Review: Forbidden Fantasies by Jodie Griffin

Title: Forbidden Fantasies
Author: Jodie Griffin
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication Date: March 5, 2012
ISBN: 9781426893339
Received via NetGalley
Genre: Erotic Romance


The Blurb:

After fifteen years of marriage, Jessica Meyers's sex life is, well, a little predictable. Her handsome husband turns her on, but missionary style once or twice a week? It just can't compare to the hot new world she discovers in the pages of erotic romances. Her fantasies fuel the fire of her desire, adding a new spark to her and Alex's lovemaking. But Jess is afraid to tell her husband what shereally wants in bed-and her secrets start coming between them.

State trooper Alex Meyers is a master at uncovering the truth-except when it comes to his sweet, shy wife. She's clearly keeping something from him. An affair? She wants out? When he finally confronts Jess, he's shocked to learn she wants to turn her forbidden fantasies into nightly realities. But when he takes her to a unique B and B-Bondage and Breakfast-catering to couples and multiples, Alex is about to find out just how far he'll go.


My Take:


Jess has been living her sexual fantasies. In her head that is. She's afraid to tell her husband about the erotic books she's been reading and even more afraid to tell him that she wants to try some of the things in those books. It's a very believable fear, especially because the unknown often is scary. Alex believes the worst, thinking his wife is having an affair. She's been distant lately even after they're together and it bothers him. Until he finally confronts her and all is finally revealed.


This novella is hot, hot hot. It worked well for being so short and as such I didn't have a problem with the plot feeling too rushed etc. It was enjoyable to read and had parts that even had me blushing (and it takes a lot to make me blush.) Mostly, this type of story was right up my alley heat wise.


The one thing that I found I had a problem with was the dialogue. I had a hard time "listening" to the characters as thought the dialogue felt forced and stilted. Not believable. At least not to me. I find this to be a shame, as there is so much potential here to convey so much emotion and it fell flat in this area. I, unfortunately, found myself wanting to skim over the dialogue and get to the internalizations and "action" because it was all conveyed much better than the dialogue. I wish I could have connected to it more as I really enjoyed the story, but problems with dialogue are hard for me to overlook when reading and as such my rating reflects this problem.


My Rating: 3/5 Lattes







All My Best,


Kayla

Review: Hog Wild by Jenna Jaxon

Title: Hog Wild: A Three Pigs Twisted Tale
Publisher: New Dawning Press
ISBN:
Genre: Erotic Romance
Received: gifted by author/publisher for review


The Blurb:


When Lula Wolfendale’s motorcycle breaks down on her way to a Harley rally, she detours into tiny Shoshone, CA to find a new ride.  Seducing bikers Beau and Rob Hogue and commandeering their Harleys is easy; finding sexual satisfaction is a “hog” of a different color.  A Blue Phantom, to be exact, owned by the pair’s older brother, Jesse.  After a brief, unsatisfying encounters with the first two Hogues, Lula approaches Jesse with a proposition:  a sexual contest for his Phantom, where Lula will emerge with either a bike to die for or the climax of her dreams.  Or can she possibly obtain both?


My Take:


A twisted tale is right, but Jenna Jaxon twists this classic fairy tale in all the right ways. She writes with a talented hand and a clever voice and I loved this take on The Three Little Pigs. 


A woman in search of satisfaction who hasn't quite found it, gives two brothers quite an experience, that is, until the third and oldest brother gives Lula herself the experience she's been waiting for. 


It's a very quick and fast paced read and not to mention hot hot hot. She definitely meets her match with Jesse Hogue, the eldest. I just love how he takes control of the whole situation, I love his determination, and I love how he proves Lula wrong in terms of his ability to please her. She may not have been satisfied in the past, but Jesse makes sure that that's not the case with him as her partner. 


She was able to "blow" the two younger brothers down, but Jesse's house is made of brick, hehe, after all, he's the third Hogue brother. She has quite an effect on him, but not the same effect that she had on his two younger brothers or all her past encounters for that matter, which makes the game that much more enjoyable for the both of them.


As I said, it was a quick, fun, and sexy as hell read, and once again I find myself enjoying yet another of Ms. Jaxon's works. She hasn't let me down yet and I look forward to more from her.


My Rating: 4/5 Lattes








All My Best,


Kayla

Review: House of Saints by a.c. Mason

Title: House of Saints
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Publication Date: February 24, 2012
Genre: Paranormal Erotic Historical Romance with multiple partners, interracial/multicultural and including m/m/f, f/f/m, m/f, and discipline
Received for Review from Author


The Blurb:

In 1890"s London, young Simone Baden is left with responsibility of her two brothers. Being a woman of color with very little experience, she cannot provide for them through honest means and is soon desperate. From the women at the boarding house, she hears of a brothel that caters to the unusual- supernaturals. WIth the ache of hunger growing in her brothers' bellies and the threat of eviction looming, she has no choice but to barter her body and freedom.

Eravas Lilu is an ancient spirit of desire who excels at what he does- teaching the arts of pleasure to women- but Simone is different. With a male and female helper, decadent instruction follows to mold his charge into Magdalene. Enthralled by her inner beauty, he finds himself at a crossroads.

Shall he let her new profession take her soul, or give up his own in exchange for hers...?

My Take:

I loved this. It's as simple as that. It's a very quick read and I couldn't put it down. Many people may have issues with the heroine simply for the reason of her choice of profession to save her family, however despite her profession she never ends up giving herself away for money and for me, this is why I didn't have a problem with the heroine. She was put into a predicament that many people can sympathize with and living in different times, she does what she has to to make sure her little brothers are cared for.

I love how right from the start Eravas is enthralled with her though he won't admit it to her, flat out telling her that he will undoubtedly grow tired of her after a while as he does with each of his new charges, but Simone refuses to believe him. She brings out a side of him that Eravas didn't know he had and shows her the ultimate pleasure that one can experience.

I love how Simone brings out the good in Eravas that he never thought he had and I loved the ending very much.

The only problem I really had was how easily she accepted her new calling in life, yes she was shy with different things at first, but I would have liked to see a little bit more of an inner struggle with her and her new occupation and with what she is now meant to experience.

I recommend this story to anyone looking for a quick and sexy as all hell read and look forward to more of a.c. Mason's works.

My Rating: 4/5 Lattes




All My Best,

Kayla

Review: Wicked Weekend by Gillian Archer

Title: Wicked Weekend
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication Date: March 12, 2012
ISBN: 9781426893391
Genre: Erotic Romance containing BDSM
Received via Net Galley


The Blurb:

Why did Lauren Vaughn introduce her sister to the man she herself was crazy about? Now Lauren is watching the happy couple at their combined bachelor/bachelorette party-while Lauren sits all alone at the bar. Until she spots a hot stranger with the telltale black handkerchief in his pocket: the signal for "seeks no-strings affair with sexy submissive." Lauren can't take her eyes off him. So when he comes over, she kicks her inner good girl to the curb and follows Jamie Forman to his room, where he makes her scream with pleasure all night long.

But Jamie is a complicated man. He can't handle how desperately he wants her in his bed-and his life. It's up to Lauren to teach him how to make all night last forever.

My Take:


I've read maybe a handful of erotic BDSM type romances in my life so as such I wasn't sure exactly what to expect from this novella, but I very much enjoyed it. I thought the portrayal of a Dominant/Submissive sexual encounter was done very tastefully and gave me (I think) a realistic glimpse into this particular area of sex. It was tastefully done and very hot, just the way I like my romances :-D. 


Jamie was delicious and sexy and I loved how "gentle" he was with Lauren in her first few encounters with this particular type of sex life. Despite her always wanting to have a BDSM type relationship with a man where she could be completely submissive, she's never truly had one and as such has always been slightly unsatisfied with her sex life. That is, until she meets Jamie. He handles her with care, and makes sure she is completely one hundred percent comfortable with their respective roles in the bedroom. This being an erotic romance, they don't spend much time out of the bedroom, but that's totally fine and I feel that there was definitely character growth between the two of them regardless of them hardly leaving the bedroom.


The one thing I had a problem with is Lauren's complete lack of self-esteem. I know she craves being a submissive, and I know that he sister is a royal beyotch and always puts her down, and sure she should have doubts like any normal person during a sexual encounter with a man they've never met particularly when they are going to partake in some "kink", but her constant doubting of herself and her appeal and whether she can truly please Jamie and why he would want someone like her, got a bit annoying. I like my heroines to be somewhat confidant in themselves, we all have doubts, but it just seems that if someone has as many doubts and concerns running through her head during sex as Lauren did, wouldn't be able to enjoy themselves at all.


Otherwise, it was a very enjoyable read. It's hard to be completely objective to the BDSM quality of this particular story having never really read any prior, but I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a super quick and super sexy read.


My Rating: 4/5 Lattes







All My Best,


Kayla

Review: Almost Perfect by Jenna Jaxon

Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Pub Date: December 7, 2011
Contemporary Erotic Romance- Short

Blurb:

Pamela Kimball’s birthday present, a 1Night Stand adventure, promises jump-start her life, put a new man in her bed, and help her forget her past.  Unfortunately, movie-buff Pam’s Pirates of the Caribbean fantasy takes an alarming wrong turn when she’s abandoned on a not quite deserted island—with ex-husband Roger Ware.

Forced by hunger to accept Roger’s offer of dinner,  Pam realizes the geek she married has transformed into one of the most charming, sexiest men she’s ever met. His newfound confidence—and hot body—re-kindles old fires.  A simple kiss leads Roger to challenges her to discover how much his lovemaking skills have improved, leaving Pam torn between self-preservation and burning desire.

With time running out before they’re rescued, Pam must decide if her heart can survive the consequences of becoming Roger’s “almost” perfect 1Night Stand.

I'm a fan of rekindled love stories such as this. At the start of the story, Pam is so excited to be on her way to her birthday present, a one night stand fantasy, what she wasn't expecting was to find out that the matchmaking service used to determine her one night stand has chosen none other than her ex-husband Roger who she hates.

A troubled marriage that ended in divorce makes for a heated encounter between the two of them when they finally, after two years, see each other again, but alone on a deserted island, the once-couple is forced to take shelter together and in turn discover that the past doesn't necessarily equal the future as long as both parties are willing to work on their problems. One such problem was their sex life, which is definitely renewed in this story. A very hot and steamy short that will leave you breathless and hopeful that the once-couple can renew their marriage again and this time succeed. 

You can't forget about the little "show" the 1Night Stand service provides for the two of them to help make Pam's fantasy a little more reality, it was a cute and sweet and hot and I enjoyed the story very much.

At times, the story read a bit stilted to me, but I was able to easily overlook that and at some points throughout the story the playful banter between the couple came across as a little immature, but for the most part, Pam and Roger were great together and I really enjoyed them as a couple and am glad they were able to find each other again and start their relationship over. 

I expect some great things from Jenna Jaxon in the future and can't wait to read more of what she has to offer.

My Review: 4/5 "Steamy" Lattes

All My Best,

Kayla

Review: A Waltz at Midnight by Crista McHugh

Publisher: Carina Press

Available: February 27, 2012

What can I say about this Short Historical Romance other than I absolutely loved it. Seriously. The story, even in it's shortness, did not feel rushed or incomplete at all to me. Rather, it was a very satisfying and emotional read.   

                                                                                                                                      

Here's the blurb:     

                                                                                                

New York, 1866 

When her mistress receives an utterly unromantic letter from a potential suitor, servant Susanna Parkwell is asked to craft an appropriate response. Though hesitant to take part in the deception, Susanna agrees, never dreaming the scorned suitor will write back.

Theodore Blakely abhors being pressured by his family to marry, but he's intrigued by the witty refusal he receives from "Charlotte". After exchanging more letters, Ted believes he's found a soul mate in his thoughtful and understanding correspondent, and asks permission to formally court her.

Though racked with guilt over her lies, Susanna can't resist the opportunity to meet Ted in person. So she poses as Charlotte at a holiday ball, where she vows to tell him the truth. But when the clock strikes midnight, will Susanna have the courage to reveal her identity and risk losing the man she loves?

The witty and thoughtful letters exchanged between both Theodore and Susanna, to me, are a large reason as to why this story was so satisfying. Susanna is such a strong and independent heroine who does what she must to survive in post-civil war life, even if it means getting her once delicate and soft, Southern Belle hands, dirty to help pay for her brother's bar exam. There is nothing I like more about a heroine than when she is strong-willed and independent without being overbearing and Susanna is the perfect example of this.

Even in this short space of time, the author really ensures that the reader connects with her characters and Theodore, well despite his reluctance in writing his original letter, soon discovers that love can sometimes be found in an unlikely place. 

This heart-felt short story is definitely a must read and I have no problem recommending it to anyone who loves historical romances and is short on time, it only took me about an hour and a half to devour this story. I'm am so glad I was given the opportunity to review this galley thanks to Carina Press and NetGalley.com

My review:

Without a doubt 5/5 lattes

All My Best,

Kayla

Review: Heart of Deception by Jenna Jaxon

Heart of Deception by Jenna Jaxon

Historical Romance-Short Story
June 3, 2011
Books To Go Now

Reviewed by Kayla

Favorite Quote: "Scandal, my love. But it would make sure that we could marry."

Blurb:  Celinda Graham—young, naïve, passionate—is head-over-heels in love with Andrew Finley, Viscount Hurston and insists on marrying him. Unfortunately, Andrew’s family has been feuding with Celinda’s for generations.  When her father refuses to allow the marriage, Andrew proposes a scandalous way to get his approval.  But Andrew has a secret that may spell disaster to his plans if Celinda finds out he is not what he seems.

Jenna Jaxon's Heart of Deception is a short Historical Romance coming in at only five pages on my Kindle. The story is sweet and a little sexy and, despite how short it is, packs an emotional punch. In fact, my only real complaint about the story is that I wish the author would write a full length story involving these characters because in such a short space of time she truly created memorable characters that I would have loved to explore more. 

Jenna has a talent for bringing you into the story, making you feel as though you are there experiencing everything with the characters and in five short pages she managed to really, truly make me see and feel that the story took place in 1860 London. 

With each page you truly get a sense for what Celinda and Andrew feel for each other, and Andrews secret, well it's both cute and clever and I won't give it away. You'll just have to read the short story for yourself. 

If you're looking for a quick read that won't take you more than ten minutes to read and leaves you with a happy, satisfied feeling at the end of the story, then Heart of Deception is the story for you.

Over all rating: 4/5 Lattes

Recent Reviews:

Goodreads- 4.29 stars

Atlantic City Book Examiner- 5 stars

Amazon Reviews- 4.4 stars

Author’s Website 

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