MOST WANTED - Sasha White's latest!

Sasha White has a new release out. It's a single author anthology titled MOST WANTED. Sasha was kind enough to send me a copy for review and I have to offer up my sincerest apologies for being late (the norm for me these days, eh?). This is a great book with a catchy title, even catchier cover (another one with a faceless guy, go figure), and as you would expect from Sasha, there's not a bad story in the bunch! Here's more:

Bad boys—they’re the best lovers around. Submit to the pleasure of their dark and dangerous passions…
“Hidden Cravings”PI Lexy Signorino has spent the last year trying to forget her insatiable desire for Devon Kaye’s rock hard body. But when he turns up one night asking her to help him find his missing cousin, she’s ready to surrender to sweet sensual satisfaction…
“Unrestricted Access”Jillian Furst has lusted after detective Jackson Barrows long enough and decides it’s time for some female seduction. She sends him flowers and a steamy letter with explicit instructions for a sexual fantasy that keeps them busy in bed all night long…
“No Angel”Anna Blair looks sweet and innocent, but playboy Gabriel Mann discovers she’s far from it. Mess with her and she’ll mess right back. And that’s just the way he likes it—down and dirty carnal pleasure that keeps him coming back for more…
My review:
When Devon Kaye shows up on Alexis Signorino’s doorstep a year after they shared an intensely heated week together, she has to remind herself that he’s there seeking her help in a search for his missing cousin. As the two work closely together in the search for Devon’s cousin, earlier sparks rekindle into a raging inferno. Will steamy sensuality and renewed romance be enough to make a lasting relationship?
Jillian Furst wants her neighbor, Jackson Barrows, in the worst way. Unfortunately, Jackson doesn’t seem to share her interest. Oh sure, he’ll flirt and tease, but he never makes a forward move. Jill decides to take matters into her own hands and sends Jack flowers and sexy, suggestive notes, leaving no room for misunderstanding her wants and desires. Jack quickly realizes who is propositioning him and he couldn’t be happier. It doesn’t take long for them both to realize that this could be just the beginning of a long, hot future together.
Anna Blair fights demons every single day. One thing she doesn’t fight is her immediate attraction to Gabriel Mann. Gabe can’t believe his good fortune in meeting Anna. She doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to knowing (and giving) pleasure and going for it. When Anna shares her complicated background and daily fight for survival with him, Gabe knows he has to involve his brother and sister in law because of their knowledge and capability in dealing with demons. Anna fears for their safety and decides that this final demon battle is hers alone. Gabe can only hope that he’ll get to her in time so as to make her his own.
This isn’t your typical Sasha White book. Yes, all three romances have her trademark eroticism and blatantly wicked sensuality, but there’s also a touch of lightheartedness, humor, and the paranormal. I think that long-time Sasha White fans will love MOST WANTED. New readers will undoubtedly question why they haven’t read Sasha before.

Thank you, Sasha, for allowing me to read and review MOST WANTED for you! As always, I loved all of your characters, but especially felt the wonderful emotion packed into each story!

Thanks for checking it out - MOST WANTED is in bookstores now, or you can order at Amazon .

Laurie

PRIMAL MALE - the latest from Sasha White

Hot on the heels of MY PREROGATIVE, Sasha White has a new release, PRIMAL MALE. As you would expect from Sasha, this book is very sensual and has a healthy dose of heartfelt emotion. Add a little woo-woo and a touch of suspense and danger, and you've got a well-rounded romance. Here's a little chatter about PRIMAL MALE, starting with the following blurb:
Surrender to your wildest instincts…
PRIMAL POWER An empath with the ability to sense others’ emotions, Drake Wheeler has survived by keeping his own feelings shut off from the world. But nothing has prepared him for the sudden smoldering need that overtakes him in the presence of pureblood shape shifter Melissa Montrose. Even more surprising—he can’t sense anything around the sultry bookstore owner…except for his fierce urge to take her here, now, over and over again…
PRIMAL HEAT Melissa has lived her life in a small town, hiding her family’s mysterious birthright. A fling with the sexy tourist who wanders into her bookstore seems like a delicious, temporary diversion, until Drake touches her in exactly the way she craves, teasing and tempting every inch of her body into explosive ecstasy. Drake’s obviously a man with secrets, but Melissa’s got a few of her own, and she’s going to show him just how wild and raw pure, primitive desire can be…

Click here for a great excerpt!

My review:
When empath Drake Wheeler goes in search of some down time while looking for a powerful shape shifter, he finds himself in a bookstore in the small town of Chadwick. He quickly decides to mix business with a little pleasure after meeting the store’s owner, Melissa Montrose. Melissa is breathtakingly beautiful and he is instantly attracted, but it doesn’t take long for him to realize there’s much more to Melissa than meets the eye. Melissa is very much alone in the world, except for one close, dear friend. When brutal violence gets a little too close to Melissa for Drake’s comfort, he insists that she stay with him. It soon becomes clear that in sticking close to Melissa, Drake is nearer to the elusive shape shifter than he could ever have dreamed.

Despite sharing an undeniably sensual pull towards Drake, Melissa is highly suspicious of him and his motives. The covert group he belongs to has sent him to Chadwick to do some investigational searching for the shape shifting Sharza, although they don’t truly know just who, or what, Sharza is. A young shape shifter who has joined this specially gifted group needs knowledge and guidance to make full, positive use of her powers, and they’re determined to find someone who can assist as her instructor. Melissa has been fiercely independent for a large portion of her life, and she isn’t quick to trust. While she has fallen for Drake and she knows full well that he cares deeply for her, he won’t fully open himself up to her, which she finds more than a little frustrating.

Sasha White has yet again proven why she’s the undisputed queen of erotic romance. Drake is not your typical tortured hero, and Melissa has had more than her fair share of heartache. They complete each other just by being together, let alone when passions flair. Watching Drake’s fall into love is especially nice, and readers will be cheering Melissa as she attempts to bring his true feelings to light. I can’t help but give PRIMAL MALE the highest marks.

I hope you'll all be tempted to run out and grab a copy - if you'd rather order online, here's a link to Amazon so you can do just that!
Thanks to Sasha, for allowing me to read PRIMAL MALE for you - and thanks to all of my fellow readers for checking it out! I'll bet there's someone on your Christmas shopping list who would love a copy - and while you're at it, you might as well start them out with a copy of SEXY DEVIL, the prequel to PRIMALE MALE!
Laurie

MY PREROGATIVE, Sasha White's latest - check out the contest!

Wow! This was my reaction upon finishing Sasha White's MY PREROGATIVE. Sasha is very much aware that I’m not quite on board with BDSM, but she seems to appreciate that I’m able to look beyond the physical and see the glimpses that she never fails to provide, deep into the hearts and souls of her often-tortured characters. My only complaint about this book? Sasha’s heroine (as I pointed out to her a while ago) shares the name of my 18 year old daughter. Yes, her very sexually active and sexually adventuresome heroine’s name is Kelsey. I swear it’s enough to give a mother a nervous tick.

A blurb:
She does what she likes……and what she likes is absolutely wicked.
Kelsey Howard is happy with the single life. She has great friends, a fun job tending bar, and a nice apartment. Not to mention the freedom to enjoy a few wild sex games with strangers—the riskier the better. But what she’s really looking for in the darkness is love.
Then Kelsey realizes she’s got an anonymous stranger watching her every move—and every move she makes is arousing them both. In fact, not only is she not scared, she thinks she may have finally found her soul mate. Especially when she meets the mischievous mystery man in the flesh. That’s when the fun and games really start, and Kelsey realizes just how far she’s prepared to go for love.

Check out Sasha’s website for excerpts!

My review:
Kelsey Howard has a straightforward, unashamed appreciation for sex. She also feels a never ending desire to please her mother, to help her perfect sister plan her wedding, and to keep in touch with friends who seem satisfied with not keeping in touch. Kelsey enjoys sex with others or by herself, lights off or on, drapes pulled or open, but it isn’t until she realizes she has a voyeur that things become especially interesting. When she and Harlan, the nameless, faceless man whose window faces hers, actually meet and form what begins to look like an actual relationship, Kelsey is more confused than ever.
Harlan is an artist who is on the cusp of being discovered. His work is dark and intense, just like Kelsey, so it’s only natural that he begins to paint her. He watches her from the darkness of his window but soon makes himself known and carefully pursues her, refusing to give in to what she thinks she needs from him. He wants to treasure and protect her, and take away the often-haunted look that he sees in her eyes.
This book is exactly what readers expect from Sasha White with in-your-face sexuality and shameless acts of every shape and form. Kelsey likes everyone to think she knows exactly what she wants and that her brazen actions prove it, while the truth is that she’s in a painfully desperate search for something but she doesn't know what. Harlan immediately sees this - I think this man is the most patient, understanding hero ever. He knows exactly what Kelsey wants, needs and craves and while he wants her to belong to him, he doesn’t want it to be in surrender of herself. You see, Harlan can see who Kelsey really is and he’s willing to wait for her to see it too. Kelsey is a very interesting character. There were times I wanted to cry for her, cheer for her and even a couple of times that I just plain didn’t like her.
I encourage everyone who enjoys romance - no, I challenge everyone who enjoys romance, to read this book. There was one sex scene in particular that I didn’t care for, but not so much that I couldn’t get past it. The incredible emotion and self-discovery in this book is worth any discomfort you may feel at raw and edgy sex. You don’t have to be a fan of BDSM to appreciate the heartfelt emotion of Sasha’s work. While Kelsey has relationship issues with several people in her life, so much so that readers may begin to wonder if all of the pieces will ever fall into place for her, the ending is amazingly satisfying and quite frankly, it left me breathless.
Sasha recently told me that she might someday write a book just for me - one that isn’t quite as on-edge sexually - I’m not certain I want that on my shoulders as I think her readers would be after my head. I don’t relish the thought of them hunting me down en masse!
Now for the good stuff! Sasha is very generously putting a copy of MY PREROGATIVE up for grabs – right here! Leave a comment and you’ll be entered in the draw. A little chatter about Sasha’s books is encouraged! Share with us what you enjoy about her work, or maybe your favorite of her books, favorite scene, character, etc. I’ll draw the winning name on Wednesday, September 3.
Thank you, Sasha, for allowing me to review MY PREROGATIVE for you!
Laurie

WICKED by Sasha White - coming soon!

WICKED
Berkley Heat
ISBN-10: 0425219186
ISBN-13: 978-0425219188
Format: Trade Paperback
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novel
Release Date: January 2, 2008

Sasha White readers are anticipating her next Berkley release, WICKED, available January 2. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC from Sasha and am pleased to chat it up! Here's a little blurb:

Readers first met Karl Dawson in BOUND, they’ll get to know him a little better in TROUBLE, but one woman will learn all in WICKED.
Bad-boy divorce attorney Karl Dawson has seen all the ways love can go wrong. That’s why he’s given up on it. Jaded and feeling restless, he has playmates, not girlfriends. A leather-clad Dominant, he comes and goes in the city’s after-dark playgrounds as he pleases. That’s how he likes it.
Lara Fox is an independent jack-of-all-trades who can do anything she sets her mind to - except that falling-in-love thing. She’s got a need for control too strong for most men, and an inability to walk away from a challenge. Including a challenge like Karl. He’s cocky, arrogant, and demanding. That’s how she needs it.
They’re perfect for each other. But what begins as a sensual battle of wills turns into a journey neither is prepared for when Lara is threatened and emotional walls start to crumble.

If you liked that little nibble, click here for a great excerpt!

I've done a brief review of WICKED:
Lara Fox is fiercely independent, having fended for herself since the tender age of 15. She's a hard-working young woman who is self-assured in everything she does, but she'll be the first to tell you that when it comes to love, she's a non-believer. Life has dealt her one too many low blows and while she has managed to get back up after each one, the emotional scars remain. When her good friend Graham introduces her to his boss, attorney Karl Dawson, she can't help but flirt with this arrogantly intriguing man. When he gives back as good as he takes, she knows the two of them could sizzle together. Karl is a well-known Dom and when he introduces Lara to the ways of a true submissive, neither is certain that she will ever be able to relinquish complete control, although she desperately she wants to please him.

Karl is fascinated by Lara from the moment he spies her sweet little butt peeking out from under Graham's desk. He tries not to be interested, thinking that her headstrong nature would make any sort of relationship just too much work, despite the fact that he has tired of his current playmates and their sexual games. A violent attack against Lara has Karl on the defensive, and when the attacks escalate, he wants to keep her safe, but Lara has been on her own for too long to give up her independence. Karl begins to tutor Lara in the ways of dominance/submission and while she is eager and a fast learner, there's a slight hesitance on her part that leaves Karl confused. He is even more confused by the emotions he is beginning to feel for Lara and, because he believes in love even less than Lara does, is unsure of just how to manage them.

Lara and Karl are very interesting characters. Their personalities are excellently written and there is never a question as to the reasoning or purpose behind any of their actions. Sasha White allows readers glimpses deep inside her characters in a way that few authors are capable of and there's never a disappointment in her books. Most of you know that while I love erotic romance, I don't typically care for some dom/sub stuff - spanking, anal sex, and painful pleasures, in particular. As would be expected, given the content of Sasha's previous books with some of these shared characters, this book does contain those things, but I think because Karl and Lara are so wonderfully written, and their personalities delved into so completely, it wasn't a concern and I loved their story very much. The two are almost instantly attracted to each other - they didn't want to be, mind you, and they did fight it - those deep emotions come into play and make for an absolutely beautiful story. A side M/M romance is sweetly written, and the return of familiar faces as secondary characters is a bit of a bonus. I give WICKED a strong recommendation, and ask that even if you aren't a fan of edgier sex scenes, you consider giving it a try because the love story it tells is so deliciously well written.

You should also check out Sasha's Samhain release, LUSTFUL, an anthology available for download now! I haven't read it yet, but am familiar with some of the other authors and I'm certain it will be a great read!


Samhain Publishing
ISBN 1-59998-840-2
Genre: Contemporary, M/M, Ménage a trois, D/s, Light Bondage
Length: Novella
Release Date: December 7, 2007

Thanks, Sasha, for giving me the opportunity to review WICKED for you!!
Laurie

FROM SASHA WHITE - SEXY DEVIL - AND A CONTEST!

DRUMROLL, PLEASE!! The winner of the advance copy of Sasha's SEXY DEVIL is STACY S!! Congratulations! Stacy, please email me at ljodamron@gmail.com with your mailing info so I can pass it on to Sasha! If I don't hear from you by Monday evening, I'll draw another name. Thanks so much to everyone who entered, and especially to Sasha for the advance copy of SEXY DEVIL!

Many of you already know it, but I simply adore Sasha White! http://www.sashawhite.net Her upcoming release, SEXY DEVIL, is just one more shining example of her incredible writing talent. This anthology has two connected stories with psychic/paranormal twists. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC and have written a little review, hopefully to tease and tempt!
THE DEVIL INSIDE
Psychic Gina Devlin’s erotic dreams about a nameless, faceless lover leave her unsatisfied night after night. When she has a chance encounter with Caleb Manner and acts on the opportunity to spend an incredibly intimate night with him, she does so. If she tells a small fib in order to make this magical night happen, no harm done, right? However, it isn’t long before Gina realizes that Caleb is the mystery lover in her dreams. Caleb’s displeasure over Gina’s deliberate deception quickly passes as he finds himself undeniably attracted to her and wanting to spend more and more time with her. When her psychic abilities are revealed, he’s initially a bit confused and very skeptical, but not altogether disbelieving.
When Gina discovers that Caleb is hiding issues of his own, she is more determined than ever to make him see that they are meant to be together.
DEVIL’S JEWEL
Jewel Kattalis and her sister, Nadya, live with their fellow clansmen, a band of Romanian gypsies. But the group’s numbers are dwindling and when Nadya is inexplicably taken, they move on, leaving Jewel behind to find her sister on her own. When it becomes clear that she and the Hunter Protection Group are looking for the same person of interest, albeit for different reasons, they join forces in the search. Jewel and Angelo “Devil” Devlin are immediately attracted to each other, although they have a strange way of showing it with their frequent bickering. Angelo’s sister, Gina, adds her psychic powers to Angelo’s powerful mind reading abilities and they soon discover that they are dealing with a force much more powerful and deadly than a simple kidnapping. Jewel is unsure of where she and Nadya will go and how they will live, if and when she is found, but she knows that before they can even begin to think about the future, they must survive the threatening darkness in their present.
These two stories are highly erotic; Sasha’s readers expect nothing less! In my opinion, hot sex alone doesn’t make for a good story. I don’t want to sound like a prude, but I want more. I want a well-written, thought-out storyline, likeable, intelligent characters, and intrigue – Sasha never fails to deliver all of those things. Her heroines are always strongly independent and boldly confident, living life to the fullest. What I wouldn’t give to have some of their moxie! Her heroes are always too good to be true, smoothly and capably handling any situation that comes along.
Sasha is generously offering an advance copy of SEXY DEVIL for one lucky reader here! (US/Canada addresses only, please) All you have to do is leave a post – maybe share whether you’ve read any of Sasha’s books, which one is your favorite, or just tell us what you’re currently reading, have read or are looking forward to reading! Or if you prefer, just say you’re interested in the contest, I’m not picky! I’ll draw a winner on Saturday November 10. I wish everyone could win a copy, but since that’s not possible, I strongly suggest that if your name isn't chosen, you get your hands on a copy of this book - you’ll be a winner either way!

Thank you, Sasha, for asking me to read and review SEXY DEVIL, and also for the contest copy – you’re going to make someone very happy here!

Hugs,
Laurie

TROUBLE by Sasha White

Sasha White http://www.sashawhite.net/ has done it again. In her latest release, TROUBLE, she has taken her talents as a novelist and added several shakes of the most intense spice, a dash of edge, a handful of characters with an abundance of charm and wit, and then mixed in a healthy amount of romance. The result is the smoothest, sweetest, most tantalizing blend of erotic romance – a book worthy of the highest praise.
Take a couple of minutes to look around Sasha’s website and check out her blog – she has lots of info there about upcoming books that sound especially good. You say you like hot covers? In that case, you need to run, don’t walk, to check them out!

My Romance Junkies review of TROUBLE:

TROUBLE is the story of a woman in search of herself and the man she doesn’t know she needs with her in the search. Intense emotions and rich sensuality seem to flow effortlessly in yet another excellent book from Sasha White.
When Samair Jones loses her boutique job, her boyfriend and her home all in the same day, she hits the ground running with a dogged determination to begin living for herself, damn everyone else and what they might think. When she goes to Risqué, a club where her best friend is a dancer, and she meets the club’s owner, Valentine Ward, passions immediately flair. The two begin a heated relationship that’s based at first on great sex, but soon they share a mutual understanding of, and respect for, one another. Samair is determined to get her line of clothing off the ground, but at the same time her feelings for Val and concerns over his ex-wife’s continued malicious presence in their lives, have her emotions tumbling.
Valentine Ward is used to having any woman he wants and he wants Samair the moment he sees her in his club. He’s the owner of a hugely successful club, having built it up himself from nothing; he is extremely proud and determined to make it work. Samair is equally hard working and determined to make her intimate apparel line a success, something Val admires and appreciates. It isn’t long before Valentine envisions more with Samair than just a quick fling, but his ex-wife’s scheming has put his ownership of the club in a precarious situation. He needs to take care of the business of the club, his very livelihood, before he can think of a future with Samair.
Ms. White has once again given readers a highly erotic story that goes much deeper than just sex. Samair and Val are wonderfully written characters whose story would be just as contagious if it didn’t contain sex; isn’t that the true measure of a truly excellent romance? Secondary characters are equally intriguing, and Val’s friend Karl (whom readers first met in BOUND) will have his story told in WICKED, coming from Sasha White in January ‘08, which promises to be just as delicious as TROUBLE!

Click here to take a closer look at TROUBLE - maybe you'll want to order a copy for yourself!: http://www.amazon.com/Trouble-Sasha-White/dp/0425217000/ref=sr_1_1/103-4025839-3678222?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1187890782&sr=1-1

Thanks for stopping by! I hope everyone is staying cool! We're battling intense heat and almost daily storms - areas of Ohio just north of us have devastating flooding - please keep those people in your thoughts and prayers.

Laurie

Sasha White's LUSH

LUSH is Sasha White's latest release, an anthology of three provocative stories (and look at the beautiful cover they're wrapped up in!) that her readers will love! One of the stories, Passion Play, is written first person. I know I've talked a lot about first person the past couple of days, but considering how much I used to loathe them, I now find myself fascinated by the technique and just how great it can be when it's done by authors who know what they're doing!

Here is my Romance Junkies review for LUSH:

Sasha White’s LUSH is an anthology of three sensual stories each full of passion, heartache and hope.
THE PRINCIPLES OF LUST
When Teal Jamison decides to open an erotic art gallery, she hires handyman Zach Dillon to remodel it; however, she is not expecting to find herself up against an incredibly strong desire for him. She is even more baffled when her seduction attempts are initially rejected. Teal is a very determined woman and when she decides that Zach is the one she wants, nothing will stop her pursuit. Fortunately, it doesn’t take long to convince Zach to enter into a short-term sexual affair with her.
Zach wants Teal as he’s wanted no other woman. He wants to show her that it is not necessary for her to always be in control and he wants to be the one who this strong-willed woman relinquishes her control to. He is troubled by the feelings that he’s developing for Teal and soon wants more than just a sexual affair.
Despite their agreement to keep their relationship purely sexual, Teal and Zach each struggle against their increasing emotions. Witnessing their discovery of newfound feelings and the uncertainty of weakening to the point of giving in to those feelings is a great pleasure.
PASSION PLAY
When Mia is inadvertently shoved into Dominick Jamison in the park, landing flat on top of him, she later regrets having walked away from him, when it is obvious that there is a very base sexual attraction between them. When the two meet up again and that attraction is still present, they agree to a sex-only relationship. The tender affection that Dominick shows Mia is very confusing to her, since she has always been somewhat of an outcast in her family.
Dominick Jamison was recently a newspaper columnist, writing a highly popular men’s column. He quits the paper when his editor insists upon taking control of the articles Dominick has written and he directs his professional focus to writing freelance articles, while dreaming of writing the novel that has been tooling around in his head. When Mia runs into him, quite literally, he can’t stop thinking about her and when he sees her in a bar a few days later, he makes a move to meet her. Disbelieving the feelings that Mia evokes in him, Dominick finds himself wanting more than the arrangement they’ve agreed upon. Mia accepts him unconditionally and effortlessly gives him the confidence to begin his book.
Mia and Zach are written in first person with chapters alternating between their points of view. Sasha White has the art of writing first person down pat and the clever way she uses the viewpoints of both characters is an excellent touch.
SEXUAL HEALING
Caitlin Ellis is a talented, successful masseuse, gifted with the ability to read people’s auras. She agrees to pose nude to model erotic jewelry for her friend, Mia, when she meets photographer Jack Lowell. She is immediately drawn to him, wanting to take away the emotional pain that is practically rolling off of him. After a beautiful, passion-filled night with Jack, Caitlyn feels that she might actually be reaching him; but then, he rejects her.
Jack Lowell gives off a darkness when Caitlyn first meets him. He is a hugely talented photojournalist, yet keeps himself holed up in his apartment, working as a simple photographer. Jack refuses to talk to Caitlyn about his past and what took place to make him a near recluse; he is more than willing to join in the sex she selflessly offers. Caitlyn is like a balm for his troubled soul and spirit; but, Jack isn’t willing to fully accept her healing touch.
This is the shortest of the three stories in this anthology; Ms. White doesn’t skimp on emotion. Jack is deeply tortured and Caitlyn’s natural instinct is to heal him. Excellently written and satisfyingly sensual, this story and its characters are a wonderful addition to this anthology.
It is easy to give this single-author anthology a very high recommendation. Sasha White’s readers are always guaranteed biting edge and fiercely strong characters that are unashamedly brazen in their sensuality and LUSH is no exception. Ms. White writes emotional conflict and angst as few authors can.

Be sure to stop by Sasha's website, there's always a lot going on! http://www.sashawhite.net

As always, here's a link to Amazon in the event you're so stoked from my review that you have to grab a copy for yourself! http://www.amazon.com/Lush-Aphrodisia-Sasha-White/dp/0758215487/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-2381367-0694212?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177028070&sr=8-1

Thanks for stopping!

Laurie

ALLURING TALES - AWAKEN THE FANTASY

Finally! I've talked about this one long enough, it's finally here! This is a highly entertaining book that I anticipate having huge appeal to readers. I gave it 4.5 blue ribbons in my Romance Junkies review:

Sexy, sizzling tales from some of the hottest names in women's fiction, an eclectic mix that offers something for everyone. These authors have a fresh perspective on what readers want and expect, and they have all capably delivered just that in ALLURING TALES: AWAKEN THE FANTASY.

LOVER’S LOCKET by Cathryn Fox
Caira, bakery owner and independent woman, wonders if she’ll ever find true love. The portrait hanging in her living room, passed down through several generations of her family seems to mock her. The handsome warrior in the portrait is a constant reminder of what she doesn’t have in her life. One day, while browsing in an antique shop, Caira finds herself drawn to a locket and is told that reciting the etched incantation will help the owner find true love, but at the risk of evil. Caira makes the decision to recite the incantation, surprised by the appearance of her true love. But she and her lover are faced with an unfathomable darkness; will their love be strong enough to overcome?
Caira and her unexpected lover are wonderfully appealing in this tale of undying love by Cathryn Fox. Caira’s previous failures at love have been experienced by every woman, are well-written, and enable readers to understand in her disappointment. LOVER’S LOCKET is an excellent offering in the Alluring Tales anthology.
http://www.cathrynfox.com/

KILI’S ICE MAN by Delilah Devlin
Kili Wilder’s love for and knowledge of the Gladiator series is a plus when it comes to successfully doing her job of marketing network spots. Her attraction to Gladiator Gunnar Thorsson is strong, and when Gunnar first spots Kili in her office, he is equally and almost instantly attracted to her as well. That is until he eavesdrops on a conversation between her and a friend wherein they agree that someone like him, perhaps not too bright, might make for an interesting partner. He then manages to put himself in the middle of her virtual reality fantasy, in an effort to prove to her that he is more than just a body, and that he is worth taking a chance on.
KILI’S ICE MAN might be short, but the relationship between Kili and Gunnar heats up fast, and is very satisfying. Ms. Devlin’s contribution to this anthology is a fun bit of fantasy, and Kili and Gunnar and their reactions and attraction to one another are a sensual treat.
http://www.delilahdevlin.com/

THE HOTTEST ONE NIGHT STAND by Lisa Renee Jones
When Assistant D.A. Jessica Montgomery stops at dingy bar to use the phone after her cell phone dies, she immediately spots a gorgeous Latino man and is unable to take her eyes off him; she is disappointed when he leaves before she has the opportunity to talk to him. She leaves shortly after he does, even more discouraged when her car breaks down and the only hotel in the area doesn’t have any rooms available. Indulging herself in a good cry, she is startled by the appearance of a man at her car window; it’s the same man she had ogled at the bar. He invites her to share his hotel room, and she cautiously decides to take him up on his offer. After a long, sensuous night spent together, Jessica wakes up alone, totally sated, but somewhat sad, upon finding that her passionate stranger was gone. When undercover DEA agent Dominic Montez surprises Jessica at her sister’s home a week later, will he be able to convince Jessica that he is worth taking a chance on?
Lisa Renee Jones has a knack for writing bold heroes, unafraid of taking charge and going after the women they want. In THE HOTTEST ONE NIGHT STAND, she has penned a story with two successful professionals who are confident in their chosen professions, but just a little unsure of themselves when it comes to love. Witnessing their passion is a true pleasure, just one of several in this sweet story!
http://www.lisareneejones.com/

OUT OF THE SHADOWS by Myla Jackson
T.J. Evans, a member of a special vampire killing task force for the Houston P.D., can’t figure out what has caused the sudden change of heart of his neighbor, Cassidy Jones. He and Cassidy had recently given in to a shared attraction, becoming lovers, and then shortly after she turned cold and now avoids him, refusing to talk to him. When T.J. discovers that Cassidy has not evacuated, despite an impending Category 5 hurricane, he decides that he must take matters into his own hands to see that she is removed from her home and taken to safety. Cassidy has her own reasons for avoiding T.J., all valid in her frightened, confused mind. When the hurricane strikes, these two must ride it out together, and decide if their attraction can weather the storm to allow them a solid future together.
Myla Jackson’s contribution to this anthology is an incredibly sweet paranormal. The vampire plotline is very well done and I feel certain that even readers who are not vampire fans will find it appealing. Cassidy’s despair is excellently written, and T.J.’s struggle to understand is heartening.
http://www.mylajackson.com/

A FAMILIAR KIND OF MAGIC by Sylvia Day
When warlock Max Westin is sent to tame familiar Victoria St. John, he soon realizes that this will be unlike any of his previous assignments by the high council. Victoria sets out to seduce Max almost immediately, and try however hard he may, he can’t resist her feline charms. Victoria isn’t prepared for Max’s persuasive domination; stubborn as she may be, her defenses are down from previous heartache. Max realizes that the high council’s plans for taming Victoria will completely break her spirit, but he’s uncertain of how far he can go to protect her without bringing the wrath of the high council down on both of them.
Sylvia Day has a unique talent for writing totally seductive heroines, and her heroes are always the epitome of male perfection. Max and Victoria are no exception. They are sophisticated, attractive, intelligent characters, and their smooth seduction of each other is simply breathtaking.
http://www.sylviaday.com/

TEMPTING GRACE by Sasha White
Grace Walters repeatedly turns down Lukas Martin’s request to go to dinner, until one night when she is emotionally weakened by the loss of a troubled teen that she was attempting to help. Lukas wants more than the one night stand that Grace is suggesting, but decides that he’ll take what he can get. After that one special night, Lukas wants more and refuses to give up on a more serious relationship with Grace. Grace, on the other hand, is determined to refuse Lukas until he gives up. Will Lukas be patient enough to persist, despite Grace’s stubborn resolve to keep him at arm’s length?
Grace and Lukas are written in such a way that readers can literally feel the emotions that they are experiencing. The attraction that Lukas feels for Grace, and her continued denial of feelings for Lukas, are reasonable and very realistic. Sasha White never fails to put forth a unique plotline, interesting, strong characters, and an abundance of sensuality.
http://www.sashawhite.net/

QUICK SILVER by Vivi Anna
Sangria Silver is simply doing her job discreetly delivering packages of every sort, when she is hired to deliver a locked case, the contents of which were unknown to her, but undoubtedly illegal. This is not unusual, as Sangria offers an elite service for those who can afford it. What is unusual is when Sangria is forced off the road and the case is thrown from her car, broken open to reveal a bound man. The man is Vance Verona, a sex worker who is hired out to entertain rich, high-powered women. Sangria knows that her failure to deliver is pretty much the equivalent of signing her own death warrant. When Sangria and Vance become lovers, they become more determined than ever to stay alive, because there are two men whose assignment it is to find and kill them.
Vivi Anna’s story gives readers a look into the future with Sangria and Vance’s story. Sangria is a strong, self-sufficient woman, dependent on no one but herself. Vance is an incredibly passionate man, determined to be there for Sangria, no small task given her independent stubbornness.
http://www.vivianna.net/news.php

The ALLURING TALES: AWAKEN THE FANTASY anthology is a dazzling mix of short stories; something for everyone. Sometimes multi-author anthologies fail to engage everyone. Not so with this anthology. The quality of authors and stories is a pleasant surprise, given the quantity. I do feel however, that if each and every one of the stories isn’t a hit with some readers, they won’t be disappointed, again because of the number of authors involved. I give this anthology a high recommendation and feel that readers will find themselves completely satisfied with it.

I suggest that you go order this book (releasing Feb. 27) right away - here's a link to the book at Amazon, in the event you're so inclined! http://www.amazon.com/Alluring-Tales-Awaken-Fantasy-Avon-Red/dp/0061176036/sr=8-1/qid=1172448991/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-2381367-0694212?ie=UTF8&s=books

Thanks,

Laurie

PURE SEX - Warning, it's hot!

I recently read Aphrodisia's PURE SEX for Romance Junkies review. The contributing authors to this anthology are Lucinda Betts, Bonnie Edwards, and Sasha White; I kid you not, these ladies are packing heat! All three stories are highly erotic and despite being novellas, all have satisfying endings and do not feel rushed as often happens with novellas. My RJ review is posted below, and I did note in the review that Sasha White's story, THE CRIB, is (excellently) written in first person and does not have your typical happy ending. There is the indication that the characters will get together, but the story does not end with them actually being together. I hope that revelation won't be offensive to Ms. White; I know some readers feel very strongly about first person and have happy ending issues, and thought that should be shared. I have never cared for first person stories in the past, but evidently I just wasn't reading the right authors! I have read two in the past three weeks, both done excellently, and I've been converted! How do you stand on both of these topics? Do you like first person writing? What about happy endings - do you have to have a solid happy ending with the characters headed to the altar or are you happy with them simply being together, or the implication that they will be together, at the end of the book?
Here is my review, with a reminder that the Aphrodisia line is intensely steamy - unapologetically in-your-face sexy!
This book is hot enough to come with a warning on the back cover, for good reason. It sizzles from the first page to the last.
THE BET by Lucinda Betts http://www.lucindabetts.com/ - Zoe Lauterbon is determined to get the promotion that is up for grabs at the investment firm she works for. She has worked impossibly hard and meets all requirements, but unfortunately, so has co-worker Phillip Kingdom. Phillip suggests a friendly bet with Zoe as to who will get the promotion - his bonus to her if she is promoted versus Zoe being his sex slave for twenty-four hours should he get the promotion - she agrees. The "good old boy" mentality of their company all but guarantees Phillip the win. After the two spend their twenty-four hours together, a very heated day and night, Zoe begins to think that maybe she didn't lose after all.
Phillip and Zoe are well-written as competitive co-workers with an attraction to each other, but neither could have guessed just how that competition would play out when they left the office.
SLOW HAND by Bonnie Edwards http://www.bonnieedwards.com/ - When Teri Branton finds herself at the altar without a groom, she decides to take their pleasure cruise honeymoon by herself. When she sees Captain Jared McKay, she begins to think that this trip just might be a pleasure cruise after all, especially without her cheater of a fiance! From the first time Jared touched her, she felt an undeniable energy between them, one that deserves a closer, thorough, hands-on investigation. When Jared first spies Teri making her way alone onto his boat, he assumes that her groom can't be far behind. When he discovers that she has boarded his boat intending to take the cruise alone, his interest is peaked. Once he touches her and they both feel an unmistakable "zing" he wonders about the McKay family curse. Supposedly this zing is present from the first moment you touch your one true love. Despite the obvious attraction, Jared was burned in a prior relationship and is wary of taking the chance on a romantic future with Teri.
The romance between Teri and Jared sizzles from the beginning, and is very sweet. They are just plain nice, and so perfect for each other; readers will be rooting for them to admit their true feelings for each other and take a chance on love.
THE CRIB by Sasha White http://www.sashawhite.net/ - Private Investigator Alexis "Lexy" Signorino has come back home to find a killer. A member of Lexy's family has been falsely accused and she is determined to prove his innocence, going undercover as a waitress in the family bar. When Devon Kaye becomes a part of that investigation, Lexy can't help but wonder whether their heated attraction is something that she should fear or embrace. When the real killer is exposed and Lexy learns that Devon isn't who she thought, she feels betrayed. Will she be able to put past hurts and heartache in the past and start living her life for herself?
This story is written first person, typically not my first choice, but it is excellently written, with an abundance of edge and grit, not your typical "boy meets girl" romance. Although Ms. White's story doesn't have the expected "happily-ever-after" ending, there is a hint of something more between the characters and I would very much like to read more of these characters and a continuation of their story.
This is an incredibly erotic anthology with stories ranging from sassy and sexy to down and dirty. It's a book you won't want to miss if you enjoy and appreciate sensually charged romance.
As always, thanks for checking it out!
Laurie
:)