Review: Tempestuous

Tempestuous by Nicole Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My Blackraven’s Review of this title:

Tempestuous certainly sums up the heroine to this story…well it is most likely an apt description for both main characters; emotional, passionate, and wild. Evie was such a great heroine for Tempestuous by Nicole Austin. She was outgoing, yet reticent; bold and daring, yet reserved. The dichotomies of her personality were what made this story all the more realistic. Aren’t we all a little bit of everything from time to time, as situations change? It was great to see a character that was so relatable. Niko was your typical dominant, alpha male personality…well, that’s all I’m going to tell you about him, but you’ll find he’s much more than that as well.
As you can probably tell, the character development in Tempestuous was great. You were dragged into their lives and were able to watch the entire goings on as if you had a front row seat. The flow of the book was perfect; each page had you wanting to turn to the next. I hadn’t read a Nicole Austin story before, but I can assure you it won’t be my last.

The BDSM scenes and sexual content were unique and always fresh throughout the story. The passion between the characters was outstanding. The ending left you satisfied, but wanting more. There is certainly room for a sequel with Evie’s friend and Gage, and I, for one, am hoping that Ms. Austin has that book planned. If you haven’t read a story by this author, this may well be the perfect one to start with.

Rated 5 Ravens by MacKenzie!
http://www.blackravensreviews.com/?p=390…

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Review: Safe Words

Safe Words by Chris Owen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My Blackraven’s Review of this title:

What a great continuation of one of the most outstanding series that I’ve had the pleasure to read. I fell in love with Tobias, Noah, Phan and all the gang when the Deviations series first came out a few years ago. It’s one of those things where you hope and hope that the authors will write more about the characters you’ve found so unforgettable. We all know that these follow-up stories usually fall flat…not that we don’t want them anyway. But that is NOT the case here. Safe Words lives up to its predecessors. It’s emotional, gritty and yet still fun. It will make you laugh and cry.
The entire story flows well from beginning to end making it hard to put the book down at any given point. I find it interesting that as far as books go there wasn’t any real overt dramatic plot line within the pages of Safe Words. But it was no less interesting for that fact. We start with a committed partnership and know we’re going to end with the same, but watching their journey to become closer and more in tune with one another was lovely indeed.

It’s silly of me I know, but I can’t help but hope that there is a spin-off story to be had within this world so that we’ll run into these wonderful characters again in the future.

If the Deviations Series is any indication of what can happen when two writers collaborate, then I think Chris Owen and Jodi Payne have a hit on their hands if they are so inclined to write together again.

If you haven’t read the Deviations series yet, don’t delay. I can’t imagine a scenario in which you wouldn’t enjoy it immensely. The journey the characters are on throughout the story is compelling and deeply moving.

Rated 5 Ravens by MacKenzie!
http://www.blackravensreviews.com/?p=445…

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Review: Wrapped Around Your Finger

Wrapped Around Your Finger by Fallon Blake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My Blackraven’s Review of this title:

The blurb for Wrapped Around Your Finger promised so much sexy fun and the book itself certainly did not disappoint.

This story really is unique from beginning to end. I’m not sure where the differences are other than storyline, obviously, but the writing is fun and the characters jump off the page almost in color. You can feel the atmosphere of Banner’s restaurant, you can see Indigo as his sushi model, and you’re there for the smoking hot BDSM scenes between the two.

With the details that pop off the page and the passion between the characters I truly wonder what Ms. Blake could accomplish with a longer story; the possibilities are endless. I had never read a book by Fallon Blake before, but this certainly won’t be my last.

Rated 4 ½ Ravens by MacKenzie!
http://www.blackravensreviews.com/?p=493…

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Review: Firebird

Firebird by Annabel Joseph
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jae’s Dark Divas Review of this title:

I wasn’t too sure how easy it would be to get into Firebird. I know absolutely nothing about ballet or dance, and you start out thrown right into their world. But within two pages, if even that long, you’re inside this world like you’ve belonged there all along. There are no awkward moments where you don’t understand what’s going on – there is no long exposition to explain anything either. I’m not sure how Annabel Joseph did it, but she made me understand and involve myself in a world which previously I knew very little about.

The character development is outstanding, even secondary characters are brought to life with unflinching clarity. Readers will feel the emotions of the characters vividly throughout Firebird.
I can honestly say, only half-jokingly, that I tried to read the story slower and slower just so it wouldn’t end.  There were many complexities within the storyline that added to the enjoyment of Firebird. I will warn that there are a few heavier scenes of BDSM, so if that’s not something you read, this might not be the book for you.

If you haven’t read this story, I strongly encourage doing so immediately. If you like BDSM stories, I can’t imagine how you wouldn’t love this one – and it’s so much more than merely a great BDSM story.

If there was some way for me to rate Firebird higher than Five Delightful Divas and a Recommended Read, I would. This is my first Annabel Joseph book, and I can guarantee it won’t be my last.

Rated 5 Delightful Divas and a Recommended Read by Jae!
http://www.darkdivasreviews.com/?p=1917

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Review: Deep in the Woods

Deep in the Woods by Annabel Joseph
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jae’s Dark Divas Review of this title:

What an outstanding story! That’s really my review…if you want the short and sweet of it. From page one Deep in the Wood compels you to turn each page to find out what happens next. There are so many underlying plot points and the information is drizzled to the readers throughout the tale, keeping the suspense level very high at times.

The love and understanding between our main characters was very nice to see. I enjoyed the fact that the story wasn’t based upon a miscommunication between main characters but around various other factors. And, let me tell you, when Annabel Joseph writes a bad guy, he is very, very bad. I don’t usually use texting lingo in my reviews but honestly, the bad guy in this tale deserves a big old OMG. I was truly distressed by his character and I think the reason for that is Ms. Joseph’s stellar character development. If she hadn’t made me feel a part of Sophie’s life, I’m not sure the rest would have fallen in place. While I didn’t always agree with Sophie’s outlook or thoughts, I was right there with her. I could see why *she* felt that way, and that’s the important part. I could become involved in her journey.

Deep in the Woods is not a light BDSM tale, so if the harsher playing and realities bother you, this might not be the book for you. But it’s a rock solid tale of fate, love and emotional growth, and if BDSM is something you enjoy reading about then Deep in the Woods should be on your list of ‘to read’ titles.

As an aside, I’d love to read Ryan’s story. What submissive is going to attract his attention and no doubt get more than either of them bargained for?

Rated 5 Delightful Divas by Jae!
http://www.darkdivasreviews.com/?p=1975

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Review: Comfort Object

Comfort Object by Annabel Joseph
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jae’s Dark Divas Review of this title:

I’ve had a really difficult time trying to figure out what I want to say in this review. You can see from the rating that I thought this book was excellent. Every Annabel Joseph’s book I have read has been so well-written and engaging.

The character development is outstanding. I can see some readers would think Nell is a weak heroine with regard to some of her choices, but they aren’t really looking at her. They are looking at themselves and imagining what they’d do in a similar situation. She makes different choices than what most people…or at least most women…would likely make, but those choices are based upon her belief system and require a strength of conviction that most of us wouldn’t choose to have.
The only reason I mention this is because this is a very intelligently written book, as are all Annabel Joseph books that I’ve had the privilege of reading. Look past that first layer for more than a surface plot that you get in many erotic romances today.

Every word adds layers to the characters. There are no superfluous words. Everything means something and will take you deeper into the lives of these characters.

The sex and BDSM scenes are outrageously hot and you’ll feel as if you’re in the room with these characters. The BDSM in this story is meant for readers of BDSM books. It’s most likely not a good starter book…or anywhere close to that really. What it is, though, is clever and fresh.

I highly recommend this story to readers of BDSM that enjoy reading intelligent works of art, because that’s what this is. It’s a tale woven with meaning from beginning to end and I, for one, enjoyed it immensely.

Rated 5 Delightful Divas by Jae!
http://www.darkdivasreviews.com/?p=2045

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Review: Mercy

Mercy by Annabel Joseph
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jae’s Dark Divas Review of this title:

If you’ve been following my reviews at all, you’ll have noticed the numerous reviews for Annabel Joseph’s stories because I have just fallen in love each and every one. Mercy is a self-published work of Ms. Joseph’s but deserves no less accolades than any of her more recently published work. Many times early works don’t live up to an author’s latest efforts, and I truly can see the amazing growth in her writing skills and storytelling, but Mercy is an outstanding BDSM story in its own right.
In Mercy we have a bit of a darker tale of love, lust and power. Both of our main characters, Matthew and Lucy, have been hurt at some point, and on some level I think they are unaware of how that makes them act and respond with each other. I’d venture to say that they each understand the other better than they understand themselves at times. It’s truly a powerful relationship to read about. At times I was cheering them on and at others tears would come as I fretted over what would happen next.

Keep in mind that this story is more intense in many regards than what I normally review. Matthew’s issues don’t only hurt Matthew in the end as actions are set in motion that damage Lucy as well. I know that’s cryptic at best, but you’ll have to take my word for it that there is to be a happy ending, so take heart in that as you read.

If you haven’t taken the time to read a book by Annabel Joseph, you should certainly do so. If you like very intense BDSM, then start with Mercy, you won’t be disappointed. If you’d like to start with something slightly lighter…but no less powerful in any way…then start with any story that states ‘by Annabel Joseph’. Take a look at my other reviews if you need help deciding.

Rated 4 ½ Delightful Divas by Jae!
http://www.darkdivasreviews.com/?p=2527

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Review: Fortune

Fortune by Annabel Joseph
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jae’s Dark Divas Review of this title:

What an amazing story! After discovering Annabel Joseph’s works rather recently, I have gobbled up as many of her stories as I can get. Fortune is by far her most thought-provoking, sensual masterpiece to date.

Fortune is a sequel to Deep in the Woods, although it can be read as a standalone title quite easily. Deep in the Woods is where we first met Ryan, the hero of Fortune, and I think Deep in the Woods does give the reader a bit of background personality for his story in Fortune.

The character development in Fortune is outstanding. Kat’s personality pops off the page from the very beginning. I can feel her despair over her life choices, or rather the life she feels she has no choice in whatsoever. I adored her unique family and how they added a wonderful dimension to the entire novel. I fell in love with Ryan in Deep in the Woods, so I already felt as if I knew a little about him when I started this story, but there was so much I didn’t know…so much more to experience.

Kat seems to start out from a weak female position, but as with most of Ms. Joseph’s heroines, this weakness is an illusion masking a true strength of self beneath. As lost as she was at the beginning of this tale, Kat’s underlying strength is amazing. I truly enjoyed watching her growth in this book. Ryan’s metamorphosis was marvelous to take part in as well. I think it’s great how Ms. Joseph puts the reader right in the room with the characters and shows us every nuance of development, so that we are really taking part in each event. These characters linger long after the book is finished.
I don’t want to give away any part of this tale, but I wanted to comment on a thought that kept popping up as I read Fortune. I think it’s amazing that Annabel Joseph can write such a balanced relationship between these characters. Dominant though he may be, Ryan offers Kat freedom by acting as her safe place to express her true self, rather than exerting a heavy handed control over her. Whether in D/s, BDSM or any mainstream relationship this is the type of partnership and balance we no doubt all strive to attain. Not that it came easy for these characters either. You’ll have to read the story to find out how they reach their happily-ever-after.

What I also truly appreciate is that the D/s and BDSM aspects are part of the characters lives, they aren’t the sum total of their experiences. The story is ultimately about Kat and Ryan as people who partake in a D/s lifestyle. Don’t get me wrong the D/s and BDSM scenes are extremely hot, sensual and intense. Have no fear about that. But the story alone is gripping and intriguing from beginning to end.

Fortune is an amazing story that I highly recommend.

Rated 5 Delightful Divas and a Recommended Read by Jae!
http://www.darkdivasreviews.com/?p=3335

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Review: Cait and the Devil

Cait and the Devil by Annabel Joseph
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jae’s Dark Divas Review of this title:

Cait’s character grabs you from the very first page. You will immediately become involved in her trials and tribulations of finding her way in the unknown world she has unwittingly found herself within. Much like flotsam on the open water, you wonder where she will land.

Once you meet the other cast of characters, you are compelled to turn each page to find out what will happen next. The character of Henna is one of my favorites as the story progresses; so sweet, strong and commanding. She is the perfect counterbalance to the story of Cait and the Devil.

Cait and the Devil is at times disturbing and frightening. This story isn’t full of fluff and cute spanking scenes. It has a whole range of emotions and many story threads that are woven together to come out with a lovely ending for our main characters.
The heroine finds herself in some interesting and unhealthy situations. While readers tend to not like such scenes, especially involving our heroines, I think the talent of Annabel Joseph’s writing allows us to watch these scenes without becoming disturbed by them. I’m not sure I’m making any sense at all, and since I refuse to give away any part of the storyline, it will have to suffice to say that things happen to Cait in this story that Ms. Joseph chooses to tackle head on rather than close the door to the reader. She shows these scenes to her readers, but at the same time writes them in such a way that their importance is in how the story progresses and how we get to our happy ending we all crave rather than on a particular act at a certain point in time.

I’m so glad that I’ve had the opportunity to read as many Annabel Joseph stories as I have. They always have such depth of emotion and insight into the human dynamic that I truly can’t wait to see what she has in store for her readers next. And that’s not even mentioning the compelling and always hotter-than-the-sun scenes she lays out for us with each new story.

Rated 4 ½ Delightful Divas by Jae!
http://www.darkdivasreviews.com/?cat=330

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Review: Breaking Free

Breaking Free by Cherise Sinclair
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My Dark Divas Review of this title:

Breaking Free is one wild ride! The action doesn’t let up from beginning to end, compelling you to turn page after page to find out what happens next. What excellent and creative characters Cherise Sinclair has developed in her Shadowlands series.

Beth’s character is damaged, but she is one of the strongest women I have read about in quite a while. Ms. Sinclair balanced all this with the strength of Nolan’s magnetic and intuitive personality, leaving us with two incredibly compelling characters; and those are merely the main characters. The supporting cast is just as compelling and innovative.

The sexual and sensual scenes throughout the book drive the plot, allowing us to get inside the heads of these characters – not to mention these scenes are rated ‘oh my’ hot in my opinion. The plot is intriguing and while it appears at first glance to not be original – abused woman finds masterful man to help her recover – that isn’t the case in any way. Breaking Free has extremely original plot elements that not only keep you guessing as to what will happen between Beth and Nolan, but also what will happen with Beth’s husband. Getting a happily ever after is important, and clearly we get one here, but what a ride it was to find out how they would get there. And ultimately, the trip made the ending – or should we say beginning – all the more satisfying.

I highly suggest picking up your copy of Breaking Free today. I am enthusiastically and impatiently waiting for the next in the series. I wonder if we’ll get to hear Collin’s story next – crossing my fingers!

Rated 5 Delightful Divas by Jae!
http://www.darkdivasreviews.com/?p=607

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