Protect and Defend by Francesca Hawley

Protect and Defend (from publisher):

Mikaela Laughlin discovers a whole new world, and an entirely new species, when she tours the crime lab to meet Lieutenant Diarmid Redwolf while researching her next book. She’s lusted after “Delicious Diarmid” from afar for a long time, but meeting him sets her body on fire. It doesn’t take long for Mikaela to discover there’s more to Diarmid than meets the eye. He is far more delicious up close than she ever dreamed.

Diarmid has bad guys to catch, but one look at the voluptuous writer has him wanting to catch her instead. His shapeshifter blood recognizes his True Mate and he wants her naked body arching beneath his. Now. But with a cold-blooded serial killer on the loose, Diarmid has one shot at his future and he will not fail. Because this time, the killer wants Mikaela.

Review: Protect and Defend is in the longest book length category that Ellora's Cave offers, Super Plus 100,000+ words. So, this is a really long book. Unfortunately the pacing can be fast, then slow and there are too many concepts that are introduced that are not fully explored leaving the reader confused and unsatisfied. This novel begins where most end. Mikaela and Diarmid become true mates and live together immediately and begin there lives, while outside threats try to taint their happiness. Diarmid, 45, and Mikaela, 38, are a little older than the standard model, but that doesn't impact the story. I like reading about people who are over 25. I liked their stability and maturity, which was somewhat refreshing compared to some stories I've read recently. As someone with a degree in History with and interest in forensic anthropology and library sciences, this had my nerd levels up. I very much liked that these characters were highly educated and some times academic in their approaches. Very nice to read about a character who is supposed to have a post graduate degree actually act like they could have pulled that off. Overall, this story suffers from to many ideas trying to be thrown in to one book. It almost feel as Ms. Hawley or her editor wanted more and it just snowballed. It could have been tighter. I have read this story twice and enjoyed it both times, but the second time seemed to drag. For all its faults, some I have a hard time reconciling with, I still recommend this a definite keeper and one that you will want to return to later to reread if for nothing else the impassioned barely contained, fiery hot sex!!

BTW, I just want to lick that cover model, woof! (^.^)

Blessed Be by Renae Johnson

Blessed Be (from publisher):
Leah Montgomery never expected to see Jack Michaelson again. After all, he'd left her eight years ago -- alone and pregnant -- so why would he come back now?
Unaware of the secrets Leah's been keeping from him, Jack's moved back with the thought that maybe there's still some chemistry left between them. What he finds is chemistry, along with a changed Leah. She's curvier, softer, even more beautiful than she'd been at the age of twenty-one, and very much a wounded soul. Determined to uncover her secrets -- and her luscious body -- Jack pursues Leah (and unfortunately keeps putting his foot in his mouth).
Leah didn't expect to still be attracted to Jack, but as he's standing across from her at her sister's wedding, the old attraction turns into something new. She tries everything in her power to deny her growing feelings, but when Leah's sister gives her a magical bracelet and keeps dreaming up reasons to throw them together, it becomes impossible for Leah and Jack to keep their hands off each other. Before they can find happiness, though, they have to clear up the past -- and open themselves up to the feelings that never quite disappeared.
If they can do that, this holiday season will truly blessed be.

Review: Renae Johnson is another new author. This is her first stand alone published story. The other was in a small anthology, I believe. While I initially loved this story, and I still like it, I began to think about events within. Leah is a complete martyr in this tale, remains virginal (well next to it, ok, celibate!) and deals with the pregnancy trauma and tragedy on her own. Jack, meanwhile, yucks it up and becomes a well known architect, his dream. This left a bad taste in my mouth. It made me feel more like Leah was a victim of life than a participant. The reconciliation of their relationship was hurried and considering the circumstances, a little hard to believe. The reader is supposed to accept this because of the magical bracelet that unites true loves and that they were always destined to be together. My verdict reads as: buy this book if you want to support an author that only writes about plus size women, a worthy venture! It is an a good one time read that has more sensual sex scenes than erotic to me. I intend to reread this further down the road and see if it improves on second reading, just won't do it in the near future. I plan to keep an eye out for her stories.

All Boxed Up by Anne Douglas

All Boxed Up (from publisher):
Christmas Eve is not supposed to be celebrated naked, tied up, and locked in a dark cardboard box. But that's exactly where Aimee Small finds herself. Has she been kidnapped by some strange Christmas themed psycho-killer, fascinated with the owner of the local Christmas shop? Or is it something else entirely?
Joseph Christopher was not expecting to come home and find a huge-ass box in his foyer -- especially one that makes noises. When he lifts up the lid, he finds that Santa's come early this year and left him a tasty gift indeed: Aimee, the girl he's been crushing on all year. She's naked, bar some red satin ribbon wrapped, candy cane-style, around her luscious body.
Oh, yeah! Some years it pays to end up on Santa's naughty list...

Review: Normally I would hold off to do a holiday themed story nearer to the holidays, but hey it's Christmas in July and this is such a great story. This is the first time I ever read any works by Anne Douglas and I will definitely read more. I loved this story about an "alpha geek" who is more inept than suave. Joseph and Aimee are one of the cutest and sweetest couples, just the right amount of spice and bungling to not make it overly sentimental, more lighthearted. This is a humor filled tale that had me laughing and cringing at the overly eager Joseph. Like Aimee you can't help but love him. These quotes just a few of my favorites.

**When it came to Aimee, her weight was of no concern to him whatsoever. Her body shape was part of who she was, and any man who saw those well-rounded curves and called her fat was an idiot.**
**And she was the fat girl who adored geek boys. Oh, the jocks were nice to look at, but she would’ve happily made out with any of the gangly, too-brainy-for-their-own-good nerds in high school -- if only they’d been game enough to get past how shy she was.**

I completely understand that last quote. I'm the shy fat girl who crushed on the geek. I married my geek. Yes, he's lanky, wears glasses and make my eyes cross and my brain do flops when he gets geeky, but like Joseph and Aimee, everything is wonderful. My husband liked this story as well. Aimee is slightly afraid, being bound and gagged, that Joseph will do something to her and admittedly he is a little creepy, at first. It's such a short tale at only four chapters, there is not much to say but Viva la Alpha Geek Luvins'! An awesome little tale that reads just as fun the second time as the first, for me it's a keeper, but also a great one-time, quick read to spice up the holidays!

Bold Bride by Melany Logen

Bold Bride by Melany Logen
From publisher:
A desperate Abby turns to Miguel for help. He's honor-bound to protect her from the man of her nightmares, and from the raging passion their trust awakens between them. Will this temporary bride be bold enough to make it real?

Review: This was a short and sweet tale by a new to me author. While it is not described as a plus-size, bbw or Rubenesque story, Abby is referred to as "having generous hips" and "big breasts" that were way more than a handful. XD This not your typical stick figure heroine so I decided she could hang with the fat chicks. This story is not a super spicy story. Abby does but doesn't want to have sex with Miguel due to circumstances of their fake marriage. Miguel is unsure that Abby would want him as a man because he is part Mexican Indian and part Caucasian. Both are blondes and have brown eyes, but they weren't described much more than that. This book was lacking, to me, in descriptions. They are kind loving people that you can't help but feel bad for the situation they are both thrust in. It takes a little bit to come together that involves oral sex, heavy petting and kissing. There is only one sex scene and it is more sweet than anything. Overall, a nice tale that would be a good one-time read when you're bored and want a historical story set in the old West with a curvy chick. A simple story that is not necessarily a must read but not bad at all.

North Wolf by M. A. Everaux

North Wolf by M.A. Everaux
From publisher:

Gwen Branson has a problem. It's not that she's spent the last four years of her life in a mental institute, or that her father is dead and her mother's driving her crazy. Her problem is that she's seen a werewolf and no one believes her. At least…no one human.

Eben Lowell has a problem of his own. As an Alpha Were, he must preserve his pack's safety and secrecy. Human witnesses are destroyed. Gwen Branson, however, is a problem not so easily solved. Because Gwen is more than just a human—she's his mate.


Review: This is in no way a Rubenesque story but is so good I can't stop thinking about it. I read it over the weekend and was just awed by this story. I only know of one other story by this author. It is amazing. This does not follow the now common archetype of alpha werewolf male that is heavily used. He is a monster (traditional archetype) and would have killed her for knowing and telling about werewolves, but she is his mate. It is a sometimes bittersweet tale when looking at Gwen's past and how she came to be. It is definitely a dark and moody tale that sucks you in. The sex is awesome. Eben and Gwen together are great and I admit to a crush on Christian. Gwen does not readily accept the fated mates theory with Eben, doesn't mean she doesn't have sex with him. She is also willing to stand up to him when she wants to do things, even when it makes him mad. It's interesting to see how other pack members act to her defiance of their much feared leader. I'm not a huge fan of OM/YW (and OW/YM for that matter) but it seems ok in this story. To me this is a must buy, keeper, reread!! I loved this story and can't wait to dig in again and fully intended to email Ellora's Cave about this author.

******EDIT: Ellora's Cave has no contact info on this author but said they would forward my begs and pleads for more stories. Shame.******

Wild Borders by Cheyenne McCray

From publisher:
Wild Borders by Cheyenne McCray

After a bitter divorce, reporter Lani Stanton has erected a border around her heart too strong for any man to cross. She's not ready for a relationship of any kind with any man. But when Lani meets Rick she can think of nothing but being in his powerful arms and in his bed.
Intelligence Agent Rick McAllister is hot on the trail of a notorious smuggler when the sensual blonde reporter comes into his life. Once he gets a hold of Lani, nothing will stop Rick from crossing her borders and winning her heart.
Rick puts his life on the line to track down a murderous smuggler, and he puts his heart on the line to win the woman who belongs in his life forever.

Review: This is a wonderful love story of a young woman trying to heal after a terrible tragedy in her past and an emotionally abusive marriage of five years. I'm not sure that I was a total fan of Lani's, she irked me on some level and can't quite put my finger on it. Rick is a nice man with an obviously fictional son. As a mom, no child I've met acts that sweet and obedient, but Rick could just be that great of a dad. That brings me to the point that Rick lost his wife about the time Lani was going through her own personal tragedy. The story has an intriguing subplot about illegal aliens that does not take any sort of stance and remains neutral. Considering this is a hot button topic now, it was nice not to see politics thrown in. The secondary characters are nice and I would like to have known more what Rick's family thought of Lani than being told through Rick how they felt. This is not an overly erotic story compared to Ms. McCray's other works like the Alice in Wonderland series. The sex is a slow build of kisses and heavy petting but intercourse doesn't happen at least the halfway point if not a little more. While this is the fourth book in the Wild series, I have not read the others and suffered no plot confusions from it. This is also a longer tale, just shy of 300 pages. More sensual than erotic, but definitely spicier than traditional romances. This is a great read. Definitely a keeper and one you would want to reread a few months later after you forget who the bad guys are. Almost forgot on the point of her "rubenesque" size, Lani is an oh-so-sad tall, size 14. Ya' know, barely able to be plus, but plus. Rubs me the wrong way, tall women usually have a little more weight and can carry it better than my 5' 4". ~~>.<~~ Jealous of the tall girls. XD

Photos are for both print and ebook. Print is better.

Margaret Cho Pic

I just loved this Margaret Cho pic for Unzipped magazine. I have this thing for Dommes and males subs. It's why I love Joey W. Hill's Natural Law. It features Ricky Sinz, porn star. Both Cho and Sinz identify as bisexuals. Love those tats. Interesting cover! (^.~)

Men of SWAT, Tactical Maneuvers, Tactical Pleasures, Tactically Yours by J.C. Wilder

From publisher :
Book 1 in the Men of S.W.A.T. series.
Police Officer and S.W.A.T. team sniper John Stephens has the hots for the luscious Miranda White. She's sexy and curvy in all the right places, and John has heated fantasies of tearing her polyester waitress uniform from her lush body and showing her what handcuffs were really meant for.
Though Randa has long had a secret crush on the handsome police officer, it was too bad that he was a serial dater. As a respected business owner, she has no plans on becoming known around town as Stephens' Flavor Of The Month. Her plans change when, after a quick tumble in her pool with John, she realizes that denying her attraction to him is the last thing she can do.
Being with Johnny was a pleasure no woman should be denied…

Book 2 in the Men of SWAT series.
Office efficiency expert Emma Taylor is just days away from leaving her temporary job in Haven, Ohio, to return to her staid, lonely, safe life in Columbus. Knowing the possibilities of returning to this sleepy burg are slim to none, she toys with the idea of luring the town bad boy into her bed for a week of wild, uninhibited sex. According to the local rumor, Jay Barnes is a dynamo in bed. Maybe he's the man to show her just what the "big O" is all about and release her inner wild woman while he's at it.Decorated SWAT Officer Jay takes one look at the curvy Emma and knows he wants her in his bed. A sizzling weekend locked away in her apartment uncovers the woman of his wildest dreams—literally, and he soon realizes that letting her go is the last thing he wants to do.But while he's thinking "forever", she's thinking "forget it". Help with overcoming her trepidations about his profession and convincing Emma that he's ready to change his bad boy ways comes from a most unusual quarter.

Review: This is a super great series. One of my all time favs!! Tactically Yours is a free read that Ms. Wilder did as a follow up to Tactical Pleasures. It is the further adventures, if you will, of Miranda and John. Ms. Wilder does and excellent job with this series. I was drawn in to these stories and briefly had crushes on police men, briefly. I like how both Miranda and Emma are very real sized (both size 20). I hate stories were the "plus sized" heroine is described at near six foot tall and like a size 10, 12 or 14. Get real already! All the characters are fun and draw you in. While both stories deal with plus size women and the men of SWAT who love them, the stories are very separate and not basic repeats of each other. In other words, they are their own individual stories. Sex scenes are super hot in both stories and unique to each story and the people. Tactically Yours is a sweet story with no sex, but a fulfilling read. Ms. Wilder does not try to hide that these women are overweight and used descriptive terms for them like generous, fleshy. She doesn't sugarcoat or downplay their size that in and of itself is a major plus for me. Hot alpha males who want to get down and dirty with plus size women and aren't eager to let them got....definite keepers and rereads!! My one complaint is that "Picasso" didn't get his own story (stay away he's mine XD!). He is mentioned in Ms. Wilder's Winter's Daughter. His brother is the hero of that story. If Picasso was half the alpha sex god his brother was my laptop would have blown up! Thank you for this small but great series Ms. Wilder.

Bitten by Sherri L. King

From Ellora's Cave:

Starving artist and student Julia Thurmond keeps life simple...it's all she can afford to do. Then she meets Nikolai, an exotic foreigner intent on her seduction.
His erotic touch melts her defenses, enslaves her to his will. Their love is the most dangerous thing she's ever known but she is quickly learning that Nikolai is not like other men. He's changing...
Now she has a monster tied to her bed and there is only one thing she can do to keep him from turning with the full moon. Julia's world is upside down. Everything is changing...and so is she.

Review: While this is not a rubenesque story, it is one of the first few erotica stories that I ever read or paid for. While a interesting tale the story can lag at times. The sex is hot and impassioned. I have not read other stories within the Moon Lust series, but reading this tale out of order does not have any sway on the ability to follow the story line. It is an interesting, if not all that original take on the shape shifter plot. It is an enjoyable read, more about finding love and acceptance. I enjoyed how Nikolai did not have all the answers to all things werewolf. This is due to the isolated nature of his pack in the mountains of rural Russia. That was nice. Overall, I initially loved this story and reread it again. Having to read this story again for the blog, I found it difficult to get through and monotonous. It was not nearly as good on the third go around. In trying to keep up with my measures, this is a one time read only. It sticks in the throat and is tough to swallow (just like Julia likes her steak) on further readings. There are better shape shifter tales out there, but this is not bad.

Upcoming Reviews

Alright, I got sick and my reviews are behind. I still owe these reviews:

Bitten by Sherri L. King
Men of SWAT by J.C. Wilder
Samantha and Her Magic Genie by Daisy Dexter Dobbs
Marilyn Lee-undecided, may not
Wild Borders by Cheyenne McCray

I will also be reviewing five other titles by new authors I have discovered, some with only a few books out. At least being sick has afforded me plenty of reading time. Stay tuned.....

Blood Lite by Dakota Cassidy

Blood Lite by Dakota Cassidy:
Chicken wings, cheese fries, maybe a slice of pizza or two…this is where Leah's trouble begins. When she gets on the scale, she realizes her fondness for all things fried, dipped in chocolate, or smothered in cheese has become a hazard to her thighs. It's time to take matters into her own hands and feel the burn, or at the very least find someone who can help her to "find" the burn she can't seem to locate.

Leah hires a personal trainer and she's not at all worried about him seeing her flabby thighs, because all personal trainers are gay…or at least that's what she thinks until Erik comes to give her the workout of her lifetime. All four hundred and twenty years of that lifetime, that is. Erik and Leah fall wildly in lust with each other. The chubby vampire is having the romp of the millennium, except for one small problem. She's falling in love with the very human Erik… And Leah's daddy hates humans…

Review: Why, oh, why did I skip this for soo long?! I apologize to you, Dakota Cassidy. I feel that I have more than wronged you for passing up this quirky, humorous, vamp tale. I mean who doesn't love a hunky, horny personal trainer who likes his women full-figured? This is a fun tale full of wit and molten sex. For a quickie, it was a pretty well rounded (pun intended) (^.~) tale of lust, true love and chicken wings. If you like your tales with lots of humor, this little keeper and reread is for you. One complaint, for a rubenesque story it felt a little uncomfortable that the she lost all the weight and was no longer plus-sized at the end. Same complaint I had about Sherri L. King's Fetish. But the surprise at the end was definetely a bonus, loved that!!

UTI from HELL!

OK, sitting here with the UTI from hell and am totally not going to do anything on this for days. As if anyone cared, the reviews will be later this week/weekend/next week. I am going to immerse myself in non-blog related readings. I did just finish Real Men Last All Night anthology. I liked the Lora Leigh's Cooper's Fall but the ending was just a little, eh. I had read the Lori Foster's Luring Lucy and it is an ok quick read not super but not bad. I had never read anything by Heidi Betts before and I may look into her other works. Wanted: A Real Man was a little far fetched. I mean, honestly, my child is kidnapped by my ex-husband I'm not gonna be shacked up in a ratty hotel screwing the baby daddy like some sort of horny beast. Overall, it was an ok read and I'll read it while waiting for the movie to start at the drive in, great time killer. Oh, lawds, though I can NOT believe the utter barf that is The Edge of Sin by Cheyenne McCray. I mean I have bought loads of her books, but this, this is just..... I honestly don't know what to say. To those that believe erotica romances, romantica, steamy romances are nothing more than porn, then this one would prop up their argument. Superman couldn't keep up with how fast this couple got to it. The extreme quickness of their first encounter really debased the characters, just to cheap and lewd feeling for me. Overall, it's not a total waste of money as anthologies go. I tend to steer clear of them a lot. I would reread all of them except for Ms. McCray's (shame because I usually really like her!). Three out of four ain't bad! I said I wasn't gonna do anything, yet here I blab.

Stud Muffin Wanted by Lena Matthews

From Publisher:
After taking a magazine sex quiz, Karon Bower is close to tears. Out of fifty questions, she could only say yes to experiencing five. Following her best friend Jacque's advice, Karon decides to go through the quiz and list everything she wants to try.
If anyone had ever told Tristan Dodson that sexy, full-figured Karon was in dire need of an orgasm, he wouldn't have believed them. She's one of the hottest and smartest women he knows, and the very thought of her never having experienced oral pleasure made him speechless, not to mention choking on his ravioli. Tristan had been looking for a way to expand the boundaries of their friendship and Karon's overheard little list seems just the ticket. Now all he needed to do was convince her he was her Stud Muffin.


Review:
This is a Rubenesque themed gem that was hidden within the Ellora's Cave website. I came upon it by chance after reading the aforementioned "When Angels Fall". Such a shame because without proper digging, this story could be overlooked. It is by nature of the story, hot and full flamed. Thank goodness this story does not fall flat on its premise. The sex is hot, the writing is humorous. The side characters fit nicely and help the reader to understand the background and pasts of Tristan and Karon. Karon, at a size 16, is unsure what a stud muffin hunk like Tristan would want with her. Tristan is just drooling to get into her panties. Lusty sex turns deeper as the story goes. There is tension due to both Karon and Tristan not being honest and upfront about their feelings but this is quickly smoothed away. There are great moments like the drive in scene. If I tried that I at my local drive in, I would be strung up and burned in righteous indignation on a pyre in front of the screen will movie goers taunted me and threw greasy hamburgers to fuel the flames. The senorita margarita scene hit home particularly well, after my own meeting with her and her buddies at my local Mexican restaurant earlier. I totally looked and acted like Chewbacca's love child even the bellowing. I swear, whoever made that dropped have the bottle of Jose in the glass. Last one I had there wasn't nearly that strong. In other words, this is a relatable story, funny, sexy and all around good time. This is a definite keeper and reread!

Info on Plus Size Clothing and Body Images

Interesting article on CNN that about a disturbing and insulting trend from clothing stores and perceptions. "Overweight is Relative"

Here are some interesting guides for finding a better fit.

Body Measurements
What Size Am I?

This is just annoying. Depending on companies and my measurements I range anywhere from a 3x to 10x! WTF is up with that?! Makes no sense. I tend to find I wear about the same size in Old Navy, Lane Bryant and Avenue. Other places get odd.

Bride Portal by Michele Bardsley

Bride Portal is as sci-fi story about Mary Wolmack, plus size heroine, who has hit rock bottom in one day. She lost her job, got car jacked, drenched by an SUV when forced to walk in the rain, smashed into a chain link fence, then broke her key off in her apartment door. When hunky neighbor, Matthew Adams, comes to her rescue things seem to be looking up. One problem. When they are alone he tells her his not from earth, but Kratania, and that he has been sent by the oracle to claim her as his bride.

Review: This story is funny, so much so that you'll be laughing out loud at parts. The pace is brisk, because it is a very short story, quickie.
Matthew to Mary on trying to woo her: “I have dreamed often of touching you, of taking you. I am tired of pleasuring myself and wasting my seed!” -really, what a waste
Matthew to Mary on the menage: “If your husband-to-be consents to such an arrangement and it will bring him great joy to see you well-fucked, where is the issue?” -Go on...
While an erotic romance, this story didn't over heat me like others have. There is a menage a quatre scene, oral sex scene, two vanilla sex scenes and that is it. Sounds super exciting but somehow wasn't enough to get me bothered. This story used the romantic rival plot device, which is not something I felt was needed in a short story about a plus size woman finally finding love and acceptance. Did the reader really need to feel that the heroine was threatened? It was settled in a humorous way to offset the tension I suppose. Ends with a HEA. I recommended this as a one time, quick read. You could probably get away with out ever reading this but then you might miss the fun little sci-fi read.

Bite Me by Jaci Burton

Bite Me is a vampire tale of 30 year old, Gina Capelli. A overweight virgin who goes to a convention for her favorite nighttime soap, Bite Me. She wins a ticket to the black tie ball. Bound and determined to lose her virginity to the first guy who approaches her. The first guy is none other than Deacon Black, the sexy star of the show.

Review:

Keeping in mind that this is a quickie, I'll try to be fair. Honestly, though, this story was just predictable. Surprise, surprise, a 30 year old virgin due to her weight. Yeah, fat girls can't have sex. I'm sure this is not what the author intended but it just felt wrong to me. The sex was hot. You find out that there are reasons, deceptions going on and why Gina won the prize. It was rushed, but it was a quickie. I had a hard time reconciling the shy girl that was willing to lose her virginity to just anybody line. Why wait till she's 30? It's a good story, but just didn't click with me on key points. It has a HEA. I would not recommend this if you wanted a keeper/reread. This is a one-time, quick read and nothing more. Good way to spend an afternoon if you're bored but otherwise not an immediate grabber. If you are willing to pay for a ebook, keeper or no, then get this.

Door Prize by Lynn LaFleur

Door Prize is a Naughty Nooners free read from Ellora's Cave. It is a quick, light read about Cindy, a 5'4" size 14, who wins all kinds of naughty door prizes from a women's sex toy party. Not sure what to do with it all, her friend Lynda suggests that her brother Colin would love to help. Colin has hinted to Cindy about his feelings, but she didn't think it was possible.

All in all a very quick read that was super sexy. I loved how Cindy was a more petite plus size. Colin was eager to please. For a free read how can you go wrong. Delightful little tale that gets you hot and wanting more.

Coming Soon...

Life gets in the way of all good intentions doesn't it. Anyway, I have several stories that will be up for review soon. I will get them posted in the next couple of days.

I plan to review the following:
Stud Muffin Wanted by Lena Matthews
Bitten by Sherri L. King
Bite Me by Jaci Burton
Door Prize by Lynn LaFleur
Bride Portal by Michele Bardsley

Next week I plan to review some great stories from J.C. Wilder, Marilyn Lee, Daisy Dexter Dobbs and possibly more.

Check out this great feminist review of Twilight from Ms magazine.

Some good reads

The following are some really enjoyable stories that are either in anthologies or collection/series. I recommend them for their humor/sexuality/rubenesque themes or just because they were fun. These stories are full of great sex and fun characters! Here you go:

Spells at Midnight by Jenna Castille Renee, a witch, summons her true love, but Zachary is a little more than she bargained for. Is it true love or just Samhain sex?

I Put a Spell on You by Bronwyn Green Temperance is a full figured witch who accidentally casts a sex spell around Gray, her best friend's older brother and her secret love. He says he wants her, but is it the spell or real love?

Gentle Control by Brynn Paulin Tempest comes back for closure in the relationship she had with Josh. Her father tore apart their D/s relationship when they were in college and she needs to say the goodbye she didn't get to. Josh has other plans, but what about Tempest? The best ever bdsm story I have ever read. I truly loved this story.

When Angels Fall by Lena Matthews Lauren thinks Evan only wants to marry her because of who her father is. He couldn't want her and her full figure, right? Evan sets out to show Lauren what happens when angels get naughty and how much he wants her.


Hot Under the Collar by Katie Blu Emma, the bakery owner, has got the hots for the sexy new reverend in her church. Sexy reverend is actually an undercover cop. Eric has got the hots for the bakery owner. Hilarity and hot church/bakery lovin's ensue. Note: always watch what you carry in your purse.

Dance of the Plain Jane by Lillian Feisty Jane has lusted after neighborhood hunk, Michael, a Navy Seal. She is a curvy plain Jane and not the stick figures he normal totes around. Once glance at the hypnotic hips of the belly dancer and Michael is hooked. You've got to listen to "Darlin Nikki by Prince while reading this story, you'll know when to turn it on.

WTF?! ER Author Edition

SHAME, SHAME, KNOW YOUR PEN NAME!!!

Here we go folks, a quick list of authors that bring shame to women of all sizes with their rude, unimaginative remarks. I like how these characters and the authors by being their creators have to prove their worth by bringing chunky, fat, plus size, etc. women down. Really lame and shallow. So avoid these stories at least. If you are like me you'll avoid the authors and send emails to them and their publishers for their lack of taste, tact, talent, ya' get the idea!

Nailing to the wall today, we have:

Red Garnier's Divine Assistant: Nine of Pentacles Torrid Tarot Collection
When Patrick Holden is so attracted to his porn-star look alike personal assistant, the aptly named Lucy Divine, he quickly asked for her to be replaced. And yes, you guessed it, he asks for a chubby girl that he won't be attracted to. Furthering the offense, Ms. Garnier goes on to say that the new interviewees were "decently chubby" but "seemed to have half the brains and elegance" as Lucy Divine!!! As we all know, fat girls are not sexy, smart or elegant. Thank youGarnier for your insightful story. Now how do I get my money back?

Natasha Moore's Nothing to Fear: Tricks and Treat Collection
When poor little Kelly gets roped, literally, into a madman/captive female scene for a Halloween fundraiser, she is hesitant to agree at first. She is persuaded by Ms. Moore's delightfully inspiring comment "somehow I don't think her gray beehive hairdo and her size 24 hips would work for the damsel in distress room", giggle, grin, snicker, aw shucks. Really, Ms. Moore, my size 24 hips did NOT prevent me from being raped. Yeah, as we all know, skinny bitches are the only ones that would be captured. 'Fraid not, women of all sizes, ages, colors, hip size get attacked every day. So not cute, while the characters may have laughed at that I didn't.

And finally just because I found the whole thing ridiculous...
Lisa Marie Rice's A Fine Specimen, aka Taming Nick
OK, flat out any book that describes the female as looking like a 16 year old and the male is worrying about wanting to have sex with a high school age looking woman who is supposed to be 28, is just wrong! Puh-leeze, give me a break already. Caitlin Summers is a Sociology grad student who claims to be an expert on law enforcement through her research alone, yet is dizzy, clumsy and naive all lending to the whole looks and acts like a high schooler schpeel. Lt. Alex Cruz immediately worries about his latent pedophilia/ephebophilia tendencies for the brainy Ms. Summers. I'd really love to say this story was good otherwise, but I was gagging so much I didn't make it very far into the story. Sex with a teenage look-alike so not my thing.

These books can all be found at Ellora's Cave.