A.M. Leibowitz

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Book Review: Seoul Spankings

Books, Covers, Fiction, Reviews

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I don’t often post book reviews here, but I couldn’t wait to share about this delightful gem from fellow author Anastasia Vitsky, Seoul Spankings. First, I’m utterly smitten with Ana’s writing. She delivers the kinds of stories that I can read in a single cozy afternoon, but they’re far from the sort of lazy day brain candy I usually choose for those times. Every one of her books leaves me emotionally and intellectually satisfied.

Seoul Spankings has many of my favorite elements: Two strong, independent, intelligent women; steamy but not over-the-top sensuality; and a great plot. There are also some excellent tension and power dynamics as well as cross-culture themes.

I don’t want to say too much, because it’s short enough that almost anything could be a spoiler. However, one thing I want to point out is how well Ana wrote her bisexual character. This story is a perfect example of how even common tropes can be turned on their ears and used wisely.

Indigo is a complicated woman. The word bisexual never appears in the text of the story. While I do love to see characters identify that way, I didn’t feel it was necessary and would have detracted from the actual plot. It would have felt more like a political move than something authentic. Indigo didn’t need to say she was bisexual; it was simply a fact of her life. I appreciated that the reverse wasn’t used, either—she never made any statements about not liking labels or refusing to identify. It was no more necessary to her character development than it would have been for Hyunkyung to announce she was a lesbian (or announce that she was rejecting that label).

I particularly appreciated that Indigo never needed to “prove” her sexuality. Again, she was simply herself. There wasn’t any reason for her to have multiple partners within the story because it was clear from her thoughts and feelings about her past. Even better, Hyunkyung never questioned her on it. Indigo was never required to prove she wasn’t going to get cold feet and leave for a man.

Her previous relationship wasn’t a healthy one. While this could be seen as “bisexual baiting” (implying that obviously her relationship with a man couldn’t have been good because she’s really meant to be with a woman), it didn’t read that way to me. Her thoughts and feelings about her previous partner felt realistic, and at no point was there any judgement on her. The relationship with Hyunkyung was never painted as a magical cure for Indigo’s wounds. It was its own entity, part of her life but not the sum total of it, just as her previous relationship was.

My rating: 5 stars

Seoul Spankings is a delightful read, and I hope you’ll give it a chance to find a special place in your heart. For more discussion of the book and to chat with me about bisexual characters, come hang out with us at the book launch party on Facebook this Sunday at 2pm EDT.

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Broken-hearted when her live-in boyfriend impregnates her best frenemy, Indigo Adams accepts a one-way ticket to Seoul, SouthKorea, and a challenge from her Great-Aunt Matilda: Forget that boy. Go and make something of yourself.

Bruised from an international public relations nightmare as the new heir to the multi-billion-dollar Han Incorporated, Hyunkyung Hanseeks positive publicity in the form of a wedding. She consults with Madame Eve to find a nice, well-behaved Korean American with bilingual and bicultural skills.

Instead, Madame Eve sends Indi, a naïve philosophy major graduate working for minimum wage at the local pub. Enraged to find Indi can’t speak one word of Korean, Hyunkyung orders her sent home on the next plane to Spillville, Iowa.

Then Hyunkyung shakes Indi’s hand, and the sparks fly. With all of her professional responsibilities, how can Hyunkyung allow herself to fall for the wrong woman? How can Indi feel attraction for a woman who despises her?

Seoul Spankings offers a light-hearted romp through the perils and joys of navigating an intercultural romance. Certain to delight all fans of a happily ever after with a kinky twist.

Buy Links:

Publisher
Amazon
Amazon UK
Amazon Canada
Amazon Germany
Google Play
iBooks
Kobo

About the author:

Cookie queen, wooden spoon lady, and champion of carbs, Anastasia Vitsky specializes in F/F fiction. She hates shoes and is allergic to leather. When not writing about women who live spankily ever after, she coordinates reader and author events. She has recently confessed to enjoying her new hairbrush in addition to the beloved spoons. She can be found at governingana.wordpress.com and on twitter @AnastasiaVitsky.

Find Ana on the web:

Website
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Google+
Amazon Author Page
Goodreads Page
Authorgraph

 

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Review: Loneliness Ebbs Deep

Books, Reviews

Title: Loneliness Ebbs Deep
Author: Adrian J. Smith & Rachael Orman
Genre: Monster Erotica
Publication Date: December 15, 2014
Living in a closed society hasn’t given Kaya many opportunities to explore her sexuality. With no family around and no one to take care of her, Kaya wanders through the forest to the forbidden lake. Curiosity and the unknown prompt her to touch and feel everything she has been missing. And when Helki arrives, the façade she lives in is shattered.
*Intended for Audiences 18 yrs+ — This is MONSTER EROTICA so expect the unexpected**
REVIEW
4 stars

Full disclosure: I was given an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I will admit, I don’t usually read erotica. However, every single time I’ve said, “I don’t read that,” I’ve taken a chance on something and been surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

This story touched a nerve in me, whether that was intentional on the part of the authors or not. It opens with Kaya, the main character, exploring social taboos. As someone who has engaged in a bit of activism and who has actively campaigned for the recognition of female sexuality, I loved this. The idea that women have a sexuality entirely our own—separate from anyone else, but especially from men—is too often denied in our culture.

I also tend not to like “creature fic.” I’m not a huge fan of monsters, and the idea of humans and non-humans interacting sexually is not generally to my taste. Once again, I was surprised and pleased to find this story tempers the weirdness with some underlying social commentary. I love the elements of transformation and becoming. I would expand on my thoughts, but I don’t want to spoil the story for anyone who hasn’t read it.

Kaya’s story is one of beauty, longing, and a touch of sadness. For those who really wouldn’t feel comfortable with the erotic elements, this is not for you. For everyone else, though, I think you’ll enjoy it, and my sense is that everyone will take away something different. In the tradition of all good myths and fables, there are deeper truths to find.

Having read work by both of the authors prior to this one, I was excited to see them collaborate. I hope to see more joint efforts from these two talented women.

Adrian J. Smith

Adrian J. Smith, or “AJ” as she is often called, is a part-time writer with an epic imagination, sharp wit, and kind heart that gets her into a bit of trouble when it comes to taking in all the neighborhood stray cats. Being obsessed with science fiction, Smith often goes off on tangents about the space-time continuum. She is also a part-time lunatic with a secretive past. It’s been rumored that she was once a spy for the government, but anyone who has gotten close enough to know the truth has never lived to tell the tale. When traveling around the world on various classified tasks, Smith requires the following be provided: buffalo jerky, mimosas, and eighty-six pennies. This is all we know about the reclusive woman.

Rachael Orman

Stay at home mother of two with a passion for reading almost as much as writing. She is often found curled up with her Kindle reading while her children cuddle up on either side ‘reading’ books of their own. Married for almost ten years to the most wonderful husband and father, she couldn’t ask for more out of life. Except maybe to live somewhere not quite as hot as the desert she currently lives in.

Adrian J. SmithFacebook – Twitter – WebsiteRachael OrmanFacebook – Twitter – Website

 

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Book Review: Devil’s Despair

Books, Reviews

Devil’s Despair

by Sirena N. Robinson

This is the action-packed second book in the Chosen Chronicles series. (Book 1, Devil’s Dilemma, is being re-released today as well).

Having enjoyed the fast-paced first novel, I was excited to read the continuation of the story. As usual, my favorite part of any book is the characters. One thing Sirena Robinson has a talent for is witty dialog. I loved the interactions between the different people populating her near-Apocalypse world.

It’s difficult to provide much information on specific characters and why I like them without giving too many spoilers about the previous novel for those who haven’t yet read it. However, there are some wonderful surprises in store regarding who some of the players are and their role in stopping the world from destruction.

The main fun for me was watching this motley crew of people come together in solidarity against the threatening evil. I love great, badass women who can give strong, badass men a run for their money. Although there’s a bit of same-ness to the physical prowess of the women (and a bit with the men, too), for me that didn’t distract from the story.

Although the series is inspired by religious themes and end-times writings, the theology should absolutely not be taken literally. Unlike other books in the genre, it isn’t intended as such—it’s just a fun read and a fresh take on Earth’s final days. It should be read in the spirit of urban fantasy rather than as an interpretation of biblical prophecy.

From start to finish, Devil’s Despair provides non-stop forward momentum, whether in the form of steamy sex, ferocious battles, or narrow escapes. Readers should be warned that there is a considerable amount of violence, some profanity, and mature sexual content. I recommend it without hesitation to fans of urban fantasy, action, and thriller.

 

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Book Review: Reunion of the Heart

Books, Reviews

I’m thrilled to be able to review a book for a fellow writer, Elaine Jeremiah. She sent me a copy of her new book, Reunion of the Heart (US; click here for UK). Sadly, I’m a painfully slow reader, so it took me a week to finish it. But I’m glad I did, and now I get to tell you all why.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, as I haven’t read Elaine’s previous book. So I went into it with my only idea of her writing style being that which I’ve seen through WIPpet Wednesday posts on her blog. I was pleased to find that she has an easy, comfortable style that feels very much like having a conversation with a friend.

I strongly suspect that Elaine is a tenderhearted person. I say this because though she’s created tension between some of the characters, she hasn’t made anyone into an unlikable monster, and she’s given each character both good and bad traits. For the most part, people in the story seem capable of resolving their differences and reaching a better place.

Admittedly, when I first started the story, I wasn’t certain whether I wanted the romantic leads to end up together. I was a little hesitant to read that one of the main character’s love interests, Will, had been her bully when they were in school together. The idea that a boy believes it’s okay to harass a girl because he likes her and doesn’t know how to express it is definitely an uncomfortable one for me. However, I do think it’s realistic that he comes to regret his actions and demonstrates himself to be a changed man.

I was similarly nervous about Anna’s other love interest, Peter. At first, he seems like an attentive boyfriend, but he quickly moves into the territory of someone who wants more control in the relationship than he should have. These characteristics of both men make it interesting to follow Anna’s path toward finding what she really wants.

The theme of infidelity runs through the book. Without giving any spoilers, we see it from three different angles and under three different circumstances. I appreciated that there weren’t any pat answers or moralizing, only expressions of how the incidents left the characters feeling.

My only real concern was that I think the book could probably have benefited from a closer proofreading. There were a few typographic and punctuation errors. On the other hand, I’m a little sensitive to those due to my line of work. The majority of people probably would not have noticed or cared.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read. It’s a “sweet” romance, meaning there isn’t any overt sexuality in it. There are brief, passing mentions of intimacy, but nothing more. I would feel comfortable recommending it to anyone adolescent and older (mostly because I don’t think children would understand the story, not because it’s inappropriate). If you like gentle, tender, romantic stories, this is a good choice.

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Book Review: Across Worlds: Collision

Books, Reviews

Title: Across Worlds: Collision
Author: S. A. Snow
Genre: mixed gender sci-fi erotica adventure

 

Jane expected six months undercover to be hard; she expected it to be lonely and bleak. She didn’t expect to find love.

Jane Butler, a CIA operative, is assigned the task of infiltrating the Xanthians and determining if they’re a threat to humanity. Going undercover as a Xanthian mate, she boards the transport ship and meets Usnavi—her new mate. After spending six days traveling through space, Jane is ecstatic to explore the Xanthian station and soon sets out to complete her mission. The only problem? Usnavi—and the feelings she is quickly developing.

Fumbling their way through varying sexual expectations, cooking catastrophes, and cultural differences, they soon discover life together is never boring. As Jane and Usnavi careen into a relationship neither of them expected, Jane uncovers dark secrets about the Xanthians and realizes she may no longer be safe. When it becomes clear she’s on her own, Jane is forced to trust and rely on Usnavi. Simultaneously struggling with her mission, her feelings for Usnavi, and homesickness, Jane faces questions she never imagined she would have to answer.

Full disclosure: I am acquainted with the author, worked on the novel during its first draft stage, and received an advance reader’s copy. I have not been paid in exchange for this review.

I admit I’m not generally a fan of erotica—not because I dislike reading sexy, steamy novels but because, well, they’re often boring. (My apologies to people who write erotica). That may be a function of poor writing, unfortunately. Some authors seem to believe that if they can write good smut, that should carry an entire novel’s plot.

The good news is that Across Worlds: Collision fulfills the requirement to be hot as Hades while not skimping on excellent plot. It also features two of my other favorite elements: romance and humor, often both at the same time. There is plenty of action, adventure, and intergalactic intrigue to satisfy even someone as picky as I am. No worries, though—there is enough well-crafted sensuality to keep genuine fans of erotica turning the pages (and dog-earring a few on the way).

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/435337

 

 

 

After chasing around puppies and corralling kittens, S.A. Snow flips open her BSG replicated console and enters her mysterious world of imagination. Seeking to escape the rigors of her day jobs, she enters flight mode and powers her engines full-speed ahead.

A prolific writer of non-traditional erotica, S.A. Snow grew up on a small alpaca farm high in the Andes Mountains. A lover of yoga and meditation, she spends her free time constructing alien space stations, organizing werewolf governments, and cataloging all episodes of Star Trek in order of technical soundness. A firm believer that one need not choose between Gene Roddenberry and George Lucas, she also has closely examines all Star Wars movies in order to determine which episode is more factually based.

S.A. Snow writes truth and only truth, factoring in all evidences she can find. She writes only about parallel universes she has personally visited, and believes if something about her books isn’t shocking, she’s not effectively telling the story.

 

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Book Review: Devil’s Dilemma

Reviews

Image courtesy of Amazon

Happy Monday!  Today, I’m thrilled to introduce to you another one of my favorite new authors, Sirena Robinson.  I had the privilege of being one of Sirena’s editors on this book.  For a little background:  I received a chapter through a beta-reading service and honestly, my first reaction was, “It’s a bit religious.  I wonder if I will enjoy it.”  I generally don’t read the sorts of books one finds in Christian book stores.  Well, trust me, this is not your average religious fiction.  It’s intense and exciting and unusual.  I loved working on this novel, and Sirena herself is an intelligent and interesting woman.  Many thanks to her for giving me the chance to work together on this!

Sirena will be doing a give-a-way at the conclusion of the blog tour on March 1st, 2014. Five names will be drawn from the comments and each winner will receive a free e-book copy of Devil’s Dilemma. In addition, one grand prize winner will be drawn to receive a goody bag full of books from other PDMI authors.

Here is an excerpt from the novel:

Alaria turned and saw Beelzebub walking toward her. She smiled wickedly and sauntered in his direction, her heels clicking sharply, her whip—with the chain on the end—clinking against the stone floor with each step. She lifted her other hand and studied her fingers, forming a white hot fire ball with nothing more than a thought. Casually, with one flick of her wrist, she sent it at him. Beelzebub dodged, but it struck him in the shoulder, melting his suit and singing the skin beneath. Unconcerned, he brushed a hand over the wound and flicked off the ash.

“Your betrayal has not gone unnoticed, sister.”

Alaria shrugged. “Better with them than you. Millions of years of service, and still the outcast? I decided it was time to move on.”

“This was your chance to win favor with Lucifer. You’ve waited for this since the Fall. Just as we’re about to get it, you betray us and join ranks with our greatest enemy?” He hissed. “Did you really think He was going to take you back? Give you a shiny new set of wings?”

“Something like that.”

“Think He’d be brave enough to send Gabe down to Hell to fish you out of the pit?””

“I don’t pretend to know what He would do. It’s a moot point since you’re not taking me back down there.” She bared her teeth in an absolutely horrifying smile. “I’ve always liked Earth. Now that Michael is about to put Lilith back where she belongs, that frees up some real estate for yours truly.”

“I wouldn’t hold your breath.” Beelzebub struck out with a lightning bolt, knocking Alaria back several steps.

Alaria regained her balance and raised her whip to lash out at him. “Then it’s a good thing I don’t breathe.”

Griffin watched the exchange with bated breath. The Devils clashed violently with whips, swords, fire, and lightning. More than one demon was slaughtered just because they got too close to the fight. After several minutes, the loud crash from Michael opening a hole in the floor distracted Alaria, and she looked over long enough to see the Angel grab Lilith by the throat and carry her into the hole, the stones miraculously coming back together once he was gone. The distraction gave Beelzebub the opening he needed. He swept her feet out from under her and put one foot on her chest. He leaned down, grabbed her by her hair, and wrenched her head back.

“I’m going to make you wish you were dead. You’ll never get out of the lake, Alaria. We’re going to take turns carving you into pieces, then put you back together and do it again.” He gripped the dagger in his hand, prepared to drive it through her chest and kill the body she inhabited to send her essence back to Hell, where she would be trapped.

Before he could plunge the blade into her, Griffin raced out of the kitchen, the consecrated blade clutched in her hand. With a Warrior’s cry, she flung herself onto Beelzebub’s back and sank the blade to the hilt in his throat.

Devil’s Dilemma is available on Amazon in both e-book now and print as of 1-17.

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