Come Alive by Jessica Hawkins

Title: Come Alive
Author: Jessica Hawkins
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: May 30th, 2013
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 275
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: Netgalley
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: Come Undone
Age Group: Adult

Determined to move on with her life, Olivia Germaine has vowed to forget David Dylan. Struggling to keep her head above water, she focuses on her new promotion and refuses to drown in the memory of their night together.

But when Olivia realizes what life without David means, she must decide if she is willing to risk everything for him . . . and if she is ready to reopen the wounds of her past.

Can Olivia move forward with her marriage despite her feelings for David?

And can David stay away like he promised?

Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god.

So, this is one of those books where the people that are around me while I'm reading this wished that I was illiterate.

The way I wanted so badly to just jump Olivia and end her was so profound. I understand her, the commitment she made to Bill. But come on! The feels! The feels for David Dylan! They are there; I can see it, Pluto can see, all can see it except her!

David Dylan, I want you. Olivia might be difficult, but I will take you.

I just don't understand who would put themselves into that type of suffering. The way these two are, there is just no denying their attraction and their emotions for each other.

The whole thing was such an emotional roller coaster, I wasn't sure if I would come off of it in one piece, to be honest. I was pulling my hair at everything. I don't know how Hawkins does it, I honestly don't, because she is just a master at this.

The struggle that Olivia was facing and just how things were working out, or not working out in this case.

I still cannot believe I have to wait until September for the last book. One thing Hawkins has going for her is the fact that she keeps me wanting to come back for more and more!

Come Undone by Jessica Hawkings

Title: Come Undone
Author: Jessica Hawkins
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: January 1st, 2013
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 289
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: Netgalley
Interest: Series
Age Group: Adult

Olivia Germaine has already found love. Devoted wife, loyal friend, determined career woman - she’s created the life she always envisioned.

But when Olivia locks eyes with a handsome stranger across a crowded room, he peers a little too closely and sees emotions she thought she’d buried long ago.

David Dylan, alleged playboy and eternal bachelor, challenges Olivia to confront the life she’s built and to make decisions that could either lead to happiness . . . or regret.

Will Olivia be able to draw the line between lust and love?

And can David respect that line?

Can anyone say Best Erotic Literature of 2013?! I can, I can!

Okay, so maybe erotic isn't the genre this one falls under (even though there were plenty of scenes that had even me reaching for a glass of water) this romance novel is different and enjoyable. Hawkins never lost my attention throughout the book, and I am so glad I got the chance to read it!

At first, when I saw that this was bout a married woman possibly cheating, I thought I would hate her. I do, but only because she's so stubborn! I understand how she must feel and what she would be going through, but I just wanted to smack some sense into her or at least pray she sees the light soon.

The tension between her and David was so hot that if someone even thought of lighting a match it would start a huge fire.

I read this in one night, there was no sleeping until I found out what happened at the end.

I thought I would end up dying in the end when I saw where Hawkins left me. I am so glad that there was a second book and that there will be a third! I am so happy and so sad, because of the wait.

This is one of those moments when I wish that authors would write faster!

Still love this series though. It isn't just about the romance and the sex, but about finding oneself.

So, I have to say, this is the Best Romance Book of 2013! Heck, maybe it can even have both made up awards.

The Pleasures of Summer by Evie Hunter

Title: The Pleasures of Summer
Author: Evie Hunter
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: May 30th, 2013
Publisher: Penguin Ireland
Pages: 448
Format: Electronic
Acquired: From Publisher
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: The Pleasures of Winter
Age Group: Adult

The Pleasures of Summer is a steamy erotic story of romantic obsession and explosive sexual chemistry for fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, The Pleasures of Winter and Sylvia Day's stories.

Summer O'Sullivan is rich, beautiful and in mortal danger. Her father has made powerful enemies who are targeting his precious daughter. Until the threat passes, Summer needs a bodyguard - someone to protect her and, she expects, to treat her with the reverence she's used to.

Into Summer's gilded cage comes former ranger, Flynn Grant. As far as Flynn is concerned, this is the assignment from hell, minding the spoilt daughter of a multi-millionaire. Summer and Flynn are poised to hate each other on sight. Even his devastating looks do not make up for how Flynn's rules cramp Summer's style. Unsurprisingly, the sparks fly between them. But when Summer breaks the rules one time too often, Flynn teaches her a lesson that leaves them shattered - and bound together in a way that astonishes them both.

In their remote hideout, the two start a battle over who is the tamer, and who is the tamed. It's a duel that stretches their minds and bodies beyond every limit. And in time their hearts begin to surrender too.

But when the dark forces that have been stalking Summer finally track them down, the battle is no longer a game, but a matter of life and death ...

Evie Hunter does it again! The companion to the first steamy novel in this wonderful series, the authors continue the tale with Summer and Flynn.

Summer is a spoiled socialite, who loves parties and having a good time. But Summer's in danger, because somebody is after her. After an accident, Summer's father decides to give her a body guard. She does her best to run off as many of them as possible, until Flynn comes along. And he's not so easy to scare away.

Flynn may just have met his match in Summer. She's sexy and tempting, a forbidden fruit that he has to taste. But she's a job, and he should never get involved with someone in the job.

Now isolated, the two of them are confronted with temptation at every turn. Flynn to keep his hands from her, and Summer doing her best to seduce him in order to get her way. With emotions running high on both ends it'll be a test of wills to see who bends first.

Honestly, this book was just as good as the first one. Summer proved to be an incredibly headache and Flynn to be a man not to mess with. Whatever was going on between the two, I don't even know what to call it, was there from the moment they met and Hunter never let it go!

This novel had me and wouldn't let me go. I never had a reason to stop reading this book, and I'm so glad that I did get the chance to read it. As erotic literature goes, I'd say this novel would be in the top ten of amazing books to read in the genre.

And there's going to be a third book! You all don't even know how excited I am right now! I can't wait to see what comes next, because there is no stopping the awesome team work of Evie Hunter!

Fever by Maya Banks

Title: Fever
Author: Maya Banks
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: April 2nd, 2013
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 416
Format: Paperback
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: Rush
Age Group: Adult

Jace, Ash, and Gabe: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Jace, it’s a woman whose allure takes him completely by surprise...

Jace Crestwell, Ash McIntyre, and Gabe Hamilton have been best friends and successful business partners for years. They’re powerful, they’re imposing, they’re irresistibly sexy, and Jace and Ash share everything—including their women.

When they meet Bethany, Jace begins to feel things he’s never experienced before: jealousy, and a powerful obsession that threatens him, overwhelms him—and excites him beyond control.

Jace isn’t sharing Bethany—with anyone. He’s determined to be the only man in her life, and it’s jeopardizing a lifelong friendship with Ash. Bethany will be his and his alone. Even if it means turning his back on his best friend

I have to say, I absolutely loved this story way better than the first one and that is rare! When it comes to series, I always love the first novel much better, but this book, I have to say, deserves all five stars.

First, we read about Gabe, and now we read about Mia's older brother Jace. Normally, his sexual behaviors involve his pal Ash (not together, but threesomes are something both men are use to), but this time things change. Bethany, a young homeless girl who walks into Jace's life, and he immediately takes control.

Both characters were extremely strong and developed greatly!

While Jace loves Bethany dearly, there is no getting around his jealousy and distrust towards her, and for Bethany, there's no letting go of something that ties her to the past. While I was irritated for a good large portion, I did slowly start to come around and found how much I loved these two.

Way more than Mia and Gabe, that's for sure.

Jace slowly introduced Bethany to his world, and adjusted her well. There were moments that he went too rough, not in the bedroom (even though a lot of that happened as well) but in the relationship as a whole. His distrust in her and the things that she had to face.

The novel sucked me in right away, and I found myself enjoying! I was sad to see it end so soon! Love this novel!

Rush by Maya Banks

Title: Rush
Author: Maya Banks
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: February 5th, 2013
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 396
Format: Paperback
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Age Group: Adult

Gabe, Jace, and Ash: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Gabe, it’s making one particular fantasy come true with a woman who was forbidden fruit. Now she’s ripe for the picking...

When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.

Gabe has starred in Mia’s fantasies more than once, ever since she was a teenager with a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. So what if Gabe’s fourteen years older? Mia knows he’s way out of her league, but her attraction has only grown stronger with time. She’s an adult now, and there’s no reason not to act on her most secret desires.

As Gabe pulls her into his provocative world, she realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him or how exacting his demands can be. Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed—and vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected

So, at this point I have read more than my fair share of erotic literature. In fact, I think I've read enough to probably classify me as a pervert or someone who just really likes erotica. Anyways, moving on, I have already made it clear how much I love Maya Banks, this is not any different.

Honestly, this novel had me reaching for a glass of water when I read the scenes between Mia and Gabe. Those two. My goodness.

I am officially in love with Gabe, Jace, and Ash. All three men are hilariously sexy and they are wonderful!

The relationship between Mia and Gabe was steaming from the very first page. Like I said, they had me reaching for a glass of water things were getting just a little too steamy.

Maya Banks brought such romance into this novel. It was great.

A little awkward how things turned out, and I wanted to hurt Gabe, but I guess there had to be some sort of drama.

I'm happy though that this novel wasn't just about sex. There was a lot more that took place that brought the story full circle. And a lot of awesome story development.

Amazing story!

The only thing I didn't like, which I happily skipped because I knew it would be a train wreck the moment that it happened is what Gabe had done to Mia during Paris. I can't go too much into it, but all I can say is that if it had been me, I probably would have left him. I try not to dwell too much on that part, but I can't deny that it didn't happen. Gabe has issues and I was sorry to see that it was Mia to get hurt the way she did.

I feel like she should have punished him just a little more for what he did. Like I said, I'm not as forgiving as her. 

Bonds of Trust by Lynda Aicher

Title: Bonds of Trust
Author: Lynda Aicher
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: November 26th, 2012
Publisher: Carina Press
Pages: 280
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: Netgalley; ARC
Interest: Series
Age Group: Very Adult

**DNF

After ending her passionless marriage, Cali Reynolds is eager to live out her forbidden fantasies. Her first step is attending new members' night at The Den, the most exclusive sex club in town. Perhaps here she can find a man who understands her desire to be dominated…

At first, Jake McCallister thinks Cali has come to his club for the wrong reasons. But when he discovers she is seeking fulfillment after years of denial, he's intrigued—and takes it upon himself to initiate her into the pleasures she's been missing.

Her first encounter with Jake is everything Cali has always craved, and more; she's not prepared for the feelings he inspires in her. And Jake is just as surprised by his overwhelming attraction to Cali. As their play intensifies, so does their bond. Now, Jake doesn't want anyone but Cali—but is he ready to officially claim her? And will she submit to being his forever

Sadly 2013 is ending up to be the year that I don't finish books because they are just that bad. Honestly, I don't want to trash this book too badly, because it wasn't too horrible, but I just couldn't get into it.

I tried, I really did. I figured by this point if I can finish Fifty Shades I might be able to go through it - not so much. I found the two characters were losing chemistry slowly and slowly. There wasn't any real climax in the story and I found that the romance between the two just went too fast...not to mention I'm not a big fan of threesomes so, I find myself turning away from this book the minute it started to turn that way.

I get it - Cali is just a woman who is looking for love after not having it for so long. Or at the very least looking for passion, but I felt she was at a point of desperation. I mean, I guess I'm only saying this because I'm not her age, and I'm still pretty young, but I felt what she was searching for wasn't what she needed. I'm not saying that her age she's not allowed to explore in her sexual fantasizes, because things like that can be explored at any age, but with the way Cali's personality mixed with her actions, I just wasn't feeling it.

There was no connection, I didn't see any steam between the two characters, and I pretty much stopped reading after I realized that things weren't going great. I knew the moment I started this book they would end up together; there was no real mystery in that, but other books at least keep me guessing. This book, I didn't even try to look to see if the characters would be okay with each other.

I'm giving it a rating of one, because like my last DNF book, I at least read enough to give me an idea. Actually, I only had about fifty pages to go before I gave up, so I think I did pretty well.

The Way Back To Me by K.L. Conlon & T.D. Waesch

 

I was really glad I could participate in the tour from CBL Blog Tours 

Title: The Way Back To Me

Author: K.L. Conlon & T.D. Waesch

Release Date: November 18th, 2012

Publisher: Self-Published

Pages: 192

Format: Electronic Copy

Acquired: From Author

Age Group: Very Adult

Lexi Reynolds is facing a game changer. Three years ago, under the insistence of her husband, she walked away from a promising career as a special education specialist with her eyes set on becoming an administrator so that she could be a stay-at-home wife and mother. Now with the demise of her marriage along with her self-esteem and heart, Lexi must face the task of building a new life.

Layla Karsten is not one to sit idly on the side lines. Seeing the crushed spirit of her sister, Lexi, she is bound and determined to push her sister back in life....even if it means tapping into Lexi's inner slut to do it.

This was interesting. A little different than what I was normally use to, since in the other readings the women were not going through the changes that Lexi was, but it was still interesting.

Lexi is a newly divorced 39 year old mother who is on the search for herself and with the help of her sister, Layla, she is about to search for who she is. This includes a makeover and some spicy relationships.

This brings in Patrick Dane, a retired police officer, and a sexy plastic surgeon, Dr. Sebastien Cameron. Dane seems to be the perfect person to bring Lexi out of her funk - sexy and he considers all her needs - but nothing is ever what it seems since Dane's is hiding his own secret. Cameron is next on the list, a divorcee as well, he is on the hunt for a new submissive, which Lexi is willing to fill.

While I'm getting a little bored with all these women "looking for themselves" in another man, I think that the ending went well. It brought the story together and gave Lexi a new man, of course. I didn't fully feel like she was finding herself, even though she expressed how "new" she felt, but that was probably because I didn't feel fully in her head just yet.

Either way this was a quick read with a lot of steam in it to keep the readers wanting more. If there's one thing I have to say about the authors is that they could bring a great story. I feel like it could have been longer and left time for more development, but I can't complain too much.

 

Fifty Shades of Mr. Darcy: A Parody by William Codpiece Thwackery

Title: Fifty Shades of Mr. Darcy
Author: William Codpiece Thwackery
Release Date: November 12th, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 192
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Age Group: Adult

Lizzy Steele had been brought up to be a proper lady with perfect manners, skilled in conversation, and well respected in the community. But when Mr. Elliot Bingley comes to court Lizzy's sister, she is given the opportunity to learn a somewhat different skill set upon her introduction to his friend, a Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. It only takes one chance meeting with this tall, dark stranger for Lizzy to be lured into Darcy's secret world of lascivious practices and lusty urges. Drawn like a moth to his flame, Lizzy is the mistress of her own undoing, for Darcy has made no protestations of love; indeed, his intentions were made plain from the outset. But even the most innocent and well brought-up of young ladies have urges, and as Lizzy learns that a riding crop isn't just used for going for a canter on her pony, a whole new world is revealed to her—shaded black and leather-clad.

Awkward. This was very awkward on so many levels. I know that as a parody it was supposed to be awkward, but what makes this even more awkward is that this book has a higher rating than Fifty Shades. I have no idea how that happened; maybe because the story was so funny in that it was so ridiculous.

This was actually the first parody that I have read, which is why I found it so enjoyable. I don't know how the fans of Mr. Darcy would feel about their lover getting tormented in such a way, but some of the scenes this author comes up with is just unbelievable.

It was witty, it was gross (in a lot of places), and it was intriguing. I'm not sure exactly what I was supposed to be looking at or just laughing at the story, since everything was exaggerated.

I read the novel pretty quick and I was a little glad when it was over. I can just imagine this being a movie and people laughing their heads off throughout the thing.

The Dark Garden by Eden Bradley

Title: The Dark Garden
Author: Eden Bradley
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: May 29th, 2007
Publisher: Bantam
Pages: 320
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: For Review/Netgalley
Age Group: Very Adult

A deliciously potent tale of one woman’s quest for self-discovery.

Rowan Cassidy likes to be in charge—especially in her personal life. As a mistress at Club Privé, the most exclusive bondage/S & M club on the West Coast, Rowan can live out her dominant fantasies safely, and with complete control—until the night Christian Thorne walks in. Self-confident and sophisticated, he’s a natural dominant if Rowan’s ever seen one. Yet she can’t stop thinking about him and imagining his touch.

Christian has returned home, hoping to break free from his dissatisfaction and malaise—and discovers the cure in Rowan. He’s dying to get his skilled hands on her and watch her surrender, to unlock the mystery of her that captivates him. Determined to be her master, he makes Rowan a daring proposition: give herself over to him for thirty days.

Rowan finds Christian’s offer terrifying—and impossible to resist. But abandoning herself to Christian’s power might be more than she can handle. . . . Or it might be the realization of her true nature and the dark garden within her. There will be only one way to find out. And once the game has begun, there’s no turning back. 

 
This was a little different than what I'm used to reading just because the female held a different role than the typical submissive form that she usually had. This time the female was strong on her own even before the guy came into the picture. But there was a lot that Rowan had to work through in order to go from one role to the next with the help of Christian.

And the parallel story-line was an interesting mix into the story.

I really didn't like it and not because the story was poorly written, like Fifty Shades or something, but it also didn't hold my interest. I had a hard time getting through it and found myself putting it down constantly and going off somewhere else. The only reason I finished it was because it really wasn't that long, or at least didn't feel that long.

Needless to say I was a little glad to get to the end. But the reason I didn't rate this 1 or 2 was because it really was good and interesting. A little different compared to what I have been reading with all the erotica and shows two women who are both looking for the same thing and how they find it. I was kind of mad that Bradley made this look like it centered solely on Rowan since April deserved just a little more attention since she was also featured.

But overall this wasn't too bad. It wasn't too interesting but it didn't suck either. Read it if you have nothing to read or to take a break from the usual. It was a little dark, but sexy and intriguing in some places, Bradley takes you to a place where a young woman is rediscovering herself.

Forbidden Fantasies by Jodi Griffin

Title: Forbidden Fantasies
Author: Jodi Griffin
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: March 1st, 2012
Publisher: Carina Press 
Pages: 79 Pages
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Age Group: Very Adult

After fifteen years of marriage, Jessica Meyers's sex life is, well, a little predictable. Her handsome husband turns her on, but missionary style once or twice a week? It just can't compare to the hot new world she discovers in the pages of erotic romances. Her fantasies fuel the fire of her desire, adding a new spark to her and Alex's lovemaking. But Jess is afraid to tell her husband what she really wants in bed—and her secrets start coming between them.

State trooper Alex Meyers is a master at uncovering the truth—except when it comes to his sweet, shy wife. She's clearly keeping something from him. An affair? She wants out? When he finally confronts Jess, he's shocked to learn she wants to turn her forbidden fantasies into nightly realities. But when he takes her to a unique B and B—Bondage and Breakfast—catering to couples and multiples, Alex is about to find out just how far he'll go. 

This was very different than what I originally read. While it is about Bondage and the whole lifestyle, what's different is that this isn't a couple who are finding each other, just a couple who are trying rediscover the passion that they had. 

At first I had a difficult time finishing this book just because of the age difference that was throwing me off. The last few novels that I have read are at least somewhat closer to me in age, like within ten years, but this was not so much. 

I thought it was interesting taking a different perspective in this novel and the B and B, Bondage and Breakfast. Jess and Alex were interesting characters and I found myself really liking them.

Like the other two books that were part of the anthology, this story is the last one in the anthology, so if you make it past the first two stories, give this one a try. You'll be losing nothing. It's short and can be read in less than an hour.

A Shot in the Dark by Christine D'Abo

Title: A Shot in the Dark
Author: Christine D'Abo
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: November 1st, 2011
Publisher: Carina Press
Pages: Roughly 40-50 (30,000 words)
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Negalley
Interest: Series
Age Group: Very Adult

Carter is one of the hottest men ever to walk into Paige Long's coffee shop. The attraction is mutual, and when Carter reveals himself to be a Dom, the submissive in Paige is aroused. Yet she brushes him off—her last relationship was abusive and she's unwilling to get involved with another Dom.

But when Carter returns the next day—in his firefighter uniform—Paige's fantasies really heat up. She can't resist his offer to get to know him over a drink at Mavericks, a local sex club. Their conversation quickly escalates to a session in one of the private rooms, and Paige is both thoroughly satisfied by Carter's skills in domination, and impressed with his selflessness as a lover.

Paige is ready to move on with her life. But can she trust in herself and submit to happiness? 

 
I wasn't sure what to expect from this novella, especially since I didn't even know it was part of a longer series of shorts about Paige and her siblings. 

Since this story is about Paige, I was shocked about how good it really was. Either Paige is a submissive she is very independent and strong female character, who is haunted by her past, and with the help of Carter she starts to realize who she is and what she can do with the right Dom.

I thought her siblings were great supporting characters and now that I know that they have their own stories, I'm curious to see what that's like. I would defiantly read the series.

One reason that I gave it four stars is because it wasn't something exponentially original. I could predict how things could end, easily. And Paige, while independent and strong, was like many of the other female characters that I have read about.

But it is short and sweet, so I would say read it! 

The Theory of Attraction by Delphine Dryden

Title: The Theory of Attraction
Author: Delphine Dryden
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: July 9th, 2012
Publisher: Carina Press
Pages: 136
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Age Group: Very Adult

Camilla can set her watch by her hunky rocket-scientist neighbor who jogs past her window each day. She relishes each glimpse of his shirtless abs, and is dying to see more. But it's hard to connect with a man who doesn't seem to know she exists...

Ivan feels at home in the lab, not in social situations. When he finally approaches his attractive neighbor, it's not for a date--he wants tutoring in how to behave at an important fundraiser. Ivan doesn't expect the chemistry between them to be quite so explosive, and is surprised when Cami actually accepts his proposal to embark on a series of "lessons."

Cami soon discovers Ivan's schedule isn't the only thing he likes to be strict about--he needs to be charge in the bedroom as well. She's shocked at how much she comes to enjoy her submissive side, but wonders if a real relationship is in the equation...

Why couldn't this be longer?! I absolutely loved this story.

I don't know what separated it from some other erotic literature that I read; maybe it was the fact that the male character wasn't some billionaire hunk who is sexy and dark at the same time. He wasn't a scientist, granted he was hot, but it was all surprising the way things played out.

I found myself really liking Camilla. She wasn't dependent on the scientist, even after things started up between them. I like how the drama was very real and nothing was too out there either.

And I loved Ivan, but only because he was so awkward and it came off clear across the pages. Dryden did a wonderful job with character development and bringing the story to life. I say it again, I wish it were longer! I know that it was meant for a short story and it worked out well as one, BUT I just didn't want it to end. The romance, the passion - it gives me goosebumps!

Since it was a short, there's really not much more I can say about it besides readitreaditreaditreaditreadit!!

The Pleasures of Winter by Evie Hunter

Title: The Pleasures of Winter
Author: Evie Hunter
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: November 1st, 2012
Publisher: Penguin 
Pages: 400
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Age Group: Very Adult

When reporter Abbie Marshall needs to escape Honduras, a private jet carrying a Hollywood A-lister is her only way out. She has a ride home with Irish actor Jack Winter - notorious womanizer and all round bad boy. Abbie is shaken to the core by Winter's blazing beauty and provocative mind.

After the plane's nose-dive into the remote rainforest forces them to fight for survival, Abbie catches tantalizing glimpses of the complicated man behind the image. And the more she sees of him, the more he touches some primal part of her that she is determined to suppress. But after a devastating encounter with Winter's shadow side, Abbie's detachment is shattered.

On returning to normal life, Abbie cannot forget what happened, nor ignore the shocking rumours about the star's private life. Her struggle to make sense of her torment leads straight back to Winter, who is just as obsessed by her. But if they are to have a relationship, Abbie knows she must embrace his hidden desires ... and accept her own.

No longer caring about anything but their intoxicating love affair, Abbie is drawn deeper into the dark heart of Winter - and the secret that threatens to destroy everything ... 

I was a little surprised at just how much I loved this book. I don't know why I was surprised, I just was. I guess I was expecting something a little worse than what actually appeared, so that's where the surprise came from.

This book, overall, wasn't that bad. I loved Abbie's independent streak, and the way Jack respected that. There was never a moment that I felt like she was losing herself in him, unlike most erotic literature out there. She was very strong within herself and also really good at her job.

The way the story progressed felt natural and I really liked the way things went. I was surprised by the end, because I wasn't expecting the way that Abbie just seemed to...grow, if that makes any sense.

And the steamy sex scenes were pretty damn hot. I liked the way that Hunter wrote them. They can burn up a room, that's for sure.

If you have yet to try erotic literature, I would suggests starting with this book. While it is not tame by any means it is a good view, especially on the submissive side, on what these erotic novels look like and how they highlight the BDSM world.

I would reread this book again. It was funny, it was sexy, it was steamy, and all around fun to read.

Release Me by J. Kenner

Title: Release Me
Author: J. Kenner
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: January 1st, 2013
Publisher: Bantam
Pages: 352
Format: Electronic
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Age Group: Adult

He was the one man I couldn’t avoid. And the one man I couldn’t resist.
 
Damien Stark could have his way with any woman. He was sexy, confident, and commanding: Anything he wanted, he got. And what he wanted was me.

Our attraction was unmistakable, almost beyond control, but as much as I ached to be his, I feared the pressures of his demands. Submitting to Damien meant I had to bare the darkest truth about my past—and risk breaking us apart.

But Damien was haunted, too. And as our passion came to obsess us both, his secrets threatened to destroy him—and us—forever.

Never has there been an erotic novel that all I could think is, "Please don't end, please don't end, please don't end." I loved this novel so much! Nikki Fairchild and Damien Stark came alive from the first page and all I could think about is how much this book would be amazing. And I was right!

What I find really funny is that the previous day before I got the novel, I had hit Barnes and Noble and I had bought another book of J. Kenner's, except she was writing as J.K. Beck. What are the odds?

Well, this novel presents Nikki who meets tennis player turned entrepreneur who is hot, hot, hot. That's right, Damien Stark!

Contrast to Fifty Shades or the majority of erotic novels that I have read so far, this book, as well as The Librarian by Logan Belle, completely blew me away. It's like erotic literature is getting better and better.

And the sexy scenes. Wow. Hot, hot, hot. And the passion between the two, it was wow. No words.

I absolutely loved this book. I would buy it in a heartbeat. If there's one gift that belongs under someone's Christmas tree this year, its this book. 

Bettie Page Presents: The Librarian by Logan Belle

Title: Bettie Page Presents: The Librarian
Author: Logan Belle
Info: Website | Twitter | Pinterest
Release Date: November 27th, 2012
Publisher: Pocket Star
Pages: 288
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Age Group: Very Adult

Regina Finch, brilliant and bookish, has worked her way up to her dream job as a librarian at the Main Branch of the New York Public Library. But her discovery of the sordid sexual adventures of a rakish, young billionaire among the hallowed halls and sacred stacks of the library unleashes a confusing blend of repulsion and desire that threatens to consume her. It is only through her introduction to the work of Bettie Page—the world’s most popular ingÉnue-turned-fetish-model—and Page’s own sexual awakening that Regina can hope to discover her sexual prowess and seduce the man she loves

The day has come where I have given my first five stars to an erotic book. I have to be honest, this book deserves the five stars, because it doesn't center around sex so much as the other books I have read. This book honestly lived up to its name as being a book about a young woman, Regina, who finds herself. Not just in a guy, either, but finds herself in her.

All Regina Finch has ever wanted was to work at the New York Public Library, so when she gets the job of her dreams things are looking up for her. But her world is shifted when she meets a sexy billionaire who will awaken her in ways she would have never thought.

The reason, I think, that this book stands out among the other erotic literature that's rising, is that this is very character driven. There's no crazy plots, there's no in-serious-need-of-therapy man (even though he's rich), and most importantly, there's no weak female.

I like Regina because she stood up for what she believes in. She was never influenced by others and she knew herself.

The romance I saw was very real. It grew and it should actual problems that real life couples could go through and not some bizarre kidnap-almost-murdered-almost-whatever. There is drama, though, so don't think that nothing happens.

Overall, this story was great. I read it in one sitting and I laughed and had a good time.

Jane Eyre Laid Bare by Eve Sinclair

Title: Jane Eyre Laid Bare
Author: Eve Sinclair
Info: Twitter | Website
Release Date: October 30th, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages: 336
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Age Group: Very Adult

Everyone is familiar with Charlotte Brontë's passionate, but restrained novel in which the plain, yet spirited governess Jane Eyre falls for the arrogant Mr. Rochester. It’s a novel that simmers with sexual tension but never quite reaches the boiling point. Which is to be expected. After all, the original was written in 1847.  That was then. This is now. And in JANE EYRE LAID BARE, author Eve Sinclair writes between the lines to chart the smoldering sexual chemistry between the long-suffering governess and her brooding employer.

When an eager and curious Jane Eyre arrives at Thornfield Hall her sexual desires are awakened. Who is the enigmatic Rochester and why is she attracted to him? What are the strange, yet captivating noises coming from the attic, and why does the very air she breathes feel heavy with passion? Only one thing is certain. Jane Eyre may have arrived at Thornfield an unfulfilled and tentative woman, but she will leave a very different person

So, I just want to start out by saying that I am not a pervert, yet reviewing all this erotica is certainly making me look like one! And I also want to say that Jane Eyre is my favorite classic novel, and I don't read many of those!

I was a little nervous picking this up because Jane Eyre is my favorite novel, but I decided, "What the hell," and from the beginning the differences are more than obvious. The story does an awkward modern/classic type of writing style that instantly confused me. I found myself glazing right over the classic writing and trying to find my foot on the new style. Maybe it was because I could understand it better or maybe it was just because it actually moved the story along, I'm not sure.

And obviously the characters aren't the same but I wish that Sinclair had done a little more justice to them than what I saw. Maybe I'm just being extra picky, but there is a lot of work that should have been done to make it believable, in my opinion.

There are a lot of sexual tension, which is what mostly this novel is made out of. Its this never ending tension between the two characters. At some points I thought the novel was going places but at other times I was just really confused, wondering what I was reading.

Overall, it was interesting. Sinclair made a bold move reworking this novel and releasing it. I think, for the most part, she did a good job, but not what could have been done.

I say that if you are a fan, read at your own risk! And if you have never read Jane Eyre, then you have nothing to lose but time. 

Anything He Wants by Sara Fawkes

Title: Anything He Wants
Author: Sara Fawkes
Info: Twitter | Website | Facebook
Release Date: November 27th, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages: 288
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: ARC; Netgalley
Interest: Series
Age Group: Very Adult

Lucy Delacourt's temp position isn't quite her dream job but it pays the bills. The highlight of her day is riding the elevator in the mornings with a handsome stranger. Tall, dark, and sexy as hell, Lucy knows he's way out of her league, but a girl can look, right?

Everything changes the day the stranger seduces her. Completely out of character, she yields without a fight, but she has no idea her wanton acts with a man whose name she doesn't know will change her life forever. Because the sexy stranger is none other than Jeremiah Hamilton, billionaire CEO of Hamilton Industries, and one taste isn't nearly enough to satisfy his need.  As the billionaire pulls Lucy deeper into his world of high stakes business deals and ruthless takeovers, he demands nothing less than her complete surrender.  But even as enemies seek deadly revenge against him, she’ll discover that her greatest threat is falling for her fiercely guarded boss…and yielding to her own darkest needs.

I am absolutely speechless...but because this is a review I must say something, so here goes.

This novel was...interesting. The author does not just introduce the characters but she introduces the character with a nice spicy scene in the beginning. It was awkward; I mean, I would be freaked out if a man just comes up behind me and starts to touch and rub up all against me and...other things.

What I can say that I enjoyed about this book is that at least there is some originality. Contrast to Fifty Shades (that comparison was coming, everyone knew) the heroine is at least easy to relate to and she's not afraid of herself. At the beginning she was hesitant and smart, but as things started to roll along she made known clearly what she wanted from the start and that she wasn't going to take any less.

Why I gave it one star? It wasn't the bad writing or anything, it was just the way that the plot was moving along. It felt like I was hiking. Up and down and all around. There wasn't a lot of smoothness is basically what I am trying to say. There were a lot of characters introduced and not a lot of them were developed well. I felt like the author went from the secondary characters and tried to stay focused on the main instead of fully developing the others.

Not to mention the sex scenes weren't what I was expecting. I didn't see much passion between them, besides her on her knees constantly and he telling her she's beautiful and what to do.

Overall, it was different and not just another Fifty Shades knockoff. The way it ended almost makes me want to pick up the sequel, for when it ever comes out. Its a quick read that's for sure.

Captive in the Dark by C.J. Roberts

Title: Captive in the Dark
Author: C.J. Roberts
Info: Twitter | Website | Facebook
Release Date: July 20th, 2011
Publisher: Neurotica Books
Pages: 262
Format: iBook
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Age Group: Very Adult

Caleb is a man with a singular interest in revenge. Kidnapped as a young boy and sold into slavery by a power-hungry mobster, he has thought of nothing but vengeance. For twelve years he has immersed himself in the world of pleasure slaves searching for the one man he holds ultimately responsible. Finally, the architect of his suffering has emerged with a new identity, but not a new nature. If Caleb is to get close enough to strike, he must become the very thing he abhors and kidnap a beautiful girl to train her to be all that he once was.

Eighteen-year-old Olivia Ruiz has just woken up in a strange place. Blindfolded and bound, there is only a calm male voice to welcome her. His name is Caleb, though he demands to be called Master. Olivia is young, beautiful, naïve and willful to a fault. She has a dark sensuality that cannot be hidden or denied, though she tries to accomplish both. Although she is frightened by the strong, sadistic, and arrogant man who holds her prisoner, what keeps Olivia awake in the dark is her unwelcome attraction to him.

I completely got this book out of the advice of another reviewer. I wasn't sure what to expect, but what I can say is that it wasn't as bad as I was originally assuming.

In a dangled web of what I call dirty politics, Caleb, a young dominate, gets mixed up with trying to get vengeance for his mentor. And in order to complete this act he must use the best weapon that he has, Olivia. Taking her, Caleb needs to bend and break her into the perfect submissive, but the cost might be too high even for Caleb.

This, in all honesty, is the darkest erotic novel I have ever read. Just because there is the classic S/M relationships going on, doesn't mean they are as dark and heavy as this novel was.

I felt so bad for Olivia and I liked how it took some time before she started to feel anything for Caleb. I think this novel would be too unreal if she just fell for him right away.

Both characters have a dark past and Roberts captures this and rolls throughout the entire novel with it. This book can make a reader shiver and feel bad for the protagonist.

I didn't think I would get into this novel too much; it just made me want to cry, but as I read and actually saw each character the feelings change and, I don't know, I just liked this novel. It had a fantastic feeling to it and the reader can never escape the dark tone that engulfs the story.

The way that it ended left me confused, especially with the way the second book starts, but I'm sure that the second book will be just as interesting.

Now, I won't say if you enjoyed Fifty Shades you should read this, because obviously the two are extremely different - one being lighter and this one being darker - but I think that if someone wants to try something that is different, look into this book.

The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by Anne Rice

Title: The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty
Author: Anne Rice
Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Release Date: March 1st, 1999
Re-Released: July 12th, 2012
Publisher: Plume
Pages: 272
Format: Electronic Copy
Acquired: Netgalley
Interest: Series
Age Group: Very Adult

From bestselling author Anne Rice, writing as A.N. Roquleaure. In the traditional folktale of 'Sleeping Beauty,' the spell cast upon the lovely young princess and everyone in her castle can only be broken by the kiss of a Prince. It is an ancient story, one that originally emerged from and still deeply disturbs the mind's unconscious. Now Anne Rice's retelling of the Beauty story probes the unspoken implications of this lush, suggestive tale by exploring its undeniable connection to sexual desire. Here the Prince reawakens Beauty, not with a kiss, but with sexual initiation. His reward for ending the hundred years of enchantment is Beauty's complete and total enslavement to him as Anne Rice explores the world of erotic yearning and fantasy in a classic that becomes, with her skillful pen, a compelling experience.

I won't lie, I felt very awkward reading this book series, but only because of the image I have painted of Anne Rice. I always had her in a different light so when I saw this book on Netgalley, I had to read it to see what was going on!

Anne Rice is always known for her vampire series and to a lesser extent her Wicca series as well, but this is the first time I even heard about something like this, and I have to say that Rice has an imagination that has no bounds.

First, I'm glad this did not change my perception of the wonderful Disney-version fairy tale that I actually love the most, but this did give me a new way to look at things. In the original Sleeping Beauty it was said that the Prince raped Sleeping Beauty as a means to wake her up instead of a kiss, and I could see that Anne Rice completely pulled from that.

The story made me uncomfortable in some areas and it made me wish I had thought a little longer or harder before saying requesting this book, but in the long run with the entire Fifty Shades and erotic romance on the rise, there was nothing to be lost.

This twist gave me goosebumps and a lot of times I could not believe the acts the Prince would make Beauty do, or even how other people, like her father, reacted to it. Yet, Anne Rice formed the entire story that in a lot of ways it wasn't so much as uncomfortable as that this was just another way of life.

If you are a fan of Fifty Shades or you want to start stepping into the rising erotic world that seems to be making it's way to the bookstores and Netgalley I suggests not missing out on this story. It might be uncomfortable, but in the long run I think this is something I may have ended up regretting later on. It is not just writers that have to take risk, but also readers, and this book is one of those risks for readers to take. 

Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James

Title: Fifty Shades Freed
Author: E.L. James
Release Date: January 19th, 2012
Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop
Pages: 466
Format: iBook
Acquired: Bought
Interest: Series
Others in the Series: Fifty Shades of Grey & Fifty Shades Darker
Age Group: Super Teens (a.k.a. adults)

When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian’s singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed.

Now, together, they have more – love, passion, intimacy, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy, and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control, and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present.

Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, misfortune, malice and fate combine to make Ana’s worst nightmares come true. Alone and desperate, she must face down the poisoned legacy of Christian’s past.

Well, I did it. I don't know how I did it but here it is. I finished the series and I have to say that it ended exactly as I imagined it would be. Either this author was too predictable or literature just starts to develop a certain pattern after a while, James' novel did not take much of a different turn then I expected.

Short summary: Ana and Christian married (please make a note that they haven't even known each other for a year), they are at happy bliss, a bunch of shit goes down, and (SPOILER ALERT) she gets preggers, and more shit goes down, and finally, they live happily ever after. The end. Oh, sweet endings.

Not many of you know me personally, so if no one caught the sarcasm in my voice, just note that it was there.

Honestly, I don't know what it was about this book series that angered me. Every single book I gave a 1 star. I was hoping to see at least a little bit of improvement on her or her editors or her publishing houses' end, but apparently not.

To me, these two fell in love way too fast. Ana proves time and time again what a weak character she is. Even when she should have been standing her ground, she showed her weak side. And whenever Christian so much as talks to another woman, obviously something must be wrong with her because he's not giving his full and undivided attention to her. Really, I just wish this girl would get over herself.

And I love how James tried to cover up Ana's poor character by having the supportive characters mention how strong and brave she is. I rolled my eyes so much my backside would have been beaten raw.

But, I am happy to say that at least Christian does grow up. He's another one that needs to get over himself.

Really, this an entire series was just a big waste of my time. I can't believe I actually read it. I can't believe someone published it. In fact, now that this has been published I have come to the conclusion that just about anything get published these days and people will read them.

And to add to my shock, I can't believe this is being made into a movie. Really people, really? There are so many great works out there that need to get recognized but people put this series in the front because of the steamy sex and poor literary work and women crying that they are pregnant because of the author. Please, don't make me gag, because I will barf all over you.

Granted, it's not like me to write such harsh reviews. I do try to stay civilized because I tend to think of myself as a civilized person, but this book was infuriating. I kept wishing it would get better and better, but nothing. And yeah, no one forced me to read this, but I stupidly try to give novels the benefit of the doubt, but there was just no silver lining with this book.

If you really, really have nothing to do give this book a shot. If you are bored out of your mind, give this book a shot. If you have better things to do and better books to read, just forget this. Worst money I ever spent on books.

Fifty Shades Trilogy has happily made my Shitty Book List, where it will remain for all of time. I do not recommend this to anyone unless you are so bored out of your mind you might turn to homicidal tendencies just to entertain yourself. Aside from that, I say, don't bother!