TRICK OR TREAT

Here's you're plastic pumpkin full of treats and tricks. Check back throughout the day for quick bites of stories. No real reviews today, just quick thoughts. Enjoy!
*Click titles for summaries* Naked Pumpkin Run

Tied and Tempting by Maggie Casper:
Another attempt at a Maggie Casper tale and it was like getting an apple in your treat bag. What a let down. I felt sure that Mira was truly not into bdsm and was only going along with it to get "H.O.T." Nash. For someone who had been 'curious' about bdsm and read about it, she was overwhelmingly naive. The author couldn't sell me on this story. I read it once and tried to read it again for this review and just had to give up. To hard to believe. I just wasn't able to buy Mira's I'm-curious-about-bdsm-yet-can't-believe-the-guy-I-lust-after-is-really-a-Dom thing. If she's unsure and slightly uncomfortable, then what the hell is she doing at a bdsm club?! Seems too much like I'll do anything to get the guy sort of thing. BTW, I liked Nash's thoughts better as Mira was just too damn silly for me.

Tentacles of Love by Margaret L. Carter:
While not technically a Halloween or Autumnal story, it is super weird and fits into the out of this world theme that is Halloween. By the title alone it should be obvious that Blake is packing more than the average man and that Lauren is in for a surprise. If you've read or are familiar with tentacle hentai(click to learn more), then you can see where this story is going. While I have passed this story up in the past, I decided to give it a go since it went well with the paranormal themes of this month. While not a must read, it is a fun little tale, even if alot weird.

Your Treat or Mine by Tuesday Morrigan:
The first I've ever read by Morrigan, this short Halloween tale is full of lust and little substance. Because it is so short, it comes across a part of Amelia, Riley and Vittorio's story. While it'll feel your sweet, or in this case, lust tooth, don't expect much else. An okay little Halloween treat that was too short to pull of the whole shifter and life mate plot, though nice try. This tale would have been better if it was expanded.

Wake Me Up by Caitlyn Willows:
A very sexy, and yes, heart warming tale of time traveling lovers. I enjoyed this tale and its a shame I put of reading this Halloween tale till the last minute! Daniel and Isabelle are both good characters and I like that Daniel was not the over-the-top alpha male Dom type, but a sensitive and caring man who just liked a little bedroom play. Nice tale, enjoyed it immensely.

Haunted Redemption by Melani Blazer

Haunted Redemption (from publisher):

He isn’t the Scott she once knew. Lili never expected to see him again, but when she does, the sparks between them make Halloween a night to remember. It had been at a haunted house ten years earlier that Scott had disappeared. Lili has no intention of letting history repeat itself.

Scott returns, desperate to see the woman he’d left behind, knowing he’ll have one night—just one night to savor in his memory for an eternity. He hasn’t counted on the power of their attraction—and the devastating effects his secret will have on the woman he loves.


Review: This book tried unsuccessfully to get the reader to believe that Lili and Scott were ill fated lovers reunited. This reader could never discern any deep emotional attachment, but more a 'what could have been' sentimentality and a heaping of lust. It was also odd that the author chose for Scott to come back ten years later after Lili had lost the fat. Convient isn't it. Scott, the man who seemed to accept her for her, shows up when she has a new skinny, super sexy confident form. The hackneyed diaglogue between Lili and friends was nauseating. For example:

“Dayum girl, you look hot! This look really works for you. We need to get you dressed up more often.” Susan Hamilton shook her head and sighed. “Damn scary how good you cleaned up.”

Lili Dewitt winked at her longtime friend’s outburst. “It’s Halloween, I’m supposed to be scary. And don’t get used to this. I said I was changing some things about my life now that I’m back in Sycamore Springs. But I was going for a less extreme approach. This? This is just for fun.”

“Honey, fun or not, people are going to see the new you tonight. Slim and sexy. Shit. You hoping to get laid or something?”

Gags, it barely gets better. No moving prose here but plenty of sex(anal, oral and vaginal), voyeurism, hedonism, inter-species, blood, etc. All in the name of Halloween fun, right? Anyway, Lili and Scott are both to self-sacrificing for my liking. Lili has mooned for Scott for ten years and when he comes back and says he wants her, she leaves and he lets her go. Then when she changes her mind, he doesn't want her to come, preferring to not make her into a vampire. There are plot twists that further confuse the plot and why and how Scott got turned into a vampire are never told. This story was published in the Things That Go Bump In The Night V Anthology and now separately. My recommendation, if you have the anthology, then you can read it if you really want to. If not, don't waste your time.

Eternal Kiss by Felicity Heaton

Eternal Kiss (author's site):

Nicholas has spent centuries doing what he does best-hunting and killing. A Halloween masquerade seems like the perfect place to amuse himself and grab a quick bite to eat, but he gets more than he bargained for when he sets eyes on the beautiful Anna. He's a vampire who is happy being alone in the world but is Anna about to change all that?

Anna has had a tough life and her luck with men is dismal. When she finds herself swept up into the seductive embrace of a sinfully handsome man, she thinks that luck is finally changing, but things are not all they appear.

Caught up in their masquerade, Anna and Nicholas both find it impossible to deny their attraction to the other and they succumb to their desires. Anna takes everything in her stride, convinced that she's either dreaming or about to die, and wanting to make the most of it regardless. Nicholas starts out wanting nothing more than her blood and her body, but things soon change. What will happen when reality comes crashing down around them? Will love last forever if it's sealed with an eternal kiss?

Review: This is a very short, engrossing Halloween tale-under 2o pages actual story line. The author does a great job on describing the lure a human has for a vampire. Because its length, there is no real character development-no deep emotional understanding, etc. You don't know what actually makes Nic or Anna tick, their experiences, who they really are, nothing really. What the reader gets is a snippet of this fantastical, carnal Halloween encounter and its lasting repercussions. It would have made an absolute great tale if it were expanded, hint to the author. This story is as much a must read for its escapism as for the price...$o.84 at Fictionwise. For under a dollar, you can't go wrong with this vampire/Halloween tale. The cover is very good, one that actually is more representative to what the story is about, imagine that!

His Female by Madison Hayes

His Female (from publisher):

The human Chiarra is on the run. When she manages to cross the dangerous maelstrom, seeking refuge among the fascinating Gryffin, she never expects to become the prize in a vicious contest between two magnificent males.
Descended from the winged gryffins and armed with poisonous barbs on their knuckles, the mighty Gryffin are humanoid creatures both deadly and dangerous. They are feared for their power and strength, though regarded as "animal" by the prejudiced humans dwelling on the far side of the treacherous divide. And yet, human females are highly prized as mates—it is perhaps every Gryffin male's fantasy to have a woman like Chiarra in his fold.
Determined to save the girl from certain death, Jarrk fights for the right to claim her—only to be shamed in front of his people by the hostile, arrogant little human. Thus ensues a battle of wills between the two—a struggle born of pride, prejudice and misconception—fired by a dangerous, unwanted attraction that cannot be denied.
By the time Chiarra's past catches up to her, Jarrk has developed a taste for all this sensual creature can offer him—and claimed Chiarra as his own. He'll kill the man who dares to touch his female. Now they are on the run, but a Gryffin and human together make a conspicuous pair. Though they might outwit the men who seek Chiarra's life, they'll never outrun the huge reward offered for her capture.
Only a combination of human ingenuity and animal instinct will save them—only with unconditional trust can they find the true promise of love.

Review: The Calendar Girl series by Madison Hayes tops my charts. I decided to take a further look at this author's works. The Gryffin Strain series, so far only two, centers on the misconceptions of humans and gryffins towards each other. Gryffins are humanoids who have ruffs and poisonous barbs fatal to humans. Where Gryffin females are straight, human females are curvy. Gryffin females are dry in the places, human females are moist. Coupling between gryffin females and males is a short lived experience, whereas humans can last much longer. Thus leads to the almost obsessive desire by male gryffins to bring a human female into their fold (like a harem) of multiple women. Chiarra ends up in such a situation when Jarrk wins her. Intially, Jarrk saved her from death under another male, but lust bloomed and the love flowered. (Now I'm sounding like an old school romance, heaving bosoms and bodice ripping as well!) Chiarra is on the run and then her past catches up. This story is very good. It is nice to see a story where there is lustful curiosity from almost the beginning, but it is not acted upon. The author allows for some feelings to develop. It was much appreciated. While not a Halloween themed story, the Gryffin peoples are too intriguing to be ignored. As Halloween is a time of fantasy, you should definitely pick up this keeper and reread and sink yourself into this world.

Walk on the Wild Side by Sierra Cartwright

Walk on the Wild Side (from publisher):

On a night filled with trick or treating, Brianna Duncan's about to get the treat of her life.
She's wanted to take a walk on the wild side, and Halloween gives her the perfect opportunity.
She's been interested in the BDSM lifestyle, and when her hunk of a husband-to-be brings home a scandalous, skimpy outfit and tells her it's the costume for the party they're going to, she's nervous, and more than a little tantalised.*Publisher misspelling, not mine!
Not only does Justin have treats in store for Brianna, he's got some leather and tawse in his bag of tricks and they're both determined that this won't be just an ordinary Halloween.

Review: Somewhat confusing on who initiated the bdsm aspect into this relationship. Apparently, Justin was a Dom and had been in D/s relationships previously but not with Brianna. When she expresses an interest, he doesn't respond, that is until Halloween. Then Brianna fantasies come to life and she has to decide whether she can handle the realities of that type of relationship over what she has read in erotic books and on websites. As this is a bdsm story, the sex scenes focus more on the pain/punishment/submission aspect and not sexual intercourse although there is some. The punishment scenes can get intense and the use of a tawse and flogger on breasts, genitalia and bottom was cringe worthy to this reader. Overall not a bad read and was very British in terms and language usage. Read this only if you like the pain aspect of bdsm or are interested in how this type of relationship begins.

Fated Mates and Anal Sex

Here's a good discussion for a rainy Tuesday: Fated mates and anal sex- a country perspective.

Now, I don't know about you guys, but I am getting a little uncomfortable in the saddle with all this spewing of anal sex. It seems to me that anal sex is gonna almost be blase when this finally passes over.

I gotta chuckle every time I read a true mate shifter style story and the man says something like we must seal the bond and I must mark you in every way. That's right folks, anal penetration. I don't know, Discovery/NatGeo ain't ever showed wolves and lions doing that before. I don't recall it in my Biology course in college either.

Or when they must quickly mate and seal the bonds through anal sex in order to end some world catastrophe. That's right folks, a good reaming is all that's needed to empower you to defeat the dark forces. Who knew?! I didn't.

Well, I gonna wrap this up. This vibrating butt plug is gettin' a might uncomfortable and a whole mess of feral vamps is headed my way. Time for some bond sealing and ass whoppin'.

All joking aside:
Be wary of any hulking, knuckle dragging neanderthal, alpha male type that claims you are his one true mate and you must seal that bond through anal sex in order to stem some extreme crisis.You have been warned!

Hellbaby by Minx Malone

Hellbaby (from publisher):

All Helena plans for Halloween is a visit to Underworld to find the demon father who abandoned her and her mother.
Instead she finds herself captured by the gatekeeper, Abaddon.
Lena knew him only as Donny, the quiet young bodyguard she loved as a teenager but he’s been reborn as Lord Destroyer, Commander of the elite military squadron, the Enforcers. He offers her a deal, three nights in exchange for her freedom but Lena wants more. Can she convince Underworld's fiercest Enforcer that they can have much more than three nights, that if he's willing, they can have forever?

Review: I have never read anything by this author before, but Minx Malone seems promising. Helena, part angel and part demon, tends to go into fire rages when she is highly emotional. Especially during sex when she climaxes. So having sex with humans or even angels is difficult because she can not orgasm or she will hurt her partner. Donny, her bodyguard sent by her father, was her first lover and only love. Donny was a demon and thus able to handle the fire, being an erotic sensation for him. Donny left abrubtly and Helena has been broken hearted along with sexually unfulfilled since then. The veil between the worlds is open on Halloween so Helena hashes a plan. She decides to find her father just so she can persuade him to help her find Donny, she is captured by Abbandon. Abbandon has loved her, yet blames his love for her and the time they shared, as reasons for the torture her Lord Regent father put him through. Abbandon plays mind games with her and the Lord Regent plays games with the both. This is a good one time, quick read that is only hurt by the fact that it could have been longer. Just wish there were further stories of Helena and Abbandon.

John Abraham

OK, things you will never here me say in my life:

No, you eat that chocolate.

I've had enough coffee.

I wish I was from India.
--but this man changes that.
I would do awful, horrible things to just.....

John Abraham is a Bollywood (India's version of Hollywood) actor/model who is probably as gay as they come (no pun intended) but gay or not he's beyond me. Notice I don't even bring up my poor hubbie. HAHAHAHA!! Love you honey.

Demon Moon by Cameron Dane

Demon Moon (from publisher):

Rancher Connor Hawkins despises every drop of demon blood that courses through his veins. He would give just about anything to become human. The only way he can make that happen is to participate in a darkly sensual ritual under a rare full Halloween moon with a woman who loves him unconditionally. He's got the full moon, if only he can risk his heart and tell Cassandra Claire what he really is.
Cassie Claire thinks she already knows the real Connor, and she's been in love with him since she was eighteen years old. They've shared a unique friendship from the day her father died and Connor brought her home to live with his family. But she's twenty-three now, and on this Halloween night she's determined to make the stoic, stubborn Connor open his eyes and finally see her for the strong, capable young woman she's become.
But it's hard to trust when you never have, and Connor has precious little time before the full Halloween moon wanes, not to be seen again for many, many years. He has to tell her, but if he does, will she love him enough to do what must be done?
They'll both find out, one passionate night under a Demon Moon.

Review: This story starts off almost shockingly in its eroticism, but quickly attempts to redeem itself. I personally like a slow build up, not a sex scene that starts on page three of a novella. Nonetheless, this is an interesting tale of demons that live as humans on their ranch in Montana, Hawkins Ranch. Connor has one chance to become human, but is scared that Cassie will reject him if she finds out he is a demon. He would rather live with her as a friend than risk losing her. Cassie is in love with Connor but he does not seem to see her as a woman. The sex scenes are very heated. The ceremony, if you will, that Cassie must perform on Connor only on Halloween night moves from the erotic romance/romantic category straight into the crass. I felt it was a scene built more for the male fantasy than the female. Not a bad book, but not a great read either. If you like demons and Halloween, then you might want to check out this one.

Note most other offerings in the series are m/m. At my time of reading, this first tale was the only m/f, but there may be others now.

Solo by Jill Mansell

BEWARE THIS POST CONTAINS CURSING AND LOTS OF RUDE PHRASES. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!!

Description:
Love is always just around the corner in a Jill Mansell novel - with a few surprises and a lot of humour on the way to happiness When Tessa Duvall, a struggling artist, reluctantly agreed to accompany her best friend Holly to a party at the elegant Charrington Grange Hotel, she had every intention of sneaking off early. For parties full of strangers bored the knickers off Tessa and this one proved to be no exception - until she encountered Ross Monahan, whose wicked reputation was as high profile as the hotel he owned and ran with such panache. But whilst Holly set about ensnaring his reluctant brother Max, Tessa simply accepted Ross for what he was, a sensational one-night stand...until she realised, weeks later, that one-night stands can have far-reaching consequences...

REVIEW: Ok, this has not a damn thing to do with Autumn, Halloween, nothing. But this book is so bad it's scary. Like typing in bold scary. In the immortal words of Jon Stweart, "There's gotta be some chocolate sauce in this shit sandwich somewhere" alas there was not. I have not read anything so chauvinistic and disgusting. Tessa and Holly, Max and Ross all the characters really, well except for the baby, should have been loaded on a plane and then crashed somewhere in the ocean. That would have been good, because the story would have ended, abruptly, instead of being dragged out. This story should have been entitled "Philanders and The Women who Shamelessly and Desperately Cling to Them Because They Have NO Selfesteem and Would Thus Like to Be With a Man Who Would Stick His Phallus in Anything with a Hole, Especially While his "True Love, Tessa" is Giving Birth to His Child." Long title, I know yet appropriate. Mansell take infidelity to a new level, I mean Ross screwed everybody, except his brother, Max, while claiming to want a marriage to Tessa, even going so far to claim she was a slut for having a platonic male friend stay with her. All because he recognized he was like him, ie, not able to keep his dick in his pants. The only thing I can be happy about is that Ross wasn't bisexual or incestuous, or maybe if he had screwed his brother I would have seen the publisher warning and never read this book. The only likable character in this book is the only one without a HEA. I am damned pissed that this was an ebook. In these tough economic times the paperback would have been useful for toilet paper. As for the supposed wit in this book, I've seen more at funerals. I think if I read more British books like this one, then I could see why the French hate the British.
Got to be one of the worst books I have ever read. So bad I am not even giving you a link to buy it. Consider this my community service/charitable gift, in warning you away. Bring in Halloween, you only wish you ate a bag of razor blade embedded candy bars, instead of reading this garbage.

Whose body is this????

Whose body is this?? I mean I noticed blondie's nipples seemed a little dark and his skin didn't quite match, but then the image of the dark haired guy hit me and I knew where I had seen those barb tats that blondie is sporting before. Apparaently, Ellora's Cave did a little photoshop decapitation. I wonder what he really looks like. How funny, yet oddly disturbing. Wait, but what if it's not the black haired gents body either? Whose body is this? Where's his head? Why do I care??? Hmm, good point. And is it me or does he look a tad uncomfortable-- "I am in pain. My speedo stuffing went horribly awry" (from Twilight Rifftrax). Butt floss, anyone? No? Are ya' sure?

See, this is what happens to you if you can't find a job and are left to your own devices.

Hankie Pankie by Liz Andrews

Hankie Pankie (from publisher):

When Amie Taggert discovers an invitation for a BDSM Halloween party on her boyfriend's computer, she's concerned he's unsatisfied with their relationship. Wanting to show him she's willing to try anything once, Amie signs them up. Imagine her surprise when she discovers he's clueless about the event.
Eric Hammond wonders if this is Amie's way of saying she's interested in spicing up their love life. He's more than willing to be adventuresome in the bedroom.
If the exotic rooms at the club are any indication, Halloween will be a night of hankie pankie neither will forget.

Review: Hankie Pankie is a rather mild, or bland, bdsm story depending on your opinion of this genre. If you do not like hard core bdsm with multiple partners, humiliation, etc., then this may be a good tale for you. As it is about a couple learning about the lifestyle, it would be a good introduction to bdsm stories. If you like more hardcore bdsm, then this tale may disappoint. It is a "quickie" length, thus not much in the way of a deep plot, but a pleasant tale nonetheless. A great one-time read for your Halloween pleasures!

*Even if those barb wire tats may be fake, they still look hot! (^.~)*

Romancing the Recluse By Michelle M. Pillow

Romancing the Recluse (from publisher):

Viktor Dracodomus' biological clock is ticking. As a dragon shifter, he only has a short time left to find his mate and reproduce or he'll be forever sterile. Considering he's lived for centuries, it shouldn't be too hard. But there's one catch. This recluse hasn't been on a date for some time—since Queen Victoria took the throne. Modern women are nothing like those he remembers dealing with.

Samantha Egan's life is in a slump, despite the fact she's an heiress. She was just fired from a volunteer job, her boyfriend left her and she's all alone in the world. But being the lady of propriety she is, she can't believe it when she is compelled to start making out with a stranger in the middle of Central Park. Now the sexy man won't keep his hands to himself and it's all she can do to say no.

Review: This Autumn tale is about a dragon shifter and a somewhat dingy heiress. I'm not sure why she had to be an heiress. It seems Viktor Dracodomus has a thing for snagging them as the other woman in his past was also one. Sam was alright, but I like Viktor more. Not a bad tale, but there are things that I wish had been expanded on. Beware, if Viktor doesn't find his mate by his 600^th year, then he loses the ability to have sex. Sam is his fated/chosen mate and he is quick to claim her. Hence the the plot device of dubious consent to become a mate, not the sex, just the life mate. If Autumn in the city and dragon luvin's are your thing, then you might want to check this one out. This reader enjoyed how the author discusses the changes in time periods and language. Not a great read, but not a bad one either.

Part of the “Stop Dragon My Heart Around” Anthology.

Blood Lust by Stephani Hecht

Blood Lust (from publisher):
Once top soldiers for the Vampire Regulation Force, Kane Toren and his two younger brothers were the ones to call for missions no one else could handle.They were feared by everyone and respected by all.That ended in one horrible night, when an entire human family was slaughtered and the brothers were falsely accused, imprisoned and disgraced.

Ten years later, Kane is out of prison and struggling to support himself and his brothers by taking jobs no self-respecting vampire would accept.Then on Halloween Night a beautiful female Drone vampire, named Toni, shows up at his door seeking his help. There is no way Kane can turn her away, even though he knows she, too, is harboring demons from her own dark past.

Despite all that, they find themselves drawn to each other. But, can they let go of the past long enough to embrace the future?

Review: This is a fast paced paranormal Halloween tale. Blood Lust is the first in the Drone Vampire Chronicles series. Kane and Toni are both excellent characters. It contains a nice blend of action, adventure, romance and eroticism all done in a comfortable voice and is easily approachable. I dislike complicated story lines that have so much information crammed into them it is hard to follow the plot. Not so with Blood Lust. The author has done and excellent job with this tale and has setup a world (I would love to further explore) without complicating Blood Lust with overly detailed back story. Unfortunately for me, the rest of the tales in this series are m/m or m/m/f. I am not a fan of that genre. If you are, then I would definitely pick up this keeper and reread as a start and then check out the rest of the series. Hey, you could even let me know how the books are.

A Trick of the Moon by Melinda Barron

A Trick of the Moon (from publisher):

BBW Maura Atwell has put away her attorney shoes to run her father’s guest ranch while he recovers from a stroke. When what looks to be a Native American kiva is discovered on her father’s land, she does what any good attorney would do: she has it investigated.
Archeologist Declan Littlecreek has wanted Maura since they were in college. Knowing sex and friendship don’t always mix, he kept things from getting too heavy. Now that Maura is asking for his help in exploring her new find, he’s all game. And he’s ready to explore the attraction between them if she is.
Declan and his best friend, policeman Dario Fuentes, travel to the Full Moon Ranch to see what they can learn. While the threesome explores the kiva, they also discover a passion that burns hot between the three of them, binding them together. Will it survive the end of the exploration or will it turn out to be just a trick of the moon?

Review: This story is part of Loose Id's Boss's Day Collection (October 16th). Maura loved Declan, Declan loved Maura yet neither one was willing to risk their friendship to try for a relationship. A Trick of the Moon features menage scenes, yet the publisher failed to mention some m/m sexual interactions. It would be appreciated. I had high hopes for this book, but in the end I couldn't love it. The Declan-Maura relationship is skipped over for the trio. Menage scenes are not the problem, I just hoped for more time spent on Declan and Maura. It felt that sometimes it was looked over for Dario and Maura. In the end, I could see Maura booted and Declan and Dario getting together. I once read another reviewer say that it was hard to believe men who participated together in menages (shared women together with just each other) had latent homosexual tendencies. This story proves it. The kiva back story was interesting in its historical context but not very fulfilling for the plot. While I have liked other Melinda Barron tales, this one I would recommend as a one-time read. While a good story and well written, it just did not click with me. Definite must read if you are a Melinda Barron fan, like me.

One Night Stand by J.C. Wilder

One Night Stand (from publisher):

Lucius deVille had the face of an angel and the body of an unrepentant sinner. He was the kind of vampire every woman dreamed of calling 'Lover' at least once in her life. The proverbial tall, dark and handsome male that was the fantasy of millions of women around the world and to top it all off, he was educated and possessed a wicked sense of humor that had charmed more than one woman out of her panties.
Tonight, Rachel was determined to claim Luc as her own.

Review: This story is not up to snuff. I have read better by Wilder. This is an extremely short story (under 25 pages) and thus it doesn't have time for a full plot. The intimate scenes feel cheap and meaningless. Just about any writer can write a sex scene based on crude words or physical aspects, Wilder has done love scenes with deeper emotions or at least enticed some emotion other than indifference. Things are brought up as what would seem to be important plot points, but then never again mentioned. Shame, given more space this could have been a good story and one I would have loved to read. Read it if you love vampires, Halloween and New Orleans wrapped up in one story. I will admit I agree with this statement from the story: New Orleans is a city possesses the twin vices of sin and pleasure!

Sorry, J.C. Wilder, this is not my favorite story, but I love most of your works!

This story is only available in the Tales from the Temple II Anthology.

Dark Stallion by Raven Willow-Wood

Dark Stallion (from publisher):

A stranger in a realm unknown, Emma didn’t know where she was, but she knew she didn’t want to be there, especially since she immediately finds herself the captive of the hoonan king. Having suffered enough of his advances, she decides to sneak out of his castle.

Lady Luck, she discovers, is a sick bitch. She hadn’t even managed to climb down her rope when she found Aydin and Colwin right behind her. Relieved, at first, to discover they aren’t the king’s men, she quickly discovers they don’t see it the same way.

When she's bound and gagged, she knows she's in serious trouble, aside from the fact that the 'men' that have taken her aren't actually men but centaurs who think she's hoonan, and any hoonan is an enemy of theirs.

With the hoonan horde at their back, will they manage to continue to elude them or will Aydin and Colwin decide to ransom her to save more of their own people?

As their journey continues, Emma becomes a captive of their desires, torn between the desperation to be with them and the desperation to return home.

Review: Things do not appear to be good for New Concepts Publishing. I have read three stories published under them and only one has been readable. Dark Stallion is full of plot holes and inconsistencies. Here are some examples that include quotes from the story.

On Emma's infertility 1)She loved babies! Maybe she was a little obsessive about it because she couldn’t have one of her own. 2)“You’re … uh … centaur, though, so you couldn’t possibly get me pregnant, could you?” she asked hopefully.
**Wait, I though she couldn't have one of her own?**
On having a centaurs baby 1) And maybe she was a little worried about the possibility of getting pregnant, but they werecentaurs ! It wouldn’t be like giving birth to a baby with a different skin color! They had to know that it just wasn’t possible for a hoonan, or a human, to give birth to a centaur! 2) It didn’t … and she was vastly disappointed. She supposed it might be considered the height of kink, but she happened tolike it when he had sex with her in centaur form! Or maybe it went way beyond the height of kink? It was almost worse that she felt so disappointed that she couldn’t possibly bear a baby centaur. Somehow, she supposed because they’d said their mother was human, she’d gotten the idea that the baby centaurs were small enough that she could deliver one.
**What, I thought she didn't want to have a half horse baby?**
She then goes on lamenting and wailing about her inadequacies of not being able to birth centaur babies.

It goes on from there. Inane drivel to spastic ramblings, this book is one that is hardly worth the cost of the ebook or the steps it takes to download it. When hunting more about this author, the name pulls up that is the same author (under another possible pseudonym of Megan Ziese) who wrote The Soldier's Woman (click for my review). If true, it would explain so much. The tricks on you, if you read this book. Remember, that is just my opinion. These sort of inconsistencies really set the tone for the book and the author's ability to maintain a plot line. Such a shame, it could have been a good book. Especially if Aydin and Colwin would have horse kicked Emma back to the hoonan king. Annoying, TSTL and not someone I had much empathy for. Also, in those quotes you will see very poor editing. It was not me typing things in wrong, those spacing issues come directly from the source and appear that way in the story. Guess I'll have to find a centaur story some other place....


*Yes I know it isn't a Halloween themed story! Just hoped for a good fantasy.

Accidentally Were by Anne Douglas

Accidentally Were (from publisher):

Pearl Gordon wakes up after her first ever one-night stand to an empty bed, a plethora of love bites, and every stray canine in town serenading her bedroom window. Something's not right -- neither the dogs, nor the strange canine tooth marks in the middle of all the hickeys she now wears around her neck make any sense.
When her pal Shaun can't come up with any better excuse than she was bitten by a werewolf -- seriously, as if! -- Shaun suggests Pearl double check with her neighbor, Rex Dixon. After all, the handsome, burly, bear of a man might be practicing as a vet, but he also trained as a GP.
Angry that a Were in heat was so stupid as to sit herself down in the middle of his waiting room, Rex reacts. Only there's a few things he doesn't know about Pearl, and it seems Magic is about to poke a pin in the side of his confirmed bachelor balloon. There's a prophecy to fulfill and Fate's out hunting, and she's loaded for Were-Bear.
When Miss Priss in pearls meets Mr. Proudly Plaid in flannel, there'll be more flying than just blue sparks and fur.

Review: Huntingdawn 1: Accidentally Were? is a well written and fun read. The magical aspects of shape shifting is very interesting in this tale. The beginning of the story is hilarious and disgusting. Rex's reaction to the curvy Pearl is humorous. As a couple, Pearl and Rex are fantastic. I could not get enough of their budding relationship and wished the story was longer. The love scenes are passionate and hot. Rex shifted to bear form after meeting the Grande Dame, his beast wanted to be with Pearl and the reader was left tense if there was going to be shifter sex. There was not. He only wanted to "protect mine," which is such a sweet sentiment, and snuggled Pearl into bed to guard over her. I wish Vlad the Impaler, Pearl's alpha dog, had more scenes! One note, though, since Rex was a vet and Pearl rescued animals, both Vlad and Donkey should have been neutered and spayed, respectively. It was irresponsible of both of them to let that happen and the story let me down on this issue. Considering everything that was going on, it is understandable. Overall this is a great read that will have you laughing and flaming. I enjoyed it both times I've read it and would recommend this as a keeper and reread.
There is a follow up book- Huntingdawn 2: Witch Vamp Were? -that features Pearl's quirky friend, Shaun. I have not read this book and can make no comment on the content.

All Hallows’ Moon by Jeigh Lynn

All Hallow's Moon (from publisher):

Jill Parker is on her way to a Halloween party when she drives into a wolf. She gets the injured beast into her car, and to shelter. Turns out, Jill’s wolf is a werewolf.
And he claims that she’s his mate.
After one night together, Jill takes off. She thinks Dash is an outrageous playboy. Now it’s up to him to convince her he’s telling the truth. And that she should care.

Review: This is a side story in the Latin Moon series and you do not have to read the series, or even be familiar with it to read this story. The story blurb is a little misleading as to what this story is about. While it was entertaining, it is not something that must be read. If you are a fan of the series, then you'd probably want to read it just for that reason. The couple are uninhibited upon meeting, like 10 minutes after they met, kinda uninhibited. I like a build up of love, some sort of relationship before the couple hop in the sack. Dash, to me, is more likable than Jill. Not bad, but not a must read either.

The Pirate and the Pussycat By Lacey Alexander

The Pirate and the Pussycat (from publisher):

When Leah gets an invitation to a Halloween bash, she has mixed emotions. At last year's party, she met a man, fell for him hard and…never heard from him again. So this year she'll take a new approach. Screw emotions — she's going to find a sexy guy and do the dirty with him, no strings attached.
Arriving in her sexy cat costume, she spies a hot pirate and knows instantly that he's the man she's going to seduce. But can she succeed? Or will this naughty little kitty end up heartbroken all over again?

Review: Wow, a highly erotic tale of loosened inhibitions, anonymous sex and brandishing of cutlasses. The surprise twist to the ending should not come as a surprise to the reader, but in this tale, getting there is the best part. Leah claims that two cosmos got her inebriated enough to follow through with her seduction scheme, but it took more than that paltry amount, had to include the backbone of an inner hussie, too! (^.~) A definite must read to heat up these cooling October nights. This story is only available in the Seasons of Seduction Anthology: Volume III.

**I really am not in love with this much photoed EC cover model, but I drool every single time I see those tats. Something about tattoos that totally drives a girl mad, or is it just me?**

Howling for My Baby by Beverly Rae

Howling for My Baby (from publisher):

Sydney Skeller’s father is spitting bullets over her reluctance to join the family business as a shifter hunter. The last thing Daddy needs to know is why—she yearns for a lover who’s man enough for a relationship but animal enough to give her the wild ride of her dreams. After a treadmill mishap lands her in a tangled heap with Jason Cannon, she wonders if she’s finally found her beast, er, man. One session in bed and one bite later, she’s sure. Now if only she can keep her father from mounting Jason’s head on a wall…

Jason is all man on the surface, but wolf shifter down to the bone. He’s more than ready to stop “playing the pack” and find his one true mate, and Sydney of the luscious curves is the woman of his dreams. Finding out that she comes from a family sworn to eradicate his kind isn’t a deal-breaker. But her outrageous plan for him to masquerade as the wolf in hunter’s clothing, right under her father’s very nose, could be asking more than he ever expected to give.

Review: I so wanted to love this book, but in the end I only liked the book. You might even say that I only tolerated it for some parts just hoping to get back to the I-like-this feeling. Jason is not a bad character and enjoyed him quite a bit. Sydney, or Syd, was immature. Her friend, Charlie, is annoying and not very witty. Jason's friend, Benjy, the horribly named, token gay buddy, is at neck wringing level. I believe the author was trying to be funny with both Charlie and Benjy, but it wasn't. Their humorous asides only helped slow the story down and take focus away from what was supposed to be happening. Syd came across as selfish to me, one way in particular. Her mother was not happy about Jason and told her that she would never let Syd hurt her father by who she was with, a shifter. Nice mom, see where the selfish streak comes from! Jason suggests that Syd live with him in his other home, away from her shifter-killing father. He goes on to suggest they could split their time between the two places: at his condo in the town and the rural property of his family. She refuses and wants to live in the shifter hunting hot spot for 'Skeller', her dad. Who, I might mention, doesn't seem to have a relationship with her, or even cares to know much about who she really is, evidenced by the fact that she refers to him by his last name. I didn't get that. She was almost TSTL. She put herself, Jason and the rest of his pack endanger by her actions. The author's jokes fell flat and the constant puns grated (especially the names: Jason Cannon, Benjy Boudoir). Also, there were all these reveals about characters, especially Max and Madame Medusala, that felt forced. Too much, too little, just not enough to make me truly love this book, not worth a reread.
*Paranormal themed, not particularly Halloween themed.*

Haunted Dreams by Karen Erickson

Haunted Dreams (from publisher):

A handsome stranger haunts Kara’s dreams, making her feel like no one ever has before. When she meets Hayden at a Halloween charity ball, she realizes he’s her stranger. Thrown together in a contest to stay all night in a haunted house on Halloween, they find their mutual attraction cannot be denied.

Katherine and Hadden are ghost lovers who haunt the very house where they were murdered, stuck until their reincarnated souls come together and fall in love. They must bring Kara and Hayden together before the night is over – but will the ghosts help them or ruin their chances?

Review: This is a very intriguing paranormal tale. Katherine and Hadden were desperately in love. Star crossed lovers ripped apart by murder. Kara has been having dreams of a mystery man and when they meet he's had dreams of her. This tale was fun, but not scary, kinda anticlimactic really. There was no drama about Kara and Hayden and their budding feelings. Paranormal with a twist and more sensual than erotic. Okay as it is, but could had something added to it to give it a little more zing to make it special.

My Hubbies Senator Larry Craig Moment

First off let me say that I have nothing against homosexuals, but bathroom hookups are just nasty. Men take it to a whole new level. Now the good stuff. My husband is in university. Between classes he heads to the university center for coffee and a bathroom break. Well, he hit the gay hookup hotspot on campus today. Walls covered with numbers, meet up spots and various other things. He said not an inch was blank and all mostly very recent dates. The scary thing was that he went to the last stall, standing there he looked to the plastic dividing wall and noticed a metal plate. The metal plate covered a hole someone had gouged out for anonymous blowjobs!! GROSS!! I'm sorry, hetero or homo, that's just nasty. Yes, it was bigger than a peep hole if you catch my not so subtle drift. I can here it now: "Hey Mike, I gotta run in here for a sec" next thing you know some freak is waving his junk through the hole. Yikes! You don't see women digging holes for cunnilingus. So there you have it-my hubbies Larry Craig moment.

Beowulf And Roxie by Marisa Chenery

Beowulf and Roxie (from publisher):

When Roxie and her friend, Candice, decided on a girls' night out, she didn't realize the Wulf's Den would be more than she had anticipated. But Roxie soon learned to expect anything. The presence of a super-abundance of super good-looking men surprised her and when the best of the bunch stared at her as if he wanted to devour her, surprise turned to amazement.

Beowulf recognized her as his mate the instant she crossed his path and her scent filled his lungs. But he had to overcome one hurdle. She was not one of his kind—a werewolf. He had waited for years to find his mate and he would claim her even if she was a mortal. He would soon teach her all about werewolves.

Roxie is caught up in strange events. Archaic markings appear on her wrist, and strong forces threaten to tear her away from her love as two other male werewolves try to claim her as their own. Would Roxie and Beowulf be able to keep the bond love had forged or would they lose each other forever?

Review: Here is one of my more usual reviews today. First, this is not a Halloween themed story, just the paranormal shapeshifter with a twist. Secondly, the cover models are no way in hell representative of the Beowulf and Roxie. I find that so amusing. I guess it was meant to entice readers in, but it put me off. Bored one day, I finally read this story. It was not bad at all once I got past the annoying cover. The author twists the idea of near immortality and increased longevity with werewolves that I found hard to believe, even in this make believe world. Yes, there is a Beowulf connection, as in the tale. I can not stand the name Roxie. It sounds like a cheap hooker's name out of a bad '70s film. That took me awhile to get used to. Enough nitpicking. The story was well done and as this is a series, I hope that certain things are better explained as the series goes on. There are exciting fight scenes, hot love scenes and more to draw readers in. I would recommend this one as a keeper and reread. It'll make you want to go out trick or treating at Wulf's Den. Oh, that was awful joke, wasn't it. (^.^)

Red and the Wolf by Evangeline Anderson

Red and the Wolf (from publisher):

Sara Jensen is the town witch in Buck Lake, Tennessee. More than anything she misses her older brother and his best friend Reeve, who are overseas in the Marine Corps. But when her brother is killed in action, Reeve comes back with a secret—an ancient crone laid a curse on him that turns him into a ravening wolf every full moon.

Sara has a secret of her own—she’s head over heels for Reeve and has been since they were kids. When he comes to her house on Halloween night asking for help, she inadvertently lays a fidelity spell on him while trying to keep him in his human form. Sara knows she must undertake the difficult and dangerous task of lifting his curse. But when the wolf within him is banished, the fidelity spell will be lifted too and his love for her will disappear.

Review: This author is hit or miss for me. Red and the Wolf is actually one of the few I actually like. That said, upon reading this again, I realized how silly some of this story is. The first reading really allows you to follow the fantasy, that upon the second reading just seems so forced and scripted. I know, I know. It is fiction, it is scripted, but what I mean is that some of the scenes seem more like they are out of a how-to-erotica book than through a natural flow. It's hard for me to explain, but there are certain scenes that prove my point. For instance, there is a scene in which Reeve is worried he hurt Sara. Well, I won't give away the details, but that is exactly what I am talking about. You read it and decide. It's a highly sexual tale that would appeal to those with sex magick and werewolf fantasies to fill their Samhain night.

Rendezvous by Lisabet Sarai

Rendezvous (from publisher):

For Rebecca, Halloween has always been special, an opportunity for her to cast off her sensible, ordinary self and assume a new look and a new identity: someone extraordinary, sensual and seductive.
When Halloween night finds her stranded by a breakdown in a seedy motel nearly a hundred miles from her friend's annual party, she's terribly frustrated and disappointed. Then she discovers that her room is haunted by the invisible but unquestionably virile ghost of a rake who seduced local women nearly half a century earlier. Gradually, the ghost unmasks Rebecca's secret desires, fulfilling every one.
By the time midnight tolls, Rebecca has come face to face with more magic than she had ever imagined.

Review: This story is a non-traditional romance in that it does not feature the HEA. It is a somewhat sad tale of a young man whose life was cut short and the ties that bind him to the place of his death. I couldn't help feel despair for Tony, while also enjoying him. Rebecca is fine as a character. This is a more erotica, than erotic romance. Meaning this story deals with exploring sex, sexuality and the boundaries of bdsm. A highly erotic tale that makes you ache just a little for Tony and Rebecca, yet still enjoy the adventure they go on.

Stolen Goddess by Tawny Taylor

Stolen Goddess (from publisher):

When Kylie Mannings answers the door on Halloween evening, expecting a couple of toddlers in pumpkin costumes, she quickly learns that candy bars don't make the most effective weapon against kidnappers. In quick order, two thugs have her overpowered and unconscious. To her chagrin, she wakes up nude, tied to a bed, and the prisoner of a strange man. A powerful, very sexy man who insists she's his wife and some kind of goddess. Uh…hello? She's pretty sure she'd remember a little thing like being married. And a goddess…puhleez. If only she could convince her whip-wielding captor of his minor confusion.
Xur Phoenix has gotten his wife, the Goddess of Celestine, back at last. But much to his surprise, she claims she doesn't know him. Whether her supposed memory loss is genuine or a part of another sexy role-playing game doesn't matter. With her bound and helpless, a victim of her own darkest desires, he'll refresh her memory in no time. For her own safety, and his sanity, she needs to remember who her Master is—and fast!
Unfortunately, with a killer on the loose, there's bound to be a few more surprises for them both.

Review: This is not so much a Halloween tale as it is a sci-fi/fantasy. Kylie recently broke up with her boyfriend, Adam. It is Halloween, his favorite holiday, and all she can think is about the wild sex they shared during the past Halloween and how alone she is. Then two trick or treaters show up, tackle her down and she awakens naked and tied up with a man saying she is his wife. Bondage, spanking and hot luvin's ensue. Kur is a fabulous character and I truly liked him. He was not the usual rough, knuckle-dragging alpha. He was gentle and loving to Kylie even while role playing in the bedroom. A great novella, with a surprise or two, to read anytime of the year.

Leashed: Two for One Deal by Jet Mykles

Leashed: Two For One Deal(from publisher):

An evil witch gives Meg two weeks to join his coven. Or else. The deadline? Samhain.

What’s a good witch to do?

Magic, of course. She casts an age-old summoning spell to attract a shapeshifter to leash for her protection. It works, but it’s a two for one deal: Rudy, a werewolf, and Michael, a werejaguar.

Review: While an amazingly erotic tale of a witch and her two shifter familiars, this story should come with a notice. I did not realize that this menage tale was a m/m/f. While I have nothing against m/m, I am not a fan. For some reason I missed the fact that besides a menage this had gay themes. Beyond that this is an interesting tale of magic and the power witches use to bind shifters and how they interact with each other. In a tale were sex can cure and strengthen all things, be prepared for a hot ride. I wish I had leashing powers. You'll love Meg, Rudy and Michael. Only problem, there is some sort of previous leashing back story, that the author failed to expand on and that would have been appreciated. This is told in the rest of the series and I'll be sure to check out!

**I will be reviewing another story from this Halloween themed anthology!**

Second Moon by Lynn Lorenz

Second Moon (from publisher):

Under a rare second moon, Samantha Waters meets Duke Stevens in a bar. She’s a witch in denial and he’s a werewolf who’s dying. To her, the off-duty detective is just what she’s looking for—protection from the creepy guy chasing her. To him, she’s the answer to his prayers.

After losing his lifemate to cancer, Duke knows he’s doomed. Without a new lifemate, he faces a slow death. And from the first moment he scents Sam, he knows she’s the one. He just has to convince her to fall in love and marry him. As soon as possible. Simple, right?

But Sam’s been down the rough road to love before and she has no intention of being pushed or rushed into anything, especially marriage. Not even by a dying alpha werewolf, or his imposing father. She’s got the strength to accept Duke and his family, but does she have the strength to open her heart to him and accept that she’s a witch?

The witch and the werewolf.

On Halloween, under a second moon, anything can happen.

Review: This is a truly magical and sensual romantic tale. It draws the reader in to the swirl of emotions that both Duke and Samantha feel. Duke is dying and needs to find a new life-mate and Sam is scared because she has been hurt in the past. This is not a highly erotic tale, but a journey to find love and redemption that culminates in a moving and beautiful love scene. I highly recommend this story for other sentimental types. A great blend of paranormal. It is a definite keeper and reread.

Phantom Lover by Kay Wilde

Phantom Lover :

Despite her best friend's steamroller tactics and her arguments as to why Tessa just had to attend the Halloween Ball, it was the location of the ball which Tessa had been unable to resist. On some strange level she identified with the once neglected estate, the estate which featured in all her childhood fantasies. Along with the man who had come to her rescue when she ran away from home as child and found herself lost on the abandoned estate. Her fantasy prince.

"When you're all grown up, little one, come back and see me," he'd told her then put his finger to his lips and winked. Their visit was to be a secret. Tessa never told another living soul about the handsome man, but she had never forgotten. And now, tonight, Tessa Brandt was a mature woman and she was returning to Rosehaven.

Review: Shifting Winds (Tales of the Darkworld, Book 1) would be an interesting read if it were not so disjointed in the beginning that it jars the reader. It was so confusing with the flashbacks that this reader could hardly tell who or what was going on. Was it poorly organized or author creativity? I don't know. Moving on. Elysia is supposedly the girl to screw in the Darkworld, or so we are told, why is not really explained. Declan is the hunka-man-meat that she decides to hook up with to stave off her sexual hungers. Then the inevitable bond mate but don't want to mate drama whatever ensues. There are redeeming qualities to this story, so don't despair. Declan's kink is intriguing and I found that highly erotic and the scene was very well done. Also, the author's description of how dragon shifters bond with their mates is interesting. If you're tired of lycan and feline shifter stories, then I would recommend this one solely on the fact that it involves a dragon shifter.

Haunted by You by Michele Bardsley

Haunted by You (from publisher):

Sometimes, you must face the ghosts of your past.

Twila Montgomery spent the best summer of her teenaged years at Miller’s Lake. So when her life goes to crap, she decides it’s the perfect place for emotional convalescence.

She never forgot the night she saw the ghostly Bride drift across the lake -- or the reason she’d been inside the rickety old row boat: Kyle Danport. She figures the seventeen-year-old boy who’d been her first real crush is long gone. And she hopes the ghost is gone, too.

But neither the Bride nor Kyle ever left Miller’s Lake. And both seem to want something from her… the Bride, to solve a fifty-year-old mystery and Kyle, to finish what they’d started on that starlight night a decade ago…

Remember, campers: At Miller's Lake, nothing is what it seems.

Review: This is a tiny nibble of a story and as such has only the briefest hints of a plot. Twila and Kyle were teenagers the summer she spent at Miller's Lake and when she saw the Bride ghost. Some point in the future, Twila returns and must help settle the mystery of the ghost. Most of the sensual scenes are not between Twila and Kyle, but in dreams Twila has of a man and woman, who is the Bride ghost. It's a very short story, a hot flash by Changeling Press, but is steamy and has enough to take the edge off. It's better than eating all that chocolate, so indulge in this one-time quick read. Contains, bdsm and ghostly lovin's.

The Wallflower by Dana Marie Bell

The Wallflower (from publisher):

A Hunting Love story, Halle Puma Series Book 1.

Emma Carter has been in love with Max Cannon since high school, but he barely knew she existed. Now she runs her own unique curio shop, and she’s finally come out her shell and into her own.When Max returns to his small home town to take up his duties as the Halle Pride’s Alpha, he finds that shy little Emma has grown up. That small spark of something he’d always felt around the teenager has blossomed into something more—his mate!Taking her “out for a bite” ensures that the luscious Emma will be permanently his.But Max’s ex has plans of her own. Plans that don’t include Emma being around to interfere. To keep her Alpha, Emma must prove to the Pride that she has what it takes to be Max’s mate.

Review: I have read this story several times and have enjoyed it each time. This is the classic hot guy who returns to town to find love or in this case, a mate, in the wallflower he overlooked. Max and Emma for the most part are likable characters. There is little in terms of sex and is not very graphic or hard core. Emma's jokes are annoying, especially on later reads. Also, the author falls into that annoying as hell Marilyn Monroe was a curvy chick fall back to describe Emma. People really need to do their research. Monroe was not a size 12/14 of today but of the Fifties, which makes her about a 0/2 today. Ha! Feminism and women's history taught me well, thanks Dr. H!! Clothing sizing has changed, so that comparison is enough to make my head spin around. If you can get past asinine comparison and the childish asides of Emma, then it's not bad for a puma shifter masquerade party story. Onetime Read

Conquering Mikhel Dumont by Marilyn Lee

Conquering Mikhel Dumont (from publisher):

Book One in the Bloodlust Series
Schoolteacher Erica Kalai is always warning her female students against letting teenage boys sweet-talk them into bed. But on her 40th birthday, she encounters a man dressed as her favorite anti-hero, Dracula. One look at the younger, strangely compelling giant and Erica is soon out of her clothes and into his arms. It won't take her long to figure out, however, that she's put herself into the clutches of a real Dracula.
Mikhel Dumont, half-blood vampire of the Dumont family, didn't want to go to a silly Halloween party. But something special will happen this night, or so his beloved sister Katie tells him. So, against his better judgment, Mikhel goes to the party just to please his little sister.
Mikhel never intended to be drawn to a human female. After all, it was expected he would claim the full-blood Deoctra as his Bloodlust. Fate has another plan for Mikhel and Erica. Drawn to her as only a vampire can be to his Bloodlust, Mikhel fights his true feelings, wanting only a hot affair. But even a vampire can only fight so much until he must give in and claim her as his…for eternity.

Review: Wow, Marilyn Lee has a way of getting the reader hot and bothered. (^.~) This story is full of Lee's signature crass and crude language that both shocks and inflames the reader, you just can't get enough. This story walks a fine line of rape and forced seduction that can be overpowering for some readers. There is also scenes in which the the hero, Mikhel, has sexual relations with another in front of the heroine, Erica (not with her approval, either). This is in addition to voyeuristic sex scenes. This story starts off good, but then goes down hill not fully redeeming itself in the eyes of this reader. Like Halloween candy, the first few pieces are good, but after you've gorged yourself on half the bag, you get sick to your stomach. There is just too much to make this enjoyable and left me feeling uncomfortable. I just didn't feel that Mikhel would be a faithful “bloodlust” (mate, husband, etc) and the story was open ended to segue into the next story. I believe it will have to be read to find out everything that happens to Mikhel and Erica, or at least it hopefully does as this reader was not fully satisfied by the ending. One time read with amazingly hot sex scenes, but too much to be a reread.

Waiting for Willow by Bonnie Rose Leigh

Waiting for Willow:

Willow Kincaid, a successful pub owner, never expected that dropping off her afternoon's take at the bank would result in her abduction. Even more bizarre is waking up tied to an altar in Serenity's only cemetery on Samhain. When robe-garbed men surround her and begin chanting from an ancient text while holding a dagger over her naked body, she's positive she'll never live to see morning. Derek Moretti and Quinn Donovan, werewolves without a pack or family of their own, moved to Serenity after hearing the town was in desperate need of more enforcers to take care of paranormal baddies. Within days, the pair scents their mate and takes jobs as bouncers at The Howler, the pub their mate owns. When Willow fails to return home to her apartment above the pub where they're laying in wait to claim her, they know something has happened to her and they'll stop at nothing to see her safely returned to them. But Willow's kidnapping is only the beginning, for when she's rescued it sets off a chain of events too terrifying to be ignored. As the terror campaign in Serenity escalates, it will take all three of them to defeat their enemies and a love that even pure evil cannot conquer.

Review: This is my first offering from Extasy books and from author Bonnie Rose Leigh. I admit I'm not overly impressed. Willow, TSTL heroine, is supposedly an alpha werewolf who can kick all kinds of butt, yet she gets kidnapped and waylaid a couple of times, whining when she does. Her suffering mates are cousins with a penchant for sharing the survivalist challenged woman. This story leaves much to be desired. The three hop into bed, after knowing each other for a month, but the reader hasn't been there. There seems to be lust, yet I didn't get they had feelings of love. It all seem so contrived. I couldn't get through this one fast enough. Definitely the trick to the treat for this Halloween tale!