Chase's Love by Wendy Smith

Story: 6
Presentation: 6
Total: 12
Publisher: Rebel Ink Press, LLC
Contemporary Erotic Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Rachel wasn't looking for love. As a matter of fact, she'd written off men altogether as the last thing she wanted in her life was another controlling jerk.At least that was the plan until the guy of her dreams walked into her life.

Chase Jamison had just got out of the military and was working toward expanding the business he started with his brother and best friends.He had a goal and he was focused.Never in a million years did Chase expect to find the sexiest woman on earth at his club.

As Chase and Rachel come together and try to find happiness, one question remains. Will Rachel's ex-lover step in and keep the pair from finding true love?

Review: This story was choppy to read. I was easily distracted by the unrealistic dialogue, cookie cutter insta-romance, and the main character’s whiny inner voice. Although the plot touched on the serious topic of domestic violence the sense of urgency didn’t translate from the authors words.

This lack of plot development maybe okay considering that it’s a short erotic novella but the sex scene wasn’t descriptive enough for the erotic tagline. The chemistry between the main characters was nice, and had enough affectionate scenes to make any live studio audience sigh and awww. The supporting characters lack development and often cause more of a deviation from the plot instead of enhancing it.

 Overall the story was okay. The average rating is due to a couple of factors. First, the plot is a bit exaggerated, rushed and unpolished. Second, the dialogue was too melodramatic for any late 20’s something adult to realistically use. I would lend this novella to a friend who was looking for a quick read that contained witty comments sprinkled sparingly throughout, and a lukewarm sex scene. But if my friend failed to return the book, it wouldn’t be missed on my bookshelf.  

Like Magic by Anne Holly

Story: 6
Presentation: 9
Total: 15
Publisher: Rebel Ink Press
Erotic Paranormal Romance
To Purchase

Blurb: Ian Hannigan was having the worst day of his life. A real estate prospect has turned out to be a prank, his car's been stolen and now he’s stranded in the worst neighborhood he can imagine on Halloween night. If he believed in magic, Ian would swear he’s been cursed. Nothing could possibly make this day any worse or better… That is, nothing but Raven, a mysterious occult shop owner who not only claims to be a witch, but insists she's summoned him as the answer to her aching loneliness.

Review: Primal and fast...maybe a bit too fast. Sexual acts begin without so much as a word really between them. I don't know. This one just really didn't strike me. While I found the writing solid and all aspects of plot there, for some reason it just didn't resonate with me.

That aside, I say that perhaps it just wasn't written for me. I do enjoy lite paranormal and I have to say that I know there are folks who would enjoy this one.

Shadows of Panic & Wicked Desire by Cassandre Dayne

Story: 6
Presentation: 8
Total: 14
Publisher: Rebel Ink Press
Erotic
To Purchase

Blurb: Halle Tremont loved kinky sex. When the mysterious phone call came in the middle of a busy morning at her office commanding her to remove her panties, she was shocked, but she removed them. Unfettered by his shameless request, she stood in front of the window allowing her voyeur to see all of her as she engaged in a little play. There was little she wouldn’t do for the mystery man that garnered her attention and allowed her to revel in her kinky side. Her lover, Snake Brennon, wanted her hot and hungry and their wicked affair had thrown them into some interesting positions; making love in the middle of an elevator, at his construction site and in a restaurant bathroom. There was nothing they wouldn’t try. However, Snake knew what she really craved and with the help of her best friend and one very exotic party, set out to fulfill her every fantasy. The first? Being pampered by several hand selected masked male volunteers to pleasure her naked body in the glistening pool while the guests observed. The second? A night of uninhibited passion as she lay bound, gagged and blindfolded. Enlisting the help of the same secret lovers, he was determined to give her the most uninhibited night of her life. The questions remained, who were the stunning men and could she savor the salacious acts or would the final kinky event put an end to their relationship?

Review: The opening scene is spectacularly hot, but the story loses momentum. Or perhaps, it’s the shift in point of view that is a turn off. The story is supposed to be about fulfilling Halle’s fantasies, but yet, Snake’s point of view presents the pool scene so much of the overwhelming sensations Halle must be experiencing are lost. However, the story picks back up when Halle’s point of view dominates once again and the story ends with a bang.