Book Review: Dancer (Terran Times) by Viola Grace

Seduced into becoming host to an ancient goddess, will Del survive the attentions of the god of lust?

Del is taking erotic dance classes at the Companion Centre when she locks eyes with a huge, burly alien with a vivid green gaze. He has come to secure a Companion to act as a permanent host to a goddess, but when he hears Del’s bright laughter, he changes his target from Companion to dancer.

Kurat has been raised as host to two gods. Changes in his body have made it difficult for him to take a casual lover, only a mate will do. With Del’s bright soul welcoming his, he knows the moment he meets her that she will be the one the goddesses will accept.

With the god of lust and the god of war agreeing to his choice, Kurat’s entire being is in agreement. The dancer will be theirs.

First book of the year for me and this one was just alright, I almost put it down from boredom in the first pages but it managed to keep my attention for a fair amount of time. I admit I have not read the first book in the series, and that may have something to do with it. So the first thing I would say that Dancer is not a stand alone at all.

I am personally used to my Sci-fi not having casual references and wording that fit into a modern or earth society and this one did so that set me off it a little bit and just kind of made me lose the feel for it. Other than that the flow was pretty decent and the writing itself was enjoyable enough. As someone who dances I did like the different descriptions of dances and some of the way to explain why Del chose such a broad course load, but we did not stay with that to long once Kurat entered the picture.

Overall this was an okay one for me, not fantastic but not terrible, I think if you have read the first book in the series you will be a bit more attached then I was to the world and what is going on with it.

My Gemstone Rating:

Photobucket

signature1

Book Review: The Seduction of Emily by Rachel Brimble

Release Date: April 8th 2013

Seduction is a wicked game, and no one plays it better than the devilish Will Samson in Rachel Brimble’s captivating new novel. . .

Since girlhood, Emily Darson has accepted that she will marry Nicholas, the son of her father’s trusted business partner. The marriage contract safeguards her family legacy, Emily’s fortune, and everything she values–except her independence. Only when a sinfully handsome scoundrel enters her life does Emily realize quite how much a loveless match will cost her.

Will Samson has advanced from expert pickpocket to confidence trickster of the highest caliber. Now he has come to Bath to exact vengeance on the man who destroyed his mother–the man Emily will soon marry. But from his first glimpse of the enemy’s bewitching, spirited fianc�e, Will’s plan changes.

Amid the ballrooms and salons of elegant society, heated glances explode into scandalous kisses. Revenge is sweet, but surrender will be irresistible. . .

I really wanted to sit back and enjoy this book. The story seemed there and I liked what I had heard about it so far. That said the copy I had was so badly edited I simply could not enjoy the book at all. There were spaces where there should not be spaces, every 5 or 6 words or so there was no space at all, the authors name would show up at various points with a number that made no sense. I know I got an early copy so perhaps the final copy will be better edited. I hope so anyways as for me this was a big disappointment that I could not sit and enjoy the book.

Update 4/3/13: The Author Rachel Brimble contacted me personally via e-mail (which was lovely) to appologize for the formatting issue. It was a not completed copy (which I did mention I figured) and she told me that once it was complete I am being offered a error free version to read. I am excited to be able to read it and I will very happily do a new review once I do.

My Gemstone Rating:

Photobucket

Book Review: The Pleasure Project by Cassie Ryan, Jenna McCormick

Release Date: March 26th 2013

Be transported into a future brimming with sensuality—where those who dare are free to explore every forbidden desire…

The Science Of Pleasure by JAX

Dr. Jenesis Bruehl had high hopes for her research—until a ruthless colleague stole it to experiment on innocent people, creating a new species of super human. Little did Jenesis imagine that years later she’d be working with one of them. And when Kincaid “Kin” Gregory persuades her to use him as her own personal test subject, neither can deny their insatiable attraction.

Project Seduction by Jenna McCormick

Professional pleasure companion Jace Donovan is on the brink of a major promotion. He just has to spend one week aboard the interstellar cruise ship Trist for a bachelorette party. But when he reunites with the one woman he could never forget, he risks his career for a chance to rekindle the wild passion they once shared.

A Pirate’s Pleasure by Cassie Ryan

Space pilot Captain Dare McFadyen never expected to be space jacked by the notorious pirate Red Death, aka Dani McGovern. And Dani never expected he’d knock her out of her boots. Now the sexy intergalactic bandit is pulling Dare into a battle between warring worlds as she kinks up his plans—and his bed…

This was not a bad set of stories although I have to say they were not my favorite set either. The Science of Pleasure was the best novella of the batch that were in this book. The plot flowed well and the characters were well developed. There was a good amount of erotic content without being over the top. The second of the novella’s project seduction I was just confused by and did not like it at all. Maybe someone else would like it better, but totally not me at all. A Pirate’s pleasure had a talking vibrator in it..yes a talking vibrator do I really need to say more?

My Gemstone Rating:

Photobucket

Book Review: Blood Flows Deep in the Empire by N. Isabelle Blanco

Dyletri, God of Fertility, has locked away his powers. No woman is allowed to touch him, not until he can return his long-dead lover back to life. All he has to do is sacrifice one human girl. A girl who unlocks his powers and rips his dormant lust right out of his body. Trapped by his promise, Dyletri has no choice but to watch her die, no matter how much he wants her. Yet the darkness of his calling is spiraling within him, demanding he claim the human as his. If he goes back on his promise, the energy of the Fates will cause untold destruction in the Universe. That doesn’t change how Dyletri’s begun exhibiting symptoms that point to more than just lust. How does he allow Ismini to die when she’s come to own him from the inside out?

Well my very first thought when I started this book was, “Well alright this is interesting” but it was not to long before I was fully engrossed and read it in one sitting. Blood Flows Deep in the Empire takes us into a story of myth and legend with Gods and Goddesses and alternate universes. It is a blend of geek science stuff, myths and of course some very hot sex.

Dyletri and Ismini are gripping characters who both struggle with the past and what is going to become of them in the future. It is not easy to accept emotions that come barreling at you when you think that your destiny is something completely different. There were a few formatting errors in the book but because it was an early copy I think that they will be fixed before the release date and overall they were not bad enough to take away from the overall story of the book. The whole cast of characters was entertaining and I found myself literally laughing out loud as some of the interactions that took place. I look forward to reading about the other stories that have been set up and will take place.

If your an erotic romance reader who loves some paranormal and adventure this is going to be a great read for you. N. Isabelle Blanco has created a very hot and very interesting universe that pulls you in. Blood Flows Deep is not your normal erotica at all, although trust me there is plenty of heat to get you through as well.

My Gemstone Rating:

Photobucket

Book Review: Love’s Portrait by Monica Burns

When Julia Westgard commissions a nude portrait of herself, her rebellious behavior puts her at odds with the Marlborough Set’s most notorious rake, Morgan St. Claire. From the first moment Morgan sees Julia’s portrait, he’s determined to have her. But the woman he meets is a far cry from the image on canvas. What starts out as a simple exercise in seduction quickly evolves into a quest to reveal the true Julia Westgard. With each sensually, erotic encounter, he employs every seductive weapon at his disposal in hopes of making Julia see she really is the woman in Love’s Portrait.

My First thought when I finished Love’s portrait was “well crap”. That was because I said I would not start a new book until after new years once I finished that one and well there is a bit of time left until New years. Pushing that aside..

Love’s Portrait introduces us to Julia and Morgan who are both strong and stubborn personalities. However they both have their pains and things that hold them back from the happiness they could both have. For Julia her now dead Husband Oscar forced her into submission and I do mean forced her into submission. Securing her to their marriage bed and rutting, as well as several other forms of abuse they left her scarred and afraid of the bondage of marriage.

For Morgan he grew up in an unhappy household. His parents did not love one another by the time he came along and they fought constantly. So his Father ignored him until he came of age to take over the family Company and his Mother resented him as he looked more and more like his Father. So all of this made Morgan also swear off marriage. However what happens when the unmovable object meets the unstoppable force?

A very hot and erotic romance novel is what you get. Monica Burns has created a very intense relationship and I fully enjoyed each moment. The erotic scenes were plentiful but not over the top and all of them very well written. I love the give and take of the dominance and submission between Julia and Morgan but also the way that their relationship grows. Both of them without seeking it find solace in one another and healing for the past harms. I love it! This whole wonderful relationship thanks to a painting and a handkerchief.

My Gemstone Rating:

Photobucket

Book Review: Fifty Shades Freed by E.L James


When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey, it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian’s singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed. Now, together, they have more-love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity, or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present. Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, tragedy, malice and fate combine to make Ana’s worst nightmares come true.

Okay, don’t hurt me, I know there are a lot of Christian Grey fans out there, unfortunately I am just not one of them.

This is the third and final installment of the Fifty Shades trilogy, Ana and Christian are now married and are set to live a long and happy life, or are they? With some body out there threatening them and Christian’s own fucked up past, wedded bliss maybe but a dream.

Although I am not the biggest fan of the other books, I did find them strangely addicting and was quite looking forward to Fifty Shades Freed but I am very disappointed. I expected so much more. For me the book went like this:

Ana: I am going out for some milk Christian! See you in 5!
Christian: NO, STAY! MINE! Why are you abandoning me for milk, I KNEW I was unworthy of love. STAY!
Ana: It is not that I am abandoning you for milk, we have just run out, you know I love you *gives soulful look*
Christian: MINE STAY! It is dangerous..*looks away*…What would I do without you? *looks vulnerable*
Ana: My poor Fifty! Oh Mr. Grey, you know I would never leave you…this is about your birth mother isn’t it? She never got you milk.
Christian: It is simply too dangerous you are MINE MINE MINE! Now Mrs Grey come here, I want to use sex to avoid talking about our problems Mrs Grey.
Ana: Oh okay…you know I would never refuse you Mr Grey.

The next morning…

Ana: *looks down at her cereal* I knew I should have gotten some milk.

Rinse and repeat

~~~~~~~

I found the whole thing repeatative, and Ana and Christian continued to irritate me more and more as I read the book, she would do something any normal girl would do; he would go psycho about it; she would cave; they have sex; he gets his way. It drove me nuts.

 

My Gemstone Rating:

Photobucket

Book Review: Fifty Shades Darker by E.L James

Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house. But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven, and demanding Fifty Shades. While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront her anger and envy of the women who came before her and make the most important decision of her life. Erotic, sparkling and suspenseful, Fifty Shades Darker is the irresistibly addictive second part of the Fifty Shades trilogy

The story of the two main characters getting to know each other and the revelation of Christian’s past is absorbing. I enjoyed the banter between Ana and Christian, especially in their emails. Very clever. I also enjoyed the humor and found their interactions and their struggles to learn their boundaries in a new relationship to be very real.

However, the explicit sex ending in Ana’s multiple orgasms every few pages gets old quickly. I realize they are a new couple but the entire book is fight, make-up sex, bonding time, more sex, Ana over-thinking the relationship, another fight, make-up sex…etc. I wasn’t sure whether this was meant to be a romance or porn made for women. I ended up skimming through the sex scenes and that quite literally cut the book in half.

Someone previously mentioned the book’s similarities to Twilight, and I noticed it too. You have a protagonist who is drop-dead gorgeous yet oblivious to the fact even though every man she ever meets wants her. She’s never had any feelings for anyone except this man she meets in a chance encounter and he’s never felt this way about anyone either. Added to this, she doesn’t find herself worthy to be loved by this man and holds back on committing herself to the relationship because she can’t be enough while at the same time opening herself completely on an emotional and physical level.

Ironically, a recurrent theme of the book is how damaged Christian is because of his self-loathing and his inability to believe that he can be loved by anyone, yet Ana has those same doubts about herself and is supposedly his model for “normal” and is the one “bringing him into the light.”

I was interested enough in the characters to want to know what happens to them, but far too often, I found myself pulling away from the story, thinking, “and then they had sex…blah blah blah”

My Gemstone Rating:

Photobucket

 

Book Review: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L James

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

I’ve read a lot of reviews for this book/series. And I’ve come to the conclusion that most folks are either going to *love* the 50 Shades series, or they’re going to loathe it. Having read my fair share of fanfiction, while also getting my degree in English lit, I’ve seen both sides of the writing coin and have to say that this book has the makings of a *great* novel, with a great romantic pair akin to Romeo and his Juliet, and Catherine to her Heathcliff… the *makings*. This was a hastily released book/series. It was as if the author had the first draft leaked and just left it like that. Marks of greatness are there in the fatal flaws of Christian, the supreme innocence of Ana, hints at delicious complexities and satisfying resolution. However, more than just Christian has fatal flaws, sadly.

The amount of repetition is almost embarrassing. And I’m not just talking about the sheer overload of sexual encounters described in this book, of which there are far too many (can there be too many you ask? YES!), but also of the turns of phrase that are beaten into the text until they’re nothing but a bloody pulp. “Fair point well made”, and “don’t bite your lip” come to mind. Trimming these items down so that they aren’t showing up every two or three pages, but often enough to create a rapport between the two main characters, would make this book a 4 or 5 star piece, easily.

And can I simply point out that no woman “comes” as easily nor as often as Anastasia? I think the ease at which she orgasms could be considered a medical *disorder* that should be checked out by a doctor. Make sure that poor girl doesn’t have some sort of very pleasurable cancer or something. It’s embarrassing.

Like I said though, these are hiccups that could have been smoothed out with further revision. Sadly, that was not done, and we have what we have. It’s rough, but for those of us with an imagination, we can see where the book could go, and create satisfying corrections for ourselves to fill in the blanks. And for those without any imagination, well, just enjoy the sex scenes: there’s a lot of them.

My Gemstone Rating:

Photobucket

 

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...