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Blushed and Flushed
Maria & Johns Best work of 2014
☆☆☆☆☆
In this collection of erotic short stories, authors Maria Diamante and John Rowlands strip off the layers and explore that beautiful experience of surrendering – to desires, to fantasies, to exploring the unknown. Imperfect characters that have good lives and good hearts, overcome guilt, insecurity and judgment to submit to their appetites for raw, untamed carnal pleasure.
☆☆☆☆☆
In this collection of erotic short stories, authors Maria Diamante and John Rowlands strip off the layers and explore that beautiful experience of surrendering – to desires, to fantasies, to exploring the unknown. Imperfect characters that have good lives and good hearts, overcome guilt, insecurity and judgment to submit to their appetites for raw, untamed carnal pleasure.
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2014
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13 people want to read
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February 22, 2015
Women, as a whole, tend to be the best erotic fiction writers as they know what women want and men generally fall in line and just enjoy. This collection of twelve short stories is the result of a consorted by authors of both sexes making the results both provocative and intriguing. This anthology of seductive literary tidbits is written primarily for women but in this day and age of open and honest sexuality men can just as easily be entertained and aroused by the same words of passion.
The Basker…..
(Basker is the name given to a musical street performer.) Lisa, a highly regarded and successful psychiatrist, knew from an early age what she wanted to be and set her sights on this dream. Life is made of dreams but if someone focuses too much on them they find that life has passed them by; this was the case with Lisa. She went through all the motions of living but never experienced it. One day as she exited the subway, a basker’s music caught her ear before his face caught her eye. The sound took her back to her childhood and the vacations she spent with her parents in Spain. His face (and slim, powerful body) too her back to a gipsy boy she admired from afar. This chance meeting serves as the catalyst that sends her on a spontaneous and erotic magical mystery tour of her own life and values.
The Aerobics Class…..
Emma, a second grade teacher, makes an aerobic workout part of her daily life. She is proud of her body and wants to stay in shape. When Ian suddenly arrives in the midst of a class entirely made-up of females, heads turn and jaws drop. As the class continues, his maleness isn’t the point of interest as his clumsiness and inaptitude prove far more entertaining. Later, in the parking lot, Ian asks Emma out. Her reaction and answer may not surprise you but they will serve to teach her a valuable lesson.
The Hammock…..
Not only the young, petite and attractive women have urges and sexual fantasies but this phenomenon is universal. When Andrea was visiting her father’s cabin one sunny day, her sister Lisa was also there with her boyfriend, James. Not really feeling comfortable with the others, Andrea took a book and went to lie outside in the hammock. She wasn’t slender (and probably never was) but her skin was clear and her ample breasts inviting. Being a third wheel isn’t always a disadvantage. This is an interlude designed to whet anyone’s whistle.
Solo Journey…..
Recently divorced Brenda decided she needed a break. She booked a five-star vacation to a Caribbean island in the hope of recovering from her lost life and prepare herself for a new one. She had often gone to these white beached paradises but this would be her first time going solo. One may find her choice of recovery destinations dubious as it was a favored honeymooning spot for lovers. Her vivid imagination keeps the reader enthralled and mindlessly turning the pages as her erotic thoughts take on a more factual guise. This is a feel good story, for both Brenda and the reader as it gives hope to the abandoned and depressed.
The Living…..
What do you do when the love of your life dies and leave you alone to live a broken life? The mourning the death of a loved one takes time. This is a natural process and cannot be rushed nor can it be allowed to linger and consume the life of the survivor. Paul missed his departed wife and mourned the lack of time they had together and all the things they never could do. He existed from day to day, month to month, caught in a rut he feared he could or would ever escape. Spending so much time by his wife’s grave it is not surprising that he would meet Suzy. She too was mourning the recent loss of her boyfriend and was at a loss as how she could survive. Mutual suffering can serve as the catalyst for attraction. Lost love isn’t a hopeless situation and, like the power of life, can take seed and grow under the most impracticable of circumstances. If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with.
Poetic…..
After being abandoned and left to wither alone in the world, many people turn to work as a security blanket to hide and protect themselves from the big world and their lonely existence. So did Lynn as she tried to cope with her loneliness and deprecating feelings of self-worth the devastation of being jilted by someone you love and replaced by a younger model can have a devastating effect on someone’s self-esteem. Although this is a tale of lust without love, the medicinal advantages far outweigh the emotional and moral issues.
Together and Apart…..
A woman’s attraction apex is relatively short (especially in this age when lives are lived longer) but their sexual peak is not reached until their physical attributes are on the decline. This doesn’t seem fair but no one has ever truthfully attested that life was fair. A woman, while sliding from her prime, finds herself in a relationship that will probably never exceed the physically lustful stage. This would be unsettling for some but not all. Some men and women enjoy going solo through life and only making the occasional meeting of passion and lust to keep the edge off. No names are mentioned adding an extra feeling of anonymousness.
Hormones…..
Bonnie was suffering from endometriosis and her doctor prescribed a synthetic form of testosterone to treat it. She was initially fearful of the possible side effects but her doctor reassured her and stipulated that her options for treatment were limited. If the resulting side effects are any indication of testosterone on the average female, the FDA should immediately clear it for a non-prescription/over the counter sale. Better still incorporate it into candy and sodas. This drug would reduce domestic court cases by at least half. No physical effects were seen or felt as the only change was psychological. She was more assertive and self-assured enabling her to speak her mind and make her desires and feelings clearly (and sometimes painfully) obvious. Patrick didn’t have to stay alert and analyze every word, look and gesture as she told him exactly what she wanted. Like a fresh summer breeze, this is a male keeper.
Change Room Convergence…..
A forty-two year old mother of three with seventeen years of marriage behind her was invited to a house party. The house featured a pool so swimming attire, if not mandatory, desired. A woman’s life and history have a way of leaving their marks on her body. Stretch marks and extra pounds seem to stand out more during this time of physical decline. Not wanting to play the wall-flower, the decision was made to go for broke and buy a new swimsuit. Visions of a plain, supporting and sensible black one piece suit were on her mind as she entered the store. What follows would speak volumes to most women as she agonized over her choices and the visions reflected in the changing room mirrors. The mundane soon becomes the bizarre leaving the heroine and reader panting with open mouths.
Double Life, Single Need…..
Elizabeth was obviously regularly taking those over the counter testosterone tablets as her assertiveness was a cornerstone trademark of her profession. She was the high-powered editor of a major publishing company. In the evening she left Eliza at the office and only came home with Beth. You see, this high New York powerhouse leads a double life. During the day she is all business but at night she is all animal. Some would say that she was at the top of her game; the world lay at her feet but they would be wrong. Elizabeth’s story is a sad one as sexual crescendos, no matter how high, are but fleeting moments of time. When the sun rises she is once again alone and I think that is very sad and the fact that she didn’t see it makes it even sadder.
Invisible Touch…..
If Vanessa’s magical and mysterious experiences are shared by the general public it goes a long way in showing why coffee shops are so popular and subways are so crowded. If the root source of her feelings could be reproduced and marketed, every woman around the world would want it under their Christmas trees. Erotic fantasy doesn’t have to follow any set logic or even make sense. All it has to do is suggest, inspire and feel good.
Realistic Fantasy…..
Julie, like many women, often fantasized about sex. These thoughts could and did invade her mind any time of night or day. These thoughts were private and she never found a partner to truly share them with. Andrew was an easy going person and, though lacking in love for Julie, was a good friend and kindred spirit. The both find that they can comfortably confide their deepest, darkest sexual desires without either shame or embarrassment; exercising these fantasies measures up in every way for both the story’s characters and the readers.
What is particularly attractive and appealing about this collection of short stories is that real people are described. The characters aren’t all physically beautiful, extremely rich and successful or people with nothing else to do but fulfill their wildest erotic desires. These are real people with real problems that come with life. The stories aren’t filled with political correct safe sex or the obsession with shaved gentiles (a current trend I personally abhor). But display a spontaneity that can be both applauded and valued. People read erotica for many different reasons. Some might be looking for the past when life was simpler and sex was a natural facet. Others might be looking for inspiration or that little bit of spice to change fast food into a gourmet meal. Whatever your reason you might find it somewhere hidden (or in plain view) in one or more of these twelve short tales of lust and desire. I can think of no better way to conclude this review than with a few words from this book. “I may not be perfect, but I am what you crave…..”
The Basker…..
(Basker is the name given to a musical street performer.) Lisa, a highly regarded and successful psychiatrist, knew from an early age what she wanted to be and set her sights on this dream. Life is made of dreams but if someone focuses too much on them they find that life has passed them by; this was the case with Lisa. She went through all the motions of living but never experienced it. One day as she exited the subway, a basker’s music caught her ear before his face caught her eye. The sound took her back to her childhood and the vacations she spent with her parents in Spain. His face (and slim, powerful body) too her back to a gipsy boy she admired from afar. This chance meeting serves as the catalyst that sends her on a spontaneous and erotic magical mystery tour of her own life and values.
The Aerobics Class…..
Emma, a second grade teacher, makes an aerobic workout part of her daily life. She is proud of her body and wants to stay in shape. When Ian suddenly arrives in the midst of a class entirely made-up of females, heads turn and jaws drop. As the class continues, his maleness isn’t the point of interest as his clumsiness and inaptitude prove far more entertaining. Later, in the parking lot, Ian asks Emma out. Her reaction and answer may not surprise you but they will serve to teach her a valuable lesson.
The Hammock…..
Not only the young, petite and attractive women have urges and sexual fantasies but this phenomenon is universal. When Andrea was visiting her father’s cabin one sunny day, her sister Lisa was also there with her boyfriend, James. Not really feeling comfortable with the others, Andrea took a book and went to lie outside in the hammock. She wasn’t slender (and probably never was) but her skin was clear and her ample breasts inviting. Being a third wheel isn’t always a disadvantage. This is an interlude designed to whet anyone’s whistle.
Solo Journey…..
Recently divorced Brenda decided she needed a break. She booked a five-star vacation to a Caribbean island in the hope of recovering from her lost life and prepare herself for a new one. She had often gone to these white beached paradises but this would be her first time going solo. One may find her choice of recovery destinations dubious as it was a favored honeymooning spot for lovers. Her vivid imagination keeps the reader enthralled and mindlessly turning the pages as her erotic thoughts take on a more factual guise. This is a feel good story, for both Brenda and the reader as it gives hope to the abandoned and depressed.
The Living…..
What do you do when the love of your life dies and leave you alone to live a broken life? The mourning the death of a loved one takes time. This is a natural process and cannot be rushed nor can it be allowed to linger and consume the life of the survivor. Paul missed his departed wife and mourned the lack of time they had together and all the things they never could do. He existed from day to day, month to month, caught in a rut he feared he could or would ever escape. Spending so much time by his wife’s grave it is not surprising that he would meet Suzy. She too was mourning the recent loss of her boyfriend and was at a loss as how she could survive. Mutual suffering can serve as the catalyst for attraction. Lost love isn’t a hopeless situation and, like the power of life, can take seed and grow under the most impracticable of circumstances. If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with.
Poetic…..
After being abandoned and left to wither alone in the world, many people turn to work as a security blanket to hide and protect themselves from the big world and their lonely existence. So did Lynn as she tried to cope with her loneliness and deprecating feelings of self-worth the devastation of being jilted by someone you love and replaced by a younger model can have a devastating effect on someone’s self-esteem. Although this is a tale of lust without love, the medicinal advantages far outweigh the emotional and moral issues.
Together and Apart…..
A woman’s attraction apex is relatively short (especially in this age when lives are lived longer) but their sexual peak is not reached until their physical attributes are on the decline. This doesn’t seem fair but no one has ever truthfully attested that life was fair. A woman, while sliding from her prime, finds herself in a relationship that will probably never exceed the physically lustful stage. This would be unsettling for some but not all. Some men and women enjoy going solo through life and only making the occasional meeting of passion and lust to keep the edge off. No names are mentioned adding an extra feeling of anonymousness.
Hormones…..
Bonnie was suffering from endometriosis and her doctor prescribed a synthetic form of testosterone to treat it. She was initially fearful of the possible side effects but her doctor reassured her and stipulated that her options for treatment were limited. If the resulting side effects are any indication of testosterone on the average female, the FDA should immediately clear it for a non-prescription/over the counter sale. Better still incorporate it into candy and sodas. This drug would reduce domestic court cases by at least half. No physical effects were seen or felt as the only change was psychological. She was more assertive and self-assured enabling her to speak her mind and make her desires and feelings clearly (and sometimes painfully) obvious. Patrick didn’t have to stay alert and analyze every word, look and gesture as she told him exactly what she wanted. Like a fresh summer breeze, this is a male keeper.
Change Room Convergence…..
A forty-two year old mother of three with seventeen years of marriage behind her was invited to a house party. The house featured a pool so swimming attire, if not mandatory, desired. A woman’s life and history have a way of leaving their marks on her body. Stretch marks and extra pounds seem to stand out more during this time of physical decline. Not wanting to play the wall-flower, the decision was made to go for broke and buy a new swimsuit. Visions of a plain, supporting and sensible black one piece suit were on her mind as she entered the store. What follows would speak volumes to most women as she agonized over her choices and the visions reflected in the changing room mirrors. The mundane soon becomes the bizarre leaving the heroine and reader panting with open mouths.
Double Life, Single Need…..
Elizabeth was obviously regularly taking those over the counter testosterone tablets as her assertiveness was a cornerstone trademark of her profession. She was the high-powered editor of a major publishing company. In the evening she left Eliza at the office and only came home with Beth. You see, this high New York powerhouse leads a double life. During the day she is all business but at night she is all animal. Some would say that she was at the top of her game; the world lay at her feet but they would be wrong. Elizabeth’s story is a sad one as sexual crescendos, no matter how high, are but fleeting moments of time. When the sun rises she is once again alone and I think that is very sad and the fact that she didn’t see it makes it even sadder.
Invisible Touch…..
If Vanessa’s magical and mysterious experiences are shared by the general public it goes a long way in showing why coffee shops are so popular and subways are so crowded. If the root source of her feelings could be reproduced and marketed, every woman around the world would want it under their Christmas trees. Erotic fantasy doesn’t have to follow any set logic or even make sense. All it has to do is suggest, inspire and feel good.
Realistic Fantasy…..
Julie, like many women, often fantasized about sex. These thoughts could and did invade her mind any time of night or day. These thoughts were private and she never found a partner to truly share them with. Andrew was an easy going person and, though lacking in love for Julie, was a good friend and kindred spirit. The both find that they can comfortably confide their deepest, darkest sexual desires without either shame or embarrassment; exercising these fantasies measures up in every way for both the story’s characters and the readers.
What is particularly attractive and appealing about this collection of short stories is that real people are described. The characters aren’t all physically beautiful, extremely rich and successful or people with nothing else to do but fulfill their wildest erotic desires. These are real people with real problems that come with life. The stories aren’t filled with political correct safe sex or the obsession with shaved gentiles (a current trend I personally abhor). But display a spontaneity that can be both applauded and valued. People read erotica for many different reasons. Some might be looking for the past when life was simpler and sex was a natural facet. Others might be looking for inspiration or that little bit of spice to change fast food into a gourmet meal. Whatever your reason you might find it somewhere hidden (or in plain view) in one or more of these twelve short tales of lust and desire. I can think of no better way to conclude this review than with a few words from this book. “I may not be perfect, but I am what you crave…..”
September 14, 2014
Great!
loved the stories, the book gives you a little bit of everything...finding yourself connected to the characters..could not put it down!
loved the stories, the book gives you a little bit of everything...finding yourself connected to the characters..could not put it down!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews