Anthology Reviews

Page Five

Added February 24, 2004

Irish Enchantment

Authors: Diana Hunter, Sahara Kelly and Tielle St. Clare
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Available At: www.ellorascave.com
Publishing Date: February 18, 2004
Genre: Romance: Erotic/Paranormal/Fantasy
Format: Ebook download in PDF/HTML/LIT/Mobipocket
Price: $7.99
ISBN: 1-84360-780-8
Author Email/Website: www.dianahunter.net
Author Email/Website: www.saharakelly.com
Author Email/Website: tielle@alaska.net
Reviewer: Ayden Delacroix

Bantry Mac Murchadha loved his nephew. Granted the boy was trouble, but all boys went through a trouble-making stage. However, not all of them got drunk and stole treasures from a goddess. Bantry knew he had to do something and just before he tossed the stolen treasures into the ocean, the goddess Cliodna stopped him. She asked him to match each of the treasures to the right person, thereby allowing that person to find their heart's desire. How hard could it be to match a piece of tapestry, a harp and a rock to the right person?

Stitches in Time by Diana Hunter

Maggie hadn't wanted to come on this business trip with Liam Finnerty. She didn't even want to be working in her father's company. Experienced in textile art and art restoration, the torn piece of tapestry fascinated her. It was a work of art and while the hopes of finding the other piece was dim; she would love to have the opportunity to try. Unfortunately, she'd given up her dream of working in art restoration after her brother died to work in her father's company. Her father belonged to the old school and refused to give her a paycheck for the work she did in the company. There was no way she could afford the tapestry and definitely no way she'd ask her father's right hand man, Liam Finnerty, to buy it for.

Liam hated the woman's guts. Maggie Andrews might be the boss's daughter but she was a cold-hearted, hard-ass. She might possess the body of a goddess, but her character left something to be desired. He didn't understand her obsession with the torn tapestry, but her accidental admission about not receiving a paycheck touched his heart. Still he didn't plan on buying the tapestry for her, not until he heard the leprechaun from the tapestry talk to him. At first, he dismissed the voice as a hallucination caused by the Irish coffee he drank, however, hearing the leprechaun say he would help Liam find his heart's desire factored rather heavily in his buying the tapestry.

Will Liam break the barriers surrounding Maggie's heart and help her rediscover the joy life has to offer? Will the two be able to find the rest of the tapestry and rejoin the two pieces?

Of all the novellas in Irish Enchantment, Stitches in Time is the one that moved me the most. Maggie was the type of heroine I prefer to see. Very devoted to her family, so much so she's willing to put aside her dreams to make others happy. It takes a great strength of character to finally make the decision to do what makes you happy, especially in Maggie's situation. Watching Liam bring out the best in Maggie and helping her rediscover herself was beautiful; and the fact he bought the tapestry for her because he knew it would make her happy was really sweet.

Harpist Bizarre by Sahara Kelly

Fay's trip to Ireland was completely unplanned. After catching her boyfriend with another woman, she decided she needed a change of scenery and pace. A concert pianist, she enjoyed her work, even though she had lost the joy she once had. She planned to enjoy Ireland and act just like a tourist, taking plenty of pictures and buying plenty of souvenirs. This was her chance to forget about her ex-boyfriend and decided if she wanted to remain a concert pianist. Making her trip even more memorable is the fact she's started having erotic dreams, really erotic. Dreams so real, she knows she'll never forget them.

While out walking in the village, she stops in at a quaint little shop. Filled to the brim with plenty of touristy knick-knacks, she is surprised to spot a beautiful handcrafted harp. Something about the harp calls to her and for a while she tries to ignore its call. Finally giving in, she purchases the harp and walks out to a pasture to try her hand at playing. She sits on a rock and immediately finds herself having an erotic daydream. A daydream so real, she could feel every touch and nuance of her phantom lover, including his weight.

Aiden Mac Murchadha really regretted stealing the harp. How was he to know the goddess Cailleach would be so angry that she would banish him to stay trapped inside the harp until her music was played on the harp once again? Ever since he had been cursed, he'd dreamt of the woman who would free him. First just feelings and general sense, but lately the woman had become more defined. He knew exactly what she looked liked and how she felt. He prayed Cailleach's music would be played soon because he didn't know how much longer he could dream about his woman, only to have her taken away just before their pleasure was consummated.

Author Sahara Kelly packs a lot of heat into her novella Harpist Bizarre. Fay is a great heroine and I liked the fact she was determined to get on with her life instead of sulking and moaning about her cheating ex-boyfriend. Her trip to Ireland gave her a chance to reexamine her life and she was very open and honest about what she learned and was equally determined to change. I must admit as wonderful as Fay and Aiden were, it was the very occasional appearances of the goddess Cliodna that had me laughing, especially her choice of clothing. Who knew goddesses would dress like Britney Spears? *gg*

Kissing Stone by Tielle St. Clare

Kit had been in love with her friend Jax for several months, but wasn't willing to risk their friendship for one night of sex. After learning she would have to participate in a television interview to promote a book she co-authored, Kit had a panic attack. Speaking before more than two people sent her heart racing and her tongue into knots. Trying to get away from her problems, she starts running and ends up in a small shop. Inside the little shop, she starts talking to the owner, a nice Irishman who offers to sell her something that will help her.

An expert in myths and legends, Kit can't believe she actually believed the shop owner when he offered her a piece of the Blarney Stone. Even worse, she bought the thing! What possessed her to do such a thing? Later that evening while at dinner with Jax, she decides to take a chance and kisses the stone. She feels an electric shock, but it's the words coming out of her mouth that astound her. Where did she learn to talk like that? And why was she intent on seducing Jax tonight?

Swept away by their mutual attraction, Kit begins to believe her rock possesses magic. But when she forgets to bring the stone with her to her television interview, will Jax be able to help her conquer her fear of public speaking?

A wonderful friends-to-lovers story, Kissing Stone is filled to the brim with emotion. You know Kit and Jax care deeply for one another and it would take something special for them to move their relationship to another level. I especially loved how willing Jax was to help Kit get over her fear of public speaking and how he believed her when she said the rock was magic.

Three artifacts, three talented authors, three unforgettable novellas combine to make Irish Enchantment a don't miss read. Full of Ellora's Cave trademarks, emotion and moresexmoresexmoresex, this anthology will have you glued to your seat and downing iced tea while sighing over the beauty of undying love.

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Added November 20, 2003

Alien Encounters

Authors: Ashley Ladd, Joy Nash, Dominiqe Tomas and Jane Toombs
Publisher: New Concepts Publishing
Available At: www.newconceptspublishing.com
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Romance: Paranormal/Futuristic
Format: Trade Paperback and Ebook disk and download in PDF/HTML/RTF
Price: $7.99 paperback, $6.50 disk, $5.99 download
ISBN: 1-58608-752-5
Author Email/Website: www.ashleyladd.com
Author Email/Website: www.joynash.com
Author Email/Website: members.aol.com/DminiqueT/001.html
Author Email/Website: www.janetoombs.com
Reviewer: Robin Taylor

Stolen Brides by Ashley Ladd

Kat Craven, human pilot and former Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, is one angry woman. Kit and others have been taken to the plant Antara for the sole purpose of producing children for the Antaran men. Prince Davek was in charge of traveling to the past and finding suitable women. Antaran women were cursed and can no longer conceive. Davek and Kat knock heads more than once in this thrilling novella. Despite their opposing views, Kat and Davek have an undeniable and irresistible attraction to each other. Ashley Ladd will be certain to capture your attention with the Antaran world, its customs and the new relationship between Kat and Davek.

Dream Guardian by Joy Nash

Dar is unlike any neighbor Jewel's ever had. For one thing, he plays the most deplorable music. Also, he says he is an alien, from Tar'ana in the Tarnassa System. She's loathe to believe him, but for some reason, she can sense his emotions. Will Jewel be what Dar needs her to be for him? What a thrilling novella! Dar needs Jewel. It is imperative Jewel take on the role as Dar's Dream Guardian. However, Jewel's saving Dar's life could possible cost her life. It doesn't take long for Jewel to begin having strong psychic connections with Dar, and this terrifies her. Dream Guardian is a very intense novella that moves at a quick pace, allowing enough suspense for us to wonder if Dar and Jewel will be okay together.

Some Assembly Requried by Dominique Tomas

Will Rahzel's dream lover ever become a reality? Rahzel is very busy as a Mind-Driver at Link Station Beta-Ten Zeta. Rahzel's life is rather mundane, but she's held onto as much variety as she could. Though her life is privileged, her sense of loneliness haunts her. It is discovered that there appears to be hallucinations affecting some of the Mind-Drivers. Rahzel has been affected differently than others, but she doesn't let on. She requests permission to investigate the strange goings-on. From time to time Rahzel will request of "The Voice" what is it he/it wants. When she begins conversing with "The Voice" she wonders of her sanity. What is going on? This ultra-intelligent story by Tomas will catch your attention. When this entity reveals who he is and what his purpose is, Rahzel's titillating reaction will thrill you.

The Loveland Curse by Jane Toombs

As a shapeshifter, Zenna leads a very lonely life. She decides one night that she'd like to put an end to her virginity. The town she lives in allows her presence, but treats her differently, and she knows not one man in her town of Loveland will ever pay any attention to her. Her quest leads her to Curtis Helms, whose mysterious nature excites her. Will Curtis, who is a true mystery for a while, be the man for Zenna? Will Zenna be able to go back to her lonely life in Loveland after being with Curtis? You'll have to read this intriguing and sometimes shocking novella to find the answers.

Each story in Alien Encounters provides a woman with a man who will love them like no other. Some other-worldly experiences are here to tantalize the reader. You won't want to put this exciting anthology down. For one thing, the world-building in these stories is excellent, along with incredible steam in each well-written story. Be sure to pick up Alien Encounters for your keeper shelf.

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Added November 6, 2003

Things that Go Bump in the Night 3

Authors: Cheyenne McCray, Stephanie Burke and Mlyn Hurn
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Available At: www.ellorascave.com
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Romance: Erotic/Paranormal/Futuristic/Fantasy
Format: Ebook download in PDF/HTML/LIT/Mobipocket
Price: $7.99
ISBN: 1-84360-648-8
Author Email/Website: www.cheyennemcray.com
Author Email/Website: www.theflashcat.net/
Reviewer: Robin Taylor

In this exciting novella by Cheyenne McCray, Seraphine Chronicles: Possessed, we are treated to another visit with the Seraphine Elves. Natalie and her friends, Miz and Kerry, are attending the "Out of this World" Convention. An annoyed Natalie agrees to visit one of the exhibits, a Virtual Reality Cave. The second Natalie enters the cave, the very air is different. For reasons she cannot understand, she finds herself in a race for her life, and is ultimately rescued by Devline Elvin Enforcer, Evvan. Quite naturally, Natalie doubts the reality of what is happening, as well as what Evvan tells her. With Evvan's many gifts, and something extremely unique about Natalie, she is about to face an unbelievable future. If you are a fan of the Seraphine Elves, this sensual installment is not to be missed.

In Miznari, by Stephanie Burke, Miznari is quite peeved. After a failed threesome, she has to get away from the hotel. She's there now for the "Out of this World" Convention. Running blindly out of frustration, she literally runs into and trips over something rather odd - what looks like a man, a 12-inch man, blue with long hair, wings and tattoos. She can tell it is alive, but injured. Reluctantly, she sneaks her blue "Tinkerbell" back into the hotel.

Prince Kell of Lorndale cannot believe he escaped a pirate that tried to conceive a child by him so that she could take over Lorndale. Now he is in a strange place, with an equally strange woman, and he hurts, in more ways than one. For one thing, his system is still dealing with the aphrodisiac the pirate gave him. Ms. Burke brings Kell and Miz together in a story that will indeed make you laugh, and more than once. I don't know who is the more enjoyable character - Miz or Kell. One memorable scene is when Kell's aphrodisiac transfers to Miz. This titillating novella by Ms. Burke is too good to be missed.

Kerry is filled with disbelief when her reservation while at the conference she is attending with Miz and Natalie somehow gets lost in Colonial Ghost by Mlyn Hurn. A bed and breakfast is about to be opened, The Fair Rose, and Kerry is able to stay there. The owner, a lawyer, Broderick Douglass, doesn't think the B and B is ready for guests, yet he agrees for the schoolteacher to stay. From the first night, Kerry experiences amazing seductions, but the next morning, it is like Broderick doesn't remember anything. Are Kerry and Broderick experiencing sensual dreams - in which the other plays a prominent role? What really is happening in this ultra-sexy story? Keep in mind this question from the book "Can two people be in the same dream?" The intrigue leads to an utterly intelligent conclusion in this impressive novella.

When you put three very busy authors together in one anthology, you are bound to find something you like. How about all three stories? From the prologue that connects Natalie, Miz and Kerry, to a satisfying epilogue, Things that Go Bump in the Night III is a pleasure to read.

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