KIRKUS INDIE REVIEW of OUAT

BOOK REVIEW

A nuanced, deeply sensual fairy tale of erotica set in modern-day corporate America.

Written in 100-word “drabble” chapters, the story revolves around the relationship between Juliana Crowne, a beautiful executive whose father is CEO of the company (she’s “de facto princess of the realm”), and Alexander Knight, a guy with midnight hair and penetrating eyes who works in the IT department. A single dominant into BDSM, Knight is searching for a woman to share his darkest desires. After a routine security review in which he inadvertently uncovers Juliana’s erased internet history—she’s viewed submissive photo galleries and posted dominance and submission stories on an erotica website—he devises a cunning plan to win the heart of the “heiress to the throne.” But with a holiday ball quickly approaching, not to mention that Juliana’s boyfriend is ready to pop the question, Knight must act quickly and decisively. This short novel’s charm comes from its fairy-tale tone and delightful fusion of unbridled sexuality and enchanting ambiance. (It even begins with “Once upon a time….”) Even though the sexual content tends to be understated—in an early scene, Juliana’s boyfriend is described thusly: “Thrusting politely, he climaxes”—the attraction and connection between Juliana and Knight is palpable. However, one major criticism of this unconventional love story is its drabble format, which, rather than adding to the reading experience, actually diminishes it by severely limiting the author’s ability to flesh out a scene, literally and figuratively. The short chapters keep the pacing brisk and the tone relatively light, but readers may wonder how much more penetrating the story could’ve been if the author lengthened and deepened the narrative.

Pleasingly erotic and romantic, without being gratuitous.

-- Copyright ©2012, Kirkus Media LLC. All rights reserved. 

TITLE INFORMATION

ONCE UPON A TEMPTATION

Hallows, Kaye P. Kaye P. Hallows (168 pp.) 

$7.99 paperback, $2.99 e-book 

ISBN: 978-0615618029; 

March 31, 2012

OUAT Reviewed by Southern Fiction Review!

The following review appeared in Southern Fiction Review on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012:

Southern Fiction Review
Thursday, December 6, 2012

Original Author's Description: Once upon a time, there was a beautiful executive named Juliana Crowne, whose life appeared to be charmed, right down to her seemingly perfect boyfriend. But long-denied forbidden fantasies have a way of bubbling to the surface and refusing to be ignored. When Juliana succumbs to her dark desires one day at work, believing her Internet travels to be untraceable, her online journey into BDSM is discovered by dangerously attractive Alexander Knight, the one man capable of exposing her or bringing all her fantasies to life. Ruggedly handsome, self-assured and mischievous, Alexander launches a game of cat-and-mouse from the bowels of the corporation to ensnare the lovely Juliana. But will Alexander become entangled in the web of decadent desires and succumb to Juliana's considerable charms? With everything on the line, can they trust each other and earn their chance at Happily Ever After? A modern-day, upside-down BDSM Cinderella story told in exactly 100-word drabble chapters.


Sandy's Review: Oh I love this book. How many of us have a little secret that we don't really want anyone to know about. Our desire may be shopping, or chocolate, or coffee....but Juliana's dirty little secret is that she really wants -- no, LONGS to be dominated. And she feeds that desire online reading about it, writing about it, and looking at pictures of it....Maybe, just like some of us.

How MORTIFIED would you be if you were found out? Not just found out, but found out by someone who you shouldn't really be attracted to....but you are. Will he be cool about it? Or will he tell the world? It would be so amazing if he were the key that fit her lock wouldn't it.....

Kaye P. Hallows has written the perfect Christmas Present for you - AND - for that girlfriend of yours that says "I don't read". This book is written in Drabble format, which is quite difficult for the author, but quite enjoyable for the "non reader". See, every page is only 100 words. This is the perfect little book to set somewhere that you can only be alone for a few minutes like the tub!!! She paints a beautiful love story and she allows your mind to fill in the gaps. It's such a special experience, one that I hope you will experience!!

This is not an explicit book - so you don't have to worry about giving it to your family (sister-in-law or mother-in-law) and them judging you. The only sex they will experience will be in their own mind. *whispers* it's a beautiful thing!

It is very suggestive and more for the mature reader - this is not one you want to give your teenage niece, just to let you know.

You can purchase it at Amazon, I have pasted the link below and you can either buy it in book form or in kindle format. Like I said, the perfect gift.

Click HERE to get Once Upon a Temptation Now!!!

Thank you so much for reading Southern Fiction Review.