Book Description

A bound man with a voracious appetite...A werewolf with human desires...A shape-shifter with one basic need...An immortal lover with a passion for mortal women. These are the stories of Hot Blooded. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Only Georges Bataille could write, of an eyeball removed from a corpse, that "the caress of the eye over the skin is so utterly, so extraordinarily gentle, and the sensation is so bizarre that it has something of a rooster's horrible crowing." Bataille has been called a "metaphysician of evil," specializing in blasphemy, profanation, and horror. Story of the Eye, written in 1928, is his best-known work; it is unashamedly surrealistic, both disgusting and fascinating, and packed with seemingly endless violations. It's something of an underground classic, rediscovered by each new generation. Most recently, the Icelandic pop singer Björk Guðdmundsdóttir cites Story of the Eye as a major inspiration: she made a music video that alludes to Bataille's erotic uses of eggs, and she plans to read an excerpt for an album. Warning: Story of the Eye is graphically sexual, and is only for adults who are not easily offended. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Succeeds in Its Aims
Georges Bataille's Story of the Eye (a novella that actually clocks in closer to a short story; you should be able to read it within a couple hours, at most) is thoroughly successful in realizing Bataille's goal--the creation of an intentionally disturbing mix of eroticism, insanity, wanton violence, surrealism, adventure, and even an occasional touch of comedy.

The author's note that appears at the end of the City Lights Books edition, translated by Joachim Neugroschel (based on the original 1928 version of the book, by the way; in later editions, Bataille revised the text so that it "differs so thoroughly in all details that one can justifiably speak of two distinct books" per Neugroschel), states the psychological sources of the material in a fairly straightforward way. Bataille's father was blind and had "huge, ever gaping" eyes. He was also paralyzed and would frequently relieve himself in front of Georges, sometimes accidentally. As if that wasn't tragic enough, he also went mad towards the end of his life, shouting out obscenities that shocked the strictly-raised Bataille. Shortly after this, Bataille's mother had a temporary mental breakdown, as well. The incident at the "haunted castle" actually happened, in part, and so on.

But although knowing the source material is informative, it's not necessary to enjoy the book, and Bataille extrapolates far beyond his experiences, strongly emphasizing the surrealist aspects (you can even interpret a fair amount of the book as a novelization of a handful of Dali paintings, imagined by a psychopath), and delivering the result in a beautifully terse prose--often bridging over to poetry--that owes as much to Steinbeck and Hemingway as it does to a more shocking Kafka.

If you're easily offended, this book will more than do the trick. I'm not up on my banned book trivia at the moment, but Story of the Eye is undoubtedly on quite a few of those lists.

Many have said that this book has no redeeming value, or indeed no artistic value. That's only true if you have a very narrow view of the scope of literature--one so narrow, that most important works of fiction from the twentieth century and beyond are probably unintelligible to you. Story of the Eye has had more than its share of influence, in everything from fiction to painting to film, and provides a gripping, if upsetting read.

Odd little gem of perversion and eros.
Georges Bataille often falls between the cracks of literary identificaton because his work straddles so many uncomfortable realms. A sometime-Surrealist who had a falling out with Andre Breton, Bataille's books are often compared to the Marquis de Sade's. Reading "Story of the Eye" it's not hard to see why: two teenage lovers experiment with their bodies and with foreign objects; eventually their erotic adventures include madness, torture, murder and the death of a bullfighter.

This is strange, heady stuff--fortunately the book is barely 100 pages long. This is underground literature at its finest, mocking the pretensions of culture, of decency, morality, and healthy sexuality. Bataille's style can be obtuse but can also illuminate dark, forbidden corners of humanity. If you're into de Sade, Wm. Burroughs, Surrealism, Clive Barker, the psychology of fetishism, or just want something to read that is light years from the crappy bestseller lists, read "The Story of the Eye" and introduce yourself to the unholy world of Georges Bataille.

The Story of the Eye
I decide to read this out of curiosity, both because Björk quoted it as her favourite book (saying everyone should read it) and because everyone I knew that had read it, told me it was really shocking. It's a short read, basically about a guys fascination with his friend Simone, a coquettish young girl. They flirt around and indulge in strange and erotic behaviour. Then one day they involve another girl Marcelle in their erotic games. Simone becomes fixated with Marcelle, who is very shy and reserved. Simone's behaviour becomes more and more frenzied, eventually climaxing into a wild animal-like orgy among friends. Marcelle reacts strongly, coming out of her shell and going crazy. Then she's institutionalized at a asylum in the countryside and the two conspire to break her out. Eventually they have to go on the lam to Spain, where Simone gets even worse. Well, I don't want to ruin it. It's graphic and definitely not for the squeamish (or prudish). I wasn't as shocked as I thought I'd be, but I wasn't disappointed either! It's a good page-turner.

Not Great, Not A Classic
The Story Of The Eye is a major let down. Yes, the (...) scenes are morbidly interesting, and the ending of Part One is certainly a shocker, but (...) scenes and a shock ending do not a great novel make.
There is no character development. The narrator learns nothing from his "adventure", learns nothing from the deaths in the novel, learns nothing from his libidinous mistress.
As for plot, it is rather boring. It moves from situation to situation as if on automatic pilot; there is no build-up of interest or suspense, nothing to keep you wondering, "What will happen next."
Thematically, there is a real opportunity here to explore desire...but the author misses the opportunity. Don't let The Eye's reputation as a scandalous, banned book fool you - it simply is not very good.

sexually bizarre surrealism
I read this book when I was 19, after the works of Sade. Bataille was admittedly very influenced by Sade's works and I guess this little novel shows how. Bataille said he wrote "Story of the Eye" while bedridden one hot torrid summer in a state of extreme horniness. Written in a surrealistic style, this is the story of a guy and his girlfriend and their sexually aberrant behavior, including elements of mental illness, sacrilege, murder, and other things better left unmentioned haha. This book had a strong impression on me, but I wondered if others would feel the same, so I lent it to a friend. He too found it very interesting. There is no doubt it is also disturbing, especially the autobiographical psychological stuff involving Bataille's blind father urinating with his eyeballs rolled up and Bataille's equating this with eggs. If you're in the mood for a sexually odd book, this is the one to go for.

David Rehak
author of "A Young Girl's Crimes" ... Read more

Book Description

A smooth talker. An even better listener. And handsome as heaven on earth. He is God's Gift to Women.

Julian Payne gets into bed with millions of women every night. As an after-hours radio talk-show host, Julian captivates his female audience with his deep voice and sensitive spirit. Women can't get enough: They call in, begging for his advice about love, lust, commitment, and betrayal. Julian provides his listeners with the blunt male perspective, and he always has the right thing to say. But when it comes to his own romantic life, or lack thereof, he's at a loss for words.

A widower and father to ten-year-old Samantha, Julian wants nothing more than to settle down again with the right woman. Just when he thinks he's found her in Dr. Terri Ross -- smart, stunning, and with her own counseling practice -- Julian is confronted by a ghost from the past: Olivia Brown, a woman with whom he had a one-night stand. Suddenly Julian finds himself in a situation with a woman who's determined to win him over...or make his life a living hell.

Michael Baisden's hottest offering yet, God's Gift to Women is a compelling tale about the consequences of sex with a stranger. ... Read more

Reviews (126)

The Black Version of Fatal Attraction
Since Baisden's first book, I've been a fan. Baisden's latest book, "God's Gift to Women" is an action-packed book. Though the plot is predictable from Olivia R Brown's first encounter with Julian Payne, it deals with the bigger and more complex issues of how men and women misinterpret sex for love and the ramifications of a one-night stand.

I believe Baisden set up the story to be a typical "Fatal Attraction" because the book's introduction tells the whole story. The rest of the book tells how Olivia and Julian met, Olivia's mental state and actions, Julian's failure to respond to Olivia's action (hindsight), Olivia and Julian's final meeting, and a repeat of the introduction. I felt either the intro or the final chapter could have been omitted since I read the same details twice - this may have been a way to recap, tie up loose ends, and bring everything to a close.

Julian Payne, the main character, is a windowed single father of a pre-teen daughter. Julian is a relationship expert hosting radio talk show, "Love, Lies, and Lust" - what an ironic title!
Samantha (Sam) Payne, Julian's daughter, is protective of her father getting involved in a relationship after the death of her father. Part of the plot uses Sam's musical talent and youthfulness to show the extremes that people will go through to get what they want.
Olivia R. Brown, Julian's one-night stand stalker, is a woman that initially appears to have "it" all together, but has been emotionally scarred by men from her past. The R has significance in the plot.
Terry Ross, Julian's girlfriend, is a psychologist dealing with her personal struggle to love and trust again.
Mitch, Julian's co-worker, serves as Julian's source of wisdom and stability
Eddie, Julian's buddy, is in a long uncommitted (on his part) relationship - truly the opposite of Mitch.
Janet, whom Terry mentors, a lot of times seem to mentor Terry on how to deal with men.

Overall, the book is well organized with the exception of several revealed "clues" in the plot that I had to scan back through the book to see if they were actually given - one or two I couldn't find. It's a quick read - I finished in about two days. I will definitely recommend "God's Gift to Women" along with "Maintenance Man".

Thin Line Revisited
God's Gift To Women explores the familiar theme of a scorned woman's wrath. Trouble is, Olivia Brown, bearer of a serious fatal attraction, hasn't been scorned, she's just plain crazy. Baisden cleverly juxtaposes two situations: nice guy/dog and good girl/lunatic witch. The main character, Julian Payne is honorable, but like most men, if you hand it to him on a silver platter, he's going to have the feast of a lifetime. Olivia claims that she's a big girl who wants and can handle a steamy one night stand. Right.

Dog and good girl traits are put on display by Julian's best friend, Eddie and Dr. Terri Ross. Eddie's problem is he's not a harmless lovable dog, say a cocker spaniel; he's good looking, but he'll hurt you before you know what's happened, sort of like a chow. The way that he breaks his engagement is too cruel. Eddie's character cries out for someone to stop him before he hurts again. Terri is everywoman after a love affair gone bad, she's afraid to give herself again. Her character is cool, but she's a bit too ghettofied in the workplace. (See page 77).

This book ought to be recommended reading for single men. It's an entertaining, creepy reminder that if you dance, you've got to pay.

God's Gift to Women
The book was definitely a page turner. It only took me 1 day to get through it. That was due to some interruptions or I would have completed it ni a couple of hours.

Olivia was really off the chain. Eddie was definitely a playa.
But as it turned out a playa can be played.

Julian should have never had a personal encounter with Olivia an hour after meeting her. This was dangerous for himself, his daughter, and his new love. It also compromised his place of employment.

Thanks for keeping to the point and not making this a hardcore novel.

The Bad Boy Does It Again...
Michael Baisden has done it again with this page-turning novel. God's Gift to women is about a man named Julian who makes the wrong move when he has a one night stand with a women who is not at all what she seems. She is craaaazy, deraaanged.
Julian learns a hard lesson from that one night of passion, as well as suffering some serious consequences. This is a book that you will NOT want to end. It's full of suspense and will keep you up all night.

Don't Give This GIFT to Your Worst Enemy!!!!
A member of my bk club chose this book for us to read. I read it so reluctantly because I had read WHY MEN CRY IN THE DARK. That book was real garbage. I read a couple of reviews on here from people who said that this was probably Baisden's best effort so far & felt encouraged. I finished it today. It too was awful. This man cannot write. He hasn't matured any from WHY MEN CRY... It's as though Baisden went to his local bk store asked for the top 5 black authored books, read each in 1 night, then put his own story, borrowing off each of those 5 books together. Baisden makes it diffucult for authors who REALLY have something to say in their writing be heard. His writing style makes me not want to give other black authors a chance, but I will continue to read our books. His writing style makes other races not take black authors seriously. Did anyone else notice how Baisden switches from telling the story of Julian in 1st person to 3rd person around page 219? Total confusing the reader! Who is his proof-reader? His mom? Any kid with a 3rd grade education would catch the 1st to 3rd person switch. I will put a stop to this madness. I won't read another thing from Michael Baisden! Michael, stick to radio & seminars, that's where you're meaningful. Your character development is not good. ... Read more

Book Description

For Ulric, a pagan warrior who was turned into a vampire by a Christian crusader in the 14th century, immortality has come at the price of a deep and abiding loneliness. He cannot seek companionship from one of his own kind, because vampires—like many other predators—cannot tolerate one another's presence. The only person who shares his memories of home is his half-sister Adulfa, but she has spent the centuries sharpening her hatred of Ulric, for it was he who forced her to become a blood-drinker. It matters not to Adulfa that Ulric was also under duress when this tragedy occurred.

Now Ulric has found his soulmate, a woman who loves him despite her own turmoil about the things that he must do to survive. Their passion for one another is tragically heightened by the fact that she cannot live forever. And she refuses to accept life everlasting, because becoming a vampire herself will force her to leave Ulric's side to establish her own hunting ground, where she would reign supreme, but alone.

If anything makes Adulfa angrier than the prospect of Ulric being happy, if only for a few short years, it is his effrontery in raising a piece of prey to the status of his peer. Lost in a frenzied attempt to satisfy their desire for one another, Ulric and his lover, Lilith, do not realize that they are being stalked by a sadistic and amoral Valkyrie who has had centuries to plot her revenge. In Adulfa's eyes, Lilith may be nothing more than food, but her submissive charms are not lost upon Ulric's sister. Like a great cat, once she pounces, she plans to toy with her captive, if only because this will speed Ulric to his beloved's rescue. When brother and sister clash over the possession of Lilith, none of them will emerge unscathed.

There are far worse fates than death. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Avid Reviewer and Reader
Mortal Companion is not for the easily offended or those who are not comfortable with explicit sex. Subtitled as "an erotic tale of love and vengeance" like no other, Mortal Companion delivers. Patrick Califia has created a world where everything is possible and nothing is taboo. This world is opened up to the reader layer by layer - chapter by chapter - until the final climatic end which leaves us panting and waiting for the sequel.

Mortal Companion introduces us to Ulric, a very depressed vampire. Life, as he experiences it has become drudgery. Nothing gives him pleasure - even feeding leaves him wanting. One evening, in an unknown small town, Mary Beth Wolcott reveals herself. Ulric is immediately smitten and begins a sensual assault that Mary Beth is unable to resist. Ulric wins her heart and soul and makes her his mortal companion, renamed Lilith.

Lilith and Ulric begin a journey to San Francisco and to Ulric's past. Lilith learns how Ulric was the victim of the Germanic Knights of the Sepulcher. He was made a vampire by rape of the mind, body, and soul. This horrific beginning culminated in the rape and a feeding from Adulfa, Ulric's own half-sister. Adulfa swore vengeance on Ulric for his rape and forcing vampirism on her.

Adulfa is more then just a vampire. She began life as a shapeshifter. She is a reckless woman bent on seeking pleasure through domination of the body and mind. She has been planning her revenge against Ulric for hundreds of years and nothing will stop her. Lilith is her ticket to making Ulric pay for violating her.

Lilith and Ulric are aware of Adulfa's rage, but are so caught up within their insulated world they have a false sense of security. Ulric introduces Lilith to the BDSM community and a sex slave is born. Lilith gives herself over completely to Ulric. This trust is pivotal in what is to come.

Mortal Companion is an interesting and entertaining book. While the sex is explicit and violent at times, it has a purpose. Lilith and Ulric continuously switch roles. Neither is completely dominate over the other. It is clear that complete domination is not love, but sharing roles gives Lilith and Ulric a true, heart wrenching, undying love. While it can be argued this their undoing, it is beautiful to read of that kind of bonding. Each chapter switches character point of view effortlessly, giving the reader a voyeuristic journey. Each perspective - male/female - top/bottom - draws the reader further into a San Francisco most have only heard of.

My favorite characters by far are the vampire cats; Luna, Anastasia, Charley, and Hecate. These cats guard Ulric's house in San Francisco and play a very important role in the ending of the book. Califia has created the cats with individual personalities and separates voices. Luna speaks so eloquently that her words are like poems within the book.

Parts of Mortal Companion have appeared is various anthologies. Author Patrick Califia has written many different short stories and books on sexuality and Lesbian issues. He currently suffers from fibromyalgia and lives in San Francisco. When he is not reading other people's vampire stories, Patrick is spoiling his kitty cat or disciplining deserving masochists. He says, "Cats, unlike people, are innocent."

Move over, Lestat. Adulfa and Ulric are here!
I must confess I was more of a fan of the vampire sagas that camped up the vampire myth (Buffy forever!)--that was until I read Patrick Califia's Mortal Companion.

Califia has fleshed out and sexed up all the smoldering passion that simmered (and languished at times) in Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles. Ulric and Adulfa, the feuding vampire siblings in this first book of the series, are (omni)sexual predators. (And wonderfully so.) Califia also takes the violence, even S/M scenes and themes found in Laurell K. Hamilton, and gives them new fangs.

There are also many revisions and refinements to the age-old cosmology of vampires. Califia introduces us to The Elders, vampires who guide and protect the lives of their mortal tribes. Even amazing vampire cats. And new villians: the awesome and awesomely wronged lesbian vampire fury known as Adulfa, Sir Hilbert and his Germanic Knights, and a very frightening ubervillian known as The Adversary.

I'd reveal more, but I don't want to give the plot away. Instead, I'll say that once you finish this book, you'll be craving book two. I can't wait.

(Also fans of other Califia characters, like Patrick Kelly and Davy from No Mercy, will not be disappointed. They make a wonderful cameo appearance here.) ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (59)

Mind-blowingly explicit erotic thriller!
Topping from Below is one of the most explicit erotic thrillers I have read in a long time! Its powerful, no-holds-barred approach to eroticism pulls you into the dark and sinister world of hardcore S&M.

When her younger sister is found murdered, Nora Tibbs becomes obsessed with wanting to expose the man she believes is her sister's killer. Nora wants to experience the same things her sister had experienced by surrendering to the suspect's tough and illicit sexual commands. However, the sleuthing journey she decides to embark upon is one of deception, surprises and manipulation. Nora soon finds that collecting evidence is more difficult than she had anticipated, especially when the suspect mightn't be the murderer after all...

The novel's climax will blow you away.

Exquisitely dark, fiendishly graphic and powerfully gripping, Topping from Below is the best reading investment I've made all year. I recommend this novel to all fans of erotic thrillers.

Houston HPEP Reading Group Raves!!!
Yes, you've heard from me (vixen) before - but i just wanted to say that the HPEP Reading/Movie S.I.G.that Master and i host recently finished our own discussion of "Topping From Below" and it was one of our best meetings yet!!! All the folks who read the book found something compelling to talk about - be it the issue of consensuality, the culpability of the Dominant in the death of Fran, or the realism of the S/M scenes...all who read the novel were somehow moved, (my Master says i am prejudiced because i fell in love with the character 'Michael" - but i remind Him that it was only because He bears such a striking similarity to "His truly" - i have to admit when Master dressed for the meeting in the unpretentious debonair fashion of 'M' - right down to the silky shirt with rolled-up sleeves, i found myself in such a state that i could barely conduct the group)... But then, my friends, that just helped to illustrate the powerfull evocative nature of the characters described, and how intensely "genuine" the experiences of the heroine were presented. (*sigh*)

By the way, the Doms loved it too, and were almost unanimously defensive of M's relative innocence.

To reiterate, "Topping From Below" is a tremendous book, on many levels, and a very special BDSM literary find. Read it alone, or with your Dom/or sub... MWvixen

thriller, yes; erotic, no
As a psychological thriller, this book would get 5 stars. It has a great plot, lots of twists and suspense, and the characters were well developed. I really felt Franny's pain. As an erotic novel, I would give it 1 star. Now, i'm no prude, I like a good spanking scene as much as the next girl, but parts of this book made me want to vomit. If bestiality (sp?) is your thing, read it, if not you may want to stay clear. So depending on what you are looking for, you may enjoy it, but it was a bit too hardcore for my tastes.

A Page Turner
I read this book and was totally enthralled page after page ..
I found it very erotic , and yet at the same time disturbing, It paints a dark picture of the lifestyle, one that left me shaken and somewhat ill. yet at the same time I could not put it down, though I was tempted to hide it after i read it so graphic were the details of M's sadistic tastes.. the climax was terrific .. and the characters captivating .. even M in His quiet Firm and self assured attitude, the kind of Man who from a distance would seem every submissive girls dream .. until you get to know His dark desires, then you can only hope you never are under the Dominance of one such as Him (unless His desires happen to be yours) I totally enjoyed it and recommend it to any who have an interest in the lifestyle.

YOU WON'T PUT IT DOWN
Topping from Below is a riveting story that might be conceived as disturbing but I thought it wasn't too bad. There were some parts that made you a little uneasy but overall this book was great and it has a story line that kept you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't help to think while reading this that the behavior practiced by M is probably more common then most think. A very good book however. ... Read more

Book Description

Pretty nightmares and disturbing daydreams. This is John Bolton's corner of the fantasy and horror neighborhood, and tourists are strongly advised to keep a tight grip on their sanity. Bolton's worlds of the bizarre have attracted legions of fans who delight in his dark macabre style and gothic sensibilities. A long-time comic art favorite, John's work has spanned several decades, many graphic novels, and a gallery's worth of decadently disturbing paintings. His collaborative teamings with such talents as Chris Claremont, Neil Gaiman, Clive Barker, Sam Raimi, Anne Rice, Christopher Fowler to name but a few has only burnished his reputation as a true master of fantasy illustration. It's time to celebrate those achievements with a full color extravaganza.

The Art of John Bolton is an oversized edition that contains over 100 magnificently reproduced paintings and illustrations on a luxurious heavy coated paper. Every page is a brilliant blending of both the artist's eye and the printer's craft. This is a hyper-caffeinated coffee table edition that allows the reader to savor every brushstroke and subtle shade of color, while experiencing the chilling wonder of the other-worldly subject matter. Fall into Bolton's dark realms andlet his visions envelop you with its wonder. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Super!
This is a great book collecting all the best works of John Bolton to date. It is part of a series of German art books, called Art Fantastix ...which are often published as international editions, too, presenting the best international erotic and fantasy artists like Olivia, Luis Royo, Dorian Cleavenger, Boris Vallejo, Ricky Carrallero, Michael Möbius and more. The Bolton book is a perfect one to start with. So check it out, you surely won't be disappointed! ... Read more

Book Description

When Dr. Nikki Adenike's rendezvous with an Internet playmate turns into a life-and-death fling with the serial killer called "Lucifer," she manages to escape--into the arms of the detective investigating the case. But the danger is far from over--and a newfound passion is just beginning. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Kinda Like "MOXIE" you either Love it or Hate it :)
This is my first Jaid Black book. I've been keeping an EYE on her reivews from many books. I loved this one but noticed some people were offended by it. First off, Not all Sex is the same and each person has their own tastes in this department. This is a Romance Novel, but it is the type of sex the characters have that people find offensive. This Isn't the Bed of Roses type where women affectionally Dub things as "Members" or "love nubs", is Raw Passion and has Domination in the bed room. This type of Passion isn't for everyone.

I didn't find this Novel TOO choppy or having too many loose ends at all. I've read Johanna Lindsey, Cathrine Coulter, Jo Beverley, Sherilynn Kenyon, and many More popular authors having MORE loose ends than this novel. IMO, People may have a personal bias against Jaid Black books because they find the sex acts themselves Deplorable. Some woman like feeling Dominated in the bedroom, but this doesn't mean they are oppressed by men or Dim whitted Floozies, just means they like something different.

As for people NOT looking on the net for a Little S&M and dominance...Please. People do it on the net all the time. The story is perfectly believable. This type of Love play is "Taboo" to many people (as you can tell by some of Jaid's Critics)and it isn't like anyone is going to say "hey, you into whips & chains & WHo's your daddy's?" on the first date. LOL.

IMO, you'll either love it or hate it. I loved it. RAW passion is Definately a big PLUS in my Book. You like it Raw, Rude, Crude & Full of Attitude...then JAID BLACK's for you.

You need a bed or roses w/ Flowerly words & No crudeness...this isn't for you.

Great Reading!
I really enjoyed this book. Great hero and heroine. This is the first time I've read Jaid Black and I will definitely buy her books again.

I gave it 5 stars but I really felt it was 4.75. A couple of things bothered me, but that is purely my taste. (the story of the hero's daughter, the bad guy sewing the picture) I'm trying not to give anything away here.

The pistachios were a nice touch. In fact, I went out after I read the book and bought a bag of pistachios.

The one major love/sex scene was hot, hot, hot. That scene alone is worth the price of the book and keeping the book on your keeper shelf.

This is a not-to-be-missed book!

A Great Suspense!!!
I must admit that romantic suspense is one of my favorite sub-genres. This was the first time I've ever read anything by Ms. Black but I found this to be a great suspensful and sexy read. I look forward to reading her again in the future.

Dr. Nikki Adenike is a sucessful surgeon who has a sexy secret but one that she will not act out. Then one night she surfs the web and decides to act on her fantasy. This leads Nikki to begin a private e-mail relationship with Richard, a quite divorced teacher. "Richard" is everything this lonely doctor has been looking for. After repeated requests to meet face-to-face Nikki has her Richard checked out by a P.I. and finds that he seems to be safe. In reality she has set herself up for more then she bargains for.

Someone is hunting strong, successful women in the Cleveland area and he brutally tortures them and then kills them by cutting out their hearts. The press has called him "Lucifer" and he is closer to the devil then anyone knows. What is worse he has is sights set on Nikki.

Thomas is a tough as nails cop that has been hunting this killer for over nine years. The hunt is personal and he intends to see it to the end. The end of Lucifer that is. What he dosen't count on is his growing attraction to one of Lucifer's victims Dr. Nikki. She is the only one that has gotten away alive and he will move heaven and earth to make sure she stays that way. Even if he has to protect her himself. Together they come to grips with past experiences and their growing attraction while hunting for a killer. Who is Lucifer and will they catch him before he finally gets his hands on Nikki?

This was a very fast-paced, and sexy read! You are kept guessing until the very final pages as to who Lucifer really is. The chemistry between Nikki and Thomas was HOT. Thomas is Yummy and a great hero for Nikki! This book also has a little supernatural storyline that is very important to the main storyline regarding Lucifer. I enjoyed the secondary characters a great deal and hope the Ms. Black pens a story for Kim, Nikki's best friend.

I highly recommend Ms. Black's "One Dark Night" for edge of your seat reading that is not only romantic, but spicy!

Fast paced and suspenseful!
Just finished One Dark Night and wow! What a lovely story. Jaid Black had me guessing right up until the very end of this book as to who the killer was. The ending totally surprised me...I thought I had had it all figured out, boy was I wrong. :-0

The book is chocked full of suspects, a romantic relationship that builds slowly but very nicely and the sex scenes are hot!

Our heroine is a surgeon, Nikki, who goes online to find a Master for her secret desire to be sexually dominated in the bedroom. Unfortunately for Nikki she agrees to meet a man who might make her sexual fantasies come true...

However thanks to her best friend Kim, who is a psyhcic (sp), Nikki is saved from almost being kidnapped by a madman/killer...

Enter Thomas, a real life type hero cop, who is obsessed with finding the madman (Lucifer) who is killing women in quite a horrible way...

Nikki is the first woman who has ever escaped Lucifer...hence a very nice romantic relationship begins between Thomas and Nikki.

Thomas has his own tortured past and you'll really feel for him when you find out what it is.

One Dark Night is a little departure from Jaid Black's traditional Ellora's Cave romantica books but a definite must read for all Jaid Black and romantic suspense fans alike! You won't be disappointed!!! Very well done!(...)

Awesome!!
I loved this book! This was my first Jaid Black book and I will definitely buy her others. The story kept my interest & the sex was hot!! I whole heartedly recommend this book ... Read more

Book Description

When Rilke, a dissolute and promiscuous auctioneer, comes upon a hidden collection of seemingly violent photographs, he feels compelled to unearth more about the deceased owner who coveted them. What follows is a compulsive journey of discovery, decadence, and deviousness that leads Rilke into a dark underworld of transvestite clubs, seedy bars, and porn shops. In this hidden city haunted by a host of vividly drawn characters, Rilke comes face to face with the dark desires and illicit urges that lurk behind even the most respectable facades. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

It's absolutely great, but...
This book is absolutely great. If you want a book with a wonderful writing style, a BRILLIANT central character, and underlying gothic-ism which pervades the whole thing, and a walk on the dark side of Glasgow, then The Cutting Room is definitely or you.

It's all quite easy to sum up. Indeed, it is done admirably by one of its own characters: "Rilke here is an auctioneer. He came across some horrible pictures snuff photographs they look like, in some dead guy's attic. Thing is, he also across your card and he wondered if you might be able to tell him something about the man"...

That is a very fair summary, actually. It's about Rilke's quest to uncover more information about some suspect photographs and the man who owned them. As a plot, it's quite good, but nothing special. What IS special is Welsh's writing style. However, the plot starts out incredibly promisingly, but evaporates about 100 pages in. the first 100 pages are cracking stuff, but then everything about the photos seems to be forgotten, as our protagonist stumbles around Glasgow having gay sexual encounters and making a general fool of himself. The Rilke's intentions seem all but forgotten until the final 50 pages, which bring the plot back in again, and concludes the book absolutely BRILLIANTLY. I loved the resolution to this book, absolutely loved it. It's brief but very fulfilling.

Overall, this is certainly a commendable debut. The writing is of a very high-class indeed, the characters are very good, especially the marvellous Rilke. I enojoyed reading this book a great deal, but it would have been better if the plot wasn't forgotten for half of the time. For that i feel i must deduct a star, but it is a close-run thing. The great writing, grimy atmosphere and wonderful noir and gothic-ness of it are all to be treasured. I'm very much looking forward to her next book.

A good first book
When its main charismatic protagonist, the disaffected and dissolute Rilke comes upon a hidden collection of disturbing erotic photographs during a house clearance, he feels compelled to unearth more about the deceased owner who coverted them.

What results is an edgy, gritty, and, gutsy story that never lets up the drammatic tension. Yes - I absolutely loved the portrayal of Rilke as a flawed but moral person. Welsh has constructed a wonderfully ambivalent ani-hero; someone that I'm sure so many gay men can relate to.

This is an elegant, atmospheric and almost gothic book, and I just loved how the author so drammatically brings the underworld streets of Glasgow to life.

I'm going to wait anxiously for Welsh's next installment, as this novel definitely deserves a sequel.

Crime and Punishment Glasgow Style
Not my usual read, but thoroughly gripping... It's about a Glaswegian auctioneer who gets involved in trying to work out the provenance of some old necrophilic photos he finds in an old mansion. These photos unite unsavoury deeds from the past with present day ills and our protagonist deftly manages his investigation despite (and sometimes thanks to) his own set of vices and dubious acquaintances.

Welsh's style is reminiscent of fellow Scot, Iain Banks, but her prose is more poetic with more frequent allusions to literature, beginning chapters with dark little quotes from figures such as Poe and Rimbaud.

Once you get into this one, you'll burn through the pages. An intelligent, original novel.

Am I wrong?
Isn't this the same plot as the Nicolas Cage movie, "8mm"? I began reading this book and was enjoying it, but I'm disappointed in the obvious unoriginality, possible plagiarism? Disabuse me, because I was really liking the book and want to finish it without having that nagging "nah-uh-this-was-already-done" feeling.

Warning
A fresh and interesting writing style. Two major problems, one this is not a Scottish novel, it is a Glaswegian novel: References to geography are not a major block to someone, but if the reader is unfamiliar with Glaswgow and it's language, there will be tiny dead spots within the story as the words with unfamiliar meanings are used. Also a potential problem, there are a couple of instances where the writer is extremely specific about homosexual encounters. The homosexual hero/main character did not bother me, but to be reading along a mystery and then be bogged down in a page or two of true pornography in order to keep going with the story was not to my taste. The story itself is interesting, the surprise twist appears some 20 pages short of the end of the book, which finishes a little flat. The book reminded me of a Glaswegian version of Arturo Perez-Reverte, but not at his very best. Some of the reviewers mention awaiting her next book with anticipation. It will be interesting to see whether it is in the mystery vain or the almost pornography category. The small photo of her on the inside flap is one of the worst I have ever seen of an author for their book. It is as if the photo purposely was meant to hide more than it reveals. ... Read more

Book Description

(Occult suspense) A tale of forbidden sensuality set against a backdrop of the Victorian South. Adam was the man of Shona's dreams. But when their past lives came crashing into the present, she awakened to the terror of her lover's demonic possession and her own enthrallment to the ecstasy of his touch. ... Read more

Reviews (31)

The Beloved
This book is really excellent! Anyone who loves tension in a story will truly appreciate the great sexual tension here, as well as the horror aspect. The story really keeps you guessing, which I loved- so many twists and turns! I won't waste your time by giving a full synopsis of the story because you can just read the editorial reviews, so take my word for it, this book comes highly recommended. Enjoy!

-Frankie Alsup

Demon lovers and Victorian morals. What a combination!
As a new age-gothic fan, I found this book to be one of the best past life novels I've ever read. It is tantalizinly erotic with great sexual tension between the anti-hero, Jase and the Victorian Katherine.

Dark Love in Victorian Era, really hot!
This book was a surprise. What's starts out as a love story turns into a sexy, erotic suspense. Not what I expected, but a really good read. Especially on those dark, stormy nights.

Strangely Erotic!
I found this book to be strangely erotic. Far from being a horror novel it reads like occult suspense. Katherine's demonic lover was mysteriously intriguing.

Haunting!
I was thrilled and breathless while reading this novel! I felt like I was Shona (wished!) Must read this one! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (5)

750 pages of good writing is a bargain
Well I have never read a copy of the magazine The Paris Review but have subscribed to Granta since it started and subscribe to The New Yorker. The first story in the anthology "Terrific Mother" by Lorrrie Moore was enough for me to give this five stars - let's face it, where can you get such a thrill for $21?There may be some stories, poems, interviews, that don't grab me with the same electric immediacy as that first story, but I don't have to read it from cover to cover.It's one of those terrific bedside books as far as I'm concerned and an absolute joy to explore.

Probably an impossible task
I bought this book mainly for the interviews the magazine has had over the years, and some of them with notoriously reticent figures like Nabokov and Hemingway.But I was disappointed, because what really distinguishes a Paris Review interview from those of other magazines is how well they're edited, and how beautifully and naturally the conversations flow.All we get here is single paragraphs, usually just anecdotes, funny stories, little opinions: sometimes they're profound (see Edmund White's page) or just convey the author's personality well (Faulkner, Hemingway), but all of them just made me upset about not being able to read the rest of the interview.

Of course there's not enough space.But I would have thrown out most of the other material.I doubt there was any way to make this collection totally succesful: if you pick only the famous stuff that the magazine has published over the years, it's sort of a waste, since most people would either have read the selection already or wouldn't want to read just an excerpt.A first chapter is useful to get you excited about an upcoming book, but unnecessary if the book's already been published.If you limit yourself to the more obscure material, well, it'll be good, but there's a reason that some people remain obscure.

Not that I didn't get a lot of pleasure out of this book.Heather McHugh's poem, for example, is beautiful, and I never would have run across it if I hadn't picked this up.There are little wonders sprinkled throughout, but too much of the rest is familiar, just okay, or an unsatisfying little piece of something larger.

I hesitate to put forward this criticism, since I have no idea how I could do it better - but I do know what book I would rather have read.If anyone down at the magazine (which I hope will rebound from the sad loss of Plimpton) can put together a big volume of complete, untruncated interviews, I would pay a princely sum for it.I've seen earlier collections, but nothing that covers the entire Plimpton era, and I think it would be easier to pick just the great interviews than to squeeze thirty plus years of wonderful material into this enjoyable but probably ill-advised collection.

Best Anthology, Longest Title Award
This book makes a perfect gift for both serious literature junkies and those who have blown off reading for the past fifty years. If the former applies to you, here's the best from the best. If you're in the latter category, this book will catch you up to speed. The Paris Review published the first chapter of Kerouac's ON THE ROAD, the first chapter of McInerney's BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY, the first chapter of Franzan's THE CORRECTIONS, etc., etc., etc.Obviously, they've been able to spot new talent from the day they started even to today. And of course, their fantastic interviews with writers themselves are legendary. A must for the collector and the neophyte alike.

sloppy seconds
I'd love to read a book that lives up to the title of this one. The recent New Yorker anthologies of fiction, nonfiction, and humor come a lot closer.The Paris Review published the lesserwork of major writers, and lately it has been mostly given overto the longueurs of lightweights like Rick Moody. Plimpton will go down in literary history as a negligible, starstruck, Robin Leach-like figure, a party boy of narrow taste and ken.His magazine has been irrelevant for at least two decades now.

Hmph...
Well, as a whole the book was certainly worth reading.It was a bit less organized than the title perhaps suggests...but who said a book can't be mildly random.I have only two warnings for prospective buyers.1) The poetry selections weren't uniformly fabulous, and, in my ignorant opinion, lagged behind the short stories in quality.2) A lot of the big name authors appear only in passing.For example, only two selections of Faulkner's work appear...both short (less than a page in length) segments of interviews on the art of writing.Have fun reading the book...just don't expect it to deliver on all its promises. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"I urge you: learn how to look at 'bad' films, they are so often sublime." This remark by Ado Kyrou heads up the introduction to Immoral Tales, from which horror and exploitation film fans, especially Americans, can learn much indeed. Not so much a movie guide as an insightful critical overview of European sex/horror films (there is much overlap between the two genres), this book is elegantly organized into a sequence of essays proceeding from general themes (the history of horrific art, the surgical metaphor), to regional styles (Italian, German, French, Spanish), to individual directors (Jesus Franco, Jean Rollin, José Larraz, José Bénazéraf, Walerian Borowczyk, Alain Robbe-Grillet). The writing is intelligent, engaging, and packed with fascinating historical and technical details. The book includes plenty of photos and poster art (including many in color), a useful appendix covering miscellaneous actors and directors, an index, and a bibliography. Immoral Tales was a finalist for the 1995 Bram Stoker Award in Nonfiction. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

This book is great for EuroTrash fans >:)~
I got this about a year ago and I still read it! It goes into some detail about the Horror scene from day one in Europe so to speak which I thought was very cool.. It also talks about the differance in Directors in Europe, which I thought ok but why talk about so of there most terrible movies instead of the great ones?

Excellent book, but maybe not enough of it.
Easily one of the most entertaining books I have read on the sex/horror movie subject(although most don't concentrate solely on sex/horror). The problem is that it's so well written that I ripped through it in no time at all. I suppose when you look at it it really isn't such a small book, it just felt like it. You can't really criticize something that makes you want keep reading, but I just wish there was more.

Tremendous
A well-researched but light hearted look at the often kitsch always entertaining horror/sexploitation flicks of the period. My husband (...) thoroughly enjoyed Tohill's nostalgic treatment and so did I.

Essential, but does not cover all the ground
Living in Europe, I had the extreme pleasure and opportunity to see a lot of Euroflics in cinemas - one experience that drew me to J. Franco was seeing "Freiras Perversas" in a century-old ex-opera house on vacation in Portugal ... in the cellar with some raincoat locals who clearly thought I was mad showing up there. Anyway. This book contains a lot of essential information on some filmmakers, most notably Franco and Rollin, whose work really is explored further than in all other books there are. But... the book tends to concentrate on directors rather than countries which makes sense as a lot of directors worked euro-wide. But then, you can't have everything. I found this book much more attractive than Mondo Macabro.

most interesting
There are lots of books on sex films and there are lots of books on horror films. This is the only book I know of that looks at the sex/horror hybrid. I cannot explain why, but on-screen titillation is that little bit more piquant when shown in the context of a horror film. This is a marvellous book, and it contains interesting information about my favourite film of all time, "Vampyros Lesbos". Buy this book and seek out the videos. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Bored Stiff!
Boring,unimaginative,predictable tales written by Snooze and Snore.A definite cure for insomnia.Stick to the "Hot Blood "Series for real sex and terror tales with real thrills and Chills.Worst collection of Garbage I've ever been punished by.

clever erotic horror anthology
This collection is a combination of a reprint of a previous anthology containing seven repeat tales plus three new short stories released in the nineties and a new afterward. Each tale is well written, cleverly designed and clearly show why Ramsey Campbell is the father of erotic horror, as they all star a perverted individual either as a tormentor or a victim. Not for everyone, Scared Stiff: Tales of Sex And Death consists of ten frightening and horrifying yet erotic somewhat perverted stories at least from the mindset of this middle age female boomer who loves the macabre but is often disgusted by the plots. This anthology provides a voyeur's look into the soul of this award winning horror author great.

Harriet Klausner ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Misleading and Incredibly dull...
I picked up this short-story collection because the cover said it was a collection of vampire erotica and because the book was edited by Poppy Z. Brite.I feel like I've been ripped off.First of all, to say that this book is a collection of vampire erotica is misleading.Aside from some rough language here and there, there is almost no erotica in this collection.This is a collection of horror stories, period.And the stories are quite dull at that.The only ones I liked were "In this Soul of a Woman," by Charles de Lint; "The Alchemy of the Throat," by Brian Hodge; and "Café Endless: Spring Rain," by Nancy Holder.The aforementioned stories are thought provoking and horrific at the same time.The other stories simply failed to spark my interest.Poppy Z. Brite has let me down.I have the second part of the collection and am considering returning it to the bookstore.If you are in the bargain for vampire erotica, try the Ellora's Cave books.

Godly Book, Great Writers
This book showcases some new budding talent in a topic that has been widly writen about over time.These writers offer a wide arrray of different types of Vampires in several different settings.These stories were well written and supported but one of the greatest authors in Modern Vampire theorys.Many of these stories made me keep reading.I have read and re-read this book over and over.I loved this book and I suggest it to any vampires enthusiasts and those who are open to new ideas about the vampire myths and traditions.

Not For The "Timid"
If your looking for "Darker" vampire erotica then Love In Vein is your book. Some of the stories such as "White Chapel" are a bit graphic, and border on B movie gore, but overall it's a worthwhile read. It is certainly not a book for the "Timid."

Not Erotic, but sorta disturbing
Okay Now I have to say, I bought this book under the premise that this would be al sorts of sordid sexy erotic vampire stories. Instead I got a really nice anthology of all things vampires. Some sexy, others not so much. It covers your range of vampires from emotional feeding vamps, to blood suckers, to fetus eaters, to face eaters. See I don't technically count all of the characters within to be traditional vampires, but they do live off of the lives of others so I guess it works. Some of the stories are excellent, others are an authors attempt at cramming too much information into too few pages. I expected more of stories chosen by Poppy. Overall I was disappointed in this book. The stories are okay, but nothing really stuck with me except Nancy Holder's vision of Japan it's worth the price of the book. I'm getting around to the second edition and I'm hoping it's a bit more satisfying.

BEAUTIFUL
while some of the stories aren't that great.... certain ones will have you wanting more and more from the writers.I love books like this because usually i become a fan of a few of the writers in there.The book starts off very strong with the continuation of dracula... gets a little lame in the middle... and picks up speed again.MOST of the stories in here you'll love.This book is a definate pick me up... and for those of you (like me) that are a HUGE Poppy Z. Brite fan, you should try reading Love in Vein II. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Forbidden Pleasure & Dangerous Temptation...
Masters of Midnight contains four vampire tales written by four different authors. It includes:

His Hunger by William J. Mann - Jeremy Horne has always wondered what happened to his father and stepmother so when his job as a journalist offers him the opportunity to travel to the reclusive Maine estate of the eccentric Bartholomew Craven, he jumps at the chance to unravel the mystery. Little does he know that Bartholomew is a vampire, a vampire who plans on draining Jeremy and then seducing his lover, Minter, and turning him into one of the undead...

Sting by Michael Thomas Ford - Ben Hodges couldn't bear to continue living in the New York apartment that he had shared with his lover, Trey after Trey's suicide. So Ben accepted a job as librarian in a small Ozarks town. However, instead of bringing him peace, the town holds nothing but terror for Ben. For he discovers that there is an ancient evil that dwells in the town and has been gathering his strength to strike again. The only thing that Ben cannot figure out is how his new lover, Titus Durham, figures into the picture...

Bradon's Bite by Sean Wolfe - Braden Lugo grew up hearing the romantic love story of how his mother and father met. He didn't know where his mother was, but he knew that his father loved him and so he tried to learn how to be a good vampire. However, as Bradon grew older, he quickly learned that he preferred men to women, which was totally abhorent to his father. When Bradon was thrown out of his house, he fled to San Francisco, as far away from his home as possible. There he met Kirk Courey, a handsome blond man who would never believe in the dark side of Bradon's nature. But could Bradon love Kirk enough to stop himself from killing him?

Devoured by Jeff Mann - Derek Maclaine lost his lover in Scotland years and years ago, but he still feels the pang of that loss every day. He has taken many other lovers and knows that he will take many more, but the price that he paid to avenge his lover's death was too high. He regrets turning vampire, but he does nothing to turn aside from his nature and spends his days with sex and violence. But a new lover fascinates Derek as he has not been fascinated in a long time. But will he accept Derek's true nature?

As with all short story collections, I enjoyed some more than others. I would have to say Bradon's Bite was my favorite because it was a nice, romantic tale with a bit of a twist to it. Sting was the most haunting of the tales and it will stay with you long after you read it - it is always amazing to see how many lives are destroyed by one simple action. His Hunger was good, but nothing particularly exciting and it was the least romantic/erotic of the four and I think I would have enjoyed it more if we got to meet Minter. Devoured was beautifully written with wonderful descriptions, but I didn't like the characters in the story at all - if you are looking for a man who has embraced the dark, violent side of his vampire nature, Derek would be it. Still, it is a nice anthology and if you enjoy vampire stories, I think you will enjoy this one.

chilling from the first bite
A thrilling, erotically charged page-turner with literary merit. Kudos especially to poet/essayist Jeff Mann. Mann delivers a tasty meal on every page, mixing erotic content with a rich, descriptive, poetic voice. His surroundings, ranging from the moors of Scotland to the city streets of NYC to the mountains of West Virginia, are nearly as "human" as his living (and dead) characters. Not simply slam-bam-bite-me-man erotica, and not for the faint of heart. Let's hear more from Mann's devilish Derek.

A smorgasbord for the senses
Four different authors means a potpourri of styles and stories to choose from. From the archetypical "Barnabus" from the old "Dark Shadows" series to a new Lestat-like hero that hails from West Virginia via Scotland, this book offers variety, interesting twists, and...well, more than a smattering of sex.

William J. Mann pays homage to the 60's cult classic with an update for the new millennium. If gym bunnies are your fare, then Sean Wolfe offers an interesting twist that seems to coincide best with popular WB television fare. Two stories really stand out in this collection, however.

Michael Thomas Ford really shines in his unique twist on an old tale. Who knew those Razorback Mountains were fodder for such a captivating addition to vampire lore? Mr. Ford really shakes off his David-Sedaris-want-to-be style for a truly intriguing variation on what can sometimes be a stagnant genre. Hats off to Mr. Ford and all his names! Between panting hard you'll want to keep turning the pages to find out how this one, uhm, climaxes.

Jeff Mann's "Devoured" out-Rice's the honored diva in just 100+ pages. An epic novel captured in the space of a few chapters, Mr. Mann's lyrical prose follows a new vampire hero, Derek, from his inception in Scotland to the hills of West Virginia. Derek romps in what might be called, "a bit of the rough," which adds some great spice and thrill to what otherwise might have been a rather "twinkified" collection. Can't wait to find out what Derek gets up to next.

Buy it. Read it. Thank me later.

highly original and entertaining vampire tales
MASTERS OF MIDNIGHT contains four novellas in which vampires play a prominent and erotically gay role. The authors have different visions of vampires leading to highly original and entertaining tales.

"His Hunger" by William J. Mann. Thirty years ago in Cravensport, Maine murders and disappearances occurred with no explanation. Jeremy thinks the story will make a good human-interest piece, but he also has a personal stake in the story as one of the vanished was his father. However, he is in peril after visiting Bartholomew, a vampire who plans to enslave Jeremy and convert the writer's lover.

"Sting" by Michael Thomas Forge. Following the suicide of his lover, Ben becomes head librarian in Downing, Arkansas. He sees customer Titus put his hands into beehives. When the two men become lovers, Titus explains that he is a vampire and the bee venom prevents his blood craving. Titus feels strongly about stopping his kind who kills innocent children.

"Brandon's Bite" by Sean Wolfe. His father was a vampire while his mother was mortal. His father taught him how to survive as a vampire. As an adult Brandon discovered he was gay so his father disowned him. Brandon can choose any victim he wants but fears love because he believes he cannot control his urge for blood.

"Devoured" by Jeff Marin. Three centuries ago two Scottish lords shared a secret passion for one another. When they were caught, Angus was killed but Derek was changed into a vampire. He avenged his friend's death before immigrating to West Virginia. Now an affluent businessman, he finally has a chance to love again but must first take care of Matthew's homophobic enemies.

Harriet Klausner

A Savory Bite
Read this book for what it is, and you'll enjoy it very much. This is not meant to be a literary masterpiece. That much should be clear from the subtitle of the book: "Erotic Tales of the Vampire". Don't expect an all new and brilliant monster epic, and you'll like this book.

I want to praise the publisher for mixing two well-known names (William J Mann and Micheal Thomas Ford) with two names I am not familiar with (Sean Wolfe and Jeff Mann). The diversity of the stories and writing styles are fresh and keep the reader engaged. Much better than reading a long book with one style from one author.

The two Manns (William J and Jeff) have a similar style. Both of those stories, though decent, are my least favorite. They seem to try to be more than what they are. A little superficial for my taste, but not badly written.

I like Sean Wolfe's story very much. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and is comfortable being a short entertainment piece. It doesn't try to be more than what it is. I was entertained and appreciate the "humanness" that the story brings to erotic vampirism. It is both erotic and interesting. Though I haven't heard of Wolfe before, I'm sure we'll hear more from him in the future.

It is Ford, though, who is the star of this book, and a good reason for naming him as the main author. Most of us are familiar with his non-fiction material, which has won several Lambda Literary awards. His fiction writing here is no less brilliant. Ford's talent for putting the reader in the middle of the story and for character description are perfect. I love his story, and look forward to more fiction from Ford in the future.

If you're a fan of vampire fiction at all, you'd be crazy not to get this book. The variety of stories and writing style is fresh and refreshing. The writing is good. It is both erotic and frighteningly engaging. A must have for serious fans of horror, and especially vampire fiction! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Beware of this series...
The Hot Blood series always delivers that cutting edge (pun intended) style of horror erotica. This is yet another collection of stories that will titilate and make you cringe at the same time. I think it's brave for these authors to write in detail about topics and subjects most people won't touch. You will often find yourself being turned on about things you never thought would enter your mind. Pick up any of the Hot Blood series and you won't be disappointed. BUT BE WARNED! This has happened to me 3 times already and it's getting very frustrating.... they keep re-releasing this series with new covers so you think its a new book. Check the titles you have already before buying another book in the series. You might find you already own it. For example, I just bought Seeds of Fear that came out this month. Turns out I already had it from years back when it had a different cover and was titled "The Hot Blood Series" and in small letters below "Seeds of Fear". Now the re-release has "SEEDS OF FEAR" in big letters and "hot blood series" in small letter below it. This habit of re-releasing the same book and making it look like a new title in the series is very misleading and should be stopped. I even asked the guy at the book store if it was a re-release or not. He looked it up in the computer and said it was new. So even HE didn't know. Not many people remember the exact titles of their entire library at home before they buy a new book. I just don't like being "tricked" into buying the same title over and over when they are good enough to stand on their own. The publishers shouldn't have to resort to design/marketing tricks just to sell the book when the stories are so entertaining.

HOT!!
I found this novel very fun. It had such distasteful, unforgettable stories in it, how can one not be intrigued?!My favorite stories were of "The Tale Of The Nymphomaniac" which is not the real title.A story about a girl who just can't seem to... get enough! :)I think my favorite story out of the whole series of collection would be "Grub Girl".Its a futuristic story of a prostitute.I can't really give away much.Some of the stories are not erotic, and some aren't horror.But most have an even balance.This book is now hard to find, so I say if you should find it, buy it! You're in for a ride!!

Creepy and intriguing
Cure for people who chip away at their SO's self-esteem?Read "Overeaters Ominous,"a story from this volume...A depressed, 200-pound neglected wife gets back at her sleazebag husband by putting bothof them a very weird diet...

Very exciting!
I though this would be an exciting book to read. Boy was I right. This book has it all if you like Erotica and Horror you will love this book. ... Read more

Book Description

After saving his father from a deadly illness, blood addict James Whistler, from The World On Blood, has become the victim of a deadly plot of revenge! A Romanian arsonist/vampire hit-man has been hired to destroy Whistler and everyone connected to him, including his former lover Selene, a Wiccan High Priestess. As the reunited couple seek to uncover the truth behind the hit-man's employer, Selene's goddaughter is kidnapped, and only by confronting the abductor in an act of deadly seduction will Selene be able to save her. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Will the real Wiccans please stand up?
There is a reviewer below who feels grateful to this book for giving him useful information about the Wiccan culture, and so I feel obligated to write this review.

Jonathan Nasaw's treatment of Wicca in this novel is nothing short of slander. He either did no research into what real Wiccans do and believe, or else he shoved his research aside in favor of sensationalism. Nasaw's Wiccans recite the Catholic Mass backward in their rites; they include an orgy in every ritual; and they perpetrate nasty revenge when they feel wronged. And to add to the inaccuracy, these are supposed to be Dianic Wiccans. Dianism is a subsect of Wicca that focuses on the female aspect of divinity and holds women-only rituals. No way would Dianic Wiccans have a ritual orgy with a bunch of men. Nasaw's view of Wicca is straight out of the Malleus Maleficarum. It would have been OK if he'd just called the women "witches"; it's a vague word that means different things to different people. But he is using the name of a specific religion, and so he has a responsibility to learn something about it before he writes about it. Why? Because people, like the reviewer below, will think he speaks the truth.

If you want to read fiction about Wiccans--real Wiccans, not Nasaw's personal fantasy--try Yvonne Jocks's _Words of the Witches_ or Rosemary Edghill's _Bast Mysteries_. The people in these books are much closer to the reality.

Oh, and by the way, this book is also a violent gore-fest, with scene after scene of gross-out substituted for the plot.

Book of Shadows
I've always been facinated with novels that have deep dark plots; ones that include witches and vampires and all that supernatural lore. So, it was no surprise to me that I found this book to be a true "novel of erotic suspense" just like the cover promised. I praise the idea of mixing witches with the new idealy twisted vampire. I liked the idea of vampirism being like a drug addiction. It's possible to drop like a bad habit, but why drop it when it really isn't bad? After all, in this book blood drinking makes you stronger, faster, better. . . and from what the book hints at, it makes sex a whole lot better. Vampirism is the perfect drug in this book, it makes you a better person (literally & physically) without hardly any of the drawbacks. After all, what's a little sun sensitivity here and there. Needless to say, I liked the new twist. Though it disappointed me that Jamie and Selene didn't remain happily ever after, the course of their lifes events was none other than symbolic and meaningful. After all, they ended their romantic relationship the same way that it began. And though it made me sad to see it end, the conclusion was none other than profound. The book was complete with challenging obsticles to overcome and full of people bound emotionally to the main character. It had plenty of self discovery on Selene's part, and events that made her come face to face with decisions about the people she loves. It bothered me that this book is not one to have a happlily ever after in its ending, but then I came to realize that even with its preternatural twist, life is often like that. Life isn't judged by its beginnig and end, its the middle that counts,good and bad, its all the significant and profound events in-between.

BEAUTIFUL STORY!
I enjoyed this novel from beginning to end! The story (to me) is beautiful and mesmerizing!

I give this novel only 4 stars because it is a bit of a let down at the end. I was hoping for the two main characters (Selene and Whistler) to stay together, but unfortunately it wasn't meant to be!

After reading the book, I would love to see it made into a film, but it would be deserving of a rating beyond "R" because it is very sexually explicit and there is far too much violence, nudity and vulgar language involved!

Overall, I highly recommend this novel! It is a great read for those who like the surpernatural, which involves witches, and a lighter version of vampires.

If you're into SUSPENSE, HORROR, and MYSTERY, then this book is for you!

Kept me awake
An amazing, kind of sequel to The World On Blood. I didn't really think of it as a sequel though. But I still found it thrillingly sexy, seductive and captivaing. It kept me awake until 5am because I couldn't dare tear my eyes away from the horrifingly spledid story! Completely wonderful, I loved it almost as much as I loved The World On Blood.

Striga and Strigoa
An interesting novel that held my interest until the very end. As someone relatively new to the Wiccan witch culture, and Drinkers vampire empire, I relished the information and knowledge gained in this pleasure-reading novel. ... Read more

Book Description

As new York City Burns, Blackfunk feeds the flames of a complicated city, bringing with it its own tales of lies and deception. Amid bitter lovers, a murder trial and new temptations, Andria Jackson and Rashaun Jones must fight to keep their love alive. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

BETTER THE SECOND TIME AROUND
FOR ALL OF YOU WHO READ BLACKFUNK PART ONE
PLEASE RUN OUT THERE AND GET PART TWO
THIS BOOK IS OFF THE HOOK, ALL I'M GOING TO
SAY IS; THIS IS ONE BOOK THAT YOU WILL NOT
KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT LIKE MOST BOOKS
IT TAKES OFF JUST WHERE PART ONE LEFT OFF. THE ENDING OF THIS BOOK WILL HAVE YOU IN TOTAL SHOCK.

Hot, Raw, Racy - did I say Hot?
Michael Pressley's sophomore novel BLACKFUNK II gathers
all the momentum from the first book and dives headfirst
into a fiery dilemma. Rashaun Jones is defending one of
his best friends who has been accused of murder with a
lethal weapon. The apriorism is that Tyrone sexed his
partner to death.

Tyrone is not on trial alone; but the practice of black-
funk; a brutal, angry sexual act, is also on trial. The
question seems to center around the willingness of the
participants. Rashaun has to prove that this was a
consensual act and that his client did not enter into this
with the intent to take a life; but that this was an
unfortunate accident. Amidst all the drama of the court
room are Rashaun's personal issues. His recent engagement
to Andria, who was a close friend of the victim, brings
its own set of problems. Additionally he has to ignore
advances by the opposing District Attorney, his former
lover, who broke his heart. He also has to deal with
advances from the sister of his client who is determined
to get what she wants. Will Rashaun maintain his
commitment to Andria, will he turn back to an old love,
or will he reach out to something new?

Mr. Presley pulled out all of the stops with this book.
This story will raise all kinds of moral issues and will take
readers to the brink of their own sexuality. Leave your
imagination at home with this one because the climax brings
one to a gripping, spine tingling 'oh-no!' ending. There has
got to be more; this story absolutely cannot end here. This
is a superb sequel, really a 4.5. -- Reviewed by aNN Brown

When is the 3rd one coming
I really enjoyed part two just as much as part one.Michael knows how to capture the characters and grasp you're attention and hold you to that certain point where you want to burst. very good read.

Loved it!!!!
Blackfunk II picked up right where blackfunk left off without skipping a beat. It was one of the best books I have ever read because there is truth to it. You have to read black funk first to get into it and once you do you are not gonna wanna put it down. I am anixously waiting on Blackfunk III!!!!!

Okay, but no cigar
This was an easy and fun read. But just because you are planning a sequel does not mean you have to stiff the reader with no ending. This is not a way to sell future books. Also the story line was all over the place. A good book to borrow but not to buy. ... Read more