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Alluring Tales 1: Awaken the Fantasy

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HarperCollins Avon Red has created an anthology of stories guaranteed to warm even the coldest winter night!

Wow! Individually, each of the stories in the anthology Alluring Tales - Awaken the Fantasy more than sizzle, but united in one hot little book, they are downright combustible! The title promises alluring tales, and it definitely delivers!

With some anthologies, you find several stories you like or love, and maybe a story or two that aren't quite up to par. It would be hard to find anyone who could say this about Alluring Tales - Awaken the Fantasy! Each story is just as good as the last one. I personally would be hard pressed to choose a favorite between them, and am very grateful I don't have to!

~ Lover's Locket by Cathryn Fox ~

When an old gypsy presses Caira to accept a mysterious locket, Caira finds love, and risks losing her soul to save his!

This is the first story I've ever read by Cathryn Fox, and I find myself compelled to look for more of her work after reading it. Lover's Locket is a surprisingly complex story of ancient curses, forbidden love, and reincarnation. I use the word complex due to its brevity. Fox has woven an intricate history for her leading lady in this story, proving her skill with the short story format.

~ Kili's Ice Man by Delilah Devlin ~

In a futuristic world, Kili attempts to ease her lust for her celebrity crush, the Ice Man, over her lunch hour with one quick virtual reality session in order to calm her nerves before a business meeting with him that very afternoon. But her VR fantasy man seems all too real...

I confess to a love of Science Fiction and I am always intrigued by Virtual Reality themes. I wasn't disappointed with Devlin's addition to this anthology! Kili programs her Virtual Reality session with what she believes is her dream man, but all bets are off when the Ice Man himself gets wind of her plan! Gunnar proves to be a remarkably sensitive he-man type, taking both Kili and the reader by surprise!

~ The Hottest One Night Stand by Lisa Renee Jones ~

One stormy night and a broken down car bring Jessica the opportunity to find her sexuality with a sexy and compelling stranger. But he soon proves to be something very different from what he seems...

I wanted to read this anthology because of Lisa Renee Jones contribution to it, having thoroughly enjoyed other stories written by her. Even had I not enjoyed any of the other stories in this anthology, Jones' story would still have made this a worthwhile read! She reaches into every woman's fantasy of an anonymous encounter with a dangerous man, and then turns the tables on both the leading lady and the readers when he turns out to be so much more!

~ Out of the Shadows by Myla Jackson ~

What will a Vampire Hunter do when the woman he loves becomes the very thing he hates above all else?

From the very start, Jackson fosters empathy for her hero, with the reader sharing his confusion and frustration for the woman he loves. When we are finally allowed insight as to her reasons for turning TJ away, our heart breaks for both of them.

~ A Familiar Kind of Magic by Sylvia Day ~

Who will really be tamed when a powerful Warlock, Max, tries to collar the rogue Familiar, Victoria?

With A Familiar Kind of Magic, Day proves a woman can find strength and power in letting go. Max proves himself as a gentle and sly Dominant when he sets out to tame Victoria, simultaneously empowering her and allowing her to unleash the needs she has subjugated for years.

~ Tempting Grace by Sasha White ~

Ex-stripper turned Probation Officer Grace isn't looking for love, and especially not with the minister's son, Lukas. But Lukas proves persistent, and persistence has a way of paying off...

Sasha White is also a new author for me, and I will recommend her without reservation to anyone interested in this genre! She has included a wonderful contemporary tale that proves love isn't always where we expect it to be, nor in the form we anticipated.

~ Quick Silver by Vivi Anna ~

Sangria knows this delivery is trouble waiting to happen - a suspicion more than confirmed when an ambush gives her a good look at the merchandise she is transporting!

I'm not quite certain just how Vivi Anna included so much plot in so few words, but she did - and did it well! Sangria's tale is one of loneliness and hardship, but she finds a way out in the most unlikely of places...

LOVER'S LOCKET by Cathryn Fox
Caira knows exactly what she wants in a man. Unfortunately the only man who incites her desires is immortalized in a painting that's been handed down through the family for generations. When she finds a beautiful locket at a new boutique, she's drawn to it. It's called the LOVER'S LOCKET. By reciting the incantation etched on it Caira's true love will be revealed, but with that revelation comes great danger as well.

Cathryn Fox will charm readers with this tale of a forbidden love that has remained strong throughout the centuries. I loved the air of mysticism throughout this story and the raw passion between Zarek and Caira.

KILI'S ICE MAN by Delilah Devlin
Kili's fascination with the gladiator Ice Man has her in a constant state of arousal. It's her job to present the sales pitch for the network spots with Centurion. How is she going to present a professional air if she's drooling all over the man during the presentation? Fortunately her friend, Willa, has a way to get her mind of the hulking gladiator - a virtual vacation. Only Ice Man talks the technician into hooking him up with her without her knowing it.

Delilah Devlin allows readers to indulge in their secret fantasies about the celebrities we love to watch. Kili and Ice Man practically ignite the virtual mechanism and make it sound so promising that I'd love to give it a try.

THE HOTTEST ONE NIGHT STAND by Lisa Renee Jones
Jessica's trip to her nephews birthday party takes an unexpected detour when she encounters a man who reminds her of Zorro and makes her think of wild, uninhibited, orgasmic sex - the kind she's never experienced. Circumstances arise that have them sharing a motel room and one wild night that neither will ever forget.

Who hasn't fantasized about some man you may have seen one time in passing? Lisa Renee Jones examines the possibilities with this hot little tale. I love how this story played out right through to the end.

OUT OF THE SHADOWS by Myla Jackson
TJ works as a vampire killing cop in Houston. With a hurricane heading their way, the citizens of the city have been ordered to evacuate but that there will be people who stay behind to brave the storm. TJ's concerned about his neighbor Cassidy. They shared a passionate encounter but she's been avoiding him ever since. What could have happened to cause her retreat from him?

Myla Jackson composes a tale that makes waiting out a storm very enticing. TJ and Cassidy are characters that readers will adore. They're both so `noble' and well matched and have really hot sex.

A FAMILIAR KIND OF MAGIC by Sylvia Day
Since the death of her beloved warlock, Darius, Victoria has turned feral and enjoyed defeating the High Council's wishes to collar her at every turn. They've stepped things up a notch with the latest hunter they've sent to rein her in - Max Westin. Max is a Hunter and he knows exactly how to conquer Victoria - by loving her.

Simply delightful is the best way to describe this tale. Sylvia Day brings out all the playfully fun things that make reading about familiars so much fun and adds a suspense element that'll have you glued to the pages waiting to learn of Max and Victoria's fate.

TEMPTING GRACE by Sasha White
For the past month Grace has consistently turned down all of Lukas's requests for a date. He thinks that he's lucked out when she finally agrees. Only she's not agreeing to a date, she wants one night with no dinner and no promises. Grace needs to be with someone, to feel a warm body next to hers. Can Lukas tempt her to extend their `one night' to involve dating, dinner, and everything else she's trying to deny?

Sasha White is quickly becoming a `must read' author and this tale is a prime example of why readers love her books. Grace and Lukas are polar opposites. She's an ex-stripper and he's a preacher's son. She doesn't think that she's good enough for him. He's out to prove that she's wrong.

QUICK SILVER by Vivi Anna
Sangria makes a living transporting mostly illegal cargo around the country. Her newest client's attitude and knowledge of Sangria's true identity gives her reason for concern. Sangria knows that her fears are well founded when she's in an accident and discovers what it is that she's being paid to transport - a sex worker named Vance.

Vivi Anna gives readers a thrill with this story. QUICK SILVER is full of unexpected events, thrilling sex, and a kick butt ending that had me snickering. Sangria and Vance aren't your typical hero/heroine couple but that's what makes them so delightful.

The Allure authors did a fantastic job compiling this anthology! All of these tales are vastly different, full of fascinating characters, hot sex, emotional situations, and witty dialogue. This is one of the few anthologies that I've read where I loved all of the stories. Each story flowed easily into the next one and I never felt like I had to stop reading before continuing onto the next author's contribution. Wonderfully done ladies! I hope to see many more collaborative efforts in the future.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

Lover's Locket by Cathryn Fox

Caira was fascinated by the portrait of a man that is hanging in her living room, what she doesn't know is that it is her lover from a past life, who was banished by a curse into this portrait. Only the incantation on the locket will free him, but his freedom will come with a high prize and a challenge.

Lover's Locket is a fascinating story that really bewitches its reader. Ms. Fox knows how to captivate her readers from the beginning. This story is a good start for the anthology.


Kili's Ice Man by Delilah Devlin

Gunnar was so interested in Kili that he became part of her virtual fantasy, but the big problem was that she chose a very primitive setting and he has to woo her in a very limited way.

Ms. Devlin wrote with Kili's Ice Man a funny, sexy and really interesting story. Just to come up such an idea is really hilarious. One really suffers with Gunnar when he finds out what kind of situation he has landed himself in.


The Hottest One Night Stand by Lisa Renee Jones

Jessica is depressed that her husband left her not only because he has another girlfriend but also because he said that she was sexually suppressed. Will a one-night stand with a sexy stranger awaken the sensual woman in her?

The Hottest One Night Stand is the story of a woman, who finds out that there is a very sensual woman lurking in her and how she finds a way to free this part of her personality. It's a very sexy story.


Out of the Shadows by Myla Jackson

Cassidy hoped that there would be a chance to be with TJ Evans, but one momentous night destroyed all her hopes. TJ would never be able to love a vampire and she feared that she would hurt him or worse.

Out of the Shadows is a wonderful and emotional story. It will keep glued to the pages, because you want to know what happens next to TJ and Cassidy.


A Familiar Kind of Magic by Sylvia Day

Victoria loves nothing more than mischief, so it is no surprise that the High Council assigns Max Westin to collar and tame her. A battle of wills starts and neither Victoria nor Max knows who will become the seducer.

A Familiar Kind of Magic is a wonderful story that is absolutely spell-binding. You will absolutely fall in love with these characters. Ms. Day did a terrific job with this story and it's a real keeper.


Tempting Grace by Sasha White

As a former bad girl, Grace is weary to accept the offer of help from the much younger Lucas, because she fears that she will loose her acceptance. But being bad can be so good?

No one can write better bad girl stories than Sasha White and she proves again with Tempting Grace. It's a great story.


Quick Silver by Vivi Ana

Sangria knows how to do her job as messenger/delivery person, but she is quite shocked when she discovers after an accident that her cargo was a real man, who is sexy as hell.

Ms. Ana delivered with Quick Silver a terrific futuristic story, which is really sexy. It's great end to a terrific anthology which brings seven different fantasies to life.

This reviewer was sorry when she reached the last page of the book; you just want to read more. You really have to keep your eye on those authors, because they write great stories

Courtesy of Loveromancesandmore[...]

LOVER'S LOCKET by Cathryn Fox
Caira, bakery owner and independent woman, wonders if she'll ever find true love. The portrait hanging in her living room, passed down through several generations of her family seems to mock her. The handsome warrior in the portrait is a constant reminder of what she doesn't have in her life. One day, while browsing in an antique shop, Caira finds herself drawn to a locket and is told that reciting the etched incantation will help the owner find true love, but at the risk of evil. Caira makes the decision to recite the incantation, surprised by the appearance of her true love. But she and her lover are faced with an unfathomable darkness; will their love be strong enough to overcome? Caira and her unexpected lover are wonderfully appealing in this tale of undying love by Cathryn Fox. Caira's previous failures at love have been experienced by every woman, are well-written, and enable readers to understand in her disappointment. LOVER'S LOCKET is an excellent offering in the Alluring Tales anthology.******KILI'S ICE MAN by Delilah Devlin Kili Wilder's love for and knowledge of the Gladiator series is a plus when it comes to successfully doing her job of marketing network spots. Her attraction to Gladiator Gunnar Thorsson is strong, and when Gunnar first spots Kili in her office, he is equally and almost instantly attracted to her as well. That is until he eavesdrops on a conversation between her and a friend wherein they agree that someone like him, perhaps not too bright, might make for an interesting partner. He then manages to put himself in the middle of her virtual reality fantasy, in an effort to prove to her that he is more than just a body, and that he is worth taking a chance on.
KILI'S ICE MAN might be short, but the relationship between Kili and Gunnar heats up fast, and is very satisfying. Ms. Devlin's contribution to this anthology is a fun bit of fantasy, and Kili and Gunnar and their reactions and attraction to one another are a sensual treat.******THE HOTTEST ONE NIGHT STAND by Lisa Renee Jones When Assistant D.A. Jessica Montgomery stops at dingy bar to use the phone after her cell phone dies, she immediately spots a gorgeous Latino man and is unable to take her eyes off him; she is disappointed when he leaves before she has the opportunity to talk to him. She leaves shortly after he does, even more discouraged when her car breaks down and the only hotel in the area doesn't have any rooms available. Indulging herself in a good cry, she is startled by the appearance of a man at her car window; it's the same man she had ogled at the bar. He invites her to share his hotel room, and she cautiously decides to take him up on his offer. After a long, sensuous night spent together, Jessica wakes up alone, totally sated, but somewhat sad, upon finding that her passionate stranger was gone. When undercover DEA agent Dominic Montez surprises Jessica at her sister's home a week later, will he be able to convince Jessica that he is worth taking a chance on? Lisa Renee Jones has a knack for writing bold heroes, unafraid of taking charge and going after the women they want. In THE HOTTEST ONE NIGHT STAND, she has penned a story with two successful professionals who are confident in their chosen professions, but just a little unsure of themselves when it comes to love. Witnessing their passion is a true pleasure, just one of several in this sweet story!******OUT OF THE SHADOWS by Myla Jackson T.J. Evans, a member of a special vampire killing task force for the Houston P.D., can't figure out what has caused the sudden change of heart of his neighbor, Cassidy Jones. He and Cassidy had recently given in to a shared attraction, becoming lovers, and then shortly after she turned cold and now avoids him, refusing to talk to him. When T.J. discovers that Cassidy has not evacuated, despite an impending Category 5 hurricane, he decides that he must take matters into his own hands to see that she is removed from her home and taken to safety. Cassidy has her own reasons for avoiding T.J., all valid in her frightened, confused mind. When the hurricane strikes, these two must ride it out together, and decide if their attraction can weather the storm to allow them a solid future together. Myla Jackson's contribution to this anthology is an incredibly sweet paranormal. The vampire plotline is very well done and I feel certain that even readers who are not vampire fans will find it appealing. Cassidy's despair is excellently written, and T.J.'s struggle to understand is heartening.*******A FAMILIAR KIND OF MAGIC by Sylvia Day When warlock Max Westin is sent to tame familiar Victoria St. John, he soon realizes that this will be unlike any of his previous assignments by the high council. Victoria sets out to seduce Max almost immediately, and try however hard he may, he can't resist her feline charms. Victoria isn't prepared for Max's persuasive domination; stubborn as she may be, her defenses are down from previous heartache. Max realizes that the high council's plans for taming Victoria will completely break her spirit, but he's uncertain of how far he can go to protect her without bringing the wrath of the high council down on both of them. Sylvia Day has a unique talent for writing totally seductive heroines, and her heroes are always the epitome of male perfection. Max and Victoria are no exception. They are sophisticated, attractive, intelligent characters, and their smooth seduction of each other is simply breathtaking.******TEMPTING GRACE by Sasha White Grace Walters repeatedly turns down Lukas Martin's request to go to dinner, until one night when she is emotionally weakened by the loss of a troubled teen that she was attempting to help. Lukas wants more than the one night stand that Grace is suggesting, but decides that he'll take what he can get. After that one special night, Lukas wants more and refuses to give up on a more serious relationship with Grace. Grace, on the other hand, is determined to refuse Lukas until he gives up. Will Lukas be patient enough to persist, despite Grace's stubborn resolve to keep him at arm's length? Grace and Lukas are written in such a way that readers can literally feel the emotions that they are experiencing. The attraction that Lukas feels for Grace, and her continued denial of feelings for Lukas, are reasonable and very realistic. Sasha White never fails to put forth a unique plotline, interesting, strong characters, and an abundance of sensuality.******QUICK SILVER by Vivi Anna Sangria Silver is simply doing her job discreetly delivering packages of every sort, when she is hired to deliver a locked case, the contents of which were unknown to her, but undoubtedly illegal. This is not unusual, as Sangria offers an elite service for those who can afford it. What is unusual is when Sangria is forced off the road and the case is thrown from her car, broken open to reveal a bound man. The man is Vance Verona, a sex worker who is hired out to entertain rich, high-powered women. Sangria knows that her failure to deliver is pretty much the equivalent of signing her own death warrant. When Sangria and Vance become lovers, they become more determined than ever to stay alive, because there are two men whose assignment it is to find and kill them. Vivi Anna's story gives readers a look into the future with Sangria and Vance's story. Sangria is a strong, self-sufficient woman, dependent on no one but herself. Vance is an incredibly passionate man, determined to be there for Sangria, no small task given her independent stubbornness.

The ALLURING TALES: AWAKEN THE FANTASY anthology is a dazzling mix of short stories; something for everyone. Sometimes multi-author anthologies fail to engage everyone. Not so with this anthology. The quality of authors and stories is a pleasant surprise, given the quantity. I do feel however, that if each and every one of the stories isn't a hit with some readers, they won't be disappointed, again because of the number of authors involved. I give this anthology a high recommendation and feel that readers will find themselves completely satisfied with it.
COURTESY LAURIE/ROMANCEJUNKIES

Lover's Locket by Cathryn Fox

Caira has spent years dreaming and fantasizing about the man with long dark hair whose portrait had been passed down in her family for generations. No man she's ever been out with has been able to compare to Zarek, even though she knows he's only a painting. While exploring a strange shop with an even stranger proprietor, Caira finds herself irresistibly drawn to a piece of antique jewelry called The Lovers Locket. The shop proprietor gives her the locket but warns her of the curse associated with it - if you recite the incantation etched into the silver locket, your true love will be revealed to you, but it comes with the price of the awakening of the Keeper of Darkness from his slumber. Disturbed by the similarity to a myth she was told as a child, Ciana decides to recite the incantation anyway.

Lover's Locket is a very hot and sexy story of curses, reincarnation and magic. I loved the personalities of the two main characters and everything they were willing to risk and give up for each other. The enduring theme of love conquering the most fearsome foe is well done in this tale and gives this anthology's theme a great start.

Kili's Ice Man by Delilah Devlin

Kili Wilder has been fascinated by the gladiator called the Ice Man for weeks and then got a chance to meet him when tasked with selling marketing spots. Gunnar Thorsson is instantly attracted to Kili until he overhears her referring to him as dim-witted. Now he thinks she's just another "gladiator groupie" who doesn't care about the man inside the warrior image. Gunnar manages to bribe his way into Kili's virtual reality fantasy and lets her see just what is inside him.

Kili's Ice Man was a great choice to follow the first story. Its science fiction world pulled me away and into the world of Kili and Gunnar. More hot sex and great world building would have been good, but this is a terrific reminder that people are not just what they appear to be on the surface and what you think you want, may only be part of the truth.

The Hottest One Night Stand by Lisa Renee Jones

On a quick trip to visit her family, Jessica Montgomery stops at a bar in Texas in an attempt to use the phone but instead sees a man that entrances her. Just as she puts aside her desire for this Latino man, her car breaks down and the only motel for miles has already rented out their last room. In the midst of a thunderstorm, the man from the bar reappears and offers to share his room with her. This quickly turns passionate as these two strangers become lovers. But what will happen when their brief escape from the world is over?

A richly sensual treatment of the story of the one-night stand that becomes more, The Hottest One Night Stand was also the story of the journey of two people from choosing work and solitude, to them having a chance to choose to be together. Intense emotions and characterizations make this a rich and introspective story at the same time it didn't skimp in the realm of sensuality and sexuality.

Out of the Shadows by Myla Jackson

Houston cop, TJ Evans, is a member of a special task force that is a permanent night shift - killing vampires. But TJ's mind isn't completely on his new job since he's still trying to figure out what went wrong between himself and his sexy next-door neighbor Cassidy Jones. After finally consummating their mutual attraction, she stopped taking his calls with no explanation. Now in the path of a Category 5 hurricane, TJ discovers just why Cassidy refused to see him.

Out of the Shadows was a great paranormal offering and I was really rooting for TJ and Cassidy to overcome the huge odds against them. I appreciated that the paranormal aspects of the story didn't overwhelm the romance as well as the great way the timeline of the slightly future-based world was integrated with some current events. There is a definite "ahhhhhh" moment at the end of the story.

A Familiar Kind of Magic by Sylvia Day

Having gone feral after the death of her prior warlock master, familiar Victoria St. John takes her small measures of revenge by seducing and turning the tables on the warlock that the High Council sends to tame her. She was more than a typical familiar and now Hunter Max Westin has arrived with orders to either tame her or kill her. But just who will be tamed?

A Familiar Kind of Magic had me absolutely engrossed from the first paragraph. The way Sylvia gives life to both the human and animal aspects of Victoria is amazing and I really want to have the abilities Victoria has. Max is a very attractive mix of strength, dominance and sensitivity that makes him irresistible. With hot sex, some BDSM and a wonderful paranormal world, this story is hot!

Tempting Grace by Sasha White

After countless requests for a date, ex-stripper Grace Walters has instead agreed to a one night stand with the handsome defense attorney Lukas Martin. Once he gets over his shock, he realizes something is wrong, Grace isn't behaving normally and she seems to be in some sort of shock. Now Lukas is troubled because he doesn't want to take advantage of Grace if she's vulnerable. But Grace says she needs him - what's a guy to do?

Tempting Grace was an enthralling slice of the lives of Grace and Lukas and speaks to the power of love that's given a chance and allowed to bloom. I always like Sasha's stories and was not surprised that I liked it although I was surprised at how long it made me consider the characters and just what their past history may have been. A very compelling story indeed!

Quick Silver by Vivi Anna

Sangria Silver is a Conveyor, a delivery professional for cargos that shouldn't be too closely questioned. Her latest delivery was a locked metal case that she was to be paid an exorbitant fee to deliver. After picking up the case and a portion of her fee, she was forced off the road by a semi-truck and the case burst open. Sangria breaks her number one rule - she sees what is inside the package. And the contents of that package consist of sex worker Vance Verona.

Quick Silver was a fun end to this anthology. The byplay between Sangria and Vance was a delight to watch and the hot sex and erupting passion was certainly what I was cheering to have happen. I think the futuristic and yet very familiar world only added to my enjoyment - and I've always wondered what anyone would want a Hummer for!

Alluring Tales: Awaken the Fantasy was a terrific set of stories by some of my favorite authors that I would recommend to anyone who wants some great short stories in a variety of sub-genres with hot sex and very engaging characters.

Maura
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

HarperCollins Avon Red has created an anthology of stories guaranteed to warm even the coldest winter night!

Wow! Individually, each of the stories in the anthology Alluring Tales - Awaken the Fantasy more than sizzle, but united in one hot little book, they are downright combustible! The title promises alluring tales, and it definitely delivers!

With some anthologies, you find several stories you like or love, and maybe a story or two that aren't quite up to par. It would be hard to find anyone who could say this about Alluring Tales - Awaken the Fantasy! Each story is just as good as the last one. I personally would be hard pressed to choose a favorite between them, and am very grateful I don't have to!

~ Lover's Locket by Cathryn Fox ~

When an old gypsy presses Caira to accept a mysterious locket, Caira finds love, and risks losing her soul to save his!

This is the first story I've ever read by Cathryn Fox, and I find myself compelled to look for more of her work after reading it. Lover's Locket is a surprisingly complex story of ancient curses, forbidden love, and reincarnation. I use the word complex due to its brevity. Fox has woven an intricate history for her leading lady in this story, proving her skill with the short story format.

~ Kili's Ice Man by Delilah Devlin ~

In a futuristic world, Kili attempts to ease her lust for her celebrity crush, the Ice Man, over her lunch hour with one quick virtual reality session in order to calm her nerves before a business meeting with him that very afternoon. But her VR fantasy man seems all too real...

I confess to a love of Science Fiction and I am always intrigued by Virtual Reality themes. I wasn't disappointed with Devlin's addition to this anthology! Kili programs her Virtual Reality session with what she believes is her dream man, but all bets are off when the Ice Man himself gets wind of her plan! Gunnar proves to be a remarkably sensitive he-man type, taking both Kili and the reader by surprise!

~ The Hottest One Night Stand by Lisa Renee Jones ~

One stormy night and a broken down car bring Jessica the opportunity to find her sexuality with a sexy and compelling stranger. But he soon proves to be something very different from what he seems...

I wanted to read this anthology because of Lisa Renee Jones contribution to it, having thoroughly enjoyed other stories written by her. Even had I not enjoyed any of the other stories in this anthology, Jones' story would still have made this a worthwhile read! She reaches into every woman's fantasy of an anonymous encounter with a dangerous man, and then turns the tables on both the leading lady and the readers when he turns out to be so much more!

~ Out of the Shadows by Myla Jackson ~

What will a Vampire Hunter do when the woman he loves becomes the very thing he hates above all else?

From the very start, Jackson fosters empathy for her hero, with the reader sharing his confusion and frustration for the woman he loves. When we are finally allowed insight as to her reasons for turning TJ away, our heart breaks for both of them.

~ A Familiar Kind of Magic by Sylvia Day ~

Who will really be tamed when a powerful Warlock, Max, tries to collar the rogue Familiar, Victoria?

With A Familiar Kind of Magic, Day proves a woman can find strength and power in letting go. Max proves himself as a gentle and sly Dominant when he sets out to tame Victoria, simultaneously empowering her and allowing her to unleash the needs she has subjugated for years.

~ Tempting Grace by Sasha White ~

Ex-stripper turned Probation Officer Grace isn't looking for love, and especially not with the minister's son, Lukas. But Lukas proves persistent, and persistence has a way of paying off...

Sasha White is also a new author for me, and I will recommend her without reservation to anyone interested in this genre! She has included a wonderful contemporary tale that proves love isn't always where we expect it to be, nor in the form we anticipated.

~ Quick Silver by Vivi Anna ~

Sangria knows this delivery is trouble waiting to happen - a suspicion more than confirmed when an ambush gives her a good look at the merchandise she is transporting!

I'm not quite certain just how Vivi Anna included so much plot in so few words, but she did - and did it well! Sangria's tale is one of loneliness and hardship, but she finds a way out in the most unlikely of places...

This is a great collection of a variety of romance stories at a pretty unbeatable price. Overall I enjoyed the stories but there definitely were some better than others. It seems other reviews have done a good enough job of providing synopsis's of each story so I wont get into that but I do have my favorites and a few elements of stories that bothered me.

Lover's Locket by Cathryn Fox - I really enjoyed this story and I felt it was pretty well developed but the ending felt a little rushed and not entirely satisfying for me.

Kili's Ice Man by Delilah Devlin - I really loved the premise of this futuristic romance and it was packed full of spice, but I was a little confused with how things ended but that just could have been me, it was still a good little story.

The Hottest One Night Stand by Lisa Renee Jones - This one was so-so for me, nothing too spectacular and it seemed to drag on a little bit with the reader being trapped inside the heroine's mind and her never ending litany of how awful her ex-husband had been. We get it no need for repetition. Still had a good hero though, so that made up for it somewhat.

A Familiar Kind of Magic by Sylvia Day - This was a very hot read and Sylvia Day created a very interesting world I wouldn't mind exploring more. The feminist in me cringed a few times with the whole one must control/dominate the other aspect but the hero's sensitively made up for it. Great steamy read, and great start to a new series if she wanted to take it in that direction (maybe she already has I'll have to check).

Tempting Grace by Sasha White - I really wasn't a fan of this one, it was a different story and I can appreciate that but I just didn't feel like this a type of story that could be tackled appropriately in a short novella format. Also I had the slight issue of the hero's father being a priest. I could be totally wrong but aren't priests celibate? It never said he was Catholic but referring to him as the priest and father sort of pulled me out of the story.

Quick Silver by Vivi Anna - Interesting story and characters, but I would have loved to have seen them more developed and maybe it's just me but the character of Vance came across as kind of feminine which is fine, but I was sort of questioning his sexuality even when he was getting hot and heavy with Sangria. Either that or the author had a hard time writing authentic dialogue for a man. Not sure which but still an okay read overall.

If you're look for a cheap read with a wide variety I would definitely recommend checking out this collection.

These seven stories not only excite the libido but also touch the mind.

Lover's Locket By Cathryn Fox

This story was great. I really enjoyed reading about how true love never dies it waits for the perfect time and place. Caira is searching for the perfect man for her but never seems to find it. Little did she know she is the key to setting her perfect man free. Trapped in a painting Zarek has been waiting with one chant of the incantation he is there for a time with Caira but only she can set them both free for all time.

Kili's Ice Man By Delilah Devlin

Kili has the hots for wrestler named the ice man. Little does she know when he first sees her he is also attracted. Kili is determined to get him out of her system before a big presentation to his board regarding an advertising campaign. Her friend send her to this virtual reality cafe (ladies after reading this story you will want one too) to fulfill her fantasy. Gunnar is determined to show this little minx he is more than just a brainless wrestler but when he gets into her virtual scenario all he can do is act like a caveman. It is funny to watch him struggle with what he wants and what she has had loaded into the program, and wow is it hot with what he can do in it.

The Hottest One-Night Stand by Lisa Renee Jones

Jessica gets stuck while on her way to her sisters place but where she ends up is just perfect. Meeting up with a perfect stranger awakens all of her fantasies and makes her feel like the woman she was meant to be. Her ex really did a number on her self esteem but one night with her perfect stranger gives her hope for her future but is he going to be in it. All I know is I want a one night stand like this in my future.

Out of the Shadows by Myla Jackson

Cassidy really fell for TJ but one night changes everything for them. TJ is a vampire hunter and well Cassidy has recently been changes into one. One night makes her think that even though she really wants TJ what is best for them both is if she never sees him again. TJ on the other hand has no clue what has happen to Cassidy but isn't ready to give her up. What happens next is a sexy account of what could happen when 2 people let their hearts lead instead of their minds.

Tempting Grace by Sasha White

Grace is a woman with a big heart that has been hurt in the past and is afraid to let someone new in. Luke has had this attraction with Grace for years and would like to know where it will go. Grace is down in the dumps one night and agrees to a one night stand with Luke but after wards he must walk away. Luke agrees with a hidden agenda make grace his for all times no matter what it takes. The sexy battle of wills ensues and it is awesome to see how it unfolds.

A familiar Kind of Magic by Sylvia Day

This story I could not get enough of. Victoria is a woman with her own mind and own magic every warlock the council has sent after her to collar her again has failed. As a familiar she is not suppose to have magic and that is what has kept her safe for now. But then in comes Max with so much machismo it is hard for Victoria to resist but resist she must. Max's dominance soon wins her battle of wills though but Victoria knows the one thing she must never give him is her heart because if Max gets that then all is lost to her forever.

Quick Silver by Vivi Anna

This story is set in the future and is kind hard to follow it seems to leave to much to the unknown. The sex scenes between Sangria and Vance are definitely hot it is just hard to explain this story. Sangria is a transporter and she ends up with a package little does she know until after they crash the package is Vance in a box. After this they go on the run and that is where the true sexiness of Vance is shown to be.

This book is great to read alone or with a partner so when you get all hot and bothered together they are there to help cool you off in all the right ways.

"Lover's Locket" by Cathryn Fox. All she needs is love, but Caira has no hope of finding her beloved until she opens up a locket that sends her on a quest to free Zarek.

"Kili's Ice Man" by Delilah Devlin. Kili and the gladiator Ice Man meet, but nothing goes right yet they want to meet again.

"The Hottest One-Night Stand" by Lisa Renee Jones. After a horrific divorce, Jessica vowed never again will she be in a long term relationship again until she meets the stranger Dominic and covets infinite nights and days.

"Out of the Shadows" by Myla Jackson. Vampire hater T.J. covets his neighbor Cassidy until he learns his beloved has quite a bite.

"Tempting Grace" by Sasha White. Feeling depressed and all alone, Grace turns to Luke for warmth and sex while insisting one night is all she desires and one night after that and after that, etc.

"A Familiar Kind of Magic" Sylvia Day. Max the dominant warlock plans to seduce Victoria the temptress into being his submissive, but she supposedly prefers being on top too even as they share telepathically their inner secrets.

"Quick Silver" by Vivi Ana. New States of America Conveyor Sangria is delivering special cargo, Vance the sex worker to Vegas, but they have time for a tryst or three.

These entertaining seven erotic tales cross several genres but share in common heat that make the temperature of Mercury seem more like Neptune.

Harriet Klausner

I have been following Cathryn Fox's work since starting her Pleasure Games series. I enjoyed her story along with two others: Myla Jackson and Lisa Renee Jones' tales. It's a keeper for me eventhough I only liked 3 of 6 stories. I will reread them from time to time.