Adriana KraftCritiques

Natalie and Bridgette are on a work trip when a snowstorm strands them at the hotel. With only one bed in the room, they must share it. Natalie hopes that Bridgette will accidentally touch her. Will she or won't she?

This is a short vignette in these ladies' lives. It was too short for anything to develop but I could not comprehend Natalie's wanting to know what the future held for them. I liked Bridgette's attitude of going with the flow.

I would like to see these ladies in either more vignettes or a longer story.

Melissa has inherited her Aunt Phoebe's estate which includes two boxes of photos of her and a co-worker at the Center where they worked. Melissa applies for a job at the Center where her aunt made instructional videos for the Center. She meets her aunt's co-star. Both are attracted to the other but is it because of Melissa's resemblance to Phoebe? Is Melissa interested in Harry because of Phoebe's photos? What happens between the two of them? What about others who work at the Center?

OMG! This is Adriana Kraft's best work to date! I loved it! I want to be Melissa. It is intense as Melissa and Harry work their way to each other. Melissa should not have hidden her relationship to Phoebe but I understood why she did. Harry needed to work on his communication skills when he discovers the relationship. I loved that they could not stay away from each other before their fall out. Watching them was so erotic. There is a deep connection between them, seen by co-workers, felt by readers.

I look forward to the next book in the series.

Jen and Brett are in Las Vegas to celebrate Jen's 50th birthday. Alice and Carl have set them up to play with Alan and Melissa who have to cancel. They have Michael and Lia meet Jen and Brett at the club where they are pleased with each other and decide to play. Will they continue to play?

I love seeing Jen and Brett again. I like that they can enjoy themselves together, but I like when they find someone else to play with. I liked Michael and Lia. They were open, ready to play, and hot. I hope they get a chance to play again.

Carol and Cliff are set up by a friend. They begin to date but are reluctant to move fast because of pasts. Both are over 50 and have not had partners for a while. They continue dating. But secrets may come between them. Will they survive the secrets?

I enjoyed this story. I liked that the couple was older and thinking with their heads, so they did not jump into bed immediately. They thought about it and discussed it. They took time to begin knowing about each other. Carol has a fetish for Santa which Cliff can tease her about without her getting angry with him. Even when his secret is revealed, she's shocked but able to talk with him about it and not fly off the handle. I hope they have a long and happy relationship. It will definitely be hot!

Jen and Brett go to a clothing optional RV resort but have to be careful not to show their swinging side and get kicked out. They are looking to see if others might be interested in playing. At the pool, they meet Kim and Paul who it turns out are in the lifestyle. Their week at the RV park got a lot more interesting.

I enjoyed this story. I liked how they searched each other out and were successful. The playing was hot!

I wish this was not the last book in the series. I would like to see Paul and Kim join the rest of the group since they play with Angelica and Rico. I also would like to see what happens in the future to all of these characters. They are like good friends with whom I want to keep in touch.

Jen and Brett are going to a resort called Epicurean Delites but Donna and Ryan had to cancel to deal with her mother's surgery. Once there they hook up with new couples as well as Sarah, Carl, and Alice. Jen and Brett are pushed a little and open up to more spanking. But along with the fun also comes reality.

I enjoyed this book. It is hot, hot, hot! I chuckled when Brett finds out their daughter knows about their going into the lifestyle. Jen suspected she knew but Brett was shocked especially about a few things Theresa said.

I liked Lacy and Tim and the role playing they brought to the play time. I also appreciate finding out about Carl and Alice but not their reason although it does bring reality into the story and gives a more rounded look at the swinging lifestyle. It is not all fun and games. Reality is always there.

I look forward to the next installment.

Jen and Brett are mentoring another young couple, Jason and Crystal. When it looks like they might be stood up the young couple appear but seem ill-at-ease while talking in the bar. When it is suggested they move to the suite, they calm down and begin to get frisky. As Jason watches his wife and Jen get into playing, he becomes more comfortable. I am glad that Jen and Brett are doing more mentoring and expanding their play group.

Later Jen, Brett, Donna, and Ryan are talking about a letter to the editor and how to respond. They also begin talking about polyamory relationships and Carl and Alice moving closer to them. Jen and Donna start working on Carl the next time they see him about moving closer to them. It will be fun to see who wins.

Vanessa and Carson also return to Jen and Brett's. They have decided to go back to swinging but want to limit their play partners because of the club experience. Jen, Brett, and the rest understand and encourage them to move only as quickly as they are comfortable with. I like that Vanessa and Carson feel comfortable about talking of their wants and needs to the group. I also like that the group can understand when others outside of the lifestyle would judge them. It builds confidence in the friendships that are developing.

I look forward to see how all their needs will be met.

Summer's coming to an end and Sarah must go home and return to her job. Before she leaves Jen and Brett will throw an end of summer of party for her and their friends. Jen and Brett also meet a new couple (Angelina and Rico) and play with them. Sarah is also putting feelers out to expand her group of playmates. How did summer pass so fast?

I liked this entry in the series. I thought it was important for Sarah to play with Ryan before the party so that they could both be comfortable with each other as well as with his heart condition. I never thought about the hesitancy--not only of the person with the disability but also with the one playing with them. It was wise that Ryan, Sarah, and Donna had the privacy to play without an audience. It showed that they cared and worried about one another. I appreciated that Jen did not get into a hissy fit although she did not understand completely. Brett is better at understanding and empathy. Jen's learning.

I liked that new friends--Angelina and Rico--were introduced as well as old friends--Carl and Alice. I wish that Jen and Brett would reach out to Vanessa and Carson since their bad experience at the house party especially since they were the young couple's mentor. Hopefully that will happen.

I look forward to seeing Sarah reaching out to new partners and watching how that goes. I cannot wait to read the next installment.

Jen realizes she needs to make overtures to Donna to mend their rift. Sarah stops after jogging one morning when Donna is outside. They talk. Jen goes over and talks with Donna and both admit they contributed to the problem. Now it appears the rift is mended but will it stay mended? Will the five of them be able to play together?

I liked that they started working out their problems with each other. I also enjoyed them accepting responsibility for their parts. As fences are mended illness and disability comes up. I liked seeing how it was dealt with and how it affected the playing. I felt it was good that they talked about friends and playmates coming and going. I would like to see more into Vanessa and Carson's withdrawal from the lifestyle because of a bad scene. I certainly do not want to see the scene but I would like them to come to Jen and Brett and talk about what happened and how it made them feel.

I look forward to the next episode.

Jen and Brett's relationship intensifies with Sarah. Donna and Ryan break it off with Jen and Brett. Jen feels somewhat guilty but not enough to give up Sarah and their summer plans. Brett questions her but does not push her. Sarah feels ready to move into meeting others so Jen sets up a play date with Alice and Carl who then share a story with Jen and Brett. Who knows where it leads?

I liked this installment. The relationship with the three of them really heats up. I appreciate when Alice and Carl try to smooth things over with Donna and Ryan but Donna is just too hurt. I also like Alice's questioning of Jen, not in a hurtful way but in a caring and compassionate way. They are all still hot!

Now that Jen is questioning as is Sarah, we'll have to see what Donna and Ryan do. Looking forward to seeing what happens.

Jen and Brett await Sarah's return but it is delayed. They go to Donna and Ryan's first play party where they meet George and Sharon. Sharon is a woman of size and Brett hesitates about her. Jen and Alice both tell him to give her a chance. He is surprised when he does. Sharon is aware of his hesitation but teaches him not to judge. Later Donna, Ryan, Jen and Brett have a foursome instead of their usual twosomes Wednesday. Brett discovers he likes when Ryan has his way and they become less tense when the subject comes up.

When Sarah returns she comes straight Jen and Brett's. They help ease her burdens. They also help welcome her home. Thinking of the summer ahead of them, Jen issues Sarah an invitation. Will Sarah take it up? How will it impact other relationships? Will it work out?

I found this the hottest installment yet. Lots of new action. I appreciated Sharon's introduction and the prejudices others have towards larger people. I thought it was sensitively handled and it showed Brett having learned a lesson while Sharon knew what was going on in his mind. Very human.

I liked seeing Brett and Ryan move on in their bi-relationship. I also liked that Jen let Brett know about Ryan and Donna's daughter, Amy, and her swinging lifestyle as well as what happened in college with Amy and their daughter. Brett was shocked. Just like a father.

I enjoyed Sarah's return. I liked how their threesome was shown as natural Jen did kind of make a decision for them without consulting Brett. He supports her but he has his doubts on how it will work out. He knows it is not just the three of them impacted by Jen's decision. What will happen remains to be seen. Which I will find out next book, I hope.

Jen and Brett have, hopefully, found their unicorn, a widow named Sarah. She and her late husband had discussed swinging so she could discover her bi self. Unfortunately he died before they could and she was overwhelmed with grief so it took her a while before she reached out to anyone in the life. Meanwhile, Vanessa and Carlson want to go to a club so Jen and Brett take them. There they find more than they even thought of. Vanessa overcomes her hesitation and enjoys herself. Then Vanessa and Carlson suggest a play party at Jen and Brett's. They have it and discover a lot about themselves and more about all their partners.

This is the hottest book yet. I like that each couple takes steps to achieve what they need and want in the life. I also like the openness and honesty of each person and couple. There is hesitation but once a couple or person has discovered an act was only scary when built up in their own mind, things settle down and get good and hot. I appreciated the humor at the end when Brett is worrying about what he and Ryan will talk about while golfing after the play party. It made it so realistic as did Donna finding out about her children.

I look forward to the next book.

Vanessa and Carson ask Jen and Brett to mentor them in the lifestyle. Vanessa and Carson have had problems because of their youth. Those their age (20's) have not been fulfilling and those older do not want to be with newbies. Jen and Brett say yes but can they keep up with Vanessa and Carson? They do their meet first and decide to play that weekend. Both couples learn from each other. And it is better than any of them imagine it will be.

I liked that this story focused on two couples. I appreciated the time both couples took to get to know each other before playing. I liked that questions were asked and answered. I found it good that they were able to share experiences that happened to them. There was honesty between them from the moment they met. I enjoyed their playing, especially their second time.

I look forward to the next installment to see where it leads.

Donna and Ryan's first foray into swinging on their own did not turn out as successful as Donna hoped. The games were fun but the couple did not want a repeat. To keep Donna from pursuing exclusivity, Jen and Brett go forward with the play party. Donna is hesitant but Jen and Brett reassure her how much she will be sought after. When the party occurs they are proven correct. After the party Jen and Brett are contacted by a younger couple to mentor them. Hopefully it will lead to another friendship.

I enjoyed how much fun occurred in this book. I liked the pairings and I like that Jen and Brett are doing their best to set boundaries which get pushed. I appreciated how accepting Jen and Brett's friends are. I also look forward to the mentoring of the young couple, Charlotte and Carson.

Jen and Brett's neighbors and best friends, Ryan and Donna, find out they are swinging. Donna feels hurt and betrayed as she accuses Jen of not telling her everything. Ryan seems interested in swinging. The next few days have them all processing what happened that night before Donna comes over and asks about how Jen got into swinging and how it works. Ryan asks Brett about the same things after their golf game. Jen and Donna have a session but both Jen and Brett declare they do it only as a couple with all people involved agreeing. The four have a play date together to see if they are compatible. Seems they are but Donna may gum up the works with her attitude.

I liked how problems with swinging come out. There's questions about stress on a long-time friendship and how to go on with the friendship if the swinging does not work. There is also the problem of possessiveness. Jen and Brett have to decide what boundaries they will set. Donna and Ryan have to decide if they will look for their own play partners. Then decisions have to be made on mixing with partners. I liked Jen's answers to Brett's questions about Donna and others. I hope they are able to work out the future because they were fun to share my reading time with Jen and Brett also.

Jen and Brett have expended their potential partners. They meet an older couple, Carl and Alice, who ask if they would like to meet friends of theirs, Ned and Elizabeth. Jen and Brett meet and play with both couples. They also are talking online with Dan and his wife. They discover new things about themselves as well as their new playmates.

I enjoyed this book. I liked how Jen and Brett are branching out. They've had a young couple with young children so dates have a way of being cancelled because of family emergencies. They have had an interracial couple. Now they are with older couples and looking at another couple who seem around their ages. I liked that this book showed older couples and how they do not lose their desire for playing and loving. I also liked how it is shown how they find ways to please themselves and others that may not be conventional but it works for them and their play partners. I appreciated that Jen and Brett took a chance with both couples. Looks like they have new friends.

Jen and Brett have found a couple and are hoping they respond. The waiting is hard. Pam and Rick finally respond and it sounds like it's a go. When Rick and Pam are late for their dinner meeting, Brett and Jen are afraid this couple also backed out without any notice. But, no, they come. As they share a meal then a sensual evening they learn about each other. They share some experiences on those who don't go through with the dates and the frustration it causes. Determined to play with Pam and Rick, they find things they have in common and work out their next play date.

Another couple come into Jen and Brett's life, Tom and Linda. Rules are different with Tom and Linda but are there to keep them emotionally safe as well as physically safe but wanted to change the rules are tempting but will be obeyed so another date is set with Tom and Linda and this time there will be playing. Jen is also looking for additional dates and finds an older couple to meet. Brett is a bit shy and we'll learn what happens next book.

I liked this story. I liked that expectations are shown upfront. I liked that these couples obeyed the rules at their motels no matter how tempted. I appreciated that no one took any one else or the situation for granted. All had to be onboard for the dates to work. Each partner had to agree to meet the other couple. The encounters sizzle and I want to be there.

I look forward to reading the next book.

Brett and Jennifer have started swinging to enhance and broaden their love life. They are waiting for a reply from Rick and Pam. As they wait, they worry the couple isn't interested but don't have the manners to contact them to say they changed their minds. Brett and Jennifer discover that is not true and so set up a time to meet Rick and Pam. As they wait for their meeting, they fantasize what will happen and what each couple and person will fill. And finally the big day arrives.

I enjoyed this short foray into the Swinging Games series. The world building is good. I also liked the cliffhanger ending to let us know more will be coming in the series. It makes me wonder, as well as anticipate, what other goodies are in story not only for Brett and Jennifer but also us readers.

Meghan has gone to New York to try her skills on the Broadway stage. Taken by her bank customer, Zachary, he introduces her to Josie to train and improve her acting. Josie has had feelings for Zachary but he does not feel the same way. While Zachary is out of town on business, Josie and Meghan seduce each other. When Zach returns he has to decide whether to accept their twosome or walk away. He's not ready to walk away so he joins them. Meg, of course, has plans for Josie and Zach. Will those plans be fulfilled? Will she stay or go?

I enjoyed this tale. I loved Josie. She was older as was Zach but she was not ready to let her dream of Zach go yet. She shows him things that Meg does not yet know. Zach is intrigued. Meg is imaginative but she is ready to move on with someone she met at the park. After Meg returns from Cat and Kurt's wedding Josie knows Meg has made up her mind. Zachary has also and it is foreign to him. I liked that Zach chose how he did.

I look forward to Meg's next adventure and wish Josie and Zachary well.

Meg has been setting the stage to seduce her landlady, Cat, and lets her lover Kurt know that her plans include him. He flat out states NO. Will Meg seduce Cat? Will Cat be willing to be seduced by Meg? Will Kurt fall in with her plans?

I enjoyed this story. Meg is determined and she always get her way. Cat is hesitant as she spies on Meg nude sunbathing on the deck. Meg keeps up the teasing until one weekend she enters Cat's bedroom and starts her seduce. These ladies are hot! While they work on a play together at the community theater they are able to keep control of themselves. Then opening night happens and Meg, Cat, and Kurt go back to Cat's for a private party. Meg seduces them both and Cat and Kurt are unable to stop themselves. The three of them are hot, hot, hot! I liked all three of them probably Cat most of all. Meg was a minx while Kurt turned out to be able to overcome his prejudice of the professor, Cat.

I look forward to the next book in the series.

Jamie and Susan are lovers. Jamie also has a male lover who she wants to have become more. She wants the three of them to become a committed threesome. Mason and Susan are hesitant but decide to try it. While it is mostly smooth there are a few bumps along the road which they need to work out.

I enjoyed this story. I liked Jamie, Susan, and Mason. I liked how they communicated when they ran into problems. I also liked that Susan and Mason were cognizant of Jamie's feelings. The ending was perfect. I wish the real world was as accepting.

I just loves reading Cassie's Hope and watching Cassidy and Clint's blossoming love story. Cassidy's mom had left her when she was a baby, and her dad and her aunt did the best they could to raise her, now, as a social worker in Chicago she agreed to train a young filly for six months as he'd had a stroke. Clint Travers had known heartache when his wife died leaving him to raise two children with his grandmother and his mom's help. At a horse race, he met a woman with red hair that stirred his blood for the first time since his wife died. Half Ute, he owned a ranch and was competing in a show and he loved her fiery temper when he rattled her.

Title: Meg's Folly
Author: Adriana Kraft
Publisher: eXtasy Books Inc
Series: Meghan's Playhouse Book 6
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Meg's Folly" by Adriana Kraft

My Thoughts...

This was another good read of the series: Meghan's Playhouse Book 6 "Meg's Folly" where we find that 'Meghan Keenan's old flame Clark Hendricks will show up for for the Summer Shakespeare Festival where she has the leading role.' It seems that Meghan has plans for the 'hot Latina' Camila and her friend Clark but this is where Clark will have something entirely different 'with one goal in mind.' Now what would that be? How will these three be able to work out a plan so that everyone in the end will be happy. Well, to find out how this will all turn out you will have to pick up 'Meg's Folly' to see how this plan will all turn out in the end.

Title: A Ring For Christmas
Author: Adriana Kraft
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Series: Meghan's Playhouse Book 4
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"A Ring For Christmas" by Adriana Kraft

My Thoughts....

Questions??....
Will Meghan be able to help her friend Lisa while she is in Las Vegas with a big secret that hadn't told to her boyfriend two years? What will happen after Bryce finds out about this secret? How will he respond? What will happen when the three [Meghan, Bryce & Lisa] meet up? Will it be one sweet ride? I don't want to spoil it and tell all so you will have to pick up "A Ring for Christmas" by this author to get all of these questions answered. So, if you are into these kinds of exotic reads you will love this novella.

hmmm...seems that I'm the only reviewer who really didn't like this book. Awkward!

Which is also the only way to describe this book. I had such high hopes for it, but it was a DNF when the constant attempts at sexy or sensual where just plain awkward and cringy. That whole bit about the daughter's nipples? I can't even bring myself to say any more about that....

I thought the story was great, and the writing was really good, except when it came to anything to do with romance, mutual attraction or sexual. Any of those parts of the book were just so awkwardly written that reading made me cringe.

The cover is also all wrong. The horse is not a lean and sleek racehorse. The people are not middle aged like the main characters in the book.

So much potential, and with some (a lot) of editing I would read this again and probably enjoy it.