DINNER FOR TWO COVER REVEAL

I do occasionally get very excited about forthcoming book releases, and when I do I have to share.

Today finds me jumping up and down in joy because on Tuesday, December 17, ‘Dinner for Two’ by Eileen Griffin will be released. Have a look at the cover; isn’t it lovely and positively edible? 

Be prepared for more posts about this book. Still to come:

·        The Blurb and an Excerpt with buy-links

·        Meet the Author in 20 quick-fire questions

·        My Review

DIFFERENT STROKES

TITLE: DIFFERENT STROKES

AUTHOR: NICO JAYE

Pages: 231KB

Date: 11/12/2013

Grade: 3.5

Details: Received from Less Than Three Press

              Through NetGalley

Kindle / Own

The blurb:

When his regular masseuse is called away on a family emergency, Tomas does not expect Darren, her temporary replacement, to be such an attractive distraction. Tomas has always been a serious, no-nonsense type of swimmer; after all, elite competition leaves no room for unprofessional conduct. However, he finds it extremely difficult to stay on the right side of the professional line with Darren tending to his needs.

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This is going to be a difficult review for me to write. I have absolutely no problems writing about the books I love; those reviews tend to write themselves. And the only issue I come across when I haven’t enjoyed a book is that I don’t want to sound to negative about it; after all, what doesn’t work for me, may well be exactly what another reader enjoys. Writing these reviews only becomes an issue when the book I’ve read left me feeling vaguely unsatisfied.

There is not a whole lot wrong with this novella. It was the easy to read story of two men who are attracted to each other from the moment they first meet and for various reasons fail to link up. And those reasons were legitimate and neither farfetched nor drawn out.

When Tomas and Darren first meet, Darren is in a relationship with someone else and Tomas, socially awkward at the best of times, leaves the party before having the chance of getting to know him. When the two men meet again it is because Darren has to become Tomas’ masseur while his regular masseuse is away. And although Tomas, the world-class swimmer and Darren are strongly attracted to each other, both of them are determined to keep their distance because of the professional relationship between them.

As soon as the need for restraint is removed though, the two men engage in a beautiful and very steamy encounter. An encounter that would lead anybody to think that more was sure to follow. Much to Darren’s shock and disappointment though, Tomas seems to withdraw after their one afternoon of passion. And it won’t be until Darren finds the courage to confront Tomas about the distance he appears to be keeping, that the two men discover how crossed their wires have been.

Like I said this is a nice story. The problem is that while there wasn’t a whole lot wrong with it, the story didn’t quite work for me either. Too much was left untold for my liking. It is not just the two characters who are left guessing at what exactly is going on between them. I found myself doing the same thing, and the story just didn’t give enough explanation to clarify things for me. Even taking into account that Tomas is not good at communicating his thoughts and feelings, I had a problem understanding why he wouldn’t have told Darren exactly what he was doing earlier on. And it would have been more in character for the socially more than adapt Darren to open his mouth earlier, even if he was infatuated with Tomas and afraid of what he might find out.

I never got a grip on these characters. I felt I knew as much about them when I finished the book as I did after reading the first chapter. I want a little bit more from the characters in the books I read; I want to be able to get to know them – when I’m lucky even attached to them – and that just didn’t happen in this novella.

As always, my reasons for being less than blown away by this book may well be the result of my personal quirks and tastes rather than any issue with the story. I can’t deny that this was a very easy to read novella. At no point did my ‘issues’ make me want to put the book down or walk away from it. The writing is smooth, if a bit unrevealing and the idea behind the story is great. Personally I can’t help feeling that this story could have done with being a bit longer or a bit more emotionally layered though.

POWER EXCHANGE

TITLE: POWER EXCHANGE

AUTHOR: A.J. ROSE

Pages: 272

Date: 10/12/2013

Grade: 5

Details: No. 1 Power Exchange

Own / Kindle

The blurb:

From the moment Detective Gavin DeGrassi steps into the world of BDSM to solve the brutal slaying of Dom George Kaiser, his course is not his own. Mesmerized by the context in which the victim lived and the images seared into his soul, Gavin has to find a way to navigate these unknown waters. With his personal life in upheaval due to a marital split, and his professional life uncertain with the assignment of a new partner, Gavin needs all the help he can get understanding the case.

Enter Ben Haverson, a psychologist and a well known Dom. With Ben’s help as a consultant on the case and attention to Gavin himself, Gavin delves deeper than he ever thought he would into the world of restraints and paddles. Forced to take a closer look at himself, his true nature, and his innermost desires, Gavin has a choice: keep the fear of submitting at bay, or dive in and solve the case with the knowledge he gains? When another victim is discovered, Gavin’s choice is made for him, and he’s pulled headlong into the deepest, most emotional journey of his life.

Unfortunately for him and Ben, a killer has noticed, has taken stock, and has set his sights on the D/s pair. Can Gavin outwit him, or will his first exchange of power be his last?

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Before I say anything about this story I need to say that this book contains what is probably the most beautiful and heart-warming dedication I have ever seen. Never have I been this grateful that I took the time to scroll back from the start of Chapter one, where Kindle took me when I opened the book, to the cover page. It would have been a crime to miss those lines of pure love.

And after that sentimental introduction it’s time to get to the business end of what is, after all, supposed to be a review of a book, not a dedication.

Is there anything more enjoyable than reading a book that provides a combination of favourite genres, past and present? Up until about two years ago 90 out of every 100 books I read would have been mysteries or thrillers. Even these days, when about half my reading is erotic in some way, shape or form a large percentage of the other half consist of murder and mayhem. So how wonderful to find a mystery-thriller that hits all my spots when it comes to erotic content, or, to find an erotic M/M romance which fulfils all my crime-related needs.

As you may have noticed, I rated this book 5 out of 5, and that’s despite the fact that the story contained one of my pet hates. I had the killer identified the moment he was introduced. I can’t say why because it may not be as obvious to anyone else, I never had any doubts. And that really is one of my pet hates. It just didn’t seem to bother me in this book, probably because I was far more invested in Gavin and Ben and their developing relationship than I was in the murders.

Sigh…Ben and Gavin. That is such a wonderful love story. Watching Gavin as he gets his opportunity to be true to himself and having the courage to grasp it with both hands was wonderful. Seeing how Ben deals with Gavin’s insecurities and carefully steers him to where he needs to be, even if Gavin isn’t completely sure about where that is, left me with a feeling of wonder and bliss.

“Ben had become my lighthouse after I’d been adrift for years.”

If I ever want to find myself a Dom he would have to be a Ben. Of course that means I would have to be a man, but now we’re talking semantics.

I was equally impressed with the descriptions and explanations of BDSM. This book doesn’t give its readers a fairytale like fantasy about Domination and submission. This  story paints a real, at times raw, honest and descriptive picture of the lifestyle and the community.

“It takes more courage to kneel before another than to stand beside them.”

The following quote of one of Gavin’s insights took my breath away:

“I wholly understood the words power exchange. In giving up my power to him, he was, in turn, giving me the power to realize my value, that what I had to offer of myself was worth giving to someone, and I had to trust that particular someone to cherish it.”

The descriptions of Gavin’s experiences and feelings as he submits to Ben are so well written that I felt I understood what it might be like to submit, could see the attraction.

“Train me, Ben. Let me submit to you.”

And to end this section of the review let me just say that if I needed proof that I should stay well away from even attempting to write true BDSM, this book provided it.

Over the course of reading this book I fell in love with three men; Ben, Gavin and their creator. I love a book where the author combines profound and beautiful sentiments like:

“…exquisite torture, absolute trust, and the knowledge that new heights could be reached by letting oneself go that far, trust in another that deeply.”

with lighter hearted but no less revealing sentences such as:

“…before dreams of being spanked in front of a crowd swallowed me whole.”

I think I’ve said enough. You get it. I loved this book, loved the writing, loved the characters, loved the story. It won’t be long before my review of the sequel “Safeword” shows up here. I can’t wait to see how Ben and Gavin’s story continues.

I’ll end with one more quote; just because it’s beautiful and I can.

 “Ben mapped the evidence of my submission as though inking our mutual desires into my flesh.”

THE PRINCIPLE OF DESIRE

TITLE: THE PRINCIPLE OF DESIRE

AUTHOR: DELPHINE DRYDEN

Pages: 106

Date: 08/12/2013

Grade: 4+

Details: no. 3 The Science of Temptation

              Received from Carina Press

             Through NetGalley

Own/Kindle

The blurb:

1 Sexy Switch + 1 Nerdy Newbie = A Master Class in Seduction

After several years as a submissive, psychology lecturer Beth is eager to experience being on the other end of the whip for a change. When she meets sweet but socially awkward Ed at a party, it’s obvious the aerospace engineer is interested—and obvious he’s way too vanilla.

When tracking down a friend lands him in a BDSM club, Ed’s eyes are opened to a whole other world—and a whole other side of Beth. Then Beth’s former Master shows up, and Ed agrees to play along as her sub in exchange for a real date. The biggest surprise of the evening? How much he enjoys letting her take control…

Beth’s ex makes it clear he wants her back, but she needs more from a relationship than he can offer—and not just the freedom to explore her switch side. At first Ed is just an enthusiastic student. But the more she gets to know him, in and out of the bedroom, the more Beth wonders if he’s everything she desires…

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The Big Bang Theory meets BDSM is really the only way to describe this delightful and sexy series by Delphine Dryden. This is my third visit with ‘The Science of Temptation’ stories and I’d be hard pressed to pick a favourite. All of them made me smile, all of them were hot and all of them gave me hours of pure reading bliss.

I adored Beth and Ed. On the surface they’re so very different they couldn’t possibly be a match. Beth has been in a D/s relationship for years, always the submissive to Aaron, who needs his Dominance like he needs to breathe. Aaron, the man who wouldn’t take her seriously when she told him she wanted to be the one in control occasionally. Aaron, who, despite the fact that she told him six months ago that she was finished with him, expects her to fall back into her old place, at his feet, as soon as he snips his fingers.

Ed is everything Aaron isn’t.  Where Aaron is smooth and polished, Ed is almost unkept. Literally a rocket scientist, Ed has never even thought about BDSM, never mind experienced it. When he accidentally finds himself in a BDSM club he’s surprised by the emotions the scenes evoke in him. When he voluntarily pretends to be Beth’s sub when Aaron walks in to stake his claim on her, Ed discovers he enjoys what she inflicts upon him.

Ed and Beth soon discover that they have a lot in common; they both like to switch roles in the bedroom, they both enjoy geeky games and more than anything, they both enjoy the others company. But the path to true love rarely runs smooth. When Beth finds herself in a situation where she has to take care of Aaron and he professes his love for her, she starts doubting her decision to leave him. Unsure whether Ed is only a rebound infatuation and questioning the doubts she has about Aaron it will take her some time away from both men to figure out what it really is she wants.

This was a very sexy and yet an incredibly sweet story. Beth’s doubts were realistic and, thankfully, not dragged out. Ed’s patience was adorable and realistic because it had its limits. Aaron is less well defined than Beth and Ed but I was grateful that he wasn’t painted as a completely one-dimensional character.

This is a story featuring BDSM and as such contains scenes that some might find objectionable. On the other hand, it is a heartwarming love story more than anything else; an easy to read novella with quite a few moments that will put a huge grin on your face as well as some that will raise your temperature.

Before I forget I should mention the bonus story at the end of the book. It is the retelling and continuation of a scene that takes place early in the main story and is a wonderful surprise just when you thought you’d reached the end.

I can only hope that Delphine Dryden will continue this series because I’ve developed quite a taste for these geeky kinksters.

Related posts: The Theory of Attraction

                        The Seduction Hypothesis

THE LETTER FOR THE KING

TITLE: THE LETTER FOR THE KING

AUTHOR: TONKE DRAGT

Pages: 453

Date: 06/12/2013

Grade: 4.5

Details: Juvenile Fiction ages 10-12

              Received from Pushkin Children’s Books

             Through Nudge

Own

It is the night before 16 year old Tiuri is to be knighted. He finds himself locked in a chapel in silent contemplation of the honour and duty that will be bestowed on him the following day. When he hears a noise and a voice calling for help he knows he should ignore it. If he wants to become a knight the following day he can’t talk to anyone or allow anything to distract him from his prayers. But the voice sounds desperate and is very persistent. Unable to ignore the pleas Tiuri opens the door to the chapel and finds himself face to face with an old man, begging him to go and find his master who is in desperate need of help. Although Tiuri is torn about leaving his vigil so close to the hour of his knighting, he also knows that if he already was a knight it would be his duty to offer his assistance. With reluctance and in the hope that he’ll be back in time for the ceremony, Tiuri leaves the chapel.

When he finds the knight who is the old man’s master, he is close to death. With his last breath he implores Tiuri to deliver a very important letter to the King of a far away country. It is a mission Tiuri won’t be able to talk about with anybody and a journey he’ll have to undertake alone.

Tiuri’s journey will bring him to places he’s never seen before, from dark forests to treacherous rivers, through dangerous towns and to imposing castles. Pursued by enemies who won’t think twice about killing him and unsure of whom, if anybody, he can trust, Tiuri faces an adventure that will teach him about honour and treachery. But in the face of danger he also discovers loyalty and friendship as well as the knowledge that while doing the right thing may not always be easy, it is the only course to take.

I first read this book when I was a child in Holland and loved it at the time. While most of the story-line had long since slipped my mind I did remember the opening scenes and, more importantly, how much I had enjoyed the book back then. When I discovered that this book had, at last, been translated into English I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it, read it again and spread the word.

First published in 1962 ‘The Letter for the King’ won the Children’s Book of the Year Award in Holland, has been translated into sixteen languages and was made into a movie in 2008. Anybody reading this book will immediately understand why Tonke Dragt is considered the greatest Dutch female writer for children. This author combines a recognisable and endearing main character with a great adventure that is sure to keep youngsters engrossed in the story. More than that though, the author also manages to share some valuable life-lessons about loyalty, honesty and friendship without ever being blatant about it.

At times this story and the words used in it felt very simple and almost too innocent, even for the age group it is aimed at. But then occasionally I stumbled across little gems like the following:

“We may never see each other again, but each of us owes his life to the other, and that includes all that we might do in the future.” - Tiuri to the Jaro, the man who failed to kill him.

 There is a reason this book was chosen as the best Dutch Children’s book of the 20^th Century and now, at last, the English speaking world has the opportunity to discover the beauty of this story as well. My advice is to grab that opportunity with both hands and enjoy the experience.

THE FLESH CARTEL: DAMNATION

TITLE: THE FLESH CARTEL SEASON ONE:

            DAMNATION

AUTHORS: RACHEL HAIMOWITZ & HEIDI BELLEAU

Pages: 119

Date: 04/12/2013

Grade: 4

Details: Contains the first two episodes

               Capture & Auction

               Received from Riptide Publishing

               Through NetGalley

Own/Kindle

The blurb:

The Flesh Cartel: an international, multi-billion-dollar black market that trades in lost souls. Or more specifically, their bodies.

Highly organized and frighteningly efficient, the Flesh Cartel could teach even the KGB a thing or two about breaking a human mind. Fortunately for their ultra-rich clients, they’re just as skilled at putting people back together again—as perfect pets, well-trained and eager to please.

No matter what your secret tastes or dark desires, the Flesh Cartel—for the right price, of course—will hand-design the plaything of your dreams.

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1. Capture

The blurb:

In this first installment of the exciting new psychosexual thriller, The Flesh Cartel, orphaned brothers Mat and Dougie Carmichael are stolen in the night from their own home. Taken to a horrifying processing facility, they are assessed, microchipped, and subjected to unspeakable brutality—all in preparation for sale to the highest bidder.

In a world where every person has a price, the beautiful and subduable PhD student Dougie is highly prized. His brother, a rough-edged MMA fighter, is less desirable—and potentially too dangerous—but he still has his own appeal.

Abused and locked up under round-the-clock surveillance, with no idea where they are or even why they’ve been taken, escape seems impossible, which leaves staying together their only hope. And after being separated once by the foster system, they'll do anything to keep it from happening again. Anything at all.

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O my God, I don’t even know where to begin. This story is violent, harsh, cruel, sexually explicit in the most disturbing way and totally engrossing.

The reader is briefly introduced to Dougie and Mat, two brothers with nobody else in the world besides each other. Dougie, 23 is a PhD student, sensitive and protected from the harsh realities in the world by his older brother Mat, who tries to support himself and his brother as an MMA fighter.

Just when the reader starts to think how nice it is that both brothers are trying protect each other from certain aspects of their lives, intruders break into their house while Dougie is in the shower and Mat away. Their planned rape and abduction of Dougie is interrupted but not prevented by Mat’s arrival and before the brothers know what is happening to them they’ve been ferreted away to an unknown location.

With Dougie always having been the only intended target, Mat has to swallow all of his anger and pride in order not to get himself killed. The only chance he has of saving Dougie is staying with him. The only way to stay with Dougie is for Mat to subject himself to humiliation and captivity.

While Dougie and Mat have no idea why they have been taken, what the purpose of their medical evaluation, micro-chipping and being filmed is, the reader does; these young men have fallen victim to a secret organization of human traffickers and are destined to become sexual slaves.

This book is objectionable on so many fronts that it is hard to know where to begin. First and foremost though I think I should mention that none of the sexual acts described in this first part of the story are consensual or tender or beautiful. What we are reading is rape; described in horrifying detail. In fact, there were several times during the 60 or so pages in this book that I felt I couldn’t read on. But the plight Mat and Dougie find themselves in and their loyalty to each other kept me reading and will have me reading on.

2. Auction

The blurb:

In episode two of The Flesh Cartel, the dark purpose behind Mat and Dougie Carmichael’s abduction is revealed. Though Dougie is protected from the worst of the guards’ brutality, he’s disgusted to find himself halfway to broken—despairing of escape and terrified of pain. Mat holds onto hope despite repeated violations and beatings, but threats toward his brother teach him well to lay aside his pride and pick his battles carefully.

Worn down by days of unrelenting fear and abuse, Mat and Dougie are packaged and marketed with the same ruthless efficiency as any consumer product: Dougie the prettyboy twink, Mat the rabid pit bull. They are led to the auction block as the showpiece of the house’s collection.

Mat would rather be beaten to death than play the role of obedient slave for sale, but Dougie, desperate not to be separated from his brother, strikes a deal with the pitiless Madame who runs the auction house and controls both their fates. It might just be enough to keep them together—slaves, but together—assuming Mat even wants to be after Dougie fulfills his end of his deal with the devil.

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If I thought the first part of this story, ‘Capture’, was hard to read, this one was even harder. Kept in captivity and separated the two brothers still have no idea where they are, or why, or what is going to be happening to them.

The only thing they know is that they are nothing; stripped of their names, addressed as ‘holes’ those holding seem determined to strip Mat and Dougie of their humanity. And while Dougie somewhat protected by his capturer’s wish to keep him clean and unblemished, they have no such qualms about Mat who discovers that being used as a punch bag is the least of his troubles.

When Dougie does as Madame demands he may ensure that he won’t be separated from his brother. It may also mean that his brother will never forgive him; that is if Dougie will ever be able to forgive himself.

I said it in the first part of this review, and I’ll say it again, this is NOT an easy story to read. In fact, the story is so heartbreaking, so sadistic and so cruel that I my immediate reaction when I finished this second installment was that I couldn’t possibly read on. Now that a little bit of time has passed I’m not so sure. This story is very compelling and well written.

I may just read a few more episodes, just to find out if a bit more humanity enters this otherwise horrific story. I have gotten attached to Mat and Dougie and am curious if they’ll manage to keep the love and loyalty between them as strong as it is, despite their enemies’ best efforts to separate them.

It is not often that a book leaves me this conflicted. Part of me wants to condemn it out of hand because of the cruelty on the pages, while another part of me is in awe that these authors managed to draw me in to this extent despite everything that is so very objectionable about this story. I think I’ll sleep on it for a while and see how I feel in a few days.

In the meantime, ‘The Flesh Cartel’ comes with a strong worded warning; this is not a romance or a love story. The scenes in this book are harsh, cruel and graphic. An awful lot of readers will find this book hateful and disgusting. However, if you like your stories pitch black and are not afraid of being shocked beyond your imagination, this may well be the book for you.

SEASONS OF SEDUCTION

TITLE: SEASONS OF SEDUCTION

BY: ANGELA JAMES, EDITOR

Pages: 398

Date: 03/12/02013

Grade: 4+

Details: Received from Carina Press

              Through NetGalley

Own/Kindle

The blurb:

What’s on your wish list?

After indulging in twelve naughty nights in Mexico, a woman experiences an erotic epiphany. An adventurous elf has her eye on one very sexy Santa. A married couple hopes to find a very special marine under the mistletoe. And a holiday mitzvah leads a woman to submit to a man in uniform on Christmas Day. No matter your fantasies, this collection of four shorts will add spice and sizzle to cold winter nights.

Edited by Angela James, this anthology includes:

Five Golden Rings by Jeffe Kennedy
Naughty Nicks by Christine d’Abo
Ménage on 34th Street by Elise Logan and Emily Ryan-Davis
Matzoh and Mistletoe by Jodie Griffin

Stories also available for purchase separately 

Five Golden Rings by Jeffe Kennedy (4)

The blurb:

On the first day of Christmas, my lover gave to me…

Matilda Campbell's plans to spend Christmas solo in the sun take an erotic turn when she encounters the handsome and enigmatic Miguel D'Oro on the plane to Mexico. As the CEO of a major firm, Tilda's used to being the one in charge—but now she'll have to learn how to take orders instead.

In the spirit of the season, Miguel offers Tilda naughty gifts for each of the twelve days of Christmas. There's just one rule: she must accept them—and fulfill his commands—or face the sensual consequences. Intrigued and aroused, Tilda agrees to let Miguel take control of her pleasure.

What follows is a week unlike anything she's ever experienced. From choosing her sexy new wardrobe and naughty accessories, to pushing her boundaries with BDSM play, Miguel satisfies every forbidden craving. But as their time together runs out, she must decide if there's room in her real life for her holiday lover and her newly discovered kinky side.

This was a fun and very kinky story. I loved the idea of ‘The Twelve Kinky Days of Christmas’ The plans Miguel has for Tilda are original and inspired, not to mention hot. My only ‘complaint’ is that the story felt a bit rushed at times, a problem no doubt caused by the length of this novella. The same is true for the short time span it takes these two characters to decide that they do want this to be more than just a holiday adventure, especially since for Tilda everything she experiences is the complete opposite of her normal persona.

 Other than that it was a pure joy to read this steamy story.

Menage on 34^th Street by Elise Logan & Emily Ryan-Davis (4.5)

The blurb:

“Katrina and Owen Holland have the perfect marriage, a home in the trendiest part of Baltimore, and a scorching sex life. As another Christmas approaches, there’s only one thing still on Kat’s wish list: Hunter Croft. But she made peace long ago with his decision to choose the marines over their relationship. Until seeing him again arouses feelings she thought were in the past…

Hunter has spent a decade outrunning his attraction to both Kat and Owen. But now that he’s stateside, his self-control crumbles when he comes face to face with the two people who star in all his favourite fantasies. Their reunion is both erotic and emotional – and has Hunter wondering if three is really a crowd, after all.

Owen can’t imagine his life without Kat. But he can imagine a future where the three of them live and love under one roof. Owen and Kat have shared their bed with other men, but Hunter is the only one who could ever have a place in their hearts. And this holiday season, Owen intends to make their dream a reality.

I won’t say a lot more about this story because the full story-line can be found in the blurb. I will say that I loved it. The dynamic between these three people is fascinating and realistic. I was so happy that conflicts were resolved through conversation, and that, although there were emotional outbursts and reactions, common sense prevailed.

I’m very grateful that the authors didn’t make this story too easy. This wasn’t a case of they love each other so they’ll live happily ever after. No, even by the time the story ends you know that these three people will be in a relationship that requires work and compromise on all sides, that things won’t always be easy or smooth for them. And because these are three very likeable characters, you can’t help hoping that they will succeed and find a way to make it work. I’m delighted to see that there will be a sequel to this story and am very much looking forward to reading it.

Oh, and did I mention that this story is incredibly hot? Of course ménage stories, by definition, allow for a whole host of situations that can’t be achieved with ‘only’ two characters. Let’s just say the authors of this story give their readers an enticing and extensive idea of all those possibilities.

Naughty Nicks by Christine D’Abo (3.5)

The blurb:

Kim has been the coordinator at Naughty Nicks, home of the sexiest Santa strippers, every Christmas for three years—and for just as long, she's lusted after her boss. She enjoys their flirty banter and heated looks, but she's getting tired of Blake being nice when she's feeling naughty. This year, there's only one kind of Christmas bonus she wants.

With each passing holiday season, Blake's attraction to Kim has grown. But after a bitter divorce, he's not sure he's ready to jump into a new relationship, especially with an employee. One passionate kiss under the mistletoe and he realizes he's had enough of looking and not touching. Fortunately, he knows the perfect way to seduce Kim—a private striptease to prove she's the only elf for his Naughty Nick.

Novellas are strange things. Occasionally they’re just right but more often than not they feel too short, leaving me with the feeling that I would have gotten more out of the story if only it had been longer. Not so with “Naughty Nick”. I can’t help feeling that this story would have been at least as good as it is, if not better, if it had been a bit shorter. For me the whole will they or won’t they come to their senses went on for too long. 

Other than that, I enjoyed the story. The characters were nice and vivid; the heat level was high and the sex hot. I enjoyed this cute story and it most certainly got me in the mood for Christmas, not to mention a stripping Santa.

Matzoh and Mistletoe by Jodie Griffin (5)

The blurb:

Every December twenty-fifth, Rebeccah Rickman volunteers through her synagogue so that others can celebrate Christmas. Her usual mitzvah, or good deed, is assisting police officer Jeremy Kohler. But this year is different: this year, Becca is free to act on the attraction that has long simmered between her and the sexy cop.

Jeremy couldn't have asked for a better gift than discovering the woman he's fantasized about for five long years is single. But when he learns about the violence that broke up Becca's marriage, he's hesitant to pursue her. He fears his desires will scare her away—but can't deny his own need for control in the bedroom. Or his longing to instruct her in the fine art of submission…

Becca is shocked to learn that Jeremy is a sexual dominant. And despite her past, she's also aroused. But before she can explore what that means, she's going to have to put her trust in Jeremy—and her own fledgling desires.

Let me start by saying that I adore Jody Griffin’s stories. I love her Doms and the strong submissives she creates. Her books and stories, this one included are romantic, sexy and very hot. When she takes her readers into the world of BDSM she introduces them both to the dominating and the caring side of this dynamic. Her Doms, and Jeremy in ‘Matzoh and Mistletoe’ is no exception, are first and foremost loving and caring men who put the needs of the women who submit to them first. They may not be able to deny their need to dominate, they make very sure their submissives get what they want and need. Even if the woman in question doesn’t always know theat what she’s getting is exactly what she wants.

I loved the care Jeremy took with Becca in this story. Just as I loved Becca’s willingness to investigate what the man she had been interested in for five years had to offer, even if it scared her and brought back memories she’d rather forget. This is a tender love story first and foremost with BDSM the vehicle through which the tenderness is shared. It was wonderful to join Becca on her journey while she discovered what her fantasies – the same fantasies her ex-husband had shamed her for – where like when experienced for real. Watching Jeremy while he introduces her to the beauty of power-exchange, taking care to not push her over the edge, was heart-warming. 

I’m running out of ways to express how much I enjoyed this book, so let me finish by saying that it’s hard not to adore a book that combines a beautiful love story, with smoking hot scenes and a wicked sense of humor.

When I discovered that Jodie Griffin didn’t have any plans to return to her Bondage & Breakfast books my heart sank. Having read this book my worries have dissipated. I have ever confidence that this is one author who will not let me down; regardless of the characters she decides to write about.