Autumn Bardot

Bardot provides us with an entertaining story that more than adequately fits in with what I call the "rehabilitation genre" - whereby - mostly - historical women with a less than pristine pasts are given a dusting off and are having their stories told from a slightly different perspective (history being written by the victors, etc etc). It is an enthralling tale, and the reader certainly finds empathy with the character of Locusta, which is the ultimate aim of the author. It is also a tale of the cesspit that was ancient Rome - the salacious scandals, the sex and violence, the notoriety of its citizens, murder, greed, envy, social position.

If you are looking for a "new" historical heroine, then you have found her in Locusta.… (mere)

Hubba hubba! This is my second read by Autumn Bardot (I read Confessions of a Sheba Queen a few months ago) and I was NOT disappointed! I'm a relative newbie when it comes to erotica but I have always adored short stories and myths so this collection was gold for me! Bardot spins lusty tales out of many classic myths that readers know and love as well as introducing many tales that were new to me. From Africa to Japan to India to Egpyt to Ireland to America and more; there is something for everyone! Every tale is steamy, seductive, and deliciously naughty. In one story a faerie demands a toll from virgins passing through his woods; but what happens when he falls for one of the maidens? In another an Amazon goddess falls for a mortal man who knows how to do magical things to her body. In yet another one, the Native American trickster god, Kokopelli, seduces and impregnates young willing women while showing them a thing or two about pleasure. Each story is better than the next. A marvelous collection!… (mere)

Bilqis is born to a jinni mother in the ancient lands of Saba, what is now known as Yemen. Bilquis' birthday come with a prophesy- that she will have a great destiny to fulfill. Bilqis doesn't seems to have the same talents as a jinn as her mother, but is easily able to soak up all of the knowledge that her mother can bring her. As a young adult, Biqis learns of one of the jinn powers that she can use-her power of sensuality. After discovering the power of sex, Bilqis' world changes and opens. Then, tragedy strikes that leads Bliqis on a mission of revenge. With her mission, Bilqis learns more of the terrible King ruling over Saba. As Bilqis continues her journey, her destiny becomes clear- to end the King's regime and become the leader that the people need.

The full story of Bilqis, the Queen of Sheba is lost to history. I have read several other versions this amazing Queen's story, but none quite like this. Autumn Bardot is known for her strong female characters as well as erotic story lines. Confessions of a Sheba Queen definitely falls firmly in erotic historical fiction, which isn't something I normally read, but I really enjoyed this. Bilqis' story combined with the erotic story line makes for an intense and absorbing plot. From the beginning Bilqis jinn parentage and destiny add a sense of purpose to the story. Even without her jinn heritage, Bilqis' character is strong, intelligent, and willing to put others first. I liked that the jinn part of her parentage allowed Bilqis to use sex and her sensuality as a source of power and clarity in her life and allowed her to grow as a person. The sex scenes were all unique, imaginative and used very modern language. However, what I appreciated most were the ties to what little history we do know of Bilqis. I loved the lavish descriptions of the temple of Awwam and Bilqis' time with King Solomon. Richly absorbing and passionate, Confessions of a Sheba Queen creates a great blend of erotica and historical fiction.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.… (mere)

First up, this is one sexy book. If you missed that it is historical erotica let me make sure you know that. I somehow did. I saw the author’s name and knew I loved her last book and honestly didn’t read much further. Was I in for a surprise. Not in a bad way mind you, but it is erotica – just make sure you know that going in. Well written, page turning erotica.

In between all of the sex is the story of Bilquis, the Queen of Sheba. She is mentioned in the Bible and I do find it somewhat disconcerting to be writing about a Biblical figure – as minor as she is – in the same review as I discuss the erotica but hey, without sex there is no procreation, right? And the Bible does tell us to procreate. The Queen of Sheba tells the story of a young woman, Bilqis who was born of a Jinni and a human. On the night of her birth and Oracle foretold that she had a Great Destiny. Thanks to this her mother provided her with an expansive education including one in the sexual arts.

One night her life is violently altered and Bilqis is pulled towards her future. Using the skills she learned from ALL of her teachers she is soon the Queen she was meant to be. There are those that still don’t trust or respect her but as the kingdom (queendom?) starts to flourish her popularity grows. She lacks one thing – an heir but she won’t marry anyone beneath her. She needs a king who is as least as powerful as she. Bilqis starts hearing about a powerful king in another land. A fair and wise man named Solomon. When he sends a letter to her by way of a hoopoe bird she decides to visit. But it will be in a caravan of riches the likes of which no one has ever seen. She plans to secure a trade deal for her people during the visit but she secures so much more.

The book was like two different books in one – the erotica sections and the historical ficton sections – but Ms. Bardot wove them together very well. It was a hot read.… (mere)