Rating:  Summary: Better-than-average novella compilation Review: Because Amazon.com cross-references reviews for books by authors with the same name, other reviews for this book that are displayed here imply that this is a time-travel book by Kimberly Raye called "Midnight Fantasies." Rather, this one (the one with atmospherically-lit embracing unclothed figures on the cover) is a compilation featuring novellas by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Stephanie Bond, and Kimberly Raye.Writing a novella is an art form all its own, and one I think is more difficult and demanding than writing a novel. In a novel, an author has time to develop characters and plot -- to make the characters and the developing relationship between them believable. In a novella, the author somehow has to establish decent characters and a believable romantic conclusion in a much shorter time. This is a superior collection of novellas, because all three authors manage to meet the demands of the novella. The characters and relationships are believable and well-developed, and (as the title implies) all three are incredibly erotic, with well-done love scenes. MYSTERY LOVER - Vicki Lewis Thompson - "When an unexpected storm hits, rancher Jonas Garfield takes cover in a nearby cave . . . and finds himself seduced senseless by an enigmatic temptress who refuses to tell him her name. All he knows is that this sexy woman wants him. And for Jonas, that's enough - for now . . ." The writing was smooth, the characters believable, and the love scenes were not only hot and well-done, but also unbelievably imaginative and adventurous. AFTER HOURS - Stephanie Bond - "Michael Pierce has always considered costume shop owner Rebecca Valentine no more than an associate - until he drops by her shop one night and witnesses the mousy wallflower's transformation into a seductive siren. Suddenly, he's desperate to know her much better. But which woman is the real Rebecca?" This was the weakest of the three stories, although it's still above-average for a novella. The Michael character was, I think, better drawn than the Rebecca character. The writing is good, the love scenes erotic, and the story itself was very atmospheric. But I think the characters were less well-developed than in the other two stories, and the relationship between them wasn't quite as believable. SHOW AND TELL - Kimberly Raye - "A naughty lingerie party. A forbidden fantasy. When Texas bad boy Dallas Jericho finds a slip of paper left over from the party, he is surprised - and aroused - to discover that he is good girl Laney Merriweather's wildest fantasy. So what can he do but show the lady what she's been missing . . ." The characters of this story were particularly well-developed, with good explanation of their motivations. The theme of the story (two long-time adversaries fight secret attraction) is an old and popular one, but it's handled well. The love scenes are well-done and imaginative and the writing is smooth. All in all, this particular compilation was of better-than-average quality. It's unusual to find one of these compilations with stories of relatively consistent quality. It's an enjoyable and interesting read!
Rating:  Summary: Searing! Very highly recommended Review: Harlequin's new series debuts with MIDNIGHT FANTASIES, a collection of three novellas designed to whet the reader's imagination. Smoothly written, well-developed plots provide a solid basis for these sensual romances. "Mystery Lover" by Vicki Lewis Thompson: A sudden storm allows B.J. to take advantage of the dark to seduce the lover of her fantasies. One of the most daring fantasies, anonymous sex, releases her inhibitions when she becomes the temptress. Blindfolds, whipped cream and leather chaps all combine in mind-blowing sex between B.J. and Noah. But the question remains if she can maintain her anonymity or if Noah will realize that she's his life long friend. Wildly sexy! "After Hours" by Stephanie Bond: Harry, the anatomically correct blowup doll arrives promising Rebecca Valentine true love. She's the proprietor of Any Time Costumes where she indulges her fantasies after hours when she dresses in her own sultry creations. When the man of her fantasies unexpectedly catches her dressed as a vampire complete with black garters, the object of her desire can't help his own newborn fantasies. A perfect mix of tenderness and erotic enthusiasm. "Show and Tell" by Kimberly Raye: A naughty lingerie party inspires the very staid Lney Merriweather to write her fantasy on a slip of paper, which the object of her fantasy Dallas Jericho later finds. Encouraged by the words, Dallas begins his pursuit of his fantasy woman. The town's bad boy, Dallas must overcome his legacy to convince Judge Merriweather's prim daughter that he's the man to indulge her every fantasy. Heated and sensual. For those seeking a touch of the risqué, this new series with satisfy even the most discerning reader with bold, sensual romance. This new series allows women to luxuriate in their sexuality with sexy, sensual reads that indulge the wildest fantasies with a strong storyline and a beautiful romantic backdrop. Irresistible for the modern woman, this collection comes very highly recommended and promises great things for this new series.
Rating:  Summary: Midnight Fantasies Review: I enjoyed Ms. Raye's book, "Midnight Kisses," which led me to the purchase of "Midnight Fantasies." That and it was a part of the Wink & A Kiss collection. I have to say that I struggled to get through this time travel romance. The action and dialogue seamed to stagnate after the prologue. It's never a good sign for me to be able to put down a book and not want to finish it. And sadly, I have to admit, that I put this book down several times.
Rating:  Summary: Show And Tell-Laney and Dallas Review: i read show and tell by kimberly raye. favorite scene with laney- when she lets that girl work for her dad. she was turning her away because of how she dressed, and suddenly realized she can't judge someone by their dress. favorite scene with dallas- finally stands up for himself about the tiles. i hope that guy divorces his wife. :) favorite scene with laney and dallas together- in the dark auditorium when he asks her to show him. that was hot. i was afraid someone would walk in. damn punch. :) order of favorite of the whole anthology: show and tell mystery lover after hours
Rating:  Summary: Show And Tell-Laney and Dallas Review: i read show and tell by kimberly raye. favorite scene with laney- when she lets that girl work for her dad. she was turning her away because of how she dressed, and suddenly realized she can't judge someone by their dress. favorite scene with dallas- finally stands up for himself about the tiles. i hope that guy divorces his wife. :) favorite scene with laney and dallas together- in the dark auditorium when he asks her to show him. that was hot. i was afraid someone would walk in. damn punch. :) order of favorite of the whole anthology: show and tell mystery lover after hours
Rating:  Summary: Pre-quel to Blaze 1,2,3 Review: THis anthology is the prequel to the first 3 Blaze titles- you need to read this since the characters are all mentioned in them! The VLT offering is outrageously sexy- cowgirl does badgirl and gets her fantasy man....who is the boy next door. Steph Bond continues the saga of Harry the anatomically correct blow up doll from her Harlequin Temptation books fame and sends him to help the Valentine sisters in Chicago improve their love lives- which he does in the sexiest costume shop in Chicago.... Kimberly Raye's short is wild and sexy fun too! A must for fans of these ladies but an absolute must if you collect the Blaze line of erotic fiction.
Rating:  Summary: WRONG BOOK Review: This is not a reveiw but a notice to any who might read the three previous reviews, this is NOT the book by RAYE, this is a three in one from Harlequin romances. the first is Mystery Lover by Vicki Lewis Thompson, the second is After Hours by Stephanie Bond, and the third is Show and Tell by Kimberly Raye, none of which are time travel stories. Just thought I would give you all a heads up.
Rating:  Summary: WRONG BOOK Review: This is not a reveiw but a notice to any who might read the three previous reviews, this is NOT the book by RAYE, this is a three in one from Harlequin romances. the first is Mystery Lover by Vicki Lewis Thompson, the second is After Hours by Stephanie Bond, and the third is Show and Tell by Kimberly Raye, none of which are time travel stories. Just thought I would give you all a heads up.
Rating:  Summary: Intense Romnce Review: This is the kid of romace novel that is not for the timid. I enjoy the love scenes in this novella. A prequel to the Blaze series. I like the first one, Mystery Lover. But the third one, Show and Tell, really stood out. Especially the part when the main female character,Laney, is masturbating right in front of Dallas. Defintely intense!
Rating:  Summary: A Fun Read Review: This one started off with a bang! Modern day Elizabeth wants to release the wild woman inside her, but doesn't have the courage. Her job is catering to other people's fantasies, though, something she does well because she understands. When researching a fantasy for some clients, she stumbles across an abandoned saloon in Galveston. Soon she notices a dress and a garter in one of the rooms. After slipping them on, she is transported back over a hundred years, into the identity of Sinful Sinclair, a woman every man wants. A woman reputed to have slept with over a thousand men. Almost immediately she finds herself on the lap of a cowboy direct from her fantasies, Colt. He hires her for three weeks of unabashed sex, to teach everything she's ever learned on the subject. He just doesn't tell her that the lessons are for his younger brother, not him. Colt tries to resist Elizabeth/Sinful and leave her with his young sibling. But Elizabeth has decided Colt is the man with whom she can unleash all her fantasies and sets about seducing him. After a lot of ploys and fun, he finally gives in. But Elizabeth wonders if she as herself, not Sinful, is enough woman to make a wanderer like Colt want to settle down. Although the second half of the book drags in parts, I really recommend this for a light, uncomplicated read. It's cute, has a touch of witchcraft and is sexy stuff.
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