Ash’s review of Haunted by Your Touch by Jeaniene Frost, Sharie Kohler & Shayla Black
Paranormal Romance published by Pocket 26 Oct 10

I’ve been really looking forward to this anthology. It has two authors I really like, Jeaniene Frost and Shayla Black, and another I have wanted to try.

Night’s Darkest Embrace by Jeaniene Frost

Jeaniene Frost is first up and I was kind of expecting more. I love her Night Huntress series and this just isn’t as good. I think what dragged it down for me is Mara. She seems like a completely different person by the end of the story, personality wise. I think Raphael would have been better with someone else. Aside from that, I love the world and I would love to have more stories set there.

Grade B

Enter the dark realm of Nocturna in Jeaniene Frost’s red hot tale, where blisteringly sexy Raphael dominates the demons of a lawless dimension and tries to help a beautiful young woman avenge her cousin’s disappearance.

Read an excerpt.

Mated by Shayla Black

Next up is Shayla Black’s story, and I must say I;m so disappointed. If I hadn’t already read the first book in her Doomsday Brethren series, I wouldn’t pick any of them up after reading this. I like the first book a lot and I’ve been expecting something better. I couldn’t stand Raiden at all, he continues to hurt Tabitha, and she lets him. She keeps saying she wants to be with him, and he keeps telling her no, to the point of being cruel, but she doesn’t seem to care. He even spends the night before the story starts with another woman, one whose name he can’t remember. Honestly, I want her to leave him. I am still going to read the other books in this series, but now I’m not in any rush to.

Grade D

In the shadowy world of Shayla Black’s Doomsday Brethren, magical warrior Raiden vows to protect his woman and their unborn youngling from evil—and deliver her safely to another man. But once he’s saved her, can he let her go?

Read an excerpt.

Darkest Temptation by Sharie Kohler

Sharie Kohler finishes up the book with a story that looks like it’s set in the same world as her paranormal series. I haven’t read anything by her and I can’t say I am ready to rush out and buy any. This story is just so-so, not very detailed and it seems rushed. Compared to the other two, it’s just plain boring. The hero almost saves it, but he doesb’t quite make it there.

Grade D-

Lycans rule the night in Sharie Kohler’s suspenseful story, as a fiery woman stalks mysterious Luc, the undeniably hypnotic being she believes can save her from turning . . . if she kills him. Danger beckons in these captivating paranormal tales that will tempt readers to the edge and leave them begging for more.

No excerpt available.

Overall, not the best anthology I’ve read. I was expecting more out of it, and I wish I had borrowed it from someone instead of buying it.

Grade: C

Sandy M’s review of Wicked Ties by Shayla Black
Contemporary Erotic Romance published by Berkley Trade 2 Jan 07

I’ve been wanting to read this book for a while, especially after I read and reviewed my first Shayla Black, Decadent, last year and really liked it. I figured I’d like this one just as well. But somewhere along the way, I figured wrong. This book didn’t work for me nearly as well as Decadent.

I like the characters, Morgan and Jack, just fine, the sexual tension between them is edgy and sensual. The plot is intriguing, as are the secondary characters. What turned me off  is the way Jack more or less pushes his wicked lifestyle onto Morgan. Okay, I know it’s an erotic book, the toys, the ties, the whatever are part of that. But for me Jack just pushed too much and too hard.

But before all of that, Morgan hosts a sex talk show and she’s meeting Master J to bone up on the BDSM lifestyle which is the subject of her next show. She’s also being stalked and during her meet with Master J, someone takes a shot at her, turns the master in to professional bodyguard Jack Cole, and he takes it upon himself to keep her safe.

Stealing her away with the help of some friends and creative ways to get her out of town, they end up at his cabin in the swamps of Louisiana where Jack’s alphaness and lust hits an all-time high. He wants Morgan but he wants her his way. This is where he begins to really push her toward her inner submissiveness. He’s so certain she is a sub and he’s going to prove it to her.

He even has a sex room set up with every toy imagineable and then some. He basically challenges Morgan to give it all a go, even though she really doesn’t want to. It’s either do it his way or she doesn’t get the guy at all. So she chooses to do as he wants, though I didn’t see it as a choice. Just didn’t care of the ultimatum feel of that whole thing between them.

That’s really the only thing I didn’t care for in this book. Even despite his attitude along that vein, I still like Jack very much. Of course, they both have secrets that they eventually will have to deal with. And I do like how Jack does in the end realize Morgan is the one for him and he gives thanks that she does embrace her role as a submissive. For me he just went about it the wrong way.

Grade: C-

Summary:

She didn’t know what she wanted until he made her beg for it…

Morgan O’Malley has seen a lot of kinky things as the hostess of a cable sex talk show. But she’s never met a man like Jack Cole before. A self-proclaimed dominant, he’s as alpha as a male can get–and good for Morgan to have around when an obsessed stalker ratchets up his attempts to get to her.

Though Jack is a bodyguard, Morgan feels anything but safe in his presence. Because slowly and seductively, Jack is bringing her deepest fantasies to the surface. And when he bends her to his will, what’s more shocking than her surrender is how much she enjoys it–and starts to crave his masterful touch. A willing player in Jack’s games, Morgan knows that his motives aren’t pure, but she has no idea how personal they are…

Read an excerpt.

Other related books:

Liviania’s review of Tempt Me with Darkness (Doomsday Brethren, Book 1) by Shayla Black
Paranormal romance released by Pocket 26 Aug 08

Dorm rooms come with tiny shelves. Textbooks and course packets claim about half of that space. It makes it even more common for people to borrow “fun” books. Two of my friends read Tempt Me with Darkness before I even had a chance. And it’s an excellent example of why TGTBTU considers a C a good book. None of us would declare it a fabulous story or anything, but all of us enjoyed it.

Why did it work so well for a bunch of college girls near finals time? Because it’s straightforward and raunchy. Tempt Me with Darkness aims to entertain, which makes it a wonderful novel to pick up and relax with. While entertaining, the novel has several flaws that will keep me from rereading.The main problem is the hero, a former knight of King Arthur cursed to live forever (without orgasm) after he had a one night stand with Morganna when she was expecting more. Basically, he’s bad with women in general. Marrok first believes his heroine is Morganna in disguise and treats her accordingly. (Their first time together comes rather close to rape.) Olivia is reasonably upset by this but still enjoys the sex and accidentally marries Marrok. (He, on the other hand, knowingly marries her.) At least, it’s the magical equivalent of marriage if marriage were life-threatening due to a lack of sex.

Olivia doesn’t provide much counterbalance. Yes, she gets angry, but things seem to always turn out Marrok’s way unless she goes behind his back. Her modern sensibility clashing with his overprotective nature would be more amusing if she had more personality. She has a standard traumatic past, a job at an art gallery, and bad survival instincts. Shayla Black offers information about her but she still felt bland.

On the other hand, I do want to read more about the other Doomsday Brethren. They play smaller parts than the h/h but have more likeable personalities and intriguing relationships. Snarky brother and sister Bram and Sabelle were my favorites, but I liked several of the others. Black also adds interest in their stories by bringing Marrok and Olivia’s relationship to a HEA and providing a climactic battle but leaving the other plot threads open.

It happens off page but several women are brutally raped. It’s done to be upsetting and prevents the book from just being light, fluffy fun. I’m really tired of rape being used to communicate how terrible a villain is. There are other terrible things than can be done to people.

Fans of Black or paranormal romance will probably enjoy Tempt Me with Darkness. Fans of the Matter of Britain should know the book really has nothing to do with King Arthur legends aside from sharing a few characters. It’s a decent read as long as you can stand the hero acting like a jerk. (To be fair, a major part of the book is him learning to be less of a jerk.)

Grade: C-

Summary:
He’s an immortal knight hungering for satisfaction. . . .
As soon as Marrok sees Olivia Gray, he’s sure they met in eons past. He’s felt her soft, gentle curves writhing in pleasure beneath his own powerful body. . . Morganna! For centuries, towering Marrok, once the mightiest of King Arthur’s warriors, has endured a terrible curse the witch cast upon him when he spurned the witch.

She’s a modern woman about to discover ancient magic. . . .
Olivia shares a mystical—and irresistible—connection with brooding Marrok. Soon after the sexy warrior appears in her erotic dreams, he abducts her, demanding she uncurse him. Their intense passion is more powerful—and intimate—than either of them has ever known. Olivia may be the key to unlocking the diary that will break Morganna’s hold on his life. But in the wrong hands, the book also holds the power to destroy magickind. As they search for answers, a ruthless wizard returned from exile is building an army of evil. When he discovers Marrok and Olivia have the diary, only their love—with the help of a powerful group of magical Brethren—can save them.
Read an excerpt here

Sandy M’s review of Decadent by Shayla Black
Contemporary Erotic Romance released by Berkley Trade 2 Oct 07

I hadn’t planned on reading this book right now.  I got caught in a situation where I didn’t have my current read handy, knew I’d go stir crazy without something to read while waiting and picked Decadent up as I went out the door.  I am so happy I did.

You like a good sexy, erotic story, you’re going to like this one.  Kimber has finally made the decision she’s going to give herself to Jesse McCall, a popular rock star she met a few years ago and has gotten to know better through emails and phone calls.  He’s the one for her.  Only thing is she knows is lifestyle includes some wicked sex and she’s still a virgin.  So after reading up on multiple-partner sex, she seeks out the one man she knows can teach her all about it.

She met Deke Trenton when he was under her father’s command and although she got it loud and clear he really didn’t care all that much for her, she was attracted to him even when she was seventeen.  She’s swallowing her pride and going to him now to learn all he can teach her before she goes to Jesse.  She’s not prepared for his fierce refusal, however.  He does everything in his power to run her off and scare her, but she knows what she wants and won’t let the big jerk put any obstacles in her way.

Despite her reasons for going to Deke in the first place, wanting to spend her life with a guy after one summer together and then through email, I really liked Kimber.  She’s intelligent, quick on her feet, loyal, and her own woman.  And she knows when something’s not for her, as she finds out Jesse’s life on the road is something she just can’t put up with.  And she realizes it’s the big jerk who’s stolen her heart and as much as she knows Deke wants her, in bed and out, he won’t trust her enough to tell her his secrets, but she’s willing to give him a chance.

Deke’s secrets are huge.  He’s got guilt eating at him constantly, enough to keep him away from love and marriage, never having sex alone with a woman, and wrapping his heart up nice and tight so his past mistakes won’t ever come back to repeat themselves.  For the past twelve years he’s never had sex with a woman without his cousin Luc being present.  But when Kimber shows up on his doorstep asking for his help in the ways of menage, of all things, he finds he’d love to have her to himself but knows it will never happen.

Even five years ago when she was so young, the girl had a way of making him want what he’d never allow himself to have.  The best thing he’d ever done was leave her behind, for her sake as well as his.  But when things don’t go well with the pansy-ass rock star, he wants to share Luc’s dream of having a woman with them to share and start a family, but it’s all wishful thinking.  His guilt won’t allow such dreams, though, even as his heart begins to love this woman who means everything to him.  Caught between desire and his common sense as he sees it, Deke tries to push Kimber into Luc’s arms once and for all before she ends up being his worst nightmare come true — again.

Even though Deke is ex-military and alpha to the core, Ms. Black allows him his fears, vulnerabilities, and his emotions while leaving his masculinity totally intact.  The scene where he finally breaks down at Kimber’s bedside is one of the best of the book, right up there with all of those hot and sizzling love scenes.  And there’s a lot of those.  Deke and Luc take every opportunity presented to them to love Kimber every which way.

I loved the dichotomy of these two men, one hard as steel, not all hearts and flowers, the other warm and gentle and knowing how to use words of love and romance to heighten a woman’s pleasure.  As much as I like those alphas, a man like Luc also worms his way into my heart.  We get to know him quite well in this story so that when his book, Delicious, is released next year, we’re going to be totally ready for him.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Two men are better than one…

How can a virgin seeking happily-ever-after with a hot pop star who has a penchant for threesomes win her fantasy man? Kimber Edgington desperately needs a plan to convince Jesse McCall, who’s been her friend and secret crush since they spent a summer together as teenagers, that they are meant for each other. But all the tabloid stories about his sexual escapades make her feel oh-so inadequate.

Determined to prove she’s woman enough for Jesse, Kimber turns to bodyguard Deke Trenton for sexual education. Bold and brash, Deke warns Kimber that playing with him is playing with fire. But he can’t bear to imagine the innocent beauty in someone else’s arms. So Deke and his super-sexy friend, Luc, take Kimber under their wings and dangerously close to the edge of ecstasy. Though she’s saved herself for Jesse, Kimber soon learns, he’s not the man adept at stoking her aching, endless need. That’s Deke, and he can’t resist when Kimber begs for more–and more…

Read an excerpt.

Limecello’s review of Dangerous Boys and Their Toys by Shayla Black
Erotic romance released by Ellora’s Cave on 28 May 08

I got this book because of the blurb, and because I wanted to read something written by Shayla Black. I’m not entirely sure that this was indicative of all of Ms. Black’s writing, but I’m definitely intrigued. The story wasn’t quite what I was expecting, but generally enjoyable all the same.

Brenna Sheridan is a character a number of readers will enjoy because they can easily put themselves in her place, which is a good one – at the pinnacle of a working love triangle. Based on the premise of the story, one might believe that she is the star witness – but not so. Ms. Black twists the plot, putting a character that would otherwise be in the periphery of the story into center stage. I found Brenna to be a rather static, but she did have a spine, which is nice. Brenna’s emotional and has a kind heart, and it’s easy to root for her and hope she gets her happy ending.

R.A. Thorn and Cameron Martinez really steal the show in Dangerous Boys and Their Toys. Cameron and Thorn know each other, but aren’t exactly friends. While they’ve worked together, what cements the relationship is Brenna.

Thorn is the crusty erstwhile lover who lives by the practice of hitting it, then quitting it. He’s a one time deal, and all the women he interacts with know that. He’s quickly enthralled with Brenna, and while the emotional ties are a bit shaky, Thorn pulls through. He’s probably my favorite character in the book, and seems to outshine the others. There’s just something about him that is extremely appealing. He’s intimidating and nearly scary at times, but also awkward and unsure emotionally. It’s touching.

Cameron is the empathetic, invested male, but also strong and alpha in his own right. Basically he’s the perfect guy – capable, a provider, hot, extremely male and virile, but responsive and someone who is not only willing to be active in, but also initiates discussions about feelings. Unfortunately, aside from all that I felt that there was something missing from Cameron to give him that ever elusive, well rounded depth.

I didn’t like how the book started out, and felt that the voyeuristic scenes were somewhat gratuitous. As well as the first encounter between Brenna and Cameron. I think it prevented me from immediately accepting their interaction and agreement. The actual plot and story were a bit lacking. There wasn’t a lot of detail and the way things played out weren’t all they could have been – the plot seemed a bit bland.

However, the story is marketed as an erotic romance, and in that, Ms. Black more than delivers. In fact, the heat and sex in Dangerous Boys are what saves the book. I was very impressed with Ms. Black’s writing for these scenes. The interplay between Brenna, Thorn and Cameron is natural, once they agree to work with each other. They do have a strong connection and are incredibly attuned physically. Rather than it seeming like a lot of unnecessary sex scenes strung together, the intercourse between the characters individually and collectively are what hold everything together. Ms. Black also includes a very hot male/male scene that is beautifully written and natural. And hot.

Overall I enjoyed Dangerous Boys and Their Toys but didn’t think it was incredibly memorable as a story. Certain scenes, however, did stand out and were quite enjoyable to read. It was there that emotions emerged and the characters showed personality. I definitely plan on reading more of Ms. Black’s writing. I’m intrigued, and have heard great things about her other books, which I hope to read soon.

Grade: C-

Trading orgasms for information isn’t their usual way of doing business, but when a missing criminal-turned-star-witness and fifty grand are on the line, bounty hunter R. A. Thorn and Detective Cameron Martinez are prepared to put their bodies to the task and give gorgeous Brenna Sheridan everything she needs.

An exchange they never anticipated becomes an experience none can forget—or walk away from. Sexual hunger sizzles the threesome, but the stakes and danger rise as a mafia bad-ass stalks Brenna.

Soon, their “deal” is no longer about information—or sex. Emotions bind Brenna, Cam and Thorn together more tightly than they ever imagined as the men protect—and serve—the beloved woman neither can live without.

Read an excerpt here.