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Monday, August 31, 2009

Monday Musings



Wow! It has been such a busy weekend and Monday, I very nearly forgot to do my Monday Musings! *smacks forehead*

School started here last week, and I am a school bus driver, so that is taking up some of the time that I had been spending on the internet. Not to mention having to get up at 5:15 a.m. and attempting to get in bed at a decent hour! I am a night owl, so I hate going to bed and hate even worse getting up early. Plus, my five year old son is playing T-Ball, and we have a couple games a week, so that is even more of my time taken for other things. Like I said, Busy Times!


One of the Dark Divas, Jen, has come up with a marvelous plan, and she and I are working on getting it implemented. Soon, Dark Diva Reviews will offer an Author Index page! It will list all authors who have had reviews done here at DDR, along with their web site and/or blog links, and the links to their DDR reviews. This is a huge job for Jen and I, so it may take a little while to get all done, but I will be sure to let everyone know when we have it live.

I am also going to be rearranging the sidebars a bit, to make it easier to search for books. Hopefully I will be able to have that done by the end of this week, but if not, then next week. Again, I will make an announcement so that you know it is done.


I also changed our search bar. The old one stopped working. (Have no idea what was up with that.) Google recently added their search bar to the widgets, so I added it and it is quite nice. I have noticed that sometimes it misses some of the older reviews that have been posted, but for the most part, it picks up everything, I think.

We haven't forgotten the other things that we have been thinking about, such as a newsletter, but we want to make sure that our site is the best it can be before we move on to other things.

Don't forget that each day, we bring something new for you to enjoy.

Tomorrow will be our Teasing Tidbits, where you will be able to read excerpts of a few books that will be reviewed soon at DDR. Jen will also include a list of recent reviews posted here at DDR.

On Wednesday, Amanda will bring us, Wicked Wednesday. For the month of September, each guest is the author of a story that will be included in the Immortal Fire Anthology from loveyoudivine Alterotica! This week's guest will be Bryn Colvin. Wicked Wednesday is part of a month long contest, so don't forget to come back every Wednesday to enter to win!


Of course, we can't forget Temptation Thursday when Deb will bring us some delicious pictures to get our juices flowing! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us this Thursday.


Lastly, Feature Friday! Feature Friday is a weekly contest and features one author and one of their books. This week we have Regan Taylor. Stop back by on Friday and read the review and excerpt of her book, Michael's Flight and learn a little more about Regan. Don't forget to enter the contest for your chance to win a copy of Michael's Flight.

Have a good week!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

August Reviewers' Top Picks


Each month, the Dark Diva Reviewers choose their Top Pick from that month. Our Top Pick is simply the best book we have reviewed that month here at Dark Diva Reviews.


Deb's Top Pick is Miles to Go by Connie Bailey! Read Deb's review.

Jaime's Top Pick is Where the Heart Is by Ally Blue. Read Jaime's review.

Em Epe's Top Pick is Playing With Fyre by Mina Carter. Read Em Epe's review.

Em Epe also Recommends Woman of Honor by Nicole Zoltack. Read Em Epe's review.

Jen's Top Pick is A Strong Hand by Catt Ford. Read Jen's review.

Melissa's Top Pick is Night Angel by Renee Reeves. Read Melissa's review.

Melissa also Recommends Hell's Bells by Lesli Richardon. Read Melissa's review.

Dakota's Top Pick is Purple Prose by Sam Cheever. Read Dakota's review.

Amanda's Top Pick is The Devil's Scream by Stephanie Barmann. Read Amanda's review.

Congratulations to the authors of the books chosen as Top Picks and Recommends!

Happy Reading!

Dark Diva Reviews Staff

Friday, August 28, 2009

Goldi by Kissa Starling


Goldi by Kissa Starling
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Genre: Erotic Romance/BDSM


Summary:
A whole new lifestyle with bondage, whips, and leather lingerie--what's not to like?

Goldi went for a walk in the woods and ended up at the home of the three bears, the three Burson Bear football players that is. She searched through the belongings of all three men but one drew her into his psyche. The things she found in his room made her yearn for things she'd never even knew existed. Their journey began with a football game, a parade, and a well-stocked dungeon. How it ends depends on Goldi...

My Review: I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I started this book. Let me say that after a hesitant start, I quite enjoyed this tale. I was concerned at the beginning of the book with the initial set up. Goldi is wandering through the woods on a journey to clear her head and gets lost. On her trek to find her way back she stumbles upon a house, which she enters in search of people. She ends up wandering through the bedrooms of these 3 men, learning about each one as she does so. My first thought when reading this was that these contrived actions were going to be the sum total of how the plot moves in this book; a cheesy re-writing of a children’s fairy tale. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Actually, Ms. Starling pleasantly surprised me a few times in this book with the direction of the plot line. I kept reading just to find out what would happen next.

Goldi definitely picked the bear that fit her best. I enjoyed how Kissa Starling put us inside the head of Goldi to understand where she was in her life and what she was looking for in her future, or at least her present. I would have loved to learn more about Mark and his need to dominate, which leads me to my only real complaint about this book: the length. I truly wanted to learn more about Goldi and Mark. Ms. Starling wrapped up this story nicely in the end; however, I cannot help but hope that there is a possibility for a sequel. I would love to read about Goldi and Mark’s next journey in their relationship and how they find a path with together.

Rated 4 Delightful Divas by Jen!



Loving True by Marie Rochelle


Loving True by Marie Rochelle
Publisher: Phaze Publishing
Genre: Erotic Suspense



Summary:
True Williams thinks she has it all, until her boyfriend's betrayal cuts her to the bone and she flees town. She vows to not let another devastatingly handsome man into her heart or life, but her promise is put to the test when she moves next door to the amazingly sexy Hayward Campbell.

Hayward Campbell moved to Montana to get away from the life that still seems to haunt him. He isn't interested in any women until a pair of shapely mahogany legs gets out of a flashy red sports car.

Will Hayward and True be able to get over their tormented pasts and find love with each other?

My Review: This book captured and wrapped me up in its pages. The plot thickens throughout the book, just as much as True and Haywards passion for each other.

True is totally delightful. I just love her sass and her shyness. I like that True is no hide under the covers heroine, not afraid of even a stranger who calls, promising to do wicked things to her.

Hayward is a man worth loving. Marie got right down to picking a wonderful leading man for True. Hayward and True will be each other’s strength.

At first I thought this was a nice, hot, sweet romance with a couple. Boy was I wrong, this story holds so much more. The intensity of Hayward and True's relationship scorches the pages. So passionate it had me fanning myself saying, "Oh My."

The plot twist shocked me, but was well received. I was so glad that the buildup was well worth the wait. In the end, you will never believe what happens next. Loving True is a book worth trying; it will leave you breathless and saying, "I did not see that coming."

Marie Rochelle knows how to make the sparks fly! She gives so much to her characters, which will have you feeling like you know them. Come experience what Loving True is all about.

Brava Marie!

Rated 5 Delightful Divas by Deb!


Incognito Series Book 9: Dance in Shadows by Karen Wiesner


Incognito Series Book 9: Dance in Shadows by Karen Wiesner
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Genre: Romantic Suspense/Action
Available October 2009 from Whiskey Creek Press

Visit the Incognito Series page for more information

Summary: Long-time Head of Network Operations, Angelo Pluzetti, has faced danger in every form, to the most extreme degree. He gives his loyalty without question to the primary mission of the Network and to his family of operatives. He’s kept his own heart, emotions and personal needs buried. After countless years, Angelo has never failed and never been captured by an enemy...until he’s targeted by R.E.D. and kidnapped. The last thing he expects is the deceptively-frail Network doctor and the mother of his unborn child, Celine Savage, to be the one to save his life and unbury his heart.

My Review: My first thought when I read the blurb for Dance in Shadows was, “Finally!” Finally I get to know Angelo better! Angelo has been an important part of each and every book of the Incognito Series. He has been such a strong secondary character. Not only that, but he was the one person in the upper level management of the Network that realized that the operatives needed to have a human life, complete with emotions and relationships. Well, maybe not the only one who realized it, but at least, the only one that was willing to wage a silent war to get it. In each book, I only got a small piece of how great Angelo truly is. He does his job well and his completely loyal to the Network, but he also had compassion for the operatives, and that compassion would peak through in the other books.

Dance in Shadows gave me even more than I had hoped for. I got to meet Angelo, up close and in person, and he was a more satisfying character than I could have imagined. Plus, an operative was finally one step ahead of the Network. I have been somewhat irked in the other books by the fact that the Network is always one step ahead of the operatives, which is to be expected, but they didn’t let their operatives in on what was really going on. Master Chess players are what they are. However, Celine finally gets the one up on them. It was perfect!

The relationship between Angelo and Celine was more emotional and drawn out than some of the others in this series, which was fitting for both of these characters. I loved getting an inside look at Angelo and Celine, and their relationship.

The ending only leaves me with more anticipation for the next book in the series. I see changes and a bright future for the Network operatives, and can’t wait to read about it. This is, by far, the best book of the Incognito Series yet!

Rated 5 Delightful Divas by Melissa!


Trapping A Wolf by Michelle Hasker


Trapping A Wolf by Michelle Hasker
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Genre: Multicultural/Paranormal Shape Shifter


Summary:
Trapping Malcolm in a mountain cabin for the weekend had sounded like fun at first. She's had the hots for him forever. When Malcolm doesn't return her enthusiasm, the dream weekend turns into the weekend from hell. Between the raging blizzard, and a sulking Malcolm who acts like a caged animal. With it more than obvious they'll never be more than friends, Kristi decides to drown her sorrows in a bottle. But as the night wears on, she begins to wonder if there may be a chance for them after all.

My Review: First off, let me assure you I find no issue with the grammatical writing of this story. This is a well edited piece and is very easy to read. I happen to love the idea of shape shifters and love their stories. I’ve even written one myself, but as much as I tried to, I couldn’t seem to like Kristi’s character. The first part of the story she spent moaning and whining about the idea that Malcolm didn’t want her, even going as far as drowning her sorrows in Vodka.

While the one sex scene that was written was done very well, it unfortunately left me longing for more, since it was definitely one sided. Unfortunately, between the whining and the sex scene, Kristi’s character was not real likable. While I didn’t completely enjoy this story, I will definitely be interested in reading Ms. Hasker’s work again because I don’t believe in judging an author by one book. After all, there are always going to be stories we don’t care for, even from our favorite authors. Perhaps I’ll enjoy her next one more. I give Trapping a Wolf 2 Delightful Divas.

Rated 2 Delightful Divas by Dakota!


Sisters In Time by Ginger Simpson


Sisters In Time by Ginger Simpson
Publisher: Eternal Press
Genre: Paranormal


Summary:
Mariah Cassidy awakens in the twentieth century. Confined in a pristine environment, hooked to tubes and beeping machines, she’s scared, confused and wondering why everyone keeps calling her Mrs. Morgan. Who is the strange man who keeps massaging her forehead and telling her everything is going to be alright?

Taylor Morgan tries to focus on her surroundings through a blinding headache. The patchwork quilt, the water basin, and the archaic room don’t strike a familiar chord. Her mouth gapes when a handsome man waltzes into the room, calls her darling, and expresses his delight that she’s on the road to recovery.

Clearly something is amiss.

My Review: When I read the blurb I thought ok, I like this premise, let’s see how it goes. Before I knew what happened, I was done with the book and happy!

On a trip to town, Mariah is thrown from the family wagon and hits her head, when she wakes she is in the twenty first century and is scared beyond belief. The same can be said for Taylor. She was on her way to work and the next thing she knows, she is waking up in a country home. Everything has been turned upside down and no one will believe that they are who they say they are.

I sat here at my computer and felt every ounce of frustration each of the husbands felt, but it was their wives that my heart went out to. I can’t even imagine what it would feel like to wake up and everything you know about your life is gone and replaced with stuff you don’t understand.

There is a moral to this story and I found it out pretty quickly, you don’t know how good you have it until everything is taken away from you. Your security, your loved ones, the conveniences of life; we take everything for granted and never think what if.

I even asked myself, what would you do if this was possible and it happened to you? I figured I would try to stay calm, but I think that would be thrown out the door and I would panic. I liked how Ms. Simpson didn’t make them panic, yes they were scared and unsure of what would happen next, but they kept it together and they knew, one way or the other, they would get back to their lives. It was eternal hope that keeps them together.

I have been to Denver and it is a daunting city to visit. Could you imagine what Mariah felt knowing Denver City was large back in 1872, but fast forward to 2002 and yeah, that’s overwhelming. The same can be said for Taylor, you go from the big city to a little town that Denver once was. In a way I would find that fascinating. For me it’s like going to Tombstone, AZ and walking into all the shops and going out to the OK Corral, you know what happened there and it’s so surreal. Now imagine if you showed up the afternoon of the shoot out. How trippy would that be?

Overall, I was very pleased with Sisters in Time. I liked the flow of the book, I liked the banter between each of the couples and I was happy to see them reunite. I liked how Frank tames Taylor, to a point, and David encourages Mariah to be free a little.

So with all this said, if you like well written westerns, with a touch of time travel thrown in there, you are definitely going to like Sisters in Time!

Rated 5 Delightful Divas and a Recommended Read by Amanda!




Whispers in the Dark by Marisa Quinn


Whispers in the Dark by Marisa Quinn
Publisher: Devine Destinies
Genre: Romance/Paranormal


Summary:
Eros, son of Aphrodite, is a Greek god. Every night for the past eighteen years, the moment he fell asleep, a woman with gold-speckled eyes and sinful lips curved in a mysterious smile entered his dreams.

Was she his soul mate…or just a dream?

When Psyche, a mortal living in ancient Greece, heard the sound of Eros whispering to her one night, she thought she was dreaming again. It wasn't until she opened her eyes and caught a glimpse of the winged god gliding past the moon that she knew she had not imagined it.

"I will come to you in darkness…"

Unable to resist the pounding of his heart, Eros will defy Aphrodite and face the wrath of the gods by engaging in a forbidden love affair with Psyche, an insignificant mortal in their eyes. Eros knows the truth: Psyche is his soul mate. His lover. His destiny.

My Review: Ms. Quinn has provided us with a delightfully romantic tale with a mythological twist to it. Like many of the classic mythological tales, there is a villain, a hero, and a damsel in distress. I loved the interaction between Eros and Psyche even though this book had no actual sexual content to it. For the shortness of the book, I think the characters were well developed and found this a fast read. So if you’re looking for a purely romantic read, this book is definitely a keeper, but if like me, you’re looking for a spicy tale, this might not be the book for you. I give Whispers in the Dark, 4 ½ Delightful Divas.

Rated 4 ½ Delightful Divas by Dakota!


Contest: Feature Friday: Claire Thompson



Welcome to another Feature Friday! I am pleased to bring to you today, Claire Thompson! I must admit, Claire is one of my favorites. It was one of her books that first introduced me to BDSM, something I never thought I would like. However, after reading Claire's book, Binding Discoveries, I fell in love with both her work and BDSM, and haven't looked back! Here are a few other examples of Claire's books. Accidental Slave was reviewed right here at Dark Diva Reviews, and Submission Times Two was also reviewed at Dark Diva Reviews. Both are available in paperback. You can find the link to buy the paperbacks at Romance Unbound Publishing.


Claire, please tell us a little about you.

I write erotica and erotic romance. My work includes the sensual exploration of BDSM as well as m/m erotica, both vanilla and D/s. I’ve written over fifty novels, and have no plans to stop, ever!

My latest and very exciting endeavor is establishing my own publishing house, Romance Unbound Publishing. I see this as part of a groundswell of authors who are taking a more active role in the creative and financial direction of their writing careers. After twelve years of working for the “other guy”, I decided it was time to take control of my own destiny. With the help of dedicated beta readers, freelance editors, cover artists and sites like Dark Divas, I am doing just that! I do hope you’ll drop by the site and check it out! You can also visit my web site and sign up for my newsletter, or find me on my Yahoo chat group.

Claire has also been kind enough to share an excerpt of her newest release, Wicked Hearts.

Read Jen's review of Wicked Hearts, rated Five Delightful Divas!



Wicked Hearts by Claire Thompson
Publisher: Romance Unbound
Genre: M/M Erotic Romance



Summary: "Oh, what a tangled web we weave..."

Reese and Hank are used to taking what they want, just because they can. They set their sights on the office geek, a painfully shy whiz kid named Jeff. Hank bets Reese he can't get the guy in bed within a week - he makes the pot very sweet with an offer of $5,000, if Reese can do the job - on tape.

Reese, usually so cocky and sure, is completely disarmed by the quiet but intense Jeff.

What begins as a cynical seduction rapidly heats into flames of dangerous desire. Reese finds himself falling, hard, but disentangling himself from Hank is even harder. Jealousy, lust and unraveling lies threaten to shatter more than one heart in this tale of love and betrayal.

Excerpt: “Wanna get in the hot tub?” Reese suggested.

“I haven’t got a bathing suit.”

“That’s all right, neither do I.”

Jeff watched, mesmerized, as Reese stood and pulled the soft sweater over his head. His mouth actually watered as he stared at the broad, muscular chest.

With his eyes on Jeff’s face, Reese unbuttoned his jeans and slid them down his tan legs. He was wearing a black thong, his thick cock pointing upward toward his hip beneath the fabric.

Taking the ice bucket with the champagne, he sat on the edge of the hot tub, dangling his legs in the water. “Come on,” he urged. “The water’s perfect. Bring your glass.” He waved his own, reaching for the champagne to top it off.

Taking a breath, Jeff slipped out of his things, moving quickly toward the other side of the tub. He left on his underwear, not a sexy thong, but practical cotton briefs. Setting his glass carefully on the rim of the tub, he lowered himself into the hot, frothing water.

“This feels great,” he said, letting the water jets pummel his back. Reese reached for Jeff’s empty glass. Without asking, he refilled it and handed it to him. Jeff knew he didn’t need any more to drink, but he took it anyway. He remembered hearing it wasn’t a good idea to drink in a hot tub, but the champagne was delicious, and what the hell?

They sat across from each other in silence for a while. The sky had deepened to a dark royal blue and a few sparkling stars were sprinkled over it. Reese looked so hot, his muscular arms stretched out along the rim of the tub, his skin ruddy from the rising steam. He was watching Jeff, his head tilted, his gaze appraising.

“What?” Jeff said, feeling suddenly self-conscious.

“I want you.”

Jeff swallowed, his cock tingling. Was this it? Were they going to make love tonight? Did he want that? Was he ready? Was Reese the kind of guy who wanted you only as long as he didn’t have you?

A voice in Jeff’s head answered emphatically. Yes. That’s exactly the kind of guy he is.

His cock ignored the voice. “I want you, too,” he said softly.

Reese stood and reached behind the tub, pulling up two towels. He held one out to Jeff. Without a trace of self-consciousness, Reese pulled off the wet thong before wrapping the towel around his lower body, giving Jeff a glimpse of his thick, long cock. He stepped out of the tub and headed toward the back door of the house.

“Coming?”

Jeff hoisted himself onto the side of the tub and climbed out. He pulled off his wet briefs, glad Reese wasn’t watching him. Quickly he wrapped the towel around his body, grabbed his clothes and followed.

Reese led him straight to the bedroom. He stopped abruptly in the middle of the room, so that Jeff nearly bumped into him. He could feel the heat still emanating from Reese’s skin. He could almost taste the kisses they’d shared earlier that day.

Turning toward Jeff with narrowed eyes, Reese dropped his towel. His cock sprung forward, beckoning like a divining rod. He backed toward the bed, holding out his arms.

The insistent, warning voices that had been whispering all week in Jeff’s head were entirely silenced at last, drowned out by the rush of raw need. He moved forward, every fiber of his being alive with desire.


~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Reese fell back against the bed, savoring the hungry look in Jeff’s eyes. Yeah, it was obvious Jeff wanted him. The thing was, he wanted Jeff too. He wanted him too much, and he knew it.

He pushed away the thought. He’d sort out the emotional crap later, and toss it in the garbage where it belonged. For now, he just wanted to possess this man, with his dark, tousled hair falling into his face, his pale skin gleaming in the light of the rising moon.

Reese reached for the lamp beside the bed. It wouldn’t do if there wasn’t enough light for the hidden camera to record by. Leaning up on his elbows, he stared at Jeff, willing him to drop the towel.

Jeff’s lips were pressed together and he was breathing hard through his nostrils, which were slightly flared as a result. When he shook back the hair from his face, his eyes seemed to be burning with an internal fire. His hands trembled as he let the towel drop from his narrow hips.
Reese raked his eyes over the strong, lean body, stopping at Jeff’s cock, which was every bit as long and thick as his own, the tip glistening with pre-cum. He met Jeff’s eyes and dragged his tongue suggestively over his lips.

Jeff just stood there, staring hard, a flush rising over his cheeks and throat. Reese sat up, his legs hanging over the end of the bed, ready to get the game in play. He’d warm up the shy guy with a blowjob that would knock his socks off, if he’d been wearing any.

Reese started to slip off the bed when Jeff suddenly sprang forward. Leaning over Reese, he pushed him back down, his grip on Reese’s shoulders unexpectedly strong.

Reese allowed himself to fall back, surprised but curious as to what Jeff had in mind. At least the statue had come to life. He expected Jeff to go straight for his cock, but instead Jeff knelt on the bed beside him, his eyes moving hungrily over Reese’s body.

Reese reached again for him, thinking to pull him down, but Jeff resisted. “No,” he said, his voice husky.

“What the—” Reese began, but Jeff cut him off by placing three fingers gently over Reese’s lips. Jeff shook his head slowly, a small smile lifting the corners of his mouth. Intrigued, Reese remained silent, wondering what the hell this guy was doing.

Jeff traced Reese’s jaw line with his finger, moving it up over his lips and following the line of his nose. He touched Reese’s eyelids, forcing him to close them. When Reese started to open them, Jeff again touched them and Reese understood he wanted him to keep them closed.

Okay. He could play this game, whatever it was, for a little while longer. As long as the night ended with his cock buried in Jeff’s ass, the bet would be satisfied. If it took them a while to get there, so much the better.

He felt Jeff’s lips grazing his cheek. Eyes still closed, he turned his face toward Jeff, ready to be kissed, but Jeff’s mouth didn’t find his. Instead it moved down toward his throat, leaving a trail of tiny, soft kisses along Reese’s skin.

Jeff’s hands moved over his shoulders, the palms smoothing his chest, leaving circles of heat along his skin. Reese’s ignored cock was twitching and he reached for it, thinking to stroke it while he waited for Jeff to get down to business.

He opened his eyes in surprise when Jeff’s caught his wrist, stopping him from touching himself. “No,” Jeff whispered. “Let me. Just lie there.”

Fair enough. He’d let Jeff get him nice and hard before he took over. Jeff touched his eyelids again and, obediently, Reese closed his eyes, though he allowed a small, superior smile to cross his lips. Whatever Jeff thought he was doing, it all came down to fucking in the end.

The unexpected tug at his left nipple caught him by surprise. The almost painful nip of teeth was quickly replaced by a tongue, warm and soft. The other nipple was given the same treatment, and then Jeff began to glide down Reese’s abdomen with his tongue, wet and silky against Reese’s skin.

Ah, now we get down to it, he thought eagerly. His cock was straining upwards and he squeezed his muscles to make it lift in invitation. But no hot mouth closed over it. Instead, Jeff skirted by his cock, raining soft kisses along Reese’s upper thighs. His touch felt good but damn it, Reese wanted his cock sucked.

He reached for Jeff, pulling at his hair to guide him where he wanted him. Again Jeff’s grip, surprisingly strong, closed around his wrists. He released Jeff’s hair and sighed.

After another minute or so, he urged, “Come on, baby. Do me.”

Jeff, who was kneeling beside him, looked up at him, his cheek resting against Reese’s thigh. His eyes were soft, his smile tender. “I don’t want to do you, Reese. I want to make love to you.”



Whew! That was hot! While I am busy getting myself back together here, Claire has a little more she would like to share with you.

Take it away, Claire.

I’m very pleased and proud to announce the creation of my very first book trailer, put together by Theresa’s Trailers. I would be honored and pleased if you would stop by and check it out. Leave a comment!

Also, please sign up for my newsletter (drop me an email at claire@clairethompson.net) so I can keep you posted on all the latest stuff happening in my world, including new releases, contests and other exciting stuff!

And keep your eyes out for my newest Yaoi release, A Princely Gift, available at 1RomanceEbooks.com!

Thanks, Claire!

Claire is offering one luck winner their choice of ebook from her site.

How do you enter to win?

Required:

  • Everyone who enters must leave a comment on this post with their email address.
  • In your comment, tell me the names of the two men in the Wicked Hearts excerpt above.

Bonus Entries:

  • +5 entries for blogging about Claire's Feature Friday. Leave the link in your comment.
  • +2 entries for twittering about this post. Leave the link in your comment.
  • +5 entries for joining Claire's Yahoo group. Let me know what username you joined under in your comment.
  • +5 entries for joining Claire's newlsetter, by emailing her at claire@clairethompson.net
  • +2 entries for Following Dark Diva Reviews. Let me know that you are a Follower in your comment.

Contest ends Wednesday, September 2, at midnight est. Winner will be randomly drawn and announced on Thursday.

Good luck and have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Wicked Hearts by Claire Thompson


Wicked Hearts by Claire Thompson
Publisher: Romance Unbound
Genre: M/M Erotic Romance


Summary:
"Oh, what a tangled web we weave..."

Reese and Hank are used to taking what they want, just because they can. They set their sights on the office geek, a painfully shy whiz kid named Jeff. Hank bets Reese he can't get the guy in bed within a week - he makes the pot very sweet with an offer of $5,000, if Reese can do the job - on tape.

Reese, usually so cocky and sure, is completely disarmed by the quiet but intense Jeff.

What begins as a cynical seduction rapidly heats into flames of dangerous desire. Reese finds himself falling, hard, but disentangling himself from Hank is even harder. Jealousy, lust and unraveling lies threaten to shatter more than one heart in this tale of love and betrayal.

My Review: Hank and Reese are downright players at the beginning of this book, and there isn’t really much to like about either of them as they play with the emotions and lives of others. You immediately recognize who is in control, and it’s not Reese. I’m not sure Reese realizes in the beginning he’s being played just as much as any of the marks that he and Hank choose. Hank sets up a scenario where Reese is to get a guy into bed within a week’s time. If Reese succeeds, with video confirmation, he wins $5,000, but if he loses Hank wins a week with Reese as his personal sex slave. Hank gets to choose the mark and he chooses Jeff. Jeff is a computer genius (aka geek) at the software company where Reese works.

The problem: what starts as a game slowly evolves into Reese learning about himself and how he has changed over his lifetime. His interactions with Jeff allow him to see not only the person that he wants to be, but the person that he has been, and the picture isn’t pretty.

Hank doesn’t like this new side to Reese and finds ways of keeping his control over the young man. Claire Thompson did a remarkable job of getting inside the heads of these characters, especially Reese’s transformation. Even Jeff has traumatic past relationships that the reader gets to work through with him. There aren’t many books out there today that can make your heart race in anxiety in one moment, pound with the passion in the next, and bring tears to your eyes as everything culminates into an exceptional ending. I even had compassion for Hank at the end and wonder if he will ever get his happily ever after. I was still thinking about this book a few days after reading it, and I was truly wondering what an author would have to do to give Hank his happily ever after. One thing I know for sure, if Ms. Thompson writes it, it’ll be a wicked journey.


Rated 5 Delightful Divas by Jen!



Feature Friday Winner Announced

I have drawn the winner of the free ebook coupon code from 1RomanceEbooks.com, and the winner is...



Lady Jane!!






Lady Jane, you should be receiving an email soon!

Thursday's Temptation
































Good Morning.
I hope you Enjoyed DDR's slice of heaven..

Diva Deb

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Your Local Handyman by Stephanie Williams


Your Local Handyman by Stephanie Williams
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Genre: IR romance



Summary:
Who is going to fix who up with what?

Alexis Harrison has bought the American Dream. She purchased a huge Colonial fixer-upper in a posh neighborhood. She's now ready to have a house warming party. All she has to do is find the right person or persons to help her do all the hard work. No problem. She has met and hooked up with the local handyman, the sexy Tony Castellano. But when her house starts falling apart at the seams, so does she. But Tony is there ready to fix things--and not just the house.

Tony Castellano, wants to be more than the local handyman to the sexy new neighbor Alexis Harrison. But he's willing to fix her windows, her pipes and anything else that needs repair as long as he's near her. But fate has come knocking. Now her house is a total wreak and she needs a place to stay. Now he can show her he can fix more than pipes.

Will Tony heat up more than the water or will Alexis deep freeze him?

My Review: This was an enjoyable read that just didn’t seem to take things far enough for me. I thought the author did a nice job developing a plot for the characters in her book and setting them up; however, I didn’t feel there was enough follow through. Much of the emotion, angst, drama and love that was set up between the characters was left unexplored. I would have enjoyed hearing more of the emotional thoughts of the characters throughout the book. What was explored between the characters was done well, which leads me to think this author had the potential of taking these characters all the way for her readers. All in all this was a quick enjoyable read that left me wondering what other books the author has written. If you are looking for a quick, teasing story that has a very sweet happy ending, then this might be a book for you to try. I would like to try another, maybe longer book, by Stephanie Williams to see how far she can take her characters.

Rated 3 Delightful Divas by Jen!



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