Showing posts with label Delphine Dryden. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Delphine Dryden. Show all posts

Friday, July 18, 2014

Sexy Saturdays (Quickie-Style): Desired by Stacey Kennedy / Sex on the Beach by Delphine Dryden



  
Sexy Saturdays with Andrea and Autumn is a weekly feature created to spread the word about spicy reads. 
 
Participating blogs:
  
 
 
Series: Club Sin #3
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Loveswept (Random House)
Publication Date: 7/22/14
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 stars
 
 
 Readers of Fifty Shades of Grey are sure to love Desired, Stacey Kennedy’s latest seductive, electrifying novel of Club Sin, where fantasy becomes reality.

Kyler Morgan, Master at the legendary Club Sin in Las Vegas, knows how to give women what they want—too well. He hasn’t had a real challenge in a long time. Then Ella Snow enters his life. Beautiful, inhibited, and innocent in the ways of submission and domination, Ella is the new blood he’s been lusting after. Soon, the thrill of training her to embrace his world brings forth desires Kyler cannot control.

After ending an abusive relationship, Ella makes a promise to herself to start living life to the fullest. It’s one of the reasons she seeks out Club Sin. Here, Kyler’s every touch is a lesson in liberation, stirring passions that have no bounds. But as she falls under Kyler’s command, Ella discovers that some secrets are so dark they must come to light. Submission alone may not be enough to save her, leaving her Master with only one question: How can he help Ella heal while unlocking the deep pleasures she craves?

Desired is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences. 
 
My Review
 
Desired was so, so good, maybe even my favorite of the Club Sin series. I've liked Kyler Morgan since meeting him in Claimed and have been anxious to see him find the submissive of his dreams. It doesn't take long in Desired, because he and Ella Snow connect across a crowded wedding reception (one of the other couples gets married, yay!) Kyler, being the fantastic Dom he is, not only connects with Ella, but also recognizes the submissive in her. After a passionate night, he wants to begin a relationship. Ella is wary, and evasive, about her reasons to keep the relationship casual. Kyler begins the sweet, sensitive and romantic undertaking at getting Ella to open up to him, share her secrets. Ella wants more with Kyler, if she can leave the past behind. She's also open to joining Kyler in his lifestyle, as his submissive.
 
Kyler and Ella were great romantic leads. I truly liked them both as characters, enjoyed watching them begin this slow, sexy dance towards a life-changing love. Ella's past relationship plays into their present, and I admired both how the author dealt without this throughout the story. It gave good motivation for Ella's reluctance and helped eventually bring them together as a stronger couple. I also liked how Kyler approached Ella about joining Club Sin, and Ella's reaction and her curiosity and thoughtfulness moving forward. And damn, everything about the sexual relationship between these two-in and out of the club-was so, so sexy!
 
We also get a lot of Dmitri and Presley (Claimed) and a nice bit of Aidan and Cora (Bared). It's always appreciated when past couples are brought forward with the series.
 
I like to describe the Club Sin series as BDSM-lite, not because I don't take it seriously in that aspect, but because it is so easily-accessible to those who are wary of BDSM or erotic romance. Yes, the lifestyle does play a strong part in the plot, but they're essentially character-driven stories about people who are connected by the community. We don't have men who are out to convince or their lady into joining, though they do encourage her to explore. In the first two books, the heroines are there of their own volition, with or without the hero. The play is more focused on the pleasure or pleasure-pain aspects of BDSM, not the parts (blood play, humiliation, etc) that can seem scary to many of us. If you're looking to explore erotic romance with a BDSM slant, I would definitely encourage you to give the Club Sin series a try.
 
 
 
Favorite Quotes 
 
 
 Though Kyler liked the thought of bringing Ella to Club Sin, he didn't know how to broach the subject with her. So, I like to fuck in public, engage in kinky sex play, and demand submission--whatcha think?
 

 
  A gazillion questions hung on the tip of her tongue. She also wasn't about to ask any of them with two people around her she didn't know. Don't look two inexperienced, Ella. She finally looked from Kyler to Porter to Kenzie, who all watched her. What does one say in this incredibly awkward moment? So, you come here to fuck?
 
 
  "You're not alone anymore, Ella."
  Sobbing tears rushed along her face, tears she didn't try to control. So long she had felt alone. So long she had fought against the world that seemed to be fighting against her. Now it seemed like life had finally given her a second chance. And this man was the reason behind it. A man who gave her everything without ever asking for something in return. A man who had simply been there for her, every step of the way. "I'm no longer alone?"
  Warmness softened his eyes, making her glow from the inside out, as he slowly shook his head. "This life. This family. Club Sin. It's all yours." Brushing the tears off her cheeks, he added with a tender voice, "Do you understand that, Ella? My life, it belongs to you now."




The Club Sin Series



Claimed (Club Sin, #1)   Bared (Club Sin, #2)   Desired (Club Sin, #3)   Freed (Club Sin, #4)

 (covers lead to GoodReads pages)
 
 

 
 
 

Sex on the Beach (Tropical Trysts, #2)
Series: Tropical Tysts #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Cosmo Red Hot Reads From Harlequin
Publication Date: 7/221514
Format: eARC
Pages: 87
Source: Publisher
Rating: 3.5

 
GoodReads  |  Amazon  |  BN
 
 
 
Hawaiian Vacation To-Do List:

1. Bikini up! You're in Oahu, and it's time for fruit drinks with umbrellas in them!
2. Being obsessively organized doesn't work during a Hawaiian vacation. Relax. Seriously.
3. Scan the resort for hot dudes. Huh. That hot jogger who ran by looks a lot like your ex, Jeremy—only fitter, harder and sexier.
4. Moonlit walks mean bumping into Hot Jogger Guy. Who is your ex.
5. Don't panic. Instead, think with your libido! Also debate the merits of ex sex.
6. Ignore the consequences. Go for it.
7. Revel in the afterglow. Go for rounds two and three.
8. Ooh, kayaking!
9. Round four. Oops!
10. Definitely do not think about why you broke up in the first place. Or that you're having wicked-hot nookie with the man you were here to forget…


My Review


I wanted to pick up Sex on the Beach because I like the Red Hot Reads line and I like Dryden's novellas. I'm glad I went with my gut on this, because this one was another win for me in both categories.

As indicated in the book description, Sex on the Beach is a vacation story and a second chance romance. Jeremy and Amanda broke up ten months prior when he moved for his job and she refused to follow. Both have been moving forward with their lives, but miserable without the other. When Amanda heads to Hawaii with a couple of friends, Jeremy takes the opportunity to follow her and win her back.

And that's where Sex on the Beach gets fun. We have this couple who are most definitely still in love, but have issues to work through if they can make another go of it. I like that Dryden doesn't smooth the issues over with sex, but makes it a real part of the discussion and gives it a realistic "non-resolved" resolution. I had to giggle over Amanda and Jeremy's inability to shut down the attraction between them, and that neither deny it. This leaves us with a story that had the deep discussions interspersed with clothes-ripping passion. My favorite kind!

I can't give any real detractions to Sex on the Beach, except possibly feeling a little lost in the beginning. That's my fault though, since I didn't pick up Mai Tai For Two (about Amanda's vacation mates) first.

Sex on the Beach was a fast and sexy little read that left me satisfied and smiling. Perfect if you're looking for a quick and dirty, yet sweet beach romance.


Favorite Quotes
 
 
  "I didn't tell you I was coming because I knew you wouldn't agree to it. I've spent the last year accomplishing even more than I thought I could, but it's all kind of meaningless because all I do is think about how I want to share it with you. I still love you, I still want to be with you. We are both really smart, and I know we can figure this out if we try. Please just give me these few days to try. And that is what I came here to say."
 
 
  "I'm not sure what it will accomplish, having that talk again. Seems like it's going to end up in the same exact place it did all the other times."
  Jeremy pursed his lips, clearly contemplating the wisdom of his response before going for it. "In hot, angry doggy style on your living room floor?"
  "That was one time.: She felt the blush creeping over her face. Her first instinct had been to grab him and head for the floor to demonstrate, so it felt like she'd been caught in illicit lusting. "And maybe that one other time."

 

The Tropical Trysts Series

Mai Tai For Two (Tropical Trysts, #1)  Sex on the Beach (Tropical Trysts, #2)
(covers lead to GoodReads pages)
 
 

About Stacey Kennedy

Stacey KennedyUSA Today Bestselling Author, Stacey Kennedy is an urban fantasy lover at heart, but she also enjoys losing herself in dark and sensual worlds. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who gave her a happily-ever-after. Together, they have two small children who can always make her smile, and who will never be allowed to read Mommy’s books. If she’s not plugging away at a new story, you’ll find her camping, curling up with the latest flick, or obsessing over Supernatural, True Blood, Lost Girl, and Sons of Anarchy.
Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  GoodReads

 

About Delphine Dryden


Delphine DrydenAfter earning two graduate degrees, practicing law awhile, and then working for the public school system for over ten years, I finally got a clue. I tossed all that aside and started doing what I should have been doing all along, writing novels! In hindsight I could see the decision was a no-brainer.

I’m fortunate to have two wonderful, absurdly precocious children and two delightful if occasionally disobedient mutts. My family and I are all Texas natives, and reside in unapologetic suburban bliss near Houston.
 

 



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Wednesday, March 19, 2014

SERIES REVIEW: SCIENCE OF TEMPTATION by DELPHINE DRYDEN


The Theory of Attraction (Science of Temptation, #1)Series: The Science of Temptation #1
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication Date: 7//9/12
Format: Kindle
Pages: 136
Source: Publicist
Rating: 3.5 stars

Camilla can set her watch by her hunky rocket-scientist neighbor who jogs past her window each day. She relishes each glimpse of his shirtless abs, and is dying to see more. But it's hard to connect with a man who doesn't seem to know she exists...

Ivan feels at home in the lab, not in social situations. When he finally approaches his attractive neighbor, it's not for a date—he wants tutoring in how to behave at an important fundraiser. Ivan doesn't expect the chemistry between them to be quite so explosive, and is surprised when Cami actually accepts his proposal to embark on a series of "lessons."

Cami soon discovers Ivan's schedule isn't the only thing he likes to be strict about—he needs to be charge in the bedroom as well. She's shocked at how much she comes to enjoy her submissive side, but wonders if a real relationship is in the equation...


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13646578-the-theory-of-attraction?from_search=true



The Seduction Hypothesis  (Science of Temptation #2)
Series: The Science of Temptation #2
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication Date: 5/6/13
Format: Kindle
Pages: 96
Source: Purchase
Rating: 4 stars

(1 Curious Sub + 1 Dom in Denial) – Inhibitions = 4 Naughty Nights

Wildlife biologist Lindsey thought attending a fan convention with her new boyfriend Ben was a great idea—until their relationship fizzled. Lindsey still lusts after her ex—but if he wants her, he’s going to have to prove it.

Ben will do anything to win Lindsey back, and when he sees her in her skimpy black vinyl convention get-up, he realizes what she’s been craving all along. And he is inspired to finally give in to his own dark desire to take complete sexual control…

Lindsey is surprised by her reaction to Ben’s kinky new seduction techniques, and suddenly sees the brilliant but uptight code guru in a different light. After several erotic encounters in hotel rooms and stairwells, she’s falling for Ben all over again. And wondering if the intimate connection will last once they head home…

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17738571-the-seduction-hypothesis



The Principle of Desire (Science of Temptation, #3)Series: The Science of Temptation #3
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication Date: 12/9/13
Format: eARC
Pages:
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 stars
 
1 Sexy Switch + 1 Nerdy Newbie = A Master Class in Seduction

After several years as a submissive, psychology lecturer Beth is eager to experience being on the other end of the whip for a change. When she meets sweet but socially awkward Ed at a party, it’s obvious the aerospace engineer is interested—and obvious he’s way too vanilla.

When tracking down a friend lands him in a BDSM club, Ed’s eyes are opened to a whole other world—and a whole other side of Beth. Then Beth’s former Master shows up, and Ed agrees to play along as her sub in exchange for a real date. The biggest surprise of the evening? How much he enjoys letting her take control…

Beth’s ex makes it clear he wants her back, but she needs more from a relationship than he can offer—and not just the freedom to explore her switch side. At first Ed is just an enthusiastic student. But the more she gets to know him, in and out of the bedroom, the more Beth wonders if he’s everything she desires…

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17840880-the-principle-of-desire?from_search=true

I discovered The Science of Temptation series at RT2013, when I received a free download code for a The Theory of Attraction from a publicist. I really appreciate the cleverness in the title, and hoped to read it sooner rather than later. Well, that didn't happen, and before I knew it, book three was up on NetGalley. I was still interested, and decided to give the entire series a go in one shot. I'm glad I made that decision because I thoroughly enjoyed the series.

The Science of Temptation series has often been described as BDSM meets The Big Bang Theory. I think that is a great description, besides the fact I found these characters to be far more appealing. I would also say that the series is more "BDSM-lite". Yes, it does play an important role in the series, but for me, the stories focus more on people who happen to enjoy the lifestyle instead of the lifestyle running them. To put it a little more plainly, the characters enjoy aspects of the D/s life, but it doesn't define them. Outside of the bedroom, or club (the scenes of which were more interesting/entertaining than sexual), you'd hardly know.

In The Theory of Attraction we have Ivan seeking help from neighbor Cami in being less socially awkward. Cami sees Ivan as her gorgeous but serious neighbor. But she soon realizes that Ivan's serious nature translates into a controlling man in the bedroom (or club), a man who becomes the Professor. Cami saves Ivan in the real world; Camille submits to the Professor. I liked seeing this man who is easily frazzled in situations he cannot control, become a dominant man who takes back control in the most pleasing manner. Their relationship was endearing, and I loved seeing them continue to bond and develop a closer relationship throughout the series.

The Seduction Hypothesis was an interesting and very fun little story and my favorite of the series. In this, we have the gang traveling from Houston to Phoenix in an RV, bc what's better than bunch of (kinky) geeks than going to a Con, right? In this one, we have Ivan's friend Ben and his ex Lindsay -who we briefly meet in book one. Ben and Lindsay really liked each other, but broke up after she shared that she craved a D/s relationship. Ben's shame that he would enjoy that type of relationship scared him away. After learning more about Ivan and Cami's relationship, accepting his feelings on the subject, and seeing Lindsay bloom in D/s roleplay at the Con, Ben sets out to win her back. The setting of this one made it so much fun. I loved seeing Ben work to earn Lindsay's heart. This story was very sweet and endearing, but also had many funny moments.

Last in the series was The Principle of Desire. If you'd told me that Ivan and Ben's friend Ed would have a story I would've been a bit skeptical. He's grumpy and gruff and didn't seem like leading man material. His story begins with him becoming very intrigued by Ivan and Cami's friend Beth. A few mysterious words and a lost phone has Ed showing up at a warehouse searching for his friends. What he finds is that all his closest friends, save one, are into BDSM. Instead of being shocked or angry, Ed is intrigued. Beth is there, as is her ex-lover/Dom, who doesn't believe she wants to be a switch. Seeing Beth needs help, Ed offers to act as her sub to help save face, in exchange for a date. This leads them on an interesting path of sexual exploration. What I loved the most about the relationship: Beth and Ed deciding to not concretely definite their roles, but to take it day-by-day, and just have fun. I won't lie, Beth angered me with her decisions regarding her ex a few times, but luckily Ed is a great guy who could see her through the confusion.

I really enjoyed The Science of Temptation series. The characters, despite being geniuses, were accessible. Yes, some - Ivan and Lindsay -might be extremely gorgeous, but then you had Cami and Ben who were attractive, but not drool-inducing to everyone who crossed their paths. Ivan and Ben were every much dominant in the bedroom, but Ed switched it up and was very beta. They were confused and unsure at times, and they admitted it. If you're looking for stories that a sexy and very real, I encourage you to give this series a try.



Favorite Quotes:

  "You're already pretending to be my date. So focus on that part. Are you going to be a boyfriend? Or are you going to be some guy who's hoping to get...um, get me to go out a second time?"
  The Friday evening traffic occupied his attention for a few minutes before he finally answered. "Were you going to say 'laid' and then changed your mind?"
  Crap, so much for being subtle. "Yep."
  "That one. I'll be that one."    ~ The Theory of Attraction


 He called it taking but I felt as though he were giving me these things, these actions, like pieces of himself. Challenging me to receive these odd gifts, because they were all he had to give. His attention, his regard. His respect, which was the strangest thing of all, because I had expected to feel degraded at some point in all this and instead I felt valued beyond measure. Cherished. Strong.    ~The Theory of Attraction


  Ben liked his friends, but he hated geeks so much sometimes.   ~ The Seduction Hypothesis


  His first hypothesis, which he planned to start testing tonight, was that Lindsay got wet when he acted like a cross between Mister Spock and Professor Snape. If he could pull that off and sustain it, he'd be off to a strong start.   ~ The Seduction Hypothesis


  "When we stop," she whispered to Ed, "You should kneel while I'm talking to the others. Don't speak unless I give you permission. Got it?"
  "You have gotta be fucking kidding me, Yeah I think I get it, but I'm also starting to think I was nuts to do this. You are buying me a drink or some dessert afterward, yes?"    ~ The Principle of Desire


  "This is me, with my head straight, as a switch who has a date Tuesday night with this rocket scientist I molested in a parking lot earlier. Wednesday we're going to play Dungeons and Dragons or something with our mutual friends. I'm thinking my character could be an elf. I like elves, and I'm not ashamed to admit that."   ~ The Principle of Desire


  "Wait, we're going to have sex?" He kicked himself mentally even as the words escaped his lips. Yes. That kind of line is what brings all the chicks so consistently to my yard. Fuck me, no wonder I never get laid.
  "Ed?"
  "Yes?"
  "I have a ball gag in that duffel on the back seat. Don't make me regret not using it, m'kay?"  

  ~The Principle of Desire
 


Purchase Links
 
 
 
About the author
Delphine DrydenAfter earning two graduate degrees, practicing law awhile, and then working for the public school system for over ten years, I finally got a clue. I tossed all that aside and started doing what I should have been doing all along, writing novels! In hindsight I could see the decision was a no-brainer.

I’m fortunate to have two wonderful, absurdly precocious children and two delightful if occasionally disobedient mutts. My family and I are all Texas natives, and reside in unapologetic suburban bliss near Houston.
 
 
 
 
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Monday, March 17, 2014

TEASER TUESDAY: THE PRINCIPLE OF DESIRE by DELPHINE DRYDEN



Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:

·Grab your current read
·Open to a random page
·Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
·Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others.

Make sure to share the title and the author so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR piles.
The Principle of Desire (Science of Temptation, #3)Series: The Science of Temptation #3
Genre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication Date: 12/9/13
1 Sexy Switch + 1 Nerdy Newbie = A Master Class in Seduction

After several years as a submissive, psychology lecturer Beth is eager to experience being on the other end of the whip for a change. When she meets sweet but socially awkward Ed at a party, it’s obvious the aerospace engineer is interested—and obvious he’s way too vanilla.

When tracking down a friend lands him in a BDSM club, Ed’s eyes are opened to a whole other world—and a whole other side of Beth. Then Beth’s former Master shows up, and Ed agrees to play along as her sub in exchange for a real date. The biggest surprise of the evening? How much he enjoys letting her take control…

Beth’s ex makes it clear he wants her back, but she needs more from a relationship than he can offer—and not just the freedom to explore her switch side. At first Ed is just an enthusiastic student. But the more she gets to know him, in and out of the bedroom, the more Beth wonders if he’s everything she desires…

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17840880-the-principle-of-desire?from_search=true

My Teaser ~
  He took his hand away and grinned at her. At himself. The smile was made of puppies, rainbows and snuggles, and made his eyes crinkle up in a way she hadn't realized she found appealing until she saw it on him.



I really enjoyed this series. My review posts on Thursday.
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