A Changeling For All Seasons (Anthology)

March 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

A Changeling For All Seasons by Angela Knight, Sahara Kelly, Judy Mays, Marteeka Karland, Kate Douglas, Shelby Morgen, Willa Okati, Kate Hill, Lacey Savage
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Holiday, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (283 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/M, F/M/M, Ménage, Anal Play, Forced Seduction, Fetish, Toys, Voyeurism
Rating: 3.5. cherries
Reviewed by Peppermint

Filled with the unexpected, A Changeling For All Seasons offers something to savor for every palate. From humorous to magical, from Christmas to St. Patrick’s Day to the 4th of July, these stories are alight with unbridled lust, sensuous passion, and hot, hot sex, guaranteed to entangle your senses and leave you breathless.

With ten stories from various authors and genres I’m betting you’ll find at least something you like in A Changeling For All Seasons, and may even discover a few things you didn’t realize you enjoyed until now. I know I did.

Angela Knight – A Vampire Christmas

Picture walking into your home feeling on top of the world knowing your sexy fiancé is waiting with open arms. Only you open the door and instead of the loving man you expected you get a bloodthirsty creature. This is exactly what happens to Amelia.

She had no idea what happened, she only knew was that life would never be normal again. I really did enjoy this story because you frequently read about falling in love with a supernatural, but it is rare to read about a character having someone they love changing and having to choose whether to leave them or accept them. One thing I did wish I got more of was David’s POV. It was hard to follow the relationship development because I just didn’t know enough about his character to understand his actions. In the end though everything worked itself out and Amelia may not have ended up with the life she dreamed of, but she got one equally rewarding.

Sahara Kelly – A Christmas Pageant

Joey and Marty sitting in a tree… but they are doing way more that kissing. I really enjoyed this story. It played nicely off of a schoolboy fantasy, which most readers can appreciate. Marty desperately needed change to get past the rut in his life, and Joey definitely changed things for him. All he has to do is get her out of that skimpy outfit and into his bed.

Judy Mays – Jingle Balls

With a name like Jingle Balls this story has got to be good! Then I started reading it and thought to myself “Uh oh, this is some cheesy play off of Christmas”. Well I should have gone with my original thought because turns out it was good. By the time they made it to the club scene I was sold. The relationship development while a little slow to start but after a while really drew me in. Richard and Jessica definitely do complement each other well including both of their tempers. It seems both characters can go off at any given moment so I know their relationship will be one interesting ride. And yes I even enjoyed the cheesy play off of Christmas.

Marteeka Karland – Sealed With A Kiss

We have moved from Christmas to Valentine’s Day. I have to admit I have mix feeling about this story. The relationship develop for me was good, but the overall plot of the story just seemed as if it was missing something. I would have liked just a little more excitement or conflict. I prefer a more complex plot, but the relationship itself was good. I liked that it was almost a competition between Marie and Daxon on who could seduce who first. Plus in this relationship you can see the emotional development without being told about it, which I liked. All-in-all it was a story I enjoyed reading.

Kate Douglas – My Valentine

Ginny is my favorite character within this anthology so far. She suffered greatly in her life and deserved a shot at happiness. Her happiness is in the form of St. Valentine and, as appropriate to the holiday, he sweeps her off her feet and warms her heart and soul in an attempt to show her what life and living should be. This is a short story I can see myself reading over again and still getting that warm fuzzy feeling in my heart every time.

Shelby Morgen – Changeling

Now it’s time for St. Patrick’s day and where better to celebrate than Ireland! This story was an interesting one since we start with Michael, a none believer in all things magical, but drunk enough to explore anyway. I liked the way the relationship between Arien and Michael unraveled especially the twist of them being together. One thing I was disappointed by was the end of the story. I would have liked to have seen a more definitive conclusion, but regardless, I consider this another lovely story.

Willa Okati – Elven Enchantment

I absolutely adored this story. Ciara had some crappy luck with men until she walks into a bar. Even though there was a band the real show was the two guys who couldn’t keep their hands off each other — a far better show, and Ciara thought so, too. Even more fun was when Seanan and Ardal invite Ciara for a night of unimaginable pleasure. Who wouldn’t jump at the change to join Blondie and Dark & Delicious? Everything about this story was perfect from beginning to end, and I would love to see more of these lovable characters.

Kate Hill – Jolene’s Pooka

Another great story riveted with myth and lore. Larkin is really the stand out character in this story. Athough he came off a little too arrogant and dominant for me, knowing what he is really helps me understand why he acts that way. Apparently it is just what Jolene needs because she falls into his bed, and refuses to leave once she realized how much fun it was. I don’t know if the legend of the pooka is true, but I’m sold and would love for one to show up at in front of my house. I wonder if they travel to the city?

Lacey Savage – Chemistry to Burn

While the beginning of this story confused me a bit I quickly figured out what was going on. Some men will go to any length to get a girl’s attention. Griffin is no exception; he refused to play second fiddle to Angelina’s research so he came up with an infallible plan to fix that problem. But he soon realized he may have made a big mistake. I actually liked Griffin once I got to know him, he isn’t as bad of a guy that Angelina thought he was. Griffin, go get your girl and refuse to accept no for an answer!

Shelby Morgen – Troll Under The Bridge

This story was short enough the characters were able to be fairly anonymous, only going by Troll and Cop. I think this was a nice little encounter at the end of this anthology. The twist at the end made it interesting. This was the shortest story within the anthology so there really wasn’t room for error and the author made sure there were none.

All in all I would have to say this was good anthology. I think that it had a nice theme that it continued from beginning to end and while each story was different they complemented each other. As a paranormal erotica fan I was able to read about fairies, shifters, trolls, vampires and other creatures. I discovered some new authors that I would love to read more stories by, which is always a plus and one of the reasons I have always enjoyed anthologies. So I would say, go ahead and read this anthology — you might be surprised by the creatures you bump into.

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All Tied Up by Marilu Mann

February 15, 2011 By 1 Comment

All Tied Up by Marilu Mann
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday
Length: Short Story (53 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/M, F/M/M, Ménage, Fetish, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 5 cherries
Reviewed by Anemone

Wendy has a kinky fantasy—she wants to be tied up. Not just spread-eagle in bed, but with rope all over and around her body. She shares that with her lover Peter who arranges a session with local Kinbaku Master, James.

They learn that having sex at someone else’s direction while completely restrained is more than hot. Can they repeat their experience? Do they want to without Master Darling, who would like to make their arrangement more permanent?

This book was so hot, my hair about caught on fire — so just a warning, do not read this book in a public place like I did. Peter and Wendy are in serious relationship and during the middle of making love, Wendy admits one of her fantasies is being tied up. And not handcuffs style but tied up in ropes all over her body. Peter, being a smart boy, tucks this away for later.

This story drew me in so well, when Peter gives Wendy her fantasy for Christmas, instead of proposing to her as she was hoping for, I almost said aloud, “Peter, you just ruined Christmas.” Considering I was in a restaurant at the time, I barely restrained myself and continued. It’s a good thing I don’t blush easily because when Master James Darling, a Kinbaku expert, entered the picture, that’s when the chemistry exploded.

Ms. Mann expertly crafted a tale from start to finish kept me my eyeballs glued to my eReader. The way both characters developed when Master James tied them up (with a warning here, there was a touch of femmedomme too) everything came together brilliantly. When the scene was over, I felt the crash along with the characters, along with how much I wanted them to continue… and they gloriously did.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Something of note that I simply couldn’t deny to myself was the names of the characters themselves. We have Peter and Wendy as well as James Darling. I’m not sure if the author intended that but all the same, it was pretty awesome for me. After reading All Tied Up, I’m off to indulge in Ms. Mann’s backlist and she has become an autobuy for me.

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Lemon Kisses edited by Augusta Li

February 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Lemon Kisses edited by Augusta Li
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (230 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/M, F/M/M, Ménage, Multiple Partners, Anal Play, Forced Seduction, Fetish, Toys, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 3 cherries
Reviewed by Anemone

Lemon Kisses contains four tales of love, lust and passion between beautiful men. Two friends explore their darkest fantasies. A young man becomes a hero and finds true love in the most unexpected way. A wealthy record executive risks everything for a pair of soft lips. And a group of models with an ancient secret join together to realize their power and defeat a deadly enemy.

Includes “Your Fantasy or Mine” by A. Steele, “Amorela Veritath” by Eon de Beaumont, “Bitter Fruit” by Imari Jade, and “The Daemon Within” by B.J. Franklin

Lemon Kisses is a great introduction to yaoi, the Japanese depiction of a gay romance. These can be dark and painful representations of gay relationships or they can be lighthearted, funny and sweet. Oftentimes there are little notes to reader and fan service with these comics or novels. This book walked the line very carefully between the light and dark and all stories came with a happily ever after. There are also many editing styles that happen only with yaoi, like the lack of apostrophes, and also the stories stayed with that style.

The book started with the light-hearted yaoi with Your Fantasy or Mine which centered around a work-place crush Seth has for Kevin, that turns into a sexual fantasy involving a threesome with Darth Vader. I literally couldn’t put the story down because it kept getting more outrageous from there. With a happy for now, I felt oddly (and guiltily) satisfied afterwards.

Bitter Fruit was the third story and one of the best yaoi pieces I have read in some time. Set in the music industry, it follows a band that soars to pop stardom and one of the guys in the band, Kin, becomes enamored with their record company/manager, Takai. It’s a dark yet sexy but with a happily ever after.

I enjoyed Lemon Kisses, even though two of the stories weren’t to my taste although you may find differently. I felt each story did stay true to this sub-genre of gay romance and truly entertaining. So if you were looking to try out yaoi, this book gives you a sample of several different sub genres inside of yaoi while being a fun read.

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Morgan’s Surprise by Jayne Rylon

February 11, 2011 By 1 Comment

Morgan’s Surprise by Jayne Rylon
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (58 pgs)
Other: F/M/M, Ménage, Multiple Partners, M/F, M/F/M
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Sweet Pea

For a tasty birthday treat, add four men and stir.

Powertools, Book 2

Note to self: When confessing a crush on an ultra-hot construction worker to your best friend, make sure he’s not standing right behind you.

If Morgan thought spilling the beans on her lust for Joe would scare him off, she couldn’t have been more wrong. Following her birthday wish gone awry, the hunk is treating her to one surprise after another. From little things that make her smile to lavish, romantic dates, Joe is turning out to be the stuff of dreams

Joe’s attentions to the sexy pastry shop owner begin as lighthearted fun. Until he finds out about the past that, until now, has made her keep him at arm’s length. Determined to show her seeking pleasure is no crime, he sets out to fulfill her steamiest fantasies—with a little help from three of his best friends.

After a four-course birthday adventure, which presents Morgan as the sweetest imaginable dessert, she expects Joe to walk away. But now that Joe’s brought Morgan out of her shell, he’s hungry for something he never expected to crave—a forever kind of love.

Morgan’s birthday is just around the corner and her one desire makes her blush from head to toe. After lusting over Joe for the past few months, she can’t help but make him her birthday wish. But he turns out to be more then even she thought he could be and she would have it no other way.

Joe and his crew are a close-knit family and Morgan would make the perfect addition to it. Taking it slow was always his game plan, one that went straight out the window when he saw Morgan. Now making every second of her birthday count as he shares in her every whim–whether it’s by himself or sharing her with the crew.

Morgan fit absolutely great with the crew and their closeness. I love how once she opened up, she never retreated back into her shell. Joe was both caring and understanding. The way he took his time to explain how he felt about everything was heart warming. Once these two finally got together it was hard to take your eyes away from the pages to see what they were going to do next.

This book was filled with steamy sex scenes that are enough to make any reader blush. The crew just keeps getting hotter and hotter with every new addition to the series. I can’t wait for the next one to come out so I can learn more and more about these incredible construction workers. I highly recommend this book it’s a great quick read!

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His Christmas Present by Rachel Randall

January 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

His Christmas Present by Rachel Randall
Publisher: Total-E-Bound
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday
Length: Short Story (64 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/M, F/M/M, Ménage, Multiple Partners, Anal Play, Fetish, Toys, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 3.5 cherries
Reviewed by Anemone

You are cordially commanded to attend my Christmas revel…

When London cabbie Tim drives the gorgeous Diana to a costume party, he eagerly accepts her invitation to stay. He soon learns that this is no ordinary holiday bash—it’s an exclusive sex party, where saucy secret Santa favours are exchanged and even the Christmas tree’s hung—with condoms.

Diana has chosen Tim as the perfect gift for their charismatic host, Max. But before Max gets to unwrap his Christmas present, the other guests want to play naughty and nice with his new boy-toy.

Tim’s in for a very sexy Christmas Eve. Welcome to the party.

Beware of cab riders bearing gifts…

Tim, a cab driver, is invited to a Christmas party by Diana, a fare he picked up earlier in the day. Once they arrive, Tim finds out this is no ordinary party but a swingers party and he is the gift to be presented to Max, the host.

Properly representing a sex party is difficult at best but Ms. Randall pulls it off splendidly. Even with a heavy dose of Brit-speak that had me running for a British slang dictionary more than once, the prose was beautiful and the dialogue felt very natural. Just a warning — the cover may look like a Historical but it is just representative of the party Max is hosting.

Diana and Tim’s chemistry is very hot but as much as they all kept saying Tim was being saved for Max, there was a lot of sex going on as Tim was being passed through the crowd while waiting for the host. Unfortunately, this made the plot confusing and by the end, I wasn’t entirely sure there was a plot. As long as the book was, it needed some kind of point, even though the sex was incredible. While there is a happy for now ending, some of the scenes didn’t make sense, including the final one.

While the book is supposed to be a stand alone, I do think it might be beneficial for readers to get the accompanying book in this series. Ms. Randall is a very talented writer and I do look forward to reading more of her books, especially in this universe.

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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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Songbirds by K.J. Reed

January 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Songbirds by K.J. Reed
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (98 pgs)
Other: M/F, M/M, F/M/M, Ménage, Anal Play, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 3 cherries
Reviewed by: Anemone

Seduction in a song is twice as sweet…

Cross Strickland is the king of his empire. As the CEO of a major record label, his life is work and he leaves room for little else. Women are for stress relief and plus ones at events. Emotional attachments are for the weak.

Ava Monroe and Knight McKay are former lovers who remained best friends because they both realized the truth about their relationship—it was missing an extra spark. They turned their passions to music, and the duo is being granted the break of a lifetime when Imperial Records offers them a chance to land a contract.

The sexual tension climbs and Cross finds himself drawn into a threesome he didn’t see coming. It’s one thing to share a woman, but his attraction to Knight is over the line…isn’t it? The depth of feeling for these two scares him in more ways than one, and he makes a break for it.

But when tragedy strikes, the two songbirds have to make a choice. Move on, or fight for their man.

Cross Strickland just can’t seem to take his eyes off of Ava and Knight, two songbirds that are about to have a rocket ride to stardom. To most, he’s a cool headed CEO of a record company that never gets personally involved but with Ava and Knight, two musicians who are best friends, he can’t help but feel drawn in.

With a workplace romance in the works from the start of the story, Songbirds snagged my interest right away with the snappy dialogue. Who am I kidding? I was in it for the hot musicians but I was pleasantly surprised with how dominant and sexy Cross was, especially with Knight. Their attraction was forbidden, but temptation forced the CEO to submit to his own desires.

Ms. Reed has a great story here but in many places, descriptions were overly exaggerated and when it came to the sex, the scenes fell flat with me and the dialogue became awkward. Overall, though, the story had a great plot and that’s what kept me reading. The beginning and in between parts were well written. I enjoyed the chemistry between the characters but the harmony between the sheets was a problem.

Songbirds was a good book and with a surprise ending I really didn’t see coming, I enjoyed it. Ms. Reed’s style was fresh and different and, with her wit and charming characters, I’m looking forward to her future works.

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Feral Heat by Elizabeth Black

January 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Feral Heat by Elizabeth Black
Publisher: Romance Divine LLC
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (73 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/F/M, F/M/M, Ménage, Anal Play
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Grant and Sam were more than lovers; they shared a special secret. They also shared Grant’s roommate, Amelia, who was beginning to get suspicious about the two hunky males who disappeared every month. The sexy trio was not without their crises: Grant and Sam had a curse that continued to dog them, and Amelia’s soon-to-be ex had a bite that was as bad as his bark. It’s a howlin’ sexy time when author Elizabeth Black turns up the – Feral Heat.

Romance readers who are in the mood for a story high in erotic pleasures will surely find what they are looking for in Feral Heat.

This story takes place at the time the heroine, Amelia, is at a crossroads in her life. She wants to stand up against her slime ball of an ex-husband but he uses their child as a stick to beat her down. Financially she’s in a hard place because he’s messing with that too. There are real women out there who face this everyday but what they don’t have is a roommate like Grant and his best friend, Sam.

Amelia isn’t afraid of expressing either verbally or physically what she needs. After a long drought of denying herself or being denied, she’s coming into her own with a vengeance. She’s respectful about her having her son with her so all of the story’s action occurs when he’s not around, and the reason for that is plausible. Because this is a short story, the action starts off pretty quickly so it starts delivering on its sexy promise as soon as Grant comforts Amelia from her ex-husband’s latest threat. A reader can see that there is more between them and up until that point, they held off. The gloves — or in this case, the clothes — come off and Amelia is up for anything. Of course, this being a paranormal story as well, ‘anything’ ends up being a bit more than she bargained for. I liked how the author presented the truth to her and how
Ms. Black had her react. Again, believable enough to get that part out of the way so the good stuff can follow. And wow, is it good.

Grant and Sam both want Amelia and are quite inventive. Ms. Black has the heroes exhibit a very interesting side affect when they are in their most heightened state of arousal, and I really liked that addition. I thought it different and unique and it worked for me.

As much as I liked the fact that Grant and Sam stepped up to the plate and faced Amelia’s ex-husband in a very forceful way — and I’m sure many woman wished someone would do that for them — I think it bordered on juvenile. It might have been the dialogue or the extent of what they did, or perhaps the line was crossed at the door encounter, I’m not sure but something didn’t feel smooth to me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad something was done and the ex-husband deserved it; the author made that very clear. I just wished Grant and Sam’s actions were more controlled and alpha-like instead of being reminiscent of spontaneous frat boy antics.

The one place the men excelled and the author outdid herself were the scenes exploring in exciting detail the physical relationship between Amelia, Grant and Sam. That delivers and satisfies on every level and is a strong bit of writing.

Feral Heat is well worth diving into for readers who like werewolf romance stories with a seductive and furry edge. I was entertained and quite happy to get to know Grant and Sam and even Grant’s pet dog was sort of cute in a loopy way. There’s a lot to like in this book and I’m certainly glad I read it.

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The Moon, The Madness, and The Magic by Eliza March

January 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Moon, The Madness, and The Magic by Eliza March
Publisher: Siren Bookstrand
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (203 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/F/M, F/M/M, Ménage, Anal Play
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Fate sealed Rourke and Dane’s destiny thirty years ago. Now Celeste, a fae shifter, understands why she’s irresistibly drawn to both the Werewolf and the Demon Dragon Shifter. Surely with her succubus nature, she’ll be capable of seducing the two alpha men, but will she be able to convince them that sharing her to fulfill the Prophecy would be better than the alternative: chaos, destruction, or death?

Why are the men’s tastes–in everything from food to sex–changing? Maybe because one is the prince of the wolf pack, and the other is the leader of the Lore, a dreaded Demon Dragon shifter. They have one option–accept their destiny and complete the ménage bond or die.

The idea that a ménage a trios could save the world is an intriguing premise and the fact that one of the men needs to seduced into it was very hot indeed.

Imagine my surprise when my favorite unicorn, Celia, is back to set another stage for love. I think her character is pretty cool and I love the ways she has to show her love for her extended family. I am thinking they wished she didn’t love them quite so much, until they get the full impact of what was planned for them. Then they’re pretty grateful, to a certain extent.

In The Moon, The Madness, and The Magic, Celia sets up Celeste, her niece who has a very interesting bloodline, with Rourke, a very dominate and sexy growly man, and Dane, brother and best friend to Rourke and delicious in his own right. Of the three of them, Celeste is the only one in the know and the one with the responsibility to initiate the two men into her world and their place within it. That’s a great conflict right there. Add to that the fact that all three are going through some changes that will either destroy the world or save it depending on their choices and the plot accelerates even more.

For erotic romance readers, the story is spiced up with the knowledge that unless the three bond through sex all Celeste’s explanations will be for naught. The world will still fall into chaos. That is a pretty serious load to carry based upon whether or not the men have what it takes to satisfy Celeste and the ménage bond. It’s a great concept and I couldn’t wait to see what Ms. March would do. I was fascinated with the author’s decision to make Rourke the stubborn one and as far as I’m concerned, the one who was the neediest. Rourke was a very strong character and yet I found him to be vulnerable. He simply can’t be anything else than what he is and he has to be dominant or he’d fall apart. And yet, he needs. He needs Celeste, craves her even. That passion and possessive drive could be his undoing. That dynamic worked for me. I felt it gave greater emotional depth to the story.

Dane tugged at my heart strings. His torment comes from the choices he has to make. At one point I felt really sorry for him and was worried his heart would be so broken, he’d not recover and would turn bitter. I liked how the author circumvented that possibility with an inventive and sensual solution.

The only thing I wished the book would have had was more of an emotional edge to Rourke’s seduction. I would have loved to know more of his feelings…you know, those words that build shivery anticipation of how he’d react to the next touch by Dane. That perhaps Dane could have had a stronger role in seducing his reluctant bond mate and not relied so much on Celeste and her special touch. Instead it was pretty straightforward and I was left with a feeling of wanting. Of course this is my opinion and even though Rourke was a tough nut to crack, I continue to wish there’d have been a bit more to his capitulation. On the other hand, what there was for physical interaction between the three of them was pretty inventive and hot so I am pretty sure erotic romance readers are going to find enough of what they look for to be satisfied and happy with this story.

The Moon, The Madness, and The Magic is a well written, imaginative and entertaining read filled with spicy action and sultry seductions. The conflicts in this story are mostly internal but there’s an overt threat that looms over the three characters which adds to the tension and importance of their being successful. Of course writing a book where sex is the key to saving the world just had to be fun to write and it shows. There’s humor between the characters and lots of good buildup for a reader to enjoy which leads to a very satisfying happily ever after. I love how the men refused to “poof” and it summed up their personalities well. Rourke and Dane are not ‘poofy’ men; they are alphas all the way and oh, so yummy. I think readers will like them just as much as I did and will come away thinking Celeste is one lucky lady. Read it and see if you agree.

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Take Your Pick by Jasmine Haynes

December 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Take Your Pick by Jasmine Haynes
Publisher: Loose Id
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (91 pgs)
Other: light BDSM, M/F, M/F/M, M/M, F/M/M, Ménage, Anal Play, Toys, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Reviewed by Honeysuckle

Grant Tyler is sophisticated, intelligent, controlled, and a highly successful CEO of a Fortune 500. He’s Rena Lancaster’s perfect match: same background, same career path; they speak each other’s language. In bed, he makes her see stars. But then there’s Karl Kristiansen. Every bit as virile, masculine, and intelligent as Grant, he’s her contractor: earthy, hands work-roughened, body tough, and powerful. And he takes Rena’s senses by storm.

When Grant decides he wants Rena exclusively, he forces a decision on her. And it’s Karl who comes up with the perfect test for choosing between them: make love with them both at the same time, and see who does the best job.

When their sexual play becomes a true ménage, with Grant and Karl each trying to top the other, willing to do anything Reba asks — even touch each other — the three of them together are like spontaneous combustion. Now that she’s had a taste of the real thing, how can Rena choose between these two perfect men when they both give her different things she craves?

One guy has the stamina and quiet sensuality that leaves her satisfied but makes her want to push him to lose control. The other guy is dirty and intense and leaves her breathless. An ultimatum leads to a weekend like no other. Two guys, a magnitude of possibilities, one decision!

Do you like your short stories hot, smooth and breathlessly taboo? Then you have to do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Jasmine Haynes novella Take Your Pick! Rena and Grant are hot together. Rena and Karl leave burn marks on the wall. When Karl and Grant set out to one up each other to please Rena I thought the whole house was going to go up in flames! Ms. Haynes created three individuals that are so different and yet when they are together you feel the click.

There were parts of this short story that made me cheer because it worked out the conflict of choosing between the two men so quickly but at the same time the same “resolution” felt a little too convenient. I had to remind myself a couple of times that, because this is fiction, the author has the ability to make the characters as open minded as she needs them to be. I think because I could imagine all types of conflict arising from two men wanting the same woman that the easy acceptance of Karl and Grant (both admittedly, non-gay or even non-bi) to participating in combinations with and without Rena so enthusiastically little unbelievable. On the other hand, the scenes are so erotic I didn’t dwell on the easy capitulation for very long, I simply enjoyed the well written and creative visuals. *VBG*.

Try not to get too hung up on the minor negative I mentioned. Grant has a jealous streak and is clearly the more dominate of the two males but Karl is no pushover. He literally gives as good as he gets. Ms. Haynes doesn’t skimp on plot or character development. You know where they came from and who they are today without overwhelming this novella with un-necessary details. The move from the M/F interactions into the ménage scene transitions well without being hurried. I honestly enjoyed this story and look forward to what Ms. Haynes may have in store for us next.

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