Book Review: Release Me by J. Kenner

Release Me
by J. Kenner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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.

This is nothing like the 50 Shades or Crossfire series. Those books grab you in the beginning and hook you to the point where you can't stop reading.

For Release Me:

It took me a long long long time to get into this book. I would say that 25% is when it begins to pick up somewhat. I mean seriously we are at a party for like seven chapters and during those sections the plot isn't really moving forward. In fact, I kind of begin to dislike the heroine.

I almost stopped reading the book. I still don't know why I continued reading. It wasn't the writing, plot, or characters.

So the first 30% of the book gets one star.

YET....when we get to the rest of the book, it is interesting. This isn't thought-provoking or anything, but I did enjoy the uniqueness of the heroine's problem and the making of the painting. Those two things kept me involved.

Everything else in the book is pretty much seen before and was disappointing to re-read. Even worst, I don't really know what the guy looks like. Perhaps, I missed it.

I enjoyed the sex scenes somewhat but they weren't really hot. However, they were enjoyable.



I will say that I wish the author had pushed the limits a bit more. Its almost as if she attempted to remain in the middle ground for this type of contemp erotic romance. I would've loved a more edgy read.

Guest Post: Top Five Innovative Vampire Books, by Ashley Madau

It's no secret that I love VAMPIRES! So when new author Ashely Madau wanted to post about her top five innovative vampire books, I said, "Bring it, baby!!"

So let's check her list out. And feel free to tell me your top five innovative vampire books. But first, check out her new vampire book, called Morningside.

It’s easy to get caught up with bad-ass vampires, a killer love triangle, broken engagements, assumed clones, and enough sexual tension to drive anyone crazy.

Does society really know what it means to be a vampire? What it feels like? Tastes like? The struggles of going through life in a state of unacceptance, and using every fiber of your being to change?

MORNINGSIDE shows vampires in a new light. Humanity believes them to be one thing, without any deviation-- the perfection of a human hunter. One woman is able to prove them wrong. Trapped between both the mortal and immortal realms, she becomes the line between humans and vampires, and both the differences and similarities they share. When her life is put at stake, the worlds begin to collide.

MY TOP FIVE INNOVATIVE VAMPIRE BOOKS

#1 Dracula, Bram Stoker

'Cmon, this was a given. Since, as far as we know, vampires don't exist, and their mythology is present in many different cultures, the top innovator for pulling it all together was the one and only Bram Stoker. And what an innovator he was. There were no published vampire stories before him, so essentially he had to come up with it all (pulling, of course, from the ancient stories passed down), but still! Look at what vampires have become, and how none of it would have been if it weren't for Mr. Stoker himself. A true visionary, a true talent, and perhaps a true vampire...?

#2. You Suck, by Christopher Moore

As I thought this through, I knew I would be completely biased in putting You Suck at the very time of this list, after all, it is my favorite book of all time. Though you see that didn't stop me in the least. You Suck deserves to be here. As far as vampire novels go, many adopt a very somber tone, many times as lifeless as the vampires themselves, but You Suck brings new life into the creatures of night. It's likely the most humorous vampire novel I've read, which makes it an innovator among the adventure/terror/horror vampires of popular literature.

#3. Queen of the Damned, by Anne Rice

This was a no brainer; Ann Rice has been writing innovative vampire tales for longer than many of us have been alive. Queen of the Damned was no different. Sure, I saw the movie (Stewart Townsend as the vampire Lestat was downright delicious) before picking up the book, but there's no doubt the book is leagues above the movie. The way Anne Rice went back into the history of vampires and how it all began is innovation enough, let alone intertwining it with complex characters and stories.

#4. The Twilight Saga, by Stephanie Meyer

You have to give credit where credit is due. As far as a vampire story and characteristics go, Stephanie Meyer has a very unique representation, and added a new level of humanization to the idea of vampires. From complex relationships with their would-be meals, to the Volturi coven in Italy, it's a great adventure through a new concept of vampires.

#5. The Undead Series, MaryJanice Davidson

Another in the vampire humor genre, MaryJanice Davidson has created a hilarious vampire character, a ton of sex, and a new view on how a recently turned to vampire individual copes, and tries to maintain some of their humanity (it's hard and hilarious, as you'll hear protagonist Betsy narrate).

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Ashley Madau was born in automotive Michigan in 1990, and up until recently had lived there her whole life. She now resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as a creative advertising professional, with her new husband, dog named Furler, and cat named Dexter (who’s a girl). Of a strong Romanian heritage, Ashley has always been fascinated with Vlad Tepes, and more specifically, vampires. Morningside is her debut novel.

Book Review: Pantomime by Laura Lam

Pantomime
by Laura Lam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

R. H. Ragona’s Circus of Magic is the greatest circus of Ellada. Nestled among the glowing blue Penglass—remnants of a mysterious civilisation long gone—are wonders beyond the wildest imagination. It’s a place where anything seems possible, where if you close your eyes you can believe that the magic and knowledge of the vanished Chimaera is still there. It’s a place where anyone can hide.

Iphigenia Laurus, or Gene, the daughter of a noble family, is uncomfortable in corsets and crinoline, and prefers climbing trees to debutante balls. Micah Grey, a runaway living on the streets, joins the circus as an aerialist’s apprentice and soon becomes the circus’s rising star.

But Gene and Micah have balancing acts of their own to perform, and a secret in their blood that could unlock the mysteries of Ellada.

OH MY GOD!

When you get this book, you must follow my instructions. . .exactly!

First: SIT DOWN IN A CHAIR (it doesn't matter where).



Second: OPEN THE BOOK



THIRD: (Optional) Smell the scent of dark, edgy sucess!

Four: Strap on your seat belt...

Because this is an emotional roller coaster ride, BABY!



I don't read many books that don't have sex in it. This book doesn't have sex! And I LOOOOOOVVVVVEEEEDDD this book!

You won't read a book that is this amazing again. To describe the main character is to give the spoiler away...and then even when you know the spoiler, STILL, you must read this book!

One can not truly spoil this character's journey, and it is a journey. The character is learning about its own identity, and as the character learn, we learn. We grow with the character.

And the circus....

OH GOD!



It craps all over Night Circus and other fake books about circus performances and life. This book draws you in.

I believe that I can place acrobat performer on my resume now!

I enjoyed this story so much I lost sleep devouring it. In fact, I am no longer a hot and sexy black woman . . . I now know what I was meant to be.

I am this guy....



and I'm joining the circus!!!!!!!!! I am Micah Grey. . . and Gene if your nasty!

Guest Post: Vampire Hunter's Toolkit! by Stefanie J. Pristavu

Hello, Fantasy Floozies! Today we have two characters from the novel HUNTERS, giving us some very helpful advice on how to be prepared to kill vampires! Check it out!!


HUNTERS

by Stefanie J. Pristavu

Rachel and Daniel broke every rule in the Hunter book.

Don’t turn humans into Hunters. Daniel did that when he saved Rachel from becoming a vampire bride.

Don’t travel beyond your assigned area. Assigned area? They’ve traveled half-way around the world in search for Vlad, the vampire boss.

Report all hunting activity to the Hunters’ High Council. There’s a Hunters’ High Council?

Don’t tell humans about the existence of paranormal beings. Ooopsy, they kinda let that one slip.

Don’t resist arrest and escape from your death sentence. Well, about that… If they’re to go down, they’re taking Vlad with them, especially since he screwed up both their lives.

The Council has a valid reason to want their heads, but Rachel and Daniel have more pressing matters to worry about. Like the screechy voices inside Rachel’s head which sing of death and destruction and the creepy Banshee who predicts the coming of a Hunter – vampire war. A war which Daniel and Rachel must trigger to save their race from extinction.

And Rachel seriously doubts that a head-on battle between the vampires and the Hunters will be their ticket out of the death sentence.

The Vampire Hunter's Survival Kit

Rachel: I can’t do this. Look at all those people. *steps back*

Daniel: Don’t be silly, Rach. They’re humans and they need the knowledge.

Rachel: Why don’t you do the presentation then?

Daniel: I can start. *clears throat* Hello, everyone. I’m Daniel Paxton, and this here lovely, shy lady is my partner in crime, Rachel Giuliani. She’ll be telling you the basics about killing vampires.

Rachel *rolls eyes*: Gee, thanks, that helped a lot. Okay, I can do this. Let’s see. Daniel and I are Hunters. We’re half-human, half-vampires. Don’t look so scared, we only need blood once a month, and none of us do right now, so you’re all safe. Being half-vampire, we have some superpowers, like super human strength, speed and heightened senses. We can also hear each other’s thoughts.

But even with all that, killing vampires is not easy because, well, they pretty much have the same superpowers. So, every Hunter needs a toolkit. *pulls out a broad leather belt, full of slots*

This is the first, basic thing you need – a place to stock all your equipment. We have these awesome slotted belts. Not only does it look cool, but it has a holster attached and places to put knifes and other weapons. It’s easy to strap on, sturdy so you don’t lose your supplies, but it unfortunately isn’t indestructible. I’ve had it hacked off by vampire claws and it wasn’t pretty. Right, moving on. *pulls stakes from slots*

Daniel: Rach, what are you doing? You need to bring a vampire down before you start staking him. *takes stakes and puts them back* Number two on the list are weapons. *starts pulling weapons out of his own belt: a gun, a small, trigger-actioned crossbow, small arrows, and a knife* And we usually have some big, sturdy crossbows to shoot proper arrows, but those are a bit harder to carry around without getting strange looks.

Vampires are hard to hurt. Normal weapons have little effect on them. You could stab a vampire with a normal blade or shoot him in the head, but the chances are he will heal immediately and kill you. That’s why all our weapons have a silver element to them. Silver bullets, silver-tipped arrows, silver knives. Don’t be fooled. Silver doesn’t kill vampires on its own. It’s just the metal that breaks easiest through their skin and deals some lasting damage. And in order to kill a vampire, you have to damage him first – enough that he doesn’t squirm and run out of the fire.

Rachel: Which brings us back to item number three. *pulls stakes out again* After hurting the vampire enough to hold him down, we stake him. As in insert as many stakes into him to make sure he doesn’t get away. Notice that the stakes are silver-tipped so that they can penetrate vampire skin, but are made out of wood. Someone asked us why. Well, because wood is lighter than silver, duh. *giggles* Right, so it’s imperative that you carry stakes with you. If you’re lucky and get his heart, one stake can be enough, depending on the vampire’s age. We don’t take chances. I personally like to get as many in there as possible. Of course they’re the down side that they burn in the fire. Which leads me to imperative supply number four. *pulls out a huge lighter*

After you have your vampire pinned down, the only way to kill him is to burn him. In case you’re wondering, cutting his head off won’t work. It won’t grow back, but he does continue attacking, like a zombie. And humans shouldn’t see headless people running around.

We carry these big lighters because it’s the easiest way to solve the burning problem. There’s a lot of gas in them. We pour it out through this here gauge over the vampire and the use the lighter to set him on fire. Easier than tugging a tank of gas around. And, no, vampires aren’t inflammable. They don’t catch fire instantly, so we need the gas.

If not pinned well enough, they could run out of the fire and put themselves out, so be sure your vampire is immobilized and also stick around until you’re sure he’s dead. For us Hunters it’s easy to tell. We sense vampires and also sense when they die. If you’re doing it right, the flames should be gray with a greenish tinge.

Daniel: And now for surprise item number five. This wasn’t around until recently and it makes everything much easier. *takes out the cartridge of his gun and pulls out a small dart filled with reddish liquid* This is a tranquilizer dart. It works well on both Hunters and vampires – it puts them to sleep instantly. Ironically enough, these were designed by the Vlad, the Vampire Lord and sold to the Hunters’ High Council. They were stupidly used by Hunters against Hunters until Rachel and I decided to do something about it.

Now, all Hunters have these guns and use them against vampires. If you manage to shoot a vampire with one of these, all you need is a few stakes and the lighter and you’re set. But these things don’t work the same on all vampires, unfortunately. The stronger the vampire/Hunter is, the less he stays under. Rach here stays under for an hour. It takes me twenty minutes to shake them off. The older we’ll get, the less effect it will have. That’s why you should still carry all the kit just in case you meet a really old, really powerful vampire.

Rachel: And that’s kinda it – the five things you need to carry around. Each and every one of these items saved my life at some point, so it could do the same for you. And this concludes are presentation.

Daniel: That’s boring, Rach. We should go out on a bombshell, like… *rubs chin* Now that you know there are vampires out there, I hope you can still sleep at night. And no, you don’t need to invite them in – they bust through doors and walls.

Rachel *slaps his arm*: Good job at freaking people out.




Stefanie J. Pristavu
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Book Excerpt: In Training by Michelle Robbins

I have an absolutely awesome new book that I am introducing to my fantasy floozies. As everyone knows, I read everything. This book below is by a good friend in my MFA program at Seton Hill. She's freakin hilarious so I'm pretty hyped to bite into her new book. Check it out the book and read an excerpt!

by Michelle Robbins
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Release Date: 11/25/12

His life in turmoil due to past unpleasant experiences, Seth Taylor isn't looking to get involved with anyone or anything. He especially isn't looking to train another slave. But the arrival of Abigail --Abby-- Harrison changes his mind. She's a delicious little bit of slave meat, eager to please and learn, and so sweet it makes his teeth ache. Although the complexities and unpleasantness in Seth's life aren't going away any time soon, the temptation Abby presents to him is irresistible.

A Master/slave relationship has always fascinated Abby. The idea of being owned by a dominant male is both terrifying and alluring to her, yet stirs her mind and body into a white hot heat. Taking her courage in hand, she makes an appearance at a local BDSM event at the invitation of her friend Liz. There she meets the sexy, enigmatic Seth Taylor and is given the chance of a lifetime--to make her fantasy come to life and to be possessed by The Master.

Will Seth and Abby let their respective fears deny them Fate's gift of a perfect match?

IN TRAINING is a exploration of one woman’s journey into internal enslavement in the consensual BDSM scene of Master/slave dynamics.

EXCERPT

Seth watched the girl across the table from him. He liked what he saw.

The desire to conform, to be a peacekeeper, was the hallmark of a good slave. That willingness of spirit, that sweet desire to please, couldn’t be trained in. A slave either had it or didn’t have it. Trying to force the point led to a wealth of shit and misery. Since her arrival, this girl had displayed warmness, generosity, and a kind heart, all of which told him that she’d make an excellent slave one day.

This girl’s eagerness to please would make his job all the easier.

Except he didn’t train slaves anymore.

Seth had a flashback of her face as she’d taken her first bite of Liz’s dessert. She’d closed her eyes, her face flushed with delight and a purr in her throat. His dick had twitched in a way it hadn’t in a long time. He’d sworn to himself he’d be balls deep inside her the next time he saw that expression on her face.

Except he didn’t train slaves anymore.

He rose to his feet. “I must be off. Enjoy yourselves.”

“It was nice meeting you,” said the girl, a sweet look of disappointment on her face.

He’d managed two steps from the table before the adamant itch in his blood became impossible to ignore. Returning to the table, he stopped beside the girl—Abby?—and pulled one of his lifestyle cards out of his wallet. He set it down near her plate. “If you have any questions regarding slave training, feel free to email me.”

She smiled at him, making him blink against the pull.

“Thank you,” she said and tucked the card into her purse.

She missed the concerned exchange of glances between Liz and Mike.

Seth did not…

Book Review: Caught in Amber by Cathy Pegau

Caught in Amber
by Cathy Pegau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Recently out of rehab, Sasha James is determined to keep her head down, complete her parole and never touch amber again. The chip in her neck controls her cravings for the highly addictive drug, but also tracks her every move. Not that she goes anywhere other than work and the halfway house she calls home—a far cry from her luxurious former life as lover of the mining colony's top drug dealer, Guy Christiansen.

Agent Nathan Sterling has no desire to see Sasha fall back into amber, but his sister has become Guy's latest conquest and the unexpectedly attractive Sasha is the key to getting her back. So in exchange for an introduction, he offers Sasha the one thing she can't refuse—her freedom. From the chip, her parole and even the planet if she wants. Though he would be sorry to see her go…

Torn between her growing attraction to Nathan, fear of Guy and the allure of amber, Sasha accepts. But who will save her if Guy refuses to let her go a second time?

This book is awesome. This is probably the best adult sci-fi I've read since



First we have. . .a bold heroine getting over a captivating drug called Amber.



and also trying to stay away from the hot sexy drug dealer that got her hooked on the stuff to begin with.



Then another guy makes her an offer. One that will have the poor heroine not only around Amber, but around the sexy drug dealer. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that the other guy is a hottie too.

Put all of that together and you have one sexy book in the set back of great sci-fi world building.



The book won't win a Nebula, but it will keep you on the edge of your seat and heat up your core.

Book Review: Want by Stephanie Lawton

Want
by Stephanie Lawton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Julianne counts the days until she can pack her bags and leave her old-money, tradition-bound Southern town where appearance is everything and secrecy is a way of life. A piano virtuoso, she dreams of attending a prestigious music school in Boston. Failure is not an option, so she enlists the help of New England Conservatory graduate Isaac Laroche to help her.

She can’t understand why he suddenly gave up Boston’s music scene to return to the South. He doesn’t know her life depends on escaping it. Julianne must face down madness from without, just as it threatens from within. Isaac must resist an inappropriate attraction, but an indiscretion at a Mardi Gras ball-the pinnacle event for Mobile’s elite-forces their present wants and needs to collide with sins of the past.

Will Julianne accept the help she’s offered and get everything she ever wanted, or will she self-destruct and take Isaac down with her?

So. . . I went back and forth on how I would grade this book.

I thought this book would be about this:



But in fact it was really about this:

"Someone" being abused.



A love affairish. . . that was cute but yet odd:



And many serious messed up issues that happened to the hero and heroine, that frankly I was unprepared to deal with:



So in the end, most of the book I did this:



And this:



So don't even open up this book and read it unless you have a box of tissues.

Book Review: The Stranger by Kyra Davis

Just One Night, Part 1: The Stranger

by Kyra Davis
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Kasie knows who she’s supposed to be. But one passionate night with a mysterious stranger will teach her who shewants to be.

You should sleep with a stranger, her best friend whispers in her ear as they take to Vegas for one last pre-wedding fling. Despite her best intentions, when Kasie Fitzgerald enters the casino and sees him, a man whose tailored clothes belied a powerful, even dangerous, presence, she loses herself to the moment. Maybe it’s the dress, much shorter than she’d ever normally wear, or the Scotch, but something makes her give herself over to him more completely than she's ever done with a man before.

It was supposed to be just one night. But right as she’s thinking she wants more, he shows up in her office with an agenda. As the billionaire CEO of a company that’s engaged her PR firm, his demands just became her reality...and he desires so much more than just some attention in the boardroom.

I give this 2.5 stars and a grade of C-.

I was really really really excited to read this book. I'd heard it was similar to 50 Shades and the Crossfire Series. Although I am not a fan of the 50 Shades Series, I tend to like books that are described as similar to the series.

Why?

Because the book tends to have three things: Hot Sex, Alpha rich guy, and Intense Relationship.

This book came close but didn't hit the marks for me.

It was well-written and possessed a clear plot line, but in the end it was just. . .

MEH



I mean don't get me wrong. There was some conflict but. . .excuse me for a minute....



And the heroine was a bit. . .I don't know. Boring I guess. I get the whole not realizing who you are but. . .I just didn't feel like walking through her journey. I didn't want to be her or hang out with her.

Simone, her friend, was pretty groovy though.

Plus, I really didn't enjoy her cheating. I mean come on. We've all been in unsatisfying relationships, but just yank up your big girl panties (I stole this saying from Mrs. Joseph) and end the relationship.

The hero was also a bit....



And then the ending just kind of came out of no where. . . I mean Dave didn't even seem like this type of person. . .so why would he all of a sudden amp up into an A-hole?

And FYI, if some dude ever did to me, what Dave did to her at the end...We would have been in the police station that night!

***SPOILERS AHEAD***

I mean seriously. Let's pretend like I'm the main character, and I'm talking to Mr. Dave. I get that ridiculous threatening text from Dave to get my ass down to him or he's going to ruin my job, life, and tell my family.

I would've told Mr. Dave, "Hold on for a minute. I have to go do something. I'll be right back."

*whistles as I walks down to the car to see Mr. Dave, aka the asshat text sender:

"Hey Dave!"



"What did your text say again, Dave?"



But. . .she didn't do anything. Which is fine for now. . .because I do plan on reading the second book. I'm praying that there is a scene where she beats the crap out of him. AND I'm wondering where this series is going.

Cover Reveal: Feeling Death by D.T. Dyllin

This cover makes me want to do naughty things! Very Naughty Things! #CoverLove

Feeling Death
Book 1 of the Death Series
by D.T. Dyllin
Publisher: Dragonfairy Press
Release Date: April 25, 2013
Book Summary:

Samantha Bevans is having the best sex of her life—but it's not with her husband. Fortunately for her marriage, the affair is all in her mind. Isn't it? As an empath, she senses other people's emotions. But her connection to the man with the chiseled face and haunting eyes seems so real.

There's no time for fantasies with a serial killer loose in Pittsburgh. The killer is targeting dancers at a strip club where Samantha used to bartend, back when drugs were the only cure for the torment of her abilities. As a member of a special task force, Samantha uses her talents to sense the victims’ final thoughts. Just when she thought the case was complex enough, she discovers one of the victims was thinking about her fantasy man when she died.

Who can Samantha trust when she can’t trust her own mind? An empath feels the emotional environment around her…and Samantha is surrounded by death.

Meet the Author:

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Cynical-Optimist. Chocolate-holic. Sarcasm Addict. Paranormal Believer. Self-Imposed Insomniac. Sci-Fi Geek. Animal Lover. Writer…are just a few words to describe D.T. Dyllin. She was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and now lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and two very spoiled German Shepherds.