Ann MayburnRezensionen

I have the book, but listened to the audio version while driving in my car.

Compared to most femdom I've seen, this is 4 or 5 tar. Which says very little about this book and everything about how hard it is to find good femdom. If you are looking for femdom in a semi-decent story, you could do worse.

Sadly, by more general standards, it falls very flat.

First off, Mayburn seems to have some real trouble deciding what the main conflict is. She starts off giving the reader the impression that Dr. Sapphire, the heroine, is going to be rescuing the hero by using kink and a change of scenery to help him recover from a bad case of PTSD. I won't give away any spoilers here, but suffice to say that this is highly misleading.

While the issue that will become the main conflict is hinted at from earlier on, the change in focus is extremely damaging to the story and realy annoyed me, as it swung from promising heroine would rescue hero to a stereotypical hero rescuing heroine.

Characters are generally well developed, but their interactions and responses to each other often seem off.

Minor inaccuracies pulled me out of suspension of disbelief.

Overall, not a bad book, but I'm not sure it was worth the entrance fee and definitely not worth reading again.

This will be one of those books that you either love or hate... Hannah was extremely needy and I wanted to shake some sense into her a time or two. Leo on the other hand was no angel. I am glad that this is fiction, because if this happened in real life.... ultra creepy.

It was all in all quite an interesting read.

~ 4.5 Casey's Warriors Stars ~

Casey's Warriors is book one in the Bondmates series by Ann Mayburn. This was my first book with Ann Maybum and most certainly not my last. She captured me from the first to last page. I was sucked into the Alien world.

I don't read many Erotic Sci-Fi Romances, but this one caught my eye and I had to give it a try. I was blown away and became immersed in the world created. I liked how the author explained the cultures both of Earth and of the Alien race. This helps set everything up and build the characters and world. It shows us the trills the Alien men will have to over come to get an Earth woman to love and accept more than one man as her bonded mates. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and romance. The author did a great job writing the sex scenes which range from M/F, menage, M/M, and more.

Their was one thing that I felt should have been flushed out more. The villain, which it sounds like will continue in the rest of the series, but those that don’t like the book don’t get closer on this. We are left hanging on who they are and what consequences the villain's actions will or do have.

Their was one thing I didn’t really like so much. It was very predictable that the heroine runs away when she sees something that upsets her. Really lady you are on an Alien plant and it’s very obvious you can feel your husbands emotions and they can feel you, so why not open up and talk to them instead of running away. This just made her drop down in my opinion from a character that could actually accept things, to a stupid bimbo. This action leads into her punishment/consequence. I didn’t care for how the author handled this. Casey's mates punish her with a great orgasms and a very very hot sex. This didn't work so much for me. I will say it was a hot and very sexy scene, but I felt it was silly to use sex as a means to make the heroine understand. The husbands/wife should talk; with cloths on, explain, and have a mutual understanding, then after that have outstanding fabulous makeup sex. Adding those two scenes together and it made them feel counter productive.

Casey's Warriors is an erotica romance set in an alternate world with sexy alien men and multiple partners. It’s a steamy romance. I was so captured that I ended up picking up the novella to read and can’t wait for book two to come.

*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy provided by Barclay Publicity via NetGalley with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.

~ 3 Jaz’s Warriors Stars ~

Jaz’s Warriors is a novella #1.5 in the Bondmates series by Ann Mayburn.

This was a very short novella ending at around 67-70%. The rest of the book is filler with the first chapter of [b:Casey's Warriors|19504605|Casey's Warriors (Bondmates, #1)|Ann Mayburn|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1395025684s/19504605.jpg|27621257] and author/book promotions.

We meet Jaz in Casey’s Warriors. I liked her the moment she was introduced. She’s got spunk and is very friendly to all the new arrivals. She already has two husbands, so she understands the culture differences and shock of having more then one man. She also plays a major role in helping the earth women who are brought aboard the Kadothian Reaping Ship adjust to the new lifestyle.

As for the story it’s short, quick, and very steamy. We get a little tension between a few people, the rumors going around are meant to sabotage the bonding of earth women to the alien men, and a small conflict arises that Jaz’s administrative duties must resolve. All of this is happening while she is intruded to and trying to bond with Tandar whom Mavet one of her husbands is blood brother too. He wants her to choose Tandar as a third husband. We also see a few previous characters from the first book pop in and a new character is introduced that will be featured in Page’s Warriors. The sex scenes are very hot, very steamy, and well written.

I enjoyed Jaz’s Warriors. I would have liked it to be a full book. I felt it could have been made longer, but with novella’s we just get a taste of the world and characters. It was a nice addition to the series. I am curious to read Page’s Warriors.

Paige's Warriors is book two in the Bondmates series by Ann Mayburn. Even though it says book three it is actually the second full length novel in the series. It's an erotica romance set in an alternate world with seductive alien men and multiple partners. It’s a steamy romance and can be read as a stand-a-lone, but for the best enjoyment I recommend reading in order.

We meet Paige in [b:Casey's Warriors|19504605|Casey's Warriors (Bondmates, #1)|Ann Mayburn|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1395025684s/19504605.jpg|27621257]. I have to say I've been wanting to read about Page since the moment she popped up. Her past was brutal. Abused and miss treated by her father, someone who is supposed to protect and love her, so to say she is a little damaged and affected by this doesn't even begging to describe her issues. Tren was also brutally damaged, but by war and the long years of not finding his bondmate.

The story-line is exciting, explicit, and sultry. We get danger on many fronts that our characters must navigate along with a special treat in seeing what Paige's special ability will be after her bonding. It was phenomenal watching both Tren and Paige, develop, grow, and change. You can feel them both healing and find themselves along with Rell, Tren’s bloodbrother. The sex is of the charts hot and sizzling. The author did an exceptional job writing the sensual moments; which range from M/F, M/M/M/M/F, and more.

Their was one thing that gave me pause. It was when Tren talks about the growth regiment for human women who are bonding with their Kadothian men. It’s explained well and ya, the Kadothian’s are big in more way’s then one, but I don’t think someone should change for another even their soul mates. This one thing didn’t deter me from enjoying the story.

Last, the set up for the third book was very well done, actually it's a cliffhanger, so be warned.

Paige's Warriors captured me from the first to the last page. I couldn't put the book down and I'm really enjoying the world and erotic sci-fi romance that the author has created. I'm looking forward to continue the Bondmates series; especially after the ending in this novel.

Rated: 4.5 Warriors Stars

*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy provided by Barclay Publicity with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.

Emerald Moon was a nice surprise for me on several levels. It is part of the 1 Night Stand series at Decadent Publishing, but it isn’t about what you could call a ‘typical’ one night stand, if there even is such a thing. I liked that surprise. It is also about werepumas and dealing with a past that haunts both main characters, which adds a back story that gives the story extra flavor. While it turned out that this is the second book in the Prides of the Moon series (something I had totally overlooked), it reads really well as a stand-alone, so don’t let that stop you. Or if you like m/m/f ménages, read the first book before you dive into this one.

At the beginning of the story, Ben is basically ready to die. He carries a lot of guilt from the past with him, still yearns for his mate, even though he believes Jude wants to kill him, and he’s spent several tours in Iraq, which has left scars of an entirely different nature on his soul. Basically, he is and emotional wreck. Despite this, his strength shone through from the very start, and I found myself cheering him on as he discovers that not all may be as he thought.

Jude is equally scarred, if for different reasons, and still pining after Ben. He may be the alpha in this pairing, but it’s clear he needs Ben as much as the other man needs him. The passion that flares up between them confirms this, and Jude takes the lead in trying to repair the damage long ago events and time apart have wrought.

If you like shifter stories, reading about men who are clearly meant for each other and appreciate some very hot sex added to the mixture of a story of consolation, you will probably like this book. It offers a fresh interpretation of the one night stand concept and an intriguing peek at a bigger ‘shifter world’ which will hopefully evolve over the next few sequels.

A small note of warning: there is a hint of a third (female) bond mate at the end of the story, but it is no more than a mention at this stage.



NOTE This book was provided by Decadent Publishing for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online.

Onyx Moon was another short, hot story in the 1 Night Stand series. As in the earlier volume, Emerald Moon (reviewed here), the one night stand is really just the excuse to get two shifter mates together. While this is the fourth second book in the Prides of the Moon series, it reads really well as a stand-alone, so don’t let that stop you. Or if you like m/m/f ménages, read the first three books before you dive into this one.

Marcus is a powerful Alpha who is secretly scared of being overwhelmed and/or conned by magic. His plan of looking for and mating with a beta who is a shaman sounds good – until he meets the man and finds it difficult to trust him. A careless ‘test’ of the other man insults the shaman deeply, and Marcus has to risk everything to apologize. Not an easy thing for a proud Alpha to do, but Marcus has no choice.

Vashan has been excluded from his pride ever since his first shift revealed him to be of an inappropriate shifter race. He sees no way out, but is willing to go on a one night stand to check if an Alpha from another pride would be willing to accept him. His pain and disappointment when Marcus rejects him is crushing, but, luckily, the cats aren’t completely in charge and they manage to let the humans work out their differences.

If you like shifter stories, reading about men who are clearly meant for each other and appreciate some very hot sex added to the mixture of a story of consolation, you will probably like this book. It offers a fresh interpretation of the one night stand concept and an intriguing peek at a bigger ‘shifter world’ which will hopefully evolve over the next few sequels.

A small note of warning: there is a hint of female bond mate at the end of the story, but it is no more than a mention at this stage.




NOTE: This book was provided by Decadent Publishing for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online

Amethyst Moon, the fifth book in the Prides of the Moon series, is the sequel to Onyx Moon. It continues the story of Marcus and Vashan and, to my delighted surprise, gave these two a male third mate in Noah. Not only that, but the entire situation is slightly complicated due to the fact Noah is a turned shifter, not a born one. In this ‘world’, this means a few rules are just slightly different and I really enjoyed finding out more about that.

Noah is torn between two worlds, and the conflict will be his undoing if Marcus can’t figure out a way to make them work together, as a threesome. It takes a wile for Noah to accept what he is, and how the three of them will fit together, but when he does, the intimacy and sex between the three partners becomes explosive.

I loved seeing Marcus and Vashan again. They have settled into their relationship - with a few very human-sounding issues that made me smile. Marcus may have the lead, but Vashan gives very clear indications of what he wants and Marcus listens. Vashan has gained a lot of self-confidence since they mated, and that was great to see.

If you like shifter stories, appreciate some very hot three-way sex, and enjoy finding out more about a new and slightly different shifter world, you will probably like this book.

A small note of warning: there is still the hint of a female bond mate at the end of the story, but it is no more than a mention at this stage.




NOTE: This book was provided by Decadent Publishing for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online

This short story is almost pure erotica, hot from page one and with far more sex than plot. But it also has a very nice touch of emotion and the characters of Sam and Cody are clearly more than just fuck-buddies. Well, they have been friends before they discover they’re hot for each other. Now that they have discovered sex, they are still friends, and that’s part of what makes them such an adorable couple.

Cody is the one who has to come to terms with having developed feelings for Sam. He never expected to fall for a man, but he’s honest enough (or in lust enough) not to fight it. Also, this story isn’t really about any of the underlying issues he may run into, although some of them are mentioned. Sam does worry whether Cody is determined enough to stay the course, so to speak. He doesn’t want to be someone’s experiment (who does?) only to be ignored afterwards.

If you’re looking for plot, or a story about characters who deal with the issue of how some people see gay men, this is not your story. If you’re interested in reading about two men who have hot sex, if you like them to have at least some emotional involvement, and if you enjoy a very sweet epilogue, you may like this story.




NOTE: This book was provided by Decadent Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

This sequel to "Want" is as hot as the first volume, and almost pure sex. What makes it even better for me than the first volume was the fact that Cody and Sam, two years later, truly love each other. It made their connection more vibrant, and what they do together more meaningful for me. They were friends before they discover they’re hot for each other, and that friendship has now deepened into love and mutual respect. Now they are on their honeymoon and things get hotter than ever before.

Sam, the stonemason, initiates things in the car, and I was holding my breath with fear of them crashing into something. One very hot blow job later they make it to their cabin in one piece, only to keep going at it in the master bedroom. Cody may not bottom often, but in this scene he sure enjoys the heck out of it. The setting in the middle of the wilderness was nice, but barely noticeable as the focus was on the two men and their activities.

If you’re looking for plot, this is not your story. If you'd like a short, light read about two men who have hot sex, if you like them to be deeply in love, and if you want to know how Cody and Sam are doing, you will probably like this story.



NOTE: This book was provided by Decadent Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

Where the first two books in this series (Want and Cherish) are hot and deal with the initial stages of Sam and Cody's relationship, this third book goes deeper. Not only do they have to deal with disappointment and hopelessness for the first time, they discover how important they are to each other – despite everything else, and they grow as a couple because of it. I also loved that this book was longer!

Like many couples who love each other deeply, Sam and Cody want a baby to make their family complete. Now that their relationship is well-established, they have finished the house they live in, and their professional futures running an exotic stone business is assured, they turn their attention toward their home life. Nothing should be easier or more rewarding. And their need for a baby, their love for that new life they are hoping to join them is palpable. I grinned at their descriptions of making the house baby-proof, of visiting parenting classes, and of getting the baby's room ready. It all shows their deep commitment.

Unlike many other couples, both being gay, they have a much harder time of it. Any straight couple unable to have kids and looking to adopt, and any other gay or lesbian couple will be able to relate to the frustration of having to deal with an adoption lawyer and adoption agencies (although theirs are both very supportive). And when the planned adoption falls through, both of them are devastated. This may not be the first real obstacle they have to deal with as a couple, but it is certainly one of the worst. Emotions flare up, and I was sucked right into their grief and anger, their need to find a way to move forward.

If you're looking for a story that will leave you in tears (or close to them), if you enjoy reading about two men dealing with hope and devastation both making their love for each other stronger, and if you want to know what happens to Sam and Cody, who met at a 1 Night Stand event, you will probably like this novella. I thoroughly enjoyed it!





NOTE: This book was provided by Decadent Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

A good story.

However, no notice of a spanking hard enough to bruise, screaming in pain that then leads to sex. Um. As I have said before, not everyone thinks this is benign. A warning is good. Bruising is NOT "light spanking". Spanking to punish is not "light play". Perhaps not full blown BDSM, but certianly not simple erotica.

A big turn off due to the lack of notice.

I give bonus points to this book because it warns its readers to not engage in BDSM without learning about it first. But that's the only reason to give bonus points... I can't belive I even read as far as I did to be honest.

Dimitri is very whiny and repetitive in his whining. So... no love from me here. Rya is more interesting but I didn't like her either. I could have worked with that. Barely.

One of my problems was with their relationship. They don't know each other but are as touchy feely and trusting as if they've known each other for years. And there was no reason to.

And some of the descriptions were... see for yourself. I couldn't take them seriously. because if I did I would be really afraid of Rya.

"Rya had a classic hourglass figure and her boobs probably weighed more than most of the submissives she'd met." ~ kindle pos. 236

I was confused about the terminology as well. I'm no expert on BDSM but a bottom is different from a submissive is different from a slave, isn't it? This book treats all the same.

Disclaimer: I was provided with a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.

Wow!! I loved book 1 of the series - Casey's Warior's, was a little disapointed in Jaz's story as it was kinda short and I felt lacking in depth, but with Paige's - I'm back to loving. Yeah there could probably be sections that could be expanded upon, but it was good as is.

Three scarred people, with and without visable scars find peace and love in each others arms. That's what true love it to me, finding peace, love, trust, friendship. This book delivered all that and more.

My only complaint is having to wait for Roxy's story. Please Ms Mayburn write faster!!

Disappointed.

Dont' get me wrong, I really liked the first book in the series Casey's Warriors.

I liked the beginning where you find out what Jaz is doing when The Event happened, but you don't really see anything after that - like what she went through, how she met her husbands, etc. It just jumped to the ship and she's an Ambassador. Though Jaz and her two husbands are mentioned in the first book, we don't know exactly what their story is and how their relationships developed. I'd have like to know more as Jaz sounds like a really neat person, but I understand this is a novella so it was shorter, still I would have liked a little more plot and background.

I am anxiously awaiting book 3.

Wow. A new world to explore, or would that be a new galaxy? Hmmm something to ponder later.

I recently re-read Casey's Warriors (me was bad and forgot to leave review first time). To me the author did a very good job of not only describing the new world and galaxy, but also of allowing me to feel what Casey went through, as she struggled to come to terms with loving two men, and feeling strong affection for even more.

The story starts when Casey gets a call from her older sister Roxy who is apparently in the military. Roxy tells her that something has happened, something bad, and to head for home pronto and take her friends with her. Needless to say this caught my attention and I was drawn in immediately. They barely make it to their hometown when something does happen, it made me think of something like a cross between an EMP and a solar flare.

The pace only picks up from there. Casey dreams of two men and wakes crying, her best friend Paige wakes crying as well yet neither can remember what they dream about.

In the meantime in a galaxy far, far away (grin sorry couldn't help myself), you find out about The Hive and yeah they're as bad as you might think with that moniker. You meet Lorn and Nast, and discover why they're fighting The Hive, and what they'd do to survive.

Ms Mayburn took me on a roller coaster ride that I didn't want to get off of. And in a way I'm still on the ride, because as I said I just re-read it, and loved it as much now as the first time. Looking forward to others in this series.

DESCRIPTION, NOT REVIEW: Dr. Michelle Sapphire and Gunnery Sergeant Wyatt Callahan formed an unbreakable bond and an unacknowledged, forbidden attraction to each other while serving together in Afghanistan. Their lives are forever changed when a mortar attack grievously wounds Wyatt and Michelle brings him back from the brink of death. But when they both return to the civilian world Michelle discovers that her rock-solid Marine is suffering from severe PTSD and may even be suicidal.

Wyatt Callahan fell hard for the aristocratic blonde doctor the moment he laid eyes on her. After reentering civilian life in his hometown near Austin, Texas, Wyatt is plagued by nightmares of the death and suffering he witnessed during the war. He'd love to reach out to Michelle, but there is one thing stopping him. Michelle is a Dominatrix and she has made it very clear to Wyatt she isn't interested in a relationship with anyone who doesn't accept her lifestyle. An Alpha male to the core, he can't imagine the appeal of being submissive, but at the same time, the idea of serving Michelle, of being everything she wants and needs rings true in his wounded soul.

Michelle has dark secrets of her own and together with Wyatt she will have to battle her personal demons in their emotional journey of healing, redemption, and love.½

nice short story - less the novella length

even shorted then book 1 - story had ok premise

I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
What an awesome, hot story! Gia is a beautiful architect who has a fiery side and Ivan is a hot, sexy, Russian that see Gia for the first time at a Submissive Wish Charity Auction. One of her fantasies was to be kidnapped, which Ivan was happy to oblige. But in the beginning she did not know it wasn't real and tried to escape. The chemistry between them is off the charts. Once she understands that it was a ruse, she starts to fall for him. Gia brings out the best part of the dominant in Ivan and he helps her become the submissive she's always wanted to be. This was a fantastic read and one I couldn't put down until I finished the last word. I can't wait until book two comes out!

A good story.

However, no notice of a spanking hard enough to bruise, screaming in pain that then leads to sex. Um. As I have said before, not everyone thinks this is benign. A warning is good. Bruising is NOT "light spanking". Spanking to punish is not "light play". Perhaps not full blown BDSM, but certianly not simple erotica.

A big turn off due to the lack of notice.

Dark Fates Anthology by Carrie Ann Ryan, Marie Harte, Lia Davis, Rebecca Royce, Ann Mayburn, Heather Long

When I found out the Dark Fates Anthology had a Redwood Pack story by Carrie Ann Ryan, I had to read it. I’m still in denial that the series is over so anything I can get is treasured, and I was not disappointed. I loved Em and Noha’s story.

Getting to read the other stories was a bonus. This is a great anthology. It has a terrific collection of authors and novellas.

It contains:
THE HUNTED HEART (Redwood Pack #7.7) by Carrie Ann Ryan
JACKAL'S MEASURE (Ludos Deorum #2) by Marie Harte
ALPHA'S SACRIFICE (Fallen Alpha #1.5) by Rebecca Royce
TOUCH OF DESIRE (Ashwood Falls #4.5) by Lia Davis
SANGUE FEVER by Ann Mayburn
FORBIDDEN RESCUE (The Watchers, #1) by Heather Long

I had not read any of the other series, so I appreciated the exposure to them. You can’t go wrong with this anthology.

Isaac needs to hire an event planner, hoping it will help get him on the board of directors at Club Wicked, his BDSM club. As he interviews event planners, Lucia Roa comes for an interview. He is attracted to her and her innocence. He hires her and offers to teach her about BDSM so she knows how to plan the party. She is attracted to Isaac. She knows he is attracted to her. Each is always on the others mind but Isaac will not allow his heart to be involved. When it looks like Lucia will choose someone else, Isaac must determine if he will open his heart and follow it.

I liked Isaac and Lucia. They were totally opposite personalities and, yet, a perfect fit. Lucia did not allow his fear to come between them. She always had a plan B. Isaac has to decide if he will allow his fear to determine his future or go after what he wants. I liked how the two of them worked with the BDSM to allow Lucia to discover her submissive side. The sex is hot. The characters were likable and believable. I fell in love with Isaac. I wanted to be Lucia. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.

Dawn's pick for June, 2013. Check AllRomance for a special rebate on this title.