Four authors of erotic romance present wild and irresistibly dangerous fantasies in this sensational anthology of lust and lingerie…
Each novella in this collection features a corset. If you’re interested, go check out the guest post the authors did for us during Bingeaduckia to see the discussion we had about corsets. The Good and Bad about Writing for an Anthology.
Undone by Jasmine Haynes
Unwind with Jasmine Haynes…A woman arrives at the perfect solution for exploring sensual freedom: open herself up to an amateur photographer with no limits—and an uncensored appreciation for the female body.
This was a older woman/younger man story. I thought it was really well done. Dirk was very sweet while coaxing Margo into being a bad girl. I really liked how sexy she ended up feeling, because I know what it’s like to question your sexuality. Dirk did a great job at making her feel like a woman and I loved it. They had sexual chemistry in spades, too. The story, though short, was scorching.
This is going to make me sound kind of shallow, but my only real complaint is Dirk’s name. It’s just not a sexy name for me. Every time I saw it all I could think was Boogie Nights. Not a great image for an erotic romance. Other than that, though, I really enjoyed this entry.
4 out of 5
The Ties That Bind by Jaci Burton
Come undone with Jaci Burton…Sixteen years is a long time to carry a torch for your ex. It’s high time they act on long-dormant desires and reignite the flame that still burns inside them both.
I really enjoy lovers reunited stories and this was no exception. It was plain to see that Lisa and Rick still had deep feelings for each other and I loved that he whisked her away so they’d have each others complete and undivided attention.
I did get annoyed with Lisa for the way she waffled back and forth so much, but in the end I felt like she made up for it.
4.5 out of 5
Controlled Response by Joey W. Hill
Let loose with Joey Hill…What does a hiker do when he comes upon a girl wearing only ivory panties, and stretched out invitingly on the warm leather seat of a Harley? Anything she tells him.
This was a hard story for me to grade. BDSM isn’t always easy for me to read/enjoy, because I often feel like the sub is humiliated into submitting, rather than doing it on her/his own. I’ve read a few BDSM stories where that wasn’t the case, but unfortunately this wasn’t one of them. I really liked how this started out and was looking forward to the rest of it, but something happened in the middle of it that I felt was completely unnecessary to the overall story-arc and did nothing but humiliate the heroine. I don’t find that hot at all and it kind of ruined the rest of the story for me.
If you take that one part out, it was a well written, wonderful erotic story. I really liked Lucas and Cassandra and I think they fit well together. I also really liked the secondary characters – especially Cass’s brothers and sisters and Lucas’ best friends.
With that one scene, however, it felt dirty and..well, kind of sad. I actually hurt for the heroine at first and then became extremely angry – both on her behalf and at her reaction.
It could be that BDSM just isn’t for me – or it could be this one element didn’t work in the context of this story. I’ll let you decide for yourselves.
3.5 out of 5
Rubies and Black Velvet by Denise Rossetti
Submit to Denise Rossetti…As the laces of a stunning ruby-trimmed corset tighten, so too does the grip of an inescapable sorceress’s curse—one with the power to transform any woman into a dominating femme fatale.
This was probably my favorite in the collection relationship-wise. I really loved John and Meg and felt their emotional connection 100%. I think in part because we saw quite a bit from John’s POV and it came across very well how much he loved Meg.
What didn’t work as well for me was the story. The concept was good, but I think it needed to be fleshed out a bit more. The first two chapters are spent telling us how the corset came to be, but I think if that had been cut down and we’d seen more of it’s destruction the resolution would have been more meaningful.
Overall it was well written and engaging, I just wish it had been fleshed out a bit more.
4 out of 5
Overall an impressive collection. Each story is well written and engaging, if a bit flawed. I’d recommend picking it up if you’re in the mood for some good, erotic romances.
Total Grade: 4.0 out of 5
This book is available from Berkley. You can buy it here or here in e-format.
Weird, I posted but it did not show up. I just said that the review is great, the book sounds like one I would like. I will keep an eye out for it. thanks for sharing 🙂
I’ve been dying to get this book since first seeing it here. I need to vamanos over to B&N.
And Holly, I agree with you on the name thing. I remember reading a book by Johanna Lindsey about Bettina and Tristan, and just couldn’t get past the names. Bettina, hmph!
I’ve seen this book all over the place but have been reluctant to get it. I think I’ve changed my mind after reading your review. 🙂 Thanks Chickie.
I’m sure Jasmine Haynes is thrilled you graded hers down an entire point for the name Dirk!!! LOL. Her short actually sounds really good. Great review on all of them! When I was trying to find an anothology to read, I was really thinking about this one a lot!!
Hey! I didn’t grade it down a whole point for the name Dirk. I might have downgraded it by half a point, though. LOL J/K!! I thought it was a well done story.