Protected by J. Hali Steele

February 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Protected by J. Hali Steele
Shepherd’s Watch Series
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (56 pgs)
Other: M/F, masturbation, Voyeurism
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

Max Alsatian spends most evenings at the Seared Soul watching the only woman alive who makes him pant. His heightened senses and her alluring scent have pushed him to the edge. Now that he knows what she is, Max expects more than a meal — he intends to take what’s rightfully his.

Victoria Germaine buries herself in the kitchen of her restaurant to hide from the world. When the brooding, sexy stranger appeared, she hid what she was under a cloak of deceit. No longer able to fight her natural desires, she aches to give herself to him. She waits patiently for his arrival… he will come.

Holy German Shepherds Batman! This was one hot story. I know when I open a book by J. Hali Steele, I’m in for a fantastic time. This book was no exception. I loved the other books in the Shepherd’s Watch series. I was literally chomping at the bit to get this book. Ms. Steele write with fluidity. I felt like I was right there with them. And this story packs a serious punch—pardon the pun. There are so many fun little twists and turns, I didn’t want to put it down.

I wanted to know Max and Victoria’s story from the beginning. I’m so glad I waited. It was totally worth it. Max is alpha all the way, but he’s also very meticulous. He knows everything, all the angles—except Victoria. It cracked me up to see a man so obviously flustered by a strong woman. Great stuff.

Vic is a piece of work, too. She’s gutsy and courageous. I liked reading about her because she really gave Max a run for his money. I felt her pain, agony, and ecstasy. Did I say this was a fantastic read? Yeah, when I can feel like I’m in the shoes of the characters and they stay with me far after the last page, like with Max and Vic, then it’s my mark for a great book.

If you want a story chock full of unforgettable characters and tight plotlines, then you need to read Shepherd’s Watch: Protected. I guarantee it’s worth the ride.

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Assassins in Lace: Impressions by Jocelyn Michel

February 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Assassins in Lace: Impressions by Jocelyn Michel
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (37 pgs)
Other: M/F, Anal Play, Toys, Spanking
Rating: 3.5 cherries
Reviewed by Verbena

Vampire Chantel Mathis, aka Karma, is an assassin who always gets her werewolf. Tonight she’s posing as an interior decorator applying for a position at Aubrey Enterprises. Her interviewer and mark is Ren Aubrey, the delectable CEO and owner. Though Ren plays the role of savvy businessman to perfection, Karma knows there’s more there than meets the eye. This werewolf is really an assassin so deadly that the vamps have nicknamed him Slayer.

What Karma doesn’t know is that Ren is exactly her type. Worse, he’s onto her. So the moment he steps into the room, she struggles not only to keep her wits about her, but to keep her distance. It doesn’t help that Ren is every bit as beguiled and perfectly willing for their business relationship to be much more. Will Karma be able to resist Slayer’s many charms? Or will their night of passion turn deadly?

When could sex with a gorgeous man who not only has a perfect body but the stamina of the energizer bunny possibly be bad? How about when he’s a killer of your kind and your next target for assassination. Talk about sleeping with the enemy!

Karma has just about had enough of the rich, shifter Ren Aubrey AKA Slayer. He’s murdered over fifty of her sister assassins and it’s time someone put this dog down. While he obviously has some skills of his own, she has no doubt she’s the vampire for the job. Problem is, when she finally has her chance, she finds herself flat on her back with the enemy between her legs (and just about everywhere else as well!). Karma and Ren suddenly find themselves in quite a quandary. Though their kinds have been at war for years, and by all rights they should be tearing each other apart, they just can’t seem to keep their hands off each other.

Assassins in Lace: Impressions is a very quick and very graphic story. This tale isn’t for the modest or easily embarrassed. Out of thirty-seven pages, about twenty are filled with detailed sexual content. While I can’t find fault in the author’s writing, I would have liked to see a little more plot. Other than some basic information, I really didn’t get to know the characters very much, particularly Ren. I think some emotions were a little rushed, but in this short of a story, there isn’t a lot of time to delve into character and plot development. Overall, it was a fun read and definitely got my motor running.

For a fast, fun story with lots of hot sex, pick up a copy of Assassins in Lace: Impressions. I guarantee you’ll finish the book with a smile and have a sudden need to go find your main squeeze for a little fun of your own.

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Just Semantics by Julia Talbot

February 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Just Semantics by Julia Talbot
Publisher: Changeling Press LLC
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (21 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Morning Glory

Maura knows Dixon, the demon killer — err, hunter — is bad news the moment he walks into her shop looking for a flea remedy for his shapeshifting partner. Maura’s sure men of action like Dix don’t go for good girls like her.

Dix knows Maura is the one for him the moment he sets eyes on her. Now he’s out to convince Maura he might just be the perfect mate for her.

But a demon hunter’s the last thing Maura needs, especially one as hot as Dix. Right?

This short story is a whirlwind.

It jumps right into the story with no introduction, and at first I was slightly confused, but once I got into the groove it was smooth sailing.

The characters are likable, witty and draw you in. Maura is sassy, spunky and sexy. Dixon is bold, brash and sinfully delicious. They practically burn up the pages once they get together. I even loved Bingo, Dixon’s partner. I really wanted to know more about him and his lover. The only down side to this book is that it leaves you wanting more. It feels like the story is over before it really begins. I’d love to see more with these characters.

At only twenty pages long, Ms. Talbot skillfully manages to pack this book full of steamy sex, witty repartee, and interesting characters.

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Protect and Serve: Kitty Kat by Anne Kane

February 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Protect and Serve: Kitty Kat by Anne Kane
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (43 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Forced Seduction, Voyeurism
Rating: 4 Cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Kat hasn’t always been a stray — but times are tough, and when she lost her job, her no good boyfriend dumped her. Now she’s living in a deserted basement and scrounging for food behind the restaurants in the better section of town, while attending business school during the day.

Jake feeds scraps of his dinner to the fluffy little con-artist from time to time as he walks his beat. He can’t get the sassy stray off his mind. He feels a strange affinity for the feisty little kitty, so he decides to trap her and tame her. What he doesn’t realize is, she’s a shifter, and she’s conned his heart right out of his chest.

What’s a kitty cat to do when she gets an eyeful of her rescuer in his full glory? Why purr with appreciation of course.

Protect and Serve: Kitty Kat is a cute short full of mischievous hijinks that lead to a delightful couple of encounters with her unknowing handsome enforcer cum futuristic police officer.

Times are tough for Katarina and she literally is scrounging for food to survive. I liked her spunk, her will to persevere and her impulsive taking charge of opportunity – with delicious results.

Jake is a man that I think no one really gets to know. He seems the kind of guy who keeps to himself because of the nature of his dangerous job. Because of it, he is lonely. Usually, I read about women having cats to keep them company; not too often a brawny male goes for feline companionship. I’m glad Jake is different because of what happens in the story.

I liked Jake’s hidden sensitive nature and I like the aspect of his brutal strength which he uses effectively and sparsely. Even when the author thrills a reader with some unexpected drama and intensity, Jake is mindful of his little kitty.

When Jake meets Katarina’s human form it’s a very spicy encounter. What Kat is inspired to do really pushed Jake’s happy buttons and I enjoyed reading the scene. When next she surprises him, the tables are turned and that was fun too. The best part is when Jake finally gets to find out how his mystery woman comes and goes without a trace, which had been driving him nuts. It’s sweet and romantic in a sultry way and it compliments their whirlwind courtship. The ending is adorable and leans more towards a happily for now instead of a happily ever after. I think there is a bit more to explore between the two as their chemistry is smoking hot and I believe there is still so much more to discover. I liked Kat and Jake as a couple and I liked how Kat is already quite protective of her guy. That was a fun and well written scene.

Protect and Serve: Kitty Kat is a perfect little story for when a reader has a craving for something fast, light yet sensually fulfilling with a humorous kick, and has a hero and heroine that are great together. I found that time flew by speedily because I completely enjoyed myself while reading this book. It’s definitely worth a look.

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The Vampire’s Pet by Delilah Hunt

January 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Vampire’s Pet by Delilah Hunt
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (64 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Spanking
Rating: 3 Cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

For centuries the vampire Mikhail has hunted the Loup Garou, werewolf shifters. Ever present by his side, his faithful she-wolf Kassia, an unassuming pet… until the day he stumbles upon her secret.

A Loup Garou trapped inside her she-wolf body, Kassia suddenly finds herself in human form, complete with the trappings of being a werewolf in heat. Will Mikhail, the powerful leader, cast her aside or keep her to fullfill their each and every desire?

If a reader is looking for a short story heavy on the erotic with a paranormal bent then this story should satisfy.

Kassia is a werewolf and Mikhail is a vampire and both races are mortal enemies. So how can love even have a chance to grow with a conflict like that? Ms. Hunt certainly found a way around it and the growth of their love started in a most unlikely way. It was a kind of friendship first and I liked that.

The conflict is basically how to work around Mikhail’s people’s distrust of Kassia as well as the very personal hatred his own brother feels for her, once the truth of what she is comes out. With only a few sentences, the author made for a strong argument as to why Rowan was so dead set against accepting Kassia. At one point I really didn’t like him but at a pivotal moment with Mikhail, I ended up sort of liking him after all. I didn’t expect that.

The erotic element in this story is very evident with ample opportunities to explore their fledgling relationship. I guess because vampires are top of the food chain, Mikhail’s character took the dominant position, in all ways. In some respects I felt the dominance was a bit heavy handed because of the things he asked/told Kassia to do which didn’t sit well with me; that’s in addition to a choice word that I felt was overused throughout the tale. On the other hand, Kassia is a she-wolf and if the canine is strong within her, as I believe it is, then her behavior, although tempered with her human self, is within the realm of expected behavior. It was just weird seeing it in a human woman. As it is, for readers who like to explore the dominant/submissive relationship, Vampire’s Pet has plenty to offer.

This story was entertaining and it did have some great paranormal elements to it that I enjoyed. It’s a great short for erotic romance readers and it has a nice happily ever after with an extra special touch.

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Rite Men for Maya by Zenobia Renquist

January 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Rite Men for Maya by Zenobia Renquist
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (68 pgs)
Other: M/F, M/F/M, M/M, F/M/M, Ménage, Anal Play, Voyeurism
Rating: 3 cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Maya is a half human, half merman who has decided to attend the fertility-virility rite and learn more about her merman heritage. The rite is meant to help mermen find their perfect mates, but Maya is only interested in using it as research.

Tam and Kessen are participants who are searching for their third. They are drawn to Maya and she to them. But she refuses to acknowledge the bond and runs. Tam and Kessen must pursue her through her dreams if they hope to make their love a reality and prove they are the right men for Maya.

This is an interesting look at the mating habits of the merpeople down in the depths of the ocean. They sure have an erotic way of finding mates and it’s one I’ve never heard of before.

It’s also pretty darned hot because this book packs in loads of different combinations and ways to find the ultimate forever mate. Initially a reader will meet Kessen and Tam. They find each other first and I will say that because of their social order and culture parameters, there isn’t a lot of internal angst, at first. The potential for a romantic connection is clear with them and I enjoyed reading about them.

It’s when a reader meets Maya, the heroine, that all the conflict and mild drama starts happening. She’s a young woman who has a close tie to her family – perhaps a bit too close even for her age. In that I mean that I found it a bit odd for her to still call her father ‘daddy’ and not to have shortened it to ‘dad’ at this point in her life. It’s almost like she has no real ambition to do much and is in a sort of limbo. Sure, she has a job that she acts responsible about but there just something…off. However, I also found out that she’s been pretty much sheltered from all aspects of merlife and it lends itself to a believable conflict. If a person, never mind a character, is not tested by the struggles and challenges in life, they don’t develop a personality of note. Even when there is some sort of light drama in the beginning, I didn’t get the impression that it made much of an impact to Maya. Yes, she said the words, but I didn’t feel the force of it. I was left with the belief that Maya’s character was given just enough for readers to enjoy a light sensual and sexual romp using a combination of unique and tried and true plot techniques.

I found the strongest writing to be between Tam and Kessen. They acted like men although one has a wild side and I got that impression from the quality of friends he has. Just wait until you get to the part describing the stage; it’s a visual that had me giggling.

I did appreciate the fact that Maya loved her family. I liked the idea that Kessen and Tam’s relationship wasn’t all sunshine and roses because it gave them more depth. I also liked some of the magical ideas of how merpeople can walk among us. It shows a great imagination.

Rite Men for Maya is a good read for those days where a reader wants a quick story with an erotic bent in an unusual locale. It delivers in that area. I was entertained throughout and was satisfied with the happily ever after.

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Marooned by Sharon Maria Bidwell

January 14, 2011 By 1 Comment

Marooned by Sharon Maria Bidwell
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (89 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal Play, Voyeurism
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

When he’s marooned on a strange planet, cosmonaut Vernon Attwater thinks his only problem is one of possibly ending up as reptile poo — especially when the reptile chasing him looks like something out of an old science fiction movie. Little does he know that the alien who saves his life is about to complicate matters in ways he never imagined… ways that make him sigh, pant, groan and gasp with pleasure. Even so, surely he can control his own yearnings, especially when he’s never previously felt such desires, being that the alien may look androgynous but is decidedly male in every way that matters.

Cresszna seems to have other ideas and is rather persistent. It doesn’t help that Vern knows he’s sending out mixed messages. He keeps saying no even as his body is saying yes, and feels rather shocked by the overwhelming sense of loss when it seems Cresszna is prepared to accept his rejection.

There’s no way home and Cresszna is the only intelligent humanoid life-form he’s run into. Would life, and sex, with the alien truly be so bad, especially when Vern’s experiencing sensations he didn’t know he was capable of feeling. Trouble is, there appears to be a price to pay if he wants to be Cresszna’s mate — one that’s even more amazing than the strange things he’s so far encountered on the planet.

How can a crash landing lead to love in a place where no one can hear you scream, whether from loneliness or fear, and huge reptilian creatures want to eat you? It’s a rocky road fraught with frustration and an amazing exploration into the resiliency of the human condition.

From the sounds of it, Vern, the hero, is a pretty average guy. He comes from a family of achievers and is the only one who sort of fumbles through life. His one big step into proving himself and making his family proud proves to be his last. He discovers a worm hole in space and his life as he knew it is over. Although it does takes awhile for it to finally sink in. Vern has to come to terms with a whole new outlook on life and that internal journey is one of the main conflicts in the story. And it’s huge.

Cresszna is the alien that befriends Vern on the strange planet. Both males are stranded there and as they are the only humanoids around, they end up relying on each other for survival. Staying alive isn’t just about the body however, and the author did a great job of exploring this conundrum; it’s about keeping one’s mind, heart and soul healthy and vibrant as well. Cressna’s quick acceptance of Vern was refuted and rebuffed by Vern for most of the story and I can’t blame Vern. Society and mores on Earth are very clear but what about on other planets and cultures. How might they differ and how might they be expressed? Ms. Bidwell wrote a wonderful story and she did it all from Vern’s point of view. I could only discern Cresszna’s feelings and wants by what Vern himself told me as he discovered every fascinating, scary and confusingly sensual aspect of living with Cresszna.

The gradual seduction was quite hot and yet tender. At times I felt very sad for Cresszna because he really was a sweet character yet he wasn’t a pushover. He knew what he wanted and practically laid siege to Vern’s heart but it took awhile for Vern to figure that out. There is quite a bit of internal angst on Vern’s part because he wants these feelings that he’s starting to have but he feels guilty too. And guilt is a great motivator for all kinds of drama and it is no less so here in Marooned. My only down note is I think the angst slowed down the tale at one point a little too much, but I never lost interest in the story so that’s a good thing.

Marooned is a fascinating sci-fi fantasy romance between a human man and an alien being that might or might not be male. The visual descriptions of the land and its flora and fauna were intriguing and well done and some of the other inhabitants were fun. The best thing I liked about this story is how love really can occur anywhere and with anyone. One of my favorite movies is Enemy Mine and this book reminded me of that wonderful story, but on a deeper and more sensual level then the movie ever dared go. I was entertained and captivated by this wonderful storyline and I thank Ms. Bidwell for an awesome reading experience.

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Tartan Mate by Selena Illyria

January 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Tartan Mate by Selena Illyria
Publisher: Changeling, Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (41 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Anal Play, Toys
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Iain has made plans for a date night with Katherine that she won’t soon forget. But you know what they say about the best laid plans.

What will he do when he finds out Katherine has a few plans of her own? Why lie back and take it of course.

Tartan Mate delves into a relationship that is being undermined by duty, work and pressure and what a couple does to rekindle their passion.

This book jumps right into a period of adjustment for the hero and heroine. It’s definitely a part of a series but surprisingly I didn’t feel left out from not having read anything previously. This short story can be told about anyone anywhere as we all have things we want in life where stresses and responsibilities get in the way and make us lose our focus. This is just one example, though a very hot and exciting one, of how a couple jumped started their waning love life and reasserted their commitment to each other.

What I found amusing was Iain’s elaborate and overly drawn out romantic plan to woo back his mate. He went for the big picture with all the bells and whistles. He was going to impress his mate with his thoughtfulness and fervent adoration. Instead, his mate, Katherine, had a totally different and very kinky plan that delightfully trumped and beat his down to the ground. He couldn’t even get back up. It was a ton of fun to read and I had a great time watching Katherine bring Iain to heel.

The paranormal aspect actually made this book a bit more interesting because Iain’s wolf had a role in the revamping of their romance in an unexpected manner. I’d never heard of that before and its uniqueness had me fascinated. I think I may have to take a closer look at this series.

Tartan Mate appealed to me on many levels and I think it’s a great little story. For readers who like werewolf romances and are short on time, this book fits the bill and delivers a satisfactory validation of their happily ever after.

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MINE! by Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod

January 14, 2011 By 1 Comment

MINE! by Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (29 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Larissa has dreamed of a mysterious man for many years. When she meets the man who will become her boss, she knows he’s her dream man. Too bad he’s always such a perfect gentleman.

Damien is simply biding his time. He needs Larissa with every fiber of his being, but he’s willing to wait until he’s certain the time is right.

Now, having stood all he wants to, Damien begins his unique brand of seduction to claim Larissa as his. That is, if you can call a vampire’s idea of collecting what’s his “seduction.”

Office politics takes on a whole new meaning when the boss really does have the hots for his employee and the seduction has a paranormal flair.

Damien is the boss and Larissa is his exclusive attorney, but she has no idea just how exclusive she really is to him. He’s plotted and planned and this book jumps right in at the moment Damien is going to strike. What he doesn’t realize is that Larissa is special in her own right and has a secret that the author used to make this scenario plausible.

I was treated to various imaginings in the beginning of the story from each of the main characters’ point of view. There was no doubt in my mind that these two people were right for each other based upon their internal dialogue. It’s when Damien finally can’t take any more and makes the first real move that the action picks up and never stops until Larissa says the words that make Damien’s life complete.

For paranormal romance readers this book has delicious bite. For erotic romance readers, this story should satisfy. MINE! is short, sizzling and very sexy. I liked Larissa’s innocence and in a way, Damien is just as innocent because of a fact that is revealed about his existence. Timing is everything for Damien and for me, the time reading this book was well spent. It was enjoyable and entertaining.

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Wolfman Apocalypse by Brannan Black

January 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Wolfman Apocalypse by Brannan Black
Publisher: Changeling Press LLC
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (89 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal Play, Forced Seduction
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Mistletoe

Life as we knew it pretty much ended with the lightning fast spread of the plague. The media called it Werewolf Syndrome. Women got sick, many died. They were the lucky ones. Men got sick, too, but those who didn’t die… changed. A few immune men, like myself, joined the bands of refugees, scrounging for survival in the post-apocalyptic devastation.

I lived in a fortified compound with a couple dozen women, a bunch of kids and two asshole straight guys. Sounds like a man’s wet dream — unless you happen to be the last gay man standing. At the time, risking my life scavenging in the city sounded like a fucking vacation.

I went out hunting supplies and found something else. Not a quick death, or even a slow, painful one at the hands of the beasts — no such luck. Instead I find myself captive to the largest, most well organized gang of beast men ever. Their leader, Mace, wants more than just a generator — he wants my body. Oddly, a certain part of me likes that idea. The other part –- the part with working survival instincts — insists I get the hell out of Dodge before my smart mouth gets the shit kicked out of me. Again. Tradeoffs…

I hate to admit it but I almost let this book pass me by — but after reading a few excerpts I just had to listen to that little voice saying “read me”. Now I am glad I listened. Wolfman Apocalypse is a great read. I don’t read a lot of male/male books and the ones I do read really have to catch my eye. This one did just that. I was caught hook, line and sinker and enjoyed the ride through and through.

One night while Daniel, one of the only humans left that are not infected by the virus, is out scrounging for supplies he comes across some men who have been infected and changed by the virus. Mace the leader of the pack decides that Daniel’s brains and talents are worth more to the pack than Daniel being a sex toy for them.

Daniel learns the ways of the pack and tries to keep his head down but there are those that don’t like him or Mace’s choice to keep him around and they decide to make trouble. The relationship that builds between Mace and Daniel is a great read. I loved Daniel and his smart mouth. He is a man willing to stand up and fight even when he knows that he is in a fight for his life. Mace is a great guy as well. He leads the pack with a atrong but fair hand and is ready to defend not only Daniel but also any human in need. The two make a good couple playing off of each other very well. Not only do we get to meet these two characters we also meet many other interesting men and woman in this story. I would love to come back and visit this world again to see what happens to some of the other members of the pack.

Brannan Black weaves a great tale with fantastic characters full of emotion and depth. I was pulled in right from the start and couldn’t put it down. Wolfman Apocalypse grabs your attention from the first page and keeps you on your toes all the way to the end making this a book that should not be missed.

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