I So Miss Viking Stories

Dear Diary,

I am so missing Viking Romance. I do miss the raids, capture of helpless women and then the falling in love. Connie Mason wrote one of my favorite viking stories called.... wait for it......VIKING! hehe. I would love to read a good viking book. I can only re read the ones I have so many times. I will be on the look out.

Guest Editorial: Does BDSM promote violence against women?

*Due to the content and nature of this posting, this is for a mature audience of 18 and older.

 Dear Diary,

A couple of weeks ago, The Fifty Shades Trilogy by E.L. James made mainstream news when it was discussed on the Today show. I have been aware of the trilogy for a long time because it was originally a Twilight fan fiction called Masters of the Universe that the author changed the names and got three books published from it. That’s a really big deal. I read the first book, Fifty Shades of Grey about a year ago. I thought it was good. I gave it 4 stars on Goodreads. 

I found it surprising that this trilogy was getting so much press.  BDSM is always a brown paper, top shelf kind of genre.  The fact that it was on the Today Show and had women at my lunch table talking about it, had me agape.  I love reading BDSM, it was surreal to hear some of my co-workers discussing it.  Apparently, it’s sweeping book clubs across, not just the country, but the world!  I find that incredibly exciting.  I think that these women are waking up to their inner sexuality that has always lain dormant, because until you are exposed to that thing that gives you a tingle low in your belly, you don’t know it exists. When you find it, that window into your sexuality becomes a door.  And through that door is sexual satisfaction, which even the promise of, is heady. 

Women in these book clubs are saying that the books are lighting a fire under their marriage bed.  Again, awesome!  I want to start a BDSM book club in my neighborhood!  The other thing that I found shocking was according to the Huffington Post, “Dr. Drew, a board-certified internist and TV personality, told the TODAY Show that he finds the novel "disturbing" and even suggested that the submissive sex the book depicts is essentially violence against women.”

What?  Dr. Drew!  Dr. Drew of MTV’s and radio’s Loveline of my youth, believes that BDSM promotes violence against women!  I was so disappointed!  I always felt that Dr. Drew understood female sexuality, physically and psychologically.  I was so disappointed at his narrow view.  Plus, he hadn’t read the book at the time he made that statement!  Later, for his show on HLN, he read the book along with his wife and a panel of three other women and stood firm in his stance that it promotes violence against women!  Fifty Shades is not exactly hardcore BDSM but it’s not Sugarkink either.  (Sugarkink is how some refer to light BDSM, as in being tied to the headboard or an erotic spanking).  It’s also not the series I’d recommend if introducing someone to BDSM literature; it’s very deep on a psychological level.  Even though much of BDSM plays out in the player’s minds, Fifty Shades has what amounts to relationship mind games in my opinion. 

So, I’ve just got to say, BDSM is a consensual power exchange.  BDSM is a very wide spectrum of sexual practice, so the psychology behind those practices is infinite.  There’s a great article on Psychology Today about BDSM and Fifty Shades that states, “It [BDSM] is not weird, it is not pathological, it is a flavor of erotica, just as chocolate (and vanilla) are flavors of ice cream.”  Is it really so hard to understand why a person would want to give over complete control?  It’s freeing.  And just as I said in an article I wrote a few months ago, in a Dom/sub relationship, it’s the submissive that has all the power.  In a time when some people, like say..the women who are reading Fifty Shades in their book clubs, are responsible for everything from their job to bills to carpools, is it so hard to comprehend that that person would want someone else to have absolute responsibility for their pleasure?   Is it equally so hard to understand why someone would want to be in complete control of something, even something as simple as pleasure for one’s partner?  It isn’t for me. To me, it’s psych 101.  In a time when people feel like they have little control in their lives, one’s own sexual practices are something everyone should be in control of.

I want to make clear that Domestic Violence is in no way consensual and there is no power exchange, one person claims all the power, usually by force. 99% of violence in domestic relationships have this dynamic:

There is no consent given, no safe word, no protection.  The victim receives no pleasure from any part of this cycle and spends most of their lives in a state of hopelessness.  If you are in this kind of relationship, please get help.  1−800−799−SAFE(7233) is a the number to call.  It must be said that most Doms would kick the ass of an abuser, as good Doms are incredibly protective by nature. And remember, after the spanking comes the aftercare. The aftercare is sweet. It’s the back rub during an endorphin high, it’s the spooning after sex.  It’s the reconnection while coming back down to earth.

 

So what do you guys think?  Does BDSM promote violence against women?  We want to hear from you.  And I think we need to send Dr. Drew some Cherise Sinclair. Who’s with me?

***This guess poster will remain Anonymous.  I am thankful  that she and her blog did an guest posting on this blog.

Author Carly Fall Could be a New Now Next for me at the Moment.

Dear Diary,

I am enjoying author Carly Fall's series the (Six Saviors). I think this could be an author to watch. She has a way of using dialogues between characters that is pleasing, also the way her story flows. Definitely book one was good and look forward to Hudson's story. The books feel like a mix genre  of sci-fi and paranormal romance.

Review: Carly Fall Review

Romance Novel Junkies

WOW! Fifty Shades of Grey Series Made the News. Really...

Dear Diary,

 Wow..., really...

Imagine what I was thinking when on March 1st and 2nd 2012, I saw the today's show on nbc, fox news and cwb news talking about Fifty Shades of Grey series. I love the series, which I will admit I have not read book 3, not sure if I will, but they are calling it what suburbs moms are reading.

1. Its not only suburban moms.
2. It is crazy that it improves the suburb moms sex life. That's every other erotica novel for me.
3. Really, I love Christian Grey. I consider him my Mr. Big but this was not news worthy.
4. I guess with all these teen ya romances becoming movies this is the adult version of Harry Potter or Twilight.


I normally don't go for the hype of anything because it turns me off to not reading or watching it. I say that because 7 times out of 10 I probably don't like it. But I have to admit this was a good series but there are other books that are just as good. However, I will say that the intimacy level was oh so D.R.I.P for me.


I am definitely not a hater and commend E.L. James on her success. I haven't heard much from her but I would hate the pressure of the next series.

Link to news broadcast
Fifty Shades of Grey on the News



http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com 

My New AA Ubran Author Obsession, Author S.K

Dear Diary,

I discovered this African American urban romance author a few months ago and I am addicted to her books. Her name, S.K. S.K. has a way of writing her characters with depth as she makes you feel as though you are up close and personal with the characters. Her (Sin City Heat) series are so good that I feel like it's some form of crack and I need the next fix asap. The intimacy level is not lacking as well and is an added bonus. The series has four books to date within the series, they are:

1. Buried Secrets
2. Twisted Obsession
3. Beginning of an Eclipse
4. No Secrets No Lies

I had the pleasure of speaking with the author and she is one of the sweetest people I know and with each book I'm always amazed at her talents. I haven't felt this way since discovering Brenda Jackson's novels and found myself trying to buy all her series.

Recommend to the African American genre.

http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com

YA Fever! J.A Templeton and Jamie McGuire

Dear Diary,

I am not a huge fan of Young Adult, but ever since I've read the MacKinnon Curse book 1 & 2, I am in love. J.A. Templeton's creation really scared me but the budding romance also captivated me. My Review: http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com/J.A.php

My second runner up in the YA genre, Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire. May not be for everyone as it is a bit racy for some. It was different and that's what I loved about it.  
 http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com/other__REVIEWS_VNGV.php

If you want to try something different all three would be a definite try.

 

 

Package GIVEAWAY Today ! 6 Books.

RULES:

1. Please comment under this posting to have a chance to win a copy. The winner will be chosen at 6:00pm.
2.  When commenting, please post your email so we are able to contact the winner. 
3. When the winner is picked the author will contact the winner with a code to retrieve a copy of their books. Please don’t forget to provide an email.
4.  Giveaway includes 3 Paranormal and a compilation set of 3 books Contemporary.

 

AUTHOR:  Chloe Hart 
TITLE: Taming the Vampire (Blood and Absinthe book 1)
GENRE: Paranormal, Vampire

 BLURB: 

An unlikely partnership…

Demon hunter Liz Marlowe and vampire Jack Morgan have hated each other from the moment they met. But when a powerful enemy threatens their beloved city of Boston, they form a reluctant alliance. It’s supposed to be temporary—just one night, in fact. But as the tension between them builds to the breaking point, neither is prepared for what happens next.

Taming the Vampire is Book 1 of the Blood and Absinthe series.






AUTHOR:   Chloe Hart 
TITLE:    Bound the Vampire (Blood and Absinthe book 2)
GENRE:  Paranormal, Vampire

 BLURB:

 Celia Albright, an eighth-blood Fae and a spellcaster, is having a very bad day. She’s being targeted by an unknown assassin, and with most of her friends out of the city fighting demons, she goes to the only other person in Boston who might be powerful enough to help her.

Evan Grant is a vampire who prides himself on his survival instincts. He’s avoided the Fae ever since they killed his maker years ago, and he knows he’d be crazy to take a Faery girl under his protection—especially since it might be the Fae themselves who want Celia dead.

If he were smart, he’d send her away. But when he saves her life instead, Celia and Evan find themselves caught up in an adventure neither of them expected—and an attraction neither of them is prepared for.

Bound by the Vampire is Book 2 of the Blood and Absinthe series.


 


AUTHOR:  Ashlynn Monroe

TITLE:   Vengeance
GENRE:   Paranormal

 BLURB:

 With her husband murdered and her city growing more dangerous each day, Audra Jacob struggles to build a new life for herself and her young son. Her first step is finding a perfect job at the offices of wealthy businessman Cain Maddox. Cain is hot, but Audra's sure a man like him couldn’t be interested in a nobody like her.

Cain Maddox is more than a handsome CEO. He's a mysterious vigilante, the one thing that keeps the criminals from overrunning Roman Falls. Dark forces helped create the protector he’s become. His powers given by a demon inside he struggles to control. When he’s moments too late to defend Audra, the woman he’s grown to care for, he brings her to the one man he knows can save her.

As a dormant creature inside of Audra awakens, so does her need for vengeance and answers.





AUTHOR:  Tori Scott

TITLE:  Satisfaction The Collection
GENRE:Contemporary Romance

BLURB:

 Together in one volume: Satisfaction Guaranteed, Perfectly Satisfied, and Finally Satisfied. Newly edited and revised.

Satisfaction Guaranteed: Book One (Cara and Gray)
Perfectly Satisfied: Book Two (Reggie and Sam)
Finally Satisfied: Book Three (Angel and Mitch)

The Satisfaction Collection of novellas follows lifelong friends as they find their way from friends to lovers.

Satisfaction Guaranteed: Caramia Kensington makes a living setting up seduction scenes for rich playboys. Imagine her surprise when her current customer turns out to be her old high school flame, Grayson Montgomery. And the woman he plans to seduce is Cara.

"A novella that flows smoothly and leaves you begging for more. Recommended for fans of novellas and fans of reunion romances." maldivianbookreviewer.com

***
Perfectly Satisfied: Regina Baker has loved Sam Hyatt since the third grade, but Sam has an ideal woman in mind, and Reggie doesn't even come close. As the heir to a sizable fortune, Sam has a responsibility to marry well. His wife needs to be well bred, well educated, and well heeled. As a poor preacher's daughter with a landscaping business that barely pays the bills, Reggie feels like a mangy mutt compared to Sam's current girlfriend, who has a pedigree a mile long.

Their matchmaking friends, Cara and Gray, arrange for Sam and Reggie to join them on a two week cruise, where Sam will have a chance to see what he's been missing and Reggie will have two weeks to win Sam's heart.

"I am a fan of the first book, 'Satisfaction Guaranteed', and fell in love with all the characters. In addition, after reading 'Perfectly Satisfied', I think it surpass Satisfaction Guaranteed. This story falls in the category of sweet with a dash of Cinderella."--Romance Novel Junkies

***
Finally Satisfied: Angel Kensington has never gotten over giving her baby up for adoption sixteen years ago. She's spent the time since then fighting panic attacks, hiding from her feelings, and isolating herself into a well-regimented existence. She has no room in her life for changes, complications, or men.

Mitch Turner presents a definite challenge for Angel. He's the wrong man for her, even if she wanted a man in her life. Why won't he just leave her alone?

Mitch has felt responsible for what his family did to Angel. They'd treated her like trash, left her to flounder with no hope of keeping her baby. He'd offered to marry her back then, but she'd not only turned him down flat, she'd avoided him ever since.

But now Cara and Gray are getting married and Angel is the maid of honor and Mitch is the best man. Angel can't avoid Mitch any longer, and she can no longer avoid facing her past. But are Mitch's feelings for Angel real, or are they just guilt over something he couldn't fix?



 

 **Special thanks to: Chloe Hart, Ashlynn Monroe and Tori Scott.


**To the viewers, thank you in advance for participating and GOOD LUCK! 

 By:
 http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com
 

RNJ Website Launch

Dear Diary,

New Romance Novel Junkies website launch was on October 3, 2011. Stop by and visit.

http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com

Book Preview / Book Cover part 1

Dear Diary,

I think as a reader it is important when we are browsing for a new book the book/product preview is appealing to the buyer. I can only speak for myself but when a book preview is vague, it makes the book sound unappealing. We definitely don't want the author giving away the plot but we also want the author to sell the book to us. Having a preview with three sentences does not help.  There are times I'm reading a book preview and I have a duh moment and find myself having to read it again for a better understanding.  Sometimes reading the sample is more confusing so it leaves me ignoring the book and scrolling to the next book if there are no reviews. It's bad when you have to read a reviewer's review to have a better understanding what the book is about. Also using just an excerpt only for a preview tsk tsk tsk no good, think about the reader and ask yourself, would I understand what the book is about?  Would I want to read it? We want to buy your books not skip over them.

Sometimes an overcrowded product preview can be distracting as well but to be fair reading and knowing the authors’ accomplishments are good. Mysterious previews can work but I think it depends on what is being said. Great previews never fail. This posting for my indie/self publish authors I love you guys.

Do Readers Connect More with Authors on their Websites, Blogs, or Other Social Network Sites?

Dear Diary,

I think blogs were the norm and they still are but I personally think readers connect more with their favorite authors through other social networking sites more frequently like facebook and twitter.

Blogs

Authors love to blog and it gives them the opportunity and freedom to write, post, host other authors and basically do whatever they want. I might not have all the inside information but I can go by my experiences. Sometimes as a reader when I visit and go to a blog it can be too busy and overwhelming with the information being shown. Also the layout is a little difficult to comprehend right away searching for buttons that you know exist but have no clue where it is. When trying to get new traffic, I know some authors have contests and giveaways which is fun, but most readers go for the giveaways never to return until more giveaways. Die hard fans will always stay and never stray but others wants new and fun ways to interact with their authors. For other readers they will visit the author’s website but subscribe so the information can go to them.

Other Social Networking

For most readers, facebook and twitter for them are exciting in connecting with their favorite authors. I think one of the reasons it’s better for most, is because everything is only a click away and people connect more with those networking sites. They do get a sense of feeling connected as well as feel as though they are apart of the author’s status and updates. With facebook there are so many ways to connect, interact and enjoy what authors do. Most authors welcome friend request as well as a like for their fan page. Twitter is no different with typing your thoughts that you can share immediately with others.

I think combing everything blog, twitter, facebook and others are fun for readers. I also think authors give more updates on social networking sites than anywhere else. I personally enjoy connecting, giveaways and having fun with authors and everyone with other networking sites but what do I know it’s a personal preference for social networking.

What Do You Think?

My First Book Cover Review Quote.

Dear Diary,

I am excited to share that my review for Lisa Renee Jones’s, popular Vampire Wardens series will be used for book cover #2 and will be release the end of the week. I received an email that Romance Novel Junkies Book Reviews received its first book cover quote review. It was truly a pleasure, as I had no idea I was even being considered. Some of the hard work is paying off, but at the end of the day I still enjoy reading and posting my reviews and will continue to do so with or with a book cover quote.

It was definitely a wonderful email to receive when I woke up.

Author Ruth Cardello

Dear Diary,

Beneath the Sheets Quickie Q&A Author Ruth Cardello

By Romance Novel Junkies.

1. What year did you start writing?
I’ve been writing since early childhood, but mostly short stories, poems and articles. I wrote my first novel about five years ago.

2. What genre are your books?
Contemporary romance. I write fast-paced, fun romances with alpha heroes and the strong women who tame them.

3. When did you release your first book?
April, 2011…I put Maid for the Billionaire on Amazon and Smashwords for FREE. Over 150,000 downloaded it so far.

4. How many books have you release to date?
TWO. Last Saturday I released my second book in the series, For Love or Legacy.

5. Where can readers find your books?
Both of my books are on sale at Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble and iBookstore.
Thanks for taking part in Beneath the Sheets Quickie Q&A Ruth Cardello.
You can find Ruth Cardello’s book postings and updates on her fan page located on Facebook




********
I have read both books by Ruth Cardello in her Legacy Collection that consist of three books. Book 1: Maid for the Billionaire, Book 2: For Love or Legacy and Book 3: Bedding the Billionaire (Will be out in summer 2012). Ruth Cardello is a self published author who decided to self published her work, and has gone on to find success with book 1, while book 2 is not far behind. Brief summaries and thoughts by Romance Novel Junkies are written below.
BRIEF SUMMARY BOOK 1 (Maid for the Billionaire)
Dominic Corisi knew instantly that Abigail Dartley was just the distraction he was looking for, especially since having her took a bit more persuading than he was used to. So when business forces him to fly to China, he decides to take her with him, but on his terms. No promises. No complications. Just sex.
Abby has always been the responsible one. She doesn’t believe in taking risks; especially when it comes to men – until she meets Dominic. He’s both infuriating and intoxicating, a heady combination. Their trip to China revives a long forgotten side of Abby, but also reveals a threat to bring down Dominic’s company. With no time to explain her actions, Abby must either influence the outcome of his latest venture and save his company or accept her role as his mistress and leave his fate to chance. Does she love him enough to risk losing him for good?

THOUGHTS
I did enjoy reading Maid for the Billionaire. Reading Dominic and Abby’s relationship throughout the book was interesting for me. The author has a way of connecting her characters together that also draws the reader in. I would say to readers who are huge fans of Harlequin Presents, that they would embrace this book very well.


********
BRIEF SUMMARY BOOK 2 (For love or Legacy)
Nicole Corisi will lose her inheritance if she doesn’t find a way around the terms of her father’s will, but she will have to partner up with her estranged brother’s rival to do it. As pretense becomes painfully real, Nicole will have to choose between Stephan and the family he is driven to destroy.
Stephan Andrade has been planning his revenge ever since Dominic Corisi unscrupulously took over his father’s company. With Corisi Enterprises gambling its reputation on the success of a new software network for China, Stephan finally has his chance to take back his legacy. Dominic’s younger sister, Nicole, asks Stephan for his help and provides him with an opportunity to exact his revenge on a personal level.
It all goes smoothly until he falls in love.


THOUGHTS
I definitely felt that in book two, the author’s talent shines with an impressive growth in her story telling. This was a wonderful, detailed, and engaging read for me. This story brought out many lovable characters that added to the book. I enjoyed getting to know Stephan’s family right down to Jeff, Nicole’s limo driver. Maddy, Stephan’s cousin was so nice and sweet as well as an important key in bringing Nicole and Stephan together. I really enjoyed reconnecting with Abby and Dominic again in book 2. We also read in-depth why Nicole and Dominic’s relationship was the way it is, also an explanation seven years prior on what really happen between Dominic and Victor, Stephan’s father. Stephan and Nicole’s relationship was like a roller coaster ride but very entertaining to read as well. Their romance, dare I say felt as though I was watching a movie on the TV channel WE or maybe Lifetime while reading and picturing everyone in my head. It was sweet and again it had that Harlequin Presents feel which isn’t a bad thing, and probably is a bit better than a HP. If you were a fan of the first book then the author does not disappoint with book2. If you were not a fan then I would still recommend this book to you.

For more information about Ruth Cardello, visit her website, or go to her Facebook page.

How long do you believe is acceptable, when waiting for the next book in a series?

Dear Diary,

I took part in a poll regarding the waiting period of a series next book. I will post  replies. The replies will be under unknown.

6-12 months

  18 votes, 41.9%

1 year

  9 votes, 20.9%

* 2-6 months

  7 votes, 16.3%

However long it takes to write the book

  7 votes, 16.3%

UNKNOWN 1 -
Although I would like them quicker, 6-12 months is acceptable.

UNKNOWN 2 -
Waiting is hard for me, especially if there's a cliffhanger. So I would say 6-12 months normally. But I know some authors don't write as fast as others and there's a lot of research involved sometimes. I would rather wait a little longer and have a great next installment than to get it fast and have a not-so-great next installment.

UNKNOWN 3 -
I voted 6-12 because I don't mind waiting that long to get the next story. I am trying to make sure my books are out about ever 5-6 months.

UNKNOWN 4 -
 I would say 6-12 months because you don't want it to be too long that your readers forget about the story and move on to another series instead.

 UNKNOWN 5 -
I totally agree with the six to twelve months, despite how hard it is to get a book written in that time. As a writer working on a series, I have the first two books already written and am writing the third while editing the second as an agent is finding me a publisher for the first. It is all about commitment. If it is the last or towards the end of a series, I am a little more patient, especially if the others were released within six months of each other, because the publishers clearly plowed through to monopolize on the success!

UNKNOWN 6 - My response
The shorter the period the better. The longer I wait for it the quicker my interest dwindle.

  While I would not want a rushed book that would lessen the quality of the work, I think a certain period of 6 to 7 months is acceptable.

A reader tends to get impatient. Long periods can make a reader lose interest depending on the series. If the next book in the series takes longer more than a year, then it forces that reader to read the prior books to play catch up, which can become annoying because you want to dive right into read the next installment.  Also a true fan can wait a little longer.

 

Dear Diary,

 Hot Vampire Kiss (Vampire Wardens book1) by 

Lisa Renee Jones 

A brief Video Review .

A virus has led to werewolves killing innocent young women in Temple, Texas. Evan and his two brothers, Aiden and Troy, are sent to investigate and catch the werewolf. Evan and his brothers answer to the council who keeps order amongst vampires, as well as remain hidden amongst humans, as humans believe them to be extinct. All three brothers are Wardens, vampires who hunt those who prey on humans. When the council got word of a werewolf killer, they sent Evan and his brothers to track the werewolf down.

While working at a bar on the lookout for information, Evan encounters Marissa, who he instantly feels an attraction to. Marissa is the key to the next victim attack. While trying to protect Marissa, she was bitten and became infected by the werewolf. Evan gave Marissa some of his blood so the virus of the werewolf will not infect her fully. Doing this Evan broke the council law, which is punishable by death; he bonded with a human. He needs to hunt down the werewolf and kill it before the next full moon as the virus will take over Marissa and she will become a killer werewolf. They also have to worry about the council and what they might do to Evan for bonding with Marissa.

This was an exciting read for me. When the book was close to the end, I kept looking at the book length progress of my ebook device hoping it would not finish, the story for me personally was that engaging. I loved that the author detailed the backdrop of the brothers' history in the product preview. This was helpful because the moment you started the book it dove right into the story. Evan for me was a sexy character; he is that vampire that has seen a lot throughout his hundred years of living, so at that moment when he saw Marissa he knew what he wanted. Marissa was a very shy but not so shy character. As the story progress, she became more out spoken dealing with the issues that she might become a wolf. The book says erotica not sure I would classify as that but their intimate scenes were still good and hot.

I was so excited that we got to meet Aiden and Troy, they are just a bundle of vampire hotness. Aiden seems like the mature one but Troy, Troy was the cranky and mysterious one that has accumulated issues from his past as described in the book. I do not want to give away too much on him, but Troy is also a little different from his other two brothers. Finally yet importantly Marcus, He is the warden in-charge and who saved the brothers when they were turn so long ago. I do not know what the author as planned for Marcus in the upcoming books for Aiden and Troy but I demand a story to be written about Marcus. He entered the story mid way through but he left an impact.

Storyline: GOOD
Intimacy: GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD

EROTICA BOOKS: What some readers are saying

Dear Diary,

Everyone is surely different when it comes to their romance novels. So, I was looking what I could find  about Erotica. I'm on the discussion board for one of the major online book outlets, under another user name of course, I never use my review name on the discussion board. I'm on here scoping out what some people are saying, as I always do. You do see what's in the reader's mind on what they want and have to say on discussion boards. I will post a couple not the whole thing.

I personally think it depends on your mood and how you feel. Sometimes I love my erotica short and to the point or long with a little plot. I think when you change it up a bit that's good. I also think short erotica in ebook formats, length of around 120KB are popular with readers looking for that quickie, of course at a low cost. Below I will post what some readers are saying, but will post without their names or user names of course.


READER#1:

It depends on what I'm in the mood to read, and sometimes on how long I have to read it. If I want a quick erotic read, I'll look for a shorter piece that gets straight to the action. Other times I want the emotional parts to be drawn out more. What I don't care for is a book that calls itself erotica but has maybe one sex scene you'd find in a slightly racy romance novel. If it's labeled erotica, it should have a lot of sexual tension even outside the sex scenes. Otherwise it's just a book with some sex in it.



READER#2:

I prefer a short plot with lots of action.


READER#3:

My favorite length (no pun intended) for a really hot erotic read is about a novella length. Reads less than 10,000 words are fine once in a while.


READER#4:

As a man, I want the forget-the-long-and-drawn-out-setup and give me the good stuff short story.

In my short stories, the characters meet, there's an obvious attraction to each other, they flirt and tease, and they find themselves naked and kissing every inch of each other in an unbridled sexual passion.


READER#5:

I like longer erotica, where I can build a rapport with the characters. I find this makes the sex more believable and intense, and also gives room for some sexual escalation which I find extremely erotic rather than getting everything at once.


READER#6: This was me
A sex scene is what makes an erotica book good, of course with a good plot. But if the plot is good and the sex falls flat then I'm not happy. They both have to balance each other out sex and the plot. I don't think some readers wants a sloppy plot that makes it seems as though the author is just eager to get the the sex. Also imagination is good by the author but nothing where the reader is rolling their eyes.I've seen enough of those.


excuse any  typo

I Wrote This review 1/10/2006 I Feel Sooooo Bad.

Dear Diary,

I wrote both these reviews for the above books on January 10, 2006. I was going over it and kind of felt bad. I always tried to get into Cassie Edward's books, but I never could. I feel bad but I still feel the same way and its a little funny, also excuse the writing back then.


REVIEW for Swift Horse 


BOOK DESCRIPTION:
After witnessing the murder of her parents at the hands of a one-eyed Indian warrior, Marsha Eveland swore she'd never forgive his people. But then her brother announces plans to marry Soft Wind, beautiful sister of the Creek chieftain Swift Horse. Now, even if she can accept her brother's betrayal, can Marsha come to terms with a new feeling she cannot deny-one that drives her into the arms of that same chieftain?

THOUGHTS:
Let me be the first to review and rate this book and say I thought it was rushed as though the author had not met her deadline for this book. I felt like I was rushing through it like everything was going by and i missed what happen, example swift horse and Marsha did a little flirting but the first time that they actually had a conversation they are already saying I LOVE U! and then they are already talking about marriage and this isn't even the middle of the book yet. The book description states that she is angry for what the Indians did to her parents and feels betrayal from her brother wanting to marry an Indian, believe me she was far from angry. Her brother told her about the marriage and she had a hissy fit after that its like everything was happy go lucky "I'm so happy all the time except for seeing the man who killed my parents". BELIEVE ME THE ONLY THING THAT KEPT ME GOING WAS THE LITTLE ACTION IN THE BOOK that was for the 1 star and the love scene do not get me started on that it was like a love scene between an old couple, it was over quickly. WHAT IS GOING ON its like some pages where missing. This is my fist Cassie Edwards and my first Indian romance novel but i will not say it will be my last she has gotten some good reviews for her other books and will try the others. Maybe some one will think differently when they read this book or maybe its just me after reading the book description my expectation was too high and now my opinion is very low...



 REVIEW for Silver Feather


Book Description:
As a young girl in Mississippi, Diana Turner dreams of marrying her first love, a Choctaw Indian boy named Silver Feather whose family is enslaved by her stepfather. But when Silver Feather's parents are ruthlessly murdered,. She's forced to flee Dettro Manor to save his own life, breaking the young girl's heart.


THOUGHTS:
I THOUGHT IT WAS OK, for me it was just too simple, i did try to like it really i did but for me I  just felt like the first Cassie Edwards i read SWIFT HORSE I  didn't like it . I thought the begin was ok until they found each other then its I love U, I've always loved you lets get married. Your saying after reading that line that that's how romance novels are suppose to be. NO they are not suppose to be like that like everything is always good between couples, they are suppose to have their highs and lows with each other and make you feel like your apart of their emotions or a better way of putting it make you feel like you have connected with them. I didn't feel like that reading this book, Its just too simple I try reading all of it but stopped at chapter 23 and skip to the ending because they pretty much already decided what they were going to do after seeing each other and i didn't want to finish , the action part of the book it made me not want to find out what happens maybe I'm not a true Cassie Edwards fan to appreciate her work. I was really looking forward to adding her to my collection of authors or maybe i just don't get her writing style

I can tell you this much, after the first one that i read my anticipation was LOW for this book so i wasn't really mad... maybe just maybe i will try to read something else of hers and the 3rd times the charm...


I didn't read anymore books after that review. Sorry Cassie Edwards. I'm glad other readers love your work and hope she is doing well.

What some readers think sometimes when looking at a reader's reviews

 Dear Diary,

This is my opinion and its what I and  some readers do. When we come across a book that is by an author we know and like, sometimes we automatically  buy the book and read it. Then we write and look at other readers' reviews and agree or disagree.

If it's a book by an author we don't know, there are no reviews and the preview for the book seems ok, we either  add the book to our wish list and wait till someone has an opinion or some of us will take a chance and buy the book. But let's be real, sometimes readers don't like doing that because they may feel like they wasted their money on a book they don't like  by someone they don't know and tends to may not want to try another book by the author but this is only sometimes.

If it's a book by an author we don't know and it has reviews, we tend to investigate the reviews to see what the reader is about. I know when I'm on Amazon or Goodreads and I'm thinking of buying a book from an author I don't know, I immediately go to the reviews. Of course I look at the negative and positive reviews.
***For the positives, I would click on the reviewer's (see all my reviews list). If I see that this person has a set amount of reviews which for me could be more than 10 or 20 reviews within the past couple of weeks then I will surely consider what they said.  Seeing this  I know I can trust their opinions on the book they are reviewing. This could also work for me for the negative reviews sometimes. But to make it be known when a person only has 3 reviews within the past months or year, no good the review seems fake.

***For the negative reviews, I try to not let that sway me a lot. I do do the same process as I would the positive reviews. When it comes to the negatives and I'm seeing constant negatives, I'm not able to trust that person. Why keep reading the same books over and over that is not to your liking just so you can  leave constant negativity.


I would say this to authors, which I'm no expert, just saying. When you do pick a reviewer to read your work, make sure that reader has a certain amount of reviews to be taken seriously. Readers don't just look at the 5 or 4 star reviews of that reviewer, they look at more. Also use someone that just doesn't use 2 or 3 sentences saying and writing I loved it and thought it was great! Sometimes you want to know why it was great. You would be surprise the difference reviews make in purchasing a book.

Costly Books and NO offence to any Authors.

Dear Diary,

I wanted to write today about some of the book cost that we the readers purchase. I know authors have to make their money and that's OK and I 100% support that. But after talking to a couple of the readers, the issue that we talk about a lot are the novellas. A reader/friend emailed me some days ago  and said, "I saw a book that's a novella that I want to really read, it says the length is 38KB and the cost is $3.99."  That reader told me she isn't buying it.


From a reader's perspective most of us won't buy a novella with such huge cost, if the length isn't worth the money. Not in this economy anyway. We want to enjoy the books and keep buying them but we also don't want to feel that we aren't getting our money's worth.

I know authors read other books as well as write, but from a reader's point of view who doesn't write and just reads that's how we think. We could also shop around for the deals but some readers wouldn't know where to look or they may not know they can look on the publishing website that published the book.

I do notice some authors put there  books on the free list, some for a couple of weeks others a couple of days. Once they do that to get the readers reviews and buzz they go back to selling the books at regular cost. I think that works but gosh when an author puts their books on the free list the reviewers can be brutal. Readers shop for deals but on amazon we tend to go for the 0.99 cent books, who wouldn't.

Rumble Tumble by Dolly Paxton EROTICA

Dear Diary,

Rumble Tumble by Dolly Paxton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was a very cute and very very short fantasy for me to read. If you had a fantasy bucket list this would probably be on there.
Misty was cooking in her kitchen. Her new neighbor Rick the firefighter smelt smoke and decided to check out where it was coming from, so he knocks on Misty's door. While at the door an earthquake takes place, leaving Misty a little frighten and scared. To calm her down Rick kisses Misty and in the mist of an earthquake it became really steamy and earth shattering sexually for both Rick and Misty. When it came down to the final seconds of beinging rescued it intensify. Medium explicit sex so be warn.

This was a really fun, nice and quick read.

Storyline: GOOD
Intimacy: GOOD
Enjoyment: FAIR

Beyond Seduction by Stephanie Morris

 Dear Diary,

Beyond Seduction by Stephanie Morris

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I gave this read 3 1/2 stars which I still consider a nice read. I thought it was sweet and cute. I did enjoy the start but thought the ending was too easy; honestly for me Trenton stole the show for me. Autumn is 27 years old and is still a virgin and figures she is tired of waiting until marriage. Everyone in her family is married or is getting married which makes her feel more depress. So with the help of Olyvia she decides to go out find a guy to get rid of her virginity. When she did find a guy it didn't go so well because she gets drunk and in comes Eli. Eli is a sweet sexy guy with a son, named Trenton. Eli sees Autumn and thinks she needs recusing because she is drunk. While drunk Autumn decides to tell Eli of her plan and let's him promise to help her find a guy to lose her virginity to.

Of course this backfires because both Eli and Autumn begins to have feelings for each other. Though Autumn is find with having feelings for Eli, he is more reluctant because of what his ex wife did in the past. Again nice read cute story, but it was ok for me. I do enjoy some of the author's books.

Storyline: FAIR
Intimacy: PLEASING
Enjoyment: FAIR



What I didn't include in Review:
I felt like the excitement was missing. If Autumn is going to lose her virginity, let her enjoy herself have a few more enjoyment. I still think it was sweet.