|
Sinful Sirens Blog Hop (ends at 12:01 AM on May 21st)
Wet and Wild Giveaway Hop... (starts May 20th and ends May 25th)
Fantasy Blog Hop... (starts June 27th and ends June 30th)
**More contests will be added as the schedule is updated.
Thanks for dropping by Blackraven's Erotic Cafe!
October 26th, 2011
 Mirror Image by Cherie Crystal
Publisher: Torquere Press
Genre: F/F, LGBT, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Length: 41 pages
Summary:
Jaylyn Dayley, professional stuntwoman, isn’t afraid of anything. Except commitment. She can tuck and roll, crash and burn, and walk away unscathed, but can she survive the searing heat of her attraction for the lovely Monika Morning during her stint as the actress’ stunt double?
Tarsilla’s Review:
Mirror Image is not only an exciting read, but it is also one of the most unique stories I’ve read. I lost myself in its authentic British setting, and I thought Ms. Crystal did a wonderful job in creating idiosyncratic characters through a realistic and dynamic dialogue.
The plot is exceptional in its own way, and I was primarily drawn by the story surrounding Jaylyn. I had some reservations about Jaylyn being attracted to Monika because, in order for the mechanics of the story to work, they have to be almost identical physically. The idea of someone getting romantically involved with another who looks almost exactly like them was bothering me. However, Ms. Crystal did a good job differentiating the two women, even on a physical level. Furthermore, I really liked that she kept subtly accentuating their differences and bringing their clashing personalities (and nationalities) to the forefront.
 Jaylyn, the main character, is very captivating. I love that this story is in first-person since it allowed me to be really attuned with this character. Mirror Image is very complex and emotional, and because of that I truly felt connected to Jaylyn and engaged with her emotions. Monika’s character was a little harder to get a sense of. She was sort of unapproachable in the beginning, and the reader keenly feels that distance since Jaylyn herself emphasizes that point. Then, all of a sudden, there’s this unexplained camaraderie between the two women. While the idea that they have an instant and effortless connection is the point of the story, I still would have appreciated a little more build-up in their relationship. Also, Monika’s behavior is a bit erratic, and while that’s not necessarily a problem, I would have liked to see a clearer reason behind her inconsistency.
Basically, I wanted a deeper connection with Monika’s character. Her romance with Jaylyn was lively and their antics really brought the story to life. But, I wasn’t quite convinced of Monika’s feelings. It was much easier to trust Jaylyn’s feelings instead. The resolution also happened too fast, which heavily contrasted with the slow pace of the beginning. Issues like the conflict with Josh, the director, were too easily resolved. I wasn’t too emotionally invested towards the end because, before I could grasp the meaning of what had happened, the story was already coming to an end.
Still, Mirror Image is truly an entertaining one-of-a-kind read. The international setting, combined with this unconventional couple and this fascinating narrator, all work together to create a real, sexy romantic story. I was sad to see it end so quickly. I’ll definitely keep my eye open and hope for a sequel.
Rated 4 Ravens by Tarsilla!
Have Your Book Reviewed
Become A Reviewer
Posted in 4 Ravens, Author Review, Cherie Crystal, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, F/F, Gay, GLBT, LGBT, Mirror Image, Raven Divas, Tarsilla, torquere, Torquere Press | No Comments »
September 20th, 2011
 I Kissed a Girl II: More Virgin Lesbian Stories by Lucy Felthouse
Publisher: Ravenous Romance
Genre: F/F, Anthology, Erotic, Romance
Length: 130 pages
Summary:
Our readers asked for it, and now we’re pleased to present Volume II of first-time lesbian encounters inspired by Katy Perry’s hit song! Seven returning authors continue to arouse, plus six new authors will not disappoint.
This diverse collection travels the globe and the ages. No two settings or circumstances are alike, proving that women from every walk of life and culture are curious and eager to explore their full sexuality…with each other. You will be titillated, tantalized and swept away as you:
* Journey to Australia, where two long-time friends discover more than friendship
* Fly to Hawaii, for a language lesson interrupted
* Stop in Costa Rica, for a massage in a tree house
* Travel north to Alaska, where strangers connect
* Across Canada, to discover how co-workers release tension
* Over the Atlantic to the United Kingdom, where a concert is more than guitars strumming
* Close your eyes to wander into a mythical kingdom, where women take charge
* Voyage to historical Italy, to discover things are not always what they seem
* Jet back to the heat of Miami, and be entranced by a goddess, before exploring the rest of the USA to discover a host of erotic lesbian encounters!
Join us as we trot the globe and enjoy out-of-this-world experiences!
Tarsilla’s Review:
I don’t think I’ve ever been more intrigued or more excited about a book before. Just the blurb of this anthology makes my imagination run wild, and I was more than eager to see if the actual content delivered everything the description promised. And I have to say that for the most part, it really did.
My experience reading anthologies has showed me that they often start with stories that are neither good nor bad, but just right to set the mood for the stories to come. And they often end with a bang, with the longer, sexier story reserved for the end. I Kissed a Girl: Volume II actually started with a bang and ended with an explosion. The first short story, Queen of Swords by Inara Lavey, was amazing. It’s much more than just a simple story about two women discovering what it is to love each other for the first time, which is the case for some of the following stories. It has magic, conflict, fright, romance, and the essential girl-on-girl sensuality characteristic of this collection. The setting, the characters, the plot; everything was so heartfelt and intense I had to take a breather before reading on. To say I was surprised and pleased with such a powerful beginning is an understatement.
From then on, the range of the short stories offered varies from some excellent tales to some common and predictable plotlines. For instance, I very much loved reading the innovative storyline of Things that Go Hump in the Night by Elizabeth Black and the dynamic narration and point-of-view changing in Jack’s Ex by Lara Zielinsky. They were a true treat, sexy and witty, and both kept me hooked from beginning to end. Another surprising story was Buried Desire by Jen Bluekissed. It’s so simple and short, and yet the writing flows almost flawlessly with an elegance that truly drew me in. Whenever Darla would breeze into the dressing room, I could feel Lucy’s anxiety and anticipation as if they were my own. I particularly enjoyed Tight Lacing by K. Ann Karlsson, and how strange and novel the story was while maintaining an uncanny accuracy to its historical time period. This was probably the most loving and well-rounded story of the entire collection.
On the other hand, there were stories that fell flat for me. To be honest, I liked every single character introduced in this anthology, but I disliked how some didn’t seem to evolve at all by the end. There were characters that would deny and almost ridicule their attraction to other women, and that behavior just ruined their amorous interactions for me. I just didn’t believe the intimacy in those cases was genuine. Some themes were used a lot throughout the anthology as well, like the idea of a divorce/break-up being the catalyst to the lesbian interactions in the stories, and though I greatly appreciate that each story approached this idea in unique ways and evolved to different places, the repetition did distract me from my enjoyment of the overall collection.
Still, the great diversity this anthology offers is astounding. I loved starting a story not knowing what the setting would be, or what situation had led there, and I emphasize that to me, it was the power of the first story that made that pleasurable expectation possible. While there are less than perfect moments throughout the entire collection, there is remarkable story-telling tucked away in these pages. Overall, I Kissed a Girl: Volume II is an anthology to read, and rejoice over the commemoration to F/F relationships it portrays.
Rated 4.5 Ravens by Tarsilla!
Have Your Book Reviewed
Become A Reviewer
Posted in 4 1/2 Ravens, Author Review, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, F/F, I Kissed a Girl II: More Virgin Lesbian Stories, Lucy Felthouse, Raven Divas, Ravenous Romance, Tarsilla | 3 Comments »
July 27th, 2011
 Burn the Brightest by Emily Moreton
Publisher: Storm Moon Press
Genre: F/F, Contemporary
Length: 17 pages
Summary:
For over 250 years, the use of the tarot for divination has been a mainstay of mystical and occult practices. The themes and forces represented by the cards are said to govern our lives and our destinies. Whether you believe that or not, the story of the cards is nevertheless the story of our lives — the accomplishments and the pitfalls, the path from soaring joy to crushing defeat and back again.
Edith is a woman who has been burned too many times to play the Fool again. That is, until she meets Jo, a naval communications officer, and finds herself questioning all of her assumptions about life and love. Edith’s rule to never again date someone in the military first bends, and then breaks under the weight of her attraction to easy-going, confident Jo. But when duty and desire collide, Edith fears being left behind once again.
Tarsilla’s Review:
Full of heartbreak and angst, Burn the Brightest is truly a remarkable short story. Edith is a woman who keeps herself apart from people from the very beginning, and the mystery surrounding her self-isolation is subtle and enthralling. I loved seeing her struggle through the relationships in her life, especially the one with Jo. She was very easy to relate to, and her personality breathed life into this story. Jo is also a wonderful addition to the plot, though it was a little hard to pin down her emotions and motivations. I really enjoyed the plot and the smoothness and simplicity of how the story is told.
However, I had several issues with this story as well. First of all, the writing was a little confusing in some places. Some sentences were too long and complicated, which disturbed the flow of the story. Second of all, the constant breaks in the story gave off this feeling of incompleteness, which led me to believe the story was not as well developed as it could have been. For instance, the pacing of the story is practically flawless, and therefore, the amount of time Edith’s and Jo’s relationship take to blossom into more than just friendship is believable. But, from that point forward, the story moved too fast, and with it being fragmented the way it was, I had a hard time believing the characters and their feelings towards the end. Finally, I had a problem with how little Jo’s and the secondary characters’ involvements are, because the plot suggests that their roles are much more important to Edith’s lives than what the story actually portrays.
Still, the ending blew my mind, it was so unexpected. I loved how the story comes full circle, making this one of the most humane and realistic romantic tales I’ve ever read. Burn the Brightest is indeed a short read, and some parts actually feel like they move faster than they are supposed to. Yet, this refreshing plot and complex and heartsick main character make reading this short story absolutely worthy.
Rated 4 Ravens by Tarsilla!
Have Your Book Reviewed
Become A Reviewer
Posted in 4 Ravens, Author Review, Burn the Brightest, Contemporary Romance, Emily Moreton, Erotic Romance, F/F, Raven Divas, Storm Moon Press, Tarsilla | No Comments »
July 26th, 2011
 Tattoo Dream by Em Petrova
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: Erotic, Contemporary, Multiple Partners
Length: 23 pages
Summary:
A husband, wife, and the waitress of their fantasies share an explosive night of passion. But can their hearts survive the heat?
Sascha and Van are happily married. Their successful tattoo parlor should be enough to keep their lives full and enriched, but they both sense a void that only a third in their marriage could fill. Sexy waitress Maggie seems to be just the one they’ve been looking for. At the risk of ruining their friendship with Maggie, the couple makes the move to get her into their tattoo chair with the hopes of getting her in their bed.
Tarsilla’s Review:
Tattoo Dream is definitely one of the most sensual short stories I’ve ever read. Sascha and Van are a dream with their sweet and passionate relationship. I swooned while reading about their longing for a person they can love, and who will love them back, as I burned with their raw sexuality and their sizzling chemistry.
Maggie was a little harder to pin down as a character. I liked the fact that physically, she completely opposed Sascha, which made the two of them fit beautifully in my mind. Add Van’s sexy muscled body to the mix, the three of them composed one of the most explosive threesomes I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading about.
However, emotionally, Maggie as a character isn’t very developed. When compared to Van’s and Sascha’s complex and honest personalities, Maggie is a little one dimensional. Aside from Sascha’s observations about Maggie’s body language, I wasn’t sure what her role in Sascha’s and Van’s relationship was. Physically, she seemed eager and happy to be there, but was she as emotionally invested as Sascha and Van seemed to want? I didn’t quite see that level of commitment coming from her, though I could argue it’s there. I just wish her emotions, and she as a character, were clearer.
Still, this is a great sensual story. Though Tattoo Dream is a very quick read, it certainly delivers a mix of hot and sweet enough to leave the reader wanting more. My only complaint about this story is that it was over too fast.
Rated 4.5 Ravens by Tarsilla!
Have Your Book Reviewed
Become A Reviewer
Posted in 4 1/2 Ravens, Author Review, breathless press, Contemporary Romance, Em Petrova, Erotic Romance, multiple partners, Raven Divas, Tarsilla, Tattoo Dream | No Comments »
June 8th, 2011
 Doc by Jude Mason
Publisher: Total E-Bound
Genre: Erotica, Futuristic – post apocalypse/ Sci-Fi/ MM/ MF
Length: Novel
Summary:
Book one in the Daybreak 2525 Series
The son of a healer and a warrior, Doc is forced to take on both roles when his village is destroyed and his lover…gone
Returning from a visit to one of the outland farms, Doc finds his village destroyed, his family either gone or dead and his lover vanished without a trace. The few survivors hidden among the ruins tell a tale of ruthless, sadistic marauders taking what they want and burning the rest. Doc finds too many dead and his heart breaks for those he finds alive. Mothers whose children are gone, husbands who have lost everything and everyone.
Pulling as many people as he can together and tending their wounds, Doc vows to find the rest of his people. His father is among the dead, but his mother, his sister and lover are not.
The hunt is on.
Reader Advisory: This book is number one in a series and best read first. Contains scenes of hot m/m and m/f intimacy.
Tarsilla’s Review:
I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I really enjoyed the story, and the intensity of the plot. Doc is a healer who encounters his village destroyed, and his family and friends either dead or taken as slaves. The emotional and physical struggles Doc goes through in his grief and his attempt to save his people are very vivid and give life to this story. Added to that, his worry over his lover Jazz is beautiful and heartbreaking, and I really enjoyed seeing Doc assume a mantle of protector and savior of the people he truly loves.
Doc has really strong characters besides Doc himself. Zoe, for instance, proved to be a formidable woman from beginning to end, and though it was no surprise that she had a thing for Doc, seeing them discover the depth of their feelings for each other was amazing. Jazz is a little less developed as a character, but since this is the first book in the series, I am assuming there was just no space to provide a more in depth view of his personality, especially with the amount of action the story offers. All the secondary characters are great assets to the overall story as well; they are real and powerful, regardless of how briefly they actually appeared on the pages. I really believe the soul of this book, and what propelled the story forward, were the characters and their reactions to events. They made this story credible and realistic despite the fantastical circumstances surrounding them.
That being said, I did have a couple of issues with this book. For one, given how strong characterization is, I was disappointed at the lack of complexity in the storyline. The plot itself – the destruction, the capture, the rescuing – was powerful and intense, without a doubt. But, there is just too much missing information to make me enjoy it one hundred percent. What happened to make this world the way it is? At first I thought this was a story set in the past, but little details seem to hint that maybe this is a post-apocalyptic scenario, which is perfectly fine, except why wasn’t that clearer? Not knowing exactly what was going on “backstage” disrupted my reading a great deal.
And another problem I had was with the eroticism in the book. It was hot and sexy, and very enjoyable, but just so inappropriate. Doc and Zoe would flirt or have sex at the oddest times, and even before Doc knew for sure if Jazz was alive or dead. Who does that? It would have been ok with me if that had been two people drawing comfort from each other, but the way it is written doesn’t really suggest that. And though I loved Doc’s character, there were times I just wanted to slap him, like when he kept putting his attraction for Jazz and Zoe above knowing for sure if his family was safe. It just broke my heart to see a character I came to admire and care about do such insensitive things. The general sexual tension throughout the story, in fact, just baffled me, because it would sprung up at the most awkward times. It was…a little offensive actually.
So, even though I really enjoyed Doc in the overall scheme of things, the few problems I had with the story were serious enough to disrupt my reading. As the beginning of a series, I think Ms. Mason is off to a good start. However, for the next installments, I would really like to see more details about this post-apocalyptic world these great characters live in, and a little more tact at handling the circumstances surrounding the sexual encounters between them. Still, I do look forward to the other books in this series.
Rated 3.5 Ravens by Tarsilla!
Have Your Book Reviewed
Become A Reviewer
Posted in 3 1/2 Ravens, Author Review, Doc, Erotica, Futuristic, Jude Mason, m/m, Raven Divas, Sci-Fi, Tarsilla, Total E-Bound | No Comments »
June 3rd, 2011
 The Werewolf Upstairs by Ashlyn Chase
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Contemporary
Length: 352 pages
Summary:
Petty crime never looked so good…
Alpha werewolf Konrad Wolfensen sees it as his duty to protect the citizens of Boston, even if it means breaking into their businesses just to prove their security systems don’t work. But when his unsolicited services land him in trouble with the law, he’ll have to turn to his sexy new neighbor for help.
She should know better…
Attorney Roz Wells is bored. She used to have such a knack for attracting the weird and unexpected, but ever since she took a job as a Boston public defender, the quirky quotient in her life has taken a serious hit. Until her sexy werewolf neighbor starts coming around…
Tarsilla’s Review:
Author Ashlyn Chase is a brilliant writer who creates the quirkiest and funniest romantic books I’ve ever read, and The Werewolf Upstairs is no exception. I loved how sexy and refreshing it was to read this book; the innovativeness of the plot, the out-of-this world family these unusual characters make, and the chemistry between mouth-watering Konrad and beautiful Roz, all combined together to make a memorable story.
Roz Wells learns that her best friend Merry married a shape shifter. Though on the outside she displayed a calm and collected attitude, inside Roz was despairing her friend had lost her mind. That is exactly how she is throughout this book, and I loved that she stayed true to her initial characterization even after falling for Konrad. Aside from the fact that I simply enjoyed Roz just the way she is, I was relieved she did not feel the need to change her personality, which included her insecurities and fears, just because a hunk like Konrad was interested in her. On that note, Konrad is sweet and romantic from the first moment he appears on the page, and like Roz, even after facing various ordeals, his nature never changed. It was really incredible how genuine both these characters were as individuals, and seeing them coming together was a beautiful thing.
All the secondary characters are as crazy fun as they were in the first installment of this series, Strange Neighbors, and I really enjoyed revisiting all of them. A funny thing that happened while I was reading this book is that point-of-view is actually not limited to just the main characters. I saw some passages from the other characters as well, including the ghost, and while I hate having that irregularity just spring up on me in the middle of reading something, this time I almost didn’t notice it. It was just so masterfully done, so subtle and easy, that I read it as naturally as I read books that stick to the common one/two narrator rule. That Ms. Chase managed to accomplish that is amazing, for I really enjoyed seeing the funky events happening through other perspectives other than the main characters’. It added depth and complexity to the entire work, and provided a focus to something other than the romance between Roz and Konrad, without letting the romantic part of the story get lost in the action.
There were two tiny aspects of this book I had a problem with. One, I’m not sure if I would have enjoyed this book as much as I did had I not read the previous installment. Not that this can’t be read as a stand-alone, it certainly can. However, I feel like I would not have understood the full impact of all the characters, these “strange neighbors,” and how cool they can be as a unit, just from this book. That is not necessarily an issue, but it does make me wonder if there was anything that could have been added to either plot or character development that could change that, considering that the relationships between these special people is the soul of this series. And also, I thought the dialogue throughout the book sounded a little unnatural at times, with an example being the amount of “Oh no!” being said by both the main characters. That would have been ok if it had it been an idiosyncratic trait from a single character, like Roz, but having Konrad also saying it as frequently as he did was a little too weird for my liking. But that was not, in any way, detrimental to the overall story.
In short, I simply loved this book. I laughed until my sides ached with this incredible story from beginning to end. I loved revisiting this funny group of people and reading about the great love Konrad and Roz have for each other. I do recommend reading Strange Neighbors first in order to get the full impact of what this book has to offer. Still, do not miss out on getting to know these fascinating characters.
Rated 4.5 Ravens by Tarsilla!
Have Your Book Reviewed
Become A Reviewer
Posted in 4 1/2 Ravens, Ashlyn Chase, Author Review, Contemporary Romance, Paranormal Romance, Raven Divas, Sourcebooks, Tarsilla, The Werewolf Upstairs | 1 Comment »
June 3rd, 2011
 Four Sworn by Delilah Devlin
Lone Star Lovers, Book 3
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd
Genre: Western, Red Hots!!!, Ménage & More
Length: Short Story
Summary:
There’s a wild child trapped inside her, and they’re hell-bent on unleashing it…
Lone Star Lovers, Book 3
As the pretty daughter of the town whore, Shanna Davies has always tried hard to toe the line. But she just can’t help it. Her boyfriend, Bo Crenshaw, has lured her untamed spirit out to play once too often. It’s time to get the hell out of Dodge and make a new start where no one knows her past. After she fulfills one last, wicked fantasy.
Shanna is Bo’s first everything. First kiss, first sexual playmate, first love. Yet he’s never managed to convince her that he accepts her—good girl and bad—just as she is. So, she wants a memorable send off? No problem. He’ll give her one that’ll make her think twice about leaving.
On the appointed night, Shanna expects nerves. Yet once she crosses the threshold, the prospect of surrendering to a night of unrestrained passion with Bo and the three Kinzie brothers makes her mouth water—and her courage dry up.
But she asked for it, and now she’s not about to blink first in this game of sexual chicken…
Product Warnings: Four lusty cowboys prove a little domination goes a long way in breaking a stubborn woman to saddle. Lots of spanking, binding, flogging, and double-dipping can keep a girl on her toes, her back, her belly, her knees…
Tarsilla’s Review:
Wow, what a ride! What a powerful book, both emotionally and sexually. To be frank, the entire series is amazing, but with Four Sworn, Ms. Delilah Devlin has surpassed every single expectation I had for the continuation of this series. The story is beautiful and raw, intense and sweet, and sure to leave an impression long after it’s over.
Shanna’s life has been marked by her shame of being the daughter of a whore. She is an amazing woman, bent on showing everyone how strong and confident she is, but in truth, she’s only hiding the vulnerability and fear she believes her love for Bo brings. Watching Shanna struggle with these emotions was heartbreaking and difficult, but she was so genuine and so compelling, it was incredibly easy to fall for this character and wish all her dreams would come true. Bo is formidable with his complex personality and his devotion for Shanna. His character is so real and earnest I never doubted he would indeed go through incredible lengths to fight for his love.
The story itself is enthralling and fully developed. I loved how the backstories from the other characters blended in this one. Though this book is about Bo and Shanna, secondary characters like the Kinzie brothers have their own complicated history to deal with, which brought liveliness and richness to an already dynamic plot. The pacing is good and gives way to an effortless reading. The narration and the dialogue balance off each other really well, and the sex scenes not only enhance the romance and the emotion of this piece, but they also leave the reader breathless with their erotic intensity.
This is truly a masterpiece of erotic romance, one that I will read again and again in the future. I just cannot wait to see what Ms. Devlin and her next book will have to offer.
Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by Tarsilla!
Have Your Book Reviewed
Become A Reviewer
Posted in 5 Ravens, Author Review, Contemporary Romance, Delilah Devlin, Erotic Romance, menage, Raven Divas, Recommended Read, Red Hots!, Samhain Publishing, Tarsilla | No Comments »
April 16th, 2011
 SteamPowered, Lesbian Steampunk Stories edited by JoSelle Vanderhooft
Publisher: Torquere Press
Genre: F/F, Erotic Romance, Anthology, Steampunk
Length: 379 pages
Summary:
The fifteen tantalizing, thrilling, and ingenious tales in Steam-Powered put a new spin on steampunk by putting women where they belong — in the captain’s chair, the laboratory, and one another’s arms. Here you’ll meet inventors, diamond thieves, lonely pawn brokers, clockwork empresses, brilliant asylum inmates, and privateers in the service of San Francisco’s eccentric empire. Though they hail from across the globe and universes far away, each character is driven to follow her own path to independence and to romance. The women of Steam-Powered push steampunk to its limits and beyond.
“From colonial India to New Orleans in slavery times, from a rogue San Francisco to the Lower East Side of old New York, these stories are thoughtful, wide-ranging, exciting, and often very, very sexy. Anybody who thinks that “steampunk” and “lesbian” are niche interests should read Steam-Powered and get their horizons seriously expanded.”
—Delia Sherman, Mythopoeic Fantasy Award winner and author of Through a Brazen Mirror.
Tarsilla’s Review:
Before reading this anthology, I went online to research what “SteamPowered” or “Steampunk” meant exactly. I found out a “steampunk” story means a piece of fiction set in an alternate world or history that “involves an era or world where steam power is still widely used – usually the 19th century – that incorporates prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy” (Wikipedia).
The downside of doing research on a book before reading is that I had some expectation of what was coming, therefore I kept in the back of my mind that I might not be surprised by some stories, or even disappointed in some cases. However, that was not the case at all. This anthology features such a wild and wide variety of storylines, that I was even overwhelmed by the amount of knowledge and innovation I found. I learned so much about craft, narration, different genres, characterization, and so forth, all from this one book.
One of the things I liked most about this anthology is that, even though all the main characters are lesbians, not all of them enter lesbian relationships. In fact, some that do don’t necessarily get a happy ending. I really enjoyed that, because now a days it seems like a book featuring a gay or lesbian main character demands that character to justify his/her sexuality by entering some sort of romance, which isn’t bad at all. But it does make me wonder, what about the equality literature is supposed to be representing today? Why can’t there be stories that treat homosexuality off-handedly almost, featuring homosexual main characters where that character is defined by his/her person rather than by his/her sexuality? And that’s what some of these stories managed to do, maybe because they had to be defined as “steampunk” first. But there are stories in this anthology featuring women where the focus is in their bravery as spies or in their intelligence as scientists, not in the fact that they are lesbians. In my opinion, that’s groundbreaking work.
The truly amazing thing about this collection, however, is how contrary each story is. There are stories, like “Where the Ocean Meets the Sky” by Sara M. Harvey and “Under the Dome” by Teresa Wymore, that sound really grounded and realistic. Yet, as I was reading them, I couldn’t help but be sucked into the story and think how magical and inventive it all felt. Just like there are stories, like “Copper for a Trickster” by Mikki Kendall, that are obviously fantasy, but as I was reading them, I would shudder at how incredibly real they sounded and even wonder for a moment if it couldn’t happen somehow, though I knew it was impossible. Those contradictions between the actual, physical writing and the tone of the story were the hook for me; they didn’t let me put this book down before finishing it. And to me, that’s what makes this anthology one of a kind, a piece of literature unlike anything else I’ve encountered.
It wasn’t all perfect, though. There were some stories that left me very lost and confused, mostly because of lack of development in the characters or in the plot. Some stories were too fast paced, trying to cram too much information, too much plot, in a short amount of pages, which in turn led again to lack of development somewhere. Still, they didn’t harm the overall work in any way, for I found myself enjoying the anthology as a whole just as much. In other words, if you think you might enjoy a collection of short stories containing romance, suspense, danger, science fiction, humor, all featuring strong and powerful women as the main characters, this is definitely the book for you.
Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by Tarsilla!
Have Your Book Reviewed
Become A Reviewer
Posted in 5 Ravens, Antho, Author Review, Erotic Romance, F/F, GLBT, JoSelle Vanderhooft, Lesbian Steampunk Stories, Raven Divas, Recommended Read, Steampunk, Tarsilla, Torquere Press | No Comments »
April 16th, 2011
 The Age of Aquarius by Sofia Antonia Milone
Publisher: Torquere Press
Genre: Erotica, F/F, Historical
Length: 83 pages
Summary:
Young and often political English artist Charlotte Hope clashes with
renowned New York Times art critic Rachel Stein, whose praise is hard to
earn. Set in the late sixties in New York City during the infamous Summer of
Love, and with a backdrop of national and international conflict, tension
builds between two women, who find themselves working together toward a
common goal. Charlotte learns she doesn’t have to like everyone she sleeps
with, while Rachel discovers quite the reverse. Eventually they learn that
tragedy can bring people to their senses, and bring them together.
Tarsilla’s Review:
I enjoyed this story very much. It was very real and passionate and it was a treat to see an age so important to American history through the art world and the eyes of two remarkable women. The writing and prose of the story are very good, though some grammatical mistakes were there. Though the pace of the story was somewhat monotonous, the tone was urgent and heartbreaking, and I really enjoyed the contradiction.
The main characters, Charlotte and Rachel, though fascinating in their complex personalities and emotions, are somewhat flat. I think that’s due to the fact that the plot itself, while very interesting and unique, is not well-developed. It’s too fragmented due to the constant breaks, giving it an overall superficial feeling; I felt like there was no real depth to the plot, like I was just skimming through events and “scenes.” For instance, the March section is only a little more than a page, and the conversation transcribed in that section is completely unnecessary, and would have been more effective if put into actual contest, rather than just leave it hanging as a loose piece. There’s no balance to each section, some being big and small, and no sense of flow to the story except that it is moving ahead through time.
The numerous breaks, overall, are very disrupting and seem to have no clear or constant reason for them – it’s not time because some show some time passed and others don’t, and it’s not POV because POV changes even when there’s no break. And most of the time, they are just plain not necessary. In many occasions the story would flow much better without them. The story does have a clear clock and sense of time, however, and that was very helpful to understand the progression on Charlotte’s and Rachel’s relationship.
Finally, even though the plot and main characters don’t have much depth in the beginning, I was convinced and very satisfied by the ending and by Charlotte and Rachel’s romance. It was very well thought out and very real. The secondary characters too, were dynamic and proved to be healthy and meaningful additions to the story as a whole. This book is good, and with a better thought out style of narration and more details, it has the potential to be amazing.
Rated 3 Ravens by Tarsilla!
Have Your Book Reviewed
Become A Reviewer
Posted in 3 Ravens, Author Review, Erotic Romance, F/F, GLBT, Historical Romance, Raven Divas, Sofia Antonia Milone, Tarsilla, The Age of Aquarius, Torquere Press | No Comments »
April 16th, 2011
 If Only in Cranbury Park by Charlotte Dare
Publisher: Torquere Press
Genre: Erotica, F/F, Contemporary
Length: 62 pages
Summary:
Courtney and Joanna have been on the rocks for awhile, thanks to Courtney’s club-going lifestyle and Joanna’s need to settle down. When Joanna finally decides to move on, though, it’s devastating to both of them, leaving the ladies at a loss as to how to live without each other.
While they try to go it solo, both Courtney and Joanna realize they each had their part to play in their break-up, and that they might just have to learn how to be alone so they can be together. Will their love be enough to overcome their differences, or will they have to learn to let go?
Tarsilla’s Review:
This book is remarkably enjoyable. It’s a real and down-to-earth story about a real heart-breaking situation between two very real people.
I loved Joanna and Courtney. I was a bit skeptical about their age difference at first, but then I realized that it only added to the authenticity of the story. The uncertainty that such a relationship would work is exactly what makes it work for this story. Furthermore, these two women are such complete opposites it’s bizarre, and yet the tone of melancholy and urgency in the story made it clear that those two belonged together.
The approach to the plot was very unique, and it was impressive to gather so much about the two main characters just from knowing them during a time of grieving because of their break-up. All the characters in the story are very well developed and dynamic, and I was particularly impressed by the usage of the secondary characters, for they were essential to adding depth and feeling and grounding to both the plot’s and the main characters’ developments.
One tiny thing that bothered me was not being able to see Joanna and Courtney as they were as a happy couple. Even though I loved the ingenuity of the narration and how this story was approached, I would still have liked at least a glimpse of what their life was when they were happy together, or at least an epilogue showing them in the future; anything showing them in a happier light. Though the story did not feel suffocating with sadness and grieving, it was bordering on too much misery, since even the few flashbacks were about their problems. I think adding a few up-lifting scenes would only boost this story.
However, this story is pretty close to perfect as it is. I thoroughly enjoyed reading something so real and human, and I look forward to other works by this author.
Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by Tarsilla!
Have Your Book Reviewed
Become A Reviewer
Posted in 5 Ravens, Author Review, Charlotte Dare, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, F/F, GLBT, If Only in Cranbury Park, Raven Divas, Recommended Read, Tarsilla, Torquere Press | No Comments »
January 8th, 2011
 A Question of Love by Jess Dee
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Length: Novella
Review Copy Received from the Author
Summary:
A past with three, a future for two…
Sequel to A Question of Trust.
Gabe Carter and his best friend Connor’s passion for threesomes brought Tina Jenkins into Gabe’s bed—and into his heart. As a matter of honor, he gave up the woman he loved. Time passes, times change and old promises fall away, but Gabe is still in love with Tina. Now he’s going after his heart’s desire.
Tina has her own opinion about Gabe’s sense of honor. His departure tore apart the most special of bonds and destroyed her relationship with Connor, leaving her brokenhearted. It took her a long time to pick up the pieces, a struggle she doesn’t wish to repeat. When Gabe shows up at her favorite coffee shop, she knows just where to tell him to stick his apology.
Gabe isn’t so easily put off—and Tina can’t help but respond to his seduction. Picking up where they left off is tempting, but Gabe wants her all to himself. And Tina wants the whole package, which includes Connor.
At the risk of crushing his hopes for the future, Gabe sets out to prove he’s more than enough man for her…
Warning: If piping hot sex, ménage scenes, adult toys, anal play, short blonde heroines and stacked, muscular heroes are not your cup of tea, then don’t read this book. You won’t enjoy it.
Tarsilla’s Review:
Sequel to A Question of Trust, A Question of Love is a worthy addition to what was an incredible erotic novel. Gabe, armed with the knowledge that it is finally okay to go after Tina whom he had to give up in the name of friendship four years ago, is ready to fight for the woman who owns his heart.
Gabe, who was charismatic, charming, and incredibly male, is all that and more in this sequel. Before, we only got glimpses of what a complex and sensitive man he is, and now he is fully and wonderfully disclosed. Not only is he the same gorgeous man and sex-god, he is this deep and caring person who is not just suffering, but fighting with all his might for the woman he loves.
Tina is also a wonderful surprise. I greatly enjoyed her character, and I thought it was very clever how Ms. Dee manipulated her character to give hints of her true heart from the beginning of the story. It was very touching and intriguing to see how Tina truly loved Gabe all along, because even though she kept insisting she loved both Gabe and Connor as a unit her thoughts and emotions were centered on Gabe, and Connor’s name was only added as an afterthought, in a separate sentence. Purposely done or not, it was still a masterful usage of Tina’s character and of sentence structure to manipulate the story, add depth and credibility to it, and propel it forward to an amazing finish.
Truly, everything about A Question of Love is very well done. Even the pacing, which was very fast and frantic, and sort of overlapped with the previous book, fit the story for it was completely in synch with Gabe’s desperation to win over the love of his life.
A Question of Love by Jess Dee is a book that has mind-blowing sex, complex and relatable characters, a dynamic and appealing plot, great writing, and a fantastic love story, which makes it a book you will want to have in your hands.
Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended read by Tarsilla!
Have Your Book Reviewed
Become A Reviewer
Posted in 5 Ravens, A Question of Love, Author Review, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, Jess Dee, Raven Divas, Recommended Read, Samhain Publishing, Tarsilla | No Comments »
January 8th, 2011
 Summer of the Cougar by Nicole Austin
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Length: Novella
Review Copy Received from the Publisher
Summary:
A standalone title in the Cougar Challenge series.
With the big four-oh looming, Larissa Cross is more than ready to shed the roles that have defined her and make drastic changes. Gone are the widowed Army wife, soccer mom and empty nester. She’s even setting aside the schoolteacher until fall.
A naughty challenge issued by fellow erotic romance booklovers on their blog, Tempt the Cougar, has come at the perfect time and ignited Rissa’s competitive drive. It’s going to be a glorious summer full of hot younger man lovin’ for a new cougar on the prowl. Rawr!
Tattooed and pierced fireman JD Harmon is tempting prey but there’s much more to the hunk than his bad boy good looks. A one-night stand isn’t in his plans, and sex—no matter how mind-blowing—won’t distract him from his goals. JD intends to tame the wicked cougar and stake a claim on her heart.
Tarsilla’s Review:
I absolutely loved Summer of the Cougar and how playful and flirty and sexy Ms. Austin made the word cougar, and the idea of being a cougar, sound.
Rissa is hilarious, and it was laugh out loud funny to read her thoughts that often veered to naughty and saucy whenever she thought about JD. Along with the strong, confident, and fiery personality that is clear in her dialogue and actions, it made her one of the most enjoyable lead female characters I’ve ever seen. I was a little surprised by her sexually aggressive personality however, though it was very hard not to love how sparks would fly whenever she was with JD and that feline side would emerge. Though there were times that didn’t quite fit with her overall character, especially considering the background information provided for her, it completely matched JD’s possessive alpha male nature. Yet, she’s still a very complex woman and it was pure joy to see her bloom into a sensual and desirable woman while with JD. And I really loved how her family played a part in the story, for I really enjoyed seeing her interact with her children and the cougars online.
Not to be outdone, JD is also an amazing addition to the story. A man who likes to be in control, it was no wonder Rissa succumbed to JD’s relentless charm. Incredibly sexy and sweet, with a heart of gold and an appetite to die for, JD is truly a wonderful character, and I thoroughly enjoyed his more sensitive side as he fought to win over Rissa. In addition, his wild side whenever he seduced Rissa into submission was completely impossible to resist.
The only problem I found was the pacing of the story, and how it affected the beginning. From JD’s point of view, their relationship seemed too rushed, and I wasn’t very convinced at how fast he fell for Rissa. While her reaction to JD was more realistic and believable – and I loved seeing her trying to rationalize and compartmentalize him in her life – JD’s feelings were a bit too easy on the mark, not really drawing me in until he had a deeper self-internalization analyzing why Rissa was so fascinating to him towards the middle of the book. From that point on, his thoughts and actions were credible, thus adding the edge and depth the story was kind of missing in the beginning. Still, Summer of the Cougar by Nicole Austin is a wonderful erotic novel about the “forbidden love” between an older woman and a younger guy, and I loved every second of it.
Rated 4 1/2 Ravens by Tarsilla!
Have Your Book Reviewed
Become A Reviewer
Posted in 4 1/2 Ravens, Author Review, Contemporary Romance, ellora's cave, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Erotic Romance, Raven Divas, Summer of the Cougar, Tarsilla | No Comments »
January 8th, 2011
 Kaydee & the Tramp by Titania Ladley
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Publishing
Genre: LGBT, F/F, Contemporary Erotic Romance
Length: Novella
Review Copy Received from Publisher
Summary:
“Show me how a woman makes love to a woman.”Hearing that from any hetero female is normally a deal breaker. But when lesbian Kaydee Truman is propositioned with those words by her longtime secret crush—her best friend’s widowed stepmom—temptation takes a front seat to propriety. Savanah Kirtright exudes irresistible sex appeal, and her many past experiences lie solely with men. Savanah’s unexpected enthusiasm to learn how to please a woman proves to be more than Kaydee can resist.
Which turns out to be the worst mistake of her life. But how can such an agonizing slip-up feel so damn right? Neither Kaydee nor Savanah have the answer. All they know is, one sultry summer day by the lake leaves Kaydee and her new lover to make choices that will forever change their lives.
Tarsilla’s Review:
I loved Kaydee & the Tramp! It’s so scorching hot, erotic, and the relationship between Kaydee and Savanah is incredibly beautiful. I loved the plot – it was really well developed, interesting, and very refreshing to see Savanah not only discover, but embrace her sexuality sort of late in life. I loved Kaydee’s complexity. I was very intrigued by her maturity, her vixen personality, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching as she went through her own discovery in finding true love.
Narration-wise, I loved having equal access to point of views from both Kaydee and Savanah. It allowed for great insight into their characters and a much better connection to their steamy romance. I was very connected to the entire story. I was also pleasantly surprised to see Melanie’s story in the background, and how it affected the story as a whole. Her character was very engaging, and it made me wish for a resolution for her as well.
The one aspect of the story I had a little trouble with, however, was how Savanah kept comparing her time with Kaydee to her previous relationships with men. I understand why she would do that, and in the beginning it was very realistic, but she compared the two so often throughout the story that it got a little annoying. However, that doesn’t really detract from how well Kaydee & the Tramp portrays an F/F relationship, and I truly recommend it as a must-read.
Rated 4 Ravens by Tarsilla!
Have Your Book Reviewed
Become A Reviewer
Posted in 4 Ravens, Author Review, Contemporary Romance, ellora's cave, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Erotic Romance, F/F, Gay, GLBT, LGBT, Raven Divas, Tarsilla, Titania Ladley | No Comments »
October 22nd, 2010
 A Question of Trust by Jess Dee
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd
Genre: Contemporary, Erotica, Ménage
Length: Novella
Review Copy Purchased by Review Site
Summary: How do you choose between love and honor?
Menage and More Anthology
Madeline Jones is having the time of her life with Gabriel Carter, a man who fulfills every one of her sexual fantasies. She’s sure it can’t get any better than this…until Gabe introduces her to his best friend.
When Connor Regan enters the mix, sparks fly. Suddenly Maddie wants more than just Gabe, she wants Connor, too. The two men seem happy to oblige.
But threesomes have a way of getting complicated. Hearts can be broken. Although Gabe and Connor play by a strict set of rules designed to minimize the damage, true love does not always adhere to the guidelines.
Sometimes, to fulfill the dream of having the love of a lifetime, even the most comprehensive codes of honor have to be challenged.
Product Warnings: This book contains spicy sex scenes, uninhibited voyeurism, m-f-m passion, anal play, and a new sandwich recipe.
Tarsilla’s Review:
Man, this book gives hawt a whole new definition! A Question of Trust is by far one of the best first-time ménage stories I have ever read. It’s got it all, great characters, a great plot, scorching sex, and a lot of sweet love.
Maddie is a true delight as a female protagonist. She gives off a submissive vibe without actually acting like one and that makes her original and sexy. Her personality is also great and I really liked seeing her evolve from this shy blushing woman to a confident sensual vixen. Connor is another gem, a true subtle alpha hero ready to sacrifice his own happiness for those he loves. I actually loved Gabe, as well. At first, I really thought he was going to be the clichéd muscle virile man who just loves sex, but in truth he is a very complex and loving man. I was pleasantly surprised by his character.
I also loved the plot, how simple it was, and how it easily gave space for the sex scenes to flow in and out. The one tiny thing I think could have been improved was pacing. For instance, I thought Connor’s and Maddie’s relationship evolved way too abruptly. In fact, the sex between them is so intense, their connection is so wonderfully described by Jess Dee, that their whole relationship is very convincing and real. However, aside from their sexual connection, there wasn’t really any hint that that was where they were headed, and to me that is why their change in dynamics just looked so abrupt. But that is really minor compared to the sparks these two, plus mouth-watering Gabe, bring to life.
This is a definite must-read for any erotica m-f-m lovers out there. It’s really a great story that sizzles on the surface, but is incredibly sweet underneath, which is an infallible combination that satisfies from beginning to end.
Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by Tarsilla!
Posted in 5 Ravens, A Question of Trust, Author Review, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, Jess Dee, m/f/m, menage, Menage a Trois/Quarte, Raven Divas, Recommended Read, Samhain Publishing, Tarsilla | 2 Comments »
October 22nd, 2010
 Marilyn by D.B. Story
Publisher: Excessica
Genre: Sci Fi, Romance, F/F, LGBT
Length: Story (9,052 words)
Review Copy Received from Publisher
Summary:
Once we start building robots we will be able to build them in any form we wish, and we will do exactly that because it will help sell them. Unfortunately, in the same way that fame has always brought burdens to those it grants its graces to, it will also bring unique challenges to those built in that image.
(Note to buyers: This story is also contained in the anthology: The Fembot Chronicles—Volume 2, available in e-book and print. In the same way that iTunes sells individual tracks off of an album, individual stories are available without the need to buy the entire anthology.)Warnings: This title contains lesbian sex with robots.
Tarsilla’s Review:
Marilyn, by D.B. Story, is a really provocative read. Marilyn is so complex, an utter juxtaposition to the fact that she’s a robot, and I loved seeing her inner conflict throughout the story. I was really drawn to the story, for even though the central plot is actually fairly simple, the whole underlying issue of robot ethics and mentality is very interesting. I was sad by its short length though, for I think if this controversial idea had been explored further, the plot could have had much more depth.
Going along the lines of size, the pacing of this story is sort of off as well. I really loved how it began, very slow and full of details. I got such a nice clear entry into Marilyn’s thoughts that it was almost impossible for me not to love her character. However, from the moment she meets Lynn, the pacing starts getting faster and faster, to a point that I lost that close “relationship” with the story I had in the beginning. On that note, things in the end wrapped up so nicely so quickly that I had a hard time believing it, or even liking it.
I thought Lynn’s character was a bit clichéd. I didn’t see anything in her that was original or even interesting. The only thing about her that I liked was the fact that she still treated Marilyn like a human being even after she discovered that Marilyn was a robot. Other than that, it was hard sympathizing with her character, even though I did sympathize with her situation. Also, I didn’t really believe her actions the first time she slept with Marilyn. I can see why she did what she did, but the way she did it was completely unlike her character – a woman being abused by her boyfriend and who seemed averted by the idea of being intimate with another female. If the build-up towards that had been slower, with some hints here and there that’s where she was headed; I would have believed her actions a lot more.
But, I really really loved the idea behind this story. I just wish I had seen…more.
Rated 3 Ravens by Tarsilla!
Posted in 3 Ravens, Author Review, D.B. Story, Erotic Romance, eXcessica, F/F, GLBT, LGBT, Marilyn, Raven Divas, Sci-Fi, Tarsilla | 1 Comment »
September 21st, 2010
 Rough Cut by Mari Carr
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, BDSM, Erotic Romance
Length: Novella
Review Copy Purchased by the Review Site
Summary:
When the screen fades to black, all that remains is love,
Ty Ransome. Reigning king of Hollywood, producer, actor, Look Magazine’s Hottest Man Alive. He has it all—until he reads a book of short stories that touches him in places kept carefully hidden from the tabloid gossip mill. There’s only one way to meet the introverted writer—invite her to Tinseltown to work on a script. The moment he sees her, he realizes why her work haunts him. There’s something missing in his life, and it’s her.
Gwen steps off the plane with reservations. For one thing, her darkly sexual stories are hardly movie material. Then there’s Ty’s reputation as a ladies’ man. Yet she’s won over by his charm and agrees to stay on for a week to get to know him before making her decision. And as the days go by, she discovers there’s far more to Ty than a handsome face.
They eat, drink and breathe the characters in their screenplay, re-enacting scenes that delve into the BDSM realm, setting Ty free to unleash his powerful cravings and exposing Gwen’s deepest needs. Needs she set free on paper…but is not sure she’s ready to make a reality.
Product Warnings: This title contains all the following Tinseltown essentials: explicit sex on a movie set, anal play in a mansion, BDSM with a hot movie star, capture fantasies while writing a screenplay, bondage in a limo, and, oh yeah, some graphic language—sorry about that.
Tarsilla’s Review:
Rough Cut, by Mari Carr, is an amazingly hawt read! I loved the characters, the plot, the writing, and most of it all, the flaming sex scenes! While some BDSM stories can sound really rough and forced, this erotica was so smoothly done it just flowed, making it all seem natural and very desirable.
What makes Rough Cut exceptional, however, are the two main characters, Ty and Gwen. Ty Ransome has to be the most possessive, dominating, incredibly sexual man I’ve ever seen in an erotic romance book. Gwen Preston is truly a special submissive. While she loves submitting to Ty’s commands, she also has this rebellious streak inside her that surprises Ty at every turn, keeping him on edge and their sex sizzling off the pages. The character development in this book is also amazing, especially Gwen’s blooming from an innocent girl who was completely terrified of her dark and “forbidden” desires, to a strong independent woman who embraces herself and who she is by Ty’s side. The plot is dynamic and fun, and completely suits these formidable characters.
One thing I thought could be improved was the pacing. I was a little bit unconvinced by how fast the story developed. For instance, while Gwen’s growth as a woman is perfectly done, the rate at which she changed was sort of awkward. One minute she is fighting the irresistible attraction between her and Ty, and the next they are in his bedroom ready to reenact her short stories. In contrast, while the story itself moves too fast for the depth this plot presents, Ty’s surprisingly fast fall for Gwen is very realistic, mainly due to Gwen’s multi-layered personality that makes her a very likable and intriguing woman.
Overall, this is must-read erotica that will leave you breathless and wanting more.
Rated 4 Ravens by Tarsilla!
FTC Disclaimer:
In accordance with FTC guidelines, it’s important for you to know that we also have an Amazon Associates account, which means that we receive a nominal referral fee every time a reader purchases a book on Amazon through the links on our website or Amazon Store. With that said…
Thank you for your continual support and we hope you enjoy our new site.
The Blackraven
Posted in 4 Ravens, Author Review, BDSM, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, Mari Carr, Raven Divas, Rough Cut, Samhain Publishing, Tarsilla | No Comments »
September 21st, 2010
 All for Shayla by Ava McKnight
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Ménage, F/F, F/F/M, M/F, Erotic, Contemporary Romance
Length: Quickie
Review Copy Received from Publisher
Summary:
Who says you can’t always get what you want? Shayla is a Savannah socialite with a secret fetish for bad boys. When the younger, mysterious Keith pulls up in a hot muscle car, she knows he’s exactly what she wants. Even if it’s only for one night.
Back at Keith’s apartment, there are no strings attached and no holds barred, especially when Keith’s pretty roommate Carla joins the action. Shayla checks her inhibitions at the door and enjoys an erotic ride that’s double the fun, with Keith and Carla focused solely on her pleasure!
Publisher’s Note: This story was previously published elsewhere under the title Wet & Wild and has been revised for Ellora’s Cave.
Tarsilla’s Review:
Yes! Finally, a good quality, hawt as hell, leave you breathless f/f/m ménage story! All for Shayla is so scorching, you will definitely need a shower after reading it.
First of all, this short story has a surprisingly perfect pace. The plot is simple, therefore it is easy to fall in the trap of rushing through the events, but Ms. Ava McKnight did it just right, moving through the memorable night between Keith, Carla, and Shayla with such flawless flow and skill, it truly seems like more time passed than it actually did. Also, the plot development is nicely done, and I was terribly impressed by how she managed to include such rich details about Shayla’s background into the story without disrupting the flow, and even managing to add depth to the story, making it richer than it already is.
Next, the characters are truly amazing. Shayla is that good proper Southern girl who wants to break away from her responsibilities and be bad for a night. However, even though at first glance she seems like a total cliché, her character is in fact so well written, everything about her is genuine and exciting. Keith, again, seems like your clichéd bad boy, but as the story progresses, you realize he is everything but common; a mixture between a daredevil and a sweetheart, possessiveness and gentleness, and so forth. Whenever Shayla thinks she can predict what he is going to do next, he goes and surprises the hell out of her, and the reader as well, leaving us at the edge throughout their encounter.
However, I was expecting a bit more from Carla. I thought her character’s involvement in the story was way too short and not really fulfilling. While her joining the two was very natural, the way she exited was very awkward. Also, I was a bit unconvinced at how Shayla was so willing to go with Keith. While Ms. McKnight does a very good job at explaining her reasoning behind making Shayla do that, I was still skeptical that that would actually happen in real life.
Alas, this is one smoking hot read. If Ms. McKnight can produce such amazing short stories, I can’t wait to see what a full-blown erotic novel by her would be like.
Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by Tarsilla!
FTC Disclaimer:
In accordance with FTC guidelines, it’s important for you to know that we also have an Amazon Associates account, which means that we receive a nominal referral fee every time a reader purchases a book on Amazon through the links on our website or Amazon Store. With that said…
Thank you for your continual support and we hope you enjoy our new site.
The Blackraven
Posted in 5 Ravens, All for Shayla, Author Review, ava mcknight, Contemporary Romance, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Erotic Romance, F/F, f/f/m, m/f, Menage a Trois/Quarte, Raven Divas, Recommended Read, Tarsilla | 1 Comment »
|
|
Jaylyn, the main character, is very captivating. I love that this story is in first-person since it allowed me to be really attuned with this character. Mirror Image is very complex and emotional, and because of that I truly felt connected to Jaylyn and engaged with her emotions. Monika’s character was a little harder to get a sense of. She was sort of unapproachable in the beginning, and the reader keenly feels that distance since Jaylyn herself emphasizes that point. Then, all of a sudden, there’s this unexplained camaraderie between the two women. While the idea that they have an instant and effortless connection is the point of the story, I still would have appreciated a little more build-up in their relationship. Also, Monika’s behavior is a bit erratic, and while that’s not necessarily a problem, I would have liked to see a clearer reason behind her inconsistency.
