2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
5 blue ribbons from Romance Junkies, Aug 5 2008
By C. Dionne "Chrissy Dionne" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Jewels of the Nile 2 (Paperback)
AFTER DARK by KyAnn Waters
Kayla March is tired of not being able to find sexual gratification. She has a good feeling regarding a new club she's heard about and is hopeful that she'll meet a man there who will make her fantasies come true. What she doesn't realize is that AFTER DARK is a vampire feeding ground, but not to worry, the man destined for her will find her - and she'll learn a few truths about her own background that could shatter everything she's ever believed.
KyAnn Waters has proven herself to be a versatile writer and with this vampire tale she solidifies herself as an author to keep on the auto buy list. Kayla and Alandro will touch your heart and leave you hungry for more.
FROM THE SEA by Maxie Cooper
Kelli Rhodes loves the beach - the sights, the smells, the sounds - but she's terrified of the water. She'd rented the seaside cottage seeking peace and solace while she paints. Imagine her surprise when a gorgeous man walks from the water. She paints underwater seascapes, is it possible they're more than simply her imagination?
I've always admired seascapes and Maxie Cooper makes them even more magical by incorporating them into this storyline in a magical way. I found myself fascinated by Maxie and her love/hate relationship with the sea and loved learning the reason for her fear.
LADY'S CHOICE by Rebecca Airies
Kyna has worked hard to find acceptance as a Laurati soldier. She's learned to guard her heart because her own society has ostracized her because of her background. Now that she's amongst the Calazi she's finding temptation in the form of two superior officers, Commander Finn Tarn and Drace Amon. When the three are trapped in the kitchen area during a blackout things heat up but what will happen when the power returns and their rendezvous in the dark is over?
Rebecca Airies doesn't disappoint with this futuristic menage a trois story. I love how Kyna, Finn and Drace interact and agonized over how the men would react when she reveals her secret worry.
SUNRISE by Natasha Moore
Caroline isn't looking for a happily-ever-after. All she wants is smoldering hot sex with no demands and no expectations - well aside from breathtaking orgasms. She's been meeting Alan on the beach at sunset over the past several months and so far managed to keep all their encounters in the dark. Alan wants more than satisfying sex. He's ready for more of a commitment but can he persuade her to trust him with her heart?
Natasha Moore's SUNRISE takes readers into the mindset of a woman who's been burned by love once and has no intention of going through that again. Told entirely in 1st person this story is an emotional adventure that touches the heart.
SURRENDER DOROTHY by Anna J. Evans
Gelsey is fortunate to be working as a costume mistress at a local theatre. Her biggest problem is she's lusting over the Tin Man, a.k.a. Stephan and fraternizing amongst the staff is forbidden. Much to her surprise Stephan is definitely aware of her and certainly plans to make her his, but there are complications and it looks like the Wizard of Oz may resemble Gelsey's reality more than she could ever believe.
Anna J. Evans makes the Wizard of Oz seem tame compared to this tale. I love how Gelsey and Stephen appear to be perfectly normal but then their true natures come out and there's no doubt that they're perfect together.
THE DEBUTANTE by Samantha Kane
Dominic, Viscount Lethbridge, isn't interested in any of the lily white virginal simpering debutantes who are constantly being thrown his way. That doesn't stop him from taking interest in a particular debutante who may not be a raving beauty but she has the backbone and sensuality he finds desirable. Clarissa doesn't care about getting married but she does have an interest in the experiencing carnal desires - and Dominic is just the man to teach her all about passion - and then some.
Samantha Kane tells intensely unexpected historical stories and she certainly doesn't disappoint with this tale. I love that Clarissa isn't your typical debutante and there's no doubt that she's ready for everything Dominic has to offer.
ELLORA'S CAVEMEN: JEWELS OF THE NILE II is a prime example of what an anthology should be. Each story is full of impassioned characters who leave the reader in awe of the authors' talents. What I especially love about the Cavemen anthology is the mixture of genres. It's the perfect opportunity to try out a new genre or even an author you haven't tried before.
Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)
5.0 out of 5 stars
Jewels of the Nile, Jan 22 2010
By M. Nix - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Jewels of the Nile 2 (Paperback)
Earthly Pleasure by B.J. McCall
Renee is Aasi and as such, she offers sanctuary to wounded warriors. Saving Earth isn't their only mission, but it will be easier if most of the Earth's population is unaware of their existence. Renee finds herself falling for a warrior, but when she learns what Itan's real mission is, she might be singing a different tune come morning.
They say there are no new stories, just the same ones told in a new way. I found Earthly Pleasure to be an enjoyable tale that was different, and sweet. I found this a well rounded tale with sympathetic characters. Quick pacing, emotional turmoil, sexy characters, and a happy ending left me quite satisfied.
Erotic Sacrifice by Cynthia Rayne
Once a year, there is a carnal human sacrifice to appease the demons. Bronwyn is excited to be chosen as the carnal sacrifice even while she's nervous about what it entails. Bronwyn has seen the Dark Lord several times over the years and she is fascinated by him. Fascinated enough to agree to be a willing sacrifice.
The way Erotic Sacrifice began made me nervous. Part of me feared this was going to offend my religious sensibilities, but when I learned the Dark Lord didn't mean the devil, but the leader of the demons, I was oddly comforted. Erotic Sacrifice is a steamy tale of sex, trust, and learning about yourself. The heroine had no idea she would enjoy being submissive, but once she found out she did, she gave herself over to the pleasures of the ritual. This is a fun hot read, but I must warn you that there is bondage and multiple partners in this story.
Hot Under the Collar by Katie Blu
Ever since Reverend Eric Johns moved to town, female attendance at church has risen dramatically. Emma's been fascinated with the reverend and has begun attending the church services. Who knew all it would take to meet the man of her erotic daydreams would be the most embarrassing accident of her life?
Hot Under the Collar was a steamy read. Following right after Erotic Sacrifice I was almost shocked speechless. Then I read the rest of the story. I liked Emma and her relationship with John. I wished there was more between them than just the sexual chemistry. One part of the story that I didn't like was when John went to investigate a noise. Emma was not only unconcerned because she believed it was other employees, but she also went to sleep while he was downstairs investigating.
Incensed by Kate Hill
After Cori's sister visits a 'matchmaker' she dumps her fiancé for one who is not as well established or cute. Cori is upset because she's spent her life raising her sister and wants the best for her. Determined to prove the matchmaker is a fraud, she goes to his business and demands his attention. In order to prove he's legit, Cyril agrees to give her a free match.
While I enjoyed Incensed, I wished for more. I enjoyed the way the story flowed and how Cyril seemed to understand Cori better than she understood herself. I found her admittance of love to be to easy to believe. Cyril worked hard to show her what she really needed and wanted, but part of me wanted to see more emotional struggle on Cori's part.
Making the Madam by Delilah Devlin
Merry finds herself in the West, a widow with only an 'emporium' as a means of support. She coerces her reluctant lawyer to show her the establishment only to find out it is nothing she has any experience with. While unsure how to run it, she is determined to keep her brothel and keep it a success. With the help of Nathan Boone, she is sure things will work out.
While stories set in this time frame are not usually my cup of tea, I enjoyed reading Making the Madam. Merry's naiveté was refreshing. Despite his failure, I enjoyed the way Nathan tried to convince Merry to sell to him.
The Emissary by Jenna Reynolds
Shina is a Courtesan-in-training. She can't wait to lose her virginity so she no longer has to be a slave for her trainer. The catch? The male that wants her is an alien; one that no one has ever seen before because his kind remain hidden in large cloaks.
The Emissary was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I loved the idea of an alien purchasing a courtesan to get to know more about her race. I liked the rituals Shina carried out and the way her mysterious lover kept trying to break her.
Jewels of the Nile Volume 1 is an anthology packed with steaming hot stories. It was fun to read a group of novellas that, while not connected, were all enjoyable. From westerns to futuristics there is something for everyone in this anthology.
Erys
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed