Disclaimer:

Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author/publisher to The Pagan & The Pen Book Reviews. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.
Showing posts with label contemporary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label contemporary. Show all posts

Apr 20, 2011

Kissing Cowboys by Eve Cassidy


The Pagan & The Pen Book Reviews

Title: Kissing Cowboys
Author:  Eve Cassidy
Buy Link
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: Erotic/Romance/Contemporary/Western-M/M
Length: 10 pgs.
Reviewed by: Gray Dixon

RATINGS FOR:
Cover: 5
Presentation: 5
Editing: 4.5
Story: 4.5
Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating: 
                                          

About The Book: Giving up a night out on the town with the guys is an easy sacrifice, but JT is determined to find out one way or another if the sexual tension he senses in Jacob Cordero is all in his mind. Keeping secrets in a bunkhouse is almost impossible, especially when an accident on an unbroken horse lands him right where he wants to be…in Jacob’s bed.

The Review:
Whoa boy! Or should I say cowboy? For a quick ten pages, this erotic short story was hot, hot, hot! Immediately Eve Cassidy yanked my chain and pulled me into this little trist between two cowboys left alone in a bunkhouse had them sheets scorching and definitely made for a nice bedtime story.

The scene was set up perfectly, with one man injured and the other comforting him. The description Ms. Cassidy gives of J.T. as a stubborn, ‘I can tough out the pain’ attitude, contrasted against the almost nurturing response of Jacob had me cheering on these two boys. They maybe cowboys who love a good rodeo, but I think they also found a new event of their own. The sex, in a word, HOT!

I highly recommend this one and I hope Ms. Cassidy has plans for J.T. and Jacob. They make for a great couple and I would love to see more of these two on the rodeo circuit.


Pagan Elements: N/A

Apr 5, 2011

Study Partner by Rebecca Leigh


The Pagan & The Pen Book Reviews

Title: Study Partner
Author: Rebecca Leigh
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
Length: 16 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:
Cover: 4
Presentation: 4
Editing: 4.5
Story: 4
Writing Ability: 3.5

Overall Card Rating
                                               

About The Book:
Carla Montes and Edward Gardner are both third year law students finishing their last final before graduation. They've been study partners all year, but on the eve of the final, what starts as hot and steamy sex in one of the study rooms in the campus library blossoms into something much more.

The Review:
The pressure of the final exam had finally gotten the best of both Carla and Edward. Seeing as how the time to part was fast approaching, they decide to throw caution to the wind and act on the lust they've each secretly held in check from the other. Now, with their lust satisfied, feelings are developing, but the real world calls and the inevitable separation that will take them into the next phase of their lives.

Things in this story progress quickly between the characters and unfortunately left me wanting more. The characters come from different backgrounds and I would've really liked to have seen their attraction and chemistry for one another explored a bit more. There is still a little bit of an unknown by the end, but for a quickie, it is quite enjoyable with enough heat to have me seeking out what else this author has to offer.

Pagan Elements: N/A

Trading Up by Brindle Chase


THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Trading Up
Author: Brindle Chase
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
Length: 47 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:
Cover: 4
Presentation: 4
Editing: 4.5
Story: 3.5
Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating
                                                 
About The Book: Heather adores her flighty sister's boyfriend, Mark. He's Mr. Right, and her sister is about to let him go. He's a catch, and Heather's only chance is to play out her sister's insane and wicked plan to switch in the dark. If she fails, she'll lose him to the throng of girls waiting in the wings. It's a winner takes all arena and seduction is the game.

The Review: It’s clear that Theresa is the fun loving adventurous sister, while Heather is the ambitious and quiet one. That’s not to say that Heather is a total bore, but perhaps a little more mature than her older sister. Theresa is interested in playing the field, while Heather sought stability in her next relationship. When it comes to Mark, Theresa’s current boyfriend, the sisters whole-heartedly agree the man is hot, but Theresa is looking for a little more excitement. Instead of letting a good man get away, Theresa devises a plan that has Heather all tied up in knots. Can she throw caution and inhibition aside or will she let a possible chance at happiness get away?

Sisters can sometimes be the little devil on your shoulder that tips the balance of what you believe is right or wrong. I would know since I have several, so Theresa’s character comes across very familiar to me. The author does a fantastic job of giving each of the characters a voice that’s clear and relatable. The plot might not be completely relatable, but that doesn’t detract from the intense eroticism or sweet undertones in the story. Overall a very enjoyable short read!

Pagan Elements: N/A

Mar 20, 2011

Light Switch by Lauren Gallagher

                                  
THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Light Switch
Author: Lauren Gallagher 
Amazon
Publisher: Carnal Passions
Genre: Erotic/Contemporary/Romance
Length: 324 pgs.
Reviewed by: Violet

RATINGS FOR:
Cover: 5
Presentation: 5
Editing: 5
Story: 5
Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating:
                                                                                                

About The Book:
After far too much lackluster sex with her now-ex-boyfriend, Kristen Locke isn’t just ready to try something new - she’s ready to try everything. And as luck would have it, two of her good friends are more than willing to introduce her to the kinkier side of life.

Experienced dominant Scott Moore wants to bring out the submissive in her.

Neighbor and voyeur Matt Sommers quite literally sees the exhibitionist in her.

Little by little, they open up a whole new world to her, and Kristen’s about to learn that love can be found in the most unusual places…

The Review:
Light Switch is a slow introduction into the BDSM lifestyle. With one smoking hot scene after another, Gallagher takes us on an incredible journey through Kristin as she discovers the delights of BDSM with one of her close friends, Scott, and the delights of exhibitionism with her other close friend, Matt.  As she learns about what it means to be a submissive from Scott, Kristin learns about what it means to be loved and cherished.  Matt is a neighbor who starts out as a spectator and later becomes part of the action.

One of the many things I loved about this novel was the way Gallagher went out of her way to portray the intimacy that springs up between a Dom and a sub in a healthy relationship. Nobody can hand over that much control to another person without profound emotional repercussions.  Light Switch, which is a pun I’ll leave you to figure out when you read this novel—because you’re really missing out if you don’t—is erotic, fun, and romantic. It’s a novel that will have you reading it again and again and again. These are characters that stay with you, and this is a story that resonates on the deepest levels of your soul.

As Kristin’s relationship with Scott, which comprises the bulk of the action, develops, her relationship with Matt blossoms. As a reader, I was torn because both Kristin and Matt make it clear early on that they aren’t the kind of people who could be happy in a polyamorous relationship. I didn’t want her to end things with Scott because he helped her grow so much as a person, and I didn’t want to see her lose Matt because he seemed to be another piece of her soul.  I’m still not sure I like the ending, though it is a happily-for-now for everyone, because I think both Kristin and Matt compromised rather than lose each other. Perhaps this will all be ironed out in Reconstructing Meredith, which is next on my Must Read list and features Scott.

Pagan Elements: N/A


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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Back on Track by S.E. Holden


THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Back on Track
Author: S.E. Holden
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: Contemporary/Erotic/Romance
Length: 38 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:
Cover: 4
Presentation: 4
Editing: 5
Story: 4
Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating
                                          


About The Book: 
Becoming parents wreaked havoc on their intimacy, but would their love be strong enough to survive and get their sex life back on track?


The Review:
Will or won’t Jayden’s parents get their groove back?
There are many ‘firsts’ that parents go through after having their first child and intimacy issues are no exception. Julie and Ray are in sync when it comes to their son, Jayden, but out of touch when it comes to their sex life. Julie doesn’t understand why some things are continuing to hold Ray back from her. She wants him to recognize her not just as a mom, but as the woman he fell in love with and married. Ray unfortunately, is too caught up in the past to see what is right in front him.
This story is refreshing in a way that allows readers to see how a baby might change things from a husband/father’s perspective. There are many real life stories that evolve around the changes that happen to a woman after having a baby both physically and emotionally and the resulting marital problems, but how many delve into the male aspect?
This is a quick read, but the pages heat up quite nicely. I can only complain that I would’ve loved to see the story continue, but the point of the story was definitely made. This is my first read by S.E. Holden and one in which I really enjoyed as it is thought provoking and erotic.
Pagan Elements: N/A

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Love Me Once, Love Me Twice (Montana Cowboys, #1) By Sandy Sullivan


THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Love Me Once, Love Me Twice (Montana Cowboys, #1)
Author: Sandy Sullivan
Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing
Genre: Erotic/Contemporary/Western/Ménage (M/F/M)
Length: 178 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:
Cover: 3.5
Presentation: 3.5
Editing: 4.5
Story: 4.5
Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating: 
                                                 


About The Book: Home. They say home is where the heart is, but can coming back to Red Rock, Montana really be home? Natalie Bennington is about to find out.

Finding herself in a blizzard and stuck in a ditch, the last person she expects to rescue her is gorgeous ex-high school jock, Cade Weston. His light brown hair and baby blue eyes had many a teenage girl all a twitter including her, but being the shy band girl didn't garner attention from his type. When Cade's best friend Kale, and ex-football jock shows up, the stakes have just shot through the roof. Both men want her and she can't understand why.

Cowboy and all around good guy, Cade Weston is a born and raised Montana boy. Yes ma'am, no sir, hold the lady's chair, open her door - those things were ingrained in his upbringing, but every man likes a pretty woman. Natalie Bennington has grown up into one gorgeous female and he can't get her out of his mind.

Kale Dunn can't get over the changes in the shy band girl he remembers from high-school. Natalie sure turned into one hot woman. All legs, gorgeous body and breasts big enough to fill a man's hands. Would she be willing to share? He and Cade liked to partake in threesome's on occasion, but from what he remembered of Natalie, he didn't think she'd be the type. Was he wrong?

Wined, dined and loved by two men. Can she make the decision to love only one or will their possessiveness drive her back to Oregon?

The Review: Well you know what they say, ‘you can go home again’, but you don’t always know what to expect when you get there.

She was supposed to be convincing her grandmother to move to Oregon with her parents, but Natalie couldn’t help but be taken by the two strapping cowboys who’ve decided that she deserves some gentlemanly cowboy attention. She’s forgotten what it’s like to be treated like a lady, but Cade and Kale will make sure she never forgets again. Her suspicions and conflicted feelings are trying to get the best of her though as to what exactly do either of them see in her and more importantly what does she see with them.
Cade took one look at Natalie and just knew that he had to reacquaint himself with this at one time high school band geek. When Kale steps in and tries to do the same, the feelings that Cade experiences aren’t what he’s used to with his long-time best friend. Jealousy and competition over a woman has finally risen it’s ugly head and Natalie wants no part of it, but she can’t just walk away either. What’s a girl to do when two cowboys are vying for her attention?
This is my first read by Ms. Sullivan and it’s sure to not be my last. The first in a new series about Montana cowboys is all I need to know to continue with more of Ms. Sullivan’s fabulous work.

There were times when the story felt a little unreal with the fast progression of the relationships, since I thought Natalie’s character would come across as more reluctant given the histories and regrets of all three. However, it is a sweet romance with plenty of spice. The dialogue with the grandmother is absolutely hilarious and there were several times I had to stop and laugh before diving back in. Since there is a ménage element to the story, readers will definitely be surprised on how it all turns out with Natalie, Cade, and Kale. I do really love how it ended and would love to revisit these memorable characters in future installments.

Pagan Elements: N/A
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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Midnight Star by Billi Jean


Title: Midnight Star
Author: Billi Jean
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Genre: Contemporary/Paranormal/Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: 295 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:
Cover: 5
Presentation: 5
Editing: 3.5
Story: 4
Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating
                                           


About The Book: One mission could bring them together or cost them their lives.

Star has kept her guard up when it comes to letting others in to her life and for good reason. She lives in a lighthouse and that is the way she likes living – alone. She has adopted family that she is close to, but she doesn’t really feel like she belongs and is an outcast to her own kind. The “House” that she grew up in was not quite family oriented and it doesn’t help when your adopted family is part of a species that is sworn to hate everything about you before they actually know you, so in that regard she is an outcast on both sides. Two females and a few friends of similar outcasted circumstance, keep her grounded as much as possible. Since the meeting of one particular Lykae, her world has been turned upside down and she finds herself in constant battle of cravings and thoughts that she wished she didn’t have, but his disgust of her keeps her firmly away from him. Now all of sudden he’s decided to treat her differently, but she can’t fathom why. With ever-mounting distrust and much reluctance for several reasons, she agrees to go with him and a small team on a missing Lykae recovery mission back to the last place she’d rather be.

Ranger knows exactly who Star is and won’t be dissuaded by anyone from claiming her. Trouble is he made the error of waiting to long in wooing his female, so now her regard for him is even lower than it was before. Throw in the problem of a missing Lykae packmate and Ranger decides to combine the two in a ‘knock to birds down with one stone’ approach. Star’s unique ability and familiarity with the location makes her the perfect partner for the mission, but he knows she’s smart and doesn’t have any reason to agree, so he decides to obtain her cooperation with the use of a 10-year old and the promise of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. It’s a brilliant plan, with the exception of everything that could possibly go wrong, so will it be enough to change Star’s mind?

The Review: Any reader will fall in love with Ranger and immediately recognize his alpha-male characteristics especially with them all displayed in full Lykae glory and with a brogue accent no less. His brand of wooing Star isn’t exactly conventional but with Star’s personality, he wouldn’t have gotten far with her otherwise. Ranger is extremely possessive, as are all of the Lykae in this story when it comes to their mates, but it isn’t an unattractive, overbearing possession without choice for Star. He does make it awfully hard for her to resist him, but that’s part of the territory. The banter back and forth between the characters is entertaining and there are a few lengthy scenes with just the two of them, so it allows the reader to really focus in on their personalities.

Ms. Jean’s writing style is fresh and you never know what any of the characters are going to say, think, or do next. I could actually picture it from beginning to end like watching a movie. There are familiar creatures of all sorts to appeal to any readers taste and the world built around them is fantastic. The story gets going right from the beginning with the prologue and the reader will need to pay close attention so not a minute of the action is missed. There were quite a few moments of confusion for me, since all of the characters and situations are new, and not enough background is given to really set everything up. Almost feels like the reader is plunked down right into the middle of a brewing storm of character activity without a history base to hold on to, but I still couldn’t help getting swept away with it and neither will any other reader of this genre. Wonderful twist at the end and it sets it up nicely in case this is to be part of a series, since there are several other characters with stories that need to be told.

I’ll definitely be keeping my reading eye out for any other works by Ms. Jean.

Pagan Elements: N/A

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Feb 5, 2011

A Man After Midnight by Beth C. Carter



Title: A Man After Midnight
Author: Beth D. Carter
Buy Link 
Publisher:  Loose ID
Genre: Contemporary erotica
Length: 91 pgs.
Reviewed by: Anna Griffen

RATINGS FOR:
Cover: 3
Presentation: 5
Editing: 4
Story: 3
Writing Ability: 3

Overall Card Rating:



About The Book:  Caroline is a recently single woman on a weekend trip to New York City with her best friend.  Her friend encourages her to have some fun, including a one night stand, to celebrate her divorce.  Caroline meets Wren, a gorgeous, wealthy, sexy man who opens up her mind, and her legs, for a weekend of mind-blowing sex.  When the weekend is over, she has to decide if Wren is worth the risk to her heart.


The Review: The idea behind the story is what intrigued me. What woman doesn’t fantasize about having a no-strings weekend fling with a gorgeous man? Especially while getting over an ex-husband! However, the writing style threw me off a bit. There were a lot of adverbs, and the dialogue just didn’t feel natural. Much like while watching a George Lucas movie, I found myself thinking, “People just don’t talk like that.”  The fact that Caroline meets Wren when he saves her from a rape attempt didn’t sit well with me either. Especially since it turned out the attacker was one of his employees and he wasn’t even fired. The sex scenes were, for the most part, satisfying.  However, the language changed from large flowing words to four-letter “dirty talk” without any real transition.  It made the scenes feel jerky and awkward instead of hot and bothered.
All in all, it was a nice, short, easy read. If you’re looking for a quick blast of erotica, this just might do it for you, but if you’re looking for a real story about sex, you might want to keep looking.

Pagan Elements: n/a

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Under The Hood by B.L. Bonita


Title: Under The Hood
Author:  B.L. Bonita
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Genre: Contemporary/Erotic/Romance
Length: 37 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:
Cover: 4
Presentation: 4
Editing: 4
Story: 4
Writing Ability: 3.5

Overall Card Rating:
                                                     

About The Book:  Sometimes the answer comes from the simple twist of a tool . . . .

Andi Thomas has a problem. Her boyfriend cares little for her sexual satisfaction, and doesn't respect her job as a mechanic. She's beginning to feel like love and lust aren't meant to be a part of her life. To make matters worse, a gorgeous stranger moves in next door, and he's everything her boyfriend isn't. What's a sexually starved woman to do?

When Darren Holloway discovers the fiery vixen next door is the very person he's been looking for, he's caught between his desire to make her his and his mission to strike a business deal. Lured by pure lust, he finds himself falling in love. But how can he convince her to accept him when the woman has been hurt one too many times?

The Review:
Andi hasn't completely grown out of her childhood tomboy ways. She would rather tinker around with cars than get dressed up like some doll, but to her dad she was his "angel in coveralls". While her dad may have been proud of what she's accomplished as a mechanic, her boyfriend Eric thinks it's a turn-off, but the new guy in town is prepared to right the wrong of this misconception.

Darren likes the idea of a woman like Andi getting down and dirty under the hood of a car or with him. Any guy would have to be crazy not to see what a real catch Andi is and she has no idea how much her coveralled first impression has made on him, but first he's got to gain her attention and to do that he needs to learn a little more about her.

The author packs a nice erotic punch in this short story. I learned a few things about a mechanic's tools and how much sexy fun can be had with them. Andi proves that any girl can still be sexy regardless of profession. It's a little disappointing that this story isn't longer since it would have been nice to see more character and relationship development, but it’s still an enjoyable read and worthy of recommendation to any erotic romance reader.

Pagan Elements: N/A

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Jan 5, 2011

Tamed by Emily Cale


THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Tamed
Author: Emily Cale
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: Contemporary/Erotic/Romance/Western
Length: 62 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:
Cover: 4
Presentation: 4
Editing: 3.5
Story: 3.5
Writing Ability: 3.5

Overall Card Rating
                                           


About The Book: Can a hot fling on a Wyoming ranch lead to more than just sex?

Tired of bringing home unsatisfying, nameless men, Delia Hawthorne needs a change of pace. When her Aunt invites her to spend some time at their family’s Wyoming ranch, it takes little prodding for her to agree. Time away from work, bars, and men is exactly the break she's been looking for.

When Delia arrives, she finds what she has come to avoid: take-charge ranch hand, Lucas Dane. Despite her Aunt’s warning of Lucas’ womanizing reputation, she decides he may be worth the risk. What starts out as just sex quickly turns into more, forcing Delia to choose between the guy she is falling in love with and her responsibilities back home. What's a city girl to do?

The Review:
After graduating from college, Delia became focused and very career-driven on the new company she started with her friend. That left very little time to go back to the ranch she had spent many of her summers. Her aunt finally convinces her to come for a visit with the joyful news of the birth of a foal to Delia's horse Snickers. Delia begins to reminisce and soon finds it hard to reason her way out of not going, especially now that her personal life feels meaningless. A trip out to the country just might be the trick to getting her out of her own personal funk.

Lucas is probably best know on the ranch for his womanizing ways, but the hard work he puts in doesn't go unnoticed. He reasons that his reputation is in part because of the mundane routine he has in his life and although it's not a bad life, it can be a lonely one. It isn't until the day a little spitfire of a city girl decides to trip into his life on stilettos, does he actually begin to feel something other than just lust at first sight.
I found both Delia and Lucas to have very similar characteristics even though they come from two totally different worlds. They both have had plenty of meaningless sex, are stubborn, flirtatious, independent, and smart in their respective careers, but both seem to be looking for something more out of life than just a good time. It's exactly those similar characteristics that bring them to instant attraction and soon heedless of the warnings tossed their way, find that they are compatible in more ways than one. Then the day comes that reality makes a call and Delia knows she has to make a choice. Delia has always been the one to kick out men from her bed before; this confidence stemming from the lack of distrust for them that she's earned after a cheater in her past. How can she throw away all that she's worked for on the whim of finding companionship with a ranch hand? Delia's vacation turns into a hard lesson in self-discovery for both of them.
This is a quick read with very well established characters and settings. I wouldn't have minded if this story was a bit longer since the ending seemed kind of rushed, but overall it was enjoyable.
Recommended reading for those looking for a quick roll in the hay with a handsome cowboy.
Pagan Elements: N/A

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Dec 20, 2010

Noella's Gift by Donica Covery


THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Noella's Gift
Author: Donica Covery
Buy Link
Publisher: Champagne Books
Genre: Contemporary/Holiday/Sweet Romance
Length: 59 pgs.

About The Book:  Holly Harper has hated Christmas for years. The season full of commercialism has left her feeling cold and bitter. When she finds a little girl freezing and alone she feels warmth spark in her heart. She's determined to keep the child until Christmas is over. 

Jaxon Cole is a police detective whose Christmas spirit left a long time ago. He knows the season brings an increase in drunk driving accidents and suicides.  But when a dark haired woman shows up in his office with a little waif in tow he sees that there is some good in the holiday. 

Will they find joy in the season or will their hearts be as cold as the winter winds?

The Review: Donica Covey has written a wonderfully beautiful tale of love and the magic of Christmas in Noella's Gift. This one will bring tears to your eyes but it will also make you smile as a little girl named Noella brings together two lonely people.
This is a beautiful, well-written story that will tug at your heartstrings and make you believe in love and happily ever after.

Pagan Elements: N/A

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

The Promise by Ambrielle Kirk

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: The Promise
Author: Ambrielle Kirk
Buy Link
Publisher: Breathless Press
Genre: Contemporary/Holiday/Erotic/Romance
Length: 13 pgs.

About The Book: Craig has been waiting for the right time to show Tina just how badly he wants her. His patience pays off when she visits him on his Christmas tree farm.

Tina could care less about buying a tree to decorate her home this holiday season. She's more concerned with the naughty promise he made to her months ago. For this couple, fulfillment of a promise could mean the beginning of a steamy rendezvous.
 

The Review: The Promise is a very quick, erotic read that I enjoyed. The story is well written and speeds along to a very satisfying climax. While the only part of the holidays referred to is the Christmas tree Tina has gone out to buy, deliberately choosing part-time handy man, Craig who has worked on Tina's pipes a time or two.

Both Tina and Craig are likable but with their ongoing mutual attraction, it's hard to believe these two waited so long to consummate their feelings for one another. I do think the story would have benefited if it was a bit longer, but all in all, it is a pleasurable quickie for the holiday season.

Pagan Elements: N/A

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted. 

Little Dumber Boy by B.K. Stevens


THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Little Dumber Boy
Author: B.K. Stevens
Buy Link
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Contemporary/Holiday/Mystery
Length: 8 pgs.

About The Book:  Will's aunt wants him to spend some time with his estranged son at Christmas. All Will wants is to knock off his girlfriend's husband and collect a share of the life insurance policy. Unfortunately, when you fail to take into account all the angles, the perfect crime can really ruin your holiday. 

The Review: The Little Drummer Boy is my all time favorite Christmas song, and when I was a kid, I never missed the chance to watch the program on TV. So imagine my delight to see this title. I thought perhaps it was about a poor deaf child and a Christmas miracle of some kind…NOT!
Little Dumber Boy should be an episode of Stupid Criminals or something. I read this, feeling kind of faint as I waited for the punch line and when it came I thought, "Maybe there is justice in this world after all!"
Not your normal puppies and candy kind of Christmas, Little Dumber Boy is still a sweet treat for your stocking.
Pagan Elements: N/A

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Unexpected Angel by Stacey Thompson-Geer


THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Unexpected Angel
Author: Stacey Thompson-Geer
Buy Link
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Genre: Contemporary/Holiday/Erotic/Romance
Length: 48 pgs.

About The Book:  Will just wants to have the love of his life back, but he wasn't expecting one little spell to lead to an Angel falling in his lap.
Now Will and the Angel Azerial have only a few days to find out why God sent her here and how to protect themselves from the Guardians of Heaven. Will they save their love from Heaven itself?

The Review: This story is set up on a quasi-pagan basis with the casting of spells, mention of pagan ritual, tools, and herbs. The author also contrasts the "pagan" rituals with Christian beliefs. It's very obvious she knows more about Christian beliefs than Pagan, and has no respect for either one. If you are a Christian, you may as well pass this one by because the blasphemy that permeates the story will guarantee you won't enjoy the read. If you are Pagan, you are going to scoff at the feeble attempt to bring any type of Pagan authenticity to the story.

Unexpected Angel had the potential to be a cute story and the writing isn't half bad. The author has obvious talent, however, the skewed perceptions of what Christianity and Paganism is, totally ruin the story. My advice is to pick a path of belief and stick with it.

Pagan Elements: Spell-casting, mention of paganism, but not in any realistic way.

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Noel by Rose Lerma



THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Noel
Author: Rose Lerma
Buy Link
Publisher: Champagne Books
Genre: Contemporary/Holiday/Sweet/Romance
Length: 69 pgs.

About The Book:
Olivia Sawyer manages to get through the holiday rituals only by gritting her teeth.  By the time Christmas is over, she's had enough.  Enough of her family's ingratitude, their total lack of a Christmas spirit.  Desperate times demand desperate actions.
Not in her wildest nightmare did she think her campaign to open their eyes and change their attitudes would take a whole year.  But even as the next Christmas draws near, it appears that nothing has changed.

And then fate intervenes, and it's too late for changes.
The Review:
I wasn't sure I was going to like this story. I thought it was going to be another tame, "sweet" romance but when I began to read, I thought surely this author has been spying on my family Christmas's! In only sixty-nine pages, author Rose Lerma takes the reader through much more than just a story about Christmas. When you've raised your family, given them everything you can, and they only take you for granted and expect you to continue to give and give and give….
Well, you just might want smack 'em around a little bit. In Noel Olivia Sawyer is at that point with her family, from the husband who does nothing but complain to the daughter who can't get off her butt to do anything for her own children. When fate intervenes, her family gets an attitude adjustment no one could have seen coming.
This story actually brought tears to my eyes. Maybe because I'm at that point with my family and fate doesn't seem to care enough to slap anyone for me, but in any case, you will absolutely love Noel.
Pagan Elements: N/A

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.