Trading Up by Brindle Chase

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Trading Up
Author: Brindle Chase

Author Site

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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

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.

Back on Track by S.E. Holden

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Back on Track
Author: S.E. Holden

Author Site

Buy Link

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.

Tasting Camilla by Mary Corrales

                                           

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Tasting Camilla
Author: Mary Corrales

Author Site

Buy Link
Publisher: Breathless Press

Genre: Erotic/Paranormal/Vampire/Short Story

Length: 35 pgs.
Reviewed by: Rob's Wife

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 3.5

Presentation: 3.5

Editing: 4

Story: 4

Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating: 

                                       

The Book: Camilla has been living with Brandt, a vampire bounty hunter, since she was thirteen. Camilla knows her blood is different from other humans but has no idea how or why. Camilla is kidnapped and given to an ancient vampire to awaken him from a long sleep and to feed from. Camilla tries to resist Vladislas but finds herself drawn to his power and sexuality.

Brandt, a vampire bounty hunter has been in lust with vampire Elisa for a long time. She wants him just as much, and sets out to entice him with her body. Will she succeed in winning him over? 

The Review: Considering this was a very short story, the development of the plot was great. The story was complete in both parts one and two: The first section is the story of Camilla and Vladislas; and the second section of the story is about Brandt and Elisa.

The sex scenes are hot and I didn't feel like I was left hanging by the story being told in these two sections. A great short read by Mary Corrales. I look forward to reading more of her work.

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.

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

Author Site

Buy Link

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.

Love Revisited: Nash and Paul By H.C. Brown

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Love Revisited: Nash and Paul
Author: H.C. Brown

Author Site

Buy Link
Publisher:  Noble Romance Publishing

Genre: BDSM/Erotic/Romance/M-M

Length: 18 pgs.
Reviewed by: Gabrielle

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 4

Presentation: 4

Editing: 4

Story: 4

Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating: 

                                                

About The Book:

Everything is going well for badass Dom, Nash Mage, and his sweet sub, Paul, until Nash does a favor for Rio, the owner of Floggers' BDSM Club.

Expecting Paul to trust him implicitly, Nash's world falls apart when he finds his confused, innocent sub in the arms of his nemesis, Frank. Teetering on the edge of sanity and out of control, Nash is looking for revenge.

The Review:

This quick story of Nash and Paul’s was a great read. In it we get to see the love between the two men. Nash must keep everyone thinking that he is one mean and bad Dom. He can’t let them all see how Paul has his heart. So when he does a favor for Rio he ends up hurting Paul more than he realizes and he must show Paul just how much he really means to Nash.

Nash comes off as big and scary yet we see what a soft spot he has for his sub. Paul is devastated when he finds out Nash has signed a contract with another sub and the hurt he feels is evident. I really loved the play of emotions throughout this story. We get to see strong emotions from both men. Even in the intense scene that the two share, the love that they have for each other shines through. Paul and Nash make a great couple. I enjoyed reading this story and can’t wait to see if we get to read more from these two.

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 Heart of War by Lisa Beth Darling

                                  

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: The Heart of War
Author: Lisa Beth Darling

Author Site 

Buy Link
Publisher: Moon Mistress Publishing

Genre: Dark/Erotic/Paranormal/Romance

Length: 501 pgs.
Reviewed by: Gray Dixon

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 3

Presentation: 2

Editing: 1

Story: 2

Writing Ability: 1

Overall Card Rating: 

                                                                   

The Book: The publisher provided this blurb and it appears here exactly as on the publisher's website -- Meet Ares God of War, the greatest Warrior the world has ever known. He's moody, grumpy, dominant, ravenously sexual, and above all, built like a Greek God.

Suspected of killing his Daughter in-Law, Psyche, and long in exile from Olympus, the solitude of Ares' secluded Greek Isle is interrupted when Magdalena MacLeod a plucky little Fey washes up on his shore after believing she's been shipwrecked. It's not mere fate that has brought the unlikely couple together yet it may be what tears them apart.

Branded with a golden chastity belt bearing the mark of Cernunnos, Celtic God of the Forest and Death, Alena has been on the run from her husband the Great Horned God for 200 years.

When the Olympians discover her presence on Ares' island, they send Apollo to the island while Ares is away with orders to bring her to Olympus. With nowhere to run and strikes a bargain with the God of War--her virginity for his protection.

Ares sees a sweeter deal; her in his bed and himself back in his rightful place on Olympus among the Gods. If it means turning Alena over to Zeus afterward, well that's of no consequence to him...is it?

After Alena proves herself to the God of War in battle and in his bed, the Ares must choose between his Divinely Dysfunctional Family, his pride, and Alena.

Get lost in this sweeping dark saga of lust, rage, revenge, and redemption. Battle Ancient Gods while falling in love with Ares God of War and Alena MacLeod. They share a love that will rock the world from the heights of Olympus to the Celtic moors, but will it be enough? Will love triumph, or will revenge and rage win the battle for the Heart of War?

The Review:  Initially I couldn’t wait to read The Heart of War. I love mythology, and looked forward to a contemporized tale of a classic Greek hero finding true love. Lisa Beth Darling disappointed in more ways than I could have imagined. After the first two pages I literally wanted to close the book and forget reading further, but I calmed down and decided I would give the story a second chance. After a long weekend, I finally finished and couldn’t wait to put an end to the grueling agony of reading this tragic attempt at calling itself an epic, dark, erotic saga.

Where do I begin with all the defects of this book? First, the dizzying effect I had from the head hopping between the characters was disconcerting, especially when occurring within the same paragraph. This happened throughout the entire novel. Second, the multitude of editing problems such as misuse of words, grammar, missing words, backward pronouns (her used instead of he), and misspelled words, all added to the overall dysfunction.

However, the plot disturbed me most of all. The villain’s obsession with having sex with his own granddaughter, the heroine, didn’t sit well with me.

The hero, Ares the God of War is in exile on an island with a harem and a few guards. (Read as they have lots of sex) None of the action is put on the pages for a reader to enjoy, only implied. The author dedicates much dialogue to talking about sex but the one scene that shows it is drab. Keep in mind this story is supposed to be an erotic saga, I saw little, another point I found disappointing. The sex scenes throughout were mundane, ordinary, and left me feeling nothing for the characters.

The heroine, Alena MacLeod, washes up on the beach, with apparent amnesia and claims to be a shipwreck victim, but fails to say how she survived a swim in the ocean with bound hands. After they have sex, Ares sets out to verify her story about working at a refugee camp in Africa. (Huh?)

Turns out the camp is what I assume is similar to the Leonardo DiCaprio movie about the black market of blood diamonds. Alena worked as a missionary in a camp where children did the mining of the diamonds. She saves a young girl, but in the course of doing so is tortured, raped, and left for dead, but one day is plucked from the sky by Eros, the God of Love, because he has been watching and is falling in love with her. (Huh again?)

The story doesn’t get any better. I tried to feel for the characters, but couldn’t get into them because they made no sense. The editing kept getting in the way for the most part, pulling me out of the story. This novel, if cleaned up and polished would have a fighting chance. Right now, even if the publisher offered it as a free read, you would pay too much to add The Heart of War to your library.

Pagan Elements: Mythological gods and goddesses, Greek and Celtic.

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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.

Darkest Fantasy by Molly Diamond

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Darkest Fantasy
Author: Molly Diamond   

Author Site

Buy Link 
Publisher: Breathless Press

Genre: Erotic

Length: 15 pgs.
Reviewed by: Rob's Wife

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 5

Presentation: 5

Editing: 4.5

Story: 3

Writing Ability: 3

Overall Card Rating: 

                                                                                

About The Book: In the middle of the forest, Jonathan discovers an enticing beauty dancing with strange beings. Is she real or merely his darkest fantasy?


The Review:

The author put this story together very well and making Jonathon choose between a woman and the gems was an interesting twist. The author voiced her story well and left me wanting to read more.

This story was well written as it flows together nicely without jumping or being disjointed, but I had no idea where the author was going with it. I didn't know who the female was, or if she was good or evil. Ending too abruptly for my liking, the story left me feeling it was incomplete.

That being said, I did enjoy the writer's style and I would definitely read more of her work.

Pagan Elements: Yes

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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.

Talk Dirty To Me by Tory Richards

Title: Talk Dirty To Me
Author: Tory Richards

Author Site

Buy Link

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Genre: Erotic

Length: 53 pgs.
Reviewed by: yadkny

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 3.5

Presentation: 3.5

Editing: 4.5

Story: 4

Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating: 

                                                         

About The Book: Lilly has been in love with her brother's best friend Blake for years. She lost her virginity to the oil driller on her eighteenth birthday, only to wake the next morning to find him gone. After he pulled that stunt twice more, she swore never to see or talk to him again. But now he's back for her brother's wedding, and he's as sexy as she remembers.

Blake thinks Lilly's even sexier than ever. Unable to resist one another, they don't make it out of the airport parking lot before taking up where they left off. As the two rediscover their passion for each other, nothing and nowhere is off limits!

The Review:

Lilly hasn’t changed much since the last time Blake had seen. She is determined to not let him get under her skin or in to her bed, but just thinking about him brings all of the memories and feelings rushing back to the surface. When she comes face to face with Blake after not seeing him in over a year, she knows she’s in trouble.

Blake couldn’t resist showing Lilly just how hot they could be together the night she turned eighteen, but when the next morning arrived he couldn’t face his own strong feelings for her. After some time apart, he has come to realize that she is exactly what he wants and needs. Now all he has to do is convince her.

This is one short yet delicious read. Ms. Richards packed a lot of eroticism in such a short storyline with two main characters that are able to hold their own. The physical chemistry between the two characters is off the charts, but their emotional chemistry is a little lacking. Neither can seem to own up to their own feelings for the other and both have somewhat stubborn yet impulsive personalities. It’s no wonder their a perfect match for each other in bed since that’s where they can take out any pent up lustful aggression. However, it will take the one strong enough to put some bold moves on the other to break the emotional cycle.

The story starts out with a nice flow, but the ending did seem to come about a little too fast and although the characters do come to a decision by the end, it still left me wondering what the future holds for them.

Recommended reading for erotic romance fans looking for some steamy action and a little location inspiration.

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.

Two is Twice as Nice by Emily Cale

Title: Two is Twice as Nice
Author: Emily Cale

Author Site

Buy Link

Publisher:  Breathless Press

Genre: Romance/Ménage

Length: 33 pgs.
Reviewed by: Gabrielle

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 3.5

Presentation: 4

Editing: 4

Story: 3.5

Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating: 

About The Book:

After a car accident last Christmas, Cara McCourt is left broken inside and out. Since then, no guy has bothered to give her the time of day. Just when she's convinced that no man will ever be interested in her again, she bumps into Anthony while holiday shopping. Unsure at first, Cara is quickly wooed by the man who thinks she is beautiful—despite her disfigurement. 

Uncertain if Anthony is too good to be true, she takes a chance, only to find out he's been keeping a secret: His twin brother, Devon. Too late, Cara is drawn into their games. Will her wounded soul survive their deceit or did Santa actually bring her the ultimate gift: two men of her own?

The Review:

Two is Twice as Nice is a fast paced and sweet read.

 I liked Cara from the start. Even though an accident has taken some of her outer beauty away she still carries an inner beauty that shines like a beacon. Anthony is a wonderful man who seems to think the world of Cara. The relationship that builds between the two was a nice read. I enjoyed seeing Cara begin to feel better about herself as she continues to see Anthony. His twin brother Devon came off as the total opposite of Anthony. We see the big difference between the brothers when they finally tell Cara about themselves and being twins. Devon seems like a real jerk and happy to play games with women. He was a little too cocky and proud that he got one over on Cara and his brother.

I would have enjoyed a longer story so that we could get to know the brothers personalities and maybe find out just why Devon is the way he is and if he really cares for Cara.

All in all this book was a nice quick read about finding love when you last expect it. I really liked the premise of the story. Showing that love really does conquer all.

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 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.

Tamed by Emily Cale

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Tamed
Author: Emily Cale

Author Site

Buy Link

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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