Mallory Path, Communion

Title: Communion

Author: Mallory Path

Rating: Three And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: BDSM

Sub-Genre: Gay Male

Keywords: D/s, Bondage, Multiple Partners

Word Count: 5,926

ISBN E-Book: 978-1609823276

Price: $1.99

Publisher: Excessica

Buy-Link: http://excessica.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=390&osCsid=df61663212ddfa429572a290a78c3951

Reviewer: Stacey Krug

Blurb/Summary:

Tig, Vincent, Patrick, Colin, and Justin are long-time friends, but even the best of friends have secrets. Revelations can bring people closer, or tear them apart. That's the chance Tig took when he confessed his desire for D/s intimacy to Vincent, Patrick and Colin. It has led to a very satisfying arrangement among them, although they've kept their relationship and BDSM activities from Justin.

Now the time has come for Tig to risk himself again: with the others' help and support, he's ready to bring his desires to Justin, along with a confession of love.

Since taking up with Patrick and Colin, Vincent has seen and done more than he imagined possible, and he thought he knew what they were all getting into—but after tonight, nothing will ever be the same between these five friends.

Warnings: This title contains explicit gay male sex, polyamorous relationships/multiplesomes (twosome, threesome, fivesome), D/s and mild bondage.

Review:

Communion was a very different kind of story. It was written as if the author were viewing the scene and commenting on it. I was a little confused at first, because the reader is dropped into the middle of a sex scene that has already started. There is actually more background information in the blurb/summary than in the story itself. However, it didn’t take long to catch up with what was taking place.

As a reader, we get to witness the coming together of two friends, Tig and Justin, that are in love with one another but afraid to take the next step. Vincent, Patrick, and Colin help the couple transition into a sexual relationship and all that it entails. The five friends experience an explosive and steamy night together and we get to watch.

The scene is descriptive and well written. It’s hard not to be drawn in by the love that is displayed by these five friends.

Jessica Lee, Bloodlines

Title: Bloodlines

Author: Jessica Lee

Rating: Five Siren Stones

Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance

Keywords: M/M, Wolves, D/s, Violence

Word Count: 41,900

ISBN E-Book: 978-1-926771-78-6

Price: $3.99

Publisher: Breathless Press

Buy-Link: http://www.breathlesspress.com/erotic/bloodlines.html

Reviewer: Cia

Tagline: For an alpha male wolf shifter promised to a female, coming out has never been more explosive.

Blurb/Summary:

Evin KinKaid, the only son of the KinKaid pack's alpha, has a secret. One that will tear his family apart. In one year, Evin is to succeed his father as alpha leader and continue the dominant bloodline of his family. There\'s only one problem: Evin is gay. When Evin is pushed into the bed of his intended female mate, he\'s forced to reveal the truth. And for an alpha male wolf shifter promised to a female whose goal is to one day be queen, coming out has never been more explosive. To Mason Thorne II, heir to Thorne Global Inc., life is a lie. To sustain his father's love, Mason has agreed to stay in the family business and to one day assume his place as CEO. Instead of reaching for his heart's desire, he's settled for a life he never wanted. But an unexpected auto accident will send Evin and Mason into each other's arms and down a path toward a destiny neither man can escape: an eternity sealed in blood.

Review:

From the beginning of Bloodlines I was captivated. Hatred sparked by a long vested friendship was crushing. I felt for Evin at the loss of a childhood friend and the tumultuous relationship within his family. Where stature is everything, Evin’s lifestyle didn’t fit and instead of accepting unconditional love, he lost it all. His strength is what drew me to him the most. He still made his way, found love oddly in Mason a human whose life mirrored his minus the shifter thing.

From there the story developed and mistakes were made. Confrontation couldn’t be avoided and seeking help from estranged family melted the rest of me. Love doesn’t come without sacrifice and Mason and Evin both proved their bond and love was strong enough to overcome any obstacle.

Dyann Love Barr, A Perfect Bride For Christmas

Title: A Perfect Bride For Christmas

Author: Dyann Love Barr

Rating: Five Siren Stones

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Keywords: Champagne Rose, Spicy

Page Count: 376

ISBN E-Book: 1-60154-858-3

Price: $7.00

ISBN For Print: 978-1601548580

Price: $15.99

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/a-perfect-bride-for-christmas-p-4310.html

Reviewer: Cia

Blurb/Summary:

Three Kings Series

Alex King wants to follow the family tradition and marry his perfect bride on Christmas Eve. There’s one little hitch—Bianca dumps him at the altar. He wakes up in Vegas with a hangover, a ring on his finger, and in bed with his best friend, Zoë Hillman. She’s overweight and plain, nothing at all like his image of the perfect wife. So begins the shortest Vegas marriage in history.

Zoe loved Alex from the moment he walked through the law firm’s doors. He can charm the panties off any woman, but he’s never tried it with her. The chance to grab for the golden ring is within her reach until everything blows up in her face. Now, five years later she returns to Kansas City with triplets in tow and a brand new look. Catering Alex’ next wedding should prove interesting.

Review:

Alex King was one major jerk. I couldn’t believe how cruel he was in front of his friend or that growing up as he did he’d treat a woman like trash. I immediately fell for Zoe and how she held her head up high and moved on. Much to my surprise she was gifted with three beautiful girls. The highlight to me was her second husband who showed her how she should’ve been treated.

When they reunited it was clear even though he didn’t deserve a lick of her time, she still loved him, not the man in the public eye worried about peerage but the other side of him, the one who showed her a different glimpse.

Although it took him forever to learn his lesson, I came to adore him for becoming a better man and ending the ridiculous waste of time in pursuing shallow women, when he had one of substance he’d let go.

Amy Ruttan, Gladiator's Revenge

Title: Gladiator’s Revenge

Author: Amy Ruttan

Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Historical

Sub-Genre: Romance

Keywords: Romans

Length: Novella

ISBN E-Book: 978-1419931185

Price: $4.45

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Buy-Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8907-gladiators-revenge.aspx

Reviewer: Cia

Blurb/Summary:

Taranis had one thing on his mind since the Romans enslaved him. Revenge. Until he laid eyes on the innocent beauty of Lavina, a daughter of his enemy. It was then that he knew how to wreak revenge against those who’d wronged him—by taking one of Rome’s daughters, over and over again.

Lavina is humiliated by the decadence, greed and violence of Rome. When she meets the gaze of the condemned gladiator across the Circus Maximus, he stirs a deep yearning in her heart, but it is not meant to be. She is destined to marry a man who’s soul is as black as night.

On a whim, Emperor Nero grants Taranis freedom with his choice of a wife. Taranis chooses Lavina, much to the horror of her parents. Only Lavina is not disgusted by this prospect and revels in Taranis’ touch. He finds himself caring for and falling in love with the little Roman.

Yet, a shadow falls on their happiness and soon Lavina will have to choose between her home and her heart.

Review:

Gladiator’s Revenge by Amy Rutton took me back to the time of the Roman Empire. Slovenly rich, the men decided the fates of any man under them from house staff, to slaves. Freedom didn’t mean forever free and could be snatched away on a cruel whim.

When Taranis chose Lavina I wondered how they’d manage to survive, especially with the odds stacked unfavourably with them. He was so filled with anger and the need to avenge that I thought he’d miss out on the opportunity to find love. Somewhere in the midst of making love to his wife and finding good, his haze of revenge clouding his being dissolved and they had a chance to find their happy ending.

I enjoyed this read and look forward to other works by Amy Rutton.

Kate Merrill, Flames of Summer

Title: Flames of Summer

Author: Kate Merrill

Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Keywords: Champagne Rose, Spicy

Page Count: 262

ISBN E-Book: 1-60154-779-X

Price: $6.00

ISBN For Print: 978-1601547798

Price: $12.99

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/flames-of-summer-p-4111.html

Reviewer: Nikki

Blurb/Summary:

Cole Montgomery has it all…success, women, and a brilliant future as a physician in Birmingham, Alabama. Yet he is restless and incomplete. Seeking the happiness that eludes him, he returns to his tiny hometown of Millville to work in the cotton mill and search for the father he never knew, the man who caused him to be born a bastard.

Amelia Mansfield has an agenda. After graduating with an advanced business degree in Philadelphia, she seeks to fulfill her empty life by returning to Millville. Her goal is to wrestle control of her family’s mill empire from the hands of her ruthless father, proving once and for all that a woman can be more than just a pretty face.

From the moment of their first meeting, Cole and Amelia seem star-crossed. Their attraction is immediate and passionate, and in one magic summer their relationship deepens to love until Fate intervenes. A bitter corporate struggle and long-buried secrets erupt in greed, jealousy, and finally flames as one man’s shameful past conspires to pull the lovers apart for all time.

Review:

Two people come back to their hometown for different reasons, but when they meet, sparks fly, but the stakes are high.

Flames of Summer is like a country version of Romeo and Juliet, but with a much different ending. Amelia comes from a family of money and power, whereas Cole doesn't know who his father is and whose mother is no longer alive.

Well written, this novel plays out like a movie in my head. I could see the description, the action in my mind as I read this. There's plenty of drama and action to keep the pages turning. I found myself enjoying Kate Merrill's Flames of Summer.

Sally Clements, Catch Me A Catch

Title: Catch Me A Catch

Author: Sally Clements

Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Keywords: Champagne Rosebud, Spicy

Page Count: 191

ISBN E-Book: d5292

Price: $5.00

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/catch-me-a-catch-p-4147.html

Reviewer: Nikki

Blurb/Summary:

She had the perfect life - and all she wanted was to escape it. Artisan chocolatier and reluctant matchmaker Annie Devine wants to survive the annual Durna Matchmaking Festival without messing up. She's useless at relationships, and the whole village know it. They've known ever since the day she was left at the altar in her wedding dress. When Jack Miller, charismatic head of Miller Advertising is forced to make an emergency stop on his transatlantic crossing, she mistakes him for a love-lorn bachelor, and sparks fly. Jack's in Ireland to discover his roots, while Annie's desperate to escape hers. Annie longs to win the coveted Chocolate Oscar competition, and claim the ultimate prize, her own shop in Dublin. But with the deadline for Jack's return to New York looming, is she making the right choice?

Review:

A misunderstanding changes both of their lives forever.

Jack Miller, who is sailing the Atlantic, makes an emergency stop in Ireland. He enters a pub looking for Devine. That's when he meets Annie, who assumes Jack is there for matchmaking. Stuck in Ireland for awhile, it gives Jack and Annie a chance to get to know each other, and the attraction is intense.

This is a great contemporary story, in a beautiful setting. I found it easy to read with plenty of laugh out loud moments, heart warming moments, and then there are the hot love scenes.

Sally Clements' Catch Me a Catch will appeal to fans who want a short but sweet contemporary read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope that other readers will, too.

Catherine Bybee, Embracing the Wolf

Title: Embracing the Wolf

Author: Catherine Bybee

Rating: Five Siren Stones

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Keywords: Black Rosebud, Werewolves, Spicy, Shape-Shifter

Page Count: 177

ISBN E-Book: d3837

Price: $4.50

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Buy-Link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/embracing-the-wolf-p-4095.html

Reviewer: Nikki

Blurb/Summary:

Werewolves come in two categories, good and evil. Although Richard Ritter's family has encouraged him to make the change for years, he never considered embracing his wolf until he meets Kate Davis. One night with her, however, and his life changes forever.

After a horrifying evening of violence, Kate Davis' life is turned upside down. Richard offers more than security; he offers her passion, something she hasn’t experienced in years. Falling in love with him was easy, but once she learns what he becomes every month her fear of the unknown threatens their future.

Review:

I can say with assurance that after reading two of Catherine Bybee's books, that she is on my list of auto buys! Embracing the Wolf was both suspenseful and sexy. The first chapter starts off with a bang and keeps the great pace up until the dramatic ending.

The heroine, Kate Davis, goes through quite a bit in this story. One night while working at a restaurant, in a blink of an eye, things change. Kate is shot. Then along comes Richard, the hero, who stays near Kate for some reason. Then, to keep Kate and her young son safe, Richard takes them to his family's home. Richard and Kate are falling in love but there is one shocking secret he has yet to share with her, and not until near the end does she find out the truth.

I loved this book. From the stunning cover, to the beautifully written story, and the characters that breathe life onto the pages and provide a heart warming, emotional, sensual story. Embracing the Wolf will appeal to paranormal romance fans. You surely won't be disappointed.

Diana DeRicci, Caged

Title: Caged

Author: Diana DeRicci

Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance

Sub-Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery/Suspense

Keywords: Shape-Shifter, Alien, Tiger, Cheetah, D/s

Page Count: 48

ISBN E-Book: 978-1-936165-43-8

Price: $4.00

Publisher: Purple Sword Publications

Buy-Link: http://purplesword.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=49

Reviewer: Stacey Krug

Tagline: A cat shifter hiding in plain sight and the man who loves her take on the one threat determined to expose her alien race to the world.

Blurb/Summary:

A cat shifter trying to fit into a world that didn't start as hers. The man who would love and protect her with everything he had. Mira never expected to find the one man she would grow to trust and love among the human men. Living with humans had grown to be a skill for the Felids. As long as they didn't expose themselves, they were safe. Rhys never thought he'd find the love of his life or that she would turn out to be an alien cat shifter. What she could do with her shape was amazing. He vowed to protect her and her people.

Unfortunately, someone has learned of their existence, and is hunting for Mira.

Review:

Diana DeRicci wove a great tale. Caged is a novella packed with hot, steamy, erotic love scenes and a suspenseful mystery. This is a page turner with plot twists that keep you entertained.

Mira and Rhys are the main characters in the story. Their love for one another shines through the pages and the beautifully described erotic love scenes. They even have a little D/s play. Mira and Rhys’ love scenes will leave you breathless, panting, and waiting for the next one.

The science fiction and mystery aspect of the tale add depth and keeps the story line progressing. The secondary character, Robbie, is easy to like and would make a great main character in a spin off. Caged has a great happily ever after ending that just leaves you wanting more of all these characters.

Based on this story, I would seek out other creations by Diana DeRicci.

Christine D'Abo, Mistress Rules

Title: Mistress Rules

Author: Christine D’Abo

Rating: Four And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Science Fiction

Keywords: Futuristic, M/M, Ménage, M/M/F, BDSM

Length: Novella

ISBN E-Book: 978-1419925581

Price: $4.45

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Buy-Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/p-8377-mistress-rules.aspx

Reviewer: Sally Sapphire

Blurb/Summary:

When Faris steps into his friend and mentor’s inner sanctum, he doesn’t expect to find Stella—a leather-clad Dominatrix. He can only watch as Ulric, the most powerful man in the sector, drops to his knees and throws himself at Stella’s mercy. Faris must decide whether to walk out the door, leaving his friend behind, or to put himself into the hands of a woman who demands nothing less than his absolute surrender.

Ulric knows Faris holds himself responsible for the devastating attack on the colony outpost. If Faris doesn’t learn how to forgive himself, the young man will be on the road to emotional disaster. His only hope is to convince Stella to bring Faris into their lives as another submissive. Ulric must now put his feelings for Stella on the line while holding tight to the man he desperately wants beneath him.

Review:

This was a surprisingly deep, intelligent piece of science fiction erotica. Christine delves deep into the roots of BDSM relationships, looking at both what the domme and the sub takes from their roles, and from the interplay between one another.

Set in a future where sex outside of procreation has become quite taboo, relegated to seedy pleasure colonies, any relationship between Stella and Ulric is already an anomaly. The kinky nature of that relationship makes it even more of an anomaly, and introduction of Faris further complicates matters.

For Stella, being a dominatrix is what she was always meant to be. She revels in the power it grants her, and appreciates the sexual gratification it provides. She also cares deeply for her submissive, who needs the emotional release she provides. A highly placed negotiator, Ulric wields a lot of power, and lives under constant stress. Being with Stella allows him to give up that power, and to be freed from responsibility.

It also provides him with an opportunity to not only free his protégé, Faris, from those same stresses, but to justify exploring his lust for the handsome, virile young man.

The key to this story is the interplay between the three characters. The introduction of Faris to the well established BDSM scene unsettles everyone. It forces Stella to re-break her sub, even while she trains their newbie. It forces Ulric to relearn his place at not only Stella’s feet, but Faris’ as well. Finally, it forces Faris to not only learn the role of a switch, submissive to Stella and dominant to Ulric, but to accept the reality of sexual arousal.

The bondage scenes here are well played, elaborate, rehearsed, and very sensual, and the rediscovery of sexual arousal and gratification is extremely rewarding. Definitely recommended.

Vanessa Hearne, The Black Sand Beach

Title: The Black Sand Beach

Author: Vanessa Hearne

Rating: Four And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Paranormal

Sub-Genre: Mystery

Keywords: Ghosts, Goddess, Eco-resort

Page Count: 178 e-book, 400 paperback

ISBN E-Book: 1452825319

Price: $7.99

ISBN For Print: 13: 978-1452825311

Price: $16.95

Buy-Link: http://www.vanessahearne.com/

Reviewer: Nikki

Blurb/Summary:

Hawaii for the winter, accompanying her husband on a construction job, seemed like the most wonderful opportunity for Jess. That is until members of her husband's crew started dying and she gets visits from a ghost with a vengeance. In order to save them an she loves, Jess turns to a new friend, Trudy, to find out why the beach seems to want to kill everyone. Then, finding out more than they bargained for, the two women realize the only way to leave alive and stay alive, is to appeal to the Mother of the island, the Volcano Goddess, Pele, and to stop their husbands from working on demolishing the goddess's beach.

Review:

From the enchanting cover to the blurb, this book lured me in. A story about people dying mysteriously, ghosts, and a mystery, well this has it all. The Black Sand Beach is a great read for those who love paranormal with a mysterious twist. From reading the first page on, the author kept the intrigue going very well. With memorable characters, beautifully written description, and great dialogue, it didn't take me long to get through this book.

I am looking forward to other books written by Vanessa Hearne. I recommend The Black Sand Beach to any reader looking for a great book to read.

Lucy Felthouse, Uniform Behaviour (Anthology)

Title: Uniform Behaviour (Anthology)

Author: Lucy Felthouse

Rating: Four And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Erotica

Keywords: Anthology

Word Count: 54,143

ISBN E-Book: 978-1849892452

Price: $8.99

Publisher: Andrews UK

Buy-Link: http://www.amazon.com/Uniform-Behaviour-ebook/dp/B004DI7PQM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1292549852&sr=8-1

Reviewer: Cia

Tagline: Steamy Stories About Men and Women in Uniform

Blurb/Summary:

Do you get all weak-kneed at the sight of a grubby fireman or a hunky soldier? Perhaps immaculately-dressed waiting-on staff get you feeling frisky? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Uniform Behaviour contains sixteen smutty stories about firemen, soldiers, sailors, police, security guards and even waiters, priests and cleaners! Delve into this anthology and enjoy steamy stories from established erotica authors including Justine Elyot, Craig J Sorensen, Victoria Blisse, Shermaine Williams, Elizabeth Coldwell and Lucy Felthouse. Uniform Behaviour also proudly introduces some exciting debut authors. So remember, you saw them here first! As well as being written and compiled for your titillation, this anthology is also designed to do good. A portion of the proceeds from Uniform Behaviour will be donated to UK charity Help for Heroes, which helps those wounded in current conflict. The stories in this anthology have been hand-picked by a uniform aficionado, so you can rest assured that only the sexiest erotic fiction lies in this eBook.

Review:

Uniform Behaviour is a compilation of smoking hot short erotic stories. My cheeks flushed with each of the sixteen short, sinfully erotic reads and my pulse bounded. From military men to police, and any uniform you fancy in-between; these stories will rock your socks off.

This anthology is a perfect way to snuggle down by the fireplace or in your own personal nook to disappear into the story weaved pages.

Jessica Freely, Amaranth & Ash

Title: Amaranth & Ash

Author: Jessica Freely

Rating: Four Siren Stones

Genre: Fantasy

Sub-Genre: LGBT

Keywords: Futuristic, Intersexed Characters, Violence

Page Count: 151

ISBN E-Book: 978-1-60737-594-4

Price: $6.99

ISBN For Print:

Publisher: Loose Id, LLC

Buy-Link: http://www.loose-id.com/Amaranth-and-Ash.aspx

Reviewer: Elizabeth Hyder

Tagline: In a world where everyone has their place, Amaranth & Ash belong together.

Blurb/Summary:

Amaranth is a vasai, born with both male and female characteristics, and a soul that can reach out and touch the souls of others in order to heal them. But a vasai’s services are only for the Elai, and they demand sexual satisfaction as well as healing from their beautiful servants. Frustrated with these constraints, Amaranth wants to use his talent to help those who really need it.

Ash is a chel. Considered devoid of souls, chel are the lowest of the low. Not content with his lot, Ash steals from the middle class pel. One night he’s caught and brutally punished.
A soul in agony calls out to Amaranth from across the city. When he discovers that it belongs to a chel, it only confirms his worst suspicions about the lies of the Elai. Amaranth takes Ash home and heals him, an act of rebellion that could cost both their lives.

Amaranth's compassion for Ash soon turns to passion. Ash treats him like a person, not an instrument of sexual gratification. Neither of them have much experience with mutual pleasure but together they embark on an exploration of intimacy and desire that carries them to the heights of passion and love -- and shakes the very foundation of their world.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations some readers may find objectionable: Intersex relationships, violence.

Review:

Amaranth & Ash exemplifies what the publisher is all about: Id-fantasy made into stories. As such, it follows a predictable sort of pattern if you're familiar with that particular Id-fantasy, but the way that Freely weaves the story is what makes it unique and worth reading.

The universe she creates is very different from our own, and almost steampunk-ish in that it's an industrialized society. The caste system is fascinating, and throughout the book Freely shows, and doesn't tell, you all parts of the caste system.

Freely also gets points in my book for having a main character, characters even, who is intersexed-- has both male and female parts. I found the sex scenes captivating and evocative; the emotion between the characters was very present, but not forced, and served to make the scenes even hotter.

Overall, a very enjoyable book! Well-written, well-paced, and no editing mistakes that I noticed. I'm not sure how people who aren't into this particular Id-fantasy would take to it, but I adored it. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Jan Irving, Sam's Reviews

Title: Sam’s Reviews

Author: Jan Irving

Rating: Five Siren Stones

Genre: BDSM

Sub-Genre: Mystery/Suspense

Keywords: LGBT, M/M, D/s

Length: Novel

ISBN E-Book: 978-1-60737-900-3

Price: $6.99

Publisher: Loose Id, LLC

Buy-Link: http://www.loose-id.com/Sams-Reviews.aspx

Reviewer: Cia

Blurb/Summary:

A "Not Quite Christmas" Story

As the holiday season draws near, Sam Masterson, a former marine in a wheelchair, has more holiday unspirit than spirit going for him. He owns a building where a lot of misfits make a home and his neighborhood is threatened because of a shiny new development going up. He heads uptown to speak his mind to the man behind the monstrosity. Architect Tall Hollander is not what he expects -- tall like his name, but sexy and up front about finding Sam attractive.

Sam also has other pressures -- a brutal thief known as The Bruiser is haunting the area, he has sole custody of his vulnerable nephew Joey, and his latest gay romance has just been rejected because it's too "unrealistic." So Sam escapes into fantasy, the only place where he finds the passion he hungers for. That is, until Tall decides to use his creativity to spark his holiday fire.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: BDSM elements, Domination/submission, male/male sexual practices.

Review:

Sam’s Reviews was one of those heart-tugging reads you don’t see coming. Who wouldn’t fall in love with a man who’d lived such a heroic life and lost so much at the same time? A man who couldn’t find the balance to life after such personal tragedy, guilt for not stopping a heinous act on the one woman he loved more than life itself.

Throw in a boy who needed not just a place in the family, but a home to belong without feeling like an unwelcome burden, a man who see’s past the foremost image and digs for the bigger picture and the outcome is this story. I fell for Sam, Tall and Joe. Through the hardships of community and the welcoming of the new. I loved the man behind the stories he wrote and the equally strong man who wanted to be dominated by his equal. I hoped they’d find a balance and a life together to ring in every holiday season that passed.

Christine McKay, Mysteries & Magick

Title: Mysteries & Magick

Author: Christine McKay

Rating: Three And A Half Siren Stones

Genre: Fantasy

Sub-Genre: Romance

Keywords: Witches, Angels, Magic

Length: Novel

ISBN E-Book: 978-1419922695

Price: $5.95

Publisher: Cerridwen Press

Buy-Link: http://www.jasminejade.com/pm-8357-288-mysteries-magick.aspx

Reviewer: Stacey Krug

Blurb/Summary:

Poisoned Magic

White magic. Gray magic. Black magic. A witch is a witch. Right? Samantha never meant to cross the line. Hell, she didn’t even know a line existed. All she wanted to do was make sure John noticed her. Dabbling with the herbal magic her grandmother taught her doesn’t seem wrong. Especially when it produces results.

Of course, for those walking in the mystical ways, Samantha’s dabbling is anything but innocent. And for those who’ve long since crossed to the dark side, she’s a downright delectable bit of flesh. But though black magic and its wielders may be able to blind a woman, they’ll never be able to fully control her actions.

Pierce My Heart

Shakespeare’s Hamlet had it more right than he knew. Hierarchies of angels, deities and demons walk among us, mostly unnoticed. But every now and again, Fate steps into a person’s life to bitch-slap some sense into them.

Jessie is one of those “blessed” people. Sissy, a.k.a. Lachesis, an aspect of Fate, is on a mission, and she has angels Michael and Deacon at her disposal. Combining a Virtue and Power creates some potent mojo all on its own, but adding a lonely human woman to the mix is a sure way to shake loose the knots in the weave of life. Here’s hoping Jessie’s thread is strong enough to take it.

Review:

This book contained two separate stories. The first is Poisoned Magic. This story starts out light and fun. The characters are interesting and have fun with one another and I could never complain about the setting. Door County always has a feeling to it, like anything can happen.

As the story progresses, we find the hunter has become the prey that in turn traps the hunter. This plot twist has a very dark edge to it and some aspect of horror. The ending leaves you wondering. A lot is left up to the reader’s imagination.

There were some continuity and editing issues especially regarding the whole fragrance plot line in the beginning of the story, but it didn’t detract too much from the tale.

If you like your stories with a hard edge, an indeterminable ending, and open to your imagination then this is the story for you.

The second story in the book is Pierce My Heart. Here we are introduced to Jessie as she is trying to recover from a heart rending loss. As we drop into her life, we see that grief and loss are ruling her. Christine McKay did a nice job developing Jessie so that as a reader you started feeling her loss and crying with her.

A strange and mystical person shows up and disrupts Jessie’s whole routine. Sissy is a mystery to Jessie and one that doesn’t unravel until later in the story. Sissy helps Jessie come back to the living by providing her with two angels. However, Jessie doesn’t know for sure what they are really. Her two angels bring Jessie’s body and heart back to life with sizzling sex scenes and some very imaginative love play with Deacon.

There is also a second plot line going with a bit of a mystery to it that works itself out in the end. It will have you second guessing some of the characters before the truth is revealed.

Pierce My Heart has a lighter tone and a happier ending than Poisoned Magic.