The Doll by J.C. Martin

The Island of the Dolls is a strange and eerie tourist destination in Mexico, where hundreds of decomposing dolls hang from trees like grisly Christmas ornaments. On a trip to the island, Joyce Parker's daughter falls in love with a beautiful but sinister doll. Soon after, she starts developing strange mannerisms that concerns Joyce. Her research into the doll's past reveals a dark history, and the curse of a lonely child spirit.
 

***

Not bad. Nothing extraordinary about it, but it wasn't a bad story. It reminded me of those 80's/90's evil doll movies - Dolls, Dolly Dearest, the Puppet Master series, etc. I liked the ending, again, very classic 80's evil doll movie ending. :)

If you're in the mood for a quick read, I say give it a shot. There are a lot of people who are afraid of dolls that have read this story and were afraid.

The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox

New book club review up! Click on the tab above or click here to be redirected. :)

The Right Wrong Number by Barbara Delinsky

Carly Kelly has just been presented with a life-changing business opportunity for tiny nursery and flower store, Plant People. But she only has four days to decide, which means she will most likely have to cancel her weekend trip away. She dials her friends to let them know, and excitedly launches into a speech about the opportunity. But when she pauses, a sexy, inquisitive stranger is on the other end, and he’s eager to hear about her store, her passions and her life. She’s dialed the wrong number--- and the man on the other end, with his deep voice, his charming jokes and his excellent advice, is a surprise she never expected…

***

What a delightful little read! I am enamored by it. It's so refreshing - the idea of "dialing" a wrong number. Little incidents like that is what we're missing with our new technology. ;-) I wanted more of this story, I wanted to know what happened next. It is extremely short - like 30 pages - something I wasn't aware of when I downloaded it. I really ought to pay more attention to things like that. All I know is that I was on such a high, and then the book ended, and I couldn't believe it! It was horrible, but great at the same time. I would love for Barbara Delinsky to write about what happens next, but if she doesn't I'm ok with it. I feel maybe this story was just to tease the readers of her talents; kind of show us what she can do. And for that I commend her; for getting me so into the story and so into these characters in such a short amount of time.

 

 

There was a grammatical error here and there...

 

Faces of Fear by John Saul

Our main character is fifteen-year-old Alison Shaw.  Some may consider her an ugly duckling, but she is not one to wear designer clothing and sit in front of a mirror for hours applying a ton of makeup.

Beauty becomes very noticeable and common when her mother, Risa, marries Conrad Dun, a plastic surgeon, and is forced to move to Bel Air, where everyone is undergoing plastic surgery.

Conrad Dun has big plans for Alison Shaw and he is carefully planning his moves.  Mistakes are not acceptable and there will be consequences.

Soon, Alison and Risa discover dark secrets and motivates that could put them both in danger.

~~~~~

If you’re a fan of John Saul, you know how gruesome his novels can be.  I’ve read quite a few of John Saul’s books so this wouldn’t be my favorite. There may have been a few parts in the book that were a little predictable, but it was all written well.   I also liked his characters; very believable and I could envision them and the scenes they were in.

Who wouldn’t love to read a tale which was filled with suspense of a killer ripping out its victim’s organs and saving them for something remarkable?

After all the darkness throughout the book, the epilogue breaks away from all that, and it’s actually refreshing. ;-)

Book Club Read: Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble by H.P. Mallory

We have a new way of reviewing books. This tab will serve as single book reviews, meaning all books here were read by 1 person (either myself of Aly). The new tab, Book Club, is for the books that I will be reading for my book club and will be discussed and rated as a group. Our first review is up you can click on the tab above or click here.

Temptation by Selena Kitt

Leah is a good, Catholic girl, and she and Erica have been best friends since their first communion. Sure, Erica’s father is handsome and charming, but Leah spends so much time at the Nolan’s—just Erica and her famous, photographer father now, since Erica’s mother died—that she’s practically part of the family.

Both girls have led privileged, sheltered lives and are on the “good girl” track at St. Mary Magdalene’s Preparatory College, Leah pursuing her love of dance and Erica sating her endless curiosity as editor of the newspaper. Neither of them could have ever imagined that one fateful discovery will not only push the boundaries of their strict, repressive upbringing, but the bonds of their friendship as well.

Leah certainly never could have imagined finding herself torn between her best friend and her best friend’s father. Sure, Leah’s mother had always talked about Mr. Nolan as “a catch,” but Leah herself had never thought of him as anything other than just Erica’s dad—until the girls discover something darkly erotic under Mr. Nolan’s bed, a deep, shameful secret that will not only lead them into temptation, but will deliver them into a far greater revelation than any of them could ever have imagined. 

 ***

 

Temptation by Selena Kitt is the first part of Under Mr. Nolan's Bed trilogy. From what I've heard, this is a re-creation of a story she had written called Under Mr. Nolan's Bed which she had revised once before and had named Plaid Skirt Confessions. I never read the original or revised version so I will only talk about this re-telling.

I'm very glad that I received an ARC and was privileged to have read it a little sooner than most people. Temptation unfolds in a very straightforward way yet at the same time it's rather tricky. You think yo know how the story will go because the author takes you down a certain path...but then she strays, kind of circles back and starts out in a different place. It's kind of like a cat and mouse game with the readers. It goes from this forbidden erotica to a sweet but hot and steamy romance. I kept thinking, "Aww, that's so romantic...wait, what am I saying!?" But it's true, it was! You can't help who you fall for.

And oh my goodness, that ending! I had my sneaking suspicions about what was going to happen probably about 40 or 50 pages before I finished the book...but I had no idea it was going to end the way it did. Ha! Blew me out of the water!

I really enjoyed every thing about this book; but I do have a particular scene that I found rather memorable and it will probably be with me for the rest of my life. I will not get into details, because I don't like to give spoilers...but there's a scene with Leah - our main character - confessing all of her sins...ALL of them. It was shocking and hilarious, I could not stop laughing! 

Temptation by Selena Kitt officially came out yesterday and the kindle edition is FREE on Amazon until Friday 3/29 so go get your copy!

  What a ride! Cant wait to get started on the next part.

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The Breeders by Katie French

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Blue Hearts of Mars by Nicole Grotepas

Love between humans and androids is forbidden, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen...

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Entanglement by Dan Rix

A YA Dystopian Romance where every human is born with a soulmate, whom they meet on their 18th birthday...and the one boy who's the exception.

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daynight by Megan Thomason

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Unintended Consequences by Marti Green

Nineteen years ago, Indiana police found the body of a young girl, burned beyond recognition and buried in the woods. They arrested George Calhoun for murdering his daughter, and his wife testified against him at the trial. The jury convicted him. Now his appeals have been exhausted, and his execution is just a few weeks away.

George said he didn’t do it. That the body isn’t his little Angelina. But that’s all he’s ever said – no other defense, no other explanation.

Dani Trumball, an attorney for the Help Innocent Prisoners Project, wants to believe him. After all, there was no forensic evidence that the body in the woods was George’s daughter. But if the girl isn’t Angelina, then who is it? And what happened to the Calhouns’ missing daughter?

For nineteen years, George Calhoun has stayed silent. But that’s about to change, and the story he tells Dani—if it’s true—changes everything.

***

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was very intrigued - guy on death row for 17 years, accused of murdering his 4 year-old daughter, has just 6 weeks left before he gets the lethal injection. All these years he has claimed that the little girl's body they found was not his daughter...but that's all he would say. Nobody knew where little Angelina Calhoun ended up, so if she wasn't the dead girl, where was she? I had to find out if this guy was telling the truth or not. A big part of me believed even before going into this book that he was telling the truth. Another, darker part of me wanted him to be lying; to get someone to believe him and do the impossible: exonerate him, only to find out he really did do it. I wasn't sure how this story was going to end up. And I'm not going to tell you how it end. You'll just have to read yourselves.

I will say a few things about the delivery: It is a bit slow, not always in a bad way though. The author prolongs a lot of things which I actually liked because you kind of feel the same type of frustration as the characters. You know what's going on just like the characters do, and you want a resolution, and every time you think it's coming something happens to delay everything. I had to keep looking to see how many pages I had left to kind of tell myself not to get my hopes up because the ending was nowhere near. That being said, there was a lot of the beginning that I wasn't too keen on. Specifically the main character's son. I understand that there's a need for background information and for character development because it gets the reader invested in the main character; and I understand that we needed to know that Dani was a mother and that she had a special needs child and that she wrestled with understanding and not understanding the actions of George Calhoun. But I feel that some of it wasn't relevant, even though I did like that character...he wasn't important to the story, so I don't feel there should have been so much of him.

Another thing that kind of took me out of the story a few times during the first half of the book was the constant popping in and out of people's heads. The first few chapters were all about Dani, and then it randomly jumps to one of her co-workers that's on the case with her, and then it jumps to a new mysterious male character, and then to a new mysterious female character, then back to Dani, then back to the mystery female, and so on and so forth. I don't know if Marti Green just did a better job of  head jumping in the second half of the book, or if I just kind of got used to it and got to know the characters, but it did eventually stop bothering me and in fact I was glad to get those character's perspective as well.

So overall, I enjoyed it. I liked the story, the premise, the way it was drawn out, the directions that were taken. I was very satisfied.

Something Witchy by AJ Myers

My name is Ember Blaylock. Welcome to the World of Weird—better known as my life.

It wasn’t always like this. I was once a normal high school senior, just filling out college apps and trying to stay sane long enough to get out of Moonlight, Missouri. Preferably before I ended up in a straight-jacket out of sheer boredom.

At first, my only problems were my increasingly unwanted ability to see the dead and my desperation to remove the stalker known as my ex-boyfriend from my life. Somewhere along the line I must have pissed off the Bad Karma Fairy. Maybe I stepped on the wrong toadstool or peed in Loki’s personal swimming pool—I really don’t know. All I do know is I’m about to have the worst week of my life. Maybe the worst week of any teenager’s life. Ever.

All because of a dead guy.

From the second pale, too-hot-to-be-real Nathan Ashley stepped out of the wreckage of his mangled sports car, my life spiraled into complete and utter chaos. One minute, I'm quasi-normal, the next I’m being kidnapped by a vampire, I’m having weird, creepy powers sprout up out of nowhere, and I’m running from a demon who wants to get more familiar with my anatomy…or kill me. Again. Yeah, did I mention he's done it before?

Anybody know if those straight-jackets come in pink?

***

Bravo! I was very very impressed by this book. It's the perfect ride; long and pleasantly slow at times and then BAM, it's like all of a sudden you're on a roller coaster climbing higher and higher...and then you're back to that pleasantly slow ride....and then BAM, back to the roller coaster. It was like that the entire time, it was the perfect balance. The story, the plot, the climax, were all great! But my favorite thing? The characters! I am completely invested in Nathan, Ember, Grams, even Kim and Blake who appeared for a short time in the beginning. The characters are so alive, they jump out of the page...I don't know how she does it because she doesn't bore you with unnecessary details about them. Yet, you have this clear image of them in your mind. I kept reading the book fast, and then trying to pace myself...I wanted to finish it, but I wanted to take my time because I DIDN'T want to leave the world AJ Myers created. But then when I finished, I realized it was only part 1 of the Mystics & Mayhem series. I cannot wait to read the next installment!

Slam Dunk!

The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back by Sariah Wilson

Everyone knows how all those fairy tales go. The princess gets beautiful, nabs her prince, falls instantly in love, lives happily ever after and leaves her evil stepsisters in the dust.


But what happens when you’re the ugly stepsister and your obnoxiously perfect—read pretty, smart, and, worst of all, sickeningly nice—stepsister is dating the charming, tall, devastatingly handsome guy you’ve had a thing for since you were nine years old?

Quirky, artistic and snarky Mattie Lowe does not lead a charmed life. Her mother is constantly belittling her on Skype. Mercedes, the school mean girl, has made it her personal mission to torment Mattie. But worst of all? Her stepsister Ella is the most beautiful, popular girl in school and is dating Mattie’s secret longtime crush, Jake Kingston.

Tired of being left out and done with waiting for her own stupid fairy godmother to show up, Mattie decides to change her life. She’ll start by running for senior class president against wildly popular Jake.

Ella can keep her Prince Annoying. Mattie’s going to rule the school.

And no one, not even a cute and suddenly flirty Jake, is going to stop her.

***

I don't even know where to start...this book is phenomenal!!! I haven't read a YA in years. I got it because it was free and the blurb sounded interesting enough. I went in thinking I knew how the story was going to be, and boy was I wrong! It's like one of those epic 80's movies...but set today. And I don't mean that it was super cheesy or anything like that...it was just this sweet yet angsty, beautiful, perfect piece of work. The characters were perfect, the story was perfect, it was just sooo perfect. I know I'm repeating myself, but there isn't much I can say right now, I'm still on such a high from reading this book. I'm probably going to read it again right after I post this! I'm not ready to leave Sariah Wilson's world or her characters. I wish I could find the perfect adjectives to describe my feelings toward her book, because I really want to send her a fan letter and just gush about what a rare treat this was for me. I'm a fan, 100%. I will buy and read every book she puts out. Bravo, fantastic, outstanding, extrordinary - that enough adjectives for you people? But seriously, this story spoke to me on so many different levels...a lot of them personal, so I'm not going to talk about them here. It truly is a wonderful read and I recommend this to everyone. Everyone should read this book; moms, dads, daughters, heck read it to your cat! Just read it, the world needs to be aware of this book and this author.

I knew halfway through the book that I was going to give it 5 stars. The moment she mentioned Sailor Moon, I knew. Anybody that mentions Sailor Moon in their story automatically gets 5 stars from me. ;-)

The New Girl by Meg Silver

Amanda's sexual adventures continue at the fantasy fulfillment camp. She's learning the ropes, trying new roles, and discovering the many perks that come along with the job...

***

This is the second installment in the Fantasy Heights series. Amanda is still working at the resort, and we're privy to more of her sexual adventures. She is quickly becoming a favorite among the clientele, going from handmaiden to queen in her client's fantasies. But not only is she a favorite among the clients, her co-workers have also noticed and a few have taken interest in her. Of course I do mean Thomas, he wants her, but won't allow himself to have her. And likewise, Amanda wants Thomas, but does not want to give in to her urges. She suspects if her and Thomas get sexually involved (more so than the fantasies they have been fulfilling together) that something is going to happen. Personally, I can't wait to see what that something is!

I'm hooked, I'm definitely getting the 3rd part soon. I forget that these are such short reads until I finish the book. Meg Silver knows how to pack a lot of information in a few pages and not overwhelm you. Furthermore, she has this really good talent for writing really hot sex scenes but they never seem vulgar. I highly recommend this series, there's not much I can say except it's really good and I'm really digging it.

Fat Kills by K. Reid

Mia Nickole Rose is a beautiful, full-figured, witty, aspiring songstress who feels stuck in her unfulfilling life. A struggling artist in Washington D.C.’s metropolitan area desperate to make ends meet, Mia’s life spirals horrifyingly out of control, deep into a world of insanity and murder when she is invited to a party that she will never forget. She is offered an ultimatum and, in exchange for her life, takes on a job working for a serial killer hell-bent on vengeance. Mia’s struggles with her finances and self-esteem become minute, while she focuses to stay sane, unharmed and alive.

Mia’s new “employer” will stop at nothing to keep her in his grasp. While the soundtrack of her life plays in the background, Mia is forced to distance herself from family, friends and even the love of her life in order to protect them from her hidden secrets.

*** 

A co-worker of mine told me about this book and suggested I read it. She made it sound really crazy and really interesting...

Halfway through the first chapter I thought that I had been punked. Nothing had happened, the story seemed to be dragging and I wasn't too keen on the writing. For starters, my co-worker did not tell me this was set in  an urban world with urban lingo and slang. Thankfully, I grew up in ghetto so I understood about 99% of the words used. I mention it as a warning to others who may want to read this book, that they talk really fresh and not everyone will understand the lingo. Another problem I had while reading the first chapter was the writing itself. A lot of writers talk about "showing not telling" and I feel like there was a lot of telling. There was a sex scene and even though the author used profanity and whatnot, the whole scene still felt sort of clinical to me. It didn't sizzle, and since I read a lot of erotica, I expect sex scenes to give off something. It didn't, it was boring, like the first chapter. I will say this, I found a lot of things to be really funny, and I'm sure the author didn't intend them to be funny, but the way she worded certain things just had me cracking up!

Little did I know that when I started this book, I had climbed aboard one hell of crazy train. Once I got to chapter two, everything changed. The writing was much better and the story picked up its pace. And oh my word, things got weird quick! Chapter by chapter you see this crazy serial killer slowly unravel more and more and more, and you think it isn't  possible because he was pretty unhinged to begin with...but boy this guy is truly insane! And in the midst of all this killing and torture, you have one sweet, innocent character, living in the middle of it all.

I'm not a fan of spoilers, so I won't get into details, but K. Reid has one sick ass mind! LOL.When you think things can't get worse for poor Mia, it does. The things she is forced to do...it's unbelievable! One scene in particular had me tearing up, it was just heartbreaking for all the people involved.

There is one last thing that I wasn't too happy with, and that was the ending. The author builds this story and this world and I feel like the very ending did not fit. It left me confused. I understood what happened, it just didn't seem believable in the world she created.

The award for seriously funny line that wasn't supposed to be funny goes to: "As she swallowed his potential kids..." HAHAHA cracks me up every time!



Overall I was pleasantly surprised considering the beginning, and very impressed with the murders and tortures.

Brie Learns Her Power as a Submissive by Red Phoenix

Brie's third day of submissive training is a hot sexy mess. She has no idea that her actions from the day before have serious consequences. Training becomes intense, stretching Brie in ways she could never imagine as the trainers determine whether she should remain in the program. In the midst of the turmoil, Brie comes to understand her true power as a submissive.

***

This is the third installment in the Brie series, and it's as good as the first two parts. I like that each novelette is a day of Brie's training. That way the reader doesn't miss anything, because the characters didn't have a moment "off stage". So far this series sizzles! I am completely into this story and its characters, especially Brie and all of the Doms Brie has been with. Red Phoenix paints each men vividly, and they're all so different with different kinks. I gotta say, she knows how to write a sex scene - never feel skeezy when I read her work.

Not much to say that hasn't already been said in the first two blogs for this series. Keep em comin' Red!



Taken by Selena Kitt

Lizzy's friendship with her older boss, Sarah, turns into something deeper and much more exciting one rainy day after work, and Lizzy finds herself drawn into a world she never knew existed. Sarah has a dominant streak, and as she leads Lizzy into the role of a submissive, the two women become closer than they ever thought possible. But while Sarah, hurt too many times, wears a ring, and tells guys she's "taken," Lizzy knows she secretly longs for a man. Determined to find one for them both to share, Lizzy is just about to give up when a dark, handsome, virile answer shows up right under her nose. Lizzy may think she and Sarah are going to seduce David--but she underestimates their handsome co-worker, and David turns the tables on them both. But will he be able to tame the untameable Sarah?

*** 

This is the second Selena Kitt book I've read and I've gotta tell you, she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I seem to go in knowing what the story is about, I do read the blurbs, but somehow it's even more special than the blurb lets on. She seems to have this knack of creating really unique stories and Taken was no exception. I was instantly captivated by Lizzy and Sarah's relationship; and though at first David didn't seem like an interesting character, as the story progressed I became more and more intrigued by him. 

If you haven't realized by the cover, this is an erotic story and those scenes are pretty darn steamy! Especially when Lizzy, Sarah, and David all get together. Wow! That was something special.

I will admit, I was sad that the story ended, and the way that it did. Every page that you read of this book, hooks you in just a little bit more; you want more and more and more, and then it's just over. I was left feeling confused and sad by the way it ended. I would have liked to have had some more closure...maybe an epilogue with the characters 5 or 10 years later. But even with the ending...even though I wasn't 100% satisfied with it, in a way I also was. It made me cry! I love books that make me cry. 

So Selena Kitt, you officially have a new fan.   

Because it left me longing for something...

Help Wanted by Meg Silver

This is book 1 in the Fantasy Heights series.

A thirst for adventure leads one young woman to Fantasy Heights. This resort, specializing in fantasy fulfillment, will put her to the test. Does she have what it takes to explore sexual pleasure to its fullest? Does she have the courage to pursue her own fantasies?

***

I know I've been reading a lot of erotica lately, but I'm a sucker for free books and if the blurb catches my attention, I'm going to get it.

Anyway, this story has piqued my interest, which means I'm going to have to read the next part to see what happens with Amanda. She is going through something right now, I won't say what, but it lands her in this special resort. I want to say that part of her is soul searching, but at the same time, the events that led her to Fantasy Heights are still too recent, so she doesn't really think about it. So how can you soul effectively soul search if you suppress certain emotions? Will Amanda stay at Fantasy Heights? Or will she "find herself" and realize this isn't for her? That is one of the themes for this series, and the owner of Fantasy Heights, Stephanie has brought it up already. As of right now, it looks like Amanda is there to stay; but who knows what will happen later on down the road.

I do want to say that I hope we get to know more about Thomas. He works at the resort and Amanda has been working under him for most of her training period. There is a story there. Actually multiple stories. Thomas himself, and how he ended up there, is a story. At least for me, I'm personally intrigued. Especially now that Stephanie has voiced her concerns for him and Amanda has realized that he seems jaded. I want to know what that is about. There's also something going there between Thomas and Amanda, and I don't think it's just work. I want to know what it is and where it's headed.

Help Wanted is a very entertaining story, the sex scenes are interesting enough. Nothing new, but I do like the way the author handles them. Amazon is currently offering this title for free, so feel free to check it out.

Brie Learns To Obey by Red Phoenix

This is book #2 of the Brie series.

Brie's second day of submissive training tests her level of obedience and brings a sexy new Dom into her life, but she risks it all to stand up for one of the other girls. Fortunately, the proper punishment is handed out and her evening doesn't end after training is over. Oh no! Brie enjoys a private session with Sir who has a little surprise waiting for her in his office.

***

Oh my god I've got goosebumps running all over my body, and a Cheshire cat grin. I cannot wait to grab the 3rd installment. THIS is what the first part was missing. This sense of excitement for the story and the characters. Part of me is afraid to read the next story because this one was perfect. I don't want anything to ruin this euphoric state I'm in.

My feelings for Brie haven't changed, I still like her and I still identify with her. But Sir...oh boy, Sir! I'm loving him. Can I get a Sir in my life, please? I was afraid Sir wasn't going to do what he promised in the first part. Like Brie, I had given up hope and then in the last minute Sir came through. And boy did he deliver!

Honorable mentions go to the sex swing, the collar, and Tono. “I will be back for you.”

Am I the only one that wants to see Tono, Sir, and Baron duke it out for Brie?

Also, I think Mistress Clark might be into Brie as well…I think that would be interesting, and rather amusing.

Perfection!

Brie's First Day of Submissive Training by Red Phoenix

This is Book #1 of the Brie Series:

Brie's life changes the day Sir comes to her tiny tobacco shop. His invitation to The Submissive Training Center is about to rock this young woman's world. The renowned school is famous for its submissive instruction. She has no idea the things that will be asked of her or the boundaries that will be pushed. Join Brie on her first day of training where true Subs are separated from the wanna-be's.

***

My first thought as I finished this book was, "Noooooooo!" I was completely in the story. I'm dying to know what happens to Brie. I'm hoping the 2nd book picks up right where this one left off. I'm definitely getting the next part - probably after I finish writing this.

It's a very well written story, and the scenario is ingenious. A school, that looks like a regular college campus that teaches you how to be a submissive. I think the fact that they teach Business on the floor above the the Sub Training Center is hilarious.

The character of Brie struck a cord with me, because I think I'm a lot like her...or at least I used to be a lot like her. I've also grown like she has - not in the same way, haha, but we're both much more open minded than before. So I guess I'm still like her. Brie had these preconceived notions of sex and what she thought it should be and what was "wrong" and "right" and the things she liked and didn't like. But you can't say you like or don't like something if you've never tried it. Sir gives Brie the opportunity to really get to know herself. And can I just say that I'm digging that particular character. I'm right there with Brie, completely intrigued by Sir.  I'm hooked. I recommend this to anyone that is into erotica. It's really short, like 35 pages long. Amazon currently has it for free, so I suggest you hurry over and get it! Get it! What are you waiting for!?

I don't know why I'm not giving this story 5 stars. Something is holding me back, but I have no idea what it could be - I have nothing negative to say. But I must follow my gut.

The Accidental Stripper by Helen Cooper

Jenny is a college girl who decides to help out her best friend Katie by subbing for her one night at a strip club. While Jenny had no clue what she was in for at the club, she did have the time of her life.

***

Thank goodness it's over! Sorry, I had to get that off my chest. The idea, the story itself, it wasn't bad. Actually I enjoyed it. Unfortunately all of the spelling, grammar, and random mistakes killed it for me. I cannot get into a story, and go into this world, if there's an issue on every page. For example, Ben told Jenny to go wonder around...WONDER. It's Wander. Jenny blew a SIGN of relief, and bit her lap instead of  her LIP. Oh! and Ben whispered in Jenny's EYE.

On top of all of that, the story kinda lost me towards the end, and I'll explain why. This is a veeeery short story (thank goodness) and so there is only one sex scene. Now, I was really digging the scene - you know, aside from all the horrid grammar issues - and then the characters/author decide to bring up the fact that they don't have any protection. Now, there is two options when writing any sex scene; the first is to not bring up babies or STDs or any of that stuff. Even though the writer is trying to make the characters and the scenario as real as possible, there's still this element of fantasy. So we as readers know that if the author doesn't mention it, then we don't acknowledge it. It's as if it doesn't exist in that particular world. The other option is to bring it up and tackle it head on. Personally, I don't have a preference, I'm ok with either way. My problem in this case, was that the characters were so worried about having unprotected sex for fear of Jenny getting pregnant; the words "becoming pregnant" were used like three times in 2 sentences. And then after making the reader so aware, they decide to fuck anyway. The reader is slapped with the reality that Jenny could have just caught an STD or gotten pregnant. You think things like, "Well, I hope she gets the morning after pill." These are things that we don't want to think about when reading an erotic story. And then on top of that, there's only a few sentences left of the story after that happens. So you finish the novella and you never had a chance to get back into the story.

It's like having sex with someone and they cum and just stop, with no consideration for the fact that you're not done. Next thing you know, they're out the door and you have no idea what the hell just happened. ...I guess I just got screwed.

The Accidental Stripper does receive the favorite line award, though. "She knew that going forward she was never going to date a guy who didn’t eat her out."

The premise of the story saved this rating, and the fact that it was so short there just wasn't enough time to ruin it more.

Connections by Selena Kitt

In the bygone days before cell phones, lonely Cathy, college dropout, works in a grocery store and makes completely random phone calls to strangers just to make a human connection. When a strange coincidence forces her to actually speak to the person on the other end of the phone, she's suddenly thrust back into the world, with all its vulnerability. Will Seth be able to draw Cathy back into the land of the living?

***

Wow. Bizarre. I've never read anything like this before. Very odd story. Fascinating. Personally, I don't think the blurb gives it justice. I can't even put together sentences to describe this story, my brain just keeps giving me the same adjectives. And I do not mean that in a bad way. When I first started reading this (very short) novella, I was confused by Cathy's actions. Why does she randomly call people? And if you read this, you'll see it goes a little beyond that. I found her actions bizarre. But then as the story progressed I felt such a deep sadness for her. I think it resonated with me on a deeper level that I care to admit. When Cathy and Seth finally meet is so cute. Flirty fun is what came to mind. This is a very very short read and it only had one sex scene which surprised me because since it's an erotica, I assumed there would be more. But I am not complaining at all! That scene was perfect. Selena Kitt didn't just write it because she needed to, you can clearly see - and expect - it to happen. And the way it happened was 100% true to the characters. I was intrigued and in awe and at the end of it, all I could think was, "Damn, I wish my first time had been like that!"

Selena Kitt, I must read more of your stories. I need to know if this was an anomaly.

Also, you can now get this story for free on Amazon. It is part of the Best Sellerst list for erotica. So you definitely have no excuse - check it out!

This story is the reason why I read.