Good morning! I don't normally write a post on Tuesday, but I just received some very exciting news. My erotic historical romance has made it to the finals of the NTRWA Carolyn Readers Choice Award contest!

http://smile.amazon.com/Live-Again-V-L-Edwards-ebook/dp/B00HQ40V5C/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1402671900&sr=1-1&keywords=to+live+again

Book Blurb:

Warren DeWinter, the Earl of Broadmoor, a widower, with a young son, grieves for his late wife. Warren hunts for his pleasures on the streets of London, rather than the ballrooms of the ton. On his monthly excursion, he meets a young woman he believes is a lady of the evening. What he finds…is an untried virgin, desperate to feed her brother and sister. 

When Warren bribes Amelia’s tale from of her, he finds that not only did he take her innocence, she’s a gentlewoman. He feels compelled to marry her. Determined to protect his wife’s memory, he only spends time with Amelia in the bedchamber, where passion threatens to burn them up. However, Amelia’s determined to win his affections by lavishing love on his son. Will Warren be able to resist Amelia’s beguiling ways? Can Amelia bring the walls surrounding his heart crashing down, allowing Warren…to live again.


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20506271-to-live-again?ac=1

Storm Clouds Rolling In by Ginny Dye

http://smile.amazon.com/Rolling-Bregdan-Chronicles-Historical-Fiction-ebook/dp/B003KVL35W/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1427051467&sr=1-1&keywords=storm+clouds+rolling+in+by+ginny+dye

http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Storm-Clouds-Rolling-In-Audiobook/B00H3QCGME

Storm Clouds Rolling In is the very first book in the ongoing Bregdan Chronicles historical novel series. As of today, there are 7 books in the series. It's readers like you who have turned the series into a world-wide best-seller. Thank you! 

Book Description: Carrie Cromwell comes of age as the dark clouds of the Civil War swallow the country. Born with a fiery spirit and a strong mind, she finds herself struggling between the common wisdom of the South and the truth she has discovered. 

The activities of the Underground Railroad and her close friendships with the Cromwell Plantation slaves create difficult choices. But when her decisions put her at odds with her heritage, and challenge her dreams, will she be able to give up all that is precious to her?

This first book of The Bregdan Chronicles historical fiction series will pull you in and never let you go. You'll experience the Civil War era (and all the years to come) through the eyes of both White and Black, free & slave, Southern & Northern - and you'll fall in love with every character.

How many books will be in the Bregdan Chronicles? No one knows yet… Ginny intends to write these character's stories, one year at a time, for as long as she is able to write. She is passionate about bringing history to life through historical fiction. Since she is amazingly healthy, that could be for a very long time! She doesn’t like stories to end any more than you do. This one won't end for a very long time! 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9526828-storm-clouds-rolling-in?ac=1

Published & Release Date: A Voice in the World Publishing, Aril 12, 2010

Time and setting: 1860-1861 Virginia

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 572 pages

Heat Level: Sweet

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Vikki’s Musings

I found Storm Clouds Rolling In while re-reading and listening to Gone with the Wind a couple of months ago. I actually saw it advertised on Facebook. I am so grateful I found this astonishing book. While there are similarities between this book and GWTW, I actually like the characters in this one much better, especially Carrie Cromwell.

Carrie Cromwell is a strong-willed eighteen year old that has very far-thinking views on life and all the rumors surrounding the year leading up to the firing on Fort Sumter. Her closest friends are the slaves that live on her father’s plantation. As the only child of Thomas Cromwell, she has been indulged, but not in the way that would have been expected. Her father has treated as an equal in many ways, allowing her to learn how to run the great plantation.

Her mother despairs of ever turning Carrie into a proper southern mistress for her future husband’s plantation. Since Carrie has no plans to marry in the near future, her mother will be sadly disappointed when she arranges for her daughter to meet a dear friend’s son, Robert Borden.

Robert Borden is immediately attracted to the high-spirited, raven-haired beauty. In fact he falls hard from the moment she gives him a lock of her hair as a token for the tournament being enacted at a neighboring plantation. When he wins, he picks her as his queen at the evening ball.

While Carrie is extremely attracted to Robert, some of his views on slavery are vastly different from Carrie’s when he tells her of his breeding program at his plantation, the breeding of slaves. Carrie is appalled by this, yet is still drawn to him, battling her conscience over her heart.

When Carrie’s mother dies and her father leaves her in charge of Cromwell Plantation, she becomes involved with the Underground Railroad and helps more than a dozen slaves in their bid for freedom. Her best friend, Rose and her husband, Moses stay by her side. Even though, Carrie has offered to help them escape. When Rose is attacked by the overseer, the head-strong young woman, with shot gun in hand, demands he leave her lands forever.

Thomas Cromwell is so steeped in grief; he no longer keeps his pulse on the plantation. Secure in the knowledge that his daughter, with the help of his overseer, will keep the property prosperous, he never knows Carrie has fired Ike Adams.  He becomes deeply involved in the politics as his beloved Virginia marches closer to war, a war that will tear his country asunder.

This first volume ends as Virginia secedes from the union and with Carrie telling Robert she cannot marry him, even though she is in love with him. Storm Clouds Rolling In does end on a positive note, letting the reader know that all is not lost between Carrie and the dashing Robert.

While I thoroughly enjoy the romance between the hero and heroine, what is much more fascinating is the workings of Carrie’s mind as she grows in her belief that slavery is not God’s will, no matter what her father and the rest of the south believe. This story has a thread of spiritualism running through it, but is not over done at all. It only enhances this amazing epic tale.

Carrie is a marvelous character, so fierce, as she develops into an independent woman, determined to help her friends gain their freedom if they choose to travel down that path.  While Carrie would love to become a doctor, she puts those dreams to the side to continue her work in freeing any of her father’s slaves who seek their freedom. Her ability to walk the thin line between outright lying to her father and evading the truth is incredible. Carrie Cromwell is truly an unforgettable character.

This is a book with a great deal of historical detail regarding the thoughts and times leading up to the Civil War. As I read, I wished that I had discovered this epic series while my mother still lived. She would have enjoyed this book and series immensely as I know you will as well. If you love a well-written historical fiction novel with strong romantic elements, then this is a book you will not want to miss. Happy reading!

Fifty Shades Freed by E L James

http://smile.amazon.com/Fifty-Shades-Freed-Book-ebook/dp/B007IXWL2C/ref=sr_1_1_ha?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1425572693&sr=1-1&keywords=fifty+shades+freed

MORE THAN 100 MILLION COPIES SOLD WORLDWIDE
FIFTY SHADES OF GREY IS NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE

When unworldly student Anastasia Steele first encountered the driven and dazzling young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both of their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and, ultimately, repelled by Christian’s singular erotic tastes, Ana demands a deeper commitment. Determined to keep her, Christian agrees.
 
Now, Ana and Christian have it all—love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of possibilities for their future. But Ana knows that loving her Fifty Shades will not be easy, and that being together will pose challenges that neither of them would anticipate. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own identity. And Christian must overcome his compulsion to control as he wrestles with the demons of a tormented past.
 
Just when it seems that their strength together will eclipse any obstacle, misfortune, malice, and fate conspire to make Ana’s deepest fears turn to reality.

This book is intended for mature audiences.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13536860-fifty-shades-freed?ac=1

Published & Release Date: Random House, January 17, 2012

Time and setting: Washington and Oregon

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

Heat Level: 4 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Vikki’s Musings

While as I mentioned in my review of Fifty Shades Darker, there are issues with Ms. James’ writing style, but her stories are beyond compelling and Fifty Shades Freed is definitely a riveting conclusion to this amazing saga. I am so glad I continued listening/reading this series again. For me, this series is wrapped up beautifully with this final addition.

Fifty Shades Freed begins with a prologue written in Christian’s point of view as a very young little boy. It gives the reader another glimpse of Christian’s early years with his birth mother. It is so sad that I had tears rolling down my face for the poor little boy with the copper curls in his dirty, ragged clothing, trying to awaken his mommy. No child should ever have to endure what he had to go through. No wonder he has so many deep emotional scars.

The first chapter starts out with Christian and Ana on a beach in Monaco where they are spending the last leg of their honeymoon. Ana is reminiscing on their incredible wedding surrounded by all their loved ones and how happy and in love she is with her ‘playful, tantalizing Fifty’.

While there are a few instances where Christian’s temper raises its ugly head, like when Ana falls asleep on her tummy with her top off and somehow ends up on her back when Christian returns to her side after handling some business. But for the most part, their honeymoon is a dream come true for both of them.

When they return from their three week honeymoon, problems arise and this starts the battle that Ana has been waging to bring Christian into the light whether he wants it or not.

While at times, their bickering can be draining, the story that unfolds in Fifty Shades Freed drew me in, and I found myself as mesmerized as ever. I totally love Ana’s feistiness and her ‘never back down’ attitude, no matter how angry Christian becomes. She is undaunted by his outbursts and continues on her quest. I greatly admire her enthralling character.

While Christian is dark and brooding, Ana’s character is full of light, and Christian is draw to her as a bee to honey. Whether he wants it or not, he cannot resist her optimism, even when he is at his worst. His anger crumbles again and again when faced with her stubborn determination to help him overcome his issues.

Bits of Christian’s full story are revealed throughout this incredible story. It is always difficult for an author to get what is needed to enhance the story line without an information dump, but Ms. James manages this with astonishing brilliance. So what if she does use words and phrases repeatedly, that does not take away from the marvelous tale of a dark, tormented man who is finally able to move forward and leave the wreckage of his past. That is what Ana is able to do for him.

If you stopped at the first or second book, I highly recommend you read Fifty Shades Freed because without this last book, you are missing out on so much. All three of these books will stay on my keeper shelf because the characters are unforgettable and story is addictive. Happy reading!

What a Lady Requires by Ashlyn Macnamara

http://www.amazon.com/What-Lady-Requires-Ashlyn-Macnamara-ebook/dp/B00N6PD6YI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1427383111&sr=1-1&keywords=what+a+lady+requires

Perfect for fans of Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Sabrina Jeffries, Ashlyn Macnamara’s blazing hot novel tells the story of mismatched newlyweds who discover a simmering connection.
 
Unlike every other proper young lady, Miss Emma Jennings views marrying well as little more than a means to an end. Such a merger would provide her industrious father with social credibility, and Emma with a chunk of her vast inheritance. Emma’s practical views are shattered, however, when her father ties her to the fabulously handsome ne’er-do-well Rowan Battencliffe, a man she loathes on sight—from the smile that promises all manner of wickedness to the way he ogles her with those striking blue eyes.
 
Deep in debt, especially to his wine merchant, Rowan figures the sooner he gets his finances in order, the sooner he can go back to doing what he does best: burning through ridiculous sums of cash. Which is why Rowan agrees to marry the merchant’s daughter, a prim and proper woman with delightful curves and an ample dowry. But Emma seems to think it’s her business to reform him! Their marriage is a tinderbox—and it’s just too tempting to resist playing with fire.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23167197-what-a-lady-requires?ac=1

Published & Release Date: Loveswept, March 31, 2015

Time and setting: 1822 England  

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 231 pages

Heat Level: 1 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 3.5 Gold Crowns

Vikki’s Musings

I received What a Lady Requires from the publisher via Net-Galley in exchange for an honest review. I had read What a Lady Demands and enjoyed it immensely. The deliciously enticing book cover and book description pulled me in, and looked forward to reading this addition to the trilogy with great anticipation.  

Miss Emma Jennings is far different from other young women of her day. She loves working with numbers and making investments turn a profit. Since her father is in trade, he has indulged her every whim in that regard. When he finds her a brilliant match that will enable her future offspring to inherit a title someday, she goes along with her father’s wishes, even though her first meeting with Rowan Battencliffe does not show him in a good light.

Rowan believes he is a failure. He betrayed a friend and is now living with the consequences. Dismal with finances, when his friend sets out to seek his revenge, he has no defense against him. Soon, he is facing financial ruin. When his brother, the Earl of Sparkmore arranges a match with a cit’s daughter, he accepts with relief. Not only does he get a wife with a generous dowry, she also has the ability to get his finances on the right path.

Can this mismatched union ever bring the couple joy, or will their differences and secrets keep them apart?

The premise for the plot is an interesting one. A bluestocking and a rake, a troupe I usually enjoy, and this tale of a mismatched couple had some delightfully witty dialogue between the pair. I also enjoyed revisiting with the characters from What a Lady Demands a great deal.

I also enjoyed the sexual tension between Emma and Rowan. It sizzled, threatening to set my Kindle ablaze and had me fanning myself several times. The build-up to the first sexual scene was excellent and while the scene did not contain explicit content for the most part, it was very satisfying, dwelling more on the emotion behind the act than what body part goes where. I find that type of scene the most rewarding as a reader.  

Unfortunately, this other parts of the book fell a bit short of my expectations. While it is well-written and edited, I struggled with liking the hero and heroine. Emma is just too interested in her bookish ways to be a likable character for me. While she has many redeeming characteristics, Ms. Macnamara spent much of the book emphasizing her negative traits.

Rowan’s character came across as a bit dim-witted at times with no explanation as to why he has such a struggle with understanding numbers. I suspect some type of learning disability. More information about this would have helped me have more empathy for his problems. I did like his character better than Emma’s and could feel his shame and pain over what he believes he did to his friend.

Even with these issues, I enjoyed the story, and I am glad I read it. The pacing is steady and kept me engaged for the most part. The second half of the book moves a bit faster. If you like a bit of a mystery to unravel with some humorous moments, then you may want to give this one a try.  Happy reading!

Fifty Shades Darker by E L James

http://smile.amazon.com/Fifty-Shades-Darker-E-James-ebook/dp/B007IXWKUK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425141689&sr=8-1&keywords=fifty+shades+darker

Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house. 
 
But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.
 
While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

This book is intended for mature audiences. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11857408-fifty-shades-darker?ac=1

Published & Release Date: Random House, September 16, 2011

Time and setting: Washington and Oregon

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

Heat Level: 4 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Vikki’s Musings

Soooooo, I just finished listening/reading to Fifty Shades Darker, I have not enjoyed it quite as much this second time around. I am not sure if it is due to the narrator, or I am just seeing the glaring problems with the writing. I have caught myself doing what so many others have done. Looking up how many times certain words and phrases have been used. The first time I read this book back in 2012, I could not put it done. This time, I have had to take breaks and internalize the story to move past the issues with the mechanics of the writing.

Since there may be some readers who have only read the first book in this trilogy, I am including a short synopsis. Fifty Shades Darker starts with Ana and Christian apart, with Ana so devastated over their break-up that she cannot eat or sleep and can barely function at her new job. She is all alone because her friend Kate is still off on vacation, and Ana does not want to call her mother or Ray, her stepfather, because she knows she will totally break down if she does. She fears she will not be able to stop crying and move beyond what has happened.

On the fifth day, Ana receives an email from Christian asking her if she needs a ride to her friend, Jose’s, art exhibition. She had completely forgotten her friend’s show, and since Christian got rid of her VW, she does not have any transportation. Even though the last thing she should want to do is see Christian, the familiar aching pull in her belly makes his offer irresistible. While she fears seeing him again, she says yes and that begins the renegotiation of their relationship.  

After the show, they have dinner and Christian tells Ana he is willing to try a relationship with her that is not a Dom/Submissive one. Although, she knows he is ‘fifty shades of f****d up’, she cannot resist giving him a second chance.

Will Christian be able to sustain a relationship that is not based on his alternative lifestyle, or will he realize that he is just too damaged to deserve Ana’s love?

I enjoyed their reunion and Christian’s determination to have a relationship with Ana without the BDSM components. This shows incredible growth in his character arch and a willingness to enter uncharted waters so to speak. His desperation to get her back pulled at my heart strings. However, I just think it happened a bit too quickly and that Ana is way too willing to forgive and forget.

I also like the plot twist with the ex-submissive. I thought it added some suspense and moves the story forward. It also shows Christian in a better light when he so tenderly cares for the troubled young woman. Now the part with Ana’s boss is quite predictable, but interesting nonetheless. In case you have not read this book, I will not give any more details.

What I particularly like about Ana’s character is that she is not afraid to confront Christian when he—in essence—is having one of his tantrums. His jealousy is beyond endurance, and Ana has the patience of a saint. Her compassion is to be admired in my estimation.

I want to mention the SEX. It is hot, hot, hot! Some of the scenes are so erotic I needed a fan to cool myself and my Kindle down. I have to give a lot of credit to Ms. James. She can definitely write erotic, imaginative scenes to say the least.

If you can get past the writing problems, this is another compelling story with a heroine who has so much loyalty and determination, she begins the journey of bringing the hero into the light kicking and screaming like a two year old. Well, on the final book of this enthralling trilogy. Happy reading!

 

While You Were Spying by Shana Galen

http://smile.amazon.com/While-Were-Spying-Regency-Spies-ebook/dp/B00US59N1Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1427118862&sr=1-1&keywords=while+you+were+spying

The latest addition to the REGENCY SPIES series, WHILE YOU WERE SPYING is the highly anticipated prequel to WHEN DASHING MET DANGER and PRIDE AND PETTICOATS. 

Francesca Dashing would like to forget that Ethan Caxton, the Marquess of Winterbourne, exists. He humiliated her in front of all of London Society—and he doesn’t even remember it! But when Ethan shows up in her sleepy Hampshire town, he’s hard to overlook, and his presence stirs up long-buried feelings. Francesca tries to keep her distance…until her life is threatened and the mysterious and handsome marquess comes to her rescue, in more ways than she ever thought possible. 

Winterbourne has traveled to Hampshire on orders from the Foreign Office—he’s investigating an arms smuggling ring and is determined to find its leader. Miss Dashing stumbles into his way—literally—and derails both Ethan’s assignment and his ordered country life. Ethan knows he needs to ignore the distraction, but when Francesca is the victim of a vicious attack, he’s compelled to put aside his mission to protect her. Guarding the viscount’s daughter is work, nothing more, and Ethan has no plans to let down his guard…until Francesca’s chocolate-brown eyes and endless compassion melt the ice in his heart and lay siege to his defenses.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25158770-while-you-were-spying?ac=1

Published & Release Date: BMLA Digital, April 7, 2015

Time and setting: 1800, Hampshire and Yorkshire, England  

Genre: Regency Historical Romance

Length: 360 pages

Heat Level: 1 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Vikki’s Musings

When I discovered While You Were Spying, Spies Book 0, was coming out, I could not wait to read this upcoming release by Shana Galen, an author I have long admired for her delightfully witty and emotional stories. When the chance came up for me the read this book prior to publication, I immediately accept it for an honest review. As usual with Ms. Galen’s novels, I was pulled in right away and remained that way until the last page. I love that when it happens.

Francesca Dashing has given up on marriage after having suffered the abusive of her ex-fiancée. A man who belittled her, making her feel unattractive and that she does not have anything to offer another man. She spends her time in her hospital where she cares for any stray animals in need of care.

When an abused colt lands Francesca in the middle of one of Ethan Caxton’s—the Marquess of Winterbourne—covert operations, he has no choice but to save her from the irate owner of the animal. Ethan is a man she has been extraordinarily attracted to, ever since he danced with her during her London season. Even though, he embarrassed her by leaving her standing in the middle of the dance floor. When he saves her, she immediately falls under his spell.

When Francesca’s life is in danger, Ethan steps in to protect her from harm. He proposes an engagement between them to explain why her father would allow a known rake to stay in his home with his innocent daughter. After one of the attacks on Francesca, which places them in a compromising position, they hastily marry to avoid scandal.

Will Francesca teach Ethan to trust again, or will his past keep the wall surrounding his heart firmly in place, never allowing him to feel the full glory of her love?

Shana Galen has penned yet again, another fast-paced story with just the right amount of action and emotionally-charged scenes. I read When Dashing Met Danger, Spies Book one, many years ago and fell in love with Ms. Galen’s writing style and read all her releases at that time. Through the years, I have continued to read her adventurous tales of love and mayhem. While spy stories are not my usual choice, hers are so well-written and full of wonderfully executed sexual tension, I devour them.

While You Were Spying gives the reader everything the author normally delivers in a novel. Francesca is a marvelous heroine, kind, loyal and true, all qualities I love in the female protagonist. While she is strong and fierce when protecting one of her beloved animals, she is vulnerable as well. She had suffered much from her ex-fiancée, which undermined her self-worth and desirability. This is where the hero comes in and shows her she is very desirable and has tremendous value.

Ethan is a hero I always enjoy. He’s dashing, remarkably handsome and a bit of a bad boy all in one deliciously yummy package. On top of that he is a spy for his country, fighting to protect his king and country. He has also suffered terrible heartache and betrayal, making it difficult for him to trust in Francesca’s innocence and steadfastness. I thoroughly enjoyed his character’s growth as he struggles to accept his growing love for her.

While this story has all the humor and adventure I have grown to expect with Shana Galen’s writing, it also has many deeply moving scenes, one of which didn’t just make me teary-eyed, it had me wiping away the tears rolling down my face. I highly recommend this incredible tale of love overcoming past emotional hurts for both amazing characters. I’m confident that you will love them as much as I did. This is definitely a story I will read again. Happy reading!

   

Fifty Shades of Grey by J L James

Book & Movie Review

http://smile.amazon.com/Fifty-Shades-Grey-Book-ebook/dp/B007J4T2G8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1424748889&sr=1-1&keywords=fifty+shades+of+grey

MORE THAN 100 MILLION COPIES SOLD WORDWIDE
NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.
 
Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

This book is intended for mature audiences.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11477648-fifty-shades-of-grey

Published & Release Date: Random House, May 25, 2011

Time and setting: Washington and Oregon

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

Heat Level: 4 Scorching Hot Flames

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Vikki’s Musings

Warning Spoiler Alert!

Recently I went to see the motion picture, Fifty Shades of Grey and since it was a few years since I read the book, I decided to download the audio version and read/listen to it again. While I know there has been a lot of controversy over the merits of the movie, I feel they did an excellent job of getting the essence of the story told in a very tasteful way. I think one thing most people will agree upon; one either loves this book/movie or hates it.

I am not going to do a synopsis of the story because one would have had to live under a rock for the last several years to not have a good idea of what this book is about. What I want to do today is discuss my feelings regarding the book and the movie.

When I read it the first time, I found the story so compelling that I did not pay much attention to the mechanics of the writing, even though I had read several negative reviews. This time around, I did notice a few of the things that others have mentioned. While there is quite a bit of repetition—lip biting and using the word smirk and so on—it is not enough to take away from this dynamic story. I particularly enjoyed the crisp dialogue between the pair.

Some of the reviews expressed extreme negativity regarding the BDSM scenes, going so far as to say that the only difference between the story and abuse is the fact that Christian is a billionaire. Since reading this book, I have now read quite a few other books with the BDSM component. What these characters do in the ‘red room of pain’ is vastly different from abuse. BDSM is about total control…that is the big difference. In an abusive relationship, it is about anger and a total loss of control.

When Christian uses the belt on Ana, he clearly lets her know that he will give her six lashes, fully expecting her to use the safe word if it is too much for her. He does not understand that Ana has already fallen so much in love with him, that she thinks that if she stops him, he will end their arrangement. Along with that, it is her first time to participate in a full BDSM scene and Ana is far from a submissive who truly wants her Dom to punish her, knowing that he will take care of her when she reaches sub-space. Christian has never explained about sub-space so Ana does not give Christian time to administer this, which would have brought her back down and let her feel his care and concern for her. Christian is so shocked by her reaction that he is paralyzed and does not do what a Dom should do.

Christian does not understand her reaction and why she does not use the safe word. This is his first time with someone who has not been in a BDSM arrangement before, and he did not understand that he should have explained about sub-space. This is a critical piece of information that Ana did not understand. Christian is totally at fault for Ana’s reaction, and while she does not know it, she has already realized that he has no understanding of empathy, which is key to why all this happens. Because Ms. James does not address the component of sub-space, I believe that is the reason she has the BDSM community up in arms. Of course, since I am not in the lifestyle, I can only surmise.  

Christian Grey is such a complicated character with so many layers to peel away. I can easily see why it takes three books to tell his story and what a story it is. I have always loved a tortured soul, and Christian is the most tortured soul I have ever come across to say the least. My heart ached for him from the very beginning, even before I knew much of his story. No one could be that much of a control freak and not have deep-seated wounds they want to hide from the world.

Anastasia Steele is one of the most innocence and naïve characters I have ever read of in a contemporary novel, but there is something so endearing about her that I fell in love with her from the beginning. I found her a refreshing change from many of the heroines today, especially in an erotic romance. I realize many will disagree with me, but I loved her subconscious, and especially her inner goddess. They add a bit of much needed humor to this very dark, erotic tale. Yes, on the surface, Ana may appear very biddable, but underneath, she is far from it. In fact, she actually has steel for a backbone. By the way, I feel that Dakota Johnson totally nailed Ana’s character, and she had me glued to the screen from the first scene.

If by chance you have not read Fifty Shades of Grey and now want to after watching the movie, I suggest that you have Fifty Shades Darker at hand, since it picks up where this riveting story ends. Personally, I could not read this book fast enough, and I also consumed the other two books in this series the first time I read them. I am trying to take my time this time around, but without much success. Happy reading!

Spotlight on 

Final Shifts (To Love a Wildcat Series) by V.L. Locey

Publisher & Release Day: Secret Cravings Publishing, March 25, 2015

Heat Level: 4 Scorching Flames

Length: 142 pages

Blurb:

The only constant in life is that things will change when you least expect it. On the day of Derrick Andersson`s retirement ceremony, a late-season tropical storm parks itself over the City of Brotherly Love. The women who love the Wildcats will not only have to deal with the deluge outside, they will have to struggle through some of the greatest personal storms they will ever weather.

Liz and Veikko receive devastating news, Maggie and Derrick face a shocking announcement, and Isabelle and Philip receive the verdict of Philip's court battle. Can Viviana and Alain work out the problems that have torn them apart? What has life dealt young lovers Petro and Margarite? The answers to those questions, as well as a surprise that will rock the Houseman, are revealed in this final book of the To Love a Wildcat series.

Buy Links:

Secret Cravings Store -http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php…

Amazon-http://tinyurl.com/nqvzarf

All Romance-https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-finalshifts-176119…

Bookstrand-http://www.bookstrand.com/final-shifts

B&N-http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1121378236?ean=2940151605953

Excerpt:

Margarite

After the team left the ice, I asked my new friends if they would like to continue up in the owner’s skybox. They were thrilled to do so. It is a darn impressive lounge that Mama owns way up in the rafters. We rode up in two elevators, passing security with a wave of my hand. Into the luxury box we all piled. Soon we had coffee, crullers, and conversation flowing. I should have brought them up here to begin with, but they had seemed so intent on watching the players. Now that the distraction of the Wildcats was no longer an issue, we started making some real progress. I called an end to the meeting after another thirty minutes. We had gotten as far as possible. I stood up, smiled and shook each hand as our community volunteers left the skybox. Security escorted them down to the players parking area.

I returned to my seat at the head of a long, rectangular table, to gather up the four thousand or so notes I had jotted down. My head came up when someone rapped on the other end of the table. Petro smiled at me. I ran my sight over him. The suit he wore was dark grey, his shirt white, his tie black as a pirate’s pearl. He looked delicious. I dropped my notes back to the table. He arched a dark eyebrow. I nodded. The man turned, walked back to the door, and then turned the lock. My body began revving up. Petro glanced over his wide shoulder, his eyes crackling brown embers.

“When I turn around, you be ready for me,” he informed me then returned his steaming gaze to the door. His command gave me pause for perhaps four seconds. With quaking fingers, I hurried to pull my blouse out of the top of my skirt. He shucked off his suit jacket. I tugged my shirt over my head, my hair getting wound in a few buttons. Hissing at the painful tugs, I fumbled to free the tight black ringlets. My blouse fluttered to a padded leather chair, one of twenty. My nipples hardened inside my lacy blue bra. They ached. I was tempted to touch them but Petro’s jacket dropping to the floor stole my attention. I reached to the side, unzipped my skirt then let it slither down my legs. I stepped out of it then looked at Petro. His tie sailed over his damp head, landing on a vase filled with fall mums resting on the center of the table. I could feel the slick dew weeping from my pussy. Tenderly, I reached between my breasts, my sight latched onto my lover as he began to unbutton his dress shirt.  I slowly undid the three small hooks. My breasts popped free.

I cradled them lovingly. His shirt slid down his back, revealing ropes of thick muscle. There he stood, as if he knew I was ogling him. He flexed. My sex tightened. I flicked my nipples with my thumbs. Petro stiffened as a low moan escaped me. His neck muscles bunched. He tugged his shirt free from his trousers. My eyes followed the pure white cotton as it flew across the skybox. Petro turned to look at me. His eyes grew wide. His nostrils flared. His jaw twitched when he saw me fondling my boobs. The peaks were hard as a diamond, elongated, begging him to take them between his teeth and tug. Speaking of hard and elongated…

Author Bio:

V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, belly laughs, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.) She shares her life with

her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, a flock of assorted goofy domestic fowl, and three steers.

When not writing spicy romances, she enjoys spending her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in hand. She can also be found online on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, tsú, and GoodReads.

I love to meet new friends and fans! You can find me at-

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/VL-Locey/124405447678452

Twitter- https://twitter.com/vllocey

Pinterest-http://www.pinterest.com/vllocey/

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5807700.V_L_Locey

My blog- http://thoughtsfromayodelinggoatherder.blogspot.com/

tsú - https://www.tsu.co/vllocey