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Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) has
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New-To-Me Authors
2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
1) Stacy Gail
2) Heather Massey
3) Sidney Bristol
4) Ann Mayburn
5) Thea Harrison
6) Virna DePaul
7) Mary Quast
8) Molly Harper
9) Eleri Stone
10) PJ Schnyder
11) Kait Ballenger
12) Denise L. Wyant
13) Lucy Monroe
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Showing posts with label New-to-Me Author 2012. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New-to-Me Author 2012. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Review: Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones
Third Grave Dead Ahead
Author: Darynda Jones
Release Date: Jan. 31, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Charley Davidson #3
ISBN: #978-0312360825
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Hardcover (320 pgs), Paperback, e-book
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
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Paranormal private eye. Grim reaper extraordinaire. Whatever. Charley Davidson is back! And she's drinking copious amounts of caffeine to stay awake because every time she closes her eyes she sees him: Reyes Farrow, the part-human, part-supermodel son of Satan.
Granted she did imprison Reyes for all eternity, but how is she supposed to solve a missing-persons case, deal with an ego-driven doctor, calm her curmudgeonly dad, and take on a motorcycle gang hell-bent on murder when the devil's son just won't give up on his plan of seduction..... and revenge?
What I’m talking about:
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The third outing in the wonderful Charley Davidson series kicks off about two weeks after the conclusion of Second Grave on the Left. Things ended pretty crazily the last time around when Charley bound Reyes to his mortal body to prevent him from killing himself. In addition, Charley reconnected with her estranged sister while bonding over the fact that her father basically set Charley up to be killed by a murderous stalker (honestly, it wasn’t as bad as it seems!). This time around, Charley is being haunted by Reyes every time she falls asleep. Reyes visits her, seduces her, but doesn’t want to be there. It’s making Charley miserable.
Things go from bad to worse as Charley’s dad continues to act weird - asking her... no demanding that she quit her work as a private eye solving crimes. In addition, Reyes is being, well... pardon my French - a total ass. Plus, Charley has taken on a missing persons case, with the likely culprit the husband that hired her; Reyes demands that she find his supposedly dead father; she’s got trouble with some gang members; and well... seriously, could more happen to her?!
The first thing I noticed while reading Third Grave Dead Ahead is that Charley is evolving. She’s gotten over her fears of being hurt by those she loves when she reveals the truth that she is more than a “ghost whisperer,” but the Grim Reaper herself. Right from the get go, Charley confides in her sister, the same one she only started talking to about 2 weeks ago. She also begins to expand her trust in Garrett, the hunky freelance skiptracer. In addition, she opens up to some of the biker gang members who own the creepy asylum where Charley talks to Rocket and learns if missing persons are dead or alive.
We finally get to meet the mysterious “Madame Marigold” who has been emailing around looking for “the Grim Reaper.” She is a delightful character and provides clues as to where things are headed with Charley, Reyes and an apparently looming battle between Heaven and Hell. She is a true prophet and I enjoy how her character interacts with her surroundings and Charley.
Reyes, on the other hand, is a huge disappointment for me this go around. Sure he’s upset with Charley, but his actions in this book are beyond awful. His constant anger weighs down the story. In addition, he is continually telling Charley that she has to learn “what she is capable of,” and the repetition of this vague message got on my nerves. I am not going to give away spoilers here, but Reyes broke my heart more than once. I could go on and on, but you’ll just have to read the book yourself (and then come back so we can chat)!
I also noticed a few continuity errors in the story, which were mildly distracting. There were only a handful, but it was enough for me to take note. Additionally, there were other repetitious thoughts and/or phrases that after a while, annoyed me - like the constant reminder that “Reyes is the Son of Satan.” I know... move on.
Another thing I feel I need to mention is that Third Grave Dead Ahead contains some pretty horrific and violent torture scenes. Charley is tough, but this went above and beyond the normal “action scene” of the first couple of books.
Overall, Third Grave Dead Ahead was a gripping tale; however, I didn't like it as much as the first two books. There was just too much pain and suffering for Charley without much of an upbeat ending. I was riding this series based on a couple of set perimeters ... and neither of these things held true in this book. It really brought me down.
With that said, it is a good tale, although there was too much going on during parts of the book. I liked the missing wife mystery and trying to solve the crime. Finding Reyes’ dad was also a good story--one needed in order to progress Reyes’ story forward. In addition, I liked the plot involving the biker gang, especially because good things came from it; however, I’m a little leery of where it is headed.
In the end, even with the "negatives" I had with Third Grave Dead Ahead, it was still a captivating book and I look forward to seeing what will happen to Charley. There are a lot of loose ends this time around, and I need some closure!
My Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Reviews in the Series
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Friday, January 18, 2013
Reviews: Lightning & Thunder (two books) by Taryn Kincaid
Lightning
Thunder
Author: Taryn Kincaid
Release Dates: October 2012
Publisher: Decadent
Sleepy Hollow #1 & #2
1 Night Stand series
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the books:
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LIGHTNING... In mystic Sleepy Hollow, succubus Lily Night put her prom date, Campbell Jones, into a coma after a night of wild, unbridled sex. She has steered clear of mortals ever since, afraid of damaging them or worse, not to mention the inconvenience of knocking out the power every time they have sex.
Successful architect Campbell Jones has lived with strange powers and a sexy secret since that prom night. He’s buried himself in work to forget the woman who’d dumped him at the ER then vanished from his life without a trace.
Neither Lily nor Campbell have forgotten that night or the love they’d shared. Will a 1Night Stand help them bury their past?
THUNDER... Lonely young witch, Veronica Hardwicke, has struggled to get on with her life after the death of the elderly husband who’d left her a fortune and a sprawling estate in mystical Sleepy Hollow. When frightening things go bump in the night on a stormy Fourth of July, who better to call than the sexy developer and contractor, Sean Jones, who's been renovating her mansion for months?
Sean may grace the tabloid pages with a different supermodel on his arm every night, but it's Veronica who drives him nuts. Ignoring his instinct to stay away, he answers her summons.
Will the thundering passion of their 1Night Stand tear down the barriers between them?
What I’m talking about:
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Both Lightning and Thunder are novella-length books in Decadent Publishing’s 1 Night Stand series. For those unfamiliar, the 1NS series is a set of loosely-tied, yet completely stand alone stories, written by several different authors, all based on a dating service run by the mysterious Madame Eve. Although we never meet her, Madame Eve’s name appears in every story, and she has a exemplary track record for making perfect matches for anyone and everyone - no matter how simple or complex.
In Lightning, our heroine Lily Night is a celibate succubus, refusing to have sex with a mortal man for 10 years since she sent her first and only love to the emergency room and into a 6-week coma. Campbell Jones hasn't forgotten Lily or that night which changed his life forever. Now the pair are reunited thanks to Madame Eve, where they may find a second chance at love.
I adored that this couple had a prior history and both still deeply cared for (and lusted after) the other. This history allowed me to feel a deeper connection with the couple right from the start, and the “I love you” didn't seem out of place after coming so quickly. Lily and Camp had great chemistry, although I’m not sure why Camp was instructed by 1NS to blindfold Lily for so long. That piece didn’t add to the story and was a little odd. Their uncertainty giving over to lust created a wonderful atmosphere for their reunion. Overall, Lightning is an enjoyable romantic and lusty novella.
In Thunder, Ms. Kincaid’s second story from Sleepy Hollow, Camp's younger, playboy brother Sean fantasizes about the widow Veronica Hardwicke to the point that he is having performance issues with the models he normally dates. But since he is the construction foreman for the revisions of Veronica’s multi-million dollar mansion, he would never get involved with the boss, no matter how hot she is. Meanwhile, lonely Veronica dreams of Sean day and night. Having been celibate for the past 5 plus years, Veronica finally decides to give Madame Eve a try, signing up for the 1NS service after the referral from Camp. Of course, Madame Eve always knows the perfect match...
Once again, Ms. Kincaid is extremely adept at creating just the right amount of backstory, creating a pre-existing history between the individuals, which makes this shorter length story more satisfying. While allowing for an emotional connection, this story is also full of heat, sex and fun. Although Thunder was slightly more erotic than Lightning, I felt some of the dialogue between Sean and Veronica was a little cheesy, which was mildly distracting. However, the story was another fun romp and a pleasurable read.
Both stories are primarily contemporary with a slight paranormal edge. Each can be read independently, but since the Jones brothers are featured in both, it makes it a little more fun to read them together. Lightning and Thunder are both entertaining reads and fun quickies!
My Rating:
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Lightning:
Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Thunder:
Liked it - recommend (B+)
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Review: The Trouble with Fate by Leigh Evans
The Trouble with Fate
Author: Leigh Evans
Release Date: Dec. 24, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Mystwalker #1
ISBN: #978-1250006400
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (368 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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I HAVE TWO WORDS FOR WEREWOLVES:
My name is Hedi Peacock and I have a secret. I’m not human, and I have the pointy Fae ears and Were inner-bitch to prove it. As fairy tales go, my childhood was damn near perfect, all fur and magic until a werewolf killed my father and the Fae executed my mother. I’ve never forgiven either side. Especially Robson Trowbridge. He was a part-time werewolf, a full-time bastard, and the first and only boy I ever loved. That is, until he became the prime suspect in my father’s death…
BITE ME.
Today I’m a half-breed barista working at a fancy coffee house, living with my loopy Aunt Lou and a temperamental amulet named Merry, and wondering where in the world I’m going in life. A pretty normal existence, considering. But when a pack of Weres decides to kidnap my aunt and force me to steal another amulet, the only one who can help me is the last person I ever thought I’d turn to: Robson Trowbridge. And he’s as annoyingly beautiful as I remember. That’s the trouble with fate: Sometimes it barks. Other times it bites. And the rest of the time it just breaks your heart. Again…
What I’m talking about:
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Hedi Peacock (formerly Helen Stronghold) has been mostly alone and “on the run” (while hiding in plain sight) for all of her adult life. After witnessing the brutal deaths of both parents, Hedi was taken in my her Fae-born Aunt Lou. They lived by scraping by and thieving when necessary (or even when it wasn’t), worried that Hedi’s former were-pack would kill her if they found out she was still alive.
Lately things have gotten a lot worse for Hedi because she is being pulled into her aunt’s nightmarish dreams, sometimes even when Hedi is awake. And after her aunt is kidnapped, things hit rock bottom. With no one else to turn to, she must trust Robson Trowbridge, the boy from her childhood that broke her heart.
The Trouble with Fate is the exciting first book in Leigh Evan’s new urban fantasy series. The story is told from first person point of view by Hedi, half Fae and half werewolf. I really like Hedi. She is FAR from perfect: she steals, has a temper and is pretty grumpy on her best day. She leaves a trail of destruction in her wake and doesn’t apologize for doing what she needs in order to survive. She isn’t nobel - she didn’t confront those that killed her parents, and when trouble arises, she looks for the easy way out, but she is loyal. And like a true UF heroine, she shines when she needs to and steps up when it counts.
The book is filled with substantial world building in the early chapters. The details are fairly extensive and intricate, but it works because of the way it is present to the reader from the first person POV of Hedi. Since Hedi is half-fae and half-wolf, the reader is brought up to speed on both sects. We are also introduced to Hedi’s magical medallion, Merry, which is a sentient being: a spirit trapped within the gold. Although Merry cannot talk, she has ways to communicate her feelings with Hedi.
Robson Trowbridge is the son of the former werewolf pack leader. Hedi has felt “more than a crush” for him, sensing there was a special connection, since she was young. So when he off and married someone else when she was a youth, it broke her prepubescent heart. We find out early on that Robson left his pack shortly after Hedi’s parents were killed because his family, to include his wife, was also killed that same night. Due to Robson’s remorse over losing his wife, it was hard for me to root for Robson and Hedi’s union at first.
However, as the pair spends time together, we inevitably find out the duo’s history, to include Robson’s relationship with his deceased wife, isn’t as black and white as we were first lead to believe. The couple have chemistry, which is at times simultaneously sexy and hilarious. I was laughing out loud when the pair consummate their relationship. The passion is high, but for the first time I think I’ve ever read, our virgin heroine doesn't feel that "exquisite pleasure pain," she hurts and wants to stop intercourse! It "ruined" the romantic and sexy feel of the moment, but it was great!
Although the couple experience passion and attraction, there is a lot of doubt in Hedi’s heart which surfaces during some of the more intimate moments. She does not like her wolf half, but doesn’t realize that she will never be whole until she accepts that the were is part of HER and not a separate entity residing inside of her. Trowbridge wants all of her... Which includes her were half. Hedi’s self-discovery is a moving journey.
As delightful and engrossing as the first half plus of The Trouble with Fate was, there were parts that I didn’t enjoy so much. The first comes right at the midpoint of the book, when Hedi astrally projects to the land of Fae dreams, Threall. The whole trip was confusing, and the reader is burdened with even more mythology and background which doesn’t appear relevant to the story at all. I felt it went on way too long without much of an explanation of why Hedi even benefited from going there. All it did was raise questions that don’t get answered, which seemingly have nothing to do with this story.
The other part of the book that I was not overly fond of was near the climax of the book, and then at the very end. As Robson and Hedi begin to unravel the truths behind the current kidnapping and what happened all those years ago, the pair are captured and tortured. A lot. Things become overly bleak; I felt no hope at all. And it just seemed to get worse and worse, almost repetitive. There was a fabulous battle scene and some great action, but then things got dark again. I was not happy with how the book ended.
Overall, I enjoyed The Trouble with Fate, but it was a bumpy ride. The first half of the book was full of great information, and I enjoyed getting to know Hedi, Robson and their histories. However, at the midpoint, I found Hedi’s trip to Threall confusing and distracting. After the focus shifted back to the primary story and we got to watch the couple grow, I was hooked again. However, once the pair was captured, I found it to be extremely long-winded, and a tad too gruesome. I was left with little to no hope, and the story kind of ended on that note.
I certainly want to read the next book because I did enjoy large chunks of The Trouble with Fate. I hope that the second story will address some of the loose ends that left me frustrated with this book.
My Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
The Trouble with Fate
Friday, January 11, 2013
Review: My Lord Immortality by Alexandra Ivy
My Lord Immortality
Author: Alexandra Ivy
Release Date: Dec. 24, 2012 (reissue)
Publisher: Zebra
Immortal Rogues #3
ISBN: #978-1420128215
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (224 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Amelia Hadwell has no time for London's nightlife. Not when her beloved brother’s odd ways have their family threatening to institutionalize him. And not when she is questioning her own sanity after being confronted by a murderous shadow creature—then being saved by a captivating stranger, a man who belongs to a world she cannot imagine.
Reserved and scholarly, Sebastian St.Ives has been content without human desires—until they are reawakened by the delicate, brave Amelia, whom he is meant to protect. For the young woman has no idea she possesses the key to a ravenous vampire’s dark victory. Now Sebastian must shield her from both a killer and his own growing attraction—or bond with her completely, and forever...
What I’m talking about:
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Our story begins with a Prologue outlining the history of vampires in the world - and that the greatest vampire, Nefri, created a veil to hide their race from humans. This put an end to bloodlust and created a docile, intellectual vampire race. However, there are some that do not agree with Nefri’s rule and have entered the human world to recover the Medallion which gives Nefri her power. The primary antagonist, Drake, is one such vampire, and he hunts down Amelia, keeper of one-third of the Medallion.
My Lord Immortality is set in roughly Regency England, and has a definite historical feel. Amelia and her mentally/emotionally handicapped brother, William, live mostly on their own after their parents decided they’d rather not have anything to do with William. Unfortunately, women are being brutally murdered near their home, and William appears to be at the center of the investigation due to his childlike ways and misunderstood manner. This is where our hero, Sebastian St.Ives, comes in as Amelia’s protector. He was sent from the veil by Nefri to protect Amelia and her piece of the Medallion.
Before getting further in my review, I feel it necessary to note that it wasn’t until after I started reading My Lord Immortality, that I discovered 1) the book is a reissue, 2) it is the third story in a trilogy and 3) this trilogy is the precursor to a much larger, fuller series by Ms. Ivy. Knowing this, and having read this story, I would not recommend anyone pick up this book on its own merits. Although I had no trouble following along, and the plot could be read as a stand alone, I never felt any real attachment to the characters or the overall story. I feel that I would have probably enjoyed this more if I’d started the series with the first book.
The mythology created by Ms. Ivy is interesting. I like the idea that vampires have denied themselves pleasure for so long - it creates almost virginal hero-types. Sebastian is a gentleman, but also has cravings and needs once he meets Amelia. He is conflicted over his duties and his desires. This makes for good romance character-building.
However, I felt that Amelia was portrayed overly naive and as a stereotypically faint-hearted female. Although I admire that she bucked society to care for William, she seemed to undo her own courageousness over and over. Here is a perfect example, directly from Amelia’s point-of-view, "But despite the frantic urge to help, she was bound by a paralyzing fear." And even as Sebastian and Amelia confess their feelings for each other, Amelia comes across too childlike.
In addition, the portrayal of William was too simplistic. He is eighteen, and although clearly mentally and/or emotionally handicapped, he is able to only speak in single and two word phrases. This alone seemed over-the-top. However, he also cannot follow directions,which of course leads to many problems.
Overall, I was not overly impressed with My Lord Immortality. It's not the author's ability to tell a compelling story, but rather that this story felt dated and simplistic. As the third book in a prequel trilogy, I feel it should not be read as an individual title.
Also, there are holes in the story. First, William was framed for murder, and the book never addresses how or even if his name is cleared. I felt this was a huge problem, and due to this, I dropped my rating from 3 to 2.5 stars. Second, I felt that the story neglected to adequately demonstrate the romance between Amelia and Sebastian. Although they profess their love to each other, I feel that the reader is more told than shown the pair falling in love. Finally, unless I missed it, we are never told how Amelia will live forever… the fact that she is human and he is a vampire isn't addressed to a satisfying manner.
With that all said, My Lord Immortality is easy to read, and the premise and mythology behind the tale is strong. As I stated earlier, I think I would have enjoyed this more if I'd started with the first book.
My Rating:
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Finished it - take it or leave it (C)
Monday, December 31, 2012
Quickie Review: A Perfect World by Kris Cook
A Perfect World
Author: Kris Cook
Release Date: March 24, 2011
Publisher: Forbidden Passion Press
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance, Erotic, Novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
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In a world where death has been virtually conquered and beauty is the norm - a husband goes to extreme measures to ensure his wife is approved to have their baby.
Will Greg be able to agree to William's wicked request so that Seana can become a mother?
What I’m talking about:
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In the future, people live in a world full of medical wonders, where humans can live without disease for as long as they want. Because of this, there are rules, such as zero population growth... which means there must be a death for a child to be born. Also, a female cannot have a child after she reaches 38 years of age.
Greg and Seana go to rich relative William to ask if he'll willingly die so Seana can get pregnant. William agrees, but the kicker is that he wants to impregnate Seana himself (the old fashion way) before he dies.
A Perfect World is a very short story, not even novella length, which leads little time to develop characters or provide any solid backstory. However, Mr. Cook still finds enough space to create an interesting concept for a future world. The sci-fi features are presented with enough detail to fabricate a thorough picture for the reader.
Overall the story is enjoyable, but rough around the edges. Due to the shorter length, the insinuated bonds and "I love you’s" felt unnecessary and contrived. But with that said, I still had a little tear in my eye at the pinnacle of the story.
A Perfect World is a fun, erotic sci-fi short. Due to the length, there isn’t much story or plot, but the premise is solid and enjoyable.
My Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Review: Skies of Steel by Zoe Archer
Skies of SteelAuthor: Zoe Archer
Release Date: Nov. 6, 2012
Publisher: Avon Impulse
The Ether Chronicles #3
ISBN: #978-0062218155
Genre: Steampunk Romance
Format(s): Paperback (336 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ Edelweiss
About the book: |
The prim professor
Daphne Carlisle may be a scholar, but she’s far more comfortable out in the field than lost in a stack of books. Still, when her parents are kidnapped by a notorious warlord, she knows she’ll need more than quick thinking if she is to reach them in time. Daphne’s only hope for getting across enemy territory is an airship powered and navigated by Mikhail Denisov, a rogue Man O’ War who is as seductive as he is untrustworthy.
The jaded mercenary
Mikhail will do anything for the right price, and he’s certain he has this mission—and Daphne—figured out: a simple job and a beautiful but sheltered Englishwoman. But as they traverse the skies above the Mediterranean and Arabia, Mikhail learns the fight ahead is anything but simple, and his lovely passenger is not entirely what she seems. The only thing Mikhail is certain of is their shared desire—both unexpected and dangerous.
What I’m talking about: |
Professor of Anthropology Daphne Carlisle finds herself in a desperate situation when her parents are kidnapped by a warlord on the Arabian Peninsula. The British government refuses to get involved, which leaves Daphne to seek out the help of rogue Man O’ War Airship Captain Mikhail Mikhailovish Denisov. Once a decorated Captain in the Russian navy, Mikhail is now a mercenary for hire. Daphne convinces a wary Mikhail to take her to her parents with ransom in tow.
Once underway, Daphne and Mikhail discover that each has secrets to hide, yet their attraction to one another is strong. Both fascinated with the other, but unwilling to share personal stories. They play a fragile game, revealing only the barest amount of information and only when forced into a situation which calls for the truth.
I adored the opening chapter of Skies of Steel. The whole exchange between Daphne and the Captain as she barters for passage to the Arabian Peninsula set the stage for their exciting journey! The entire scene was well written and successful at pulling me into the book! The descriptions of Mikhail ... are sublime.
Hard angles comprised his face: a boldly square jaw, high cheekbones, a decidedly Slavic nose. The slightly almond shape of this eyes revealed distant Tartar blood, while his curved, full mouth was all voluptuary, framed by a trimmed, dark goatee. ... He’d shaved most of his head to dark stubble, but down the center of his head he’d let his hair grow longer, and it stood up in a dramatic crest, the tip colored crimson.
Right from the start the reader understands that Mikhail isn’t the bad guy his reputation would leave one to believe; however, he clearly has a history he’s unwilling to share. He’s ashamed of his past, which includes a serious betrayal by a man he considered a brother. In spite of his history, he can’t help but place some trust in Daphne - a woman unlike any he’s met before. So when the reader is made aware of the fact that Daphne is lying to Mikhail, I had serious concerns that this book would end up falling into a familiar theme of “growing close, discovering betrayal, contrived separation until the end of the book, when the hero and heroine make up.” However, unlike the majority of books, Skies of Steel handles the betrayal different than the norm. I like that Daphne’s betrayal was discovered early on, and that we didn't get near to the end when all of the truths come out. This gave the pair a lot of time to rebuild trust and a true relationship. And although the betrayal was multifaceted (and I was groaning for a few pages), Ms. Archer spins a fabulous path for our couple, and I was completely satisfied (although my heart broke for the couple a few times).
Daphne is a heroine I can get behind. Not only is she academically intelligent, she is “street” smart, strong and capable. She is loyal, but not afraid to go out on a limb. And she is extremely witty and sarcastic! It pains her to keep the truth from Mikhail, but she’s only doing what she believes necessary to save her family.
Overall I really enjoyed this story. It was exciting, action-filled and very entertaining. I love Mikhail… his description is awe-inspiringly hunky! I adore that he is flawed and he doesn't make apologies. He went down the wrong path - he isn't a "good guy." But he does have a heart, and he tries to make good choices.
I love Daphne's tenacity! She is a strong character and woman; one without apologies. She is driven and I love that she never apologizes for lying to Mikhail for doing what she believed she had to.
The story line was intense, having a bit of an "Indiana Jones" feel. The adventure was exciting. The final battle was a bit chaotic, and I would have liked a bit more with the warlord and his advisor. I would LOVE to read more about Mikhail and Daphne - they make a great pair, and I foresee wonderful adventures ahead. But I will be satisfied to read another one of Ms. Archer's wonderful tales.
My Rating: |
Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
Friday, December 14, 2012
Review: At the Dungeon Master’s Hand by Jennifer Cole
At the Dungeon Master’s Hand
Author: Jennifer Cole
Release Date: Aug. 4, 2008
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Le Club d'Esclavage #1
Genre: Erotic Romance, BDSM, Novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Fantasies begin at the threshold of Le Club d'Esclavage
Natalie Buchanan has been working non-stop for six weeks. Determined to enjoy a rare weekend off, she winds up at the mysterious Le Club d'Esclavage.
Natalie had read about the bondage club, and although she'd been mildly curious about submissive pleasures, she never imagined she'd set foot inside. And now that she has, the erotic atmosphere of domination and submission sends her scrambling for the exit.
Before she can escape, she's approached by a leather-hooded, bare-chested man who whispers a deep, sultry, "You are mine..."
What I’m talking about:
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After working too hard for too long, Natalie’s two best friends promise her a night on the town. Much to Natalie’s surprise, they end up at Le Club d'Esclavage, the local BDSM club everyone is talking about. Shortly after arriving, both of Natalie’s friends abandon her for their own fun, and before she has a chance to escape, Natalie’s coworker, Max, shows up. Natalie has longed for Max for a while, but never made a move because he always seemed uninterested. However, before she has the chance to possibly initiate something, Max excuses himself and instead of his return, a mysterious hooded man approaches Natalie and will not let her leave.
The premise behind At the Dungeon Master’s Hand, although not entirely original, is solid and exciting. We may not know a lot about Natalie, but we learn quickly that she has certain unfulfilled fantasies, especially ones involving hunky coworker, Max. And since the novella shifts between character POVs, we find out that Max feels much the same way.
The story had many sensual and erotic scenes. The sex acts are pretty explicit, including some bondage and toy play. The initial chemistry between Natalie and Max played well in the story. Although the story is written to make Natalie wonder who her masked lover is, based on the shifting POVs, it’s very obvious the author intends the mystery man to be Max.
Although there are some entertaining parts in the story, I found too many little issues that detracted from my overall enjoyment of the novella. For example, when Max first approaches Natalie, her inner dialogue told us that she knew who Max was just from his voice, and she was overwhelmed by his “the scent of his fresh, clean cologne.” However, later when he comes to her has the hooded man, she no longer recognizes his voice and smell. Another example is that the bar is full of near naked, sweating, sexually aroused bodies, with the alcohol is flowing freely, yet Max notes that he can smell the fragrance of Natalie’s "subtle" perfume across the bar. It’s little details like this that when occur too often, can detract from a good story.
Additionally, as I read the novella, I couldn’t help but wonder a few things, which caused distraction from the storyline. First, why doesn't Natalie wonder what happened to Max? She had the hots for him, and then she just abandoned him to go have sex with the mystery man. Another was that the hooded man NEVER asked for consent and never offered Natalie a way to stop if she was uncomfortable. And what about the unprotected sex with a stranger? Unfortunately, there were even more small issues like this throughout the story, which continually distracted me from any emotional connection that the author may have attempted to build between the two main characters.
Overall, At the Dungeon Master’s Hand was a decent story. If you want erotic, hot sex... you've got it! But I felt the emotional reality and depth of the coupling was lacking. There were too many distractions and flaws, keeping me from truly connecting with the story. I wanted more from the couple, and this story just didn’t have it.
My Rating:
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Finished it - take it or leave it (C)
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Quickie Review: Friends with Benefits by Jennifer Labelle
Friends With Benefits
Author: Jennifer Labelle
Release Date: Oct. 3, 2012
Publisher: Decadent Pub.
Decadent’s Edge Series
Genre: M/M, GLBT, novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Collin Harrison is loving life as a bachelor, but can’t convince his meddling mother to back off. She’s constantly in his business and keeps trying to set him up on blind dates, when all he wants is friendship and a good time. To make matters worse he’s been confused ever since his new neighbor entered his life. An instant rapport between the two men sparks a desire neither are sure about pursuing. Until one night after a hockey game his mother pushes him too far and he decides it’s time to enact, landing him in the arms of another man for the first time.
Devin Hardy is no stranger to fulfilling his most intimate desires. He’s got open minded friends, a great libido, and fond feelings for a neighbor he’s not sure is interested. Until one night they both take the leap, turning their friendship status into one with scorching hot benefits.
What I’m talking about:
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Friends With Benefits is one of Decadent's Edge series stories, and as far as I can tell, unrelated to another story. The Edge series are short stories (less than novella length), which focus on a small segment of a budding romance. The vignettes always center on a sexual encounter, but typically leave the reader with the feeling something more is going to occur after the end of the story.
Friends with Benefits is one such story, told from the point-of-view of Collin, an almost 30 year old man who secretly lusts for his male neighbor. Collin has never been with a man but cannot stop thinking about Devin, so much that it’s impacted his social life. After finally getting up the courage to say something, Collin lets known his feelings. Thankfully, Devin is willing and more than experienced and prepared for them both.
This vignette is sexy and erotic, without any hint of a romance. Friends with Benefits is all about making a sexual fantasy come true, and ending up with a friend with benefits. The dialogue isn't flowery or romantic, which fits the situation. The guys are just that - guys, and they are excited to experience shared carnal pleasure. It's sex and move on, with the opening for more fun down the road.
If you are looking for a romance, the story is not for you. However, if you’d like to read a hot little short, this is straight up smokin’ smex for fun!
My Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
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