Depends on what
you want it for..., I found this collection to be standard.
Like most erotica, this compilation has a few shining stars
as well as a few stinkers, with most everything else falling
in the middle. One of the stories was mediocre in its
editing: There were a few times where the author's repeated
use of the same word distracted from the reading (After
reading only 2 pages, I wanted to ring up the author and
yell, "Buy a thesaurus!") Another story was poorly paced: I
wanted to sink my teeth into erotica and instead I got three
pages of fruit salad recipes.
That said, I
must give credit for a few good choices by the editor. One
nod goes to the fact that she tried to create a balance of
romance themes and hard core sexual stories. A second nod
goes to her attempts to cater to a wide variety of sexual
tastes and fetishes, from vanilla to S&M. If you're in the
mood for a decent collection of varied erotica to have on
your bookshelf, this is a nice choice. If you're just
looking for some reading to whack with, I suggest you save
your money and surf up nifty dot org or some other web
source.
-"slant6valiant"
(Sherwood Park, Alberta Canada), July 12, 2004
Great stuff in
here. Whether you're a woman and are "bi curious" or you're
a guy--there's no need to explain why men would like this
book--Awakening the Virgin is a mind blowing and satisfying
read about women and women. I've only read one other book
that comes close to this one, "The Other Woman" by Kim Corum.
I hope to find more because these stories are HOT.
- A reader,
January 23, 2003
Awesome book! A
must read for all women. This book was the most awesome book
on lesbian relationships I have ever read. The stories are
emotional and erotic! I loved every story and highly
recommend this book to all women, whether you are straight,
bi, or lesbian. This book shows how women relate on all
levels, especially sexually. A real eye-opener for the
novice or curious.
- A reader,
February 7, 2003
*Whistles* I
don't even know what to say about this book but its great.
Ever since reading the book it reminded me of the things
that I thought were forgotten. Anywayz this is a must in
have in your collection since all the stories are real. All
in all a great read.
- RM.
Rivera "jadedrose_2" (San Bruno, CA USA), October 3, 2003
I enjoyed this second volume
MORE than the first! If I have a problem with this
"Awakening the Virgin" series it's that it's not really
about first-time lesbian encounters so much as women
recalling a particular encounter they had later in life, or
a particular woman. I guess I had hopes of more lesbian
seduction.
Having said that, I enjoyed
this second volume of the series more than the first because
I felt it included a certain kinkiness lacking in the first
edition. These included episodes of sensual bondage and even
some light spankings (nothing severe). I feel the first
volume is bland in comparison.
- A reader, June 7, 2004
A disappointing reawakening. I
anticipated with eagerness the arrival of the followup tome
to Awakening the Virgin part 1, a splendid and evocative
celebration of lesbian relationships. However, the followup,
while
well-written, has none of the gentle, magical
discovery of its earlier counterpart. This book will still
hold appeal for the reader with kinkier or wilder interests,
but may be too daring and elusive for more tentative,
curious novices.
Absolute.
Forrest hits it right on target when it comes women's
atractiveness for each other. She describes with elegance
the emotions and sensualtiy when women make love. I loved it
enough to read it agian right after I finished the first
time.
- A
reader, Nov15, 2003
Thank you,
Katherine V. Forrest. "Curious Wine" is a beautiful novel
about the tenderness and love between two women, and about
the courage and trust that it takes to express and stand by
that tenderness in all its vulnerability. Katherine V.
Forrest has written this gem with great skill and devotion.
Diana Holland and Lane Christianson linger long in one's
memory after reading this novel. And if the memory fades,
one can always read it again (and again).
- William
Mealiffe (Richmond, CA United States), Sept 3, 2004
hypnotic. See
all my reviews i loved this book!! for those of you out
there who love the build up to the passionate affair between
two beautiful women, you will not be disappointed by this
book. i read it in one sitting, something i very rarely do,
as i like to get to know the characters slowly and not rush
through a good story. but i just couldn't tear myself away!
and as soon as i finished reading it, i wanted to know more.
i craved a "part 2", to find out more! it's romantic and
captivating. i highly recommend this book! i can't wait to
read it again!
Another good one. When I
picked this book up, I knew I was in for a good read and I
wasn't disappointed.
I tried to stretch it out over several
days by reading just a few chapters at a time, but was able
only to last two days. The story is good, the writing is
excellent and the development of the five (count 'em) major
characters is so consistent. I hope we'll get to know
Ayallah better as she and Malcolm get married. I don't think
Maddison will ever top Deceptions, but she is a consistently
excellent writer who comes up with plots that work for her
characters. I do think it's time for Connor to become more
accepting of her heritage. Her refusal to be gracious about
who she is makes her seem sullen about her powers. She
doesn't have to give up her skepticism since they are sure
to encounter frauds, but she'll become more powerful if she
accepts who she is. I'm already looking forward to the sixth
book.
Very believeable
and sexy. This is the first lesbian book I have been able to
read. I loved it. Just the right amount of romance at the
right time. Not just sex. Romance is great and this isn't
the sappy type of love story that anyone could write. I will
defintely be looking for more titles by this author. Great
job!!
-
Richmond Hill Romance Seeker "Lesbian Lover of romance"
(Richmond Hill, Ga), December 27, 2004
Excellent Read! I have read a lot of books both straight and
gay and this has got to be the best romance novel I have
read. Her characters, Pat and Carly make you want to drive
down to Texas to meet them. Like other readers, once I
started I didn't want to put it down. I was entranced by
their surroundings and the story line as well as the sexual
tension that kept building throughout the book. As soon as I
finished, I immediately started rereading it again and then
gave it to my partner who has also read it back to back
times. We can't wait for Sierra City to come out and to read
all the rest of Gerri Hill's books. Thanks Gerri and I
disagree with the other reviewers, don't wait another 3
years, keep them coming!!
- A Gerri Hill
fan! (Parker, CO USA), October 21, 2004
Make it a movie. Do you ever wonder, when you read great
books like this or the others by authors like Radcliffe, LJ
Maas, Karin Kallmaker and so forth, why independent movie
companies don't make these stories into movies instead of
the dreck that most of them pass off as lesbian material?
People always talk about the lack of money, but independent
companies are always making terrific movies on shoe string
budgets. When will someone realize the market that's out
there for really good lesbian stories in the movies? This is
a great story, well developed and a pleasure to read. There
are certain authors whose books I will purchase and read
without knowing what the stories are about. After reading
her two books, Gerri Hill goes on that list. She ought to be
on your list, too.
Classy lesbian detective
story. This story marks a shift for Katherine V. Forrest's
fine detective series featuring Kate Delafield. One thing I
love about these books is that Kate actually grows older and
goes through the emotional and psychological shifts people
experience as they mature. In this story Kate is
investigating the killing of Victoria Talbot whose
ex-husband has GUILTY written all over him. But the case
is
not as simple as it appears. At the same time, Kate is going
through a personal crisis that results in self-examination.
Ms. Forrest does not depend on melodramatic language and
over-stated character interactions to make her point.
Readers who have gotten used to this from reading the works
of less skillful writers might find her style fairly spare.
I wasn't sure whether to give this 4 or 5 stars, because I
like some of the earlier Delafield novels better. But this
one is every bit as good, it's just different. You might not
like it if you want
a lot of action and less thoughtfulness,
but Hancock Park is well worth reading.
-
picky reader (Colorado), Sept 29, 2004
Another gem for Kate Delafield fans. What makes reading the
book rewarding for me is the controlled, spare, concise
prose that in its stark simplicity conveys the dynamics
between two people -specifically, between two women - in a
long-term relationship with depth and feeling. Unfortunately
Ms. Forrest's calibre of writing is painfully absent from
the majority of amateurish works flooding the market.
Authors I would recommend as exceptional, especially if
you're interested chiefly in reading work written about
women by women include Laurie R. King (Martinelli series),
Ellen Hart, Sandra Scoppettone, Nicola Griffith, and Jenifer
Levin..
-
Alma "bbkphile" (Texas), April 30, 2004
fabulous police procedural. The long wait for the return of
Kate is worth it as readers receive a fabulous police
procedural. Kate is a dedicated tough cop, but is also very
vulnerable especially when her lover of thirteen years
leaves her forcing her to look at what she has become. As
the audience hopes Aimee returns to Kate, the murder mystery
is cleverly executed so that the evidence is laid out one
step at a time enabling the reader to form an opinion, but
keep in mind Katherine V. Forrest is brilliant at the
sleight of the hand or two.
Smart, droll, delightful. This is a smart, delightful book,
a gentle send-up (and celebration of) cats, cat owners and
gay culture. For those who have ever sat miserable at their
office desks wondering what Fluffy was getting up to at
home, IS YOUR CAT GAY? furnishes some very amusing
scenarios. The text is witty
and the drawings are droll,
perfect little gems. Read it to your cat.
I tucked my kids in, grabbed
the coffee pot and headed for the recliner about 9pm. Two
decaf pots later,
I finished this wonderful book about a
lesbian who falls in love with a "straight" co-worker.
Leslie Howard is afraid of breaking the cardinal rule (Never
get involved with a straight woman), and fights the
undeniable attraction she feels toward Sara Stevens. Sara
sends mixed signals, especially when she finds out Leslie is
gay.
This book is well-written.
Yes, there is profanity, but it is used appropriately. I
fell in love with the characters. It was hard not to cry for
Leslie, get angry with Sara, or empathize with their friends
and
co-workers. I was sad to see it end.
- K. Johnson (Twin Cities,
MN), Dec 27, 2004
Don't like to read profanity in any book. The book was fine,
I would not have purchased it if I knew bad words were in
it. It's not riddled with it but one nasty word is too much
for me.
- Sue Eliot (Miami, FL), Oct
8, 2004
MY FAVORITE BOOK YET! This
book was exceptionally written! I don't like to give away
the plot of a book like I've seen in other reviews. This
book is definitely what you are looking for in this
category. The characters are well developed. Don't let the
slightly slow start get you down.
- "scredit" (Plainfield, CT),
Sept 27, 2001
Heart Racing and a Satisfaction. The book 'Never Say Never',
by Linda Hill, was a wonderful book. It was the first
Lesbian book that I read. I was quite surprised by Les'
decision and glad that she made it. Les. is a business women
and went through a tough time with her recent girlfriend.
When she goes on a business trip for a project she was
signed to she was glad that her co-worker, Sara, was signed
with her. Les deals with her feelings towards Sara and has
trouble expressing them to her. Les soon finds herself at a
club dancing with a lady named Michelle. How does Sara
handle this situation, read the book and see what amazing
changes the characters go through. It is tense and heart
racing.
Great
collection of lesbian erotic short stories. McClune does a
great job of picking anthology-worthy short stories from the
issues of on our backs. They don't all pass the 'wet test'
in my opinion, but they are still well written for the most
part and have interesting/realistic characters. I can't wait
for the next one!
- Sarah "u2smg" (Philadelphia,
PA), Aug 22, 2003
On my back: nearly asleep. Although I respect On Our Backs,
and read their sister magazine Girlfriends, this anthology
just didn't do it for me. The stories were too short, and
stopped whenever it got to the "good stuff". Erotica doesn't
have to be pornographic, but at least finish the sex scenes!
- Kasia Kowalewski (Montreal,
Quebec), July 7, 2004
Who knew? Karin
Kallmaker has written so many books that I've started
grouping them. There's the "intense, wrenching drama" stack,
the "fantasy/sci-fi action" section and the largest of all
"light, moving and laugh outloud funny." That's where One
Degree of Separation belongs.
Living near a
coast I can't say I've ever thought of Iowa as a great
destination for a lesbian, but who knew Iowa City was
wall-to-wall with a large community of lesbians? The
characters and settings of this novel are so real I'm
certain I'd find them at the Java House or Prarie Light any
given Friday night. The dialogue is sharp, rapid fire and
funny. The situations sometimes so real to life they'd be
banal were it not for Kallmaker's skillful prose and deft
humor. (Really, haven't cramps played a part in all our
lives?)
My admiration
for Kallmaker's work began with her excellent Laura Adams
works, then her more intense romances, like Substitute for
Love and Watermark. But there is plenty of room in my life
for her funnier, lighter work because in today's world it
isn't often I can kick back, hang with the sisters, laugh
and know in the end it'll all be okay.
- blondiechick
(USA), October 21, 2004
Sizzling. I only wish it were summer so that the heat of day
could match the heat within the pages of One Degree of
Separation. Should you read this review and it happens to be
summer, snatch this one up for a beach read. Just remember
to turn over. One Degree of Separation is a delightful
romance. It takes place in the swelter of an Iowa summer,
but the characters generate enough heat that you'll be
sweaty no matter what the weather. Liddy makes a cool escape
from California to do a research project for a well-known
writer while trying to heal wounds from a romance gone bad.
Her destination is Iowa City, a small college town, where
there are more lesbians per capita than New York City.
Marian (yes, the
librarian) is equally burnt by a love affair, and by her
unrequited love for the next-door neighbor. Neither Marian
nor Liddy are in the market for a relationship. Add to this
mixture a group of friends who have switched partners enough
times to call a square dance. This coffee drinking crowd
will have you lusting for pancake breakfasts and homeopathic
couches. Who says that the heartland is devoid of ... drama?
Neither Marian
nor Liddy are prepared for the spontaneous combustion that
occurs between them. Sparks fly and ignite enough passion to
leave you panting for more. Fueled by witty dialogue,
realistic and likeable characters, Kallmaker proves once
again why she's considered the Mistress of Romance. With One
Degree of Separation, she takes home the title. I guarantee
this one will leave you begging for water, or a latte, or an
iced mocha decaf with chocolate sprinkles.
- Jeanne "weezbe"
(Patterson, NY USA), January 22, 2004
Silly Fun. Picked up "P-TOWN
SUMMER" on a lark. I've never been to Provincetown, but if
this is the kind of silly fun that goes on, I'm going!!!
- Betty (Ft.Scott, KS), June
23, 2004
Awful. See all my reviews Even a heterosexual should not
waste their time on this book. The conversations are trite.
These so called relationships are a farce. Was this book
written by a lesbian or someone claiming to know anything
about people of either gender? Read any book by RADCLYFFE
and you will know about true lesbians.
- Andrea (North Kingstown,
RI), June 19, 2004
Fun, er, Dumb in the Sun. A
summer spent in Provincetown means long walks on beautiful
beaches, cool drinks under a hot sun, tacky souvenirs,
crowded streets that somehow still remain pleasant, and
sleep lulled by foghorns. In short, it means a good time. A
couple of days spent reading this book means you will
certainly lose a few brain cells thanks to the mindless plot
and poor dialogue. The book sells itself as a fun,
summer-type of read that details what happens when two
couples head the Provincetown for a week of fun. During the
first few obligatory "road trip" chapters, I think the
foursome must deal with a flat tire, but the writing is so
bland I cannot be sure.
Once they hit Provincetown,
the women begin drinking, arguing, flirting and drinking
some more. Here's where the terrible dialogue hits its full
stride. Every character speaks in the same voice, a voice
that requires constant use of the phrase "you guys" (when
referring to each other) and lots of (!!!!!!) exclamation
points to make up for a lack of anything worth exclaiming
over.
Toward the end there is a
drawn-out "mystery" plot about what happened to the group's
supposedly-straight friend. I'm sure this storyline was
needed because, like most people, I definitely start
freaking out if a friend of mine disappears for a few hours
while ON VACATION. Ludicrous.
I couldn't actually bring
myself to finish the book, it was that bad. Maybe the last
30 or so pages are brilliant, but I'm doubtful.
- Candice L. Bosely
(Shepherdstown, WV), Dec 9, 2003
Not recommended - Predictable and boring. I don't like to
write bad reviews especially considering this is probably
Ms. Stocker's passion but I would not suggest purchasing
this book. After spending many a vacation in P-Town I was
really looking forward to this read, but instead found a
predictable drawn out storyline. The story revolved around
having a drink every waking moment, constant cattiness,
predictable hookups, and boring conversations. This may
sound like interesting drama, but it wasn't. If it is at all
possible to make drama drab, this book has accomplished such
a thing. It just didn't seem real in any sense and that was
not a good thing. Bottom line, I would not recommend buying
this book. It's not as fun as you think it should/could be.
- A reader, Nov 21, 2003
Pre high school tripeI was disappointed. The cover suggested
a narrative of 4 mature, chic lesbians who mirror life, its
challenges and its inherent fun. Instead I met 4 pre
adolescents who lack depth of character and sincerity. So
does the writing style of Ms. Stocker. This is a train wreck
of a novel where words crash against each other and leave
the passengers (in this case the reader) with weary eyes. I
always hope for good quality writing when picking up a novel
about lesbian life but this certainly does not even come
close
Lovely Romantic
and Hot! I just started reading Gerri Hill, and enjoyed Gulf
Breeze so much I immediately ordered this one as well. Since
I know the Sierra Nevadas passingly well, I like the setting
of this book, for one.
What I liked
most was the way Hill handled the intricate relationship
between Chris, Annie and Jessie. It
was a great example of
small towns and since many lesbian romance novels are set in
metropolitan areas,
I enjoyed that aspect of the book a lot.
I totally
recommend this book and Gulf Breeze. Hill is a pro and her
writing is engaging, smooth and richly detailed.
-
Anonymous, Jan. 2, 2005
Best Yet! This is the best
book by Gerri Hill to date, and I'm sure they'll only get
better. The relationship that forms between Jessie and Chirs
is very realistic. This book includes a little of
everything. There's romance, suspence, and the reality of
life. Gerri has mastered the art of conversation. I felt
like I was eavesdropping on the characters in this book. If
you want a good read that you can't put down, this is the
book for you.
-
Laura D. Lord (Pennsylvania), Dec. 27, 2004
Lesbians and
Liquor. Although the premise for this novel is a good one, I
found the abundant mention of beer and wine in almost every
social situation a bit off-setting. Why can't lesbians get
together without downing a six-pack or two bottles of wine?
It was also very predictable. I found myself skipping many
pages of useless filler information. I've read better by
Gerri Hill... she is becoming formulaic - like Karin Kallmaker.
- Y. Waldemar "artful
dodger" (New York City), Dec 25, 2004
Henderson weaves a tangled
web. Told with wit, charm and wonderful scenery
descriptions, Henderson has once again woven the natural and
the supernatural into a fascinating mystery that transcends
time and place.
- Kathy Thomason "katreads"
(Dunbar, KY), Oct 13, 2004
A Fun Spooky Read. TANGLED AND DARK
continues where BURNING OF HER SIN left off. The second
Brenda Strange mystery proves to be a much tighter story
than the previous and Brenda herself emerges as a very
engaging character. Her Strange Investigations certainly
lives up to its name. Despite the paranormal aspects of the
story, TANGLED AND DARK can be appreciated for its mystery
elements and the pace swiftly moves to an exciting finish.
The secondary characters are more developed than they were
in the previous mystery in the series. My one problem
though, is that I never understood the appeal of Brenda’s
girlfriend who comes across as being self-centered and
selfish. However, Henderson has again revealed herself to be
an exciting new author to watch and I look forward to
reading the next Brenda Strange mystery (which is hinted at
by the end of this novel).
-
Cindy Chow (Kaneohe, Hawaii), Sept 9, 2004
A Wonderful return visit to
Malfour House and Brenda Strange. I was so excited when
I got my copy of Tangled and Dark in the mail, and I was not
disappointed.
As with The Burning of Her
Sins, the characters are well fleshed out and I really care
about all of them. The mystery is a real page turner and I
can not wait for the next installment. Tina and Brenda's
loving relationship is well written and hopefully things
will get better for them.
Patty is a great writer and I
hope that all mystery readers - especially those who like
Paranormal Mysteries will read and enjoy these books as much
as I have.
Much Better! I was a little disappointed with "Red Sky at Morning," but
this book returned Good to my list of favorite authors. I
only had 2 problems with the book. 1) The scene where Kerry
is talking with her group at the church is found in both
"Red Sky..." and this book. It makes more sense in "Thicker
Than Water," so it should have been removed from "Sky." 2) I
think Kyle got off WAY too easy. I would have loved to have
seen him get what he deserved.
- Emma Sapp "vtcheme" (Washington DC), July 8,
2004
Another great read from Missy Good! The only problem I had
with this book was its short length. I'm used to her 300+
page books, with all those wonderful details, and this book
came in at approximately 230 pages. I wish her editor
would've done a better job dividing the original on-line
work ("Tropical High") so both books would've been of a
comparable length ("Red Sky...," the first book, was over
300 pages). I guess I felt a bit cheated in terms of length
and money spent (I read the book in one sitting, and that's
not normal for a Missy Good story. I like to wallow in them
and get lost in the characters, relationships, the
conflicts, and the plot). Can't wait until 2005 when the
next sequel comes out. I hope that book will be of a longer
length like her first four books.
