Elisse on An Introduction to Pleasure

An Introduction to Pleasure by Jess Michaels

Buy it now on Amazon

What I liked about An Introduction to Pleasure:

• How raw and pleasurable the story was.  Jess Michaels was able to capture lust in its carnal form.  From the beginning I was captivated by the story – but when the steamy scenes appeared… well I has hooked (and hot). Andrew’s desire mingled with Lysandra’s need to learn more was the right mixture for a good, steamy, I-need-a-fan-or-a-cold-shower read.  I needed to remind myself a few times to breath… during some scenes I noticed I was holding my breath.  Glad I didn’t suffocated.
• Lysandra’s instruction. At first I found, Andrew, the protagonist, a bit rough, but them as I kept reading, I felt drawn to his “teaching” like a moth to a flame (corny, I know, but I was burning – if you don’t believe me, then you just need to read it for yourself).  He was cool and collected, in control and such a master in seduction. Just what Lysandra (and few of us) needed.

What I didn’t like about An Introduction to Pleasure:

• It was a bit difficult to believe that Lysandra’s last resource was to become the mistress of a wealthy gentleman.  I thought it wasn’t as convincing, but once you got into the steamy scenes, all the “whys” and “whatnots” disappeared.
• Spoiler alert! Lysandra’s mom attitude toward her daughter’s new path. Come on!  How can a mother be “ok” with a daughter going into the direction of perdition?  Lysandra was basically learning how to sell her body.  Lysandra’s mom finds out her intentions and is “ok” with the whole situation.  I was a bit taken by this. 
• Spoiler alert!  How quickly was Andrew ready to hand Lysandra over… and to his friend.  I was not impressed by this – really?  After all they went through he handed her over to his friend and then, not believable enough, his friend Miles, once he had her situated in a new house, he just didn’t want to take her as a lover.  Let's just be friends.  What?!? 

Favorite Quotes from An Introduction to Pleasure: 

• "The light was dim, but she saw his eyes sparkle as he examined her face. And when his lips moved down to hers, she needed no light, no air, no sustenance of any kind except for his kiss." (Chapter 13)
• “You should remain naked the entire time you’re here,” he said with a soft chuckle. “At my utter command and for my pleasure." (Chapter 21)
•  “You will do as I ask,” he said, interrupting her thoughts with equally disconcerting words. “You will not argue. You will put all of your faith in me. And I will offer, in exchange, pleasure." (Chapter 22)
• "He couldn’t understand what the idea of “surrender” fully meant to her. There was more at stake for her than her body. Her heart was involved in this relationship now." (Chapter 22)

Would I recommend An Introduction to Pleasure?

100% yes!  Just make sure you have a cold glass of water and a fan near… you’ll need it.

to learn more about the author of An Introduction to Pleasure, Jess Michaels, visit her website

www.authorjessmichaels.com

Elisse on Lord of Scoundrels

Lord of Scoundrels  by Loretta Chase

Buy It Now on Amazon.com

What I liked about Lord of Scoundrels:

• Jessica Trent - This heroine is no ninny! She is strong, witty and intelligent.  As a woman, it feels great to read a female character that is not just the regular "sit and take it" heroine.  Jessica gave Sebastian a run for his money -- and I had tons of fun reading ALL about it!
• *spoiler alert! Dain says to Jessica " then shoot me" and she, well, she obeys!  Brilliantly written scene.  I laughed soooo hard. 
• The sex scene by the pillar - steamy! "A two-year-old, am I, my lady?" he tore off his right glove with his teeth.  "I'll teach you how old I am." - Oh my HOT Tamales!  I got goosebumps and all kinds of warm with this scene.  Thank you, Loretta Chase.  Thank you!
• The story was so rich that even the other stories were calling out for me, specially Comte d’Esmond's story.  I wanted to learn more about him and what was cooking between him and Leila Beaumont to the point that I have placed their love story, Captives of the Night on my "To Read" list.

 What I disliked about Lord of Scoundrels:

• The poor physical description of the hero, Sebastian Dain.  One moment he was described as a monster with a big nose and in the other he was a "beautiful" man.  I need more than one word to draw a picture for a character.  What made Sebastian beautiful?  My own conclusion is that his nature was soooo rough and HOT, it made him drop dead handsome.  I didn't have the help of the author to form an exact picture of his physical appearance -- I felt in love with his actions rather than his looks.  I guess that's not so bad after all.

Favorite Quotes from Lord of Scoundrels:

• "Dain," she said in a low, hard voice, "if you do not release my hand this instant, I shall kiss you.  In front of everybody." (Chapter 4)
• "Damnation," he said.  And then he didn't care what he crushed or broke.  he reached out and wrapped his monster hands about her waist and lifted her straight up until her wet, sulky face was even with his own. And in the same heartbeat, before she could scream, he clamped his hard, dissolute mouth over hers.  The heavens opened up then, loosing a torrent." (Chapter 5)
• "A two-year-old, am I, my lady?" he tore off his right glove with his teeth. "I'll teach you how old I am." (Chapter 15)
• "I love you," she told him, repeating it to every thrust, as though she would drive the words into him, as he drove his body into hers." (Chapter 15)

Would I recommend Lord of Scoundrels:

• YES! YES! YES! This story  was great! Funny and with a strong female character. A MUST READ.

Elisse on Reckless

Reckless by Anne Stuart

Buy It Now on Amazon.com

What I liked about Reckless:



• Adrian, the hero - I want to be your slave- Rohan. ALL OF HIM.
• The writing - Anne Stuart has a talent for story telling that is unique, catchy and fun.  I was hooked from the beginning.
• Evangelina and Simon's love story.
• Did I mentioned Adrian Rohan?
• The first time Adrian makes loves to Charlotte - he was so raw!
• The way Adrian was always able to surprise Charlotte's and take her -- and my -- breath away.
• The price -- reasonable.  (I bought it through my Kindle Fire)

What I disliked somewhat disliked about Reckless:

• Charlotte Spenser - the heroine- for a character as strong as Adrian, I found Charlotte a bit blah, nothing stood out - don't get me wrong, I liked her with Adrian, but I wanted a bit more of spice.  She was just a bit too willing.  Then again... who can resist Adrian?  To her defense, towards the end of the novel she got "tough" fixing this little issue for me.  In all, she wasn't that bad (secretly-- I wished it was me! Ha!)
• The fact that Charlotte's fall down the steep embankment was not brought up only in passing.  For the type of fall she had, I thought it would be acknowledged a bit more -- perhaps mentioned to Adrian?
• The course from lust to love was too quick.  In one moment Adrian was "in lust" with Charlotte (sooo HOT!) and then the next he was "in love."  I just wished there was a smoother transition from "let's get rid of that damned virginity" to "I'm not a good man, but I do love you."
• Evangelina and Simon's story was interesting and I wished it didn't develop so quickly.  I was left wanting more... specially the seducing.  It went from bickering to proposal to wedding.  What happened to the steamy love scenes? Evangelina's surrender?

Favorite Quotes from Reckless:

• “I’m afraid you don’t understand the concept of surrender, my pet. There is no true surrender until I am thrusting inside you, finding my own completion and yours. There is no surrender until you take me into your mouth. There is no surrender until you beg me for my touch, my kiss..." (Chapter 5)
• "Yes," she said again. "Yes, I want you." His smile was small, almost smug. "Then let's get rid of that damned virginity, shall we?" (Chapter 9)
• "You want the pretty words, or the truth? he whispered, leaning forward to brush his mouth against her.  "You're being tupped, shagged, screwed-made love to" Each phrase was punctuated with a thrust and she was a breathless as she was.  "In fact, Charlotte, you're being fucked.  It's about this" and thrust hard "-and this." (Chapter 9)
• "Yes," he said.  "I'm shaking, I want you so badly.  What do you want me to do, Charlotte? Beg?" (Chapter 20)
• "What do you want, Charlotte? he said again, sounding almost angry.  She met his hard blue eyes.  "You."  (Chapter 20)

Would I recommend Reckless:

• Oh my HOT Tamales... YES!  From the beginning, the story is engaging and HOT.  Adrian makes this novel what it is -- HOT. A MUST READ.