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Reader Reviews All the reviews below were posted in public sites. To those kind enough to speak well of my work: Thank you. |
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Dark Enchantment |
| Billierosie: (full review here) "I thought that Janine Ashbless had pushed the boundaries as far as she could go, in her collection of erotic stories, CRUEL ENCHANTMENT. I was wrong. In DARK ENCHANTMENT, this wonderful writer goes further. ... From an ancient Minoan civilisation, Janine moves to the paranormal present day. From a past, rich with dryads, knights and deep woodlands, to a prosperous homestead, Janine’s stories are brimming with lust, sex, betrayal, and death, as she skilfully draws out our darkest fears and desires. Janine goes beyond mere fetish, exposing our fatal flaws and secrets. She takes our hidden fantasies, holds up the mirror, and reflects them back to us. We thought we were safe with our little depravities. The stories whisper the unspoken things; the obscenities we nurture, yet deny. Janine’s stories are cathartic and we are compelled to listen." Four Star Rating: " Take a journey into the darkness that is the erotic paranormal with Janine Ashbless’ Dark Enchantment. I love to read stories or novels that are different from the usual and this anthology definitely fits that bill. Cold Hands: Warm Heart, one of its stories, left a definite impression on me purely through the behaviour of its characters and its resulting conclusion; it carries a nerve-jangling moral within. This collection of short stories is dark, and it does enchant but it also gives a lot more to its readers. It brings the power of raw imagination and pure unadulterated lust to the forefront. It will chill you and excite you and, without a doubt, you will find yourself drawn into the very being of the characters that inhabit the sinister, lustful world of Dark Enchantment. This anthology is definitely the way to go if you want something sizzling with the contrast of something icy to while away a few hours; a highly recommended read." "After reading a few stories I was horny and fascinated and awed." - Nikki Magennis, author of Circus Excite and The New Rakes EcataRomance: "DARK ENCHANTMENT is a collection of paranormal erotic romance stories steeped in darkness and ignited by sexual tension. Each story is unique and completely fleshed out with intriguing characters and settings. Beginning with “Dishonour”, a tale told by a concubine and ending with “Darkling, I Listen”, the story of a woman falling in lust with Death, DARK ENCHANTMENT allures and entertains. Imaginative Janine Ashbless creates one of a kind stories that suck the reader in and leaves them panting. Savor her story gems one at a time or devour the entire collection at one sitting but make sure you have someone close by to help put out the flames. Rating: 5 Stars"Jade Erotic Art and Literature Magazine: JADE
rating: 10*/10 This
is without doubt the most erotic book this reviewer has ever had the
pleasure to read. The author has put together a collection of eleven
short stories which push the bounds of written erotica to heady new
heights, her narrative prose is quite without compare. There is not a
single story here which one could describe as tame or weak and the
publisher is to be congratulated for not only discovering this fine
talent, but in having the courage to publish her body of work in this
single volume. It is true to say that this book would have been a
‘must have’ even at twice the price. I defy any man
or women to read this superb collection and not to find themselves
stirred to the point of lubrication. How one writer can produce story
after story to such a very high standard is awesome - she puts other
writers to shame. There are not enough superlatives to
describe how I felt about this collection; sensual, sexy, erotic, by
turns both dark and exciting, enticing, breathtaking. Believe me, if
you love reading great erotic literature then you simply have to add
this to your collection. I just hope that Bla Janine Ashbless Rocks - Amazon review by Charlotte Stein "Yes I know it's a rubbish title for a review, but seriously. She does. I was lucky enough to get my hands on an early copy of this anthology, but only lucky in the sense that I had read Cruel Enchantment and was desperate to read this kind of follow up. It's all my favourite sorts of things: fairytales and fantasy worlds and lots of doirty sex. And Dark Enchantment doesn't disappoint on any score. The stories are by turns sexy and beautiful and cold and lovely and cruel and sweet. In particular I loved the very nasty and disturbingly hot "Cold Hands: Warm Heart", which had such a twang of all the old ghost stories I used to read in high school. Albeit with much more naughtiness in it. But it isn't just the naughtiness that compels in these stories- as ever with Ashbless the world building is fantastic. Never over done, things just hinted at and not over explained, realistic and earthy and making you want to see more set in the various places in these stories. I can't stop thinking about And Their Flying Machines, which has a steam punk sort of flavour that I don't usually like. But I loved it here. I wanted more from that world, immediatly. I want more of her writing, which is so refreshing in a genre thick with flowers and froo-frooness. She has such a lovely crisp, frank sort of style that I can't quite describe, but which seems to make everything more tense and interesting. What more can I say? Buy this book. In fact, don't just buy this book. Buy Cruel Enchantment, too. You won't be sorry you did, unless you're usually sorry when you get all hot and bothered." Dark Angel Reviews "DARK ENCHANTMENT by Janine Ashbless will keep you satisfied until the very end. This book has a wide collection of stories that include erotic one-on-one, a few ménage and some romance. The book has something for everyone. There are a total of eleven excellent stories, each with different elements. There is one story in here that isn’t for the faint of heart. I enjoyed it, but didn’t do a small review above. It's called JANISSARIES. Now if you are not interested in a ménage then this story isn’t for you. At one point, the main character is having sex with multiple men, like six. I wasn’t sure if this was something I would be interested in, but once again, Ms. Ashbless stretched the boundaries of her readers to try something new. I found that I could read the story and it was something I’m glad I tried. DARK ENCHANTMENT is defiantly a book to add to your own personal collection. Rating: 5 pixies" |
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Wildwood |
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Wildwood - review by Two Lips Reviews
"Janine Ashbless brings fantasy and romance together in Wildwood where there are creatures of myth and legend protecting a magnificent forest. But is Michael all he appears to be? Is he the rich and non-caring soul that that he appears, just wanting money at any cost? What about the mysterious stranger living in the woods, who is he? And then, there is Avril herself, a seemingly ordinary environmental activist – how does she factor into the great scheme of things? While Avril is struggling to find her place in this tug of war of good vs. evil that lurks in the forest, the struggle seems to be taking her over. I love the blend of the paranormal and love; Wildwood is a fantastic journey, full of hot steamy moments, sometimes with over the top sex, and enough mystery to keep you wanting more. " Reting: **** Wildwood - review by Saskia Walker "I’ve been meaning to read Janine Ashbless for quite a while. A Black lace author who writes erotic fantasy, it seemed like I was bound to enjoy it, and I did. What nudged me again was a negative review for this book from an online review site. I’d often wondered if anyone bought books because they’d read a negative review and I proved it to myself because I did! Something about the review told me that I would love this book even though the reviewer hated it. Kind of enlightening, huh. And I was right.This story had all the best ingredients for me and at the end I was saying “no, no, I want to know what happens next!” An ending that truly was a beginning, I hope there is a sequel!! As a diehard Storm Constantine fan I know I loved Wildwood because it had elements that I might find in a Constantine fantasy, but it was written in such a way as to be closer to the real world, and much more eroticised. Very accessible British erotic fantasy, and I loved it. The story is about a landscape gardener who comes into contact with two men who are battling over a beautiful and magical woodland, and the secret at its heart. Filled with exceptional magic and mythology, and wonderfully written, I would call this one an adult fairytale. There are definitely some questionable pervy goings-on, and some nigh on horror elements, but in the adult fairytale/fantasy context it worked for me. A much enjoyed read and I think I will have to “glom” Janine Ashbless (got to use a word I never used before, yay!)"
Wildwood - review by Lucy Felthouse "My first experience of Janine Ashbless' writing has been a positive one. Wildwood has a sexy front cover - and a very sexy storyline. It starts off gently, giving you some necessary back story, but when the action kicks in, you're in for a wild ride!Avril is a tree surgeon, and she's damn good at her job. Nevertheless, she's still surprised when entrepreneur Michael Deverick offers her a job on an estate he's renovating. Although she was happy in her job, Michael offered her a salary package she couldn't refuse. Unfortunately, not long after starting in her new role, Avril discovers that not the only package he's offering her. Unwilling to get embroiled in the whole 'shagging the boss' thing, Avril rebuffs his advances. Besides, she doesn't even like him that much. Does she? Maybe not as a person, but there's something about him that's piqued her interest. Michael is a man that's not used to being turned by women, and it spurs him on even more to pursue his newest employee. Meanwhile, Avril has discovered that things aren't quite what they seem on the Kester Estate. There are a bunch of environmental activists living in the woods on the property, and at night there are strange beings wandering the land. Presently, Avril comes across the leader of the activists, Ash, and things start to become a little clearer. It would appear there's a war afoot. Michael is determined to get into the wildwood, for reasons unknown, and Ash is determined to stop him. Avril is caught in the middle and unwilling to fall on either man's side until she knows more about what is going on. Trouble is, when she finds out, she is taken completely by surprise. What will she do? Both men are fighting over the wood, and Avril herself. Avril ends up with more sex than she knows what to do with, but it still doesn't solve her dilemma regarding the wildwood. Soon, she realises she has to choose a side - and the man who represents it. Book summary: hot. I really liked this unique supernatural twist to the book. Many supernatural erotica runs along the same themes, but this was something completely different to the books I've read in the past, and it completely worked. Throwing in old myths and legends to the mix really added to it, particularly for a history geek such as myself. Wildwood combines, sex, the outdoors, the supernatural and British myth and legend - some of my favourite things, and for this reason - it gets top marks from me. If you're of a similar opinion - buy it now. Reating: 5 stars" "WILDWOOD by Janine Ashbless is an erotic paranormal book that will knock your socks off. I loved every element of this story. Ms. Ashbless has created a story with sexy men, a woman who loves to have sex, and mystical, terrifying creatures that come out to play in the dark. Avril is a gardener who loves everything about her job and is extremely happy to work in Wildwood. She’s very attracted to Michael, but has a rule, never get involved with her boss. I like his persistence to get her into his bed anyway that he can. While she thinks about his proposal, she meets another interesting man. Ash lives in the Wildwood, and will do just about anything to protect the one thing, Michael wants to possess. Avril is instantly attracted to the woods, but isn’t sure about the man who lives there. The more I got to know about Ash, the sexier I found him. This seemed to be true for Avril as well, and before long, she is slipping out from under one man to see the other. What she doesn’t know, is that both are magi: powerful magicians. Both of them are willing to use her to get to the other, until one of the men learns to trust and starts to fall in love. The erotic scenes between Avril and Michael, and also between Avril and Ash, were some of the hottest I have read. I was delighted by the mystical creatures in this story. They are part-human and part-animal, and I was completely fascinated with this aspect. The ending was most excellent and was not what I imagined. The only disappointment was that this story ended too soon. Rating: A Dark Angel Recommended Read" "Janine Ashbless tells quite a fascinating story in Wildwood. The unique characters practically put a spell on the audience as they thrust into a robust read that captivates. I like the name of Avril, it is unusual, and listening to her tell of her adventures in the wood is like a breath of fresh air. The scenes with Avril and the wood, along with the moments she shares with Michael are blazing. I like the bringing in of Ash along with the paranormal that spins within the wood. The suspense could be felt with this reader along with the jaw-dropping ending. This story is extremely hot to the touch. Rating: 4 cups" |
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Bear Skin |
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Bear Skin - review by Madame Butterfly "This story hooked me in straight away. It’s got everything in it: passion, hot sex, love, desire, evil beings and a moral. Hazel is just your average girl who gets a chance at true love but blows it by getting too wrapped up in superficial things and not keeping her word. When she realizes what she has done and that her actions have also hurt Arailt, to rectify it, she pays dearly to prove her love is true. Even then she’s not guaranteed her heart’s desire but goes for it anyway. Bear Skin is a very
creative and unique story, which I felt veered off the beaten trail of the usual
in the paranormal/fantasy and offered an interesting take on the “true love is
worth every sacrifice” theme. Hazel is a woman that many of us
can relate to as a character and ArI really enjoyed this story mainly because of the ideal in it. As Ishara goes
through the 7 gates, she is stripped one by one of all of what is false in her
and ends up coming to the priestess of the underworld with nothing but her pure
love for Tamuz. She is used to being treated with the utmost respect and
adoration, but then is debased non-stop until she is just her selfless essence,
and I absolutely got turned on by this. Grade: A I do have to warn readers that some of the “sexual” situations are a bit on the base side in this story. I think it was written that way to show really how far Hazel is willing to debase herself to prove her love and fortunately it didn’t go the way of Breaking the Waves; it has a happier outcome and was easier to take because of it." Grade: A-
Bear Skin by Janine Ashbless - review by Two Lips Reviews
Hazel is a junior book store clerk. One day a giant bear comes in and makes an interesting offer to her - come with him, no questions asked and stay for a year and a day. But the key to it all is Hazel never, ever asking why about anything. Hazel takes a day, but in the end decides to take up the mysterious bear on his offer. Turns out, the bear is really a man, and his name is Arailt.
Arailt has a dangerous secret and his very life rest in Hazel’s small hands. Can Hazel save him and will she keep her word about not asking any questions?
Janine Ashbless has a twisted tale of love reminiscent of the beauty and the beast with Bear Skin. I found some situations just twisted, such as agreeing to have sex with a creature thinking it’s a bear, while not even suspecting it might be human. This alone was a bit much for me. However, Hazel is much braver than this reviewer and sees no problems with it, and neither does anyone else, for that matter. Let’s just say, Hazel is willing to take it for the team if she has to – anything for love or anyone. Bear Skin is an XXX version of Beauty and the Beast and most definitely not for the faint hearted. If you are willing to brave the beast, you might just find the love of a good man.
Rating **** Dark Angel Reviews "When Hazel is approached by a bear, yes, I said a bear, in the bookstore where she works, she’s kind of blown away, to say the least. Somehow he overheard her complaining about her job so he offers to take her away, to become his one true love. Introducing himself as Arailt, he whisks her away to his abode where Hazel discovers a whole new side to Arailt…a non-human side. Passion and romance soon leads the way to a possible happily ever after for our hero and heroine. BEAR SKIN is provocative, sexy and downright out of this world. Janine Ashbless really created a new dynamic with a bear-shifter, a creature I have not had the pleasure to read about before. Since I am a huge fan of these genres, I had great expectations from these authors and Janine Ashbless definitely delivered. I was quickly drawn into this story, kept on the edge of my seat and I felt like a voyeur through some parts (not that that’s a bad thing!). Hazel and Arailt are red-hot and the passion that broke loose when they were alone together. It was like someone hooked them up to dynamite. Arailt is one grizzly I wouldn’t mind cuddling up to for a long time to come. Rating: A Dark Angel Recommended Read" Coffee Time Romance
"Janine Ashbless carries her readers into a remarkable tale that not only delights but sizzles with fervent passion. Bear Skin is an eye-opening read, with imagination and magic at its best. This is one cuddle bear that brings on the thrills. Enchanted is rich in passion, romance, suspense, and some sizzling sensual pleasures. Each of the characters are well-developed and vibrant in all their actions. I found the stories to be wonderfully sketched, with a visual detail that enhance the read further. For the reader looking for that little extra, Janine Ashbless, Olivia Knight and Leonie Martel go the extra mile in this assortment of tales. Their sounding voices bring on creative imaginations, and emotions that explode leaping into the reader’s heart. I still have Bear Skin etched in my head, the story is so powerful. Rating: 4 cups" More Please "There are quite a few Black Lace titles written by Janine Ashbless that I like. However, I've always wondered if it was just because she writes some of the only fantasy stuff for the line, and I love me some sexy fantasy.But then I read Bear Skin, and remembered why Janine Ashbless is so awesome. Few erotic images from the many naughty books I've read ever stick with me, but the bear skin, sliding away...the gruff Mr Rochester-type hero...the delicious fairytale-ness...the honey...the complete oddness of the scenario at the beginning and yet it works in this weird, literary sort of way... More please."
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The House of Dust |
Forum Magazine (Vol 42 No.8) "Read this, and you won't be disappointed." Magic and Desire - review by Two Lips Reviews "Janine Ashbless is a woman of many talents and she demonstrates the depth of her talent in The House of Dust. Ishara is a multi faceted lady herself which she has to balance – the human woman that loves her man and the goddess that remains pure and untouched. Janine Ashbless blends love and lore wonderfully making The House of Dust a beautiful read." Rating: **** The House of Dust - Review by Sensual: "The House of Dust is a dark, gothic and passionate erotic tale of pain and passion that is not for the faint hearted. Sexy and sizzling, Ms. Ashbless has written a novella you will not easily forget!" **** The House of Dust - Review by Madame Butterfly "Ishara is a priestess who channels Inanna, Queen of Heaven and earth and deity worshiped by all. She’s been chosen as the one to participate in The Great Marriage, a ceremony in which she marries the King and is his partner for 9 days of the year in order that Inanna is happy and bestows abundance upon the land. Although Ishara is with king Tamuz as Inanna, she as herself is so in love with him as well. When Tamuz suddenly dies and his evil half brother becomes king and renounces the Great Marriage with Inanna, Ishara wants to bring back Tamuz from the dead. In order to do so though, she must go through the 7 gates to the underworld, something that has only been done once and is not sure to work. I really enjoyed this story mainly because of the ideal in it. As Ishara goes through the 7 gates, she is stripped one by one of all of what is false in her and ends up coming to the priestess of the underworld with nothing but her pure love for Tamuz. She is used to being treated with the utmost respect and adoration, but then is debased non-stop until she is just her selfless essence, and I absolutely got turned on by this. Grade: A" The House of Dust - review by Coffee Time Romance "This story is darkness and pain. Ishara is subjected to multiple degrees of sexual degradation and pain. Ms. Ashbless gives her readers a walk on the dark side, and does a fabulous job doing it. Each story in this anthology is wonderfully erotic and sensual. There is diversity and sensuality to all of the characters, and the sexuality is not limited to male/female relations. I found House of Dust to be a little on the dark side, but just as wonderfully written. Ill Met by Moonlight is more contemporary, which I really love, and The Dragon Lord is like a fairy tale for adults. The reader is swept up in one amazing tale after another. I enjoyed each and every one, and recommend this steamy hot read! Rating: 4 cups"Enjoy a Supernatural Session! "I feel quite the erotica connoisseur these days - I'm devouring Black Lace left, right and centre. And yet I continue to stumble over these gems... Magic and Desire is a book containing three supernatural erotic novellas from esteemed Black Lace ladies Portia da Costa, Janine Ashbless and Olivia Knight. I've read lots of Portia's books and stories, but the other two authors were new to me, so I was looking forward to reading somebody new. The first story of the three, House of Dust is by Janine Ashbless and tells the story of a priestess-cum-goddess whose job it is to bless the King of her country by making love to him. And although she hasn't admitted it to anyone, and hardly allows herself to believe it, she's in love with the current King, so when he becomes ill, she rushes to his bedside. The young, strong, King has a sudden illness and Ishara suspects foul play. However, with no way of proving it, and no way of curing the King, he passes away. Ishara is distraught, and whilst deep in her despair, comes up with a plan to get the man she loves back. She will venture to the Underworld, a highly dangerous place and risk her own life for that of the King. What follows is an incredibly erotic tale - Ishara engages in all kinds of sexual acts, debases herself to pleasure others but eventually gets what she desires. An incredibly hot story - but I'd have enjoyed more physical descriptions of the characters."
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Burning
Bright
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Association: I can't paste it here but there's a good Review by Lisabet Sarai Forum Magazine (Vol 21, no.2): “Veraine was a commander in the Imperial army and Myrna was the high priestess her stole away from her temple. As they attempt to make a new life together they are attacked by reivers: Myrna is taken to be a slave of the evil Tiger Lords, while Veraine is beaten and left for dead. Piecing together fragments of memory, Veraine begins to search for his lost love, but there are many erotic temptations on his way, while life with the Tiger Lords is so brutal and short he may not arrive in time… Black Lace is branching out heavily into paranormal erotica this year, attempting to emulate the success of authors such as Laurell K. Hamilton and Sherrilyn Kenyon (but with better writing standards…), so expect lots of novels involving vampires, shape-shifters and general spookiness. If they’re all up to the standard of Burning Bright then it’s a gamble which should pay off. There’s an art to making you believe in characters who are part-human, part-animal and Ashbless clearly possesses it. Personally I don’t particularly like lots of death and dollops of gore with my erotica, but the fight scenes are carried off well, and the Eastern tinges of mysticism which are woven into the plot and the characters’ belief systems hold everything together nicely. And the sex never takes second place to the plot twists, which is always the danger with this type of erotica genre. Careful, this one burns…” |
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Cruel
Enchantment
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Reflection's Edge e-zine: I can't
paste it here but here's their:
Superb
twists applied to familiar mythological scenarios..., An excellent book!, Its like a game of Dungeons and
Dragons for grown ups ....,
Imaginative and sexy “I picked this book up at the airport to have something to read and I couldn't put it down until I was done! The only problem was finding a place where I could read it ALONE. This is a wonderful collection of stories with interesting and intriguing plots and characters...and, yes, lots of sex. I thought that any one of these stories could've been expanded to a full length novel, the characters were so well drawn. I think that's what is lacking in a lot of erotica. The sex is so much hotter when you actually identify with the characters. This is one I will re-read often and I think my husband will reap the benefits!” |
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Divine
Torment
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t'Sade gives Divine Torment 5 Stars and a thumbs-up! "This is an erotic fantasy that I really can't compare my own writing to. There is a certain sense of richness in the words, but it isn't the overpowering descriptions that I enjoy so much. The details are terse but lovely, giving you just a hint of impressions and forcing your mind to make up much of the rest of the details. This, in itself, is a wonderful trait and Janine has a lovely way of expanding that details to the characters. Some of them are built up with lovely layers, mostly focusing on their sexual highlights of their life, which is appropriate in an erotic novel. The main characters are well done, with themes of free will and pre-destiny working very well together, along with a gritty descriptions of military life in a wonderfully crafted fantasy world." Read the full review here.
Erotic fantasy deep from within
a highly creative mind .. WOW “I've read a few dozen of the Black Lace offerings, various authors, and with a few exceptions found most of the books completely forgettable. This book is truly an exception to that statement. I found the main characters well developed and extremely interesting; the story line completely engaging; the sense of place created fascinating; and the author’s use of the language very well done. Oh, and I also found both the story and the characters very high charged and totally erotic. Most of the Black Lace novels just seem silly, as though the authors are simply babbling flat nonsense in between formulaic sex scenes between characters whose only interest in one another is a mutual itch to scratch. The authors/stories forget all about passion, obsession, longing and an intellectual as well as physical intimacy which is what makes a story truly erotic. This book was impossible to put down and a few months later the story and the characters are still very much in my thoughts.” |