Diamond in the Snow by Diana Hunter

Story: 5
Presentation: 8
Total: 13
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Contemporary Erotic BDSM
To Purchase

Blurb: When a sudden snowstorm unexpectedly gives her the afternoon off from school, all Carolyn Brooks intends is a night at home grading papers. But when her car slides off the road, Paul Anderson—the arrogant but gorgeous head of the English department—rescues her. He takes her to his home, and Carolyn finds herself drawn to this modern knight.


But Paul is sure the petite schoolteacher is too delicate for his particular desires. He’s not the White Knight she imagines…his tastes run much darker.

Publisher’s Note: Originally available in the Diamond Studs anthology.
Review: Not sure that I find the reference to smelly panties sexy, but different strokes and all, right? Not quite sure I buy the, “we-don’t-really-know-each-other-but-I-think-I-am-falling-in-love-with-you, no-wait-I-do-love-you” especially when nothing in the story hints that these two have more than a passing knowledge of each other because they work for the same school district. That and the fact that the hero continues to think he is strange because of his sexual desires and the heroine is always having to assure him it's okay to want to dominate.

I had a hard time relating to the characters and the speed in which the fell into a D/s relationship. While the authors’ ability to craft a vivid tale was wonderful, this story just didn’t work all that much for me. Granted the sexual scenes were hot but I got a little burned out on the exclamation points and him counting to 3 so she could come.

All in all, this just wasn’t a book for me.

Love in the Afternoon by Diana Hunter

Story 4.5
Presentation 8
Total: 12.5
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
BDSM
To Purchase:

Blurb: Naked. Alone. She sits on the floor in quiet meditation, awaiting her lover. He will tie her, dominate her, caress her skin with the stinging thongs of his flogger. She struggles to settle the anticipation that builds with each passing moment. To master the smile that belies her calm façade.

In another room, he prepares the tools of her pleasure. Their pleasure. Though they have done this before, it is new every time. The bindings will chafe her delicate skin. The lash will mark and burn her luscious ass. He will tightly wrap her body in rope, spread her wide and play with her as she hangs helplessly within his control.

Bondage. Passion. And a love that binds more tightly than the strongest cord.

Review: The BDSM aspects of this story are phenomenal. The author gave me a new look into the D/s relationship and also the pain play from bondage and punishment. On those aspects this story is brilliant. However, when it comes to the characters, the plot, the action between these two characters, the story fell apart for me. Perhaps some will find stories with little to no dialog, deeply introspective. I found it a bit boring.