Tag Archives: short story

Troika: A Supernatural Short Story by Bibiana Krall (Book Review)

A normal day in the Deep South turns into a nightmare, as Chantal discovers that beauty and terror trace the fault lines between life and death. She fights to understand why a good woman, her friend Aida is stricken with a debilitating illness that steals her mind and reason. When Aida’s terrifying visions are revealed, what price does it have when it’s shared with Chantal? 

 
 Take a walk on the dark side, where existence is fragile and knowledge of the after-life can cross over and become frighteningly real and physically dangerous to anyone who knows the truth. Make it a summer to remember with a fantastic new story from Black Calyx Books!
 
 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

Dementia is a scary illness. It weakens the mind and body. People with the affliction are aware their time is limited, and there’s no cure. Loss of motor function, loss of memory, and hallucinations are just a few symptoms a person faces with this terrible illness. Again, it’s a sad and frightening illness.


Bibiana wrote about the fears and heartache of having Dementia from a sufferer’s point of view and a friend’s as well.


She focused a lot of time on hallucinations. Were the three people Aida saw real or the result of her disease? To avoid spoilers, I won’t say either way.


I will say this…


When you sense evil or death breathing down your neck, real or imaginary, it’s a real mind F—K. You can’t help but live in constant fear. And fear, as we discover, is like food for vile creatures.


After I finished this short story, I read the “Afterword.” In my opinion, I think Bibiana Krall should’ve put the “Author’s Note” before the actual story. Knowing this story was loosely based on real-life events increased my score. Before the “Afterword,” Troika was a solid three stars. After I read the “Author’s Note,” my score jumped a point.


Also, before the story began, Bibiana had an “Epilogue.” An epilogue goes at the end of a story.


Other than those two things, I wouldn’t have changed anything else. It was a quick, to the point, read and had just the right amount of spookiness to keep me engaged. No gore, only a story that embraced the word FEAR.

 

Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 

Score: ❤❤❤❤

 
 
 
Bibiana Krall is the author of seventeen titles on Amazon, a former international travel expert and luxury insider, she has lived the adventurous life she writes about. Her novels and short stories highlight kickass, female protagonists in character driven stories that utilize social narratives.
Winner of a ‘Pay It Forward Scholarship’ from Wilkes University CW, Bibiana Krall has been called a, “Lyrical maven and literary wordsmith.” @Goodreads Learn more about Bibiana’s books, watch cinematic book trailers.

Become Literati and subscribe to her free blog, news, inspiring articles and occasional recipes at https://www.bibianakrall.com

YouTube: Bibiana Krall Books | Barefoot Films
Amazon Author Page Link
Chat & Follow on Twitter: @Bibiana1Krall

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Fantasies Abound: Awakened Desires Book 2 by Laura M. Baird (Book Review)

Print Length: 79 pages

 

For the past seven years, straight-laced Sable Stephenson has been dedicated to her studies, leaving little time for pleasure. Even with graduation in sight, her drive begins to falter, so she accepts a friend’s suggestion for a carefree Spring Break to clear the cobwebs. A little dancing, a few drinks…she’d be back on track in no time. But falling for sexy club owner Tomas Mancini isn’t part of the deal. He’s fourteen years her senior and a Dom, yet he arouses fantasies she’s never even dreamed of. One night of passion turns to more, and Sable must decide if she can handle the kink in her plans for the future or if it will lead her down the perfect path.

Kindle Purchase Link

 

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 

I’ve read a lot of stories that claim they are erotic but fall flat. An author creates a brief sexual encounter, basically just enough adult content so they can slap a label on it, and then he or she moves on. No more scorching heat. Just a slow simmer until the last word is written/read. 

Laura, on the other hand, created an under 100-page story which had about 97% sexual content. I’m sure this high percentage will please her buyers/readers.

Now, when Sable and Tomas weren’t engaging in dirty talk or sex play, we learned a tiny bit of who they were as a person. I appreciated these breaks because I know where they wanted it, how badly they wanted it, but not much else.

Honestly, I didn’t come away overly connected to Sable and Tomas as individuals. I can see the positives and negatives in each character. With that being said, I want to share with you one of Tomas’ positives —> He is the king of foreplay! Seriously, he could teach a class on how to please your woman. 

 

Word of warning….. You have a good chance… probably a 97% chance…. of being horny as hell after reading Fantasies Abound.

 

Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 

Score: ❤❤❤❤

Kindle Purchase Link

 

 

~~ Don’t forget to check out book one in the series, Resort Virgins! ~~ 

Print Length: 56 pages

After twenty-five years of marriage, Violet and Max agree their vanilla sex life needs a little spice. Spending their anniversary at a tropical fantasy resort just might open the door to a new love life and bring them closer together. But engaging in pleasure with another couple produces different results for each of them, and unleashed desires could do more harm than good and ruin their marriage after all.

Kindle Purchase Link

 

 

I’m a voracious reader myself, hoping to bring you years of joyous and thought-provoking stories filled with excitement and fun; sexy romance, laughter, and emotion. 

Hubby and I enjoy watching our grown sons walk their path into adulthood. We’re always up for an adventure, and hope to one day fill our passports with stamps from Canada, Scotland, and Fiji. 

I love to engage with readers and writers, please contact me through any of the following social network links.

 

Website Link / Facebook Link

Twitter Link  / Amazon Author Page

Goodreads Link / Instagram Link

Bookbub Link / Smashwords Link

 

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Fantasies Abound: Awakened Desires Book 2 by Laura M. Baird (Book Showcase)

Print Length: 79 pages

 

For the past seven years, straight-laced Sable Stephenson has been dedicated to her studies, leaving little time for pleasure. Even with graduation in sight, her drive begins to falter, so she accepts a friend’s suggestion for a carefree Spring Break to clear the cobwebs. A little dancing, a few drinks…she’d be back on track in no time. But falling for sexy club owner Tomas Mancini isn’t part of the deal. He’s fourteen years her senior and a Dom, yet he arouses fantasies she’s never even dreamed of. One night of passion turns to more, and Sable must decide if she can handle the kink in her plans for the future or if it will lead her down the perfect path.

Kindle Purchase Link

 

 

~~ Excerpt ~~

 

As Sable watched others, she felt herself being swept up in the sensual atmosphere, moving her body seductively.

At one point, she closed her eyes and raised her arms, allowing the music to become her partner.  The rhythm flowed through her body, moving her at its will.  Her skin heated, tingled, and she felt her nipples pebble in excitement as a sheen of sweat began to form. 

Song after song played, and Sable lost track of time, just enjoying the here and now.  Glancing around, she admired the various dress and masks of the patrons.  

How could something as simple as covering your face enable you to become another person and act completely out of character?  She smiled to herself and closed her eyes once again, letting the music guide her.   

Suddenly warmth engulfed her backside as a body moved close to hers.  While she should have been startled, she felt aroused and excited as she instantly recognized Tomas’s cologne.  It was as unique and memorable as the man himself.  It was intoxicating.

As images from her dream came to mind, she wondered if they had been a premonition of what was to come. 
His fingers ghosted along her raised arms and continued down her side until his hands landed gently yet commandingly on her hips.  As his chest pressed into her back, his mouth perched next to her right ear and whispered seductively to her.

“Il mio angelo, sei bellissima.”

Sable knew enough to recognize angel and beautiful.  She nearly whimpered at his words, thinking how sexy he sounded; how they made her feel sexy.  Her body moved against his as her hands found their way to the back of his head.  She realized he wore no mask as she threaded her fingers in his hair, holding him in place while he gave attention to her neck.  Nibbles with his lips and scrapes with his teeth set her aflame.  She leaned against his shoulder as she let out a moan.

“Three days, bella.  Tre giorni, Io sono pazzo di desiderio.  I am crazy with desire for you.”

“Tomas.”  His name escaped on a sigh as she melted further into him.

“Three days I have held back when I have wanted you from the start.  You tempt me, bewitch me; sei magnifico.

“I, I don’t know you…”

“You will, cara mia, you will.”

Sable’s mind went blank, pushing aside rational thought to only feel.  She might not know Tomas, but somehow she knew he’d never hurt her.  He’d only give her pleasure.  Perhaps Devyn was right, and she needed this, if only for right now.

All Sable could think about was letting go of her careful control and allowing someone else to take the reins.  She may not know what tomorrow would bring, or even next week, but tonight wasn’t about then.  It was about this moment.

When Sable tried to turn in Tomas’s arms, he held her to him, his hands linking with hers and bringing them down to their sides.  Once again he whispered in her ear.

“Let me hold you like this a moment longer while we dance.  Let everyone see your beauty, and envy me, because I am the one who has you in his arms.”

“You flatter me, Tomas.”  She began to shake her head and deny his words.  “I—”

“Shh shh, do not doubt what I say.  You are marvelous; meravigliosa, and I am honored to have your trust.”  He then spun her around, bringing their chests together as he stared down at her with such longing, she wondered if she was reading him correctly.  “Do I have your trust, Sable?”

She grinned as she answered.  “Si, bello.”

And just like that, Tomas’s eyes darkened as a smile took shape on those sinful lips.  Lips Sable wanted on hers, but settled for them landing on her cheek.  For now.

“Perfetto.”

One hand held hers to his chest while the other pressed into the small of her back, keeping her close as they swayed to the slow music.  Sable felt comfort, she felt protected, but she also felt empowered to do what she never imagined she’d ever do.  She was considering letting herself go and giving in to this urge to be with Tomas. 

Kindle Purchase Link

 

~~ Don’t forget to check out book one in the series, Resort Virgins! ~~ 

Print Length: 56 pages

After twenty-five years of marriage, Violet and Max agree their vanilla sex life needs a little spice. Spending their anniversary at a tropical fantasy resort just might open the door to a new love life and bring them closer together. But engaging in pleasure with another couple produces different results for each of them, and unleashed desires could do more harm than good and ruin their marriage after all.

Kindle Purchase Link

 

 

 

I’m a voracious reader myself, hoping to bring you years of joyous and thought-provoking stories filled with excitement and fun; sexy romance, laughter, and emotion. 

Hubby and I enjoy watching our grown sons walk their path into adulthood. We’re always up for an adventure, and hope to one day fill our passports with stamps from Canada, Scotland, and Fiji. 

I love to engage with readers and writers, please contact me through any of the following social network links.

 

Website Link / Facebook Link

Twitter Link  / Amazon Author Page

Goodreads Link / Instagram Link

Bookbub Link / Smashwords Link

 

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Dying for an Invitation by Theresa Braun (Book Review)

~~ Under 50 pages ~~

Dacie returns to Romania where she’s ready to coax her invisible childhood playmate to reveal himself to her. Tension and passion fire up between them. Dacie’s mother spouts cautionary advice regarding the supernatural; however, Dacie shirks the warning as nonsense born from local legends. A lost letter lands in Dacie’s hands, suggesting the powers of the undead might have a grip on the family lineage. When her mother dies, so do the answers. And, Dacie needs the comfort of her unseen companion more than ever…

Kindle Purchase Link (US)

Kindle Purchase Link (UK)

 

I genuinely believe vampires are not real. But what if they are? What if they watch us, biding their time until they make us one of them? What would you do to protect your home and your family?

Dacie grew up in Bran Village (Transylvania). People believed you must be careful of the strigoi (vampires). That’s why they took extreme measures to ensure the dead stay dead.

Theresa wrote about staking the heart, burying them face down, and burning the deceased. What she added and what I had never heard before was mixing their ashes with holy water and then drinking the concoction. If it worked and I was a believer, I would say bottoms up.

She also wrote about the importance of garlic, thorns along a home’s threshold, and how easily a vampire can seduce their victim. As for Dacie, her fate was set years before she returned to Bran and came face to face with her invisible childhood playmate.

While Dacie attempted to figure out the past, Theresa gave us a history lesson regarding Vlad Tepes. It was a most interesting tale and proved very important to Dacie’s fate and the fate of others.

As I said, I am not a believer in vampires, BUT I have no plans to visit Romania/Transylvania just in case I’m wrong, and the fanged monsters are there waiting for me like one waited for Dacie.

 

Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 

Score: ❤❤❤1/2 

Kindle Purchase Link (US)

Kindle Purchase Link (UK)

 

 

Theresa Braun was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and has carried some of that hardiness with her to South Florida where she currently resides with her two fur babies, who are her creative sidekicks. She enjoys delving into creative writing, painting, photography and even bouts of ghost hunting. Traveling is one of her passions—in fact, her latest adventure took her to Romania for a horror writers’ workshop where she followed in the steps of Vlad the Impaler. She writes horror fiction and the occasional romance. Oh, and she likes to guest blog about writing, television shows, movies, and books, mostly in the horror genre.

Twitter Link  / Facebook Link / Website Link

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The ‘Rails’ Series by Zol Predosa (Author Showcase)

~~ Book ONE: Karen ~~

Gordon’s adventures begin looking for scrap metal but finding adventure. Karen was a wild, free woman who wanted out of this town. She was ready to do anything and burn the bridges behind her.

Kindle Purchase Link (US)

Kindle Purchase Link (UK)

 

 

~~ Book TWO: Claire ~~

Claire draws Gordon into the decisions of a reckless couple. A husband and wife both trying anything to entertain one another. Is Gordon the last or just another piece of scrap in their pursuit of distractions.

Kindle Purchase Link (US)

Kindle Purchase Link (UK)

 

 

~~ Book THREE: Elle ~~

Elle was a beautiful colorful woman caught in a gray cage of a house. Would meeting Gordon be the way for her to escape her quiet life?

Kindle Purchase Link (US)

Kindle Purchase Link (UK)

 

 

~~ Book FOUR: Harper ~~

The final installment of the Rails Series. Harper is not what she seems, but she’s found a way to deal with a loveless husband and a mundane way of life with friends. 

Kindle Purchase Link (US)

Kindle Purchase Link (UK)

 

 

Zol Predosa has been a writer, director, and has “done many of the small roles that surround us during our day-to-day lives occupied by people that are interesting, dramatic, sensual, and often go unnoticed in our everyday lives.”

Zol is excited to write about them in the erotic series beginning with “Rails,” the exciting times of a man who thought collecting metal would be boring. It’s not. 

Amazon Author Page Link

Twitter Link 

Goodreads Link

Website Link

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