Sutton, Australia | Member Since 2009
"Unforgettable Dark Romance"
Phantasmagoria is the sequel to a Gentlemen's Wager and takes place three years after Bella ran off with her two lovers. Bella Rushdale lives a decadent lifestyle with her two lovers, the Viscount Lucerne Marlinscar and Vaughan, the Marquis of Pennerley. Lucerne is the more considerate of the two men whereas Vaughan is the brooding type who likes things rough and his way. Everything is about to change when Vaughan simply walks away from them both without any reason.
The trio's scandalous relationship has long since gone past the point of everything that is considered to be normal in the eyes of society. Lucerne wants Bella to be his wife but lusts after Vaughan with a passion. Vaughan is obsessed with Lucerne, the only person he truly loves; even so, he can't let go of Bella. Bella's soul belongs to Vaughan and is willing to do whatever she can to keep him even if that means sacrificing her relationship with Lucerne in the process.
Phantasmagoria pushes the envelope in so many ways. Madelynne Ellis has written a dark gothic tale where sexual perversions are out in the open. This may sound like an uncomfortable read, but I was enthralled and lost in this tale of three people who live for vice but truly do not know what they want or even if they can love one another.
Vaughan may seem to be the villain of the piece, but he is so tortured because his love for Lucerne will never be reciprocated. He knows he can have Bella eating out of the palm of his hand, but he wants what he can't have, and because of that, he almost ruins himself in the process. Bella is the one woman who understands Vaughan and sacrifices herself. She is willing to do whatever she can to make Vaughan happy just so he will give her a piece of his heart. Seems cruel right? But when you figure out what Vaughan is trying to accomplish, his so-called revenge comes together like pieces in a puzzle. Almost every page is filled with talks of sex and the actual sex acts seem a bit depraved in a way.
Phantasmagoria is erotic, tantalizing and one of the best ménage a trois stories I have read in a long time. This story had me hooked from the very first page. Ellis and her skill at writing about taboo topics are really amazing. She really does deserve kudos for writing an erotic gothic that I won't soon forget.
Roxy Isles did an outstanding job with the delivery of the story.
"5 Blue Ribbons from Romance Junkies!"
The DARKEST LONDON series just gets better and better! Author Kristen Callihan is at the top of her game in WINTERBLAZE, an exciting, sensual, imaginative story that will sweep you away to a world unlike any other.
The paranormal Victorian-era world of the DARKEST LONDON expands by leaps and bounds in WINTERBLAZE, so I recommend reading the first two books in the series -- FIRELIGHT and MOONGLOW -- before reading WINTERBLAZE. There are new supernatural creatures to be discovered, paranormal politics to be played and a host of surprises that are sure to have you avidly turning the pages of WINTERBLAZE. Again, I'm afraid I'll have to be vague to avoid giving away any of the fantastic twists and turns in WINTERBLAZE. Suffice it to say that you will NOT want to miss this book.
WINTERBLAZE is a phenomenal romance that I highly recommend. Kristen Callihan is an author to watch -- it's clear she's a master at her craft. I foresee many, many more spellbinding stories coming from her and I, for one, cannot wait to read them!
Moira Quirk was outstanding as the narrator.
"Great Installment To The Fatal Series"
I loved Fatal Affair and was looking forward to revisiting all of the characters we met the first time around. I'm happy to say that I liked this installment even more than the first one. Watching Sam and Nick start to settle into their relationship was entertaining and emotional. I thought the conflicts between them were completely realistic given the inherent demands of their jobs and that they handled them in an adult manner. I love that even though Nick is now a US Senator, Sam's job is just as demanding and just as important. I also loved that the secondary characters were given lots of "screen time" in this book. Freddie is a great character that I can't help but root for and the more readers get to know Sam's dad, the more they will hope the mystery over his shooting will be solved at some point. There's definitely food for several more books here and I'll be looking forward to listening to Fatal Consequences next.
"Hot, Steamy & Good"
This book has its pros and cons (for me).
Some of the reviews almost made me not buy the book but I am glad I did. Also I did not mind the narrator at all.
It's definitely a fast read, and I found myself engrossed. Mia and Gabe have a typical rocky relationship that involves a dominant male, but that didn't stop me from loving Gabe. The best thing I've found about Maya Banks is that she writes a desirable male. Although I enjoyed swooning after Gabe, I did find the romance to be slightly forced in terms of speech. I suppose it's the same as a soap opera; no one really talks like that. However, that honestly didn't stop me from enjoying the book and picking up the next one as soon as it came out. Overall, good steamy romance, even if it's a little predictable.
"Great author, but the plot was a little too dark f"
I loved the author's first book, The Raven Prince. But this second book had a downer element that caused me to give it 4 stars instead of 5. In this story, the Lord of the area who also had police powers had the ability to arrest any innocent person he chose, lock them in a cell, and torture them without any local person being able to do anything about it. He had absolute power and was so evil in his treatment of others, that it took away too much from the romance story for me. I'm still glad that I read it, but it's not a favorite. I enjoy this author's writing style and characters. I plan to read her next book.
"Another Great Installment"
This is the third installment of the fatal series about Samantha (Sam) Holland. I loved the book. Great writing and timing. Sam is a too tough police lieutenant who, with her team, sets out to solve the mystery of brutally slain immigrant women. The Washington DC political intrigue is again featured in the book and Sam's senator fiancé Nick is as dashing as ever. This is gritty,thriller with a couple of really good side stories about her coworkers. I have gotten to know these characters and look forward to see what is next in their lives.
"Wonderful Fairy Tale"
"The Proposition" is the first book I have listened to by Ms. Ivory, but it will not be my last. The hero is a rat catcher and the heroine is a spinster Lady who is paid to teach the rat catcher to act like a Gentleman, a reversal of "My Fair Lady". The love story centres around the H/h falling in love without any hateful interference from old girl/boy friends, meddlesome family members, or major threats regarding their safety. Ms. Ivory also lets the reader see the story from both the Hero and Heroine's point of view. There was good chemistry and a few good sex scenes between the H/h and Mick and Winnie have LOTS of THAT!!! You can't miss on this one. Enjoy.
"I was captivated from the very beginning"
Fantastic! Alistair, Jessica, Michael and Hester are amazing characters and make it possible for this book to have an amazing lesson about love. Sylvia Day just wrote one of the best historical erotic romances of the year.
We follow the story of Alistair and Jessica since their very spicy moment before Jessica gets married and their re encounter after her husband's death.
At the same time we hear about Hester, Jessica's sister, and Michael's relationship. These secondary characters are so lovable! We fall in love with Alistair's charisma and charm - he's a rake after all- and also Jessica's strength and courage.
The final twist was a surprise and what I liked most about Seven Years To Sin is that it's never late to love and overcome our past. The author also approaches physical abuse towers women, what's their role in the society, their financial independence and the married life. All of them treated with honesty and truth.
The problems the hero and heroine have to go through are very real and the story is full of burning hot scenes. I would love, love, love to read more about Hester, and we might get it. If you've read it and feels the same way, show it! Speak up!
Imogen Church was fantastic with the delivery of the story.
"Enjoyable Short Read - Loved the Climax"
I don't usually bother with novellas but after reading the first novel of this series, I was compelled to read Myst and Wroth's story as well. Enjoyable short read and although the climax was a cliche, I still loved it.
Can't wait to read more of this series!
"Not really erotica"
Fanny Hill is probably the most well known native English erotica ever made.
Fanny is a girl forced into a life she didn't make, and does pretty well for herself.
The sex is not very explicit by todays standards
The only issue for me is that the writing is tough to slog through (very dated) and you do find yourself re-listening parts to figure out precisely what just happened.
"I Have a Passion for Sylvia Day"
Sylvia Day has a passion - a passion for writing exciting and heartfelt romances that really grip the reader and force you to hang on for the adventurous ride in which her stories take you.
Colin and Amelia are a perfect match. They both try to do what is right, and what they think is expected of them, and (more often than not) to their own detriment.
Both stubborn and unwilling to yield - except for in the bedroom! - what ensues is a roller coaster of emotion, passion, and misguided sensibilities.
Well written and with great characters that you want to hate but ending up falling in love with, A Passion For Him is another success.