Taming Him by Summer Devon, Kimberly Dean and Michelle M. Pillow

Perfection by Summer Devon

Grade: C+
Cover Grade: A
Buy It: Here

The Publishers:
In this steamy anthology, three strong, sexy women use their feminine wiles and powerful seduction to claim the men who can satisfy their every desire. . . .


After volunteering for a lab experiment gone awry, Bryan Hartigan is irresistible to women. Thanks to a "come and take me" chemical that emanates from his pores, every woman wants his body -- and a group of thugs want the million-dollar essence it exudes. While on the run from relentless stalkers, Bryan meets Allie, a sweet, sensual waitress whose luscious curves he can't resist -- and who may be the antidote to his alluring curse.

The Cover:
LOVE IT! Isn't it great? Sexy and yet we don't really see any one's full on face. Perfection in my book. Oh and I so have those shoes! I got them for $29.00 on sale at DSW, they're Nine West. You know your jealous. And of course I have the fishnets too. Hello!

Me:
When I was first about to review this book I was going to tell you it was a bit unbelievable. I mean the girl goes from wanting to disgust the guy to jumping his bones in about two hours or so. But then I have to take into consideration that one it's fiction and two that's the whole point of the book! His sweat practically makes woman attack him, sexually.

So in saying that, it really was quite good. I wouldn't call it erotic, but it was hot when they got it on. Especially the first time at the diner....on the bench seat....mmmmm. lol.

So for a fun short story that is also kinda cute pick this up. As long as your not expecting a completely erotic or very deep emotional book then you'll be satisfied. I'm looking forward to reading some more by Summer Devon. Thanks for the book!

Tempted by Lori Foster

Book Grade: B over all, see each mini review for individual grades
Cover Grade: B
Page Count: 459


Cover Chat:
The cover was one of my favorites of all my April reads. What else can I say. It is cutsie, and fun. YET it does not show any people (faces), we all know that's a huge plus for me!


Some women don't discover their inner vamp...they set her free!

Little Miss Innocent?
For Dr. Daniel Sawyers, sex therapist Lace McGee was a puzzle. While she kept putting all sorts of inappropriate ideas into his sister's head, Lace was even better at putting all kinds of naughty thoughts into Daniel's head. But just how down 'n dirty is Lace really?

Grade: B-

While I did like the story and characters in this one there were things that made me a bit mad. Like how judgmental Daniel was.

Daniel is a doctor and has practically raised his baby sister Annie and younger brother Max. His mother passed away when he was 12 and his father never really recovered from the loss of his true love.

So when Annie starts hanging around Lace, a sex therapist, Daniel disapproves immensely. Lacy is everything he does not want to see his baby sister; sexy, alluring, and promiscuous. At least that's what he assumes. Seeing the way Lace dresses, acts and talks he doesn't see how he can be wrong. But he's got a lot to learn about her.

After Lace gets bit by a dog (on her butt!) and ends up in Daniels ER Daniel can't seem to leave her alone. He stitches her up, to both of their discomfort, and takes her home. Lace has never really helped the situation with Daniel, if he wanted to think the worse of her then let him.

But when Daniel and Lace spend a lot of alone time together they realize maybe there is a lot more than dislike between them.

The thing that annoys me is the basic thing we see in all romance. Daniel disapproves of Lace when he thinks she's been with lots of men and is sexually free with herself. BUT he has a cabin that he uses for all his sexual relationships. And surprise surprise he ends up being ALOT more experienced than her. SHOCKER right?! lol. But it was a good read despite.

Annie, Get Your Guy
No one likes being treated like a kid sister - especially by a guy who could curl a girl's hair faster than hot rollers in an electric socket. So when Annie Sawyers sets out to seduce Guy Donovan once and for all, she tracks down every book about sex she can find... One of them has to work, right?

Grade: B

The entire reason Annie and Lace became friends was because Annie sought her out for advice on seducing the love of her life. Guy is her brother Daniels best friend, he's been around since she was a little girl, being ten years her senior. And although there have been a few stolen kisses through the years Guy has kept his distance and never pursued anything with Annie.

Well Annie is done being the sweet little tom boy. She's spicing things up if it's the last thing she does. But the night she initiates her plan Guy leaves in a haste and ends up in a car accident.

Aside from feeling completely guilty about the accident Annie does benefit a little. Daniel tells Annie to take Guy away, to the 'cabin', to mend up. Away from everything.

And that's where it all gets started.

I really liked this one. Annie was so funny and Guy such a dumb guy. When he was drugged up on meds after the accident? OMG it was sooo funny!

Messing Around With Max
Maddie Montgomery has decided that things have gotten critical. She needs a couple of notches on her bedpost - fast! And rumor has it that Max Sawyers is just the man to show her the goods...and then some. Now, if she can just get past his dog...

Grade: B+

Maddie's been friends with Annie for a bit now, and she's heard all the stories about her bad boy brother Max. So when Maddie walks in on her fiance all tied up and being tickled with a big feather by another woman she decides Max is the perfect man to add a notch or two to her own bed post.

Max on the other hand is done his womanizing days. He found a dog on the side of the road left for dead and ever since he's a changed man. He wants a wife, someone to make a family with him and his dog. But his dog hates about every woman that comes near.

Except for Maddie, sure Chloe puts up a fight but Maddie isn't' even fazed and loves her. The only problem? Maddie wants a fling and Max wants it all.

Although the plot is a bit far fetched it was a good one. I think I liked this one the best. It was full of laughter with Maddie and her ex-hooker friends that she counsels and Max and his dog.

All together? Not a disappointment. Nothing to bolt out to the store over but still good, fun and a little hot. So what else can you ask for right? Just don't pick it up if your looking for a deep meaningful romance.

This is Chick Lit edited by Lauren Baratz- Logsted

The genre of fiction known as "chick-lit" has been a lightning rod for debate in the world of literature, raising questions such as Is chick-lit really literature or just harmless fluff? Is this really an accurate portrayal of the lives of modern women? Eighteen renowned authors--including Jennifer Coburn, Raelynn Hillhouse, Harley Jane Kozak, Cara Lockwood, and Rachel Pine--weigh in with the best of chick-lit--proving that this genre deserves as much, or more, respect as any other. In addition to their story, each author elaborates on her feelings about the 'chick-lit' label, and recommends literary fiction writers that have inspired them.

Some time ago a book titled "This is not Chick-Lit" was published. Well not much of a surprise to me, but quite a few authors of Chick-Lit were upset. Well the finished product of some up in arms Chick-Lit authors? A great book titled "This is Chick-Lit", and I've had the honor of reading this book (or most of it) and posting this review.
This book is a combined effort of 18 different authors. Each of them writing very different stories, each their own. At the beginning of each of their stories they give a brief description of what Chick-Lit means to them. Not only that but there is also a portion of this book, in the back, called 'Reaching Across the Aisle' which is each author recommending a book by a literary author they think their readers would enjoy. I love this!
I've only read 7 of the 18 stories so far, but I though maybe since there are so many stories I would break up the review to a two or three part thing. Sound good? Great! Okay, here we go.
Some I liked, some I didn't, lets be honest no matter what genre you read your never going to like it all.

Two Literary Chicks by Jennifer Coburn

(I won't be posting what each author wrote about Chick-Lit, but as I think this author summed it up perfectly I'll just post her thoughts.)

"As a feminist, I find the attack on chick-lit more than a bit disheartening. Is this where we are-one group of women writers mocking another, deeming it's work irrelevant? Are women really criticizing each other about what they read?! And author recently commented that the term chick-lit sounds as if the writing is about, for and by women, nothing more. Nothing more?! Why isn't that enough?! I love chick-lit and am proud to be associated with this genre. People who don't appreciate it should stop moaning about the relevance of chick-lit and simply spend their time reading what they like."

Very good story. About two women who were in a writing group together in college, neither really liking the others work. Years later they cross each other on the street and make some small talk. One is a published author of a very successful book the other has a great book written but is struggling to get it published. Through different events they end up getting to know each other better and liking each others work. As well as helping.
Although I think it was well written and a good story I also felt it was inconclusive. Your left wondering about Marley at the end to much. I just wish it was tied up a little better in the end.
But I will definitely read this author again.

The Infidelity Diet by Harley Jane Kozak

Gripping. I really enjoyed this one and it was ended very well for a short story.
About a woman that starts to wonder about her husbands faithfulness to her. She's been married for quite awhile, and they've just both grown so comfortable. Long nights at work and some thoughts start to crowd in. Looking for advice from all different friends make for an entertaining view on woman's thoughts on cheating men. I'm not totally sure what we were meant to think of Christopher (husband) in the end, but I would love to read more of this author.

Confessions of a Three-Eyed Freak by Arielle Papa

Okay not one of the ones I liked. A story about a woman uncomfortable with a birthmark on her neck and goes to get it removed. She ends up waking up with an eye where the mark was on her neck. Okkkkaaay..... I kept thinking she was going to wake up and it was a weird dream. But no, it was real. She grew to like the third eye and was obsessed with it. Only when the eye started looking at different men did she go to have it removed. The eye was getting out of control. Ummmm......need I say more???? And the woman in the story had the same name as the author. That's just weird to me. This entire one was strange.

The Commitment Phobe by Cara Lockwood

Loved this one. Soooo cute! About a woman and man that are dating and of course she's ready for the next step, marriage, and he is content the way they are. He isn't against marriage it just seems like something they'll do eventually. Well she shakes some things up and gives her man a wake-up call. He is so cute, how much he loves her. Adorable read. I am all kinds of excited to find more work by Cara Lockwood!

Mama Knows Best by Kayla Perrin

Short, sweet and kinda funny. Yeah this one had me laughing a bit. Sometimes when you read a book about a black couple all you hear about is the color factor. You only hear it once or twice in this story, and not in a way to draw attention to the fact. Just in regular description like any other person or story. It really was a good read. A woman dumps her fiance the day before (or is it the day of) their wedding when she found out he cheated with a stripper. Then on a girls night out her ex is there with a Tyra look a like. Taking a deep breath she pretends to be there with a hot guy that happens to be sitting next to her. After a perfect performance she apologizes to the hot man and kisses any chance of actually talking him up now that he probably thinks she's a crazy. But surprise surprise who is her mama setting her up with the next night???

Nice Jewish Boy by Karen Siplin

Absolutely no point to this story. It's about two women, best friends since high school. They go to a friends baby's party, Jewish friend. One of the girls is Jewish on is black. The story is mostly about how the black girl stands out in the crowd of Jewish people. And then how all the Jewish mama's wonder if she is a mother herself even after she told them she is single and living with her parents. It's made out to be like every black woman is supposed to be a single mom. Sorry but I don't make that assumption or a normal basis! The the other girl gets propositioned for an affair with an ex that is married. Well I have no clue why she is only wearing the skimpiest outfit ever. So basically it's two mid-30's women that both live with their parents and wonder why nobody takes them seriously.....hmmmm, I don't know I just can't figure it out. Oh and did I mention neither of them drive so the parents still drive them around....oh and the 'nice Jewish boy'? Yeah that's a 15 yr. old that hit on the black girl. No more to say.

Dead Men Don't Eat Quiche by Deanna Carlyle

Started this story thinking it was kinda cute. A girl living in France her parents coming to visit. Blah blah blah. They tour the city have fun, of course she is dragging her feet. Then we find out her ex was murdered and she was a suspect. Oh but wait she figured out the true killer and cleared herself. So they go out to the restaurant that her mother made reservations at and there is a mix up. No availability, they lost the reservation. The mother is yelling (and don't ask my why the daughter was embarrassed, I would have been yelling too!)Basically a man comes and says they can join their private party. They flirt all night, have a private bathroom get together. Next thing we know the guy ends up dead in the bathroom with a fork in his neck. Again the heroine is a suspect and again clears herself. Not a great read, not bad either. Kinda Meh...

So ladies. Like I said, some bad some good. Do I think you should run out and grab this book? Yeah, it's a nice book to have when you have a few minutes for a short story. It's nice cause they are very short and mostly interesting. Also introduces us to many new authors that we may not have otherwise read. I love the purpose behind the book!

Grade~ B-

Undressed by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Suzanne Forster, and Alison Kent

Undressed: Illicit Dreams/ Unfinished Business/ The Sweetest Taboo

Reality can be even better than fantasy in New York Times bestseller Vicki Lewis Thompson's scorching tale...
Lindsay Scott can't help but overhear Hunter Jordan's nightly activities though her thin apartment walls. But she finally decides to do something about her crush when she discovers a naughty book full of ideas guaranteed to make Hunter her sex slave...

New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Forster proves that with sexual revenge, everybody wins...
Two years after waking up married to her one-night stand, writer Melissa Sanders has created a sensation with her new book based on sex tricks she uses on her "husband," Tony-the erotic stranger she hasn't seen since she fled the scene. But when he suddenly shows up on her book tour, it's clear the honeymoon is far from over...

Steamy, sexy, satisfying. Bestselling author Alison Kent explores that sweet taboo: the bad boy ...
Erin Fletcher sees no reason why she can't hook up with the wrong kind of guy until Mr. Right comes along. So what if her mysterious neighbor is a recluse, maybe even a bit dangerous? He's consumed her thoughts for so long, it's time to see what Sebastian Gallo is like for real...

Illicit Dreams

The shortest of the three stories but a very good story.

Lindsay is in the middle of helping her best friend plan her wedding. Every time they go to the Devine Events to make more wedding plans she is drawn to the red leather book full of sexual fantasies. The book is there to be used, to tear out a page and fulfill a fantasy. But all Lindsay can think of is her neighbor Hunter. And she won't be having any sex with him. Just listening to him having world class sex with his model type girlfriend through their paperthin walls. Oh and their Saturday morning hang outs while they both wash their clothes.

Hunter cannot get Lindsay out of his head. He has a perfect looking girlfriend that he likes a lot and they have great sex, but his mind keeps wandering over to his neighbor Linsay. So feeling guilty about having fantasies about one woman while with another he breaks up with his girlfriend.

Want a hot hot story? Read this...and just wait and see if Hunter and Lindsay act out his fantasy of doing it in the laundry room on top of a cycling washer! And all the other inventive things they can think up and the helpful hints they get from the 'Red Book'. Straight and to the point we see some unsure feelings, a little misunderstanding, and a very hot sex.

Grade: B

Unfinished Buisness

Melissa and her girlfriends take a trip once a year and had decided on cancun this year. One night with all of them drunk Melissa ends up getting proposed to and married, not to mention the best sex of her life. But when she wakes up in a hotel room and realizes what she's done she flees. Not even sure if the marriage is legal she doesn't wait to find out. Two years later, she has used that one incredible night and her many fantasies about her 'husband' to write a how to book on Sex. 101 Ways... It is a smash hit and next thing she knows she is wanted on a book tour and talk shows. Only one problem, they want her and her husband! The one that she dedicated her book to, the one that she only meet and was with for one night. What to do now!

Antonio has no idea what possessed him to get down on one knee and propose to Melissa only that is was right. She was right for him. So they got married, had the best sex ever....then she was gone. Her name on the marriage certificate is unreadable so he has no way of tracking her down, heart in pieces he tries to move on. Two years later, he is more than shocked to be contacted by Melissa's publicists and given an offer he cannot refuse. Pose as Melissa's husband, get a quick annulment when it's done, and just maybe a little revenge for her walking out on him. But he needs to keep one big secret from her till the end of the book tour.

Full of a lot of sexual tension. I felt it drug along a little but made up for it with all the good parts. A nice shock at the end, makes your heart ache and maybe cry a little. But of course has the happily ever after we all want in a good romance.

Grade: B-

The Sweetest Taboo

Erin is up to her eyeballs in work with the planning of her anniversary party for her pub. One year and counting. She has no time for a relationship which is good since the last few were so bad. But she cannot stop dreaming about her neighbor upstairs. Hot, dangerous, what would sex be like with the wrong guy, with no strings. Just until Mr. Right comes along?

Sebastian knows Erin watches him, he watches her too. He has never let anyone into his world. His world is his and his alone, no room for friends no room for romance. He is to messed up with a painful past and a lonely future.

But when both of them find themselves at the end of their rope (sexually) they can't resist. And what they tell themselves is only physically turns out to be so much more.

A little dark, a lot hot, and some powerful writing this is a must read too. A nice sub plot with another couple is a nice addition even if it didn't compare to the intensity to the main plot. I couldn't stop reading it.

Grade: B