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Falling by D. W. Marchwell
Alice's Sexual Adventure in Wonderland by Ora le Brocq
The Angel of 13th Street by Eden Winters
Falling Down by Selena Kitt
Merkabah Rider: Tales of a High Planes Drifter by Edward M. Erdelac
Damaged by Loribelle Hunt
The One That Stayed by TC Blue
By Any Means by Cheryl Mildenhall
End of the Trail by Jane Elliot
The Point by Victoria Blisse
The Cat in the Cradle by Jay Bell
Pinky Swear by Lynn Lorenz
The Manuscript by Emma Wildes
Land That I Love by William Freedman
Gangster Moll by Karen Lewis
Love, Grant by AKM Miles
Too Good to be True by Penelope Friday
Bid High by Crissy Smith

Title:  Falling
Author:  D.W. Marchwell
Author’s website: http://www.marchwellbooks.ca/
Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press
Release Date:  February 2010
ISBN: 978-1-935192-17-6
Length:  Novel
Format:  Electronic and Print
Genre:  Romance GLBT
Source: R
Sensuality Level: 3.5
Rating: 4.5

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

Heli-logging is a dangerous, tough business that demands strict attention to safety as well as back-breaking labor, and Hank Ballam is one of the highest producers on his team. Not only does Hank work hard, he plays hard as well, and this and his cocky attitude has saddled him with the reputation of being something of a wild man who is more interested in having fun than staying safe. When Hank’s carelessness is the inadvertent cause of an injury, his self-confidence takes a tumble, and he finds himself facing an unpleasant wake-up call.

Scott Alan meets Hank when Scott is called to the hospital to deal with his brother’s injury. He knows that logging is dangerous and doesn’t blame Hank for the accident, and when he sees Hank bear the brunt of the blame from the rest of the crew members, he steps in. Here is a man who needs his support, not his reproach, and soon Scott finds himself carting the man home with him like a lost puppy. Hank isn’t gay like Scott is, but Scott is still willing to give the lonely man his friendship, even though he would like to offer so much more than that.

As the two men spend more and more time together, Hank finds his feelings towards Scott growing into something more profound. He is the one who pushes their friendship over the edge into a more physical relationship. For the first time, he feels what it is like to be completely connected to another person, to love and trust them, and he’ll do whatever it takes to hang on to Scott for the long haul. Now Hank finds himself with a lot to prove and promises to keep: to himself, to his boss, and to his lover.

********

D.W. Marchwell’s novel Falling is a sweet story of love and friendship set in the dangerous and almost alien world of British Columbia heli-logging. In this story, a rough, wild, adrenaline junkie lumberjack works to change his work ethic and earn the trust of his peers while also learning that love isn’t necessarily gender-specific. I found it to be both well-written and emotionally satisfying.

Mr. Marchwell writes a brand of gentle romance that definitely appeals to me. While his characters face danger and possible injury in this story, there is no one who can truly be labeled “antagonist.” While two of Hank's fellow lumberjacks are definitely unpleasant, they are more annoyances than real bad guys. The main characters’ worst enemies are themselves, their perceptions, and perhaps Mother Nature.

The world of heli-logging is a new venue for me, so I found this aspect of Falling to be quite interesting. Mr. Marchwell brings his readers right into the heart of this world, working snippets of information into the narrative without making it feel like a school lesson. His logging scenes bring the beautiful Vancouver Island, British Columbia, setting to life. As I read, I could almost see and smell the trees that the characters are topping and feel the mist that can appear with very little notice. In addition, the dangerous nature of this form of extreme logging lends a subtle tension to the novel, and I spent much of the story wondering if Hank was perhaps going to turn over his new leaf and find the love of his life only fall victim to a mis-wielded chainsaw or a well-aimed widow-maker.

While the setting of Falling is very well done, it is the characters and their interaction that steal the show. Hank is tough on the outside but gooey on the inside. He begins the story all swaggering bravado, but we soon see that this is simply a front that he wears. Inside, he is surprisingly self-conscious, and he has a romantic side that is completely at odds with his big gruff logger persona. Scott is just plain cute, although he would be very upset to hear himself described that way. When we see him through Hank’s eyes, he seems to resemble a floppy-eared big-eyed puppy, and his nickname of “Scrappy” simply underscores that. Scott sees characteristics in Hank that no one else sees, because they are blinded by their perception of Hank as a screw-up.

The interaction between the two main characters is both sweet and playful, and I found myself laughing out loud several times at their quick repartee, especially when they tease each other with threatened pet names. Get them in bed together, however, and they melt the sheets with an almost breathtaking combination of passion and tenderness.

Fans of sweet and sexy romance should definitely put Falling on their “to be read” list. Take my advice: don’t forget your handkerchief when you pick the story up. I’ve learned from experience to keep a tissue or two close by when reading Mr. Marchwell’s books, because he is a pro at involving the emotions of his readers. Nicely done, in my opinion.

--Bobby

Title:  Alice’s Sexual Adventure in Wonderland
Author:  Ora le Brocq
Author’s website: http://www.myspace.com/389870863
Publisher:  eXtasy Books
Release Date:  March 2010
ISBN: 978-1-55487-511-5
Length:  Novella
Format:  Electronic
Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk, Satire
Source: R
Sensuality Level: 4.5
Rating: 4.25

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

There once was a girl named Alice, who fell down a rabbit hole into a Wonderland, where she chased a white rabbit, drank tea with a madman, and met the Queen of Hearts. Wait; back up a moment; we've got the wrong Alice. This is the story of a prim young Victorian miss by the name of Alice Totti, ever dutiful to her parents in her bearing yet rebellious in her heart, who is shoved down a rabbit hole by an insane mechanical centipede. Alice enters Wonderland, all right, but what she finds is not the wacky, illogical, and fun world of her like-named predecessor but a land under siege and threatened by logic, rules, and technology. The Queen of Hearts, under the evil influence of the Bush of Light, has gathered an army in an attempt to seize power. She is opposed by the Red Queen, who seeks to restore Wonderland to its former glorious mayhem.

As Alice joins forces with the Mad Hatter, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, and the Red Queen to fight against oppression, she also begins an erotic journey that leads her to uncover a side of herself that she never knew existed. Assisted by her new friends, she discovers her own insatiable sexual hunger and curiosity. She knows that if she comes out of this strange conflict alive, she will return home a changed woman. And she will never again be held by the rigid conventions of her world.

********

If I had to boil down my experience reading Ora le Brocq’s Alice’s Sexual Adventure in Wonderland to one phrase, it would be this: just plain naughty, tongue-in-cheek fun. This story puts the word “romp” to shame, folks. Alice might start off a virginal miss, but she is an eager and avid student of the sexual arts, and by the time this story is complete, she could put the porn princesses of the world to shame. Men, women, or chess pieces, she is not picky about her partners, except she does draw the line at servicing maniacal mechanical centipedes. Thank goodness.

I had a terrible time assigning a rating to this story, because there were aspects of Alice that simply delighted me and others that did not. So, what did not? The sheer quantity of sex was a bit too much for me, but I really can’t complain about it because this novella is up front about being a sexual adventure. If you plan to read this book, you simply have to expect boffing and blowjobs galore and, well, gallons and gallons of bodily fluids. But what might be considered “smutty” otherwise is tempered in this story with a lavish application of wit and humor.

Perhaps the above-mentioned sexual excess has turned you off. I certainly hope not, because the positives in Alice far exceed the negatives. I’ve already mentioned the humor that captivated me. Along with that is the tone of the story. Ms. le Brocq has captured the essence of Lewis Carroll’s style in Alice’s Sexual Adventure in Wonderland. I’m going to admit that it has been a while since I read the original novels, but the voice and the cadence of this novella made me feel as if I were reading Through the Looking Glass all over again. Until this Alice loses her knickers, that is. I found this, along with Ms. le Brocq’s obvious facility with language, to be utterly delightful.

Alice’s Sexual Adventure in Wonderland is populated with many of the same wacky characters as the original novel; however, in this story they are different enough to make readers feel that they are meeting the players all over again. The Mad Hatter is human, the White Rabbit has a clockwork heart, and the Tweedle Twins have lost their fat and are buff and beautiful. And Lewis Carroll’s original Alice has come and gone and is an unpleasant memory for the evil and foolish Queen of Hearts.

Ms. le Brocq has added a fascinating steampunk element to this novella that gives it an original flavor. Calculating machines mix with laser beams, the chessmen and the centipede incorporate robotics, and the playing card characters stay alive due to a series of jars and tubes and cracking electricity. The total effect is unearthly, slightly anachronistic, and a whole lot of fun.

Overall, I found Alice’s Sexual Adventure in Wonderland to be a most singular reading experience. It made me grin and entertained the stuffing out of me. And if the sex was just a little too much? Well, a little smut makes the world go ‘round, right?

--Bobby

Title:  The Angel of 13^th Street
Author:  Eden Winters
Author’s website: http://edenwinters.livejournal.com/
Publisher:  Torquere Press Publishers
Release Date:  May 2010
ISBN: 978-1-60370-981-1
Length:  Novel
Format:  Electronic
Genre:  Romance GLBT
Source: P
Sensuality Level: 3
Rating: 4.5

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

Noah Everett operates a Bar and Grill on Thirteenth Street, but he wasn’t always a respectable small business owner. Ten years ago, he was a homeless street hustler, selling his body and risking his life on a daily basis. It took a nasty attack by a customer and the help of a caring stranger to turn his life around and give him a purpose, and now Noah has a mission of his own: to reform young prostitutes and set them on the path to a new life. Over the last ten years, he has helped over fifty young men reclaim their lives.

When Jeremy Kincaid turned eighteen, he was ejected from his foster home. Now he lives on the streets as he finishes school and tries desperately to stay warm, keep food in his stomach, and avoid the clutches of a ruthless pimp who has his men pursuing him nonstop. Noah offers Jeremy food, shelter, and the promise of safety, and Jeremy quickly develops a severe case of hero worship for this man locals call “The Angel.”

Noah would never dream of never touching the young men he helps no matter how hard they come on to him, but when Jeremy comes into his life, he finds himself tempted for the very first time. Ensuring Jeremy’s safety means striking a deal with the pimp who is chasing him, Willie Carnell, Noah’s former best friend and lover. Now not only must he fight his growing feelings for the younger man, Noah also must revisit the heartache and betrayal of his old flame, a man he never truly stopped loving.

********

Eden Winters’ novel The Angel of 13^th Street mixes the characteristics of romance and thriller into an intriguing story about letting go of past mistakes and embracing new beginnings. I enjoyed this story and found that its blend of danger, drama, romance, and suspense held my interest from the very beginning.

Ms. Winters does an admirable job of keeping the tension tight so that we never lose interest in the plot. Much of this story reads like a thriller as the characters struggle against an ever present element of danger while still trying to come to terms with their emotional entanglements. The conflict comes to a head when street politics dissolve into “dog eat dog” violence that, along with its aftermath, threatens to tear lives apart. 

The characters in this story are a well-developed and interesting mix. Noah is something of a white knight and is almost too good to be true, but he is also has an inferiority complex due to his lack of school and is conflicted about his feelings towards both Jeremy and Billy. While Billy is essentially an antagonist, I found myself vacillating in my response to him. Although he has a number of nasty characteristics, he has just enough “grey area” to make me believe that he is not beyond redemption. Or at least hope not. Of the three main characters, Jeremy is perhaps the least interesting; however, he is pretty irresistible as the damsel in distress. It is hard to determine whether his feelings for Noah are hero worship or an adult kind of love, because he is at that point in his life that makes him a blend of both adult and child.

Although The Angel of 13^th Street is at heart a romance, there is enough of a love triangle involved to make the romantic outcome uncertain. I spent quite a bit of this story not knowing whether Noah would pursue a relationship with Jeremy and look towards the future or whether he and Billy/Willie would reunite instead.

The Angel of 13^th Street is more than a simple boy-meets-boy romance and has a bittersweet edge at the end that is very appealing. In all, I found this to be a enjoyable read.

--Bobby

Title: Falling Down
Author: Selena Kitt
Author’s website: http://www.selenakitt.com/
Publisher: eXcessica publishing
Release Date: 2009
ISBN: N/A
Length: Novel
Format: Electronic
Genre: Contemporary Erotic
Source: R
Sensuality Level: 4.5
Rating: 4.5

Reviewed by: Teagan S. Boyd

Lindsey knows she's trashy, and she is doing everything she can to live up to that name. It doesn't bother her whatsoever what people think about her. She likes it, and she likes it rough, and whenever and however she can get it. Sex is all she knows. A chance meeting with Lieutenant Zachary Davis as she comes out of a "session" with the principal in his office is a turning point that she never saw coming. Will she ever be able to see any of her self-worth, or will she continue with living on the sexual edge?

*******

There are many words I could use to describe Falling Down, but many of them wouldn't be quite as appropriate as I want them to be. On the surface there is degradation, nonconsensual sex, group sex, and blatant disregard for what some might deem the "norm." Peel away the layers, and there you find a novel that takes the reader on a soulful ride through one young lady's reality.

I was immediately drawn to the "why" of Lindsey. She is complex and seemingly adult at first, but I quickly realized that there is so much more to her. Her sexual preferences define her and who she is; or perhaps I should say who she thinks she is. Initially, I found her hard to swallow but as the story progresses, and the idea formed in my head as to why she was this way, my mind changed completely about her.

Though Zach plays an integral part of the story, I found the relationship between him and Lindsey to overshadow him individually. He was interesting and definitely sexy as hell.

This book was quite the surprise. Possibly not for the close-minded individual, this book packs a punch and will have the reader pondering the story long after the reading is done. I find that Ms. Kitt tends to push the envelope yet continually has a depth and meaning for what she is doing.

Title:  Merkabah Rider: Tales of a High Planes Drifter
Author:  Edward M. Erdelac
Author’s website: http://www.myspace.com/caledre
Publisher:  Damnation Books, LLC
Release Date:  December 2009
ISBN: 978-1-61572-061-3
Length:  Novel
Format:  Electronic and Print
Genre:  Western, Paranormal, Horror
Source: A
Sensuality Level: 2 (higher for violence and gore)
Rating: 5

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

When war broke out between North and South, a young Jewish mystic and scholar ended his studies and broke with his enclave to fight in the conflict. When he returned home in the aftermath, the man known only as The Rider found his entire mystical enclave dead, betrayed by the man that he called Adon, his mentor and teacher. Now The Rider seeks justice, and he has hunted his former master for the past seven years across the Southwest, through Mexico and back. He knows that his task on earth is to oppose the dark forces of his treacherous master and to avenge the man’s misdeeds.

Although he has yet to catch up with Adon, The Rider encounters the demons, idolaters, and mayhem that appear in his wake. As he travels through towns and landscapes plagued by evil, he must call upon all his mystical skills as a Merkabah Rider and his knowledge of the forbidden teachings of his old master. He also hears rumors of the approach of a terrible time known as The Incursion, where ancient evil beings will rise up beside demons, invade the physical world, and recreate Hell on Earth.

********

With its unique combination of Orthodox Jewish mysticism, old western action, and inventive horror, Edward M. Erdelac’s novel Merkabah Rider: Tales of a High Planes Drifter is without a doubt one of the more intriguing and original novels that I have read lately. This is the story of a Hasidic Jewish mystic who turns gunslinger in order to avenge the destruction of his religious enclave and who stumbles across demonic preparations for the End of Days.

This is not a traditionally arranged story with a beginning, a middle, and an end. Instead, Mr. Erdelac gives us four separate tales, or episodes, of his Merkabah Rider. Each episode is a different adventure for the main character, each builds upon the previous story, and they all come together to create a bigger picture. Over the course of four episodes, The Rider’s history is revealed to us, and we begin to understand his mission and his motivation. The entire book has a serial western flavor to it, but it is also mystical and unearthly.

I found Merkabah Rider to be utterly fascinating and highly involving. Mr. Erdelac does an excellent job of bringing the reader right into the heart of the stories. He has created a main character who might be alien to us but who we can become attached to very quickly. The Rider presents a startling contrast between traditional western gunslinger and Hasidic Jewish costume and bearing: the beard, curls, tallit katan prayer shawl, and frock coat are completely at odds with his undeniable gun-handling skills. It all works, however; all of these characteristics come together into an unforgettable whole. And a peek inside his mind shows us a man who has a strong faith and a huge thirst for knowledge but who also feels an almost crippling amount of guilt.

Mr. Erdelac strings along the suspense in Merkabah Rider, frightening and attracting us at the same time. His excellent, active word usage and vivid descriptions paint a clear if sometimes gruesome picture of the settings and the action and give the book an almost cinematic feel. In fact, I believe this book would make excellent movie material.

The world of Orthodox Judaism may be unfamiliar to many, but Mr. Erdelac has included a glossary of Yiddish, Hebrew, and Aramaic terms at the end of the book to assist readers who might otherwise get lost in the lexicon. I found this to be a very welcome addition to the story, even though paging back and forth while reading an electronic format initially felt a little awkward. It helped me develop a well-rounded picture of The Rider’s faith and his world.

I lost myself in this book and enjoyed every page of the read. My only disappointment in Merkabah Rider? That it ended when it did, because the main conflict remains unresolved. I sincerely hope that Mr. Erdelac gives us more episodes about The Rider in the future, because I think I’m addicted now.

--Bobby

Title: Damaged
Author: Loribelle Hunt
Author’s website: http://www.loribellehunt.com/  
Publisher: Cobblestone Press, LLC
Release Date: 2010
ISBN: 978-1-60088-537-2
Length: Short Story
Format: Electronic
Genre: Contemporary
Source: R
Sensuality Level: 3
Rating: 4.50

Reviewed by: Teagan S. Boyd

Nancy was wary of Brad Moore from the moment she met him, even though he is her best friend's soon-to-be brother-in-law. Brad’s eyes follow her wherever she goes, and though they spark something in her, after her experience with her ex she doesn't want a relationship, especially with an ex-soldier who is pure alpha male just like her crazed ex. Her mind and heart may not think they want a relationship, but her body has other ideas. The looks from Brad become more and more intense, and before the wedding reception is over, she just may be in over her head.

Brad feels like he is damaged goods now that the military no longer wants him, and when he meets Nancy he feels an instant pull. Can a war-ravaged man make her want him as much as he wants her?

********

This short read is well-written and will keep the reader turning the pages to find out the outcome. I especially like the involvement of Nancy's Ink in the storyline. Her reluctance to get involved with Brad is understandable, and the author handles this situation very well. I like how Ms. Hunt is able to keep the story concise and well-rounded while still giving plenty of background to let the reader understand what has happened to make Nancy the way she is.

Brad is just as interesting, and his background is integral to the story. As I have said before, I love the alpha males, and Brad does not disappoint. The addition of his underlying emotional issues makes him an even more likeable character.

Though short in length, this book doesn't lack in story. I enjoyed it heartily with the memorable characters and sizzling story.

Title:  The One That Stayed
Author: T.C. Blue
Author’s website: tc-blue.livejournal.com, tcblue.wordpress.com
Publisher: Torquere Press
Release Date: February 2010
ISBN: 978-1-60370-937-8
Length:  Novella
Format: Electronic
Genre: Romance GLBT
Source: A
Sensuality Level: 3
Rating: 4.5

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

When a violent hate crime lands David’s husband Russell in the hospital with a bullet wound to the head, David is worse than devastated. Russell has been his world for over twenty years, and David would as soon die himself as lose the one he loves. As he gathers their family together for support and battles for information from the rigid and not always well-meaning hospital staff, he remembers how the two of them came together. This is the worst moment in his life, but while most of him wants to dissolve into a puddle of despair, he knows that he needs to find the strength to pick up the pieces of their lives.

********

TC Blue’s One and One series follows a core group of characters through the joys and pitfalls of life and love and looks at the sheer effort that goes into making love work. If you’ve read the previous two books in this series, The One That Got Away and The One That was Lost, then you may have wondered about Jamie and Michael’s fathers. The One That Stayed is their story, and it is equal parts celebration of their coming together in the past and poignant affirmation of what twenty years of shared history can mean for a devoted couple.

This is a very sweet and emotional story, and I became caught up in the drama almost immediately. The beginning lulls us into a false sense of peace and security as we are reminded what a well-established and loving couple David and Russell are. The story draws us into their warmth before taking our breath away with a tragedy of almost unimaginable proportions. I was scrambling for my box of tissues by the end of the first chapter and sniffled my way through the entire rest of the novella. And while that classifies this story as a “tearjerker” in my book, it doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy The One That Stayed. Far from it – this is a well-written and captivating story.

I appreciated the way that Ms. Blue mixes the description of Russell and David’s romance and their history along into the story of Russell’s tragedy. It emphasizes the extremely strong emotion in this story while placing equal importance on both aspects of the tale. David’s memories, his dreams, his rambling conversation to a sleeping Russell at the hospital all serve to reveal the couple’s history. The transitions between times are very smooth, and I never once felt like I had whiplash from hopping back and forth between the present and the past.

Readers looking for a story that affirms life and love will definitely want to read The One That Stayed. It will make you believe in happily-ever-after. Nice job indeed, Ms. Blue.

--Bobby

Title: By Any Means
Author: Cheryl Mildenhall
Author’s website:  N/A
Publisher: Black Lace
Release Date: 1998
ISBN: 0-352-33221-2
Length: Novel
Format: Print
Genre: Contemporary
Source: R
Sensuality Level: 3
Rating: 4.5

Reviewed by: Teagan S. Boyd

Francesca is busy building her PR business along with her two partners, Veronique and Taran. She believes that her arch enemy in the business, Oscar Rage, is trying to take away their biggest client, and she is not going to let that happen.

Young and successful, Francesca is living life to its fullest and exploring the many sides of her sexuality. Her best friends are men, and they are pulling her in different directions, and she isn't sure what to do. Sometimes the hardest thing to see is what is right in front of your face.

********

Let me preface this review by saying the By Any Means was the first print erotic novel that I bought, so it holds a dear place in my heart. It is highly entertaining, and the sex is quite edgy and will take your temperature up quite a few degrees.

Francesca is an interesting character. To all outside appearances, she is confident and knows what she wants, but under the surface she is anything but. At times I felt that she really didn't even know herself. Her foray into the many sexual delights she experiences is eye opening, and her reaction is exciting to read.

The book is littered with many intriguing secondary characters that add a wonderful depth to the story. The men are diverse, and the story sizzles from that diversity.

Unfortunately I can only gleam that Ms. Mildenhall is no longer writing because I can only find references to her books that were written in the 90's. It would be nice to see her work again someday.

Title: End of the Trail
Author: Jane Elliot
Author’s website: N/A
Publisher: Manifold Press
Release Date: May 2010
ISBN: 978-1-9565426-2-5
Length: Novella
Format: Electronic
Genre: Historical Western GLBT
Source: P
Sensuality Level: 3
Rating: 4.5

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

When Will Conners and his family took in the man they simply knew as “John” and patched up his injuries, they had no idea that he was an infamous outlaw with a price on his head. They just knew he needed help; help which he repaid when he saved Will’s wife and son from death at the hand of a group of thieves.

Three years later, John Anderson returns to Will’s ranch to find Will a different man. His wife dead, his son living with relatives back East, and now crippled in one leg, Will is bitter and lonely and can barely hold the ranch together. John needs a safe place to hide out for a while, and Will knows that his wife would expect him to extend his hospitality, however reluctant he may be to shelter the outlaw.

John ends up being a much-needed extra pair of hands around the ranch as well as good company. Will has never felt any attraction for another man. Although he initially pushes away John’s overtures at intimacy, John fills a big emotional hole in Will’s life, and Will eventually finds himself welcoming the other man into his bed. Owning a cattle ranch has always been Will’s dream, but now his dreams are changing as he envisions a future with John in it as a permanent fixture. How is that possible, though, with a small town full of busybodies and John on the run from the law?

********

When I picked up Jane Elliot’s novella End of the Trail to read, I had never heard of either Ms. Elliot or Manifold Press before and wasn’t sure what to expect. This is one of the first four books released by a new publisher of GLBT fiction, and I had no idea what their standards were. I thought the cover was classy enough to warrant giving it a shot, however, and so I’m quite happy to report back on a positive note. End of the Trail was a very pleasant surprise for me.

I found this western to be very well-written and enjoyable. Ms. Elliot has given us a story with strong, clearly depicted characters as well as a satisfying emotional impact. It is told from the point of view of Will, who is a picture of misery after the death of his wife. Since we have the chance to meet and know Molly in the prologue, we can empathize with his grief and pain from the very beginning. John is also an unexpectedly sympathetic character. He may be one of the most wanted men in the country, but he is not a bad man, and we see this very clearly. Besides, how can a guy that’s all bad have such an endearing sweet tooth as he does?

While there are a number of sex scenes in this book, that is not the focus of the novel. Love, friendship, companionship, and happiness are, instead. There might not be any protestations of deep and abiding love between these two – that wouldn’t be in character for either one of our heroes – but there is never any doubt that love and a strong emotional connection develop between them. This story ends with a feeling of contentment and warmth that I found to be most gratifying for the romance lover within me.

Overall, I was very impressed with Ms. Elliot and this novel. End of the Trail appealed to me on many different levels – as a western and a romance and simply a well-crafted story. I will be sure to keep an eye on Manifold Press for Ms. Elliot’s future releases, and I will also be researching her backlist.

--Bobby

Title: The Point
Author: Victoria Blisse
Author’s website: http://www.victoriablisse.co.uk/
Publisher: Total-e-Bound Publishing
Release Date: April 2010
ISBN: 978-1-85715-128-5
Length: Novella
Format: Electronic
Genre: Contemporary Vampire
Source: P
Sensuality Level: 3.5
Rating: 3.75

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

Except for when he’s tending to business at his club The Point, vampire Hugh Jacobson pretty much keeps to himself. Although he needs blood to sustain him, he’s sickened by the times he has killed his victims in his past, so he now has strict self-imposed rules for feeding. However determined he is not to kill again, Hugh considers himself a monster, and even with a nightclub full of people and vampires surrounding him, he is lonely. Until the day that lovely Elizabeth trespasses on his land and changes his life, that is.

Dr. Elizabeth Chapman was enjoying her hike until she stepped in a hole and sprained her ankle. She doesn’t really expect rescue when she calls out for help, so she is surprised and just a little bit alarmed when a man appears almost out of nowhere, sweeps her slightly hefty self into his arms, and carries her back to his home. When his attempts to tend her ankle turn into mind-bending sex, she forgets her insecurities and her past heartbreaks, but they come rushing back when Hugh gives her the brush-off afterwards.

Elizabeth is addicting, and Hugh can feel himself losing control around her. He does not want to hurt her, but her blood is so delicious and satisfying that he doesn’t trust himself not to kill her by accident. Pushing her away tears a hole in his soul, but he knows it’s the safest course of action. What kind of future could the two of them possibly have together, anyway?

********

Victoria Blisse’s vampire novella The Point is a short and sexy read that makes no bones about its theme: love conquers all. Even though the characters are wildly different from each other – a slightly overweight doctor with a hopeless social life and a lonely vampire who suffers with angst and self-disgust – it is this improbable and mismatched romantic pairing that drives that theme home.

While it is perhaps not as polished as many stories that I have read, I found The Point to be entertaining overall, with sympathetic and somewhat quirky characters and a welcome touch of humor. Ms. Blisse does a good job of developing Hugh and Elizabeth in a very short period of time. She doesn’t simply introduce them to the reader but instead infuses the narrative with their personalities. Passages from Elizabeth’s point of view are filled with a wry humor and an informal tone that place the reader right into her headspace, while scenes from Hugh’s viewpoint are a little more formal and moody in flavor. I couldn’t help but like these two, because they have such unique personalities.

We equate vampires with sex as well as blood, and there is plenty of sex in The Point. Hugh and Elizabeth hardly exchange names before the foreplay begins with a little game of dress-up that is sexy and fun at the same time. The Point also has quite a few small comic moments, such as when Elizabeth attributes the musty smell of Hugh’s home and linens to “single man syndrome.” The moment that tickled me the most, however, is when she wonders if the fact that vampires truly exist means that dragons are real as well. This off-the-wall moment of a wandering mind truly made me laugh out loud.

The author bio at the end of this book indicates that Ms. Blisse’s style is “rosy, raunchy romance.” Not only does that phrase describe this novella perfectly, but the alliteration is fun and hints at the thread of humor that permeates this entire tale. For me, that sense of humor is what makes The Point worth the read.

--Bobby

Title:  The Cat in the Cradle
Author:  Jay Bell
Illustrator:  Andreas Bell
Author’s website: http://www.jaybellbooks.com/
Publisher: Swimming Kangaroo Books
Release Date: March 2010
ISBN: 978-1-934041-87-1
Length:  Novel
Format: Electronic and Print
Genre: Fantasy, GLBT
Source: A
Sensuality Level: 1.5
Rating: 5+ Keeper

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

When Dylan, son of the Blue Oligarch, and his cat Kio decide to run away from home, their purpose is to learn a little about life and autonomy and hopefully not miss too many meals while they are at it. They plan to visit an old friend; they don’t expect to stumble upon the murder of one of the ruling Oligarchs of their world.

It soon becomes apparent that someone is systematically hunting down and killing each of the ten Oligarchs to steal their source of magic power. To keep Dylan safe, his father sends him to stay with the Red Oligarch, Tyjinn, but Dylan is not there for long before an attempt is made on their lives. Tyjinn, brash and confident in his power, decides that the best way to stop the killer is to catch him. And so begins an adventure that will take the two young men to every corner of the Five Lands, challenging their wits and their fortitude and bringing them face-to-face with magicians and monsters and even gods. When the identity of the killer is revealed, they are drawn into a conflict that will determine the future of their world.

Complicating matters for Dylan are the feelings he has developed for Tyjinn. What began as an infatuation with his guide and protector deepens into what he suspects may be love, forcing him to acknowledge a part of his nature that he has denied up to now. The conflicting emotions within him upset and confuse him, but as the struggle for power intensifies and turns deadly, Dylan finds that the very emotions he fights might be his greatest strength.

********

When I received a copy of Jay Bell’s fantasy novel The Cat in the Cradle, I was intrigued. Not only does the title invoke a wonderful song by the late Harry Chapin, but the book itself, even in PDF format, is simply beautiful. I had to stop for a moment just to admire the unique artwork on the cover and at the beginning of each chapter before diving in to read the story. And “diving in” is an appropriate description for my reading experience, because once I broke the surface of The Cat in the Cradle, I was completely surrounded by it. It transported me from my own little mundane world into one so richly colored and textured and real that I almost didn’t want to leave it.

Initially, I couldn’t tell if this was a story for young adults, and now that I’ve read it, I’m still not completely sure. Given the youth of the protagonists and the fact that one of the characters is a talking cat, one might assume this to be a young adult novel, but I am leaving the YA designation off my classification, because there is just enough in this book to make me believe that it may be targeted to an older audience. Mr. Bell’s story combines youthful exuberance with mature humor, a fantastic adventure with political rhetoric, and an almost whimsical landscape with darkness and fear. I found this book to be fascinating and unusual and unexpectedly delightful, and I enjoyed every word of it.

The Cat in the Cradle is easy to read, because the narrative flows effortlessly and the dialogue is natural and comfortable. My advice to you, however, is to refrain from skimming however effortless the read may be. Slow down, enjoy the phrasing, and let your imagination run as the narrative pulls you right into the Five Lands. Mr. Bell has created a world that is familiar and exotically alien at the same time. A leisurely read will give you the opportunity to enjoy the fantastic flora and fauna and to take in all the scenery.

The Cat in the Cradle is filled with vivid, colorful (literally!), and intriguing characters, and Mr. Bell has created each to be unique and memorable. Dylan and Tyjinn both teeter on the brink of adulthood, part boy and part man. Dylan is searching for his identity, not just his sexual orientation but also what his role is in the magical scheme of his world, while Tyjinn struggles with a dark blot on his soul that he sees as fearfully close to evil. Kio, the cat who has been Dylan’s friend since childhood, is a fascinating blend of feline traits and human thought processes. He always has something pointed to say, whether or not it’s tactful, and he frequently adds a comic touch to what might otherwise be a serious scene. Over the course of this novel, these three companions learn about the nature of love and loyalty and friendship.

The illustrations by Andreas Bell give an additional boost to this novel. They do not overpower the mind’s natural inclination to generate a vision of the characters, setting, and storyline. Instead they hint and suggest. For example, the following illustration precedes chapter 6, setting the tone for the two young heroes’ discussion:*

It is my understanding that while the PDF version of The Cat in the Cradle includes all of the original illustrations, other file formats do not include these due to incompatibility issues. This is a wonderful story with or without the pictures, but the illustrations add richness to the reading experience. Readers of other file formats are in luck, however, because Mr. Bell has published a sketchbook at Smashwords, which is available free of charge. This is worth checking out even if you have the fully-illustrated version of the novel, because the sketchbook includes commentary from the author as well as additional concept drawings.

Personally, I enjoyed this book so much that I want to keep it to read again, so I’ve ordered my own print copy from Amazon.com. And that, my friends, means The Cat in the Cradle goes on my keeper shelf. I hope that you’ll give this one a chance, because I think you may enjoy it just as much as I did.

*This illustration has been included with the consent of the author.

--Bobby

Title:  Pinky Swear
Author:  Lynn Lorenz
Author’s website: http://www.lynnlorenz.com/
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Release Date: April 2010
ISBN: 978-1-60272-673-4
Length:  Novella
Format: Electronic
Genre: Romance GLBT
Source: A
Sensuality Level: 3
Rating: 4.25

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

Lane and Matt grew up together in New Orleans the closest of friends, sharing a clubhouse, adventures, and secrets and swearing to be friends forever. Although their friendship morphed into love as they grew into adulthood, fear of ruining their relationship kept them from admitting their feelings to each other. But however solemnly the two swore to be friends forever, that friendship could not withstand the night of drunken passion that broke Lane’s heart and sent Matt running as far away from New Orleans as possible.

Now years later, Matt has been dispatched to New Orleans by his newspaper to cover the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. And even though he hasn’t seen Lane since that night, his first thought goes to his former friend, who is trapped by floodwaters in the French Quarter. Supplies and water are running low within the city, and Matt knows that he must find Lane if only to satisfy himself of the man’s safety. He knows there is no guarantee that Lane will forgive him for running away five years ago, but he is willing to take the risk if there is any chance that they can salvage even a portion of their friendship.

********

In her novella Pinky Swear, Lynn Lorenz offers her readers a story of love and friendship and second chances. This is a quick read with strong and well-developed characters and a sweet romance. Along with that, it gives us a glimpse of New Orleans in the days surrounding Hurricane Katrina.

Although the story is short, Ms. Lorenz still gives us a well-rounded depiction of all the characters in Pinky Swear. I enjoyed Matt and Lane, although I spent quite a bit of time wanting to smack a little sense into the two of them.  We meet them first as mischievous children, and we watch their relationship develop as they grow to rely on each other for emotional support as well as friendship and then break each other’s hearts. After they spend years apart, we wonder if the friendship between these two can override their feelings of guilt and anger and abandonment.

Although he only appears in the second half of the novella, Lane’s elderly friend Sebastian is a show-stealer. He is iron-willed and perceptive and exudes all the drama and charm of the French Quarter, but he also has a fragility that makes us worry about him and his ability to weather the heat and isolation after the storm.

The element of this story that truly captured me was the setting. Ms. Lorenz’s depiction of the city of New Orleans both as she weathers a beating from Hurricane Katrina and during the aftermath is outstanding. This story brings the storm to life for the reader and makes it personal. The hurricane is no longer simply a news story or something that happened to someone else; as we read Pinky Swear, we experience it all first-hand from both Lane’s and Matt’s perspectives. Lane lives the storm from within the city while Matt is hit with the devastation from the outside.

Ms. Lorenz is a pro at grabbing the emotions of her readers, and Pinky Swear is no exception to this rule. Not only do we feel the connection between the two young heroes as they grow up together and struggle with their feelings for each other, but we are also struck by the emotional impact of the storm. Along with the romance, this is also a story of the resilience and the sheer tenacity of many of the city’s residents as they deal with the National Guard presence, the survivors crowded into the Superdome, the looting, and the lack of supplies during this difficult time.

Pinky Swear seems to be a companion piece to Ms. Lorenz’s earlier novella Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Although these two stories and their characters are completely different, both are tributes to a beautiful old city and to the people who stick by her “in sickness and in health.” And that kind of dedication is what love is all about.

--Bobby

Title: The Manuscript: The Sinful Gentlemen Collection 1
Author: Emma Wildes
Author’s website: http://www.emmawildes.com/  
Publisher: Siren Publishing Inc.
Release Date: May 2006
ISBN: 1-933563-23-0
Length: Short
Format: Electronic
Genre: Historical
Source: R
Sensuality Level: 2.5
Rating: 4.25

Reviewed by: Teagan S. Boyd

Claire Fallon is on the verge of complete destitution. Her parents are deceased, and her paternal grandfather, the Earl of Dwightfield, won't even acknowledge Claire or her younger brother since he disinherited her father for marrying her mother. When an offer for a position comes from one of society’s leading ladies, Claire isn't sure she can go through with what Lady Margot asks of her. Can an innocent seduce a man knowing she will never have him since he is married?

Justin, Viscount Ranleigh, has made many mistakes in his life, but his biggest would be marrying a woman he thought would make the perfect Viscountess only to find out she is only a harlot. Though he is rid of her in his home, he will never be rid of her in his life, and when his gorgeous new assistant arrives, how long can he fight his feelings?

********

I simply love a historical, and The Manuscript reminds me why. Though short in duration, it doesn't lack in story. I especially enjoyed the twist in the story of the hero being married and unhappy. The obstacles in the story add to its depth and dimension.

Claire is an interesting character. Her feelings for her younger brother and the ends she will go to ensure his future and health are endearing. I admire her resolve. Claire's interaction with Justin is sweet and delightfully sexual. (note: sensual, perhaps?)

The story is simple, yet has a complex feel to it. I found it to be very entertaining. Miss Wildes continues to be on of my favorite historical authors, and I am thrilled I came across The Manuscript.

Title:  Land That I Love
Author: William Freedman
Author’s website: http://landthatilovenovel.wordpress.com/
Publisher: Rebel e Publishers
Release Date: March 2010
ISBN: 978-1-9814256-5-8
Length:  Novel
Format: Electronic and Print
Genre:  Humor, Satire
Source: P
Sensuality Level: 2
Rating: 5

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

When solar flares destroy the planetoids of MetLifeWorld and HomeDepotWorld on a day to known in the history books as When All Hell Broke Loose, the finger of blame is quickly pointed towards a group known as The Popular Front for the Defense of the Honor of Mother Earth, or the Terrahists. Since this group is based in America on the planet Earth, leaders of the Eminent Domain come to the conclusion that they have no alternative but to invade America, a country rich in the valuable natural resource of timber.

Rumor has it that the brutal American regime has been developing Weapons of Tremendous Force against the sanctions of the Grand Organ. That in itself is a good enough excuse for a pre-emptive invasion, and if the Eminent Domain can take over America’s timber and therefore name their own price for paper? Well then, that’s just so much gravy. Besides, they’ll be liberating the Americans from a terrible, dictatorial government. Surely the American people will welcome an occupation with open arms.

And so, justifications firmly in hand, the Eminent Domain declares war and invades America. And finds itself embroiled in a conflict that is greater in scale and cost than ever expected. Caught up with the treachery and inconvenience of trying to occupy a country who truly doesn’t want to be their friend, the Eminent Domain loses sight of their original enemy – the Terrahists. Bad move, guys.

********

When I received a copy of William Freedman’s novel Land That I Love from the fine folks at Rebel e Publishers, I took one look at the cover and made a few snap judgments. I mean, really…Barbie with a gun in front of Mount Rushmore? How strange was this book going to be, anyway? (So sniffs a woman who reads books covered with nekkid male torsos. Honestly, I should be ashamed.) I’m a sucker for a laugh, however, so I dove in to this story expecting something fluffy and funny. What I actually got completely surprised me. Yes, this story is humorous; it is also fiercely satirical, intelligent, and extremely well-written. This clever novel is filled with political and social commentary, most of it humorous but some of it serious, and while the fun it pokes is frequently sharply pointed, it is never mean-spirited.

Land That I Love retells the story of 911 and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with, of course, much artistic license. The Eminent Domain plays the role of the United States, and America and its timber represent – you got it – Iraq and oil. And while I did not exactly make a character-by-character list, I had a heck of a good time playing the game of trying to identify who or what concept each one represented to me.

This story is not just a retelling of Iraq, however. It also contains elements of Star Trek and The War of the Worlds that will delight fans of science fiction. One of the recurring gags in the story involves the repeated demise of red-shirted young occupation soldiers, all by the name of “Coder.” Mr. Freedman also manages to fit Gene Roddenberry and H. G. Wells into the story in very minor roles, and even though when they use the phrase “Beam me up,” they are talking about a certain Kentucky bourbon, it still doesn’t fail to strike a comic note.

One of the most humorous and distracting aspects of Land That I Love is Mr. Freedman’s naming of his characters. Faced with monikers like Sajak Pickfour, Sanmateo Veecey, Reit Daytrader, and M. Griffin Croupier VII (don’t call him “Lucky”), I found myself so caught up in the beginning with the multitude of colorfully-named characters that I almost lost my grasp of the story. But after a little initial confusion, which I believe reflects more on me than on the novel, I settled in to enjoy the heck out of the story, the characters, and the occasional intercepted zinger or two.

I found Land That I Love to be a wonderful, colorful, and very thought-provoking novel. It has just a whisper of a Douglas Adams feel to it (if I can say that without detracting from the obvious intelligence and talent of the author) but is without a doubt utterly unique. And believe me when I say that the cover featuring Amazon Silicone Barbie actually does make a funny kind of sense. I highly recommend this novel to readers who are looking for something smart and witty and just a little bit different from the norm. Give this one a read. I’m convinced that you won’t regret it or forget it any time soon.

--Bobby

Title: Gangster Moll
Author: Karen Lewis
Author’s website: karenlewisnovels.blogspot.com    
Publisher: Solstice Publishing
Release Date: 2010
ISBN: N/A
Length: Novella
Format: Electronic
Genre: Suspense/Thriller
Source: A
Sensuality Level: 4
Rating: 4.5

Reviewed by: Teagan S. Boyd

The morning Cheryl Richards saw the paper's headline that her police officer husband, Brian, was having an affair with a skanky gang member’s whore was the worst day of her life. After years of marriage and a comfortable living, Cheryl isn't sure what to do. She finds herself in protective custody and her life in shambles, and her husband says he wants her back.

Little does Cheryl know that the whore, Nicky, has Brian wrapped around her finger with a trump card . . . she's pregnant. Brian is playing house with his wife, finds their sex life boring compared to sex with an ex donkey show girl, and possibly makes the biggest mistake of his life.

********

Gangster Moll is a unique story that takes twists and turns that will leave the reader's jaw on the floor. This is a story of love, mistakes, and deceit. The story wasn't what I thought it would be, and I was pleasantly surprised by the turn it took.

I felt completely sympathetic to Cheryl. Her pain and angst came across in the pages with undeniable clarity. Her choices in the story are hard to understand and grasp for me personally, but I feel that Ms. Lewis made a winning choice with the storyline and the avenues it followed.

Brian brought out an entirely different set of feelings in me. I couldn't stand him from the beginning, and my feelings only escalated as the story progressed. The author does an outstanding job of leading the reader into a gamut of feelings throughout the book.

The book progresses at a quick pace, and the story unfolds without even a hint of what is coming next. There is a bit of a shock factor in some of the references, but I think it added to the understanding of the characterizations.

I can't wait to see what else Ms. Lewis might have on tap. She has a unique flair for storytelling.

Title:  Love, Grant
Author:  AKM Miles
Author’s website: akmmiles.livejournal.com
Publisher: Total-e-Bound Publishing
Release Date:  April 2010
ISBN: 978-1-85715-131-5
Length:  Novel
Format: Electronic and Print
Genre: Romantic Suspense GLBT
Source: A
Sensuality Level: 3
Rating: 4.5

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

Their stalker from a year ago now safely incarcerated, Jamie and Grant have settled into their version of domestic bliss. With Jamie practicing as a physical therapist and Grant working for the parks department, they can’t imagine being happier than they are at this moment. They feel safe, they feel loved, and they finally have the opportunity to make Jamie’s house a home.

That sense of safety is an illusion, however, because there is still somebody out there who wishes them harm. As small trespasses escalate into dangerous situations, Grant and Jamie work with the police to locate and stop their new tormenter. Hidden from view, this enemy plots their demise with hate in his heart. All of his attention is focused on destroying the two young men and everything they hold dear, and he has no intention of stopping until both Grant and Jamie are dead.

********

In her novel Love, Grant, AKM Miles continues the story of Jamie and Grant that she began in Love, Jamie. This combines a sweet story of love and friendship and slobbery dog affection with a pretty well-executed suspense to give readers an entertaining read that will not only satisfy their inner romantic but will also keep them guessing and fearful for the safety of the two main characters.

Ms. Miles does a good job of recapping the main conflict of Love, Jamie for readers of this novel. However, my advice to you is to read Love, Jamie first, because it is in this earlier story that you get to know and love Jamie and Grant, their dog Brit, and the feisty LOL (little old lady) Miss Wilhelmina. The two lovers had to fight for their peace of mind and happiness in this earlier story, and Love, Grant picks up just as they are catching their breath and thinking they are secure.

For the duration of the novel, we know who the antagonist is even if Jamie and Grant do not. Ms. Miles even gives us peeks into his mind as he plans and executes his campaign of terror, and this keeps the tension high. We experience his motivation and his feelings of ill will, and we know that nothing is going to stop this guy.

I quite enjoyed this novel. In fact, I think that this is my favorite of Ms. Miles’ stories to date. Not only do we have the sweet relationship between Grant and Jamie, but there is also a bonus romance between two secondary characters to snag our attention. Topping it all off is an explosive and exciting climax that will have readers holding their breath in an agony of suspense, hoping that our protagonists will emerge unscathed.

The stories that Ms. Miles writes place as much emphasis on friendship and family as they do on the romance between the main characters. The friendship that is shared by the characters in Love, Grant brings them together to make a family, even though they may not be related by blood. This makes for a story that can only be called “heart-warming” in the very best sense of the word. Readers looking for a “feel good” story that still contains some excitement and danger should be pleased with Love, Grant. I know that I certainly was.

--Bobby

Title: Too Good to be True
Author: Penelope Friday
Author’s website: www.t5m.com/penelope-friday  
Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing
Release Date: April 2010
ISBN: 9781419927515
Length: Short Story                 
Format: Electronic
Genre: Contemporary
Source: R
Sensuality Level: 3
Rating: 4.25

Reviewed by: Teagan S. Boyd

Mandy is feeling pretty low. The Cheating Bastard (a.k.a. ex-husband) has left her for an older woman, and why would anyone want a middle-aged woman that can't keep her man from leaving for someone even older?

The last thing she expected was for one extremely gorgeous hunk to want to sit next to her in the pub, not to mention want to meet her again and take her home for a night of the most amazing sex she has ever had. Why would this sexy man want a frumpy middle-aged woman? Mandy is not prepared for Jon's secret, and isn't sure what to think or do when she finds out.

********

I had to purchase this book when I read that the ex-husband left the heroine for an older woman, what a nice change of pace from the typical "younger woman" scenario. I like the unexpected, and I enjoy a trip outside the box, and this was just the ticket. Mandy's self-esteem is lower than low after her husband's cheating, and Ms. Friday does a wonderful job of writing the feelings accurately for this type of situation. I felt the ups and downs with the character. I was particularly fond of the interaction Mandy had with herself. Her many asides were quite hilarious, and I could identify only too well saying something aloud and having to ask if I really said that.

The ensuing relationship between Mandy and Jon takes the reader on a ride that is sexually dynamic while having an emotionally charged backbone. I found myself able to relate to Mandy on many levels, and her insecurities in regards to her body and looks are realistically written.

I like the trend in the book market using heroines that are realistic, and Ms. Friday has done a nice job writing that normality while keeping the heat on high. I hope to see more along this vein from her since she has a knack for this style of writing.

Title:  Bid High
Author: Crissy Smith
Author’s website: http://www.crissysmith.net/  
Publisher: Total-e-Bound Publishing
Release Date: April 2010
ISBN: 978-1-85715-133-9
Length:  Short Novella
Format: Electronic
Genre: Romance, Ménage à Trois
Source: P
Sensuality Level: 4
Rating: 4

Reviewed by: BD Whitney

Amber Wilson doesn’t have much of a love life lately. Ever since she was betrayed by her ex-financé three years ago, she has avoided emotional connections and has buried herself in books instead. Her friends believe enough is enough and procure tickets to a charity bachelor auction, dragging Amber along with them and swearing to her that she will bid and she will win a date before the evening is out.

When Amber sees that one of the bachelors on the block is the heavenly Thomas Baldwin, she can’t help but bid high for him. She has dreamed of him for as long as she has known him. Before she knows it, she finds herself writing a check for an outrageous sum of money to the charity, and Thomas is hers for the evening. But Thomas doesn’t come to her alone; he is accompanied by his equally gorgeous business partner, Jake Grant, who is the other subject of Amber’s nocturnal fantasies.

Thomas and Jake have been trying to get close to Amber for some time now. They believe that she will complete their personal partnership. They plan to give Amber a night she will never forget and then lay claim to the rest of her life. That is, if they can break through her barrier of self-doubt and convince her to give the three of them a chance.

********

Crissy Smith’s Bid High is an erotic short that documents the beginning of a ménage relationship. In it, a woman who has had a blow to her self-esteem due to a failed engagement finds herself the object of affection from not just one but two fantastic men. This is a sexy story, very much a fantasy come true for the heroine, and I found it to be a quick and entertaining read.

About half of Bid High is drawn out love/sex scenes. These sex scenes are steamy enough to fog all the windows, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself a little bit “hot and bothered” by the end. And while the bachelor auction theme can’t exactly be considered original, the author has done a good job of bending it to suit her (and her heroes’) purpose.

Ms. Smith gives her readers a very appealing heroine in this story. We’re all readers here, so how can we not love a woman who owns a bookstore and remembers the kind of books the guys she is hung up on like to read? Like any normal woman, Amber wonders what on earth two such gorgeous creatures as Jake and Thomas could possibly see in her, but she’s not fool enough to toss them away when they are offered to her. She also has a decent sense of humor, as is illustrated when she figures she’ll break her neck from walking in high heels the night of the auction. I think many of us have had that feeling a time or two.

We don’t have the opportunity to know Jake or Thomas the way we do Amber. These two seem more like delicious fantasy material than they do real people, but that works for this story, which is mostly wish fulfillment for the heroine.

If you are looking for a quick sexy read with heroes who are just as into each other as they are the heroine, then you should check out Bid High. It might not make you willing to drop thousands for a date at a charity auction, but it will definitely elevate your temperature a degree or two.

--Bobby