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Reviews ~ Dark Works
Dark Nectar of the Gods
Publisher: Black Ink Horror / Sideshow Press
Website: www.sideshowpresspublications.com
No Longer Available - Check back for details
Gabby Goff reviews the promo issue of Black Ink Horror Magazine
From Gabby Goff of Pretty Scary -- read Gabby's full review at: www.pretty-scary.net/article1059.html
Now, on to the stories! First on the slab is Louise Bohmer's wicked satire, "Dark Nectar of the Gods". It is a story that involves the rokurokubi, a female monster with an extremely flexible neck. By day, the rokurokubi (say that seven times fast!) are indistinguishable from normal women, but after nightfall rokurokubi stretch their necks out to any length in search of prey. According to one theory, they are seeking out men in order to suck the life energy out of them. And you didn’t think you would learn anything today. Hah! The story centers on a suicidal man who cannot off him-self due to religious reasons, so he seeks out another avenue to end his anguish; oh and Satan makes an appearance! Did you know that ol’ Lucy shares some DNA with Jesus? How’s that for controversial? This story brings the human condition to the world of the Gods and demi-gods; conditions like addiction, suicide, and greed. What I liked about this story is its originality. I love how Louise can be perverse and tongue-in-cheek, without going over the top. She isn't simply here to shock you, she is here to tell you a story. And tell a story she does!
Into the Dreamlands Anthology
Publisher: Simian Publishing
Cover by Peter Mihaichuk
ISBN 978-0-9794221-0-2
Website: www.simianpublishing.com
Available in May 2007
Early Praise for Book of Dreams and Into the Dreamlands
From David Montoya of Magus Press -- used with David's permission: www.maguspress.com
I am amazed, impressed, and so proud of you, Louise. I was on my balcony--in a post reading high I so rarely get these days--when I thought this. And you deserve to hear this. Now I know how harpies could crash ships. But the fantastic images were so vivid, the fantasy so real, the story so gripping, that it not only brings you into a dream, but guarantees that when you awake the dream will be as full of life as when it captured your imagination.
I remember reading The Experiment and thinking, "Of all the submissions I've received, hands down, this is frickin' amazing."But this story...
I could write a thesis. And I'm not just saying this. Example: Michael Laimo is someone who I've worked on a few projects on but I slammed Dead Souls in a review.
At the WHC, I told each author that I spoke to, "I am only giving one compliment, so..." But you deserve to all the praise I am giving you and more. Because just as the our dear protagonist is swept away, the reader to is gripped and pulled rather than lulled. It starts out visceral, real--what is more final than death? But the reader is held and gracefully pulled through a story, intricately woven and perfectly executed.
Dead serious, bottom line: This is one of the most impressive stories that I have read this year. (Now, please think of how many stories I have read so that you know this is one of the greatest, and most sincere of compliments I can bestow.) You can quote me on this. You are a writer with a unique ability to combine the real and the otherworldly into a perfect blend, a concoction once sipped and it is impossible to put away. This story, a person could read again and again, never getting tired of it. It's a story you could read a second, third, and fourth time in the same day.
I have learned a lot from you and I know now that my education is far from complete. Louise, this was amazing and this story was just what I needed to revive my passion for what I do!
Thank you for the opportunity to review this!
David
Queen of Samhain
Originally appeared in Wicked Karnival ~ Halloween Horrors (The short story that I wrote, which I am currently adapting into the novel The Black Act, for Lachesis) :
From Hallam Heathcoat - Skullvines Press author:
Skullvines Press
http://www.myspace.com/hallamheathcoat
Hallam's Letter on Queen of Samhain" ~
Darling Louise,
First and foremost, let me thank you for sending your material my way. That was a very gracious thing for you to do.
I enjoyed reading the story that appeared in Black Ink Horror and I was disappointed that I didn't get to read more...
Now "The Queen of Samhain" is another thing entirely. I found that your work is best described as Brian Froud meets the Dark Arts. Your writing is very sensual and vivid (there were times when I could actually feel the cold that you described) and I found myself completely and utterly seduced. I felt that the lovely twist at the end -- Anna becoming the Queen instead of Claire -- was a very nice touch and I never saw that one coming...hehehe. Oh, I particularly enjoyed Anna's transformation scene (her eyes dribbling down her cheeks was a beautifully gory detail that I won't forget anytime soon). The ending was very clean and strong (I hate endings that shame the story or leave things too open ended) and it was a very pleasant read. You've done a lovely job, Ms. Louise, I am oh-so-impressed with you.
Long live the Queen, indeed, darling! Muah!
Love & Corpses,
Hallam Heathcoat
From Rowan Forest ~ http://rowanforest.livejournal.com/profile
I have just finished reading the excerpt from Queen of Samhain. Very well written, enough that the hair stood up on the back of my neck! The atmosphere is a tense one, one of control of one sister over another. Yet, the one controlled wins out. And to have the dying Queen actually sympathise with her murderer, well, it's astounding. I never pictured a wood nymph quite like what you have written here. That is a true Celtic influence, if ever I've seen one. My view of a nymph has always been that of the Classical Greek. This puts a new face on an old entity, and I think it's much more appropriate. And then, to have her mate, the King, arrive to exact a very cunning retribution, is indeed inspired. This puts me in mind of Persephone, decending into the realms of the Underworld with Hades, but with a twist. I'm really looking forward to seeing this book hit the shelves, and buying it. I must read it!
Kevin James Hurtack’s Review of Queen of Samhain
www.eternalnightmare.com
www.eternalnightmarestudio.blogspot.com
www.razarmagazine.com
Intriguing as the Will O'Wisps and as alluring as a wood nymph, the writing of Louise Bohmer is not unlike a passage from a Book of Shadows, casting a delightful spell upon the reader. Drawing influences from the Celts and Druids, while aptly portraying genuine human qualities, Louise has created a world that is vividly fantastical and yet grounded in the human condition. But be warned my fellow reader, although this literary world may appear lush and ideal on the surface, there are plenty of heinous and dark things lurking behind each page. Waiting for the moment to drag you down to its murky depths.
© Kevin James Hurtack 2006
Review for Queen of Samhain from Rob Jonasson II
http://www.myspace.com/pyriell
"I actually felt that story, or rather the character, or rather the character's transformation! You have creepy descriptive excellence! Oh... that was a compliment."
"As short stories go, Louise Bohmer's "Queen of Samhain" was excellent!
I can't wait for "The Black Act" to come out!.... No, not a plug-truth! It was fantastic! First time in a while that I've gotten a visual that made my skin crawl even a little LOL! If you're wondering, it was the transformation. There's just something about eyes... *shudder* AWESOME!"
FEAR ~ An Anthology of Horror and Suspense
From Fallen Angel Reviews: 4 out of 5 Angels
Fear: An Anthology of Horror and Suspense
Fear: An Anthology of Horror and Suspense is a collection of short, scary and shivery stories and poetry including Night Crawls In by Nancy Jackson, Possibilities and Karen's Eyes by Katherine Smith, Frieda Mae by Linda L. Lattimer, Crime or Punishment by Giovanna Lagana, Feathers by Louise Bohmer, Vera's House by Katherine Smith, Cynophobia by Janet Mills, Because I Wanted You by Susan M. Sailors, Eleven-Thirty Midnight Road by Vickie Britton and Loretta Jackson, The Stick by Richard A. Satterlie, and Long Distance Call by John Everson.
Little fears become big ones that encompass reality, gruesome death overtakes people, an evil step-mama gets her due, and the boogeyman makes an appearance. These are just snippets from some very well-written and spine-tingling tales of dark apprehension, bad luck and encounters with the otherworld. This anthology is not one you should read at night, but only in the bright lights of day when no wicked thing can creep in to grab you. My personal favorite from this collection was Feathers by Louise Bohmer, solely for the incongruity of the meeting of the worlds of deity and human.
Readers will be amused, shocked and frightened at turns! These authors really know how to send a tingle down your body and theyll have you looking behind you to see whats making that noise in the corner. Be afraid; be very afraid! Fear: An Anthology of Horror and Suspense earns Four Angels!
Reviewed by: Michelle
Whiskey Creek Press – FEAR Anthology
Euro Reviews
Rating: 5 out 5
Linda has insomnia with the biggest problem being her imagination going wild when she lies awake at night. At least... she hopes it’s only her imagination. Or is it for real?
Vera isn’t greedy, at least that’s what she thinks. She will soon learn that she is, and this in the most frightening way possible…
When Paula’s friend dies, she discovers that even a ghost can torment the living.
Then there’s Jack. After his wife kills herself, he thinks that he’ll never hear from her again. But then the phone rings…
Fear: An Anthology about Horror and Suspense is a bundle of eleven stories, each representing fear in different ways. As to be expected, you will find plenty of horror and suspense in this book and some of the stories will definitely make you shiver. You can read each story separately and even as you try to figure everything out, the endings are still unpredictable
There are also a few poems in this anthology and, believe me, even poems can be scary…
I have enjoyed each and every page of this book! I especially liked the story about the Boogieman, now that's a freaky story.
If you like to read stories that will bring your fantasy to life, you won’t be disappointed with this anthology!
Excerpt from Twisted Dreams Magazine Review:
Rating: 8 out of 10
Like a good creepy story? How about a whole collection of them? Well, that is exactly what you get with FEAR … a good book to curl up with right before you go to bed … that is if you spend your dreams fantasizing about creeps, weirdos and things that don’t bump you in the night…they outright push you. Right down the basement stairs…
Deals with the devil…with those that travel the darker path. Such deals are as old as time itself. Does anyone ever come out on top when making such deals or does the devil always win? Celtic stories of the ancient ones that bred with humans, siring abominable offspring fill faded accounts of legends and lore. But what happens when the ancients of a by-gone era intrude upon the world of today? Meet Garrett and Lilith, an unlikely couple, made even more unlikely by the fact that Garrett is about to prove to Lilith that while she may be immortal, it’s the humans who win the game of treachery in the modern world. Score one for the humans as Louise Bohmer takes you on a nail biting read with Feathers.
August Issue of Twisted Dreams Magazine including review: http://www.lulu.com/content/378955
Two Lips Reviews:
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
FEAR is very appropriately named. It has a very impressive author list and is a marvelously frightful book that fans of the horror genre will enjoy. Whether spiders, ghosts, the boogeyman or the occult frightens you, this anthology has something for every horror fan. From one story to the next, the suspense peaks and the characters never feel false. FEAR has a variety of voices and a diversity of tales that is appealing and promises several hours of spine tingling entertainment.
Feathers by Louise Bohmer
Garrett lives in the realm of the obscure and is a successful medium and tarot card reader while his wife Olivia is dedicated to science and reason. While they longed to have a child, they were unable to until Lilith arrived. Lilith is a deity that seduced Garrett and together they produced a child. With the child being a demi-god, Garrett knows that he cannot properly care for him so he desperately searches for a way to be with his son forever …
Full Review Available
here.
From Lighthouse Literary Reviews:
FIVE BEACON REVIEW for Fear: An Anthology of Horror and Suspense by Authors of Whiskey Creek Press
Overall this collection was fantastic. Woven with fearsome tales of murder and mayhem, these authors never failed to terrify and satisfy a lover of mystery and suspense.
FOUR AND A HALF - Feathers by Louise Bohmer
This hauntingly beautiful tale of forbidden love is worth a second read. I felt like there was something I missed until I realized, I had overlooked the message… acceptance. I truly respect those that can write a crossover between fantasy and contemporary. Well done!
To read the full review, visit:
http://www.lighthouseliteraryreviews.com/August2006Reviews.html
Dark Visions Studio – Lisa Ulibarri ~ Review of FEAR: Excerpt
Fear is many things to many people. For some it is the usual, for some it is the unusual. Fear:
An Anthology of Horror and Suspense blends both of these elements and takes you for a ride
into the depths of horror and intrigue, leaving you wanting more.
Spiders and inner turmoil, the supernatural and monsters all dwell here. Do you dare to enter and
look into the face of fear? This is an excellent book to curl up with, with the covers to your chin andthe lights on!
The well-written stories and prose will have you seeking out each of these talented and diverse
authors.
© Lisa Ulibarri – Dark Visions Studio 2006
Reviews ~ Erotic Works
Lust Anthology

Whiskey Creek Press—Torrid ~ LUST Anthology ~
Genre: Torrid Romance Anthology
EBook formats ISBN: 978-1-59374-690-2
Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1-59374-689-6
Rating: Erotica - Controversial
Two Lips Reviews: http://www.twolipsreviews.com/content/
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Full review available here.
The LUST Anthology is a collection of wonderful stories and poems that I really enjoyed reading. Whatever your pleasure, this compilation has something for everyone and is bound to entertain you and keep you satisfied.
Red Willow by Louise Bohmer 4.5 kisses
When Willow comes to town, the sexy redhead becomes the center of Jamie’s fantasies. When she seduces him, his body reacts swiftly and his heart quickly follows. Then comes the time for Willow to leave…
Red Willow is an emotion-filled story about two people falling in love and having to face their obligations and follow their dreams. The loves scenes were sexy and since it's told by Jamie, in the first person point-of-view, very hot. The connection between Jamie and Willow was immediate and intense so I had mixed emotions’ regarding their time spent apart but was delighted with the ending. Louise Bohmer has penned a sweet and mature story that is a wonderful addition to the LUST Anthology.
From Fallen Angel Reviews
Rating: 5 Angels & A Recommended Read
Read full review here.
Ten fabulous authors, eight engaging stories, and two passionate poems are what you will find in the Lust Anthology. If you are looking for a sampling of some of the best authors this is the anthology for you. The stories are engaging and erotic with a broad spectrum of genre styles. Barri Bryan comes through once again with her poetry. Emma Wildes, Jane Leopold Quinn, Barri Bryan, Susan M. Sailors, Louise Bohmer, Lois Wencil, Cheri Valmont, Jamie Hill, Kristina Diesen & Brenda Williamson should be proud of themselves and these delightfully decadent and satisfying pieces of creation in the Lust Anthology. You will be revved up reading this erotic anthology!
Reviewed by: Tracey, Fallen Angel Reviews
From Love Romances and More Reviews
Overall Rating for LUST 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Janalee, Love Romances & More Reviews
Read Full Review here.
Red Willow by Louise Bohmer
A story about a younger man and an older more experienced woman are contained within the pages of the carnal tale of love during one hot summer.
Ms. Bohmer penned a perfectly scorching story of how one young man is shown how much better sex can be by the hand of an experienced more mature woman. Fantastic!
Individual rating: 4 ½ hearts
TORRID TEASERS Volume 20

TORRID TEASERS Volume 20 by L. Bohmer& Lily Graison
Genre: Torrid Romance Contemporary
EBook formats ISBN: 978-1-59374-834-0
Rating: Erotic Romance - Explicit
From May Reviews
Overall Rating: **** Excellent
Reviewed by Char@mayreview .com
Read full review at: http://www.mayreview.com/custom2.html
In The Other Woman, Amy tries to end her long standing affair with her married lover, Robert, even though he’s so very important to her. She knows that open marriage or not, she wants more for her life than a man she has to sneak around to see. Robert wants more for them, but she refuses to believe him and it’s only when she gets a special visitor that she sees the truth about their feelings. A good story that is sexy, satisfying and very well written, it’s the first of Ms. Bohmer’s and it won’t be the last. This is one of those stories that make for great lunchtime reading and it is highly recommended.
Carrie White's Review of Torrid Teasers Volume 20
http://www.hentracks.co.uk/

The hot Italian temper of Robert Dibassio sets the pace of Torrid Teasers Volume 20 and Amy Hatten cannot understand how something that's so very wrong can also feel so wonderfully right. On the other hand, Liz Collins's misguided belief that everything will turn out for the best within her marriage, has Jason Lowery desperate to stop the wedding whatever it takes.
Two hot and steamy stories designed to whet your sexual appetite, tease, manipulate and leaving you wanting more. TT Vol. 20 is a well balanced collection neatly placing the characters in situations where it's necessary for them to think of other people's feelings aside from their own. They're also forced to make choices that could change people's perception of them in needing to do the right thing for the sake of their own happiness.
Life is never simple and this short anthology brings just two of those problems to our attention in the most erotic and feisty way. Exquisite!
From Fallen Angel Reviews
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 Angels
Read full review at:
http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2007/February/Wendi-TorridTeasers20.htm
Being “The Other Woman” by L. Bohmer makes you sit up and take notice. Poor Amy is in love with a married man, Robert, and has no future with him or does she?
Amy met Robert at her Aunt’s funeral. Out of despair rises the heat and attraction between them. Amy is ready to end their relationship since she is tired of being the other woman, sneaking around and waiting for Robert to divorce his wife. Is Robert handing her a line that he and his wife lead separated lives or is he telling her the truth?
Amy is about to find out when Robert’s wife comes to visit her. Will there be a future for Amy and Robert or will they finally end their affair?
Wow, what an interesting twist on being the other woman! While reading hot, searing, page after page, I had to admit the turns of the relationship between Robert and Amy kept me going to find out what happened.
Reviewed by: Wendi |