Review: Hot Cocoa, Green Tea and the Man Who Sweetened My Heart by Deanna Martinez-Bey

An emotionally charged story about starting over after a divorce.

Reading this book was like a peek into someone’s most private thoughts.  My heart went out to Stephanie and what she went through with her abusive husband and trying to start her life over after she left him.  Having experience in abusive relationships, I could easily relate to the fears and emotions Stephanie had.   

  

One of the highlights of the story was Mark, a customer that Stephanie met at the bookstore café where she worked.  He was always there for her lending a good shoulder to cry on, a great source of support and a wonderful father figure to Stephanie’s young son.  Mark’s encouraging words are something all women need to hear even if they aren’t going through the same situation.  Sometimes we just need someone to believe in us.  Stephanie was a strong woman even though she crumbled a few times.  With Mark’s help she was able to get back up living her dreams and letting go of her fears.

If you know anyone who has been (or is) in an abusive relationship, this would be a good book to recommend to them.  At the end of the book there are some mouthwatering recipes to try out. 

ORDER on Amazon @ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076Z53KMW/... 

Janine's Cool Cats and Reviews

When Life Gives You Lemons, Drink Coffee!

An inspiring faith based story about letting go and finding true happiness. 

Janine had a good life.  She was newly married to a wonderful man and had great friends and family.  She owned her own bakery and was fully involved with her church.  But when her husband accepts a job in New York and Janine is forced to leave her home town and everything that was familiar to her, she has no idea what she is in store for.  She loves the B&B Tom bought for her, but something is still missing.  When Janine tells Tom she has decided to go back to North Carolina for a visit her family, it angers him to the point he won’t even talk to her.  Soon Janine starts to put the pieces of the puzzle together and makes a surprise visit to Tom.  What she finds shakes her world and has her questioning her faith and wondering why this would happen. 

Janine is now faced with starting her life all over again and she finds love and happiness where she never expected to find it.

Of course the first thing that caught my attention to this book was a character with the same name as mine.  But once I started reading, I was fully engaged in the story.  It’s personal and heartbreaking at first, but it but it wraps up with a very good message.  Everything happens for a reason.   You may not realize it as the time, but it makes sense in the end.   



Order on Amazon @ http://www.amazon.com/When-Gives-Lemo... 

Janine's Cool Cats and Reviews

Book Reviewed: Relationships And Other Stuff VOL 2 (Stories From Women)

Volume 2 of Relationships and Other Stuff focuses on women. The book is divided into five parts: Being a Woman Means... Truly Understanding that Love is Unconditional; Confidence and Wisdom; Being Fearless in Love; Finding a Special Muse in Yourself and Others; and Finding Peace within Yourself to Become More Complete and Independent. In sections contains poems and short stories about ourselves and the women (a few special men too) that have given our lives depth and meaning.

The stories shared vary. My two favourites are Jelly Shoes and the Tyranny of My Mother by Libby Cudmore and Knitting-Part One by Niama Leslie Williams. In Jelly Shoes and the Tyranny of My Mother, the author goes to a retro party and is reminded of the strictness and unfairness of her mother. However, by the end of the piece, the author comes to realize that maybe, just maybe, her mother had a point about those silly jelly shoes. I think as we grow up and have our own children, we all have a few of those "aha" moments about our mother.

I saw myself in Knitting. In this story, the woman's husband makes a comment about her having a "pattern". Immediately, she thinks the worst and sees her otherwise loving relationship breaking into rubble. That is, until she realizes that the conflict is all in her head.

There were several other stories that had me tearing up. Memories of strong women who were living examples of unconditional love and strength of character. Loss. 

ORDER ON AMAZON @ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07147MPL1

Tami Brady, Whole Health Therapist    http://tami-brady.com  

Book Reviewed: Relationships and Other Stuff VOL 1: True Love Stories

"Relationships and Other Stuff" is the first book in a series on relationships. The relationships written about in this book are about love. As the majority of us have experienced, not all love relationships turn out the way that we expect them to or hope that they do. When they end, we are left having been changed in some way by our experiences. Of course not all changes are for the better, as we see some people who become bitter or close themselves off for fear of being hurt again. Others use these experiences as lessons learned in life and move on to happier times.

This book contains a collection of true stories that don't always have the "and they lived happily ever after" endings. These stories are real, and heartfelt. They are written by people from all walks of life. In matters of the heart, I think that most of us can relate to love and the angst that can come with it. Some of the stories and poetry inspire hope; others teach some very valuable lessons. I definitely found some journaling material in these pages.

I also really liked reading stories that were written from a man's perspective. It is interesting for me to see how they process relationship issues from the other side. I believe that seeing things from the perspective of the opposite sex helps us to understand why they do what they do. Of course, sometimes none of us understand why we do what we do, but it does show us not to take things so personally when it is done to us.

I highly recommend reading "Relationships and Other Stuff." I have to admit that I read it in one sitting. The stories will make you reflect on the true nature of relationships and hopefully inspire you to appreciate the good ones that you have, and learn to grow and move on from the bad ones.

Paige Lovitt for Reader Views 

Book Reviewed: Fairy Tales Can Come True (The Very BEST Erotic Fairy Tales)

"Natasha Brooks did a delightfully sinful job of editing these titillating tales.  And, I love it that she points out that, “The thing most people don’t know is that fairy tales were not originally intended for children, but were stories told primarily for adults around medieval campfires.  Because these stories were intended for adults, they were often violent and contained sexual content for entertainment purposes” (p. 165).  So, this book is going back to the roots of fairy tales as far as gearing them towards adults.

Three tales I was particularly taken with for their inventiveness and humor are:  “Betrothed Fairy’s Tail (love that wordplay),” “Once Upon a Wet Dream” and “Size Doesn’t Matter.”  For instance, in “Size Doesn’t Matter,” being only a little over six inches tall doesn’t stop a male fairy from sexually pleasing a full-grown human female.  Wonder how?  Then pick up a copy!”

Happy Teasingly Hot Holidays!

G.L. Giles

©2008

ORDER ON AMAZON @ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008G0DYFO

Author, G.L Giles

Book Reviewed: Pussy Tales (A Story of Passion)

Jasmine's husband has vanished and life without him is not easy for Jasmine or her children. In her desperate search she ends up meeting a man who will change her life forever. Lorenzo gives her a peek at the life of an escort and there are certain aspects that Jasmine is seduced by, and it's not her clients. Is she in control of her life and where it leads or is this lifestyle going to chew her up and spit her out?

I really enjoyed this book. Jasmine finds herself in a situation that a lot of mothers end up in. She's very relatable and I was rooting for her throughout the entire book. Definitely a winner!

Order on Amazon

Bridget Hooper, Blogger/Reviewer    http://bridget3420.blogspot.com

Book Reviewed: Fairy Tales Can Come True (The very BEST Erotic Fairy Tales)

 

Fairy Tales Can Come True is the first anthology by Emerging Edge Publishing, the publishing arm of Bareback Magazine. In 2007, they held a contest for Erotic fairy tales, and this book is the result. The anthology consists of ten short stories, and clocks in at 176 pages, including various extras such as author profiles.

As one would expect, the quality of the story varies over the anthology. Some of the more memorable stories are: The Legend of Gabriella’s Rock in this story, Gabriella, the wayward sister of a princess, is sent away to keep her out of beds of the help. With the unwilling help of a fairy, she finds a way to satisfy her amorous needs.

Size Doesn’t Matter a tiny fairy has great ambitions, but forgets the old adage to be “careful what you wish for - you just might get it.” Lily and the Vine Oaks is a cute story about a forest woman finding satisfaction in the wild. It’s probably one of my favorite stories in the anthology.

Once Upon A Wet Dream takes on a new mythology, that of Ariel the Mermaid from Disney fame. It’s not a children’s story though. Also of note, there are two gay/lesbian stories in the anthology, Arsenal and Grethel and Betroth’s Fairy Tale. Overall, the anthology is an interesting take on the old fairy tale concept.

ORDER ON AMAZON @ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008G0DYFO

Chris Gerrib, reviewer at TCM Reviews

Book Reviewed: Fairy Tales Can Come True (The Very BEST Erotic Fairy Tales)

Fairy Tales Can Come True is an anthology of erotic fairy tales that feature some childhood stories you will undoubtedly recognise. However, these once familiar stories have now been spiced up tremendously and, after heating up ready to be served, are accompanied by a side dish of tenderness and passion. But, as with true fairy tales, there could well be a moral within these stories. The question is: can you find them?

This collection has been lovingly smattered with humour sprinkled throughout like fairy dust and as such makes this particular offering from Editor, Natasha Brooks a definite joy to read. Just when you think it’s all over you will find an added bonus at the end of the book: read up about the authors, take a fun trivia test about other fairy tales and read through an extract of Pussy Tales written by the editor of this anthology. Brilliant! 

ORDER ON AMAZON @ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008G0DYFO

Carrie White, Writer & Reviewer 

Book Reviewed: Pussy Tales (A Story of Passion)

Natasha Brooks takes the story of a mother and wife turned escort and gives it romantic yet realistic spin. Jasmine, the book's heroine, finds herself alone with her twin girls after husband Marcus abandons them. Mounting money problems add to her emotional distress. She takes up an offer from a helpful stranger named Lorenzo, and becomes an escort.

Jasmine's problems seem to be solved - for awhile. She has money to take care of her girls, and Lorenzo turns out to be a friend and lover, not just a money-collecting pimp. Jasmine even avoids any unpleasant situations with her clients, who range from a sexually inexperienced young man to a married politician. Brooks explores all of Jasmine's emotions, from luxuriating in the sexual power she has over her clients to her burgeoning feelings of love for Lorenzo.

However, this perfect scenario soon takes a turn for the worse. The ensuing twists near the end of the book may take even jaded erotic romance readers by surprise. Brook's pacing makes this possible. She doesn't drop obvious hints or overwrite. Her gift for clear, concise prose adds a wallop to the plot detour. In the end, Jasmine finds the strength to get her life back on her own terms. "Pussy Tales" is a lusty and empowering read for erotica connoisseurs who prefer a dose of everyday realism entwined with hot sex. Order on Amazon

Jade Blackmore, Author/Reviewer   http://www.jadeblackmore.com/

Book Reviewed: Fairy Tales Can Come True (The Very BEST Erotic Fairy Tales)

Fairy Tales Can Come True: The Very BEST Erotic Fairy Tales: A
Collection of Excellent Adult Bedtime Stories

Fairy Tales Can Come True: The Very BEST Erotic Fairy Tales, a new
publication edited by Bare Back Magazine's own Natasha Brooks is
a lovely anthology of erotic short stories with a twist.  All of the stories
share a common thread - they exist in or interact with the world of
myth and fantasy.  Some are set in a mirror of the real world and the
present day and incorporate elements of the mythical and the
supernatural.  Others are set in realms of pure fantasy or worlds
straight from classic fairy tales.

The Fairy Tales Can Come True anthology was inspired by the 2007
Erotic Fairy Tales Challenge featured on Bare Back Magazine online.
 These ten sexy stories present a wide range of styles, sexualities,
fetishes, and settings as unique as their authors.   

"The Legend of Gabriella's Rock" by Tara Alton mixes a sense of
myth and wonder with lush, throbbing sexuality, and a youthful
exuberance.  Earthy characters mix unapologetic lust with magic,
mythical creatures, and medieval family politics.

Ms. Erotica Writings' "Selena The Witch Of Seduction" follows an evil
witch as she brings suffering to mortals with her powers of
seduction and illusion from times past through the modern day.

I believe laughter in bed is incredibly sexy and that humor in erotica
brings that feeling to the reader.  Jazz Daladin's erotic fairy tale, "Size
Doesn't Matter" manages to mix laugh-out-loud humor with a
titillating sexual romp while poking a little fun at Internet dating.

Matthew Dyne's "Lily and the Vine Oaks" has an authentic mythical
feel, as if it came from long-lost pages of Grimm's fairy tales.  He
combines a sweet coming of age story with an enchanted forest
containing unexpected charms.  

"The Secret Picnic" by Ralph Greco is a delightfully twisted romp of
fairies, trolls, BDSM, and a renaissance faire.  Forbidden love
between two unlikely characters drives the plot towards a surprising
conclusion.

David Rasmussen freely mixes satire with sex of several flavors
(both real and imaginary) and manages to pull off a strange and
sexy kind of romance in "Arsenal & Grethel" which leaves the reader
both amused and aroused.

Jennifer Moody retells Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid
with a sexy twist in "Once Upon a Wet Dream."

"Betrothed Fairy's Tale" by Fred Towers tells the story of a Lavender
winged fairy named Shanny who is betrothed to a cursed prince
whose very life depends upon the youthful fairy's sexual self-restraint.

Robert Lubrican's "The Queen's Protector" takes the reader on a tale
of adultery and intrigue culminating in an ending that takes the
shaggy dog genre to a whole new level.

"The Glass Castle" by Lisa Whitefern captures the essence of the
modern fantasy genre.  The strong plot of this piece would not be out
of place in a collection of "regular" fantasy stories though its erotic
element does not disappoint.

You can find all of these erotic fantasies and more inside Fairy Tales
Can Come True: The Very BEST Erotic Fairy Tales.  Playful, mythical,
and memorable, this anthology contains a variety of adult bedtime
stories gingerbread sweet to downright kinky - it has something for
everyone.   


ORDER ON AMAZON @ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008G0DYFO
 

      Kylyssa Shay
Freelance Writer/Reviewer
http://kylyssarotica.blogspot.com

The Very Best of Bare Back Magazine

Here you’ll find something for everyone.  The first half of the book is a collection of shorts about various types of encounters.  The second half is focused on poetry- odes and homages to our urges, kinks and temptations.  Romantic and erotic at the same time, all you’re missing here is a rainy day and a cup of coffee.

Sometimes the language gets a little clinical and imprecise, which threw me off at times, but no matter.  This volume will work its magic on your primitive brain, sparking all those primal urges we know and love so well.  This one’s well worth your time.  5/5 stars. ORDER @ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A73CEEO

Reviewed by DarkWriter67, Blogger

https://darkwriter67.wordpress.com//?s=the+very+best+of+bare+back+magazine&search=Go

REVIEW: FAIRY TALES CAN COME TRUE

 

Needless to say, by the time I actually begin reading this collection of erotic short stories, I am not exactly in an upbeat mood. By the time I am done with this collection, however, I have to admit, there is a smile on my face. I don't find the stories here particularly erotic, but some of them are most entertaining. The stories by themselves are very short and therefore I am not going to review them individually. Let me just point out some of the stories I find especially amusing.

Jazz Daladin's Size Matters is a hoot as it tries to address the age-old problem of male fairies trying to make love to human women. Male fairies are horny toads who like to seduce human women, you see, especially when there is a myth that says giving a human woman orgasm will allow the male fairy to rule as the king of his kind. Alas, the dimensions don't really go together well, let's just say, often resulting with the inadvertent demise of the poor fairies. A particularly determined male fairy wants to become king, but he will learn too late that there are some less-than-pleasant parts to being king that the myth left out, heh.

Lily And The Vine Oaks by Matthew Dyne is memorable because it features sex between women and randy oak vines. Yes, you read that right. It's like a happy pornographic version of the raped-by-a-demon-tree scene in Evil Dead. The trees here are, of course, the good guys. Get your happy oak tree today, folks!

The stories range from being readable but at the same time too short to be memorable to being too amusing for words. Most of the authors aim for tongue-in-cheek humor in their stories and as a result, I find myself chuckling out loud while reading this collection.

ORDER ON AMAZON @ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008G0DYFO

Mrs. Giggles' Review  @ https://mrsgiggles.com/books//anthology_fairy.html

The Very Best of Bare Back Magazine

A great compilation of erotica. Many different styles to choose from but all were well written and interesting! Some were cute and funny. Some were just pure hot sex. Others were all romance. I’m not so big on the poetry side of erotica but there were a few of those that I enjoyed as well!!

As an independent reviewer for Romance that Rocks, I’m giving this one five hearts for such a variety of great authors in one place!

ORDER @ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A73CEEO

Geneva Handleman, Independent Reviewer at Romance That Rocks

https://pratr.wordpress.com/2016/01/27/the-very-best-of-bare-back-magazine-by-natasha-brooks-review/