The Naughty List Anthology ~V^^^V
Naughty but Nice by Donna Kauffman- I felt like this is a short from a running series? The back story just felt like I was missing something and being brought up to speed. The story had a good flow and well developed characters, ,I just couldn't get into it. There really didn't seem to have anything to do with Christmas in it either.
All I Want For Christmas by Cynthia Eden- I am really enjoying her stories. This one is about a holiday romance involving a couple who have known each other since they were young. Christie is a "good girl" and Jonah is a bad boy, together they are combustible. This is the highlight of the book.
Tattoos and Mistletoe by Susan Fox- I can say that I liked the writing style, the flow and the characters were well developed. However I have to say that I didn't much care for Charlie (the female main character) she was very brash and hard to like. I was able to understand the reasons for her personality, I just didn't care for her. L.J. is excellent, a sweet nerd turned hunk. I love me some hunky nerds. LOL I think the romance had a nice pace and the sex scenes were pretty good. Overall I would say this was a little better than average story.
Also as a whole the Anthology was pretty good. ~Michelle
Belong to the Night Anthology ~V^^V
I only read the Cynthia Eden and Shelly Laurenston contributions to this anthology so the review will be only for those novellas. Overall I have to say that I wasn't that impressed with the stories though.
The Wolf, The Witch, and Her Lack of Clothing by Shelly Laurenston was about Coven Witch Jaime and the wolf Mayor of Smithville, Tully. I can't really put my finger on this one, something just didn't click for me. Jaime was very closed off and Tully was too laid back. They had good chemistry together but the relationship was kind of chopping in the telling. The story itself was quite slow and though the couple do make it to bed it just didn't do much for me. Shelly has many great stories, this is just one that I didn't much care for.
In the Dark by Cynthia Eden- I am just starting her stuff and can say so far she has a great writing voice. Her stories seem to suck me in immediately and keep me guessing. This story however, I was unable to forgive Liam the way Sadie apparently did. I felt there was never really any explanation or apology and I just had a hard time believing they would just fall into bed again. The case was was well paced and plotted but the romance left me flat. ~Michelle
A Red Hot New Year Anthology ~V^^^V
First, WOW (nervous laughter) I didn't know this was going to be SO naughty. I just really didn't think, going in that this was one of those Erotic books. I decided to give all of these novellas a chance so I am reviewing ALL of the book. As a whole, I give it a 3 star rating. Now let me break it down.
New Year's Bites by Cynthia Eden: This is a paranormal erotic story. Anna is attacked and bitten by a werewolf on New Year's Eve. Jon, a man she has recently been working with and fantasizing about helps her overcome her bite and deal with her transformation. This story in my opinion was just kind of blah.
Night Resolutions by Diana Mercury: I really didn't care for this one. Chantal is invited to a New Year's get away with her boyfriend. The stay at the mansion of his friend's "uncle" turns into an orgy. For me this story was very confusing, the story seemed disjointed and in a lot of ways just plain uncomfortable. The orgy and sex scenes were well described but really it was quite uncomfortable. I really didn't like this story at all.
Snow Blind by Virginia Reede: Story of BFF's, Gerry and "Jules", a New Year's weekend couples getaway goes awry. In no time Gerry and Jules are exploring their relationship in a whole new way. This story was VERY naughty. I saw some of the stuff coming from a mile away but overall this is one of the best in the Anthology.
Coming on Strong by Denise Rossetti: This one was pretty well written and not too far over the erotic line for me. I just thought is seemed a little choppy and I felt like I kept missing things. I felt awful for Gina, I mean she had no idea what was wrong with her and to be so fearful of anyone finding anything out, she must have really felt alone. Then to have such a hot man interested and feeling there was no future, how tragic. I think this story was easiest to feel, but again a little harder to follow. If that makes any sense.
I guess I would say again, overall this anthology was OK. ~Michelle
