The Warriors of Poseidon (Atlantis Rising, Book 1)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Oh dear...
  • Enjoyable new Series!
  • Don't miss this great new series!
  • Atlantis Rising
  • EditorGal
The Warriors of Poseidon (Atlantis Rising, Book 1)
Alyssa Day
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Science Fiction & FantasyScience Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books | Audiobooks | Authors, A-Z | Books on CD | Books on Cassette | Fantasy | Gaming | Large Print | Media | Science Fiction | Writing
ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Fantasy, Futuristic & GhostFantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Romance | Subjects | Books
VampiresVampires | Romance | Subjects | Books
GothicGothic | Romance | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Fiction BooksLook Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Romance BooksLook Inside Romance Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy BooksLook Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Fantasy, Futuristic & GhostFantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
GeneralGeneral | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
All 4-for-3 DealsAll 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Visions of Heat (The Psy-Changeling Series, Book 2) (Berkley Sensation) Visions of Heat (The Psy-Changeling Series, Book 2) (Berkley Sensation)
  2. Wild Thing Wild Thing
  3. The Nymph King (Atlantis, Book 3) The Nymph King (Atlantis, Book 3)
  4. When Darkness Comes (Guardians of Eternity, Book 1) When Darkness Comes (Guardians of Eternity, Book 1)
  5. Slave to Sensation (The Psy-Changelings, Book 1) Slave to Sensation (The Psy-Changelings, Book 1)

ASIN: 0425214494

Book Description

Eleven thousand years ago, before the seas swallowed the Atlanteans, Poseidon assigned a few chosen warriors to act as sentinels for humans in the new world. There was only one rule-desiring them was forbidden. But rules were made to be broken...

When she calls... Riley Dawson is more than a dedicated Virginia Beach social worker. She's blessed with a mind link that only Atlanteans have been able to access for thousands of years. Being an "empath" may explain her wistful connection to the roiling waves of the ocean, the sanctuary it provides, and the sexual urges that seem to emanate from fathoms below...

He will come. Conlan, the High Prince of Atlantis, has surfaced on a mission to retrieve Poseidon's stolen trident. Yet something else has possessed Conlan: the intimate emotions-and desires-of a human. Irresistibly drawn to the uncanny beauty, Conlan soon shares more than his mind. But in the midst of a battle to reclaim Poseidon's power, how long can a forbidden love last between two different souls from two different worlds?

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars Oh dear..........2007-10-13

Conlan is the high prince of Atlantis. After being tortured by Anubisa the vampire queen for seven years he has finally returned home. Only to find that Poseidon's Trident has been stolen and he must reclaim it. Riley Dawson (an empathic social worker) gets caught in between the vampires and Conlan's Atlantean Warriors. She and Conlan are drawn towards one another, but Conlan must remain loyal to Atlantis and Riley is human.

I've read the other reviews and can't help but wonder if I've read the same book. It's generally not a good sign when within the first two pages I am already mentally editing the text - and this continues throughout the book.

Riley is always speaking before she thinks, and worse sometimes acting before her brain is out of park. On p66 she's musing about how she and her sister Quinn are like twins - "ten months apart was close enough to be almost twins". Well no it's not, not unless your mother had the longest pregnancy on record. And once we meet Quinn it quickly becomes clear that Riley doesn't know her sister at all, which makes her 'twins' statement even more ridiculous.

Both she and Conlan are so two-dimensional, that you just don't care about them. Conlan has been viciously tortured for seven years by the vampire queen. But the only reason we're aware it's happened is because every so often he either tells someone, or somebody else mentions it. Because we have little emotional connection to the characters when horrific things happen to them it just doesn't horrify. Riley yelling "Stay away from my boyfriend!" along with Conlan's "Die you foul hellspawn!" just made me want to throw the book at the wall.

To go with our two-dimensional hero and heroine we have a 2-d villain. Anubisa chews the scenery, kills her minions and is appalling. But I don't care because I don't understand why she is that way - she just is.

After the other Warriors turn up there is an improvement in the storyline, mainly because the other Warriors are far more interesting than either Conlan or Riley. How I wish the book had been about them, with Riley and Conlan as a sub-plot.

The frustrating thing is that it isn't all bad. There are flashes of humour between the characters that made me smile. And some of the interactions between the Warriors are very well written - especially Denal, Bastien and Brennan. The problem is that Conlan and Riley should be the most interesting thing in the story and they aren't. There is a good story here, but you have to work hard to find it.

Consider it if you're really stuck for a new paranormal series.

4 out of 5 stars Enjoyable new Series!.......2007-09-17

I enjoyed Alantis Rising and look forward to the next in the series. My only complaint is all the cussing and tuff act. I had to skim over those parts since I seen them as unnecessary to describe the emotions in the story. Other then that, I am eager to read the next. If you like paranormal romance, it might be interesting to see where this new series will go.

4 out of 5 stars Don't miss this great new series!.......2007-07-27

I really enjoyed this read. The men in this book are all warriors from Atlantis, who have spent thousands of years protecting humans from evil (vamps, shapeshifters, etc). Note that I am not usually a fan of books that set vampires up as evil, bloodsucking baddies, but I'll make an exception in this case.
In this book, Conlan, the prince of Atlantis has just returned from 7 years of heinous torture and captivity at the hands of the queen of vampires, only to discover that in his absence, the trident of Atlantis has been stolen and taken ashore. In an attempt to recover it, Conlan encounters Riley. Riley is human, but also happens to be an empath with some impressive abilities of her own. Of course, Riley and Conlan are immediately drawn to each other and the reader is taken along for a great ride, as romance, adventure, and violence ensue.
While I really liked this book, and will most certainly be making a place for it on my keeper shelf, I should warn you that it felt a bit short, at only 280 pages, and I would have liked a bit more depth when it came to Conlan. There was so much opportunity for Ms. Day to explore when it came to her hero - I mean the dude just escaped from 7 years of hell and he seems to recover pretty fast. I hope she takes the time to explore her future heroes and heroines a bit more thoroughly in her upcoming books.
If you're interested in other paranormal romance book recommendations, check out my blog at http://theravenousreader.blogspot.com/

5 out of 5 stars Atlantis Rising.......2007-07-08

Who wouldn't love a new paranormal romance with hunky, tall, beautiful men rising out of the ocean all primal and lusty? Hmmmm? I thought it was great and original (granted, having all those beautiful men seems to be a common concept with paranormal fiction writers, but, hey, who cares? This is FANTASY, remember? Might as well let your imagination go wild!) What I like about this series is that there is an actual plot going down. Trident stolen, prince released from a seven year torture chamber for some strange reason, weird empathic girl on the beach with a power that has not been seen in thousands of years, vampires and werewolves running amok). For the reviewer who trashed this novel because Day's vampires were deadly and evil and for the simple reason that she perfers a more romantic vampire character in the book--get real toots! Vampires were ALWAYS blood thirsty and gory(uh, duh, Dracula?), it's only recently that writers have turned them into big balls of fluff. I mean come onnnnn, they DRINK BLOOD--I mean, like, duh.

Ooops, sorry, got a little off track there. Back to the review. I'd definitely recommend Atlantis Rising. The action was kick-a**, the characters interesting, the men hot, and the story orginal. Happy Reading!

5 out of 5 stars EditorGal.......2007-06-29

If you love books that combine fantasy, sci-fi and romance ... into a delicious treat ... you'll love this. I did! I read it in one night! I'm an editor/writer for a living, albeit for non-ficitional publication, so it takes a very talented, imaginative author to draw me and and this lady rocks! And no, this isn't your usual vampire romance, it's based on other very unique, almost mythical characters. It takes the Greek gods and spins off a whole new generation for us to love. Enough said. If you want the plot, read the back of the book, or better yet, buy it! ;-)
The Stranger I Married
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Can't get past the language
  • How Lovely
  • 4 stars for the sex, 1.5 stars for the plot
  • Eh.
  • Always a nice way to spend an afternoon... reading Sylvia Day novel
The Stranger I Married
Sylvia Day
Manufacturer: Brava
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Romance | Subjects | Books
RegencyRegency | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
RegencyRegency | Romance | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Ask For It Ask For It
  2. The Raven Prince The Raven Prince
  3. A Lady's Pleasure A Lady's Pleasure
  4. The Leopard Prince The Leopard Prince
  5. Passion for the Game Passion for the Game

ASIN: 075821474X

Book Description

Sizzling, sensual romance and unforgettable characters combine in Sylvia Day's newest novel about a marriage of convenience that takes an unexpected turn...into true passion.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Can't get past the language.......2007-09-14

I mostly enjoyed reading this book. As other reviewers mention, the plot is insufficient to support the length of the book. I had the feeling the author added the heroine's brother's story just to fill in the pages.
I had a really hard time getting past the sexual terminology - it smacked of pornography, IMO, and was repugnant to me. I most likely will skim any further Sylvia Day books at the store and not read any more if they all use similar language.

5 out of 5 stars How Lovely.......2007-08-23

This was a first time read for me--I really wasn't expecting much--and WOW! I fgound it enchanting, amusing and very entertaining. I will not hesitate to purchase another novel by this author! It was subperb!

4 out of 5 stars 4 stars for the sex, 1.5 stars for the plot.......2007-08-18

I had two reviews spinning in my head about this book and decided to go with the favorable one. Clearly Sylvia Day is not really interested in giving us a literary masterpiece. Her characters are clichés, the storyline is dubious, the side characters negligible. What she boldly offers is some very sexy scenes - not too kinky, not really innovative - but definitely a hot read. By page 60 I stopped caring about the story and characters because I knew that if I stayed the course, I will only get mad at the exorbitant price I paid for this trashy story. So I switched my approach. I let my eye drift over the pages that were outside of the bedroom and just got into the sexy parts - and frankly I had a lot of fun (and a few cold showers) reading this book.

If you are looking for GREAT stories - try elsewhere.
If you are looking for HOT sex (and to be honest, a bit of good healthy porn) - this book will do very well, I think.

2 out of 5 stars Eh........2007-08-09

It was OK for a night's reading but I wouldn't recommend this book. A good book should stick with you and the characters should be people you care about. Neither happened for me.

4 out of 5 stars Always a nice way to spend an afternoon... reading Sylvia Day novel.......2007-06-21

This is historical novel where Isabel and Gerard marry to annoy Gerald's mother and for Isabel to stop the proposals of her many lovers. They have a friendship and each other other lovers. Gerard leaves for fours years and returns a changed man and wants a real marriage. I also like the secondard plot of Isabel's brother.
Ask For It
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Another great one!!
  • Did not work for me
  • Fantastic Historical Romance!
  • Very heated passions, weak otherwise
  • Hotness
Ask For It
Sylvia Day
Manufacturer: Brava Trade Paper
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

HistoricalHistorical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Romance | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. The Stranger I Married The Stranger I Married
  2. A Lady's Pleasure A Lady's Pleasure
  3. The Raven Prince The Raven Prince
  4. Passion Passion
  5. Passion for the Game Passion for the Game

ASIN: 0758214723

Book Description

In a world of secrets and intrigue, former lovers Marcus Ashford and Elizabeth Hawthorne rekindle the searing passion of their past, only to find that time doesn't necessarily change everything.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Another great one!!.......2007-09-18

I think I've found my favorite new author and it is Sylvia Day! She has yet to dissapoint me and this is no exception. WOW! The story line was excellent and I know that her books are going to be "keepers" on my shelf. This is such a great tale of long lost love and the passion that never died.

2 out of 5 stars Did not work for me.......2007-09-14

I bought this book thinking that it was a sexy, steamy story (after all, look at the cover!), but found it to be more boring and even a little strange, in contrast to engaging. I usually prefer the erotic nature of the story to evolve from the romantic pull between the characters, and it just did not do it for me with these two. Also, I did not like the hero's behavior all that much. True, I think the sex scenes were pretty hot, but that is as far as I could get with this one.

5 out of 5 stars Fantastic Historical Romance!.......2007-05-30

In this wonderful novel, Marcus Ashford and Elizabeth Hawthorne are two people with a past history. They were once engaged to be married. But their marriage was called off when Elizabeth suspected Marcus of cheating on her. With not being fully aware of the situation, Elizabeth runs off and marries another man. Now four years later, Elizabeth is a widow and Marcus is back in her life.

Marcus pursues Elizabeth but she refuses him at every turn. In order for Marcus to break down Elizabeth's defenses he sets out to seduce her. Elizabeth trys to deny him because deep down inside she still hasn't come to terms with her feelings for Marcus. When she does let Marcus pursue her, Elizabeth and Marcus both find themselves falling in love. But before Marcus and Elizabeth can be truly safe, they must solve the crime of who killed Elizabeth's husband and what the secret journal really says. A wonderful read!

I would describe this story as an erotic historical. It's a good mix of sensuality and historical romance. There was an engaging secondary character that I loved and look forward to reading about in the next installment of this series. This story is filled with romance that truly explores the deep feelings between a man and a woman who are deeply in love with one another. I love how Marcus and Elizabeth are able to come to an understanding about themselves and their relationship and find a love that most people dream of. If you love Sylvia Day's work then you'll love this story. It was worth my $14!

2 out of 5 stars Very heated passions, weak otherwise.......2007-05-28

Sylvia Day's ASK FOR IT qualifies as erotica, and as far as that goes, that's a first for me. This book is heavy on the explicit language and erotica, so beware. Despite the explicit nature of this book, ASK FOR IT still imparts a heated passion and a loving romance. The plotting, however, is poor, the settings worse, both essentially serving as annoying background noise to the passionate scenes. I felt like I was reading an equivalent of a late-night B-grade showtime movie. The only reason I give this book 2 stars is because I thought the characterizations were more mature than I've been reading lately, and it was nice to see demons haunting our heroine for a change (though it wasn't handled well).

Our tall, dark and handsome Lord Marcus Ashford, Earl of Westfield, works for the Agency and is assigned to protect widowed Elizabeth, Lady Hawthorne, in a deadly case which places her life in peril; the details of the case aren't worth noting, only that her life is in danger. Marcus takes the case eagerly, intent on sating his lust of the stubborn woman who jilted him four year ago. Years ago, Elizabeth abruptly ends her betrothal to Marcus the night before their wedding after errantly drawing the wrong conclusions about Marcus' fidelity, or lack thereof. Marcus wasn't cheating on her though and Elizabeth doesn't give Marcus a chance to explain when she marries another man right away. Marcus leaves the country and they don't speak again until the case which has Marcus assigned to her.

While being assigned to protect Elizabeth, Marcus doggedly pursues a love affair with Elizabeth, just to be rid of his lust of her. Both confide and talk to each other about the events which led to the jilt those years ago, which was refreshing to read about. Elizabeth has major trust issues after witnessing the digressions of her father and brother first-hand, and resists Marcus, believing he will tire of her and return to debauchery. She desperately tries to escape Marcus' advances during the case and finally flees London at one point. Marcus gives chase, proposing marriage and asking her a week's time to consider his proposal, promising not to touch and seduce her unless she asks for it. Sure enough, by the week's end, Elizabeth asks for it, they marry, and more passionate scenes abound.

I liked Marcus's characterization in the beginning, but by the end I thought Day turned him into an over-the-top, pining, love-sick lapdog, and he lost a lot of the masculine flavor which made him interesting from the beginning. I understand the need to show love from the hero in an otherwise meaningless erotica and to "tame" the hero, but I didn't feel Marcus' intense desire and love was even remotely reciprocated by Elizabeth. I didn't think Elizabeth's unwarranted jilt four years ago was really settled between our leading pair. I didn't like how Elizabeth makes all the uncompromising demands on Marcus and Marcus happily assents to all of them by the end: she asks him to leave the dangerous Agency, he obliges; she asks him to verbalize the words "I love you" despite a prior chapter in which he spent 2 pages articulating - heartfelt and soulfully - just want Elizabeth means to him and everything he does anyway that shows it; and then Elizabeth demands to know if he could love her even though she could be barren, Marcus doesn't hesitate, he tells her he loves her so much nothing could change that. When Marcus suspects Elizabeth is cheating on him, Elizabeth cruelly allows Marcus to believe the worst, testing his obvious love over and over, again and again. Even though it was Elizabeth who jilted him years ago!

I thought the character of the pirate Christopher St. John was too smooth, too convenient when he saves both Marcus and Elizabeth at the end. Marcus is too love-sick to do anything on his own right. The plotting has our leading pair constantly reacting to events and neither make a concerted effort to dig deeper and discover who is behind the attempts on Elizabeth's life.

Heated, flaring passions cannot save this weak fare.

5 out of 5 stars Hotness.......2007-04-10

I have never cared for Regency romance, but I like it just fine if you gift wrap it in layers and layers of erotic content. I actually care about the ton and why it affects every waking concern of these characters. That is something, huh?
Wild Thing
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent anthology...
  • Wish I Had not Read
  • good anthology
  • A Wonder Group
  • Way to weird
Wild Thing
Maggie Shayne , Marjorie M. Liu , Alyssa Day , and Meljean Brook
Manufacturer: Berkley Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Science Fiction & FantasyScience Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books | Audiobooks | Authors, A-Z | Books on CD | Books on Cassette | Fantasy | Gaming | Large Print | Media | Science Fiction | Writing
ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
AnthologiesAnthologies | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Fantasy, Futuristic & GhostFantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Romance | Subjects | Books
GothicGothic | Romance | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Fiction BooksLook Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Romance BooksLook Inside Romance Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy BooksLook Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. The Warriors of Poseidon (Atlantis Rising, Book 1) The Warriors of Poseidon (Atlantis Rising, Book 1)
  2. Dark Possession (The Carpathians (Dark) Series, Book 15) Dark Possession (The Carpathians (Dark) Series, Book 15)
  3. Devil May Cry (A Dark-Hunter Novel, Book 11) Devil May Cry (A Dark-Hunter Novel, Book 11)
  4. Master of Dragons (Mageverse, Book 8) Master of Dragons (Mageverse, Book 8)
  5. Safe Harbor (Drake Sisters, Book 5) Safe Harbor (Drake Sisters, Book 5)

ASIN: 0425215164

Book Description

New York Times bestselling authors Maggie Shayne and Marjorie Liu join two hot talents in an anthology of all-new sexy paranormal romance.

New York Times bestselling authors Maggie Shayne and Marjorie M. Liu, and sizzling newcomers Alyssa Day and Meljean Brook discover the wild instinct in everyone with four all-new stories of feral heat. Fans will get swept away by the passions in the unfathomable depths of Atlantis; they'll follow the shadows that stalk both the living and the undead in a world of vampires and guardian angels; they'll enter the forbidden world of the demon horde and their willing victims; and they'll be privy to the secrets of a beautiful animal-whisperer who's drawn closer to the most suspect of all male animals-man.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Excellent anthology..........2007-07-08

Paranormal fans rejoice! Four exceptional authors have joined forces to create a fabulous anthology with WILD THING.

Maggie Shayne opens up this anthology with "Animal Magnetism". Macy McNamara is an excellent veterinarian but she has a secret: Macy can communicate with animals. Unfortunately, this talent puts her in jeopardy when Detective Jay Harris enlists her help with an injured dog who has witnessed a brutal crime.

Maggie Shayne takes readers through a gamut of emotions with "Animal Magnetism". She sharply contrasts the brutality of the rapes with the charm and unconditional love of the dogs, particularly with Cassie. The romance between Macy and Jay is extraordinarily well done and I love the witty repartee between the two of them. Maggie Shayne provides some clever but very dark and shocking twists in this phenomenal tale.

"Paradise" by Meljean Brook is yet another entry in her Guardians series. Someone is killing vampires and Guardian Selah is determined to put a stop to it. But first she must enlist the help of Lucas Marsden, leader of the vampire community in Ashland. Lucas is devastated by his guilt after one of the recent deaths. Will Selah and Lucas be able to stop the terror stalking the vampires or will Lucas' guilt overwhelm him instead?

Meljean Brook has created a fascinating world. The depth and complexity of her world building leaves me literally in awe as I want to know more. There are some continuing characters from her other Guardians' book and I think readers who have read her previous books in the series will probably appreciate the characters more as a result.

Marjorie M. Liu introduces readers to "Hunter Kiss". Maxine has a unique gift that enables her to hunt demons. She thought she knew the pattern her life would take but meeting Grant Cooperon turns her whole world upside down.

"Hunter Kiss" is the first story in a new urban fantasy series and wow, what a start! Marjorie M. Liu teases the reader with fascinating tidbits about this phenomenal new world while still providing a very satisfying short story. I love the gumption of Maxine and the entire concept behind the tattoos is perhaps one of the cleverest things I have ever read. "Hunter Kiss" is a tantalizing tale that promises readers a new series that is sure to be a hit.

Alyssa Day concludes this anthology with "Wild Hearts in Atlantis". As one of the Warriors of Poseidon, Bastien considers himself more brawn than brains so he's horrified when he is sent to be a liaison between the Atlanteans and the shape-shifters. His contact is the fiery shape-shifter Kat Fiero, a woman he hasn't been able to forget since their first encounter. Will another one of the Warriors of Poseidon lose his heart?

Alyssa Day really hits her stride in this second story in the Warriors of Poseidon series. Bastien's story incorporates all of the best elements of this complex but very intriguing world. The first book in the series, ATLANTIS RISING, set the stage for the conflicts between all of the various factions within the supernatural community and "Wild Hearts in Atlantis" directly follows up on those uneasy relationships. If you haven't read ATLANTIS RISING, be forewarned that "Wild Hearts in Atlantis" reveals much of the finale from the book. Alyssa Day has solidified me as one of her fans with this very solid sequel!

WILD THING is one of those rare anthologies in which every story provides an interesting twist to the more traditional paranormal themes. There are no dull moments in this anthology! WILD THING is definitely a must read for fans who like their stories on the dark side of paranormal. Easily recommended!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

2 out of 5 stars Wish I Had not Read.......2007-07-03

I DID NOT ENLOY THIS BOOK AT ALL I WAS KIND OF DISAPPOINTED IN EACH STORY IT SEEMS AS EVERTHING WAS HURRY UP AND NOT A SMOOTH READ. I WISHED I HAD NOT PURCHASE IT AND IF IT WAS FREE NO THANKS

3 out of 5 stars good anthology.......2007-06-27

good anthology not super exciting over all but nice to have something else by day

5 out of 5 stars A Wonder Group.......2007-06-25

This group is in the wonder woman groove. I eapecially enjoyed Marjorie Liu's heroine Mxine Kiss. I hope there will more stories about Maxine and her "boys" and hero Grant. I need to learn more!

1 out of 5 stars Way to weird.......2007-06-16

The first and last story were actually interesting. The rest were just a little too weird. Borrow this one
50 Days of Heaven: Reflections That Bring Eternity to Light
Average customer rating: Not rated
    50 Days of Heaven: Reflections That Bring Eternity to Light
    Randy Alcorn
    Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    GeneralGeneral | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    InspirationalInspirational | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    DevotionalsDevotionals | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    DevotionalsDevotionals | Worship & Devotion | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    MeditationsMeditations | Worship & Devotion | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    EschatologyEschatology | Theology | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. Heaven Heaven
    2. Heaven Study Guide Heaven Study Guide
    3. Heaven for Kids Heaven for Kids
    4. In Light of Eternity: Perspectives on Heaven In Light of Eternity: Perspectives on Heaven
    5. The Law of Rewards: Giving what you can't keep to gain what you ... The Law of Rewards: Giving what you can't keep to gain what you ...

    ASIN: 1414309767

    Book Description

    For Christians, eternity is an exciting promise, but many do not know the details of what life will be like in heaven and throughout eternity. 50 Days of Heaven allows the reader to stop wondering about heaven by teaching the biblical facts regarding what's so wonderful about Heaven. The devotional provides an easy-to-follow, 50-day program that reveals the biblical information on what a Christian's life will be like in heaven. Throughout this journey, the reader will learn and meditate upon the promises, rewards, and expectations that a believer in Christ will enjoy for eternity. This devotional draws on the teachings in Randy Alcorn's best-selling book Heaven.
    Bad Boys Ahoy!
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Enjoyable read
    • Three Great Sexy Historical Romances
    • Very Fun
    • 7 stars!!!
    • Hot! Hot!! Hot!!! Bad Boys
    Bad Boys Ahoy!
    Sylvia Day
    Manufacturer: Kensington
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    Adult FictionAdult Fiction | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Romance | Subjects | Books
    RegencyRegency | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. Ask For It Ask For It
    2. The Stranger I Married The Stranger I Married
    3. Passion for the Game Passion for the Game
    4. When Good Things Happen To Bad Boys When Good Things Happen To Bad Boys
    5. Bad Boys In Kilts Bad Boys In Kilts

    ASIN: 0758212518

    Book Description

    2007 RITA Award of Excellence finalist for Best Romantic Novella -- "Her Mad Grace"

    2007 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence finalist for Best Novella -- "Lucien's Gamble"

    2004 Lori Foster/Kensington Brava Novella Contest Readers' Choice Winner -- "Stolen Pleasures"

    They're mad, bad and deadly between the sheets. With their devilish smiles and wicked ways, these three bad boys will make you want to stay up all night long...

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read.......2007-03-26

    I enjoyed the first two stories the most. The third story "Her Mad Grace" was a little odd but good. I plan to read more of this author. Sexual language: strong/erotic.

    5 out of 5 stars Three Great Sexy Historical Romances .......2007-03-06

    Bad Boys Ahoy! by Sylvia Day has three erotic historical romance short stories. They all are contected but each had a different theme. Stolen Pleasures is a pirate story. Lucien's Gamble is a story of man who owns a gambling business and sister who is trying to save her brother Hugh. This one was my favorite!. Her Mad Grace is the story of Hugh and Charolotte who has lost of secret and treasure map.

    5 out of 5 stars Very Fun.......2006-05-23

    Ms. Day did a wonderful job with this book. I loved each and every story. I'd buy more of her work. Great job Ms. Day.

    5 out of 5 stars 7 stars!!!.......2006-04-15

    i thought BAD BOY AHOY was a wonderful book, and it goes into my tbr AGAIN shelf! i truly loved how even though was historical , it could have been todays romances , strong women! and 3 storys in one, love love lovedddddd it! 'her mad grace" ws the best of the 3 i thought personally! ive read 'catching caroline" by ms day and already love her writing! and cant wait to read her vampires romances!! thankfully there are writers like ms day who can make the world disappear for short time thru her writings!

    5 out of 5 stars Hot! Hot!! Hot!!! Bad Boys.......2006-04-03

    I did not want this book to end! It was very well written and I loved the colorful sexy heroes and their ladies. The three stories were wonderful and could each stand on their own. I thought the sensuality in these stories was sizzling, and I can not wait to read more from Ms. Day.
    Stations of the Light: Renewing the Ancient Christian Practice of the Via Lucis as a Spiritual Tool for Today
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • "Stations of the Light" ancient practice brings fresh inspiration
    Stations of the Light: Renewing the Ancient Christian Practice of the Via Lucis as a Spiritual Tool for Today
    Mary Ford-Grabowsky
    Manufacturer: Image
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    GeneralGeneral | Catholicism | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    InspirationalInspirational | Catholicism | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Christian Living | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    MeditationsMeditations | Worship & Devotion | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    MysticismMysticism | Theology | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    RitualRitual | Other Practices | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. Stations of the Cross/Stations of Light Stations of the Cross/Stations of Light
    2. Forgotten Among the Lilies: Learning to Love Beyond Our Fears Forgotten Among the Lilies: Learning to Love Beyond Our Fears
    3. Thirst: Poems Thirst: Poems
    4. Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust
    5. Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith

    ASIN: 0385511655
    Release Date: 2005-02-22

    Book Description

    This is the first book to introduce the fourteen joyful and highly symbolic events that make up the Via Lucis, the Christian Way of Light, an ancient spiritual tradition celebrating the post-Resurrection life of Christ on Earth.

    The Stations of the Light, with its “good news” of healing and salvation, is becoming an increasingly popular devotion throughout the United States and the world, and was recognized by the Vatican in its Jubilee 2000 campaign. While Christians of all denominations are familiar with the Stations of the Cross, few know how to celebrate the Stations of the Light, a practice that came into being through inspiration from ancient Roman sources.

    Stations of the Light is a clear and inspiring guide to making this ancient ritual part of contemporary Christian life. The stations mark the fourteen sacred events in the post-Easter story, from “Jesus Rises from the Dead” to “Pentecost: The Risen Lord Sends the Holy Spirit.” For each one, Mary Ford-Grabowsky presents a variety of spiritual practices that invite readers to form their own realistic and sacred image of the event. Beginning with relaxation and releasing the imagination, these exercises are designed to help convey the story and foster inspiration, and include ancient and contemporary meditations, reflections, and prayers; as well as journal writing, artwork, music, and mantras.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars "Stations of the Light" ancient practice brings fresh inspiration.......2007-08-27

    This book came with me on a recent personal retreat. It uses the major events surrounding Easter, and the season immediately following the Resurrection, as the focal points for contemplation at each station. I didn't know when I packed the book that it would become a major inspiration for my time apart from the daily busyness of a Pastor's life. (God provides what we need, just when we need it most.) I had been through some extra struggles in the course of the past year, and had just been given some new challenges to face. A day apart to think and pray was desperately needed. "Stations of the Light" provided a way of looking at these challenges through the lens of God's enduring love and promise in Christ. I picked it up, thinking I might find some restful thoughts to comfort my soul, and I couldn't put it down! I found not rest, but courage for continuing the journey of faith. I was reminded that whatever new surprise life might bring, whether joyful or sorrowful, delightful or challenging, this too is of God. I entered the retreat with dozens of questions, and this book helped me focus my energy as I walked along the 14 stations of light. At the end, I knew with Julian of Norwich that "all shall be well, and all shall be well, all manner of thing shall be well." An experience of loss became for me a welcoming ground for spiritual understanding. I discovered opportunities to know myself better, to more fully live out my calling, and to better serve God and other people. I took the book back to my church and used it as the basis for a 24 hour prayer vigil for my congregation. We set up several of the stations around the outer perimeter of the sanctuary, with pictures downloaded from the web and quotes from the book as prayer-starters. It was very well-received by those who participated in the vigil. I highly recommend this book for those with contemplative souls!
    Clear Light of Day
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Superfluous and slow; leading nowhere..
    • the book that made me drop Asian Lit
    • Thoughtful novel about the divising of the Indian subcontinent
    • A very truthful, warm and touching domestic drama.
    • Patience Pays Off
    Clear Light of Day
    Anita Desai
    Manufacturer: Mariner Books
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    BritishBritish | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | 18th Century | 19th Century | 20th Century | Classics | Contemporary | General | Historical | Humor | Letters & Correspondence | Middle | Old | Poetry | Renaissance | Shakespeare | Short Stories
    ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
    LiteraryLiterary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
    Desai, AnitaDesai, Anita | ( D ) | Authors, A-Z | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
    SistersSisters | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. The Inheritance of Loss The Inheritance of Loss
    2. Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard
    3. Fasting, Feasting Fasting, Feasting
    4. The Guide: A Novel (Penguin Classics) The Guide: A Novel (Penguin Classics)
    5. The Shadow Lines: A Novel The Shadow Lines: A Novel

    ASIN: 0618074511

    Book Description

    Set in India's Old Delhi, CLEAR LIGHT OF DAY is Anita Desai's tender, warm, and compassionate novel about family scars, the ability to forgive and forget, and the trials and tribulations of familial love. At the novel's heart are the moving relationships between the members of the Das family, who have grown apart from each other. Bimla is a dissatisfied but ambitious teacher at a women's college who lives in her childhood home, where she cares for her mentally challenged brother, Baba. Tara is her younger, unambitious, estranged sister, married and with children of her own. Raja is their popular, brilliant, and successful brother. When Tara returns for a visit with Bimla and Baba, old memories and tensions resurface and blend into a domestic drama that is intensely beautiful and leads to profound self-understanding.

    Customer Reviews:

    2 out of 5 stars Superfluous and slow; leading nowhere.. .......2007-10-06

    If your reading this for the historical context, I can understand why you might give this book a higher rating. If your going to read it for the story itself you might be disappointed... the book goes nowhere slowly...very slowly. Its almost as if the author is trying to prove her obvious mastery of descriptive language at the expense of the story itself.

    2 out of 5 stars the book that made me drop Asian Lit.......2006-09-06

    Let me start out by being fair - if you know a lot about Indian history/culture this book MAY interest you even if the first 50 pgs. are excruciatingly slow. Otherwise, you will have a hard time understanding the value behind what the characters do. The whole plot revolves around the woman's place in Indian society & more specifically, Bimla's conflict with her brother, Raja. The conflict seems to begin resolving itself in the last 15 pgs, but the author does not take the time to write out the final scene between sister & brother. Very difficult book to enjoy with no satisfactory conclusion.

    5 out of 5 stars Thoughtful novel about the divising of the Indian subcontinent.......2006-01-28

    The partition of the Indian subcontinent into two nations has held sway over the Indian imagination for more than three decades. In fiction and in films, the troubles figure as watershed and as metaphor, having as much force for Indians today as the Civil War had for Americans at the turn of the last century, although with the important difference that the War Between the States left this country united rather than divided.

    The shadow of partition falls heavily on the characters in this novel by the distinguished Bombay storyteller Anita Desai. In place of neo-Marxist realism or Kiplingesque romanticism, two favorite Indian modes, "Clear Light of Day" is a hauntingly beautiful story of a bourgeois family's struggle against the forces of disintegration. Two sisters, long separated by distance and life-style, take stock of their family's lives and their own. Tara, beautiful and worldly, has returned from living abroad as the wife of a diplomat. Bim, conventional and competent, has never left Old Delhi where she cares for their younger brother Baba. Their older brother, whose childhood ambition was to be a hero, has married a Moslem and become a successful businessman.

    "Clear Light of Day" is an ironic title for a novel so preoccupied with the shadowy border between illusion and reality. Memory forever shields most events from the clear light of day. We who conduct our lives without apparent reference to the momentous times we inhabit will discover new ways of seeing ourselves as we wander in the dying gardens of this thoughtful, imaginative and expressively written book.

    4 out of 5 stars A very truthful, warm and touching domestic drama. .......2006-01-12

    This is a very warming, touching book about family interactions, moments of happiness and moments of sadness all intertwined together to become what life is, a series of events, sometimes good, sometimes bad, what comes, comes. What is gone is gone just like the snail mentioned in the book that was found by the characters at times but only to lose the pearl again where the cycle repeats itself. This is a story that informs us about the ups and downs in life and how everyone faces it differently. To do so, the author cleverly uses true realistic characters to portray this

    Each member of the Das family is distinctly unique. It is a touching story about how distinctly different each individual is and how each has their own separate lives, keeping them apart from each other. Bimla is independent and intelligent and is able to survive on her own without the help of others but unfortunately she is very dissatisfied with life. Tara, unlike her elder sister, is not ambitious and is very dependent. All she wanted is to find a life where she will not have to take responsibility and have no need to worry about her life which she succeeded in finding an ambassador as her husband. Lastly Raja, the elder brother, who is ambitious and has always dreamt of being the hero ended up as a successful, well-off man. With each leading a different life, each has a different view of things and this leads to many conflicts between the siblings.

    However no matter how different they are, they grew up together, shared many precious moments together, creating a bond that can never be broken, love. Love is what connected them to each other. Love teaches the characters how to forgive and forget, how to compromise with one another with compassion, how to move on and how to stand side by side with each other to face the world together. Especially to Bimla who had melted her anger and learn to love the world again for what it is with the help of her loving sister, Tara. Love will overcome all differences and difficulties and is the exact recipe to help us get through the ups and downs of life.

    This is a truly, amazing book that I greatly enjoyed. It stays true to how family relationships are like. Being a member of a three child family, I can understand how each characters is feeling and is amazed at how it greatly relate to how I feel for my siblings at times. I both hated and love my siblings at the same time. Sometimes it may get so frustrating that I vow never to talk to them ever again but it is always love that turns out to be the winner for I always forgive the wrongs they did at times and is able to embrace the frustrating side of my siblings for I love them and love them just the way they are just like the characters Anita Desai portrayed in this book.

    The beautiful and easily accessible language makes it a very enjoyable book to read. The language is filled with so much emotions and passion, that it sometimes feel like I am reading a prose with some poetic element in it. Anita Desai has also skillfully put in many insightful views to what life is and helps us to be both expectant of the bad sides of the world and yet be optimistic to the good sides of the world.
    However at times, the plot seems to be developing at a slow rate with no great climax in the story, in fact it is a book that is presented almost in a monotone that makes readers to hope for more movements in the story. However I like it just the way it is, for life does not always consist of shocking, exciting events like the made up stories from fictions, in fact life is rather dull, boring at times and most of the time is spent on waiting for something to happen just like the events and the tone of the book.

    This is a passionately, beautifully written domestic drama that is definitely a must to read. Get it now!

    4 out of 5 stars Patience Pays Off.......2000-08-26

    I think Ms. Desai would capture the heart of any woman of Indian origin. The book does start of very slowly but nevertheless beckons your patience. Bimla, Tara, Raj and Mira Masi are not the most admirable characters, yet they touch you so. Despite the underlying depression, I could not help but smile!
    Light Before Day
    Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    • What a nice apple?
    • bitter and jarring
    • Coming of Age
    • Very Mediocre...Very Unfulfilling
    • so bad it's bizarre it was written or published.......
    Light Before Day
    Christopher Rice
    Manufacturer: Miramax
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
    Action & AdventureAction & Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
    Psychological & SuspensePsychological & Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
    SuspenseSuspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. A Density of Souls A Density of Souls
    2. The Snow Garden: A Novel The Snow Garden: A Novel
    3. Clay's Way Clay's Way
    4. A Son Called Gabriel A Son Called Gabriel
    5. The Brothers Bishop The Brothers Bishop

    ASIN: 1401300391
    Release Date: 2005-03-16

    Book Description

    Adam Murphy, a twenty-five-year-old journalist, is chasing a career-making story of a serial killer preying on young gay men in West Hollywood when he is abruptly fired by the magazine that employs him. He soon learns his former lover has disappeared, but what hes about to uncover is far more diabolical than he could ever have imagined. Light Before Day is a riveting and complex mystery set against the gothic landscape that Rice has made his own.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars What a nice apple?.......2007-08-11

    I must admit that I bought his first novel purely because of his Mom! I soon ignored the "apple does not fall far from the tree" because he was taking me somewhere else. I have read all his work and cannot wait for the next! So take a bite of this beautiful apple, the juices will not disappoint!

    2 out of 5 stars bitter and jarring.......2007-07-16

    I had gotten this book with high hopes. Being a huge fan of A Density Of Souls, I couldn't wait to see what Christopher Rice's latest book was about. I noticed within the first 10 pages that this book was a far more gritty, de-sensitized, jaded piece of work than his first novel. Where A Density Of Souls was a tender, passionate, deeply personal story about one person and how he relates to the world, Light Before Day is a cynical, ultra-secular, hard-boiled, drug-riddled trip into the harsh realities of the real world. I wouldn't go so far as to say this book seemed to glorify drug use, promiscuity, underage sex, violet relationships, and drinking binges - but honestly, it focused on these dysfunctions so often it honestly made me wonder what Christopher Rice has been through in the last few years that's made him so jaded. I liked reading A Density Of Souls because it was an ESCAPE from the dysfunctions of modern life, and was filled with fragile vulnerability, soaring emtions, and tender sensitivity. Light Before Day just hits you over the head with its grittiness and materialistic, abrasive hedonism. I wish I could say I enjoyed reading it, but I didn't. I'll give the author another chance though, and see what his upcoming book is like. I hope it's much closer in writing style to his first novel. Oh p.s., I had actually planned on going to Christpher Rice's website and sending him this feedback personally, but I didn't see a link for readers to contact the author. So I'm getting it all off my chest in this review. Cheers!

    4 out of 5 stars Coming of Age.......2007-05-20

    I have read all of Christopher Rice's books and with this one it seems he has really hit his straps as a writer. The writing is clear and punchy with a great story. It gives intersting insights into the culture of West Hollywood with a sympathetic and critical eye. The story has enough twists to keep it a page turner and although the lead characters are not always likable,they are real. Real enough to want to shake them at times to get them on track.

    In fact the novel is very real. A great read.

    3 out of 5 stars Very Mediocre...Very Unfulfilling.......2007-03-21

    This book was a little confusing and difficult to follow. I always read before I go bed each night and usually can't wait to do so. In this case, I wasn't excited to crack open my book each night. There were too many similar characters and not enough substance to hold my interest. Granted, I did read the entire book and enjoyed the denouement, but getting to that point was hard. I learned a lot about the meth problem in Central California and was surprised at the extent of havoc it wreaks. This book was definitely written for a gay audience (not that there's anything wrong with that) and that particular population might enjoy Light Before Day more than your garden-variety reader. I would NOT recommend this book to readers under the age of 16, or to anyone who is not completely open-minded. Overall, there is nothing really special about this book, skip it and find something better. I usually read about one book per week. I feel like this past week was a waste of time.

    1 out of 5 stars so bad it's bizarre it was written or published..............2006-08-18

    Christopher Rice is a good writer, with an occassional sly wit, and a gift for spinning involved interesting tales. But he tends toward the end of his books to get a bit overwrought with improbable turns of events. This book however reads like a bizarre parody of his writing style. Too many characters, characters with nonsensical motives. This starts crisply, with nice scene setting background, but then a cascade of characters starts and it all falls apart. This is a clunker if there ever was one. Mr Rice ought to get new editors.
    Alluring Tales--Awaken the Fantasy (Avon Red)
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Enjoyed 3 of 6 stories.
    • Alluring Tales
    • Wonderful anthology
    • 5 Klovers! Courtesy of CK2S Kwips & Kritiques
    • entertaining erotic tales
    Alluring Tales--Awaken the Fantasy (Avon Red)
    Sasha White , Myla Jackson , Sylvia Day , Lisa Renee Jones , Vivi Anna , Delilah Devlin , and Cathryn Fox
    Manufacturer: Avon Red
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    Adult FictionAdult Fiction | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
    AnthologiesAnthologies | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
    AnthologiesAnthologies | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Canadian | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
    Short StoriesShort Stories | Canadian | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Women Writers | Canadian | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
    AnthologiesAnthologies | Romance | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Romance | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
    AnthologiesAnthologies | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
    Look Inside Fiction BooksLook Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
    Look Inside Romance BooksLook Inside Romance Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. Real Men Do It Better (Tempting SEALs, Book 3) Real Men Do It Better (Tempting SEALs, Book 3)
    2. Pleasures of the Night (Dream Guardians, Book 1) Pleasures of the Night (Dream Guardians, Book 1)
    3. Wild, Wicked, & Wanton (Berkley Heat) Wild, Wicked, & Wanton (Berkley Heat)
    4. Forbidden Pleasure (Bound Hearts, Book 8) Forbidden Pleasure (Bound Hearts, Book 8)
    5. Hidden Agendas (Tempting SEALs, Book 4) Hidden Agendas (Tempting SEALs, Book 4)

    ASIN: 0061176036
    Release Date: 2007-02-27

    Book Description

    These seven super–sexy stories tap into every new hot topic. From vampires to historicals, paranormal and suspense, each of these short stories is guaranteed to turn up the heat. This is definitely a hot new addition to the Avon Red line.

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars Enjoyed 3 of 6 stories........2007-09-22

    I have been following Cathryn Fox's work since starting her Pleasure Games series. I enjoyed her story along with two others: Myla Jackson and Lisa Renee Jones' tales. It's a keeper for me eventhough I only liked 3 of 6 stories. I will reread them from time to time.

    5 out of 5 stars Alluring Tales.......2007-03-12

    Lover's Locket by Cathryn Fox

    Caira has spent years dreaming and fantasizing about the man with long dark hair whose portrait had been passed down in her family for generations. No man she's ever been out with has been able to compare to Zarek, even though she knows he's only a painting. While exploring a strange shop with an even stranger proprietor, Caira finds herself irresistibly drawn to a piece of antique jewelry called The Lovers Locket. The shop proprietor gives her the locket but warns her of the curse associated with it - if you recite the incantation etched into the silver locket, your true love will be revealed to you, but it comes with the price of the awakening of the Keeper of Darkness from his slumber. Disturbed by the similarity to a myth she was told as a child, Ciana decides to recite the incantation anyway.

    Lover's Locket is a very hot and sexy story of curses, reincarnation and magic. I loved the personalities of the two main characters and everything they were willing to risk and give up for each other. The enduring theme of love conquering the most fearsome foe is well done in this tale and gives this anthology's theme a great start.

    Kili's Ice Man by Delilah Devlin

    Kili Wilder has been fascinated by the gladiator called the Ice Man for weeks and then got a chance to meet him when tasked with selling marketing spots. Gunnar Thorsson is instantly attracted to Kili until he overhears her referring to him as dim-witted. Now he thinks she's just another "gladiator groupie" who doesn't care about the man inside the warrior image. Gunnar manages to bribe his way into Kili's virtual reality fantasy and lets her see just what is inside him.

    Kili's Ice Man was a great choice to follow the first story. Its science fiction world pulled me away and into the world of Kili and Gunnar. More hot sex and great world building would have been good, but this is a terrific reminder that people are not just what they appear to be on the surface and what you think you want, may only be part of the truth.

    The Hottest One Night Stand by Lisa Renee Jones

    On a quick trip to visit her family, Jessica Montgomery stops at a bar in Texas in an attempt to use the phone but instead sees a man that entrances her. Just as she puts aside her desire for this Latino man, her car breaks down and the only motel for miles has already rented out their last room. In the midst of a thunderstorm, the man from the bar reappears and offers to share his room with her. This quickly turns passionate as these two strangers become lovers. But what will happen when their brief escape from the world is over?

    A richly sensual treatment of the story of the one-night stand that becomes more, The Hottest One Night Stand was also the story of the journey of two people from choosing work and solitude, to them having a chance to choose to be together. Intense emotions and characterizations make this a rich and introspective story at the same time it didn't skimp in the realm of sensuality and sexuality.

    Out of the Shadows by Myla Jackson

    Houston cop, TJ Evans, is a member of a special task force that is a permanent night shift - killing vampires. But TJ's mind isn't completely on his new job since he's still trying to figure out what went wrong between himself and his sexy next-door neighbor Cassidy Jones. After finally consummating their mutual attraction, she stopped taking his calls with no explanation. Now in the path of a Category 5 hurricane, TJ discovers just why Cassidy refused to see him.

    Out of the Shadows was a great paranormal offering and I was really rooting for TJ and Cassidy to overcome the huge odds against them. I appreciated that the paranormal aspects of the story didn't overwhelm the romance as well as the great way the timeline of the slightly future-based world was integrated with some current events. There is a definite "ahhhhhh" moment at the end of the story.

    A Familiar Kind of Magic by Sylvia Day

    Having gone feral after the death of her prior warlock master, familiar Victoria St. John takes her small measures of revenge by seducing and turning the tables on the warlock that the High Council sends to tame her. She was more than a typical familiar and now Hunter Max Westin has arrived with orders to either tame her or kill her. But just who will be tamed?

    A Familiar Kind of Magic had me absolutely engrossed from the first paragraph. The way Sylvia gives life to both the human and animal aspects of Victoria is amazing and I really want to have the abilities Victoria has. Max is a very attractive mix of strength, dominance and sensitivity that makes him irresistible. With hot sex, some BDSM and a wonderful paranormal world, this story is hot!

    Tempting Grace by Sasha White

    After countless requests for a date, ex-stripper Grace Walters has instead agreed to a one night stand with the handsome defense attorney Lukas Martin. Once he gets over his shock, he realizes something is wrong, Grace isn't behaving normally and she seems to be in some sort of shock. Now Lukas is troubled because he doesn't want to take advantage of Grace if she's vulnerable. But Grace says she needs him - what's a guy to do?

    Tempting Grace was an enthralling slice of the lives of Grace and Lukas and speaks to the power of love that's given a chance and allowed to bloom. I always like Sasha's stories and was not surprised that I liked it although I was surprised at how long it made me consider the characters and just what their past history may have been. A very compelling story indeed!

    Quick Silver by Vivi Anna

    Sangria Silver is a Conveyor, a delivery professional for cargos that shouldn't be too closely questioned. Her latest delivery was a locked metal case that she was to be paid an exorbitant fee to deliver. After picking up the case and a portion of her fee, she was forced off the road by a semi-truck and the case burst open. Sangria breaks her number one rule - she sees what is inside the package. And the contents of that package consist of sex worker Vance Verona.

    Quick Silver was a fun end to this anthology. The byplay between Sangria and Vance was a delight to watch and the hot sex and erupting passion was certainly what I was cheering to have happen. I think the futuristic and yet very familiar world only added to my enjoyment - and I've always wondered what anyone would want a Hummer for!

    Alluring Tales: Awaken the Fantasy was a terrific set of stories by some of my favorite authors that I would recommend to anyone who wants some great short stories in a variety of sub-genres with hot sex and very engaging characters.

    Maura
    Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

    5 out of 5 stars Wonderful anthology.......2007-03-07

    Lover's Locket by Cathryn Fox

    Caira was fascinated by the portrait of a man that is hanging in her living room, what she doesn't know is that it is her lover from a past life, who was banished by a curse into this portrait. Only the incantation on the locket will free him, but his freedom will come with a high prize and a challenge.

    Lover's Locket is a fascinating story that really bewitches its reader. Ms. Fox knows how to captivate her readers from the beginning. This story is a good start for the anthology.


    Kili's Ice Man by Delilah Devlin

    Gunnar was so interested in Kili that he became part of her virtual fantasy, but the big problem was that she chose a very primitive setting and he has to woo her in a very limited way.

    Ms. Devlin wrote with Kili's Ice Man a funny, sexy and really interesting story. Just to come up such an idea is really hilarious. One really suffers with Gunnar when he finds out what kind of situation he has landed himself in.


    The Hottest One Night Stand by Lisa Renee Jones

    Jessica is depressed that her husband left her not only because he has another girlfriend but also because he said that she was sexually suppressed. Will a one-night stand with a sexy stranger awaken the sensual woman in her?

    The Hottest One Night Stand is the story of a woman, who finds out that there is a very sensual woman lurking in her and how she finds a way to free this part of her personality. It's a very sexy story.


    Out of the Shadows by Myla Jackson

    Cassidy hoped that there would be a chance to be with TJ Evans, but one momentous night destroyed all her hopes. TJ would never be able to love a vampire and she feared that she would hurt him or worse.

    Out of the Shadows is a wonderful and emotional story. It will keep glued to the pages, because you want to know what happens next to TJ and Cassidy.


    A Familiar Kind of Magic by Sylvia Day

    Victoria loves nothing more than mischief, so it is no surprise that the High Council assigns Max Westin to collar and tame her. A battle of wills starts and neither Victoria nor Max knows who will become the seducer.

    A Familiar Kind of Magic is a wonderful story that is absolutely spell-binding. You will absolutely fall in love with these characters. Ms. Day did a terrific job with this story and it's a real keeper.


    Tempting Grace by Sasha White

    As a former bad girl, Grace is weary to accept the offer of help from the much younger Lucas, because she fears that she will loose her acceptance. But being bad can be so good?

    No one can write better bad girl stories than Sasha White and she proves again with Tempting Grace. It's a great story.


    Quick Silver by Vivi Ana

    Sangria knows how to do her job as messenger/delivery person, but she is quite shocked when she discovers after an accident that her cargo was a real man, who is sexy as hell.

    Ms. Ana delivered with Quick Silver a terrific futuristic story, which is really sexy. It's great end to a terrific anthology which brings seven different fantasies to life.

    This reviewer was sorry when she reached the last page of the book; you just want to read more. You really have to keep your eye on those authors, because they write great stories

    Courtesy of Loveromancesandmore[...]

    5 out of 5 stars 5 Klovers! Courtesy of CK2S Kwips & Kritiques.......2007-03-04

    HarperCollins Avon Red has created an anthology of stories guaranteed to warm even the coldest winter night!

    Wow! Individually, each of the stories in the anthology Alluring Tales - Awaken the Fantasy more than sizzle, but united in one hot little book, they are downright combustible! The title promises alluring tales, and it definitely delivers!

    With some anthologies, you find several stories you like or love, and maybe a story or two that aren't quite up to par. It would be hard to find anyone who could say this about Alluring Tales - Awaken the Fantasy! Each story is just as good as the last one. I personally would be hard pressed to choose a favorite between them, and am very grateful I don't have to!

    ~ Lover's Locket by Cathryn Fox ~

    When an old gypsy presses Caira to accept a mysterious locket, Caira finds love, and risks losing her soul to save his!

    This is the first story I've ever read by Cathryn Fox, and I find myself compelled to look for more of her work after reading it. Lover's Locket is a surprisingly complex story of ancient curses, forbidden love, and reincarnation. I use the word complex due to its brevity. Fox has woven an intricate history for her leading lady in this story, proving her skill with the short story format.

    ~ Kili's Ice Man by Delilah Devlin ~

    In a futuristic world, Kili attempts to ease her lust for her celebrity crush, the Ice Man, over her lunch hour with one quick virtual reality session in order to calm her nerves before a business meeting with him that very afternoon. But her VR fantasy man seems all too real...

    I confess to a love of Science Fiction and I am always intrigued by Virtual Reality themes. I wasn't disappointed with Devlin's addition to this anthology! Kili programs her Virtual Reality session with what she believes is her dream man, but all bets are off when the Ice Man himself gets wind of her plan! Gunnar proves to be a remarkably sensitive he-man type, taking both Kili and the reader by surprise!

    ~ The Hottest One Night Stand by Lisa Renee Jones ~

    One stormy night and a broken down car bring Jessica the opportunity to find her sexuality with a sexy and compelling stranger. But he soon proves to be something very different from what he seems...

    I wanted to read this anthology because of Lisa Renee Jones contribution to it, having thoroughly enjoyed other stories written by her. Even had I not enjoyed any of the other stories in this anthology, Jones' story would still have made this a worthwhile read! She reaches into every woman's fantasy of an anonymous encounter with a dangerous man, and then turns the tables on both the leading lady and the readers when he turns out to be so much more!

    ~ Out of the Shadows by Myla Jackson ~

    What will a Vampire Hunter do when the woman he loves becomes the very thing he hates above all else?

    From the very start, Jackson fosters empathy for her hero, with the reader sharing his confusion and frustration for the woman he loves. When we are finally allowed insight as to her reasons for turning TJ away, our heart breaks for both of them.

    ~ A Familiar Kind of Magic by Sylvia Day ~

    Who will really be tamed when a powerful Warlock, Max, tries to collar the rogue Familiar, Victoria?

    With A Familiar Kind of Magic, Day proves a woman can find strength and power in letting go. Max proves himself as a gentle and sly Dominant when he sets out to tame Victoria, simultaneously empowering her and allowing her to unleash the needs she has subjugated for years.

    ~ Tempting Grace by Sasha White ~

    Ex-stripper turned Probation Officer Grace isn't looking for love, and especially not with the minister's son, Lukas. But Lukas proves persistent, and persistence has a way of paying off...

    Sasha White is also a new author for me, and I will recommend her without reservation to anyone interested in this genre! She has included a wonderful contemporary tale that proves love isn't always where we expect it to be, nor in the form we anticipated.

    ~ Quick Silver by Vivi Anna ~

    Sangria knows this delivery is trouble waiting to happen - a suspicion more than confirmed when an ambush gives her a good look at the merchandise she is transporting!

    I'm not quite certain just how Vivi Anna included so much plot in so few words, but she did - and did it well! Sangria's tale is one of loneliness and hardship, but she finds a way out in the most unlikely of places...


    5 out of 5 stars entertaining erotic tales .......2007-03-03

    "Lover's Locket" by Cathryn Fox. All she needs is love, but Caira has no hope of finding her beloved until she opens up a locket that sends her on a quest to free Zarek.

    "Kili's Ice Man" by Delilah Devlin. Kili and the gladiator Ice Man meet, but nothing goes right yet they want to meet again.

    "The Hottest One-Night Stand" by Lisa Renee Jones. After a horrific divorce, Jessica vowed never again will she be in a long term relationship again until she meets the stranger Dominic and covets infinite nights and days.

    "Out of the Shadows" by Myla Jackson. Vampire hater T.J. covets his neighbor Cassidy until he learns his beloved has quite a bite.

    "Tempting Grace" by Sasha White. Feeling depressed and all alone, Grace turns to Luke for warmth and sex while insisting one night is all she desires and one night after that and after that, etc.

    "A Familiar Kind of Magic" Sylvia Day. Max the dominant warlock plans to seduce Victoria the temptress into being his submissive, but she supposedly prefers being on top too even as they share telepathically their inner secrets.

    "Quick Silver" by Vivi Ana. New States of America Conveyor Sangria is delivering special cargo, Vance the sex worker to Vegas, but they have time for a tryst or three.

    These entertaining seven erotic tales cross several genres but share in common heat that make the temperature of Mercury seem more like Neptune.

    Harriet Klausner

    Books:

    1. The Whale Rider
    2. The Wildlife of Southern Africa: A Field Guide to the Animal and Plants of the Region
    3. This Moment on Earth: Today's New Environmentalists and Their Vision for the Future
    4. This Moment on Earth: Today's New Environmentalists and Their Vision for the Future
    5. Three Rivers: The Yukon's Great Boreal Wilderness
    6. Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation and Other Evolutionary Writings
    7. Where Sea Meets Sky (Star Trek: The Captain's Table, Book 6)
    8. Whitethorn Woods
    9. 1001 Questions Answered About the MIneral Kingdom
    10. A Path Where No Man Thought: Nuclear Winter and the End of the Arms Race

    Books Index

    Books Home

    Recommended Books

    1. Co-Active Coaching, 2nd Edition: New Skills for Coaching People Toward Success in Work and, Life
    2. Wristwatch Annual 2007
    3. The Quick Interview and Salary Negotiation Book
    4. The Missing Link in Cognition: Origins of Self-Reflective Consciousness
    5. Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs: Official Companion Book to the Exhibition sponsored
    6. Who Says Elephants Can't Dance
    7. Wild Mammals in Captivity: Principles and Techniques
    8. Kaplan MCAT Comprehensive Review with CD-ROM, 2005 Edition
    9. The Houghton Mifflin Brief Accounting Dictionary
    10. Handbook of Sec Accounting and Disclosure 2002, Spring Edition