to loose (v): set free, release
  Her lover loosed the ropes that had gently encircled her wrists.
to lose (v): be deprived of, cease to have or retain
  She was aching to lose her virginity to Elizabeth's soft fingers.
My rant for today revolves around the verb 'to lose'. At least two
of the stories in these reviews have authors that appear to believe
that freeing an item is the same as misplacing it. In other words,
when Denny looses his new bicycle (or his curmudgeonly nature or his
keys), it is not the same concept as when Denny loses his new
bicycle, his curmudgeonly nature, or his keys.
Be careful out there.
In this instalment we investigate new friends, rainy verandas, rainy
beaches, newlyweds (sort of), leisurely encounters, new beginnings,
wilderness adventures and, of course, old friends.
Please enjoy responsibly.
 - Crimson
	Splashing through the sand bar,
	Talking by the campfire,
	It's the simple things in life, like when and where.
	We didn't have no internet,
	But man I never will forget,
	The way the moonlight shined upon her hair.
                                            -- Kid Rock
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The missives below are merely opinions, publicly stated, but only 
opinions. Dragons may be immortal, but they are not infallible. Read the 
stories for yourself, and form your own opinions. Then, let the author 
know what you thought. Celeste's blowjob principle isn't smoke in the 
wind.
 - Crimson Dragon (dcrimson@yahoo.com)
http://www.asstr-mirror.org/files/Authors/Crimson_Dragon/www
http://members.tripod.com/files/Authors/Dr/wwwagon_Of_Crimson
Review Archives:
http://www.asstr-mirror.org/files/Authors/Crimson_Reviews/www
Thanks to Denny for checking over the reviews for obvious
bungles, though ultimately any errors herein are mine and mine 
alone.
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Story Summary:
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------
A Change of Direction -- Ann Douglas
    (FF)
    [9, 9, 9, 9]
Rainy Interlude -- Sven the Elder
    (MF, rom, oral)
    [9, 9, 8, 8]
Rain in Paradise -- Rose of Sharon 
    (MF, cons, rom)
    [10, 10, 8, 9]
When A Bride Is A Slut -- Charlie "The Drifter"
    (FM+, preg, slut, interracial, incest, (unexpected) ped)*
    [2, 2, 0, 0]
Slow pump -- ConnMan
    (MF, outside)*
    [8, 9, 6, 7]
Because He Could -- RedBud
    (MF)*
    [9, 10, 10, 9]
Outdoor Self Bondage, Handcuffs -- Swift (posted by Slave Nicole)
    (F-solo, no-sex, outdoor, nudity, handcuffs)*
    [9, 10, 10, 10]
Watched -- Elizabeth Ravenhair
    (F-solo, M-solo, exhib, voy)
    [9, 10, 10, 10]
Reviews:
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------

A Change of Direction -- Ann Douglas
	(FF)
Isabelle's life is not going quite the way she planned. Being a
promiscuous teen, she entertained many boyfriends over the years,
and as an adult, her behaviour hasn't changed much. She finds
herself drawn to the wrong men without much emotional depth. Perry,
her current beau, is beginning to lose his former appeal and
Isabelle's life has fallen into the drudges of boredom. But one
fateful day, Isabelle meets Jamie at the gym, and Jamie offers to
help Isabelle improve her workout. Along the way, Isabelle discovers
herself and changes the direction of her life and loves. Thus begins
a strong friendship that over time changes into so much more.
Ann gives us a wonderful insight into the journey of Isabelle and
Jamie; exploring Isabelle's discovery of herself, as well as
insights into the intricacies of female-female relationships.
For me, I wanted to see a little bit more resolution to the story, I
found the denouement a little weak. The characters, however, were
strong and well defined.
The Eros -- most will enjoy Ann's portrayal. Personally, I found the
sex a little excessive, but then, it is ASSM, and the first 'S'
stands for sex. The scenes are tasteful -- simply a little long for
my particular Dragon tastes.
Overall, a very worthwhile read.
Technical       :    9
Eros            :    9
Character/Plot  :    9
Crimson         :    9
Story:
http://assm.asstr-mirror.org/Year2008/57870
Author's site (if posted):
http://www.asstr-mirror.org/files/Authors/Ann_Douglas/www
Posted To ASSM: Thu, 10 Jul 2008
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainy Interlude -- Sven the Elder
    (MF, rom, oral)
Unexpectedly, a summer rainstorm descends upon our couple who,
instead of breaking for cover, continue to stroll hand-in-hand
through the rain until they arrive at their cottage by the sea.
There, on the small veranda, they make love until the heavenly water
stops.
This is a short story, nearly a flash, but Sven, as always, can make
you feel like you are there. The imagery of this tale is wonderful.
So next time you are caught in the rain? Maybe it isn't time to
panic.
Technical       :    9
Eros            :    9
Character/Plot  :    8
Crimson         :    8
Story:
http://assm.asstr-mirror.org/Year2008/57937
Author's site (if posted):
Not posted.
Posted To ASSM: Sat, 19 Jul 2008
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Rain in Paradise -- Rose of Sharon 
	(MF, cons, rom)
To continue on our rain theme (see above), Rose's story takes place
on a tropical paradise. Our girl and guy of the hour have spent the
day relaxing in hammocks on the beach when clouds and rain roll in
from the ocean. They race back to the cabana and after a bit figure
out what to do while they wait for the inclement weather to ease.
Overall, this is a really quick read. Rose of Sharon gets the basics
into the story without over-emphasis on the sex. I can see where the
story could be expanded to give the reader a little more background
-- perhaps into the stresses that our characters so badly need to
dispel or what their relationship actually is. However, as written,
it is pleasing and the imagery satisfies.
So next time your are caught out on a beach in the rain? Run like
hell into the cabana and simply continue the stress relief in a
different way!
(Yes, I know I'm an inconsistent Dragon.)
Technical       :   10
Eros            :   10
Character/Plot  :    8
Crimson         :    9
Story:
http://assm.asstr-mirror.org/Year2008/57923
Author's site (if posted):
Not posted.
Posted To ASSM: Fri, 18 Jul 2008
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------

When A Bride Is A Slut -- Charlie "The Drifter"
	(FM+, preg, slut, interracial, incest, (unexpected) ped)*
* codes added by a rather disappointed Dragon
Normally, I wouldn't review a story coded as above. Unfortunately,
while the writing quality was apparent in the first few sentences,
the content was not. And conveniently, the author neglected to use
story codes on this piece of work. Of course, no author is compelled
to use codes, but, in some cases, especially with some of the more
extreme codes, it would be nice to have some warning. Obtaining
readers by stealth instead of talent cannot be satisfying, can it?
Since I invested the time to read this story, and regret it, I might
as well post an opinion .
Our narrator marries Glenda, a virginal, and apparently innocent,
bride. He happily takes her virginity, adding a touch of welcome
pain on top of the deflowering. Afterwards, Glenda becomes a
nymphomaniac, demanding more and more sex until sex with her new
husband is not nearly enough. Some gang-bangs later, including one
particularly memorable night where seven of her close relatives
knock her up, Glenda presents her underage (also virginal) sister to
her husband.
If you've skipped ahead to the scores, you will register my
disappointment in this dismal effort. There is no plot or character
to speak of. I'll give the author some credit for running this
garbage through a spell checker, but overall the writing is as
atrocious as the content. The unexpected introduction of the
underage sister was a particularly unsavoury surprise.
My advice to Charlie: at least code this crap if you insist on
posting it.
The only point to this "story" is shock value. I'm not shocked, I've
seen much, much worse, but I am disappointed. Most discerning
readers will be.
Avoid this one like the plague. I wish I'd listened to my initial
instincts and gotten the hell out of Dodge in the first couple of
paragraphs.
Technical       :    2
Eros            :    2
Character/Plot  :    0
Crimson         :    0
Story:
http://assm.asstr-mirror.org/Year2008/57955
Author's site (if posted):
Not posted.
Posted To ASSM: Fri, 25 Jul 2008 
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Slow pump -- ConnMan
	(MF, outside)*
* codes added by a tired Dragon
When our narrator ends up pouring his hard earned money into his gas
tank, a leggy, big breasted girl pulls up to the pumps beside him.
Gathering up the courage to try some cheesy innuendos, he finds the
girl receptive and they wander off for a quick tryst before going
their separate ways.
OK. This story isn't all that deep or meaningful, but it is playful
and fun. ConnMann managed to even make the cheesy innuendo work with
the story. The sex was a little over-described for my liking, but it
worked. I wasn't expecting much from the denouement, but while a
little weak, it seemed to work.
I can't say it is the best story I've read lately, but for what it
was, it may be worth a quick read.
Technical       :    8
Eros            :    9
Character/Plot  :    6
Crimson         :    7
Story:
http://assm.asstr-mirror.org/Year2008/57869
Author's site (if posted):
Not posted.
Posted To ASSM: Thu, 10 Jul 2008
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Because He Could -- RedBud
	(MF)*
* codes added by a tired Dragon
They woke together from a mattress situated on the floor. He watched
her as she slowly awakened and began her day. Still amazed by her,
and their new life together, our young male is free to pretty much
do as he wants.
This is a story about freedom and being young where the wonder of
the opposite sex and finding one's self is paramount. I think RedBud
has done an admirable job here of portraying this near disbelief in
the newness of a relationship.
And the sex is hot, too.
Though I wonder, perhaps the title might also have been: "Because
They Could".
Overall, I enjoyed the tale.
Technical       :    9
Eros            :   10
Character/Plot  :   10
Crimson         :    9
Story:
http://assm.asstr-mirror.org/Year2008/58090
Author's site (if posted):
Not posted.
Posted To ASSM: Tue, 02 Sep 2008
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Outdoor Self Bondage, Handcuffs -- Swift (posted by Slave Nicole)
	(F-solo, no-sex, outdoor, nudity, handcuffs)*
* codes added by a tired Dragon
Our teenage heroine grew up in a small town where she had explored
the bordering wilderness area as a child. Over a long summer, her
teenage hormones kick in and compel her to try some self- bondage in
the great outdoors. In this tale, she takes us on her journey of
discovery and exploration including a rather clever self-bondage
mechanism.
Swift's story is compelling because it gives us a rather unique
perspective on young and foolish endeavours. Hormones are a funny
thing -- they can make an otherwise careful and sane girl try things
that might be construed as dangerous. On the other hand, these
endeavours seem fun and for most of us (while I don't recall walking
naked and handcuffed through the wilderness) we survive our
impulsiveness and if we are lucky, don't lose the rewards of
spontaneity.
Part of the appeal here: it just *might* have actually happened. I
didn't find any issues with suspension of disbelief, and given the
story themes? That's a bit of an accomplishment.
Note also, there is no sex in this story, not even a finger slipping
luxuriously across a bare nipple, despite ample opportunity for our
heroine (at least after her hands are freed again). For this story,
there is no doubt that the omission, the subtle sexuality, is far
more erotic than any over-description that I've read in other
stories in these reviews.
OK. I'll admit to a bias here. Swift has tapped into some of my
admittedly niche sexual fantasies and done a wonderful job of it.
The writing is clean, the subject approached tastefully and, in many
ways, beautifully. The heroine's character shines through.
I believe, even if a handcuffed, naked girl in the woods of her own
volition is not your particular kink, you still may enjoy the story.
And besides, she also gets covered in mud. What more can a Dragon
ask for?
Thanks for the unexpectedly wonderful tale.
Technical       :    9
Eros            :   10
Character/Plot  :   10
Crimson         :   10
Story:
http://assm.asstr-mirror.org/Year2008/58090
Author's site (if posted):
Not posted.
Posted To ASSM: Tue, 02 Sep 2008
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Watched -- Elizabeth Ravenhair
	(F-solo, M-solo, exhib, voy)
When an old college friend calls our narrator unexpectedly, she
welcomes Amy and her new husband, John, into her small apartment
with open arms. While John is a little distant, he turns out to be
friendly but intense. Later, at night, the heat in the city
permeates the air. Our narrator lies on top of the sheets, unable to
sleep, while Amy and John sleep soundly in the makeshift livingroom.
As her fingers explore her own breasts, her fires ignite and she
begins to find pleasure by herself. At least until she rolls over to
glance at the slightly ajar doorway to her bedroom.
Elizabeth has written a compelling tale here. I was totally drawn
in. The characters are strong and the story, while simple, is
elegant.
It helps that the sex is smokingly erotic and Elizabeth deftly
resists the urge to descend where other stories might have --
without doubt to their detriment. Sometimes realism wins the hearts
of Dragons.
Excellent story. Enjoy.
Technical       :    9
Eros            :   10
Character/Plot  :   10
Crimson         :   10
Story:
http://assm.asstr-mirror.org/Year2008/57828
Author's site (if posted):
Not posted.
Posted To ASSM: Sat, 28 Jun 2008
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------