Tag Archives: Erotica

Show Me, Baby: A Masters of the Shadowlands Novella by Cherise Sinclair

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Show Me, Baby: A Masters of the Shadowlands Novella
Author: Cherise Sinclair
Series: Masters of the Shadowlands #9
In: 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Two (Lexi Blake, Larissa Ione, Lisa Renee Jones & Cherise Sinclair)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: BDSM, Contemporary romance, Erotica
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2015

Thoughts

I’m not normally a huge fan of BDSM stories, although, I’m trying to read more and more of them to get myself out of my comfort zone. And honestly, this was the perfect introduction into the genre. It wasn’t too intense, but still had elements of BDSM. Plus, the character connections and development were brilliant. Honestly, I loved the sexuality of the story, but I loved the characters and them finding their happily ever after even more.

Rainie’s life is incredibly tragic and the more you get to know about her, the sadder it becomes. However, throughout all of her tragedy, she grows to become a wonderful human being. One who is strong and independent, but inherently capable of a lot of love and kindness. The fact that she’s also incredibly adept at organisation and her job just drove home the wonderful nature of Rainie and how much I wanted her to have a happily ever after.

Doms might not quite be the thing that get my motor running, but Jack is… actually sexy for a Dom and definitely had me intrigued from the very beginning. He is kind and caring, and completely sweet. Although, still with that full on Dom personality that is… overwhelming, even when it’s just words on a page leaping into my brain.

I enjoyed this novella way more than I expected, and now I can’t wait to read more of Sinclair’s writing. And honestly, just exploring more of this genre of writing.

<-Need You Now1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Three ->

Image source: Amazon

1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Two by Lexi Blake, Larissa Ione, Lisa Renee Jones & Cherise Sinclair

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview

Title: 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Two
Author: Lexi Blake, Larissa Ione, Lisa Renee Jones & Cherise Sinclair
In: 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Two (Lexi Blake, Larissa Ione, Lisa Renee Jones & Cherise Sinclair)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Erotica, Paranormal romance, Short story collections
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology, eBook
Year: 2015

Thoughts

I enjoyed this anthology more than I enjoyed 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle One, but it still wasn’t a collection in which I loved every single novella. Rather, I found that I adored two and was a bit meh about two. Still enough to make me want to continue reading through these anthologies – there are some wonderful gems and new authors to discover with just a turn of the page.

The stories within this collection are fairly intensely sexual at times. Which, depending on my mood and the style in which they are written, can be thoroughly enjoyable, or a little bit too intense. I always love to put myself in uncomfortable mindsets when reading. It’s how I learn and grow. Some of these might even be the kind of uncomfortable I enjoy on a second reading.

Although some of these stories were a little intense, I also loved that all four of them have a common thread. All four of these novellas featured some kind of Dom/Sub relationship, but they were also filled with love and respect, something I really enjoyed. I can’t wait to continue with these anthologies and keep pushing my comfort levels.

<- Silent BiteDungeon Games ->

Image source: Amazon

Sorcery by Cathy Clamp

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of hot romance book cover

Title: Sorcery
Author: Cathy Clamp
In: The Mammoth Book of Hot Romance (Sonia Florens)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Erotica, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2011

Thoughts

This wasn’t my favourite short story – I mean, it played with some pretty big taboos from the very beginning. But then, somehow I also kind of loved it. There was just something about it that I found really fun and enjoyable, even while I was kind of cringing – for so many reasons. I may not read this again, but I don’t regret reading it in the first place.

I did love that this is a short story about taking what you want and not toeing the line for others. Particularly as a woman, this can be an incredibly hard power to harness. And it was achieved beautifully in this – plus, there was the fact that this was all about sex and using that for power. Power over oneself and others.

I honestly don’t know why I enjoyed this short story as much as I did – when in theory it’s everything I don’t tend to like in a story. It’s enough that I want more Cathy Clamp on my bookshelves – just because if I enjoyed something that I would normally nope right out of, then they’re an author worth having on my shelves.

<- Desperate ChoicesBlind Date ->

Image source: London Borough of Bexley

Over the Moon by Angela Knight, MaryJanice Davidson, Virginia Kantra & Sunny

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Overview

Title: Over the Moon
Author: Angela Knight, MaryJanice Davidson, Virginia Kantra & Sunny
In: Over the Moon (Angela Knight, MaryJanice Davidson, Virginia Kantra & Sunny)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Erotica, Paranormal romance, Short story collections
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology, eBook
Year: 2007

Thoughts

Everything about this anthology made me happy. Although one novella wasn’t in a series that I’ve read before, they’re all by authors on my shelves that I genuinely enjoy. All four tales were steamy and yummy. They had great aspects of the paranormal in them. And, most importantly, each and every one of these tales can easily be read alone, even if you have no idea about the rest of the series.

Reading this was like a great walk through a familiar neighbourhood. Knight, Davidson, and Sunny’s series represented in this anthology are in my shelves, ready to go. In fact, reading these novellas bumped those books up my TBR. And even Kantra’s tale has another novella sitting on my shelves ready to go. And it acted as a reminder to finish another series by her that I’ve begun.

I seriously adored this collection of four novellas. They were perfect read on my kobo late at night when I wasn’t really ready to do the whole going to sleep thing. Long enough to enthral me, but short enough that I could start and finish them right before falling asleep. A great anthology, one that I will most definitely look forward to reading again and again.

<- Mona Lisa ThreeMoon Dance ->

Image source: Penguin Random House

Mona Lisa Three by Sunny

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Mona Lisa Three
Author: Sunny
Series: Monere: Children of the Moon #1.5
In: Over the Moon (Angela Knight, MaryJanice Davidson, Virginia Kantra & Sunny)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Erotica, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2011

Thoughts

I’ve yet to read my first full-length Mona Lisa book, although it is sitting in my shelf ready to go. And this novella honestly reminded me of why I’ve had it in my shelf ready to go for so long. This is a bit smuttier than most of the romances that I read, but also so damn delicious.

I love that this takes place after Mona Lisa’s adventures in the first book. It did give me a lot for spoilers but considering this is probably a bit more emotionally and exotically intense than I’m used to, it’s not a bad thing. I love how Mona Lisa is constantly thankful for the two men that she’s in love with and wanting.

This novella takes place in a transitional phase on Mona Lisa’s life. One that highlights how drastically her life changes in such a short period of time. That it uses her very special healing gifts and highlights the complexities in her many relationships just makes me love it even more. In fact, I got so involved in the storyline that I read this beginning to end in one sitting. And managed to walk into a wall while doing it.

I really loved this novella and now look forward to, more than ever reading Mona Lisa Awakening. I should probably finish the books that I’m currently halfway through first though…

<- DriftwoodOver the Moon ->

Image source: Penguin Random House

Cowboy and the Captive by Lora Leigh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Cowboy and the Captive
Author: Lora Leigh
Series: Cowboys and Captives
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Erotica
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Year: 2004

Thoughts

Alright, I didn’t love the beginning of this story. I mean kidnapping a woman with not the best intentions in mind? Yeah… not such a huge fan. Particularly the anger coming off of the lead male. It was pretty uncomfortable and problematic. But, Melina was quickly able to balance that out. Which is honestly a style I’m getting used to with Leigh’s writing.

Once I got over the nope factor of the beginning of this story, I started to really enjoy this. The passion just leaped off the pages. But, so did Melina’s strength of self and character. I mean, I totally get why she falls for the guy, but I mostly just fell for her…

The lead romance is obviously the main draw of this story. But the dog in this managed to steal the show. Which, in my opinion is what frequently happens. I’m completely obsessed with dogs… he is just too ridiculously sweet and a great comedic relief when things are getting a bit intense in the relationship department.

This was both an easy read and a bit uncomfortable in places. I think mostly because I found not only the premise that begins the relationship a bit wow. But also Melina’s family and treatment of her… that was just damn heartbreaking.

<- More Lora LeighCowboy and the Thief ->

Image source: Goodreads

Coyote’s Mate by Lora Leigh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Coyote’s Mate
Author: Lora Leigh
Series: Breeds #13
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Erotica, Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2009

Thoughts

Wow. This was pretty intense. And hard to read. Particularly when the mating bond is ignored. From both sides. At different times. I mean, my goodness, it is difficult enough to read this in places. Let alone when you think that everything is going to completely crash around their ears.

I’ve only briefly had one connection with the coyotes throughout this series. And I loved being immersed in their world again. It was horrible and difficult. And it most definitely broke my heart. But it was also incredibly well written. So good that even though the relationship is fractured and the coyotes are the most heart wrenching of the Breeds, you still feel happy, intrigued and completely roped I the storyline.

The amount of strength that it takes for the two characters in this to get over their crap was pretty phenomenal. It was hard to read (as I’ve mentioned) in places, but you always felt that backbone of steel that made it all okay.

After reading this, I’ve had to take a short step back from the Breeds. As much as I’m loving this series. There was something about Coyote’s Mate that really got to me. Something that made me need to read a far simpler, happier book. But it won’t take long before I dive right back into these books…

<- Christmas HeatA Christmas Kiss ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Mercury’s War by Lora Leigh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Mercury’s War
Author: Lora Leigh
Series: Breeds #12
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Erotica, Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2008

Thoughts

It was a lot of fun to have a Breed who was a lot more animalistic than the others. I mean, the idea is amazing. But the fact that Mercury is just that little bit closer… absolutely fantastic. And the feisty woman he chooses as his own? Well worth it.

I absolutely adored both Ria and Mercury from the very beginning of this story. They’re a great match and I love how they’re both accepting of the fact that they may never experience the mating heat. It’s a story that highlights the importance of choice in all of this. And the fact is, they CHOOSE each other. Something that I sometimes find uncomfortable in the other Breeds books that I’ve read.

The reappearance of Mercury’s “mate” is a pretty horrible and intense moment. And, it feels a lot like she’s going to be a greater problem further into the series. There is just something about her that makes me hope she’s going to be a jilted lover. But I expect she’s going to be something FAR more horrible and difficult later in this series. Im hoping I’m wrong though.

I love the intensity of this storyline and how fast paced it is. I also love that there are questions of paranoia and drugging throughout that is just another hint at the battles to come for the Breeds. A very aptly titled book in that it is most definitely a war. One that I just couldn’t put down!

<- A Jaguar’s KissChristmas Heat ->

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Dawn’s Awakening by Lora Leigh

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Dawn’s Awakening
Author: Lora Leigh
Series: Breeds #11
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Erotica, Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2008

Thoughts

I knew this was going to be a bit of a less… romantic romance from the get go. I mean, Dawn and Sebastian are introduced many, many books ago. And, on top of that, Dawn’s past is seriously tragic. But, it was actually less painful than I had expected. Which was good.

I love that it’s the threat of losing someone you love that makes Dawn decide to finally reach out and battle her demons. She’s definitely already on the way beforehand. And you can see that she’s trying. But it’s the horror of losing what she loves that really kicks her into gear. The fight that you glimpse of this amazing female lead in other stories jumps out immediately. And it’s impossible not to love her.

The whole reality if the Breeds is steadily getting more and more intense. Although I mostly just REALLY wanted to see Dawn get her happily ever after, I also loved being pulled further into the intrigue of the world if the Breeds. Every book makes your heart leap and hope for something better. Kind of like when you see the injustices that are just generally happening around the world.

This is intense and kind of tragic. But also beautiful and hopeful. Kind of like the Dawn rising on a whole new day. Yup, I went there… had to be done. I’ll let myself out now…

<- In a Wolf’s EmbraceA Jaguar’s Kiss ->

Image source: Kobo

Dark Lover by J.R. Ward

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Dark Lover, The First Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood by J. R. Ward | 9780451468109 | Booktopia

Title: Dark Lover
Author: J.R. Ward
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #1
Rating Out of 5: 2.5 (Readable, but not worth reading again)
My Bookshelves: Erotica, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 29th August – 5th September 2021
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: Getting him out of a facility against medical advice was always a struggle.

Synopsis

The only purebred vampire left on the planet and the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who killed his parents centuries ago. But when his most trusted fighter is killed – orphaning a half-breed daughter unaware of her heritage or her fate – Wrath must put down his dagger and usher the beautiful female into another world.

Racked by a restlessness in her body that wasn’t there before, Beth Randall is helpless against the dangerously sexy man who comes to her at night with shadows in his eyes. His tales of the Brotherhood and blood frighten her. Yet his touch ignites a dawning new hunger – one that threatens to consume them both…

Thoughts

I really, really wanted to like this novel. It’s got such a good rep and I’ve heard it spoken of multiple times… but I just couldn’t quite get into it. I gave it my nor.al 150 pages before realising that I had absolutely no inclination to read anymore. Which rarely happens, normally I’ll at least skim to see how the story turns out.

For me, a big part of not getting super involved in this story was the fact that I just couldn’t feel attached to the characters. Beth and Wrath did not having anything about them that drew me in. I didnt dislike them, I didn’t like them, I just nothinged them.

In the future I’ll probably give this book another try. But for now… no strong feelings either way.

<- More J.R. WardLover Eternal ->

Image source: Booktopia