Review: Seasonal and Hot; What More Could You Ask For?
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 3, 2013
I received my copy from Carina Press through NetGalleyFive Golden Rings by Jeffe Kennedy (4)This was a fun and very kinky story. I loved the idea of `The Twelve Kinky Days of Christmas' The plans Miguel has for Tilda are original and inspired, not to mention hot. My only `complaint' is that the story felt a bit rushed at times, a problem no doubt caused by the length of this novella. The same is true for the short time span it takes these two characters to decide that they do want this to be more than just a holiday adventure, especially since for Tilda everything she experiences is the complete opposite of her normal persona.Other than that it was a pure joy to read this steamy story.Menage on 34th Street by Elise Logan & Emily Ryan-Davis (4.5)I won't say a lot more about this story because the full story-line can be found in the blurb. I will say that I loved it. The dynamic between these three people is fascinating and realistic. I was so happy that conflicts were resolved through conversation, and that, although there were emotional outbursts and reactions, common sense prevailed.I'm very grateful that the authors didn't make this story too easy. This wasn't a case of they love each other so they'll live happily ever after. No, even by the time the story ends you know that these three people will be in a relationship that requires work and compromise on all sides, that things won't always be easy or smooth for them. And because these are three very likeable characters, you can't help hoping that they will succeed and find a way to make it work. I'm delighted to see that there will be a sequel to this story and am very much looking forward to reading it.Oh, and did I mention that this story is incredibly hot? Of course ménage stories, by definition, allow for a whole host of situations that can't be achieved with `only' two characters. Let's just say the authors of this story give their readers an enticing and extensive idea of all those possibilities.Naughty Nicks by Christine D'Abo (3.5)Novellas are strange things. Occasionally they're just right but more often than not they feel too short, leaving me with the feeling that I would have gotten more out of the story if only it had been longer. Not so with "Naughty Nick". I can't help feeling that this story would have been at least as good as it is, if not better, if it had been a bit shorter. For me the whole will they or won't they come to their senses went on for too long.Other than that, I enjoyed the story. The characters were nice and vivid; the heat level was high and the sex hot. I enjoyed this cute story and it most certainly got me in the mood for Christmas, not to mention a stripping Santa.Matzoh and Mistletoe by Jodie Griffin (5)Let me start by saying that I adore Jody Griffin's stories. I love her Doms and the strong submissives she creates. Her books and stories, this one included are romantic, sexy and very hot. When she takes her readers into the world of BDSM she introduces them both to the dominating and the caring side of this dynamic. Her Doms, and Jeremy in `Matzoh and Mistletoe' is no exception, are first and foremost loving and caring men who put the needs of the women who submit to them first. They may not be able to deny their need to dominate, they make very sure their submissives get what they want and need. Even if the woman in question doesn't always know theat what she's getting is exactly what she wants.I loved the care Jeremy took with Becca in this story. Just as I loved Becca's willingness to investigate what the man she had been interested in for five years had to offer, even if it scared her and brought back memories she'd rather forget. This is a tender love story first and foremost with BDSM the vehicle through which the tenderness is shared. It was wonderful to join Becca on her journey while she discovered what her fantasies - the same fantasies her ex-husband had shamed her for - where like when experienced for real. Watching Jeremy while he introduces her to the beauty of power-exchange, taking care to not push her over the edge, was heart-warming.I'm running out of ways to express how much I enjoyed this book, so let me finish by saying that it's hard not to adore a book that combines a beautiful love story, with smoking hot scenes and a wicked sense of humor.When I discovered that Jodie Griffin didn't have any plans to return to her Bondage & Breakfast books my heart sank. Having read this book my worries have dissipated. I have ever confidence that this is one author who will not let me down; regardless of the characters she decides to write about.