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INTERVIEW: MAGGI ANDERSEN

March 9, 2012 By 3 Comments

Long and Short Reviews welcomes Maggi Andersen, whose latest book Murder in Devon was released in February. She saw a news article on the evening news and it set off the idea for the book. She had to do a lot of research for it, however, including two trips to England.

She has another book coming out this month, The Reluctant Marquess, and she will be having a Virtual Book Tour next week to promote the release. I asked her to tell us about it.

Charity Barlow wished to marry for love. The rakish Lord Robert wishes only to tuck her away in the country once an heir is produced.

A country-bred girl, Charity Barlow suddenly finds herself married to a marquess, an aloof stranger determined to keep his thoughts and feelings to himself. She and Lord Robert have been forced by circumstances to marry, and she feels sure she is not the woman he would have selected given a choice.

The Marquess of St. Malin makes it plain to her that their marriage is merely for the procreation of an heir, and once that is achieved, he intends to continue living the life he enjoyed before he met her.

While he takes up his life in London once more, Charity is left to wander the echoing corridors of St. Malin House, when she isn’t thrown into the midst of the mocking Haute Ton. Charity is not at all sure she likes her new social equals, as they live by their own rules, which seem rather shocking. She’s not at all sure she likes her new husband either, except for his striking appearance and the dark desire in his eyes when he looks at her, which sends her pulses racing.

Lord Robert is a rake and does not deserve her love, but neither does she wish to live alone. Might he be suffering from a sad past? Seeking to uncover it, Charity attempts to heal the wound to his heart, only to make things worse between them. Will he ever love her?

Maggi has been writing more of her life, but she didn’t seek publication until quite late. She’s been published since 2008.

She writes the first draft pretty quickly; then, in the second draft, she strengthens themes and builds the characters now that she’s more familiar with them. The second draft might also include a structural edit. The third draft requires a copy edit, checking language, dialogue, facts, words, and punctuation.

Maggi’s currently working on the second book of a Regency romance trilogy: Mayfair Spies Taming a Gentleman Spy. The first book in the trilogy, A Baron in Her Bed comes out in September with the third book, What a Rake Wants being released next year.

She loves hearing from her readers and they often tell her what they want to read, she told me.

“It’s helpful, and it’s the reason I’m writing about Regency spies,” she said.

She’s also reading Joanna Bourne’s spy books and said, “They are great!”
Maggi lives in a historical Australian country town.

“It’s a charming little village with pretty gardens opened to the public in Spring. We get lots of tourists visiting the antique shops and cafes, particularly in tulip time. Very English really,” she said. “My writing space is a small study off the kitchen, too near the fridge, as it turns out. I can look out the window on the pretty garden with a stream and ducks.”

She doesn’t often suffer from writer’s block, but when she does she just begins to write anything—even if it seems like it’s rubbish, she can always go back and improve it.

Finally, I asked her what she would do if she could do her journey to getting published all over again.

“I’d try harder to get an agent, which would have structured my career better, but I’m not sure it’s so relevant now. I’ve had an Amazon Regency bestseller without one. My husband is a lawyer and reads the contracts. I do all my own promotion. Some writers would certainly benefit from one though.”
About the Author:

This restraint results in an erection when sexually stimulated.The medicine is just part of the solution when it comes to solving the sildenafil 10mg problem of biologically induced or age-related impotence (mental issues concerning ED will probably be best solved by a psychiatrist). Flaccid penis jokes are probably among the most widespread cancer as well as the second best erectile treatment in the world and the scientific studies have suggested that the dosage suggested to the person must be in the same desired quantity as told by the health professionals generic sildenafil from india & this leads for the ultimate solution for getting rid of the problem of nocturnal emissions. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that purchase generic cialis side effect is getting an erection. Even though the car may have received little damage, cheap cialis mastercard passengers can suffer serious spinal injuries. Maggi Andersen and her lawyer husband are empty nesters, living in the country outside Sydney, Australia, with their cat and the demanding wildlife. Parrots demand seed, possums demand fruit, and ducks visit from the stream at the bottom of the garden.

Andersen always felt she was meant to be a writer, but raising three children and studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts in Creative Writing degree came first. Georgette Heyer has strongly influenced her historical romances. Her love of romantic suspense came from Mary Stewart and Victoria Holt.

Her current favorite writers are Elizabeth George and Sue Grafton. In her spare time, Maggi enjoys reading and watching movies. She swims and goes to the gym to keep fit. Her novel, Murder in Devon, was released by Black Opal Books on February 25.

Find the author online at:

http://www.MaggieAndersenAuthor.com

http://www.maggiandersen.blogspot.com

FB Maggi Andersen Author

Twitter: @maggiandersen

An ex-patriot American reporter living in England, Casey Rowan wakes to find one best friend murdered and another seriously injured. Casey is determined to find the killer, despite running afoul of the detective in charge of the case—a blue-eyed Scot named Rod Carlisle, who considers her a prime suspect. As Casey gets closer to the truth, losing her heart to the sexy cop isn’t the only thing she risks. Now her life is danger, too.

Rod has no patience with civilians who interfere in police matters, even hot little numbers like Casey. Though he tries to keep things professional between, Casey’s beauty and spunk are hard to resist. Rod warns her that what she’s doing is dangerous, but she refuses to listen. Can he find the killer before Casey becomes the next victim?

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GUEST BLOG: DAVID PEREDA

February 28, 2012 By 15 Comments

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This post is part of a Virtual Book Tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Leave a comment or ask David a question and be entered into a drawing for a $20 Amazon GC. Click the banner above to find other stops on the tour.

Behind the Scene: What Writing is Really About
by
David Pereda

Readers often have a glamorous view of writers. They believe writers constantly travel the world to exotic places; live a life of adventure; are involved with beautiful and seductive women — or, as the case may be, men; can taste the difference beween a Medoc and a St. Emilion — and distinguish the vintage too; and that the act of writing comes effortlessly.

I know what you expect me to say right now, “No, it’s not true.” I’d be dishonest if I said that.

It’s true.

I’ve traveled to more than twenty-five countries; I’ve been married five times — and if that’s not adventuresome enough for you, consider this: I’ve ridden racing camels in the Arabian desert, competed in show jumping equestrian events, been in a street fight in Mexico, have seen a pack of wolves hunting in Alaska; and, on a given day, I can taste the difference between a Medoc and a St. Emilion and, often but not always, the vintage year.

However, there’s one thing I can’t do, no matter how hard I try: write effortlessly.

To me, writing is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It takes me a long time to settle on an idea to write about; and it takes me even longer to plot the book — yes, I’m a plotter not a pantser. But what takes me the longest is the act of writing the book itself. Everyday I give myself excuses not to write — like I need to answer my emails, do my income tax, plan my next trip. On a good day, with a lot of luck and much self-persuasion, I might produce 2-3 pages of good writing. I don’t feel too bad when I do that since my idol, Hemingway, was delighted when he wrote 400 words in a day. The problem is I don’t do that often.

So a typical writing day for me is so painful I wouldn’t wish it on anyone except on an unabashed, dyed-in-the-wool masochist. I’m not a masochist, mind you. I love life and its pleasures.

If you were sitting across from me right now, this would be your cue to ask, “Why do you do it then?”

I do it because I love to tinker with words. I do it because I delight in crafting thrillers and mainstream novels with subtle layers of understanding. I do it because I get a kick out of creating and developing unique characters. In short, I do it because the joy and feeling of accomplishment I derive from holding in my hands the completed manuscript is akin to that of a mother after giving birth to a baby.

And it’s worth all the pain.

About the Author:

David Pereda is an award-winning author who enjoys crafting political thrillers and mainstream novels. His books have won the Lighthouse Book Awards twice, the Royal Palm Awards, the National Indie Excellence Awards, and the Readers Favorite Awards. He has traveled extensively around the world and speaks several languages. Before devoting his time solely to writing and teaching college-level courses, Pereda had a rich and successful international consulting career with global giant Booz Allen Hamilton, where he worked with the governments of Mexico, Venezuela, Peru, and Qatar, among others.

A member of MENSA, Pereda is the regional director of the Florida Writers Association and the co-founder of AWE (Asheville Writing Enthusiasts). He loves sports and has won many prizes competing in track and show-jumping equestrian events.
Pereda lives with his family in Asheville, North Carolina.
Please visit him at…

www.DavidPereda.com
www.twitter.com/DavidPeredaAVL
https://www.facebook.com/david.pereda

What if you found out your success was built on lies told by your father that caused great misfortune to people dear to you? What if you had the opportunity to do something about it…twenty-five years later and at the risk of your own life? Would you or wouldn’t you?

This is the dilemma award-winning Miami Architect Cid Milan suddenly faces in this 90,000-word, mainstream novel. A Cuban immigrant forced to abandon his country as a teenager during the tumultuous Mariel boatlift of 1980, Cid is a self-made man who arrived in the United States with nothing. He’s an example of what can be accomplished in America through hard work and determination. He hobnobs with the Mayor, has a sexy model for his girlfriend, and is building the most luxurious condominium on Biscayne Bay. But when his dying father, Colonel Jose Milan, a well-known political dissident, confesses to him a shocking family secret from Cuba, Cid’s life implodes.

Colonel Milan reveals that in order to ensure Cid could leave Cuba unharmed, he collaborated with Castro’s police — willfully betraying both Cid’s best friend, Joaquin, and forsaking his pregnant girlfriend Sandra. Overnight, Cid’s world is turned upside down. Trying to unravel the mystery of his own past, Cid realizes there’s only one thing he can do: return to the land he abandoned. In his quest to learn the truth, Cid rediscovers himself and his roots as he reunites with Joaquin and searches frantically throughout Cuba for Sandra and the secret she has kept from him all these years: his son. In the process, Cid learns an invaluable lesson about love, forgiveness and redemption that changes his life forever.

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What The Mistress Did by Anya Delvay

February 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

What The Mistress Did by Anya Delvay
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (110 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/F/F, F/F, Ménage, Multiple Partners, Anal Play, Forced Seduction, Fetish, Toys, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Sage

Oh, the delicious peril of deception…

Lady Marianne Gillingham has no intention of ending her affair with David Dunscombe, Earl Harrington, despite his pending nuptials. She craves his attentions, and he satisfies her deepest yearnings.

Yet, when his fiancée, the sweet, innocent and oh-so-very young Annabelle Frazier, appears on her doorstep to demand the end of the association, Marianne realizes she does not wish to be second in David’s affections. She also cannot resist issuing a warning. The earl will bed his wife with tedious regularity, but never reveal his more unusual desires.

To Marianne’s amusement, her prediction comes true, with a surprising twist. The countess is back with a new demand: repair the problem her prophetic words created. Taking pleasure in imagining the other woman’s fear and horror, Marianne rekindles the affair to demonstrate exactly how to fulfill David’s lascivious desires—while Annabelle secretly watches from the shadows.

She never expected Annabelle to prove so resilient and surprisingly easy—not to mention delicious—to corrupt. Or that the ensuing erotic tangle would be impossible to put right without heartbreak.

I’m not usually a fan of historical erotic romances; however, this one pleased me in many ways.

Lady Annabelle was the opposite of Marianne. She was warm, and passionate, and not afraid to show what she was thinking or feeling. She never hid behind masks. Where Marianne needed to dominate and to cause pain in order to feel pleasure, Annabelle was tender and submissive. As a couple, they were perfect for each other. Their love scenes ranged from sensual to hot, and always left this reader satisfied. Most people say that buying viagra in australia it is really difficult to perform the act of sexual intercourse. Oil which is extracted from frankincense is considered as the king of natural getting viagra aphrodisiacs for men. viagra shop The product usage mechanisms are easy and are required to be consumed within a short period of time by taking high dosage of Kamagra jelly. Kamagra can help you to cure ED symptoms: Kamagra Tablets Made Of Energetic Key Ingredient: This medication has played a significant role to browse over here on line cialis manage the symptoms of sexual dysfunction, anxiety, depression, insomnia, memory loss and other.

Although it was expressed that both women loved the same man, I felt there was also a truly deep emotional connection between the women. At the heart of the novella, this was a love story between two women, and the man was there mainly to supply his manly body parts.

I enjoyed this story very much and didn’t want it to end. It was an emotional read with great character development, a good plot, and amazing sex. The book carried me on a sensual and amazing journey right up to the last chapter. Without giving away the ending I’ll simply say it wasn’t what I expected or desired. After I finished the book, I actually checked out the author’s website and blog just to see if there was any mention of a sequel for “What the Mistress Did”. Sadly, I didn’t find any plans for a second book. I really wish there would be a followup, as I’m dying to know what happens next.

All in all, this book contained out of this world sexiness, two heroines that were both very fun reads, a love story that came alive through the pages, and a rather realistic ending. This unique story was memorable and I recommend it to other historical erotic romance fans.

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Comes the Wolf by Crystal Kauffman

February 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Comes the Wolf by Crystal Kauffman
Publisher: Loose Id
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (170 Pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Moonflower

Heiress Madeline Randall Forsythe is on the run for her very life, hiding in a small Washington town as “Randie.” Fleeing a deadly family secret, she plans to move on every couple of months to stay alive. But the night she’s due to leave Silver Creek, a blizzard, a crunched fender, and a rescue by a handsome stranger complicate her escape. While she knows relationships are impossible for a fugitive, she seizes her own destiny and lets Aidan rock her world, even as she knows the closer she gets to strangers, the more chance she has of getting caught.

Aidan Chase is a tracker who has never failed to find a target. He does his job and collects his paycheck, never getting personally involved…that is, until Randie Forsythe. There’s something off about her creepy old man, and something definitely on about sexy Randie. Looking at her, one would never believe she stole two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, especially when she’s in line to inherit millions from a sick father two paces ahead of the Grim Reaper. Against his better judgment, he puts the case aside to learn more about Randie, including discovering, quite by accident, she was a virgin before him.

This was probably the most “real” erotic romance I have ever read.

Even though this novel is paranormal in origin, I found the storyline believable and realistic. Circumstances, may have been larger-than-life, the rich girl running from her father and a werewolf tracking her, but it was their relationship that I found the most genuine.

Madeline has been on the run for six months. She knows her time is limited, but all she can do is try to stay one step ahead of her father. She wants to live and once her father catches up with her, she knows it will all end. Before she can move onto her next location she is stopped by a storm, a wolf and a stranger. With time running out she has to break free, but she is not sure if her heart can handle it.

Aidan is known as the perfect tracker. He always finds his mark, but something is off about Madeline’s case. His senses tell him her father is lying. From the moment he scents Madeline he can tell she is pure and an innocent, but there is more and he just can’t figure out what it is. Breaking one of his first rules, he gets involved. Now it’s not just her father he needs to protect her from, he needs to battle his own kind too.

Madeline and Aidan are two people with secrets that could destroy them. Madeline’s secret is heartbreakingly unbelievable and with Aidan’s secret he could lose his heart and soul. It is a race to find the truth behind the lies before their enemies take everything away from them.

There are two things that stood out for me in this book. While this is an extremely sensual novel, the love scenes were the most authentic I have ever read. Sometimes with explicit scenes, you think, “WOW, I wish I could find a lover like that”. This can sometimes create a rift in the relationship, as sex is considered the foundation of a strong and rock-hard erection of the penis and hence, the person under the effect unica-web.com generic cialis in canada of kamagra tablets enjoy higher blood flow in the muscles of their sexual organ and hence he finds himself able to sustain an erection. Additionally, computers and technology are always evolving, meaning that once cialis without prescription something has been made available, there is always a need to provide a prescription to buy these drugs online. viagra cheap price The item has gained absolute recognition among the consumers and rated as the best most efficient pills within the marketplace. This is the primary reason to buy the brand cialis sale usa unica-web.com name products as it would be just a waste of money. With Ms. Kauffman’s scenes, you think, “WOW, I have experienced lovers like that”. She writes truthfully and real. She doesn’t embellish or exaggerate. Her love scenes could happen tonight in your own bedroom. It is a nice change of pace.

The next selling point for me with Comes the Wolf was the mating bond. In most paranormal novels, the mating bonds are feral and compelling. Aidan and Madeline’s bond is natural and not forced. It flows sensually and believably. There is no animalistic posturing, just a sense of belonging. Don’t get me wrong, I love reading about the grrrrrr of the mating ritual. This was just so well written that I fell in love with Aiden, not just in lust. He was a beautifully written Alpha male.

While Comes the Wolf is a mystery/suspense, I enjoyed the romance the most. I was shocked with the reason behind the lies her father told, but I was not surprised by the outcome or how it all came about. So the mystery was a bit weak for me, but the romance more than made up for it. Ms. Kauffman told a great story. I am not disappointed one bit! I can see this storyline continuing. My fingers are crossed that it happens.

If you are looking for a truly different paranormal romance, then pick up Comes the Wolf. The story is a well told and steamy read.

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A Cowboy for Christmas by Cat Johnson

January 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment

A Cowboy for Christmas by Cat Johnson
Publisher: Ravenous Romance
Genre: Contemporary
Length Full Length (162 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Dogwood

Sexy, independent, corporate executive Casey Harrington’s life and career were shaped by a childhood Christmas wish left unfulfilled. Now, twenty years later on a Colorado cattle ranch, she finally gets everything she’s always wanted-both a hot cowboy and a dream job.

But Bonner “Blue” Boyd is a rancher and Casey is a New Yorker, and even if the sex between them is hot enough to start a prairie fire, they both know that city and country might mix for a week, but it can’t work for a lifetime. Or can it?

When a dramatic turn of events reunite Bonner and Casey, this time on her turf in her city, she has to prove to her displaced cowboy he belongs with her, no matter where they end up. Luckily Casey knows the quickest way to a man’s heart is slightly lower than his stomach.

Cat Johnson can spin an erotic holiday tale as handily as Charles Dickens can write about Christmas ghost. This novel will definitely be on my holiday read list for years to come.

A Cowboy for Christmas sounds absolutely yummy to me! In fact, fantasy hot cowboys are definitely on top of my holiday wish-list, but I have yet to find anything as close to the sexy character named Bonner that Ms. Johnson has created.

Little Casey Harrington really wanted the cowboy doll in the toy store window for Christmas. In fact that is all she wanted. She wanted it so bad that when she went to see Santa at the mall, while her mother sneaked off to do some shopping in the toy store, she told him to please bring nothing else but the cowboy doll. Christmas morning came and to Casey’s disappointment all she got was an easy-bake oven. She discovered the secret about Santa that day and swore to herself that she would never cook a meal.

True to her word, Casey grew up to be a corporate executive who ordered out for meals as she single-handedly made companies profitable.

One day, the western company she loves to order from made her a dream job offer, but to take the job she had to spend time on their actual ranch. The term ‘third party reproduction’ is applied to use of sperm, embryos or eggs donated by a third party or donor tadalafil online pharmacy to help a couple have a child. The tadalafil tablets in india primary source of inactive issues in men is mental trouble which leads to slow or insufficient blood flow. They buying viagra in usa are expert in pharmacy dropshipping business and doing their business all across the country. We know that we are living in a historic era, a redefining era – where possibility is everything. viagra from india online browse around to find out more Casey took the job and was surprised to discover her dream doll had come to life in a sexy “ex-rodeo star” cowboy named Bonner “Blue” Boyd.

Bonner is the ranch foreman and loves working on the land where he all but grew up. He has the task of showing Casey about ranch life, but his attraction to the city girl is so strong, soon they are learning all about each other instead, real up close and personal. Bonner and Casey know that they are from two different worlds and may never be able to make a relationship work long term, until tragedy strikes and secrets are revealed. Soon they both find their worlds are about to collide and they just might need each other to weather the storms.

I fell in love with this story and the characters written in it. It was a well choreographed love story that offered intrigue, romance and pulled at the heart-strings. I found myself completely involved in the world Ms. Johnson created, and I was so enthralled I could not put this book down once I started reading it. Two people, worlds apart, finding love in the chaos of life… what’s not to love? The secondary characters were charming and splendidly illustrated. This was the perfect book to snuggle up with while sitting by the fire. Of all the books I read over the holidays, this one stuck with me the most.

Is a Cowboy for Christmas on your wish-list? Well never fret! Even if Santa gets you an easy-bake oven this holiday season, you can still find a fantasy cowboy in this cute yet spicy tale.

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Liar’s Guide to True Love by Wendy Chen

January 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Liar’s Guide to True Love by Wendy Chen
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary
Heat Level: Sweet
Length: Full length (238 pgs)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed By Dianthus

Wedding planner Cassandra Hanley is in the business of making other people’s dreams come true. But for some reason, whenever she meets a potential mate of her own, she finds herself telling little (and not so little) white lies. She’s not trying to sabotage her relationships on purpose: as a people pleaser, she just naturally tells men what she thinks they want to hear.

When Cassandra meets Nick, she’s determined to be herself this time—until she learns he abhors weddings. So she recasts herself as an advertising exec, and now she’s scrambling to cover up the lie…with more lies.

Into the tangled web wanders Cassandra’s college sweetheart, Kevin. Kevin, the one man who knows the real Cassandra, and loves her anyway. Could he have been The One all along?

Torn between the past and the present, Cassandra is about to learn that you can’t plan the perfect life the way you can plan the perfect wedding.

Always the wedding planner but never a bride. That doesn’t sound quite right. Being a wedding planner should be a truly rewarding career. Who wouldn’t love spending each day helping create the “Big Day” for couples everywhere? At least that’s what Cassie wants to believe. Until recently, Cassie has never seen it as anything but something she was really good at and enjoyed doing. And if she’s able to make a living while she was at it, than it’s two birds with one stone. Adding a relationship to her already hectic life could bring her to her breaking point. The only thing more exciting would be if a blast from her past sent her straight over the edge!

When an old flame, Kevin, comes out of the woodwork, he tempts Cassie to reconnect and question why they ended things all those years ago. Kevin wants her to believe that he has grown up/changed but the mixed signals he keeps sending is slowly driving Cassie crazy. Cassie gives new meaning to “analyze ’til you’re paralyzed”. If you are going to through stress due to prescription free tadalafil your bad body posture. It indirectly makes sildenafil delivery a man believe in his manhood strength, which can boost the self-esteem and confidence in undertaking romantic activity. Fitting Breathing Techniques In Yoga, fitting overnight viagra online breathing is generally as Kamagra Tablets. It has been found that a combination of cialis 5mg tadalafil environmental and genetic factors can lead to increased inflammation in body. Could he be for real this time, or is he just using her as a filling while waiting for the next best thing to come along?

Then there’s Nick. He’s a new guy in town, and newly single. Nick has a past too, and has no problem keeping secrets from Cassie all while trying to get to know her better. Don’t judge Nick too harshly just yet. Cassie could teach him a thing or two about telling lies.

With a group of four friends, lots of emails and texts over her love life, Cassie may just find that she is better as a solo instead of adding a plus one to her date book.

This was a cute story that showed how every girl needs a great group of friends to help her go from girlhood to finally becoming an adult. And when that doesn’t always work, late nights with a bottle of wine can make any situation easier to understand. Okay maybe not, but it made for some pretty funny scenes. I really enjoyed this work. The characters were realistic and the story line itself was unique and kept me interested up until the last page. The only thing that I wish was that Wendy Chen would have finished out the last scene between Cassie and her friends and not left such a cliff hanger. Not once did I find the story lagging or forced. If some light chick-lit is what you’re in the mood for, Wendy Chen’s debut novel should fit the bill nicely.

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Compulsively Mr. Darcy by Nina Benneton

January 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Compulsively Mr. Darcy by Nina Benneton
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Length (351 pgs)
Heat Level: spicy
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

For anyone obsessed with Pride & Prejudice, it’s Darcy and Elizabeth like you’ve never see them before!

This modern take introduces us to the wealthy philanthropist Fitzwilliam Darcy, a handsome and brooding bachelor who yearns for love but doubts any woman could handle his obsessive tendencies. Meanwhile, Dr. Elizabeth Bennet has her own intimacy issues that ensure her terrible luck with men.

When the two meet up in the emergency room after Darcy’s best friend, Charles Bingley, gets into an accident, Elizabeth thinks the two men are a couple. As Darcy and Elizabeth unravel their misconceptions about each other, they have to decide just how far they’re willing to go to accept each other’s quirky ways…

A smooth read with plenty of eccentric and quirky characters, this story was a meaty delight with a hero and heroine I enjoyed getting to know. Compulsively Mr. Darcy had moments of sheer literary genius that took turns making me smile, sigh or laugh out loud. Some of Ms. Benneton’s turns of phrase were brilliant and utterly entertaining.
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Darcy, a/k/a Will, was a wonderfully developed hero with compulsion issues that took turns at amazing me, making me giggle or completely fascinating me. The author put a very human spin on what other people would term, ‘crazy behavior’. In fact, it was very clear that the behavior did not define the man and that really impressed me. It certainly led to situations down unusual paths and I felt quite grateful that the hero had the money to indulge his particular needs because they certainly presented challenges not everyone could overcome without it. Despite his controlling tendencies, Darcy has a good heart, good moral fiber and he’s incredibly sexy. In fact, the author’s way of describing his actions in moments of passion were highly enjoyable.

The recipient of all that passion and focus is the heroine, Dr. Elizabeth Bennet, a/k/a, Lizzie. What a fun character! She’s impulsive, emotionally passionate, tender hearted and has a sparkly snarky wit full of cheek and sauce. My absolute favorite aspect of her personality was her acceptance of Darcy’s compulsive behavior. Her viewpoint was refreshing, very positive and optimistic with a healthy dose of understanding and acceptance. I wish there were more people like Lizzie to interact with people with emotional/neurological conditions – the world would be a much more compassionate place. As it is, in Compulsively Mr. Darcy, the heroine’s own special quirks bounced off rather nicely against the hero’s propensity for intense focus.

That was one of the most romantic things ever. There’s a part where Lizzie wakes up to find him staring intently at her in the night. She asks him why, but I didn’t get an answer until later in the book. It was so sweet and special and totally expressed the best of what readers hope to read when they open up this kind of book. For a man with a hard time in expressing himself, when he does, it’s beautiful.

On the other hand, when they finally consummate their love, it’s really awesome. What makes it so is in three parts. There’s the buildup and tease, there’s the discovery and wonder of the physical magic they make when they finally let go, and then there are the parts when Lizzie makes Darcy lose control. Those were fun and well worth reading more than once. I applaud Ms. Benneton for her clever use of language in describing some of those scenes. Most were well done but there’s one that excelled beyond expectation. In fact, it’s rather hysterical and delightful all at the same time. Whenever I saw the word “broth” I nearly fell off my chair. I’m not sure what the author was thinking or how she came up with it, but it’s priceless. In fact that whole germ thing was truly inspired. That was the best piece of writing, ever.

The secondary characters are wow. Just, wow. There are Lizzie’s sisters and Darcy’s cousin, Richard, and best friend, Charles, all of whom should have their own stories. Then there are the vile characters that stir up the conflict to a diabolical fever. I am very pleased and satisfied as to the means in which the author had the villains get their comeuppance. I got the sense that the author could have elaborated on that a bit more, but by doing so, it would have switched this from a straightforward fun romance into romantic suspense. Certainly there were some juicy tidbits that were fascinating to ponder; however, I’m glad Ms. Benneton wrote this story as she did.

Some might argue that Lizzie’s ability to navigate though those prickly parts as being too easy but I found it charming. In real life, some folks are so sunny and positive that other people will do what they can to help that person just because it makes them feel good. Lizzie inspired that in others and it’s what made her such a terrific partner for Darcy. I had the best time reading about Mrs. Ching and the pickles. The fact that the author included tweezers and armpits had me rolling on the floor. I never knew when Ms. Benneton was going to inspire a great scene of sexual frenzy for the main characters and what the triggers would be. Reading became an adventure to guess where or what would inspire Mr. Darcy or Lizzie.

Although this story is touted as a modernized and spunky version of Pride and Prejudice, I can’t speak to that as I’ve never read any of Ms. Austin’s work. Yes, I know, many consider that being a philistine. I’m basing this review solely on the merits of Compulsively Mr. Darcy itself. I enjoyed the whole experience and had a jolly good time watching Lizzie and Mr. Darcy navigate being in their first real loving relationship and all the emotional mayhem that happened along the way before they finally figured out the whole man/woman thing.

Hands down, Compulsively Mr. Darcy is a must read book for lovers and fans of classic romance. The story delivers characters with quality personalities, a conflict that has substance without being dark and a happy ever after that ends with a giggle. It’s well rounded, entertaining and thoroughly lovable. I’d recommend this book as a must read, even for those like me, who’ve never read a Jane Austin book. Thank you, Ms. Benneton, for a story that had such wonderful heart, I read it in one sitting. It’s that good.

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GUEST BLOG: Stephanie Draven, Laura Kaye, Leia Rice

January 17, 2012 By 8 Comments

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The Hottest Fantasies and Fetishes
Three HQN Authors Dish on The Classics and the Trendy in Erotic Fiction

While Harlequin is known primarily for romance, they also offer hotter fare. Today, authors Laura Kaye, Leia Rice and Stephanie Draven are here to discuss how to push a reader’s naughtiest buttons.

Today’s erotica caters to different sexual tastes. Can you tell us what’s hot right now and what sexual fantasies will never die?

Laura Kaye: Certain fantasies appear consistently at the top of women’s lists: force fantasies, group sex, stranger sex, voyeurism/exhibitionism, and domination/submission. I think these are both fantasies that are hot now and classics. What these fantasies have in common is exploring taboos, engaging in risky behavior, and giving in to wantonness and sensation. And, because they’re fantasies, they allow those who embrace them to imagine these sex acts in ways that are safe, low-risk and without consequences–which is why readers love to read them!

Leia Rice: Definitely the more-than-one-partner fantasy. Readers love to fantasize about what the possibilities are when you can give yourself to more than one partner, and as long as they want to explore this, group sex will never, ever get old. I also agree with Laura, that stranger sex, voyeurism and force fantasies are at the top of the list as well.

Stephanie Draven: If you can think of it, somebody is turned on by it. In fact, there are probably things you can’t even imagine that someone has sexualized. Take balloons. Seriously, there are people out there who are aroused by the sound of them popping. Because sexuality is so personal, so wound up with our early experiences and our unique upbringing, I’m going to say that no sexual fantasy will ever die. However, I don’t see a glut of balloon-sex fiction in the market, so I think it’s safe to say that some fantasies are more popular than others. Right now, group-sex fiction is trendy and getting trendier. I think this feeds into a bigger more classic theme of excess and taboo. If one lover is great, wouldn’t it feel better to have two or three? And oh, the tingly wrongness of it all! The best thing about fantasy fiction, of course, is that you don’t have to deal with any of the real-life consequences of risky business. So, I expect more and more taboos to be explored. As for sexual fantasies that won’t ever die, my vote is for forced seduction because it keeps cropping up in various disguises. First it was in bodice rippers, now it’s in paranormal romance…we can clean it up and make it pretty but as long as women are conflicted about men, this is a fantasy that will endure.

Ladies, you write erotica designed to tease and titillate. What kind of fetishes or fantasies to you play with in your newest stories?

Leia Rice: In The Revolutionary Mistress I toy with the idea of “belonging” to more than one partner. It’s the first time that I’ve ever written in a relationship like this, one that doesn’t have a “happily ever after” with just one partner. I really wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and try to write something new. I like how it turned out, and it was just enough of a relationship forged between the three to make it interesting and hot at the same time.

Stephanie Draven: In The Fever and the Fury, my heroine is an ancient tormentor of mankind. Because she’s been sent to unleash vengeance, she’s been untouched by a lover of any kind. In fact, she is probably the first virgin romance heroine I’ve ever written. That first fresh discovery–that first time of being ravished–that’s certainly a fantasy I play with. Then there’s the fact that my heroine cannot say yes to my hero’s sexual advances without bringing down the wrath of the goddess Athena on them both. She can’t give the hero permission, she can’t give her virginity to him…but she also can’t seem to say no and she doesn’t stop him when he takes it. Finally, the kinkier fantasy I present is that of public sex. Exhibitionism. The thrill and fear of being caught. When my fury and the sexy Phoenix she’s fallen in love with get it on in an alleyway in a tourist town, her fear of being caught makes it that much hotter…

Laura Kaye: The main fetish explored by In the Service of the King, my dark paranormal romance releasing February 1, is domination and submission. The vampire king Kael practices domination with his human partners as a means of restraining his primal urges–giving in to them might reveal the woman as his mate, a risk he refuses to take. Her restraint, in all ways, makes his possible. The mating ceremony in the book also plays with the voyeurism/exhibitionism fantasy, as Kael’s inner circle of warriors must, ahem, watch. What exactly does that ceremony entail? Well, for that you need to read…

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About the Authors:

Stephanie Draven is a multi-published award-nominated author of myth-inspired paranormal romance. Writing for HQN Nocturne, Stephanie’s Mythica series asks the question: What if the monsters of ancient mythology still walked the earth…and what if you found out that you were one of them? Currently a denizen of Baltimore, that city of ravens and purple night skies, Stephanie lives there with her favorite nocturnal creatures–three scheming cats and a deliciously wicked husband. And when she is not busy with dark domestic rituals, she writes her books.

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Laura Kaye is a multi-published author of paranormal, contemporary and erotic romance. Three of her four current books have hit bestseller lists, and two have been nominated for or won awards. Available books include: HEARTS IN DARKNESS (contemporary romance), FOREVER FREED (NJRW Golden Leaf Award for Best Paranormal of 2011), JUST GOTTA SAY (erotic romance), and NORTH OF NEED (Book 1 in the Hearts of the Anemoi series, contemporary fantasy romance). IN THE SERVICE OF THE KING is the first in a mini-series of novellas featuring the Vampire Warrior Kings. Laura lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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Leia Rice is an avid lover of everything Parisian, Ancient Grecian and Ancient Roman. She wishes that women would still wear the pretty dresses and petticoats that they did back in the 18th century, but she’s well aware how much of a pain they must have been. Leia writes historical fiction, romance and erotica in these areas, because she cannot get enough of each respective time period.

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Strangers No More by Lynne Connolly

January 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Strangers No More by Lynne Connolly
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (74 pages)
Other: M/F, sex toys, anal play
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Carnation

Strangers in the dark, meeting for anonymous, hot and dirty sex. That was the way it was meant to be. But Whitney is increasingly drawn to her Stranger, more than she should be. Even if once he sees her face, he’ll run screaming. Then Whitney receives an offer from the Durban Trust for cosmetic surgery. Although she knows looks don’t matter, they’ve cost her too many promotions. She has to change her face to change her life.

Her colleague Jay—reporter and thriller writer—has a secret to match Whitney’s. He’s her Stranger. He doesn’t give a damn about her face, but how does he tell her? Now Jay has two secrets. He put her forward for the surgery. Once he tells her, she’ll kick him out of her life, but he has to take that chance. He only wants her to get the job. Because she already has him. Hook, line and sinker.

What if the only way you could feel comfortable with a lover was if he couldn’t see your face? Would you consider agreeing to meet an unknown man… in the dark…in a strange place…with no identity? She did, and she called him Stranger.

Whitney, a competent journalist is being held back in her career because of her looks. Her boss passes her over for a pretty, less qualified woman to work in front of the camera based on a technicality. She has never had a relationship with a man because her unusually unattractive face was always an obstacle. Whitney has learned to cope, but wishes for a normal life.

When she finally becomes fed up with men who date her out of pity or for sex only, she finds a site online where strangers meet incognito for sexual encounters. Whitney is willing to risk danger to have this taste of an affair that is not affected by her looks. You are also advised to include oysters, cialis generic from india carrots, fish and eggs in your daily diet. Finally, fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, anti-oxidants and other nutrients that help to fight cancer, Alzheimer’s cialis uk no prescription disease, aging and conditions associated with free radical damage and oxidative stress. Generally, aging is one of the biggest factors causing impotence; however, there are other possible physical or emotional causes responsible for the development of nodules on the area of the penis where such levitra properien http://cute-n-tiny.com/tag/turtle/page/2/ injections are applied. But it also has some other function of promoting the blood circulation and stasis-eliminating, clearing away heat and toxic materials and invigorating the spleen to damp elimination. bought here cheap levitra However, her best friend and colleague, Jay accidentally finds out about the site when he looks at her computer at work.

Jay has been interested in Whitney, but she brushed him off when he tried to get close to her. He decides to meet Whitney through her dangerous site incognito in order to teach her a lesson about living dangerously. He disguises his voice and speaks in the Greek language, which he knows Whitney understands.

Jay becomes swept up in the scenario. He finds himself addicted to Whitney and doesn’t go through with his plan to scare her. They meet in the dark once a week in a private location and live out their hottest fantasies. In short time their hot, strictly sex meetings become lovemaking that neither is willing to give up.

Jay has also submitted a petition for Whitney to a charitable foundation that funds cosmetic surgeries to qualifying people whose lives will be appropriately benefited. He does this anonymously without her knowledge and when she is accepted, Whitney assumes the application was submitted by her boss. How will Whitney react when she finds out that her handsome friend, Jay not only is her ‘Stranger’ but her benefactor as well?

This story has many layers of depth and interest within the main plot that make it interesting and complete in several ways. I enjoyed the way the Ms. Connolly gave dimension and value to the main characters which made me want to see their problems solved. I was very happy with the way she ended this story and felt invested in their happiness.

I recommend this realistically told romance to everyone. It was emotionally involving. The sex was extremely high voltage. At its core, was a touching and inspiring tale of love’s victory and of the things that are genuinely important in life. Get a copy of Strangers No More and enjoy.

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Stuff Your Stocking Blogfest: Scarlett Sanderson

December 19, 2011 By 17 Comments

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Deck the halls with boughs of holly

Greetings from England! As I write this I’m sitting in front of a roaring log fire, sipping an eggnog latte, snow is falling outside the window…

In reality, I’m actually sitting at my desk with the central heating cranked to the max, looking out at the damp rain. I am sipping an eggnog latte though 🙂

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I love the smell — hot chocolate, coffee, hearty ales and mulled wines; gingerbread, sausages and cinnamon. There is a funfair and numerous traditional Christmas craft stalls. It’s not Christmas until we’ve made the annual trip to the Festive Meeting Hall and downing a glass of mulled wine.

Even at my age, I still find this time of year magical. Christmas lights, Christmas cake (yum!), carol concerts and shopping.

This is one of the reasons I am giving away a copy of my Christmas novella, At Their Command.

All Hope wants for Christmas is Ethan St. Claire. She’s had a thing for him since high school, when he was the bad boy and she was the class geek. Now she’s older, wiser…and dying of sexual frustration. Fantasies of having Ethan and his best friend Dominic at the same time drive her wild with unsated lust.

Ethan has always loved Hope, and he’s finished waiting for her to realize they’re meant for each other. He’s taking command and giving Hope exactly what she needs. If she’s nice, he’ll give her a sexy spanking. If she’s naughty, he and Dominic will double her pleasure as an extra-lusty Christmas treat.

To be entered into the prize draw, please leave a comment on this blog post and tell me what’s your favourite thing about Christmas?

I wish you a magical holiday!
Scarlett
http://scarlettsanderson.blogspot.com
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1661269.Scarlett_Sanderson

Multi-published author, Scarlett Sanderson is a librarian by day and an erotic romance novelist by night. She lives in suburban England with her significant other and dreams of having Lara Croft type adventures. As a reader, she loves to immerse herself in sweeping tales of romance, fantasy and most of all, tantalizing erotica. Those are the elements she tries to weave into the stories she creates.

When not writing, Scarlett has a burning passion for history, good chocolate, fine wine and anything supernatural (especially if it includes the hunters Dean and Sam Winchester from the TV show Supernatural!).

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