Review of Hour of The Lion by Cherise Sinclair

I actually finished this book a while ago, but this is the first time I’ve gotten the chance to actually sit down and write down my thoughts on it. Hope you enjoy the review, ’cause I know you’re gonna love the book!

*dragging feet* As for me, time to get back to work.

Blurb:

As a dedicated covert ops agent, Victoria Morgan follows two rules: accomplish the mission and protect the innocent. When bitten by a werecat—yeah, that was a sucky day—she must investigate beings that shouldn’t exist and are hard as hell to identify. Just how can she tell if a person is human–or an animal-shifter who enjoys Bambi-sized snacks?

During her investigation, she finds a real home and friends for the first time. Sweet, right? But there’s a flip-side: the bad guys are waiting for her to turn into something four-legged with a tail, the shifters suspect her of spying, and she has fallen in love with a pair of Thumper-eating werecougar brothers.

Her duty is to expose their existence. Or she could follow her heart and protect them with all of her deadly skills.

I give Hour of the Lion 5 strong shots…

…and I’m very tempted to throw in the whole bottle. *takes a few chugs while
admiring vodka boy’s goods on review page*

Here you go Ms. Sinclair. Bottoms up!

As a fan of Ms. Sinclair’s writing, I was prepared for a well written, smoking hot story—but then I started reading and all my expectations were smashed to bits.

After the one ménage scene in Cherise Sinclair’s last Shadowlands book, I was cautiously optimistic about reading her take on a polyamory. I tend to be very, very picky when it comes to multipartner relationship because, as far as I’m concerned, it’s still a relationship. A threesome can be a nice little thrill for a couple, but often I find the feelings of the third person are neglected. Or someone gets jealous and of course, that means the fun’s over.

I was very, very happy to see that wasn’t even an issue in this book. The three-way relationship develops at a nice pace, beginning with a good dose of sexual tension which gave way to passion and romance. Fans of erotica—and Cherise Sinclair—may get impatient for the sex, so this is what I suggest:

If you’ve picked up this book to spice up your night, put it down. Find your favourite sex scene from one of the Shadowland books—or maybe one of the Dark Havens. This is not a stroker by any stretch of the imagination.

You back? Okay, give me a minute…<g>

If you really want an idea of what this book is like, think Laurel K. Hamilton (her earlier stuff), Kim Harrison, and Jennifer Armintrout. The heroine, Victoria Morgan, is a kick-ass spy. From the very first page you get an idea of her strength and can’t help but root for her as you’re thrown right into the action. I love nothing more than a story that hits the ground running, so this was a special treat. The first chapter had me holding my breath and scooting up to the edge of my seat—I had to know what was going to happen to this woman. Part of me was sad because…well, I won’t spoil it for you, but let’s just say the lump in my throat dimmed the excitement. Not in a bad way, I was just that into the story.

What follows is constant struggles for the heroine, and the introduction of not one but two sexy, dominant men. Alec and Calum. As always, Sinclair’s men are easy to fall in love with. Alec is a bit more playful and easy-going, while Calum is serious and intense, and their differences make it easy to understand why Vic would fall for them both. But you just know Vic’s secrets are gonna be an issue. While you soak in every wonderful moment, part of you remains tense; hoping for the best, knowing the heroine will lose everything once the truth comes out.

And that’s just the romance part. What really got me was the paranormal elements and the action. Usually, when I read romance, I accept that the actual plot will be overshadowed by the relationship. But this story didn’t lack for anything. Rather than get a morsel of the same old, recycled legends, you’re given a full helping of something fresh. Yes, shifter stories have been done before, but never quite like this.

In the end, all I really want is for a book to make me forget that I’m reading—that’s not too much to ask, is it? Being a writer myself getting my damn inner editor to shut up while I’m trying to enjoy a story is hard. So far, every one of Cherise Sinclair’s books has gagged that inner critic. Hour of the Lion is no different.

This is going up on my shelf—virtual and real (soon as I can get it in print)—of favourites to be read again and again when I need a break from reality. This is a world I could get lost in for a long time—I really hope Ms. Sinclair brings us here again.

To read an excerpt or buy this book, click on the book cover.

I’m No Angel Review of the Sensua Suede Whip

Before I get started, I’ve gotta let you know, everything I’m…experimenting with is purely for research. It’s kinda like method acting, really putting yourself into the scene to come across as more genuine. In all honesty, I’m a vanilla kinda girl. I do not enjoy having clothespins lined up on my flesh, biting at me like so many tiny mouths. Wax being poured over my skin, each drip a hot surprise—Nope, not for me. And being spanked…

Okay, you can stop laughing now. Fine, I’m loving each and every second of research. I am seriously considering going to this kinky event I heard about on Fetlife to see what I’ve been missing. There’s this rope bondage training thingy that takes place every weekend that I’m working up the nerve to go to. And you should see my toy box. Actually, I need a new one. I’m thinking one of those big medieval trunks.

Anyway, if you wanna know more about my toys…well, darlin’s, you’ve got to read my books. Everything I’ve used is mentioned at some point! <eg> For those who have read my books, think sane stuff. And just to throw you off, I mean sane by my standards.

All right, all right, I’m done teasing. Ready for my review of my very first whip?

Here you go:

I give the Sensua Suede Whip 4 Strong Shots

This beauty came packaged in a sleek black box that reminds me of the ones jewellery stores use for necklaces.  The flogger itself—another thing, it’s labelled a whip, but I think it’s a flogger—is small and elegant. Perfect for beginners because there’s nothing scary about it. Whether you’re roleplaying or training a new sub, man or woman, super strong or tiny, this dainty piece will not intimidate anyone. Which could be a problem if that’s your intention, but really, if you’re ready for that level of play, you know how to shop for your sex toys and tools.

One of the things I really loved about the Sensua Suede Whip is the suede. If you don’t like things made of animal skin, you probably won’t understand the appeal, but for me, the second I picked it up I stroked the tails, then brought them up to my nose to savour the rich, leather scent. The handle is nicely balanced, so I imagined that would made for some nice, even strikes.

And here’s where the flogger goes from five stars to four. Other may have a different experience, but I found that no matter how hard you try, the tails striking your flesh does little more than sting. I might not be the most experience person in the world, but I’ve gotten spankings with a hand and a belt. I’d hoped this would up the intensity a little, but it didn’t.

The good thing about the flogger is it makes for a nice, sensual warm up. You can build up anticipation, maybe even switch things up spontaneously to catch your lover off-guard. Don’t get what I mean? Think about it:

Facedown on the bed, she moaned as the flogger swept across her bottom, rising up to meet teasing strokes that seemed endless.

Oh, more! More!

The soft tails trailed between her legs, caressing her damp heat. Deliciously sensual, but…

Smack!

Sharp pain exploded just below her hip. She threw back her head as moisture trickled down her thigh. Endless, lulling pleasure, and now…

Crack!

“Ah!” Tears stung her eyes as fire danced up her other thigh. Again the flogger teased her, but this time, she tensed every time it touched her. Anticipation drew her attention away from everything else, from her worries, from the world. In tune with every sensation–blazing pain, sizzling pleasure, all one and the same—she found herself sobbing, begging as her entire being devolved into a thing of pure need.

Of course, some skill would be required to bring a woman to that point, but practice makes perfect. And sorry, but I don’t consider that cliché in this case. You really must practice. Repeatedly if necessary. Several times a day.

* * * *

PS- I’ve gotten some emails from people unsure about the rules for the Kissing Vote Giveaway. To clear things up, here’s the link to the poll: Vote Here

And here are the links to the excerpts of the participating authors (Note: the ones with * beside them are doing giveaways. All commenters are eligible to win a print copy of their choice of Rosemary Entwined or Deadly Captive. My winner will be chosen at random):

Nichelle Gregory

Christine Ashworth *

Lucy Felthouse *

Cari Silverwood *

Cherise Sinclair

Lauren Fraser

Amber Kell *

JS Wayne

Justine Elyot*

Ali Katz

KD Grace*

Michael Mandrake

The names will be removed from this post on the 17th and the poll will be closed. The winners will be announced on the 19th! Good luck to everyone who participated!

Review of Three Days of Dominance by Cari Silverwood

Blurb:

When a man with mint-green eyes steps from a lake and offers to rescue Danii’s dog in exchange for three days of total obedience, it’s obvious he must be either joking or crazy. She must be the crazy one, though, because somehow, she ends up saying yes.

Being a police officer, she usually knows how to handle the crazies, but when it comes to Heketoro, she’s the one being handled. Each day their lovemaking becomes wilder and Danii discovers exactly how far this man can take her. Though the tattoos drawing themselves on his body make it clear he’s not quite human, to Danii what’s more important is their burgeoning love for each other.

To Heketoro, what’s important is one last ritual of love needed to break an ancient curse that prevents him from returning to his world. But as the time draws near, his enemies return and threaten to destroy him by using his only weakness — Danii.

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: anal play/intercourse, BDSM theme and elements, dubious consent, violence.

I give Three Days of Dominance Four and a half strong shots

This book starts with a dream. I usually hate—I mean, really HATE—books that start that way. The thing is, Ms. Silverwood doesn’t ease you into a fluffy, pretty, dreamworld. She dumps you right in the middle of some damn hot sex and the heroine chooses not to wake up. Not that I blame her! If I had dreams like that, I’d never get out of bed!

Now if the initial dream sex is scorching, can it get any hotter?

Oh, hell yeah.

This isn’t the first book I’ve read by Cari Silverwood, and it definitely won’t be the last. If you’re in the mood for some hot loving, she’s among the best of any erotic author I’ve read. If you, like me, enjoy some story with your tie-me-up-and-give-it-to-me-hard, you won’t be disappointed. The second the soaking fae stud, Heketoro, tricks the heroine, Danii, into submitting to him for three days, you can feel the tension rise. Heketoro isn’t just after Danii to get his rocks off, his motivations are rooted deep and easy to sympathise with.

The reason I’m giving this story 4 ½ shot is simple. Much as I enjoyed this book, Ms. Silverwood has another novel coming soon that I absolutely loved. That book will get 5 shots if not a bottle. Cari Silverwood may be a newly published author, but she’s going places fast. If you can read this book, or any that she writes, without needing to take a break to…indulge yourself…well, you’re a lot stronger than I.

To buy this book, click on the book cover.

Review of Doll, by Nichelle Gregory

 She is only allowed to say, ‘yes’ and ‘please’…

Rena Venoy has finally become a sex doll. For the next forty-eight hours, giving and receiving pleasure is her only purpose, fulfilling sexual fantasies her primary goal.

That’s until she sets her heart on becoming Raiden’s one and only doll. To get her wish, he must bestow the ultimate honour she seeks and claim her as his.

When she breaks a rule, Rena is devastated. Will Raiden choose her after all?

Reader Advisory: This book contains a group lesbian scene, voyeurism, controversial BDSM toys, power play and scenes which some may find offensive.

 

 

I give Doll 4 Strong Shots 

I’m going to start this review with an explanation as to why I gave it four strong shots here, but five stars on Goodreads. To put it simply, I’m not crazy about short stories. I always find them a tease, like going to the bakery and getting a sample of the most divine concoction. The taste of decadence is just enough for you to want more, enough to leave you salivating at just the idea of another bite, but they won’t give you more. Actually, you had the last sample and the baker’s gone on vacation.

The four shots for a short story is me sulking. If Ms. Gregory cooks up a sequel, I give her another shot—hell, I’ll probably give her a bottle. She’s just that good.

From page one, the utter surrender of the main character to her flagrant desires drew me in. You have to admire a woman who, despite some brief moments of uncertainty, decides to go after what she wants. I absolutely loved this line:

This was her gift to herself. She wasn’t backing out now.  

With sexual tension thick enough to smother the unsuspecting, this story explores the sensual side of BDSM, the pleasure of being at another’s mercy, the thrill of being denied until pure need just about tears you apart. Rena Venoy is a naughty little sex doll, but it’s fun watching her antics and I enjoyed seeing her learn her lesson. The toys and tools of the lifestyle are used in a way that’s both sexy and fun, and I really enjoyed the TPE (total power exchange) of the dolls’ role.

Despite the fact that this book was short, the ending was quite satisfying. This book is sweet, sexy fun with a bit of an edge—a perfect read at the end of a hard day, before you curl up to…sleep, that’s it, a nice bedtime story. So long as your prepared for erotic dreams.  ;)

To buy this book, click on the cover.

Review of Comfort Food, by Kitty Thomas

It’s been awhile, but I’ve finally found the time for another review. Compared to this book, Deadly Captive is a sweet romance. Those of you who’ve read Deadly Captive will understand what I mean, but if you enjoyed it, I would definitely recommend Comfort Food. And a therapist. *

DESCRIPTION:

Emily Vargas has been taken captive. As part of his conditioning methods, her captor refuses to speak to her, knowing how much she craves human contact. He’s far too beautiful to be a monster. Combined with his lack of violence toward her, this has her walking a fine line at the edge of sanity. Told in the first person from Emily’s perspective, Comfort Food is a tale of erotic surrender that explores what happens when all expectations of pleasure and pain are turned upside down, as whips become comfort and chicken soup becomes punishment.

DISCLAIMER:
This is not a story about consensual BDSM. This is a story about “actual” slavery. If reading erotica without safewords makes you uncomfortable, this is not the book for you. This is a work of fiction, and the author does not endorse or condone any behavior done to another human being without their consent.

Warning: This book contains BDSM elements, master/slave dynamics, nonconsensual sexual situations, psychological conditioning, and oral and anal play.

I give Comfort Food 4 ½ Strong shots.

From the moment I powered off my ereader at this stories end, the strangest thing stuck in my mind. In reading this book, I had been conditioned, probably not permanently, but it’s there. Just the idea of chicken soup turned my stomach—I actually took it out of a scene I was working on because I couldn’t stand to recall the smell.
Any book that affects me this way occupies a space in my mind for a while. Disturbing, a little twisted, but the artist in me craves extreme reactions from words woven together, and appreciates the skill that goes into the weaving. My own little trigger, one of many Ms. Thomas exploits.

And all this by the end of chapter one.

To be perfectly honest, saying ‘This book is not for everyone’ is a gross understatement. This book is for those people who love a story for all its intricate details, for the power it has to move you. It’s for those people who hear lyrics like ‘I hurt myself today, to see if I still feel’, and understand, whether they’ve experienced that level of numbness or not. Because experiencing it isn’t necessary to understand the pure horror of feeling nothing.

Locked in a room, denied everything but bland sustenance—chicken soup and crackers, uck—the psychological manipulation of Emily is done slowly and carefully. I actually got to the point where I wanted her to give in because I couldn’t take the deprivation anymore. Some may say she didn’t ‘hold out long enough’. Bull. One of the most severe punishments you can give a child is to ignore them, to cut them off from your affection, to refuse to respond to them. They can feel when they’re not reaching you anymore and a normal reaction is for them to scream and cry and tell you anything you want to hear. ‘I’m sorry, mommy. I’ll be good, daddy. Please look at me!’

That people actually believe that we become immune to such punishments as adults amazes me. I think we’re probably more susceptible; we’ve had the illusion of control for years.

This is a book I will definitely reread, probably for the same reason I treat myself to tequila every once in a while. I’ve made myself real sick with the drink, but my inhibitions were gone, and in that moment, I felt free. I could never surrender my life like the heroine in Comfort Food, not in real life. But the author gives me a safe place where I can live out the warped fantasy.

I’ve given Comfort Food 4 ½ strong shots because I would have like the sex to be a little less detached. In part, I understand why it was, but I found myself wanting a bit more of a connection.

I was tempted to take off another half a shot for the ending, but it didn’t feel right. Part of me hated the ending because I’m supposed to, because that’s the strong, modern-day woman way to feel.

In the world of Ms. Thomas, in the sanctuary her hero created, there could be no better Happily Ever After.

To buy this book, click on the cover.

*disclaimer. I have a weird sense of humor, please don’t take anything I say personally.