What do you think?
Rate this book
Winter's Desire
On Solstice eve long ago, a Druid priestess and Norse warrior succumb to forbidden, erotic desire. Their passion is one that neither death, decree—nor time—can tear asunder.
Now three women of later centuries begin their own sensual journeys, awakened by the ancient power of the priestess's words— "Burn bright of winter's desire."
•SABELINE•
experiences surprisingly unbridled nights with her betrothed's best friend in a lusty medieval tale….
•SINEAD•
her body yearns for her husband, killed in the Crimean War— and for the officer who broke the tragic news….
•AISLING•
writes risqué stories under a secret pen name, but her real-life love life is a bore…until she makes a wish for her winter's desire that works only too well.
Now three women of later centuries begin their own sensual journeys, awakened by the ancient power of the priestess's words— "Burn bright of winter's desire."
•SABELINE•
experiences surprisingly unbridled nights with her betrothed's best friend in a lusty medieval tale….
•SINEAD•
her body yearns for her husband, killed in the Crimean War— and for the officer who broke the tragic news….
•AISLING•
writes risqué stories under a secret pen name, but her real-life love life is a bore…until she makes a wish for her winter's desire that works only too well.
352 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2009
3 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Amanda McIntyre
80 books297 followersAmanda McIntyre’s passion is telling character-driven stories with a penchant for placing ordinary people placed in extraordinary situations.
A bestselling author, her work is published internationally in print, E-book, and audio. She writes sizzling contemporary and erotic historical romance and believes no matter what, love will find a way.
Learn more at : www.amandamcintyresbooks.com and Amandas Amazon Author page http://www.amazon.com/author/amandamc...
A bestselling author, her work is published internationally in print, E-book, and audio. She writes sizzling contemporary and erotic historical romance and believes no matter what, love will find a way.
Learn more at : www.amandamcintyresbooks.com and Amandas Amazon Author page http://www.amazon.com/author/amandamc...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 18, 2016
Review: "Winter Awakening" by Amanda McIntyre
Sabeline, nervous about her ability to hold her future husband's interest, requests ample advice from her worldly cousin, Margaret. Recalling her betrothed's wondering eye upon their meeting three years ago, she hopes desperately that he's sated his lustful oats. Perhaps learning a man's pleasure will be helpful in securing Lord Benedict's desire. But when Margaret asks her to picture Lord Benedict while she explores her body, to Sabeline's horror it's Sir Ranulf, the man she stole a kiss from three summers ago, that stars in her fantasies.
For three years, Ranulf has held tightly to the memory of Sabeline's kiss. He realizes that it may have been a youthful conquest of hers, but her sweet taste still lingers distinctly in his mind. But he has a job to do. As the King of England's trusted emissary, he'll see to the marriage of his charge, Lord Benedict, to the Welsh Baron's daughter. The alliance of the Welsh tribes with England is vital and his duty is clear and once the vows have been spoken he can finally move on with his life.
When her betrothed and his companion arrive, Sabeline is immediately transfixed once more by Sir Ranulf. The intensity of his stare is still as arousing as ever even after three years. Clearing her head of Ranulf and determined to put herself in the path of Lord Benedict, Sabeline tries desperately over the next few days to secure his attention but still his eye wonders. Inquiring Ranulf of what she could possibly do to please her future husband, she's met instead with his determination to not talk of relationships. Knowing that this alliance means everything, Sabeline, finally mustering the necessary strength, ventures to her betrothed's chamber with plans of seduction and after a night of intense passion, Sabeline is relieved to learn that Lord Benedict is a gentle and passionate lover. Unfortunately with the morning light comes a horrible unveiling of the true man who made love to her and a plot of betrayal that has the potential to ruin hundreds of lives.
"Winter Awakening" started off with a jaw-dropping erotic bang that had me desperate to read the rest. Unfortunately my excitement turned to boredom and while I put in a valiant effort, I found myself skimming through about 15% of the novella.
Sabeline confused me a bit. With her cousin Margaret, she's insecure but with Ranulf three years prior and at present, she's confident and cunning. Perhaps it was Margaret's vast experience with men that made Sabeline unsure of herself but I was still shocked at her change with Ranulf.
In addition, McIntyre writes in first person for both Sabeline and Ranulf making transitions between them a bit confusing. Sometimes it would take a couple of sentences before I understood who's thoughts I was reading.
But despite the boredom and slight confusion, I liked Sabeline and Ranulf. They both were loyal to their cause but torn asunder by their mutual desire. It was a star-crossed lovers scenario that really could have been a thrilling and read. It was still erotic and there was romance but just not enough in between.
C+
Review: "Midnight Whispers" by Charlotte Featherstone
Although her husband has been dead for nearly two years, Sinead's soul still clings sharply to his memory. Yet at the same time her heart and body have come to recognize another. A man dark and mysterious just like his namesake - Kieran Thompson. Where her husband was once soft and gentle, Kieran's eyes and body promise a rough claiming that Sinead has come to desperately desire. It's been so long since she's been touched, so long since she's been loved but the memory of her long dead husband can't be ignored. The vows she took are still sacred and the thought of mocking them with her yearning for another man has her turning away from Kieran's dark promises.
Kieran has shamefully been in love with his commanding officer's wife - a man he admired and would have given his life for - since the first time David Pembrooke read aloud her letter. A picture had floated from its folds and the beauty of his wife's face and the loving essence of her words worked its way firmly into Kieran's heart. Sinead. She became what he lived for in those dark, terror-filled nights in the trenches awaiting death by the russians. Kieran never thought long or hard on his shame for fear that it would lead him straight to death's embrace. He needed Sinead's promising light more than anything. The last thing he ever would have wanted was her husband's death, but die he did within Kieran's arms, gifting his wife to him. Frustrated with Sinead's guilt that holds her heart from him, Kieran reveals to her all within his soul. He wants her and loves her, if only she would give him the chance.
Finally, after a long year of aching desire, Sinead succumbs to her need and allows Kieran his possession. He shows her a raw passion, one that she's never before experienced but one that she basks willingly within as he envelopes her in his powerful embrace. But when she glimpses David, her husband, in the crowd of the winter solstice celebrations, she feels not fear at his stare, but wicked abandon. And when he comes to her and Kieran to partake in their desire, she welcomes both men within her body, heart and soul.
Oh how I've missed Charlotte Featherstone! It's been a long wait to read something new by this magical author and I feel as though I've been parched for a taste. And while I'm lovin' her Sophie Renwick alter ego, the eroticism that explodes from the pages as Featherstone is positively combustible. "Midnight Whispers" will leave any reader breathless.
For HQN Spice, Featherstone is no holds barred! I loved and rejoiced in the crude and erotic language. Kieran is dangerous and dark with a possessive streak that calls to a woman's inner damsel in distress, awaiting her knight's unrelenting pursuit and inevitable capture.
If you like your historical fare a bit dark with plenty of spice, don't miss out on Charlotte Featherstone's erotic contribution to WINTER'S DESIRE.
A-
Review: "Lover's Dawn" by Kristi Astor
The only life that Aisling Wainscott has ever lived is by way of pen and paper with her erotic tales that she sells secretly to the men's magazine "Boudoir". After shocking her older brother Jack with her very unladylike and scandalous stories, she's since sold everything she's written with his help. But internally, Aisling feels that she's a complete fraud. While having ridden herself of her pesky virginity and curiosity, she's since come to the rationalization that the only pleasure to be had is via fantasy.
Seeking refuge in the old circle of stones near her home, Aisling makes a wish for a man that couldn't possibly exist. But when faced later in the evening with Will Cooper, a man of questionable decent, she's shocked to discover that he embodies all that she wished in a man. Unfortunately, their wide separation in class and birth would make a match impossible but it doesn't mean that she can't seek the pleasure that Will promises.
Will has been trying to figure Aisling out since that long ago time when they were childhood friends. Their lives have since taken them in different directions and she still remains an undecipherable mystery but he can't deny their mutual passion for one another. When desire inevitably leads to love, Will's heartbroken when Aisling, the strongest person he knows, is cowardly where her heart's concerned.
Frightened of the sudden feelings swamping her mind, Aisling tries to rationalize it with the wish she cast in the circle of stones. Before that moment she knew who she was and what she wanted, but now everything has changed and she doesn't know if she has the strength to change with it. Will she defy her family and society to marry the man that makes her heart sing? Her winter's desire.
This was a fun and refreshing novella. I haven't read many historicals set in the early 1900's so this was a real treat. It was like modern meets Victorian. I loved the roadsters and the electricity but society is still as buttoned up as ever.
Aisling was a sassy, in-your-face kind of girl. It's take it or leave when it comes to who she is and what she stands for and she makes no apologizes for her scandalous behavior. She smokes, curses, and drives like a crazy woman. She's passionate and lustful which is evident in her erotic stories but Aisling is also a woman who has been witness to heartbreak and has guarded herself from the possibility of it ever happening to her.
Will Cooper embodies not only Aisling's heart's desire, but a complete defiance to the way she's been raised. He's a man of questionable lineage, a bastard but a good lookin' one. Even Aisling's inner snob shuns the idea of marriage but her body's craving of Will knows no bounds. But it's her heart that makes its own decision. The heart wants what the heart wants and it's just a matter of how much Aisling is willing to give up if she doesn't follow it.
B
Sabeline, nervous about her ability to hold her future husband's interest, requests ample advice from her worldly cousin, Margaret. Recalling her betrothed's wondering eye upon their meeting three years ago, she hopes desperately that he's sated his lustful oats. Perhaps learning a man's pleasure will be helpful in securing Lord Benedict's desire. But when Margaret asks her to picture Lord Benedict while she explores her body, to Sabeline's horror it's Sir Ranulf, the man she stole a kiss from three summers ago, that stars in her fantasies.
For three years, Ranulf has held tightly to the memory of Sabeline's kiss. He realizes that it may have been a youthful conquest of hers, but her sweet taste still lingers distinctly in his mind. But he has a job to do. As the King of England's trusted emissary, he'll see to the marriage of his charge, Lord Benedict, to the Welsh Baron's daughter. The alliance of the Welsh tribes with England is vital and his duty is clear and once the vows have been spoken he can finally move on with his life.
When her betrothed and his companion arrive, Sabeline is immediately transfixed once more by Sir Ranulf. The intensity of his stare is still as arousing as ever even after three years. Clearing her head of Ranulf and determined to put herself in the path of Lord Benedict, Sabeline tries desperately over the next few days to secure his attention but still his eye wonders. Inquiring Ranulf of what she could possibly do to please her future husband, she's met instead with his determination to not talk of relationships. Knowing that this alliance means everything, Sabeline, finally mustering the necessary strength, ventures to her betrothed's chamber with plans of seduction and after a night of intense passion, Sabeline is relieved to learn that Lord Benedict is a gentle and passionate lover. Unfortunately with the morning light comes a horrible unveiling of the true man who made love to her and a plot of betrayal that has the potential to ruin hundreds of lives.
"Winter Awakening" started off with a jaw-dropping erotic bang that had me desperate to read the rest. Unfortunately my excitement turned to boredom and while I put in a valiant effort, I found myself skimming through about 15% of the novella.
Sabeline confused me a bit. With her cousin Margaret, she's insecure but with Ranulf three years prior and at present, she's confident and cunning. Perhaps it was Margaret's vast experience with men that made Sabeline unsure of herself but I was still shocked at her change with Ranulf.
In addition, McIntyre writes in first person for both Sabeline and Ranulf making transitions between them a bit confusing. Sometimes it would take a couple of sentences before I understood who's thoughts I was reading.
But despite the boredom and slight confusion, I liked Sabeline and Ranulf. They both were loyal to their cause but torn asunder by their mutual desire. It was a star-crossed lovers scenario that really could have been a thrilling and read. It was still erotic and there was romance but just not enough in between.
C+
Review: "Midnight Whispers" by Charlotte Featherstone
Although her husband has been dead for nearly two years, Sinead's soul still clings sharply to his memory. Yet at the same time her heart and body have come to recognize another. A man dark and mysterious just like his namesake - Kieran Thompson. Where her husband was once soft and gentle, Kieran's eyes and body promise a rough claiming that Sinead has come to desperately desire. It's been so long since she's been touched, so long since she's been loved but the memory of her long dead husband can't be ignored. The vows she took are still sacred and the thought of mocking them with her yearning for another man has her turning away from Kieran's dark promises.
Kieran has shamefully been in love with his commanding officer's wife - a man he admired and would have given his life for - since the first time David Pembrooke read aloud her letter. A picture had floated from its folds and the beauty of his wife's face and the loving essence of her words worked its way firmly into Kieran's heart. Sinead. She became what he lived for in those dark, terror-filled nights in the trenches awaiting death by the russians. Kieran never thought long or hard on his shame for fear that it would lead him straight to death's embrace. He needed Sinead's promising light more than anything. The last thing he ever would have wanted was her husband's death, but die he did within Kieran's arms, gifting his wife to him. Frustrated with Sinead's guilt that holds her heart from him, Kieran reveals to her all within his soul. He wants her and loves her, if only she would give him the chance.
Finally, after a long year of aching desire, Sinead succumbs to her need and allows Kieran his possession. He shows her a raw passion, one that she's never before experienced but one that she basks willingly within as he envelopes her in his powerful embrace. But when she glimpses David, her husband, in the crowd of the winter solstice celebrations, she feels not fear at his stare, but wicked abandon. And when he comes to her and Kieran to partake in their desire, she welcomes both men within her body, heart and soul.
Oh how I've missed Charlotte Featherstone! It's been a long wait to read something new by this magical author and I feel as though I've been parched for a taste. And while I'm lovin' her Sophie Renwick alter ego, the eroticism that explodes from the pages as Featherstone is positively combustible. "Midnight Whispers" will leave any reader breathless.
For HQN Spice, Featherstone is no holds barred! I loved and rejoiced in the crude and erotic language. Kieran is dangerous and dark with a possessive streak that calls to a woman's inner damsel in distress, awaiting her knight's unrelenting pursuit and inevitable capture.
If you like your historical fare a bit dark with plenty of spice, don't miss out on Charlotte Featherstone's erotic contribution to WINTER'S DESIRE.
A-
Review: "Lover's Dawn" by Kristi Astor
The only life that Aisling Wainscott has ever lived is by way of pen and paper with her erotic tales that she sells secretly to the men's magazine "Boudoir". After shocking her older brother Jack with her very unladylike and scandalous stories, she's since sold everything she's written with his help. But internally, Aisling feels that she's a complete fraud. While having ridden herself of her pesky virginity and curiosity, she's since come to the rationalization that the only pleasure to be had is via fantasy.
Seeking refuge in the old circle of stones near her home, Aisling makes a wish for a man that couldn't possibly exist. But when faced later in the evening with Will Cooper, a man of questionable decent, she's shocked to discover that he embodies all that she wished in a man. Unfortunately, their wide separation in class and birth would make a match impossible but it doesn't mean that she can't seek the pleasure that Will promises.
Will has been trying to figure Aisling out since that long ago time when they were childhood friends. Their lives have since taken them in different directions and she still remains an undecipherable mystery but he can't deny their mutual passion for one another. When desire inevitably leads to love, Will's heartbroken when Aisling, the strongest person he knows, is cowardly where her heart's concerned.
Frightened of the sudden feelings swamping her mind, Aisling tries to rationalize it with the wish she cast in the circle of stones. Before that moment she knew who she was and what she wanted, but now everything has changed and she doesn't know if she has the strength to change with it. Will she defy her family and society to marry the man that makes her heart sing? Her winter's desire.
This was a fun and refreshing novella. I haven't read many historicals set in the early 1900's so this was a real treat. It was like modern meets Victorian. I loved the roadsters and the electricity but society is still as buttoned up as ever.
Aisling was a sassy, in-your-face kind of girl. It's take it or leave when it comes to who she is and what she stands for and she makes no apologizes for her scandalous behavior. She smokes, curses, and drives like a crazy woman. She's passionate and lustful which is evident in her erotic stories but Aisling is also a woman who has been witness to heartbreak and has guarded herself from the possibility of it ever happening to her.
Will Cooper embodies not only Aisling's heart's desire, but a complete defiance to the way she's been raised. He's a man of questionable lineage, a bastard but a good lookin' one. Even Aisling's inner snob shuns the idea of marriage but her body's craving of Will knows no bounds. But it's her heart that makes its own decision. The heart wants what the heart wants and it's just a matter of how much Aisling is willing to give up if she doesn't follow it.
B
December 24, 2011
Wales, 1119
In this time period, I always have to remind myself of the standards back then. A woman of virtue was a virgin when she got married. A man could have any number of mistresses and that was deemed okay. Women were not allowed to speak up either. So, when I begin a story, I always have to remind myself of these few things.
Now with these things in mind, we meet Sabeline - she is in her early twenties. By an agreement between her father and the king of England, she is to marry a Marcher Lord; that would create an alliance to form a barrier against the warring tribes of the north. Lord Benedict is the man for the job. "...his brazen courage and his skills on the field of battle had won him the king's favor. And so the arrangement was made." This was to be a union for political reasons, not romantic reasoning. So, are we to believe that these two will fall in love and live happily ever after or will the course of a winter's desire intervene...
This is an awesome love story. A story of hidden desire, a love that knows no boundaries. What things we would do for the love of a lifetime?
Sabeline is a strong woman. After the lost of her mother and her brother, that left just her and her father. She knows that the town people kind of look down on her, because what was intended to be passed down to her brother - the son, the man of the house - is now passed down to her, a mere woman. So, the arranged married between her and Benedict is thought to be a good power move. Knowing her duty to marry is not for love, but for country is very noble; but by the Winter's God she is willing to see it through because it is the right thing to do. Knowing that her intended, Benedict has a roaming eye does not sit well with her either. She tries all she can to win his affection. She even learns ways of pleasing a man from her cousin Margaret. Sabeline even goes to Benedict's friend, Lord Ranulf for help. But what do you do when your intended has the eye for everyone else but you? Just because their marriage is for political gain, does that mean that love can not be in the mix... right?
There was one part of the story that did kinda bother me a bit. Sabeline confused me a bit; in a passage that is taking place in the present, she is very unsure of the ways of pleasing a man and very bashful to be observing what unfolds in front of her; but we see her three years previous and she is a very bold young lady with a very blunt tongue. I am not sure what turn of events happened in between those three years to put the bashfulness in her manner, but it was noted.
Lord Benedict is a man that adds the drama to this story. He is a playboy, never quiet able to satisfy his sexual hunger. He takes his pleasure as often as he pleases and with whom ever he pleases. Knowing that he is going to be married soon does not change his ways. I am not a fan of Benedict's character. There is no love in his heart, except for himself and his appetite of women. His motives are thought to be his devotion for his king and country; however as the story unfolds we learn some very devious motives behind a very devious man.
Lord Ranulf's duty is to serves as the kings witness to the union of the marriage. Ranulf is a man of honor, code and devotion. He was chosen by the king to oversee this marriage. Ranulf gained his own title of knight through his reputation in tournament play. It was not handed down to him like Lord Benedict. Ranulf is seventeen years Benedict senior. He was ordered to train Benedict in the way of battle and knighthood. Although, Ranulf sometimes felt like he was playing nursemaid to Benedict and for that - his blooded boiled. This man intrigued me more than I would like to say. I saw his core emotions and it made me want to reach out and take him in my arms. His heart and soul were in the right place... but was it at the right time?
Now that you have met the three main characters... The story is told... An arranged married for the political reasons, no love of any kind between Sabeline and Benedict. The couple were set to marry in three years, after the men finished their crusade of securing military presence along the border region. During the three years, Benedict would write letters to Sabeline how ever often he could... or at least Sabeline thinks that the words are from Benedict. The three years pass.. and the men return home.
A woman of virtue, a man of honor and a playboy with his own agenda... What would become of these three on the night of the Winter Solstice?
This story is written in first person through Sabeline and Ranulf. I am a first person POV kinda girl. It allows me in the mind of the characters; for some, they find this a bit distracting, but I absolutely love it. I love both, the emotional and power struggle in this story. Ms. Amanda made me feel Sabeline's heart and soul. I felt her emotions as they would have been my own. Then she turned me around to see what was in Ranulf's mind. This is again, another great story by Ms. Amanda! The sex scenes were steamy enough to heat up any cold night you might have. There is even one in there that may rock your boat...!!! So, if you are looking for something to warm up your night and get your blood pressure up a couple of numbers... Get this book!!!!
Because you never know what can come of a wish upon a Winter's Solstice....
In this time period, I always have to remind myself of the standards back then. A woman of virtue was a virgin when she got married. A man could have any number of mistresses and that was deemed okay. Women were not allowed to speak up either. So, when I begin a story, I always have to remind myself of these few things.
Now with these things in mind, we meet Sabeline - she is in her early twenties. By an agreement between her father and the king of England, she is to marry a Marcher Lord; that would create an alliance to form a barrier against the warring tribes of the north. Lord Benedict is the man for the job. "...his brazen courage and his skills on the field of battle had won him the king's favor. And so the arrangement was made." This was to be a union for political reasons, not romantic reasoning. So, are we to believe that these two will fall in love and live happily ever after or will the course of a winter's desire intervene...
This is an awesome love story. A story of hidden desire, a love that knows no boundaries. What things we would do for the love of a lifetime?
Sabeline is a strong woman. After the lost of her mother and her brother, that left just her and her father. She knows that the town people kind of look down on her, because what was intended to be passed down to her brother - the son, the man of the house - is now passed down to her, a mere woman. So, the arranged married between her and Benedict is thought to be a good power move. Knowing her duty to marry is not for love, but for country is very noble; but by the Winter's God she is willing to see it through because it is the right thing to do. Knowing that her intended, Benedict has a roaming eye does not sit well with her either. She tries all she can to win his affection. She even learns ways of pleasing a man from her cousin Margaret. Sabeline even goes to Benedict's friend, Lord Ranulf for help. But what do you do when your intended has the eye for everyone else but you? Just because their marriage is for political gain, does that mean that love can not be in the mix... right?
There was one part of the story that did kinda bother me a bit. Sabeline confused me a bit; in a passage that is taking place in the present, she is very unsure of the ways of pleasing a man and very bashful to be observing what unfolds in front of her; but we see her three years previous and she is a very bold young lady with a very blunt tongue. I am not sure what turn of events happened in between those three years to put the bashfulness in her manner, but it was noted.
Lord Benedict is a man that adds the drama to this story. He is a playboy, never quiet able to satisfy his sexual hunger. He takes his pleasure as often as he pleases and with whom ever he pleases. Knowing that he is going to be married soon does not change his ways. I am not a fan of Benedict's character. There is no love in his heart, except for himself and his appetite of women. His motives are thought to be his devotion for his king and country; however as the story unfolds we learn some very devious motives behind a very devious man.
Lord Ranulf's duty is to serves as the kings witness to the union of the marriage. Ranulf is a man of honor, code and devotion. He was chosen by the king to oversee this marriage. Ranulf gained his own title of knight through his reputation in tournament play. It was not handed down to him like Lord Benedict. Ranulf is seventeen years Benedict senior. He was ordered to train Benedict in the way of battle and knighthood. Although, Ranulf sometimes felt like he was playing nursemaid to Benedict and for that - his blooded boiled. This man intrigued me more than I would like to say. I saw his core emotions and it made me want to reach out and take him in my arms. His heart and soul were in the right place... but was it at the right time?
Now that you have met the three main characters... The story is told... An arranged married for the political reasons, no love of any kind between Sabeline and Benedict. The couple were set to marry in three years, after the men finished their crusade of securing military presence along the border region. During the three years, Benedict would write letters to Sabeline how ever often he could... or at least Sabeline thinks that the words are from Benedict. The three years pass.. and the men return home.
A woman of virtue, a man of honor and a playboy with his own agenda... What would become of these three on the night of the Winter Solstice?
This story is written in first person through Sabeline and Ranulf. I am a first person POV kinda girl. It allows me in the mind of the characters; for some, they find this a bit distracting, but I absolutely love it. I love both, the emotional and power struggle in this story. Ms. Amanda made me feel Sabeline's heart and soul. I felt her emotions as they would have been my own. Then she turned me around to see what was in Ranulf's mind. This is again, another great story by Ms. Amanda! The sex scenes were steamy enough to heat up any cold night you might have. There is even one in there that may rock your boat...!!! So, if you are looking for something to warm up your night and get your blood pressure up a couple of numbers... Get this book!!!!
Because you never know what can come of a wish upon a Winter's Solstice....
May 30, 2010
Amanda McIntyre's story was okay. Another example of a women from the 1100s acting like it's 2010. The story was kind of romantic but nothing that held my interest.
Now the Charlotte Featherstone story was something different. I loved that the characters aren't part of the "ton" as in other books about this time period in England/Ireland/Wales. Loved Sinead and Kiernan's love and how passionate it was. There's a little mystical visit from her first husband that was really hot, but not in a very over-the-top way. What am I saying? She's having sex with a live and not quite alive man. Anyway, I liked this story a lot and am now searching for other Charlotte Featherstone stories to read.
The story by Kristi Astor was really good. Set in 1909, it was nice to totally be out of the 1800s, etc. The story was funny, sweet with wonderfully written romantic scenes. Loved it. I'll be looking for more of Kristi Astor's works.
Overall, this was a very good anthology. Would recommend it.
Now the Charlotte Featherstone story was something different. I loved that the characters aren't part of the "ton" as in other books about this time period in England/Ireland/Wales. Loved Sinead and Kiernan's love and how passionate it was. There's a little mystical visit from her first husband that was really hot, but not in a very over-the-top way. What am I saying? She's having sex with a live and not quite alive man. Anyway, I liked this story a lot and am now searching for other Charlotte Featherstone stories to read.
The story by Kristi Astor was really good. Set in 1909, it was nice to totally be out of the 1800s, etc. The story was funny, sweet with wonderfully written romantic scenes. Loved it. I'll be looking for more of Kristi Astor's works.
Overall, this was a very good anthology. Would recommend it.
July 5, 2010
I loved these stories - all three of them! They made for great escape reading and I'm not critical of historical accuracy when reading romantic erotica. If you're that much of a stickler for accuracy, romantic fiction really isn't for you. Get yourself some dry non-fiction instead of discouraging readers, like me, who will really enjoy this genre because we don't have to spend a lot of time thinking or analyzing while reading it.
April 28, 2012
Great book. loved the stories. It was a nice beach read
February 22, 2021
I really enjoyed these short stories and their intertwined plots revolving the winters desire poem. I wish I could find more like this!
September 13, 2010
The book contains three stories that revolve around the winter's solstice and a particular place even though they are to take place in different years in history.
There is: Winter Awakening by Amanda McIntyre
Midnight Whispers by Charlotte Featherstone
Lover's Dawn by Kristi Astor
If you are into reading books that are historically accurate then this book isn't for you, most romance books are not going to be absolutely accurate, they can play a little with history in order to make sure to have their characters work through the story line they have planned for the romance. These books are Erotic Tales of Carnal Desire, the author's words not mine. The books aren't just spicy, they are exactly what that statement says. If this sort of thing makes you uncomfortable, then these stories are not for you. Due to the magic that happens in these stories, they are able to make the stories end with the characters ending up together and tying up the loose ends when you might think it isn't going to happen.
Here is the information from the back of the book:
On Solstice eve long ago, a Druid priestess and Norse warrior succumb to forbidden, erotic desire. Their passion is one that neither death, decree—nor time—can tear asunder.
Now three women of later centuries begin their own sensual journeys, awakened by the ancient power of the priestess's words—"Burn bright of winter's desire."
•SABELINE•
experiences surprisingly unbridled nights with her betrothed's best friend in a lusty medieval tale….
•SINEAD•
her body yearns for her husband, killed in the Crimean War—and for the officer who broke the tragic news….
•AISLING•
writes risqué stories under a secret pen name, but her real-life love life is a bore…until she makes a wish for her winter's desire that works only too well.
There is: Winter Awakening by Amanda McIntyre
Midnight Whispers by Charlotte Featherstone
Lover's Dawn by Kristi Astor
If you are into reading books that are historically accurate then this book isn't for you, most romance books are not going to be absolutely accurate, they can play a little with history in order to make sure to have their characters work through the story line they have planned for the romance. These books are Erotic Tales of Carnal Desire, the author's words not mine. The books aren't just spicy, they are exactly what that statement says. If this sort of thing makes you uncomfortable, then these stories are not for you. Due to the magic that happens in these stories, they are able to make the stories end with the characters ending up together and tying up the loose ends when you might think it isn't going to happen.
Here is the information from the back of the book:
On Solstice eve long ago, a Druid priestess and Norse warrior succumb to forbidden, erotic desire. Their passion is one that neither death, decree—nor time—can tear asunder.
Now three women of later centuries begin their own sensual journeys, awakened by the ancient power of the priestess's words—"Burn bright of winter's desire."
•SABELINE•
experiences surprisingly unbridled nights with her betrothed's best friend in a lusty medieval tale….
•SINEAD•
her body yearns for her husband, killed in the Crimean War—and for the officer who broke the tragic news….
•AISLING•
writes risqué stories under a secret pen name, but her real-life love life is a bore…until she makes a wish for her winter's desire that works only too well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2010
The first story was eh, found myself skimming, seemed like very strange behavior from everyone and with the element of a "Tristam & Ysuelt" (I don't have my Welsh dictionary on me so I hope I got that spelling right) it was a mishmash of contemporary and ancient. Didn't have enough Celtic strain for me and the ending was both obvious and rushed. 3.0
Sinead by Charlotte Featherstone
Ok, so I knew from the first paragraph that I wasn't going to like it. I read up to chapter two and stopped. There was something about the writing. It was erotic and sexy but the writing left me cold and it continued to do so. With short stories you have to make the reader care about the characters enough to continue reading. I liked Sinead, I couldn't care less about Kieran. There in lies the problem. So I stopped. I did however learn a new word; "quim".
Aisling
I just stopped giving a crap about five paragraphs in. The main character was snobbish and self-centered and it was a weird bit about her and her brother.
I don't know. Just couldn't get into it. I did like Will Cooper (I did skim) but couldn't see the two of them together.
All in all, for me, this book had sooo much potential but apparently by Winter's Desire there is also Winter's Dryness.
Sinead by Charlotte Featherstone
Ok, so I knew from the first paragraph that I wasn't going to like it. I read up to chapter two and stopped. There was something about the writing. It was erotic and sexy but the writing left me cold and it continued to do so. With short stories you have to make the reader care about the characters enough to continue reading. I liked Sinead, I couldn't care less about Kieran. There in lies the problem. So I stopped. I did however learn a new word; "quim".
Aisling
I just stopped giving a crap about five paragraphs in. The main character was snobbish and self-centered and it was a weird bit about her and her brother.
I don't know. Just couldn't get into it. I did like Will Cooper (I did skim) but couldn't see the two of them together.
All in all, for me, this book had sooo much potential but apparently by Winter's Desire there is also Winter's Dryness.
December 11, 2009
I'm not usually into romance novels anyway, but I liked the sound of this - and it started out quite nicely, too (if one ignores historical inaccuracies and overblown language, which I was quite willing to do).
Unfortunately, the closer the two protagonists, Sabeline and Ranulf, got, the more Sabeline transformed from a young, inexperienced woman who nevertheless was quite comfortable with herself into the worst kind of helpless damsel who let herself be pushed around and ultimately rescued. This led to the transformation of my own feelings from indulgent (and somewhat tantalized) enjoyment to eyerolling annoyance.
The Audible mp3 I got from a friend only contained 'Winter Awakening' - it was probably quite helpful to hear it instead of reading it, as the narrator used different tones to distinguish Sabeline and Ranulf's first person narratives.
Unfortunately, the closer the two protagonists, Sabeline and Ranulf, got, the more Sabeline transformed from a young, inexperienced woman who nevertheless was quite comfortable with herself into the worst kind of helpless damsel who let herself be pushed around and ultimately rescued. This led to the transformation of my own feelings from indulgent (and somewhat tantalized) enjoyment to eyerolling annoyance.
The Audible mp3 I got from a friend only contained 'Winter Awakening' - it was probably quite helpful to hear it instead of reading it, as the narrator used different tones to distinguish Sabeline and Ranulf's first person narratives.
Read
October 21, 2011"Kieran era così forte, virile, eppure delicato al tempo stesso, attento ai suoi bisogni. Le sue carezze erano piene di passione e lei lo voleva e lo temeva in uguale misura, perché, se si fosse abbandonata al desiderio, non sarebbe più riuscita a tenerlo a freno, in memoria di David."
Per ora ho letto i primi due racconti e mi sono piaciuti, vediamo se anche il terzo sarà interessante allo stesso modo...
Finito... come stile il racconto che mi è piaciuto di più è stato il secondo, ma come contenuto è il terzo il mio preferito perché mi piacerebbe come la protagonista scrivere un racconto erotico e poi vederlo tramutarsi in realtà.
Per ora ho letto i primi due racconti e mi sono piaciuti, vediamo se anche il terzo sarà interessante allo stesso modo...
Finito... come stile il racconto che mi è piaciuto di più è stato il secondo, ma come contenuto è il terzo il mio preferito perché mi piacerebbe come la protagonista scrivere un racconto erotico e poi vederlo tramutarsi in realtà.
January 3, 2012
This was a fairly well written collection of erotica with a nice magical, mystical feel to it. I liked the story of the Druid priestess and her Viking lover, their mating and parting and the spell of love that began from her loss.
November 22, 2011
review soon @ thefaeryromanticlibrarian.com
February 22, 2012
4 étolies rien que pour l'histoire de Charlotte Featherstone. Les autres nouvelles sont bien écrites également. Un petit régal de nouvelles. A lire et relire à l'envie...
June 14, 2014
3 women, who come into possession of a winter's poem/spell leading them to the man to love...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews