Review: Carnal Ecstasy... not as good as Simple Need
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 02 24, 2012
I think after the sheer perfection of Simple Need, it would be hard to match it, and I had high hopes for Carnal Ecstasy, the second book in this trilogy.Dallon, part bar-owner, part-tattoo-parlour-owner and best friend of Vintner and Jaz is not looking for an emotional entanglement. He's especially not looking for Carrie - the complete opposite of his `type'. She's a good girl, a well brought up Christian who follows her parents instructions in everything. Until now. She's rebelling - and first on her list of things to try is the gorgeous man that she's just met.<< "You don't need to be messing with me, Carrie. You really don't. If ever there was a black sheep, I'm it. My reputation is bad, very, very bad. It's best that you go. Now." >>He wants her - wanted her from the moment she stopped him outside to ask for directions - but recognizes that she isn't the type for his usual one-night stand. So he tries to resist her... and fails.<< FedEx was going to bust through the doors, package him up and send him straight to hell by ten the next morning for asking his next question and already knowing the answer. "What else do you want?""You." >>She worries that she's too innocent.<< "Naughty girls are always sexy, but taking a girl like you," he slid a hand down the lace to cup her pussy through it, "and turning her into a naughty one is even sexier." >>For the first time ever, Dallon shares his bed with a woman. All night.<< She looked adorable and rumpled though. Her skin had that just-awakened flush, her eyes were still drowsy and heavy lidded. She was so warm and soft, and he wanted to melt into her at the same time he wanted to kick her out of his bed because she was a threat to everything he knew prior to meeting her. His one-night stands and easy lays were gonna come to a screeching halt if he didn't get rid of her soon. >>So... Carrie and Dallon hook up and have some hot sex. There's a bit of character growth and a nice easy ending, but it didn't grab me. It was just too... empty, a bit like a puzzle where you fill in the blanks.I think it suffered from being so short, that there wasn't time for any character depth. I didn't get why Dallon was such a bad, bad boy. He has tats and piercings, and runs a bar. He didn't come across as anything other than thoughtful and generous - and affectionate. He's polite with her parents. Good with his friends, and loving with Carrie. And why did Carrie suddenly decide to rebel? Going from long-term celibacy to instant sex-kitten overnight, was a bit of a leap.On the plus side, Lissa Matthews has a lovely relaxed style of writing, so if you're looking for a quick, hot read, this ticks the boxes. 3 out of 5.