Body Rush by Anne Rainey

May 25, 2010 By 1 Comment

Body Rush by Anne Rainey
Publisher: Kensington Aphrodisia
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (228 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Multiple Partners, Anal Play, Fetish, Toys, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 5 Cherries
Reviewed by Mistletoe

Legal Briefs…
Taking orders from egotistical hot shots in suits is no turn-on for legal secretary Lydia Burke, but she knows where to find what she’s looking for—at a local BDSM club. Three sexy, commanding men want to show Lydia their version of the law, and she’s just the woman to yield to their demands…

Doctor’s Orders…
Neurosurgeon Roni Smart is willing to play doctor in her spare time, but she’s looking for a man who lusts after more than her money. Enter Jake, a computer whiz whose able fingers, red-hot body, and brash take-charge attitude are the perfect antidote for her fever…

Midnight Snack…
Coffee shop owner Jeanette Williams just can’t read the menu when it comes to men. But she’s more than happy to serve the knee-weakening biker guy who shows up each morning, stirring a shameless desire within her. So when she catches his hungry eyes on her, she offers him an after-hours culinary lesson he’ll never forget…

Three close friends and three fantasies. Whose will come true first? Lydia, Roni and Jeanette decide that they are tired of their dull and unexciting lives and make a bet to see who can make their fantasy become reality first. Will it be Lydia the legal secretary, Roni the Psychologist or Jeanette the coffee shop owner? What are their fantasies and how will they make them come true?

This book had me right from the start. Fast-paced and well-written it keeps the reader’s attention from beginning to end. Each section of the book deals with one woman; her fantasy and how she goes about making it come true. The women have been friends since grade school and are closer than sisters, sharing everything without fear. Not only were the relationships between the woman and men good but also the bond between these three women was a very nice thing to see. I enjoyed reading each couple’s story as each story is an intense and erotic read.

I loved the way the men were able to bring out the women in this book. My favorite would have to be Jeanette. She blooms under the love of Hunter. With lots of love and care from Jake, Roni finally lets her guard down and opens her heart. After much assurance and devotion from Dane, Lydia comes to terms with her life and love. No matter what, these alpha men love their women and go to great lengths to prove it. The bond that develops with each of these couples is a wonderful read. It is that kind of bond that we all strive for in our relationships and only a select few ever find.

Anne Rainey wrote a great book that is not only intense and erotic but also heartwarming. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books from this author.

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Some Like It Rough by Kate Pearce, Susan Lyons, and Anne Rainey

January 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Some Like It Rough by Kate Pearce, Susan Lyons, Anne Rainey
Publisher: Kensington Aphrodisia
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (183 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/F/M, Ménage, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 5 cherries
Reviewed by Tiger Lily

Take a walk on the wild side with these steamy stories of erotic ecstasy…

Some Like it Rough by Kate Pearce
Luke Warner wants to chill out when he cashes in his stocks and returns to his hometown. But things heat up when he reunites with his best friends, Julia and Paul, and invites them both to share in a sexual adventure like they’ve never had before…

Private Eyes by Susan Lyons
Assigned to work undercover as an exotic dancer, straight-laced Haley Croft discovers the thrill of strutting her stuff. And when she catches sexy Ry Montana checking out her moves, she can’t wait to give him his own private show…

Cherry On Top by Anne Rainey
When massage therapist Cherry DuBois rubs her oil-slicked hands all over Dante Ricci’s rock-hard body, red-hot desire courses through her. She longs to lose control and give herself to the pleasures of sexual submission…

Ever wondered what it would feel like to be loved by two men at once? And have them love each other as well? Ever thought about trying something new to find your inner vixen? Or tried a new game in bed only to find it’s your favorite of all? Then you need to read Some Like It Rough! Because, well, whew! It’s hot!

There are few stories that make me squirm in great ways, but this collection was one of them. These authors know how to push the envelope while keeping the tone of the stories sensual and inviting.

In Some Like It Rough, the title story, Kate Pearce spins a tale of three lovers who knew they wanted each other but not the depths that they needed each other. I love the sensuality in this story. You feel like you are a part of the threesome. Although there are a few un-answered questions, this story is filled with characters that will stay with you long after the last page.

In Private Eyes, by Susan Lyons, we meet Hayley and Ry. They both work for the investigative firm, Private Eyes and are in the midst of catching a suspected cheat. I like how she comes into her own while taking on the case, but Ry’s interest seems a bit quick. Still, the pacing of the story keeps the reader involved and titillated throughout.

The final story is my personal favorite – Cherry on Top, by Anne Rainey. I’ll admit Rainey is one of my can’t-miss authors. This story is one of her best. If you want slow seduction with a heavy dose of eroticism, then Cherry and Dante are the ones for you. I like that Cherry’s not a run-of-the-mill perfect heroine. She’s got a rough past. I also like that Dante, though he’s got a few rough edges, is just the man she needs. They worked together well in and out of bed.

If you want a collection of stories guaranteed to make you reach out and snag your snuggle partner for some red-hot loving, then this is the collection for you. I give Some Like It Rough 5 cherries.

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Lord of Pleasure by Delilah Marvelle

October 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Lord of Pleasure – Book 2 in the School of Gallantry Series by Delilah Marvelle
Publisher: Kensington Zebra
Genre: Historical
Length: Full (408 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 cherries
Review by: Tiger Lily

Desperate Times. . .

It’s been months since Lady Charlotte Chartwell’s philandering husband met his untimely end at the hands of an angry mistress. But as miserable as he made Charlotte in life, his death proves to be an even harsher blow. For not a farthing of his fortune or estate have passed on to her, and as a ruined widow, she is destitute, penniless, and utterly without hope.

Lead To Desperate Pleasures. . .

Then, as Charlotte is considering the worst, a man steps into her carriage. His intentions are quite indecent at first, but the more he learns about her, the more an unfamiliar—and undesirable—emotion creeps over him. Could it be compassion? Never! For this is Alexander Baxendale, third Earl of Hawksford. He is known throughout the ton as the Lord of Pleasure, dedicated to passion, ruthless in his pursuit of sensual gratification. Yet never in all his exploits has he met a woman who could intrigue him as Charlotte does. Can this mysterious beauty make him hang up his title and see to her pleasure alone?

She’s determined not to love again. He’s determined to live a life of order and obedience to the ton. But he forgets his nickname. She’s dying for affection, especially from the Lord of Pleasure.

Ms. Marvelle writes an intriguing historical novel. The characters are intricate and snappy. They keep the reader engrossed in the story throughout. I liked the complexity of the plot. I couldn’t put this novel down.

But as an erotic novel, I felt a bit let down. I realize that what is considered scandalous for the time period is considered commonplace now, but aside from some brusque language, I’d label this work as steamy.

Alex makes an interesting hero because he thinks he knows what he wants, but when faced with his heart’s desire, he finds a way to make it implode. What a typical man, but how great in the story! I loved that he bumbled, goofed, and fumbled his way past his desires and into Charlotte’s heart.

As for the heroine, I loved Charlotte. She knew what she wanted and when she got the chance to get it, she acted on her desires. I also liked her frailty. She had a rough past and she allows it to color her decisions, but she’s still a tough woman. I respected her independent spirit.

If you want a fun, happily ever after, then you want to read Lord of Pleasure. I give this book 4 cherries.


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Men on Fire by Susan Lyons, Rochelle Chase & Jodi Lynn Copeland

September 18, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Men on Fire by Susan Lyons, Rochelle Chase, Jodi Lynn Copeland
Publisher: Kensington Aphrodisia
Genre: Contemporary, Anthology
Length: Full Length (228 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by Tiger Lily

Brave, bold, and dangerously sexy, firefighters are every woman’s fantasy. Meet three hot heroes who take scorching desire to a whole new level…

“Too Hot to Handle,” Susan Lyons

Executive Jade Rousseau needs to find a fake fiancé to parade around her company’s social events. When her friends bid on red-hot firefighter Quinn O’Malley at a benefit auction, Jade bids higher. The man has to be hers—and she can’t wait to feel the passion…

“The Firefighter Wears Prada,” Rachelle Chase

When fashion designer Delta Ballantyne asks firefighter Evan Marshall to model her sexy line of men’s underwear, she can’t stop the sizzling fantasies running through her mind, beginning with sophisticated foreplay…and ending with the ultimate climax…

“Playing With Fire,” Jodi Lynn Copeland

Ever since Erica Donelson’s ex-husband left her, his former best buddy, firefighter Lincoln Gabriel, has been there for her. But before long, their warm friendship heats up to a burning lust that won’t be denied…

Women love men in uniform. They also love men out of uniform. What happens when she wants a fiancée without the commitment? Or wants to see him in her designer threads? Or better yet, she wants him to see what’s right in plain sight? You’d better read Men on Fire to find out more.

This triple threat of firefighting men is a great collection of stories to get your pulse racing and the heart pounding. I liked each author’s take on firefighting, the women in their lives, and that ever present possibility of injury on the job. Although a handful of minor editing issues cropped up, they weren’t enough to deter the reader. Each story is realistic and easy for the reader to find some sort of personal connection.

In Too Hot to Handle by Sue Lyons, Jade Rousseau needs a fiancée in order to score a promotion. Enter the hunky firefighter her friends bid on for her. I liked this story because the plot was believable. I also liked seeing two characters so determined to be together, yet very determined to butt heads. Although I wished Jade would’ve seen the need for a fake fiancée as discrimination, I also understood that sometimes you have to do whatever you can to get that promotion. The reasons behind Quinn’s determination to save lives touched my heart.

In The Firefighter Wears Prada by Rachelle Chase, Delta needs the right model for her designer briefs. Who should she choose to parade around in fire fighter inspired duds? Only the delicious Lt. Evan Marshall, the so-not-a-clothes-horse firefighter. This story got to me because of their roots. Delta didn’t want people looking down on her, so she dresses to impress. Many people do that, but often with less than honest reasons. She didn’t want to be made fun of anymore. Evan’s need to distance himself from his past and the financial blunders of his ex-wife, made him more of a hero to me. I liked the realism.

The final story in this group is Playing with Fire by Jodi Lynn Copeland. This story is a bit of a change from the others in that the characters knew each other beforehand and they engage in frank talk that only close friends can get away with. This story dealt mainly with trust and a lack thereof. He doesn’t trust his skills as a firefighter since the accident. It’s also a story of want. She wants to pursue her art, but it isn’t financially feasible. He wants to be on the front lines doing his job, but fears he’ll get hurt. All of these are human emotions we all struggle with. I liked how they worked out their trust and needs issues through the blossoming relationship.

If you want a hot set of stories for a lazy fall evening, or just to get you in the mood, then you need to read Men on Fire. I give this anthology 4 cherries.

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Man After Midnight by Devyn Quinn

July 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Man After Midnight by Devyn Quinn
Publisher: Kensington Aphrodisia
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (284 pgs)
Other: M/F, Forced Seduction
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by Cholla

Devyn Quinn spins a dark tale of erotic tension, deception, and betrayal, where a woman’s desires descend into an ecstasy she may never escape . . .

All Of Him

Dani Wallace forged her powers as a guardian of light—but it is darkness that tempts her most strongly. Drawn to her fiery beauty and brilliance, Casedren, the prince of a mysterious underworld, initiates her into erotic rites designed to mold her into his compliant consort. Yet Dani refuses to surrender at once. But she cannot resist a man so masterful. The slightest touch of her enigmatic captor ignites an uncontrollable passion to know all of him—and the forbidden secrets he teaches . . . .

A wonderfully magical read! Devyn Quinn once again pleases and satisfies with this story of intrigue, deception, self-discovery and of course, steaming hot sex.

Enticed by a mysterious fan, Dani Wallace is seduced by the Prince of an alternate world. A witch by birth and stripper by trade, she’s proven herself as a defender of the light, despite being drawn to the darker side of life. She’s torn between being faithful to her family and herself and finding the one true love she’s been waiting her whole life for. Dani is the ultimate modern woman in all ways. Self-dependent, confident, and beautiful, always willing to do whatever it takes to get what she wants. Despite her rough life and overprotective older brother, Dani is bound and determined to make her way – and on her own terms.

That is, until Prince Casedren outs himself to her one lust-filled night. He whisks her away to his domain, an alternate world filled with descendants of the dark lord, a world full of magic and danger. He’s fighting for ascension to the throne and needs a queen to do just that. And how could Dani resist such a handsome, sweet-talking man?

If you’re in the mood for a tale of family intrigue, magic, and magical eroticism, then Man After Midnight is a sure-fire pleaser. Beautifully written and steaming from the first word, this is a must read novel for the lover of the dark and sensual fantasy.

Kindle

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Dangerous Ties by Devyn Quinn, Jodi Lynn Copeland, Anya Howard

June 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Dangerous Ties by Devyn Quinn, Jodi Lynn Copeland, Anya Howard
Publisher: Kensington Publishing, Aphrodisia
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Historical, Paranormal, Anthology
Length: Full Length (298 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/F/M, F/F, Menage, Multiple Partners, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by Cholla

Experience the ultimate in wickedly erotic passion…

“Personal Possessions” by Devyn Quinn
A bad girl on the run meets a master of domination in a mysterious town called Helle—and Nikki Malone is about to be introduced to the most exquisite sensations by a man like no other. Jackson Sullivan meets her more than halfway …

“Captive Heat” by Jodi Lynn Copeland
Leia is compelled to explore her innermost desire: to be held captive by a dark, sensual god of a man. Sebastian’s uncommon sexual skills are so potent she is ready to submit to him in every way…

“Rapture Bound” by Anya Howard
Gillian Nordstrom doesn’t fear Bruce Wolff’s hard body or his masterful touch. She craves the intense pleasure that only a dominant lover can give…and in return, she willingly obeys as he strips her down and satisfies all her secret desires…

Dangerous Ties is a sexy and sultry anthology of wicked stories bound to raise your heartbeat.

Personal Possessions by Devyn Quinn leads off this all-star lineup with a sure shot. Nikki Malone is self-assured and self-possessed. A bad girl by nature, she’s not above using her body to get her out of trouble and into the things that she really desires. And then she meets Jackson Sullivan. Handsome, sexy, and more than what he seems, Jackson is about to lead Nikki on the erotic excursion of her lifetime.

Devyn Quinn is the only author in this anthology that I was familiar with going in. Her penchant for exquisite, dark eroticism is a certain draw for someone like me who cut their reading teeth on horror novels. However, even if you aren’t a fan of true horror, the darkness in her writing adds an added depth to the emotions and intensity between her characters sure to appeal to anyone. Personal Possessions is a scorching, surprising romp that you’ll never forget.

Jodi Lynn Copeland’s offering, Captive Heat, is next in the lineup. Captive Heat is a story very much different than any I’ve read before. Stunned and a tad bit angry over her ex-husband’s suicide, Leia is venting her frustrations when an explosion knocks her cold. When she awakens, she’s being held captive by the sexiest man she’s ever seen. Leia is running from her past and hiding dark secrets that not even she realizes she’s harboring. Sebastian is there to bring them out and help her heal so that she can move on. These two characters are worlds apart and yet so much the same. They’re both a bit broken and desperate, trying to find that one missing element, the one that can bring their worlds back to right.

With this being my first story by Jodi Lynn Copeland, I can say that I will be searching out much more of her work. The story is intense – both emotionally and sexually – and very tender. The world of in-between is unique and familiar, a fresh and new venue for a story. The author addresses the issues of abuse vs. submission and tackles it tastefully and seriously, while never skimping on the passion.

Anya Howard’s Liaison wraps up this trio of stories. In this ageless vampire story, a schoolteacher is brought into a secluded valley to teach to the women of the town. Before long, Marcel discovers something amiss with one of his students. From there, his obsession with occult knowledge is put to use by the village elder in an attempt to save not just Carina, but the entire village. Liaison is written in a very old style, bringing to life a story set in a different time. This unique writing style adds an element of elegance and suspense as well as an air of restrained passion to the story.

Marcel’s resistance to impropriety only fuels the sexual tension as the story progresses. His resistance to give in to his desires, despite Carina’s insistence draws out the passion and desire, making for delicious intensity to the plot. A very old world type of story, Anya Howard really brings the desperation and passion alive. For any vampire lover, Liaison is a definite must-read.

Three terrific, passionate stories come together in this one volume. All three are sure to tantalize, engage, and satisfy your every need. From demons to vampires to those living in-between, there is a story for all tastes hidden within the covers of Dangerous Ties.


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Lord of the Dark by Dawn Thompson

May 12, 2009 By 15 Comments

Lord of the Dark by Dawn Thompson
Publisher: Kensington, Aphrodisia
Genre: Fantasy
Length: Full (304 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 3.5 Cherries
Review by Viscaria

COME TO ME

Gideon, the greatest among the archangels of the Arcan gods, fell from grace eons ago when he lusted after a mortal woman, knowing well that it was wrong-and that he would live forever with his sin. In his flight from Paradise to the Dark Isle, the vengeful gods exacted an unusual punishment: the slightest touch upon his wings, even from the wind that carries him aloft, arouses him. When a beautiful maiden, survivor of a shipwreck, comes to his lonely kingdom, it is all he can do to restrain himself-Rhiannon, a vision of sensual perfection, awakens true passion in his soul. Enfolding her in his huge, silver-white wings is the only way he can protect her. Heedless of the risk, Gideon is compelled to make her fully his-and the lovers succumb to an erotic enchantment like no other.

WARNING! THIS IS A REALLY HOT BOOK (Sexually Explicit)

While not quite what I expected, Lord of the Dark was a surprisingly sweet as well as hot offering by the late Dawn Thompson.

Gideon is not a happy Archangel, and with good reason. As punishment for his sins he is cursed to forever live in a state of lust. The merest brush of the wind against his wings brings him to painful arousal and he is not allowed the touch of a woman to sate him. When first we meet Gideon he is bitter and cautious, but desperate to slake some of his lust. His fateful decision alters the course of many lives, none moreso than his own. I thought Gideon sexy, even in his amoral attitudes toward what caused his downfall, and found myself rooting for his happiness.

When I first me Rhiannon I thought she was a bit too sweet for my tastes, but she quickly redeemed herself. Her straightforward attitude toward her situations and eventually toward her own sexuality made her a bit more refreshing than I thought she would be from that first meeting. A girl who has been forced into too many unsavory situations to be able to hide from life, she seemed to face reality quicker than one would expect. I will say here, that I didn’t truly like her as much as I could have simply for the fact that she was too headstrong in an almost “Too Stupid To Live” way that seemed to constantly get her into trouble. But, that is a pet peeve of mine and made it harder for me to truly like her. Otherwise, she was sweet in her discovery of what pleasure could truly be.

The storyline of this tale was quite intriguing and inventive, combining a feeling of mythology and a sense of an ancient odyssey mixed so well with the sex and intrigue mythology is so full of. While not a Pantheon I was familiar with, the style was one that was entertaining and kept my interest. I don’t know if Ms. Thompson made up her own pantheon or if it was one she researched but I felt that I understood most of what one could expect from the world she created.

Now, here is where I tell you what I didn’t like of this book. While the story was unique in my experience and even intriguing, I felt there were certain aspects that pulled me from the story and dulled my appreciation of it. In the case of the narrative versus the language and dialogue I felt that the narrative was more modern when it seemed that Ms. Thompson was trying for a more ancient/mythological setting with the language and customs of her characters. While not enough to make me put the book down, it did confuse me on more than one occasion which then made me take a bit of break before continuing. Add in the purplish prose of more than one description and it made it a bit slow-going for me.

Also, I was a bit irritated with the feeling that if “it wasn’t one thing it was another” in the case of everything that happened to the two seemingly star-crossed lovers. I felt that I barely caught my breath from one calamity when another one presented itself. There were several instances where I felt that the story could have been resolved long before it was simply by removing the overabundance of obstacles placed in their way. Having not previously read any books by Ms. Thompson, I can’t say if this is typical of her work or if it was a new development, only that it pulled me from the story with a sense of, “Oh, goodness, what now?”

Now, the above issues being addressed, I will say that I did enjoy this book. The plot and characters were engaging and unique and the sex was indeed heart-pounding and exciting. If you keep in mind that this is more along the lines of an erotic odyssey, then you will thoroughly enjoy Lord of The Dark by Dawn Thompson. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a touching read coupled with a unique and story.

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Embracing Midnight by Devyn Quinn

March 30, 2009 By 5 Comments

Embracing Midnight by Devyn Quinn
Publisher: Kensington Aphrodisia
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Horror
Length: Full (304 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Ménage, Multiple Partners, Spanking, Forced Seduction
Rating: 5 Cherries
Review by Cholla

Undercover FBI agent Callie Whitten is tracking an outlaw like no other: Iollan Drake. And one hot night she finds him-and finds the ultimate in extreme sexual pleasure in his arms. Callie craves more. And more.

But Iollan Drake has a lethal secret: he is a vampire, drawing his passionate strength from blood energized by sexual arousal. He in turn craves Callie. She is beautiful and yielding—and utterly fearless. Compelled to brand her as his own, wrapped in darkness, he whispers to her. Give me your soul, Callie. And your body. I will have you! She hears … and she obeys.

A dark and delicious thrill ride from beginning to end! With nearly every character harboring some sort of deep secret, you are constantly on your toes with action and intrigue.

Devyn Quinn creates a world that any one of us could be living in and then populates it with the supernatural. Her characters are rich and unique, everyday people you’d meet on the street. She has an unusual twist to add to the traditional vampire that makes this creature of folklore all her own.

Callie Whitten is an FBI agent trying to redeem herself from past mistakes. She’s been given a chance to prove herself and wipe her slate clean. Trouble is, the man heading the investigation is not only her boss but her ex-lover. The added tension between Callie and her boss only sweetens the pot when sexy Illoan Drake is added to the mix. Callie struggles with her past while using it as a springboard to further her goals within the FBI. I like how she takes hold of her rough childhood and uses it to try and make her life better, determined to not let it bring her down.

Iollan Drake is the mystery man the FBI is looking for. Accused of sex trafficking, he’s being hunted ruthlessly. However, he has a surprise for Callie; he’s a vampire. He is a paradox of sorts – both your typical old world vampire and yet, he can be modern and down to earth at the same time. I really enjoyed the different take on the vampire that is Iollan Drake. He has unique gifts befitting the world he is living in.

One word of warning: this novel has some dark undercurrents running through it due to the nature of the story and the characters. While this only intrigued me more and drew me in, it may not be right for everyone. However, if you do like an edgier, more serious story then please give it a read.

Embracing Midnight is an action-packed story full of steamy sex, mystery, and intrigue. A well-woven story that will keep you reading and unable to put it down. A definite must read for any lover of intense paranormal stories.

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Dominic: The Lords of Satyr by Elizabeth Amber

February 24, 2009 By 19 Comments

Dominic: The Lords of Satyr by Elizabeth Amber
Publisher: Kensington, Aphrodisia
Genre: Historical, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (256 pgs)
Other: M/F, M/F/M, Menage, Multiple Partners
Rating: 5 Cherries
Review by Viscaria

They are Satyrs, men endowed with legendary carnal knowledge who demand total and complete control with their sexual prowess.

A Night Of Bliss

Emma anxiously awaits her husband’s return home to Tuscany on Calling night. She hopes that the night-long copulation will draw them closer together for she questions whether they truly love one another. But when Carlo arrives, injured in battle and unable to perform, she learns she must mate instead with Dominic, a lusty, royal Satyr. It is a night of hedonistic passion that leaves her wanting much, much more.

A Moment Of Rapture

Like other Satyr lords, Vincent is driven to mate from dusk to dawn every Calling night. But as a bachelor, Vincent must conjure a female from the mist who will satisfy his sexual needs. While his brothers summon a different partner with each full moon, Vincent calls upon the same one time after time. He wants her to experience the same erotic pleasure he feels and one night she does-the magic is real.

Once again, Elizabeth Amber has produced an amazing read. I was once again pulled into the historical, paranormal world that Ms. Amber has created. Dominic and Emma were two very engaging characters that were so obviously meant for each other, that I had a very hard time putting this book down once it was started.

Dominic was never meant to be anything but a weapon for his people. He has lived his entire life knowing what his duty was, and never shirking that duty. Not a man known for his gentleness, he is still drawn to the quiet, bookish Emma. While I didn’t really adore his motivations, as they are less than noble if you look at it from an outside point of view, I did however understand them. As Ms. Amber excels at giving deeper motivations to her characters, the hero in Dominic isn’t really all that apparent when we first meet him. When the honorable, and lovable man emerged I was more than ready to see him find his happy ending with Emma… which he did.

Emma was a sweetheart that I met in the previous books. Younger sister to Jane, I already knew her as a quiet, very smart young woman with an affinity for animals and the everlasting devotion of the people in her life. While her circumstances aren’t quite what I expected, it was great to see such a well-loved character again. I felt as though I was meeting up with an old friend and I was excited to see how her happy ending would come about. In her this, her own tale, Emma has become an amazingly perceptive and strong woman who simply wants the same kind of love her sister and “aunts” have found. For someone who has always been perceived as timid and a bit weak I thought she handled her situations better than most of us could hope for if we were ever in the same position. I just adored Emma, and look forward to seeing her again in future books.

The second, shorter tale in this book is no less moving for it’s briefer length. A sort of continuation of Dominic’s tale… several years into the future this story includes progeny of the Satyr. I loved this bonus tale of Vincent, Landon and Cara’s. A completely unexpected story that nevertheless was just as emotionally captivating as all the other much longer stories that came before it. I was pleased to see that Ms. Amber was still able to bring the same quality of storytelling to a shorter story that she does to a much longer one. A definitely welcome bonus to get when I thought the tale was done.

Since I wasn’t expecting to get another glimpse of the people in the Satyr world, it was a great treat to find out that there was this book… as well as future books in the works. Elizabeth Amber’s writing just gets better and better, and I look forward to seeing how her writing and her world evolves with time. Her excellent skill at blending the historical side with the fantasy side of her books takes true talent, and I gladly look forward to more from her. Don’t let us forget that this is an Erotic Romance of the highest quality. While there aren’t the more controversial topics of the previous books, at least in my opinion, make no mistake that the incredible sensuality she brings to table is definitely here in this story as well. The heat she brings to her books with each sensual scene is again evident in Dominic, and made me more than hot under the collar on more than one occasion.

In my opinion, this book was flawless. I never once questioned the reasons behind the plot, and couldn’t even bring myself to wonder as the story pulled me along for the ride from start to finish. Also, the short story at the end of the book just tickled me PINK! A true artist with vivid imagery, Elizabeth Amber is quickly becoming one of my favorite Erotic Romance authors. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, and eagerly look forward to more offerings in any genre from Ms. Amber.

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Lyon: Lords of Satyr

August 6, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Lyon: Lords of Satyr by Elizabeth Amber
Publisher: Kensington Publishing, Aphrodisia
Genre: Historical, Paranormal
Length: Full
Other: M/F, Ménage, M/F/M/M, M/M
Rating: 5 Cherries
Review by Viscaria

In this erotic historical paranormal romance series set in the heart of Tuscany’s centuries-old wine country, three half-Satyr brothers receive a letter that sends them in search of three endangered half-Faerie brides.

Charming youngest brother Lyon is so ruggedly handsome that his looks have actually caused women to swoon. Though he resents that duty calls him to wed and doubts that he can ever love one woman, he nevertheless travels to Paris in search of the third bride.

At first glance, Juliette seems a good choice for him, for he discovers her to be a courtesan. Their passionate night together leaves him sated beyond his wildest imaginings, but her magic results in dire repercussions that only she can reverse.

Discoveries about her past and the monster who rules her life send Juliette fleeing Paris and heading straight into Lyon’s arms. She must learn to face her fears and trust in love because the fate of an entire wine industry hangs in the balance.

NOTE: The book includes some graphic sexual situations a reviewer should be aware of before taking on the book: Most of the romance, story, and sex is between the hero and heroine. There is some ménage (hero/heroine/male/male–the males are paranormal versions of the hero, engaging the heroine), male masturbation, brief oral male on male, a sexual assault on the heroine by the bad guy (not rape), the satyrs have 2 male appendages during a monthly ritual as in the first 2 books in this series. There is a happy ever after ending between hero and heroine.

I was so excited to get the chance to read this latest installment in The Lords of Satyr series. I actually bugged my Reviews coordinator to make sure I got my hot little hands on this one. I was desperate to see how Lyon would fare in his tale. Elizabeth Amber is a phenomenal talent, and I was so glad to get the opportunity to review yet another of her amazing books.

Of the three Satyr brothers, Lyon has always been the most charming. He’s devastatingly handsome, he’s wealthy and powerful, he has a wicked smile… and once a month he’s a bit different than your average male. When he sets out to find his fated bride among the Half-faerie sisters, it’s with the thought that he may not come to love this woman, but he has high hopes. Imagine his surprise as well as his relief when said woman turns out to be a courtesan. Only, all is not really as it seems, and Juliette is not who she appears to be.

I’ll admit it now; before I ever read this book Lyon was already my favorite brother. I think his charm and wit, as well as his endearing clumsiness, caught me in the first two books. Lyon has charisma, he has power, and he’s so sexy he’s just plain irresistible to the opposite sex. His commitment to duty, as well as his admission of his past misdeeds, just had me falling for him quicker than Juliette. He may not have wanted to be searching for his otherworld bride, but he is doing it nonetheless. Lesser men would have left King Feydon’s daughters to their less-than certain futures, but not these men. And certainly not Lyon, his honor won’t allow it. I absolutely adored every part of this man. His every seduction of Juliette showed the type of man he was; ruthless but determined that the woman who was fated to be his would come to him willingly. I could go on and on and on ad nauseum, but then that would be giving too much away, and I think you need to get to know Lyon for yourself. He is so worth it.

Juliette is an accomplished courtesan… at least that’s how it appears to the outside world. She is an incredibly powerful woman who isn’t quite sure why anyone would want her in any way. The fact that so many men vie for her attention rather confusing to her. She doesn’t like herself very much, but she has valid reasons, and some not so valid reasons. Juliette’s past has scarred her horribly, and her present continues to rip those scars open on a constant basis. Lyon is just what she needs, but she is forced to use her magic in a way that changes the course of her life.

Juliette was perhaps one of my favorite characters of Elizabeth Amber’s so far. I think that she had amazing strength to endure the terrifying and horrid circumstances of her past and present. When she realizes that not much else can be done but to flee a place she has never really called home, she does what she has to despite fear, addiction and quite a few phobias. Her fascination with Lyon is not something she has ever experienced, and yet another thing to cause her anxiety and fear. But… she overcomes. I think that is what I liked the most about her: She Overcomes!

Elizabeth Amber is quite a remarkable talent, and it has been such a pleasure to read her books. As always, the emotions she conveys are ones that this reader actually felt herself. At each twist and turn I was left clutching my hands together hoping for the best, and knowing it would be there, but not sure how it would happen. Some of the subject matter is extremely difficult to witness, but that’s what you become as a reader, a witness. One who sees the best and worst that could happen to a person. I have to recommend this book as it still hasn’t let me go, and I have long since finished reading it. This book is definitely going on my keeper shelf, right next to the first two books. I can’t wait to get my hands on the fourth (and final?) book in this series. Way to go, Ms. Amber, this book is a definite winner.

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