Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Tempting the New Guy (Glory Tales #2) by Alegra Verde
Contemporary erotica short story ebook published by Spice Briefs 01 Dec 11

I suspect when it comes to erotica reading I’m slightly bent.  This short story, the second entry in the author’s “Glory Tales,” pretty much confirms it for me.  I shouldn’t like this story.  In fact, I’m not sure I do.  There are landmines all over the 30-odd pages here, and this review is proving to be a struggle because I can’t give readers a definitive “I loved it!” or “I hated it!” reaction.  Well, let’s see if I can hash it out…..

Clement Johns is the new guy working at the ad agency.  He oozes southern charm and he’s constantly flirting with our heroine, Glory James.  As much as she’s attracted to him, Glory is still entangled with her boss, Bruce Davies.  She’s also got a client with the agency who she sees on the side, whenever the man is in town.  The last thing our girl needs is another bed partner.  But she finds her resolve slipping, and Davies seems to have his panties in a twist over it.

Here’s the problem: in the first story in this series Glory starts off as in control.  Davies likes to be dominated, and Glory is a girl up for the challenge.  Unfortunately, as that story came to close and this one begins, the author starts to rob Glory of her power.  Glory is not entirely in control in this story, and there’s a sex scene between her and Davies that is downright squirm-inducing (I’m not sure it’s full-blown “forced seduction,” but it did make me very uncomfortable!).

For the vast majority of this story I feared a series that started out with promise was going to slide too far south for me.  But I kept reading, and I’m glad I did.  The author sort of pulls it all together in the end.  Are things resolved?  Well, no.  But we’re heading in a new direction, Glory is taking steps to reclaim her power, and I am now anxious to see where the author is going to take me and these characters next.

This all being said, if I was unfamiliar with the first entry in this series and went into this story blind, I wouldn’t be feeling so hopeful.  This is most definitely a series that will work better for readers who have followed from the beginning, as each episode builds to the next.  Will it be for everybody?  No.  However, it does succeed in giving me what I want out of my erotic reading.  That is something memorable, something that challenges me, and something that I won’t soon forget.  Mission accomplished.

Grade: B-

Summary:

The last thing Glory James needs is another office affair. She’s already having a steamy fling with her boss, Bruce Davies—a fling where Glory calls the shots in the bedroom.

Nevertheless, she’s tempted by her new coworker Clement Johns’s confidence and Southern charm…not to mention the chance at a normal relationship. But as things start heating up with Clement, what will Glory do when Bruce decides he’s not willing to share her?

No excerpt found.

Other books in this series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of The Queen’s Consort by Leia Rice
Erotica short story ebook published by Spice Briefs 01 Jul 11

Pour a glass of wine into me and I’ll wax poetic about how erotica isn’t “just about sex.”  That in “good erotica,” written predominantly for a female readership, the sex is a catalyst for the heroine’s journey.  Yeah, I know – blah, blah, blah.  Listen, not all erotica is created equal.  Pour a second glass of wine into me and I’ll admit that some erotica?  Yeah, is all about the sex.  But you know what?  That’s not always a bad thing.  If nothing else, it adds a whole other definition to the expression “reading for pleasure.”

Arabelle is a royal maid for Marie Antoinette and has been getting her kicks of late watching the queen be pleasured by her consort.  During one such spying adventure she makes a little too much noise, and while navigating the secret passageways in the palace, the consort catches up to her.  It doesn’t exactly take a rocket scientist to know what happens next.

If you’re looking for serious naughty times in your erotica, you don’t get much naughtier than Louis XVI royal court prior to the French Revolution.  There’s oodles of palace intrigue and more hanger-ons than at a hip-hop awards show.  However, this is a short story, and an erotic one at that – so the author really glosses over the horrors of the Revolution.  Admittedly, I wasn’t terribly wild about this treatment, but crimes against humanity is definitely not the tone the author was shooting for.

Now, that being said, if you just want sexy times and don’t necessarily care (or want) some deep, angsty treatment of the time period?  By all means, this short story might be for you.  You’ve got a hero who can probably set a world’s record for stamina and horny-ness.  You’ve got a heroine who is so lusty that she lets a total stranger deflower her, and then after she’s done?  She goes back to her quarters to have encounters with other maids!  Chinese New Year doesn’t have this many fireworks.

It all boils down to what the reader wants.  If you want a hot short story with wall-to-wall, (I’ll just say it) skanky shenanigans?  Oh man, drop everything and download this right now.  But if you’re looking for a more highfalutin’ form of erotica that you can shove in the faces of all those naysayers out there?  Probably not this short story.  However, that doesn’t make this a “bad” story and it doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the heck out of reading it.

Yeah, I just said that – and I totally own it.

Grade: B-

Summary:

Royal maid Arabelle fantasizes about taking the queen’s place, but not for power or riches. She wants to be pleasured by the queen’s secret consort. Watching them together arouses cravings that her trysts with other men and her sensual encounters with her fellow maids cannot satisfy. She longs to be given licentious commands from the mysterious man, and to give orders in return.

Then, in the secret halls of Versailles, Arabelle’s fantasy comes true—with even more wicked pleasures than she imagined….

No excerpt available.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Another Chance by Portia Da Costa
Erotic Romance short story ebook published by Spice Briefs 01 Sep 11

There is a definite skill in writing short, and some authors just seem to be born with it.  Portia Da Costa is one of these writers.  Yes, I’m reading a short story, and no, that is never the same thing as a full-length novel, but I still feel like I’m getting a full story.  Do I want more?  Sure.  But that doesn’t mean the story is “lacking” because of its brevity.

It’s been a while since Maud Piper has had a lover, which probably explains why happening upon her employers, the Marquis and Marchioness of Blaystock Manor, having a little spankin’ fun in their kitchen has gotten her all worked up.  She’s enjoying the show, out of sight, or so she thinks.  William Graves, the groundskeeper at the estate, catches her in the act of spying, and doing other things (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).  Being a gentleman, he helps her out – which gets Maud thinking, maybe William is the man who can fulfill her needs.

This story is textbook Da Costa and has all the trademarks I’ve come to love about her work.  There’s a lovely playfulness to the characters and love scenes.  The story is told from Maud’s point-of-view and she’s just the sort of heroine you’d love to be best friends with.  As an added bonus?  She’s 45 (happy day!) and an archivist (darn close to librarian!).

Behind the playful love scenes, and the mild kink of the spanking storyline, there’s a depth here that is also refreshing.  Maud hasn’t had a partner who has met her needs since a former finance.  What happened to that relationship and what she shares in common with William make for a nice touching moment in the final moments of the story.

Things end on an upbeat note.  This is a short story, so wedding bells would be forcing the issue, but this tale ends in such a way that a full-fledged romance isn’t hard to imagine.  Since Da Costa likes to resurrect past couples and slyly insert them into new stories (see: the Marquis and Marchioness), hopefully we’ll run into Maud and William again down the road.

Grade: B+

Summary:

The Chance of a Lifetime…Again.

It’s been a long time since Maud Piper has had a lover, particularly one who can give her what she really wants: the masterful hand of a strong, powerful man. The sting of pain that turns into pleasure.

Only Maud’s late fiancé had been able to satisfy her. Not even watching her employers at Blaystock Manor, the Marquis and Marchioness, in their own rough love play brings her the release she longs for—until she is caught in the act by William Graves, the estate’s ruggedly handsome steward. Can he give Maud another chance to experience the pleasure she craves?

The highly anticipated sequel to Portia Da Costa’s Chance of a Lifetime.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of The Earl Takes a Lover by Georgia E. Jones
Historical erotica digital short story published by Spice Briefs 01 Jul 11

I’m a sucker for historicals with an erotic edge, so whenever I see one pop up in the Spice Briefs line, I always take a closer look.  Georgia E. Jones is a writer I’ve never read before, and the back cover blurb sounded enticing, so I gave it a whirl.  I wish I could say I fell madly in love – but sadly, not so much.

Penelope Montague makes her way in the world as a companion for an elderly lady.  Educated in a convent, what nobody is aware of is that young Penelope is the daughter of a prostitute and, for the first few years of her life, was raised in a brothel!  Not only that, she’s the author of the scandalous A Woman’s Handbook, which has ladies in a swoon and gentlemen in a lather.

It’s in her duties as a companion that she meets the new Earl of Thanet, Robin Sackville Tufton.  Robin is a rake of the first order, but now that he has inherited the title he finds himself thwarting off various matchmaking mamas.  When he spies Penelope, he knows that he must have her.  But what will happen when he discovers one taste is not enough?  As an Earl, Penelope is so far beneath him she might as well be hanging out with The Mole People.  And sure as shootin’, she ain’t content to be no man’s mistress.

While the sexy times were certainly sizzling, everything else about this story didn’t work for me.  While born to a prostitute and raised in a brothel, Penelope is still, conveniently, a virgin. Frankly, this smacked of the author wanting to have her cake and eat it too.  Especially since Penelope apparently “knows” enough about Sexy Times to write a book, but not enough so that Robin can still “educate” her.  Bah humbug.  We’re also to believe that when the patrons of said brothel begin to take notice of young Penelope, the madam ships her off to convent school.  OK, I’m calling shenanigans on this one.  What self-respecting madam in early 19th century London is going to ship off a potential money-making bonanza?  No hooker has a heart of gold that pure, let alone a madam who is, (hello?!) essentially, a pimp.  Don’t they kick you out of the Big Pimpin’ Union for that sort of thing?

Even if you’re willing to roll with Penelope’s background, there’s the small matter of the ending.  Um, there isn’t one.  This story just stops.  The resolution to the conflict?  Yeah, there isn’t any.  It just….stops.  This might not be totally disconcerting in a straight-up erotic story, but I viewed more than one romance road sign over the course of my reading.  So to have things just….stop?  With no real resolution?  Frustrating doesn’t even begin to cover it.  Bah humbug indeed.

Grade: D

Summary:

London, 1801

No one could have guessed that virginal companion Penelope Montague is the author of the scandalous manual A Woman’s Handbook. Society believes she was educated in a convent, unaware she spent the first half of her life raised by the ladies of the famous Black Swan brothel.

Only rake Robin Sackville Tufton, Earl of Thanet, sees the sensual woman behind Pen’s proper exterior. From the moment he sees her, he wants her more than anything else. But Pen isn’t fit to be an earl’s wife, nor can he simply take her—despite her passionate response to his touch. Can Robin and Penelope rein in their desire…or will they find a way to indulge it?

No excerpt found.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Taking Her Boss (Glory Tales #1) by Alegra Verde
Contemporary erotica digital short story published by Spice Briefs 01 Apr 11

When someone asks me why I read erotica, my flippant answer is “because like it.”  All the reasons why I like it cannot truly be condensed down in a two-second sound bite, but one aspect of it?  I get off (hardy har har) on erotic stories that challenge.  Not just my own personal notions of what is sexy or “erotic,” but even those notions that are held by “polite society” – for lack of a better description.  In other words, no, it’s not all about the sex.  The sex in “good” erotica serves as a catalyst for some larger issue.

Glory James likes her job as personal assistant to ad executive Bruce Davies.  Although apparently not enough to keep from boinking a client in her office.  When Bruce catches them in the act, Glory expects to get, if not fired, reprimanded.  So imagine her surprise when Bruce confesses an attraction to her and drops the bombshell that he likes to be given orders in the bedroom.  Whatever shall they do now?

I’ll be honest and disclose that I picked up this story because I enjoy reading about dominant heroines.  I wasn’t really looking for earth-shattering depth here, just something different from the prevailing hero = Dom, heroine = submissive that seems to dominant (ha!) the genre.  The reader does have to get past the set-up of the story, but what follows is some very intriguing fallout.

Glory proceeds to enter into a relationship with Bruce, but it’s not without consequences.  Bruce seems to be able to go about his business at the office, flip the switch, and pretend nothing is going on outside.  Glory?  Yeah, not so much.

This is a dicey story, and one that I have a hard time recommending out-right to all readers of erotica.  At one point during their play-time, Glory calls Bruce a nasty slur that will very likely offend some readers.  Also, later in the story, when Glory finds herself distancing herself from the situation, Bruce comes off kind of stalker-ish.  All of this leads to a slightly uncomfortable ending, where things are still very much up in the air.  Which hopefully means more Glory Tales to follow.  Because even as uncomfortable as this story made me at times?  Yeah, I don’t want to be done yet.  This probably says nothing good about me, but you know what?  I don’t rightly care.

Grade: B-

Summary:

When Glory James’s boss catches her having sex with a client at the office, she expects to get reprimanded, not Bruce Davies’s revelation that he wants her, too.Even more shocking is his confession that he likes to be told what to do in bed—and that Glory is aroused by the idea…

No excerpt found.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Her Fantasy by Saskia Walker
Erotic romance short story ebook published by Spice Briefs 01 Mar 11

It takes a special skill for an author to deliver a satisfying read in the length of a short story.  Not only does Saskia Walker have a healthy backlist, she’s written an impressive amount of shorter works.  So when I opened up Her Fantasy, I knew I was in the hands of a pro.  Yes, the gift box was small – but think of it as a jewelry box.

Anya Reid split from her boyfriend when she realizes that not only has the sizzle gone out of the relationship, but that she is finding herself tempted by other men.  Well, one man in particular – Warren McClure.  Never one to cheat, she takes this attraction to mean that something is definitely wrong in Denmark.  She figures even if Warren doesn’t think of her “that way,” it’s still a sign, so she’s content to be single.  But when Warren asks her out on a date?  Yeah, she doesn’t say no.  In fact, even before he broaches the subject of sexual fantasies over dinner, they’re already setting off enough sparks to power all of London.

Warren has had a crush on Anya since he first laid eyes on her at the office.  But she was involved with someone else, and Warren does not go poaching on another man’s territory.  So he’s played around, never satisfied because those women aren’t Anya, and bided his time.  Now his time is here, and he’s not about to blow it.  And if that means making Anya’s sexual fantasies come true?  So be it.

What I enjoyed about this short story is that there is an actual flesh and blood story.  It’s not just a bunch of sex scenes strung together.  I really feel like Walker shows me a world, a slice of a developing relationship, and I honestly find myself charmed by the romance.  I like Anya and Warren.  In fact, in between the hot sex and the eventual ménage a trios episode, there’s a lovely sweetness here.  I also like that after the ménage it’s not just “Oh, well, that was fun.” These two actually ::gasp:: talk about it and where their relationship is heading.

Yes, it’s a short story.  No, it’s not a full-length novel.  Yes, it’s an office romance, so readers need to get past the Danger, Danger Sexual Harassment Lawsuit warning bells.  But it’s still damn good.  In fact, it’s one of the finer Spice Briefs stories I’ve had the pleasure to read.  More, please.

Grade: B+

Summary:

“Which sexual fantasy is your ultimate turn-on?”

How is Anya Reid supposed to control her lust for her sexy coworker Warren McClure when he asks questions like that on their very first date? She has wanted Warren and to be more adventurous in bed for a long time, but she never expected him to be so direct…or to correctly guess that a menage is her secret desire.

Soon Warren isn’t just talking about Anya’s fantasies — he’s making them come true. But does he want a true relationship, or is he only interested in their erotic games?

Read an excerpt.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s Quick Quack Reviews of Three Spice Briefs by Eden Bradley, Riki Kaye and Ruthie Michaels
Erotic romance and erotica ebook short stories released by Spice Briefs Feb – May 2010

There’s nothing like reading “short” for deluding myself into thinking that I’m actually making progress on my Harlequin e-book backlog.  Also, I figure since Harlequin keeps publishing the naughty Spice Briefs line, that I cannot possibly be the only one who has a minor addiction to buying them.  Oh, and reading them.  I might be willing to concede that I have a problem, but how can reading these tasty morsels be anything other than right?

Night Moves by Eden Bradley
Erotic romance ebook short story released 1 May 10

Kate’s got a thing for trains.  I mean, our girl really has a thing for riding (tee hee) the rails.  She tends to travel at night, waits for everyone to get tucked in, and then she scurries off to a private place to uh…take matters in her own hands.  Although this time around she finds her erotic moment of self-love interrupted by sexy surfer dude, Ian.  Oh my.  Whatever shall they do?

What we have here is the ol’ Hot Sex With A Hot Stranger trope.  The author makes it sizzle, incorporating two characters who are intelligent, willing to make small talk, and succumb to the spontaneity of the moment.  The resolution to this story felt a bit rushed to me, but the author ends this tale on an upbeat note.  I was left wanting more, which in the case of an erotic short story, is not necessarily a bad thing.

Grade: B-

Summary:

Something about trains had always brought out Kate’s wild side. So far it had been her own dirty little secret—until a sexy stranger catches her sneaking into his compartment looking to indulge her fantasy. But instead of throwing her out, Ian is turned on…and he’s ready to give Kate the ride of her life!

No Excerpt Found

Special Delivery by Riki Kaye
Erotic romance ebook short story released 1 Apr 10

Michael has been pulling long hours at the office, and when he gets home in the evenings he has no energy left for his wife.  Megan is starting to find this pattern of behavior annoying, and eventually decides it’s time to take matters into her own hands.  So she dons a skimpy outfit, grabs a pizza, and heads to hubby’s office for a lunch time quickie.

While Spice Briefs aren’t necessarily known for being “sweet” – this story kinda is.  Michael has been Megan’s one and only lover, and while she adores sex, she’s never been much of an instigator.  Her showing up at the office is definitely something new, and Michael?  Well, Mikey likes it.  A lot.  A quick sizzling read about a happily married couple who have hit a bump in the bedroom road.

Grade: B

Summary:

With her husband’s busy work schedule, Megan barely got a chance to have dinner with her husband, let alone make love. After three long weeks with no sex, she’s had enough. It’s time to take matters into her own hands…by visiting his office dressed as a sexy delivery girl and giving him a lunch break he’ll never forget…

No Excerpt Found

Tuscan Freedom by Ruthie Michaels
Erotica ebook short story released 1 Feb 10

Lily is in a rut, so when her college BFF, Gianna, asks her to come visit her in Italy, she’s all for it.  When she gets to Gianna’s villa who should she discover but two very sexy, and eager young men.  And wow – Gianna sure looks happy.  Wonder what that’s all about?  Ha!

Of my recent Spice Briefs reads, this one was definitely the naughtiest.  Lily has herself a grand ol’ time thanks to Gianna’s “hospitality” and the author pretty much explores all the options that two guys and two girls could possibly partake in.  However, this is very much a fantasy-laden read.  Readers looking for examination into multiple partner relationships, or those who need those safe sex moments in their erotic stories, are probably not going to be all that fulfilled here.  But it firmly fit my “erotica as fantasy” requirements, and Michaels certainly delivers with the sizzle.

Grade: B

Summary:

Lily’s normal life was dull and unchallenging—and seriously lacking in exciting sex! But when she goes on vacation in Italy, Lily finally feels free to explore a whole new side of herself…with the help of her hostess, Gianna. Before her trip is over, Lily will experience things she never imagined—such as a scandalous tryst with a stranger, a night of pleasure with her fellow houseguests, and so much more….

No Excerpt Found

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s Duckies Do Series Review of The Ladies’ Sewing Circle by Portia Da Costa
Historical erotic romance short story ebooks published by Spice Briefs May – June 2010

I’m a fan of Portia Da Costa’s brand of erotica mostly because of her heroines.  She writes really fun, strong heroines.  The kind of girls I’d like to be friends with, have a drink at the local pub with, or watch chick flicks with while digging our way through a box of chocolates.  I also like that she has a strong contemporary writing voice.  So when I heard she was working on some Victorian-set erotic romances for Harlequin, I was immediately intrigued.  Will her “voice” work as well in historical as it does in contemporary?  And while the full-length historical won’t be out until 2012 (::sob::), Portia and Spice Briefs are tempting us with two naughty short stories while we’re stuck in the waiting room.

The Gentlewoman’s Predicament
1 May 10

Sofia Harewood’s first husband wasn’t much of a lover.  Sofia might not be “worldly,” but she’s pretty sure that sex is supposed to be better.  Some of her friends look particularly happy, and Sofia is determined to discover what she’s been missing out on.  She finds help in the form of one A. Chamfleur, the proprietress of “Intimate Advice For Gentlewoman.”  Already nervous about going to such an establishment, her uneasiness hits new heights when she discovers the A. stands for Ambrose and nothing like Amelia.

What I really liked about this story was that Sofia didn’t automatically assume that she must be “bad” at sex because her sex life with Husband #1 wasn’t all that grand.  All she knows it that it should be “better” and there’s not needless time spent on her feeling inferior in the bedroom.  If anything, her sessions with Monsieur Chamfleur bring out her sensual side!  The sex scenes are tender and erotic.  It would have felt out of character to have Sofia hanging from the chandelier after all, and her awakening is handled beautifully.  The romance element in this story is pretty thin, but the ending is perfect and sets up the series nicely.

Grade: B

Summary:

Sofia Harewood’s problem: finding a partner who can please her in the bedroom better than her disappointing first husband! She senses there should be so much more to lovemaking—and she’s determined to discover what she’s been missing.

Sofia’s mission takes her to A. Chamfleur, purveyor of “Intimate Advice to the Gentlewoman”…but the encounter is not at all what she had imagined. For A. Chamfleur turns out to be Monsieur Chamfleur—and he and his associates are more than willing to introduce Sofia to a new world of sensual delights….

Read an excerpt

The Gentlewoman’s Ravishment
1 June 10

Prudence Enderby has a healthy sex life with her husband, but that doesn’t mean she can’t have fantasies.  Her favorite fantasy involves being kidnapped by a handsome brigand or pirate, so imagine her shock, when on the way home from her Ladies Sewing Circle, she’s kidnapped!  The masked man who kidnaps her takes her back to his well-appointed home where pretty soon the wanton Prudence is having her secret fantasies fulfilled.

As a fan of erotic romance, I pretty much knew where this was going after reading the summary, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a good story.  The reader does have to be willing to roll with the fantasy element here, and also the fact that Prudence doesn’t do anything to try to escape.  And really, who could blame the girl?  The erotic elements here are extremely well-done, and while Prudence doesn’t need “awakening” – her wanton ways are hard to resist.  Plenty of sizzle and another great ending.

Grade: B

Summary:

“I’d love to be abducted and ravished by some handsome brigand or pirate…”

When the women of the Ladies’ Sewing Circle share their private fantasies, some are shocked by Mrs. Prudence Enderby’s secret desire. But Prudence cannot imagine life without such exotic daydreams—especially since they arouse her husband, too!

Yet Prudence never imagined she would actually be whisked off the street by a mysterious masked man who has his wicked way with her in a carriage. Taking her back to a boudoir appointed for pleasure, he continues to bring every one of her fantasies to life. But nothing could be more surprising than when Prudence finally learns who is behind this gentlewoman’s ravishment…

Read an excerpt

Both of these stories were quick, hot reads.  Once again Da Costa employs first-person narrative, which further reinforces that sometimes the best erotic romance is all about the heroine’s journey.  These are short stories, with short word counts, but the author does a nice job of including historical elements to give these tales a Victorian feel.  Everything from the clothes to the furnishings.  Certainly it’s hard to imagine nice Victorian ladies talking about naughty business at their sewing circle, but then again, maybe not?  I wonder if it’s too late for me to learn needlepoint?

Overall Grade: B

Liviania’s review of Night Moves by Eden Bradley
Erotic novella released by Spice Briefs 1 May 2010

Eden Bradley manages to keep Night Moves from seeming ludicrous, which is always a risk in erotic shorts.  Kate’s fetish for the movement of trains is convincing and seems sexy rather than silly.  I also bought that she would have sex with Ian when he catches her masturbating.  I even bought into the happy ending.  It was the right edge of sweetness to temper the anonymous (though protected) sex.

What kept me from truly finding Night Moves satisfying is Bradley’s reliance on the word ‘beautiful.’  Including the cover, front matter, and end matter, Night Moves is thirty-seven pages long.  Bradley uses beautiful seventeen times.  After five or so I began to get distracted every time I read the word.

Grade: B-

Summary:
Something about trains had always brought out Kate’s wild side. So far it had been her own dirty little secret–until a sexy stranger catches her sneaking into his compartment looking to indulge her fantasy. But instead of throwing her out, Ian is turned on…and he’s ready to give Kate the ride of her life!
No excerpt found.

Liviania’s review of Sin’s Pride by Mandy M. Roth
Paranormal erotic novella released by Spice Briefs 1 July 2010

Sin’s Pride is short, even by Spice Briefs standard.  I enjoyed the story, but twenty-seven pages felt cinchy.  Annora is secretly in love with her best friend Singh, and he with her.  But he’s a lion shifter set to take over the pride and she’s half-human and can’t change form.  Singh decides if he’s going to be in charge then everyone else can deal with his choice of mate.

Maddy M. Roth does a good job of sketching out her world in a small number of pages.  But we see more of Singh talking to his friend Dex than to Annora.  Their two sex scenes are nicely done, but lacked anything to express that Singh and Annora had been friends a long time, like in-jokes.  The exposition took the place of character interaction.

Grade: C+

Summary:
Annora knows a lot about her best friend, Singh–including the fact that he is a lion shapeshifter and has a notoriously wicked way with women. She secretly longs to experience that passion herself, but doesn’t dare risk their friendship.

Then Sin’s usual flirting becomes way more intimate. Suddenly, neither of them can resist their desire–even though according to pride rules, their union is forbidden….
No summary found.

Liviania’s review of Everything Changes (Tempted, Book 2) by Megan Hart
Erotic novella released by Spice Briefs 1 July 2010

This is my second try at a Megan Hart erotic short and I found this one to be far better.  She creates a number of memorable images, starting with the opening, when Alex opens a gift of women’s Hello Kitty pajama pants.  She’s also got the knack of using physical gestures to express emotions and connections.

Bisexual Alex has long been in love with his straight friend Jamie.  Now Jamie is married and wants Alex to sleep with his wife.  It quickly becomes a relationship between Alex and Anne in addition to being a substitute physical relationship for Alex and Jamie.

Unfortunately, Alex is an asshole (self-professed, too).  I’m tempted to read Tempted, since the novel is in Anne’s point of view.  She knows what she wants, more so that Alex and Jamie. They just foul themselves up and don’t really learn their lesson.  I’m tempted by Naked too, since I would like to see Alex reach a point where he can have a real happy ending.

Grade: B+

Summary:
In Tempted, Anne gave in to her passion for both her husband, James, and his friend, Alex. Now it’s time for Alex’s side of the story…

When Jamie tells Alex he wants him to sleep with his wife, Alex thinks it will only lead to trouble. Sure, Alex thinks Anne is hot and they’ve talked about sharing a woman before, but that was a long time ago. Before Jamie knew what Alex really wanted.

Still, Alex can’t resist the pleasure of being with Anne– and with Jamie….
Read an excerpt here.

Other books in this series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Erotique: Alex (Erotique #3) by Susan Lyons
Erotic romance short story ebook released by Spice Briefs 01 March 2010

I know they can be frustrating for a lot of readers, but I love short stories.  Sometimes all I want is a tasty morsel, a quick read to occupy me on my lunch break, and if it’s spicy?  All the better.  This third story in Susan Lyons’ Erotique series for Spice Briefs certainly provides the sizzle, although this morsel wasn’t an entirely satisfying experience.

Alex Blake is an erotic romance writer who has discovered that inspiration has left the building.  She’s completely tapped out.  The words aren’t coming, and her work-in-progress isn’t all that sexy.  Her readers expect sexy.  She suspects it might have something to do with the fact that she’s been celibate for going on a year.  No sexy in Alex’s real life apparently means no sexy in her fiction either.  That’s when she spies the invitation she received from the exclusive sex club, Erotique.  Alex figures, what the heck?  So she fires off an e-mail detailing her fantasy, and who should she find once she arrives on the premises?  None other than unrequited former crush, Lincoln Wolf.  Oooh la la!

One thing I enjoy about the Spice Briefs line is that there really is something for every erotica and erotic romance reader.  This series by Lyons, while certainly hot, are what I consider stories for erotic romance newbies.  Or those readers who like spice, but don’t want to wade through a ton of kink.  Like the previous installments, the author sticks with a monogamous relationship (no multiple partners) and delivers a happy ending.

However, I did have a few quibbles with this particular story that keep me from recommending it enthusiastically.  For one thing, the back-story of how Alex and Lincoln met may squirk out some readers.  Alex was a student teacher (at 22) and Lincoln was a student (at 19).  Certainly, that is not a major age difference, and they did not have a sexual relationship with each other during this time period, but yes, it did give me pause.  Also, I had an issue with how safe sex was handled in this story, especially given that Alex and Lincoln haven’t seen each other in 10 years.  There is trusting and then there is stupid.

On the surface though, this story had it’s moments and it definitely fits a niche within the erotic romance reading community.  If you’re looking for hot, but aren’t ready to completely cross over to the dark side?  Maybe this series is what you’ve been looking for.

Grade: C

You can read reviews for the other stories in this series by following the series tag.

Summary:

The best inspiration for Alex Blake’s erotic novels used to be her forbidden—and unfulfilled—lust for Lincoln Wolf. But years later Lincoln, and her muse, are long gone. To rekindle her imagination, Alex takes up an invitation to visit Erotique, a private sex club that guarantees anonymity…and a chance to act out one of Alex’s most ravishing desires. While Alex expects one fantasy, Erotique has another surprise for her: satisfying her ultimate fantasy of a night of passion with Lincoln himself….

No excerpt found.

Other books in this series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Erotique: Jillian (Erotique #2) by Susan Lyons
Erotic romance short story ebook released by Spice Briefs 1 Feb 10

I was pleasantly surprised by the first story in Susan Lyons’ new erotic short story trilogy for Spice Briefs, so I happily settled in to read book two on my lunch break.  While it wasn’t without charm, sadly it didn’t work nearly as well for me.  Mostly because I found myself unwilling to suspend my disbelief in regards to the heroine’s work place relationships.

Jillian just helped land a big account at work, and she’s ready to unwind.  She’s thinking bubble bath, a naughty novel and a glass a wine.  However her boss, Carrie (the heroine from book one Erotique: Carrie) has another suggestion.  She gives Jillian a guest pass to the exclusive private sex club she belongs to.  Since the club caters to all sorts of fantasies, Jillian figures why not?  Little does she know that her boss has also given a guest pass to their sexy colleague Sandro Rodriguez.  Both Jillian and Sandro are very hot for each other, but she’s been putting on the breaks because of a past disastrous relationship with a former colleague.  Nope, our girl has learned her lesson.  No more mixing business with pleasure.  Sigh, but now here she is with hunky Sandro in a sex club.  Whatever shall she do?

When reading erotic stories, I’m usually pretty good at shutting reality out and going with the fantasy.  However, I just couldn’t do it this time.  Carrie is Jillian’s boss, and unlike a lot of boss/employee relationships in Romance Novel Land, these two aren’t best buddies.  It’s strictly a working relationship, and yet Carrie just blithely hands over a guest pass to a sex club?  Hello?!

Then there’s the fact that Jillian is gun-shy about getting naked with Sandro because of a past relationship with a former coworker.  Yeah, her ex?  Spread it around the office that Jillian was a “sex maniac” because she liked to have a lot of sex.  Ohhhhhkay then.  It’s entirely possible that the men I know in real life are a pack of drooling deviants, but this one strained.  And frankly if he was gossiping about her sexual preferences at work, why exactly did she not sue his ass for sexual harassment?

The erotic elements of this story are nice, steamy and vanilla – sure to please readers who don’t want to wade through a river of kink to get their kicks.  I also suspect it will work a lot better for those readers who can more successfully shut out reality than I apparently can.

Grade: C

Summary:

Jillian had been careful not to combine her personal and professional lives…even if that meant turning down a date with her sexy colleague Sandro Rodriguez. Still, she was in the mood for some fun and couldn’t resist a guest-pass to the private sex club Erotique from her boss, Carrie. Jillian hoped to relieve her cravings with a hot guy who understood how to tease and arouse her—but she never expected that man to be Sandro! And he was determined to show her just how fun mixing business with pleasure could be….

No excerpt found.

Other books in this series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Erotique: Carrie (Erotique Story #1) by Susan Lyons
Erotic romance short story ebook released by Spice Briefs 1 Jan 10

Sometimes an ending can completely ruin an otherwise fine story, and sometimes it’s the ending that totally makes the story.  This first story in Susan Lyons’ Spice Briefs trilogy is an example of the latter.

Carrie looks like your average suburban soccer mom.  However every few weeks she hires a babysitter, gets dressed up in very un-mom-like attire, lets her hair down and hits the private sex club, Erotique.  Erotique is very exclusive and caters to a myriad of fantasies that range from casual flirting to BDSM.  Carrie doesn’t stray too far to the wild side, but she knows tonight she wants passion.  Hot sex, with a hot stranger.  She finds her mystery man, dressed like a riverboat gambler, downing a fine brandy, and he’s more than willing to show her a good time.

To be blunt, this is a fairly conventional story featuring some hot, vanilla sex.  For readers who like the hot stuff, but don’t want to wade through a bunch of kink – this is a good, solid choice.  I’ll admit, the set-up and story weren’t really doing a whole lot for me.  Wow, an exclusive club where people can explore their sexual fantasies?  I’ve only read that a time or two or thousand.  Then I got to the ending.  It’s the ending that truly makes this story, and probably one I should have seen coming, but didn’t.  What could have been a been-there-read-that erotic short, easily forgotten, is instead made memorable by an ending that left me with a smile on my lips.  Good show!

Grade: B

Summary:

Normally Carrie is a very responsible person…but she still likes to walk the line every now and then. That’s when Carrie visits Erotique, a private club where members don costumes and use false names to explore their secret fantasies. For Carrie, it’s a chance for the suburban mom to feel like a sex goddess—especially when a certain masked man is waiting for her….

No excerpt found.

Other books in this series:

Liviania’s review of Lured by Lori Devoti
Paranormal romance released by Nocturne Bites 1 Jan 10

I enjoyed Lori Devoti’s Unbound series and Amazon Ink, so I happily picked up Lured for more of the same.  Unfortunately, it wasn’t more but less.

Annie is attached to her PDA, the stereotypical uptight businesswoman.  She’s recently become a werewolf, but thought she found a medical trial for a cure.  Instead, it was a trap.  Now, why a woman who is attached to her PDA did not research the trial or the address is not explained.  One of the complexities of a short story is the need to develop the characters much quicker.  Character inconsistencies are that much more apparent.

Theo is the alpha werewolf who rescues Annie, and then goes back to put a stop to the men who set the trap for good.  There isn’t much more to him.  I like the idea that he’s stronger with Annie, but it feels like true love happens to fast.  I followed the plot of Lured, but I didn’t believe in it.  Perhaps I would of enjoyed it if it were by an author I had lower expectations of, but as I like Lori Devoti quite a bit, I was disappointed.  She can do better.

Grade: C-

Summary:
Theo Malone was an alpha, not a lone rogue who needed to fight for a female. Still, something about Annie Cartwell called to him. Unclaimed and unaware that she had been turned into a werewolf, she was vulnerable to other wolves…and irresistibly attractive to Theo. His wolf had never reacted so strongly to a woman before–and Annie’s new inner wolf had the same hunger for him. His scent made her feel safe, his touch soothed her…and the thought of Theo awoke fantasies of being claimed by him like she’s never had before.

But while they both longed to fully give in to their desire, Theo and Annie must struggle to control these new feelings. For someone set up Annie as bait, and no wolf was safe until he was caught….

Moon Marked by Linda Thomas-Sundstrom
Paranormal romance released by Nocturne Bites 1 Jan 10

Nikki is a hunter, waiting for some werewolves that got away. Of course, those aren’t her only orders. Jonathon is a hereditary werewolf trying to rescue Nikki, since he knows she’s in over her head. The two are instantly attracted despite their conflicting loyalties, but things become complicated when Nikki is bitten by one of the crime lord’s wolves.

As a standalone, Moon Marked is a little confusing. Linda Thomas-Sundstrom’s world is involved, and it’s hard to figure out the hierarchy of things that go bump in the night in 62 pages when there’s action and romance going on. As an introduction to her Wolf Moons series, it’s fairly effective since I do want to read more about this world. Those who are already reading this series will want to pick up this Bite, since there is some world-building that seems important. (I could be wrong, since I haven’t read the series yet.)

Grade: C+

Summary:
In the secret war between humans and werewolves, Jonathan Baird and Nikki Reese were natural enemies. Born with the genetic gifts needed to join the secret society of hunters, Nikki had been raised to see all Lycans as her enemy…even if hunting them brought on a powerful craving for sexual release.

It was that craving that drew werewolf Jonathan to Nikki. Though he also sought the rogue creatures that threatened the secrecy of his people’s existence, his organization sent him to watch her…but he lusted after her, too. When a hunt goes bad and Nikki is infected with the Lycan virus, Jonathan couldn’t resist coming to her aid, igniting an insatiable desire between them. Will their passion bring together the two rivals, or will old loyalties die hard?

Loch Dragon’s Lady by Christine McKay
Paranormal romance released by Spice Briefs 1 Jan 10

I like Ellen, though she is a bit too stubborn for her own good.  After all, she has a sensible reaction to a handsome man trying to carry her off: stab him.  Unfortunately for her, it doesn’t work since Robert is a dragon.  Christine McKay doesn’t say much about how the setting or creatures work, but she provides enough information that nothing seems jarring.

Robert enjoys being alone, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t sometimes lonely.  It’s nice to see a fairly nice guy meet someone who he can live with.  The Spice Briefs are supposed to be more erotic than the Nocturne Bites, but I believed the happily-ever-after of Loch Dragon’s Lady the most.

Grade: B

Summary:
When Robert Dunyveg finds Ellen Kildonan on his secluded Scottish isle, he thinks she’s just another tourist to spoil his peace. Though outraged by her claim that the island is hers, the dragon shifter can’t resist indulging his long-denied desire with the exotic beauty. But while Ellen has the scent of a human, she tasted of magic–and the only way to unlock the mystery of her true identity is to explore their red-hot passion even more….

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of The Tale of the Dancing Girl (Maeve & Devlin #3) by Grace D’Otare
Historical erotic romance short story ebook released by Spice Briefs 01 Nov 2009

I like to read short stories because it’s a good way to find new authors without investing a lot of time and money.  I hit the jackpot with this latest by Grace D’Otare which is apparently part of a series.  Needless to say, I’m going back and buying the first two stories.

Devlin and Maeve are a married couple driving along a rain-soaked deserted road.  Devlin enjoys it when his wife tells him naughty stories, and this time out he wants a story of a woman who is afraid and a man who helps her overcome her fears.

Delilah is a young widow working as a tutor in the Khan’s palace.  She’s been teaching the girls English, and they’ve been teaching her to dance.  As a favor to a sick girl, Delilah takes her place in a performance for the Khan and some palace guests, only to realize with horror that Colonel Weston is in the audience!  He’s been patiently trying to catch her eye for months, and she’s dismissed him because she has vowed to not fall in love with another soldier.  But after the highly erotic dance, and some personal sensual lessons from one of the girls, will Delilah finally make the leap and fall into the Colonel’s embrace?

This was a highly sensual, erotic story with a satisfying romantic ending.  Delilah is scared, and fearful of moving on with her life, but learning to dance has begun to awaken her own desires.  It takes a push in the right direction to get her to open her eyes, and her heart, to not be afraid anymore.  Weston cuts a dashing figure (in uniform and out) and endears himself to the reader by being totally smitten with Delilah.  Even with the short word count, I bought into their romance completely.

This is a good short story I would highly recommend to both regular erotic romance readers, and those who don’t dip their toes in the genre too often.  There is some girl-on-girl action here, which serves it’s purpose in awakening Delilah from her stupor, preparing her to take a chance on Colonel Weston who has been desperately trying to win her favor.  It’s sensual, erotic, and a romance.  Very well done indeed.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Devlin loves it when Maeve tells him erotic stories. This time, he wants a story about a woman who is afraid—and the man who helps her overcome all her fears….

Delilah took the place of the young dancing girl as a favor…but she didn’t expect Colonel Weston to be among the Khan’s guests! Her provocative movements catch the Colonel’s eye…and awaken her own desire. Can the dance—and a little hands-on tutelage from a fellow dancer—teach Delilah to lose all her inhibitions with Weston once and for all?

No excerpt found.

Other books in this series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of The Birthday Present (The Countess Trilogy #3) by Alison Richardson
Historical erotica short story ebook released by Spice Briefs 01 Nov 2009

What can I say?  Sometimes it’s an intriguing writing style that keeps me coming back for more, even when I logically know that a story shouldn’t work for me in the slightest.  Which is why I decided to finish out the trilogy, and get some closure, for Richardson’s lusty, wicked and snobby heroine, Countess Anna von Esslin.

It’s been two years since the events of An Impolite Seduction and Anna is now living in Munich.  What is truly troublesome is that she’s been celibate this whole time.  Part of this is because Anna has found her tastes have grown more refined with age (not just any willing young buck will do), but also because her rival, that low-born Scot, James McKirnan has been steering any man remotely desirable away from her salon.  So she’s well and truly desperate when her cousin Robert offers her a birthday present.  A mystery lover who will only take her while she is blind-folded and who is so skilled that he soon has Anna panting after him.

Yeah, we all know where this is going right?

Richardson’s writing style continues to deliver most of the goods here.  Where there were a few instances of tell over show (especially in regards to dialogue), readers once again get a delightful first person narration from Anna’s point of view, and several wicked observations that induce some laughs.

The characters continue to be somewhat of an issue – most notably Anna.  While I do not subscribe to the school of thought that the heroine has to be “likeable” – there has to be “something” there for the reader to grasp on to.  While the author wraps up the saga of James and Anna in a neat package by the end, I’m still left with the question of why, as the reader, I should care what happens to either of these two.  James at least has moments where he’s not totally debauched and vile – and while it’s certainly historical accurate, Anna’s snobbery and scheming can wear very thin in short order.

At the end of this third and final story, I find myself continuing to ponder this series.  Richardson can write, of that there is no question.  These stories have been erotic, evocative, delightful, and even amusing.  If the author were to publish a full-length novel, or even more short stories, I would no doubt happily buy and read them.  All the while, praying that the heroine will be someone who truly deserves any positive outcomes that play out over the course of the story.  Frankly, I was never sure that Anna did.

Grade: C+

You can read reviews for all three stories by clicking on the series tag.

Summary:

Countess Anna von Esslin has done something very uncharacteristic: she hasn’t taken a lover in over two years! None of the men in Munich meet her standards…especially her rival, James McKirnan.

Then the Countess is given a surprising birthday presents—a mystery lover who will only see her when she is blindfolded. He fulfills Anna’s every desire…but when the blindfold comes off, will she like what she sees?

No excerpt found

Other books in this series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of An Impolite Seduction (The Countess Trilogy #2) by Alison Richardson
Historical erotica short story ebook released by Spice Briefs 1 Oct 09

I’m not above admitting that even when the characters may not hold a lot of appeal, that good writing will keep me coming back for more.  Such is the case with Alison Richardson’s latest Spice Briefs short story, the second in her Countess Trilogy, and the second story to feature the lusty young widow Countess Anna von Esslin.

It’s been three years since the events The Countess’s Client, and Anna has traveled to the English countryside to help her young cousin Charlotte.  Charlotte, the poor ignorant chit, has gone and gotten engaged to a rather dull and priggish Viscount.  Worse still?  The girl is still a virgin!  Determined to set about properly educating the girl (oh, and to attend the wedding), Anna is expecting a rather tiresome visit.  It gets unexpectedly complicated though when she discovers that James McKirnan is her cousin-in-law’s neighbor.  Having ended their affair three years ago in Paris, amid quite a bit of scandalous whispering, Anna is not very happy to see him.  However James has moved up in the world, and is determined to make Anna his – by whatever means necessary.

The problems I had with the first short story in this trilogy are still evident here.  Anna is still an insufferable snob and for the life of me I can’t figure out what James sees in her, other than she’s a spectacular lay and she’s playing hard to get.  James continues to be an uneasy mix – one moment charming and likeable, the next an intolerable jackass.  I’m still trying to figure out why I should care about what happens to either of these two.

Which probably leaves you, gentle review reader, wondering why the heck I read this story when the continuing characters didn’t gel for me the first time around.  Well, I’ll tell you.  Richardson has a delicious writing style.  Anna is, on one hand, all about societal class structure and her station in it, and on the other hand, deliciously scandalous.  I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at several moments over the course of this story, ranging from Anna’s opinion on why men seem to prize virginal brides so much (two words: performance anxiety) and how she wriggles out of a sticky situation at the end of this tale.

I’m still not willing to shout from the roof-tops and recommend these stories wholeheartedly, but darn if the writing style and Anna’s scandalous lifestyle don’t keep me coming back for more.  It’s like a trashy night-time soap opera set in Victorian times.  No wonder I’m hooked.

Grade: C

Summary:

“There is nothing in the world less appealing than a chaste young man.”

At least that’s the opinion of Countess Anna von Esslin, who is shocked to learn her cousin has gotten engaged without a single taste of passion. But while the Countess arranges her cousin’s seduction, she is also reunited with James McKirnan, a man intent on seducing her. And James is certainly far from chaste…

No excerpt found.

Other books in this series:

Wendy the Super Librarian’s review of The Countess’s Client (The Countess Trilogy #1) by Alison Richardson
Historical erotica short story ebook released by Spice Briefs 1 Sep 09

I’m a complete sucker for historically-set erotic stories.  Which means I do a lot of impulse buying.  This first book in what is being dubbed as “The Countess Trilogy” was the type of story that started out good, got really intriguing, and fell totally flat by the ending.  I’m still not quite sure what to make of it, but I know enough to say it didn’t really work for me. 

Anna von Esslin is the daughter of a Prussian army general, a young widow, a countess, and incredibly horny.  However she’s well aware of the double-standard that women must endure when it comes to sex.  Men can whore around all they want, brag up a storm about it, and no one shuns them.  Oh no.  But if you’re a woman?  You have to be discreet.  Your very existence depends on it.  Which means hooking up with men who will not brag about the interlude (yeah, good luck with that) or men no one will believe if they do spill the beans.

She’s in Paris visiting with her cousin, and is very bored.  But she hits upon an idea.  Her cousin is a regular visitor to a brothel and all the girls there are sick to death of servicing an uncouth, boorish client.  Anna is so desperate, she agrees to take the man on.  Not realizing, of course, that the Scotsman, James, while being of lowly birth, is actually moving around quite freely in some of her social circles.  He thinks she’s a common whore, and she thinks he’s a mere mechanic.  When the truth comes out, it makes for some unpleasant surprises.

While I found the writing style very engaging in this book, and Anna’s attitude towards sex deliciously scandalous, I have a hard time reading about snobs.  Anna, her cousin, pretty much everyone in this story is a snob.  Certainly this is very historically accurate, but even so, it’s hard to give a damn about the main character when she’s such a selfish snobbish bitch.  James worked a lot better for me, but I tend to like guys with dirt under their nails, and I felt sorry for him getting roped in with this woman who ultimately sniffs haughtily at him and acts as if he doesn’t matter in the least.

I was very curious to see how it would all turn out, but the ending takes a bit of a bizarre turn, James takes an “unlikeable” turn and I felt like it didn’t truly end at all.  Nothing is resolved in the least, and I found it all really unsettling.  Also, I can’t seem to find any “clues” as to where this story is going to go.  Since this is a “trilogy,” are Anna and James going to be in the next two stories?  Or is the author going to move on to different characters?  Honestly, with the way the ending is set up, it could go either way.  As it is, the author doesn’t have a web site (Grrrr!), so I’ll have to wait and see in October when the author’s next Spice Briefs, An Impolite Seduction is released.

Grade: D+

Summary:

“The practice of genuine virtue leads to a life of odious boredom.”

So feels widowed young countess Anna von Esslin, who is denied her normal erotic pursuits while staying with relatives in Paris. Without her usual opportunities for pleasure, the countess resorts to visiting a local brothelbut not as a client. To get the satisfaction she craves, the countess must masquerade as one of the girls….

No excerpt found.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Eye Of The Storm by Delilah Devlin
Erotic romance short story ebook released by Spice Briefs 01 August 2009

I’m a bit of a contrary reader.  Sometimes I want angst and gritty realism, other times I want something escapist and sexy.  This latest Spice Briefs short story from Delilah Devlin scratched the last itch.  In order for readers to enjoy it, they really have to be willing to go with pure fantasy.

One year ago Janie went to Jamaica to mend a broken heart.  She got some help from Marcus.  They had a brief, torrid affair, and agreed to have no further contact with each other.  One year later, they would agree to meet back up in Jamaica.  If they both showed, that will be the signal that they should explore a more structured relationship.  However when Janie lands in Jamaica, she not only sees Marcus, but his best friend Cade as well.  Janie isn’t exactly fond of Cade, but when Marcus suggests she ask them both up to her room, she starts looking at both men in a whole new light.

Gauging from various blogs I follow, I know some readers are a bit burnt out on the menage a trois M/M/F aspect that tends to crop up in erotic romance.  This story isn’t likely to change your mind if you’re already burnt out, but if you’re like me and not?  It’s a quick, sexy short story featuring two very different male personalities for the heroine to play with.  Also, if you’re a reader that needs The Condom Moment, this story will also likely not work for you.

The author does include a couple of small instances where she writes a Jamaican accent into the dialogue.  Blessedly she doesn’t do this throughout the whole story, and I suspect these few instances were used to add some “flavor” to the setting.  I’m not much of a fan for written accents (Och! Scottish brogue!) and while I wasn’t wild about the author using it here, at least she didn’t pepper it throughout the whole blessed story.

All in all this was a quick, sexy read with a fun and erotic setting.  It didn’t light my world on fire, and it’s unlikely to move readers burnt out on M/M/F stories, but for the rest of us?  It’s a pleasing way to spend your lunch break.

Grade: B

Summary:

One year ago, Marcus healed Janie’s broken heart with his love. Now she has returned to Jamaica to see if their passion is as strong as before. Then Marcus’s friend Cade shows up, too. Janie never really liked Cade, but when Marcus asks her to take them both to her bedroom, Janie soon learns that the two men know exactly what she needs….

Read an excerpt.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of No Longer Forbidden by Portia Da Costa
Erotic romance short story ebook released by Spice Briefs 01 July 2009

I’m a huge slobbering fangirl for Portia Da Costa’s brand of erotica and erotic romance, and I’ve been enjoying her Risque Reunions for Spice Briefs. That being said, I knew this third story was going to be a tough sell for me, and it turns out my instincts were right. While Da Costa’s pleasing trademark writing in on display here, I suspect the premise will be a stumbling block for some readers.

School wasn’t filled with fond memories for Annie and the only reason she’s come to her 10-year-reunion is because of her former math teacher, Nicholas Laurence. She had a horrible school girl crush on him her senior year, but it was strictly hands off. Nick is still teaching, and has survived a horrific car accident that has left him scarred. Turns out he was just as attracted to Annie. So when they finally get the nerve to speak to each other, their passion and desire for each other quickly bursts into flames.

The author tap-dances around the ickiness of a student/teacher liaison by making Annie 19-years-old when Nick was her teacher. Still?  I found myself squirked out that Annie would teasingly refer to him as “teacher” or “Mr. Laurence” during their encounter.  Also, while the author doesn’t come out and tell the reader how old Nick is, the references to his graying hair had me thinking “dirty old man.”  Certainly men in their 30s (and 20s for that matter) can go gray, but it’s not what immediately leaps into one’s mind.

Ultimately, it was my unwillingness to “let go” of the teacher/student dynamic that kept me from fully enjoying this story. Annie is a nice girl, Nick is equal parts dark, scarred hero and shy, math geek. The first person narration is as engaging as always.  For readers who can roll with the plot premise better than I did?  They’re in for a quick, hot read.

Grade: C+

Summary:
Only one thing drew Annie to her ten-year high school reunion: Nicholas Laurence, her former math teacher. As soon as their eyes meet, she knows their forbidden desire is as strong as ever. Only this time, there are no rules keeping them apart…
Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Afternoon Delight by Kayla Perrin
Erotica short story eBook released by Spice Briefs 1 Jun 09

I’m a big fan of erotica as escapist fun, and Kayla Perrin’s latest Spice Briefs story certainly fits that mold. I’ll be honest, I could nit-pick this plot to death, but I’m not inclined to. I had too much fun reading it to be bothered. [Ed.Gwen: Except holy shite! could the female cover model be any more anorexic?! I think her shoulder could serve as a deadly weapon!"]

Marissa is on vacation in Cancun with her best friend. They’re staying at a perfectly respectable “family friendly” resort, which is starting to bore Dyanne. So she suggests they upgrade to the adults-only Temptation resort. Marissa isn’t so sure, but she’s on vacation to help forget a Mr. I Can’t Commit and Dyanne is hot to trot for a vacation booty call. So they go for it, and Marissa soon learns that the hot guy she’s had her eye on at the family-friendly resort is also taking advantage of the upgrade. Trevor certainly seems just as interested in her, and it’s not long before these two are burning up the sheets.

My first thought upon reading this set-up was that the Temptation resort sounded like a lawsuit waiting to happen. Naked pool parties? Beds outside for couples to lounge around in? It’s very much an atmosphere where just about anything goes. But once I shut off the nagging part of my brain, I was able to roll with it. It also didn’t hurt matters that the sexual encounter between Marissa and Trevor is hot enough to melt steel, and it’s very much about her pleasure. Oh sure, Trevor is getting something out of this deal, but it’s really about pleasing Marissa. I’ll admit it, the feminist in me stood up and gave a little cheer. A snappy, fun, escapist read.

Grade: B

Summary:
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Marissa isn’t exactly sure what she wanted on her trip to Cancun–until she ends up at the adults-only resort Temptation with the sexy man she’s been admiring from afar for days. Trevor is certainly the type of guy to help Marissa forget her troubles back home…and it’s clear he wants her, too.
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In a place where inhibitions are left at the reception desk, it’s time for Marissa to give into temptation and have a vacation she’ll never forget…
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No excerpt found.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Second Time Around by Portia Da Costa
Erotic romance ebook short story released by Spice Briefs 1 Jun 09

A failed marriage, lingering sexual desire, and a high school reunion with an open bar. What should be a recipe for disaster, and countless hours spent with a therapist, is actually the jumping off point in Portia Da Costa’s second short story in her Risque Reunions series for Spice Briefs.

Willa’s surviving the tedium of her school reunion when she spots her ex-husband, James, across the room. James, her school sweetheart, former husband, and a man who looks completely different. New haircut, new clothes and new attitude. Gone is the non-confrontational, easy-going man she fell in love with, and in his place is a drop-dead gorgeous Alpha male crossing the room and dropping naughty suggestions in her ear. Before she has a chance to really think about it, she’s wandering off with James to a secluded room, where she’s more than willing to give up control and let her desires take over.

One of the great joys in Da Costa’s writing are her heroines, who always seem to be so smart, charming and funny that you wish you knew them in real life. Willa is no exception, which is good since she narrates this story entirely in first person. What I especially admired was that she was a grown-up. She still loves her ex-husband, and isn’t afraid to admit that she has made mistakes. It’s not all his fault.

This story is very erotic, and the sexual encounters are fueled by the interplay between dominant and submissive. I’ll admit, I was a little annoyed that in order for their relationship to work that Willa had to be the submissive. That she had to give up control (yeah, yeah, I know submissives have some “control,” but whatever). Certainly she has some spectacular orgasms for her trouble, but given that she herself admits to the reader that she can be a strong personality, her willingness to play the pet annoyed me.

All that said, just when I was trying to decide how annoyed I was going to be by this theme of the story, Da Costa gives the reader the perfect ending. Probably one of the most perfect endings I’ve read in an erotic romance. It sums up everything nicely, and the reader is left with the impression that while James and Willa are both “different” from when they were first married, they still have character traits of their “old selves.” Yes people change, but they don’t change that much. It was a moment that I needed to buy into their happily ever after, but also to know that Willa was not going to lose herself in the course of reclaiming her marriage. She was still who she was. And really, that’s the ultimate theme of any good erotic romance story. A heroine who gets to have her cake and eat it too.

Grade: B-

Summary:
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When Willa spots her ex-husband, James, eying her seductively at their high school reunion, she doesn’t know what to think–or how to control her body’s reaction to him. James has changed from the mild, non-confrontational man she married. Now he’s darker, sexier and eager to be in command. For the first time in their relationship, Willa is helpless before him–and she likes it. It’s time for her to make things right, starting by surrendering to pleasure…and to James’s will.
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Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Ménage On A Train by Alice Gaines
Erotica ebook short story released by Spice Briefs 1 Apr 09

Travel is a popular theme often explored in erotic romance and erotica. Makes me wonder if there’s a travel agency somewhere that specializes in these sorts of getaways: 5 days, 4 nights, and your own personal horny cabana boy! In Alice Gaines’ latest story for Spice Briefs, the heroine finds herself ditching the Mile High Club in favor of a luxury train through eastern Europe.

Cass Weston’s idea of fun isn’t getting off in a cramped airplane bathroom (and seriously, who could blame her?). So she leaves behind her home in California for a train trip through Europe. Better yet? This particular train boasts a ride through a particularly long, dark tunnel, ideal for sexual escapades and trysts. Heck, the train has such a notorious reputation, that those looking for an anonymous hook-up even have a signal.

Cass has found her man, a guy named Tom, and is all set for some fun when his friend, Nigel, shows up. Without a “date” of his own, the two men suggest to Cass that she double her pleasure – and after a split-second of “Did they just ask me what I think they just asked me?” she agrees wholeheartedly.

Enjoyment of this story requires the reader to check reality at the door. If the reader needs that condom moment in the story? Um yeah, just keep on walking. And if you’re looking for a realistic, in-depth analysis of a ménage relationship? Yeah, you’re not going to find it in this short story. This is all about the fantasy, and it fills that role amiably with a couple of sexual encounters that are hot enough to singe off your eyebrows.

Ménage On A Train is ideal for readers looking for a quick, hot, fantasy-fueled read and for those who cannot get enough of the M/M/F dynamic. However, this probably isn’t going to work for readers who need a healthy dollop of reality, and condoms, in their spicy reads.

Grade: B

Summary:
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Cass Weston hated the idea of joining the mile high club. After all, who wanted to grope in a crowded airplane bathroom when you could have the erotic trip of a lifetime on a luxury train through the Eastern European mountains? Especially when the journey boasted a long, dark tunnel that provided the perfect opportunity for sex with a stranger. Make that strangers. The man Cass set her sights on also had a friend without a partner of his own. Lucky for them that Cass is up for a little adventure….
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No excerpt found.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Tonight, My Love by Tracie Sommers
Erotica short story ebook released by Spice Briefs 01 May 2009

I’ve always felt that an author succeeds when they can illicit a strong reaction from the reader. Nobody remembers the ho-hum stories, but they do remember the stories they loved beyond all reason, and the ones that had them tearing their hair out. On that score, Tracie Sommers not only gets the gold star, but probably deserves some sort of erotica writing award. This story turned me on and repulsed me in equal measures. I can honestly say this has never happened to me before. A first, in my ten-plus years of reading erotica.

Andrew and Isabelle are trolling around Whitechapel looking for a whore willing to have a good time. Andrew is letting Isabelle pick, and she chooses a particularly fetching girl. Franny finds herself out on the streets after she’s fired by her former mistress. So she figures she might as well make some money doing what her former master was getting from her for free. She’s hesitant , at first, to go with the fine gentleman and lady, what with Jack The Ripper being on the prowl. However the promise of a bath, some food, and quite a lot of money convinces her take the risk.

What follows is an erotic encounter that damn near set my Sony Reader a-blaze. Certainly the F/F/M pairing in menage a trois stories doesn’t seem quite as popular among romance readers as the M/M/F stories – but Tracie Sommers seems determined to win over some converts. Holy cow!

That being said, it all slides south rather quickly with the ending, which is so repulsive that I’m sorry I read this story on my lunch break. Part of me admires Sommers (a self-described “dark erotic fantasy” writer) for taking such a huge risk, and the other part of me is just plain disgusted. Which makes writing this review extremely hard. In the end though I’m left with the feeling that as brave and massively mind-warping as this story is, that the path the author takes is decidedly “un-sexy.” And that’s pretty much what readers are looking for out of Spice Briefs. Sexy. Fast. Maybe even a little fun. Not a story that will have them wishing that Brain Bleach actually existed and could be picked up at the nearest convenience store.  Oh wait….I think they call it vodka…..

Grade: D-

Summary:
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“Tonight, my love, the choice is yours,” Andrew Campbell tells Isabelle as they ride through the streets of Whitechapel to select a prostitute to join them in bed. Her choice: Franny, a pretty young girl hesitant to go with the genteel couple with Jack the Ripper on the loose.
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Yet the lure of money and food is too strong for Franny. Before long, she is in their bed…with Andrew and Isabelle fulfilling their promise to take Franny to the height of sexual ecstasy.
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But once their pleasure is complete, Andrew and Isabelle have another surprise in store for her….
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No excerpt found.

Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Twice The Pleasure by Portia Da Costa
Erotica short story ebook released by Spice Briefs 1 May 09

What is it about high school reunions that seem to inspire so many different types of stories? Whether it be the heroine who wants a hunky fake fiance’ on her arm to show up the “mean girls” or the heroine who wants to reconnect with the boy who drove her hormones wild as a teenager, high school reunions certainly seem to jump start a writer’s imagination. Portia Da Costa’s latest short story for Spice Briefs definitely falls on the naughty side of the spectrum. A heroine who wants to relive a fantasy interrupted.

Caitlyn is now a successful caterer and only agreed to take the job of supplying the food at her ten year high school reunion because she’s curious about Drew Hartley. Ten years ago, after witnessing a fight between Drew and his friend, Steve, in the gym, Caitlyn almost hooks up with Drew in a secluded equipment closet. Unfortunately for her, and her teenage hormones, Steve interrupts the interlude! She flees the scene, embarrassed, and worse yet – still horny. Even though both young men end up apologizing to her, Caitlyn still can’t help but think what might have been.

Sending her heart (and other body parts) aflutter, Drew does show up at the reunion and corners Caitlyn in the very same equipment closet. But darn it all! Wouldn’t you know? Just as the going starts to get really good, there’s Steve, once again interrupting them. Or is he? Hey, ten years later, maybe good ol’ Steve wants to join in on the fun?

What I enjoy about Da Costa’s stories is that there is a playfulness to them. Her characters never seem to take themselves too seriously, and her heroines are always ready to have a good time. Such is the case here, a fairly conventional menage a trois story that is made memorable by Da Costa’s engaging first person narration style, and a heroine who finds herself taking the blinders off in regards to Drew and Steve. A fast and sexy read.

Grade: B

Summary:
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In high school, Caitlyn once got the chance to make out with her crush Drew Hartley in the gym storeroom…until they were interrupted by Drew’s friend, Steve.
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Now at their ten-year reunion, Caitlyn finds herself sharing another passionate encounter with Drew—with Steve arriving on-scene once again. But this time he’s not going to stop them. He’s there to join in….
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Read an excerpt.