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Bound With Pearls by Sidney Bristol- a review

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Bound With Pearls by Sidney Bristol-a review

Bound with Pearls

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO

DESCRIPTION-Release Date December 2012

The last thing Christine wants to do is another favor for her sister, but Lucy always gets what she wants. This time it’s Chris playing sub to a demanding Dom. Their relationship begins with a power exchange and progresses to time spent between the sheets. Now emotions are getting complicated and the Dom isn’t just a hunky guy in black.

Daniel’s expectations are turned upside down when he meets Chris. She’s more than a well-trained submissive. She’s a woman with a body he wants to memorize. He’s willing to spend as much time as it takes to learn her, because she might be his match and his muse. He’ll make her come so hard he’s imprinted on every inch, and then he’ll offer her the most precious thing he can, himself.

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

What a HOT, SMEXY SMEXY, WILD read! (*Fanning Myself*)

So before I begin this review I have a secret to reveal! I LOVE me a hot smut filled book. However if you add great characters and a great story then I LOVE LOVE LOVE me a hot smut filled book. This was a LOVE LOVE LOVE! LOL

Bound with Pearls written by Sidney Bristol is all about the formation of a dom/sub relationship and the many (did I mention MANY) emotions that are explored during this formation.

This book is not for the easily offended. There are extreme sexual scenarios that are played out and extreme language used. This is a dirty, gritty and sexy book that exploits many common and not so common (pass the ginger …lol) sides of the dom/sub relationship.

Now that I have armed you a little .. let me “de-arm” you! This story for a BDSM book was FUN and much less intense than many books in the BDSM genre that I have read! While some scenes were intense, there was so much blooming within the forming relationship that it didn’t feel “heavy”! Don’t get me wrong, all emotions were felt but I never went to a dark ugly place. Not sure if that makes sense but it’s the best way I can explain it! LOL

So our submissive’s name is Christine. Christine is an unattached submissive that had adopted the lifestyle many years ago and was well trained by a previous dom. After being begged by her horrible, spoiled brat bitchy sister Lucy, to please fill in as a sub (bitchy sister’s dom lost a poker game and bet the use of his sub to another dom … DUDE REALLY???) on her behalf, Christine agrees to spend one night with the winning poker game dom named Daniel.

Seeing as neither Christine nor Daniel know each other (either by rep or by looks) this makes for a very uncomfortable situation and both are NOT looking forward to this “play session”! Well aren’t they pleasantly surprised when they are clearly not only attracted to each other but they also “fit” together. I had to chuckle when Christine suddenly wanted to take back many of her “limits” and go all the way. I also melted a little when Daniel said NO and refused to take advantage because the .. er… um …. did it just got really hot in here!? LOL

From this one night, these two decide to see each other again and again, and trust builds between them (that’s pretty great considering a dom/sun relationship REQUIRES that)! Tenderness like you can never imagine, and serious boundaries are crossed! Limits are pushed. I found while I was getting angry I was completely smitten as well.

Loved this blurb and it paints the perfect picture.

“Any man could get her off, but she needed him. Their connection, the chemistry wasn’t something easily found.”

This is a shorter book and I hate giving anything away, so I will leave this review at that! I really truly loved this book and I was fulfilled in all aspects that I have learned to expect and appreciate when reading a BDSM story. I believed in this relationship and I was cheering them on throughout their journey to each other!

I have to comment quickly on this books cover! IT’S BEAUTIFUL! You understand why the title was named what it was, and the model is exactly how I pictured Christine. This is BDSM in it’s sexiest! 🙂

As I do for many of my reviews, let me leave you with a yummy blurb of a breakfast tied up…. that made me …er… um…. yup it’s definitely hot in here .. WINK!

“You aren’t in trouble.”

She hurriedly chewed and swallowed. “I’m not?”

He chuckled. “Nope.” One side of his mouth kicked up in a lopsided smile, giving him a boyish look.

“Then, why …” Her voice trailed off as he pressed another bite of pancake to her lips.

“Why did I tie you up?” he filled in for her. “Because I like you tied down and at my mercy.”

Yes Sir Daniel .. SIGH! LOL

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Rachel

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Luca’s Magic Embrace by Kym Grosso-a review

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Luca’s Magic Embrace by Kym Grosso

LUCA’S MAGIC EMBRACE by Kym Grosso

LUCA’S MAGIC EMBRACE is the second storyline (October 2012 release) in Kym Grosso’s slightly erotic Immortals of New Orleans series. Kym brings together an assortment of supernatural powers including vampires, werewolves and witches and writes a sexy, dark and dangerous blend of seduction and magic.

Samantha Irving is a computer wiz and a reluctant witch. With her powers of magic at a virtual negligible level, our heroine takes a long overdue vacation to recover from a recent abduction and introduction into the world of submission and sexual dominance. Refusing to live and train with the coven of witches, Samantha embarks on a journey to recover her memories and discover which path will lead her to her future. But her escort will soon find himself the victim of another attack and Samantha will suffer with the guilt of knowing that he risked his life to bring her to safety.

Luca MacQuairie is a 200 year old vampire who has a dislike for humans yet he found himself oddly attracted to the battered and abused Samantha Irving. Samantha’s safety was a priority knowing that someone was trying to control her life, but Luca’s life is about to take a dramatic turn when he is bound in silver and his life blood is drained. Without any knowledge of what has happened or who attempted to end his life, Luca needs time to recover and then goes on the hunt for the little human witch who has occupied his thoughts.

I never had the chance to read the first book in the series Kade’s Dark Embrace where Luca and Samantha are first introduced. Although Kym explained that I would not be missing any vital information, I realized that Luca’s character has taken a 180 degree turn from the previous storyline which probably would have made for a different feel to the character and story. I liked Luca. He was an amazing alpha vampire who was turned during the war of 1812. He had lost much in his human life and believed he would never find love again. He was cold, without feeling and only lived to support his maker and friend Kade. But all that changed when the spunky little witch entered his life and literally brought him to his knees.

As the story progresses, we discover the reason Samantha has been hunted. Without her memories of the time she was in captivity, she is unable to process or recall any of the events while she was away. Hoping to unlock the mystery, Samantha and Luca venture back to the coven only to realize that Samantha is no longer welcome and something about the others doesn’t feel right. They will soon discover that a powerful and ancient source of magic is the prize in a war between the species, and Luca and Samantha are caught in the middle of this particular battle.

The relationship between Samantha and Luca progresses quite quickly when Luca realizes that not all humans are alike. Samantha will soon discover her powers and once she learns to control and command, she will be a deadly force to be reckoned with. She is the perfect match to Luca’s alpha personality.

There is some BDSM as it pertains to a sex club where Samantha was held prisoner, and she and Luca will experiment together behind closed doors. But the content is minimal and just enough to get the pages a little steamy. The story will open with a sexual encounter between friends that is explained as a necessary evil in the world of the vampire if only because the thrall of the feed induces sexual pleasure.

Overall I enjoyed Luca’s Magical Embrace. Kym writes a storyline filled with passion and love, and there is none of the angst of the push and pulling of personality conflicts that many storylines feel compelled to add. We didn’t have to wait until the end of the book to realize that Samantha and Luca were perfect for each other and neither did they. I hope to read more about this particular couple, because their future together has been gifted and blessed.

ORDER NOW: Amazon

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Kym Grosso

Kade’s Dark Embrace is Kym Grosso’s debut paranormal romance novel. She has also written and published several articles about autism. Kym developed a late interest in writing after her son was diagnosed with autism and started advocating on his behalf. Three years ago, she started her own website, www.AutismInRealLife.com and now blogs and writes articles for PsychologyToday.com.

Kym lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two children and their dog, Ace. Her hobbies include autism advocacy, reading, tennis, zumba and traveling. New Orleans is one of the family’s favorite places to visit with its rich culture and unique cuisine. But the family also loves traveling just about anywhere that has a beach or snow covered mountains.

Kym loves reading mysteries, romances and about all things vampires, werewolves and other supernaturals. She hopes readers enjoy Kade’s Dark Embrace released March 2012. She has completed and released the next book in the series Luca’s Magic Embrace.

LINK to Romance Novel Center WEBSITE

FOLLOW: Twitter / Facebook

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FORBIDDEN (World of the Nightwalkers #1 ) by Jacquelyn Frank

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Forbidden (World of the Nightwalkers #1) by Jacquelyn Frank-a review

FORBIDDEN (World of the Nightwalkers #1) by Jacquelyn Frank

FORBIDDEN is the first novel in Jacquelyn Frank’s new spinoff from the World of the Nightwalkers-The Bodywalkers.  The Menes Bodywalkers are a species of beings from ancient Egypt whose soul or spirit remains in the Ether, waiting to cross over and ‘blend’ with another, and like the Nightwalkers, the Bodywalkers are nocturnal.   The Bodywalkers are at their weakest during the blending while the soul and the host merge into one and the dominant personality comes forward.  For a Bodywalker, this is the only way life will begin anew.  But sometimes, the host remains dominant and that causes a series of problems.  Hoping to find a host for their Queen, the Bodywalker’s select Docia Waverly.

Docia Waverly enjoyed life.  Along with her brother Jackson (SWAT Sergeant) they teased and joked. But Jackson had recently suffered a loss and he is all about his sister’s protection since the death of their parents.  And the morning Docia wakes up in the morgue following a fatal push in the Hudson River, her death is only the beginning.  Following a second attempt on her life, Docia discovers there are others who are targeting her and Jackson is powerless to discover whom. 

The Bodywalkers have been looking for suitable candidates for their King Menes and his Queen Hatshepsut, and when the prophetess Cleo guided them to an American woman in the nexus of New York, they knew the time had come. Ram, as the Queen’s guide and protector must find the new host and take her into protective custody in Sanctuary before the others discover her identity.  Knowing their Queen is now at her most vulnerable, Ram and the warrior Asikri must protect and defend the woman known as Docia from the faction that decimated them all a century before. But Docia’s blending was taking time and her human personality was trying hard to hold on-she was trying to resist. 

Ram and Docia’s relationship began as protector and Queen, but all too soon, their feelings would get caught up in each other, and Ram knew there would be problems when his Queen emerged as the dominant to the host-King Menes was Ram’s best friend, and Ram was falling for the host. But Ram’s host Vincent was also falling for Docia and the stakes were becoming more complicated. With whom had Ram/Vincent fallen in love?

Docia’s easy acceptance of the Bodywalker assimilation was interesting. She had plenty of questions but in her own way she was trying to compare herself to Star Trek and the Borg.  Jacquelyn writes this particular story with many references to modern day media and television. The Bodywalker phenomenon and life-cycle is explained in detail including their ability to seemingly live for thousands of years. Many of the Bodywalker’s are the original rulers of ancient Egypt and in a surprising twist Docia will discover that the war between the ancients and the Templar traitors was directly related to issues of subjugation between Bodywalker and the host.  Even Ram was once a king. But the Templar traitors have problems of their own. And they were willing to go back to war to stop the King and Queen from ascending the throne once again.

There is a secondary storyline as it pertains Jackson Waverly and the precinct psychiatrist Marissa Anderson.  The sexual attraction rolls off both characters until they merge together in a continuous battle of wills. One up-manship never looked so hot. But Jackson’s first concern is the safety and return of his sister, and what he finds is something out of a horror movie. And when he finally finds his sister, it may be too late-for everyone.

Jacquelyn mixes Nightwalkers, Bodywalkers, humans, living gargoyles, dragons, Djynn and humor.  The storyline is fast paced, well written and the character development is smooth as it blends ancient Egyptian rulers with modern day men. Jacquelyn Frank does an amazing job re-writing the myths and legends of Ramses, Cleopatra and other well-known and infamous kings and queens. Another amazing new series from a fantastic author.

For me, the ending was predictable, but then again, I am rarely led astray. So, here’s to two lost souls, finally finding each other, once again.

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

 

 

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THE LEGION OF NOTHING: Rebirth by Jim Zoetewey-a review and giveaway

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THE LEGION OF NOTHING:  Rebirth by Jim Zoetewey- a review

 

The end of summer vacation for North America and our final look at another middle grade/YA novel.

THE LEAGUE OF NOTHING: Rebirth by Jim Zoetewey

THE LEAGUE OF NOTHING is the first storyline in Jim Zoetewey’s series focusing on a league of super hero teens in and around the Grand Lake, Chicago area. As part of the FBI National Hero Program (Super Human Affairs Branch) the original league disbanded in 1983. With the resurgence of evil villains, the new crop of super heroes, are the grandchildren of the original league members. The New Heroes League, as the media has named them, will face off against a group of villains, with connections to former league members, dead villains and political rivals. As the grandchildren and progeny of the original League, each of our Heroes and villains manifests the same power and qualities of their grandparent’s line. From a town where everyone has a connection to a super hero or villain, League of Nothing reads like a comic book story. If you are a fan of the latest super-hero comic book action movies, you may want to take a look.

We are introduced to Nick Klein and his fellow League members and friends who have taken on the persona and identity of their forebearers: Nick is the Rocket (and story narrator) who has inherited the mantle, power, equipment, headquarters and testing lab from his grandfather: Cassie is Captain Commando and one of the few females on the team: Daniel Cohen (aka the Mystic) has inherited telepathic powers. With his ability to read minds, he can also sense the future and change directions during a fight or pursuit: Travis and Haley are children of Nightwolf with the ability to blend in the shadows and shape shift: the speedy Jaclyn: Marcus (the Shift) with a combination of two super hero powers: and Vaughn aka Storm King (descendent of Red Lightning) with the ability to control the weather and electricity. Born without any powers, Vaughn has continued in his grandfather’s footsteps using a power elixir and a power impregnator to gain super power and strength. But Red Lightning was not a hero.

The villains (or anti-heroes) were amassing and their connections led to the possible death of businessman Martin Magnus and a former associate in his office. When Nick recognized an Egyptian hieroglyphic marking similar to the Red Lightning insignia, Nick informed the FBI as to a possible connection between the two. And the FBI found a connection to the power elixir and Magnus. The mayor’s office was somehow involved and little did Nick realize that the mayor was not without some power of his own. The mayor’s accusations and media campaign to smear the heroes was in full swing. And it wasn’t only the New Super Hero League looking to take down the mayor. There were other-older- heroes looking for payback and revenge. The New Super Hero League has made a few enemies and bad press, and the FBI is refusing to back up or offer support. But a call from Magnus proved anything but reassuring to Nick. The mayor would prove to be a worthy opponent, but someone else was pulling the strings. An attack against the young heroes would prove if they worked together as a team, nothing could defeat them except for some negative media propaganda and that would be something that would eventually become the Rocket’s responsibility

There are many other characters, both friendly and villainous that at one point I thought I needed a power point to keep everyone aligned. Mindstryke as Daniel’s father: Man-Machine a villain from the old League days: Nick’s Uncle Larry aka The Rhino and Jason Swan as the Gray Giant: Dark Cloak, Vengeance, Tomahawk, Red Bolt, Future Knight and the Elementals. To be honest there are many more heroes (past and present) to list, but it would take another paragraph or two to list them all.

The author uses many references to current day television and media including late night TV, board games and video gaming phenomenon. With the popularity of many of the current super hero movies, THE LEGION OF NOTHING reminds me of a comic book filled with action and adventure, that my younger brothers would have read into the late hours of the night.

But a couple of complaints: the copious number of costumed heroes and their names. It may be difficult for some younger readers to keep everyone organized, labeled and named without a spreadsheet. And like many premier storylines, there is a vast amount of information and back-story to digest. The final chapter of the book is a flashback to 1953 and the Birth of the Heroes League. Legion of Nothing: Rebirth is an interesting story ala comic-book style including fight scenes, bad guys and super hero moves.

LINK TO ORDER
Amazon Kindle

Copy supplied by publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Jim Zoetewey grew up in Holland, Michigan, near where L Frank Baum wrote The Wizard of Oz and other books in that series. Admittedly, Baum moved away more than sixty years before Jim was even born, but it’s still kind of cool. He’s a web developer, a religion and sociology major, and the author of the superhero series The Legion of Nothing. He’s also not sure why he’s writing this in the third person, but he’s never seen an author bio written in first person and doesn’t want to rock the boat.

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Wait for Me by Elisabeth Naughton – a Review

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Wait for Me by Elisabeth Naughton – a Review

Wait for Me is a Romantic Suspense novel by Elisabeth Naughton.  When I started this book, I expected a quick and fast read, since I am more into these days romance with paranormal or fantasy themes.  I was not expecting something that pretty early on in the story, would pull me totally in,with varying degrees of emotions along the way. 

Wait for Me begins with Kate Alexander trying to calm her nerves from losing her cool, as she is having a CAT scan done. Much to her relief, she completes her test, and as she leaves the clinic, her world turns upside down.  A plane crash is shown on the TV screen with no survivors, and Kate’s husband is on that plane. 

After the funeral, Kate goes through her husband’s papers and discovers things about her life that made no sense.  Kate knows that she woke from a coma, 18 months ago, with permanent memory loss, and did not remember her husband Jake, nor her 4 year old son, Reed.  Relying on her husband to fill in the blanks, Kate got on with her life.  Until now, when she reviews the papers in front of her, Kate begins to suspect that her husband has been lying to her.  The medical records show that what she was told that she was in a 4 day coma, was actually 3 years. She finds a picture of a little girl, and is shocked to see herself in that girl. Kate knows beyond a shadow of doubt, that the young girl in the picture is her daughter.   

Kate is determined to find out the truth, and why did her husband lie to her.  She decides to leave her home, and take her son to San Francisco, where she will embark on her own fact finding mission.  At this point, you are totally pulled into her world, and be prepared for a mix of emotions that will glue you to this wonderful book.

Ryan Harrison, lost his pregnant wife 5 years ago, when she died in a plane crash.  The tragedy devastated him, and it took him years to move on, mainly because of his daughter, Julia, who is now 9 years old.  His love for Julia, was what allowed him to pick up the pieces, but Ryan will never open his heart again. He has no problems getting women, as he is rich, and handsome, but he will never love again.  All he wants to do is take care of Julia, and bury himself into running his pharmaceutical company, of which he is the President.

Ryan’s life also takes an unexpected turn, when he sees Julia talking to a strange woman across from their house. From afar, he is shell-shocked and as he gets closer, he is looking at a woman who looks exactly like his deceased wife, Annie. Kate, tries to explain about her memory loss, is not sure who she really is, and just needs to know about her past.  Ryan, listening to her unbelievable story, is convinced she is his dead wife, but cannot handle his anger, as she does not know him, and probably ever will. He dreamed of her all these years, and now he feels that perhaps she has come back, but he is losing her again.

Kate is determined to find out everything, though she does not want to hurt Ryan and Julia.  But she needs to know if Julia is her daughter, and if she really is Annie Harrison.  Kate needs to know why the man whom proclaimed himself to be her husband, lied to her the last 5 years.

Naughton brings us such wonderful characters in Kate & Ryan, as well as the secondary characters you come to care about…Mitch, who is Annie’s brother, and Ryan’s best friend, he was fun, lots of charisma, not to mention handsome too; Simone, who is Annie’s friend, and Julia, the daughter who cannot handle the possibility that her mother has returned. 

To watch Kate discover she has another husband, and a daughter, and both of them expressing anger at her, even if she is truly the innocent one, is very emotional.  You know Kate is hurting, and you find yourself angry at Ryan and Julia, for the way they are treating her and blaming her.  You are protective of Kate, and at times would have liked to smack Ryan a few times, though you do understand his anguish, but you are torn at his behavior, the way he blamed her for everything, and this part of the book is totally intense.

Eventually, Ryan was finally able to come to terms with his anger, and Kate also begins to feel something for Ryan.  At this point, Ryan is in protective mode, as things begin to become dangerous for them all.  Whatever happened to Kate, has been hidden very well, and now someone is going out of their way to kill off anyone who remembers Kate when she was in the coma.  As they work together..Kate, Ryan, Mitch and Simone to find the truth, your emotions are now turned completely into watching them both fall in love again.  Kate though, holds back a little, in fear that Ryan expects her to be his beloved Annie, whom she is, but now very different.  Ryan, begins to see the differences between Kate and Annie, and at one point during one of their hot steamy sex, he calls her Katie, which was a blend of both of them. Kate recognizes that Ryan has melded her and Annie as one, and she realizes how much she does want to stay with Ryan.

The mystery becomes a major focal point at this time, as the danger increases for all of them.  Julia, who still harbors resentment toward Kate, is forced to spend the afternoon with her, and both end up in a fight for their lives, as the car they were in was tampered with. Also another emotional point, as after this harrowing experience, Julia having been saved by Kate, begins to look at her as her mom again.  Very well done by Naughton.  Then things come to an exciting ending, where lives are on the brink of being lost, and a surprising twist as to who is the killer.  The end is another emotional pull by Naughton, as we watch Katie and Ryan decide on their fate. 

Wait for Me was a wonderful book, very emotional, with a mixed bag of emotions, and I fully recommend you to read this book  The characters are great, as you become part of their lives.  Great story, great writing by Elisabeth Naughton.

Reviewed by Barb

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