Review of SHADOWED SOUL BY by Stacey Kennedy

SHADOWED SOUL, a 1NS Story
Stacey Kennedy
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Date: October 7, 2011
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
E-book, short story
Author Requested Review

Four months have passed since Ellie’s heart was broken by her cheating boyfriend, Gerrid. Sick of mourning, she sets out in search of one thing, a man to make her forget. Madame Eve, a matchmaker, arranges for Ellie to meet just the man at Nocturnal Nightclub in Miami. Bryce is not only sexy as sin, but full of mystery. He does things no man should be capable of. Ellie might question his fast speed, cold hands, and even the way he bites at her skin―if he wasn’t so determined to awaken the part of her that’s been buried by lies.

Days have passed since Bryce’s last feeding and his vampire hungers demand to be sated. But feeding is not his only intention. Ellie seeks to be a different woman, to gain power for herself, and Bryce plans to push her to discover it. To show her she can do things she never thought possible and force her to see the strength she yearns for already lives inside of her.

Ellie will have to choose, expose all of herself, or remain hidden in the dark shadows. But Bryce will have to make a choice of his own—let her go or keep Ellie forever?

My Ratings

Review

Sexual

If you’re not familiar with the 1NS series of short stories, well then, you are in for a treat.

Ellie has been depressed and feeling worthless ever since her last boyfriend dumped her.  She decides to use the services of Madame Eve and 1NS (One Night Stand) to treat herself to a night of no-strings attached, uncomplicated, completely fulfilling debauchery.  Bryce on the other hand had grown tired of string of women coming through the revolving door.  The services offered by Madame Eve allow him to satisfy his physical needs and give something back to the women in return.

For a short story, Ms. Kennedy packs a wallop.  Just enough emotional pain, love lost, and self-esteem issues to get you involved with the characters but not overburden the story.  Ellie’s one-night stand is more than she ever expected; as Bryce worships her and brings out the woman hidden inside.  But oh no, this is not a one-way street.  What Ellie unknowingly offers Bryce is too good to be true. 

Get out the fan and ice water and keep them close by – you’ll need them.

REVIEW: Child of War-A God is Born (Of War #2) by Lisa Beth Darling

Child of War – A God is Born (Of War #2)
Lisa Beth Darling
http://www.moonsmusings.com/

Paranormal Romance / Erotica / Fantasy
Review Request
  
BETRAYAL, BLACKMAIL, DECEIT, EROTICA, JEALOUSY, LOATHING, LOVE

"Child of War – A God is Born" has it all and more.

The "Of War"-series picks up in part I of this II-part sequel when Ares and Alena try to settle down on Olympus and wait for the birth of their son.

Have you ever met Damien? Raven makes him look like an angel. This new little god causes trouble before he is even born.

Haunted by prophetic visions along with a body and mind that are starting to betray her, Alena struggles hard to enjoy what should be a happy and blessed occasion. The relentless hostility from the other Olympians make her yearn to be back on their cozy island home, far away from all the bickering and backstabbing that makes up Life on mighty Mount Olympus.

Knowing of Zeus' unabashed hatred for Alena and the Celts, Ares becomes convinced Zeus is causing these visions and the breakdown of Alena's mind. To appease his Father, the God of Gods, Ares enters into a wicked blood pact ensuring the safety of his wife and unborn son. A pact that could cost the God of War everything he holds dear.

However, once the boy arrives, it quickly becomes clear Raven may be the most powerful and cunning Olympian ever born. Outwardly despised by Zeus for his Fey blood and his filthy Celtic mother the seeds of rage and doubt are planted in the Raven's mind by a very willing Apollo.

As Zeus, Apollo, and Aphrodite plot against the new family, bit by bit the true pasts of the Olympians and Celts comes to light, the battle begins for Raven’s mind and soul and for the ultimate control of Olympus.

MY REVIEW:

SEXUAL:

BRILLIANT AND CREATIVELY WRITTEN!

WOW! WOW! WOW! This second installment to the “Of War” series is absolutely brilliant and creatively written. The story captivated me from the first page not with just the smooth writing style but with how visualized the characters came alive on the page. I felt like I was literally there experiencing every action and emotion right along with them. Lisa Darling has definitely weaved and defined a more humanistic world around these Mythical Gods. She has captured an unimagined life style into how and why these gods and the paranormal creatures such as the Fae/Fey exist.

The story is full of action and emotions such as jealousy, hatred, love, lust, revengefulness, and conniving deceptions along with lots of WTF moments. I can definitely say I have a new outlook towards Zeus, Apollo, Aphrodite, Ares, Eros, Poseidon, Hades, and Athena. Their characters are literally selfish and gluttony-priggishly gross when it comes to mannerisms in eating.

The love between Alena and Ares is definitely tested as Zeus, Aphrodite, and Apollo weave their conniving schemes to rid Alena and her half-breed son Raven. I developed hatred towards Aphrodite and just wanted to reach out, slap her and ring her neck. The erotic scenes in this book are very explicit, shocking at times, and sensual at other times. The story consists of and or has exposure of Rape, bondage, ménage, anal sex, sex toys, and orgies.

Alena and Ares son Raven will totally blow your mind. At sometimes he was cute and had me laughing and at other times I wish I could of reached within the book and beat the crap out of him because of the evilness and cruelty in his personality – definitely a Wolf in Sheep Clothing!

The ending left me in shock as the cliff hanger made me realized how addicted I have become of this series and now I will be jonesing until January 2012 when the 3rd installment in this series “Child of War – Rising Son” comes out. Overall, the entire story was very enjoyable and interesting. I highly recommend this to all mythology lovers.

Review of Dirty Valkyrie (Book #3) by R. M. Sotera

Title: Dirty Valkyrie (Book #3)

Author: R. M. Sotera

Source: Requested Review

Genre: Paranormal Erotica - Vampires and Immortals

Format: ebook - 94 pages

Release Date: 2/1/2011

Author's Website

Brandi Lui has come to terms with her Valkyrie demi-goddess heritage and she's all right with it. But when it comes to falling in love, she's determined to have a man with a mortal pulse. That is until she re-unites with a Frenchmen from New Orleans with an appetite for everything Valkyrie.



Laurent Bovier, a breathtaking Master vampire, sets his sights on Brandi only to have his uncontrolled passion for her cause him problems. He commits the worst discretion known to the vampire community, taking the life of a Sire-Guardian's property. For his crime, the Sire-Guardian wants Laurent to kill Brandi. Will love conquer all or will an immortal hunger change their lives forever?

Rating -

Sexual -

My Review -



Dirty Valkyie is the 3rd book in the series by R.M. Sotera that focuses on Laurent Bovier, a gorgeous French vampire living in New Orleans and Valkyrie demi-goddess Brandi Lui. Readers first met theses two in the previous books and although Jett and Sophia have important parts in this book the main focus is the growing passion that develops between Laurent and Brandi.



After the second book I truly wanted Laurent to find someone who would return the passion that he so much wanted to share with someone special. Luckily he didn't have to wait long as he found a special connection with Brandi who is Jett's sister. Now Brandi on the other hand has her own prejudice against vampires that she needs to overcome, but soon finds that she can't resist the growing charm of Laurent. Come on ladies who could resist a tall, dark, gorgeous vampire with a smooth French accent that makes everything that comes out of his mouth sound as smooth as velvet and make you melt from the heat behind it.



As Laurent tries to convince Brandi that he is the one who completes her, together along with Jett and Sophia, they continue their quest to try and save the world from evil being unleashed. As if that is not enough Laurent has to protect them from a menacing group of vampires who are intent to enacting their form of punishment. At one point in the story a major turning point occurs that changes the fate of two of the characters that will play a significant role in future books. All I will say is the way the book ends the reader is left wondering what now.

Review Dirty Deed (Book #2) by R. M. Sotera

Title: Dirty Deed (Book #2)

Author: R. M. Sotera

Source: Requested Review

Genre: Paranormal Erotic - Immortals and Vampires

Format: ebook - 68 pages

Release Date: Jan 01, 2011

Author's Website

A scorned woman on the run. A Viking demon slayer torn between the love of his life and his lineage.



Las Vegas powerhouse, Sophia Dahl, is planning a wedding. Hers. But when she finds out before a romantic dinner that her dirty dancer fiancé, Jett, is actually a Norse demi-god slash Viking demon slayer and is betrothed to someone else, her world as she knows it turns upside down.



Jett embraces his new duties, but his attempt to include Sophia in the First Rite sex ritual to power meld with Sasha fails. His betrayal sends Sophia running to the French Quarter of New Orleans and into the arms of a master vampire.



Can Jett and Sophia’s true love survive the seismic shift and new people in their lives? Or will Sophia’s speak now, think later attitude cause her to become dead as a doornail?

Rating -

Sexual -

My Review -

Dirty Deeds is the 2^nd book in there series by R.M. Sotera and I must state you should read book 1 (Dirty Dancer) before reading this only to understand what is happening in this book.

First off I have to say this book hit an emotional chord for me and I'm happy to say the author improved from the first book by getting into the characters' psyche. The book did have some very intense sex scenes (there was a little F/F/M going on which I'm not into, but it wasn't to the level that it made me feel uncomfortable), but what really pulled it together for me was the emotional development in the relationship between Jett and Sophia.

Not to spoil it for readers, but there was a part in the book that made my heartache for Sophia and the betrayal that she went through. I found myself angry at Jett for his conduct, his lack of explanation to Sophia for his actions and for the ultimate betrayal that would be very difficult to forgive. Looking at that point I felt Sophia forgave Jett too easily and he never asked for her forgiveness.

I enjoyed book 2 more then the previous book in the series as the author not only give us a hot romance but action, intrigue and the emotional development in the characters to make the readers care about their well-being. This is one book that stayed with me after reading it and I think the main reason is I just couldn't believe how the betrayal was played out and how much it hurt Sophia. I'm intrigued to read book 3 and see how this drama will unfold.

Review of Dirty Dancer (Book #1) by R. M. Sotera

Title: Dirty Dancer (Book #1)

Author: R. M. Sotera

Source: Requested Review

Genre: Paranormal Erotica - Immortals and Vampires

Format: ebook - #101 pages

Release Date: June 24th 2010

Author's Website

Sophia Dahl, Las Vegas powerhouse executive, brains behind the expensive yet unsuccessful male review, Gods of Greece, meets Jett Donivan, creator and owner of the flourishing rival show, Decoeur’s Dream. Prepared to ruin his illustrious career, she attacks him during a show, but her tactics backfire. Her driving need for vengeance subsides. She finds herself captivated by his stage presence and is sure of three things—the way her heart skips a bit each time Jett glances her way can’t be good, the way his gaze reflects a need to consume her is worse and, the way her body desires to cover his spells T-R-O-U-B-L-E. Jett can’t believe his luck. The woman he has admired for years is at his show, but she’s pissed. Using his warrior powers and cunning, he subdues the exec. But now that she’s tied and cuffed backstage, will he be able to make her see reason and prove his love? And if he does, will he be able to keep his family lineage and other job, fighting demons, secret?One night together will change their lives forever.Story done in collaboration with C.R. Moss. For Jay’s point of view and to find out her destiny, read Dirty Little Demons by C.R. Moss.

Rating -

Sexual -

My Review -



Dirty Dancer is the 1st book in the series that delves into the world of Viking immortals, gods and the forces of evil that they battle. Of course in the midst of these paranormal creatures there is a developing romance between Jett Donivan, a Viking Immortal who works as a male exotic dancer in Las Vegas and Sophia Dahl, a Las Vegas powerhouse executive.



What was enjoyable about this novel were the intense, passionate scenes between Jett and Sophia. The author was able to describe their scene quite so vividly that you wished you were Sophia.



However, there were aspects about the book that I felt that it was missing something. The development of the relationship between between Jett and Sophia moved very fast, perhaps too fast, to the point that it was a little unrealistic and predictable. There were aspects in the book where scenes needed more elaborations or were wrapped up too easily without any conflict or consequences involved.



Overall in general I enjoyed the concept of these two people giving into their desires for each other. I mean who wouldn't like a gorgeous, male exotic dancer/Viking immortal rocking your world. I just wished there was more emotional depth developed between Jett and Sophia and more paranormal action. That being said, I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series to see what happens to this couple as it ends with questions that need answering.

Bitten's She-Wolf Pack Thursday Review for July - DARK IS THE NIGHT by Brindle Chase

DARK IS THE NIGHT
Book #1 of the Dark Justice Series
Brindle Chase
Published by Forlorn Hope
Date: June 22, 2011
ISBN: 0012872229
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
Ebook, 173 pages
Book provided by Author for Review
Brindle Chase Website

Katherine Wells is Cleveland's top homicide detective and she's hot on the trail of the Antoinette killer. The string of burnt and beheaded bodies have little in common, except they keep turning up. In search of clues, she encounters Alexander. His intoxicating old world persona captivates her and she suddenly finds herself in a torrid love affair. The passion is overwhelming and her sense of law falls into blissful chaos.

As an elder vampire, Alexander struggles for anonymity in the modern world. Killing isn't personal; it's to prevent them from becoming the undead. His kind can't be discovered. With Katherine's investigation getting too close to the truth, the other vampires demand he eliminate Detective Wells.

Katherine discovers Alexander's supernatural secret and he learns Katherine's the detective he must silence. The revelations are shocking. He's everything she ever wanted and everything she stood against. Torn between a love like no other and the law she's sworn to uphold, she must choose. Against time, the police and the other vampires, they must destroy the evidence she's collected and join the undead.


Review Ratings

Bitten's She-Wolf Pack's Ratings and Reviews

Laurie’s Ratings:

Review: 5 – An Alpha Howl
Sexual: 4 - Four Alarm Fire

I really enjoyed taking a walk on the darker side of paranormal romance with Dark is the Night. This is a darker vampire romance with the added suspense storyline that author Brindle Chase has brought into the paranormal romance world. If you still like your vampires with bite this maybe for you, but be warned Brindle writes vampires that kills. Oh yeah, that’s what I like most about it. Vampires are predators they need to kill for their livelihood and in saying this they also need a darker tale that puts a little fright into someone and I think this book does a good job at doing this. I do hope Brindle will write more of these because they are hard to find in today’s paranormal romance world.

Alexander and Katherine’s connection starts right off and heats the pages up all the way through. Don’t get me wrong these two have a lot of tension between them you see one doesn’t want to turn the other and the other one wants to be turned, so you get a ride with some strain.

I recommend this one to those who likes the darker side with some *fans self* hot sex. One scene has a little F/F. I myself don’t care for the F/F, but it didn’t bother me that much because it was very light.

Cynthia’s Ratings:

Review: 5 – An Alpha Howl
Sexual: 4 - Four Alarm Fire

If you’re looking for the sanitized, romanticized or even (GAH someone slap me) the twinkling day-walking vampire – thank you Mr. Chase, because you won’t find them here. Mr. Chase has created a world that puts the vampire right back where it all began. In the shadows, at the top of the food chain; peering down at us with those mesmerizing eyes, captivating us with their beauty. Harkens back to the day of the vampire as true predator.

Katherine and Alexander are drawn together by an unquenchable need and lust; their passion the only thing they have in common. Little do they know, however, they do hunt each other in a totally different way. Katherine is searching for the killer in a string of horrendous murders, which Alexander has committed, but only in self-preservation. As Katherine’s investigation closes in on a suspect, and she thinks it may be Alexander, her outlook on life changes. Alexander knows he must take action to prevent his kind from being exposed or he forfeits everything.

From Page One, I was hooked by Mr. Chase’s writing style and world building. Nothing ho-hum, tedious, or lagging. On the contrary, at times I was a smidgeon overwhelmed. DARK IS THE NIGHT will satisfy readers of the paranormal, suspense, and erotic romance genres. There is one short f/f/m scene, but don’t get your panties in a wad Girls.

I would be remiss if I did not caution you of the graphic sex and violence in DARK IS THE NIGHT. Well, the sex you expected, but the violence you may not; this is not for the faint of heart. I feel the violence (and sex, of course) is warranted. They play a very large part in the development of not only the relationship of Katherine and Alexander, but of how Katherine sees herself and to what lengths Alexander will go to protect her.

Some of you may find Katherine’s actions unbelievable (it is fiction), but ask yourself this question: What would you do for love? Where is the fine line? The real, true, ever-lasting, can’t live without, he/she completes me, love. What Mr. Chase has penned is a bit reminiscent of Etta Place and Bonnie Parker (just two examples that come to mind). Except that Mr. Chase has delivered it to us wrapped via an uber-sensual vampire in the delicious tale of two souls colliding with each other, overcoming the frightening odds, and having their HEA. BRAVO! After all, this is romance!

Ollie's Ratings:

Review: 3 – One Good Howl
Sexual: 4 – Four Alarm Fire

DARK IS THE NIGHT not only delivers some very hot and intense passionate scenes, but also returns to the concept that vampires are predatory killer driven by the instinct to hunt and feed from their victims. Though I enjoyed the concept and the hot sex scenes, there were elements that threw me off and made it difficult for to connect with the characters.

At the beginning of the book I felt as if I was transported to a 1940's detective movie by how Katherine “spoke”. At first I tried to ignore the imagery that kept popping in my head that I was watching a Humphrey Bogart movie with the Katherine saying (not the exact words but the same feeling) “I was standing in the corner watching the blood slide down the wall while I lit a cigarette” or how she would say something and then say en it with “I said”. It became hard to put myself into the scene and feel as if I was standing on the sideline watching in as I do with other books.

What I did enjoy was the development of Alexander and how he was both a powerful force not only physically but also emotionally. His determination not to draw Katherine into his world was endearing, at the same time it did not take away from his strong persona.

Katherine on the other hand, I had a harder time understanding her personality. Her tough as nail demeanor did not settle well with me. I found that there didn't seem to be a natural progression from Katherine's original persona to accepting and giving herself completely so quickly to Alexander. If the author provided more glimpses into the tender side of Katherine emotional make up then it would have been easier to accept her transition.

Now for times that Alexander and Katherine got it on were hot and intense, but sex scenes alone can't make up for the lack of connection for the characters. During the first half of the book I had to struggle to read through, but by the second half it became easier due to the increase in action. Though there were parts I didn't connect with I still enjoyed the overall storyline and of course Alexander. Now he is vampire I would love to spend my nights with.

WildAboutBones Ratings:

Review: 3 – One Good Howl
Sexual: 4 – Four Alarm Fire

Chase combines vampires, murder, torture and undeniable, irresistible, insatiable arousal in this dark paranormal romance. The story is told in first person from Alexander's and Katherine's points of view.

Usually the domain of the antagonists, the romantic male lead in this story is a vampire in the more traditional vein: cold blooded predator, kills when feeding, turns a victim simply by feeding upon, must behead and burn to kill to make sure victim doesn't turn, to kill must behead and/or remove the heart to kill, no sunlight, etc.

Alexander, a 1000 year old vamp and the male lead, is full of contradictions. He insists he has no morals and yet he feels remorse when killing, feels it is wrong to kill when not hungry or indiscriminately, has a sense of fair play/honor and laments the fact that humans have no chance against the superior vamps. He talks as if he belongs in centuries past ... hasn't bothered to keep up with modern slang or speech patterns (which can make for some difficult reading at times -- like trying to read one of the literary classics from 19th century). Alexander is stunned by the beauty of the goddess who is Katherine. He is aroused by her on so many different levels -- he is afraid. Afraid of what he'll do to her. "But to not kill her went against my very nature .... To kill her I could not. But to drink of her, I must. She would turn if I did." He finally admits she is his soulmate. He can't be all bad if he makes Kat think of things like "those "I love you and I’m going to make love to you for all eternity' kisses." Wow.

Chase incorporates some really dry and dark twisted humor in the story which had me chuckling:
"One cannot have their fun and expect someone else to clean up after them."
"Killing is our nature; it’s nothing personal."
"A smart jock. There’s an oxymoron for you. Rare, but not impossible."
"I had a vibrator and a bottle of vodka waiting at home with my name on them."

Katherine, "Kat", is 33, 5'7", a size 6 and relatively good looking. All of which can make her job as the top homicide detective in the city hard. She wears a ring to discourage the come-ons, "A lot of guys have trouble with the notion of being told no and I was tired of saying it." She avoids romance, she doesn't have time for it. "If you can imagine the day when a semi-attractive woman can walk into a bar and say loudly ‘I need to get laid. Any takers?’ and strike out, then I’ll mark that day as the end of the world." Kat literally bumps into Alexander and is "mesmerized" as he "was more beautiful than any man I could have ever imagined". She "stood there gawking like an idiot as he smiled down on [her]. Worse, [she] openly swooned, damn it all to hell." She is humiliated to find she has turned into a stuttering idiot.

Chase can write some seriously hot scenes. Like the scene in hotel, when Alex gets Kat naked, kissing the heck out of her but then has the nerve to back out saying he has no control. And leaves! Excuse me! In that case, why did he take her to the hotel? In the beginning of their relationship, he is such a tease and not in a good way. Another smoking hot scene up on the roof in the snow. A steamy scene in the kitchen in front of the stove while she's cooking - yep, while she's cooking. There is the couch scene while he feeds her mac 'n cheese. Alexander is apparently so good, she blacks out almost every time she comes.

So even though it can be somewhat hard getting used to the way Alexander thinks and speaks, putting aside the dark nature of the plot, this is a very good story. I give it a 3.5 of 5 for content and 3.5 of 4 on the sexy scale. Perhaps a story urban fantasy, horror and vampire fans will enjoy more so than paranormal romance fans who don't care for the dark side.

Warning Spoiler Alert!!!
There is a HEA ending ... kinda ... they are together now in immortality loving each other and she's having the best sex of her life ... well ... unlife. But, she's now a murderer with a beast inside her who needs to be fed and controlled.

Review of DEL FANTASMA: TOASTED ALMOND

DEL FANTASMA: TOASTED ALMOND
Sharon Maria Bidwell
Aspen Mountain Press
July 2011
ISBN: 978-1-60168-301-4
Genre: Erotic Paranormal M/M Romance
E-book, 54 pages
Review Requested by Publisher
Aspen Mountain Press Website
Sharon Maria Bidwell Website

Dressed for far colder weather, Armand makes a strange spectacle in Del Fantasma. Krakow cannot believe Cody sends the man over to his corner, especially when he told the vampire he wanted to be alone. His disgruntlement soon changes when he realises there's something different about Armand. Has Cody done the impossible and found someone Krakow can finally share intimacy with? Krakow has the answers to Armand's lonely existence...and a cure so Armand no longer has to feel cold.

My Ratings

Review

Sexual

Little did Armand know what he was walking into when he strolled into Del Fantasma. He was searching for a brief respite from the unrelenting chill running through his body and the loneliness that was his constant companion. Krakow sat alone in the dark of the corner. He needed to be in the company of these beings, but couldn’t risk the pain again and so kept to himself. Enter matchmaker extraordinaire: the owner of Del Fantasma and bartender, Cody Warren.

Cody sets a Toasted Almond (yes, it’s a cocktail) in front of Armand and tells him to go sit over in the corner where it’s warmer. Krakow wonders what exactly Cody is up to, sending someone over to his corner; knowing good and well the guy will move as soon as he finds the corner too warm. Relaxing, Armand finds the warmth comfortable and even starts to sweat. He is startled when he realizes he is not alone in that corner. Krakow is amazed as he watches Armand’s reactions to Krakow’s heat.

“What’s happening here?” Armand gasped out, breaking into Krakow’s contemplation. “Who are you?”
Could it be? Was it possible? Does he have any idea?
No. If there were one thing Krakow felt sure of it was that the man beside him truly had no clue as to his nature.

As Krakow takes Armand under his wing to gingerly guide Armand to his true nature, the power of these two magnificent beings ignite the pages. Careful….or you may get singed! Armand’s insistent eagerness is tempered by Krakow’s methodical and deliberate development of Armand’s nature. Whoa! And it is hot – scorching - hot!

The paranormal features are well developed for a short story. A time or three I would re-read just to be sure I was clear on what I had read. Okay, I admit - I am a virgin when it comes to this creature and I’ve just had my cherry popped. (But now that I’ve had a taste, I want more. Yes, Laurie, you told me so.) Krakow and Armand are sincere but cautious when moving forward, but they are more fearful of saying “No” and not finding out at all.

Overall, a blistering man love, paranormal romance that will leave you breathless. Hmm, I think it’s time for a Toasted Almond.

Review of Seduction (Devil's Tavern #4) by Crymsyn Hart

Title: Seduction (Devil's Tavern #4)
Author: Crymsyn Hart
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal erotica
Format: ebook - 85 pages
Release Date: 05/16/11
Buy link: http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/new-releases/seduction/prod_396.html

Valerie dreams of a man who ties her up and pleasures her all night long. When she wakes, his soft caresses follow her. All she wants is to sink back into her dreams and become his slave.

Her sister, Niki conjures an evil djinn into their world. James and Valerie must stop the genie before it brings others of its kind into their world.

When her dream master offers a solution to defeat the djinn, Valerie is hard pressed not to take his proposition. If she does, will she be releasing the lesser of two evils?

Rating -

Sexual -

My Review -

A dream lover, dark magic and a growing danger of dark forces consuming everything makes this an intriguing, short, erotic paranormal story that has the reader guessing what is going to happen next. What was refreshing about this particular story was the interesting use of various paranormal creatures that makes your body tingle both from heat and the looming danger.

Valerie has always been in touch with her psychic abilities, but she has never encountered anything like the erotic dreams she has been having with a hot and seductive lover that brings her to orgasms just by his mere touch.

Valerie's dream lover is the ultimate, perfect lover as he fulfills her completely both physically and emotionally, but only in her dreams. Valerie's life is not the most perfect, but at least she was in control up to now. Dark forces are rising and Valerie doesn't know whether her soul will be lost to them and if her dreams of her phantom lover are part of it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book not only for the hot scenes (and a dream lover that really knows how to seduce Valerie and get her panting), but also for the plotline that has the reader guessing right to the end.

I was left wanting more and to see a continuation of the story as there are questions that are left unanswered and a delicious dream lover that needs more exploring. Without spoiling anything for the reader let me just say that you will want to see more of this dream lover and learn more about who and want he is.

Warning this book contains BDSM and the use of a sex toy, but the way the author wrote the scenes they were not disturbing but quite sensual and hot. An excellent short read that will have you craving for more.

Review of BLOOD LAW by Karin Tabke

BLOOD LAW, Blood Moon Trilogy #1
Karin Tabke
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Date: May 3, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-425-24092-2
Erotic Paranormal Romance
Novel, 323 pages
My Private TBR
Karin Tabke Website

The coming of the Blood Moon will lead two Lycan packs into war, spur two rival brothers into conflict, and spark an act of vengeance so evil that its effects will be felt for generations.


One woman stands at the center of it all…


As undisputed Alpha, Rafael must choose a life mate to preserve the dominance of his Lycan pack. He never suspected, his mate would be a human, the same wounded, girl-woman he seduces from the brink of death. Falon is a dangerous combination of Lycan and Slayer—beings bred to destroy his kind. Even more, she’s a mesmerizing beauty whose sensuality tempts the seasoned warrior to take unnecessary risks. The primal heat between them is irresistible, yet surrendering to it could destroy them both…for a vengeful foe stands ready in the shadows to fulfill what is rightfully his by Blood Law.

My Ratings...

Review

Sexual

It doesn’t matter what romance genre (or name) Ms. Tabke chooses to write: Erotic (Hot Cop Series), historical (Blood Sword Legacy Series), or paranormal (L.O.S.T Series). You can be assured of an intense story with expertly crafted characters that will have you captivated.


Falon always knew she was “different” from everyone else; something inside her just wasn’t right. After running away from a foster home at a young age, she barely survives on her own. Her initial meeting with a Slayer “Conan” is also her first introduction to Rafael. Once Rafael takes care of the Slayer, he takes Falon with him. After all, the slayer wanted her for some reason; she must be important. And thus, the ride begins!


Let’s get this straight….There was nothing – NOTHING – that I didn’t love about this book. It starts out with a bit of background to get the story rolling. How the Lycans and Slayers came to be; their ongoing feud; necessary stuff like that. At times, this is a violent story. The violence plays an integral part of how the characters develop. This is one hot, steamy, sizzlin’ read. The only reason I didn’t give BLOOD LAW the highest sexual rating is because of the almost ménage. (Hey, you’re going to have to read it to find out!) Now, a few of my highlights.


Falon: the growth of this character is astounding! She begins as a weak, fearful girl and develops into a strong alpha; oh, so deserving of her alpha Lycan.

“Complicated?” she shrilled. “You hold my life in your hands and all you can tell me is, it’s complicated?” He stood quiet, unable to defend himself.


“I don’t want to die. I will not die because of your Blood Law. If that messes with your day, too damn bad.”

Rafael, the alpha leader of the Vulkasin clan. He does whatever is necessary for the survival of his clan. Even if it means sacrificing his happiness and the destruction of his chosen one. Rafael is the “light” brother.


Lucien is the outcast; the “dark” brother, alpha of the Mondragon clan. Although he and Rafael are identical twins, it is easy to tell the difference between them: Light and dark, day and night. When Lucien’s chosen one is murdered, he claims Blood Law.


There are concurrent storylines running in BLOOD LAW. The war between the Lycans and the Slayers. The hostility between the brothers. The blooming of Falon and her relationship with Rafael. The survival of the Lycans. All of them are intertwined with one another and turns BLOOD LAW into a howling fantastic novel. Also, there is a bit of knowledge concerning Falon’s heritage that has yet to be discovered, along with what “destiny” has in store for the brothers.


BLOOD LAW does not have your typical HEA, but what it does have will blow you away!

Review of Reynardine by Lucynda Storey

Title: Reynardine
Author: Lucynda Storey
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Erotic Paranormal - Werewolf
Format: ebook - 194 pages
Release Date: September 2006
Author's Website
Buy Link: http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/new-releases/reynardine/prod_19.html


A research grant takes Agnis Fitzgerald to western Ireland where she evaluates the possibility of reintroducing wolves to the coastal habitat. It's an uphill job, and the superstitious residents fight her every step of the way. They’re afraid…of werewolves.

Reynardine O’Brien has a secret. He’s the big black wolf that’s been hanging around Slieve Callan. More than that, he’s cursed to pass on his shapeshifting to his firstborn son. Determined never to let another O’Brien suffer as he has, Rey avoids serious involvements.

Until he meets Agnis.

Danger and destiny, sex and superstition…can Rey survive the hunt for the black wolf to claim Agnis as his mate?

Rating -

Sexual -

My Review -

Set in Ireland we meet the extremely good-looking and charming Reynardine who lives a solitary life due to his curse of being a werewolf. Not that he has any problems finding bed partners, in fact in the openly scene we find him waking up from a one-night stand, but he is frustrated by his inability to develop a long-term relationship with anyone.

That is until he meets Agnis who comes to his hamlet to work on her doctoral thesis regarding the re-introduction of wolves to Ireland. Upon setting eyes on Agnis, Reynardine finds himself drawn to her the moment she enters the pub upon her arrival in town. What starts off as a "knight in shining armor" rescue of Agnis from a drunk turns to instant heat for each other.

From the beginning of the book to around the midpoint I was able to accept their instant attraction to each other, but even during that point some things just didn't feel right to me. One of the problems I had with the book was with Agnis and her how she act, think and feels. One moment hot and obsessed with Reynardine and then the next stating the opposite that her work comes first and she needs to focus on her thesis. It became hard to understand what she wanted when she seems to act like a nymphomaniac at one point and then pull away from Reynardine to focus on her job. The other aspect is that she keeps saying this is a one-night stand (even though it drags out over several weeks), yet in the next breath she wishes that she could have Reynardine forever. She constantly goes back and forth stating that she knows Reynardine is hers and accepts her for who she is, but at the same time she is afraid he will reject her.

Then from the middle to the end of the book that is where it really fell apart for me. At this point the storyline with the wolves took center stage to the point it dragged out so long I found myself falling asleep. The whole issue with the wolves was not intriguing at all. Some references to Agnis' background and why this whole project was so important to her was never established. Along with the fact that once revelations are made near the end of the book she once again reacts one way and in the very next breath says and does the complete opposite. I was completely confused as how the character could do such an about face without any further elaboration. Reynardine on the other hand, he knew what he felt for Agnis was real and wanted to make her part of his life. However due to his condition he knew the implications and what he would be exposing Agnis to. You couldn't help not wanting Reynardine to have a "happily ever after".

In the end this book was ok if all you wanted to focus on was the graphic sex scenes, which included some masturbation using an instrument, some anal play and lots of hot sex, but in terms of plot and fluidity of the storyline it fell flat.