The Curse of Albrecht Manor by Christopher C. Newman

PAGAN & PEN REVIEW

Title: The Curse of Albrecht Manor
Author: Christopher C. Newman

Author Site

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Publisher: Dark Roast Press

Genre: Horror/Mystery/Paranormal

Length: 179 pgs.
Other: Forced Seduction/Rape/Voyeurism/M/F/F/F

Pagan & Pagan Elements: Yes

Reviewed by: Violet Harper

About The Book: The women of the Albrecht family are cursed! For nearly three hundred years the hex uttered by a witch being burnt at the stake has stalked them down the centuries. Priests, herbal women, and even Inquisitors have been brought in to stop it from driving the Albrecht daughters to sexual-induced madness on their twentieth birthday. Nothing has worked; not even an uprooting from their native Germany to America has stopped it. Soon it just became an unfortunate fact of life if you are a female Albrecht.

It is present-day and Baron Markus Albrecht nervously awaits his daughter Elsa’s twentieth birthday. For a year he has searched for someone willing and able to halt the hex from driving his daughter as insanely mad as his sister, Franziska. Four days before her birthday he finds Noah Ravenswood, a practicing wizard and learned occultist. Noah, armed with hereditary mystical training by his mother, and Doctor Sarah Bookings his associate, he travels to southern Ohio to do battle with the Albrecht Curse.

But who or what is Noah really fighting? Is it truly a hex or perhaps a power-play by one of the Albrecht sons? Could it be the angry and distrustful Maximilan Albrecht, the eldest son and inheritor of the vast Albrecht Estates? Could it be the playboy Hans Albrecht, trying to dethrone his older brother and wrest control for himself? Can Noah and Sarah unravel the mystery before they become embroiled in the family politics, carnal activities, and deadly games at Albrecht Manor?

The Review: The story started out so promising. It seemed a little like The Dresden Files with the wizard man who dedicated his life to using his paranormal abilities to save people. After establishing some plot elements, the story degenerates in several aspects.

The writing style seems a little off. I kept trying to figure out if the writer was an American trying to sound British or an Englishman trying to sound like an American. I do like both styles, but not when cobbled together and not for characters that are American. I also don’t understand the heavy emphasis on the Albrecht’s German ancestry. If the family has lived in the US since before the Civil War, it is highly unlikely any of them would speak German, especially as a first language, or insist on using archaic aristocratic titles. Adding in the British butler and the French maid to a house in Ohio were either a failed attempt at humor or an overly clichéd casting of characters.

Additionally, all of the sex scenes were disturbing, but each for a different reason. Noah ‘forces’ his lover’s legs apart in a scene that is supposed to be romantic. Sarah’s voyeuristic experience ends with her giving head to the elder Albrecht who has children older than her, all in an effort to stop him from telling Noah, her boss, that she was watching two people have sex. I fail to see why Noah would care that she was watching.  During the scene, she describes trying not to vomit while the rest of the descriptors indicate that she is aroused. The first element necessarily cancels out the second for the reader. 

There is nothing remotely erotic about any of the sex scenes, though that may have been by design since most of them have their roots in evil. Some of them were downright disgusting. It would have been a much better story without the gory details.The best parts of the novel were those told through Noah’s eyes. The point of view shifts several times, which is fine, though it could have been a much stronger story if it hadn't. Noah disappears for so much of the novel that the reader forgets he exists He’s supposed to be the hero, the reader’s window into the story, but he ends up being an impotent and irrelevant tool.  Overall, I was very disappointed by something that could have been a great story.

Pagan Elements: Noah Ravenswood is a Pagan with paranormal powers. He uses protective charms and prayers to the gods/goddesses regularly during his cases where he helps people who are the victims of demons, curses, incubi, etc. Noah is a person modeled after Harry Dresden, and so worthy of respect for his adherence to his Pagan ideals. This added to the disappointment of the story because it had so many good Pagan elements.

Cover (Rated 1-10): 4-There’s nothing about it that would make me pick up the novel, but it does fit the storyline.

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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.

Sex On A Stick by Penn Halligan

PAGAN & PEN REVIEW

Title: Sex on a Stick
Author: Penn Halligan

Author Site

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Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing

Genre: Contemporary/Erotica

Length: 49 pgs.
Other: Exhibitionism /Voyeurism /WM/WF

Reviewed by: Brandi

About The Book: Romany Belle and Macnair Palmer work for the same company, but they've been enemies ever since they lost important funding for a new project. The last thing they want to do is go away together on a business trip.  However, what starts out as office warfare soon becomes hot, driving need and out of control passion to touch and taste, and very soon, enemies become lovers.

Romany goes from hating Mac to needing him, but now she has a new problem. How to keep their little affair out of the hands of office gossips? How can she pretend indifference when she really wants to fuck the stuffing out of Mac?

The Review: My only issue with this book is the flow of the story. The text begins with a prologue and the rest of the book is told as a flashback. The prologue is unnecessary, and I felt the book would have flowed much better if it had been told in a linear timeline.

 Sex on a Stick is a quick and entertaining read. On the surface, Romany and Mac can’t stand one another, but their attitudes are fueled by their secret desire to be together. The author did a great job of connecting the reader to her character’s motivations and fantasies. Romany and Mac have a definite chemistry, and their sexual exploits are exciting and to the point. It’s always nice to see a full figured gal as the focus of a romantic/erotic story. I look forward to reading more titles by the author.

Pagan Elements: none

Cover (Rated 1-10): 6–pretty cover, but a bit generic and doesn’t match the story.

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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.

Captivated by Ava Delany

                                        

                                 The Pagan & The Pen Reviews

Book Title: Captivated (Book 1 in the Fetish Club Series)
Author Name: Ava Delany
Author Website
Release Date: May 14, 2010
Genre: Contemporary/Erotic/Romance/M/F

Other: Voyeurism/Sex toy play/Menage/M/M/F
Length: 20 pages
Publisher: Breathless Press
Buy Link 

Reviewer: Strega

The Book:

Tonya is hot, wet, and ready to get kinky. She convinces a shy friend to go to a fetish club for her birthday, and it seems like the perfect place to let her wild side run free.

Liam likes to watch, but when he sees the raven-haired beauty, he follows her through the club, ready to oblige her lustful needs. She is sure that a man like him is not the foreplay type. Boy, is she wrong.

The Review:

This is a very short read, and once I got started, it was even shorter because I read so fast. The story begins with three twenty-somethings getting ready for a night out at a fetish club to celebrate one of their birthdays. I’ve never been to a fetish club, and I don’t really even know if they actually exist, but I’m sure they must. The girls are dressed up like it’s Halloween, and I don’t know if this is common fetish club couture or not, but the clothing doesn’t last long anyway.

The first chapter is a little on the silly side and I was afraid I wasn’t going to like the rest of the story, but hold on to your hat! First of all, the things going on inside this club are probably illegal in every southern state, and maybe even some northern ones. Secondly, the things going on inside this club are hot, and come chapter three they get even hotter. Sex written like this will arouse, titillate, thrill, and turn on anyone no matter the condition of their libido. What I liked best about this story was the no commitment stranger sex that allowed the women to walk away when it was over with no HEA or HFN endings, although they were completely satisfied when they left the club.

What I didn’t like, and I know it’s going to seem like I’m nit-picking here, but it did draw me away from the frenzied state my libido was enjoying. Although correct, the author's use of "blond" and "blonde" was distracting, given that the spelling here in the U.S. is generally used one way or the other.

Also, in the first chapter when the women are getting ready for their night out, the author talks about the reason for the night out as a birthday celebration for Mandy, who is turning twenty-five. This conversation goes on about Mandy being uptight, in need of having a good orgasm, and the other two conspire to leave her alone by splitting up when they arrive at the club so she can’t hide behind them, thus, forcing her to mingle. When they arrive at the club, they do split up but it’s Tonya who gets all the action and Jacqueline and Mandy aren’t seen again until they end of the story and they are all comparing notes and heading home.

Over all, this is a good way to spend a few minutes alone, or to get revved up for something more waiting for you in your own bedroom.

Pagan Elements: None

Cover Art Rating: 8-I liked the cover, it gave me the impression that this would be a hot story, and it was. I would definitely pick it up to flip through it if I had seen it on the shelf.

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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.

Aries Rising by Syrell Starr

PAGAN & PEN REVIEW

Title: Aries Rising

Author: Syrell Starr

Author Site

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Publisher: Carnal Passions

Genre: science fiction/erotic romance/M/F

Length: 103 pgs.

Other: Voyeurism; Foot Fetish; Mild Bondage; Spanking

Pagan & Pagan Elements: None

Reviewed by: Karmyn Klein

About The Book: One man has the unique gift of being able to read photographs, and he uses his skill to provide mates for men who pay well for the privilege. Gondar Lem is such a man. Selected to guard a secret that could destroy worlds, he secludes himself on a far away outpost in the middle of nowhere. For nine years he’s lived alone but hopes for the day the matchmaker will find him a special woman.


Sierra Madison poses nude to help raise funds that will pay for her brother’s surgery. Little does she realize what that photograph will cost her. Kidnapped by an alien who claims she was chosen for his mate, she’s whisked away to exotic planets on an adventure that brings her more pleasure than she ever dreamed possible.

The Review: Sierra and her best friend, Candy, are abducted by aliens who treat them little better than property. Luckily, neither of the young women have family ties to earth so they might as well enjoy the intergalactic ride.

Gondar, a man of few words but lots of angst, is determined that Sierra marry him—so much so that he slaps a bonding bracelet on her wrist that not only prevents her from escaping but also makes her more receptive to his advances.

At their first stop over, an alien matchmaker offers up Candy as a bride to a bartender with a knobby, vibrating head. She bulks at the idea at first but quickly jumps into bed with her new husband, leaving Sierra alone with Gondar who makes short work of seducing her with the help of his extra alien “appendage that aids sexual stimulation.”

Although I felt rushed by the author and wish that I was allowed to see more details of the alien worlds, their inhabitants and cultures, Sierra and Candy are likable and fun, and the love scenes are imaginative and unique.

Pagan Elements: None

Cover (Rated 1-10): 10 The cover is amazing! The artist did a fabulous job!

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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. 

Letting Go by Michele Zurlo

PAGAN & PEN REVIEW

Title:  Letting Go

Author:  Michele Zurlo

Author Site

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Publisher:  Siren Publishing

Genre: Erotic Romance, Contemporary, BDSM

Length: 278 pages 

Other:  BDSM *  M/F * Spanking *  Voyeurism *Exhibitionism *

Pagan & Pagan Elements: No

Reviewed by: Brandi

About The Book: No man has ever satisfied Sabrina Breszewski in bed. She doesn’t want a husband, but thanks to her grandfather’s will, she needs one, and soon. Impulsively, she proposes to a stranger in the conference room at the advertising agency for which she works.

Jonas Spencer has been married before. He’s a cynic, but the chance to be with the beautiful, powerful advertising executive is too good to let pass. He accepts Sabrina’s proposal in exchange for the promise of the passion boiling just below the surface, the passion into which she cannot tap.

Layer by layer, he peels away her carefully-constructed façade, helping Sabrina find passion and showing her the power was always hers. As Sabrina falls in love with Jonas, she must confront the lingering shadows of his first marriage. Can she help him let go of the past, or will he use it to throw away the future?

The Review: At the book’s center is the story of two people involved in a BDSM relationship, trying to make it work within the course of their everyday lives. Michele Zurlo has done an excellent job of creating characters that are easily relatable, and desirable. The reader is led through family issues, love, betrayal – but in such a way that every situation, regardless of how implausible it seems, is fun to read.

My one complaint is on Ms. Zurlo’s writing style. It took me awhile to get into the flow of the story, as the first few chapters involve much ‘telling’ – just plainly explaining to the reader the background story and what’s going on, instead of investing words in description and dialogue. The pattern continues through the book, and left me feeling bored in some spots.

However, Ms. Zurlo’s erotic scenes are superb. She combines the sensual with the forbidden, the romantic with the kinky, in such a way that has you panting and ready to find someone to  “play” with. The characters emotions are clearly revealed, and their desires, while not conventional, are definitely  sexy.

All in all, a good read.

Pagan Elements: no

Cover (Rated 1-10): 7 -  the cover is very sexy, and well done, but generic. It is not specific to the story, and could be used for any title.

Do As I Say by Penn Halligan

 PAGAN & PEN REVIEW

Title:  Do As I Say
Author:  Penn Halligan 

Author Site

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Publisher:  Noble Romance Publishing

Genre: Contemporary Erotic

Length:  41 pgs.

Other:  BDSM, M/F, Spanking, Voyeurism

Pagan & Pagan Elements: No

Reviewed by: Violet Harper

About The Book:

Mae Southall is an independent woman who is not above breaking the rules if it suits her. She relies on no one but herself. Sex is fine but on her terms. When she meets the darkly handsome and mysterious Rob, Mae learns that sexual submission has its benefits.

Robert Parker is Mae’s new boss. She just doesn’t realize it yet. He has a few rules of his own. The first one is that he’s in control when it comes to sex. Her mind may be her own but her body is his to do with as he wishes. He requires her total surrender to him.

The Review:

One of the biggest misconceptions about BDSM is that it’s forced upon the submissive. Quite the opposite is true. The submissive always has a choice and control. They’re the ones whose needs dictate what the Dom will and won’t do. Those rules and signals are worked out ahead of time for the safety and pleasure of all involved. This story threw all those norms out the window. Robert doesn’t tell Mae she has a choice until after the sex act is accomplished. Even then, it’s not completely believable, but more like a lame attempt to vindicate his actions. He threatens her with having to endure rape at the hands of a random passing (willing?) man if she doesn’t “suck him off”. As a woman and someone well-versed in the BDSM lifestyle, I was appalled at the conditions under which this story set. Rape is about control. BDSM is about pushing boundaries and fulfilling role-playing fantasies. It’s about trust and sharing.

All good relationships—friendly and sexual—are built on a foundation of respect. Refusing to wear a condom isn’t respectful, no matter what a man’s future intentions are with his partner, especially when he doesn’t make them clear to the partner. The lack of a relationship made Rob’s repetitious use of the term ‘baby’ demeaning, though it was probably meant to be a term of endearment.

The character development contradicted itself. First Rob is thinking he would like something more with Mae, then he gets jealous when the male hooker he paid to ‘play’ with Mae (without her prior knowledge or consent—or a condom) gets frisky with her. The reasoning tends to start like this: “He needed Mae to understand and accept what he had already concluded himself. They were meant for each other, destined to be together.” Then, a few paragraphs later: “He knew she was confused. That was understandable. He was feeling a little the same way.” He either thinks they belong together, he isn’t sure, or he doesn’t think they belong together. Vacillating feelings in the last pages do not an HEA make.

The morning after, he leaves her to wake up alone (did he at least leave cab fare?). Then he has the nerve to explain it by saying he left her to think about how much she needs him? Whether or not she realizes it, she’s a victim. She needs a cop and a therapist.  Margaret Atwell wrote a short story called Rape Fantasies. In it, she alludes to the fact that many women have fantasies of being kidnapped and raped by a handsome stranger. I agree Atwell’s premise that women don’t actually want to be raped. (The main character of that story fantasized about talking rapists out of committing this crime.) They want to be surprised, pleasured, pleased. There is a huge difference between setting up a kidnap/bondage scenario with someone you know and trust, and with being forced into various sex acts by a handsome stranger you don’t know and have no reason to trust.

The author clearly has writing talent. Her style was engaging and her characters were realistic. With more attention to the story’s intended message, this could have been a really good tale.

Pagan Elements: none

Cover (Rated 1-10): 5- It has a generic bondage-themed cover with indistinct faces.

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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.

Reviewer Top Pick: Her Master's Gift by Dena Celeste

PAGAN & PEN REVIEW

Title:  Her Master’s Gift

Author:  Dena Celeste 

Author Site

Publisher:  Noble Romance Publishing

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance 

Length:  41 pgs.

Other:  BDSM, M/F, M/F/F, whipping, spanking, voyeurism, exhibitionism

Pagan & Pagan Elements: no

Reviewed by: Violet Harper

About The Book: Now that Katie's been collared, she's settling quickly into life with her master, Sam. But she thinks she's ready to expand her experiences and he's quick to help. In fact, Sam has a special gift planned that is sure to delight her, if only she can gather the courage to move beyond the past and accept it without regrets.

The Review: This is easily one of the best BDSM stories I’ve ever read.  I love the way the characters are developed, and the way their relationship is portrayed.  Katie is a real woman, a strong woman who knows what she wants.  Sam is an enviable Dom who makes sure Katie gets what she needs to grow emotionally.  Dena Celeste portrays the D/s relationship in a completely realistic light, including scenes where Sam and Katie do the everyday, mundane things people do in relationships, like have breakfast and discuss their day.  The sex scenes are erotic, sensual, and romantic.  Because it is a short story, we are only treated to glimpses, but it is enough for us to see how completely Sam and Katie love one another.

I’m a sucker for a great love story, and this is definitely one of the best I’ve encountered.  Sam takes care of Katie.  He makes sure she has what she needs, from a chat with a friend to a session in the playroom to help her work past her fear, so that she can successfully pursue the things she wants in life.  I loved that he wasn’t threatened by her attraction to women, that he encouraged her to embrace all the sides of her sexuality without fear, guilt, or regret.  At the end of the day, isn’t that what we all want from a life partner—someone who helps us be a better version of ourselves?

This is the second story by Dena Celeste I’ve read and liked.  I’m definitely a fan, and I’m looking forward to more from her.

Pagan Elements: None

Cover (Rated 1-10): 9—Wow.  Two pairs of sexy female legs and a masculine pair of feet.  I’m not a huge fan of feet, but I am a huge fan of BDSM and this cover definitely announces its intentions.  The ‘G’ in ‘Gift’ is made from a coiled whip.  This cover would entice me to pick this book up and never put it down.

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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.

Reviewer Top Pick: Lush Velvet Nights by Tina Donahue

PAGAN & PEN REVIEW

Title:  Lush Velvet Nights

Author:  Tina Donahue

Author Site

Buy Link

Publisher:  Ellora's Cave

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

Length: 135 pgs.

Other:  M/F/Spanking/Voyeurism/Bondage

Pagan & Pagan Elements:  No/ No

Reviewed by:  Kim Earley

About The Book:  During the day, Adriana's a lonely corporate heiress, helming a supermarket empire. At night, she hires escorts, scripting provocative fantasies of kidnapping, lust, submission and endless longing. It's all she has to excite her until she meets Nathan Wynn. Tall, blond and muscular―like a modern-day Viking―Nathan's a labor relations attorney representing Adriana's union employees. His imposing presence intensifies her basest desires. When he protects her from an escort he believes is an attacker, she knows he's wonderfully dominant and unrestrained. Fascinated by Adriana's underlying sensuality, Nathan brings her to his secluded mountain estate, determined she submit fully to his hunger. At a gentleman's club, he makes certain she denies him nothing. Engaging in a seductive sexual journey, Nathan's caught off-guard by his stunning need for Adriana. An attraction he fears because of past events in his life. A growing emotional connection she will not let him deny.

The Review:   When I see a title from Ellora's Cave, it doesn't take much thought to snatch it up.  I've never read anything by Tina Donahue before, but after reading Lush Velvet Nights, she'll be on the top of my must read list! 

The characters jump off the page and straight into your heart, and the story line is romantic, pulling you in from the first page.  Adriana is an heiress, but far from spoiled.  Tired of dealing with men that want her for her money, she makes a first attempt at hiring an escort service to fulfill a kidnapping fantasy.  Nathan unknowingly rescues her from her would-be attacker, and instead of being repulsed by her hiring the escort service, he finds his attraction to her such that he decides to step into the kidnapper's place, and takes her to his mountain estate. 

Adriana is flawed, she's strong, and she believes wholeheartedly in the love she's found with Nathan.  Nathan is a hedonist, fearful of any sort of commitment.  His words tell her from the first moment that this is a non-relationship, that it's no strings.  She agrees, but longs (at one point weeps, saying to her father figure, “I lied, I want strings.”) for Nathan to return her love.  Will Adriana change Nathan's mind about love, and reach his heart?

Lush Velvet Nights has made it to my Reviewers Top Picks and is likely to stay there for quite some time.  Steamy sex, fantasy pleasures, and characters that pull you into their lives and their hearts will have you reaching for Lush Velvet Nights again and again.  This one is a must-read!

Pagan Elements:   None

Cover (Rated 1-10): 9-The cover is super sexy, and leaves no question as to the heat you'll find inside.

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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.