Shorts Saturday: A multi book review post.

Bondage with the Boss-- Erin Fraser.

Synopsis: Swinging, ambitious couple Aidan and Sinead use their purpose built basement and mutual love of bondage to impress his boss, but the best laid plans can have unexpected outcomes...
The Nerd's Ramble: A short erotic short that I didn't really enjoy. There wasn't any build up, and the whole short was rushed. I didn't really care too much for the constant bashing of one of the partners involved, and there was something that just rubbed me the wrong way. I received this free from a giveaway. Some people will really enjoy this, I just didn't really care too much for it.

Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Total Length: 5,700 words
Available Format: Epub
Publication Date: February 2, 2011
Author Link: Erin Fraser on Goodreads










Erotic Blossoms: Iris Sample of Sin-- Elizabeth Woodham.


Synopsis: I discovered a lovely bar with a restaurant attached, accessed by way of steps leading down from the street into a basement. It looked unremarkable from the outside, but on reaching the lower level, large glass doors showcased a welcoming bar, complete with small dance floor, lounge and dining area, the latter had a busy sectioned off room behind glass doors for smokers, smoking appeared popular in the city, more so than in my home town. I don’t smoke, so the waiter sat me in the outer area, took my drink order, left me a menu and disappeared.

The Nerd's Ramble: I received this free as a gift in a giveaway, and frankly I deleted it as soon as I finished it. I was disgusted by it, not because of the sex, but the characters themselves were loathsome to me. I didn't like that the male character was cheating--and bragging about his conquests. Just not my cup of tea. If you're into that sort of stuff, more power to you, but otherwise I'd suggest that you skip this. Which is sad because I enjoyed the other short I've read by Elizabeth Woodham.

Rating:★☆☆☆☆
Total Length: 19 pages
Available Format: Kindle
Publication Date: March 6, 2012 (Erotica Express)

Author Link:  Elizabeth Woodham on Goodreads














Cover Her Eyes-- J.J. Asher.


Synopsis: 'Cover Her Eyes’, an erotic tale of a couple and the games they play is both harsh and erotic; JJ has written two short pieces, linked by the main characters (Adam and Isabel). Isabel yearns to indulge their fantasies and it’s Adam’s business and pleasure to make his wife's wishes come true.

In the first story, ‘Playing with the Boys’, Isabel indulges one of her greatest desires, and in the second, ‘Cover Her Eyes’, Adam arranges for his secretary to take down a little more than simple dictation! Erotic, sexy, but rarely romantic, JJ’s stories are supremely entertaining. Enjoy

The Nerd's Ramble: Gangbang in the locker room, and an affair with a secretary. This was a prize in a giveaway. Again, this isn't really my cup of tea. I don't mind erotica, and it's a genre that I'm getting into, but I prefer more of a buildup and more backstory and less demeaning chit-chat with my smut. I don't mind dirty talk and naughty things, but this crosses the line in more than a couple places. Again, some may really enjoy this, but it's not really my cup of tea.

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
Total Length: 6,000 words
Available Format: epub
Publication Date: September 3, 2011 (Secret Narrative)
Author Link: JJ Asher on Goodreads

Nerium Oleander: Toxic Heart by Elizabeth Woodham

Synopsis: Provocative erotica designed to turn you on. Toxic in all its parts, the beautiful Oleander, Nerium Oleander, is considered by many to be the most poisonous plant in the world. Two of the most potent poisons are oleandrin and neriine, known for their powerful effect on the heart.

The Nerd Rambles: This is a short, and incredibly quick read that I received as a prize in a contest. Weighing in at 2,500 words it packs a punch. I don't want to talk too much about it because it would literally give everything away. It's interesting and dark and turns down a road that I hadn't expected it to. The piece is artistic and heavy and interesting. I wouldn't mind reading more from Ms. Woodham and I probably will go seek some out.

Rating: ★★★☆☆
Total Length: 2,500 words
Available Format: Epub
Publication Date: October 18, 2012 (Secret Narrative)
Author Link:  Elizabeth Woodham on Goodreads

Book Review: Brie Learns the Art of Submission by Red Phoenix

Synopsis: First published as the popular nine-part eBook serial, Brie Learns the Art of Submission is now available as a full-length novel.

Join Brianna Bennett as she is introduced to the erotic world of submission...

Brie's life changes the day Sir comes to her tiny tobacco shop. His invitation to the Submissive Training Center is about to rock this young woman's world. The renowned school is famous for its elite submissive instruction. She has no idea what will be asked of her or the boundaries that will be pushed. One thing is certain: Brie is about to learn more about herself in six weeks than she has over the previous twenty-two years.

From formal classes, hands-on practicums and weekly auctions, Brie will confront her deepest fears and desires. In the process, she will also forge lifelong friendships with fellow submissives and fall for several of the Center's skilled Doms.

As graduation day approaches things begin to unravel, forcing Brie to make an unexpected choice of Master. Which Dom will ultimately earn her devotion and capture Brie's courageous heart?

The Nerd Rambles: This book really pushed the limits of my comfort, which I suppose is a good thing. I won it in a contest, and it sat on my tablet for a long time--the cover taunting me and daring me to click it open. I did, and started to read.

The book is mind melting hot. It's well written, and actually the story itself is really good. There's romance there as well as the introduction to the culture and way of life. Something that I really like about this book is that it's presented in such a way that it leads me to believe that Ms. Phoenix is involved in the BDSM world. It's in a way educational and exposes the reader to various aspects of the world.

The characters grow and change and form relationships. Brie finds herself attracted to three men and forming bonds with them. I like that all three men have positives and negatives and offer challenges to Brie, and in the end there is a happily ever after (or at least for now), but I'm not going to tell which she picks. ;)

Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: 479 pages
Available Format: Epub
Publication Date:  November 2012
Author Link:  Red Phoenix on Goodreads

Book Review: Dreamz (Wunder #0.5) by A.R. Von

Synopsis: Wunder may have a normal life now…well, as normal as a freak of nature could have. Half zombie while her job is to hunt bloodthirsty creatures to protect the innocent. It’s the dreams that haunt her and they aren’t nightmares. Wunder dreams of a man, a man made just for her. Is he real, can he be the one she‘s yearned for?

Pete’s world is a lonely one as he wrestles with the reality of being part zombie. His hatred for the creatures that killed his parents drives him to patrol the streets and wipe them all out. His life would be stark, but for the dreams he’s been having; of a woman, so sensuous, so sexy. These alluring visions have become erotic and consuming. He feels as if he made her up to keep from going crazy. Is this life of hunting the walking dead, all there is? Or is she out there, waiting…just for him?

The Nerd Rambles: Plagued (haha see what I did there? Sorry, it won't happen again) by dreams featuring a smokin' hot mystery man, Wunder has to balance her day to day zombie hunting life and deal with her own demons of being half zombie--all the while thinking about her nightly escapades with tall dark and handsome.

This is a prequel of sorts to Wunder, which I've also reviewed and will link further down, and it goes deeper into Wunder's history and her daily life. I liked getting to read more about Wunder's team and more about her day to day life. We're also given more of an introduction to Pete, who is Wunder's love interest. Their chemistry is scorching hot, and well written. I can't get enough of Wunder and the world that Ms. Von has built. I'm really looking forward to book two, or really anything that I can sink my teeth into. (Sorry.)

Review for Wunder

Rating: ★★★★★
Total Length: Not given.
Available Format: Kindle, epub.
Publication Date: June 11, 2013 (Dream Z Dragon Publishing)
Author Link:  A.R. Von on Goodreads

Book Review: Melting Ice (SEALs on Fire #5) Nicole Austin.

Synopsis: Syndra Banks should be thrilled by an invitation to join SEAL team Arapahoe in Key West for a wild good time. Instead the text summons from Ice pisses her off. Why? Because he calls and she goes running, without fail, every damn time. And now she doesn’t have a choice. If Syn wants to get her personal life moving forward she has to see him again in person to break it off.

Thanks to his smokin’ hot lover, Master Chief Sam Westervelt is losing his edge. Syn is melting the ice that runs in his veins, turning it into a river of molten lust. His discipline is shot and he’s daydreaming about intense, steamy sex while on missions, putting his entire team at risk. But he has a surefire plan all figured out if he can just toe the line a little longer.

Sometimes getting what you want is as simple as reaching out, grabbing hold and not letting go.

The Nerd's Ramble: This was one of books that was rather 'up there' for me in the series. Ice and Syn have such great history and chemistry and they work together so well despite their differences. I really like the two of them, and found myself really rooting for them. I like these two characters a lot. The ending of this one made me smile, and it shows how close all of these characters really are.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: Not given
Available format: kindle, epub
Publication Date: 2013 (The Wild Rose Press)
Author Page: Nicole Austin web page

Book Review: Conquering Zeus (SEALs on Fire #7) Cerise DeLand

Synopsis: Getting in the party mood for a weekend away with his SEAL teammates is no easy deal for “Zeus” Calderon. He’s hung up on a woman he saved from terrorists months ago, but he should be able to forget a gutsy blonde reporter who showed resilience and humor under fire. Shouldn’t he?

Kim Stansfield got the instant hots for the hunky Navy SEAL who led her out of harm’s way—and she’s got proof Zeus feels the same about her. He’s stubborn, but she’s devised a plan to conquer him.

When she shows up in Key West and surprises him on the beach, Zeus learns that once in a lifetime a man meets a woman he can’t forget—and every day without her is no easy day.

The Nerd's Ramble: The premise of this one was promising, as the back story was engaging and interesting. It was something that I hadn't seen before--something that I hadn't seen done this way before. Let's put it that way. However, it's a stretch for me in the believability department even though this is fiction and some things have liberty taken. It's a good story, Zeus and Kim have amazing chemistry together, and I like the fact that they build on an actual relationship. This story went by super fast though, and while I appreciate the epilogue, I felt that there needed to be a bit more to this one.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: Not given.
Available Format: kindle, epub
Publication Date: 2013 (The Wild Rose Press)
Author's Link: Cerise DeLand web page

Book Review: Touching Ghost (SEALs on Fire #6) Regina Carlysle

Synopsis: What a sweet little blast from his past! Ren “Ghost” Ramsey hadn’t planned on taking a trip back in time while Stateside with SEAL Team Arapaho but that’s what he gets when sweet Sadie Ballew buys a plane ticket to Key West and makes an offer he can’t refuse. Back in small town Oklahoma, he’d been the local bad boy complete with a chip on his shoulder and she’d been the only person who’d loved him despite it all. She’d been a girl then but things are a hell of a lot different now and Ren wants nothing more than to burn up the sheets with the sassy lady.

Ren was a man now. And what a man! Now a SEAL known as Ghost, a complete badass, infiltrator and spy, Sadie sees only the boy she’d loved and lost all those many years ago. His little R & R is just the excuse she needs to see if she’s woman enough to heat things up between them and claim him for her own…once and for all. Is she up for the challenge? Hoorah! Sadie is a woman who exactly what she wants… Ren in her bed and in her life.

The Nerd Rambles: This one is my absolute favorite so far in the series. Ren is adorable, and charming and has a little bit of hurt under his rugged SEAL exterior. I really love his chemistry with Sadie, and the way he cares so much for her. This one is more romance I think than anything--Ren is still very much an alpha male, but he treats Sadie so well and he's not as aggressive as the others. I just love this one so much. Seriously one of my favorites.

Jonesin' For Action (SEALs on Fire #3)
Dagger's Edge (SEALs on Fire #2)

Rating: ★★★★★
Total Length: not given
Available format: Kindle, epub
Publication Date: 2013 (Wild Rose Press)
Author's Link: Regina Carlysle web page

Book Review: Jagger's Moves (SEALs on Fire #4) Allie Standifer

Synopsis: Jagger’s ready to cast off the weight of his SEALs responsibility, if only for a few days. Except his mom’s a pro with guilt which has him standing in the airport waiting for his childhood friend. Maybe a quick lunch, a fast game of catch up and he’d be out the door and on his way to the bar where his teammates were waiting.

Alexa’s eager to see Ty again if only to prove her silly girlhood crush was just that, a crush. Except when she finally sees him all those old feelings come rushing back combined with a woman’s needs that leave her trembling with desire.

The Nerd's Ramble: This is the least favorite of mine out of the series. With so much history between Jagger and Alexa, it could have really sparked something incredible. The chemistry was intense and the story good, it just lacked something that the others did. Jagger's not necessarily my favorite of the group, and I find him to be a little too 'alpha-male' which probably sounds a little ridiculous considering the men in this series. I just think it's okay. Read it for the sake of reading it for the series.

Jonesni' For Action (SEALs on Fire)
Dagger's Edge (SEALs on Fire #2)
Coyote Heat (SEALs on Fire #1)

Rating: ★★★☆☆
Total Length: 66 pages
Available Format: kindle, epub
Publication Date: 2012 (Wild Rose Press)
Author's Link: Allie Standifer webpage

Book Review: Coyote Heat (SEALs on Fire #1) Desiree Holt.

Synopsis: Miguel “Coyote” Cruz is happy to join his SEAL Team Arapaho teammates for a wild weekend at Key West. After all, they just came off a particularly tough mission and Coyote is ready to let it all hang out. The love ‘em and leave ‘em Cruz sees the female population of the tourist town as a veritable banquet for him. The last thing he expects is to meet a woman who gives new meaning to hot sex but who also singes his heart. What’s a no-commitment SEAL to do?

The Nerd Rambles: I like this one. I like this one a lot. In fact this book and Aiden's book are tied for my favorite as of right now. I have four more in this series to read. I like that Cori has a past, and it takes her a while to trust Coyote to even open up to him on a personal (rather than just sex) level. I like that Coyote, the alpha male who loves and leaves and doesn't seem to care too much about emotions is gobsmacked and hooked because Cori doesn't take any of his bologna. They communicate with each other, which is another aspect of their blossoming relationship that I like. This one cuts off short, but I didn't mind it as much. I want to know more about these two, as their chemistry is amazing.

Jonsein for Action (SEALs on Fire #3)
Dagger's Edge (SEALs on Fire)

Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: Not given.
Available Format: Kindle, epub
Publication Date: 2012 (Wild Rose Press)
Author's Page: Desiree Holt on Goodreads

Book Review: Dagger's Edge (SEALs on Fire #2) Brenna Zinn

Synopsis: Though well hidden, deep scars from Dean "Dagger" Gregory's troubled past have influenced each important decision he's ever made, including joining the military and keeping his distance from his best friend's sister, Mia Benson, the only woman he's ever loved. But after Dagger's friend strong-arms him into checking on the feisty redhead during his leave in Key West, he finds himself under sexual attack and with no desire—or willpower—to retreat.

The Nerd's Ramble: This is book two in the SEALs on Fire series which is a multi-author series. I'm currently reading them out of order, and there isn't too much to give away if you do it this way. This is another super steamy short, that is actually pretty decent. The set up isn't anything original-- Dagger is best friends with Mia's older brother and rather than facing his emotions, kept her at arm's distance. They're explosively hot together, and I like the way that Dagger really cares for Mia and wants to protect her. Their relationship is one that I'd like to see more of, as this ends rather abruptly. Dagger is very much an alpha-male and a 'man's man', but there are a few moments where he's a giant massive dork. "Release the kracken" made me snort out loud and lightened the mood a bit, making the story even more believable.

Jonesin' For Action (SEALs On Fire #3)

Total Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: not available.
Formats Available: Kindle, EPUB
Publication Date: 2012 (Wild Rose Press)
Author Link: Brenna Zinn webpage

Book Review-- Amber's Opus by Jason Jaxx.

Synopsis: Amber Churchill needs to get a good grade in Mr. Tinsdale's class but he is being stubborn about granting her an extension. Luckily, she is a mistress in the art of seduction or, at least, that is what she has led herself to believe but, in Mr. Tinsdale, she may just have met her match. He quickly rises to the challenge, devising an erotic game involving discipline and submission designed to teach her a lesson. Join them in this battle of wills that might just be their sexual masterwork and where the only thing guaranteed is satisfaction.

The Nerd's Ramble: I received an email from Amazon talking about free Kindle books, and this was one of the books offered that I hadn't read. I downloaded it and started to read. I knew what I was getting into from the synopsis of the book, but frankly it was the written plot of most bad porn movies. Amber Churchill is a student (who is of legal age at 18--the author's notes at the beginning of the book did state this) needs a good grade in a class. So what happens is naturally she offers to sleep with her teacher. Fantasy material for some.

The only problem is that it's not really well thought out or written. I didn't really care for this book, but remember just because I didn't like it doesn't mean it's a bad book. It's got a lot of good reviews, but I just couldn't get into this one. At all. I couldn't erase the images of bad 90s porn.

Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Total Length: 29 pages
Formats available: Kindle
Author's page: Jason Jaxx

Book Review-- Party Crasher by April Angel

Synopsis: She crashed his party and became his prize…

According to one annoying Drex Callum, Chris is a “nosy reporter.” And maybe she is. She’s heard of the super secretive event known as the Seduction Party, and she won’t be content until she finds a way in. The last thing she expects to find is that Drex is the host. She’ll never get an invitation from her nemesis—unless she finds a way to get one herself. And breaking into his house is nothing if it means getting the scoop. But what she gets instead is an eye-full of the man himself, half-naked and more than she’d ever dreamed he could be in all her teenage fantasies.

Drex has been fantasizing about Chris forever, and now that she’s a grown woman, he still has a hard time treating her like one. So when she shows up at the Seduction Party—on the auction chair!—he’s got no other choice but to teach that nosey woman a lesson. He never dreamed sex could be like this, with Chris in his room, tied to a bed, asking him for stuff that blows his mind…

The Nerd's Ramble: This book is by far one of the steamiest, sexiest things I have ever read. It's a little longer than Ms. Angel's "Wicked Valentine", and I appreciate that there was more backstory and more development with this book. Chris is a reporter, and grew up with her older brother and his best friend Drex. As a reporter she manages to worm her way into an exclusive party, and ends up in a rather-- entertaining position.

Drex is a fun character to read. I really like his and Chris' relationship and their banter. Their tension is high and it's really fun to watch the sparks fly and see what happens when they get each other alone. There is a bit of a dramatic streak and some intense situations due to another character who doesn't approve of their relationship, or Chris' access to the exclusive bash. I feel that while it was a little more rounded out, it could have done with a bit more toward the end when Chris and Drex figure out who is behind the horrible things happening to Chris.

Wicked Valentine Review

Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: 101 pages
Format: Epub, Kindle
Publication Date: February 22, 2013 (Etopia Press)

Book Review-- Business and Pleasure by Jinni James

Synopsis:
Elizabeth Hamilton is a smart and successful business woman. After her parents died, Elizabeth moved her college student sister in with her, took over her family's business, and even started one of her own. She has no time in her life for a relationship. Her company is her passion, it is what gets her up in the morning, what drives her, it's what she lives for so when Alexander Preston comes in and decides he wants to buy it from her it is no surprise that Elizabeth fights for what is hers.

Quickly Elizabeth realizes there is a spark between the two of them, a spark that she decides to ignore until Alexander presses her for more. Elizabeth feels the internal struggle between her desire for this man and her passion for her company.

Elizabeth soon discovers that there is something going on in her company behind closed doors that she is unaware of. Fighting for what she believes in, as well as her company, may just unearth some secrets she didn't know were buried.

Shelly's Thoughts: I got this book as a freebie through Amazon, and started reading it. Life got in the way and I finished it this morning. Overall, I did enjoy the book. It was a nice read, the characters were interesting, and flawed to some extent. The author gives a lot of description and sets the tone for the story very nicely.

There were a few things that I didn't like. The pacing of this story really didn't work with me. It happened so quickly, especially the main romance--the admission of love, the moving in, the 'end game' if you will. Alex was also a little too perfect. I like my men a little more flawed, but that's just me.  The side romances (the sister, the assistant) also were super fast forwarded.

There were a couple of editing slips too. Author's in-text reminders, or a few things that just weren't supposed to be there. Normally I can overlook things but "WHAT WAS HIS SURNAME AGAIN" makes me snicker. I wasn't overly fond of the present tense either. But that's another personal thing. Some people may enjoy it--I just wasn't overly warm to it.

I think with a bit more expansion of the plot and the character's lives I would have rated it higher. I did like it, and would recommend it to a few of my friends who enjoy books like these. I would like to read more of Ms. James' work.

Rating: ★★★☆☆
Total Length: Not stated.
Format: Epub, Kindle.
Publication Date: January 21, 2013

Book Review-- Wicked Valentine by April Angel

Synopsis: Who knew being wicked could be this fun?

Maxwell Stone has wanted Sabrina for over a year. But Nina’s the ultimate professional and has no intention of getting involved. That is, until the night she gets a little tipsy and finds herself begging for his touch.

After an intense night of making Nina’s sexual fantasies come true, Max finds he doesn’t want to let her go. Nina wants Maxwell too, but she won’t put her job on the line for any man. She loves the passion they shared, but when she’s invited to the Wicked Valentine Ball, she decides it’s time to put Max out of her mind. Of course, the last thing she expects is for him to be her escort. And she doesn’t expect to find someone else trying to keep them apart. Permanently…

Shelly's Thoughts: This was the first book I'd read by April Angel and I found myself really liking it. It's a quick and extremely smutty read. Nina and Max are perfect for each other and they have a lot of built up tension and spark. When they finally give in to these feelings the sparks really fly.

One thing that I like about Ms. Angel's female leads is that they are strong, well spoken women. They don't cower or simply roll over for whoever they want. There's a game between the male and female leads and the build up is just as much fun as when they do finally cave and give in to their cravings.

My only negative point about this story is that it is so short, meaning that the subplot didn't feel as complete. It was a little cliched, a little predictable, and I would have been sucked in more if that was more thought out.

Rating: ★★★☆☆
Total Length:  78 pages
Format:  Kindle, Epub
Publication Date: January 25, 2013 (Etopia Press)

Book Review-- Jonesin' For Action (SEALS on Fire #3) by Samantha Cayto

Synopsis: Losing half a leg hasn't slowed down Aiden Jones. He can't deploy as a SEAL anymore, but that doesn't stop him from enjoying life as he always has. The one challenge left is to take a woman to bed. It's not his ability he questions, but his appeal. Can a woman overlook his damaged leg?

Marissa Nelson tends bar while working on her dissertation. Cautious by nature, hooking up with customers isn't her style, but Aiden tempts her to break the rules. More than the sum of his parts, he's a man who can rock her world.


Shelly's Thoughts: This book was a quick steamy read. I was surprised to find myself a little teary eyed at Jones' nerves about his disability. I think the author handled it well, and it was overall a really cute read.I like how Ms. Cayto took a character who was so alpha male and used to being the hero and saving everyone, and gave him a flaw. This really made the book something that I enjoyed. My only complaint is that the ending was rather abrupt. I would like to know more about the couple and how they work together after the events in the story.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: Not given.
Format: Epub and Kindle
Publication Date: 2012 (Wild Rose Press, INC)

Book Review-- Wunder by A.R. Von

Synopsis:  Wunder isn’t your average girl, in fact, she isn’t even an average human. In a world once ravaged by Zombies, she was born amidst the chaos.
 
Where can a girl like her find the man of her delicious dreams? She has an idea and it leads her to the hottest new club in town, where she finds what’s been missing in her life.
 
Pete has his own secrets to tell, and when they come together, another story unfolds while the sparks fly.

Shelly's thoughts: Fast paced and witty I found myself really enjoying this. I know what you're thinking "Zombie Erotica? Um..what?" First off, stop that. It's not Romero's zombies banging. Wunder is a special child born in the time of a zombie infestation. Second, pick it up and read it. It's a quick, enjoyable read that packs a tight punch of conflict, sex and fun characters all together. I'm looking forward to reading more of Wunder's adventures.

Rating: ★★★★★
Total Length: 18 pages
Format: Kindle and Epub.
Publication Date: February 14, 2013