches out to grab a chance for a happy Christmas with a charming cowboy.I enjoyed Christmas in Hell. It was super short but Lex Valentine managed to make a believable, heartwarming, sexy story that I think most readers will like. I give the Christmas in Hell four candy canes and know for those who need a quick break from the Christmas crazies the story will be a sweet escape.
Prepared to spend Christmas alone Trisha sends her friends home and decides to enjoy the toys she has bought earlier. It seems some of them she needs a partner to enjoy them with but the sales lady was so good and Trisha loved a sale. Just maybe someday she would find a man worthy to play with but for the night she is resigned to use them herself. As Trisha begins to undress an unexpected guest drops in on her. A man in the guise of an elf calling himself Hood. Little does Trisha know but Hood is a dominant alien from another planet and is helping Nicholas deliver gifts. Helping Nicholas is not his choice and going to Earth is definitely not where he wants to be but when Hood finds Trisha all that changes. Could Trisha be Hoods mate? Will Hood be the man that will satisfy Trisha? As Hood shows Trisha just what he can do, the lonely night she imagined is turned into a wonderful ride. The relationship that begins between these two on this magical night is a hot read.
Selene Noreen brings the reader into a wondrous world where wishes do come true. A sexy read with humor thrown in, this short story is a great read. Trisha and Hood are a great couple and the way these two were outwitted into meeting was cute. With Hood’s mother posing as the sales clerk and Trisha’s Jolly Green Giant comments this book is humorous as well. I truly enjoyed this story and will be on the lookout for more from this author.
Title: Love For Christmas
Author: Kate Hofman
Publisher: DCL Publications
Publication Date: November 2009
ISBN: 97800-9842828-4-5
Genre: Holiday Romance
Length: 147 pages Buy Link Author website
Heat Level: Sensual
Reviewer: Kate Richards
Ellie has been heartbroken since her divorce from the love of her life, Nick. She moved into a tiny condo and refused alimony, telling herself that she had given him the freedom to marry his secretary. But, oddly, nobody ever asked Nick his opinion on the matter, and he has also spent the past two years missing his beloved wife. When they meet at a Canadian resort over the Christmas holidays, there may finally be a chance to clear up misunderstandings and be happy again. If only they can...
This was a nice, heartwarming Christmas tale. The snowy resort is the perfect backdrop for a Christmas romance full of carolers and champagne. There has never been a couple more meant to be together than Ellie and Nick, and I did find it a little hard to understand how a couple could get divorced without either of them asking the other what was going on. But, pride can make people act stupidly, and I am sure stranger things have happened. Aside from that one point, I enjoyed the book very much, and recommend it for a snowy or (here in California) cool and gloomy winter day’s read. As the characters travel from Florida to the freezing Canadian north, we travel with them to experience the holiday season in both warm and cold style.
Other: anal/oral play, sex games, BDSM, ménage, GLBT
Reviewer: Starla Kaye
Date: 12-20-09
Threesomes an Anthology is a wonderful collection of fantasy short stories to warm your nights and make you shiver with envy. It has everything “threesome.” There is a fun little story of two women finding a new relationship together with the help of a third “ghost” woman. Another story involves a woman finding unique happiness with a male friend and a man he hired from an escort service. There is a story of thee women on vacation together and taking their friendship further. There is even a story taking place at a mansion for a night of special partying between two women and a “gladiator” that sizzles. Next is a story involving two couples in the Caribbean for Rand R and sex. Then there is a story of three men and a woman, with two men in a relationship finding happiness once more. Or for those of you who enjoy stories about werewolves, there is a story of two male werewolves and a woman. Of course there should be a story involving swingers and there is, a story about a Halloween party for swingers. There is a story about a ménage-a-trois and revamping a partnering schedule. And there are two more shape-shifter stories: one involving a woman, a vampire and a werewolf and another with a woman and two more werevolves. All in all, a delicious treat of fantasies.
Title: Fatal Exposure Author: Lia Slater Publisher: The Wild Rose Press Publication Date: September 2009 ISBN: 1-60154-681-5 Genre: suspense Length: 228 pages Buy Link Author Website Rating: 4 Diamonds Heat Level: Erotic Other: oral play Reviewer: Gabrielle Date: 12/19/09
A sensual and exciting read that keeps you on your toes from the start. Shy and inhibited Ava takes a job in the last place her abusive ex boyfriend would come looking for her. Working in a strip club called Hothouse Gentlemen’s Club is the perfect hiding place. That is until Kade shows up. Little does Ava know that he is a private eye that her ex Zack has hired to find her. The chemistry between Kade and Ava is electric from the start. Each one has their own secrets but can they let their guard down enough to trust one another before it is too late? Add in a jealous dancer, the club owner’s brother and another PI or two and the mayhem begins. Lia Slater takes the reader on a suspenseful ride with many twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing. Ava learns quickly and goes from being an easy going and trusting woman to a savvy one that must do anything to keep herself hidden. Kade is a powerful man who takes what he wants with no looking back. Which was always fine until he meets Ava and looses his heart. It seems this bad boy has a heart and may become a good guy after all. As the two begin a rocky relationship they find themselves on the run from Zack, Ava’s ex. Will Kade talk Ava into making a stand and stop her running or will she take her chances and go on the run again? With well-written characters and a fast paced plot I enjoyed this book. I cannot wait to see if Jax and Poppy will get their own story. If you enjoy a hot and suspenseful read this is the book should not be missed.
The ride of Mariah’s life began when she heard those two words whispered in her mind. How could she just ignore them, just leave him out there alone? With her wolf Salish and her dog Bear, her two constant companions she goes into the woods in search of the man she hears, the man who will forever change her life. Rathe is the most feared and the most dangerous of the Demon slayers.Ambushed by the human vampire hunters he has been wounded gravely, thinking he is to die he his thoughts and feeling go out to the ones he loves. Somehow Mariah hears and feels them as well. From the moment she decides to help Rathe, Mariah’s world is turned upside down. It seems that it is a never-ending ride of chaos and mayhem. While Rathe and Mariah begin a tentative relationship Vampire hunters, ghouls and Demon vampires constantly dog them. To top things off Jarrod the leader of the Damned Vampires has his sights on Mariah to be his mate and queen. Mariah can feel the evil in Jarrod when he seeks her mind. Since she was small Mariah knew she was different never fitting in and knowing that her daughter is just like her she must hide them and try to resist Jarrod’s mental call.
Rathe is taken aback with Mariah’s bravery and begins to loose his heart. The biggest and mightiest of them all is brought to task by a mere slip of a female. His long lonely existence ended on the night Mariah saved not only his life but also his soul. Can Mariah and Rathe find true happiness before time runs out or will Jarrod win and take Mariah as his own?
Rathe is a wonderful brooding Alpha male who loves with all his heart and will do anything to protect those he loves. Mariah is just as strong willed and loyal. She is a mother with a protective streak and when she sees others in need she steps up to the plate. As she learns what is happing in Rathe’s world knowing that she is a part of it now she steps up there as well. The bond of love and trust that develops between these two is a great read. Wend Petzler weaves a wonderful story. The reader is pulled into her sensual world from the first page. Her strong characters both male and female are full of depth and emotions. Not only is this story a hot read it is full of action and adventure with a few twists that keep the reader turning the pages to see what will happen next. I enjoyed this story and cannot wait to see if there are more stories in the works for these vampires. I would love to see one for Sergio or Alexander and Kai’s story. If you love books with lots of action and hot scenes this book is definitely one that should not be missed.
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