Black Light: Roulette War

I received and Advanced reader copy. I am voluntarily leaving a review. This is the newest installment of the Blacklight series and its third roulette anthology. This year the Dungeon Masters of each club are pushing each other’s buttons until a war is declared. Who is the best? There are vacation days and free months of dues up for grabs. There are some regular authors and some new contributors, They manage to incorporate the general vibe and tie ins throughout. Some of this year’s new kinks explored include fire play, humiliation, breath play, pony play and latex. One of the characters is a cutter, so trigger warning. This anthology is a great addition to the series and there are plenty of HFN/HEAs for everyone. Strong 4.5 stars

Hot, kinky and every story brings something new and exciting to the mix.

The stage setting scenes didn’t draw me in as much as they have done in previous years, but let’s face it, we’re not really here for that. We want the scorching hot, boundary pushing scenes that each year’s contributors bring to life.

Prelude by Renee Rose – 4 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this quite sweet but delightfully dirty encounter between bratva boss Ravil and seemingly straight-laced lawyer, Lucy, who perhaps isn’t quite as innocent as one would assume. Their scenes were both erotic and sensual, Renee Rose convinced me of how well this pair connected. It was easy to believe in their chemistry and the intense attraction between them. I liked that there were no silly declarations of love after only a few hours in each others company.

The story has clearly been written so that the author can continue it as part of her Vegas Underground series. Whilst I may well choose to read more about this couple, I would be able to leave the story as is – a wonderfully sexy night of BDSM play.

Breathless by Eris Adderly- 5+ Stars
When do we get a full length Eris Adderly Black Light book? Oh My Lord! By all that’s holy even Mother Theresa would have needed a hand free to read this smorgasboard of sexual delight. I’m telling you now – DO NOT READ THIS IN PUBLIC. Well not unless you are a massive exhibitionist and don’t mind being arrested for indecent behaviour in a public place. If hell ever freezes over we can send them a copy of this story and it will soon be back to it’s usual fiery temperature in no time at all.

Not only that but this book was packed with feels, both main characters had taken an emotional battering and the Hero had OCD type issues to boot. There is so much more to this than a couple of furnace heat level play scenes, there is character growth and a believable connection that develops between the main characters too. How Ms Adderly managed to achieve so much in such a short time I will never be able to explain, but the anthology is worth every penny of it’s cover price for this story alone.

Burn by Kay Elle Parker – 4.5 stars
I’m not going to say which kink it is, but this contained one that would be on my hard limits list! That said, the caring, respectful and sensual way Finn lead Ava through her submission was absolutely beautiful. Instead of cringing and being taken out of the moment, I found myself revelling in the connection and bond of trust that this couple forged. I have a couple of this authors books on my kindle but I haven’t actually read them yet – *hangs head in shame*. I will now be rectifying that asap.

Ava broke my heart at times, but in Finn she found not just a Dom, but a lover and potential life partner. One who would lend her strength when she was lost and give her release from the demons that haunt her soul. And it wasn’t just one sided. Finn gained just as much from the vulnerable and shattered woman as she did from him. I adored these two finely crafted and immensely likeable characters and am totally rooting for them to find their HEA together.

Inflamed by Golden Angel – 4.5 stars
It’s a Golden Angel story so you just know it’s going to contain some buttstuff, but I’m getting ahead of myself. We’ve sort of briefly met both these characters in the longer BlackLight: Defended, though you do NOT need to have read that story to enjoy this. The first time he spoke to her, Elliott was a total ass to Lisa. Regardless of BDSM protocols etc he was plain rude, which leaves Lisa needing to prove him wrong. It leads to some great battle of wills and situations.

Elliott is a sadist and that was very evident in the way he, at times, mentally tortured Lisa. There was more than one occasion when I wanted to punch him in the face. Until suddenly I not only no longer felt that impulse but actually found myself completely and utterly falling for him. I adored Lisa from the start, she might be a brat but she was a caring and loving brat, and there’s nothing wrong with curiosity and asking questions.

Whilst Golden Angel provides us with three fantastic and very sexy play scenes, the best thing about this story was seeing both Lisa and Elliott grow and adapt their thinking, allowing them to connect on a much deep level.

Wicked by Jennifer Bene – 5 stars
Let me tell you that I HATED Pierce when we first met him. His supercilious and rude attitude had me wanting to throat punch him, and when he kink-shamed Tori I could have whacked him in the nuts. And yet somehow as I read this story, somewhere along the line, I actually started to really, really like the man. He not only redeemed himself but he opened himself up to Tori in a way that had me swooning, yet he without him losing any of the sadistic, alpha Dom-ness that made him so sexy.

Tori was amazing, a strong female character that at times was vulnerable but never felt weak or insecure. She was very easy to empathise and identify with as she opened her mind (and body) to new experiences. As always, Jennifer Bene likes to torment us with edgy, boundary pushing kink scenes and this story is no different. Fantastic writing, emotional depth and character growth took what could have been ‘eww’ moments and made them very much into ‘mmm’ moments, and ‘sigh’ moments and ‘hot & bothered’ moments.

Trained by Sue Lyndon – 4 stars
This is a very sweet and gentle read, offering less in the way of hardcore kink but much more in the way of connecting with others. Xavier and Rachel were very interesting characters, both of whom had intriguing back stories. I would love to see this story extended and built on, allowing us to know more about them and see how their relationship develops and grows.

The connection between Kitten and her Daddy was very convincingly portrayed and I really appreciated how the author focused on feelings and emotional depth in this captivating story.

Unexpected by Measha Stone – 4 stars
Quinn and Jack are a great pairing, Jack sees beneath Quinn’s facade and recognises the precious gem beneath. I really enjoyed how Measha included a less popular kink but spun it in a way that made it enjoyable even for those who would normally consider it a hard limit. She also portrayed the developing connection between the characters in an very honest and believable way.

This doesn’t end with declarations of love, or life long plans, in fact it is probably one of the most real ending of the anthology, perfect for the situation and with enough of a happiness factor to satisfy even the most die-hard romantic.

Facade by Livia Grant – 4.5 stars
This book mixed some great kinky play with fantastic character building. Steph was really quiet complex and a tough nut to crack, she certainly had to be dragged into her submission. I’m not sure she was a submissive so much as a submissive for Sean. And that was fine as it led to some feisty, fiery play.

Sean was a hard-ass Dom, I quite got Steph’s action in the swimming pool, but I still adored him because his sub’s safety was alway paramount. And not just physical safety, Steph’s mental well being was just as important. This pair were one of my favourite couples and, just like the previous story, I liked how this one ended.

In summary this is one fantastic anthology with something for everyone and not one disappointing story in it.

Prelude by Renee Rose
Lucy is a high powered attorney who just ended a long term relationship because it her boyfriend didn’t want to commit. She reluctantly goes to Blacklight t East Valentine auction and is paired with Master R. Ravil is the head of bratva in Chicago and accompanies a friend to the auction. He sees Lady Luck Aka Lucy and wants to do everything in his power to be paired with her. She is wary because recognized the tatoos, but she is willing to participate. They have this amazing chemistry.and He will open the door to this great new woman, but an accident happens and we are left with a cliffhanger.
Breathless by Eris Adderly – fascinating, enthralling, spellbinding story. Ason is an IRS agent with some germaphobia issues and self confidence issues after have a bad experience with a sub. He has been coming to Blacklight as a voyeur and not a participant. His best friend talks him into participating at the auction.
Violet had some issues with her ex-dom, who would look after her needs and wants. She participates in the auction to try to overcome her fears. They are partnered and their scenes are so vividly described, that you will become a willing participant. This is a new author for me and I will make sure to look up anything else she has written.

Burn by Kay Elle Parker
Ava cuts herself transgressive release to silence her father’s voice in her head.She signs up at the auction, but she is scared, uncomfortable and hoping to find some release . Finn is a rancher in town to join the auction and hoping to find some release and a sub. They are matched together and their similar taste in pain makes them a perfect match. Can Ava quiet the voices ? Finn understands her and willing to give her everything. Is she going to say yes to everything?
Inflamed by Golden Angel
Elliott is having woman problems and he can’t seem to find a real submissive . He signs up for the auction and he is paired with a friend of his ex Lisa. Lisa is a submissive at heart, but she can’t seem to stand the protocol. She had her eyes on Master Elliott but he had rejected her in the past. She now wants to prove to him that she is a good sub and not a wannabe. Their play is intense, but the realization these two reach is epic. Can they have an HEA?
Wicked by Jennifer Bene

Pierce is rich and blase with life, he likes it rough and dirty and he can’t seem to find what he needs until he register for the auction. He meets Baby and all bets are off! She is sweet and looking for a Daddy, until Pierce opens the pandora box and she realizes that she is is dirty girl…

Trained by Sue Lyndon
Xavier is lonely after losing the love of his life and when he needs a release he visits Blacklight to ease the loneliness. He is suggested that he joins the auction and since he decided that after Valentine’s day he would put himself out there. He joins and is paired with Rachel as her Daddy Dom. What comes next is a beautiful connection between two lost souls.

Unexpected by. Measha Stone-
Quinn is looking for some much needed release and she is paired with Jack who is looking for something. Their interaction is intense and their diaper play makes this a very interesting kink.

Facade by Livia Grant
Sean is blasé and not sure he should renew hi.membership at Blacklight and something makes him do it. He signs up for the auction and since he is the last to choose, he gets the last sub Karly. She is late, a porn star looking for one thing only. He will challenge her and force her to see that she needs more.

I loved all the stories and the interesting characters they bring to this soirée. I honestly volunteered to review this arc.

What good fortune to have the Black Light Roulette franchise with us for another Valentine’s Day treat. For those unaware of this format it provides a prescribed location, event, duration, and manner of partner selection. Beyond that the authors are free to choose their kink, the player interactions and what ever outcomes they choose. Given these are eight highly rated authors of erotica it is no surprise that each novella, though constrained by structure and a small portion of the publication, have clearly displayed their skill at putting a lot of fun into a compressed space. Each story is unique and innovative in presenting their own trio of kinks.

A competition between the D.C. and L.A. locations is initiated by two high testosterone numbskulls. Thye happen to be the managers of their respective sites.

Here, in the sequence the stories were presented, are some comments.

Renee Rose – Prelude

Who knew a Russian Bravta boss, mafia type, could read a woman so well and actually have the patience to carefully escalate her sexuality. A case of an experienced partner forbearing his own gratification to maximize a novice’s experience. A little pain leading to pleasure? New experiences once learned prove better the second time around. This man was a superb, smitten, educator. Great therapy capsulized by the BBL to ABL outcome. You won’t be disappointed having read a great story for clarification of these acronyms.

Eris Adderly – Breathless

Anson Marrow, an IRS Senior Revenue Agent, is not unlike like the character in the Belgian TV series Professor T. Eccentric, OCD, extreme germaphobe, has a brilliant mind, probably has several neurological disorders and makes brutally unfiltered comments. Someone blessed with the absolute conviction on the correctness to his decisions has become damaged by an adverse outcome during a prior session. His encounter at the roulette wheel with a foxy lady with her own traumatic experience due to an uncaring overly aggressive Dom is the perfect match. One badgered into getting back into the game and another looking for lady luck to make better partner choices than in the past.

This is an evening where the journey of two dissimilar personalities come together. The Dom knows all the buttons to push, how to make the sub feel as if they are the only one that matters, and even turns her into a “glossy woman shaped sex toy.” He is an exemplary, caring, conductor in orchestrating his match for the evening. Given the setting there is no surprise that this young lady goes home very happy. However, obedience doesn’t mean she isn’t armed with a skill or two in human observation of her own. Great stuff.

Kay Elle Parker – Burn

Ava’s shattered self esteem is due to an emotionally and mentally abusive father. It renders Ava prone to repetitive self harm. Relief from self denigration is found in the endorphins the body releases when she cuts herself. Save one, these events haven’t been life threatening. Her good fortune is a roommate that has literally saved her life and hounds her into finding an alternative source of pain as a participant in Valentines Day Roulette. Ava’s good fortune is to have such a roommate and to be paired with a Dom talented in delivering pleasurable suffering. Who knew Finn, a successful rancher from Montana, would be the best therapist Ava could ever encounter.

A story of restraint, evolving trust, concern, pain but no harm and sessions that made Ava feel better than she ever had through her addiction to cutting. A life saving reclamation done in three hours Well done Rosie and Finn, the missing pieces to each others puzzles.
Golden Angel – Inflamed

Master Elliot, an exacting individual and a stickler for protocol, having recently broken up with a manipulative woman isn’t interested in a loquacious beauty’s attempt at self introduction, especially if she isn’t inclined to observe proper Dom/sub etiquette. Fate of course, or rather the author’s wry sense of humor, pits them against each other for this story.

Intelligent, highly attractive, impulsive, aggressively in search of a Dom that suits her. Impertinent expressions are exchanged right at the start, then the match and the fun begins. While both parties attempt to validate their initial opinions of each other their actual experience together may or may not concur with their prior thinking. Right or wrong their perceptions of each other are modified by three enlightening sessions. Two individuals acquiring knowledge of the other through experience, insightful thoughts and sensory input all wrapped in a wonderful evening of kink. You will enjoy it. BTW – D&D means Dungeon and Dragon.

Jennifer Bene – Wicked

Pierce a condescending, ill mannered, wealthy, “a$$hole Dom” with no discernible purpose in life draws Tori, the antithesis of what he wants as a sub for the evening. Readers will need to determine whether his behavior is merely appropriate for the roll as Dom, is in fact his normal attitude or is it a bit of both. His victim for the competition is a beautiful, perilously open woman with a miscast persona. Her path to personal revelation isn’t an easy one thanks to Pierce and Jennifer Bene. Pierce’s relentless contempt of everyone’s perceived shortcomings is just the starting point for these two. It takes a compelling story to tolerate Pierce and to script his progression into acceptability and his realization of the real Tori. Thank heaven for Tori. For her the prize is discovery of her true preferences. Is Pierce a capable Dom or just lucky that his standard approach worked out well fo him this time? If you really dislike the villain the author has done a fine job and this was another very fine job done by J. Bene. Five stars.

Sue Lydon – Trained

Daddy Xavier, a widower suffering from survivor guilt, is embarrassed into participating in the Valentine’s Day event at Black Light. Sustained remorse from losing his young wife has turned him not an obsessed workaholic. Rachel, AKA Dolly, has been to BDSM clubs for a few years and signed up for the challenge of the event and to prove she is no longe the timid, fearful, easily frightened person she once was. Fortunately the random pairing of couples joins her with Daddy X who is aptly versed to handle her properly using the Pet play/Daddy theme throughout the evening. Just what the young lady needed.

Measha Stone – Unexpected

Jack Wyatt, ex FBI now PI, is paired with Quinn whose bad manners were present at the bar even before the roulette pairings began. The sparring continues as Jack continues to grind away at her irascible comments. Severely stressed from opening a new location this successful business woman is merely looking for the treatment she has always applied for relief. Verbal wrestling, enfant terrible behavior, baiting comments, topping from the bottom, this woman would leave many running for an easier mark. Instead here is someone intent on pushing her out of her boundaries and giving her what she really needs. Her “spank and run,“ M.O. won’t work here. Jack is a good Dom that always knew what was in her head. “Thank you for not getting scared away,“ a perfect statement of appreciation to conclude their evening.

Livia Grant – Facade

Sean Wilde is a biker vintner. Karly Starr is an ex porn star who’s segued into becoming an entrepreneur of sex toys. Classic air and traffic difficulties leave Karly woefully late for her Roulette engagement leaving her perilously close to losing her spot in the contest. In addition she has immediately accrued punishment for her untimely arrival. Although undoubtedly accomplished in sexual matters it appears her BDSM experience is clearly in the novice category. Fortunately for her Sean is master of controlling the power exchange and not allowing her to redirect activities to her satisfaction. He gives her a few experiences that jump her to a BDSM intermediate level in only a pair of sessions. Someone who survived seven years as a porn actress and then began her own business has to be made of stern stuff. Karly shows it through her language, facial expressions and her smoldering sexuality. Unfortunately or fortunately for her Sean is able to really surprise her with more than a few tricks of his own. Belligerent to the end this hard won conquest will continue to need a strong hand.

A nice touch is the reference back to the dramatics from the year before. Another 5 star from Livia Grant

A disclaimer of sorts. I have been acquainted with Mms Adderly, Bene, and Grant’s work before they fledged to commercial publication. My experience has been that they produce exemplary work with characters of wit, spark, strength and intelligence. Nothing has changed with their current offerings. Through the Black Light series I have now become aware of Mms Stone and Rose whose prior efforts now give me similar expectations of excellence. They too have submitted stories exhibiting great skill. The remaining authors Mmes Parker, Golden Angel and Lydon were new to me and their first impressions were very good. Perhaps a return to this formidable lineup is in their future. All told another five star game of Valentine Roulette.

oh where to start with this….i loved this book over all it was that awesome…hot, hot, hot does not begin to cover this book! ladies grab a glass or two of wine, break out the chocolates, and spare panties because you are gonna get soaked reading this book! this book had all the feels to it. I got so mad reading some parts and cried on others. on other parts i found myself twitching in my seat at how hot it was….interestingly enough the 2 books in this anthology that made me the most uncomfortable is the 2 i want to read more of. that was Renee Rose book Prelude and Jennifer Bene book Wicked…I wanted to kill both Ravil and Pierce. for different reasons but i did not like either of them at the beginning of either story. both of them were major jerks for different reasons. but i think if i had been Tori or Lucy i would have been hollering red, throat punching both of them and then high tailing it out of the club lol. by then end of their stories i think they had redeemed their selves, and i want to know so much more about both of them. I hope each author does further books on these couples cause i so want to know more. and a few others also.

Simply Black Light at its best!
My first Black Light book was Black Light Roulette Redux and I was simply hooked on the series! The various authors that contribute, yet still keep the character of the series intact are some of my favorite authors! My eagerness to read Roulette War was like a drug to see if any of the characters from the previous stories made an appearance. Because you know these authors are the best at what they do, leaving you with a tease of something more even though each story ends where it should. These veteran Black Light authors quickly pull you in and set the stage for the war between Black Light East (BLE) and Black Light West (BLW), along with a lot of tension thrown in to make you quickly turn the page to see how it will all play out. Spencer and Elijah, the Dungeon Masters of East and West are all riled up over which club is best at the Christmas party. Before you know it, the two declare war for bragging rights of the best club being declared from Valentine Roulette. Elliott and Lisa, Anson and Violet, Finn and Ava, Pierce and Tori and the other couples are paired but how each ends is perfect for the pair. Yet at the same time, I didn’t want each story to end after Roulette, so I hope that there will be continuing stories for each pair. Hint, Hint, Wink, Wink!

I love these Black Light books. Each story is from a different author, which means it’s a great way to try new authors. The Valentine Roulette books are wonderful. A number of shorter stories in a single compilation, all by different writers. Each of these stories aren’t dependent on having already read any of the previous Black Light books & they mostly have different kinks in each story, so it doesn’t feel like doubling up. Of this compilation, I particularly enjoyed the stories that dealt with people’s external issues – there were phobias, mental health issues & self-harm discussed. At the end of the night who will win – East or West? When I enjoy a book this much, I think I was the winner.

Black Light does it again! This Valentine’s Roulette was fiesty and fun! Bravo to all the authors!

Prologue: This was absolutely perfect! It was different and definitely added a different feel to the beginning of Roulette! I love the set up and the bet to follow! Let the game begin!

Prelude by Renee Rose: I wasn’t sure what to make of Ravil and Lucy to start. Once they spin the wheel and the scenes begin…. man oh man. Renee weaves a story that leaves you wanting more!

Breathless by Eris Adderly: LOVE THIS STORY! Anson and Violet are a match! I love that Anson is quirky and that Violet doesn’t look down on him for it! I love that Eris explores a kink that we haven’t seen at Black Light yet!

Burned by Kay Elle Parker: I WANT MORE AVA AND FINN!!!! This story grabs you by the heart and just won’t let go. I love that Kay incorporates a real issue in this story. I love that Ava finds some bravery and that Finn gets her right from the start!

Inflamed by Golden Angle: I have been waiting for this story and I will say that it was not what I was expecting but in the best way! I loved that Elliot and Lisa were paired together but the scene that I thought was the hottest was the their second spin! Elliot starts it off with one word that ignites the fire that will burn up their time together! LOVED!

Wicked by Jennifer Bene: Jennifer has a dark and twisted soul and it shines in this story which is A-MAZ-ING! Pierce and Tori do not seem like a good match, in fact they seem to be the polar opposite of each other. Jennifer walks a fine line between uncomfortable and hot! She balances it perfectly!

Trained by Sue Lyndon: This story wasn’t as intense as some of the other stories however that doesn’t make it any less hot! Xavier and Rachel give us am sweet and sexy pet play scene! Loved the connection between these two espcially with Xavier’s backstory!

Unexpected by Measha Stone: Quinn has an expectation and Jack meets it but not in the way that Quinn was expecting. I loved that Measha explored the understanding of getting what you need through submission and that can be in multiple ways! Not just the ways that we are set in!

Facade by Livia Grant: I loved the way that Livia portrayed Karly! I also love that Sean was not willing to bend and to make Karly really experience instead of just going through some motions! The scenes are hot and take your breath away.

Conclusion: Loved the wrap up! It was a perfect ending! Roulette isn’t complete without getting to at least hear from Jax, Chase, and Emma! And the winner…. well you will have to read it to find out! Go get it right NOW!

I’m not a fan of war. I’m not confrontational and I’m happiest when everyone around me is getting along. However, this is one war that I would be happy to not only witness but to also jump into the middle of. If you haven’t read any of the Black Light Valentine Roulette books then you are being very naughty. Do you know what happens when you’re naughty? Dive in and find out.

This book pits Black Light West against Black Light East in a battle to see who can host the best Valentine’s Day Roulette, and the reward is for more than just bragging rights. Sign up, state your limits, draw a number, and get matched up with a stranger for a night full of sexy times. The non-participants at the club will be voting for who puts on the best show, so make it a good one.

I’m a huge fan of all the Black Light stories, but the Roulette books bring on a new level of fun. The authors who are chosen to be part of the anthology are some of the best in the genre. I’m not going to summarize each story, but I can tell you that they are each HOT and full of emotions. And while they are short stories there is nothing about them that will leave you feeling like you got shorted. The types of play is as varied as the character personalities and there is something in here for everyone. The characters are well developed, they have backstories that make it easy to connect with each of them, and I really hope to see them expanded on. There were even a few types of play in this book that I haven’t seen in any other book so that was doubly exciting for me. This is a book that is going to suck you in so before you start you should grab your favorite drink, and maybe a snack, and curl up in something comfy. Then make sure you won’t be disturbed for a few hours. You don’t want to miss this war.

A breath taking, panty melting, kindle scorching hot read that is just in time for Valentine’s Day! The stories range from sweet to burning hot and test all kinds of limits, and yet each story is able to draw the reader in and fall in love with the stories, the characters, and the kinks that were rolled. The most anticipated story of the entire year for me, this went well above and beyond my hopes and expectations to deliver a solid 6-out-of-5 stars! This is a must-read book you cannot pass over, I love Black Light!