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March 22nd, 2013
 Her Black Knight by Vivi Dumas
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 46 pages
 
Summary :
Born in the wrong century, Gwendolyn Braxton is searching for her knight in shining armor. She learns by taking a chance and hopping a plane to England, sometimes fairy tales do come true.
Gwendolyn Braxton was born in the wrong century. She submerges her life into the study of the Renaissance Era. She is the resident expert on all things Arthurian in the DC Metro area, maybe even the U.S. Unfortunately, none of her knowledge helps her to find her own Knight in Shining Armor. Actually, as a Black woman in Washington D.C., it runs men off like the plague. To make things worse, her mother has stepped in to fix her before she plunged into spinsterhood.
Morien Knight is far from home in search of an artifact lost in history, a history he longs to emerge himself back into. His small sabbatical from his mission to participate in the Kentland Castle Resort Renaissance Faire might lead him to exactly where he belongs. Morien learns when dealing with the poetic lessons of his old friend, Merlin, things may not always exist as you expect.
Naunet’s Review :
Vivi Dumas is an author of a spirited short story, Her Black Knight , which piqued my curiosity as I recall The Tales of the Three Musketeers during an era in when these three men who where portrayed as handsome gentlemen and fierce fencers. The Three Musketeers centered in Paris was penned by Alexander Dumas. Both talented authors share the same last name and wouldn’t it be ironic if Vivi Dumas was related to the renown author Alexander Dumas?
Vivi Dumas’ writing style is smooth, luscious and well balanced, hitting all the elements I relish in an erotic romance. I was enthralled with the blend of current times and historical connections. The scenes of intimacies were beautiful and tasteful and reminded me of where fairy tales and fantasies originate. I related to Gwyn Braxton on a couple of levels, the first being the locale of Washington, D.C. with the numerous art galleries and museums. The second level involved remembering the fairy tales that were read to me as a young child. The dreams of finding a Knight in Shining Armor is a quest that many young girls from the 1940′s – 1970′s heard about and that perhaps they would be fortunate enough to find such a man to spend the rest of her life with. Hmmm, Vivi Dumas recreation of this blissful, loving fantasy in Her Black Knight was so delicious that I investigated to see if Kentland Castle was a resort. I am overdue for a vacation. 
Gwyn Braxton is a beautiful, thirty year old professional with honey complexion, corkscrew curls. Gwyn would love to find and fall in love with the man of her dreams; however, she finds it difficult to find him in the museums, art galleries and lectures about ancient art. She worked in the National Galley of Art in Washington, D.C.. Gwyn inherited her love for medieval art, the history of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table from her parents who are professors of art and history.
 Fifteenth century Moorish Knight, Morien, is part of the entertainment that focuses on Renaissance period at Kentland Castle Resort. Morien is on the ancient quest for the Grail and once he locates it the legend states he will be able to return home. Morien is a just shy of a god with his ripples of muscles, sexy eyes, handsome dark olive complexion that stands over 6 feet tall. O-M-G! Ms. Dumas paints Morien like a master artist.
The festivities held at the Maryland Renaissance are pale by comparison to the Kentland Castle Resorts Renaissance Tournament entertainment.
Her Black Knight lifted me off my feet and twirled me around blissfully like a princess. The adoring encounter between Gwyn and Morien was sensationally illustrated to the point that I felt as if I were in the scene with Gwyn and Morien enjoying the titillations the two lovers shared.
I loved this short story and wished it were longer, but it is the perfect length for a bedtime story to devour before drifting off to dreamland. Ms. Dumas thanks for such a soft, comfortable, sexy narrative.
Rated 4.5 Ravens by Naunet !
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Posted in 4 1/2 Ravens, Author Review, breathless press, Contemporary Romance, Her Black Knight, Naunet, Raven Divas, Vivi Dumas | 1 Comment »
January 3rd, 2013
 Willow by Lee Brazil
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: GLBT, Contemporary, M/M
Length: Novel
Summary:
Making decisions is sometimes difficult for Willow Shaw, but loving Cade Lawson comes easily. Too bad Cade regards him as too young to know his own mind.
As a favor for an old friend, cop Cade Lawson is keeping a watchful eye on his young neighbor, Willow Shaw. He’d thought that would involve some hanging out, watching movies and heart-to-heart talks on college life.
But the Will who moved into his apartment building wasn’t the same little boy who’d worshipped his father’s friend. No, this Willow is rowdy, defiant, challenging, and alluring. He stirs feelings that Cade is uncomfortable with.
Cade might be uncomfortable, but Willow Shaw is desperate. He’s had a crush on Cade for years, and he’d hoped it would fade away one day. Hiding his growing feelings is his top priority, even if it means acting like a prick, because there is absolutely no way a man like Cade—strong, decisive, handsome, and experienced—is going to be attracted to him.
Barb Manning’s Review:
 Willow by Lee Brazil is a gay romance between an older Cade Lawson and a younger Willow Shaw. Cade is best friends with Willow’s father and there’s almost 20 years difference in their ages. If that’s not a big enough obstacle, Willow thinks his father hates him for being gay. Willow also has problems with focusing–too much external stimulation and he freezes and can’t make a decision.
On the surface, this sounds like the ingredients for a great story. Unfortunately, the only things Cade and Willow have in common are family history. Cade and Willow’s relationship devolves from one of hero-worship and puppy love to out-and-out hostility. When Cade makes an effort to break through to Willow, the novel skirts around BDSM with blindfolds and handcuffs but doesn’t really get into the lifestyle. That’s the problem with Willow, the novel lacks focus.
The characters also don’t engender much affinity. I at least want to like the main characters in a romance novel. Instead, I found myself wondering why Cade is wasting time with someone as young and inexperienced, as well as trying to figure out just what Willow finds so fascinating about Cade. In addition, the ending was a major disappointment because the story just comes to an abrupt halt, leaving many issues unresolved. If Willow is part of a new series, it’s off to a very rocky start. Unfortunately, I have too many questions and not enough ambition to seek the answers in a sequel.
Rated 2.5 Ravens by Barb Manning!
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Posted in 2 1/2 Ravens, Author Review, Barb Manning, breathless press, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, GLBT, m/m, Raven Divas, Willow | 1 Comment »
May 29th, 2012
 Loving Jacob by Lee Brazil
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, M/M, GLBT, May-December Romance
Length: 77 pages
Summary:
When Malcolm Jenner’s sex-on-the-side turns into more, he isn’t above begging for a second chance.
High-profile attorney Malcolm Jenner is looking for a bit of fun, nothing serious. He’s got duties and responsibilities, after all. He doesn’t usually choose his lovers from the office, but his attraction to Jacob Renault is too compelling to resist.
However, Jacob isn’t interested in temporary. He wants it all—Prince Charming, the castle, the happily ever after. There’s no rule that says the younger man can’t have fun while he’s searching for his prince, though…
At first neither is willing to compromise on their stance, but an agreement is reached, with each man planning to do his best to subvert the other to his viewpoint. Lust turns to love, and what’s impossible becomes merely improbable, but is it going to be enough?*/
AJ’s Review:
Mr. Brazil quickly draws you into the story by allowing the reader into Malcolm’s thoughts present day and how he plans to win back the love of his life. While the Prologue provided bits and pieces of information, at times it was unclear who all of the players were in this complex story where the precepts of love, friendship, and most importantly acceptance of oneself, as well as others is paramount.
Malcolm is a strong-willed, stubborn force to be reckoned with who goes after what he wants when he sees Jacob. However, family obligations and fear of disappointing his parents holds him back emotionally. While the chemistry between he and Jacob is intense, there lack of communication is what continues to keep this relationship off-balance.
Jacob is young and determined to find his Prince Charming, who he concludes is Malcolm. Yet, it’s obvious that his youth and inexperience still leaves him vulnerable and somewhat naive to what is really happening with his relationship to Malcolm. That ole’ saying “if it seems to good to be true, then most likely it is”, holds true for this couple who are struggling to find their Happily Ever After.
The secondary characters, Penny, Liam, and Peter play pivotal roles in this compelling story as time progresses and the relationship between Malcolm and Jacob become volatile. My main niggle with the story is that when things went South, although the reader is given full access to Malcolm’s grief and ultimate self-destruction, we are limited to what Jacob is feeling. Moreover, we were left hanging as to the reason or event that led to Jacob finally leaving the relationship. Although Mr. Brazil does provide more insight at the end of the story, I felt that it would have increased the depth of the plot to know these things upfront and to watch how the destruction of Malcolm and Jacob’s relationship affected both of them instead of just Malcolm. I say this because I couldn’t really understand how Jacob could profess suching undying love for Malcolm and then do what he did, which seemed rather abrupt and left me wondering how we ended up from point A to point B. In addition, I would have loved for the ending to have been more in depth. Given everything that this couple had endured throughout the story, it ended rather abruptly for me.
 Regardless, Loving Jacob is a powerful story with several different messages if you simply pay attention. My favorite message was that you have to live your life to the fullest for yourself instead of doing what everyone expects you to do because ultimately, you’re the only one who has to live with the consequences. Second, communication is imperative in a relationship and assumptions only do one thing – make an ass out of you and me. Third, forgiveness and trust are treasures never to be taken lightly.
Mr. Brazil has crafted a well-written story with a gripping plot that will make you think about life. The events that occurred where both realistic and believable. The characters were lovable and at times made you want to weep for them as they navigated through the mindfield known as life. More importantly, they remind us that love comes when you least expect it, so it’s imperative that we embrace it and cherish it when given the chance because no one is promised tomorrow.
If you enjoy captivating, heart-wrenching stories with mesmerizing, soulful characters who know how to heat up your e-reader with their scorching hot sex scenes and will make you think about life, love and happiness, then Loving Jacob by Lee Brazil is definitely the book to read.
Rated 4 Ravens AJ!
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Posted in 4 Ravens, A.J., Author Review, breathless press, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, GLBT, Lee Brazil, Loving Jacob, m/m, Raven Divas, Uncategorized | No Comments »
May 3rd, 2012
 The Librarian by Lee Brazil
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: Contemporary, GLBT, M/M, Erotic Romance
Length: 72 pages
Summary:
Valentine Michaels has just taken a vow of celibacy. Adrian Grey intends to take full advantage of that vow to re-create his relationship with Val.
Val is at a crossroads in his life. A college dropout, he’s gone as far as he can in his career as a cosmetologist, owning his own style salon. He no longer finds satisfaction in it, though he’s put years into proving to his bigoted parents that a college degree and the veneer of straightness aren’t the only roads to success. They’d turned their backs on him, and he proved he didn’t need them to make it.
His love life is no better than his working life. His relationships always start with a bang and fizzle into boredom, or worse, anger.
Adrian has his own agenda for helping Val: he’s been in love with Val since they were freshmen. The intervening years of listening to Val’s gossip about his lovers and relationships have taught Adrian just what it was he did wrong all those years ago, and he thinks this time around he now knows exactly how to get—and keep—his man.
Lea’s Review:
I loved this story! The Librarian is the exact opposite of a m/m romance with a quick pick-up at a bar that is love at first sight. Instead, Lee Brazil offers the story of men who have known one another for many years, and the time has come for them to either be able to work through issues from the past, or move on, permanently.
The two main characters, Val and Adrian, are so clearly presented that I feel I would know them should they come knocking on my door. Adrian is an intelligent and serious man, a respected librarian who has known for many years exactly what he wants in life and in love. Over the years he has broadened his horizons, honing skills and talents to enrich his relationship with the partner he would one day have. Val has been foot loose and fancy free, or he tries to appear that way when underneath that veneer is a man who knows he has wasted time and energy on people and things that couldn’t bring him the satisfaction or security he craves.
 Something that adds to the poignancy of this story are the memories Adrian has of his parents. It is through them that we learn about the motivation and tenacity that has helped Adrian weather some very difficult situations. Those memories also help to highlight the differences between Adrian’s parents and Val’s. Adrian’s mother, especially, becomes a secondary character, and you just know she is pulling for Adrian to find a way to finally make this work.
The themes of unconditional love, consistency and perseverance are beautifully developed in The Librarian. Toward the end of this beautiful love story, a truth is revealed about an incident that happened long ago. While it would be easy to think that so many years of pain might have been easily avoided, there is also the idea that these men would have been different and that the struggles in life can increase the beauty.
The Librarian is totally worth your time and money. Hit the link above to begin reading this beautiful and poignant love story.
Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by Lea!
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Posted in 5 Ravens, Author Review, breathless press, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, GLBT, Lea, Lee Brazil, m/m, Raven Divas, Recommended Read, The Librarian | No Comments »
March 31st, 2012
 Taking the Dare by Lee Brazil
Series; Truth or Dare, Book 4
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: M/M, GLBT, Erotic, Contemporary
Length: 31,941 words
Summary:
Morgan Hawke is happy with the status of his relationship with Dan Blake. After three years, though, Dan’s ready to move their relationship to the next level.
Having seen his brothers find love and settle into family life, Dan Blake has realized he’s ready for change. The only problem with that is that his lover prefers to maintain the status quo. Dan’s up for the challenge of changing Morgan’s mind. He’s got plans, and he’s used to working behind the scenes to get his way.
Morgan can’t understand the changes he sees in Dan. They’ve come a long way from the office of the bar where they met, but he’s not sure he’s ready to move their relationship from the shadows to the front pages. Publicity is okay for Dan—he’s got the weight of the Blakes behind him—but the Morgan isn’t sure he’s ready to let go of the past he’s been clinging to.
Can Dan manipulate a happy ending for this script?
Blackraven’s Review:
I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next as Brandon issued his “dare” to Dan to bring the love of his life to his wedding at the end of Giving Up, and believe me, Ms. Brazil did not disappoint.
The reader is immediately drawn into the story as our two lovers get togther for a roll in the sheets after a long separation. And while the sex was hot, I was more intrigued by the flashbacks that Ms. Brazil provided to show us how Dan and Morgan initially met. This provided more detail about the characters, their situation, and increasded the depth of the story.
Dan has always piqued my curiosity because he’s the brother that seemed the most relaxed, yet elusive. However, Taking the Dare provides the reader with an in depth view of this complex, three-dimensional character who has felt second best, if that, in his family his whole life. Ms. Brazil does an excellent job of showing the reader the true picture of the Blake family dynamics and where each brother fits into the bigger picture from Dan’s prospective, which I found fascinating. In addition, she incorporates the flip side of his perspective from the other Blake brothers’ point of view, whch increased the complexity of not only the plot, but also the family dyanmics and made Taking the Dare more realistic.
Morgan is a refreshing character who has some serious issues of his own. I liked how Ms. Brazil starts you down one path in regards to developing an opinion of this character and then adds a twist here and a turn there that not only shows the true situation, but also allows the reader to quickly realize that things aren’t always as they seem.
 The chemistry between Dan and Morgan is explosive and definitely off-the-charts. Yet, their ability to communicate with one another is at times very frustrating not only for them, but also for the reader. These two will take you through a myriad of emotions that include shaking your head because they can’t see what’s right in front of them, to balling up your fists in frustration because of all the mixed signals they send one another, to holding your hand over your heart and saying aw! It’s obvious that Dan and Morgan love one another, but it’s the excess baggage from the past and their fears that keep putting up road blocks and preventing these two intriguingmen from finding their Happily Ever After.
Once again, the family dynamics between the Blake brothers provides the reader with a combination of humor and ah-ha! moments that help the story progress. I love discovering how each of them are doing now that they’ve found their true soul mates. While there were a few other secondary characters, there is one that truly stood out and helped Morgan come to understand how much he loved Dan. That’s all I’m saying because I don’t want to spoil a key component in the story for you.
Ms. Brazil has created a fascinating story with dyanmic characters who are intense, lovable, and complex as they struggle to find a future with one another in spite of their fears and the excess baggage of the past that’s weighing them down. The sex is hot and the love is endearing as these two men try to find their Happily Ever After. If you’re looking for a well-written, scintilating read that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride, yet keep you enthralled with the characters and the plot of the story until the very end, then Taking the Dare by Lee Brazil is definitely the book to read. I hope there is a follow-up story so that we can see how everyone is doing because the Blake brothers have become a part of my family.
Rated 4.5 Ravens by Blackraven!
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Posted in 4 1/2 Ravens, Author Review, breathless press, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, GLBT, Lee Brazil, m/m, Raven Divas, Taking the Dare, The Blackraven | No Comments »
January 13th, 2012
 Benefits of Sharing by Leslie Lee Sanders
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: Erotica, Contemporary, Erotic romance, Ménage, M/F/M
Length: 21 pages
Summary:
Cara Matthews is about to turn thirty and for her it’s the death of her youth and the beginning of the dull years. Her husband James is aware of her sudden grief and surprises her with something that should take her mind off of aging…young Isaac.
Maybe Isaac could help Cara create her very own wild and crazy experience to share…in more ways than one. And therefore help her transition smoothly from her twenties to her thirties.
Cara is all too eager to finally experience the excitement she’s been desperately craving but she’s also a little skeptical. Exactly who is Isaac and why is he so eager to please?
Blackraven’s Review:
Benfits of Sharing by Leslie Lee Sanders is a sexy quick read at 21 pages. The chemistry between Cara, Issac, and James is off-the charts, the sex is scorching hot, and if you’re not wet by the time you’ve finished reading this sexy little romp, then something is wrong.
In my opinion, there is nothing sexier than a man who knows what he wants and goes about getting it. Issac is young, but he’s confident in his sexuality and his skills. Cara is solemn as she turns thirty and continues to play the “what if” game and she ponders her decisions of the past and fond memories of a young man by the name of Rick who wanted to set her body on fire, but she never gave a chance. I learned a long time ago that sometimes regrets are overrated in that if you regret the past then you’re failing to enjoy the present and all of the blessings that you’ve received. Eventually, with the help of her husband and Issac, Cara realizes the same thing.
While the message is strong, the journey is the most intriguing part in Benefits of Sharing. If you’re looking for a well-written, fast-paced, sexy romp, where the lust is intense, the love is endearing between husband and wife, the sex is sizzling, and the truth will give you a new perspective on life, then Benefits of Sharing by Leslie Lee Sanders is definitely the book to read. It’ll put a smile on your face while making you hot and bothered in all of the right places.
Rated 4 Ravens by The Blackraven!
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Posted in 4 Ravens, Author Review, Benefits of Sharing, breathless press, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, Leslie Lee Sanders, m/f/m, Raven Divas, The Blackraven | No Comments »
November 27th, 2011
 Keeping House by Lee Brazil
Publisher: Breathless Press
Series: Truth or Dare, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, M/M, GLBT
Length: 76 Pages
Summary:
Mischa knew his brothers were up to something. He didn’t know it would lead him to Donovan Holloway and change his carefree lifestyle forever.
Donovan Holloway, advertising executive, newly made vice president of the company where he’s worked for twenty years, grew up in a free love hippie commune, taking care of the parents who should have been taking care of him. He’s worked hard to put himself through school and achieve the American dream. All he’s ever wanted was a normal family life—house in the suburbs, two cars, two kids, a shaggy dog. A family to come home to—to care for, and to care for him.
Mischa Blake is the green eyed, liberally-pierced, black-haired, Mohawk-wearing spoiled youngest son of a Hollywood producer and his actress wife. Mischa has made a terrible mistake. In a fit of childish pique, he’s accepted a dare from his older brothers. The dare? Live on his own, supporting himself completely for a year without accessing his trust fund. No problem. Except Mischa has never worked a day in his life, hasn’t finished college, and has absolutely no skills that he can bring to the table.
So when he sees Donovan’s ad for a housekeeper/gardener, he has nothing to lose by applying, because really…how hard can it be?
Blackraven’s Review:
Lee Brazil quickly drew me into her tantalizing story, Keeping House. The Blake brothers are easy to like as they use the game of Truth or Dare to change their lives and possibly find a Happily Ever After. It’s obvious that these me love each other, especially when it means meddling in each others’ lives. LOL!
Mischa Blake is absolutely adorable as he learns some hard lessons in life and about himself. I enjoyed his humor and quick wit as he embraced his new role as housekeeper/gardener for Donovan even though he’d never worked a day in his life. It was refreshing to watch someone who had everything learn to adapt to everyday living. It was also great to watch how his true friends came together to help him instead of judge him once he no longer had access to his trust fund.
Donovan Holloway is strong, capable and full of love. Yet, he was extremely lonely and longed for a dream he never thought he’d have, a loving family with another man. So, when the whirlwind known as Mischa came into his life, he didn’t know what had hit him.
The dynamics between Mischa and Donovan was electrifying as they initially fought their attraction for one another. However, once these two came to an understanding and embraced their simmering lust for one another the fireworks were mesmerizing. Ms. Brazil did a wonderful job of addressing each man’s fears and desires as the story progressed.
Although Keeping House felt a little rushed toward the end, the story was well-written and the characters were three dimensional and well thought out. Thus, if you’re looking for a love at first sight story where the characters are humorous, loveable, at times intense, and very passionate about one another, then Keeping House by Lee Brazi is definitely the book to read. You’re guaranteed to laugh, cry and go weak in the knees as Mischa and Donovan give into their love and lust for one another while finding their Happily Ever After. LOL! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Rated 4.5 Ravens by Blackraven!
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Posted in 4 1/2 Ravens, Author Review, breathless press, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, GLBT, Keeping House, Lee Brazil, m/m, Raven Divas, The Blackraven | No Comments »
October 5th, 2011
 Relearning the Ropes by DC Juris
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: M/M, BDSM, Erotic, Contemporary, Romance
Word Count: 8,000
Summary:
Marcus will have to set aside his old theories about BDSM and relearn the ropes to be the Dom Charlie needs.
When his good friend Julius dies unexpectedly, Marcus finds himself saddled with a new submissive–Charlie. But Charlie comes with a history, and more pain and need than Marcus has ever encountered. Marcus knows he loves Charlie, and Charlie loves him, but Marcus must set aside his old theories about BDSM and relearn the ropes if he wants to be the Dom—and the lover—they both need.
Margaret’s Review:
DC Juris writes good short stories, but sometimes they are just too short, and such is the case with Relearning the Ropes. There is so much more to know about Marcus, Charlie and Julius and we’re just given little hints about before and what comes after. Mr. Juris creates characters that you love and want to know all about. I felt that this time, there just isn’t enough meat here. A short story is great when it has a beginning, a middle and an end, but Relearning the Ropes seems to have only the middle.
 It appears that Julius was not a loving Dom but was able to control Charlie, whom he rescued from an abusive slave situation. He borrowed half a million dollars from Marcus to buy Charlie, which seems extravagant, even in the world of the extremely wealthy. I wished they had been able to use the money to bring about an investigation and rescue the other slaves.
It was interesting that the one having to relearn the ropes wasn’t Charlie, the timid sub, but Marcus, the large-and-in-charge Dom, who inherited Charlie. Marcus didn’t expect that but when he realized that taking care of Charlie would mean doing things differently he stepped up and did what Charlie needed rather than what Marcus needed, and I liked that about the character.
I found Relearning the Ropes to be a good 30 minute read but it left me wanting more. I would love to see Mr. Juris write a full-length novel to show us what he can do with a more complex plot and fully developed characters.
Rated 3 Ravens by Margaret!
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Posted in 3 Ravens, Author Review, BDSM, breathless press, Contemporary Romance, DC Juris, Erotic Romance, m/m, Raven Divas | 1 Comment »
October 4th, 2011
 Telling the Truth: Truth or Dare, Book 2 by Lee Brazil
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: M/M, Ménage, M/M/M Erotic, Contemporary, Romance
Length: 79 pages
Summary:
Terry has lived his life according to the guidelines, by studying accounting, getting an MBA, and working for the family business. And while his work has its own rewards, something has been missing, and his eyes have only just been opened to what–or rather who–that could be.
Terry’s brothers have upped the ante in their weekly poker game. A Truth or Dare challenge. Terry can handle any dare his brothers dish out, but the demand for Truth is a different matter. Terry is honor-bound to divulge secrets he’s been ashamed to admit even to himself in the privacy of his own bedroom.
Twins Dex and Trick have finally found acceptance for their relationship in the homes of their friends. They’d never do anything to jeopardize that newfound sense of belonging. Fooling around with their friend Mischa Blake’s prissy, domineering, oh-so-sexy older brother is risky. A one-night stand might be okay, but they close ranks afterward, pushing Terry aside.
Terry isn’t going to back down without a fight. Dex and Trick are meant to be his, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make them realize all the safety and protection they need can be found in his arms.
Kathy’s Review:
Telling the Truth is a sweet yet sexy addition to Lee Brazil’s Truth or Dare series. 
Although Terry Blake is straight, he cannot deny his powerful attraction for extremely close twins Dex and Trick. The threesome share an intensely passionate night together, but interference from one of the Blake brothers brings the burgeoning relationship to a grinding halt.
Telling the Truth is an engaging novella with winsome characters and a compelling storyline. The Blake brothers share a tight bond and their support for one another is always well intentioned although not always needed or appreciated. While the relationship between Dex and Trick borders on twincest, the sex scenes focus more on Terry’s actions the twins leaving minimal sexual contact between Dex and Trick.
TheTruth or Dare series is interesting and unique. The dynamics between the Blake brothers are fascinating and Lee Brazil’s readers are left eagerly anticipating the next brother’s story.
Rated 4 Ravens by Kathy!
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October 4th, 2011
 Giving Up: Truth or Dare Series, Book 3 by Lee Brazil
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: Erotic, Contemporary, Romance
Length: 76 pages
Summary:
Brandon Blake has a problem. His stressful job as CEO of the family production studio combined with the added stress of his self-imposed role of family caretaker has left him with an ulcer. His brothers are leaving home and making families of their own, and Brandon’s interference has caused some serious rifts. The prescription? Therapy. He needs to learn how to give up the need to control everything. The sessions go well enough, even if Brandon can barely tear his eyes away from the curve of his therapist’s legs.
Dr. Arden Gray knows all about control. She’d survived marriage to a dominant, abusive man, and has spent the last twenty years turning her life around. She’s learned to take charge and has made a career of teaching others to do the same. Giving up that control isn’t her forte, but after a few sessions with Brandon Blake, she sees something intriguing hidden inside him. Something that tells her he just might be the man she’s been looking for. If only she can convince him that giving up control to the right woman will solve all his problems.
Kathy’s Review:
Lee Brazil proves to be a versatile author with the addition of Giving Up to the Truth or Dare series. Brandon Blake’s story is a splendid male/female romance that is absolutely impossible to put down.
With his overbearing and controlling attitude toward his brothers beginning to affect their relationship and his health, Brandon seeks therapy to learn how to cope with letting go of some his responsibility. He feels an immediate and intense attraction to his therapist Dr. Arden Gray, but he decides his mental health is more important than acting on his desires. When she “fires” him as her patient and proposes a more personal relationship on her terms, will Brandon willingly cede control to the sexy doctor?
I have to confess I had my doubts about Brandon and Arden’s relationship, but Mr. Brazil flawlessly pulls it off. Brandon and Arden realize there are some areas of their lives where they need to have someone else in charge. They prove to be perfect for one another as they discover that in a successful relationship the balance of power shifts back and forth between partners.
The shifting dynamics between the Blake brothers is fascinating as allegiances between the brothers adjust as they individually settle into family life. The bond between them strengthens as they begin to view one another as equals and support each other’s decisions as they make necessary changes to their lives.
Giving Up is an engaging romance with vibrant, three dimensional characters. The sex scenes between Arden and Brandon are steamy and a little kinky as they venture into some light bondage play. It is a simply delightful story that is filled with emotion as Brandon and Arden fully come to terms with their tragic pasts.
Lee Brazil has done a magnificent job of keeping Truth or Dare series fresh and unique. The first book Keeping House is a male/male May/December romance. Telling the Truth is a M/M/M ménage with a bit of a twincest angle. Giving Up is unexpectedly a male/female romance. I cannot help but wonder what innovative relationship Mr. Brazil has planned in his unpcoming novel for Dan.
Rated 4.5 Ravens by Kathy!
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Posted in 4 1/2 Ravens, Author Review, breathless press, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, Giving Up, KathyB, Lee Brazil, Raven Divas | No Comments »
August 18th, 2011
 Shelton in Love by Dianne Hartsock
Publisher: Breathless Press Publishing
Genre: Paranormal, Erotic Romance, GLBT, M/M
Length: 8,701 word count
Also Available At
Summary:
Shelton is falling hard for his best friend and roommate, finding Nevil’s dark good looks and moments of gentleness almost impossible to resist. But Nevil is more interested in affairs of the body than the heart. As Shelton’s desire for the man grows, he wonders if he can change Nevil’s mind. But does he even want to? Nevil might not stay, once he learns Shelton’s secret, and then his loneliness would be complete.
Excerpt:
Shelton stayed where he was, panting, slightly dazed. Nevil took his hand, kissing his fingertips. His eyes lingered on Shelton’s heaving chest. “I could take you right here,” he confessed, his voice unsteady. “But let’s go inside. I need a little more privacy for what I have in mind.”
Shelton flushed, heat coursing through his whole body. Pulling his clothes together, he fumbled for the door handle, chilled as he stepped outside the car. Nevil came around the hood and took his hand, pulling him toward the apartment door.
Nevil hardly waited until the door closed behind them before capturing Shelton’s lips in a hungry kiss, flipping on a light before urging him back toward the couch against the wall. Once there, he stopped and carefully removed the coat from Shelton’s shoulders, placing it over the back of a chair.
“Can’t have Tera angry with us.”
“No indeed,” Nevil teased, and promptly pushed him onto the couch. He put his hands on his shoulders and gave him a lingering, drugging kiss that turned Shelton to jelly. Nevil’s pliant lips traveled his jawline and down his neck, planting little kisses on their way to suckle his nipples. Shelton whimpered as the plucked nerves sent jolts of pleasure through his body to his scrotum and on to the tip of his growing erection. He ached to have Nevil’s lips there, sucking him.
 Shelton’s Promise by Dianne Hartsock
Publisher: Breathless Press Publishing
Genre: Paranormal, Erotic Romance, M/M, GLBT
Length: 9,084
Also Available At
Summary:
Shelton has a gift he’s eager to give to Nevil. At a party, Nevil flirts with one man after another, keeping Shelton on his toes. Then Percy, an ex, shows up to complicate things. Despite his best efforts, Shelton can’t find the right moment to give Nevil his gift. Will Nevil ever let Shelton get close to him, or will Shelton have to keep the gift in his pocket all evening?
Excerpt:
Nevil suddenly reached for the empty glass Shelton had been rolling in his hands. “Here, let me get you another drink.”
Shelton murmured a protest, but Nevil had already disappeared into the crowd. Turning back to the girl he’d been talking with, Shelton encountered Percy’s intent stare and gasped, stunned. No one had hated him so openly before. Jealousy and pain glinted in the wide, gray eyes, and Shelton shivered slightly.
Percy sat on the edge of his chair. “You need to get out from behind that desk and into the sun, darling.” He tilted his blond head. “Or are you coming down with something? You’re quite dull this evening.”
Shelton studied his nails. Percy was currently drowning his sorrows in a college freshman, and Shelton couldn’t help getting in a dig at the man’s ego. “How’s the child? Brandon, isn’t it?”
Percy narrowed his eyes, and Shelton braced for the man’s next attack, but at that moment, Stewart’s wife discovered Shelton on the couch. She immediately took Nevil’s spot beside him. “Darling!”
“Hi, Andrea.” Shelton patiently moved her hand from his knee, only to lift it from his thigh the next instant.
“You naughty boy. So this is where you’ve been hiding.” Andrea leaned against him, and Shelton could smell the gin on her breath. He scrambled to his feet as the woman brushed his lap with her hands. He wished Andrea would try to seduce another one of her husband’s gay friends at the party. Between her and Nevil, his head was reeling.
As if conjured, Nevil appeared at his side, handing Shelton a full glass of something golden. Percy laughed spitefully, and they both glanced at him. “I didn’t know Shelton liked girls,” Percy drawled, waving a hand at Andrea.
The woman lounged back on the couch as she sipped her martini, her hot gaze traveling from Shelton’s shoulders to his dark slacks.
Nevil looked back at Shelton. “Neither did I,” he said, interested.
A Message from Diane!
 Thank you for having me as a guest on your beautiful website. Someone asked me recently what had seduced me into writing erotic romance. Honestly, I think I gave into the Siren’s call without too much persuasion.
Several years back I was working with a very talented editor over at Wolf Pirate Publishing on my paranormal/suspense novel, ALEX. We were going along at a nice clip, when I abruptly hit a brick wall. Alex needed to make love to someone, but somehow I couldn’t get the words out. They stuck in my throat and my fingers refused to type them into the keyboard. It took all of May’s gentle but insistent urging to get me to write the scene and the others that followed.
Last fall when I was reading through ALEX again before sending him out on submissions, I ran into the same embarrassing problem with those sticky love scenes. Ridiculous! Enough was enough.
I’d always heard that to get over a phobia, one had to immerse oneself in the thing that frightened them. I set myself a challenge. I’d write an erotic romance. But not just any story. It had to be an M/M Erotica. In for a penny, in for a pound. I’d already daydreamed about my two men on a trip that summer, so I knew vaguely what I wanted to do. I know something of the female body, but those mysterious, delicious men… What did I know about them? How would a man feel when he’s in love with another man? How would they fit together?
I wrote the love scenes first, mostly to get them out of the way! But I didn’t want to write them by rote: slot A into B. Move like this. Mouth goes there. I wanted to capture the romance and fondness my two men felt for each other. I wanted my readers to know Shelton’s gentle nature and Nevil’s carefree outlook on life. The more I delved into their characters, the more I came to like them.
I was there when they fell in love. I experienced their first kiss and growing passion and shattering fulfillment. I’d never been this intimate with my characters before. It’s quite an experience, let me tell you! It’s amazing how much easier and more pleasurable writing erotica has become since those first bumbling attempts. Just don’t tell my husband he was the guinea pig for several of my scenes.:)
Dianne Hartsock
Blog: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/diannehartsock
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock
CONTEST
Good afternoon everyone,
First, I want to thank Diane for dropping by Blackraven’s Reviews. Second, I want to provide one (1) lucky winner with a copy of Shelton in Love and Shelton’s Promise. Woo-hoo!
To be entered: All you have to do is leave a comment.
Of course this is an overnight contest; therefore, you will have until 6:00 PM (CST) on Sunday evening to leave a response in the comments section. The lucky winner will be selected using the True Random Number Generator from RANDOM.ORG.
Now for the rest of the rules…
1. Must be or become a Google Friend Connect (GFC) follower of Blackraven’s Reviews
2. Must answer the question
3. Must leave your name and email address in case you win
4. Must have some fun
Good Luck Everyone!
Posted in breathless press, contest, Contests, Dianne Hartsock, Erotic Romance, GLBT, Guest Author in the Spotlight, m/m, Paranormal Romance, Shelton in Love, Shelton's Promise | 9 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!
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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 »
March 7th, 2011
 All She Wants 4 Christmas by Jessica Lee
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: BDSM, f/m/m/m, m/m interaction
Length: 6345 words
Summary:
It’s Christmas Eve, and all Monica Sims wants is for her fiancé, just once, to step outside his comfort zone. She loves him, and life is fine in their perfectly planned world. But Monica is ready for more. She takes a risk and shares with him her darkest fantasies: Domination. Submission. Surrendering to the will of more than one man. But her confession is more than her straitlaced boyfriend can handle—or so she thought.
Dane knows exactly what he wants in bed: just him and Monica, his fiancée—alone. Simple, easy, vanilla sex was all he ever needed. That was until the night he found his fiancée in her office, watching—enjoying—a very naughty movie on her laptop. Determined to be the one to unleash her control, Dane decides to surprise her on Christmas Eve with a trip to a private fetish club. But they won’t be alone.
Tasha’s Review:
Monica is surprised when he fiancé offers to make her fantasy come to life. Never had she expected her straight-laced fiancé, Dane, would be open to a foursome.
All She Wants 4 Christmas is built on a hot steamy sex scene between Dane and Monica and the two men he invites into their bed. There’s not much else going on in this story, but the one scene does pack a nice amount of heat.
Dane was willing to put aside his reservations about sharing Monica with other men in order to make her happy. And if bringing in two complete strangers was the way to do that, he would.
If a quick, hot sex scene is what you’re after, then this is the read for you.
Rated 2.5 Ravens by Tasha!
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Posted in 2 1/2 Ravens, All She Wants 4 Christmas, Author Review, BDSM, breathless press, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, F/M/M/M/M, Jessica Lee, m/m, Raven Divas, Tasha, Uncategorized | No Comments »
January 23rd, 2011
 To Play or Obey by Abby Wood
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: Paranormal, Erotic Romance, BDSM (Vampires/Werewolves)
Length: 55,397 words
Review Copy Received from Author
Summary:
Gabriella falls in love with her Dom and the BDSM town of Peckerwood, but will a carefully hidden secret make her run for her life?
An all-expenses-paid trip to a BDSM town called Peckerwood in Washington turns into an erotic romance author’s dream. Gabriella Torraine will be able to do all the research she needs for her erotic vampire stories, as well as learn about a lifestyle that has always secretly fascinated her.
Not all is what it seems in Peckerwood, but Mayor Dick is bound and determined to win over the submissive Gabby before he lets the carefully hidden secret out. Will Gabby trust, love, and believe him enough to remain in Peckerwood once she learns the truth?
Lea’s Review:
Right from the beginning there is no doubt To Play or Obey is going to be a fun and unusual read. We begin with a young writer of BDSM romance, Gabriella Torraine, receiving an invitation to visit the town of Peckerwood, Washington, to experience a community where people live the Dominant/submissive lifestyle 24/7. The letter of invitation had been sent by the mayor of the town of Peckerwood, Mayor Dick. See, you’re smiling already, aren’t you? Gabby decides to accept the invitation and her world will never be the same.
Author Abby Wood brings great balance to this story. While I’m not sure I knew what to expect in the genre defined as BDSM, paranormal, erotic romance, I know that, for me, a standard has been set with this book. While there is a fair amount of humor, this is also the story of fitting into a community of people with long-standing relationships, the joys and passion of finding true love, and the confusion that comes when one learns their beloved has a few surprising secrets that move him from the category of somewhat unusual to the world of downright unfathomable.
If forced to choose, I think Mayor Dick would probably be my favorite character, and not just because he is an amazing example of the male of the species. He tries so hard to do everything just right but he risks losing the love of his life by continuing to keep information from her because he simply cannot get past his fear that she will reject him due to his secrets. His friends warn him for weeks that he needs to be honest; he feels a sense of responsibility to others in the town to handle the situation; and he beats himself up with angst over the issue, but it seems that even when not quite human, open communication can be a problem for some males. Gabby is another great character. A woman of amazing personal strength and determination, she needs every bit of that fortitude to get her through the tough moments this story presents.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. The characters are rich, complete and real. Though most are of different parentage than Abby first imagined, the people of Peckerwood have all the lovable characteristics, interesting relationships and general quirkiness to be found in the citizenry of any small town. The storyline and back-story make sense for the characters and for the progression of the story. And while there is clearly a leaning toward an HEA ending, it isn’t at all clear what an HEA would look like for these characters. There is a great balance of drama, romance and humor to be found in To Play or Obey. It is an enjoyable story from beginning to end.
Rated 5 Ravens by Lea!
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Posted in 5 Ravens, Abby Wood, Author Review, BDSM, breathless press, Erotic Paranormal, Erotic Romance, Lea, Paranormal Romance, Raven Divas, To Play or Obey | 1 Comment »
May 28th, 2010
 Dominated: Book 2 in the Fetish Club series by Ava Delaney
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: erotic, contemporary
Review Copy received from Publisher
Summary:
Jacqueline dominates her world, all day, every day. When she takes her friend to a fetish club, everyone expects her to be in control.
Ethan, the owner of the club, has no time for anything other than work. When Jacqueline stumbles into his office by mistake, however, he teaches her the sensual pleasure which can only come from being dominated.
Stacey’s Review:
Ava Delany has written another sexy bite. Dominated is a one sitting read that took the time to develop the characters and treat us to a hot sex scene.
Jacqueline has issues from a past boyfriend, and finds she needs to be in control. The irresistible fetish club owner, Ethan, can see right through her. He knows she’s all an act and actually craves to be dominated in the bedroom. 
Since Jacqueline came to the club for some naughty fun, she doesn’t resist when Ethan begins to order her to submit. In fact, it turns her on to new levels. It’s a thrill to not have to be in control for once, to just let go and let another take over.
We have one friend left in our trio of girlfriends. Tonya had her wild romp with the Scottish hunk in book one. Jacqueline got a taste of domination & submission with book two. I wonder what is in store for our shy little, Mandy?
If you’re interested in a quick, hot read, you may want to give Ava Delany’s Fetish Club series a try.
Rated 4 Delightful Divas by Stacey!
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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
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Posted in 4 Divas, Author Review, Ava Delaney, breathless press, contemporary, Dark Diva Reviews, Dominated, Erotic Romance, Stacey | No Comments »
May 28th, 2010
 Captivated: Book 1 in the Fetish Club series by Ava Delany
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: erotic, contemporary
Review Copy received from Publisher
Summary:
Tonya is hot, wet, and ready to get kinky. She convinces a shy friend to go to a fetish club for her birthday, and it seems like the perfect place to let her wild side run free.
Liam likes to watch, but when he sees the raven-haired beauty, he follows her through the club, ready to oblige her lustful needs. She is sure that a man like him is not the foreplay type. Boy, is she wrong.
Stacey’s Review:
The first thing I noted when reading, Captivated by Ava Delany was her writing skill. Even though this was a very quick, one sitting read, the words flowed smoothly and pulled me into the story easily.
Tonya and two friends visit a fetish club. They hope to loosen up one of their shy friends, but instead, Tonya finds some of her own adventures. Liam is tall and well built, not her usual type. She tries to avoid his advances as she navigates the themed rooms of the club, where sex acts are engaged in openly.
Tonya is sexy, naughty, and knows what she wants. Though she initially rejects Liam, his Scottish accent and dominant nature, pull her in.
Being the first in the series, I assume we’ll get a glimpse into the experiences of Tonya’s friends at the club. It seems all the girls have a good time, though Captivated focuses on Tonya, and a HFN ending which is nice in an erotic read.
The sex in Captivated is hot stuff! This is a quick, lusty escape, with a dose of kink thrown in. I look forward to more work by Ava Delany because her writing is addicting.
Rated 4 Delightful Divas by Stacey!
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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
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Posted in 4 Divas, Author Review, Ava Delaney, breathless press, Captivated, contemporary, Dark Diva Reviews, Erotic Romance, Stacey | No Comments »
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