Butterfly ~ Kathryn Harvey

Once upon a time, before Anastasia met her 'Fifty Shades', before Eva 'Bared' it to Gideon, there was a Butterfly…..

A seductive, sensual and mesmerizing Butterfly……

A book about making hopes and dreams a reality.

A story, that tells the tale of women in search of having their wildest fantasies fulfilled.

A tale about the thirst for power and the desire for ultimate revenge.
 
You will be entranced. You will be enthralled. You shall be warned.....

                                                         This is NOT a love story! 

 

I was so excited when my package finally arrived in the mail! I tore open the yellow envelope, made sure my toddler was amused with her toys and immediately sat down and started to read! (Thank God I had completed my chores for the day!)
Written under the pen name 'Kathryn Harvey' Butterfly is one of those novels where you have to clear your schedule well in advance to read. There is a lot going on within it's pages and it needs your full attention. (I will sign a note saying I have given you permission to ignore the housework if anyone complains... I've got your back!) I was torn the other night between watching 'Love In The Wild' and reading Butterfly. Not wanting to miss out on either, I compromised and read during commercial breaks. It took all my spare time, made me late for bed, forced my husband to complain about my sleep habits, but it was well worth it!

Trying to write a blog review on this novel is a difficult task. The reason? Because if I say too much I may spoil the mystery of the plot. I don't want to do that to the reader. So I will keep with the spirit of Butterfly and the characters by revealing only tidbits I feel can be shared.........

Let's start with the description from Amazon:

"An arousing, passionate story of three women's hidden desires and the place called Butterfly, where dreams are kept and where fantasies come to life.
Above an exclusive men's store on Rodeo Drive there is a private club called Butterfly, where women are free to act out their secret erotic fantasies. Only the most beautiful and powerful women in Beverly Hills are invited to join: Jessica, a lawyer who longs for the days when men were men, and women dressed to please them; Trudie, a builder who wants a man who will challenge her - all of her - with no holds barred; and Linda, a surgeon, who uses masks to unmask the desires she hides even from herself. But the most mysterious of them all is the woman who created Butterfly. She has changed her name, her accent, even her face to hide her true identity. And now she is about to reveal everything to realize the dream that has driven her since childhood - the secret obsession that will carry her beyond ecstasy, or destroy her and everyone around her."


 My take:

"Butterfly" flits back and forth between it's characters weaving a spell over the reader. It spans over several decades to tell the complex tale of the mysterious owner of Butterfly, and how the club came to be.
We follow several different characters, some of them over time, others in just their present day situations.
The subjects of sexism, racism, homosexuality, sex, ethics, politics and religion are themes that appear throughout the story. In my personal opinion, the author did a fantastic job capturing the attitudes and struggles society faced in the mid nineteen-hundred's. (I'm still waiting on Marty McFly to show up with the Delorian so I can go back and check things out for myself) The terminology and slang smoothly transitioned between the decades which set an authentic tone to the novel. 'Kathryn Harvey' captured the thoughts and challenges of the poorer classes in the fifties, especially those pertaining to women with no education and the harsh attitudes of men who believed women had a place and it was either the bed or the kitchen. We hear the thoughts of a poor ignorant white man, and how he feels about the African American help. We read about J.F.K assassinated in his prime and how it effected and changed not only people in the country but the course of characters lives in the book. We see the freedom and sexual liberation of woman in the sixties. (You get the picture) I could keep going all the way until the book takes you to the 'present day' of Butterfly which is the nineteen-eighties.
I especially enjoyed as the story progressed to describe the Hippie Movement in the late sixties. One line made me chuckle and I will share it as it is not in any way crucial to the plot: The following is in response to an inquiry of a secretaries whereabouts:

 "I don't know. She just came in this morning, announced that she was no longer Debbie Schwartz but Daffodil, and that she was going to go out and find her karma"

(Oh the things that amuse me)


I found myself nostalgic as I read about the days when things were still kept in filing cabinets. When we used typewriters and people had to actually 'wait' for their phone calls. (And YES, I am old enough to have used both a typewriter and a rotary phone, but if anyone asks I am twenty five!)



 I don't think I would even classify this novel as 'Mommy Porn'. There is a depth to this novel that puts it in a class of it's own.While Butterfly does have imaginative and erotically charged sexual encounters, there is a rock solid story line full of intensity and drama. We don't see 'as much' sex as we saw in the other novels I have reviewed and what we do see in Butterfly is written with class, not crass. (Newsflash for those who think this is a straight up tale about erotic sex. It's NOT!)  May I be so bold to say that if you didn't find Fifty Shades Of Grey to be your cup of tea, than Butterfly may be more suited to your tastes! (And if Fifty Shades was your style, it doesn't matter read this book anyway!)


Let's take a quick peek at the characters!

Dr. Linda Markus: A surgeon with two failed marriages, and some serious sexual issues. When she’s not trying to work herself to death, she is at Butterfly using it as her own personal ‘sex therapy' session. Will she ever be able to fix her problem? Or is she doomed to be alone forever.

 

Trudie Stein: Fun-loving, single and looking for love in all the wrong places. She’s the most sought after female builder in a business. A business that is dominated by men who see her as more of a pain in the ass than anything. She has a veracious sexual appetite and just needs to meet Mr. Right… Butterfly helps her get her jollies off in a safe and fun environment while she figures out what exactly she needs in a man.

Jessica Franklin: A young, successful and shrewd Entertainment Lawyer by day and a suppressed, emotionally abused, submissive wife by night (or whenever her douchebag husband is around) Her friend Trudie introduces to her the idea of Butterfly and wants her to join. Will it help her heal from her husband’s domineering ways? Will cheating solve her problems and give her the confidence she needs?

Rachel Dwyer: A lost, lonely and embarrassingly naive little girl who gets caught up in a world of prostitution. She's an avid reader for someone in her age and social class. She loves to get lost in a book and will do anything improve her life. For someone who didn't grow up with a lot of love, she has a lot to give.

Danny MacKay: A despicable low life, hell bent on being the most powerful man he can be. His ego and skill at cunning knows no bounds!

Beverly Highland: The best and only word to describe her is..... 'Enigma'

More Information

Kathryn Harvey is a pseudonym for best selling author Barbara Wood. This book was originally released in 1988 and has been re-released by Turner Publishing! Butterfly is the first in a trilogy, followed by 'Stars' and Private Entrance. I have added both to my reading list, along with every title Barbara Wood has ever written. She is an extremely talented author, and I look forward to discovering more of her work. (She has a LONG list of books I need to catch up on!)

In my personal opinion, Butterfly can be enjoyed by both women AND men. In fact, I challenge my male audience to read this as I would like to hear a man's take on it! (If you are a kick-ass guy and will read the book, send me an email and let me know your opinion so I can share with everyone!)

 I will reiterate again that the book is one hell of a story and there is more to it than a 'fantastical' bordello and what goes on inside it's walls.

The many characters, story lines and flashbacks, twists and events taking place, that it makes a truly captivating read.

I can assure you this is not the last you will hear from me about this trilogy or author (pen name or not!)..........

What if I were to tell you there is a GIVEAWAY copy up for grabs?

Would you want it??

I know your answer is a resounding YES!

Details to follow..... in the meantime........

Happy Reading!!


**Have an e-reader? Visit Amazon.com right now for an amazing deal on a Kindle Edition copy!! Get it while the deal lasts!You can't beat $1.95usd for a book like this!**

A Suspenseful MUST read ~ Unauthorized Access!

If I could describe my next recommended read in one word, it would be.......

                                                    PHENOMENAL!!!

Win this book! Enter the Giveaway below!

If you love a wonderfully told, suspenseful novel that will surely keep you on the edge of your seat, than you are going to thank me for introducing this book into your life!
 (I will accept flowers, wine, and visa gift cards ;))

Unauthorized Access by Andrew McAllister is a novel that needs to be catapulted into the "Bookish Big Leagues" (aka Best Sellers lists) Another debut author who has delivered and I will be reading this novel again!


Honestly, I am so excited about this novel I don't even know where to begin!

Here is the book description from Amazon:

 "Young computer programmer Rob Donovan receives an emergency call from his boss at the First Malden Bank in Boston after the first successful cyber attack in American banking history scrambles thousands of account records. First Malden’s survival is on the line as furious customers and voracious reporters descend on the bank. Rob is part of the team trying to fix the damage, until the FBI charges him with the crime and brings his world crashing down. Facing prison time and the loss of his fiancée Lesley, Rob’s only chance of reclaiming his life lies in cutting through a web of mistrust and betrayal to uncover the startling truth behind the attack."

When I read that excerpt, I was immediately hooked. It sounded like it had page turner potential. I was not disappointed!

Why was that? Well read on....

From page one I was impressed with Mr. McAllister's writing style. It was descriptive, witty and overall had a great flow. The character dialogue was natural, and you almost felt immersed IN the story, rather than just reading it. This book would make an amazing movie! (Listen up Hollywood!)
It's a book that while entertains, certainly makes you think! In this day in age with terrorism, cyber-theft, and relying on technology are YOU prepared should your bank suddenly be sent into a panic? This book may have you hollowing out a teddy bear for stashing emergency funds. (Sorry Ted!)


 The story is told with all key players points of view. Watching their stories unfold from the start always adds that extra thrill. It helped build the novel into an amazing climax with a fantastic ending!

The lead character Rob Donovan is one of the most 'down to earth' characters I have ever read as a lead in a suspense or thriller. He doesn't have the skills of a cop, FBI agent or that of which you typically see in the role of a hero. (I could probably handle a gun better than this guy)  The struggle he endures throughout the book is close to home as what any human being put in that position would go through. It's a very realistic portrayal, and it's enough to put knots in your stomach.
Can you imagine being accused of a crime and not one single person believes you, including those you love?
*shudder*
How do you think you or your loved ones would react in a situation where you are cleverly framed?

Lesley McGrath is not only Rob's fiancée, but her uncle is Rob's boss (The Bank CEO), and she is a news reporter for a local television station. (Oh what a tangled web we weave...) Her situation is tremendously complicated. How do you cope when you may not know your partner as well as you think? How do you maintain your professionalism and bias at your job, when two people you love are involved in the biggest story making headlines?

Tim Whitlock is Rob's best friend and coworker. Scheming, mislead and delusional are all appropriate descriptions for his character. Passive Aggressive to the core, he is by far one of the more complex and interesting characters in the story. His emotions and involvement in events are twisted. Not the kind of friend you want at all.You'll end up loving to hate him.

Stan Dysart is Lesley's uncle and President and CEO of the First Malden Bank. He's a shrewd businessman who loves his family, and his business and will do what it takes to ensure his bank and customers (even niece) are taken care of. He was one of my favorite characters...both lovable and sly. Following his particular storyline made the story that much better.

One word to describe the relationships and portrayal in the novel: Real.

 I can be picky about the conclusion of my novels, that is why I am extremely pleased with how this book ended. I won't spoil it for you at all. You have to read it and see why I am thrilled! The only teaser you get is after the amazing climactic scenes, the ending was brilliant! Perfect! The Epilogue was my favorite, right down to the final sentence. Unlike most books I have read, I couldn't exactly 'see' where this was going, and I like it that way.The author keeps the reader on his/her toes.

One word to describe the conclusion: Satisfying

It's not a book that you can easily put down (Yes... I am enthusiastic, deal with it)  I have several people in mind who I know will enjoy suspense and thrillers (**cough** DAD **cough**) and I am going to make sure they pick one up! I am completely championing Andrew McAllister and look forward to his next novel! Click here to find a copy in paperback or kindle edition!

NOW that I have convinced you that this book is for you.... It's time for some fun!!

                         GIVEAWAY WINNER:

CONGRATS TO MELISSA F FROM ONTARIO!!! :)

She has won an autographed copy of Unauthorized Access!!

Hot In Handcuffs

Not too long ago my 8 year old daughter came running to me all excited shrieking ‘Mommy, these are so cool! Can I keep them?’

You can imagine the look of shock and horror on my face when I saw the item she was holding. It was a gag gift I'd received about 11 years ago from a friend. (YES it was a gag gift!!) A pair of fuzzy purple handcuffs that had long been forgotten in a bedroom drawer. (Oh 'Shut Up' all of you who don't believe me! I don't even know where the keys are!)

‘No Naomi, you may not keep them.... and you really shouldn’t be in the drawers in my room, they are private’ I responded.

“But my friends and I could use them for playing!!” She whined. I shook my head NO and tried to control the irresistible urge to laugh. I told her to go put them back where she found them.
 (I felt like I was on a hidden camera show) 

I thought she was about to leave to do as I asked when a light bulb went off in her head.

‘Mommy, why do you have handcuffs anyway?’
 (Well, sometimes when two people love each other they play good cop, bad cop... )

Thinking fast on my feet I responded “Well, you know how we always say if anyone ever broke into the house, that mommy would kick their butts right? Well, I need the handcuffs to help until the police arrive”
(My story and I'm sticking to it!)

“Mommy, but why are they fuzzy and purple?”
 (Are you still here? Don't you have a dance to make up? Some Wii games to play? Coloring to do? Put the cuffs back and forget they exist child!!!)

I replied “Well, that’s because I am a girl, and I think they are much prettier than boring old silver handcuffs”
(True Story)

Satisfied with that answer, she passed them to me, and took off.
(She bought it! Phew!)

A few points I need to make before moving on:
A) Gag gift or not, hide your 'toys' where the kids wont snoop.
B)  I need to find the keys.... *wink*wink*nudge*nudge*
C) If Paul Walker or Ryan Reynolds break into my house anytime soon, I'm prepared!

A great gift for friends!

Stop laughing about my cuffs.... let's move on to a book with Handcuffs in the title!

If you are a "Mommy Porn" aficionado (or fancy to be one) you have probably heard of "Hot In Handcuffs". The book is a collection of three short stories by Shayla Black, Sylvia Day and Shiloh Walker.

I was in the mood for a lighter read to help me mellow out and relax. "Hot In Handcuffs" sounded like what the doctor ordered! (I swear the doctors scribble on the prescription said 'read porn'....either that or 'take penicillin'... potato..po-tat-o...whatever)

The rundown:

The first story "Arresting Desire" by Shayla Black involves characters named Jon Bocelli and Lucia DiStefano. He's a studly FBI agent, she's a young 25 year old virgin. Two years after they've last seen each other, he discovers she is still a virgin, but not for long if she can help it. Jon finds out Lucia is heading off to an erotic resort to 'give it up' to a random stranger, and he snaps. The two set out to solve the mystery regarding his brother and her father all the while giving into their lust once and for all! This novella is certainly a sexual fantasy if there ever was.
Short Story + Steamy Sex = Meeee-ow. 

 Sylvia Day is the author of the second novella "On Fire" (Yes, yes it is!) The title says it all. Ms. Day had a bit more 'meat' (for lack of a better term) to the story than the previous. She tells the tale of Fire Inspector Darcy Michaels, who ends up in a whirlwind relationship with the sexy Deputy U.S. Marshal sent to help solve the arson case plaguing her town. Jared Cameron is unlike the men she typical gets involved with. What should be a one night stand, becomes a blazing hot, passion-filled relationship. Talk about sparks! I love how the two decide to hook up. (You'll have to read the story to find out how it happened!)
The novella is a hot sex fest, with a decent story line. I enjoyed it from start to finish!

Last but not least "The Unwilling" by Shiloh Walker surprised me. It wasn't as sexual as the first two. (Which isn't too bad, as by the second story you probably need a cold shower, fresh batteries and need to let your lover rest!) The story is about two psychics and former lovers. A Lieutenant named Mica Greer and former FBI agent named Colby Mathis.The two are reunited 15 years later to hunt for a twisted serial killer. While getting inside the killers head, they realize that they are still in each others hearts. I liked the concept and enjoyed the story. I wish it had been longer. Sometimes I found the story to be confusing, I wish I had more background on the characters and understood their psychic abilities more. It took some getting used to.

All in all "Hot In Handcuffs" is a novel that will leave you saying 'Hawt Damn!' and may have you purchasing your own set of cuffs. If you are looking for a pool side 'smokin' hot' read, you can add this novel to your list!

While you check out the book, I'm off to find those keys! ;)

Happy Reading!

Monarch Beach by Anita Hughes

My grandparents on their wedding day!

I find it a tad amusing that I happen to write this blog on the Wedding Anniversary of both my parents (33 years) and my grandparents (married 57 years today!!) Love you all!! xxoo (Oh and yes, they were married the same day X amount of years apart..you do the math, I am tired)  When I sat down to write this book review, I was stuck.I didn't know how to approach the topic. I than saw the date and was inspired! 

My parents on their wedding day with my grandparents!

With the divorce rates as high as they are in this day and age, a long marriage is a commendable feat worthy of celebration! (Dad just updated his Facebook status to say he and Mom are dining together at Pickle Barrel) I find it sad when I hear stories of people growing apart or things not working out for the best.

 My husband and I have been together for 10 years this year, married 5 years this October. (He’s my longest boyfriend EVER!!) We are both lucky enough to have parents that are ‘in it for the long haul’ as examples to look up to. My hubby and I joke that there is no one else alive willing to put up with either one of us, so we have no choice but to make it work. :) (muuuuuhahahahaha)                

On our wedding day!

If I could give any sort of  relationship/marriage advice (I'm qualified, my credentials are several ex boyfriends, flings, broken hearts, and 10 years in a solid relationship) to someone starting new at it (or for someone who needs a swift kick in the ass) than these would be the points I'd make!
* Understand there are going to be problems that arise. It's a roller coaster! Deal with it.

*Romance is fine and dandy, but real love is more than attraction, hearts and mushy crap. It's about respecting your partner, accepting the for who they are (faults and all) and trusting one another.
*Marriage isn't always going be easy, challenges will inevitably come your way. At the end of the day if you are going through a rough patch, and can look at the person across from you and say 'I love you enough to try' (no matter how mad and upset you are) and they reciprocate.....THAT'S love.

One of my favorite songs about love is by a R&B group SWV. The song is called "Love Is So Amazing". They open the song following lyrics:

"What is love, love is an experience everyone should have. It's not always fun, but it's always special. A sweet struggle that seals the past and builds a future, a love that can weather the storm, is an amazing love"

All that said, Love is patient and kind, until you find your husband making it with his sous chef like the character in my next recommended novel!

Enough with the mushy talk... let's chat about Monarch Beach by Anita Hughes. A novel that is all about a woman and her summer journey after her marriage unravels. It's clear that these characters did not have the recipe for success. They had a recipe for a delicious fondue maybe, but not for a loving marriage.

Amanda grew up wealthy with parents who adored each other. Due to circumstances, her life takes some unexpected turns. One 'turn' is meeting and falling in love with a gorgeous Frenchman named Andre. A sexy chef who sweeps her off her feet. She puts her career plans aside, marries and becomes a stay at home mom.
Amanda goes to visit her husband at his restaurant, only to find him sexing up his sous chef Ursala. She takes off  embarks on a summer of soul searching, all while living in luxury at the St. Regis Laguna Beach with her son and her mother. She meets a man who understands her situation and the healing can begin....

The story is told in a way that made me feel part of the story and I was empathetic.
I felt her rage (so help me GOD if I was in her shoes)
I felt her pain (Shot of tequila barkeep....and keep 'em comin'!)
I felt her frustration (Listen Andre the A-Hole.... get it through your thick skull.....)
I felt her mothers love (Protect and do what's best for your child is always priority numero uno!!)
I felt her fear (Where would I go? What would I do?)

I needed a stiff drink with this book, but all in all it was brilliant!! I smell a good plot for a movie or tv show... (just sayin'!) My only complaint was it wasn't long enough. I can't find any info, but one hopes there is a sequel eventually.
Anita Hughes in an author you need to check out! I highly recommend Monarch Beach. Five out of Five Monarch Butterflies!

Her website

It was a story with twists, and it ends in a way I didn't see coming! Neither will you! ;)

Happy Reading!

On The Island by Tracey Garvis Graves

Catalina Island Dominican Republic

There is no type of vacation I love more, than the kind where I jet off to a tropical destination!
Never mind I hate actually getting ON the plane. The typical vacation anticipation, my lack of patience, mixed with my fear of flying doesn't make me a good traveling companion. (At least that's what my husband tells me)
When our flight actually touches down at our destination, it's all I can do not to kiss the tarmac and shout 'Thank the merciful heavens I've made it!!'
I don't (because that would be weird) but the thought really does cross my mind every time we land. 

All that aside, once I'm at the resort, I am cool, calm, collected and looking to get my vacation on!

Vacation On!!!

There is nothing more relaxing to me than laying in a lounger, on a white sandy beach, listening to the surf mixed with island music playing by the beach-side bar. The smell of coconut sunscreen in the air. Sipping on an icy Blue Hawaiian while my nose is shoved in a book. Not a care in the world! (other then the fear of turning the reddish hue of a lobster)  DIVINE!

<---Mmmmmmmmmm Blue Hawaiian! Who wants one?

Doesn't it all sound so good? Well quit mentally making vacation plans! That can wait! You need to read the rest of my blog, so you can pick a great book to take with you on that trip!

Let's Play Pretend for a moment!

 Imagine now, that you are on that tropical island. The beauty and serenity of a lush tropical island......BUT you are without basic and modern convenience's such as food, shelter, sunscreen (books, cellphones, people, you get the drift) Oh and did I mention how you arrived? Yeah, think of the worst possible scenario. That's right, the plane crashed. (eeeeeek!!) That is what the characters in my next recommended read had to deal with and I can't say I envy them!

Macao Beach Dominican Republic

I've set my "Mommy Porn" off to the side at the moment (shocker I know!!) as I feel compelled to tell you about "On The Island" by Tracey Garvis Graves. For a debut novel, I have to say 'Holy Crap! She Delivered!' TGG shot straight to the top of my 'authors to read again' list!
'On The Island' is as spectacular as it is moving, making it a total MUST read!! It was released last year and is a best selling novel to boot!! Just HOW I missed this gem, I do not know! (Mystery solved, it's only in ebook form, print to be released this July!!) The good news is I have found it, read it, and now I am sharing it with you! (and unlike some of my recent reads, THIS one I can and will recommend to my mother!)

Out of the way Tom Hanks and Wilson, I much prefer Anna and T.J's castaway story!

30 year old Anna is hired to tutor teenaged cancer survivor T.J during the summer. The amazing part, it’s in the Maldives! She can escape from her life to figure out what she wants, all the while being paid to teach in a vacation setting! BONUS!
T.J's family already at their destination, the two end up making the long trip together.

On the last leg of the journey, tragedy strikes, and Anna and T.J find themselves lone survivors of a plane crash, stranded on a desert isle together in the Indian Ocean. (juuuuusssssst sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip…)
It soon becomes apparent that no one will rescue them. Faced with dangers like sharks, dehydration, starvation (etc...etc....) they set about to create a life for themselves as best they can. All the while hoping someone will find them.
Ana's life at the time of the crash was stale. Her biological clock ticking, she'd been stuck in a dead-end relationship and is now trapped on an island with a handsome teenaged male companion (Awkward!) Anna struggles with the reality she will most likely grow old on the island and never have children.
T.J. grows and matures before her eyes. He's very sweet, strong and dependable. Since he's a cancer survivor there is always that worry that on the island he has no access to medical help should it return.  He's so young, he's barely had the chance to live and experience things. There is no denying T.J is attracted to Anna, and as the years pass, she finds herself looking at him different too. He's no longer that wide eyed boy that she was first hired to tutor. He's a man and he does his best to make her see that!
The story is cleverly told from both characters point of view. A special bond is formed as they learn to survive in more ways than one!
I have to say the way the author builds and writes the story tremendous. Not being able to put it down, I was constantly on the edge of my seat wanting to know how long will they be stranded? If they are rescued, what will life be like when they get home? Will they become lovers? Will they eat their pet chicken?

While I have this book loaded on my Kobo, I plan on going out and purchasing a copy to sit on my shelf. It belongs alongside the likes of 'The Time Travelers Wife' and 'Eat Pray Love'. That is how wonderful a read 'On The Island' is!! Next up for Tracey Garvis Graves is a book called Covet, due out this Fall! I can't wait to read it!

Your homework assignment is simple!

Step One: Grab a copy of 'On The Island" to read!   

Step: Two: Proceed to call your travel agent. Tell them I sent you! ;)





 **Pictures from my various trips to Punta Cana, D.R.**

A deal on a read, I haven't read yet? Wait, WHAT?

Yesterday marked the first day of summer (and the end of youth as my husband knows it, he turned 30!) and I have so much in the works for the coming months.

Naturally, I am up to my eyeballs in books, reviews, and scouting my next reads for my blog... all mixed in with the usual goings-on in this house! (The usual, laundry, dishes, teaching a toddler her colors and how to use the potty!) Not complaining though. Life is good and I am having a blast!

I wanted to share with you some news about Kathryn Harvey's "Butterfly" Trilogy! It's been re-released!

Those of you who (like me) can't get enough Fifty Shades, or who are desperately waiting for the next novel in the Crossfire series, you need to check this trilogy out!
I have read an excerpt, and am waiting like a giddy school girl for this book to arrive on my doorstep! It promises to be a very naughty read.

The concept:

Butterfly is a private club that only the most beautiful and powerful woman can join. When they do, they get to act out their secret sexual fantasies. The novel follows a few of the woman who are members, through their erotically charged journey. The one woman who is the biggest mystery of them all is the one who runs the club.....

Oooh-la-la!

The reason I am telling you about this book before I have read and reviewed it for you is simple. I have been given this knowledge to share with you, my trusty readers! Currently there is an EBOOK sizzling special on right now! Click on the following links for a full description and to download a copy to your Kindle or Nook for an AMAZING price! Remember, this is Ebook only and time sensitive! You won't believe the discount! Go, hurry, check it out!!

Who's in? I can't stress this enough! LOL Get your copy now for a great price, grab some wine and enjoy the read!!Let's discuss and compare notes when I'm finished Butterfly and my blog! I may just have a give away in the works for that particular blog as well..... keep checking back! ;)

Happy Reading!

Giving It Up by Amber Lin

One Word: WOW!

Three Words: What a story!

Now More Words:  (Go get a snack, we could be awhile!)

I keep reading and blogging about “Mommy Porn” books to the point I’m tempted to rename my blog "Hawt Damn!” ~ perhaps add some Barry White music to the page for effect. 

If there is one thing that is becoming more and more apparent to me (and everyone else paying attention) it’s that Erotica is in! Fifty Shades has left woman panting, drooling and begging for more. A lot of ladies are wondering where to turn for their next naughty novel. Well quit scratching your heads, tell your friends, turn HERE to my blog. I’m almost too eager ('lil ol' me?) to do this research for you and I promise there are more books and blogs to come! (Making my list, checkin' it twice gonna find out who's naughty, annnnnnnd naughtier!)

Next up on my ‘Hawt Damn’ list, right on the heels of my last "Mommy Porn" recommendation (see previous blog) comes a novel due to be released on June 19^th!

That novel is a debut novel by Amber Lin, an up and coming author I insist you check out! It's a darker, more heartbreaking tale.

Here's the gist:

 Allie is a broken young woman who’s had a rough life. She has a sexy secret (Without beating around the bush- she’s a once a month slut) who's latest one night stand is not like the others.Usually in it for the 'wham bam- thank ya ma'am', the connection she has with this new man throws her. Colin makes her feel things she doesn't want to feel. He is her White Knight (or is he...?) Sexy secrets aside, she struggles to support her young daughter with the help of her best friend Shelly. Being in a relationship, trusting a man isn't what she wants to do. She tries to shake it off and move on without him. When her rapist shows back up in her life, her world is turned upside down. She's backed into a corner, and needs to figure out her 'shit' out and fast! (pardon my language)
Maybe taking a leap of faith with Colin isn't such a bad idea after all....

The book is told from Allie’s perspective. Amber’s writing is fluid and it captures the many emotions (desperation, shame, guilt, anxiety) of Allie’s character amazingly well. Allie is gritty, determined and lost. Her love as a mother adds a softer side to the plot. All she wants is to keep her child safe and loved.While I didn't agree with everything she does, or how she goes about things, I was cheering her on.
 I find Colin from start to finish remains a bit of a mystery. He seems to have a good heart and good intentions, but sometimes his behavior leaves you questioning his motives. Is he honorable? Is he her savior? Or is he like all the rest, and up to no good? (You have to read to find out)
Shelly's character both amused and saddened me. A prostitute who turns tricks to make ends meet for both her and her friend. Her strength, loyalty and love for Allie and child knows no bounds. This isn't your flowery, happy-go-lucky fairytale, not at all.

The sex is raw. The story is heart wrenching. The characters captivating.
  

I encourage you to watch the book trailer, and visit Amber’s website for more information or get your copy here!

This will be a book I read again!!