"Adult bedtime stories for the sensual at heart"

Who isn't familiar with these fairy tales and children's stories? Rapunzel, Beauty and the Beast, Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, Peter and the Wolf, and Peter Pan. Seven writers of sensual romance tackle these stories and put their erotic twist on them. These definitely AIN'T YOUR MAMA'S BEDTIME STORIES. I especially enjoyed the tales from Ms. Haynes and Ms. Wyndfield.

R.A. Punzel Lets Down Her Hair by Dee S. Knight

Private investigator Richard Hammer tells a potential apprentice the story of one of his cases, while vetting the boy as an employee. His biggest case was the Golden Steps Spa case a few years back. He was hired by the Punzels to solve the disappearance of their daughter, the genius behind the Golden Steps Spa. Ramona Angelique "Ray" Punzel is a real looker and Richard is smitten from his first glimpse of her. Tracking down the kidnapper should be a snap, since Mr. Punzel's family has been cursed by another family close to a century ago.

Told entirely from the hero's point of view, R.A. Punzel Lets Down Her Hair is a tribute to the noir detective stories of Chandler and his contemporaries. With tongue firmly in cheek, of course. I mean, Dick Hammer, for the hero's name? Oops, I mean Richard ;-) Ms. Knight entertains in her updated erotic fairy tale.

Sensuality: Explicit sex; sexually explicit scenes: 3

Beauty or the Bitch by Jasmine Haynes

Reporter Dexter King is about to get the story of a lifetime. But there's a string attached. Before Dex gets to interview world-famous movie star Eden Alexander, he must do a story on Shelby Stewart's fall from grace in Hollywood. A sort of where-is-she-now report. Dex knows that Shelby has been holed up in the Sierras, with not a peep out of her for ten years. Too bad a monster snowstorm causes him to crash his car in the bitter cold a few miles from Shelby's place.

When Shelby Stewart finds a not-quite-dead body on her doorstep, she has to channel her inner bitch to save him. Cursing and yelling at him the whole way, she helps him into her bedroom, the only habitable room in this rundown mansion. Without his cooperation, Shelby knows he'll freeze to death since she's too weak to move him herself.

Dex learns the truth about the demise of Shelby's Hollywood career and her self-imposed exile. He wants to do battle to clear her name, but Shelby feels undeserving of such a gesture. Will Dex be able to save Shelby from the demons that haunt her? And do it before neglect and starvation take their toll on her? Ms. Haynes tackles a delicate subject in her dark tale. I was truly moved by the time I reached the end of Beauty or the Bitch and won't forget it for a very long time.

Sensuality: Explicit sex; sexually explicit scenes: 4

Snow White and the Seven Dorks by Dakota Cassidy

Once upon a time in modern New York City, Snow White was a pampered rich girl with a penchant for noble causes. After her father's death, Snow is shocked to find that her stepmother got everything, with a promise to see to Snow's well-being. Snow's wicked stepmother shows her affection by banishing Snow to work in the kitchens. And then decides to have Snow killed after her magic mirror shows that Snow is the most booty-licious of them all. Snow isn't killed, however, just dumped unconscious in the snow outside a gay nightclub.

One year later, Snow has taken charge of the Dork household and the seven Dork brothers. She works long hours for little pay for a boss she's never met, a mysterious W.S. at Some Enchanted Evening Advertising. When Prince Charming is named CEO of the company, Snow's life takes an interesting turn for the better. But don't count out Snow's stepmother yet. She has a plan to get rid of Snow once and for all and claim Prince Charming for herself. Snow White and the Seven Dorks is a very campy read that will delight Ms. Cassidy's fans.

Sensuality: Explicit sex; sexually explicit scenes: 5

Little Red, the Wolf, and the Hunter by Leigh Wyndfield

Sibyl Hood has been feeling like she's being watched several times over the past few months. Good thing that she's scheduled to go to grandmother's house to visit for the next four days. Gran hasn't been doing so great, and one of the adult Hood children will be moving her in, though Gran doesn't know about that. As Sibyl is leaving, she has a strange encounter with a man who claims to be lost. Writing him off as a nutcase, Sibyl hurries off in her car.

Mark Hunter knows that Simon Wolf is crazy. Simon used to be enforcer for their werewolf pack, but he's gone off the deep end and killed several women. And Sibyl will be Simon's next victim unless Mark steps in. When Mark reaches Sibyl's Gran's house, Gran is nowhere to be found and Simon has Sibyl. Will Mark be able to save the girl and get the bad guy? Only if he can keep his head. Too bad Simon came prepared with a tranquilizing dart gun.

Mark knows he has to stall for time to allow the drug's effects to wear off. Will Sibyl still want him after learning what he is? Mark has never desired a woman so much before. Could he have found his mate? Impossible, right? Little Red, the Wolf, and the Hunter is an entertaining tale with an unusual twist. Ms. Wyndfield shows her versatility with this intriguing werewolf story.

Sensuality: Explicit sex; sexually explicit scenes: 4

Once Upon a Princess by Rae Morgan

Princess Nadia is heir to small kingdom that was once part of the USSR. Her father is desperatly seeking a prince to marry her off to. There are no takers since Nadia's first two husbands died trying to keep up with her sexual exuberance. Is she a wanton predator? Or simply a normal woman with needs and desires that men of advanced age can't handle? When a mysterious stranger stops at the castle for shelter from a storm, Nadia decides that he may be the man she needs. Will she be able to convince her father of that?

Poor Nadia has gotten a bad rap, with her father and her people thinking she's some kind of sexual black widow. Luckily Cailean shows Nadia what she's been missing out on. Will Cail win her heart without divulging his background? He wants Nadia to love him for the man he is, not for what position he holds. Ms. Morgan has penned an enjoyable story in Once Upon a Princess.

Sensuality: Explicit sex, anal play, light bondage; sexually explicit scenes: 5

Petra and the Werewolf by Sydney Morgann

Petra Penchabich finds herself stifled by the life in her small village. She lives with her grandfather, who constantly reminds her of her mother's shame in having a child out of wedlock. Petra only solace is sneaking out to the forest, to her special pool. No matter what the others say, there is no danger to her from the wolves. This time, a handsome stranger seduces her and makes her his bride. And then he leaves, saying he'll come for her. Just who is this mystery man?

When she's confronted by a villager with rape on his mind, Petra finds out how small-minded the people of her village are. Will her handsome lover be able to rescue her from a violent death? And do it before she's raped brutally? Extremely dark and disturbing in places, Petra and the Werewolf is not for everyone. Ms. Morgann's contribution is the lone historical in this anthology of contemporary fairy tales.

Sensuality: Explicit sex, attempted rapes; sexually explicit scenes: 6

Peter's Touch by Vanessa Hart

Advertising professional Wendy Dowling has worked hard to advance her career. When her boss and current boyfriend Kaplan Hook proposes a merger (i.e., marriage) before making a decision on her promotion, Wendy feels a bit overwhelmed. Does she want to be known as sleeping her way to the top? Plus, Wendy doesn't experience sexual fireworks with Kap. Maybe it's just her.

Dowling family friend, musician Peter Penn, doesn't know what's come over him. Suddenly he's seeing his best friend's sister in a new light. Will Peter be able to convince Wendy to give him a chance before she agrees to marriage to Kap? They are explosive when they get together sexually. Will an affair be enough to satisfy their needs? After all, Peter has vowed to never get married. If Wendy leaves him, will Peter celebrate his freedom or mourn the loss of his love? I enjoyed Ms. Hart's use of music to show Peter's feelings for Wendy. Try Peter's Touch for a charming finale to this anthology.

Sensuality: Explicit sex; sexually explicit scenes: 6

Reviewed by Denise Powers
Courtesy Sensual Romance Reviews
Posted January 10, 2004

Summary

Seven Hot Tales Under The Cover

R. A. Punzel Lets Down Her Hair by Dee S. Knight
Mix one street-savvy detective, two hapless parents and a missing computer genius. Shake well, then top with a spicy, luscious secretary, and you have the makings for the case of the century. Is it any wonder, that when Ramona Punzel is rescued by PI, Richard Hammer, she lets down her hair- and more?

Beauty or the Bitch by Jasmine Haynes
Shelby Stewart was the hottest rising star in Hollywood until suddenly, she was cursed. Retreating to her mountain hideaway, far from that fairy tale life, she hasn't been seen in ten years. Will Dexter King, sent by his magazine to ferret out her story, find a beauty? Or a bitch?

Snow White and the Seven Dorks by Dakota Cassidy
Snow White has a whole new adventure for the year 2003! She's landed herself a job working with the seven Dork Brothers while she hides from her wicked stepmother. Between keeping up with Happy's prescription for Prozac and Grumpy's anger management, she has her hands full. But Prince (Charming that is) is coming to the rescue...

Little Red, The Wolf and The Hunter by Leigh Wyndfield
On her way to Grandmother's house, Sybil Hood confronts the creepy Simon Wolf. Hot on Simon's trail, Mark Hunter is determined to bring down the deranged serial killer. When both Sybil and Mark fall into the madman's clutches, their courage is tested as they join forces not only to survive, but to defeat the big, bad Wolf.

Once Upon A Princess by Rae Morgan
Princess Nadia has a bad rep. Two princely husbands; both dead from reputed cases of too much sex. Now, no man wants to bed her, and her sexual urges need more than a piece of plastic and a couple of double-As. When the handsome stranger knocks on the castle door, he is the answer to her immediate needs. But would a commoner do for a happy-ever- after ending?

Petra and the Werewolf by Sydney Morgann
While swimming nude in a secret woodland pool, Petra, a Russian peasant girl, meets Wolf Romanoff, king of the woodland wolves, and her heart recognizes him as her soul mate. Unfortunately, Wolf has been wrongfully blamed for recent villager deaths. He is hunted day and night by the hunter Ivan, who also wants Petra for his wife.

Peter's Touch by Vanessa Hart
Peter was a guy who'd never grow up, as far as marketing guru Wendy was concerned. Physically, though, he'd matured into a hottie...and he was hot for her. Longing to show Wendy that they'd be good together, Peter challenges her to a private getaway weekend. Neither are prepared for the surprising consequences when Wendy calls his bluff.