Review: No Holds Barred by Callie Croix

No Holds Barred by: Callie Croix
Cost: Galley from Carina Press
(Carina Press, 2011, 17,000 words)


Blurb:

During a playful talk about fantasies, Caitlin’s fiancé offers to give her a threesome—with his best friend, Liam, who’s coming to spend the weekend. At first Cait is shocked that Nathan could entertain the thought of sharing her with another man, but once he’s planted the idea her imagination runs wild, leaving her deeply aroused—yet still unsure about what the implications could be for her and Nate’s relationship.

Nathan’s watched Cait struggle to hide her attraction to Liam for years. He knows she’s nervous, but he also knows that by making her most intimate fantasies come true he can bring her to heights of pleasure she’s only imagined, and strengthen their bond. There’s only one way to help her overcome her inhibitions—by planning a night of ecstasy she’ll never forget…

Review:
This short novella was a refreshingly honest and delightfully erotic story about Nathan and Callie's first time inviting another to join them in some bedroom play. Though they never technically made it to the bedroom. Cait is apprehensive when Nathan mentions inviting their mutual friend, Liam, to join them, but Nathan knows how much she would enjoy the experience and is able to ease her into the situation.
I like how the author wasn't afraid to show the reasons why Callie would feel apprehensive about this situation. A lot of times I feel like most authors gloss over the details (especially with short stories) that would have to be dealt with in real life. Callie Croix did a wonderful job of being realistic while still keeping it sexy. If you like dominant, alpha males with some menage mixed in then you'll enjoy this.


Sexual Content: m/f/m


At A Glance:
1= Could not finish the book

2= A struggle to read to the finish

3=Meh. Average with all the elements I like in a book but nothing notable

4= I ended it with a smile on my face

5=Excellent. I want to read everything this author has ever written and when I
finish all the books on my wishlist I will reread it.

Quickie Review: Bloodlust by Larissa Ione

Bloodlust by: Larissa Ione
Cost: Free, Barnes & Noble


Blurb:

Sometimes, you don't need romance…

Sir Brynn of Lochland has a serious problem. He's been captured by an evil vampire queen who wants to use him as her newest blood slave. But Brynn doesn't have a submissive bone in his body, and he intends to fight her every step of the way.

Can Brynn's willpower remain intact when pitted against Sorla's superior vampire strength, seductive skills, and underhanded cruelty, or will she ultimately take possession of both his mind…and body?

* * * CONTENT WARNING: This is a VERY graphic erotic horror/fantasy novella. Expect blood, sex, some M/M content, and bad, bad words.

Review:
I was happy this one was so short. I don't think I would have finished it otherwise. I have no complaint about the way this was written, it was the content that disturbed me. And I'd like to note that I have enjoyed other titles by this author but this one was so graphic it wasn't really my cup of tea. It was more on the horror side than erotic. 



On a side note I was amused to find the reviews below on the author's website for this book:

"I'm sure it's good, but no way am I going to read it." — Larissa's mom

"It's not the worst thing I've ever read." — New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Tyler

Sexual Content: f/m, m/m


At A Glance:
1= Could not finish the book
2= A struggle to read to the finish
3=Meh. Average with all the elements I like in a book but nothing notable
4= I ended it with a smile on my face
5=Excellent. I want to read everything this author has ever written and when I finish all the books on my wishlist I will reread it.

Thursday's Quickie Review: Shapeshifter's Craving by Lee Pearce

Shapeshifter's CravingBy: Lee Pearce
(pub. Ellora's Cave 3/15/2010 25pp.)

Cost: Free
Review:

Characters
Kate, princess to the shapeshifters, and Aiden, her bodyguard, experience their first sexual encounter on the river shore after Kate gets it in her head to ask Aiden why he's never made a pass at her. Awaakwaaaard. Not for the characters really, but it was awkward to read it. Kate has the personality of a 13 year old girl and Aiden has probably been been lifting too many dumbbells since he then not only immediately makes a pass at her but then gets down to business right there at the side of the river. I'm not really sure where her brothers and sisters (who were swimming with them earlier) went during this interlude. I'd prefer to give it the benefit of the doubt and think they were alone during coitus.


Plot
The problem, though, is Aiden has a secret and Kate has a decision to make. I won't spoil the secret but Kate's decision is what animal she will choose to become her single shapeshifting form. Because apparently you have to pick one... You can't just continue to shift into anything you want... 


I don't know why. 


I'm sure there's a perfectly good explanation...


But Kate STILL hasn't chosen one. Even though ALL her brothers and sisters did ages ago. SHE'S LATE. RUDE.


Overall I am glad this was a short book. The sex was less than exciting. I kept wondering if I was reading it too fast and missing some parts. I went back and reread it...and nope. I think my brain might have filled in a lot the first time around because the second read through was worse. The love story was subpar. All the elements for a great story were there but I think it missed making a connection with the reader.


Sexual Content: m/f


At A Glance:
1= Could not finish the book
2= A struggle to read to the finish
3=Meh. Average with all the elements I like in a book but nothing notable
4=I ended it with a smile on my face
5=Excellent. I want to read everything this author has ever written and when I finish all the books on my wishlist I will reread it.

Thursday's Quickie Review: Interlude in Pearl by Emily Ryan-Davis

Author: Emily Ryan-Davis
Title: Interlude in Pearl
Format: Ebook (Free on Barnes & Noble)
Print Length: <50
Published: February 2010
Get it on Amazon
Get it on Barnes & Noble
Cost: Free Barnes & Noble

Previous books in the series
1 - All the Trees in Pearl  

2 - All the Women in Pearl

Blurb:
Twin Mountains Ranch foreman Mickey Lowe can't sit through one more night of newlywed relations without losing his mind. Packing up his frustration and yearning, he delivers himself to Pearl spinster Emma Morgan with the intent to inspire some lusty cries of his own.

When the cowboy comes knocking at Emma's door late in the night, she believes she knows what he wants and she is ready for him in an instant . . . until she discovers what he's really after.



My Review:
This short story was an enjoyable snapshot of a moment in two peoples lives. I am definitely going to check out the other books in the series. Sexy and sweet.



Rating: 5 out of 5