Review of THE KRAKEN'S MIRROR by Maureen O. Betita

THE KRAKEN’S MIRROR
The Kraken's Caribbean, Book 1
Maureen O. Betita
Decadent Publishing Company, LLC
January 31, 2011
ISBN: 9781936394678
Erotic Paranormal Romance
Ebook and paperback, 212 pages
Author Requested Review

Captain Alan Silvestri is a man haunted by a strange curse. Good luck is his to command, but it comes at the cost of any place to call home or people to reckon as family. Resigned to die and shunned by all, he is forced to sail every three days, until he begins to dream of a special woman.


Treated by our youth-oriented society as invisible and sexless, Emily Pawes is ready to move on with life. She attends a pirate festival, hoping to recapture the make-believe magic she knew as a young woman. Lucky to win an interesting bit of booty at a brick-a-brac stand, she finds herself transported by the Kraken’s mirror through a magical portal to a land of Hollywood piratitude, where swashbuckling heroes own iPods. With little choice, Emily embraces the madness. Playing pirate has to be safer than falling into the arms of handsome Captain Silvestri, right?


When they meet, sparks fly, passion flares. He needs her to be free, but more than that, he needs her to be whole. Setting sail and uncertain of who actually controls the wheel, they seek ways to defeat his curse of good luck and discover the Kraken’s mirror has plans for them. Will Emily stay in this pirate haven to fight alongside him or will he lose her because of his curse?

My Ratings


Review

Sexual

What a delightful, remarkable, and unexpectedly peculiar world Ms. Betita has created in her rendering of the 17th century Caribbean. Yes, you will find pirates, but you will also find out-of-place electrical devices, updated plumbing, among other strange oddities. The style of writing is refreshing as it blends the plain spoken (unrepentantly crude), modern day Emily with the pirate-ese of the regular crew of characters. I’m not sure if paranormal romance is the correct sub-genre for this book. It does contain a bit of vampires, zombies and werewolves, but I’m more inclined to label this as a sci-fi/fantasy romance. I don’t care what you label it – I label it fantastic!


The best parts of this book are the hero and heroine. (And the supporting characters, Davis, Jezzie, Mick, Tink, and the story.) Of course, you say, that’s the way it should be, but wait, there’s more. They aren’t your above-average sculpted, late twenty-something, to-die-for beauty/hunk. Emily is 53 and Silvestri is 65! But don’t let that fool you into thinking these two can’t rock the boat, stir the water, make waves….


One of the best pieces of banter is between Jezebel, who Captain's the Quill and Emily:

“Pawes, you’ve been on the ship three weeks now and you pull your share.  You work the lines, you mend the sails, help out in the galley.”  The captain tilted her head.  “But Tink is right.  You need to get laid.” 

“Oh, fuck off!  What is with this crew?  Nothing but overactive libidos!  You all think a cock is the answer to everything!”  Emily rolled her eyes, disgusted at the constant poking about why she wasn’t dragging one of the hands off to her bunk.

“You want a woman?  Fine.  Hell, Tink tends to swing both ways.”
 Emily faked a gag and backed away.  “Everything isn’t about bed partners!”
 “Well, it’s often the answer on this ship.”….. 

Emily settles into life on the Quill as best she can, learning new skills and trades. She wonders if she’ll ever find the portal to return to her own time. Emily’s insecurities ring true: Because of her age, why would any man give her a second look? But when she is “rescued” by a “tall captain” and a night of debauchery ensues, all of her doubts start to fade. I simply adore her. She makes the most of her awkward situation. She’s not afraid to cuss, curse, and swear – damn it! Oh, and Emily has a partner that adores, worships, fill in the blank, her!


I was enchanted by this story. Silvestri’s curse is the center of the story which everything else revolves: The secrecy of Alan and Emily’s relationship, Alan’s lack of friends and the reason he keeps to himself. Witchcraft and voodoo are woven in so effortlessly, you don’t even notice. Granted, I doubted having a sea monster, and a Kraken at that, as being a good guy wasn’t going to fly, but Ms. Betita will charm you with her tale.

Review: Camille's Capture by Evanne Lorraine

Camille’s Capture
Evanne Lorraine
http://evannelorraine.com/index.php/news/

Paranormal Romance / Erotic M/M and M/F/M / Sci-fi / Fantasy
Review Requested

Genetically engineered for a single function, to breed, Camille has followed the rules and accepted the Goddess’s will as explained by the elders all her life. After artificial insemination fails, she gathers her courage, traveling to distant New Eden to try in-person breeding. When her matches fail to appear, the meek little breeder rebels, determined to leave the Goddess-forsaken world behind her as fast as the next ship home can make the jump to subspace.

Aegis exists only to fulfill his vow to avenge the death of his parents by a Baldorean blood mage. Not even the forbidden desire for Jaxon interferes with his quest. But contact with a breeder threatens everything he holds sacred.

For four years, Jaxon dreamed of tri-bond with Aegis. Isolated by hostilities in the endless war with Baldor, he’s trapped in the close quarters of their fighter with Aegis and Cami, his most secret dream come true. But instead of bliss, he finds himself plunged into a battle with prejudice, doubts, and jealousy.

Cami travels halfway across the universe, survives brutal rejection, humiliation and a firefight. Stranded with two fierce warriors, not even a broken heart will make her quit until she has the sperm she needs.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, interspecies sex, menage (m/m/f) male/male sexual practices, violence.

MY REVIEW:

SEXUAL:

Fantastic Read! HOT!

Wow, all my favorite genre characteristics combined in one book. I loved the combination of a paranormal read in a sci-fi world (futuristic) that includes the fantasy of mages/wizard magic and powerful gifts. To top it off, the m/m and m/m/f erotica scenes made the story one HOT read. The book was a fast read and flowed perfectly with all the action going on between fighting their enemies and finding time for their destined mates.

Cami (human breeder), Jaxon (Human Soldier), and Aegis (Tethysian water demon) characters were extraordinary with their own individual back grounds and how they came about to the situation of becoming mates. Cami seemed to be a little naïve in the beginning and then all of a sudden she was one tough kick ass chick (totally loved it).

Jaxon was definitely the macho type and wanted to impress his mates by wanting to be the hero. His feelings were a little insecure between desire, jealousy, and protectiveness.

Finally, Aegis was one hot green demon who kept himself cloaked in a human disguise most of the time until he revealed himself to his two mates. He held a powerful demeanor of control in all situations especially when it came to claiming his mates. He controlled all the sexual actions and the mind melding’s of each mate.

Great Read! I wanted more and I will definitely be reading more of this author’s work.

Review: Once Upon A Time In Space by Heather Massey

Once Upon A Time In Space
Heather Massey
http://www.heathermassey.com/

Science Fiction / Romance / Erotica
Review Requested

In the sea of stars, an epic love story is about to begin...

Earth is dying. Nick Venture, the last living descendant of Christopher Columbus, embarks on a dangerous mission to find a new planet and save humanity. This places him on a collision course with Raquel Donovan, the deadliest space pirate in the galaxy.

Raquel lives for one purpose: revenge against a horrible demon from her past. When an attempt to hijack Nick’s starship backfires, Raquel becomes his protector in order to avoid capture by the tyrannical Space Defense Corps. Nick and Raquel are irresistibly drawn to one another despite the forbidden nature of their attraction. But the conflicted pirate’s deepest secret could tear the couple apart even as humanity’s time runs out…

MY REVIEW:

SEXUAL:

Fantastic Sci-fi Romance Erotica! Star Track Move Over!

Wow, I really enjoyed this read. It took me a little to get into in the beginning but after about 30 pages the story took off and what an action pack adventure. Humanity’s survival is at risk on earth because of a greedy and corrupt government, however, there are pirates running around in space living the best they can by jumping other ships and stealing their cargo.

Nick Venture, an ordinary guy who has been rescued by some Corporate official doctor who sets him on a mission to find a new planet called Eden in order to save humanity. Only thing is, Nick is not a computer/science guy who fly’s spaceships, but the Corporate Officials don’t care because his Christopher Columbus heritage singling him out to be the last survivor from that line is their only hope that the new world should be discovered by.

Nicks journey and adventure begins with three spaceships and a great humorous crew. However, things get interesting when the pirate Raguel jumps his ship to steal his supplies; she is automatically sexually drawn to Nick’s sexuality radiating all kinds of sensual thoughts throughout her whole body. To make a long story short, Nick bargains with Raguel and convinces her to become their guide and protector from the corrupt government and other pirates in order to get to the New world to save earths people.

The adventure is fantastic and the sexual erotica between Nick and Raguel is pretty steamy teasing you and driving you crazy until the end when it explodes to a climaxing erotica of HOT HOT SEX scene.

There was lots of fighting action between the other pirates and the government military. I loved all the characters different personalities, some were pretty humorous. I thought the story line was well written and thought that this would make a great series/Movie as in search for new planets. The writing was very visionary and I felt like I was right there within the story. Great Read!

Review: Guardian 2632 by Nora Weston

Guardian 2632
Nora Weston

http://www.2noraweston.com/
Published:  Jan 29, 2011

Futuristic Romance / Sci-fi
Review requested

Travel through time with Dr. Zane Grayson, executive director of Guardian TMF…a monstrous time traveling facility, as he fights against corruption, Elites, Time Mercs, and his own obsession with time surfing to realize his future may actually exist in the past, 1998 to be exact. Guardian 2632—a story of epic proportions depicting what a man will sacrifice to save a life.

MY REVIEW & SEXUAL RATING:

Interesting Read!

A very interesting Sci-fi, a sci-fi full of mind boggling adventures that will have your head spinning with all the twist and turns. If you’re into a sci-fi world than you will definitely enjoy this futuristic world full of neat gadgets, weapons, computers, and the intelligence mode of the sci-fi.

This is not a fast read, it took me a while to get into the book because the first 50 pages set the scenes up of how the time travel and daily lives of 2632 was spent and how it had come about to the point in time.

I find it hard to explain the romance in this book because even though it was about love, 3/4s of the book was the adventures Dr. Zane Grayson had to go through first in order to get back to his love Julia and his daughter Lindsay. There are no love scenes, only kissing. However by half of the book the story kicked off and hooked me and I had to find out what happened next.

What’s fascinating is that Dr. Zane Grayson was addicted to time surfing into the past and would do it on his free time which was against the rules but he loved fixing the past to change the outcome of events. Even though he could of been killed on the spot if anyone found out, he didn’t let that stop him.

But during his time surfing into the past he learns that the organization has kept a secret from him, a secret that he had once fallen into a worm hole that took him into 1998 and left him there for a few days before they could recover him. However, during the short stay he meets Julia and they have a one night stand of pleasure before he is snatched back into the year 2632.

Through his addiction of time surfing, Dr. Grayson finds out about Julia and wonders why he is so drawn to her. He almost goes into shock to learn of her life story of abuse and the fact that he was her one night stand lover and the child she has is his, so he finds himself wanting to know more about her so he can go back in time to try to change the events. The adventure starts from there and it amazing everything he goes through just to get to be with the one he loves.

I liked Dr. Zane Grayson's character; he was definitely a bad ass when it came to fighting, not only physically but mentally. My heart went out to Julia as I learned of her life of abuse from her husband and I was so glad Zane went back in time to save Julia's life so he could have his life with her.

Even though my usual reads are paranormal romance/erotica, I will definitely remember this sci-fi story.

Review: An Unwanted Hunger by Ciana Stone

An Unwanted Hunger by Ciana Stone

http://www.cianastone.com/

Paranormal Romance / Erotica / Sci-Fi

Book 1 in the Soul of V'Kar series.

Passion this strong is dangerous. They both know it. Mortal enemies, their respective factions have been at war since the dawn of man. Resa is a Dhampir, bred and trained to hunt Vampyres. Constantine is a prince among the Vampyre, the oldest and most lethal.

Nothing good can come of this hunger, this need that drives them relentlessly toward one another. Neither reason nor devotion to duty can stay their need. There is but one way to quench the thirst that drives them. Once sated, they can return to the battle and see which one, if either, is left standing.

But one drink from the cup of desire serves only to magnify the hunger. One act of lust that could alter them forever, changing the course of destiny.

MY REVIEW AND SEXUAL RATING:

Fantastic Sci-Fi Read! Erotica is HOT!

Wow, I really enjoyed this free read that I got from B&N. I love paranormal reads but add some sci-fi to it and it’s even better and that’s what happened here. Vampires is what this one agency Resa works for chases and kills but Resa, one who is half vampire and half human finds she wants answers to her whys, she wants truth about her existence.

Her adventure begins when she is told by a being she believes to be her fairy god mother that she can find her truth from the one vampire she is trying to kill and that she must protect him. She not only finds truth about him not being a vampire but a alien from another world, she finds betrayal from the ones who raised her. Resa finds true love and a destiny of a new life and future.

Constantine is very attracted to Resa and has an unwanted hunger for her that he cannot resist. His temptation takes over and he finds himself uncontrollable and binds/mates himself to her in a heated lust as he takes her and sinks his fangs into her sweet neck.

The erotica scene was so intense and riveting that I found myself crossing my legs and taking a deep breath for the climax. It was totally HOT! With a little Roll playing in submission, a little anal action, and a lot of banging throughout the whole book you will find your self exhausted as if you were a part of all the action.

Great read.

Review of Secrets Volume 29

Title: Secrets Volume 29
Authors: Nathalie Gray, Nicole North, Dominique Sinclair, Saskia Walker
Source: NetGalley
Genre: Romance – Sci-Fi, Suspense, Paranormal, Contemporary
Format: ebook - 365 pages
Release Date: 7/25/10


My Review



Chimera by Nathalie Gray


From the overcrowded slums of a future Earth, he rose as the perfect tool of lethal justice and deception. Cold and stoical by choice, alone by circumstances, he will neutralize any and all threat to his client then move on. Blunt, direct. Nothing personal. But when his next assignment involves a popular politician who’s as smart as she’s attractive, the greatest betrayal would be to deny his heart.

I think the author was torn between writing a short story versus a longer one. The world she built was amazing but took up too many of the pages that I wished would have been spent on the wonderful relationship between the lovers. They were such wonderful characters and I wanted to get to know them better. I would have loved to have seen more dialogue between them, but you could definitely feel the emotions!


Edge by Dominique Sinclair

The search for the truth leads to the edge of danger, revenge and love… A beautiful hellion, the first woman trained by the Department of International Intelligence, Catlina Demarco left her life without so much as a goodbye. Deep in Mexico, she’s close to finding the man who can give her the truth of her past, or kill her.
Agent Noah Tyler, Cat’s former partner and lover, is the last man she expects to show up with handcuffs and intent to bring her back to headquarters. No one has ever left the agency alive, Cat’s no exception. Only she refuses to go anywhere with Noah, he betrayed her trust. Forced into the jungle by three armed banderos, Cat finds her and Noah once again working as partners, their thoughts as one, their bodies craving, their goals conflicting.
Hot, angry and infuriated, Catalina must rid herself of Noah Tyler before everything is lost, including her heart.

This wasn’t as much of a romance. The characters were just fighting with each other too much for my tastes. It was certainly interesting and well written if you enjoy suspenseful stories.

Beast in a Kilt by Nicole North

Scottish lady Catriona MacCain has loved Torr Blackburn, a fierce Highland warrior, since she was a young lass, but Torr only sees Catriona as his best friend’s little sister. When Catriona’s family promises her in marriage to a detestable chieftain, she desperately needs Torr to save her from a fate worse than death. But Torr is under the spell of a witch of the dark arts and is cursed to spend his nights as a kelpie water demon. He doesn’t believe himself worthy of the virginal Lady Catriona. However, she is determined to seduce Torr and claim him… body, heart and soul, if only they can banish the curse and defeat the enemies who have vowed to possess and enslave them both.

I really enjoyed this story and liked the author’s style of writing. It was very romantic. I loved the world she built for them. I also really enjoyed both of the characters.

Sweet-talking the Opposition by Saskia Walker

London-based journalist, Eliza Jameson, is on assignment on a luxurious Rhine river cruiser when she finds the perfect distraction on board — old flame, Marcus Weston. But Eliza came dangerously close to falling for Marcus last time around, and in order to play him at his own game, she decides to call the shots. Meanwhile, Marcus has his own agenda. In the ensuing battle, who will end up on top?

I loved both of the characters in this steamy romance. I also loved how the author spread out the description of the steamy scenes so it almost seemed like they were doing something different each time. What a thrill! Interesting story and a real treat to watch him come to his senses. After reading her story, I bought her book of erotic shorts “Unleashed” which I am thoroughly enjoying!

Review: True Believers by Maria Zannini

True Believers
Maria Zannini
Requested review
Paranormal Romance / Science Fiction / Fantasy
Authors website

Something is killing off immortals, one by one.
Taelen Jessit is an alien emissary on a mission sanctioned by the U.S. government to search for ancient gods. His hunt leads him to a dig headed by archaeologist Rachel Cruz. When his military entourage forces Rachel's team out of the cave they were exploring, a flash flood hits the riverbed and threatens to tear them through the ravine.

In the aftermath of the flood, Taelen witnesses the incredible healing of Rachel's broken ankle and believes his gods have blessed her. He is inexplicably drawn to her, and she to him.

What Taelen doesn't know is that Rachel is Nephilim—a descendant of the gods his people worship—masquerading as a human to find the god-killer and destroy it. Rachel needs help to bring down the tech that is manipulating the Earth's magnetosphere and frying her people alive. She's given Taelen her heart, but can she trust him with her secret?




REVIEW:



SEXUAL:



Phenomenal Writing! Excellent Read!

On the edge of your seat action packed story with a sweep you off your feet sweet sexy Alien “Alturian” and Nephilim romance.

I applaud Maria Zannini, she has captured a world where not only humans but extraterrestrial creatures such as the aliens called Alturian’s co-exist.

The Alturian’s come to earth to search for their gods Anu (Nephilim) or any of their children. The humans seem to be searching for the same extraterrestrial creatures but for different reasons than their peace making friends the Alturian’s. The Alturian’s want to find the gods to worship them and honor them but the humans want to destroy them or any other extraterrestrial that may be a threat to their planet.

The Nephilim’s have existed upon earth without the humans knowing and have kept it a secret for many a decade.

For those of you who don’t know what Nephilim’s are, they are a race of extraterrestrials who came to be worshipped by men as gods due to their immortality and extraordinary powers and they are also known as the sons of god whom we call Fallen Angels who slept with the daughters of men that are known in the Christian bible as Giants.

Rachel (Archeologist/Nephilim) and her father Gilgamesh strive to keep their secret from being exposed and find out why many of their kind are falling ill from the Earth's magnetosphere. However Gilgamesh enjoys the fact that the Alturians are still true believers and enjoys the fact that they think his kind are gods and with this thinking, Gilgamesh recognizes that the only way to accomplish his goal is by joining forces with Taelen Jessit (Alien Alturian).

Rachel and Taelen’s romance is so sweet and sexy. The sex scenes are very tasteful, not your hard core erotica but leaves you with one hell of an image to think about especially with Taelen’s extra tentacles he has around his large staff. The one scene in the bath pool about drove me crazy. Absolutely loved it!

I loved the action between the new Artificial Intelligence Bubba (computer program technology come to life) and his sister FAIA (newer model computer technology with updated programs). To weave the web based world and its advanced military programming within this story was pure brilliance.

All the characters were wonderfully developed and the book flowed beautifully. I was so entranced and felt like I was there living it all in color.