First for the more sentimental stories: The book opens with A Taste of Heaven. Dakota works at an Inn, and is instantly attracted to a customer named Seth. Seth is paying tribute to his now deceased wife. The two have a brief but intense affair. Chrysalis is another sensual short story that also focuses on the sweeter side of love. Cheryl is able to realize her feelings for her best friend after leaving her abusive husband. In Emergence, David can now relate to his family's love relationships when he falls for Melody. Finally, Nick and Tony are cops and partners. The two admit their feelings for one another in Shields of Blue: Struggle Within.

On the imaginative side of storytelling, By the Light of the Moon, involves Nina going out for a swim and falling for what can only be described as a merman. Love in Zero G, has an alien woman making love to a human in a zero g chamber. Miranda dreams of her guardian angel in On Angel Wings. Things spice up one night when she makes love to him. Pandora: The Gift of the Gods tells the story of mythical Pandora, who is unable to have sex on earth. But Hera is able to alleviate Pandora's frustrations with a box of treasures. A woman is able to satisfy herself in Passion's Storm. Finally, Jade and Marcus become aroused with the thought of a Peeping Ghost. Little do they know that when they get it on, they're actually giving the ghost an eyeful.

There is one drawback I found in the collection. Many of Houston's stories narrate committed couples and their intimate moments. These stories include A Tease and a Taste, Assume the Position, Blackout, Early To Rise, Into Each day, Making Time, Renewal, and Sensual Bonds. The sex scenes are hot with a capital H, but have little if no character development. However, if the reader is in search of purely sexual scenes, these stories will appeal.

Naughty Whispers: More Bedtime Tales, will please any reader, considering the variety. I found the stories like On Angel Wings the most appealing because Houston's vivid imagination was apparent. And she definitely knows how to write a scorching sex scene.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Jennifer Lynne
July 23, 2004