More promising…alien BDSM

May 6, 2013Kassa 2 Comments

The Heracian Affair by Liv Olteano
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

For my second choice I went with a BDSM choice from Dreamspinner. There’s a slight improvement with the cover, which again I didn’t see, but a huge improvement in the writing. DSP is hit or miss but I’m extremely pleased I seem to have hit with this choice. The writing is smooth, engaging, and interesting while there is a considerable amount of hot sex, almost too much. I’m not complaining as this is smutty good fun with some solid writing and decent, if sketchy, world building. As far as sci-fi/erotica offerings go, I quite enjoyed this quick novella and would definitely go back for more from this author. Continue reading →

Review: Fettered

March 27, 2013Kassa 1 Comment

Fettered by Lyn Gala
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was really surprised by Fettered. I didn’t expect anything bad, after all it’s Lyn Gala and I quite like her books, but I was surprised by how good this one was. I think that’s due to the more intense subject matter and how it’s handled. The concept and plot are good and the story isn’t afraid to delve into pretty dark areas. It’s also not afraid to show a kink that may not be for everyone but definitely works between the main characters. The writing is very good, but what really shone here are the characterizations. The various cast members all have shades of interesting gray and it definitely hooked me to want to read more. Continue reading →

Review: Twelve Days

February 18, 2013Kassa Leave a comment

Twelve Days by Isabelle Rowan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the second Rowan book I realized I hadn’t read so eagerly dove into this pseudo sequel. It’s a short novella that offers a glimpse into the characters from A Note in the Margin, which I loved to pieces. It’s nice to see the main characters again although there doesn’t feel like tremendous progress has been made. Instead it’s a holiday themed story that lets readers revisit favorites without really changing anything. The relationship dynamic between all the characters remains largely the same without much deviation. Fans of the novel will likely want to read this to enjoy the couple once more but it’s not a must read. Continue reading →

Review: The Road To Byron

February 12, 2013Kassa Leave a comment

The Road To Byron by Isabelle Rowan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was in the mood for some Isabelle Rowan excellent writing so went cruising to see if I’d missed any books. I found two I hadn’t read so far and this was the first I dove into. I like the story and characters, it’s sweet and thankfully not the classic best friends turned lovers. Instead it focuses on the road to maturity for a young adult. The story feels short and rushed in some places but I also appreciated the shorter length. The story would have been much more intense and darker if it was longer and delved more deeply into the brief issues covered. Instead I like the quick romance and surface treatment of abuse. It’s not a slam dunk of a story but I was entertained and glad I read it. Continue reading →

Review: Passing Shadows

February 4, 2013Kassa 2 Comments

Passing Shadows by M. King
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

2.5 stars, maybe closer to 3 for the good writing.

I admit I didn’t remember really anything from the previous book a couple years ago. I just knew I’d given it (Breaking Faith) 5 stars, which is rare for me so I must have really really loved the first book. So I dove into this hoping I’d be able to follow along without knowing much about the established couple. This worked ok but I really think readers should go back and re-read the first book before tackling this one. The biggest problem I had was that the main couple didn’t work for me, at all. Whereas I had a vague feeling of the couple once being so madly in love and right for each other, I struggled with the sequel thinking they would be better off apart. The boys feel immature, silly, and totally unsuited for each other. I also struggled because the book lacked a real focus. Instead it meanders along showing various events in their lives without a defined purpose or result. I like this author’s writing so that kept me engaged but towards the end I just wanted to be over with it. Continue reading →

Review: Turkey in the Snow

January 2, 2013Kassa 2 Comments

Turkey in the Snow by Amy Lane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Turkey in the Snow is a super sweet holiday story with a touch of angst but mostly just a feel good, easy to read story about 2 men and a child making a ready made family. I found the maturity of the men somewhat startling given their age but it’s not impossible or unrealistic. Add in a very on point four year old and the quick novella is well written in Lane’s style and sure to please her fans. It’s definitely sweeter than Lane typically goes for so be sure you’re in the right mood. Continue reading →

Review: Dex in Blue

November 28, 2012Kassa Leave a comment

Dex in Blue by Amy Lane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I like Amy Lane’s work and Dex in Blue is very much more of the same. I think it’s slightly too similar to previous books though and so I had trouble connecting to the characters. Dex in Blue is a companion piece to Chase in Shadows and the same events happen in both books, although from different perspectives. I think it’s almost better not reading CiS first because the repetitive events and changing characters. However that said, DiB has the same feel but is definitely lighter. There is not the same level of angst and emotional brutality as the first book and there is a pretty big bow tied on everyone at the end – everyone gets babies, jobs, money, houses, love, and security! It’s a bit much no doubt but Lane puts her characters through the emotional ringer so the big splashy happy ending is the payoff. Continue reading →

Review: SuburbaNights

September 24, 2012Kassa Leave a comment

SuburbaNights by Eric Arvin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I quite like Eric Arvin’s over the top parody Jasper Lane series but each one isn’t quite as good as the last. The first book in the series is truly original, unique and laugh out loud funny at every turn. Subsequent books, this one included, feel less original and more of the same. I didn’t laugh out loud once while reading the third book, mostly because I expected and am accustomed to the ridiculous and farcical actions of the various cast. It’s not unexpected or even surprising as parody is the norm here. That said, it’s an amusing and entertaining read even if less focused than previous books. Continue reading →

Review: Gambling Men: The Novel

September 16, 2012Kassa Leave a comment

Gambling Men: The Novel by Amy Lane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I’m a fan of Amy Lane’s work and this is a good example of her writing and I enjoyed it. However, having said that, I think the story is very safe for the author and entirely expected. So much so that while I could appreciate certain technical aspects of the book and writing, overall I found the story repetitive and ho-hum. Part of this could be from my fatigue with my favorite authors, who seem to put out the same book over and over with minor differences, so I’ll try to separate my personal issues from the merits of the writing. For Lane fans I think most will enjoy this but die hard fans will have read this basic story many times over. Continue reading →

Review: A Modest Proposal

July 22, 2012Kassa Leave a comment

A Modest Proposal by Felicitas Ivey
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A Modest Proposal is an easy to read, light erotica tale. It has a touch of D/s, lots of sex and a thin plot mainly as a vehicle to turn pages and have more sex. It’s a fun enough read for something empty but satisfying – if you’re looking for a lot of sex and a little bit of futuristic yaoi world building to round it out. It’s not really that memorable or interesting for me but it’s a decent read and hits the spot for those wanting more erotica than romance. Continue reading →

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