Reconstructing Meredith by Lauren Gallagher

The Pagan & The Pen Book Reviews

Title: Reconstructing Meredith
Author: Lauren Gallagher 

Author Site

Buy Link
Publisher: Carnal Passions

Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance/ BDSM

Length: 231 pgs.
Reviewed by: Violet

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 5

Presentation: 5

Editing: 5

Story: 5

Writing Ability: 5

Overall Score:

                             

The Book:

“Scott, I need your help.”

Five words from a woman he hasn’t seen in five years, and Scott Moore’s world is thrown off its axis. Ex-girlfriend Meredith has resurfaced with a past full of horrific abuse at the hands of a man who called himself a Dom, and she has the scars to prove it. Now she needs Scott’s help to reclaim her sexuality and put the past behind her.

Scott is more than willing to help, but he has no idea the toll it will take on him, not to mention his other polyamourous relationships. What’s more, while Scott and Meredith face down her demons, their own past won’t be forgotten. Neither will Scott’s feelings for Meredith…

The Review:

Having read Light Switch last time around, I had to dive right into Reconstructing Meredith if only to see what happened with Scott, Kristin, and Matt.  When reading the second book in a series, I think most people expect to read something with the same tone and a similar plot.  With Reconstructing Meredith, Gallagher blows that completely out of the water.

The incredible writing with the fast pace and layered plot was definitely there.  The riveting characters, who become real to the reader from the first page are there.  However, the tone of the novel is completely different.  Where Light Switch was a deep, emotionally-entangling read, it’s completely light-hearted when compared to the heavy issues Gallagher takes on. Now that she’s addressed many of the popular misconceptions about some BDSM relationships, she’s taking on what happens when an abusive person hides behind the “Dom” label.

This wasn’t an easy read.  Parts were hard to take, in large part because Scott is so affected by the abuse his ex-girlfriend, Meredith, suffered at the hands of her ex-husband.  His big heart—how many guys can carry on loving relationships with two or three women in a way that none of them are jealous of the other—leads him down the long road of helping Meredith recover sexually from the years of imprisonment and abuse she endured. That’s the hard part.  He has to help her heal, and of course he still loves her. The processes are long and messy, heart breaking and hope building. It’s always been difficult for me to read about abuse of any kind, and this was no different. Scott helped me get through it as much as he helped Meredith. That really says something about the talent and skill of an author when they can do that.

In a lot of ways, this is more the second part of Light Switch and less a sequel.  Threads left dangling are all neatly wrapped up at the end of Reconstructing Meredith. Scott and Meredith really worked for their happily-ever-after, and I was happy to see that Kristin and Matt got one, too. I’m not sure which two books I’m going to have to kick out of my top ten list in order to fit these in, but they’re up near the top.

Pagan Elements: N/A

Light Switch by Lauren Gallagher

                                  

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Light Switch
Author: Lauren Gallagher 

Author Site

Buy Link

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.

The Spider Prince (Desert Princes of Jikkar, #4) by Rebecca Goings

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: The Spider Prince (Desert Princes of Jikkar, #4)
Author:  Rebecca Goings

Author Site

Buy Link

Publisher: Carnal Passions

Genre: Erotic/Romance/Fantasy

Length: 161 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 5

Presentation: 5

Editing: 4.5

Story: 5

Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating: 

                                                   

About The Book: Amani Bantish has been passed over five times for marriage. She fears she has no hope for a husband until finally, the Spider Prince accepts her as his bride. Not for love, but to bear him an heir.

Two years ago, Ziyad Bihar lost his first wife, Karis, and their unborn son under the hooves of a raider’s horse. No one else could possibly compare to the woman he’d once loved, therefore his new bride will not be his princess.

But Ziyad cannot deny that the more he gets to know Amani, the more he fantasizes about his minx of a wife. Yet his loyalty to Karis pulls him deeper into his despair. When Amani’s life is threatened by the very man responsible for Karis’s death, Ziyad realizes he must fight for the woman he loves, or risk losing it all again.

The Review:

Their union was one of expectation, duty, and responsibility not forged from the bonds of love.

Since the death of Karis, it has taken years for the Spider to collect Amani as his bride. He made sure to explain what was expected of her before their nuptials, so there was no mistaking the son-bearing yet loveless life she would lead. Amani knew going in to the arrangement what she would never receive from the Spider, but she secretly held a spark of hope for it anyway. After repeated marriage rejections from both princes and commoners alike, she feels dejected, defeated, and self-conscious, so this may be her last chance, but at what price? As the emotional rollercoaster takes it’s toll on Amani, Ziyad feels guilty and confused over the effect Amani seems to have on him. He can’t deny the physical attraction, but can he break away from the pain and death of his past and open his heart for the woman who can bring love and life to his future?

I couldn't help but fall in love with Ziyad from his earliest appearance in a previous book to this series. Likewise with Amani, but I really felt for her character more in this story because while she has everything she’s ever dreamt of having her circumstance with the Spider is still so tragic. Her respect and admiration for him is unquestionable and it was hard to see the Spider somewhat detached and unfeeling toward her. Of course, the mixed signals he was sending her due to his own confused and denied feelings didn’t help either. Amazingly enough, Amani still manages to restore some of her self-confidence while conversing with others and during intimate moments with the Spider. Amani’s quiet grace and dignity mixed with a somewhat defiant attitude really appealed to me.

Much of the story is centered on our leading couple with an emotionally intense yet appropriately fast pace. When the story moves back to the overall series plotline, it’s done brilliantly with shocking turn of event results and a little teaser into the Jackal Prince’s future. I am impatiently awaiting the next installment to this fabulous series and encourage every reader of romance to give it a try. To better understand the overall storyline, I fully recommend starting with The Viper Prince (Desert Princes of Jikkar, #1), and if that’s not enough encouragement just take a look at all of the delicious covers there are to choose from. You’ll think you’ve found and read your favorite until Ms. Goings writes the next one.

Pagan Elements: N/A

The Falcon Prince (Princes of Jikkar, #3) by Rebecca Goings

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: The Falcon Prince (Princes of Jikkar, #3)
Author: Rebecca Goings   

Author Site

Buy Link

Publisher: Carnal Passions

Genre: Erotic/Fantasy/Romance

Length: 149 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 5

Presentation: 5

Editing: 4.5

Story: 5

Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating: 

                                             

About The Book: He’ll teach her exactly how to please a man. 

Zara Nedal is blind, yet through her magic, she can make stunning pieces of jewelry. In order to sell them, she must travel to Suridesh, but only a caravan prince can take her. And only one caravan prince will do–the Falcon. 

Khalil Dehriq has had his eye on Zara for three cycles. It’s been a long time since he’s taken a lover, but she cannot see the horrible scars that mar his body. Khalil isn’t sure if that’s a blessing–or a curse. 

As they ride the dunes, their passion heats the night and ignites their hearts. But the witch called Mother has different plans, and vows to kill Khalil at any cost. The only hope to save his throne is to conceive an heir, and now the Falcon must decide if Zara’s love is enough to heal his tortured soul

The Review:

They always say that blood runs thicker than water, but add a dash of greed, jealousy, and an alliance with a powerful mage and there will be bloodshed.

In this third installment to the Desert Princes of Jikkar series, the overall plot is much more darkly twisted than previously suspected. The fallout of this betrayal could lead to the conceiving of an heir as well as the death of a prince.

Zara has all of the qualities of a really remarkable and likeable heroine. She's giving, even when she doesn't have anything to give; she's kind, even when others are not; she's accepting, even when she meets with resistance to her beliefs, but she's most definitely not a pushover. While discovering Zara's character, I almost forgot she was blind yet regardless of her handicap, she pursues Khalil aggressively.

Zara has and continues to overcome many challenges in her life, but Khalil has yet to overcome any of his demons. Due to a past trauma, Khalil is left with deep physical scars, but the healed over wounds run much emotionally deeper than Zara expected. Khalil is a haunted, emotionally and somewhat physically distant character, but Zara pushes and challenges him to discover the beauty of life and eventually love.

Intelligent, emotional, and captivating are just some of the words I would use to describe Ms. Goings' writing. She writes much more erotically this time around and readers will definitely enjoy the creative spiciness, but it also comes with a touch of innocence. Once again, I find the plotline to be unpredictable and addicting. It is impossible to know what will happen next, which kept me riveted to the story. The characters are portrayed fantastically, regardless of if they played a major or minor role.

There are many pivotal and emotional moments to the story, but I wasn't prepared to be crying within the first 10 pages. So please take note and heed the warning that Ms. Goings has left for her readers before beginning this story, but once you've started you'll be glad you did. I daresay I don't want this series to end.

Pagan Elements: No major pagan elements other than a really powerful mage trying to flex her magic spell casting muscles.

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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 Scarab Prince (Desert Princes of Jikkar, #2) by Rebecca Goings

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: The Scarab Prince (Desert Princes of Jikkar, #2)
Author: Rebecca Goings   

Author Site

Buy Link

Publisher:  Carnal Passions

Genre: Erotic, Fantasy Romance

Length: 185 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 5

Presentation: 5

Editing: 5

Story: 5

Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating: 

                                    

About The Book: Trianna Pramtash must be punished for her assault on the Viper Prince’s intended bride. Not wishing to do so himself, the Viper gives her to his best friend, the Scarab Prince, to mete out her sentence--the one man who’s held Trianna’s heart since childhood.

Qadir Hadmas is overjoyed Trianna no longer belongs to the Viper. His heart broke years ago when she left Suridesh engaged to his best friend--but she never married Tariq. She belongs to him now, and he’s not about to let her go.

Neither of them is prepared for the sensual delights Trianna’s punishments turn out to be. Their fragile childhood bond turns into a raging inferno--one they cannot deny. But when Trianna is taken from him in a spectacular sandstorm, it is up to the Scarab Prince to claim the woman he has always wanted, and make her his in truth.

The Review: There is absolutely nothing sweeter in romance than childhood friends finding love with one another after years of being apart and not knowing how the other felt.

As far as obsession goes, I have become thoroughly obsessed with the Desert Princes of Jikkar. Ms. Going’s did not disappoint in this second installment to the series. If you haven’t read the first one, I highly encourage you to do so since The Scarab Prince picks up right where The Viper Prince left off.

Once again we find ourselves in the desert, but with a different prince to fawn over. Our focus has changed in that we learn what Trianna’s punishment will be for inflicting harm on Sabine. I have to say that while reading about Trianna in the first book, I was not at all looking forward to reading anything more about her. She was vindictive, spiteful, and bitter, so I judged her without second thought. Trianna’s transformation throughout the book to reformed mean girl status is inspiring and I compliment Ms. Goings’ ability to make the before and after believable.

If all punishments were passed down so erotically then more people would be deliberately looking for trouble. But in this case the punishment went both ways and not just for Trianna. Qadir also punished himself by allowing his already growing attraction for Trianna manifest further by acting on dormant feelings. Knowing that their life could have been so different if only they had known the truth is what makes this all the more bittersweet. They reminisce about the past and what would have been. I cried when Trianna and Qadir's reunion was finally realized only to have a bleak outlook for a future. She believed herself not worthy and he set out to make her believe otherwise.

Regardless of the harsh weather climate, if I could, I would move there. Just look at the cover and tell me if that is not enticement enough to read this book!

Pagan Elements: None.

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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.

Until It’s Over by Lauren Gallagher

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Until It’s Over
Author: Lauren Gallagher

Author Site

Buy Link
Publisher: Carnal Passions

Genre: Contemporary/Erotic/Romance

Length: 269 pgs.
Reviewed by: Violet Harper

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 5

Presentation: 5

Editing: 5

Story: 5

Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating:

About The Book:

Just as dressage trainer Dani Blake decides the best kind of relationship is no relationship at all, along comes cunning linguist Connor Graham, and he's the perfect Mr. Right Now. He's newly single, not looking for any type of attachment, and smoking hot in bed.

Best of all, he’s moving out of state in a few months, so there’s no pressure for – and no chance of – a long-term relationship. Even if Dani hadn’t already made the mistake of moving to another state for a man in the all too recent past, a mistake she’s not keen on repeating, she’s stuck in Seattle because she can’t afford to move her beloved horses again.

So she and Connor will just take advantage of the time they have and enjoy it until it’s over. It’s just enough time to have some fun, and not nearly enough time to fall in love with him.

The Review:

I knew before I sat down to read this that I would love the story. Lauren Gallagher is gifted at crafting tangible characters and putting them into stories that tug at our heartstrings.  Dani is a woman reeling from a breakup. Connor is also recently single, and he’s planning to move far away in a few months to pursue his doctorate.  It’s just a summer fling—at least until they fall in love.

In Gallagher’s talented hands, the story and the characters come alive.  Nothing surprising happens, yet the curve balls still hit the reader square in the heart.  It’s an emotional rollercoaster, messy and complicated like real life, only this one has a happy ending.

Lauren Gallagher is officially one of my favorite authors.  I love stories that grab me from the first word and make me fall in love with both of the characters. Gallagher captivated me from the first word and kept me through the last.  I didn’t want the story to end.  I can’t wait to read her next book.

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 Pirate’s Secret by Laine Morgan

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title:  The Pirate’s Secret
Author: Laine Morgan

Author Site: unavailable

Buy Link
Publisher:  Carnal Passions

Genre: Fantasy/Erotic Romance

Length: 62 pgs.
Reviewed by: Violet Harper

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 5

Presentation: 5

Editing: 5

Story: 3

Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating: 

                                               

About The Book: From the first moment Shannon spied the dark pirate, Patrick Flannigan, she wanted to experience the thrill of excitement and adventure only he could offer. She hadn't expected to fall in love the rogue, but she refused to be left behind, stealing away on his ship when he sailed away from their homeland.

Patrick hadn't taken a mortal lover in centuries, and he certainly hadn't expected to fall in love with one. There was no future in it-none, for he couldn't bring himself to make her into what he was.

The Review:

This quick read was a fun story.  The writing was wonderfully descriptive.  Ms. Morgan paints a scene so well I can picture it vividly in my imagination.  This is the story of a vampire who falls in love with a beautiful woman with which he has no future.  He cannot expose her to the risk of being with him.  When they end up shipwrecked on an enchanted isle, they are forced to perform heroic acts—but it is enough to save them and forge a future together? 

          The characters were likeable unless they weren’t meant to be.  I found the idea of a mermaid who was both beautiful and evil to be a refreshing change from the usual portrayal.

          Overall, I recommend this to anyone who likes descriptive stories featuring pirates and mermaids.

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 Viper Prince (Desert Princes of Jikkar, #1) by Rebecca Goings

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: The Viper Prince (Desert Princes of Jikkar, #1)
Author: Rebecca Goings   

Author Site

Buy Link

Publisher: Carnal Passions

Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Erotica

Length: 52,000 words
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 5

Presentation: 5

Editing: 5

Story: 5

Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating:

About the book: A successful romance author, Sabine Santiago's latest book is about hot desert sands and a sexy caravan prince. She's dreamt of him every night since buying a coiling viper armband at her local flea market. Little does she know the trinket is about to transport her to another world.

Tariq Sayed is the Viper Prince of Jikkar. For a millennia, the six princes of the Golden Desert have ruled their caravans, providing water for their people and protection from the hot desert sun. Punishment for stealing water is death, so what is Tariq to do when the woman he’s been dreaming of is caught drinking from his oasis?

When their worlds collide, Sabine is dropped right into the plot of one of her books. One look at the sexy Viper, and it's clear that the line between fiction and reality is slim to none. But Tariq has been promised to wed the niece of the Jackal Prince, which will form a strong alliance for his people.

Now, the Viper must choose between his duty and the woman who burns his very soul.

The Review: Two totally separate worlds in the cosmos clash because of an enchanted armband. Completely unaware, Sabine and Tariq are thrust together through a series of events that no one would think possible.  Sabine an author from Earth where water is abundant and Tariq the Viper Prince from Jikkar where water is so scarce the death penalty may be enforced if laws are broken against it.

Rebecca Goings literally crash-lands the reader in an exotic and sensual world of princes and hot desert nights. The imagery and writing is fantastic and I wouldn’t change anything about it. I honestly didn’t think very much from reading the synopsis alone on this book, but decided to give it a try anyway. I’m so glad that I did! It is unlike any other story that I’ve read where a romance author is taken out of her own existence and thrown into one of her very own books. The ‘dreams’ Sabine used as the plotline of her book are actual meetings in another existence with Tariq. The rest of the cast played their roles quite nicely to add depth and elements to the story outside of the two main characters. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a more well rounded read other than to say that I wish it was longer so as to give a glimpse of what happens now in the life of Sabine and Tariq. After meeting a few of the other princes featured in this story, the rest of the series looks very promising as well. This story is sexy, romantic, suspenseful, magical, and above all absolutely brilliant! I’m proud to say this book is going in my re-read pile.

Recommended reading for those seeking a highly sensual magic carpet ride and horse ride through the desert with one very sexy Viper Prince.

Pagan Elements: None.

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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.

A Taste of Summer Magic by Christine McKay

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title:  A Taste of Summer Magic
Author: Christine McKay

Author Site

Buy Link

Publisher: Carnal Passions

Genre: Contemporary/Menage/Romance/M-M-F

Length: 78 pgs.
Reviewed by: Karmyn Klein

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 5

Presentation: 5

Editing: 4

Story: 4

Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating: 

About The Book: Can nice girls enjoy sex with two good-looking men? Morgan is about to find out.


Partners Jason Scholl and Perry Holloway own and manage the upscale restaurant, No Patio. Not only do they share passions in the kitchen but also in bed. After a run-in with a nine-inch stainless steel dildo and a dominatrix, it's Jason's turn to try to find someone both men can enjoy. Nice girls don't enjoy sex with two men, do they?

When her über-rich husband, Thomas divorces her, practicing witch Morgan T'Naile scrapes together the remnants of her pride and flees. Camped out at a local park, she stumbles over her best friend's little brother, Jason Scholl. Jason's not the wide-eyed boy she remembers but a full-grown sexy man with his own partner, Perry. She has no idea she was once the star of Jason's adolescent fantasies. But Jason hasn't forgotten and he intends to turn imagination into reality.

The Review:

Morgan T’Naile has hit rock bottom but her divorce and homelessness has not crushed her spirit. Looking to the future, she meets a man from her past who very much wants to be part of her future.

Jason and his life partner, Perry are looking for a woman who will complete their family. Morgan seems to fit the bill. Now all they have to do is convince her to take the plunge with them.

Just when things are going great for Morgan, Jason, and Perry, Morgan’s past comes back to bite her on the ass…and not in a good way. The three will have to trust each other in order to stay together.

The author does a good job of making the characters likable and interesting so that the reader cares about what happens to them. I found myself sincerely hoping that the three would be able to resolve their problems and stay together. I recommend this read and look forward to reading more of Christine McKay’s books.

Pagan Elements: Yes, Morgan is a practicing witch.

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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.

Heated Dreams by Julie Grissom

                                                                               

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Heated Dreams
Author: Julie Grissom

Author Site

Buy Link
Publisher: Carnal Passions

Genre: Paranormal/Time travel/Romance/m-f/f-f/m-f-f-m

Length: 282 pgs.

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 5-It’s sensual and the people on it are attractive. The expression on the woman’s face conveys something all women want to feel.

Presentation: 5

Editing: 5

Story: 5

Writing Ability: 5


Reviewed by: Violet Harper

About The Book: Roxanne Frost has more problems than she can count, but they pale to insignificance when Brett Sperry, man from the future invades not only her bookstore and her home, but her dreams, filling them with erotic images of the two of them having incredible sex. Sex in which she always reaches fulfillment. Then, he invades not only her dreams, but her very mind, telling her he can “fix” her “disabilities.”

Brett is a man with a mission. When it’s completed, he will return to the future and she will be alone again. Will the lessons she’s learned from him make her a woman fully capable of enjoying sex again, or will they fade as his voice fades from her mind?

The Review: This book was extremely difficult to put down. Julie Grissom is a very talented writer and she weaves a very realistic paranormal tale.

Roxanne Frost is a real woman. Recovering from the after-effects of being married to a selfish, egotistical jerk, she’s spending her time running a small bookstore in Vancouver and taking care of her ex-husband’s sister who suffers from an unspecified form or dementia. Her big heart is bruised, but not enough for her to turn her back on someone important to her. She’s the kind of person we all wish we had for a friend or sister.

Roxanne’s life is complicated by more than caring for her sister-in-law and worrying about making next month’s mortgage payment. The mystery man who has been invading her dreams in a sensually erotic fashion strolls into her store and rents one of the apartments she owns above the shop. He’s a time-traveler from the future looking for the man in line to become the next ruler of Earth. To make matters even worse, a real estate developer wants the land where her sister-in-law’s house is located. Since Selma lives with Roxy, she has somewhere to live. However, the tripled value of the land brings Roxy’s ex-jerk back into their lives as he tries to sue for custody of Selma (which Roxy doesn’t have) so he can sell her house, stick Selma into a cheap nursing home, and pocket the money.

I liked that Brett, the time-traveler, doesn’t sweep into Roxy’s life with the intention of solving all of her problems. I like a heroine who has the gumption and the intelligence to solve her own problems. What Brett does for Roxy is far more potent—he helps her realize that she is a vibrant, viable, sexy woman who deserves the love of a good man. She’s already strong and independent. He respects that.

Roxy shares a psychic link with Brett, though neither of them can explain it. When he walks into her shop, she knows him because he’s played the lead in all of her erotic dreams, the only place she can seem to orgasm. I purposely didn’t tag this book as erotica, because it isn’t, even though Roxy’s dreams are erotic. She’s a passenger on an 18^th Century ship that’s caught the captain’s fancy. She’s a wife playing fantasy games with her husband. She’s an escort entertaining a client after hours. In each, she is in control. She’s guiding the action. When she is with Brett for real, the scenes are sensual and loving.  There is no graphic language or detail.

The only critique I had was that it seems to me that Roxy is bisexual, but Ms. Grissom goes through extraordinary lengths to assure the reader she’s straight. If the reader is going to stay with you through scenes involving two women, or two women and two men, then they’re okay with women being attracted to one another. There’s no need for labels or protests. I thought part of that denial was Roxy learning to embrace her sexuality, but that thread dropped, so that wasn’t the intention.

The way Ms. Grissom wove those scenes into the storyline was brilliant. I began to look forward to Roxy going to sleep just to see what scenarios her mind would conjure next.  The level of sensory detail was amazing throughout the entire novel. I could feel the wind whipping around me as she faced the captain on the prow of the ship. I felt the salt of the sea settle on my lips as she walked along the harbor. I could see and smell the bookstore, autumn in Vancouver, the burnt grilled-cheese.

The plot was masterfully developed, and though some parts were told from Brett’s point of view, we only see those that directly relate to his time with Roxy. It is her story, layered with the hurdles of life. The cast of supporting characters helped develop Roxy’s character into a real person. If I met her on the street, I would only be surprised that I was three thousand miles away from home. Of course, if she was with Brett, all would be explained.

I loved reading this novel, and I look forward to reading more by Julie Grissom.

Pagan Elements: There were many Pagan ideas here. The untapped powers of the mind are completely tapped by the time Brett is born. However, the religious significance is completely denied, with credit being given to technology and gene therapy.

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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.

Far From Innocent by Arlene Knowell

PAGAN & PEN REVIEW

Title:  Far From Innocent
Author:  Arlene Knowell

Author Site

Buy Link
Publisher: Carnal Passions

Genre: Erotica

Length: 92 pgs.
Other:  M/F * M/F/M 

Reviewed by: Violet Harper

About The Book: If Green Beret, Dex McKelvy, hadn't ended their relationship, Rachel Kenyon would have never left town. She would have stayed with him, enjoying the hot lustful sex. But with a broken heart she made her way to start a new life and job in Hopkinsville, KY. She never expected to meet Blake Linden, or to wake up with him in her bed. Blake was more than just a lover, he was a sexual God. He was protective, and it was no surprise that he'd sent the private detective hired by Dex packing back to Denver. It was a surprise however, that he and Dex knew each other. In fact, they'd shared a woman a decade ago. But once they'd shared Rachel, it was far too late to realize that they weren't willing to share after all.

The Review:This story left me with mixed feelings. I’m happy that Rachel ended up with the right man, but I have a hard time believing in any of the relationships. They aren’t developed. We’re told she loves Dex. We’re told she loves Blake. She has a lot of tepid sex with both of them.  At one point, she has them at the same time, but both the men were inebriated and she wasn’t really given a vote. It wasn’t quite rape, but it wasn’t preplanned, and there was no clear consent.

Emotionality was completely lacking in the erotic scenes. It was difficult to connect with the characters because so much of the story was peppered with summaries that tell the reader about the character instead of showing us through their words and actions.

Half of the novella details Rachel’s failed relationship with Dex. While he has issues respecting women, she seems to have issues with falling into bed with every big Special Forces man she meets. I also question why she would abandon a job with a salary and benefits for a waitressing position. She had fifteen years’ experience and good references.  Maybe I’m showing my age, but I kept thinking that a woman who sleeps around as much as she does, having unprotected sex with men who sleep around, really needs health insurance. Then again, if she was that responsible, I’m sure she would have insisted her partners use a condom.

Even though it lacked detail, the writing wasn’t bad, the story was entertaining, and it was a fast read. 

Pagan Elements: None

Cover (Rated 1-10): 5-I would rate the cover higher because it’s very sexy, but the freakishly long nails on the hand holding the one breast didn’t appeal to me. Even after I untangled the arms to realize she’s holding her own breast, the nails were still off-putting.

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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.