The FIRE OF THE FROST anthology is packed with amazing authors. These stories are all Fantasy Romance, so I was veryRead this review on Fresh Fiction
The FIRE OF THE FROST anthology is packed with amazing authors. These stories are all Fantasy Romance, so I was very excited to dive into the intricate unique worlds created by these authors.
Darynda Jones’s story was the one that I was the most excited about because she is one of my favorite authors. I haven’t seen her dabble too much in this genre before so that was another reason why I was so interested in it. Jones flexes her writing skill in this short story, showing readers that she can write in multiple genres with ease. I very much enjoyed this story.
Amanda Bouchet’s story very much fits her style and voice. Known for her Fantasy Romance skills, this modern story definitely stood out from the bunch. I think I will be exploring more of her stories in the future.
Then there were a few new-to-me authors included in this anthology, such as Grace Draven and Jeffe Kennedy. Since I haven’t tried these authors before, I was looking forward to sampling their styles. Anthologies are a great way to discover new authors and after reading this one, I think I’ll be exploring more of their work in the future.
Some of these stories are part of existing series but there is a standalone in there as well. So all in all, I definitely think this anthology is worth checking out. I liked that there weren’t so many authors in one collection. That way, you can really focus on each story and enjoy them to the fullest!...more
SHADOWED SOULS is an anthology packed with Urban Fantasy stories from some amazing authors. I picked this up because of Jim Butcher who ha
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SHADOWED SOULS is an anthology packed with Urban Fantasy stories from some amazing authors. I picked this up because of Jim Butcher who has become one of my favorite authors in Urban Fantasy.
His story, COLD CASE, is all about Molly Carpenter. You may know her as Harry’s apprentice but she is now the Winter Lady. Molly is full of spunk and sass. She’s a whole lot of fun to read and the little bit of romance that Butcher throws into this story is quite interesting. Even more interesting is the twist. It makes me more both intrigued and feel sorry for Molly and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what comes of her.
The other story that I think is worth mentioning is Seanan McGuire’s story. This one was a little bit more different. It’s a little bit more out there and since this is the first thing I’ve read from McGuire, I wasn’t sure what to expected.
This story is about a half-succubus named Elsie. She is kidnapped by some teenagers who want her to help find a missing child. Elsie is a little rough around the edges but she is certainly fun to read about.
But probably the most interesting is Rob Thurman’s story, IMPOSSIBLE MONSTER. This is about Cal Leandros who is quite the psycho character. He’s ruthless and sarcastic. He scares me, but there’s also a lot of fascinating things about him.
All the other stories are wonderful too and I think if you’re just getting into Urban Fantasy, this would be a great book to pick up to sample a whole bunch of authors at once. You’re bound to one an author or series you’ll like as all of these authors are quite masterful....more
After reading another book of Samantha Chase, I was looking forward to trying out some novellas and who can resist some holiday-themed one
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After reading another book of Samantha Chase, I was looking forward to trying out some novellas and who can resist some holiday-themed ones? I know I can’t! In this anthology, there’s a good one and a bad one. The first story is called MISTLETOE BETWEEN FRIENDS and as you can guess, this is a story about two friends who pretend to be going out. Cameron Greene is quite the socially awkward guy and all his friends and family are trying to get him involved with some really nice ladies. Unfortunately for them, he has no interest at all in dating. As he gripes about this to his best friend Lily Cavanaugh, she suggests that they pretend go out so that people will finally leave him alone. Problem is, Lily is full of life and Cam is as dull as watching still water.
I’m sad to say that this story bored me. Cam is just so uninteresting that I actually felt bad for Lily. She’s known the guy for most of her life and has fallen in love with him, but the guy can’t even seem to hold her hand in private without making it feel awkward. The romance just didn’t flow for me. It was awkward and strange and Cam’s hang-ups really made me wonder what Lily saw in him in the first place. I almost wished she walk away from him and find someone else who isn’t such a bore. She deserves better!
The second story, however, was much better! THE SNOWFLAKE INN features Grace Brodie who is still kind of recovering from an accident and although she tries her best to stay in shape and keep those muscles well-oiled, she does have a little face-plant moment in front of a hot guy. Thankfully, the guy she previously saw as angry is actually really nice and helps her up and makes sure she is okay. What Grace doesn’t know is that Riley Walsh is actually the son of one of her good friend who is trying to get her to take over her Bed & Breakfast.
The romance in this story is much more solid and has the sweet and sexy vibe that I loved to see in my Holiday reads. Riley is delicious and in addition to seeing the romance bloom between him and Grace, I also really liked how the inn and his mother helped in bringing them together. It’s definitely a more heartwarming story, perfect paired with a cup of hot chocolate and a scarf!...more
WILD EMBRACE is an anthology from premier paranormal romance author Nalini Singh. If you’re a fan of the Psy-Changeling series like I am, then this wi
WILD EMBRACE is an anthology from premier paranormal romance author Nalini Singh. If you’re a fan of the Psy-Changeling series like I am, then this will certainly be something you want to check out. This anthology contains four new novellas set in the world, featuring some past characters we know and love as well as some new ones. If you’ve read the latest book from Singh, ALLIGIANCE OF HONOR, then you may be aware of the transition she had made with the series. We are exploring more of the world and in turn, Singh is introducing new characters. These novellas feature everything from Psy and changelings.
The story that I was most excited about was of course Dorian. Readers have already met him before in HOSTAGE TO PLEASURE but I love that we got to explore more of his life as he struggles with being unable to shift. It’s certainly a happy story for him and he’ll go down as one of my favorites in the series.
My other favorite is Flirtation of Fate, which is about Kenji and Garnet. This felt a little darker as they have to investigate a murder of one of their own, but the romance is uplifting enough that it creates a good balance.
I would definitely recommend this to readers who follow this series. Singh’s writing is so easy to follow and I like the alternating sweet and tense moments. Although these are all novellas, I do think they offer a complete story and are a good way to tide you over until the next release. ...more
Oh Mary Calmes. You just write the most delightful characters. There’s seriously nothing to hate about Scott and Boone. In this friends to
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Oh Mary Calmes. You just write the most delightful characters. There’s seriously nothing to hate about Scott and Boone. In this friends to lovers story, there’s plenty of heartwarming moments, charming moments and romantic ones. I still can’t get over the fact that Boone could be so alpha and yet so adoringly sweet at the same time. His jealously amused me and the fact that he didn’t realize he was in love with Scott until his friends had to tell him made me love him even more. I noticed that this is a common threat in all of Calmes stories – the heroes don’t realize just how hot or how charming they are until someone tells them.
This short story is actually part of a larger anthology that surrounds a cookbook that has some real history behind it. Handwritten and passed down for generations, I liked the common thread that these stories have. However, it didn’t seem that played up in this story. No matter though because there is plenty of other things that make this story enjoyable to read....more
Fans of Patricia Briggs will definitely want to get their hands on this compilation of short stories set loosely in the Mercy Thompson worl
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Fans of Patricia Briggs will definitely want to get their hands on this compilation of short stories set loosely in the Mercy Thompson world. While some are new titles such as “Silver”, “Roses in Winter”, “Redemption” and “Hollow”, there are old classics such as “Fairy Gifts”, “Gray”, “Alpha and Omega”, “Seeing Eye”, “The Star of David”, and “In Red, with Pearls”.
In this review, I’ll go into more details about my favourite stories in this anthology. The book kicks off with “Silver”, the story of Sam and Ariana. This was one of the stories I was most looking forward to reading. Going in, I knew it would be a sad story, yet as I was reading it, I never realized just how sad Sam’s story really is. Nevertheless, I am glad Briggs told this heartbreaking story because it definitely makes me appreciate Sam in a different light.
Another one I really enjoyed was “Seeing Eye” featuring Tom and Moira and is one of the older stories. The reason why I loved this one so much was because this one had a little bit of a romantic element in it. I thought the connection between Tom as Moira’s “familiar” was interesting to witness and made for an interesting story.
“Alpha and Omega” is Charles and Anna’s story. This story is probably one of the most well-known of the bunch as it was the reason why the Alpha and Omega series was born from. Quite lengthy but engaging, I still think this one is a favourite of all the stories.
All of the older, previously-released stories were different anthologies written throughout Briggs’ career, so if you’re a mega fan and want to have them all in a set, this is a great way to have them. For readers like me who have read only a few of the older titles and was interesting in read them all, plus the new ones, then this anthology is definitely worth the price. I think Patricia Briggs has a vast imagination and in these short stories, she gives readers glimpses of what happens outside of Mercy’s immediate world. You quickly discover that there is way more to the world than we could have ever expected.
SHOW ME, BABY is the ninth book in the Masters of the Shadowlands series but is the first novella. This is Jake and Rainie’s story. When Ra
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SHOW ME, BABY is the ninth book in the Masters of the Shadowlands series but is the first novella. This is Jake and Rainie’s story. When Rainie witnesses a dog being hit by a car and left to die, she reacts in the only way she knows how. She takes the dog to see Jake, a Dom she knows from the BDSM club she is a part of. Though Jake is well acquired with dogs, he can’t say that he has had the pleasure of getting to know Rainie all that well, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to try.
When they see each other at their BDSM club once again, Jake learns that Rainie has a problem of turning down Doms that she doesn’t want to play with. It’s not that she’s being rude or unfriendly, it’s just that she doesn’t know how to go about it. So Jake tries to teach her a lesson, giving her the backbone she needs while also remaining polite and courteous. It annoys Rainie somewhat, but what fun would the story be if the Dom didn’t piss the trainee off once in awhile?
As with the case with many of the Masters of the Shadowlands books, Sinclair finds interesting ways to bring the group together. This time there’s a bachelorette party that gets out of hand before the Doms can intercede, but readers will get a glimpse of all their favorite characters in good spirits. Similarly, you can also expect unique and interesting sex scenes that always set Cherise Sinclair books apart from her peers. This time there’s some pirate role-playing (who knew that this would be so fun?) and some delicious dirty talk from Master Jake.
Sinclair has certainly created a wonderful group of characters with this series. I genuinely look forward to each book and wished that Jacob and Rainie’s story was longer because of it. There is so much good times to be had and I love how unapologetic Sinclair writes; it’s sexy while not being too over the top, a balance that if often hard to strike. Even with a tighter word count, I found that Sinclair was able to include all the things I love about this series in a novella. The Master of the Shadowlands series still remains as one of the most well-written and sexy BDSM series out there.
Part of the Beyond series world, BEYOND TEMPTATION can be read as a standalone, introducing the pos
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BEYOND TEMPTATION by Kit Rocha – 4 stars
Part of the Beyond series world, BEYOND TEMPTATION can be read as a standalone, introducing the post-Flare world to new readers or be a blissful return for loyal fans. This is Noah and Emma’s story. Emma has been one of the lucky ones to get the O’Kane ink. With that comes a sense of support and protection, the one thing that she hasn’t had for most of her life. When Noah comes back into her life, Emma is reminded of her past and especially her brother as Noah was his best friend.
A hacker and a valuable asset to Dallas O’Kane, Noah becomes a weapon that many want to wield. So when things become intense with Mac Fleming the erotic tone of this book gives way to adrenaline-filled action.
This will not come as a shock to anyone. The sex is super nova hot. With dirty talk showcased in its full glory, I can ascertain that there will be no complaints about the romance. Kit Rocha provides a touch of angst and runs with it, creating a deeper bond between the hero and heroine to make up for the tighter word count. I thoroughly enjoyed this short story.
ROCKY RIDE by Vivian Arend – 4 stars
Arend’s contribution to this anthology kicks off her new Thompson and Sons series featuring a garage and the alpha men who own it. Readers of the Six Pack Ranch series will be familiar with Anna Coleman’s character. But the character that I was most excited about was Mitch Thompson.
Mitch rides a Harley, is part of crazy family and loves to talk dirty. Really, what more could you want? ROCKY RIDE opens up with an explosive bang – really, it was like an electric shock to my system, enlivening me with its playfulness and sexiness.
This story includes an abundance of creative sex scenes that have made me want to jump forward in my review pile to read the first book of the new series, BABY, BE MINE. If this is just a taste of what to expect in the Thompson and Sons series, then I am very excited for more!
ALL THAT REMAINS by Lauren Dane – 4 stars
In a new, futuristic world, Lauren Dane intrigues readers with the unique atmosphere of this story. In ParadiseVillage, Summer Killian takes a swim and is thrilled to meet a man like Charlie. Immediately, lust shines in her eyes but what she later learns is that Charlie has a deep connection to Hatch, a face from her past that she hasn’t been able to forget.
Exploring both M/M and M/F/M, this short story has a taste of everything. I found that the bond between Charlie and Hatch had to be believable before Summer could become involved. Dane really made sure that the emotions came across, making for a story that transcends past the physical and into the emotional.
All in all, MARKED is one of the better anthologies I have read. Packed with explosive sexual heat and true romances, I’m sure readers will find something to enjoy in these three stories.
That’s really all you have to know. MERRY AND BRIGHT is a Jill Shalvis orgy of her Christmas s
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Jill Shalvis + Christmas stories = Happiness!
That’s really all you have to know. MERRY AND BRIGHT is a Jill Shalvis orgy of her Christmas stories compiled together in one book. That being said, you may want to check and see if you’re already read these stories before since they are reprints of older titles. I haven’t read them and I wasn’t sure what exactly to expect since they are older works of my favourite author, but once I cracked into it, I realized that I had nothing to worry about. ALL the stories in this anthology are wonderfully written and sweet. I would definitely recommend this to Shalvis fans.
FINDING MR. RIGHT – 4 stars
Maggie Bell is a sweet and smart chemist who spews useless, but actually quite interesting information when she is nervous. When in the presence of a bad boy named Jacob, the normally composed brainiac suddenly turns into goo. It’s actually quite endearing and made me fall instantly in love with Maggie’s character. Jacob, the hero is a sinful bad boy who loves talking dirty. I can tell you I had absolutely no complaints about that!
In this short, but scorching story, Shalvis really displays her talents as a writer. I don’t know how she is able to create such chemistry in such a short amount of time, but she nails it in this first kick-off story to the anthology.
The only thing I would say is that it wraps up a little too quickly in the end, but the romance is fabulous!
BAH, HANDSOME! – 4 stars
Another sweet and sexy story by Shalvis takes a financially struggling B&B owner named Hope and her solicitor Danny and puts them together in a snow storm. With the help of Hope’s friend, Lori and her husband, Ben, they bring the two haters together until all there is is love! I adored Lori’s presence in this story. She added so much life and fun moments to the story. Hope’s character was more on the anal, uptight side and I didn’t like how she constantly rejected Danny’s offers for help. In the end, this story had so many LOL moments and some wonderfully cute and sweet moments as well, making it a perfect read for the holidays!
MS. HUMBUG – 4 stars
What happens when you put a recently betrayed woman with a rebel in nice shoes? Explosive chemistry, that’s what! Shalvis does it again with this short story featuring Cami and Matt.
This story felt the shortest of them all, but it still packs quite the punch! The banter between Cami and Matt is so entertaining to read that I was smiling from ear-to-ear. There’s just so much heart in Shalvis’s stories that when you add the Christmas element to it all, it just makes for a delicious treat fit for the holidays!
MIRROR, MIRROR is an anthology comprised of five authors: J.D. Robb, Mary Blayney, Elaine Fox, Mary Kay McComas and R.C. Ryan. Of these fiv
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MIRROR, MIRROR is an anthology comprised of five authors: J.D. Robb, Mary Blayney, Elaine Fox, Mary Kay McComas and R.C. Ryan. Of these five, I’ve only read Robb so I decided that it would be nice to explore the works of the others while still getting my Roarke fix!
What intrigued me about this anthology is that all the stories in this book are retellings or twists on well-known fairytales and we all know that I’m a sucker for those kind of things!
TAKEN IN DEATH by J.D. Robb – 4 stars
Robb’s story is based loosely on Hansel and Gretel and whoa, it’s a little chilling. The villain is a different kind of crazy! She harbors extreme jealous for her sister who has lived a great life. As someone who believes in witchcraft and cannibalism, this crazy woman kills the nanny taking care of her sister’s children and kidnaps the poor seven year old twins to use them as leverage over her sister. It’s a dramatic event that leads to a rollercoaster of emotions. I felt a spike in my pulse as I read this book, it was that suspenseful ! Robb does a fantastic job of taking the moving parts of the fairytale and make it her own. It’s such a well-done story that I’m surprised it’s only a short one. Robb is just so talented.
IF WISHES WERE HORSES – 3 stars
Mary Blayney’s story is a historical that deals with a magical coin that changes the lives of whoever wishes on it. While not my favorite of the series, I did enjoy the story and think that I could be persuaded to try more of Blayney’s work. As I said, this is the first of her novellas that I have tried and I believe that she plans to write more novellas that are all Regency set and revolve around this magical element.
BEAUTY, SLEEPING by Elaine Fox – 3.5 stars
Now this story was very very entertaining. Never having read this author before, I thought this story would be a little more somber in tone. It definitely wasn’t! It’s fun, flirty and quite funny too. I loved the upbeat narration. I read this book in the middle of the night and found myself smiling as I read it. It just enlivened my senses and brought a big smile to my face. I think after having read this unique take on Sleeping Beauty, I will want to read more from Fox. Her writing is so much fun!
THE CHRISTMAS COMET by Mary Kay McComas – 3 stars
McComas’ story is a mixture of two fairytales that I’m not very familiar with so I don’t think I could appreciate the author’s take on this tale as much as the others. However, I will say that it was enjoyable to read. McComas chose to be inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s THE LITTLE MATCHSTICK GIRL and Brothers Grimm’s THE STAR MONEY.
STOKE OF MIDNIGHT by R.C. Ryan – 3 stars
R.C. is another author I haven’t read but I do like the writing style of. STROKE OF MIDNIGHT is Sydney and Cullen’s story. I don’t think this one was my favorite of the collection but I have had my eye of Ryan’s other work so I may try thought instead.
I am actually quite surprised by the wide variety of sub-genres that this anthology has. Usually you have authors put together who have a similar style or are from the same genre, but this one seems to jump around and give readers a bit of everything.
TREE TOPPER by Jane Davitt – 2 stars As my first read by Jane Davitt, I had an open mind going into this story. TREE TOPPER iPosted on Under the Covers
TREE TOPPER by Jane Davitt – 2 stars As my first read by Jane Davitt, I had an open mind going into this story. TREE TOPPER is about Stan and Martin and their D/s relationship. Although I enjoyed the writing style and author’s voice, I found that I couldn’t get into this story. Unfortunately, I had no connection with the characters. The sex caters to more extreme tastes, which didn’t bother me, I simply didn’t relate to characters this time around.
‘TWAS THE NIGHT by Ava March – 5 stars I’ve read and loved Ava March’s work before and this was no different. Percival Owns and Michael Barlow are amazing together. I loved the initial hesitation and slow build-up of the story that ended with incredible sex scenes and a sense of a happily ever after. The story was perfectly paced and March’s writing is always captivating! I very much enjoyed this story!
FIREWORKS by Katie Porter – 2.5 stars This was the only F/F story in the anthology. Emma and Rachel are perfect together. They clearly care for each other a lot. However, I felt as if there was no warm-up in this story, Porter jumps straight into the hot sex and while that is great, I felt that they rushed the ending where they tried to put a happily-ever-after together too quickly. FIREWORKS read like a porno. Full-throttle, but no plot.
CANDY CANING by LA Witt – 5+ stars I LOVED THIS STORY!!!! This is my first story by LA Witt and after finishing this one, I promptly ran to check out the rest of her work. I was floored by this story – it’s humor, it’s heart. It literally blew my mind as I read it. Witt’s writing is stellar, luring me in with just a few sentences. I loved Nate’s POV and Stephen was a dream. I loved the natural progression of the story and felt that the author had an impressive voice. It’s also funny as hell. CANDY CANING is perfect! Definitely the clear standout in this anthology!
SUBMISSIVE ANGEL by Joey W. Hill – 3 stars Robert and Ange have a very unique relationship. I thought Hill’s voice in this story was very strong. However, some scenes seemed to drag on for too long. For me, it was definitely the most sensual of the stories, infused with emotion and love. An enjoyable story.
OPEN RETURN by Elyan Smith – 2.5 stars As my first story by Smith, I again went into this story open-minded. This one features a steamy threesome, but I felt that reading about Zach was a little depressing. Zach as a trans didn’t seem to have much of a presence and when coupled with Scott and Laura, I needed that as a reader. Otherwise, the sex scenes would feel like a tangle of limbs and not real characters. Also, I thought some of the wording was a bit odd at times.
RING OUT THE OLD & IN WITH THE NEW by Alexa Snow – 4 stars Also a new-to-me author, I discovered that I enjoyed Snow’s voice. Evan and Russell are a great couple. When Evan gets mugged and suffers from scaring, he doesn’t have the will to pursue life anymore. This is an uplifting story of love and support that I really enjoyed. I thought it was very intimate and I’m looking forward to reading more of Snow’s work.
HIS VERY LAST CHANCE by Kim Dare – 4 stars I’ve been meaning to read some Dare for some time now so I jumped at this opportunity to do so. I adored Drew and Kingsley together. Well-written and perfectly paced, I can see why Dare has such a loyal following. I am hoping to read more of her work. HIS VERY LAST CHANCE is a great introduction to Dare’s writing.
Overall verdict: COME ALL YE KINKY is an enjoyable anthology. While some stories didn’t work for me, there were a few gems in there that I discovered that I am glad for. The beauty of anthologies is finding new authors and I think I found a few new ones that I am interested in. Since this anthology covers different kinks and varies in its extreme, I’m positive it will cater to everyone’s desires. *ARC provided by publisher...more
BEAT OF TEMPTATION is the story of Tammy and Nate. Both have been characters seen throughout the series and are an integral part of the Pack, but theyBEAT OF TEMPTATION is the story of Tammy and Nate. Both have been characters seen throughout the series and are an integral part of the Pack, but they were always on the peripheral. Tammy is just 19 years old while Nate is 29. The large age different plays a part in their relationship because Nate wants to make sure that Tammy gets the freedom she deserves. As the healer of the Pack, she has a lot of responsibilities for such a young age and Nate doesn't want her to feel overwhelmed when the mating bond fully kicks in. So he keeps her at a distance that is convenient for him, while Tammy is suffering both physically and emotionally for Nate's soothing touch.
STROKE OF ENTICEMENT is about Annie, a shy human teacher and a super sexy changeling named Zach. Most of the magical romance happens within the first 48 hours of meeting each other. But Singh does fast track a month after to see the dynamics of relationship. The fast-forward is significant because Annie has a problem with commitment. She's afraid to fall completely for the dangerous and alluring changeling because she fears that Zach's passion for her will fade. But the cat in Zach isn't about to give up.
In DECLARATION OF COURTSHIP, readers meet Grace, a submissive wolf. When a high ranking, smolderingly hot SnowDancer lieutenant decides that he is going to court her, nobody is more surprised than Grace.Cooper, the dark, dominant wolf must learn how to handle Grace's surrender. As they dance, Grace begins to show some teeth and despite Cooper's natural tendency to dominate, both of them manage to find a middle ground that fits both their personalities. I love the way Singh is able to bring two opposites together without having them compromise something in order to be a unit. A DECLARATION OF COURTSHIP is sizzling with sexual tension and one of the most tender stories I've ever read from Nalini Singh.
TEXTURE OF INTIMACY is another new never-before-seen novella that continues Lara and Walker's story from KISS OF SNOW. I loved that Singh further explores their relationship. Readers see how the happily mated couple are doing and further advancements in the overall plot of the book. I highly suggest reading this book before the next soon-to-be released title because there is some focus on Alice again.Singh also gives insights to possible future pairing such as Tai and Evie.
Sweet and tender, Singh never fails to impress me with her writing. The sexual tension is so thick, it can't be cut through with a knife and it proves just how talented Singh is with her words. True talent lies in the world building where every story submerges you into a new world. Not to mention the most lovable, memorable characters. With WILD INVITATION, Singh cements herself as one the genre's best authors!
K.A. Mitchell is one of my favourite M/M authors. She is so readily able to encompass all thPosted on Under the Covers
Wish List K.A. Mitchell 4.5 stars
K.A. Mitchell is one of my favourite M/M authors. She is so readily able to encompass all that I love in a romance – authentic characters, believable conflict and a heavy dose of sexiness!
In WISH LIST, Jonah and Evan are discovering that there are more to each other than they first knew. Jonah has been feeling a sense of emptiness and unfulfillment in their relationship, though it’s not really from Evan’s lack of trying. Jonah has certain kinks that he is just now discovering and he is scared to death to tell Evan about them for fear of rejection. When Jonah finds a set of rings that he assumes is for him and Evan, Jonah retreats back into himself, causing Evan to question where he stands in their relationship.
I was impressed by the way Mitchell was able to create a conflict within a relationship that has been already established. She did it in a way that was believable and a little dramatic in this short story. I found myself absolutely glued to the pages and could not put it down! I had to know if Jonah would go through with what he had planned and how Evan would react when he found out. And the sex scenes – oh yes, the sex scenes were another great thing worth sticking around for! All in all, this story was my favorite of the bunch. I loved all the stories – they were amazing! – but Mitchell’s story really shined in this holiday anthology.
I Need You for Christmas Leah Braemel - 4 stars
This was my first read by Leah Braemel and NOBODY TOLD ME WHAT I WAS MISSING OUT ON!!! I read the blurb for this novella and just knew that it was right up my alley. I enjoyed Braemel’s voice and the scorching hot sex scenes she brought forth. All of the stories in this anthology have very sexy sex scenes, but I think this story really upped up the ante.
One thing I immediately noticed was all the Canadian references and naturally, as a Canadian myself, I was stoked about that! Rarely do we see a story set in Canada with all those fun references. I will be checking out more of Braemel’s books because I was so impressed with this story!
Breath on Embers Anne Calhoun - 4 stars
Anne Calhoun pens a beautifully written story that touches on the darkest times of grief and depression and the journey back to becoming “alive”. Thea Moretti has been a widow for two years. The loss of her husband hit her hard and her will to fully embrace life has yet to come back to her. In many ways, Thea doesn’t want to move on. She wishes to have life exactly the way it is. When her sister tells her great news about her personal life, Thea feels resentment. How can the world move on without her?
But despite this heavy veil she intentionally places between her and the world, there is one person who seems to be able to penetrate her. Firefighter Ronan O’Rourke is her current lover and despite the fact that they have been seeing each other for awhile and Ronan is ready to take that next step, Thea withholds herself.
BREATH ON EMBERS is very somber in tone. Calhoun’s voice and writing style matches it so well. Her writing creates a unique feel to the book so that even though it’s set during Christmas holidays where spirits are usually high, there’s this dark and cloudy touch to it that really sets the tone for the entire book. My one disappointment was that I wished there was a little more light in this book. Most of it is dark and opening Thea up is a slow process. I wished there was a more uplifting experience at the end, something to give readers the confidence that Thea will get over this and she won’t regressed back into herself. However, that being said, I still very much enjoyed the way Ronan was there for her without trying to heal her or completely change her.
A word on the sex scenes – They are hot! Calhoun weaves miraculous emotions throughout the scenes so that they are infused with passion and emotion. It’s really the only time that we see such intense emotions from Thea.
I am a huge fan of Calhoun’s work. Love her voice and her writing style. Her writing gives me chills sometimes and I found myself flying through this book. I can’t wait to read more of Calhoun’s work. Bottom line? I don’t often say this about anthologies but this is an exception. Buy it. RED HOT HOLIDAY is a scorching hot read with three different authors. You get a bit of everything in each story, but the one similarity is that they are all blisteringly hot and will definitely heat up your holidays.
Rating is only for Tessa Dare's novella. I'll be coming back to read the rest, I promise!Rating is only for Tessa Dare's novella. I'll be coming back to read the rest, I promise!...more
WORTH DYING FOR in a two-story anthology by Cindy Gerard. Both stories have been previously released and are award-winning nPosted on Under the Covers
WORTH DYING FOR in a two-story anthology by Cindy Gerard. Both stories have been previously released and are award-winning novellas. As a big fan of Gerard’s Romantic Suspense work, I decided to give this book a shot. Going into this book, I had no idea that these stories would actually be Contemporary Romances, not Romantic Suspense so I had to adjust my expectations a bit because I was hoping for some pulse-pounding action. Nevertheless, Gerard is always a pleasure to read.
Into The Night - 3 stars
Brought together for the purpose of work, Jessie Fox and Tony Falcone are back together to explore this explosive chemistry they have for new radio promo. To be honest, I had a bit of trouble getting into this story. I don’t think I felt the connection between Jessie and Tony right away. It took some time to build. However, the suspense subplot was a nice touch. I just don’t think this was my favorite of this anthology.
Man Around The House - 4 stars
Katie McDonald finds herself in a particularly embarrassing spot. Her toe is stuck in a tub faucet and she can’t seem to get it out. Matthew Spencer, her neighbour and his five-year-old son come to help out the damsel in distress. This opening had me smiling from ear-to-ear, causing me to immediately fall in love with this story. Funny and sweet, Gerard really captured my interests with the charming personalities of all the characters. The sexual tension and chemistry was evident from the very beginning and I thought that Gerard did a wonderful job of keeping the dialogue engaging and fun. Overall, this story turned out to be my favorite of this book.
Bottom line? If Gerard were to explore writing in Contemporary Romance again, I think I’d check them out.