Book Review: Heidi & the Kaiser by Selena Kitt

Goodreads - Amazon - B&N

Mousy little Heidi is a wanna-be designer who works as nothing more than a glorified go-fer for one of the largest and most well-known companies in the world of fashion. 

When she accidentally stains CEO Warren Kaiser's pants, she gets two things she didn't expect—a spanking…and a job. Kaiser hires her as his assistant, and her “training” proves to be quite a test of surrender.

Warning: 18+ ONLY This title contains erotic situations, graphic language, spanking, domination, submission, and an office romance hot enough to leave hand prints!

My Thoughts:
So I was in a major reading slump before starting this book. I started reading Switch by Megan Hart, and by the synopsis it seemed really great, but it's not. I started looking for something that I knew would interest me. My sister actually introduced me to Selena Kitt, I had never heard of her up until a few months ago. I read one of her short stories called Hannah’s Choice, which I downloaded for free on iBooks and it's also free on Goodreads, and that wasn't very good. The description of the sex was good, but the storyline was just plain weird. So I decided to give her another chance.

With me being in that reading slump and everything, I wanted to find a book that was on the shorter side because who comes out of a slump reading a 400 page book? Not this girl. I had a little craving for some more erotica since finishing Reflected in You and decided to go through my Selena Kitt TBR list and this one sounded perfect.

I think I knew from the first few pages that I was going to LOVE this book... it just had that vibe that I was unknowingly looking for. Since the whole bdsm erotica fad has come into play... I’ve been looking for some real bdsm quality stuff. Although this is on the lighter side, the intensity of being told what to do is all there. And the sex in this book was very, very hot!

When she fell and tripped over his legs and messed up his pants I was thinking: "oh shit, here we go with another Christian Grey thing!" But no, hell no, this is way, way, way (a million times way) better. This short story is intense, ravishing, beautiful, and so sexy. Although Kaiser is described as a man with salt and pepper hair, that old man can rock my socks anyday!

I really liked Heidi, she was a really great submissive character, they don't really make em like that anymore! And Kaiser, oh my, he never backs down. And let’s face it: every female loves a strong male character. One person I didn't really care for was Heidi's friend Lenny, he was just a bit annoying and I felt like he needed to just go away, but in the end it all worked out very well. And I hated Andrea, what a hateful bitch she was; I just wanted to slap her so bad. And I’m not sure if Selena Kitt was trying to use the real Roberto Cavalli and just ended up misspelling his name, but I kept thinking that every time his name would appear, in this book it's spelled -Roberto Cavelli.

One more last thing is: I’m going to talk crap about the cover. Yes, it was published by a not so big company. But really?? The cover is almost horrible. I love the position the models are in, because it's obviously in the book a lot. But like I said before, Kaiser is described as having salt and pepper hair, so obviously he is older. And the model is what? Like 30? And I think I remember Heidi being described as a blonde, and when she gets her hair done she says she got more blonde highlights, but the girl on the cover has a dark blonde, but more on the light brown side, color of hair... I just wish they would have thought more about it. Also, I do believe this is the second cover, the first one is also inaccurate... if you read the book and then look up the cover, you'll see why.

Overall I gave it 5 stars, I couldn't really find anything wrong with it. It was perfect and exactly what I needed to get out of that reading slump. And it's a very quick read at only 152 pages, but let me tell you, a whole lot happens in those pages. If you're into the whole dom/sub thing, I’m sure you will love this one. Definitely give it a try.

Have you read any Selena Kitt?

Ever heard of this book?

Have any erotica recommendations?

Have a great one everybody!

Book Review: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

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**

My Thoughts:
So, finally my review of the infamous Fifty Shades of Grey... I've noticed that people either love this book or hate this book. And by love, I mean actually think it's one of the best books of 2012. And exactly the opposite for hate, dislikers really hate this book. They think it's a worthless piece of literature. I actually fall somewhere in the middle, but since you have to pick one side. I would say I actually did like this book, the others, not so much. But this is the review for the first book only, so I'll leave the other stuff out.

About the sex scenes... They are awkward, but Anastasia is an awkward person. And especially with how different her and Christian are, how could it have not been awkward?! To me, this is not 'erotica'... it's an adult romance book with kinda edgy sex and weird names for their private parts. But if you like a little of the kinky stuff, some of the sex when he ties her up and blind folds her is pretty hot in my opinion. Although nothing like Zane, which is some of the best/hottest erotica I've ever read. 

Let's talk about Miss Anastasia. Anastasia's feelings and emotions were very realistic, she said that no one had ever peaked her interest before. So she'd never had a boyfriend or brought a guy home or been in love. I thought it was cute the way she liked him and was instantly smitten by him. But the fact that she is in college and has never had a boyfriend -is crazy unrealistic. Could it happen? Sure. They are still pure woman in this world, who would rather focus on school and her future than stupid boys. But you would assume those girls are nerds with no friends, and are possibly not beautiful. But that's not the case with her, so it actually is quite unrealistic for me.

Let's talk about Christian. No doubt he acts weird and you obviously know that something is going on with him, but let's face it: He is "OH MY GOD" kind of hot! Love or hate the book- you still will probably be obsessed with Christian Grey! He's so mysterious and intense, but he does get annoying at times. Especially with how 'powerful' he is, or rather- thinks he is. Christian is pretty intimidating... So the fact that the first few sex scenes were really awkward was fine with me, I think it fit perfectly. I also loved to read their emails, aside from the few really serious ones, they made me smile. They would also have catchy, creative subject titles that they would change every email. It was adorable.

I'm sure most of you know by now, that this is in fact fan fiction. It is based off Twilight. At first I didn't see it, but after watching this video, I totally saw it. I recommend watching the video after reading the book as it does have spoilers. So, I read somewhere that for publication: the title was changed, and a little of the writing was also. When I started reading the book, I didn't know that it was fan fiction, so I'm treating it as a real book. It was published and that's what it is to me.

There's just something about the writing in this book that drove me crazy:

1. Her subconscious- it was overused, the way she would talk about what it was saying to her or how it was standing or posing or making facial expressions at her. It was like huh? Let's be realistic here. Yes it helps describe how her subconscious was trying to help her read certain situations and emotions, but it was all the time! 

2. Her inner goddess.. I was talking to my friend, who has read the books, and she says that the inner goddess and subconscious are different people. And I've read some reviews that said that they're the same. I honestly have no idea. She used both all the time. Maybe I just ran the two together. No sure. 

3. And the way she describes the sex scenes. She has weird names for their private parts. But it could just be me, I guess I'm more of a come right out and say the word kind of person. So it bugged me a little. 

I also used Fifty Shades for

one of my Swoon Thursdays.

You can see it here. 

[Goodreads - Amazon - B&N]

Did you read Fifty Shades?

Did you like it? Hate it?

Leave me a comment :)

And let's talk about it. 

Author Interview: Sherri Hayes

Sherri Hayes is the author of four published novels, Hidden Threat, Slave (Finding Anna Book 1), Behind Closed Doors and her newest release, Need (Finding Anna Book 2).


Welcome Sherri!

What inspired you to become an author?

I’m not really sure you could say anything inspired me to become an author. I’d posted a few stories online, which my publisher saw. They approached me, and as they say, the rest is history.

Who is your hero?

My grandfather. He died when I was thirteen, but he was the most compassionate man I've ever known. If more people were like him, the world would be a much better place.

Who is your favorite author?

Diana Gabaldon

Why do you write these kinds of books?

I write the types of stories I like to read. It’s just icing on the cake that other people love them too.

How did you come up with the idea for Slave and Need?

I’d been reading some D/s stories online when the news coverage for the Jaycee Dugard story began. Over the next few days, more stories on human trafficking hit the news, and I started to wonder what would happen if I mixed the two.

What other future projects do you have in mind?

We've just started edits on the second novel in my Daniels Brother’s Series, Red Zone. The first book, Behind Closed Doors, came out in February 2012. There will be four books in that series, one for each brother. I’ve also started writing book three in Stephan and Brianna’s story. Between the two, they should keep me busy for the next couple of years, at least.

Any advice for baby writers?

Keep writing. I go back and look at that first story I wrote, and it’s hard to believe where I am now, and what I’m doing. Find one or two good critic partners, people who will be honest with you. If all they do is tell you how great you and your writing is, then they aren't doing anything to help you become a better writer.

Biography:

Sherri is the author of several novels, and a short story. She lives in central Ohio with her husband and three cats. Her first love was singing. Throughout her school years she was involved in various choirs, and has had eight years of classical vocal training. She also enjoyed acting in her teen years and feels that has helped her in her writing. Her mother fostered her love for books at a young age by reading to her as a child. Stories have been floating around in her head for as long as she can remember; however, she didn't start writing them down until four years ago. It has become a creative outlet that allows her to explore a wide range of emotions while having fun taking her characters through all the twists and turns she can create. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found helping her husband in his woodworking shop.

She is currently working on the third book in the Finding Anna Series.

Favorite Books:

The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon, The Bronze Horseman Trilogy by Paullina Simons, The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer, Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell, Shadow Dance by Susan Andersen, and my current addiction, The Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.D. Ward.

Sherri's Books:

Where to find Sherri:

Goodreads - TWCS - Twitter - Author Blog - The Playroom Blog - FB Page

Book Review: Slave by Sherri Hayes

Slave by Sherri Hayes
(Finding Anna, Book #1)
Goodreads -- Amazon


SYNOPSIS:
Stephan has lived the lifestyle of a Dominant for five years. After several rebellious teenage years, it gave him the stability and control he had been seeking after his parent’s death.

As president of a not-for-profit foundation, he knows what his future holds and what he wants out of life. All that changes when a simple lunch with his college friend and Mentor, Daren, leads him to buying a slave.

Thrust into a situation he never thought he’d be in, Stephan can’t walk away. He is compelled to help this girl in the only way he knows how. Brianna knows only one thing, she is a slave. She has nothing. She is nothing.   Can Stephan help Brianna realize that she is much more than just a Slave?


Review:
Okay... Wow... Unreal... Wow again...

This book was amazing for me! It was so unlike anything I'd ever read or heard of. I'm still stuck on the park that she's a slave! Like a real slave! I just can't fathom that... even though I know that people are kidnapped and sold as sex slaves. But still...

So this book was supposed to be 'erotica'... but unfortunately there was no sex. When I got this book I was thinking -"OOOOh, a dominant buys a slave! There's gonna be a whole lot of nastiness!" Wrong! But the characters totally make up for it. Brianna was so scared and shy (obviously because she is a slave.) And Stephan, omg, he is so nice to her from the very beginning. All he does is think about her and how she feels emotionally and physically and how he can help her get back to 'normal'... Bless his heart.

So, I'm gonna say this book is not for everyone. I say that because some people might not even want to think about her being a slave. Some people might think it's boring. Some people might think it's slow. Some people might even say it doesn't have a plot. I beg to differ. It's not one of those action-y, drama filled, holy crap books. It's much more of a psychological/sociological read. You're trying so hard to read into Brianna's mind, see what's going on. Why is she a slave? How did she get into that position? And how it's effected her mentally, emotionally, and even physically. I found it very interesting, even cute. The way he showed so much compassion for her. It was fabulous.

Like I just mentioned, you're trying to understand everything about her and how she became a slave. Well, I forgot to mention that this book is written from Stephan and Brianna's point of view. So you do get some insight here and there. One thing I loved about the POV switching, was that the author would sometimes do the whole scene over again from the other persons POV. But don't go thinking crazy stuff, it was perfect. Everything was not repeated, you just simply heard the other side of the story and the thoughts in their head. It was great.

Another thing is- I can see a lot of people comparing this book to the 'fifty shades' books. They both have a handsome rich man, who is a dominant, with a playroom, coming into some kind of situation with a younger woman and her being practically clueless... But this is NOT fifty shades. It is 100% completely and totally different.

All I can say is go read it! I loved it! I couldn't read it fast enough. I stayed up many nights trying as hard as I could to keep my eyes open and try to finish it. I really need to do more reading during the day... Anyways, If it sounds like something you're interesting in... Go get it! You'll love it!

All in all I gave it 5 stars. And I can't wait to read the sequel, 'Need'!

Have a great day!

*This book was provided by the publisher for a honest review*

Swoon Thursday: Need

Swoon Thursday #2!


Swoon Thursday is a HOT meme hosted by YA Bound.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished,
tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your
skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering.

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in
the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on
your blog! We want to know :)


Need (Finding Anna Book #2) by Sherri Hayes
Goodreads -- TWCS Publishing House This week my swoon comes from 'Need' by Sherri Hayes. I took it from chapter 1, I didn't want to give anything away, since this is the second book. In this excerpt you can see how much Stephan really cares for Brianna just by how soft and calm and tender he is.

I cupped her face with both of my hands. "You don't have to make any decisions right now, Brianna. I won't force you into this. It has to be your choice."

She closed her eyes briefly. When they opened again, they were glistening, and a single tear fell down her cheek. My mouth opened and pressed against her skin, capturing the moisture. The salty taste lingered on my tongue.

Brianna's lips parted as she sucked in a deep breath. My senses registered her reaction, and I felt the pull I had felt so many times before. Tilting her face up with the pads of my thumbs, I moved my lips down to within a breath of her own. "I want to kiss you, Brianna."

She didn't answer me so I remained where I was. She tilted her head, bringing her mouth closer to mine almost unconsciously.

"Do you want me to kiss you?" I whispered.

"Yes," she said, her breath ghosting across my lips.

A second after the word left her mouth my lips were covering hers. My fingers wrapped around her scalp, moving her head to give me the best access. Her lips parted and I took advantage.

The taste of her against my tongue drove me on. Ever so slowly, I explored every inch of her mouth. The mouth of the woman I hoped to one day make completely and solely mine.

Whoa! It's getting steamy in here!
So, tell me, what made you swoon?!
Enjoy your day!