Dominique Dunne Books

This short story collection starts off great. The first story by Dominique Adair has it all -- it's hot, sexy, great characters (Blue - sigh), sensual, realistic plot obstacle and credible reactions to the obstacle. The second story, "Love and Kinks" by Madeline Oh, didn't fare as well in my opinion. It's the first story I've read by Ms. Oh so I can't tell if the writing style for this story is her usual one or if it was part of the overall package. It makes a difference because the story felt too oh-so-polite-but-naughty British mannered. If that's the style she's going for in this particular story, that's fine, though the characters felt more like a naughty parody of sexy Brits than real people. If this is her normal writing style, it's not my cup of tea. The third story, South Beach Submissive, was much better than I initially anticipated. I can't quite tell you why I thought the story was going to be a disappointment -- the premise was perfectly fine and there were no warning bells in the characters -- but I was very happy just the same to find that the story held together well, the sex was great and the hero is yummy. I'm definitely putting their other compilations on my Amazon wish list. I only hope I like Oh's stories better next time.

I got this anthology because somebody had recommended Madeleine Oh. I don't remember who, or why--just her name was in my little book of recommendations. As is obvious from the title and the cover, this is BDSM erotica.

**** "Two Days, Three Nights" by Dominique Adair.

Victoria Brittain has a secret admirer. She receives a gift of lingerie with no name, just the instruction to wear it to the company party that evening. She complies, enjoying the anticipation, and wondering who it is.

It's good news and bad news. The good news is it's William Hunter, whom she's lusted after for the past year. The bad news is, he's a client. He takes charge of an incredible sexual encounter in her office during the party, then invites her to his home for the weekend (the 2 days, 3 nights of the title).

The Good:
It's pointed out that Hunt had known from Victoria's ex-fiance that she enjoyed "kinky sex," so you know his approach didn't just come out of the blue.
The romance is sweet, with both of them being surprised by the strength of their feelings for each other, and the emotions are realistic.
The sex scenes are hot, clear, and plentiful, while still leaving enough space for a believable story.

The Bad:
It's still fairly unbelievable.
If you don't like BDSM erotica, you won't like this.

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***½ "Anne's Birthday Bachelor" by Jennifer Dunne.

Workaholic Anne Logan hasn't had a date in far too long, and because she's responsible for every little detail at work, what she wants most is for a man who'll take charge of everything. So when her best friend Sarah attends a bachelor auction and bachelor Garrett describes taking care of a woman's every need, she knows exactly what to get Anne for her birthday.
According to the rules of the auction, there's no sex allowed on the date, not even a good-night kiss, but between Garrett being completely in charge (he'd even asked Sarah about Anne's food preferences so he could order for her), and the "accidental" touches and friendly flirtatious conversation, Anne's more than willing to have a second, more private date beginning immediately after the official date is over.

The good:
This story gets props for having the most fun and unusual description of an orgasm I think I've ever read: "You mean, does playing the game while you make love always feel like someone's opened the top of your head and filled your brain with Pop Rocks?"
The ending was clever, happy, believable, and fair to both of them--and unusual, at least to me, and I read enough to be thrilled by an unusual ending.

The bad:
Despite that great description, the characters remain matter-of-fact, nonchalant, casual. They might as well be discussing the weather or a grocery list. The actions are steamy, but their thoughts and dialogue are tepid.
Calling their D/s play "the Game" started bugging me after a while. I appreciate the point that it's a game rather than a lifestyle for them, but it started feeling like I was being bashed over the head with it.
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**½ "Power Play" by Madeleine Oh. Erotica.

Annie's master Mark and Tom's mistress Claudine give Annie the gift of Tom for her birthday. Sub Annie had planned to dominate Tom, but he dominates her instead.

The good:
Very steamy.

The bad:
This story is all about the sex. Which is hot, but there wasn't enough emotional context for me to really enjoy it.
There's a brief bit confirming Annie's devotion to Mark and Tom's to Claudine, but as Mark and Claudine are perfectly fine with the arrangement, there's no conflict there, and no conflicted emotions from Annie or Tom.
Maybe I'm jaded, but I need more story with my sex scenes.
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The verdict:
A decent enough anthology, worth reading, and definitely steamy. Just don't expect perfection.