Cimmerian City Mundania Press LLC

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Author: Rae Lindley
Publisher: Mundania Press LLC

REVIEW:

“Cim-merian: adj. Very dark or gloomy. In Greek mythology, one of a mythical people described by Homer [in the Odyssey] as inhabiting a land of perpetual darkness.”

Cimmerian City shows us a frightening outcome to current fears of crises on every front. From global warming and rampant pollution, to race wars and violence, from global control of the world’s economy by a handful of corporations, to controversial medical experimentation for profits for a drug-dependent society. Here is the extreme vision that Cimmerian City give us of the haves and the have-nots. The few people who can afford to protect themselves from this severally damaged world and those who are subject to the uncertainty of daily life.

Raven Blackheart, a fiery college student, has been distracted from her studies lately. She doesn’t know what to make of the bad dreams and strange feelings plaguing her. Although she has a strong intuitive sense, she can’t seem to focus on what’s bothering her. She’s been missing classes, turning in her assignments late. Even her boyfriend, Jack, can’t understand her short-temper and restlessness.

It’s 1999, and for all appearances, it’s just business as usual. On this very ordinary day, Raven takes the city bus to go home. However, she winds up at the end of the line and falls into a nightmare. When she wakes up, she knows that something is happening. She tries to ignore it but when she and Jack take a wrong turn into an alley, her life changes forever. The next thing she knows, she’s in an unknown place, an unknown time and in an unknown world…

“It began in 2009. Humans were killing each other off in wars and crime. The pharmaceutical company Dridan began creating stimulants that would prevent humans from being affected by radiation and to withstand any enemy weapons. The goal was to make the skin tougher so as not to easily be penetrated and to move more swiftly. One of these stimulants was found in the companies’ pharmaceutical Delanin targeted for easier blood flow.”

Delanin, extremely profitable, had very unpredictable side-effects; creating from the humans who took it a strange race of non-humans. Now, the controlling company, the Tech Corporation, wants to limit the collateral damage before it is too late. The Tech Corporation is the largest corporation in the world and for all practical purposes is the Earth’s governing body. When awaking in this new era, Raven finds herself the protégée of Deamond Taylor, the Vice President of the Tech Corporation.

Taylor has great plans for Raven. She is strong and shown to be fighter. She knows how to fight but has never laid a hand on anyone in anger. Now Taylor plans to use her to fight his battles. He has many enemies who must be eliminated for the plans of the Tech Corporation to be able to go ahead.

“We ran a check on you and found your name is Raven Blackheart. You have a mother who died when you were around five and a father who disappeared not long before giving you over to your aunt, his sister, whom you left not too long before you became bored with college.”

Even while Raven does Deamond’s bidding, she meets people who reveal her true purpose and identity, along with the true plans of the Tech Corporation. She regains her free-will and starts to think for herself. Deamond finds out that she can no longer be controlled, “a woman’s wrath is one thing not to be scorned.”

Raven chooses her camp and her battle. She needs to see that justice is done and needs to give purpose to her lost life. She bands together with other broken, lost, and resistant people who believe in the possibility of peace and life between the two races.

The correlation of Raven’s story to the serious problems we are facing today was extremely interesting. I found that many controversial subjects which are currently being debated have been answered in Cimmerian City. Unfortunately, the answers are not what we hope will happen. The book plays on our very real fears of the future of our planet, its people and the economic system. Ms. Lindley gives us hope but knows better than to provide us with quick fixes to such dramatic problems.

Cimmerian City merits 4 FLUTES, as I found the book well written and compelling. Ms. Lindley has written a focused book with no sidetracking to confuse the reader. Once you’ve entered into the 21st. century of Ms. Lindley, you’ll hope that her version is not the one you will be living.

Found Wild Rose Press

REVIEWED BY:

SCORE:

Author: Jenna Bayley-Burke
Publisher: Wild Rose Press

REVIEW:

It’s tough to write a review on a short story that is only two and a quarter pages long, but I’ll do the best I can.

Found is a brief glimpse into Eden’s need to be sure about her love’s feelings for her and her desire to take that final step: marriage. It’s a tale of growing up. How? We’ve all had those friends who are with us throughout our single days, who barhop, who point and say, ‘He’s staring at you! Go say hello!’ or ‘She’s giving you THE look, man. Go talk to her!’ Eden has transformed. She’s found the love of her life and the only thing she wants to do is return to his side.

This little tale is erotic without being graphic. I liked that very much. The blatant sex in today’s e-book market is a bit much for me to handle, so finding something that showed sex without being gross was a treat. And my favorite line in the story summed up so much in so few words: No denying she looked like sin.

Well done, author. Although a bit short for my taste, I sure do wish the longer e-books on the market could be this well written.

Four Champagne Flutes

The Red Storm Lavender Isis Press

REVIEWED BY:

SCORE:

The Whole Bottle and an extra glass to sup from!

Author: Zinnia Hope
Publisher: Lavender Isis Press

REVIEW:

Jordanne Saunders is on her first voyage as the admiral of The Red Storm. Conscious of doing things right, she feels under pressure as the ship sets sail on the oceans of Sister Earth. She has the job of transporting members of one of the two governments—this particular one is named Whiteshores—including their president, Gart.

The trip proves to be difficult—Jordanne’s previous training hasn’t prepared her for what is to come. Delphs, huge beasts in the sea, prowl round the ship when storms approach, and the storms! Zinnia Hope has created a world that is similar to earth as we know it, but with delightful touches that bring excellent imagery. The different storm levels make the sky turn different hues. The lightning matches the storm sky colour—oh, such richness in these images that I honestly felt as if I were aboard The Red Storm.

Wesley, a crew member, is the ‘Delph killer’. Jordanne feels an affinity with him but she can’t understand why his pull is so enchanting. All becomes clear as the story unfolds.

Each character in The Red Storm is rich and well developed. I especially liked Bernice, the chef, and the arrogant presidential aide, Roman. We get to meet the sweet cabin girl, Dot, the ship’s doctor, Rhona, and many other crewmembers.

Now, something is afoot on The Red Storm. Jordanne’s grandmother was also a ship’s admiral, and upon her tragic death, she left her journal in Bernice’s care, only to be given to Jordanne when she became an admiral of her own ship. After reading the journal, unease grows within Jordanne. A mystery needs to be solved and she isn’t sure she has the knowledge or ability to unravel it. She wonders who she should trust on The Red Storm (if anyone at all).

Growing closer to Wesley with each passing day, Jordanne learns things she never thought possible about herself and her parents. Along with having to digest and accept these revelations, she also has the mystery to deal with, plus terrible storms that batter the ship, Delphs that threaten the crews’ lives, illegal aliens that board the vessel, a rather petulant group of government officials, and a disease outbreak.

Each sub-plot runs alongside one another and wind through the tale, making it one of the most exciting reads I have had the pleasure of reading in a long time. Fast paced, exciting—whoo is this book exciting—breathtaking, fabulous, and very well written, The Red Storm is a book I will read again and again. Though easy to digest each sub-plot and understand exactly what is going on at all times, I suspect upon my next read of The Red Storm I will find things I didn’t see the first time around. Cleverly weaved, intricate clues are smattered throughout, culminating in a gobsmacking ‘whodunnit’ reveal.

I suspected EVERYONE in this book. Picking each crewmember off one by one in my mind, I tried to work out who the baddie might be. When I found out who actually did the dirty deed and caused all the problems, I cursed out loud. The scene where the baddie and Jordanne face off is gripping to the point I nearly ate my fingernails.

The thrilling aspects of The Red Storm are so well done that I experienced a range of emotions from sadness to fright to happiness. And yes, I even shed a tear at one point.

What are the strange rumbling noises that fill the air at random moments? Why do the storms arrive without much prior warning? How can Jordanne cope with mystery, murder, odd activities, strange events, as well as control the entire ship and ensure it runs smoothly? Wow—Jordanne is one strong woman, though she isn’t as hard nosed as she first appears. She has a wonderful soft side that I liked, a vulnerability that endeared her to me.

I also mustn’t forget the brilliant touches in The Red Storm. Jordanne’s hair gadget, the mist cubicles and, the best image by far—Jordanne ‘trying on’ new outfits.

There really is so much in The Red Storm that I could write about, it’s that rich and full. I’m in awe of Ms. Hope’s imagination. The Red Storm is one of those books where little touches make it unique from any other book I have read. A strong main plot, superb sub-plots, and a rip-roaring culmination scene that ties everything together—in my opinion, The Red Storm is quite simply a MUST READ. You won’t understand what I mean unless you read it for yourself. And I strongly suggest you do that.

Stunning. Absolutely wonderful.

The whole bottle and an extra glass.

Sanctuary Torquere Press

REVIEWED BY:

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Author: Cat Kane
Publisher: Torquere Press

REVIEW:

The pressure of work gets to us all at times, and Jay is no exception. After punching an actor on the nose, Jay’s boss suggests he take some time out. He advises him to go to Sword River Retreat, to get some calm into his life before he goes screwy. Jay isn’t happy about going, but it’s either that or lose his job.

Jay’s retreat is a cabin in the middle of nowhere. The owner, an old grumpy guy, gives Jay the keys and a sense that he isn’t welcome. No smile, none of the usual ‘Enjoy your stay!’ just a moody introduction and ‘Welcome to Sword River!’

Used to the high life with late drunken nights, phone calls, and the pressure heavy living brings, Jay is at a loss when he comes to terms with the fact he is alone. No parties, no calls, no anything. Now, if he’d have wanted to be at Sword River for just those reasons, he’d have fallen in love with the place right away, but I imagine, if I were him, that I’d feel out of the loop and at a total loss as to what to do with myself. And he does feel like this—bored too.

After going out for a walk to kill the boredom, Jay returns to the cabin to find a man, Noah, inside. He’s the grumpy old man’s grandson, except this man isn’t grumpy—he’s amenable and polite. He’s come to make the bed etc in the cabin. At first Jay is annoyed to find Noah there, but after conversing, he finds himself mellowing.

Jay and Noah develop a rapport, and Noah, with his easy way of life and outlook on things, helps Jay to see that his life back home is hectic and that sometimes you need to get back to basics and what really matters.

An enjoyable story that shows the two sides of living. After reading Sanctuary, I know which side I prefer. Give me Sword River any day! Peace and quiet, time to think, calm…

Ah! Take me there now!

Pervalism Wild Child Publishing

REVIEWED BY:

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Author: M.E Ellis
Publisher: Wild Child Publishing

REVIEW:

Everybody say hello to John Brookes. Come on then, sit down, have a drink and enjoy his polite conversation. If you see a twitch in his eye ignore it, it could not possibly be a sign he is annoyed by you. You are a nice person in fact, everybody likes you, right?

It’s getting late now– let him walk you home. Throw that odd feeling lodged in the back of your mind to the wind and reconfirm the fact that bad things happen to other people, they do not happen to you. You in fact are a good person. You give to charity, you volunteer at the church. Everybody loves you…

Everybody say hello to John Brookes and consider his calm demeanour. Readjust your instinctual feeling society has caused you to ignore because he has a wonderful wife and a kind and well-mannered son. He keeps a steady job, he socializes amongst the villagers…

Scary isn’t it? You all know I’m hinting that John isn’t quite right but I also know you folks out there are all quite convinced you could pick a cold blooded murderer out of a crowd. You would be on him like sweat on a greenhouse window. You are so sure of yourself. You are so convinced you know better, know your neighbours, know your limits… You’re so wrong, my friends.

Everybody say hello to John Brookes. Ignore the bag of wet clothes he carries under his arm. Ignore the way his lip quivers at the mention of those departed or how his eye flutters when one brings up his mother’s name. Ignore his past when he picks and chooses what he is willing to chat about. His cat, the birds, the bugs…

Everybody say hello to John Brookes. Let him alone with your children– he is a pillar of society. Let him alone with your secrets because like everybody else, he respects you. You demand respect, after all. Everybody likes you. You are a good neighbour, a kind soul. Who would want to hurt you? You would see it coming. You would know if the man living next door was up to no good.

Everybody say hello to John Brookes. The good neighbour, the friendly man on the street. The conscientious worker in the office. The good guy who’s maybe a little strange at times…but you would know…

John Brookes is all around us. He lives next door to your child’s elementary school. He delivers your mail. He fixes your car, he marries you in a wedding fit for a princess.

M.E. Ellis drives this point home with an uneasiness that will have your stomach churning but you will read on because you want to know. You want to see all the reasons you would not let such a horrific thing happen to you. You want to convince yourself that somehow, you are smarter than John Brookes. You will outwit him when he comes a knocking. I hate to disappoint you but if old John knows you’re on to him…he has already moved on, past you, and is hunting down your best friend instead.

Everybody say hello to John Brookes, wave casually, smile cautiously, but never, ever turn your back. Stay near your porch, and when he is out of view, lock your door and stay inside.

This book is a nightmare one should read humbly because none of us are immune to a man like John Brookes. He is one of an army and he walks as they all do, amongst us.

Pervalism is a twisted nightmare of domestic and social proportions and should not be read but studied. Pervalism gets the whole damn bottle of champagne because you can’t fight a man like John Brookes off with a flute glass, you need something with some weight, some kick…

Excellent and incredible work Ms. Ellis…damn…

Everybody say hello to John Brookes…

In a Sensual Garden Forbidden Publications

REVIEWED BY:

SCORE:

and a half!

Author: Emy Naso
Publisher: Forbidden Publications

REVIEW:

A series of interwoven stories exploring and discovering the sensual aspirations and desires of seven people. Each one takes centre stage in turn and roams into the gardens of Mulgar the Enchanter, meandering along the floral path of their choice and acting out the erotic destiny they individually seek. It is lyrical, dream-like and a fantasy, which through language and descriptions range from phobias, fetishes and modern sexual anxieties.

Bryony seeking equanimity

The first story takes Bryony into the rose garden where she encounters two males who proceed to vie for her sexual favours. She is in danger of becoming a pawn in their sexual games until Mulgar the Enchanter arrives in the nick of time, deals with the two men, and sends her off to the white summer house…

Crush my Love

Dutch is bored, but then he sees Mulgar the Enchanter followed by Bryony, and the two now disenchanted men. He follows them, but decides to take a different path out of the three that fork away from the main path he is already on, He goes into the garden of Tulips where he encounters a woman, who by the looks of her fulfils all his sexual fantasies…

Favourite line:

This one could raise the front of a vicar’s cassock.

He begins to live out his fantasy with the temptress, and, you guessed it, Mulgar the Enchanter arrives in the nick of time, deals with the dominatrix and sends Dutch off to the summerhouse at the end of the path…

Potions and Lotions

Lesbian Saphor finds herself in the herb garden following a row with her lover Jenny who has been having an affair with a MAN!

She encounters two women, both of which she is instantly attracted to for different reasons. The three embark on a game of “find and dare”. Just when Saphor was beginning to enjoy it, Mulgar the Enchanter arrives, and dealt with the two women, and sent Saphor to the summerhouse…

Time Must move on

Griselina is in the gardens contemplating her life, and her cheating husband. She wants a new man for herself. She meets a young man, young enough to be her son, who tells her a sorry tale of how he has lost his job.

LOL line:

Jeez his curly pubic hair; wait for it, here it comes…fuck me, what a cock!

Griselina is seeking someone to please her, and the young man begins by offering her just that, but what actually happens… Mulgar the Enchanter puts a stop to the event, deals with the young man, and sends Griselina off to, YES, the summerhouse…

Time to Decide

Shy Virgil is in the gardens remembering his mother who had died a year ago, thinking about his totally unfulfilling job, and his uncertainty about his sexual orientation. He finds a gated garden full of irises, his mother’s favourite flower. A man and woman approach him in the iris garden, and proceed to try and seduce him into… but along comes Mulgar the Enchanter, and yet again puts a stop to the goings on sending Virgil to the summerhouse…

Go For Brash

Scarlet is a bit of a raver, she stumbles across the gardens, and thinks to herself that she has never seen them before, finding that very odd. She meets a middle aged man who appears to recognise her as a teller at his bank, despite her now totally different appearance. They begin a tentative seduction of each other. Scarlet gives the man, Michael, a choice; from her midriff, to either explore up or down? He has just made his decision, when, Mulgar the Enchanter arrives, and sends Scarlet to the Summerhouse…

This is Me

Disabled and wheelchair bound 36 year old Helene is antsy at the world, fed up with never being considered a “real woman” despite dressing to impress. She is in the bamboo garden when she encounters a man. He is as honest as she is feisty, and the two make a connection, in more ways than one, but before it can go too far, along comes Mulgar the Enchanter, and sends Helene off to wait in the Summerhouse…

Are you out there?

All seven of our characters are now in the summerhouse, weighing each other up, and wondering what is going on.

Mulgar appears to them and after an explicit dance is performed, asks them which one of the seven was interrupted on their true path to fulfilment, which one should be allowed to return to the enchanted gardens and continue their journey to fulfilment?

three and a half flutes

The Temptation of Sebastian Torquere Press

REVIEWED BY:

SCORE:

Author: Emily Veinglory
Publisher: Torquere Press

REVIEW:

Sebastian decides to live the life of a hermit on Bride Island. An old man takes him there in a boat and tells Sebastian that voices can sometimes be heard there. The sinister feel of this lonely island is well depicted, as is Sebastian’s idea of depriving himself of humanity by living in a monk’s cell. The only person he sees to begin with is the old man who brought him to the island when he stops by to drop off supplies.

Sebastian explores the island and discovers some ruins. Something about the place makes Sebastian uneasy and he goes back to his cell wondering if he’s either gone mad, or heading in that direction.

Dreams have always been a large part of Sebastian’s life. Once such dream felt so real…

Strange happenings occur on Bride Island and lure Sebastian into their strangeness. Otherworldly people inhabit the very place Sebastian had thought to be devoid of other life and he comes to accept their presence. One in particular, Shae. Sebastian, confused, wonders whether these people are real or not. Sebastian is left with a quandary. Should he leave his old life for good, or return and face what ailed him, what pushed him into coming to Bride Island in the first place? His memories of a terrible war and all he witnessed and participated in haunts his mind. And so does the ethereal Shae…

Right from the first line I knew this book would be a winner. Written with excellence, the vibrant wording dances from the page. A writer with such talent, Emily Veinglory should be very proud of The Temptation of Sebastian.

Ironhorse Rider Wild Child Publishing

REVIEWED BY:

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Author: Adelle Laudan
Publisher: Wild Child Publishing

REVIEW:

Shane is devastated by the loss of his wife, Kelly, to a motorcycle accident. He fears the house they shared and the many reminders of their life together will bring too much pain, so he sets off on his motorbike to come to terms with his grief.

After a couple of nights sleeping out under the stars, he happens upon an Indian Micmac camp. Welcomed by the chief, Grey Owl, Shane learns about life on an Indian reservation. The chief’s daughter, Tia, stirs something inside him, and Shane has to wrestle with the guilt he feels from the growing feelings he has towards Tia, when his wife has so recently died.

Yearning to stay true to Kelly’s memory, Shane tells himself that he’ll come to terms with her passing while at the camp and then move on. However, fate steps in and Shane is presented with a dilemma. Tia’s husband died recently and Grey Owl has arranged for her to marry fellow Indian, Raven. Tia is distraught at the idea—she feels she’ll never love anyone like she did her husband.

With Tia and Shane both struggling with the feelings they have for one another (though they haven’t told each other about them), and also the burden of guilt about their deceased partners, Shane feels an urge to tell Grey Owl that Tia marrying Raven is wrong.

Raven is a nasty man, prefers his own company to that of others, and has an air about him that made me want to poke his eyes out. The thought of Tia spending the rest of her life with him made me quite sad.

Grey Owl issues a challenge for Tia’s hand. Though Shane wasn’t prepared for such a challenge, he is willing to do it, and wants to win, so that Tia can choose her own destiny.

A charming tale that shows just because someone dies, it doesn’t mean they have gone completely…

4 flutes.

Weathering the Storm Forbidden Publications

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Author: Kelley Vitollo
Publisher: Forbidden Publications

REVIEW:

Stephanie was dumped a year ago by her boyfriend, Luc. Unfortunately, she is still hung up on him. Luc owns the local, and only, hardware store for miles. Being the best carpenter in the small town means that Stephanie has to frequent his store on a regular basis.

Favourite line:

Working hard on going into Luc’s without trying to jump his bones.

A storm traps them in the hardware store, just the two of them, alone…

Stephanie has self esteem issues, and that is what broke them up in the first place. Luc uses the opportunity fate has handed him to try and prove to Stephanie how much he loves and needs her.

There follows a well written erotic love scene, culminating in… Well, you’ll have to read it and see won’t you?

Four flutes

She Wore a Red Dress Forbidden Publications

REVIEWED BY:

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Author: Allise Alders
Publisher: Forbidden Publications

REVIEW:

A short sexy read, with an unexpected twist at the end.

If you like an easy, slightly risqué read, this is for you.

three flutes.

Blurb:

Finding his wife in the arms of another man, Shawn filed for divorce and refused to look back until now. After a year of trying to cope with the agonizing pain of betrayal, Shawn goes against his better judgment and agrees to meet Vanessa a final time.

Will he find the closure he needs to get on with his life or realize he still desperately needs the woman who broke his heart?

Diamond in the Rough Torquere Press

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Author: C.B.Potts
Publisher: Torquere Press

REVIEW:

Once a cop, then a Marine, Parker’s a tough guy.

Parker’s boyfriend Matt has an ex boyfriend that got into a little trouble with some unsavoury characters. Because of Matt’s association with his ex, he has to find a yellow diamond to appease the baddies.

Matt and Parker travel to Africa to find a diamond. While there, Matt gets kidnapped. Parker makes it his mission to find him. Aided with information from the grandmother of the woman at the U.S Embassy, Parker goes and finds John, a man who has a band of men that can help him.

Written in 1st person, C.B. Potts has a stunning voice in this tale. I enjoyed the “I’m telling you a story/secret” feel to Diamond in the Rough. A highly enjoyable tale that explores how sometimes we have to quite literally sell ourselves even when we don’t want to.

Great line (though this is only half of it):

When the corners of your eyes get to aching from the weight of your paranoia…

What a marvellous line here. Many of these good sentences are smattered through Diamond in the Rough. Honestly, a great voice, can’t stress that enough here. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Guardian Angel: Flight or Fight Torquere Press

REVIEWED BY:

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Author: Sean Michael
Publisher: Torquere Press

REVIEW:

Daniel Young plays guitar in a band. On stage, he watches the crowd go crazy. Security hold back the screaming women, but one gets past them and leaps on stage. This happens near enough as soon as the story begins, and whoa did it grip me and make me want to read on.

Whisked off stage and into a car, supposedly to safety, Daniel suspects something odd going on when the man who took him to the car speaks into his phone and has a somewhat strange and cryptic conversation.

Great line here:

His daddy always said, smelled like shit? Probably didn’t taste like granny’s cookies.

The tension here is palpable, it leaps from the page, as we soon realise Daniel’s been kidnapped. His captor introduces himself as Rafe. Rafe tells Daniel he is taking him somewhere safe. That place is an old farmhouse.

Rafe explains that Daniel was saved from being kidnapped by some real baddies. And those real baddies show up at the farmhouse. My! The excitement is too much to contain! Aaaiiieee! Rafe and Daniel find themselves on the roof of the house and listen to the baddies trying to find them. A very exciting scene follows when they escape and have to find somewhere else safe to stay.

Rafe and Daniel become close during their time together. Watching their relationship develop (because they get along so well) was smile-inducing. Guardian Angel is one hell of a gripping story that literally gave me butterflies in my tummy as I read.

Fabulous read!

Something Unexpected Freya’s Bower

REVIEWED BY:

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Author: Miranda Heart
Publisher: Freya’s Bower

REVIEW:

Beatrice experiences erotic dreams. I got the sense that her subconscious was letting her know there was more out there for her than the ‘norm’ regarding sex, and it nudged her conscious to maybe question what she really needed in a sexual partner.

Betrothed to Renald, Beatrice must surely wonder what their sexual encounters will be like. As Something Unexpected is set in the 1700s, sex before marriage would be frowned upon. This did make me compare then to now, where we tend to test drive many before settling for our lifetime partner. I enjoyed the feel to this piece and had no problem visualising the settings, clothing and general era.

Knowing she doesn’t want the usual marriage sex, but not quite knowing what she does want, Beatrice accepts the offer of one night with Donatein. She senses him to be someone of like mind in the bedroom department, and thinks that even if she only gets one night of what she craves, it will sustain her throughout her marriage to Renald. She enjoys the evening with Donatein, and again this made me think. Was she settling for less with Renald? Would she be able to hide her true wants in what may be a long marriage? I tried to imagine being in this scenario and only came up with the fact she was selling herself short, and that she may live a life full of regrets. But what to do in a time when being betrothed and sticking to marrying your intended was the order of the day?

There is a twist which I won’t reveal, and an ending which also surprised me. I finished the book on a sigh, knowing Beatrice got what she needed in the end. BDSM books are maybe reads that people shy away from. However, Ms. Heart writes and shows that the BDSM lifestyle isn’t something terrible or disgusting, but one that, if so inclined to live it, is better than living a lie and denying your wants.

Favourite line that brought a great visual:

A popular tune filled the suddenly too-stuffy hall, and she ducked among arms raising held hands.

4 flutes.

The Summoner Aphrodite’s Apples Press

REVIEWED BY:

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Author: Alisha Steele
Publisher: Aphrodite’s Apples Press

REVIEW:

CONTRASTS REVOLVING AROUND TORRID SEX

The Summoner by Alisha Steele is one of the most erotic books that I have ever read. The eroticism is possible due to the collision of the real world and the underworld.

The main character, Alex, is a no-nonsense, young woman who manages a Safe House for abused women and children. She is tough and sassy, and completely her own person.

“Her nightshirt …was so ancient the fabric was practically see-through at her shoulders and across the top of her modest B-cup breasts. And didn’t that make her feel older than dirt. She’d dated guys who were younger than her sleep apparel.” 

Not exactly the image one would have at the beginning of an erotic novel! Although this was exactly the type of person I wanted to see!

Alex has been plagued by periodic nightmares from a very early age. She is in a bleak, murky landscape hearing her name being called out and something more.

“Aaalexxx…”“Alexaaandraa…”“Hear me, Summoner…” 

Alex continues her daily life dealing with new arrivals at the Safe House, and settling into her Victorian house in
Seattle. In her house, the nightmares start up again after a 10-year absence. She tries to weather these particularly trying dreams by going on with her life.

In one of her dreams, she can’t take it anymore and she summons the voice she hears. Here our modern, strong Alex is face to face with Kasdeya, a being so fantastically beautiful, and as equally frightening.

This is why I liked the book; contrast. The modern world and the ancient world colliding by the meeting of two entities who are as opposite as any could be.

Alex’s personality is a winning element of this book; she is likeable and believable as a young, self-possessed woman. Any woman reading this book would find Alex a good friend, and a moral, decent person.

At home, Alex is constantly bothered by the demon showing up in all of the mirrors and reflective surfaces in her house. We enter again into a contrast between Alex’s demonic home-life and her reality-based work.

Another fine woman is introduced. Rose is Alex’s best friend and employee at the Safe House. Maternal and honest, wise and caring, Rose is very perceptive to Alex’s dilemma.

Alex is completely exhausted and distracted by the constant harassment of Kasdeya, all the while there are real-life menaces facing her. Rose sees that her friend is in trouble. Rose tries to get the details but Alex is not talking. This, I found, all too real! Finally she admits to having bad dreams and insomnia. Rose suggests that she visit an occult shop for a sleep remedy.

When Alex enters the shop, she meets Melynda.  Melynda is another contrast in this novel, unusual and eccentric; she’s bought her attire on E-Bay, but is a witch and belongs to a coven. Melynda knows that she is looking for something more than an insomnia remedy. After a brief comment from Alex, Melynda recognizes her immediately as the Summoner. She knows that Alex has “nabbed” a demon. Then Alex finds out that her demon is in fact a Prince of Hell and the brother of Shaitan, the devil himself. Alex leaves with more on her demon and her own powers.

As Alex tries her power to banish Kasdeya, he breaks through her hard-crust exterior and seduces her. “Her body acknowledged defeat before her mind did.” 

Now the torrid sex begins; Kasdeya’s ploy to keep Alex from banishing him. Soon, the sex grows into an attraction and all-encompassing spell around the two lovers. There is still hesitation on Alex’s side. She’s not quite sure what to make of this “relationship”, but she enjoys herself too much to break it off. As for Kasdeya, he finds with amazement that his disgust for mortals does not apply to his “little pet”.

Until Alex faces a life-threatening attack, neither she nor Kasdeya realize the depth of their attachment.

I will say I would have liked to have had more information on the dark side and the occult. Though well-placed eroticism is enticing and heady, I did feel this story falls into overkill. A little is good reading, but for me there was too much. I’m sure readers who enjoy erotic-heavy works will love this book. I prefer plot-heavy.

Many of my preconceptions of Heaven and Hell were challenged. I liked this! Heaven’s creatures came off far crueler than any of Hell’s minions.

Because Alex remains the moral person she is; she makes the supreme sacrifice for one of the children at the Safe House. I found this another interesting contrast; finding a good, loving woman cast out of God’s favor for an act of selflessness.

I give this book 3 flutes for a superficial but easy read, non-macho but excessive sex, and being unexpectedly surprised by the series of contrasts up until the end.