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:

Limecello’s review of Sex Drive by Susan Lyons
Contemporary erotic romance released by Aphrodisia 1 Dec 09

I like that Susan Lyon’s stories are unique. Ms. Lyons is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. First of all, she wrote the Awesome Foursome books. Next, that she writes warm, smart, sexy stories, that have substance. Sex Drive never got too heavy or dull, but it wasn’t a brainless piece of fluff. I liked that. Yes, it was a purely entertaining read, but thought provoking if I wanted it to be. I’m really glad I read this book.

I have to admit, that I put off reading this book for a while. I was super excited about it, because, well, hello. New book by Susan Lyons! Then I read everything from the beginning (as I generally do) – and for some unknown reason I convinced myself it was going to be a rehash of Susan Mallery’s Marcelli sisters books. (The first three. Which I enjoyed a lot… But.) Anyway, I was mistaken. Thank goodness – so, anyway. If the book starts out a bit slowly for you… read on. You’ll be happy you did.

Professor Theresa Fallon is your average woman. Aside from being a genius, she’s been burnt by love, has average looks, an rather average family… she’s pretty normal. However, Theresa is also incredibly loyal, willing to drop everything to go help out her baby sister. She also allows herself to let go a little while on “vacation” – and in her short time with Damien, grows a lot. After she loosens up, and allows herself to become more than an academic, Theresa is a lot of fun, and would be a great friend.

Damien Black is a fantastic hero. I can’t think of many books I’ve read where the hero is an author. He’s pretty happy go lucky, but Theresa helps me see how he could essentially change the world. (Or at least some of it.) And more importantly, Damien steps up to the challenge. You have to respect that. He’s also got a very interesting ethnic and cultural background. I really liked that. He’s also comfortable with himself. Damien likes to play a little too hard, and gets himself in a sticky situation, but owns up to it.

There are certain themes and issues she seems to address in most of her stories that make my social justice loving heart happy. Even happier is the fact that Ms. Lyons is subtle about it. She doesn’t beat the reader over the head, preach, or become pedantic. Ms. Lyons wraps it up nicely in the characters, and makes it part of the story.

Yes, there was a time or two it would have gone over the edge – but Theresa is a professor. She’s also super geeky and way involved in academia. It’d be natural for her to spout off and begin lecturing, rather than discuss a topic conversationally. I also thought it was fun to get a “behind the scenes” peek of Damien’s book signing. Having never been to one, or really thought about it from an author’s perspective, it was nice to get it from Damien’s. Also, that scene gave Damien added depth, and allowed Theresa to see him in a different way.

My problem is that I fear Ms. Lyons has set me up for disappointment. What do I mean by that? Well, I might now expect all stories to have rational discussions, where the characters act reasonably and resolve issues rather than throwing tantrums and causing havoc. (Yes, some gentle sarcasm there.)

Sex Drive takes place over the course of a weekend, essentially. But the characters change a lot. Theresa becomes Tezzie with Damien, and it fits. They fall in love hard, and fast, and it’s believable that Theresa is almost an entirely different person with Damien, and that he thinks she’s absolutely stunning and the most beautiful person. I loved reading their relationship develop – so quickly, but also naturally. There are of course uncertainties and some fraught moments, but they work through them.

I cannot wait for the next book(s) in this series, and definitely won’t be making any more assumptions.

Grade: B+

Summary:

When Dr. Theresa Fallon meets a long, lean stranger in business class, she’s suddenly ready for anything. There’s something about Damien Black that makes her want to surrender immediately…Which is why she accepts Damien’s spontaneous offer of a sizzling getaway. All in the name of research, of course. And once the pretty professor slips between the sheets with this hard-bodied man of mystery, she discovers the meaning of the term erotic pleasure…

Read an excerpt here.

Lawson’s review of Sex on the Beach by Susan Lyons
Contemporary Erotic Romance Released by Berkley Heat 5 Jan 10

It’s cold outside. There’s snow on the ground. And my TBR pile is all historicals. I think most of them are set during the winter, or at least the colder months. So I jumped at the chance to read this book, set in Belize, on the beach, and having to do with warmer weather (even if it is set during February, Belize is tropical). Sandy beaches, skimpy clothes and even the cocktail (and the act itself) where the title comes from make for a nice, warm read during the winter months.

Though there are three separate stories in this book, I’m going to keep this a review as a whole, rather than make a distinction between the three stories. They all have the same setting, take place during the same time, and relate because it’s people all at the same wedding wanting a fling in the tropics during winter and end up with a little more.

The three stories revolve around the wedding of Danny and Bella at the Toucan Resort in Ambergris Caye. The first story follows the wedding planner, Sarah McCann and Freeman Lafontaine. Free is trying to save his best friend from making the mistake of marriage and keep living the footloose and fancy free live. Sarah doesn’t like this plan, she sees Danny and Bella as having true, life long love. Sarah and Free are attracted to each other, from the first moment they meet and have a fling in secret. Free keeps trying to stop the wedding and Sarah is working hard to see her clients get their happy week and special day. Though Free does step over the line, majorly, he does redeem himself well.

Perhaps the best part of this first story was the fact that it was about Free’s immature view of how adults behave and Sarah working to show him he was wrong, rather the fact that he’s black and she’s white. The story is sexy and about people, rather than about race. Free would have been better if he wasn’t as immature and single-minded for most of the story, but that was the point of his character and he does get his just desserts in the end.

The second story follows Tamiko Sato and Ricardo Nunez. Tamiko is a fashion model, but because of abuse in her past she’s wary of men. Ric is the resort’s owner and doesn’t like to get involved with guests, but he can’t help being attracted to Tamiko. They both have issues to deal with, one of which being Tamiko is at the wedding as the date of Zane Slade (a famous, but in the closet writer of a James Bond-esque hero) and Ric’s family in Belize. It was a sweet story as Ric helped Tamiko come out of her shell and be a sexy woman. Tamiko also was able to relax and not worry about supporting her family for a week, which she obviously needed.

The story was rather short to deal with the major issues both characters had. It was sexy and both Tamiko and Ric are sweet, sensitive and complex characters, and the length wasn’t enough to make their story seem like it could get the justice it deserved. The last story is different than the first two. Though it takes place over the same time, it’s not as rushed as two strangers are meeting and getting busy before getting to know each other.

The last story is about Bella’s parents, Giovanna and James Moncrieff. They had a sexy and torrid courtship in Italy when they were young, and Giovanna ended up pregnant. With James’ job as a professor, he wasn’t as considerate as he could have been (he really sounded like a selfish jerk) and Giovanna couldn’t see the trouble he was having with his job and supporting his young family and yelled at him alot due to her passionate nature (she did sound like a selfish and immature bitch).

Time has passed and this is the first time they’ve really spent time together in twenty years. The flashbacks to how they fell in love were as fun as seeing these two stubborn, yet very much in love people spar and sizzle across the pages. And the flashbacks are set in sunny and summer time Italy, so the warm weather feeling gets doubled.

All three stories do end with some happiness, though they don’t rush to the alter, which is nice to see. Just people that have a fling and see the possibilities for a future. The shortness of each story did take away from the depth each one probably needed, but the sparks that especially James and Giovanna had made the characters and the setting a fun winter time read.

Grade: B-

Summary:

An exotic wedding turns into an erotic escapade for three unlikely couples who find lust—and maybe even love—on the white sands of Belize. Get ready to get wet!

“War of the Sexes”

When wedding planner Sarah McCann learns that the groom’s best friend, Free Lafontaine, intends to save his pal from the mistake of marriage, it’s an all-out war between the sexes. Turns out, the prize could be much more than either of them expected, and this war just may have two winners.

“Sex With the Proper Stranger”

Model Tamiko Sato comes to the wedding as arm-candy for the groom’s deep-in-the-closet uncle. What’s she to do when resort manager Ric Nuñez proves far too tempting? Ric just might be the man who can help her heal the wounds left by past abuse, and open her heart to love.

“Sexy Exes”

Giovanna Moncrieff and her ex, James, mix as well as Italian olive oil and English tonic water. How embarrassing—and exciting!—to find that their passion for each other still burns hot and heavy. Is it possible to find true love the second time around?

Read an excerpt.

Limecello’s Duckies Do Series reviews of The Awesome Foursome Series by Susan Lyons
Erotic romance published by Aphrodisia Feb 06 – Apr 08

Ever finish a book, where after you bask in the afterglow of the ending, you want to jump up and make everyone you know read it? If you haven’t, or are looking for more, have I got four (yes four) suggestions for you! The books Susan Lyons writes are sexy, smart, and have real humanity. I read each of the Awesome Foursome books in 1-2 sittings, staying up til 4 AM to finish them. (And I did the exact same thing the second, and third+ time around.)

The Awesome Foursome is a group of women who meet through yoga. They bitch about class in the locker room, and decide they’d all rather be eating and hanging out than exercising. Suzanne Brennan is a veterinary student, Jenny Yuen is a journalist, Ann Montgomery is a harried lawyer, and Rina Goldberg is a professional musician. All the men Suz, Jen, Ann, and Rina end up with are equally as diverse and fun. I’m so glad we’re doing the “Duckies Do Series” reviews, because this is the perfect format for the Awesome Foursome.

Champagne Rules (Book 1)
Released 1 Feb 06

Suzanne Brennen, the girl next door, and Jaxon Navarre, over worked litigator, have a host of issues to deal with. Suzanne lives in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Jaxon lives in San Francisco, California. More importantly, they haven’t had any sort of interaction during the past four years, and before that, only one afternoon while they were (separately) vacationing in Crete.

Suzanne and Jax reconnect over the Internet – and end up having lots of steamy cybersex. They agree to meet, resulting in Jaxon going to Vancouver for a visit. The chemistry is instantaneous, but both play it safe. After all, what do they really know about each other? Suzanne and Jax come up with rules – their arrangement is purely physical. No emotional ties, no demands, none of the heavy stuff. They’re just like champagne – if you drink it every day, it gets flat. Thus, the Champagne Rules are born.

The distance forces Suzanne and Jaxon to be creative with their love life, although they don’t have any compatibility issues in the bedroom – or out of it. More visits and conversations lead to another important factor – life goals. The relationship forces introspection on both Suzanne and Jaxon, and in the end, a revision of their rules.

What really impressed me specifically was the fact that Jaxon is Black, and an eminently believable character. Normally, stereotypes come out of the woodwork – where it seems the author wanted to address racism, but didn’t really know how to go about dealing with it, making the issue fall flat. Not so here. Racism is serious, and Ms. Lyons treats it very respectfully, but it never bogs down the book. She weaves different concerns and controversies together artfully, where each one works to support the plot, not distract from it.

Grade: A+

RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW

When Suzanne Brennan met Jaxon Navarre, she ad yet to experience the ultimate in pleasure.. but his tender initiation made her wildest dreams come true. Their brief, passionate affair had nothing at all to do with … forever. Four years later, the same rules apply. Keep it light. Keep it simple. And keep it sexy. Very, very sexy. In Jax’s bed, Suzanne finds that desire goes deeper than she ever imagined and erotic pleasure has a whole new meaning. But when it comes right down to it, she’s ready to break every rule in the book for him…

Read an excerpt here.

Hot in Here (Book 2)
Released 1 Aug 06

Jenny Yuen is a very interesting character for a myriad of reasons. First of all, she’s about 5’, 100 lbs, with long gorgeous black hair – but her personality is about twice her size, and as outrageous as her parents would like her to be demure. Jenny lives at home, because of her family, and has to deal with their demands that she marry a nice Chinese boy, and follow their rules. Jenny finds their involvement chafing, but stays out of love and respect for family. (I got the impression that Jenny is Cantonese, but I could be wrong.)

Scott is a firefighter, and in a way he has the same issues as Jenny. He loves what he does and it’s his dream job. Unfortunately his family doesn’t approve of his career choice. They’re German immigrants and farmers, and they want Scott to carry on the family business. I loved that Scott was serious about Jenny first, and that he was the one that took the first steps into making sure they had a real relationship.

The way Scott and Jenny experience pressure from their loved ones is something that brings them together, although they deal with it in very different ways. Because Jenny knows Scott is not someone her family would approve of, she thinks a relationship would be doomed from the start. However, Jenny can’t deny the off the charts chemistry, and is unwilling to give up their sexy trysts. Taking her cues from Suzanne and Jaxon, Jenny creates a set of rules for herself and Scott. Fantasy rules. Each time they get together, they’ll take turns acting out a fantasy one of them has. Thus, they’re both satisfied, but won’t expect anything beyond mutual, physical satisfaction.

It was nice to see how both characters grew throughout the book, and the crazy sexcapades they get into were also quite enjoyable. Not to mention how they met. And everything in between, with the subtle “public service announcements” and banter between the characters. You have to read this book.
Grade: A

RESCUE ME

Journalist Jenny Yuen lands a very steamy assignment: cover a firefighter calendar competition. Her personal favorite? Mr. February. Also known as Scott Jackman. Also known as hot…

Read all about it: the sexy rookie is the man of Jenny’s dreams – her wildest dreams. She’s up for a wickedly sensual game if they play by their very own set of rules: No taboos. No holding back. No commitment. But the desire they feel is impossible to control… and even harder to resist…

Read an excerpt here.

Touch Me (Book 3)
Released 1 Sep 07

Ann Montgomery and Adonis Stefanikis are as different as black and white. Ann is a career driver lawyer, and feels as plain and straight laced as her name. Adonis, by all accounts easily lives up to his namesake, the male beloved by both Aphrodite and Persephone. Adonis also isn’t concerned with what a “modern man” might cherish. He’s a healer, and a gifted masseur, and is happy to travel the world, following the warm weather. Adonis isn’t concerned with material wealth, and has few possessions, refusing to put down roots.
All of this seems tame, but the story is spiced up with all that tantric sex Adonis practices with Ann. Aside from all the fun there, this angle is legitimate, and works in the story. Adonis’s application of tantric sex fits into his personality perfectly – not only him being laid back and taking things slow, but how and where he learned it. And it’s a major factor in helping Ann slow down. There’s also a minor love triangle of sorts, and I love a little competition in romance.

As usual, the couple has a set of rules – they take turns being in charge. Ann is very goal oriented, and for Adonis, it’s the journey that matters. Applying that rule to their encounters results in a good thing, either way.

Grade: A

SKIN TO SKIN

Rub me down. Love me up. Ann Montgomery can’t get enough of Adonis, her new massage therapist. He’s hot, he’s hard, and his big, warm hands are melting away every one of her inhibitions. Naked on his table, needing all he can give, Ann surrenders to his sensual touch in intimate sessions that have her begging for more…

Slowly, skillfully, Adonis unleashes a wild side of her – and a fierce desire that will never be satisfied in just one night…

Read an excerpt here.

She’s on Top (Book 4)
Released 1 Apr 08

I literally danced around my house when I saw that this book had arrived, and with good cause. Rina Goldberg a gifted musician, a beautiful person inside and out, but has a number of body image issues. Giancarlo Mancini is a music video director, but he met Rina at a music camp in Banff when they were both only seventeen. They reconnect after Rina’s boyfriend (not Giancarlo) proposes to her, which ends up being a very good thing.

I loved following the developments of Rina and Giancarlo’s relationship. The way they learn about each other, and how facets of their personalities are revealed. It was nice to see them dealing with issues, with Rina and Giancarlo truly discussing their reservations. Most novels simply skip past that, or end before such an occurrence.

As usual, there were the Foursome lunches, dinners, and emergency meetings. It was nice to get the updates and cameo appearances by the previous three heroines. I re-read this book most recently, and was squeeing to myself near the end.

Grade: A+

Music is Rina Goldberg’s passion and she can never forget the sensual rhapsody she experienced in the arms of Giancarlo, her first lover. Ten years later, Giancarlo is sexier and more romantic than ever. His masterful fingers still know how to create the most intimate melody and pleasure and he understands every nuance of a woman’s sensuality. And Rina is the only woman he wants. Their passionate encore takes her to a glorious, unforgettable climax… and there’s more where that came from. Much more…

Read an excerpt here.

I loved every one of these books. There’s something that every reader can relate to in each story, and see parts of themselves in Suzanne, Jenny, Ann, and Rina. I think it’s fantastic how Ms. Lyons manages to effortlessly weave important, serious topics together with such sexy dialogue and heat. She doesn’t beat you over the head with her themes, but they do get you thinking. The friendship, the setting, concerns and emotions just leaped off the page and gripped me. I felt that I really got to know the characters and their personalities. The writing is impressive I’m refraining myself from all the gushiness that wants to well up, because this are just a fabulous books. Terrific.

My only complaint about the series is I wish it were longer. I finished each book thinking “I want more” after turning the last page (especially after She’s on Top, when all the characters meet). There’s so much to each story a simple review doesn’t do it justice, there’s a depth and complexity to Ms. Lyon’s writing that few authors achieve with such effortless and engaging prose.

Overall Grade: A+

With her deliciously tempting Awesome Foursome Series, Susan Lyons introduced four friends who broke every single one… and found out just how much fun it is to be bad. And the fun never ends…