Review: Twist Me by Anna Zaires

Title: Twist Me
Author: Anna Zaires
Genre: Contemporary (dark) erotic romance
Length: Novel
Reviewed by: CaroleDee

Rating- 4
Sexual-4

Kidnapped. Taken to a private island.

I never thought this could happen to me. I never imagined one chance meeting on the eve of my eighteenth birthday could change my life so completely.

Now I belong to him. To Julian. To a man who is as ruthless as he is beautiful – a man whose touch makes me burn. A man whose tenderness I find more devastating than his cruelty.

My captor is an enigma. I don’t know who he is or why he took me. There is a darkness inside him – a darkness that scares me even as it draws me in.

My name is Nora Leston, and this is my story.

WARNING: This is NOT a traditional romance. It contains disturbing subject matter, including themes of questionable consent and Stockholm Syndrome, as well as graphic sexual content. This is a work of fiction intended for a mature, 18+ audience only. The author neither endorses nor condones this type of behavior.

*I'm no stranger to the captive fantasy genre. Although, I've never reviewed one for the blog and it's turned out to be a lot harder than I thought. 
Let's get started, shall we? *

Nora is barley 18 and she's caught the eye of a dangerous older man. Does he ask her on a date to see if they mesh? Neh, he's going to kidnap her, take her to his private island, and make her is in every way possible. As time passes Nora becomes comfortable in her guilded cage. Is it Stockholm Syndrome or is it something else?

What can I say about Julian? Well, the words complex, sadist, and sociopath come to mind. He's frightening in the sense that you never know which Julian Nora is going to get. He can seem abusive at times and then a complete sweetheart. It's would be a very scary and complex situation for anyone.

Nora is a bit young for my tastes. As I get older I feel less comfortable reading books about young heroines in sexual situations. Believe me when I tell you I was *absolutely* no saint at the age, but reading about uncomfortable *understatement* sexual situations with a 18 year old makes me a tad distressed. Other than my personal feelings on her age Nora's character was great. Her personality and reactions are realistic to her age and circumstances. She rebels at first but slowly becomes accustomed to her captor and eventually comes to step into, and enjoy, her roll as Julian's pet.

Zaire's writing style is flawless. In the moments when I felt like squirming in my seat I was enthralled with the story. There was never a dull moment. Even when Julian was in one of his 'bad-Julian moods' the sex scenes were amazingly well written.

Like other captive fantasy books that have a hea I was left with a feeling of discomfort.(I've used that word a lot in this review, haven't I? LOL) Not about the characters but about myself. Should I be happy the heroine fell in love with her captor? Is she bound to be royally screwed in the head for the rest of her life because of what she's been through? Or should I just be happy that she's happy? I'm always left with those thoughts.

Overall Twist Me is perfect for beginners to the genre. Of course there are scenes of forced seduction, impact toys, and anal play, but they are light.  Nothing ever seems TOO rough. Think of Twist Me like a gateway drug into the captive fantasy genre; Light but with enough buzz to let you know if you want more!

Available Today at

Amazon - B&N - AllRomance - Smashwords

*Due to ridiculous censorship Twist Me is not available on iTunes at the moment* 

October Top Picks!!!

September was a very busy month for us all, but never fear!!! Here's our Top Picks for October!



Emi's Pick:

Forged in Dreams and Magick (Highland Legends #1) by: Kat   Bastion

Isobel MacInnes wakes up in present-day California, lunches in medieval Scotland, and by ten days’ end, falls in love with a man and his country, only to lose them in a heart-wrenching twist of fate . . .

Found in the arms of her second soul mate . . .

Forced to balance the delicate strands of time between two millennia . . .

Shocked by revelations rewriting the very foundations of history . . . of everything.

Isobel, a rising-star archaeology student, is dropped into two ancient worlds without warning . . . or her permission. Her fiery spirit resists the dependency thrust upon her. Amid frustration at her lack of control, she helplessly falls in love. Twice.

She struggles to adjust to the unimaginable demands of two leaders of men—a laird in the thirteenth-century Highlands and a Pict chieftain in a more ancient Scotland. Isobel transforms from an academic, hell-bent on obtaining archaeological recognition, to a woman striving to care for those she loves, and ultimately . . . into a fearless warrior risking everything to protect them.

CaroleDee's Pick:

Close Remembrance (Krinar Chronicles, #3)  by Anna Zaires

 

 

The stunning conclusion to the critically acclaimed series that has won thousands of fans!

When a ruthless enemy finally strikes, Mia and Korum will face the biggest test of their relationship yet. But it’s Korum’s own secrets that may ultimately tear them apart.

From the beaches of Costa Rica to a planet in a distant galaxy, theirs is a love story that may change the world 


Cerridwen's Pick

Heavy Metal ( Goddess Rising #2) by Natalie J. Damschroder

 

 

The world is not what Riley Kordek imagined. On the run from those who’ve targeted her, all Riley wants is a chance to figure out her new ability to bend metal's energy. When a hot guy who knows more than he should helps her escape her attackers, she thinks she might’ve found someone who can lead her to the answers she needs.

Three years ago, Sam Remington walked away from his employer and the woman he loved, and now, all he’s looking to do is fill the gaping hole left behind. Except, when Sam takes Riley to the Society for Goddess Education and Defense, the stakes rise beyond what either of them could have imagined.

After being alone for so long, falling for Sam would be far too easy—and far too painful, once his old flame calls needing his help. Worse, Riley uncovers a plot with disastrous ramifications not only for herself, but for Sam and the people he loves—and potentially every goddess in the country.

 

Review and Excerpt: Close Remembrance by Anna Zaires

Title: Close Remembrance (Krinar Chronicles, #3)
Author: Anna Zaires
Source: Author
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Length: Novel
Release: Sept 4, 2013
Reviewer: CaroleDee

The stunning conclusion to the critically acclaimed series that has won thousands of fans!

When a ruthless enemy finally strikes, Mia and Korum will face the biggest test of their relationship yet. But it’s Korum’s own secrets that may ultimately tear them apart.

From the beaches of Costa Rica to a planet in a distant galaxy, theirs is a love story that may change the world . . .*Warning: This book contains strong sexual content and explicit language and is not suitable for readers under 18.

Close Remembrance was a fantastic conclusion to all of the trials Mia and Korum have been through.

Through the two previous books we've seen Korum be slightly manipulative and, let's be honest, selfish. In book three, when faced with losing Mia forever, I saw a different side to the alpha that was much softer. Of, course, he's still a K, so he's got his swagger, but watching him work to win Mia's love for a second time was so much fun to read :)

Ah, and let's talk about our sweet, naive Mia....well...she is no more! The chick has finally embraced her sexuality! HOORAY! Watching her character develop has been so great. It just brings a realistic vibe to an, otherwise ('cmon it is Sci-Fi), unrealistic situation. There may be aliens, and a very different earth, but a early 20 something girl having problems brings it home.

I'm going to stay away from a book summary on this review, because I don't want to ruin any of the fun. Just know that our loving couple get their HEA, and the ride to get there is a wild one!

 

Excerpt

© Anna Zaires and Mozaika Publications, 2013

Tuesday was a day off in Lenkarda, and it was also Maria’s birthday. The vivacious girl had sent her a holographic message over the weekend, formally inviting her to the party on the beach at two in the afternoon. Mia had gladly accepted.

“So I don’t get to come?” Korum was lounging on the bed and watching her get ready for the party. His golden eyes gleamed with amusement, and she knew that he was teasing her.

“Sorry, sweetie,” she told him mockingly, twirling in front of the mirror. “No cheren allowed. Charl only.”

He grinned. “Such discrimination.”

She wore the necklace he’d given her and a light floaty dress with a swimsuit underneath – just in case the party involved any swimming in the ocean.

“Yes, well, you know how that goes,” she said, grinning back. “We’re too cool for all you Ks.”

She loved that she could banter with him now. Somehow, almost imperceptibly, their relationship had assumed a more equal footing. He still liked to be in control – and he could still be incredibly domineering on occasion – but she was beginning to feel like she could stand up to him. The knowledge that he loved her, that her thoughts and opinions mattered to him, was very liberating.

“All right,” she said, bending down to give him a chaste kiss on the cheek, “I have to run.”

Before she could pull away, however, his arm snaked around her waist, and she found herself flat on her back on the bed, pinned down by his large muscular body.

“Korum!” She wriggled, trying to get away. “I’m running late! You told me yourself it’s an insult to be late –”

“One kiss,” he cajoled, holding her effortlessly. She could see the familiar signs of arousal on his face and feel his cock hardening against her leg. Her body reacted in predictable fashion, her insides clenching in anticipation and her breathing picking up.

She shook her head. “No, we can’t . . .”

“Just one kiss,” he promised, lowering his head. His mouth was hot and skillful on hers, his tongue caressing the inside of her lips, and Mia could feel herself melting on the spot, a pleasurable fog engulfing her mind. Before she could completely forget herself, however, he stopped, lifting his head and carefully rolling off her.

“Go,” he said, and there was a wicked smile on his face. “I don’t want you to be late.”

Frustrated, Mia got up and threw a pillow at him. “You’re evil,” she told him. Now she was extremely turned on, and she wouldn’t get a chance to see him for the next few hours. The only thing that made her feel better was the fact that he would suffer equally.

“Just wanted you to hurry back, that’s all,” he said, grinning, and Mia threw another pillow at him before grabbing Maria’s gift and heading out the door.

For more excerpts and news on upcoming books connect with Anna:

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Buy links:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | Amazon France | Amazon Germany | Barnes and Noble | iBookstore | Smashwords | Kobo | All Romance

Cover Reveal: Twist Me by Anna Zaires

Title: Twist Me (Dark Erotica: Heed the Warning)
Author: Anna Zaires

This is a beautiful cover.  Very simple and artistic.  I love it!

Warning:
This book is dark erotica, not a traditional romance.  It contains a young and virginal heroine, disturbing scenes of dubious consent, captivity, power play, and graphic sexual content, including anal sex and mild BDSM.  This is a work of fiction intended for a mature, 18+ audience only.  The author neither endorses nor condones this type of behavior.

Book Blurb:
When eighteen-year-old Nora Leston Catches Julian's eye, her life changes in an instant.  Kidnapped and taken to a remote island in the Pacific Ocean, she must satisfy the whims of her sadistic scaptor - a darkly enigmatic man who is as cruel as he is beautiful...

Excerpt:
It's evening now.  With every minute that passes, I'm starting to get more and more anxious at the thought of seeing my captor again.

The novel that I've been reading can no longer hold my interest.  I put it down and walk in circles around the room.

I am dressed in the clothes Beth had given me earlier.  It's not what I would've chosen to wear, but it's better than a bathrobe.  A sexy pair of white lacy panties and a matching bra for underwear.  A pretty blue sundress that buttons in the front.  Everything fits me suspiciously well.  Has he been stalking me for a while?  Learning everything about me, including my clothing size?

The thought makes me sick.

I am trying not to think about what's to come, but it's impossible.  I don't know why I'm so sure he'll come to me tonight.  It's possible he has an entire harem of women stashed away on this island, and he visits each one only once a week, like sultans used to do.

Yet somehow I know he'll be here soon.  Last night had simply whetted his appetite.  I know he's not done with me, not by a long shot.

Finally, the door opens.

He walks in like he owns the place.  Which, of course, h does.

I am again struck by his masculine beauty.  He could've been a model or a movie star, with a face like his.  If there was any fairness in the world, he would've been short or had some other imperfection to offset that face.

But he doesn't.  He body is tall and muscular, perfectly proportioned.  I remember what it feels like to have him inside me, and I feel an unwelcome jolt of arousal.

He's again wearing jeans and a T-shirt.  A grey one this time.  He seems to favor simple clothing, and he's smart to do so.  His looks don't need any enhancement.

He smiles at me.  It's his fallen angel smile - dark and seductive at the same time.  "Hello, Nora."

I don't know what to say to him, so I blurt out the first thing that pops into my head.  "How long are you going to keep me here?"

He cocks his head slightly to the side.  "Here in the room?  Or on the island?"

"Both."

"Beth will show you around tomorrow, take you swimming, if you'd like," he says, approaching me.  "You won't be locked in, unless you do something foolish."

"Such as?"  I ask, my heart pounding in my chest as he stops next to me and lifts his hand to stroke my hair.

"Trying to harm Beth or yourself."  His voice is soft, his gaze hypnotic as he looks down on me.  The way he's touching my hair is oddly relaxing.

I blink, trying to break his spell.  "And what about on the island?  How long will you keep me here?"

His hand caresses my face now, curves around my cheek.  I catch myself leaning into his touch, like a cat getting petted, and I immediately stiffen.

His lips curve into a knowing smile.  The bastard knows the effect he has on me.  "A long time, I hope," he says.

For some reason, I'm not surprised.  He wouldn't have bothered bringing me all the way here if he just wanted to fuck me a few times.  I'm terrified, but I'm not surprised.

I gather my courage and ask the next logical question.  "Why did you kidnap me?"

The smile leaves his face.  He doesn't answer, just looks at me with an inscrutable blue gaze.

I begin to shake.  "Are you going to kill me?"

"No, Nora, I won't kill you."

His denial reassures me, although he could obviously be lying.  I feel a tiny bit calmer, but there is one more thing I have to know.  "Are you going to hurt me?"

For a moment, he doesn't answer again.  Something dark briefly flashes in his eyes.  "Probably," he says quietly.

And then he leans down and kisses me, his warm lips soft and gentle on mine.

For a second, I stand there frozen, unresponsive.  I believe him.  I know he's telling the truth when he says he'll hurt me.  There's something in him that scares me - that has scared me from the very beginning.

He's nothing like the boys I've gone on dates with.  He's capable of anything.

And I'm completely at his mercy.

I think about trying to fight him again.  That would be the normal thing to do in my situation.  The brave thing to do.

And yet I don't do it.

I can feel the darkness inside him.  There's something wrong with him.  His outer beauty hides something monstrous underneath.

I don't want to unleash that darkness.  I don't know what will happen if I do.

So I stand still in his embrace and let him kiss me.  And when he picks me up again and takes me to the bed, I don't try to resist in any way.

Instead, I close my eyes and give in to the sensations.

If you would like to learn more about Anna Zaires or follow what she's up to, check her out online at:

Website: HERE

Cover Reveal: Close Rememberance by Anna Zaires

Title: Close Rememberance (Krinar Chronicles #3)
Author: Anna Zaires
Release Date: September 13, 2013

The stunning conclusion to the critically acclaimed series that has wonn thousands of fans!

When a ruthless enemy finally strikes, Mia and Korum will face the biggest test of their relationship yet.  But it's Korum's own secrets that may ultimately tear them apart.

From the beaces of Cost Rica to a planet in a distant galaxy, theirs is a love story that may change the world...

Warning: This book contains strong sexual content and explicit language and is not suitable for readers under 18,

This cover is so pretty, I kind of want to hang it on my wall!!!  I love it.  If you want to learn more about Anna Zaires or follow what she's up to, then check her out online at:

Website: HERE

Review: Close Obsession by Anna Zaires

Title: Close Obsession (The Krinar Chronicles: Volume 2)
Author: Anna Zaires
Source: Provided by author
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Length: Novel
Reviewer: CaroleDee

 
In Lenkarda – the main Krinar colony on Earth – Mia is completely at Korum's mercy. With no way to leave and no idea how to operate even the most basic Krinar technology, she has no choice but to trust the K who brought her there – the lover whom she had betrayed.

Will he keep his promise to bring her home, or is she destined to be his prisoner forever? Can a human become a part of Krinar society? Does Korum love her, or does he only wish to possess her?

Review Close Liaisons by Anna Zaires

Title: Close Liaisons (The Krinar Chronicles, #1)
Author : Anna Zaires
Source: Request
Genre: Sci/Fi Erotic Romance
Length: Novel

In the near future, the Krinar make the rules. An ancient, highly advanced race from another galaxy, they are beautiful, powerful, and immortal – and driven by dark desires.

A student at NYU, Mia Stalis has her whole life planned out..
until one close encounter changes everything. 

Drawn against her will to the dangerous alien determined to possess her, Mia finds herself thrust into a world of explosive passion and deadly intrigue. And if she is to escape his addictive embrace, she will have to make an impossible choice . . . while the fate of Earth hangs in the balance