Darkest Joy by Dahlia Rose

joy
Darkest Joy by Dahlia Rose
Dark Love 1
Publisher: Changeling Press LLC
Genre: Paranormal, Contemporary
Length: Short Story (74 Pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fuchsia

For a crime committed in the halls of heaven, Caim fell from grace to become one of the fallen. His punishment is to serve in the pits of the underworld as collector of the devil’s debts.

A thousand years in the servitude of demons is more than Caim can bear. Now he has a chance to be free and to find peace. He has found what he seeks most in the eyes and arms of Bliss Tadeo, a phlebotomist in a small town called Merry, North Carolina. With her eyes and her heart she has soothed the beast within Caim and given him a chance for redemption — if they can survive his ultimate escape from hell…

Caim is a fallen angel who was banished from heaven and sent to the underworld to serve that lord. He is a collector; he collects the souls of people who have sold their souls to the devil for success and wealth. He hates what he does and the demons he has to be around, especially his nemesis Belial. His only bright spot is his attraction to Bliss.

Bliss Tadeo is a phlebotomist with beauty and a gentle soul which is what drew Caim to her. She knows that he is different but there is something about him that calls out to her. She soon finds out who and what he is but will she be able to save him?

I have to first say that I enjoy Dahlia Rose as an author, her style of writing and the way she weaves a story always grabs the attention from the start. This story with its theme of good versus evil started off a little slow but it soon caught fire. You felt the hatred Caim had for his plight especially when he had to collect a soul, or deal with the other Demons who taunted him.

When reading a story such as this, or any story, you as the reader want to be able to identify with the characters in the book or feel what they’re feeling. Dahlia Rose did just that with this story. You felt Caim’s disgust when he had to collect a soul or had to go to the underworld when summoned. You also connected with Bliss’s feelings for him and her desire to help him redeem himself.

The supporting characters in the book helped to round out the story, and the possibility that Caim may not be forgiven and given a second chance was always there. Darkest Joy (Dark Love 1) is the first in a two-part series which should be read. It is enjoyable and uplifting.

Caitlyn and the Alien Protector by Jessica Coulter Smith

alien
Caitlyn and the Alien Protector by Jessica Coulter Smith
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (109 Pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reviewed by Tulip

From hot, sexy, and available to single dad, this firefighter’s life’s going up in smoke.

When Cosmir had a one-night stand all those years ago, he never dreamed that there would be consequences, but one look at small Katy’s face and he can’t deny that she’s his. His life is hectic and full of danger, but like it or not he’s now responsible for someone other than himself, and he works hard to carve out a place in his life for the adorable toddler.

Caitlyn has already felt the burn from loving a fireman once and she refuses to do it again. When a fire claims everything in her life, she’s forced to accept an offer she would have never otherwise contemplated. Moving in with Cosmir not only gives her a place to sleep — other than her brother’s couch — but she’s able to live with him rent free, in exchange for watching the enchanting little girl with the pansy colored eyes.

What starts as an arrangement of convenience turns to something more as the three spend more time together. Cosmir begins to wonder if the woman of his heart has been right under his nose the entire time, and Caitlyn realizes that sometimes you have to give love a second chance.

I enjoyed this short, sweet and fun Sci-Fi story.

I don’t normally read this genre but lately I’ve been genuinely enjoying this particular series. I loved the main characters in this story. They had great chemistry. Cosmir and Caitlyn felt the sparks from the first moment her brother introduced them, but then the romance was delayed when the sexy purple alien discovered that he’s an instant father from a long ago one night stand. I liked that right away Cosmir was so devoted to taking responsibility for his daughter and how the author let me know that he was concerned about Katy’s feelings. Later on Cosmir and Caitlyn were able to reconnect when he saves her from a fire.

This short story was sexy and entertaining. The author did a great job in bringing the characters to life and providing a bit of conflict to their relationship. They loved each other, and their little family with Katy, but there were some issues and compromises. I liked how the author involved some characters from the previous books, as well. Another aspect that I like about this story/series is how descriptive it is which helps to put a picture in my mind. It’s really great and I hope there will be more books for me to enjoy.

Shifting Focus by Cassidy McKay

FOCUS
Shifting Focus by Cassidy McKay
Publisher: Changeling Press, LLC
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (95 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

As a lion-shifter, EMT Sophia Lorello has spent her entire life suppressing her wild side. The animal inside her is not only deadly, she’s worse than a horny politician with an unlimited supply of Viagra. And once her lioness gets out, she doesn’t like to let Sophia — or her rules — back in. That’s not a risk Sophia’s willing to take again.

Sophia’s control flies out the window when Special Agent Griff Monroe is assigned to investigate a series of local murders. The fact that he’s dead-sexy, “erases” people for a living, and shifts into a big, scary gryphon could be a problem. Her lioness wants a new toy, and the battle-hardened agent is even harder to resist than catnip. It’s a pity that darned serial killer keeps getting in the way…

When the race to catch the killer rivals their race to the nearest bedroom, shifting focus could be their only hope of survival… if she doesn’t kill him first.

I like Ms. McKay’s stories because there’s always a real story with depth, characters with substance and a plot that keeps the pages flipping. The icing on the cake is the hot romance. The bedroom door is nonexistent insuring that readers feel the heat from the passion and sparks whenever Griff kisses Sophia into oblivion. The author delivers what erotic romance readers seek while giving readers who like more developed plots something to sink their teeth into. Everyone can be happy while reading Shifting Focus.

I liked how Sophia tried to restrain herself. She was an expert at corralling her inner lion but was helpless about resisting Griff. There’s a reason for that, a paranormal one, and it’s a reason she had no clue about. The why of that comes from reading about her history. It really is amazing that she has the job that she does especially when her family history is revealed to the hero and readers.

Griff is a great hero; very take charge, alpha and head over heels in lust with Sophia. I enjoyed watching it morph into something more. His buddy, Hunter, was a fun character. He’s a great side kick yet is just as alpha in his own way. I cracked up when I discovered the reason Sophia seemed to have a bad reaction anytime he was around.

I was most impressed by the humanity of the main characters in the novella. Sure, they’re shifters and can heal fast but Ms. McKay imbued her characters with relatable restrictions on their strength and power that made them seem more realistic, approachable and believable. It was a nice touch and it made their fighting the villain that much more suspenseful, exciting and engaging. I could not stop reading.

Although Sophia reveals a snippet about her family, I found it hard to believe that she knew absolutely nothing about anything with regards to her being a shifter, especially at the age she was when she made the choice she did. Most teenagers not only have a clue but think they know it all at that age. I didn’t feel I was given enough to believe in her self-induced phobia even though it clearly worked as a plot conflict.

The point of view is first person but the author took turns with Sophie and Griff so readers really do get an inside look as to their motivations, fears and the process of their falling in love. I liked that.

Shifting Focus might be short on pages but it delivers a full story, a wonderful romance, the solving of a murder mystery and plenty of sex to blow off steam. It’s a fast read that is perfect for a before bedtime Apéritif of words or a nice way to spend an hour or so in the afternoon. Enjoy!

Alpha’s Slave by Ashlynn Monroe

WARRIORS
Alpha’s Slave by Ashlynn Monroe
Psy-Vamps Book 1
Publisher: Changeling Press LLC
Genre: Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (40 Pages)
Other Content: M/F, M/F/M, Voyeurism, BDSM(light), Menage,
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reviewed by Sorrel

Tariah offeres herself up to cancel her father’s debt and save her family. She assumes she’ll be executed, but when bonded warriors Zerion and Arwyn give her the choice between life with them or death she chooses to live.
Now Tariah must search deep inside herself for the bravery required to mate with two Psy Warriors whom she both fears and desires.

A daughter’s sacrifice, a debt to be paid.

Tariah sacrificed herself to the Psy Warriors, to save her younger sister and family. Instead of death she gets an unexpected reprieve in the form of two bonded mates. Who would have thought a debt would lead her to the one thing she wants most?

I liked the story as a whole. It was a short one but the author kept me interested and reading to the end. Tariah is the eldest in the family. She always had responsibility on her shoulders. And would have never thought the time with the warriors would be anything good. And the warriors were good. The passion and chemistry they had with Tariah was scorching. Though, I do not think lust was the only thing between them. I would have loved to have seen their relationship blossom.

There wasn’t much of a backstory in the book but I did not mind it all until the end. The ending felt like a cliffhanger. Personally, I’m not fond of cliffhangers and waiting for the next part of the book. With this being a series, I hope to see the ending resolved in the next book and possible spend more time with Tariah, Zerion and Arwyn.

The book has some mild BDSM elements but nothing I didn’t expect with the word “alpha” in the title. Readers who enjoy a good vampire style paranormal should give this one a try.

Jacie and the Alien Bodyguard by Jessica Coulter Smith

JACIE
Jacie and the Alien Bodyguard by Jessica Coulter Smith
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (92 Pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reviewed by Tulip

Stupid. Careless. Jacie has called herself ten times a fool for falling for Myro’s charms. Now she’s pregnant and alone, and she’s been sent to a world unlike her own.
When Barimere, a tall, sexy hunk of alien male, meets her at the shuttle station on his world, Jacie feels the stirrings of desire — even though that’s what got her into this mess in the first place. But there’s something about Barimere that’s different, and she doesn’t mean the scars on his face.

Barimere agrees to guard Jacie from unwanted attention and possible abduction. But one look at her and her demented fur ball pet, and he wonders if he’s insane to accept the mission. He knows a woman like her would never look twice at a scarred male like him, but that doesn’t stop his body from instantly reacting to her beauty and charm.

A pregnancy that is more than what it seems, and a woman determined to find love on an alien world is more adventure than the taciturn warrior has bargained for. Barimere is all for Jacie finding a mate and getting herself out from under his nose. Except for some odd reason he’d like to tear apart any male who looks her way, and beat the living hell out of anyone who tries to hurt her.

An alien warrior intent on fighting his attraction. A human female determined to bring him to his knees. What could possibly go wrong?

I enjoyed this story. It was short but sweet, and grabbed my attention from the first page until the last one.

Jacie Montgomery uprooted her life and followed a faithless alien lover to his home planet. Once there, the intrepid pregnant human learns that her situation is far from simple. She realizes that the relationship wasn’t special at all since her lover had already taken another mate and Jacie will be expected to choose another mate and remain on the planet with her hybrid child. Luckily, she didn’t have to wait too long since she falls for her bodyguard at first sight. The only problem is that Barimere had a lot of scars that weren’t entirely on the outside. Jacie had her work cut out for her to convince Barimere that they were perfect for each other. Then there was the fact that something was off about her alien pregnancy.

So, let me tell you about the incredibly engaging main couple. Jacie was sweet and forthright. She could’ve whined about her circumstances, however that never happened. She simply picked herself up and moved on, even when family tragedy struck. I liked her a lot.

Now, Barimere had some issues that had to be dealt with before they could be together. He was scarred and had some self esteem problems, but his greatest motivation was that he felt Jacie deserved someone better. He was a very stubborn alien. That seemed to be the most conflict of the story and in the end it was the very thing that gave the final push. I loved that Barimere was so concerned and kind about Jacie and her babies’ well being. At heart this was a story about two people who pretty much fall for each other instantly and were able to see past the imperfections of life.

I don’t read many fantasy stories, but with that being said, I am really enjoying this series. I like the way the author writes. I’ve only read two of her books so far, with both of those being in the Intergalactic Brides series, but I felt they read well as stand alone stories. The creative world building is intriguing and easily pulled me into this story. This book was fast paced, generously detailed and very interesting. It was written exactly the way I like to read ; where it’s mostly about the storytelling part with a few sexy love scenes to heat things up.

I’m sure to be reading more books from this author.

Hazel and the Alien Biker by Jessica Coulter Smith

bIKER
Hazel and the Alien Biker by Jessica Coulter Smith
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (112 Pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Tulip

Kicked off his home world after losing his mate, Reyvor has made a place for himself on Earth, spending his afternoons drinking and his nights cruising the streets on his Harley. But all of that is about to change. A commotion outside of his motel room just may turn out to be his saving grace.

Hazel has lost everything, but she’d do it all again if it meant escaping the abusive boyfriend who liked to beat on her three girls and herself. Dumpster diving has never been her favorite thing to do, but she doesn’t have a penny to her name and her girls are starving. But when she’s caught, something miraculous happens.

Reyvor knows right away that the petite woman with the large blue eyes needs him. When he hears that this little ragtag family hasn’t eaten in days, he convinces Hazel to accept a warm meal and a place to stay for the night. The girls warm his heart and remind him of what he once wanted out of life. Is it too late to start over?

Hazel is hesitant to trust anyone again with her heart, but Reyvor is determined to make her his. What’s an alien to do when all he wants is a loving family to call his own? He’ll break down her defenses one by one, until she melts against him and begs for his kiss. But can he claim the feisty Hazel without completely losing his heart to her?

This was an interesting book that I enjoyed. Hazel and the Alien Biker is a light fantasy story. It’s a new genre to me and I liked it very much from beginning to end.

Reyvor was very kind to Hazel and her three girls. He took them in and offered security and it didn’t hurt that he and Hazel had such a strong connection. Reyvor was lonely but it wasn’t only that. Hazel and her girls gave him a family, which was something he had been missing and he genuinely cared for them. Hazel was a good person who had trusted in the wrong man and now she found it hard to trust anyone. She felt guilty that she couldn’t provide for her kids but she put her pride aside and let Reyvor help them. She tried to deny her feelings for him but Reyvor was so patient and caring that she had to finally gave in and considered a permanent relationship with the sexy purple alien.

This was a very sexy fantasy romance. The story was well developed and had an easy pace even though it spans a relatively short time. I liked the writing style. I loved the characters and was intrigued by the world. I will probably read more books in this series. So I do recommend this one to Sci-Fi and Fantasy readers.

Tuesday by Danni Price

Young couple, isolated on grey background 
Tuesday by Danni Price
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (52 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Evie’s life is complicated. Just getting to an important presentation at work is full of pitfalls, the largest being an ex-boyfriend who refuses to move out of her home. She’s had enough of men and her domineering boss who takes all the credit for her work. Evie’s only pleasure comes from her erotic thoughts about the sexy IT guy, Cullen.

Cullen has wanted Evie for a long time, but hearing that she had a boyfriend made her hands-off. That changes when he learns the boyfriend is now and ex. He puts a plan into motion to catch her attention, hoping that his desire for her somehow breaks through her barriers to reach her heart.

Evie has been deliciously tormented by enticing dreams by Cullen the IT guy. Sadly, her real life is far from as erotically perfect as her charged dreams taunt her. With her ex-boyfriend blackmailing her into living in her apartment rent-free and a hostile colleague at work trying to steal her job at every turn Evie is stressed out. On the day of her big presentation, however, things finally appear like they’ll take a turn for the better. A shared hot kiss and before she knows it Evie can’t deny the heat sizzling between herself and Cullen.

This is a fun short story. I really enjoyed the heat and chemistry between Evie and Cullen and found myself rooting for their hooking up and starting a relationship. I liked how Evie came across as a normal, “everywoman” style character. Hassled by her ex, stressing over rent and having clashes with co-workers and being caught in traffic, it wasn’t a stretch for me to really put myself in her place. I felt an instant kinship to her and really enjoyed seeing her and Cullen steam up the pages.

While I was a little disappointed at how predictable I found the plot, it was very strongly woven into the fabric of Evie and Cullen starting their relationship and the antagonist of Evie’s ex-boyfriend helped bring plenty of conflict and tension to the story. I found this overall to be a fast paced, interesting and highly sensual read that should appeal to many readers. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Five Golden Beads by Sean Michael

BEADS
Five Golden Beads by Sean Michael
Reindeer Games

Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Holiday
Length: Short Story (30 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/M, Anal Play, Toys, Spanking
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Once a year, from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve, Shay gets a visit from Harper, one of Santa’s Elves. Their magical time together may only last a week, but Shay anticipates it the entire year and throws himself wholeheartedly into the kink-filled week. The only way their time could be better would be if Harper could stay longer.

When November rolls around again and the kinky gifts start arriving, Shay can only hope he’s been a good enough boy this year to be granted more time with the Elf he loves. Will Santa be able to deliver this year?

Every year on Christmas Eve Harper turned up in Shay’s life and until midnight New Year’s Eve they indulged in every wicked, carnal delight imaginable. Shay loved Christmas. This year with a bunch of new sex toys to play with Shay knows he and Harper will have the best week imaginable. And particularly with those five golden anal beads…

This is a light, fun, wickedly delicious short story. I loved learning about Harper and Shay – and why they only get one week a year together – and wow they pack a whole year’s worth of loving and sex into that short break. It’s clear that both Shay and Harper are devoted to each other and deeply in love. I enjoyed their connection and commitment to each other, even if they only get to spend the one week a year together. The sex was smoking hot but also richly emotional and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. I found the kink to be tasteful and delicious – and will certainly make me think differently of pine tree branches…

With a happy, deeply satisfying ending I really enjoyed this quick read. Full of Christmas joy and steamy sex it had me licking my lips and eager to get back into that Christmas spirit.

Wicked Game by Lily Vega

GAME
Wicked Game by Lily Vega
Reindeer Games
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Holiday, Contemporary
Length: Short Story (41 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

All’s fair in love and war when the Reindeer Games are in play!

Santa didn’t give bad boy Elf Brody his Christmas wish. Instead of sexy Beryl, he’s stuck with goody-goody Holly for a partner. But Brody discovers the best gifts aren’t always wrapped in the fanciest paper and Holly is so sweet, she melts on his tongue.

First impressions don’t always tell you the full story about someone.

Brody’s character development was nicely done. I’ll admit to not being a big fan of this character at first due to how he treated the elves and other creatures around him. He wasn’t a particularly friendly guy at first, to say the least. Seeing how he evolved over the course of the plot, though, did end up changing my opinion of him as well. By the final few scenes I was rooting for him to find his happy ending!

The chemistry between the two main characters never felt quite right to me. While I liked them as individuals, they were about as different as two elves could possibly be. Because of this I struggled to understand what they saw in each other. Had only one of them narrated the storyline there might have been more opportunities to show what was attracting them to each other and what they shared in common.

The world building in this tale was strong. While Brody and Holly were the focus of the plot, there were so many hints about what their lives were like in the North Pole that I could easily imagine how their entire society operated. The subplots never overshadowed the main plot. Instead they created a richly layered backdrop for the main characters and made me wish for a prequel or a sequel because of how intrigued I was by everything that was going on.

Wicked Game should be read by anyone who has ever judged a book – or an elf – by its cover.

Tinsel Wars by Anne Kane

WILD
Tinsel Wars by Anne Kane
Reindeer Games
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Holiday, Contemporary
Length: Short Story (33 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Misty knows if Braedon finds out about her parents, he’ll never want to see her again. She can’t face loving him just to have him turn on her when he discovers the truth, so she pushes him away — far away, to the ends of the world they both know.

Braedon knows what he wants, and he won’t be easily discouraged. The annual Reindeer games are coming, and he has a plan that will throw Misty right into his arms. He intends to win the final skirmish in the Tinsel Wars!

How far would you go to hide an embarrassing secret?

I really enjoyed the plot twists.They weren’t at all what I was expecting to find, but they fit the overall tone incredibly well. I also liked the fact that the narrator didn’t give me many hints about what might happen next. Not being able to easily guess what the main characters might decide to do actually made a lot of sense given their personalities. It was a good choice to write the plot twists and their reactions to them this way.

There were two competing storylines in this tale. While I was definitely interested in both of them, I could never tell which one was supposed to be the main storyline and which one was supposed to be the subplot. The focus switched between them so often that both of them were straddling these roles. Having two equally important storylines would have worked nicely for a longer book, but it did feel awkward for something of this size as I was never sure which one I should be paying more attention to.

The dialogue made me giggle. Both of the main characters had unique voices that I was quickly able to pick out before the narrator told me who was speaking. It was entertaining to go through the process of figuring out what their speech patterns were like and what kinds of things they liked to talk about. This was especially worthwhile when it came to the scenes that only included Misty and Braedon.

Reading Tinsel Wars felt a little like riding a roller coaster. Give it a try if you’re in the mood for something unpredictable and fun.