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Death’s Courtship: Torrid Tarot

After centuries of not taking a vacation, Death decides it is time. Since things are relatively calm right now, he figures this is a good time to go. Leaving his brothers to cover for him, he takes on the name Atticus Denali and hits the road in his classic Aston Marten. Conveniently, ghost exorcist, Bryn DePalo meets Death accidentally when he hits her in his car. As soon as Atticus sees Bryn, he knows that she is meant to be his wife. He just needs to convince her of that.

In repayment for denting his car with her body, Atticus asks Bryn to take him along on her ghost hosting expeditions. He finds what she does very interesting and since he is in the business, he has an understanding of what happens. Ironically, Atticus’s brothers feel that they need to liven things up a little bit, in their role as Death. They take on different roles to suit the situations. They also leave behind Tarot cards that happen to be from Atticus’s personal collection.

Bryn also has her own fatal attraction chasing her. His name is Mark and he hasn’t quite gotten over his mother’s death. Neither has his mother. She is sticking around to stay in Mark’s life. Fearing that Bryn will send her away, she makes a pest of herself. Mark is also a nuisance who is less than happy to see Atticus pursuing Bryn.

In between ghost exorcising, Atticus and Bryn finds themselves exercising each other, quite frequently in fact. The sex is incredible. The scenes are incredibly written and sensual. They both have fallen for each other. As Bryn starts figuring out who Atticus really is, Mark’s erratic behavior escalates. Death has to figure out what will be best for the both of them.

“Death’s Courtship” is a fun, erotic tale. Death is actually a pretty good guy. The antics of his brothers make the story really fun to read. So do the sensual scenes. Jory Strong has written a winner in her Torrid Tarot series. I definitely would not want to miss out on this one!

Death’s Courtship: Torrid Tarot
Jory Strong
Ellora’s Cave (2007)
ISBN 9781419912870
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (11/07)

Dragon Shift

Eve is a Maivorian who has been enslaved by her Master for years. The Master collects unusual aliens and enslaves them. He orders Eve to use her powers to help him enslave Terrell who is part human and part dragon. Terrell is a shape-shifter who resides on earth. Shape-shifters are not welcome there, so they are at war with humans.

When Eve arrives on earth, she and Terrell are immediately attracted to each other. Knowing that she does not have a choice in capturing him, she hopes that in time he will forgive her and learn to love her. She is tired of being on the ship alone. Eve and Terrell discover that they can create some beautiful magic together. Eve realizes that it is wrong to try to trap him so she gives up. The Master tricks Terrell into submission.

Eve and Terrell work together to try to overcome the Master. He is an evil man who forces people into doing evil things to get them to submit. Eve and Terrell must discover the true strength of their combined magic to overcome him.

“Dragon Shift” is really a good story, especially for such a short one. A.J. Cove successfully blends a great romance story with a great science fiction story in less than seventy-five pages. I don’t think that this was an easy task, but the end result is very good. The erotic scenes are also really enjoyable. I really like that the hero and heroine find that together they are more powerful than apart. I wish more real relationships were like this.

Dragon Shift
A.J. Cove
Amira Press (2007)
ISBN 9781934475270
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (10/07)

The Noonday Demon

Artist Abra Helene is enjoying her idyllic life as an artist on a farm that she inherited from her parents. She prefers to live in solitude with the company of angels that she paints. She knows that her life is forever changed the day that a sexy stranger shows up on her farm one day at noon. Val is not quite what he appears to be. Abra finds herself intrigued by him. He becomes the fuel to feed her fantasies. Knowing that he will be returning at noon the next day, Abra plans to seduce him.

Finding the inspiration to paint a winged demon, Abra notices that her seven angel paintings suffer and begin to look dull. Abra’s contact with Val appears to be dulling the magic of her artistry. She is still determined to seduce him. She discovers that Val wants to claim her for his own by enslaving her with some simple words. She finds herself to be stronger than him and continues with her plans for seduction.

I found this to be a very interesting erotic story. The magic that Abra works with her paintings added an interesting touch to the plot. It is amazing how much sexual tension Ms. Rabiyah manages to incorporate into a story that takes place on less than thirty pages. I think that if this were a full-size book, it would kill me! “The Noonday Demon” is a great short story. I think it is too steamy to recommend reading while at work. Abra’s fantasies and need to seduce Val will cause you to blush for hours!

The Noonday Demon (eBook)
Anastasia Rabiyah
Amira Press (2007)
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (10/07)

Geenie Finds Her Magic

Poor eighteen-year old Geenie McGillvrie; she is a fairy that can’t work magic. She finds herself distracted by her childhood friend Shamus Lattimer. Shamus has developed into a fine male fairy specimen. Geenie is too caught up in her attraction to Shamus and his need to still play pranks on her. She is also upset because she knows that Shamus is about to leave to the human world to be a Protector of the Guardian against evil. She wants to go with him.

Shamus tries to ignore his attraction to Geenie. However, he finds it impossible. One day their attraction explodes and they find themselves unable to resist each other. The moment is magical.

“Geenie Finds Her Magic” is less than twelve pages. It is perfect for a break at work, when you really need an escape from the mundane world. It sure worked for me! I would love to see Silvie James write more stories about this couple, or allow Geenie’s sister to have her own.

Geenie Finds Her Magic (eBook)
Silvie James
Amira Press (2007)
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (10/07)

A Choice Between Two

Lisa has been in love with Trace for five years. He has shown her the world, both inside and outside of their bedroom. She finds herself physically unable to resist him; however, after five years of him being unable to commit to her, she knows she has to move on. Relocating to New York for a better job opportunity, she meets Justin. Justin is the type of man that can make a commitment. Still in love with Trace, she tries to keep their relationship noncommittal. She finally has a man willing to commit to her, but it is the wrong one.

Trace is the only one who truly knows how to satisfy her. Contact with Trace reminds her of this; however, she also sees that he is still unable to seriously commit to her. She makes a choice, but it is not the right one for her heart. The repercussions of this decision bring each man’s true character to light.

Tressie Lockwood does a great job of character and plot development for a short story. She manages to make you see Trace for who he really is, based upon the past and the present. She also shows you Justin’s good points and his weaknesses. This lets you understand the real dilemma that Lisa is facing in choosing between the two men. The sex scenes with both men are incredibly sensual; however, Trace has some special touches that really take Lisa over the edge. The eroticism, of these scenes, screams their way across the pages. “A Choice Between Two” is a short story that definitely will be enjoyed.

A Choice Between Two
Tressie Lockwood
Amira Press (2007)
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/07)

Hostile Takeover

Attorneys Patrick Weston and Vivian Michaels are rivals for a partnership position at Tyson and Bradshaw. Patrick is newly out of a relationship and Vivian is also single. Neither one of them has time to establish relationships to help them take care of their sexual urges. Patrick decides to try a swingers’ website. He signs on as Rick_1948. Online he meets Lynne_2005. They have some awesome cyber sex. Deciding that they need to continue their encounters in person, they are in for a big surprise when they discover their true identities. In spite of the tension at work, they find themselves unable to discontinue their trysts at night.

The sex scenes are hot and fun to read. The characters’ sexual encounters do not lead to deeper feelings. They retain their competitive animosity by day and at night they jump into their other sexual personas. The brevity of the story doesn’t allow time for full development of the story, but “Hostile Takeover” is still a fun story to read. Taking place on 17 pages it is a very quick read and perfect for a lunchtime escape.

Hostile Takeover
Amber Holt
Amira Press (2007)
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/07)

The Wrong Woman

“The Wrong Woman” is a short story that begins on the night of a bachelorette party. Sexy Emma is giving her virginal friend Brit the party on the night before her wedding. The male stripper manages to make Emma hot and bothered, so she decides to go visit one of her male friends. Instead she finds Jake, who is the groom-to-be and her best friend. Jake and Emma start talking and find that they are unable to resist their attraction to each other. For the first time in their friendship, they give into their urges. Then they give in at the wedding, then again after the honeymoon in Emma’s kitchen and the list goes on.

The sex scenes are very well-written and enjoyable to read. The chemistry between Emma and Jake definitely will reach you across the pages. I found that I had difficulty fully enjoying the story because a friend was being betrayed and her husband didn’t care. There are too many real situations like this happening all the time, that it makes it hard to accept that this is a fantasy. I kept hoping that Emma would wake up and realize it was a dream, instead of her friend having to face a cold reality.

I recommend this story to women’s reader groups. I think that “The Wrong Woman” will generate some interesting, thought-provoking discussions.

The Wrong Woman
Jordana Ryan
Amira Press (2007)
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/07)

Happy Anniversary Sweet Dark Love

“Happy Anniversary” is published on-line by Amira Press and is an erotica story. The sexual content is explicit and leaves nothing to the imagination. The story is well-written, but dark in content.

Carrie appears to have it all. She lives a life of luxury in Palm Beach and is married to Steve who is successful, wealthy and attractive. Their sex life has taken a nose dive because of Steve’s low sex drive, and Carrie wants to change that. Tonight is their anniversary and she is planning a wonderful surprise for him. When he comes in, he is less than excited with her preparations and she is bitter about it. She needs him and knows that if she pushes hard enough she will take him to the dark side where he becomes the man of her dreams.

I won’t go into more detail about the dark side because it will ruin the story. But Carrie and Steve have secrets that are very surprising. Secrets that are interesting to read about – but will make you glad that they do not exist in your life.

“Happy Anniversary” is a dark, erotic short story (it is only 15 pages). It will capture your attention right away and I would recommend it for anyone who likes a dark, erotic story.

Happy Anniversary Sweet Dark Love
Destiny Blaine
Amira Press (2007)
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (9/07)

The High Priest of Amber Dawn

Michelle Marquis
Amira Press (2007)
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (8/07)

“The High Priest of Amber Dawn” has an intriguing cover featuring a pentagram and a sexy man and woman. My interest was piqued on the first sentence that began with, “The orgy was scheduled to start at eleven…” Damien Saul, the High Priest of the Order of Amber Dawn is getting ready for his Saturday night orgy, when two of the regulars come in with an attractive new woman, Jennifer Stein. Jennifer is a former psychic who now works for an attorney’s office. Unable to resist, Damien immediately seduces Jennifer. She finds him to be very talented.

Deciding not to stay for the orgy, she leaves. Karl Von Hoffman, another member of the Order is also an inventor who created a machine that takes you to the gateway of the spirit world which is actually the land of the dead. When his machine turns itself on, Damien’s little girl, Candy, accidentally gets trapped in it. Desperate, Damien has to find Jennifer and convince her to use her psychic skills to rescue Candy.

“The High Priest of Amber Dawn” is a great short story to read while you are on a break. Less than 30 pages, it is really a quick read. I felt that the storyline itself would be perfect for a full length novel. The author, Michelle Marquis, does a great job of describing her scenes and characters. I was intrigued by the combination of erotica and the paranormal aspects of the story. I would love to read more.

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Winter Stallion

Kate Hill
Ellora’s Cave (2007)
ISBN 9781419910821
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Reader Views (8/07)

Luther is a shape-shifter; he can change from half-horse, half-man to a human form. He rejects his parent’s demands to run the family business, to join the Fighting Carriers. A freak storm brings disaster to a mission. Luther falls from the sky, crushing his rider’s leg. Wracked by guilt, he isolates himself in a cabin. One night he dreams of kissing a beautiful woman; she is injured and lying in the snow. He awakens, knowing the dream is not ordinary. The woman must be his Dreamlover. He knows she is real and will die if he does not find her soon.

Independent Phillipa delivers messages for her village. While delivering a message she is injured. Lying unconscious in the midst of a snowstorm, she begins to dream of a Horseman. At thirty-five, she never expected to have a Dreamlover.

Kate Hill’s “Winter Stallion” is a great read. The plot flows smoothly, moving from the meeting of Phillipa and Luther through their happy conclusion. The characters are well-developed. Luther is strong, loving, and a hero. Phillipa is independent and beautiful. The two are perfect for each other. The supporting characters add interest to the story. Lavinia would be a nightmare for a mother-in-law. This book could use a little more editing. I noticed a few typos. All in all this is a great read. I highly recommend “Winter Stallion” to fans of erotic romance.

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