Happy New Year Everyone!

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Christmas Gift To Readers And Friends

Merry Christmas everyone!

Here are a couple of my greet cards for friends

and 

And in the giving spirit of the season, don't forget to get free copies of the latest book I've worked with a friend to get released! 

Here are links for Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQXGM3T/

Many thanks to New Free Kindle Books for publicsing http://newfreekindlebooks.com/upcoming-free-ebooks/

And AskDavid.com as well! https://twitter.com/book_tribe/status/812774605945470976

Get your FREE copy now! Please leave a review if possible! Merry Christmas!

Festive Drama and Highlights

A huge hello to readers and friends! It's been a crazy week dealing with health and book production issues. Even sought legal advice at some point about fair use and also potential legal consequences of unauthorised sequels.

Some bright points remain:

Cover Design - First time I've actually worked with a designer who isn't already a friend. Shelled out money for the design and it's been a pretty good experience so far. A friend who's helping me manage this book launch has praised his helpfulness on a cock-up of ours 😋

Any of my writer friends looking for design help might want to have a look at this site:

GoOnWrite

Also, look out for a new book to be launched shortly that combines my work with a friend's as a short story collection on love and betrayal. Best of all, it's FREE! Gratis! It's our way of thanking friends and readers for their support all this time. Details to follow shortly! Watch this space!

Also since there's a bit of a writing break coming up, the free ebook is for your reading pleasure so you won't miss us during the break!

Happy holidays everyone!

Social Media Break

Sending apologies to readers and friends: I'm on a break from social media because an unexpected book production crisis has cropped up. Still hoping to resolve matters and have the book debut around Christmas!

Don't forget to check this blog and my Twitter and Facebook for the specials meant for readers and friends!

In the meantime, read my free stories and vote!

https://www.literotica.com/stories/memberpage.php?uid=2484683&page=submissions

A Quick Word

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Of Turkeys And Responses

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Early holiday greets to American friends and acquaintances!

An anonymous commentator recently pointed out that my line on "identifying yourself if you want your comment take seriously" as being prejudicial. Never really thought of it that way. So let me explain:
A) If you stand by your comment/opinion, put your name on it. It's simple really. No need to hide who you are if you truly believe in what you say.
B) Presumably the comments are a part of a feedback and conversation system. It's pretty hard to reply or respond to a whole bunch of anonymous with very little identifying. At the very least, it's not encouraging a conversation. Don't close off a conversation especially if you think you have a point.
C) Sure, even comments from named commentators could be be faked accounts or identities. In that case, it throws doubt on the character of the commentator. Again, if you have valid opinions and feedback, then put your name to it and be prepared to engage with whoever you'd addressed the comment to. It's not a "one-upmanship game" and shouldn't be a "getting the last word in" competition either. Commentators are entitled to their opinions, those addressed in comments should similarly be entitled to defend their work and themselves.

For the holiday season, I'm posting a flash story Just Another Talk Show for all who're stuck in the traffic jams and queues in the annual migration LOL. Also good when you've heard for the umpteenth time your (insert relative's or family member's name)'s retelling of that embarrassing story of how you mooned the entire high school cohort at graduation (and or some other embarrassing story) - you need something refreshing to read after all that! Here's an exclusive preview:

"Holiday greetings to all fans and listeners tuned in to the final session of Straight Talk with Michael Pellegrino on WKRZ, your favorite radio station in this neck of the woods. As is the practice of this show this time of year, we move away from politics and serious issues to more frivolous topics and politically incorrect talk. Talk that can't be censored because the producer and just about anyone who can axe or call a halt to this program is stuck in traffic and queues at airports, highways and trains along with the rest of the human population trying to get home for the holidays. I'll bet most of you wonder every year while you make the trip 'Why the hell do I do this? For the dry cardboard shite called turkey?
For the relatives—all batshit crazy, cranky and ready to fight?'"
For the full story, stay tuned!

Now Blogging

The day before I return to work after a short break is never a good day LOL Worse if I realise over 80% of what I wanted to do is still undone.

Still, I've got 2 stories mostly done, both shorts. One that's mostly thought out and more than 10 in some stage of development which I had no time to even think about. Still, it's not a complete loss I guess. I'm missing feedback from friends but it's been that kind of week so...

The story I'm releasing isn't the original one intended, but I guess with all the turkey-induced coma coming up in less than 2 weeks, attention spans will be shorter than ever so haha! Have fun everyone, I'll post when I'm less moody 

While you wait, have a snack! Sneak Peek now live at http://eroftasy.blogspot.com/2016/11/new-lw-story-sneak-peek.html 
Enjoy!

Hopefully it's as tasty as the cake I had!

Singing The Blues

I'm sure everyone's heard all the platitudes about how no one is anything without their past, how the past shapes the future. Let me just summarise how I feel about the past; I hate the past at least 95% of the time. Rather than trying to escape the past, I'm more inclined to want to wipe out or forget it. 

Yes, there are times when I laugh and think fondly about the past but they are few and far between. Of course, there are almost 37 years that I'd rather forget now, not too sure about the first 3 years of course.

There's one big difference in my dislike of the past now versus, well, in the past. Previously, I wondered why I bothered living to suffer. Now, I wonder why I let others/the powers that be victimise me - it really is up to me to live my life instead of living with misery. So, I say so long to one of my favourite songs as a kid:

And hello to a ridiculously optimistic song that'll be my theme from now on:

Ok, so I'm still partial to cheesy jokes; bite me!

Happy Halloween!

A Happy Halloween to readers! Equally happy Diwali to all Hindu friends!

Readers may wish to get into the mood of the season by having a read of my controversial sequel to StangStar06's Airbag Thanksgiving, very imaginatively named Airbag Thanksgiving: Absolution  which is available on both Literotica (https://www.literotica.com/s/airbag-thanksgiving-absolution) as well as my blog Fantasmes Érotiques (http://eroftasy.blogspot.com/2015/11/airbag-thanksgiving-absolution_29.html) it's long and split into several posts, so please approach with caution! Please do not read without having first read StangStar06's original work!

And in the spirit of Treat and Treat (yes, I don't intend to trick readers!) here's your chance to win shifter romances via shifter romance author Kim Fox, please click on the following link http://gvwy.io/h5i89cn  and enter for a chance to win 15 shifter romances from 15 noted shifter authors!

Have fun!

Response to comments on Pieces of a Marriage

Thank you to readers and friends who left constructive criticism and suggestions. As said, I'm open to comments that help me become a better writer. I'm, however, not receptive to abuse. If trolls are using the comments section to vent, then I feel bad for them. Seriously, there's a big world out there, plenty of other hobbies available. The 1* bombers - well, you're spending your time (and indirectly) your money on an agenda that gets you nowhere and exposes your IP address. And basically, I don't respond to anonymous posts/comments. If you have something to say that's worth someone responding, I'm assuming you'll put your name on it or send it via email with your email address.

In any case, my message to readers leaving feedback, please don't do the following:

1) Attack other readers and writers in comments. It's not healthy or respectful. I respect the fact that every reader is entitled to their own opinion, so please respect the opinions of others.

2) Don't leave comments that reflect the fact that you haven't read the piece that you're commenting on. I know my other pieces of writing are long. But if you're saying a piece that's about 1 page is long-winded, I think you need to ask yourself why you're reading it. You need a genre that is suited to your reading requirements.

There was a certain trend in the comments that was interesting: sbrooks103x was probably not the first to comment on it but that comment drew responses. Equal blame - to put it simply - was at the crux of the "problem" some readers have with the piece.


I get the eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth impulse that drives revenge - believe me that no fan of Dumas could possibly not have an appreciation of that. That said, my question(s) is (are( as follow(s):
A) Measurement of blame apportionment

What would be an appropriate apportionment of blame? 60/40? 80/20? 90.5/9.5? It reminds me of situations where things are screwed up and no one is doing anything to redeem the situation. Why? Everyone's too busy apportioning blame. Granted if there's a lawsuit and there's the issue of recompense, blame apportionment could make a difference.

B) Following from an accurate apportionment of blame, would we be mired next in an apportionment of revenge too? In other words, we'll have revenge sought and served that is proportionate to the blame/offence. Really? How do you measure? A pound of flesh for x amount of offence? Being a little too specific doesn't do too much for the outcome. You're liable to end up as Shylock, who for all his smarts is ultimately exploited and put at the mercy of his enemies.

If readers want a reminder of the consequences of an exacting revenge BTB, you might want to read BTB Forum which most critics unanimously agreed was way OTT. I'm not mad at readers, ok, maybe those who condemn before they even read what they are critising.

Frankly, I'm grateful there are readers who like the stories. Equally grateful for readers who take the time to tell me what could be improved. So watch for more posts, I'm hoping to get some out before the end of the year. Have fun and keep the feedback coming!

I'm off to stuff my face - yes, again LOL

Checking in on Blog Readers

It's been a crazy couple of weeks filled with work and stress. Some delay has cropped up on the writing side of things because of health issues etc but I'm on course to post a new story soon.

Here's a taster:    

"Laughter floated around the little house as he kicked the door open and swung her over the threshold. It was so traditional and yet so new in someone who'd breathe new life in her world. They had known each other for so long yet her eyes had been focused for so long on that no good charmer who had made her heart beat so fast but left her in the dumps when she refused to surrender her body to him. One day, the other guy was charming as could be and the next, he was openly kissing her best friend. Her friend looked embarrassed, he did not. And through the tears, she'd glimpsed the face of real love who would pick up the pieces of her heart and make her whole. It was young love and didn't take long before she was lost in that steady gaze that reflected only her image. Her wounds were licked each time she felt the gaze of the other guy upon her as she kissed the owner of that steady gaze."

Look for the new story on Literotica soon! 

I'm off for some comfort food - here's hoping the kimchi soup does some good!

Some of My Favourite Things

Starting to list some of the sweet stuff I'll miss after leaving my Asian base for Europe :)

Asian versions of my favourite pies/flans!

This is a personal favourite - it's like eating really firm filo pastry - think crispy buttery mille-feuille with sugar dusting! Or as the bakery refers to it: Japanese pastry LOL!

Stress eating anyone?

Motivation and Revenge

Many of my friends know I'm pretty much obsessed with the question 'why?' Yes, I was one of the annoying kids who asked repeatedly "why?" This became something of an advantage when it came to studies but not too great elsewhere. Of course, when my life got upended at various times in my life, I often asked aloud "why me". Not quite sure I'd have appreciated any answer if it did come. Seriously, would it have mattered why? I felt targeted, some game played by the gods if you will, so no, no reason would have made me feel better.

After I started to write LW stories, the question of motivation has become key especially with my other obsession theme: Revenge. I recognise it's part of the God complex going on here. After all, how do you mete out appropriate vengeance and a dollop of justice without understanding motivation and by extension, the possibility of remorse and repentance. That in part explains why my stories, particularly the follow ups/sequels are so long and laborious. And the reason why I'm taking a breather and writing my own stories. They're not off the table, just need some space and fresh air so they don't get formulaic. For a while it was getting too much. I'd watch a show like "The Whispers" and wonder how and why the adulterous pair act the way they do. The hypocrisy of the adulterous couple killed the story for me, aided in no small way by some illogical developments in the story.

Recently, I had the chance to watch another of my favourite movies, Minority Report. Now, the movie and the story itself had different themes in focus and I enjoyed both for different reasons. For the movie version, it was the opening case that troubled me to an extent. The arrest of Howard Marks for the future crime of murder despite his protests of not intending harm towards his wife was troubling, presuming the dominance of determinism. Yet this is contradicted by Cruise's Anderton's ability to choose which is explained by the fact that he has had the privilege of viewing a potential future outcome through the precognitives' visions. Agatha and later Anderton's reminder that potential criminals have a choice contradicts what some have said about choice being absent in Marks' case. If viewers review the segments of the precog vision of Marks' crime, they would notice that in terms of timing, the traitorous wife's uttering of "don't cry, Howard" happens at a different point in the precog vision than it does in the scene of his arrest. Could Howard Marks have decided differently? I believe so.

In any case, I've felt the need to move away at least temporarily and slightly from these themes even if they are darkly delicious. That was part of the reason why I loved those dreary philosophy 101 classes back in senior high school. In any case, readers, if you haven't abandoned me utterly, may look forward to a LW short release in the coming weeks while I work at my version of Othello. Ok, it's as short as it can get with my writing style LOL

Sneak Peek at Dystopian Short Story

A word of caution to readers: This is a departure from the usual genre that appears on this blog and represents an inspired short centred on a dystopian world, a look at what it means to be human or otherwise. 

After Human


Little Ariane sat by herself, watching the raindrops as they pelted and then slid down the glass panes of the dirty window. The nursery, if you could call it one, stood empty, bereft of its usual occupants. The little monsters who screamed, yelled and threw tantrums before smiling up through teary eyes at those hoping to purchase peace with a little bribe of candy. It was empty. Desolate and cold. Exactly what she felt inside.

“Well, at least you’re not dead.”

The echo of the careless words thrown at her by her aunt, one of the adult survivors, still made her cringe after all she’d seen. Her unwilling guardian was one of the few people the government felt they had a right to foist her upon, legally at least. After. After Dad had died and Mom was “quarantined”, never to be seen again. Everything was different now. There wasn’t history. No World War events to be commemorated, no Independence to be celebrated. All there was was before the outbreak and after. Anyone who knew what after meant was a survivor.


Those who had fallen, those who had lost themselves in the frenzy of cannibalistic gore and were “transformed” by their fellow sufferers, were “quarantined”. Except when the numbers got too big and survival was threatened, they were “euthanised”. Herded into “facilities” and put down like dogs. Except dogs didn’t get reduced to dust, at least not before the outbreak. After meant you survived, your humanity intact. Or at least that was the way it seemed. Or what the government and media wanted you to believe. Ariane had wondered if that was true at the beginning. After three years of isolation, tests and interrogation by the very people who were supposed to help, she knew better. After all, weren’t they all behaving the way those soldiers did at the station? When the final train with survivors onboard pulled away from the station, pulled out from the capital where chaos had broken out, she’d seen fellow passengers retreat in fear while desperate escapees banged on the glass windows and doors of the receding train as the transformed leapt on them one by one, biting them. Before the train had fully pulled away, there were no humans left on the train platform, only the transformed.

                   I do not own the rights to this picture and have reposted it from Pinterest. 

While I was away

Hope readers haven't completely given up on me. I've been largely MIA because of health issues and a bout of anger/depression. The short of it: I allowed some relative stranger's behaviour get to me. Allowed would be the right word because if you don't allow jerks to get to you, they can't get to you. Anyway, this particular person basically asked what I wrote and I answered honestly "erotica", there was a follow up request for an example. In response, I sent a link for a free ebook and then received the response that really set me off: He said he wasn't going to read such crap.

Why ask for an example if you're not going to read it? And why slam something as crap when you haven't even read it?

I think what angered me was the fact that I specifically advise writers I work with at my day job that the best thing to do is ignore such people. I stopped the conversation cold right there. The upshot? The other party is apparently a writer himself.

Message to fellow writers and readers out there:

It's your prerogative to read what you like and avoid what you don't. You're also entitled to your opinion after you've actually read something. What you're not entitled to is the right to dismiss a certain genre as crap, particularly when you haven't even read a sample.

I chose to write erotica. Not because I couldn't write anything else. It's precisely because I've done almost every type (articles, opinion pieces etc) and genre of writing out there that I tried this frontier. If readers genuinely dislike the genre, I respect their opinion and their choice of another genre or source. What I ask is simple: Just as I respect others' opinions, I hope they show similar respect my choices and what I write.

Moving away from that, I'm in the middle of three separate storylines, one being an updated Othello, another a sci-fi short and a third a LW original. When I say three story lines, I'm not dismissing the others which are constant WIP. Still, if anything happens to me, I'm hoping some friends of mine will take care of the rest of my stories. I thank them in advance here!

Having said that, I'm not planning to check out of earthly life anytime soon. Check this space soon!

Just Because

Hoping not all readers have logged off from this blog permanently.

Apart from day job swamping me with work, there's been the return of pain and health issues so I've done little to no writing and plenty of random reading. Started a new blog dedicated to reviews just so this blog doesn't get all confused LOL

Check out this first review:
http://erorevue.blogspot.com/2016/09/review-of-illicit-passion-and-dangerous.html

And my first shifter romance review will be posted soon, so watch for it!

Trying to find spare cash to pay for a proper cover for the ebook version of Destroying Fantasies while pondering the rewrite of the conclusion.  It's expensive to say the least and it'll be my first paid cover. Everything else has been self-designed — I know, I know but it's a choice between that or starving for a month. And I need to eat so...

Stay with me people! Gonna get those stories up as soon as possible. Of course if I do win the lottery, they'll be up pronto LOL Well, I can dream right?

Status Update: Alive

For reasons best not expanded upon too much, my back up plan was triggered this morning and some friends contacted me thinking I'd successfully "offed" myself. Thing is I haven't actually tried in ages.

Sorry for causing some panic and loads of consternation :P


Now for some good news, a new blog will be created for reviews alone just because some quarters are wondering if reviews might dilute focus. The tentative title is EroRevue.

Review of Go Hard

As promised, I'll be continuing reviews. Here's a long delayed review of a sports romance which the author kindly sent me an ARC of.

Title: Go Hard

Author: B.B. Hamel

Plot in a snap: Owen Rack is starting out as the rookie running back for a respected team, the Philadelphia Eagles, which is looking to revive their flagging performance. And the female protagonist Taylor Jones  is a new physiotherapist trainee/ physical therapist and trainer working for the same team. Through a series of fortuitous events, primarily her boss' pregnancy, she is promoted and becomes a dedicated therapist for Owen. Taylor struggles with the ethics of dating a team member, realising that her job is on the line if they were exposed. Owen, on the other hand, struggles with his problematic knee and a past that has come back to haunt him in the form of a member of the Mafia, Tony. Read to find out how the couple overcome their fears and problems before that HEA!

What triggered the huhs? : The rapid switch from player out for a good time to serious boyfriend material. And the mafia part seemed a little questionable too, looking undecided and a little weird. Granted the criminal mind is unpredictable and unfamiliar to the reviewer but really?? The resolution of that threat, given the fact that they seem to control several players on the team seemed a tad unrealistic.

What worked: The hot sex; B.B. Hamel doesn't disappoint!

What was learnt: Never to go in some communal hot tub - seriously, did Taylor never wonder how much DNA  from the rest of the team was there - ok, this was just the reviewer projecting the eww factor 😵

Amazon rating: 4*

Blog rating: 3*

Here's the Amazon link for the book  https://www.amazon.com/Go-Hard-Bad-Sports-Romance-ebook/dp/B01JDQ4J62

Go get a copy!

I'm gonna go enjoy the Google Fruit games - it's a lot more entertaining than the Rio games despite the latter's drama.

New LW reads

No, you didn't read that wrong, at least not as far as the title goes. I'm still on that hiatus from LW and writing - hey mortal me needs some recovery time. The last time I inadvertently broke the rule and read some LW, I immediately felt the itch to write. With all the pain and meds I'm on, the likelihood of a torturous and tortuous piece is highly likely so in the interest of readers and based on the feedback, it's probably a good thing that I'm on this hiatus. 

That said, a friend DFWBeast has just posted his latest work and it's a sequel ( I wish I could have written ) to a story from another writer Harddaysknight whom I admire. Have fun reading!

And don't forget to read my stories too!

Meanwhile, I'll watch cheese mature..

Destroying Fantasies - The Response

First, a 'big thank you' to readers who actually read the entire story and triple the thanks to those who survived the series! Makes me hopeful that attention spans aren't going the way of the dinosaurs LOL

The trolls waiting for an acerbic response: Sorry to disappoint but I really don't have the time or energy. Then again, if you've got time to spare, you could always go on waiting or you could take the time and write a story for the rest of us. I mean that in the nicest way, really.

As for critics and supporters who've given constructive criticism and suggestions, thank you. I'm not above accepting criticism, it comes with the territory. I've dished out worse to professional authors in my day job, politely of course, - so I guess there's karma huh? I've written to template and for target audiences in various career positions and I'm not inclined to do that in my undercover writing. I'm inspired by the complex of emotions that the LW category provokes. That's why I write in this category in the first place. One commentator came really close to understanding my intentions in this story, much to my surprise (the trolls and brickbats are the usual and the script they spout is so repetitive it's pretty much a cut and paste). And that surprise was supplied by GrandPaM. There were a few others, including those kind enough to send me private messages through the Literotica Feedback mechanism, and rest assured I've read your comments.

This is something I wrote before posting the story and it helps explain why I've written this story.

http://judithloewe.blogspot.com/2016/08/why-i-wrote-destroying-fantasies.html

As explained in an earlier post, I'm currently taking a break from writing because of health issues and also because of work. I'll be back (no, not channelling Arnie, seriously) in October hopefully with three stories : the conclusion to The Original Sin (non-LW), my Shakespeare tribute piece that will also be my foray into sci-fi  LW (haha, think that'll send the trolls crazy??) and a piece that will be an original LW. The other LW stories, many of them sequels, are on hold currently. Destroying Fantasies taught me the dangers of going into overdrive on something that provokes such intense emotions in me. Guess that's why the series is so "long-winded" and "over the top" LOL

Before ending this post, I'll like to thank beta readers who've been real patient all this while. In particular, DFWBeast who's been way more patient and supportive than expected. And to thank readers, there'll be a contest set up - watch for the release and giveaway!

Have a good summer everyone!

The Destroying Fantasies Giveaway

Destroying Fantasies will be released as an ebook before the end of 2016. Parts that had to be cut from the postings on Literotica will be added to this version and a new epilogue will be written. Yes, just imagine, it was even longer in its original form! I'll run a giveaway for Literotica readers based on responses to the following in part 3:

1) Spot the grammar mistake that made it past 2 sets of software. I kept the mistake in the story posted to see if readers would spot it.  Hint: It's near the end and in a sentence that has Lisa in it.

2) Spot the time wrinkle. Hint: It has to do with Jackson's past. And not the timeline in relation to the children.

3) There are three bad jokes strewn throughout part 3. The most obvious is one to do with an organization that encourages infidelity. Name that organization.


Only responses filed through the private message function on Literotica Feedback mechanism with valid email addresses will be considered. Do NOT put your response in the public comments section. There will be five winners who will get a free copy of the ebook and one among the five who will also get an Amazon gift card worth US$25.

If there are sufficient numbers, there'll be a lucky draw! Contest open till 31 August 2016, results to be announced on this blog on 3 September.

This is my 'thank you' to the Literotica community! Enjoy!

Why I wrote Destroying Fantasies

Why did I write Destroying Fantasies?

When I first read the original story of Ashley in The Man Next Door, I was appalled. Despite being a feminist, I found that I could not stomach the careless and callous manner in which Ashley indulged in her adulterous affair. She showed almost no remorse and apart from bellyaching about how she was scarred by the whole affair and fallout, she merely reveled in her 'scars'. Her husband, Will, was merely a tool and background for her great fantasies to play out against.

I was appalled not just by the shallowness of the female protagonist but also by the comments that supported her. A strong and empowered female doesn't need to empower herself through the betrayal of another. Nor does she require male reassurance of her attractive qualities through approval (and presumably through an adulterous lover) from male counterparts.  As a feminist, I shuddered to think fellow feminists viewed Ashley's betrayal as empowerment.

Then again. these aren't perfect characters, more so in Ashley's case. She was attracted by the guy in the original and even with what she learns in Destroying Fantasies, I doubt she'll fully see the truth till faced with callous reality. So that session with Jackass was the final part of the disillusionment, the betrayer is betrayed, the act of betrayal is reversed and becomes an assault on the unfaithful wife physically and psychologically.

Betrayal, regardless of the gender of the perpetrator, is never sexy. I set out to write Destroying Fantasies because I needed to give Will a voice. Yes, he isn't a knight in shining armour nor is he an all out hero. He's as broken as they come and shaped by the choices he makes. Hopefully readers will appreciate the flawed male protagonist in my sequel.

On Break

Thought to drop a note before taking a hiatus - next couple of months are work crazy and health issues are getting bad so little ole me is calling a time out for 2 months!

Posting a new story or rather the conclusion for one before taking a break - to placate the screamers LOL

Here's a taster:

http://eroftasy.blogspot.com/2016/08/destroying-fantasies-3-part-1.html

And for my patient readers, my favourite dessert at the moment:

Caramel Popcorn and Ice Cream! Hope y'all feel the sweet!

Review of Savage by Isabella Starling and Marci Fawn

Title: Savage - A Bad Boy Fighter Romance

Authors: Isabella Starling and Marci Fawn

Disclosure: I received an ARC in return for an honest review

Plot in a snap: Heroine Adrienne is held prisoner by former family acquaintance and late father's business partner, Wilson Cobb who had a sick obsession with both her and her mother, Valerie. Fighter, Memphis, aka Angel of Pain, works for Wilson as part of an underground fight club. Memphis is nearing the end of his contract with Cobb and looks forward to the day he regains his freedom. Adrienne is "given" as reward to fighters who win and since Memphis seems to be the chief winner, he gets her. Along the way, Adrienne finds a friend and helper in the maid assigned to her, Hannah while Memphis works grudgingly with a minder/trainer Sage. Cobb decides to hold a grand wedding with Valerie as his bride while Memphis gives up his freedom for Adrienne. Though Cobb decides to be his vile self and effectively ensure his hold over Adrienne continues, the violent twist at the wedding sends all plans careening and soon Memphis and Adrienne are on the run...

What made me go huh:

The subplot about Memphis' parents is hinted at but not fully resolved and could be an irritating oversight depending on how strict the reader is. And how those books of Adrienne's father are smuggled to her by her own mother when they are all locked up and the maids/guards are all terrified of Cobb is beyond imagination (ok, so I tried to imagine it but failed - might be that I'm too sober after all)

What worked: 

The occasional flashes of humour, the heat between Adrienne and Memphis, even the violence to some extent but the twist at the wedding might seem too OTT for some, beware, the violence might pose triggers

 Please note this image does not belong to me, it is for illustrative purpose

Amazon rating: 4*

Blog rating: 3.5*

As a read in the bad boy fighter genre, it's relaxing and easy. Adrienne might irritate a little with her princessy weepy attitude but Memphis is quite stable, even if he seems to switch personalities once he's out of the ring. Note: if violence is a trigger, you might wish to exercise caution and discretion.

Here's the Amazon link for the book.      

Links and important issues

It's been a heck of a couple of weeks and things are slowly getting back on track.

Here's the link for a sneak peek, pperative word peek!

http://eroftasy.blogspot.com/2016/07/sneak-preview-of-destroying-fantasies.html

And here's something I hope everyone can read, it's not something in my usual domain but it's something important.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gvh-live-/black-lives-and-all-lives_b_8720364.html

Please note: This picture comes from the article in the link and belongs to Getty Images.

Review of Bull by BB Hamel

Disclosure: I received an ARC in return for an honest review.

Title: Bull

Author: BB Hamel

Story in a snap: Charley, a rookie journalist with a sports network, wrangles a chance to interview the bad boy of football, Bull. Along the way, after getting to know the real Bull in all senses of the word, she changes her mind. But she is exposed and Bull pushes her away. After battling the mafia bunch who threatens both of them, Charley and Bull pulls a coup using the article she was intent on writing. Read to find out the twist.

What puzzled/didn't work: Why the secret baby tag? Secret babies are by definition secret? Charley told Bull about the baby fairly quickly after she found out. The pace was also rather slow at the start. Fortunately, it picked up after that.

What worked:  The dildo twist worked well haha! Not the first time this was used, but it was pretty funny LOL

What made me go duh: Why are most heroines reduced to incoherent capitulation by a bad boy with a huge dick? Seriously!

Still, it's a pretty decent and entertaining read. And no worries if you're not a sports fan, even for someone who knew so little about American football that she didn't know tight end was not just a compliment, it was fairly easy to follow.

Blog rating: 2.8*
Amazon rating: 4*

Read and decide for yourself! Here's the Amazon link!

Happy Independence Day!

                                 Happy Independence Day to my American friends!



Watch for my latest ebook review, coming up soon! Thanks for the arc, BB Hamel!

Review of Royal Rock by BB Hamel

Disclosure: I was given an ARC by the author in return for an honest review.

Title: Royal Rock

Author: B.B. Hamel

What piqued my curiosity: The opening chapter or prologue was fairly effective as a hook. In fact, I liked the opening plus a potential Queen who had enough gumption to slap the King. Of course, it was fun watching the potential fireworks.

And here's the but: The story meandered a little after the initial getting-to-know you runabout. There didn't seem to be clear direction of where this story was heading. And it seemed to stall a little. I realise the change in scenery was needed but the shift in location did make me wonder just how a tiny European country manages to get all that landscape and weather. The key word being tiny.This is a potential spoiler so look away but wasn't the kidnapping after the dress was off? And after the rescue, the medical attention scene was with the lady in jeans after she was cut on the thigh - hate to say this but the psychopath put her in jeans after kidnapping her or after cutting her? So the inconsistency, the meandering and the grammar mistakes did annoy somewhat but many (including myself) have been guilty of several such mistakes, so I won't mark things down because of this. 

What worked: The tired old premise was given a bit of a makeover though I wasn't sure they were ever going to make it through the meandering into HEA. The snappy conversation and pace of the first half was what rescued the novel.

Conclusion: It's not the best BB Hamel I've read, I prefer her other contemporary works. In terms of the bad boy royal genre, there have been worse reads and better reads, this is strictly down the middle. Could do with more sarcasm that I know Bryce and Trip (and BB Hamel) are both capable of! 

Review rating: 2.5*

Amazon rating 4*

Want to read? Here's the Amazon link!

Responses to comments on Destroying Fantasies Part 2

So far, I've refrained from actually responding to comments and feedback sent through emails and through the comments section on the story. That is, apart from readers who specifically requested responses via email. I've found from experience that responding to positive or negative comments merely encourage the trolls. I do thank all who took the time to give a considered feedback. As for the haters/doubters - Whatever your intentions, I prefer to give you the benefit of the doubt.


There was, however, one strand of comment that left me wondering just how did that impression come about. Let me be clear about one thing: I do not find infidelity, adultery and cheating sexy or romantic. So there is no chance that I could ever romanticise a situation that contains these elements. Is there anger? Yes. Is that anger romanticised? No. I do not support or endorse violence in any way. I've been on the receiving end of violence so romanticising violence is about as palatable as soggy fries floating in tea.



Revenge fascinates me. The stripping down of Man's layers of civility to basic, raw  emotions is potentially mesmerising - it's what drew me to theatre and the cinema for years! Is the exploration of all these emotions and ideas done in an OTT way in my work? Let me be honest, hell, yes. Though I might never reach the same level as the works and artists I admire, I do not shy away from the darker side of things.



Everyone is entitled to their opinion, fair enough if you don't like my work. I have varied tastes, HEA is fine but I appreciate a touch of the melodramatic (read OTT) that Euripides’s Medea and Zola's Thérèse Raquin provide. And you can only imagine what my reaction to Seneca’s Phaedra is LOL If your reading palette extends beyond pastel cotton candy and cayenne pepper chocolate, try reading my work. it's not easy reading but who knows you may like it!  Here's the link.



Everyone else, venture no further, such reading is not for the faint of heart or short attention spans! 

Destroying Fantasies Pt 2

Just in case anyone is still waiting for Part 2 of Destroying Fantasies, It's out. Readers beware: it's wordy!

 And the knives are out, so friends looking to support me, read and vote! BTW, I know some readers who commented didn't read the complete story which shows in the comments made LOL

Princely Erotica Review 3

Title: Royal Baby

Author: Avery Wilde

What made me go huh??: The first meeting and the interlude before the heroine, Keira, becomes a maid in the palace. Keira doesn't recognise slutty royal Prince Andrew. Really? She didn't google her employer?

Storyline in a snap: Art student Keira gets hired as a maid in the royal household. Before she leaves for the UK, (yes, most of these plucky Cinderellas are American because presumably no sane girl of other nationalities would want to be in a royal family LOL) she meets the dirty slutty Prince Andrew (that the story is about the British royal family and the real life Prince Andrew has been implicated in several unsavoury situations and unsuitable company does make one suspicious about the choice of name) who's incognito as Drew Ellis in NY. She's rescued from being a one night stand notch on the belt encounter for said Prince and isn't too happy with him. So after all the banter and knot untwisting that always happens, Keira and Andrew end up having that romp (make that romps) in the hay (one episode is literally a romp in the hayloft, enjoy the witty observation on the porn qualities of hay romps, it's at least a little different!). Now throw in the expected royal pregnancy (see title) plus some typical obstacles, and readers get an enjoyable quick read with HEA.

What puzzled or didn't quite work: Keira's twisting herself into knots. Getting all twisted up in knots for heroines is ok once, twice in quick succession begs the question 'why?'

What I liked: The quirky humour and I don't just mean Andrew's awful sense of humour haha (the royal sceptre joke was probably the most inventive one in his repertoire) but also the episode of she said vs She (crazy Swedish Princess) said incident where the Queen tries to shield royal dumbness from public ridicule by ordering that their pointless argument about witnesses and evidence never be raised again.

Rating: 2.5* 

                                                                    

It was entertaining, just wish it had a bit more pizzazz.

So after reading three royal erotica stories, what's the takeaway? Modern royals are (at least in fiction though the 'ahem' younger members of some European royal houses are proving fiction can be inspired by life) proud heirs of legendary crown jewels and shagging tendencies (anyone remember Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Henry in The Tudors?). But what makes a story a cut above the rest is the humour and Waltz proved the winner (see earlier post for review of Waltz's book) with the OTT humour.

Princely Erotica Review 2

Title: His Princess

Author: Abigail Graham

What made me go huh??: The setting was a little confusing. Alternately modern, neo-medieval, perhaps even a touch of sci-fi.

Storyline in a snap: Penny, an American girl reeling from the death of her fiancé, ends up in a country (Kosztyla) that doesn't have the best of reputations. The Prince, Kristoff, is a tortured soul who rescues her from a bunch of human traffickers abetted by an American CIA operative just before Penny is raped. There's lack of clarity regarding the condition of her companions till the conclusion. Throw in a crazy ex-fiancée for the Prince and there's a bloody struggle in the end which leads to the HEA. Frankly, the bloodshed was the more "innovative" part of the story but didn't really work with the rest of the story.

What didn't work: The bloody conflict which was kind of confusing. The timelines - the conclusion was tacked on almost like an afterthought and there was no warning that the story was jumping from post marital sex to years later.

What I liked: Hot scenes though a little overwrought. Look there's a reason why it's erotica and not fairytale though several of the Grimm brothers' texts aren't exactly politically correct.

Rating: 2*

                                                          

I liked the reference to the Persephone myth but didn't seem like it was pursued further, which was a shame. Maybe the myth cycle didn't quite work out because the Ceres equivalent wasn't really there.

What puzzled in both books: Why are the heroines always haunted by their ex-fiancés? Is it a plot device to assure the reader that modern day Cinderellas aren't just slutty gold diggers? Or is it the angst? Either way, it was just odd that both these stories had that in common. And why are the Princes all Prince Charming (model 7S??) built impossibly large - erm, ok, the crown jewels are big, I get it but a guy with tree trunk-sized limbs?? LOL

I don't like to be too hard on writers simply because I know most do spend a fair amount of time and put at least some effort in their work. So I would say Waltz's book was fun, while Graham could do with a bit more attention to the plot.

Disclosure: I bought both books on Kindle so I'm not sure how this could be construed as anything but a frank review. I've tried to be as unbiased as possible but really it's simple I only want to be entertained!

Princely Erotica Review 1

Never thought I'd read, much less review, erotica that centres on princes but had a friend recommend these reads after a really awful couple of weeks at work and life generally.

Ok, let me start by saying I was surprised by how I enjoyed both reads and I took up the last recommended read from another friend without too much resistance LOL

So to get straight to the heart of the matter:-

Title: Dirty Prince

Author: Vanessa Waltz

What made me go huh??: Anglefell. Not sure if it's a pun on the Anglo-Saxon nation and the fall (from grace) that the nation seems to have gone through. It clearly is good old Britain with all its quirks that seems to be the mold for Anglefell.

Storyline in a snap: Sassy American girl Daisy decides to sneak into Anglefell, a country that is in a state of cold war with the United States. When she's caught, she's accused of being a spy. So manwhore Prince Liam discovers a heart (ie an organ that beats with blood, other than the crown jewels of course haha!), he decides to propose a mutually beneficial alliance in the form of marriage. That starts a series of obstacle courses which the increasingly happy couple must negotiate.

What puzzled or dismayed me : Please see next post, there's something this story shares with the next read which was puzzling.

What I liked: The humour. Waltz has clearly decided to take a step away from the usual crime spiel and the first hint came in the chapter titles which are tabloid headlines. Nice touch. There's a Facebook page associated with the story and I'll pop by soon seeing how intrigued I'm by the idea.

Rating: 3.5*

                                                                    

A prince who speaks with a South London accent? LOL Bring it on!

Waffles & Waffling

In the great waffle vs pancake debate (lol), I've always taken the side of waffles simply because I love the crisp and any excuse to slurp maple syrup. So I've embarked on the thankless search for the best chicken and waffles in the country I'm currently based in, before I hightail it back to the Continent or maybe NY, depending on how (un)welcoming things get after the vote. Anyway, in the continuing search, I've had some meh, some seriously??, some huh?? experiences.

The worst of all was probably the place where I ended up getting takeout because the service staff got the orders wrong. I could have gotten better waffles if I had bought frozen and warmed it up - bleh. The wings were a lot better simply because of the sauce slathered all over them. Still the waffles were softer than pancakes, which was a no-no

The only thing that cheered me up was the wickedly funny Vanessa Waltz whose Dirty Prince was recommended by a friend. Hmm, a European prince who speaks like a southern England native (admittedly, he hails from a country Anglefell that hates to be mistaken for England - haha) and inspires tabloid headlines that would make Prince Harry blush which is an accomplishment all on its own. It's quite different from Waltz's other work though frankly I've only read two others. Still it made me laugh. And thinking back on the nobility and a prince I've had the (mis)fortune of encountering, if only they were so entertaining instead of being all poison ivy like, then again it takes all kinds to make the world right? Watch for the review next week.

Am gonna go brood over some writing that's driving me up the wall. Plus worry about a friend who's gone all quiet. Right now am hoping he's just busy or miffed because it's a lot better than something having happened to him. And my best friend's birthday is coming up too. Will the pace ever let up?

The Non Apology

I know the apologies and excuses aren't going to rock it so I'm not going to apologise. All I'll do is release excerpts from chapter 2 of DF on my other blog. I'm still hoping to release chapter 2 soon but I'm resisting the temptation to fo it just because I'm so tired of refining the story.

Exhaustion is getting to me and while the ideas are still popping up, I'm too tired and not feeling motivated. And I really don't want to lose the whole motivation for writing that got me started in the first place - enjoyment and inspiration.

Hope everyone's doing well. Here's some food porn as replacement for the severely delayed written erotica LOL