Guilty Indulgence

Rescue Me: A Full Series Review

2012-03-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

When I first read new-to-me author, Kallypso Masters, I was skeptical of this newcomer to the BDSM genre. After all, there are so many authors trying to pull these stories off and failing miserably so I began reading because I agreed to review it. It took just a few pages before I was so glad I'd given it a chance. Kally is now an author I follow. And if there's a part of you who likes this genre, then I would bet on you following her as well.

Now, let me tell you about the whole series...

BOOK ONE
Masters at Arms begins the journey of three men whom this series will revolve around. Each amazing in their own right - honorable, strong, brave – that readers will fall easily for them. Their paths cross in one of the most terrifying and darkest places in their lives with writing so vivid, readers feel present in the story. As the men come to terms with the aftermath, they form a friendship that will get them through anything. Their stories are beautiful and amazing. But know that this book is just the beginning, the back-story, so do not be disappointed that there is no HEA. Just be ready to grab the next book and read all night!

The men - or shall we call them “the masters” - provides brief looks into the men’s pasts. First we’re introduced to Adam Montague, a Marine who just buried his wife. Alone in a bus station, he rescues a young runaway who turns around and saves him right back. Next we meet Damian Orlando, a bus boy who is just trying to get by after serving two years in juvie for defending his little sister. Though he keeps a low profile normally, he finds himself rescuing a woman being abused. It costs him his job so he turns to the military to rescue himself. Then we meet Marc D’Alesso who recently lost his brother to the war. He returned home to help rescue the family business but after nearly two years, he can’t do it anymore. He wants more from his life so after a regrettable night with an ex, he enlists in the Navy as a medic.

Setting the stage for all that will happen in this series, this book is descriptive with compelling stories about courageous characters. Bouncing between tears and laughter, I was immersed in their lives, their grief, and their struggles. But I was left just wanting more.

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

IMPORTANT: If you haven’t yet read Masters at Arms, you must read it first. This is book 2 in the series and cannot be read before book 1 where readers first meet each Dom before reading their individual stories.

BOOK TWO

I absolutely l-o-v-e Nobody's Angel. Ms. Masters shows such complete understanding and respect for the bdsm community. In fact, the storyline runs along the lines of trust which is so heavily factored into bdsm relationships. With a powerful message and a story focused on healing, Nobody’s Angel is an amazing read, both emotional and sensual, definitely one of my favorites.

Nobody’s Angel focuses on Marc & Angelina. Marc rescues Angelina from an abusive Dom at the club that he co-owns with his two friends, Adam & Damian. He assumes he’ll never see her again until a chance encounter changes that. She doesn’t recognize him but he knows exactly who she is. And now his protector instinct has kicked in when he learns her ex is still bothering her.

Angelina is the traditional girl-next-door type with the over protective brothers and large Italian family. She seeks out men that are perfect in the eyes of her family though they are "boring" and "safe". Hesitant to listen to her own instincts after the mistake with her ex, she doesn’t go after men that could truly satisfy her. Then her attraction to Marc takes her on a journey of discovery into the bdsm community when Marc offers to show her bdsm isn’t about pain but a power exchange with mutual trust. Since Angel has sworn off bdsm, it’s up to Marc to teach her just how satisfying it can be with the right Dom.

And Marc is the right Dom. Before his time in the Army, Marc essentially lived with the cloud of his brother’s death hanging over him. He lived his life for his family without considering his own needs until he enlisted in the Army. It was then that he discovered his worth as a man. Now a civilian working search and rescue in the mountains, he’s found the perfect balance. Though he’s a rich Italian alpha male, Marc is amazingly down-to-earth – a truly likable character. He embraces Angelina while still trying to hold her at arm’s length.

When Marc's partner Luke confides he believes Angelina is the angel his deceased wife promised to send, Marc is convinced she’s meant for Luke instead. With his memories of allowing a woman to put distance between he and his brother, Marc refuses to do that again. He believes Luke can provide Angelina with love and stability while he can satisfy only her submissive needs. I know, here’s where I thought we might see a ménage – nope – it’s a one-on-one love story. And it takes Angelina and his friends to help him realize that he must commit emotionally to find his happiness.

Their connection came over just a few days but the revelations they both went through made the evolution of their relationship honest and realistic. Nobody’s Angel is both highly emotional and incredibly sensual. I have not been so taken by Doms in a romance book since Cherise Sinclair who I declare the Master of BDSM romance books. Book well written, Ms. Masters, bravo!

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

BOOK THREE

At the center of Nobody’s Hero, the third book in Kallypso Master’s Rescue Me series, is the very simple truth of two damaged souls healing one another. In the end, this is absolutely beautiful even if the journey was a frustrating one. The book will make you shiver, cry, and squirm.

The focus returns to Adam – the first Marine we met in the series – as his relationship develops with Karla who is twenty-five years his junior. In denial over his feelings for her and still viewing her as the sixteen year old he’d met nine years earlier in the first book, he’s completely disgusted with himself for being attracted to her now. Compound that with the skeletons in his closet and Adam can’t get away from her fast enough.

Quite poetically, retired Master Sergeant Adam Montague has been through four war zones and lives as a Dom with his own club but its sweet Karla who takes him to his knees when she declares war on his heart. Karla’s strength was fabulous – the author creates easy-to-like characters – as she serves as his caretaker in the beginning of Nobody’s Hero. In so m any ways, Karla is the true hero in this book. She’s so in love with Adam – has been for so many years – that she is willing to sacrifice her independence to give him what he needs.

In an attempt to push Karla away, Adam suggests they enter a 24/7 M/s agreement even though this isn’t his kink. He knew this wasn’t for her either and he hoped it would push them apart. He was so tormented by his attraction to this woman who he couldn’t help but see as the child he’d once rescued. And he saw himself as undeserving of love – incapable of it even – that this honorable man used this wall to keep her from getting too close. But it was Adam who actually “safe worded” out of the agreement (though without explanation) leaving Karla hurt and insecure enough to return home.

Though this couple could help each other through their separate tribulations and clearly have so much love for each other, Adam's skeletons - and the insecurities that came with them - got in the way over and over and over. So much is shown into Adam’s past with unpredictable secondary characters having great impact on the outcome. When finally Adam decides to lay his skeletons to rest, it was incredibly moving. Such a unique twisting of storylines keeps readers flipping pages faster and faster until the satisfying conclusion.

Kallypso Masters’ true skill lies in creating characters that become like family to readers – so realistic with human vulnerabilities, emotional baggage, scars and an immense capacity for love.

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries, please, sir.

All of these reviews were originally posted at The Romance Reviews.You can see all of my TRR reviews by clicking this button.

NDULGENT EXCERPT: Nobody's Hero

2012-03-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

Here's an indulgent excerpt, a scene from the third book in the Rescue Me series, Nobody's Hero. Karla has been a naughty sub and is about to endure her first punishment from Master Adam. (Despite her internal assurances in this scene that this will be the last transgression, well, Karla is just too bratty and strong-willed for that to happen.)

Of course, Master Adam has just given her a mind-blowing orgasm, but given the type of torture he has in mind, that might not seem as wonderful as she thought at the time.

Excerpt from NOBODY'S HERO © Kallypso Masters, 2011, 2012

Karla smiled. “Thank you, Sir.”
“For what?”
She looked away, then back at him. “For…making me explode like that. For making me try things I didn’t think I would like to try. That orgasm was…well, awesome.”
“Not nearly as awesome as the next one will be.”
Her eyes opened wider. “Again?”
“Yes, kitten. Again and often.” He brushed a hair off her cheek. “Remember when I promised I was going to torture you? Well, I believe there’s the matter of a punishment you earned for willfully telling your Dom no a couple of times tonight.”
Her body tensed, eyes narrowed, and she scrunched the sexiest little worry lines along her forehead. He let her fear the worst a moment longer, because he knew what she conjured up in her head would be worse than any punishment she’d ever receive from him. Yet, he couldn’t resist thinking about pulling a total mind fuck on her. Hell, she’d been so easy with the chains in his office the other night. He grinned.
“Y-yes, Sir.”
“One of my favorite punishments is called orgasm torture.”
“How could an orgasm be torture?”
“You’re about to find out. Now, tell me why you’re being punished.”
Her eyes filled with regret. “Sir, I’m sorry that I told you no—repeatedly—and didn’t believe you that eating pussy was…tasty.”
Karla seemed genuinely sorry and a little bit bratty with that “tasty” remark. If she wasn’t totally submissive, she sure as hell knew how to please this Dom. Something made him wonder if she’d try just as hard if he wasn’t her Dom—if she just wanted to please him, Adam Montague, Dom or not? Was that why she’d agreed to become his slave?
He cleared his throat. He needed to keep his mind on the task at hand. He could sort out the puzzle that was Karla later.
Yeah, right.
“What have you learned?”
“That my Dom knows best. That he’ll take care of my needs no matter how uncomfortable I might be. That I should trust him.”
Hell. She’d thought it through more than he’d expected. Her sincerity pleased him. “Good girl. Thank you for trusting me, kitten.” He smiled and bent to kiss her again. When her lips began to quaver, he pulled away. She looked up at him, a silent plea in her eyes.
“What’s wrong now, kitten?”
“If I’ve learned my lesson, do you still have to punish me?”
He fought the urge to grin. “Yes, I do. A good Dom follows through on his promises—and his threats.”
She seemed to ponder that a moment, then nodded. “I’m ready, Sir.” She laid her head back on the pillow and closed her eyes, looking much like a virgin about to be fed to the lions. This time, he failed to suppress his chuckle. She grew even more tense, if possible.
“Keep your eyes closed.” Adam reached up and pulled the blindfold back over her eyes. When she nibbled her lower lip, his balls tightened. He couldn’t wait until he was buried inside her to the hilt. But first, he needed to make sure there would be no flying body parts that could prohibit him from performing later.
He slid off her and walked over to a closet where he knew he’d find some of the toys he’d need, as well. He kept each of the public bedrooms stocked with new sex toys, sexy costumes, condoms, batteries, and other items members might need. His clientele certainly paid enough to be able to afford the perks. Pulling several packages off the shelf, he returned to the bedside and laid them on the nightstand.
Surveying her position, with her hands outstretched and secured and her thighs and knees in the harnesses, anchored by chains to the sides of the bed, he only had to worry about her kicking him. He picked up two leather cuffs and attached one to each ankle, then restrained them tightly with chains to the bottom of the bed. No doubt her upper body would remain still, with the nooses as an incentive. She should be ready. Well, restraint-wise, anyway.
“How does that feel, kitten?”
“O-okay, Sir.”
This position would leave her more exposed than she might like, too, but would keep him from being attacked by his baby tiger.
Adam walked over to the nightstand and opened the packages, added the necessary batteries, and picked up the tube of lubricant he’d used earlier.
He glanced down at her. “Karla, do you trust your Dom not to harm you?” He held his breath as he waited for her response.
“Yes, I do, Sir.”
He relaxed a bit. Her surrender to him—and trust in him—made him feel like a king.

* * *

Karla felt cool air against her pussy and tender asshole and heard Master Adam ripping open packages and wondered what a tortured orgasm would be like.
“Relax for me, kitten.”
Relax? Was he fucking kidding?
“Watch your mouth.”
Like hell.
Calm down.
The running dialogue in her head didn’t help calm her, not in the least. Karla tried to relax by taking slow, deep breaths and felt herself sink into the mattress. Then she heard him open that damned drawer and wondered what else he had up his sleeve. Her shoulders and arms hurt from holding herself so stiffly. She hadn’t realized how tense she’d become.
His finger slid against her cleft from her pussy up to her clit, spreading the moisture from her orgasm to the now dry clit. Her hips bucked when he touched the nubbin. It wasn’t as sensitive as it had been right after she’d come, and she felt herself growing warm with excitement as she thought about coming again. Sex definitely was addictive.
He thrust his fingers inside her pussy and she jumped at the unexpected invasion. Her mouth dropped open as she panted. The sensations began to build; much quicker than before, and her breathing became rapid and shallow.
His fingers pulled out and she groaned. More, Sir. Then she felt something hard and cold pressing against her pussy’s opening. Too cold to be Master Adam’s penis. The hard object began to press inside her. A dildo? Her face flushed. She’d bought some toys at a party during her freshman year in college, but had opted for a clit vibrator, rather than something to put inside herself.
Adam inserted the object as far as it would go, she supposed. It pressed against the bundle of nerves Adam’s fingers had curled around earlier when he’d given her the orgasm. Then his hand was gone and she waited.
“Deep breath and hold it.”
She did as he instructed, and felt something cold and wet pressing against her asshole. “N…..” Noooo! I can’t say no or it’ll just make it worse. I trust him. He won’t harm me.
“Good girl. Now, deep breath again and hold it this time.”
She drew a ragged breath, dreading what he planned to do with whatever was about to enter her anus. “Release your breath slowly.” As she began to release the breath, he pressed the object into her. She held her breath again and steeled herself.
“Exhale the entire breath, kitten. Now.”
How could she push the object away if she was exhaling? But she did as he instructed and the object pushed against her rings, burning her asshole, until she was stretched almost as much as when he’d put two fingers inside her. Then the object made a plopping sound and he quit putting pressure against it. But it still burned like hell. Her two holes now were filled to the max. So full. But she’d rather have Master Adam’s penis inside her, not some impersonal plastic dildo.
“I’m going to go easy on you, kitten, since this is your first punishment. Three forced orgasms. Count them for me.”
Forced? He should know by now he didn’t have to force her to have an orgasm. She heard a click and the dildo became a vibrator pulsing against her vaginal walls. He increased the speed and she felt that delicious nerve center inside her, and her clit all vibrating at once. She even felt it pulsate against whatever was in her ass.
Touch my clit, Sir!
Then she heard another click and the object in her butt whirred to life as well. “Oh my God!” Sensory overload! Every muscle tingled and quaked throughout her pelvis. She squeezed her hands into fists, grabbing onto the bed sheet and holding on. She’d gone from zero to eighty like a sports car. Adam’s tongue flicked against her clit and she screamed, trying to clamp her legs together but unable to move. Her torso lifted off the bed, then slammed back down as she contorted and twitched at the pain in her nipples from the ever-tightening nooses. To be right at the edge so fast was too intense.
She screamed again. “Yes! Please! Don’t stop! Please, Sir!”
When he took her swollen clit between his lips and sucked, she let out the loudest, shrillest scream yet. Dear God. Could the neighbors hear? Who cares? “Ohhhh! Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh! Shit, please don’t stop!” Her shoulders and hips bucked in alternating rhythm as she catapulted through the air then came shattering to earth again.
She gasped, sucking air into her lungs, panting like a dog on a sweltering day in the desert.
Adam turned off the two vibrators. “Karla, did you come?”
Was he blind and deaf? “Oh, yessss, Sir. I did.”
“Isn’t there something I told you to do?”
Do? “Come three times?”
“And?”
She gasped for much-needed oxygen. Oh! Count! “That was one, Sir.”
“Very good, kitten. Are you ready for the next?”
“Not yet, Sir. I still need to catch my breath.”
He turned on the anal plug first, then quickly followed with the vaginal one. The pain in her clit was excruciating. “I can’t yet, Sir! It’s too sensitive.”
Without saying a word, his tongue flicked against her hard, hyper-sensitive clit. “Owww! Please, Sir. Not yet! It hurts.”
He ignored her and when his teeth clamped onto her clit, her torso started to rise off the bed until the nipple nooses tightened and pulled. The pain there became excruciating again. She couldn’t reach out to push him off her. Tears wet her blindfold. “Please, Sir. I can’t take any more!”
His hand reached up and pulled one of the ropes attached to her nipple. Following the rope downward, he flicked her erect, sensitive nipple still suffering from being strung up, and then his thumb and finger rolled the tender peak. Oh dear Lord! The orgasm began to build again, only she didn’t want this one. She tried so hard to evade this assault on her tender flesh, but there was nowhere to go. She reached the precipice and just hung there. As hard as she tried to will herself to tumble over the cliff, release wouldn’t come. She groaned, “I can’t, Sir. Please stop!”
His hand pressed against the object in her anus and her hips bucked, pressing her clit against his teeth and lips. He turned up the speed of the anal vibrator and she hurtled over at last. “I’m coming! Oh, my God! No. Yes!” She bucked against him for an eternity, then collapsed on the bed like a puppet whose strings had been cut.
“Thank God it’s over.” She didn’t feel the euphoria she’d felt before, though. This was painful. Torture. Oh, God. Now she knew what he meant. She would never disobey him again if only he would promise never do this to her again. How could he ruin such a good thing as an orgasm by making it punishment?
He turned off the two devices inside her. “Karla.”
Oh, shit. “Two, Sir.” Jesus. That meant there was still another one to go. She’d never survive another one. Her skin became chilled where sweat had broken out and cooled, sending a shudder through her body. Her blindfold was wet against her face, from a mixture of tears and sweat.
She dreaded the build-up beginning again. How could she possibly be ready to come again? She never wanted to come again—ever. Getting over that crest a third time would be impossible.
Then the vibrators began again, one right after the other, and she whimpered.Nooooo. I can’t do this, Sir. She groaned.

For the rest of this scene, please read Nobody's Hero. However, for the full romance journey between Adam and Karla, you need to begin on page 1 of Masters at Arms, the book where they meet nine years earlier and reunite under tragic circumstances. Then read Nobody's Angel, where Karla begins to explore what it would mean to be submissive to Adam. That book ends with a dramatic conclusion that leads you right into book three, Nobody's Hero.

For anyone who hasn't started the series yet, please use coupon code FV98F at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/80282 for a FREE copy of Masters at Arms.

CONTEST ALERT!!
A lucky commenter on this blog post will be selected randomly to win a copy of a book in the RESCUE ME series (current or future book—winner's choice). FOLLOW the Ndulgent Bloggers and COMMENT to WIN.

Kallypso Masters can be reached at her Ahh Kallypso…the stories you tell blog (kallypsomasters.blogspot.com) and is a regular fixture on Facebook, where she has a friends page—yes, you can be her friend, too! (https://www.facebook.com/kallypsomasters) and an author page (https://www.facebook.com/KallypsoMastersAuthorPage). For a list of her books with buy links to available sales vendors, go to http://kallypsomasters.blogspot.com/p/books-by-kallypso-masters.html.

Nobody’s Hero by Kallypso Masters

2012-03-01T10:26:00.004-05:00

Nobody’s Hero by Kallypso Masters - Third in the Rescue Me Series
Retired Marine Master Sergeant Adam Montague has battled through four war zones, but now finds himself running from Karla Paxton, who has declared war on his heart. With a twenty-five year age difference, he feels he should be her guardian and protector, not her lover. But Karla's knack for turning up in his bed at inopportune times is killing his resolve to do the right thing. Karla isn't a little girl anymore—something his body reminds him of every chance it gets.
Karla Paxton fell in love with Adam when she was a sixteen-year-old runaway and he rescued her. Now, nine years later, she's determined to make Adam see her as a woman. But their age difference is only part of the problem. Adam has been a guardian and protector for lost and vulnerable souls most of his life, but a secret he has run from for more than three decades has kept him emotionally unable to admit he can love anyone. Will she be able to lower his guard long enough to break down the defenses around his heart and help him put to rest the ghosts from his past? In her all-out war to get Adam to surrender his heart, can the strong-willed Goth singer offer herself as his submissive—and at what cost to herself?

Review
If there is a BDSM series out there then you know that I have to jump on board to comment on it! Not everyone likes to read them and hey some of you might even deny that you buy them but hey, I am not shy about it.
Now I have to say that I absolutely love this series … first because of the unique way it starts out with Masters at Arms. How many times do you read a story and spend half the time complaining about one of the characters or wondering why he or she has to be such a tool. Kim is giggling because she knows that I will throw a book in the trash if I get too frustrated. You really get to know the guys and understand them. I am just saying that every single time that Adam calls Damien “dad” – I get teary eyed. Without the background you would never get just how emotionally charged the series really is!!!! Second – my family is all military and my nephews were in Iraq. I can’t thank Kally enough for writing the books the way she has so far. It's not just that it is a glimpse into the struggles they faced while in country but also the continued problems when they come back home. Thank you for loving our military as much as I do.
OK So – Nobody’s Hero is my favorite book because of Adam. He is the best!!!!!! Whether he wants to admit it or not, he is a hero! You love him AND want to slap him upside the head at the same time. YES, throughout the whole book but that just makes him Adam. No matter which of the books I read I always want to know what Adam is doing. He is the glue that brings everyone together and keeps them sane. He thinks about himself last and he needs the young Karla Paxton to knock some sense into his thick head. He may be retired but you will never think of him as old. Of course, that is because of the graphic descriptions we get of him – hot.
There is more going on with Adam than is military past! Memories of his childhood start creeping in as Karla worms her way into his heart. Don’t think the book is all doom and gloom. Karla is a trip. She isn’t going to roll over and just be the perfect sub – no strong woman ever is. She wants the man to be in charge but she still needs to be herself and doesn’t have a problem standing up to Adam. I don’t think I would have liked the book near as much if she hadn’t “declared war” on Adam. With all seriousness, she is the kind of character that makes you realize that anything worth wanting is worth fighting for. Not in the weird pie in the sky sort of way but in the oh shit that didn’t work – sad for a little bit but then let’s try a different approach.
Besides the great story – the great characters – awesome plot – we have the BDSM action...yessss! Well written and more realistic then a good bit of books that I have read in the past. You will not regret buying this book and I promise you won’t throw it down.

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries. This book was given to us by the author. Many thanks.

Nobody's Angel by Kallypso Masters

2012-02-29T11:00:00.000-05:00

Greetings and salutations my fellow hump day nation. Whether you love what you do or are merely trying to get through, we are on the downhill slide of this week and for that we say "woo-hoo!" Is it wrong to channel my inner Seuss on a BDSM spotlight week - I say nay. Somehow in my brain it all works. After all today, being Leap Day, is kind of the Brigadoon of the calendar. Yes, I am all over the map - maybe it's the muscle relaxers (back out....again!) or just the sheer joy of seeing this never ending February end and the month of Tyra and Jenn beginning.....I have to say, part is due to my brain being sizzled like hot bacon over reading this series - sizzled I tell ya! I got some heavy things to say, so let me treat you all with a little eye candy, kind of the subbie blankie of the week....Mmmmmmm, just feels right? No?!! (Ok - Ink Master is my current obsessions and like this weeks genre, there's more than meets the eye - with his activism for causes like NOH8, PETA, Drop in the Bucket and more - wash his hair and he makes one fine, dirty/sexy slice of eye candy!)

Nobody's Angel, Kallypso Masters, September 2011

Marc d'Alessio might own a BDSM club with his fellow military veterans, Adam and Damián, but he keeps all women at a distance. However, when Marc rescues beautiful Angelina Giardano from a disastrous first BDSM experience at the club, an uncharacteristic attraction leaves him torn between his safe, but lonely world, and a possible future with his angel.

Angelina leaves BDSM behind, only to have her dreams plagued by the Italian angel who rescued her at the club. When she meets Marc at a bar in her hometown, she can't shake the feeling she knows him—but has no idea why he reminds her of her angel.

When Marc's search-and-rescue partner, widower Luke Denton, confides he believes Angelina is the angel his wife promised to send him, Marc is convinced she is meant for Luke. A painful incident from his past keeps Marc from letting any woman drive a wedge between him and a friend.

While Luke can provide Angelina with love and stability, Marc knows his friend can't satisfy her submissive needs. Marc offers one night to show her that BDSM is not about pain, but a power exchange with mutual trust and consent. But he knows he can’t commit emotionally to anything more.

When the abusive Dom from Angelina's past threatens, Marc's protective instincts kick in; he must keep her safe. Again at the Masters at Arms Club, she turns the tables on him—and turns his safe, controlled world upside down. (Forewarning - These books MUST be read in order!!!!!)

For those not quite able to wrap their heads around the genre of BDSM or who are uncomfortable with the concepts and feel they are books about people who hurt each other for fun and pleasure - Kally Masters may be just the ticket you're looking for! The Rescue Me series, beginning with Masters at Arms introduces a group of Doms, bound by the oaths and blood of military service, the loyalty borne of teamwork and discipline and the people necessary to complete them. After reading Masters in Arms, I was beyond ready to follow the story arcs of these three Doms and one Domme who serve together at one time and later reunite after war to build a club in Denver to suit their lifestyle and needs. Book 2, Nobody's Angel, tells the tale of Dom Marc, the man who refuses to see himself as a hero, living in the shadow of his dead brother's spirit and previous betrayal.

Fired up from the beginning, this page turner weaves a spell that refuses release, much as a true Dom, until permission is received in the end. What I find so fascinating is this world of strong, dominant males who are so very human, so very flawed and some, even quite broken. Their D/s world is about regaining control, creating safety, security and ultimately a trust that somehow goes beyond just Love. Watching two powerful, machismo males fall in love down that rabbit hole and a strong, very real woman learn to release her inhibitions and ultimately admit her desire to submit is like falling down the rabbit hole. What Masters does so very well is explain, without sounding clinical, educating the reader as the leading ladies learn about the lifestyle through these men. Unlike a traditional erotic romance, the ultimate climatic moment comes with that point of true power exchange and it feels every bit as romantic in it's own special way.

The storyline is solid, and there are even some nifty little action scenes and a few club scenes thrown in to really jazz things up - but it's the characters that get you - right from the start. I love that the secondary characters are obviously lead ins for future stories - Strong secondary plot with Adam and Karla set up the next book obviously! Angelina's running mental dialogue is funny, realistic, painfully honest. Watching her be attracted to two men after a lifetime of mental pounding about good catholic Italian girls behavior is entertaining, cathartic and watching her heal under the careful tutelage of the right Dom is sexy, liberating and straight up hot! The sex is graphic and frequent but not the core of the novel - to assume so is to demean the spiritual growth of these broken winged birds into creatures that learn to soar with pleasure, flying the reader with them all the way. (The tension of who Angelina will end up with really plays out at Marc comes to terms with his deeper emotions and knowing that Luke will get his own HEA just from her upcoming release list made me feel a little better while I struggled with that particular storyline - not because I wasn't enjoying the idea of a menage but just the emotional destruction and reconstruction that comes after such a great loss is so heart wrenching, the reader just WANTS him to have that ultimate joy of finding true love.)

Grab your box of Kleenex and prepare for an emotional ride that is totally worth the price of admission! Nobody's Angel is a highly recommended read and this reader totally can't wait for Adam, Damien and Luke's stories - these heroes deserves HEA's. Good things always come to those who wait? Assume the position and say Yes, Sir, indeed!

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries and a big pot of whatever Gramma Nonna would make me that doesnt have raw tomatoes to set off my allergies (self preservatory yes, sexy no) Way to go Kally Masters!!!!

This book was given to us by the author. Many thanks.

Masters at Arms - Kallypso Masters

2012-02-28T13:59:00.016-05:00

This week brings a new to me author, Kallypso Master. And I have to say this is the most unique prequel that I have ever read. In this novella you get vignettes on all of the upcoming hero's in the books. Let me warn you now that it is intense and emotional and deals with some very sensitive subject matter but it is very well written and sets up the next stories very well.

Masters at Arms, Kallypso Masters, Self Published
Masters at Arms begins the journey of three men, each on a quest for honor, acceptance, and to ease his unspoken pain. Their paths cross at one of the darkest points in their lives. As they try to come to terms with the aftermath--forging an unbreakable bond--will they ever truly become masters of their own fates? Or would fate become masters of them? (Book One in the Rescue Me series about the men who own the Masters at Arms BDSM Club.) AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is an introduction to the series, but does NOT have the Happily Ever After endings that will come in the next three romance novels in the series. Being the back-story that usually is not told in "real time," there are some intense themes in the book, including death of a spouse, incest, torture, a battle scene, and amputation.

Part 1 -Adam
Adam is a career marine, who just lost his wife to cancer. While sitting in the bus terminal waiting to head back to base after the funeral he steps in a saves a young runaway. What Adam doesn't realize is that Karla actually saved his life by giving him something to fight for again.

Part 2 -Damian
Damien is a bus-boy in a high end hotel. He has had some trouble in the past and is just trying to keep his head down and do his job. But when he hears a woman screaming in one of the rooms he can't just walk away. Finding Savannah being tortured he does the only thing he can do....rescues her. After spending a beautiful afternoon together Damian drops Savannah off at her house knowing he will never see her again but not realizing he left his heart. And so much more.

Part 3 -Marc
After Marc's Marine brother is killed while stationed in Kandahar Marc's parents aren't happy to hear he has enlisted in the Navy. But Marc has to do something to get away from his ex and his guilt. But in trying to get away from the past he runs right into it.

Part 4 -Bonds Form
They say that unless you have been there you can't really understand the bonds that form between soldiers during war. When the three men come together on a roof top in Fallujah all they wanted to do was get out alive. They may come away with some scars that will never heal but they also come away with a connection that can never be broken.

Part 5 -The Club
It's 5 years later and the men have opened a fetish club in Denver. Things are going good the club is a success and then the world gets a little smaller and some things come full circle.

I had to take a deep breath when I got to the end of this book and kind of let go of my emotions. The author is very good at evoking a response in a very visceral way in just a few pages. Not all of them are good or pretty but then life isn't always good and pretty but it is intense and real. This book is successful in that you so want to know what happens next in each of the men's and women's lives. I don't know that I could read these books back to back, I feel the emotions might be a bit overwhelming but there is no way that I am not going to read them.

If you are looking for a good, hardcore, emotional BDSM series then you don't want to miss Masters at Arms and the rest of the Rescue Me series.

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries. This book was given to us by the author. Many thanks.

GUEST POST: Kallypso Masters

2012-02-27T17:01:00.001-05:00

Thanks so much, Guilty Indulgence Book Club members, for having me as your featured author this week! What an honor! Let the book talk begin!

I was asked to introduce myself and my RESCUE ME series in this first posting, so here we go! I write erotic romances and my friends and readers call me Kally. I quit my day job last April and a couple of weeks later I decided to write full-time. Told my husband I was going to take a year to see if I could make a go of it. As our retirement savings started being steadily depleted, I wrote like crazy. Because I needed to succeed financially in a short time, I chose to self-publish. But I hired a professional editor and enlisted the help of countless volunteer beta readers and line editors to make sure my books were as good as they could be when I published them. Then I keep revising them if I find a typo, so newer versions were just uploaded to my sales locations earlier this month. I'm a perfectionist! My husband asked if I read my own sex scenes to get "in the mood," and I told him, "No—I'd just start editing them."

I've always loved to read and write about military heroes. I had written Nobody's Angel in May 2009 and Marc D'Alessio was a Navy veteran who had served with Marines on the ground in Iraq. But I didn't really know who else would be in the series at the point that first draft of Angel was done. So, I decided I needed to write some prequels. (I don't plot or plan—just put one or more characters on the computer screen and turn them loose. Makes for some interesting twists and turns—as my readers know.)

So, Masters at Arms was started in May and the first draft was finished in three weeks. I quickly fell in love with Adam, Karla, Damián, and Savannah as their stories came to life. The Doms literally consumed my every thought, as my pre-fans on Facebook can attest to (because they often made appearances in my status updates there last summer). These three men were so honorable, strong, and brave, but had been through hell, as had Savannah. I looked forward to bringing them to their happy endings in the next three books in the series. Those who have read any of the books know that I write about characters who have dealt with horrific things, but who fight back and overcome their pasts. Redemption, rescue, and healing will be common and recurrent themes throughout the series.

In Nobody's Angel, Marc rescues Angelina from an abusive Dom, then finds himself attracted to the woman in a way he's never felt before. But he's always treated women as if they're treats on his personal smorgasbord, as one reviewer said. He knows she deserves someone stable who can commit to her fully, so he tries to convince his friend and search-and-rescue partner Luke to pursue her. Also in that book, Luke needs to come to terms with what he wants and whether he's ready to move on after the death of his wife seven years earlier. And Adam and Karla, who were featured prominently in two sections of Masters at Arms, continue their push-pull until a dramatic accident changes everything.

In Nobody's Hero, which picks up in the same scene where Angel left off, Karla begins to make her move, knowing she'll die a lonely old woman if she waits for Adam to see her as a woman. But the man has buried a secret for thirty-four years that even he hasn't remembered. He has a lot to come to terms with—and he will not go gently. (But he does like it rough, doesn't he? <grin>)

The next book to come out in the series will be Nobody's Perfect, which will bring Damian and Savi (Savannah) together again to work on their issues. I'm working on that now and it's due out in May.

What I love about the way the series is unfolding is that the stories bring the couples to their happy endings, sometimes even happily ever after, but they aren't finished. Anyone in a long-term relationship knows that a marriage (which is happily ever after to me) is just the beginning. They take hard work, nurturing, and maintenance. My characters don't start out perfect in the beginning of their books, and they're far from perfect in the end. They'll continue to evolve and grow throughout the series. Adam's still going to need to work on improving his communication skills (Lord, that man can't communicate!) and to deal with his abandonment issues in Nobody's Home (book 6—due out in November). Marc and Angelina have to continue to work on their trust issues that are left far from resolved in their romance, so they'll be back in Nobody's Perfect confronting those and working through them before they can make a lifelong commitment to one another. (And Melissa will return to try and cause more trouble for Marc.)

As I and many reviewers have pointed out repeatedly, the books really need to be read in order, because they aren't written in a way that they can stand alone. I love cliff hangers. I love recurring characters—and not just showing up in a cameo appearance in a later book. I want them to have a serious subplot and to work on issues and problems in their relationships. Luckily, I write to write LONG novels (Angel was 115,000 words and Hero 137,000), so I make sure there's plenty of room for serious subplots. Some readers might find this a distraction, so if you're into quick reads with one couple, this series might not be for you. But separating these three men from one another's lives would be impossible for me. Adam has worked hard to bring together a family to replace the one he lost, and he continues to bring new people in. "Baby Dom" Luke Denton is becoming a fixture at the Masters at Arms Club and his skills with rope and whips are progressing quite well. His romance will be told in Nobody's Dream (due out in August).

Speaking of the Club, many readers of BDSM genre romances come to expect a fair amount of time to be spent in the clubs. My first three books have had a few club scenes during operating hours for the club. (It's in Adam's house, so he and Karla get to play quite a bit during off-hours.) But I decided last summer that my niche in the genre would be to shed light on an area of the BDSM community that doesn't really get shown in the fantasy BDSM novels. Countless people living in the lifestyle complain that romance novels portray them in a way that is unrealistic. To have a Dom tell me that he identifies with Adam is gratifying, because I know that I've at least portrayed him like one real Dom. (No, he's not based on that person, so please don't ask for his contact info! LOL)

My characters have jobs, kids, parents, and go about their lives quite normally. They aren't millionaires (okay, one comes from a wealthy family). Some barely are making a living. They also just happen to like to get kinky in the bedroom, the playroom, or the club. Most of the drama that takes place in my stories is related to the characters' relationships, not just their BDSM or sexual lives, but theor emotional, psychological, and romantic ones.

That may change in Nobody's Perfect, because my sado-masochistic couple (Damian and Savi) probably is going to bring readers into the club when things are hopping. I think you'll even get to see the dungeon downstairs. I hope to portray their story of dealing with PTSD from the horrors of war and incest/torture and show how SM provides them each with a means of regaining some of the control they lost in those situations. I also want to portray their romance and SM activities in a realistic, loving way. I am currently writing this story (am only about a fourth of the way finished) and my characters have a way of surprising me somewhere in the writing, so, that's just my best guess as to what might happen!

I love to talk about these characters and books with those who have completed the series and am told that spoilers are permitted here. So if you have questions, please ask. Who do you love best and why? Who would you like to see a story for in a future book? I have eight books planned at this time, through 2013, books 5-8 being with Luke, Mistress Grant, Patrick Gallagher, and Adam's great-great-grandparents (in a historical Western).

For anyone who hasn't started the series yet, please use coupon code FV98F at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/80282 for a FREE copy of Masters at Arms (available in a number of formats).

CONTEST ALERT!!

And a lucky commenter on this blog post will be selected randomly to win a copy of a book in the RESCUE ME series (current or future book—winner's choice). Another winner will be selected in my excerpt blog post later this week. I'll have to find a special excerpt for you all. Do you want it to be a steamy one?

Kallypso Masters can be reached at her Ahh Kallypso…the stories you tell blog (kallypsomasters.blogspot.com) and is a regular fixture on Facebook, where she has a friends page—yes, you can be her friend, too! (https://www.facebook.com/kallypsomasters) and an author page (https://www.facebook.com/KallypsoMastersAuthorPage). She also is on Twitter and Goodreads, but less active there. For a list of her books with buy links to available sales vendors, go to http://kallypsomasters.blogspot.com/p/books-by-kallypso-masters.html.

Rugged, Tatiana March

2012-02-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

Picture the Marlboro Man – rugged, sexy, a shocking scar on his cheek from a Mountain Lion attack - sitting high on his horse with the sun highlighting his silhouette and Stetson Cowboy hat…..Yum! Living in the mountains of Wyoming Jed is a diamond in the ruff. However, living out in the remote woods has caused him to become just as remote as his surroundings.

Rachel James has escaped and gone into hiding at her bosses cabin in Wyoming after one of her clients has forced her to make the tough choice of turning him in to the authorities or keeping her mouth shut. Fearing that she might have to testify against him and how that might reflect on her boss’s agency she flees town hoping it will all blow over. But what’s a city girl to do when arriving in the middle of nowhere and finds the power out in her cabin? She is forced to ask the tough mountain man neighbor for help but instead of help she is greeted with fierce eyes and a shotgun in her face. But Rachel has a will of iron and instead of packing up and admitting defeat she sets out to find a way to survive.

Jed has lived alone for years after taking over the ranch after his father’s death. He is very inexperienced with women both in and out of the bedroom. In fact his only knowledge is what he has been able to gather from reading romance novels that he found left around. (Sigh….I’m sure we would all love it if our significant others read more romance novel “instructions”.) So when Rachel comes into his life he is terrified that if he lets her in and she leaves then his carefully controlled environment will longer seem tolerable but empty instead. But he can’t seem to stay away and as they spend more time together the sparks start to fly. And the adventure down loves road is a vast as the Wyoming sky.

I really loved that this story followed a longer time line - a very welcome perk given that it is a short story. Instead of expecting the characters to take such huge leaps over a matter of days the story covers several months. It was a refreshing change that the man was more inexperienced and yet that inexperience made their love all the sweeter. The backdrop of Wyoming made for a wonderful setting and the addition of some of the “secondary” characters being his farm animals really made for some touching moments. Ms. March does an excellent job drawing the reader in from the first page. The characters are genuine and she takes the reader straight to the heart of their internal struggles and triumphs. This was a wonderfully written piece and a great quick read to snuggle up to on a cold day! Now if we could all get our significant other’s to take a cue and read romance novels for the “instructions” then….

RATING: I give this one 5 chocolate dipped strawberries!

Special thanks to Resplendence Publishing for giving us this great book to read. Many Thanks!

Saturday With Sid: TAILOR MADE

2012-02-25T08:30:00.001-05:00

Saturday with Sid... like Tuesday with Morrie but with More Kink

College tart Felix McAvoy is used to causing a stir with his conceptual art pranks, but for his final show he's planning something even more outrageous. In a last ditch attempt to seduce his jaded tutor, Felixplans to wear the canvas in a subversive display. However, if he's goingto do this right he'll need a tailor-made canvas suit. Fortunately, heknows just the tailor to turn to for the favor—and Felix isn't shy aboutoffering favours of a very different kind in return.

First year fashion student Andrew Wheeler knows Felix by reputation only—andplans to keep things that way. Andrew's determined to save himself for the manof his dreams, and Felix couldn't be more different from his ideal Mr.Right. There's only one use Andrew will contemplate for Felix's body: amodel for his end of year project. Trouble is, it's going to involve a lot ofclose contact with a nearly naked Felix, and Andrew's never had temptationquite so close at hand!

K’so… In the beginning of Tailor Made, I really want to justpunch Felix in the mouth; he’s a cheeky bastard and so very over the top. Andeverybody knows that I like to be the over the top one in room. But, I keptreading and, dang, author Josephine Myles sucked me in with her sassy Britishnovel. I’m not surprised that I wassucked in by the British slang and lovely Bath setting, since I’m currentlyaddicted to Downtown Abbey and The Tudors. I think I might have a small fetish for the accent, but that’s probablya story for a different website. Ms. Mylescreated 2 wildly different characters and somehow made them mesh brilliantly! I loved how different Felix the slut andAndrew the virgin were and how their art brings them together. Plus…there was some really good “omg, he’s avirgin!” sex. I remember those days, Ithink? Seriously though, Ms Myles does aremarkable job conveying emotion in those oh so emotional “first time”scenes. Carry on Josephine, I’m ready toread more of your sassy stories.

That's 4strawberries dipped in chocolate! Bang!

In case you want to get yourself a copy,
here's the "Buy link":
http://www.amberquill.com/AmberAllure/TailorMade.html

This book was given to us by the author herself.
Many thanks from SID, ya'll.

Saturday With Sid: BUCKLE DOWN

2012-02-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

Saturday with Sid... like Tuesday with Morrie but with More Kink

Cowboysaren't always what they seem...They're often so much more. SheriffDane Carter was only looking for a cold one when he stepped into Duke's Bar& Grill after a long shift but ended up finding trouble instead. From themoment he laid eyes on Tyler he'd known the man would be trouble. When a barfight turns into an explosive sexual encounter, Tyler becomes an instanttemptation he can't afford. Then the real trouble begins. TylerEvans came to Chicory hoping for a chance to clean up his act and start over.In one night his new life begins to unravel. A harmless game of pool spiralsout of control and he's later accused of a crime he didn't commit. Determinedto prove his innocence, he decides to attach himself to the sheriff until theyfind the real culprit. If he happens to get his hands on the deliciouslyhandsome man haunting his thoughts again--so be it. Whenthe situation turns dangerous, the tension between Dane and Tyler reaches thebreaking point. In the heat of the moment Tyler goes too far and his hope forthe future walks out the door, leaving him with a murky future at best.

Woooo Lord…Now ya’ll know, I love cowboys…and uniforms…preferablyboth…in the form of muscle boys... EveCassidy handily put the best of both of my worlds in one book. Buckle Down is an easy read; MsCassidy has a knack for creating characters that you want to carry around inyour pocket…your back pocket…or your bed. Dane and Tyler felt like characters that I already knew and I felt likeI was just hanging out, watching their lives unfold. Personally, that’s not the easiest thing for meto feel when reading, so kudos and chocolate dipped strawberries to Eve Cassidy. Ms Cassidy is also remarkably good at writingexplosive sex scenes in which you might have to stop reading for a hot minuteand get out your hankie and wipe your brow… whooo… Seriously folks, go buy Buckle Down, get aglass of wine, sit in a nice cool corner and get ready for a hot read!

4 strawberries for Eve Cassidy's Buckle Down!.. BANG!

This book was given to us by Resplendence Publishing.
Many thanks from SID, ya'll.

Frosting Friday

2012-02-24T11:18:00.006-05:00

It's Friday and we've had spring like weather and you know how happy that makes me!!!! Only 67 more days till I can lay in the tanning bed. Ahhhhh Finally feeling better after my bout of antibiotics. Started a new workout. Who knew so much pain could come in a tiny brown box from Amazon? Once my lungs recuperate and I can go full speed it's gonna be brutal. This week in particular I've been discovering some of the best cupcake recipes (thanks Tina for giving me the ultimate one). Cupcakes are my guilty indulgence:) So this week I'm gonna let you in on what's going on in my kitchen and what my spring to be read list looks like......

What I'm about to try. Tina sent me the most AWESOME cupcake recipe she found on the Pampered Chef web site. I LOVE WHITE CHOCOLATE and this one has a Lindt truffle in the recipe. I can't wait to try it out. Stay tuned for the results of that adventure.

What I did try and came out AWESOME. I baked a chocolate chip cookie in the center of a chocolate cupcake. I placed a scoop of raw cookie dough in the paper cupcake paper then poured the batter over it to fill the cup and baked it.

What I'm famous for. My most requested cupcake is my Bailey's Irish Cream. Who doesn't love a cupcake with Bailey's in it? The cashiers at the ABC Store look at me like I'm crazy sometimes. What? Yes, it's a big bottle and I just bought one last month but I'm baking with it. No, really I am!

I'm also working on a surprise to come out of my kitchen for Tyra and Jenn's birthdays in March. Which should totally make up for anything stupid I've done recently or may do in the future. LOL

Out of my kitchen and onto my spring to be read list.... Here we go!

1. The new Nick book by Sherrilyn Kenyon will be out on Tyra's birthday! Everything will be dropped when this comes out. This will be my first pre order ever for my Kindle. So much to celebrate this day!

2. Finish up the Demonica series by Larissa Ione.

3. Wait not so patiently for the next Lords of Deliverance book, Lethal Rider, to come out in June by Larissa Ione.

4. Inheritance by Christopher Paolini. I started this series a long time ago and want to follow thru with it. The first book was painful to read but they got better and I want to know how the story ends. Plus I'm a sucker for dragons.

Hope everyone has a great week and let's say good bye to the nasty month of February and let the count down to spring begin!
PEACE

BLOG TOUR: Freestyle Love

2012-02-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Freestyle Love
By Author Marcus Lopes

When it comes to one-night stands, Malachi Bishop has “rules”. No pillow talk. No sleeping over. No planning a future hook-up. First names only. It’s just sex, not a prelude to love. But when Cole Malcolm, a smooth-talking management consultant, woos Malachi into bed, the rulebook is tossed out the window.

The one-time fling leaves Cole reeling: Malachi is his first real shot at happiness, his “forever” man, and he’s determined to show Malachi just how good they could be together. But Malachi doesn’t believe in happily-ever-after, and dodges Cole’s play for his heart. After all, Malachi is still mourning the loss of Taylor Blanchard, whom he hoped to love forever. Then there’s Zach Brennan, a handsome twenty-five-year-old and student at the college where Malachi teaches. Falling for Zach could destroy everything he’s worked for, but Malachi can’t help himself.

Caught by love and in its betrayal, it’s a later affair with a beautiful stranger that changes Malachi’s life most dramatically. Now Malachi must confront his present and his past that bring into question the larger fantasies of home and his place in the world.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon Barnes& Noble AllERomance

EXCERPT:

Malachi, hunched forward over the dining room table reading the Globe and Mail, let out a sigh as he yawned, his mouth open wide revealing his uneven teeth. As he reached for his half-empty and lukewarm cup of coffee, he caught a glimpse of the hairy bronze cyclist’s legs in the archway of the dining room and sat back in his chair. He looked intently at the tall, lean figure standing before him, naked, with his arms folded across his chest. Of course, Malachi knew that they would have to confront each other at some point, but he was still nervous and, after a moment, glanced away.

The man stood with his legs spread slightly apart, like a model posing for a photo shoot. His eyes narrowed. “Do you mind…” His voice cracked and he bit down on his lower lip. “Do you mind if I take a shower?”

Malachi said, “Oh, of course,” and stood, watching his guest unfold his arms and then run his hands through his dark bed hair that darted in a thousand directions, pushed back from his low brow.

They smiled thinly at each other, as if suddenly able to read the other’s thoughts, and uncertain about how to proceed. Malachi dropped his gaze and left the room to retrieve a towel and facecloth from the disorganized hall closet. He returned to the dining room and gawked at the handsome figure’s firm yet pale backside that he remembered, with a mixed sense of pleasure and dread, having had his face between for most of the night. Malachi cleared his throat.

The man spun around and took the linens from Malachi, and held them in front of his crotch, concealing his growing hard-on. He sidled his narrow blue eyes at Malachi and said, “It’s Cole… my name, that is, in case you’ve forgotten.” He took in Malachi’s blank stare, fully aware of its significance, and when there was no response shrugged and disappeared down the hallway towards the bedroom.

Malachi picked up the newspaper from off the dining room table and carried it into the living room, tossing it onto the coffee table and then pacing the room that was filled with the bright morning sun. He stopped in front of the fireplace and leaned against the mantelpiece, staring abstractly at his collection of soapstone cat carvings that he had purchased during his trip to Quebec City the previous summer. There was a heaviness in his heart, an utter repulsion that lingered the morning after, as if there was something absolutely criminal about sex. What was “criminal” was that he had let himself give in to desire, which he came to designate as lust — that murky, disgruntled and disheartening world of one-night stands that, when he felt alone in the world, held the promise of love. He wasn’t opposed to one-night stands. When he longed for the closeness of being with someone, of feeling loved when he thought he was not, he found, and this was what disturbed him, comfort in what was supposed to be meaningless, anonymous, uncomplicated, sex. Was it really meaningless? He worried that love was becoming impossible, completely out of reach, just like the happiness that he believed depended on it. His love life had been nothing more than a string of one-night stands and now, with his thirtieth birthday looming, he was in search of something more, something real, permanent, true.

The contradictory aspect of his current situation pained Malachi deeply. He was thoroughly displeased with himself because he had been weak. Worst of all, he was still revelling in the afterglow of the night of passionate lovemaking, yet unwilling to conceive of something more permanent, true, possibly evolving from it. The crudeness of one-night stands made their currency short-term, depreciated.

Malachi moved to the worn brown leather sofa and sat down, leaning forward, his gaze held to the hardwood floor. He suddenly found himself smiling sheepishly as he thought about Cole, whose name he had not forgotten — a name that carried a certain presence and authority that was both attractive and intimidating. His smile broadened and his cheeks heated with embarrassment as he thought about Cole, just moments before, standing in front of him naked, insouciant. Malachi carried the image of Cole’s narrow blue eyes expressing unremitting desire, hopeful friendship. And Cole’s short, pointed nose that drew attention to the runnel above his thin red lips and the dimple in his chin. There was something genuine in those penetrating eyes, something comforting that prevented Malachi from negating the warmth, and the ensuing joy, that had swelled within him as he and Cole lay in bed together.

It seemed strange, surprising even, when Malachi woke up to Cole beside him and did not feel alarmed, which he was convinced he would since he had ignored his own rules. He had set “rules” for himself when it came to one-night stands, like a covenant that he had signed his name to, secured by the whole of his being. When Cole had approached him at Groove, the lone gay bar in Claredon that Malachi did not frequent often, he had broken his cardinal rule of first names only by introducing himself as Malachi Bishop. That was hardly significant at the time, since he was not planning on hooking up with anyone. He had ended up at Groove because of Shane Martin, his best friend, who had wanted to go out for a night on the town. Malachi had reluctantly agreed more so to silence Shane’s insistent nagging than any real desire to go. He did not consider himself into that scene, drinking and dancing to the early morning hours and suffering through the next day hung-over and tired.

Cole had pleasantly surprised Malachi, dragging Malachi onto the dance floor and making him laugh. And when they ended up at Malachi’s, locked in a crushing embrace, it wasn’t that they had had sex that distressed Malachi but that he had allowed Cole to sleep over. That was the most criminal of all. He had always been diligent about shepherding his “guests” out of his home quickly once orgasm was achieved, especially when the sex was mechanical, routine, boring. Of course he would give them time to catch their breath, clean up a bit — perhaps even shower — but once they were dressed, he guided them to the door in an awkward silence. No pillow talk. No revealing of unnecessary details about himself. No planning a future hook-up. And at the door, “Do you have everything? Wallet? Keys?” That somehow made it easier for him to accept having given himself over to desire, and the unprecedented role desire played in his life.

Malachi lifted himself off the sofa and made his way to the bedroom, his body trembling, and silently hoping for a final glimpse of Cole’s naked butt that had excited him earlier. Cole came into the bedroom from the en suite bathroom as Malachi was pulling the sheets off the bed. Cole, wearing a blue ringed T-shirt and blue jeans, patted at his dark brown hair that looked black as it was still wet and fell flat against his head. They looked probingly at each other until Malachi gestured Cole out of the bedroom and followed him down the hall, stopping just outside the entryway to the kitchen, Cole staring intently at Malachi and Malachi, with his hands shoved in his pockets, looking at the floor.

“This is awkward,” Cole said ruefully.

“I suppose.” Malachi raised his head. In a darker, more pressing tone, he added, “Do you have everything?”

Cole, in a trance-like state, nodded. “Yes, I think so.” Cole was thinking about his past, and how he had somehow managed to always lose control. He wasn’t sure if he believed in fate, but for once in his life he wanted to act as though he was in control, that his present and his future were in his hands. Smiling, he touched his hand to the side of Malachi’s face. “Well, no, actually… I mean, I’d like to see you again.”

Malachi took a step backwards as he slipped his hands out of his pockets and folded his arms, scrunching his eyebrows and pursing his lips all at once, and then shaking his head. Here they were, two grown men who were alone in the world and trying to romance the notion of love into perfect firsts — first glances exchanged, first hellos, that first touch. “How pathetic we must seem,” Malachi thought. Was it childish, foolish even, of him to conceive of one-night stands as the hopeful vehicle through which he may fall in love — and not necessarily with Cole but with anyone? Didn’t that make one-night stands utterly corrupt, deceptive, immoral? Even as they stared at each other with wild lusting eyes Malachi, who let logic and reason guide him more than his heart, foresaw that the scene had only one ending.

Cole cupped his hand to Malachi’s shoulder. “Let me buy you breakfast.”

Malachi lifted Cole’s strong hand off his shoulder and said, “Cole…” hoping that the edge in his voice would make his point.

Cole said, “Surely you can see beyond the moment —”

“It’s all a bit muddled,” Malachi said with a bluntness that surprised even him and then moved into the living room. He stood with his back to Cole, a way of taking refuge, and clasped his hands to the back of his head. He glanced about the sparsely furnished room that he loved for its airiness but now, with Cole there, felt constricting.

Cole scrunched his eyebrows. “Muddled?” Was Malachi too jaded to even try to see beyond the moment? Maybe. And Cole was too nervous to ask: Who had broken Malachi’s heart?

Malachi spun around, his arms dropping to his side. “Look, Cole, last night was fun…” He shifted his eyes uneasily between Cole and the door.

Cole made his way over to Malachi, and when he was close to him, said, “That’s why I want to see you again.”

Malachi gave a wary laugh. “That’s just not possible.”

Cole let out a low, exasperated sigh. “Maybe you’re right,” he said and walked heavy-footed towards the door. Cole suddenly imagined that Malachi might be difficult to handle, the type of guy who makes the rest of the world uneasy around him — not a diva, just a man used to having everything his way. In the foyer, Cole slipped on his shoes and retrieved his black leather jacket from the closet. Before putting on his jacket, he reached into an inside pocket and pulled out a taupe-coloured business card and set it on the narrow rectangular console table next to the closet door. “If you change your mind,” he said, and gave a languid shrug of indifference. He slid his left arm into the sleeve of his jacket and then his right arm into the other sleeve. “I’m in town a few more days. You can reach me at the number on…”

Malachi shook his head. “Oh, I see.” He frowned, and then came the disparaging chuckle, and it seemed only natural for him to follow with, in a testier, sharper tone. “Seeing me again is less work for you.”

“Yes, it is —”

“Just another quick…?”

Cole folded his arms and then unfolded them, only to shove his hands in his pockets and immediately pull them out. “You know what?” he said, as if finally coming into the truth of the matter, “just forget it,” and grunted as he pulled open the door. Cole had been daring, put himself on the line to implant himself in the present, as though it really belonged to him, and he was still dangling, searching for something he knew to be completely abstract. He knew he must have looked pathetic, desperate, like he was clinging to a fairytale. He was about to step into the hall when he turned and looked at Malachi, with quiet admiration, and then, piously, “How long can you wait on happiness before it completely escapes you?” and disappeared into the corridor.

Malachi looked on as the door swung closed on its own, and at the sound of the soft thud of the door hitting the metal doorframe, he collapsed onto the sofa. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, feeling both relief and disappointment, unable to see the paradox of his own world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marcus Lopés is originally from Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia. His writing has appeared in Canadian and international literary magazines. Freestyle Love is his first novel. A novelist, essayist, poet, painter and singer-songwriter, Lopés lives in Sherbrooke, Québec.

Website: http://www.marcuslopes.ca

Email: marcus@marcuslopes.ca

FULL TOUR SCHEDULE:

http://cblspromotions.blogspot.com/2012/02/vbt-freestyle-love-by-marcus-lopes.html.

CONTEST ALERT!!

Comment to Win an ecopy of Freestyle Love.

Humpday Shout Out to Cheryl Dragon!

2012-02-22T21:55:00.000-05:00

Hump day hello to all and to all a good night. This one posts late on Hump day, so the good news is, without any great powers of precognition, I am pleased to say Congrats! We made it half way. Now we are one the downhill slope of this week - which has already seen 1) freak snowstorm followed by 2) 65 degree day with crocuses blooming (I kid you not) and 3) yet another injury for yours truly, the klutziest gal on the planet. (I didn't really DO anything this time - just threw out my back but man, does it blow!) I also realize that for many, it is the start of Lent and for those of you who have decided to give up ooey gooey calorie filled treats that tempt you constantly at home and work - allow me to assist you in a guiltless indulgence - Eye Candy! Calorie free, no pesky cheating on the diet or on Lent proclamations! Woohoo - it's a win-win and oh, so yummy!

This week brings another Resplendence Author to our doorstep, one I have followed for years - she's sassy, funny and write smokin hot erotic tales, so grab a glass of ice water and check out Cheryl Dragon's latest!

Renee's High School Reunion, Cheryl Dragon, Resplendence Publishing, January 2012.

Nude photos, a prom fistfight, and losing the two men she loved are three good reasons for Renee not to go to her reunion. But Renee always pushed the boundaries. High school was ten years ago but she’s never forgotten AJ, her boyfriend, or Jesse, her gay best friend who was her first lover. Though she’s determined to heal the past with two great men, even Renee is shocked when she finds out what has happened since she left Vegas. AJ and Jesse have plans for her that start with a hot reunion weekend. Ménage love is a gamble, but the trio graduated with honors from Las Vegas High!

They say you can't go back - back in time, back to the way things were, back to the drawing board. But Cheryl Dragon may have hit upon the perfect blend of rewind and fast forward with her new erotic delight, Renee's High School Reunion. Renee Carlson hadn't really intended to attend her ten year high school reunion but as a pilot for a major airline, she had the access and the time and curiosity had her wondering about what happened to everyone - especially her best friend Jessie and her senior year boyfriend A.J. Little did she know the fistfight the two engaged in on prom night all those years ago was the catalyst that started their relationship. She has no idea they've been together now ten years because of her. She also has no idea that their plans for the perfect union includes one missing piece - her! Tempting the sexually adventurous Renee with a weekend of no-holds barred menage sex, A.J. and Jessie hope to rekindle old flames and convince her that she's the perfect fit for both.

Cheryl Dragon writes erotic romance like a sharp Italian sports car - tight curves, able to take on twists and turns, giving one sexy as hell ride along the way. The relationships between Renee and Jessie and Renee and A.J. are those borne of intense high school experiences. And yet, some things that go back that far, are meant to be for a reason. Dragon captures that intense experience in a series of flashbacks and recollections that blend seamlessly with the current story. The best part of her characters is that they feel very real - they have fears, quirks and little bumps in the road do freak them out. The unplanned public outing of A.J. causes the reader to feel immensely empathetic and even protective to the point that it makes Renee's reactions justifiable, conceivable. The menage fantasy of two hot men who love each other as much as the woman they are with also rings truthfully with the reader, even I think, for those not as familiar with the genre.

Say what you will - I love a sexy, sassy erotic romance. Especially one that packs in punch after punch and scenes that sizzle on the page all in less than 100 pages! Cheryl Dragon wins "Best sexy reunion story" superlative for this spicy reunion tale!

RATING: Five out of five Big Ole Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries and maybe some champagne to celebrate....good times, great friends and hawt-ness.

This book was given to us by Resplendence Publishing. Many thanks.

First Time, Forever - KC Burn

2012-02-21T08:30:00.013-05:00

Well the kids finally got a snow day yesterday, so they are a little happier. This has been the warmest winter that we have had here in the valley in the nine years that we have been here. It's been most unusual but I don't want to complain because this California transplant really hates driving in snow.

Just a couple of weeks ago I had not read a book by KC Burn and now I am doing my second review for her. And even though this story was a novella, which can sometimes have plot difficulties because of the length, this book didn't not fall victim to that problem. Ms. Burn has gone from "new to me" to "auto-buy" and I am so happy to add her to the family.

First Time, Forever by KC Burn, Carina Press
Derrick and Trevor used to have an incredibly passionate relationship, full of spontaneity and sizzle. Now that their son is off to college, they want to put their days of routine, vanilla sex behind them and bring back some of that spark.
Realizing that they’re empty-nesters, Trevor begins to notice their age difference. He suddenly feels old and unsure of himself, and isn’t confident Derrick still desires him. When Trevor decides to keep his health issues and gray hairs down there to himself, Derrick is hurt by his partner’s secretive behavior and thinks Trevor must be having an affair.
Nothing could be further from the truth, but Trevor doesn’t know how to communicate his fears to his partner. He desperately wants to reconnect with Derrick and rev up their sex life, but will it be enough to reclaim their marital bliss?

This novella was a really nice change in that it is the story of an "older" couple. Most of the stories we read are about finding love, this one is about keeping it.

Trevor and Derrick are at a crossroads in their life. Having just dropped Trevor's son off at college both men expect their sex life to return to the spontaneity they once shared. But work,insecurities and miscommunication lead to hurt feelings and suspicion.

This book is difficult for someone like me because I wanted to crawl into the pages and just sit both men down and get them to talk to each other. You can feel the love each man has for the other and knowing the pain they are both going through could have been avoided hurt to read. But I also think that's what made it such a great book. I was fully invested in these character's in a very short period of time and for me that's all down to a good story and character development.

I liked the flashbacks of the way things used to be but enjoyed that even though they were older they could still bring the heat. I thought I was going to fall out of bed laughing over Trevor's waxing mishap and could totally relate to his pain.

If you are looking for a quick read that feels like a full length novel emotionally and leaves you with that slightly flushed voyeuristic feeling because it seems so real, then First Time, Forever is a book that you don't want to miss.

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries. This book was given to us by NetGalley. Many thanks.

Driving Mr. Dead - Molly Harper

2012-02-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

So if you are like me the suspense of waiting for Molly Harper’s Jane Jameson Book 4 is killing you. So I was thrilled to find that she has a spin off to hold me over until the much-anticipated release of Book 4, Nice Girls Don’t Bite Their Neighbors, coming on February 28^th. Please be sure to check back as I’m sure I’ll review it as soon as I get my hands on it!

In the mean time….Driving Mr. Dead is a wonderfully written story and adds two new fabulous characters to the wacky cast of Jane’s friends. Miranda Puckett is the daughter of Half Moon Hollow’s most prominent old money family but unlike her family she is not a lawyer nor is she a successful businesswomen. She has failed at every job she has ever had in fabulously tragic and hilarious ways. But she has picked up some random skills along the way and hopes that maybe, just maybe those skills will help her as she takes on her newest career – a long-distance vampire transporter. A job she took trying to get as far out of town as possible while she tries to decide if she wants to give her lying, cheating fiancé another chance.

Collin Sutherland is the most persnickety, stuffy, handsome vampire that Miranda has ever met and his 16-page transportation contract rider can’t help but rub her the wrong way. But as they set out on their National Lampoons worthy trip Miranda’s knack for trouble seems to find her and Collin must quickly learn that contingency plans are necessary. As their trip spins further out of control their need to work together, laugh together and find a way to get home only helps to ignite the undeniable spark between them. Their chemistry and the lessons learned along the way quickly have Collin rethinking his solitary life style and reveling in the chaotic fun that is Miranda!

In true Molly Harper fashion this story will have you laughing, crying and cheering all that the same time. There are appearances from some of our favorite Jane series characters that make for some really great scenes. Once again, I listened to this on Audible. Amanda Ronconi just does such a fabulous job that I always gravitate to her audible format over the print format. This book can easily be read as a stand alone and doesn't have to be read as part of the main series. It seems to fall in between book 3 and 4 of the Jane Series but it could be read really at any time and still make sense. However, the Jane Series is well worth the the time and one of my favorites series. If you are unfamiliar with Molly Harper please be sure and use our search bar on the left column to find my previous blog’s on her other books.

RATING: I give this one Five Chocolate Dipped Strawberries served in a National Lampon’s Moose Glass with whipped cream!

Many thanks.

Touch Me

2012-02-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Touch Me by Callie Croix is a little gem of a story that was not only sexy but also a sweet story of two people embracing love. A few more chapters would’ve created a story with a bit more depth but it was still good as is, with strong characters and an intriguing premise. Some of the smaller nuances would’ve been interesting to explore as I found myself wishing I knew more.

Tianna is newly divorced from a soldier who had a traumatic brain injury. She’s been staying at her brother’s best friend Alex’s house after her divorce. Readers will develop incredible empathy for her as the history of her marriage evolves. Tianna is working through self-esteem issues, and she’s left denying her darker sexual desires. Tianna has a long way to go in healing (here’s where more details may have been effective) which we see in the subtle nuances of her actions, especially her need to run when things aren’t perfect.

When Alex (aka Army Captain Alex Montoya) comes home on leave, he’s determined to give into everything he’s always wanted and arouse Tianna’s hidden desires - a big move since Tianna's brother is Alex's best friend. She's always been off limits but now there’s nothing to stop him from acting on his feelings. Having her live in his home, even while he was away, gives him a feeling of protectiveness. The arrangement feels incredibly intimate.

Alex is my idea of a perfect alpha hero. He’s completely in love (true love formed over time, not quick lust) with the heroine; he’s strong, confident and handsome, yet at the same time, he’s gentle with her, caring and so protective. It was incredibly sweet that he was committed to helping her put together a new life from her broken past but without the need to be controlling, allowing her to heal on her own terms. Yet Alex was absolutely determined to show her exactly how sexually desirable she was – using every weapon he had including tying her down to make sure he had her full attention.

Though the story is short, Croix infused just enough tension, both sexual and plot-based, to keep the reader flipping pages without realizing how much time has passed. Touch Me is like a delicious espresso shot - short and hot. Read it in one quick shot.

I don’t know if this is totally “outing” an author but I have to tell those of you who follow me and know my favorite authors… this is Kaylea Cross!!! writing in her pen name she uses for her more steamy erotic stories. While I feel her calling is in the romantic suspense, she’s no slacker in light erotica either.

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
This book was given to us through NetGalley. Many thanks.

Nice & Squeaky Clean

2012-02-18T12:13:00.002-05:00

Squeaky Clean by Kim Dare

It’s not every day that Tim looks up and sees a hot, wet and half-naked man standing outside his third story window. He feels quite justified in being shocked enough to drop both his coffee and his laptop. The last thing he expects is for the guy to climb in through the window to help him clean up. Still, it’s only when he recognizes his new window cleaner that things start to get really complicated for Tim.

If you like to read Kim Dare, as I do, then just go ahead and get it. This is 23 pages of OMG I didn’t see that one coming. If you are checking it out please don’t let the BDSM label throw you off. It is a great quick read that is written perfectly with just a bit of D/s thrown in.

Part of the Kinky Quikies series, the story grabs you from the first page, which is just what you want as a reader. I loved the story because the blurb really didn’t tell me the whole story or give anything away. I have gotten into a bad habit of judging my main characters ahead of time. I think anyone that reads a lot does. I love to read Kim’s stories, short or long, because you never know the mind set or the dynamics of the relationship ahead of time. This story was no different and I was totally surprised by the plot and the ending. The first thing I did was look out on the website to see if this was just the set up to a new book because I loved it so much and just wanted to see how it played out. No luck but maybe if we all read it and then write to her asking for more she will considered it. Damien and Tim bring with them issues from their high school days. The question is always how much will the past hold us up from our future.

I give Squeaky Clean 4 chocolate-dipped strawberries!

Relax for a few and read it – we all deserve the break in our lives.

This book was given to us by Resplendence Publishing.
Many thanks from Shari.

The Highlander's Prize - Mary Wine

2012-02-17T12:40:00.011-05:00

It's Friday and I know most of you were expecting Kim but that the nice thing about doing this blog with friends is that we can jump in to cover for someone when they need it. Or in this case beg for her day so you can get your review written while the book is still fresh in your head.

I have met Mary Wine a couple of times at Lora Leigh's RAW and I have to say that she is one of the most talented people I have ever met. The beautiful dresses that she wears for the costume balls she makes herself by hand, and from someone who can barely sew a button on that is completely awe inspiring. She is also one of the nicest, most gracious authors that I have had the pleasure to spend time with. Looking at this innocent petite lady you would never guess that she can also write some of the hottest Alpha Highlanders I have ever read about and her steamy sex scenes will wilt the heather.

The Highlander's Prize, Mary Wine, Sourcebooks Casablanca
Beautiful Clarrisa is sent to Scotland to marry the king, but is soon thwarted by the handsome Laird Broen MacNichols. For Broen, Clarrisa becomes far more than a kidnapped prize. Sparks fly as he enjoys sparring with the intelligent and independent-minded lady from York. Captive turns captor when Broen loses his heart and risks everything to keep Clarissa for himself.

Clarrisa refuses to accept her fate as a brood mare for the King of Scotland. So when men kidnap her before he can bed her she can't decide if she has gone from the frying pan to the fire or if she has finally found her freedom.

Laird Broen MacNichols agrees to kidnap the English lass before she can give King James a son with English blood to sit on the throne of Scotland. He expects a timid English mouse but what he gets is a woman who stirs his blood and makes him hotter than any woman he has ever met.

Political intrigue, broken betrothals and questionable loyalties are the foundation for this compelling read, but the heart is the relationship that unfolds between Clarrisa and Broen.

I know when I start a Mary Wine book that I am going to be swept away into the time and world that she has created. Her stories are multi-dimensional and fast paced. The historical details are interesting without weighing down the storyline. But her characters are the reason that I pick her books up again and again. The banter between the two leads was fun to read and kept the sexual tension flowing. A strong and varied cast of secondary characters added depth, but be sure to keep a score card handy to keep everyone straight. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Scottish historicals, or anyone who just wants to escape into a well written book.

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries. This book was given to us by NetGalley. Many thanks.

Sin Eater's Prince

2012-02-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

NEW on Kindle TODAY!

The Sin Eater’s Prince is a story with such deep sense of sadness and yet it is a beautiful tale of love. Keta Diablo brings this incredible dichotomy to life in this quickly-moving story. From a life wrought in loneliness rises a man capable of redemption. Set in long ago England, Owen Rhys is the sin eater of his village which means he absorbs the sins of the newly departed so that they may go cleansed into the afterlife. Because of this position, he has been shunned by the local villagers his entire life. Yet to this reader, Owen is a near perfect male... simple, humble, giving, honorable, and of course, handsome.

Sadly, Owen has exactly two friends. First, Carys is a young girl who cares for Owen as a brother. She’s equally sweet and kind – very likeable – whose courage later in the book earns her my respect. And then there’s Andras, the town’s physician who has cared for Owen from afar. Andras has a secret that keeps him away from Owen – he’s a vampire who has been watching over him just as he pledged to Owen’s father before he passed away. Andras fights his dark side continuously to keep himself good. With such a deep sense of honor, Andras has kept himself apart from the man he desires so as not to turn him, thereby forcing him to live the life Andras himself has been forced to live. Owen, of course, is shocked then when Andras saves him from another vampire and admits he cares for him.

Their love story is so simple – pure and untarnished by the world. With years of history between them, it seems natural when they take the step to consummate their love. And, mm mmm, their consummation is hot while also being incredibly beautiful. The emotional connection warmed me – the fact that Owen could find acceptance through Andras was incredibly moving; and the vivid imagery Diablo presents gave this reader the shivers. The ultimate in romance played out as the men accepted their fate and came together.

Now, the story isn’t just about the two men falling in love (‘cause that would be boring). Here’s where the protagonist comes into play - Dagan, the evil vampire. Andras killed Dagan’s father long ago and now Dagan wants revenge along with the Prince's sword that belongs to Andras. The sword holds the power to allow vampires to walk in sunlight which is the ultimate desire of those who can only walk in the night. When Dagan learns about Owen, he uses him to bring down Andras. Dagan was a truly unlikeable villain, perfectly written to have few redeeming qualities. The tension he brings is nail-biting as the action explodes and readers are left to wonder about Owen’s true destiny.

The Sin Eater’s Prince takes place in long ago England and the mythology is unlike the traditional vampire romances today which made it a more interesting read. Diablo incorporates Welsh superstition, myths and traditions to give the story a dark undertone. It reads nearly like a mystery but readers cannot miss the love story that reigns true through it all. Owen and Andras is a couple I won’t soon forget.

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

BUY LINK: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0079QQBCY/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

This book was given to us by Keta Diablo. Many thanks!

Humpday Happy Birthday!

2012-02-15T16:52:00.001-05:00

This special Humpday shout out goes to Tyra's baby girl who turns fifteen today. This, of course, freaks me out because it means my baby girl's isn't far behind. I don't know how these two very different young ladies remain such good friends - Jordan is all romance, Emma is all horror but like their mommas, they make a great pair and I am thankful for all that and more.

This week's read reminded me of Jordan, with it's fairy tale retold aspect - it's the kind of tale I think she'd enjoy....someday! However, here's a little something I think we can all enjoy right now....eye candy, Yes Please!

Beast - Naughtily Ever After Book 3, Abigail Barnette, Resplendence Publishing, January 2012

Accused of treason by his own father, Prince Philipe of Chevudon finds his flight to safety cut short by an arrow to the shoulder. There is only one person to whom he can turn for help, the only woman he ever loved, the only person he ever truly betrayed…

Following the destruction of her home and family in a fire that left her horribly disfigured, Johanna has lived a life of hardship and pain. When her lost love comes to her, wounded and on the run from his father’s guard, she cannot turn him away. But she cannot forgive him either.

Can a prince who was once a beast earn back the love he cast aside?

Who doesn't love the time honored classic of Beauty and the Beast? Even without dancing dishes and candelabras, every girl who ever read any version of the tale, found her little heart melted as the monster grew lovely in the eyes of one who learned to love him. Now, cast aside preconceived notions of happily ever after and try a new version - a little less "pretty", a whole lot more gritty. Abigail Barnette's version begins with a pretty royal maid Johanna in love with a pretty young prince Philipe and theirs is a fairy tale story of first love, sparking attraction, sexual chemistry. The prince and his father leave right after their betrothal with a promise to return. That's the last pretty part of the story.....

Revolts occur, fire destroys the castle, most of Johanna's family is killed save her brother Wilhelm. The castle and lands fall into ruins and the two siblings live in the shattered shell of Hazelhurn essentially like squatters or peasants. Fifteen years later, Prince Philipe lands upon their doorstep wounded and in need of aid and protection. Heart hardened by the jilting of her former love, Johanna can barely tolerate his presence, much less provide for the healing care of the spoiled royal from the Southlands. Scarred horribly from the fires after his leaving, she hides behind veils and walls of emotional pain. Theirs is a reunion that the reader feels intensely, every tortuous moment of, until cracks occur and glimmers of the two young lovers who once were begin to appear.

Johanna's hideous appearance becomes less noticeable as Prince Philipe begins to heal and realizes the gem that he lost due to his youthful imprudence. Once he sets out to woo her, no simple gestures will do and his struggles to overcome her hostility, anger and sense of betrayal all while attempting to mount an army to overthrow his increasingly mentally unstable father are not romantic in the classic sense. That being said, for all the pain and anguish the reader must endure along with the scarred beauty and her beautiful beast, theirs is a romance worth reading.

I give this fractured fairy tale a delish four chocolate dipped strawberries and a vow to return to this series - Naughtily Ever After to catch The Glass Slipper and Giant (books one and two). Abigail Barnette, aka Jennifer Armintrout, keeps her slot on the must buy list for her fresh, sexy interpretations of classics and her ever growing collection of creative, sizzling new creations! Check it out!!!

This book was given to us by Resplendence Publishing. Many thanks.

Cop Out - KC Burn

2012-02-14T08:20:00.031-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!! Or as my husband would say, Happy day the greeting card and chocolate companies created. It doesn't really matter if you are a true romantic or a cheap curmudgeon you should take the time to tell those important people in your life that you love them, just so they know.

My eldest child, Jordan, turns 15 tomorrow and I can't believe that she has been in our lives for that long. It seems like just yesterday that she was rubbing food in her hair and now it won't be much longer and she will be driving. (shudder)

Happy Birthday Jordan, I love you and I hope you have a fabulous 15th year!

Since today is Valentines Day I wanted to do my review on a book that I read recently that I felt was a wonderful love story! KC Burn does a great job of bringing Kurt and Davy to life. Their story isn't easy, but life isn't easy and it's so worth the journey.

Cop Out, K.C. Burn, Dreamspinner Press
Detective Kurt O’Donnell is used to digging up other people’s secrets, but when he discovers his slain partner was married to another man, it shakes him. Determined to do the right thing, Kurt offers the mourning Davy his assistance. Helping Davy through his grief helps Kurt deal with the guilt that his partner didn’t trust him enough to tell him the truth, and somewhere along the way Davy stops being an obligation and becomes a friend, the closest friend Kurt has ever had.
His growing attraction to Davy complicates matters, leaving Kurt struggling to reevaluate his sexuality. Then a sensual encounter neither man is ready for confuses them further. To be with Davy, Kurt must face the prospect of coming out, but his job and his relationship with his Catholic family are on the line. Can he risk destroying his life for the uncertain possibility of a relationship with a newly widowed man?

Detective Kurt O'Donnell loses his partner in an explosion while on the job, and then discovers that he didn't know his partner as well as he thought he did. Kurt is shocked to find out about Davy’s existence as Ben had keep their relationship a secret. Hurt that Ben didn't trust him with his secret, Kurt is determined to do the right thing and offers to help Davy through his grief. The two become friends and as their friendship grows, so does Kurt's attraction to Davy. When one night things turn sexual neither man handles it well. Kurt who has never been attracted to a man before has to decide what, if anything, he is going to do about his feelings. Then he has to hope it's not already too late for him and Davy.

This was one of those can't put down books for me. The character's and their emotions were so real that I had a hard time remembering I was reading a book.

First let me say that I wanted to punch Ben in the face, not for keep Davy a secret but for making him feel like he was worthless and cutting him off from everyone else in his life. I tried hard to feel sympathetic for him but I just couldn't do it.

The transformation and growth that Davy goes through in this book has an almost cathartic feel to it. You couldn't help but want to help him find his way again. I also want to applaud the author for not going the insta-love route. Both character's were grieving in their own ways and it would have felt contrived if their relationship had happened over night.

Kurt's journey to self-awareness doesn't happen right away and his hesitation to admit his feelings rang very true for the character and the environment he comes from. I loved Kurt's family and appreciate an author that gives me well rounded interesting secondary characters.

So if you are looking for a treat this Valentines day, I suggest you pick up Cop Out, grab a glass of red wine and indulge!

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries. This book was given to us by NetGalley. Many thanks.

Intimate Exposure

2012-02-13T15:56:00.000-05:00

I know it seems wrong to discuss intimate exposure when it 20 degrees outdoors but this little treat of a story will warm you up (at least on the inside).

Erotically delicious, Intimate Exposure by Portia Da Costa is a short journey into a woman’s first experience with BDSM. A pretty typical plot but a fun read just the same. My only complaint is the limited romantic element that as a reader, I crave.

From their very first meeting, Red and Vicki seemed to have a love/ hate relationship. Red, a shameless flirt, is actually a billionaire undercover as a photographer taking survey photos to secretly investigate his newly acquired business. While in this disguise, he becomes intrigued by Vicki, one of the assistants at the company, and thrives on teasing Vicki. Confused by her own feelings towards Red, Vicki was abrupt and rude towards him. The beginning of the story flowed smoothly with entertaining exchanges between the two characters.

First drawn to Vicki’s fiery personality and beauty, Red’s interest only grows when he discovers the BDSM novel on her eReader. Now he is certain he’s found a woman who shares his desires and promises to be a challenging submissive. And Vicki realizes that though his teasing infuriates her, she also responds to it with desire for this man she barely knows. In fact, he brings out her need to submit to her lover. Plenty of inner-dialogue clearly establishes Vicki as a newly blossoming submissive.

An interlude in the company’s gym literally brings Vicki to her knees as she gives into the promise of Red as her greatest desire, a sexually dominant master like those in her favorite novels. So when a contest lands them both at an exclusive resort for the weekend, Vicki agrees to a no-strings-attached experiment in BDSM. The BDSM scenes are incredibly detailed so that readers are absorbed into the emotion surrounding the experience. There was heat, desire but there just didn’t seem like enough romance for me.

RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
This book was given to us through NetGalley. Many thanks.

BLOG TOUR: A World Apart

2012-02-12T02:00:00.000-05:00

A GUEST POST from CAMELIA MIRON SKIBA

Author of A WORLD APART

Finding the perfect photos for a cover is as essential as writing the story. Some covers catch my attention immediately, which leads to reading the blurb and before I know it, the book is in my cart. But there are also covers that don't speak to me and I'm guilty of not giving those books the slimmest chance.

How do you know when you found the perfect photo for your cover? For me it's simple: the photo speaks to me. It's instinct, it's finally a face to a name. It's that amazing hero(ine) you've been writing about, but never seen his/her face. All of sudden you see an image and there he/she is, staring at you and telling you, "Hello. It's me you're looking for." That very moment your heartbeat picks up the beat, butterflies dance in your belly... it's love at first sight. Nothing more.

I picked "A World Apart" photos loooooong time ago. I kept looking but always returned to them. The blond woman is Cassandra Toma, my heroine. I wanted her to look vulnerable and this image delivers exactly what I was looking for. The man looks as if David Hunt, the hero's story had been written for this particular image, and nothings else. He's longing, regretful. They are not facing each other intentionally because of the world apart standing between them. And that again is beautiful captured in this set up.

Dreamstime (the place I purchased the photos from) has several other photos with these two models. I didn't purchase these images (sorry for the water marks) since I'm not using them for the cover, but thought I'll show them in different postures and settings. Later on when you'll read the book, you'll find yourself visualizing them as if they are right next to you, telling you an incredible love story.

And here they are...

Cassandra being happy...

Trying to charm Cassandra, David looks like this

Cassandra being playful...

He's mad at her, can you tell?

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A World Apart, Camelia Miron Skiba

2012-02-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

A World Apart is a compelling story that takes the reader into the struggles of two people trying to make life work during the hardships of war and the hard reality that life isn’t always easy or clear-cut.

Lieutenant Cassandra Toma is a complicated, strong-minded doctor who has had a very tough life. Having grown up under the Communists regime in Romania she has seen her countries people suffer and struggle to break free from tyranny. Her father fled the country when she has very young after being accused of treason. The government came after her mother trying to force information out of her and eventually violently took her away leaving Cassandra to be forced into an orphanage. Her sole remaining family was her older brother, by 15 years, Robert. Robert is her world and her hero. The story begins when she is older and is ordered by the military to be deployed to the Black Sea to serve with the American’s at a hospital there that is a support hospital to the war going on in Iraq. At first she is very reluctant about this deployment until she learns that her brother has also been deployed to same location. Overjoyed that he will be close by she chooses to overlook her feelings that American’s are arrogant people trespassing in her country and instead embraces the assignment, focusing on the fact that she doesn’t have much longer to serve her military duty.

Major David Hunt is a very proud and strong American doctor who lives life by a strict code of honor. He is recently divorced to his commanding officer’s daughter and is a recovering alcoholic. He agrees to take one last tour of duty as a favor to his former father-in-law before retiring from the military. The Black Sea base is a strategic hospital for critical patients that are too seriously injured to make it to hospitals further away. Upon arriving in Romania, David realizes that he has truly arrived in another world. The culture and its people are “World’s Apart” from America. He meets Cassandra on Valentines Day and mistakes her brother for her husband, due to them sharing the same last name and their tremendous affection for each other. This begins the struggles between them. Professionally their world is a constant struggle to find common ground and a glimmer of happiness to hold on to with the ugliness of war all around them. Cassandra's rebellious nature and sassiness rival her excellent performance in the operating room while her charm and dimples leave David wanting more. Emotionally their connection keeps growing despite David’s best efforts to keep his distance, thinking she is married. This seemingly forbidden bound between them grows but perceptions about each other keep them apart until they reach a breaking point. Unfortunately the truth that Cassandra is not married is a long time in coming and when it does come out the shock of the news isn’t welcomed by either one of them. David flees to Iraq but destiny takes a hand and brings them back together with a common goal - to find Cassandra's kidnapped brother. The story really ramps up into full wartime reality. David’s pride and shame over previous events along with the fear of Cassandra being in the middle of wartime Iraq provides further tension between them making for greater misconceptions in their relationship. They are both very strong stubborn characters making for a complicated road for them to navigate to find their way.

Although this book does have a happily ever after it seems to fall more into the urban fantasy style of writing. The romance between them is a fundamental undercurrent of the entire story but they really aren’t a couple until the last chapter. This story is more about the journey and what life is like for two strong military doctors in a wartime environment. It takes a while to get into the story and Ms. Skiba’s style of writing. However, once you do it is hard to put the book down. Their struggles truly become heart wrenching and it is hard to not want to keep reading to see if it will all work out for them and the characters around them in the end. This book paints a poignant picture of what life is like in both Iraq and in the neighboring countries. If you enjoy military pieces then this book will not disappoint. It is a touching tale of what our military sacrifices each day and that even in wartime love can overcome any obstacle even the stubborn honor of a stubborn couple.

RATING: I give this one four chocolate dipped strawberries.

This book was given to us by Ms. Skiba. Many thanks.

Find me a Fireman Friday

2012-02-10T12:00:00.003-05:00

Cough! Cough! Cough! This has been a miserable week. Both of my kids have been sick and out of school and for the first time in years I was sick enough myself to go to the doctor. Of course I went to leave for my appointment and couldn't find my keys. Had to call my mother to come get me. Fortunately I had people in my office looking and they were found in my box of shoes that I keep under my desk! In the disaster that was this week I missed a little thing our blog group was doing. We were suppose to write a few sentences about our favorite book "boyfriend". Since I didn't get to do it I'm gonna share mine now. My dream book boyfriend is Dimitri Kallinikos from the Accidental Demon Slayer series by Angie Fox. He's got short dark hair built like Greek god (hehehe!) It helps that he live on a Greek island by the beach. Need I say more? But if I can't have my Greek god then I am more than willing to take Gabe the Fireman from Bella Andre's book. In fact I'm not picky....I'll take any of the Sullivan brothers!

Can't Help Falling in Love by Bella Andre

Gabe Sullivan risks his life every day as a firefighter in San Francisco. But after learning a brutal lesson about professional boundaries, he knows better than to risk his heart to his fire victims ever again. Especially the brave mother and daughter he saved from a deadly apartment fire...and can't stop thinking about.

Megan Harris knows she owes the heroic firefighter everything for running into a burning building to save her and her seven-year-old daughter. Everything except her heart. Because after losing her navy pilot husband five years ago, she has vowed to never suffer through loving - and losing - a man with a dangerous job again.

Only, when Gabe and Megan meet again and uncontrollable flames of desire ignite between them, how can he possibly ignore her courage, determination, and beauty? And how can she deny not only his strong bond with her daughter…but the way his sweetly sensual kisses are challenging her to risk everything she’s been guarding for so long?
This winter, if one - or both - of them aren’t careful, they just might end up falling in love.

I love this series so far. It reminds me of my beloved Chase Brothers series AND it involves FIREMAN! Why oh why can't I find me a fireman like these??? I have to say though that I never gave the hero complex a thought till this book. People expect fireman to save the day all the time but the thing is they are normal people too and not your knight in shining armour. Than again I never figured there was a don't date people you save rule either. LOL! My favorite part of this book was Gabe's interaction with Summer, Megan's daughter. I have to say that Summer is quite the match maker for a 7 year old!

I give this book 5 chocolate dipped strawberries and some of Summer's muffins.
PEACE

From This Moment On - The Sullivans Book 2, Bella Andre

2012-02-09T14:44:00.000-05:00

“The easiest explanation is the easiest to believe but not necessarily the truth.” Such a simple statement with so much truth to it and so much underlying meaning. At one time or another most people can sympathize with this sentiment and with the emotions of the characters in this beautifully written story by Bella Andre.

Marcus is the oldest, 36 years old, of the Sullivan family. Since his father’s death, when he was just a child, he has assumed his father’s role and done everything he can to help his mother and care for his seven siblings. After years of putting his family first and work constantly to make his vineyard a success he finds himself alone. His fiancé has made it clear that they are through because in his long list of things to take care of she is always last. He realizes that although he thought he was in love with her he was more in love with the idea of her. So he sets out to make up for lost time – a night of crazy sex should do the trick.

Nicola is a very young, famous Pop star in town to shoot of video with Marcus’s sister Lori who is a choreographer. She is constantly in every gossip tabloid claiming that she is wild and a slut. But is reality she is shy, always alone in her hotel room and only manages to break out of her shell when she is singing. She is tired of being alone and decides that if she is going to have this reputation she might as well earn it so when the walls of the empty hotel room start to feel like they are closing in on her she quickly decides that maybe finding solace in a stranger’s arms for the night is the answer.

From the moment Marcus and Nicola meet the sparks between them are electric. Nicola is an extremely strong female character who respects herself and goes after what she wants regardless of her underlying timid nature. And although Marcus is also a very strong character their ability to balance each other out makes for a very intriguing story. This story is not at all predictable. They both have to work through the issues that brought them to be reckless and end up looking for a one-night stand. But the reality is that neither one of them really wanted a one-night stand. Given the age difference, Nicola’s fame and the fact that Marcus had just recently got out of a relationship they were unable to admit that to themselves or to acknowledge that more was possible until it was too late. But Marcus has years of knowing how to manage tuff situations and for once he has found someone worth putting first – worth setting aside his family, his vineyard, everything. A women who has the ability to give him back the life that he lost when he had to put everything aside to fill his father’s shoes.

This story is beautifully written. Ms. Andre does a masterful job grabbing the reader from the first page. And it is refreshing to have such a strong woman character that isn’t afraid to say what she wants for her life. Her maturity more that makes up for her youth and her youth helps Marcus regain some of what he has lost. In the end they are a beautifully matched couple that leave the reader cheering that Marcus finally got his happily ever after.

RATING: I give this one four chocolate dipped strawberries.

Special thanks to Bella Andre for this wonderfully written story. Many thanks!