~~Review for The Understudy by Lisabet Sarai~~

Title: The Understudy

Author: Lisabet Sarai

Publisher: Total-E-Bound Publishing

Genre: BDSM/Contemporary

Publication date: April 18, 2011

ISBN: 978-0-85715-523-8

ASIN: B005CQP77I

Length: 59 pages

Book Series and number: N/A

Rating: 4

Heat Rating: Scorching

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

4, Scorching

Is there a future in playing stand-in to a slave?

Sarah Gladstone was thrilled to be offered her first real acting job at the Berks Summer Playhouse. She never expected to be working with theatre legend Geoffrey Hart. The charismatic actor quickly brings her under his spell, not to mention his control, as he initiates her into the dark delights of BDSM. He offers her far more than physical pleasure; they share a level of intimacy and trust beyond anything Sarah could have imagined.

According to the rumours, though, Geoff's heart is taken. Renowned actress Anne Merrill, his long time partner and submissive lover, has severed their relationship and Hart has escaped to the Berkshires to lick his emotional wounds. With her youth, inexperience, and girl-next-door persona, Sarah knows that she can't compete with the glamorous theatre veteran. She fears that she's just a substitute for the real object of Geoff's affections. As he draws her deeper into his intoxicating games of dominance and submission, Sarah wonders if she's willing to settle for the role of understudy in this perverse passion play.

My Review:

Sarah Gladstone is very happy to have been offered a summer job as understudy at Berks Summer Playhouse. What she didn't expect was to be working with theater legend Geoffrey Hart. The actor immediately notices Sarah and quickly has her doing things she never imagined. She's fascinated with Geoffrey's ability to master her and she does everything he asks. But she doesn't know why.

Sarah's friend Adele, tells her there are rumors about Mr. Hart and a well known actress, Anne Merrill have been in a relationship together, that's she's his slave.

When Sarah learns Anne has ended her relationship with Geoffrey, she feels his heart is still with Anne. Sarah fears she is only a stand in while he's at their small town theater, in his heart. Can an inexperienced, young woman make herself more than just a substitute?

First, I'd like to mention that The Understudy appeared in an anthology called Master Me.

I really liked The Understudy by Lisabet Sarai. Once again she created an engaging world for her characters to live. Geoffrey and Sarah have a lot of sexual tension between them that is so thick you can cut it like butter. Geoffrey is self assured, handsome, kind, talented and hurting. I think he is truly fond of Sarah. Sarah is full of energy, confident, and a little mystified that she follows Geoffrey's orders. I like how Ms. Sarai gave Sarah the inquisitiveness to want to know more about BDSM and do a few things she might be uncomfortable with. Great character depth is created in a short amount of time in The Understudy. The storyline has lots of emotion, some action, a few surprises, and a few secondary characters that help the progress of the plot. I would love to read more about Geoffrey and Sarah in another book. This is a great length for a book when you want something steamy to read but don't have a lot of time.

Buy Link:

Amazon: The Understudy

~~Review for Mastering Maya by Lisabet Sarai~~

Title: Mastering Maya

Author: Lisabet Sarai

Publisher: Total-E-Bound Publishing

Genre: BDSM/Contemporary

Publication date: November 19, 2012

ISBN: 978-1-78184-128-0

ASIN: B00A9XEU4U

Length: 43 pages

Book Series and number: N/A

Rating: 4

Heat Rating: Hot

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

4, Hot

Behind the mask of control hides a spirit aching to surrender.

Mistress Maya bears the nickname 'The Ice Queen'. Her precision in administering discipline, her skill in evoking a submissive's devotion, and her unshakable self-control are legendary in the small but active Boston kink community. From the moment newcomer Master Shark sees Maya flogging a sub at Club Inferno, he's obsessed with her beauty and power. He'd determined to break through her defenses and bring her the same release she grants to the lucky slaves she tops. When Maya dismisses Shark as young and inexperienced, he offers her a challenge-a night together, during which he'll show her what it means to be mastered. If he fails to bring her to new heights of sensation, he agrees to become her slave. What begins as a test of wills evolves into something deeper and more intense. As the younger man uses his insight and skill to coax Maya into submission, he comes to understand the wounded spirit hiding behind her mask of control. Can he make Maya trust him enough to surrender? Or will the flawless, untouchable dominatrix take possession of his body as well as his heart?

Mr Review:

Newcomer, Stephen or Master Shark as he's known in the kink world, is fascinated by the beautiful woman flogging her sub at Club Inferno. He's determined to get to know her better.

Mistress Maya had a bad experience when she was younger and has pledged that no man will command her again, ever!

Stephen meets Mistress Maya, or The Ice Queen that's her nickname at the club, and she sees a young and inexperienced and dismisses him. Stephen however is not that easily put off. He challenges Maya, a night together in which he'll show her what true submission is. If he fails, he agrees to be her slave.

What a great read from a new to me author, Lisabet Sarai. Mastering Maya is a short story filled with emotions, character depth. Stephen and Maya are good for each other, he's kind, gentle and understanding. I liked his energy and determination and Ms. Sarai was able to show his confidence without making him seem like a know-it-all. Stephen is a very likable character who I wouldn't mind meeting somewhere.

Maya has built a wall around herself, and doesn't take any pleasure for herself during a scene with a sub. She is always under control. I did like Maya, she just has a tough outer-shell to keep herself protected. Ms. Sarai creates a lot of sexual tension between the two in a short time that makes the pages sizzle. Even though this is a short story, it's very enjoyable and the characters are well written.

Buy Link:

Amazon: Mastering Maya

~~Review for Surrender To Me by Tara Fox Hall~~

Title: Surrender To Me

Author: Tara Fox Hall

Publisher: Melange Books LLC

Genre: Paranormal/Vampire/Romantic Suspense

Publication date: September 23. 2011

ISBN: 978-1-61235-232-9

ASIN: B005TLPVCC

Length: 28 pages

Book Series and number: Prequel to the Promise Me series

Rating: 4

Heat Rating: Spicy

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

4, Spicy

Former aristocrat turned lowly vampire Devlin Dalcon gets by on his supernatural charm, swindling others for money and goods. When Devlin encounters bride-to-be Annabelle—another potential victim—he finds the tables have turned as he falls in love with her.

** I'd like to mention first, that Surrender To Me was written before the Promise Me series was created. The short story is taken from the full length story in Immortal Confessions.

My Review:

Being a vampire isn't all it's cracked up to be. Devlin Dalcon is tired, hungry and angry with himself. He uses humans to bilk them of their money. Devlin is supposed to be making plans for how to steal a dowry shipment, not looking for romance. But instead he falls in love with a woman about to be married.

Following Devlin into the woods, Annabelle doesn't notice she's about to be attacked by a bear. Devlin comes to her rescue just in time, but he's lost a lot of blood and needs to replenish it. He drinks from the bear, and Annabelle finds out that he's a vampire. Thinking she would be repulsed by him, now she is more intrigued and then one thing leads to another, and Devlin is making love to a virgin.

The two decide to run off together, despite the many obstacles in their path. They plan to use her dowry money to live on and are almost on their way when the gypsies arrive. A scuffle ensues and Annabelle is badly hurt. Will Devlin be able to save her?

Surrender To Me by Tara Fox Hall is written from Devlin's point of view which already makes it different. I was quickly drawn in on page one and wanted to keep turning the pages long after there were no more pages to be turned. I wanted to read more and more. Devlin and Annabelle's story is a true love story that is very well written. Devlin was turned into a vampire centuries ago, he still has trouble controlling his rage. The story is short and there is a lot packed into it, emotions, danger, surprises, and a few twists. Devlin is a handsome man, and he uses women to get what he wants, money and sex. His character seemed to change right before my eyes. I didn't get to know Annabelle very well, she seemed to know what she wanted and wasn't afraid to fight for it. I liked the world Ms. Hall created for her characters and I will continue reading The Promise Me series.

Buy Link:

Amazon: Surrender to Me

~~Review for The Viscount's Pleasure House by Suzi Love~~

Title: The Viscount's Pleasure House

Author: Suzi Love

Publisher: Crimson Romance

Genre: Historical Romance

Publication date: October 3, 2012

ISBN: 9781440560477

ASIN: B00G8I7Q5A

Length: 239 pages

Book Series and number: N/A

Rating: 4 1/2

Heat Rating: Scorching

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

4 1/2, Scorching

Lady Chrissie Wellsby and her two country friends research dozens of rogues before selecting the notorious Viscount Hawkesbury, owner of London’s most exclusive and expensive brothel, to educate them in erotic seduction. The ladies abandon respectability and coerce Justin Tremayne into letting them visit The Pleasure House and to teaching them the sensual tricks mistresses and prostitutes use to entertain men.

Though Justin believes three naive ladies will see the debauched romps in his themed rooms, cover their eyes and ears, and run back to their sheltered lives, he underestimates the desperation of abandoned women who imagine a wider knowledge of sex will keep the men in their lives at home, in their own beds. But despite watching several of their friends, men and women, perform raunchy acts at his brothel, the ladies insist on participating in the last of Justin’s infamous Sultan’s galas, held in numerous silk tents and outdoor bathing areas on his estate.

Justin concedes to Chrissie’s demands only to gain information about his long-lost mother and sisters, but the world-weary viscount falls head over heels in love with his emotionally bruised pupil. He yearns for a wife, children, and an uncomplicated wife, but can he convinced Chrissie to take a chance and marry again? Because Justin never wants to leave her bed.

My Review:

It's been four years since he was forced to leave England or suffer the consequences of an angry father, Justin Tremayne learns a lot about the erotic arts and how to satisfy women. And Justin is great at it, he's been servicing women and making tons of money. Now is the time to return home and put that money toward what Justin really wants.

After talking to a great deal of rakes, Lady Chrissie Wellsby decides to contact the Viscount Hawksbury to assist herself and her two best friends Gillian and Anna in learning about what men like in bed. And just to make sure Justin will say yes, Lady

Chrissie tells him she has some information about his mother and sisters.

Not sure he can trust Lady Chrissie to have the information he needs to find his family, Justin hesitates. After seeing his friend Edward, who is Gillian's husband, in a local pub totally wasted, Justin helps his friend sober up and has a heart to heart talk with him. Justin, now armed with a little insight into the whys of the three women, he agrees to take them to his brothel. Hoping that the genteel ladies will run from the brothel at the first room, Justin is taken aback when the ladies insist on continuing their education.

Justin wants nothing more than to find his mother and sisters, and start his own family. There is something about Lady Chrissie that inflames him, and causes him to want to make her his private student...forever.

The Viscount's Pleasure House by Suzi Love is such a delightful read with an unexpected outcome. Ms. Love does a wonderful job making Justin such a tortured hero. It was a nice surprise to find out that he acts the playboy perfectly, but deep down, Justin is a good man. He just has a difficult time showing it because it's not really expected of him. There were times I had to laugh out loud at some of the antics he and his friends engaged in.

Lady Chrissie was also a refreshing heroine, not the average Lady of the ton, but a woman with needs and wants who wasn't afraid to go after it. I liked Lady Chrissie very much, she seemed shy and strong at the same time.

The secondary characters were well written and added emotion and dimension to the book. Gillian and Edward were a fun and exciting part of The Viscount's Pleasure House. Anna was sweet and naive, which made her endearing to the reader.

Ms. Love created a lot of great sexual tension between Justin and Lady Chrissie and Gillian and Edward. I thoroughly enjoyed The Viscount's Pleasure House and would strongly recommend the book to everyone who not only like historical romance, but just a great romance book.

* Since I've reviewed this book, it's now part of a series, Irresistible Aristocrats Book 1 and has a new cover.

Buy Link:

Amazon: The Viscount's Pleasure House (Irresistible Aristocrats Book 1)

~~Review for Dirty As Sin by Leanore Elliott~~

Title: Dirty As Sin

Author: Leanore Elliott

Publisher: Wicked Muse Publishing

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

Publication date: September 6, 2012

ISBN: None

ASIN: B009700KCM

Length: 97 pages

Book Series and number: N/A

Rating: 4

Heat Rating: Scorching

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

4, Scorching

Man Of The Night, Sexy Rex…
His work was every man’s dream and every woman’s fantasy.
His calling was a true religious experience. His field of endeavor is to please women; he loves all sizes, all colors and as long as they’re the age of consent, he will most certainly oblige you. Rex uses his talents to get you off, and his favorite part of the job? To make you scream and cream until the sun comes up.

My Review:

Rex Harris has the best job ever! His job is to please women, all types of women. Sexy Rex is so very talented and good at what he does. Originally, he wanted to be an actor, and he still tries out for parts, but his night time work is where he makes the real money. Rex doesn't consider himself the gigolo others do, in fact, to him a gigolo has only one woman to please. He doesn't have time for a serious relationship, to let his heart rule his head. Rex tried that once, thought he found the woman of his dreams and then one day she was just gone. It was this woman who had propositioned Rex while he was walking down the street. He didn't really think she was serious, but she was and the weeks he had spent with her were the best of his life. Rex tried to get Ava out of his system by screwing as many women as he could. One day a mysterious woman came into his life, one that had bought his night life company, and promised him that terrible things would happen if he didn't do as she said. With little choice, Rex goes along with Mimi and sets sail on a private yacht. Rex is absolutely stunned when he sees the name of the ship, AVA. Rex meets Ava's husband Tino, who is also Mimi's brother and acts like he's never met Ava before. Rex gradually pieces together Mimi's plot to make Ava look bad in front of Tino. Ava is shocked to the core when Mimi brings Rex on board. She doesn't believe that Rex had no knowledge of Mimi's plans, but she can't stay away from him and the two have several nights of passionate love making. Rex knows he needs to get off the ship and get back to his life, and that might be impossible now that he's been with Ava again.

Secrets, secrets and more secrets. Dirty As Sin by Leanore Elliott has more secrets than Carter's has pills. Ava has secrets, Mimi has secrets, Tino has secrets and they are all so delicious. For me, the story started out a little on the slow side, the ratcheted up quickly when the mysterious Mimi came onto the scene.

Ms. Elliott does a fantastic job of pacing the rest of the book, it also has a lot of emotion and a tons of sexual tension that kept me turning to pages. And just when I thought the last secret was divulged, another one pops up to add to the storyline.

Rex is the pretty lucky in that he loves what he does. He still clings to the hope of becoming an actor, and later discovers that each client gives him the ability to be that actor. I liked Rex and really came to root for him as the story on the ship unfolded. When push came to shove, Rex was all about doing what was right even if it meant he might not get his happy ever after.

Ava was a little harder to get to know, and when I did, it was very hard not to sympathize with her situation. Ava was also a strong woman and I admired her for that strength.

Ms. Elliott's characters are larger than life, they just seem to leap from the page and grab your attention. I also enjoy the bits of humor and wit that get thrown into Dirty As Sin. This is such a fun book and I totally enjoyed it.

Buy Link:

Amazon: Dirty As Sin BBW Erotica Curvy Women Erotic Romance (Erotique Content Book 2)

~~Review for Taken for His Own by Tara Fox Hall~~

Title: Taken for His Own

Author: Tara Fox Hall

Publisher: Melange Books LLC

Genre: Paranormal/Vampire/Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Publication date: May 25, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-61235-623-5

ASIN: B00CZ4IGC8

Length: 316 pages

Book Series and number: Promise Me Book Four

Rating: 4 1/2

Heat Rating: Scorching

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

4 1/2, Scorching

After learning Theo is alive, Sar immediately embarks on a mission to find him. Reunited, the lovers return to New York, Danial, Terian and Theo uneasily combining forces to protect Sar from Al’s assassins who still seek her. But when Sar is taken prisoner in an all-out attack, only one man can save her—her old adversary, Devlin.

My Review:

Sar shows her impulsiveness and selfishness in this new book. At least that's what I thought about her. If I were in her situation, I guess I'm not sure I wouldn't do the same thing. She's so convinced of her love for Theo. I was surprised at how quickly they got married.

Danial's reaction wasn't what I expected either. I will say that over the series, his character has grown a little more mellow in some situations, and just as intense in others.

I did like that Terian is given a bigger role to play in this book. I also like that the bad guy image he once had has been changed to a more likable character.

Sometimes I just think Sar has the worst luck ever. There's always something bad happening or just about to happen to her.

Ms. Hall writes a lot of action in this installment of the series. Danger abounds and is never far away. Sar is accosted in the restroom of a restaurant she and Theo are in. The culprit is a complete surprise. Alphonse is still after Sar after her insult. A new threat had made itself known, Theoron's safety is in jeopardy.

Sar gets into more trouble when she is kidnapped by Al's goons. Danial and Theo are away on business and that leaves Devlin to come to her rescue.

I want to give Devlin the benefit of the doubt, but I can't help thinking about his 'vampire justice' scene which would make it doubly difficult to ever trust him. I was totally shocked at what happened with Sarelle and Devlin.

There are things that Sar learns when Theo was held captive in those years he was away. I wanted to cry at all he had to endure. I just want these people to be able to have lots and lots of happiness in their lives.

Taken for His Own is another fast and furious emotional ride that leaves the reader breathless and needing a cold shower after all the smoking hot sex going on in the pages.

Buy Link:

Amazon: Taken For His Own (Promise Me Book 4)

~~Review for Taken in the Night by Tara Fox Hall~~

Title: Taken in the Night

Author: Tara Fox Hall

Publisher: Melange Books, LLC

Genre: Paranormal/Vampire/Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Publication date: January 28, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-61235-544-3

ASIN: B00B97RBGO

Length: 194 pages

Book Series and number: Promise Me Book Three

Rating: 5

Heat Rating: Scorching

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed for For Whom The Books Toll

5, Scorching

When Theo disappears, Sar is left bereft, the uncertain guardian of Theo's newly born werecougar daughter, Elle. As months pass, clues emerge about Theo's disappearance, yet the twisting trail ends repeatedly without answer. In her grief, Sar turns to Danial and hesitantly begins to build a life with him and Elle.

My Review:

Sarelle, Theo and Danial leave for Europe when a woman Theo who was Theo's long ago lover is about to have his child. She has a very rough delivery and soon dies. Danial and Theo are also in Europe for business and when that business turns into something more devious, Theo disappears. Everythingg points to Theo being killed, only Sar won't believe it. Sarelle and Danial and Theo's newborn daughter. Elle leave for home.

Taken in the Night is very compelling, a definite page turner and hard to put down. Once again, there is nothing but action and one situation after another to be dealt with. I was happy when Sar agreed to go back and live with Danial for hers and Elle's safety. I think watching Elle grow brought Danial and Sar closer together.

Sar tells Danial she loves him even though she won't Oath or marry him. She even agrees to try and give him a child. She endures a lot through her pregnancy and I think that shows she is a strong woman. She's lived through a lot of pain since helping Danial. After their son, Theoron is born, Sarelle and Danial learn she is very close to being turned.

Ms. Hall has continued the Promise Me series with another book that is thrilling, scary, full of unknowns, very hot sex scenes and a lot of suspense. I fall in love with Danial more with each book even though his brother Devlin scares me senseless.

I can't say enough good things about this series, I love it and totally surprise with each new book that is released. The last sentence of the book left me with my mouth hanging open! Was so not expecting that. If you ever get a chance, read the Promise Me series by Tara Fox Hall. You won't be sorry you did. It's wonderful.

Buy Links:

Amazon: Taken in the Night (Promise Me Book 3)