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Welcome to my little part of the blog world of reviewing.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Hot Summer Nights Erotic Bloghop



Welcome to the Hot Summer Nights Erotic Bloghop by Skye Warren.  There are books to be won and a $100 Gift Card to Eden Fantasy's to be won, too.  I'm giving away a $25 GC to either Amazon or B&N, just for leaving a comment.  :)  Good luck.  The contest/hop runs until Sunday so you have plenty of time to get to the other blogs.  I have posted the linky code at the bottom.
What makes good erotica?  We've all read good erotica and some pretty bad erotic out there.  Don't laugh because you know that you have.  Do you ever get tired of reading the same old, same old erotica?  Insert slot a to slot b?  Maybe throw in slot c for giggles? 

I know what you are thinking at this point?  But Harlie, you review erotica, follow erotica authors and promo the hell out them.  Well, for Harlie, erotic needs to be toned down a bit.  Horrors, you say!!!!  I want real character development; characters that I can actually care about and cheer for in their relationship.  Characters having sex and often just for the sake of selling a book is a big turnoff for me.  If I want that, I can surf the Internet for free porn. 

I'm giving you a review of one of the best books that I have read so far this year.  It has everything that I'm looking for in an erotic story.




The Diplomat's Daughter is one of those rare books in erotica that encompasses the whole story from page one.  Yes, its that good and a bit different.  Let me know explain.

The setting of the book is in the 60's in Turkey during a time of political unrest, social barriers, cultural differences and when women realized that they held their own lives in their hands; not their parents.  Sometimes letting go of the family ties that bind and following your heart to true love is truly the best thing for you.

When we meet Vivian, she is sitting in her college class bored to tears.  Someone catches her eye and realizes that her childhood friend, Levent, is in her class.  Heart in her throat and aching in her belly, she realizes that she must talk to him.  Ask him what happened all those years ago when they were children and he left her. 

Levent can't believe that his childhood friend Vivian is in his class.  Knowing that he wants her but can't have her is killing him.  After all, she is an American diplomat's daughter.  Socially and economically they shouldn't and can't be together.  Or can they?

I fell in love with Vivian and Levent from the first page of this book.  You could feel the tension building from that very page and it never stopped until the very last page.  What could have been a quick roll in the hay between the two was only made sweeter when they actually did get together.  Vivian is a virgin in the book and finding her own sexuality when she sees Levent again, only awakes it more.  Levent on the other hand, wants her more than he could ever want another woman but cultural differences and social barriers prevent him from acting on them.

Here's the link to more of the review: 

Review for The Diplomat's Daughter

I know shameless plug but I have some other recommendations for you too.  Feel free to agree or disagree with me.  I love a good book discussion.

Here is a list of recommendations from me, Harlie, for your reading enjoyment.  Some I've reviewed on the blog and some I haven't.

Established couples/married couples:

The Filthy Book by Lily Harlem
anything by Cindy Jacks
Do Over by Mari Carr

BDSM:

Eden Bradley/Eve Berlin
Cherise Sinclair
Kallyspos Masters
Shayla Black

Short Novellas:

Ann Mayburn
Casea Major
Cari Quinn

Steampunk:

Cari Silverwood
Cindy Spenser Page

Straight Contemporary:

Erin Nicholas
Mari Carr
Kelly Jamison
Lily Harlem
Cari Quinn

Menage:

Kelly Jamison
Lily Harlem
Shayla Black

Favorite Series:

The Turks by Liz Crowe
Wicked Series by Shayla Black
Wild Irish Series by Mari Carr
Motor City by Cindy Spencer Pape

Paranormal:

Michelle Hauf
Moira Rogers
Eden Bradley's Vamps
Cindy Spencer Pape

I know that you are probably seeing a pattern but these are my go-to authors in that particular genre/sub-genre.  I have other authors that are my go-to's but its hard to classify them.  I'm just now getting into the harder, grittier erotica which I'm liking.

Am I too opinionated for my own good?  Probably but that's what makes a good reviewer and book blogger. 

Don't forget to follow the linky code for more chances to win. 
















Linky Code

72 comments:

  1. Thanks for the chance to win!
    natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com

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  2. i love when there is a plot too and that's not just sex too quickly ^^;;

    all the best

    isabelle(dot)frisch(at)gmail(dot)com

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  3. thanks for the giveaway,,wow this cover make me speechless..
    wish i win..

    icha09 at gmail dot com

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  4. I am new to erotica romance books and blog hops but I am loving it all. I am so excited to see all the participants sites and more books to read. Thank you to everyone in the blog hop.
    LaWanda
    Purplepen2@yahoo.com

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  5. I want it all - a great story, characters that I have a vested interest in & lots of HEAT!!

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  6. Thank you for the giveaway and all the great reviews!

    sourdal@gmail.com

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  7. I like it best when the book has a good story and great characters, and not just all hot sex. Thanks for having this giveaway.
    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

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  8. great post Marika! love your list...lots of my favs are on there too!

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    Replies
    1. Lord, I'm opinionated. LOL! That list is only what I could think of within five minutes. I actually have a spreadsheet of favorite books/authors/genres.

      I know...get a life!

      Marika

      Delete
  9. Great Giveaway :)

    reginamayross@gmail.com

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  10. I haven't heard of that book! But I'll definitely keep it in mind after that glowing review. Thanks, Marika. Not entering, just stopping by. Great giveaway.

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  11. Great giveaway. Thanks! I'm now going to have to check out The Diplomat's Daughter.

    jlhmass at yahoo dot com

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  12. Chemistry is key for me and you have to have something other than just sex for that imo!

    sionedkla@gmail.com

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  13. I'm new to the genre so I'm loving the list you provided. Thanks so much!

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  14. I got to have a story to go along with all the steaminess.
    Yvette
    yratpatrol@aol.com

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  15. I really will have to check out this book. And I love your reviews! :)

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  16. I'm sweaty! Is it hot in here or did I look at that cover too long? *blinks innocently*

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  17. Lol..fun post. I do enjoy a good erotica but like you - there has to be good plot and character development. You already know I'm fa fan of many of the same authors you like...lol

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  18. The chemistry, sex and story line. Please enter me in contest. Thanks for the giveaway. Tore923@aol.com

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  19. Yeah another book to add to my list. I love these blog hops, now to find a sugar daddy to buy me all these books! :D

    proudarmymom32(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  20. Thanks for the list - I've read a few, but recommendations are always appreciated.
    sallans d at yahoo dot com

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  21. Thanks for the recommendations and participating.

    acm05atjuno.com

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  22. Woohoo! I love blog hopping!
    What a great way to discover new blogs and visit with old friends. Everybody wins this way!
    For me a good erotic read must have characters that grab your attention, a good story line,( not just sex, for sex sake), HOT sex, and of course an HEA.
    Thanks for being part of the hop and for the chance to win! <^_^>
    reneebennett35(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  23. LOL- I have a friend that had a HUGE binder that contains all books to be read, read, different genres and more. I think it's great!
    I also enjoy a book more that is more than sex. There's nothing like a good story to add to good (or even great) sex :)

    Thank you for the chance to win and for being part of the hop!

    ~Ava~
    dragonlady 029 @ aol . com

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  24. I had no idea about this hop! I can't wait to go home and go through the list :) And I am definitely looking up these books on your list :)

    Thanks so much!

    Liz
    liz@fictionalcandy.com

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  25. Cherise Sinclair is my go-to author for erotic romance. I have loved all of her stories.

    geishasmom73 AT yahoo DOT com

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  26. thanks for playing
    mfierydrgn@aol.com

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  27. Wild Irish is one of my favorite series also, Ruby Tuesday my fave of that series! I agree with pretty much every one of those authors. :) Great giveaway, thanks!
    ~Anna @ BLM

    annabananbug1 AT gmail DOT com

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  28. Nice list, I am going to have to look up some of your listed authors. I like knowing an author is well liked from someone who write reviews on books I enjoy, its a guaranteed win!

    Thanks for joining in on the hop and for the giveaway!

    eyesofblueice (at) gmail

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  29. You gotta add Heather Ranier and Becca Van to the ménage category their books are really steamy!
    willandamanda99@yahoo.com
    Thanks for the great blog hop!
    Amanda

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  30. Diane Whiteside also has great stories and hot sex too. Thanks for doing the hop!!

    gatormaryd(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  31. Thank you for the recommendations! I actually use these hops to expand my To-Read Lists and I'm excited to add some steampunk authors to my list! kcarlson1152[at]hotmail.com

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  32. My mom was just telling me last week that the Kalypso Masters books were really good! She's currently reading them and really liking them. :) Love a steamy romance!

    brunettelibrarian AT gmAil . c0m
    The Brunette Librarian Blog

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  33. Thank you for all the recommendations!!

    ninajanke at gmail dot com

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  34. I've read many in your recommended list. I found your comment about getting into the grittier ones interesting. If you want to take a ride on the dark side, message me. ^_^

    lacrimsonfemme at gmail fullstop com

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  35. I'm with you. I need story and character development. I would rather read a YA with great story that erotic with no story and just sex. Though I prefer a hot, sexy story :)

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  36. I need a good story, and white-hot chemistry between the characters.

    Thanks for the amazing giveaway!
    elizabeth @ bookattict . com

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  37. Thanks for the recommendations! Like I need to add to my list ;) Woohoo for summer and hot sexy reads!

    f dot chen at comcast dot net

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  38. GREAT list of recommendations. A lot of my faves were already there...some, I'm gonna have to look into! Thx for the giveaway op! :)

    barbbattaglia @ yahoo.com

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  39. I actually agree with your list of recommended authors! I'm pretty sure I've read at least one thing from them all. Or at least they're in my TBR list.(I'm reading as fast as I can!)

    I would add Meljean Brook yo the steampunk list though, because I love her. Actually I could keep adding on from my very own list of fave authors and books (apparently I need to get a life too!) But I'd seriously be here all night!

    Thanks for sharing and a chance to win!
    rae.gwendy(at)gmail(dot)com

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  40. Book look good. Thanks for the giveaway.
    magic5905 at embarqmail dot com

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  41. I am a huge fan of most of those authors. Glad you are part of the hop.

    wolphcall(at)bellsouth(dot)net

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  42. Thanks for the giveaway! Yes, there is quite a bit of bad erotica, but it just makes the good ones even better! And I love Cherise Sinclair too.

    jessicamariesutton(at)msn(dot)com

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  43. I need a good plot and a little romance. Otherwise it's just like an anatomy lesson.

    Thanks for doing this giveaway!
    ~Krista
    theangrypollo{ AT }yahoo{ DOT }com

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  44. I love your recommendations! Most are some of my favorite authors too. For me, I'd also add Megan Hart to the contemporary list! Thanks for the giveaway!
    laceyblossom1(at)gmail(dot)com

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  45. Great list...love alot on the list!! Alot to check out now! Thanks:)

    andieleah78@gmail.com

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  46. Thanks for participating in the hop!

    I agree, a good erotica story has a solid plot along with the steamy love scenes. But you know, sometimes I just want to read those scenes and forget about the plot. LOL

    Jen
    admin.bookblog AT gmail.com

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  47. I am new to this genre & have never even seen a book set in the 60's. That right there sets it apart in my mind. Thank you for being a spot on this hop.

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  48. Thank you so much for the giveaway. This is definitely a unique sounding book. I too have to have a good plot with the story. It can be emotional & deep, maybe dark or just light and fun but it has to have good characters and a good story.
    We share so many favorite authors/series :)
    manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

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  49. Thanks for the giveaway! I have a few more authors to look into.
    suz2(at)cox(dot)net

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  50. Thank you for the suggested reads...the main reason I love blog hops:)

    Debi01760@hotmail.com

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  51. I agree with you totally, I want a story with my sex! I don't want 12 pages "novels" that are all about how much kink you can throw into those 12000 words. I appreciate your list, it gives me some place to start looking when I go shopping :O) mawmom(AT)gmail.com

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  52. Great lists you have and I will be looking in to the ones that I haven't, thanks so much for adding to my enormous TBR pile ;)

    Eva
    evitap67(at)gmail(dot)com

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  53. Thanks for both the fab giveaway & your list of recommendations. I have read a couple of books by a couple of your favorite authors. I will look up the remainder of the authors/books.

    jmesparza821(at)gmail(dot)com

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  54. Great post. Really good choices. Thanks for the giveaway.

    mythic021@gmail.com

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  55. Thank you for the great giveaway Im always looking for new books too read thats why I love blog hops always find something new!
    tishajean@ charter.net

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  56. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Email: sexysweepstakes AT gmail DOT com

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  57. Thank you for some new authors to read!

    books4me67 at ymail dot com

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  58. Thanks for sharing your authors with us, and for explaining what you like/dislike when reading erotica. It helps the rest of us find new things we might like.

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  59. I agree with you, I enjoy erotica with an actual plot and good characters, and more than just sex. Thanks for the review and the list of authors to check out. Definitely add some to my TRB. Thanks!

    tiger-chick-1(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  60. I love reading erotic books but they need a good story to go with the sex. I love a hint danger in a story and some mystery.
    sstrode at scrtc dot com

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  61. You just named a good portion of my favorite authors. I dont know two that you have one there, the rest are on my keeper shelves. Love there work! Another author you might like: Laurann Dohner. She rights about humans spliced with DNA. (They remind me a bit of Lora Leighs Breed Series, if you've read those). The people are being set free, they have land and now rescue there own people. I love all the characters. I didnt care for the first book in the series but the first i have adored! My favorite one is Justice. Shes an awesome author. At least to me! :) Thanks for sharing and for the fun hop! And thank you for the awesome giveaway!
    shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com

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  62. Thanks for participating in the hop :)

    penumbrareads(at)gmail(dot)com

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  63. Great review! I have not read this one yet, but am going to add it to my TBR. Thank you for the author recommendations as well. I am still kind of new to this genre, but love to hear about new to me authors. :)
    I love Kallyspo Masters and Moira Rogers both! I have not read any books by the others listed and will have to check them out.
    Thank you for the wonderful giveaway also!
    trb0917 at gmail.com

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  64. I love love love Shayla Black =)
    I think a good book is a story...the erotica is good...but it needs to have a good story and be well written =)
    mhay@panhandle.rr.com

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  65. Thanks for the giveaway.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  66. Great lists... I agree Erotica needs a story also to be a great read! My personal fav. is Kallypso Masters!
    modularmates(at)comcast(dot)net

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  67. Thanks for the giveaway!

    redfirewood888(AT)yahoo(DOT)ca

    Ollie aka DarkBloodyVamp

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  68. All of them are amazing authors...

    shadowestr@aol.com

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  69. Well my whole week will be filled with erotic stories. Thanks for giving us a heads up about some erotic books. I'll sure to pick them up when I pass by the nearest bookstore. Great reads. <3

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