October Reviewers' Top Picks

The Dark Divas have chosen their favorite books for the month of October.

Jen's Top Pick is Confessions of a Submissive by Claire Thompson. Read Jen's review here.

Jen also Recommends Sacred Secrets by Roxy Harte. Read Jen's review here.


Dakota's Top Pick is Soul Mate by Catherine Bybee. Read Dakota's review here.


Melissa's Top Pick is Chosen by Angela Daniels. Read Melissa's review here.

Melissa also Recommends The Summoner by Alisha Steele. Read Melissa's review here.


Jaime's Top Pick is I Do Anthology: In Support of Marriage Equality. Read Jaime's review here.


Deb's Top Pick is Wolf Flight by Vivian Arend. Read Deb's review here.

Confessions of a Submissive by Claire Thompson

Confessions of a Submissive by Claire Thompson
Publisher: Romance Unbound
Genre: Erotic BDSM


Review Copy Received from Author

Summary: The year is 1961, the location is the private law office of the handsome but very exacting Mr. Stevenson. Innocent secretary Olivia, returning to the work force, finds herself both confused and aroused by Mr. Stevenson’s many rules and punishments for failure to follow those rules to the letter. Olivia is slowly but inexorably drawn into the erotic world of sensual submission at the hands of her boss, who will stop at nothing to claim her for his own.

Jen's Review: Confessions of a Submissive by Claire Thompson is an extraordinary work; a well developed page-turner with a first-rate plot.

There are, truly, two main stories flowing throughout this book and I loved how Ms. Thompson developed these parallel stories and interwove them through the times and lives of the characters. The reader becomes so enmeshed into the lives of these characters that there is a smooth and consistent flow throughout the entire work.

The imagery of each and every scene was vivid and intense. I was in the room with these characters at all times. I called it a page-turner earlier, and I’m not exaggerating because I truly didn’t want to stop reading it. I was compelled on my journey with these characters to learn what would happen next – isn’t that the hallmark of a great book!

The sex scenes in this book fall into the ‘holy cow’ category. They are brilliantly written with stunning clarity. There is no question that the energy flowing from the characters can be felt by the reader.

My hat’s off to you, Ms. Thompson, for creating such irresistible characters! I think everyone should run out and get this book – how could you possibly be disappointed. I honestly can’t say enough good things about it.

Rated 5 Delightful Divas and a Recommended Read by Jen!








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Feature Friday: C.R. Moss

Good Morning and welcome to Feature Friday here at Dark Diva Reviews. I am thrilled to have C.R. Moss as my guest today.

More About C.R. Moss:

C.R. Moss, resident of the hot, high desert in the southwest, knew she wanted to write at a young age, as early as she learned to read, cooking up stories to entertain herself in the rural, non-kid-laden area she had lived in. But she took a round about way to settle down as a fiction writer, having worked in the corporate pharmaceutical and real estate realms writing newspaper articles, press releases, corporate newsletters, etc. Now that she's settled into the alternative health care industry, she has returned to her first love: creative writing. When she isn't working at her practice or at her computer cooking up another tale, she can be found hanging out with her husband and cat, reading a book, chillin' in front of the TV, or working on a craft project. She has also been known to play WOW.

You can also learn more about C.R. Moss on her website.

C.R. is featuring her book, In the Spirit today. I had the pleasure of reviewing In the Spirit. You can read my review here.


In the Spirit by C.R. Moss
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Ménage



Summary: Can love heal Death's soul?

Tresa Grauenvoll had the perfect life. Beautiful, intelligent, engaged to Jurgen Elman, lord of a vast estate, she couldn’t have wished for more. Then two weeks before her wedding, Tresa is accused of the ultimate betrayal--treason. Sentenced to die by the love of her life, she’s hanged for crimes she did not commit. As her life ebbs away, supernatural intervention transforms her from country gentry to Grim Reaper, exiles her to a foreign land and forces her to harvest souls. For centuries she has waited for the man who condemned her to cross paths with her once again so she can exact her revenge.

Immortal Ned Odognagap and his girlfriend, Katie, are witnesses for Artim and Jenna’s Halloween wedding and conversion ceremony that will change Jenna from human to immortal. It’s the perfect time of year for the events since the veil between worlds is the thinnest and those who have passed can join the festivities.

Ned has one problem, though. Tresa, the woman he knew and loved when he was called Jurgen, has returned with a vengeance. Can Ned withstand Tresa’s torment long enough, without driving Katie insane in the process, to find out and explain what happened that fateful day and tell Tresa he loves her still? Or will he and Katie succumb to death’s ire?

Adult Excerpt:

Katie drew long and hard on his penis. He closed his eyes, tilted his head back, moving his hand to the top of her head, and moaned.

A cool swath of air brushed his side. He opened his eyes. Tresa, nude once again like she was in the woods near the river that afternoon, laid beside him.

Hello, Jurgen. What an interesting sight you two make. She bent over and placed her lips on him, soft and seductive. She moved them apart, urged his mouth open with her tongue, lapped at him a few times then sat up.

Tresa, what are you doing here? He looked at lips that left him wanting more. His breath hitched as Katie pulled on him deeper and tighter than before.

I came to see the man who claims to love me. Her gaze flicked down to Katie, busy working his shaft, then back to Ned’s eyes. She brushed the tips of her fingers over his breast, tweaked the hard nub. But he seems to be otherwise occupied with another woman.

It’s not what you think. His nipple elongated and stiffened under Tresa’s icy touch.

Katie grasped him with a hand, stroking and laving him with skin and mouth. He sucked in a stream of air.

All right, I’ll bite. Tresa chuckled and squeezed his pectoral. She shrugged a shoulder and glanced at the ceiling for a quick second. So tell me, what am I thinking? She traced his areola.

Ned drew in another sharp breath. You’re thinking that I’m making love to my girlfriend.

Tresa raised one shoulder, looked away then back.

But that’s not it. I’m just getting laid. And I’m pretending she’s you.

Oh that’s rich! Tresa slapped his chest.

He jerked away, scowled at her. Quit hurting me!

Katie let his cock slide from her mouth. He and Tresa looked down at her. The spiked-hair woman appeared confused. “Ned, baby. Are you all right?”

“Yeah. Why?”

The woman between his legs wrinkled her brow. “You seem far away, like you’re not here with me.”

“I’m here with you, sweetie.” He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. “You’re doing great.”

Katie smiled, kissed the mushroom head of his cock, closed her eyes and laved him.

Sweetie? Tresa turned her head, pretended to spit over her shoulder. Do you love her?

You know I don’t.

Then I should just touch her and get this over with so we can go about our business. Yes, I think that’s what I’ll do. She reached toward Katie. Just one touch and her life and our problems will all be over.


Sounds really good, doesn't it?

C.R. Moss is offering a ‘signed copy’ of her e-book, In the Spirit. One runner-up will receive a Promo Pack from DDR, filled with goodies from various authors/publishers.

Requirements for entry into the contest:

Everyone who enters must leave a comment on this post with their email address.

Everyone must visit C.R. Moss' site and find the title to one of her other books. Email the title to darkdivareviews [at] gmail [dot] com with "CR Contest Entry" in the subject line.

For an additional entry, answer the following question: What sport and team(s) does C.R. Moss like? Email the answer to darkdivareviews [at] gmail [dot] com with "CR Bonus Contest Entry" in the subject line.



Contest ends Wednesday, November 4 at midnight, est. I will randomly draw the winner and announce the results here on Thursday.

Good Luck and Happy Halloween!

Melissa

In the Spirit by C.R. Moss

In the Spirit by C.R. Moss
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Ménage


Review Copy Received from Author

Summary: Tresa Grauenvoll had the perfect life. Beautiful, intelligent, engaged to Jurgen Elman, lord of a vast estate, she couldn’t have wished for more. Then two weeks before her wedding, Tresa is accused of the ultimate betrayal--treason. Sentenced to die by the love of her life, she’s hanged for crimes she did not commit. As her life ebbs away, supernatural intervention transforms her from country gentry to Grim Reaper, exiles her to a foreign land and forces her to harvest souls. For centuries she has waited for the man who condemned her to cross paths with her once again so she can exact her revenge.

Immortal Ned Odognagap and his girlfriend, Katie, are witnesses for Artim and Jenna’s Halloween wedding and conversion ceremony that will change Jenna from human to immortal. It’s the perfect time of year for the events since the veil between worlds is the thinnest and those who have passed can join the festivities.

Ned has one problem, though. Tresa, the woman he knew and loved when he was called Jurgen, has returned with a vengeance. Can Ned withstand Tresa’s torment long enough, without driving Katie insane in the process, to find out and explain what happened that fateful day and tell Tresa he loves her still? Or will he and Katie succumb to death’s ire?

Melissa's Review: In the Spirit by C.R. Moss is an interesting tale of life, love, and death. Can love ultimately heal all wrongs, including death?

I was struck by Tresa’s bitterness. In one day, she lost everything, and was left with no emotion other than anger, and no life. The story takes many twists and turns, but I finally understood exactly what had happened that fateful day. She struggled with memories of her past, and C.R. Moss did an excellent job of bringing that struggle and all her emotions to life.

In the beginning, I couldn’t understand exactly what had happened, or why Ned did what he did. However, as the story unfolded, all became clear. Ned, or Jurgen, as he was called in that time, was put into an impossible position and did the only thing he knew to do at that time.

In the Spirit by C.R. Moss is a fun paranormal read. It is a perfect story for Halloween!


Rated 4 Delightful Divas by Melissa!








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Feature Friday Winner Announced

I have randomly drawn the winner of Personal Demons by James Buchanan, and the winner is...

Estella!

Congrats! You should be receiving an email soon.

Melissa

Thursday Temptations

More Lickable!




Very Lickable..


Yummy !

I could run my fingers through

that hair all day!

interesting..

shadows and play of light..

what do you see??

Temptation at its best!

Special Thank You to my Dear Nic!

Good Morning all,

I hope you love my choices for this Temptation Thursday.

Wet Dreams and Lolly Pops, that is what makes

a good Diva smile.

Enjoy..

Diva Deb

Golden Boy by Claire Thompson

Golden Boy by Claire Thompson
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Erotic GLBT (M/M) BDSM


Review Copy Received from Author

Summary: Johnny Wilson has never been in love. Though women adore his golden-blond good looks, he never seems to connect. Still trying to convince himself he's straight when he checks out a local gay bar, one look at the handsome stranger is enough to set his heart on fire. Half-acknowledged fantasies and dangerous dreams are challenged as Johnny finally faces his own secrets.

Eric Mendez, the handsome, much-sought-after Dom in the BDSM gay Manhattan scene, is used to getting just exactly what he wants with a snap of his fingers and a glance from his smoldering eyes. When he first lays eyes on Johnny Wilson, he assumes he's just another pretty boy cruising the clubs for a good time. When Johnny disappears without a trace, he unknowingly takes a piece of Eric's heart with him.

Sizzling passion and hidden yearnings to experience the ultimate submission at the hands of another man are brought to the fore in this explicit but romantic exploration of a gay D/s lifestyle. Johnny must come to grips not only with his sexual orientation, but must also find the courage to submit in a loving exchange of power.

Melissa’s Review: First, let me be clear when I say that I am a fan of Claire Thompson’s work. She is a master story teller, and there are few authors that I have experienced that can write the BDSM lifestyle quite as eloquently as she can. Golden Boy is a perfect example of Claire Thompson’s ability to write a magnificent BDSM tale that draws the reader in by their heart strings and holds them captive with her powerful voice.

I was immediately drawn to Johnny. Golden Boy tells his journey of self-discovery and growth. He was raised by a bully father, with bully brothers, and was expected to “be a man”. Claire’s illustration of his thoughts and emotions were so beautifully done that I felt everything as my own.

I was as much in awe of Eric as everyone else was. He exuded that magnetic charisma that demands a person’s attention. I liked the fact that even though he is a well-practiced Dom, he can still make mistakes. Even better, he can admit his own mistakes and correct them.

The plot line was very good. Maybe a little predictable, with the big strong man who had a rough childhood, only to later realize that he is gay. However, that didn’t take away from the fact that Claire delivered a powerful and emotional story, with very real, likeable characters. Claire Thompson never fails to write the most appealing, well-developed characters.

Rated 4 ½ Delightful Divas by Melissa!







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Lone Star Trouble by Autumn Piper

Lone Star Trouble by Autumn Piper
Publisher: Lyrical Press, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary/Romance


Review Copy Received from Publisher

Summary: One hot cowboy plus one tough rancher-girl adds up to trouble!

Kiersten Day holds a grudge against all things Texan, especially cattle baron CJ Howell, with his hubcap-sized belt buckle and tacky white hat. He’s set his sights on her tiny Colorado ranch, and he’s a master of dirty tactics, slinging threats to make her sell out.

Caught in the fight of her life, Kiersten meets Cleve, a tall, handsome good guy. Too late, she finds out he’s Howell’s son. She might be pregnant, she doesn’t know who to trust, and danger is closing in. She’s head over heels -- and kicking herself!

Content warning, a hot cowboy, dirty tactics and lots of lone star trouble.

Autumn's Review: I absolutely loved Lone Star Trouble by Autumn Piper and I'm not saying that because the author and I have the same name. Kiersten is a fiery little hellcat, who's been used by men. She has trust issues the size of Texas and with good reason. Cleve is a good guy, with a daddy who's made some mistakes when dealing with Kiersten in trying to get her land. The love and relationship that builds between these two are great from the beginning. The sexual tension leading up to the very heated deed is wonderful. Yes, they have a few hiccups along the way, but it was entertaining watching these characters move past their hostility to their happily ever after.

Ms. Piper does a great job keeping you interested, with each twist and turn you are pulled deeper into the story. I found myself not wanting to put this bad boy down. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. With very real characters and an entrancing plot Ms. Piper gives us a winner with Lone Star Trouble.

Rated 5 Delightful Divas and a Recommended Read by Autumn!





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Dancing with Tad by Sam Cheever

Dancing with Tad by Sam Cheever
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mystery/Suspense


Review Copy Received from Publisher

Summary: Something strange is going on in Grooster, Indiana. Nightly Satanic rituals in the park and the infusion of drugs into the community have everyone on edge. When Clancy Rogers’ daughter, The Princess, comes up missing, Clancy takes to the proverbial trail to find her.

Unfortunately that trail is littered with a weird and wacky cast of characters, including a palm raping psychic with a rabid love of chocolate snack cakes, a Shakespearean wanna-be reporterette who gets pelted with dog poop while spying on the Satanists.

A local veterinarian who looks like he was dropped to Earth from the planet Zorgon and who holds conversations with his patients on a regular basis. Add to this mix a guy who looks really hot in tight jeans and scuffed boots, but who unfortunately likes to follow all the rules Clancy keeps stomping on, and you have trouble in Grooster with a capital T…A…D!

Melissa’s Review: Dancing with Tad by Sam Cheever is a long novel at over four hundred pages. This book is filled with witty humor and sarcasm. I found myself laughing over and over again while reading Dancing with Tad. Ms. Cheever definitely gets a little wordy with her descriptions of simple, everyday scenes. Normally, I would have to say that this is a bad thing when reading a romantic suspense story. However, I couldn’t help but love every minute of it. After all, who would have thought that the simple act of letting your dogs inside could turn into a hilarious tale, sure to leave the reader in a fit of giggles? I received countless weird looks from my husband while reading Dancing with Tad. He is used to me reading a lot, but laughing out loud while reading a romance book is a bit out of the norm for me.

The plot is a serious one. I did feel like it jumped around a bit, but I followed along quite well with very little confusion. There was a definite element of suspense, which always makes for an engrossing story, if it is well-written. I would have liked a little more focus on the romance between Thaddeus and Clancy, but I doubt that would have resulted in near as much humorous entertainment.

Overall, Dancing with Tad was a delightful book. I have never read a book by Sam Cheever, and I just have to pick up another. I wonder if she fills all of her work with her witty descriptions and feisty dialogue.

Rated 4 ½ Delightful Divas by Melissa!








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Fixation by Mia Cherish and Jacqueline Quaid

Fixation by Mia Cherish and Jacqueline Quaid
Publisher: Devine Destinies
Genre: Paranormal


Review Copy Received from Author

Summary: Malcolm Blackmon had nothing against vampires. He just wasn’t sure he wanted to be one. A crime scene gone bad and mortal injury forced the Australian transplant into a hasty decision, accepting a vampire friend’s adoption. His new family welcomed him with promises of a wonderful life free of his responsibilities as an undercover cop. Early retirement, no money worries and pretty donors catering to his appetites for blood and pleasure? Not bad. Hunting down New Orleans criminal low-life for blood and sport… He’d get used to it.

He’d manage all right if he could just get past Emily Kagan. Mistaken for his donor when Malcolm first rose, her lush dancer’s body filled his arms while her sweet kisses and sweeter blood flooded Malcolm’s senses. Since then, nothing has smelled, tasted or felt the same. His vampire family warns him his fixation is a danger—Emily’s taste has been amplified in his memories due to the stress of his first hunger when he rose. But it’s so much more to Malcolm. His spirit lingers with Emily during the day, flirting, seducing, protecting. Loving. Can Malcolm control his vampirism and keep nice with his family while the family patriarch researches more of Emily’s unique origins and the wonderful connection Malcolm is destined to share with the love he never found in life?

Jordan’s Review: Fixation was absolutely a delight to read. I enjoyed it tremendously.

The main characters are well-drawn and completely believable, even though Emily has no adverse reaction to finding out Malcolm is a vampire. Malcolm is the very epitome of the best vampires I’ve read. Emily is sweet and innocent while being willing to experience and accept new things. The secondary characters are also well done and add to the overall appeal of the book.

Fixation rolls along at a good pace and kept me reading until I’d finished it. The storyline unwinds in a pleasing way and the arc of the story is complete with no hanging threads. I really loved this story. It’s a great read.

Rated 5 Delightful Divas by Jordan!


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Sacred Secrets: Chronicles of Surrender, Book 1 by Roxy Harte

Sacred Secrets: Chronicles of Surrender, Book 1 by Roxy Harte
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Erotic BDSM

Review Copy Received from Publisher

Summary: Celia sold herself in a bargain for rough play and a great story--not murder!

Celia Brentwood, fetish reporter for San Francisco’s Inappropriate Voices, agrees to auction herself off as a BDSM slave for thirty days. She plans to write a first-person exposé, but after she’s purchased by Garrett Lawrence, the most eligible gay bachelor in town, her story becomes an insider peek at the man once accused of killing his lover.

Garrett still mourns the loss of his beloved, but the past is hard to forget when it’s stalking him. The real killer is obsessed with Garrett...until Celia’s deception is discovered and the killer decides she’s the perfect route to his prey.

Jae's Review: There was a lot of action and emotion packed into Sacred Secrets. Roxy Harte took me on a roller coaster ride of new experiences and self-revelation. I truly enjoyed watching Celia’s transformation from fetish reporter to BDSM slave. It was insightful, descriptive and, at times, poignant. My heart went out to both of these characters and I felt vested in the outcome.

Without the underlying suspense storyline this book would have still been quite interesting and engaging; however, the suspense ratcheted up the anticipation of reading each page.

The writing flowed swiftly and consistently throughout without any major hitches. My only criticism, and that may be too harsh a statement, is the wording. While this book was written in first person from both character’s perspectives (alternating sections) it felt a little removed from the character. The phrasing was more formalized than I would have expected from a first person work. But this neither hindered my enjoyment, nor caused me any issues with flow once I adapted to Ms. Harte’s writing style.

This book had a fantastic ending in and of itself, but also a cliffhanger for lack of a better work. I, for one, cannot wait for the second book in the Chronicles of Surrender Series to find out what happens to Garrett and Celia (oh, and we mustn’t forget Thomas!).

Rated 4 ½ Delightful Divas by Jae!









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Devil's Embrace by Victoria Chapman

Devil's Embrace by Victoria Chapman
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Suspense


Review Copy Received from Publisher

Summary: What happens when a young woman falls in love with someone who is not what they seem?

Jane's life takes a mysterious turn when Nick Devilin moves into the loft above her apartment. He is gorgeous, seductive, and oh so helpful. And Jane needs help. The FBI suspects her boyfriend of being a serial killer, and the enemies at her place of work are trying to get her fired. But things are about to change. The boyfriend leaves town unexpectedly, and Jane's enemies disappear in ingenious ways.

Nick invites her to spend two weeks with him on Paradise Island, and she finds scalding passion in his arms. She also wins millions at a roulette table. Nick always knows the right numbers to bet, and the right buttons to push to make Jane feel loved. But is he the answer to Jane's prayer, or her worst nightmare?

And then there is Patrick Rogan, the handsome FBI Agent who wants to save Jane from herself.
Will she turn to him for love, or choose Nick who could be Satan wearing a human body?

Jordan's Review: Contrary to the way I felt when I started Devil's Embrace by Victoria Chapman, I found I enjoyed it. The heroine comes across as a bit incomprehensible because she makes decisions no woman in her right mind in this day and age would make, but this is fiction, so I went with the author and ended up enjoying her naïveté. Nick, as Satan, is more realistic, but you get the feeling he wants more than he can have from Jane. Patrick is the perfect hero and a good foil for Nick.

The plot rolls along at a good clip and kept me reading steadily, which surprised me considering I thought the conversations absurd and felt the heroine was acting, as I said, more than a bit incomprehensible. There are several surprises in store for anyone who reads this, but they definitely made the book better and more enjoyable.

While I have certain reservations concerning this book, if you can suspend your disbelief and do not mind a heroine who does some rather dumb things, this is a decent read.

Rated 3 Delightful Divas and by Jordan!



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