Mara’s Men by Faith Talbot

Mara’s Men by Faith Talbot
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (48 pgs)
Other: M/F/M, M/M, Ménage, Anal Play
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

In Cancun, Mara met Chris and Aaron, two mysterious men who spend most of their time under the ocean. They showed her a world she never could have imagined — and she chose to return to her normal life.

Now, months later, Mara returns to the Mexican beaches hoping to find what she left behind. But even if she does reunite with the two men who changed her world, how can she stay with them in their mysterious world under the sea?

This book was surprising. The author wrote a story that has wonderful and detailed descriptions that brought the ocean to life. There was one phrase that enchanted me – it summed up the beauty and intricate balance that comes from living in the water and it seemed to breathe romance.

I liked where Ms. Talbot introduced the main characters to a reader. It maximized the culmination of the romance in the tight framework of a short story. I found Mara, the heroine, at crossroads in her life. She was returning to the place where she felt the most connected, satisfied and loved but needed to know if it was a dream or could it be a reality that she could count on and believe in. It took courage to come back and it took true bravery of the heart to make the choice she did.

Aaron and Chris are the heroes. They not only love each other but they love Mara as well, one quicker to express it than the other. They live in the ocean and want her to join them but they know that it’s a tough choice to make for a land dweller. The author didn’t delve too deep into either character’s motivation or feelings. I was given just enough to understand that they did care for her, that they are nervous that she’ll turn them down and yet they remain hopeful. Certainly the care with which they treat the heroine was sweet and endearing. The guys were very protective of her.

The only glitch in the editing came from someone named Mark. I’m pretty sure that name wasn’t supposed to be there and now I’m wondering who that was supposed to be, if anyone. Other than that, the dialogue was interesting and really cool. It’s fascinating because it wasn’t normal speech all the time. The author introduced some neat descriptions and explanations of how Aaron, Chris and eventually Mara, communicated while under water. It was sort of similar to what I’ve seen in other books but Ms. Talbot certainly put her own spin on things. I liked it a lot.

Another part that made this story rock was the part with the whales. That whole scene, the words the author used to paint the effect it had on Mara, was unique and truly inspired. I even liked the dialogue that transpired during that whole event. For me, that was one of the highlights of the book.

This is a character driven romance. There are no villains. Its focus is on Mara’s choice and the process she goes through to achieve her happily ever after. However, erotic romance readers will find plenty to satisfy their yearnings because Ms. Talbot delivered in that area too.

Mara’s Men is actually a very sweet story about a heroine who has to choose her path to happiness. She had to face her fears and grab onto the best thing that’s ever happened to her, even though it was fantastical and unbelievable. Aaron and Chris are her Rocks of Gibraltar – with them she can do anything. And that’s pretty much what it came down to. The happily ever after isn’t spelled out, it’s implied. And because of the words the author chose to use, I’m satisfied.

If a reader is looking for a truly unique and special spin on mer-people, with awe inspiring detail that makes a person feel like they’re underwater too, then grab a copy of Mara’s Men and submerse yourself in a very entertaining romance.

Wolfman 4: Salvation by Brannan Black

Wolfman 4: Salvation by Brannan Black
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (91 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal Play
Rating: 5 cherries
Reviewed by Mistletoe

The world fell apart after the virus killed billions, turning most male survivors into violent monsters out to destroy the world and everything in it. Shit, I’ve got the nightmares to prove it.

Then I met Mace and he changed everything I thought I knew. He’s not a monster, but a wolfman, a hybrid created by the werewolf virus. Mace’s pack have come a long way toward blending what’s left of their humanity with their wolf instincts. Personally, I’m not too thrilled with this whole dominance/submission thing but that doesn’t make them monsters.

Unfortunately, not all of them are like Mace. We call the others rabids. Wild and crazy dangerous, most run when they get their asses kicked. We tripped over the one group that won’t run — and now the real monsters are pissed.

This series just keeps getting better with each book. In this most recent installment in Mace and Daniel’s life we get to see more of what makes them tick. Another threat has come about and Mace must not only keep his pack safe but others as well. Can Daniel and Mace’s relationship survive through all the chaos and the new stress that threatens their love?

I was nicely surprised with the depth of Daniel’s emotions and traumas in this book. Even before the virus hit the world Daniel had a hard life. Dealing with the chaos and all the threats has not helped Daniel and when things come to a head I enjoyed seeing the faith and trust that he has in Mace.

I love Mace and he shows me just why once again in this book. He is a true alpha who cares for all those in his pack and many outside it who need his help. His love for Daniel is so strong it is almost a palpable thing. Mace is ready to do whatever it takes to give Daniel what he needs and just loved what he does in the end for Daniel. Proving how much he loves and needs Daniel. With all the threats coming at Mace and the pack it is surprising he has time for Daniel but time he has even if he has to make it. Showing that there is so much more to their relationship than just lust.

It was nice to see more of the inner workings of the pack as well. We not only get to see the development of Mace and Daniel’s relationship but also many more secondary characters and their emotions. I enjoyed seeing how each of them inter act with each other and how. Adding in others from different packs was also a nice read. This author has done a wonderful job of bringing this world to life and keeping me wanting more. I hope that we get to see more from these characters in the future.

Wolf Collection by Kira Stone, Sierra Dafoe, Dakota Cassidy, Marteeka Karland

Wolf Collection by Kira Stone, Sierra Dafoe, Dakota Cassidy, Marteeka Karland
Publisher: Changling Press
Genre: Paranormal, Contemporary
Length: Full Length (248 pgs)
Other: M/f, M/M, anal sex
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Meadowsweet

Werewolves are tenacious creatures, hunting their prey — and their lovers — with deadly accuracy. Rarely do they miss their mark. Give that wolf a human form and he’s almost invincible. Except when it comes to matters of the heart. Their lovers aren’t the type to submit easily. It will take all their skills — both human and lupine — to get what they want. But then, they never settle for anything less…

Werelock by Dakota Cassidy
Addison Ross agrees to go on an All Hallows Eve pumpkin picking expedition to appease her niece and nephew. Hoo boy does she ever pick a winner. Beneath her pumpkin lies a talisman that brings the delish Caleb Marsden into her life. Caleb Marsden, the werelock…

Wild Ones by Kira Stone

Bitten by a ferocious wolf, Billy’s need for solitude leads him to carve out a territory in the Canadian wilderness. Luc’s small pack is made up of weres with the ability to control the elements. They need Billy to complete the circle… but first the Wild Ones will have to catch him…

The Witching Hour by Marteeka Karland
Hazel really wants to be the witch her Grandma always said she could be. Unfortunately, though her spells always work, they never quite work the way they’re supposed to. Drake, the hunky werewolf next door, has an appetite for a certain witch… and it’s all for her own good. After all, who ever heard of a virgin witch?

Wolf Bound by Sierra Dafoe
When Jenna’s lover strands her on a ski slope in the Canadian Rockies, an enigmatic lone wolf rescues her — only to transform into a naked, stunningly sexy man! Now Jenna is faced with a bitter dilemma: if she stays, she’ll be putting his life at risk. If she leaves, it’s his heart she’ll be destroying…

Rarely do you find an anthology that blends so perfectly as this collection. There is always that odd man out story that may contain similar subject matter but does not quite fit with the flow of the other authors and can leave a feeling of dissidence in the flow. However, in the Wolf Collection every story seems well chosen and complete but still leaves the wonderful taste of wanting more.

I choose to read this particular anthology because I was familiar with work by several of the authors. I was happy to be introduced to the other authors in this work. Every story was unique unto itself, flowed well, and provided a wonderfully romantic tidbit. I would have loved to see some of these stories become complete novels. Each brings a little bit of something to make it unique whether it’s the werelock, spending time in a snow locked cave with a lusty werewolf, working spells that just don’t quite seem to work out right, or finding a place where you can be yourself and discover an amazing destiny; there is something for everyone.

The editing was nicely done; the stories flowed well and worked together. There were moments of tears, laughter and sighs. All in all an excellent read.

Wet: Reef’s Guardian by Silvia Violet

Wet: Reef’s Guardian by Silvia Violet
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (59 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal Play, Voyeurism
Rating: 4.5 cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Brett Leland serves as the director of an underwater research station located near one of the world’s last healthy coral reefs. His life’s work is focused on protecting the reef and discovering why it has remained healthy as others are failing. But his university plans to sell the research station, and someone is trying to sabotage his final mission.

Setiwan Maramis is one of the legendary shape shifting guardians of the reef. He’s been watching Brett since the scientist first came to the station, and he wants Brett as both an ally and a lover. He is forbidden to reveal himself to humans, but when an enemy puts Brett’s life in danger, Setiwan follows his heart rather than the dictates of his people.

If a reader needs a quality story with plenty of well written descriptions, plot, build-up and sensual delivery, then they’re in for a treat when they pick up this little gem.

I’m amazed as to how detailed and intricate this short story is. It felt complete, had a terrific conflict and wonderful resolution. I enjoyed the author’s imagination and creative take on an ocean dwelling people.

Ms. Violet not only had a yummy pair of heroes but she also imbued her world building with the feeling of family, of change, courage and hope. The story is well planned out from how it was initially presented in Setiwan’s point of view to when it shifted to Brett’s. A reader will understand where each man stands and where they hope to be. It’s how they came together and what happens afterwards that really makes this book shine.

Both Setiwan and Brett are strong male leads. They have conviction and strength of purpose and yet they have needs that can’t be denied. I liked how the author hinted that there was a previous connection established, although semi-conscious, it was enough to make the speed of the courtship/mating seem more reasonable and acceptable. Having the protagonists fall in love fast can come with pitfalls but don’t worry, Ms. Violet skirted that with just the right touch of hints and fact to make it all work.

I was a little unclear as to why the bad guy was bad or if there really is some sort of alternate politics going on to make the light drama, suspense and nastiness happen in the first place. The author had him say something that made me scratch my head. What’s the real story? It sure has tweaked my interest. In fact, the whole book kept my interest and provided nonstop entertainment in one form or another.

The one thing that stood out is the balance of story and action versus sex. When the author wrote Brett and Seti’s skin scenes, she did it well, with feeling and loving vigor that just throbbed with enthusiasm. When it was time to tell the rest of the tale, it was gripping, fascinating and meaty enough to make me happy. I enjoyed the family dynamic because it gave the book a deeper resonance and it made Setiwan more of a sympathetic character. If a reader skimmed all the sex scenes, they’d still enjoy the book because there was a rich and real plot to back it all up. That’s a great accomplishment when talking about a book as short as this.

Wet: Reef’s Guardian is a delightful treat and a book well worth reading. I can’t get over how thorough and complete this book is. Even the editing was great. I enjoyed the unique idea of Guardians versus the tired old merman routine. I am intrigued with the idea of all the things they can change into and I can’t wait to see what else Ms. Violet can do with this worldbuilding. Watching Brett and Setiwan fall in love while learning about the other was stimulating, intriguing and quite sexy. Paranormal romance readers who enjoy man on man loving should be thrilled with Wet: Reef’s Guardian. It’s a happy story.

How Not to Date a Skunk by Stephanie Burke

How Not to Date a Skunk by Stephanie Burke
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (48 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Photographer Bilana thinks she can beat the heat and her migraine by taking her meds and getting out of the sun. But she wakes up to find her whole world order being changed before her eyes.

Chaska is a powerful Dakota warrior in full regalia, defending his right to pick the mate of his choosing. But when Bilana stumbles into a centuries-old rite, he finds himself having to save the beautiful black woman’s life by claiming her for his own.

Now Bilana has an insolent young warrior, a set of elders, and a shapeshifter mate all invading her peace and quiet. She has to learn to accept change as it comes, but that’s what happens when you learn how not to date a skunk.

I had a riot of a good time reading this very unique and intriguing tale of a woman and her skunk. In fact, it was so novel, it ranks up there with my Yeti fascination.

I liked how Ms. Burke set the whole scene up. How Bilana, the heroine, ended up where she was, what she saw, how she responded and most importantly, how she reacted. Each scene could have spiraled down into a cliché but not so for Bilana. I liked the fact that she had her moment of shock but was open, honest and adventurous. She had respect for The People’s ways and understood on a more intricate level than most other observers. It gave what happened after a believable feeling.

The description of the fancy dancing was bizarre, unusual and really cool. I can’t imagine how anyone could have done what the hero, Chaska, did. Physically, I think it’s impossible but that’s the beauty of a paranormal romance. The author is free to imagine and explore the most amazing things and Ms. Burke certainly did that in this book.

Chaska is a total hottie. He’s actually an alpha but I didn’t know that until I got to this really intense and action packed scene. The author wove a lot of detail into a wonderful moment of description and character development. It solidified that Chaska and Bilana really were meant to be, just like the elders said. And it proved that they were completely sexually compatible and perfect for the other. What that means is that a reader is going to find the hero and heroine having some powerful loving that’s sure to leave a satisfied feeling behind for a reader. It’s certainly not tame.

Even though this story is short, it actually was well balanced. I didn’t feel too much was left out except for perhaps some more background. I would have liked to know a bit more as to why the elders acted the way they did, or didn’t. The author made them ‘stoic’, but somehow, I don’t think they were. I would have loved to have had a bit more insight as to the ritual, the actual 21st Century purpose and an answer to the question, “is this the kind of shifter story where Bilana could become an adorable feisty skunk too?” Alas, I’ll never know.

What I do know and what the author lets a reader see is the growing of Bilana and Chaska’s relationship. There is a happily ever after and it’s still happening but as to what that entails, a reader will have to grab their own copy to find out. I wouldn’t mind a follow up book to see if some of those questions are answered. I’d jump at the chance to visit more skunk shifters again. They are a lot more interesting than expected and I loved the way the author presented the culture.

How Not to Date a Skunk is funny, adorable, completely entertaining and a fast read. I enjoyed the dialogue, loved the descriptions and definitely want more. I can tell the author took her time to do research but she didn’t hit me over the head with an info dump. The couch action is furious, delicious and well written. Readers are in for a sweet read when they get their own copy of How Not to Date a Skunk.

Protect and Serve: Legal Beagle by Cynthia Sax

Protect and Serve: Legal Beagle by Cynthia Sax
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (37 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Anal Play, Forced Seduction, Fetish, Toys, Spanking
Rating: 3.5 cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

My name is Officer Wright. I’m genetically enhanced as one of the city’s finest, and a normal day for me involves plugging liquid sunshine into rogue vamps, tagging and bagging renegade werewolves, and putting the fear of the badge into all criminals.

But these are not normal days. While my partner takes a leave of absence to bang his bunny, I’m stuck on babysitting duty. Yeah, stop laughing. It would be more humorous except the chick I’m tailing is a hot little beagle-shifting judge, and when she takes the bench, believe me, my whole body comes to order.

It’s another odd shifter combination with cute puppy-isms and some fascinating role playing to keep a reader entertained and interested.

Overall, my favorite thing about this story is the author’s reference to the heroine being a dog. I laughed out loud about the affects a ball has on her, I got a kick out of the fact that when the heroine shifted, her inner puppy takes over and she’s all sorts of cute. I also enjoyed the visuals the author painted when Sadie was defending herself in puppy form. In spite of the fact that it was a scene with light drama, I giggled. I also appreciated the fact that the author created a strong female lead that didn’t bow down to pressure from the bad guys. She’s quite the woman.

Wright is the hero in more ways than one. He’s Sadie’s personal hero but he’s a man with a badge, so his very nature is about protecting the community at large from some very bad characters. He’s an enhanced being so everything thing about him is larger than life – bad for the bad guys and extremely sexy for the heroine. His dialogue is a bit gritty and rough, which fits his personality, right up until the last line in the story.

I’ve used a gavel a time or two when I was president of a club for a few years. Never in my wildest and most kinky dreams would I have thought to do what Wright did. Readers are in for an eyeful. Not only that but the role playing I mentioned before took on a whole new level because both parties are in the legal profession and the double plays on words brought smiles and chuckles.

There is mild suspense and drama to spice things up and it propels their relationship to the next level – that of being a serious and committed couple.

Because this is another short story in the Serve and Protect series, I’ve come to expect the first person point of views in each chapter. I have always thought it was an interesting touch because then readers know what is going on for both the hero and heroine and it’s always fun to see how different the guys are from gals.

That being said, and because the villain had so much potential to be nastier, more of a real threat, I felt disconnected from the seriousness of it. The author initially tried to build up the tension so a reader would know that there was some hefty weight behind Sadie’s job, but it never pulled me in. That’s the quandary of a story of less than fifty pages – a reader gets teased with something that the author truly showed a talent for exploring but because of space constraints, can’t expound on it. As it is, Ms. Sax zeroed in on the relationship and how Sadie and Wright investigated it to their lustful satisfaction, many times and for one scene, in a unique way. For readers who are looking for the erotic element, it’s there and Ms. Sax delivered. For those that are looking for a deeper connection with the plot, they won’t find it here. The book focuses on pure entertainment.

Protect and Serve: Legal Beagle is adorable, funny and sexy. It’s a great length for readers who want a story that serves as an appetizer. You know the kind – enough to tide you over, satisfies the taste buds and makes a reader feel romantically refreshed – with a kick. It’s a fast yet good read.

Howling for Kitty by S. Michael


Howling for Kitty by S. Michael
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (26 pgs)
Other: M/F , M/F/M, Ménage, Anal Play, Voyeurism
Rating: 3.5 cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Mac and Griff, mated werewolves, have been sniffing around sexy pole dancer Miss Kitty for days. They finally make their move, inviting her to join them for a coffee after her last shift one Saturday night.

Kari’s been hurt by shifters before, badly, and she carries the scars to prove it. She can’t deny that Mac and Griff are a sexy pair of pups, though, and she’s drawn to them despite herself.

Can the boys convince Kari that they’re not going to hurt her, and in fact are everything she’s been dreaming about — and more?

If a reader is short on time but long on wanting to read a book that condenses all the good stuff into one quick and entertaining package, then Howling for Kitty will satisfy the need.

Kari, Mac and Griff are the focus of the story and the goal of the two men is to convince the heroine what they know to be true – that they’d be great together. Their nose knows, so it should be a piece of cake, right? Not so fast. Kari has some past baggage that’s pretty hefty. Mac and Griff are going to have to do some pretty fancy talking, their actions are going to have to provide the proof Kari needs to believe in them, and they have a very short time to do it in. Talk about pressure.

Some readers might think the movement from meeting and into bed is too fast. This is a short story meant to entertain with sexy fluff and romance. The author provides just enough of a back story for a reader to understand Kari’s wariness. There is enough paranormal information to explain a few things which allows for the story to happen the way it does.

Through dialogue, the author showed me who was alpha and who was the submissive beta. Her descriptions were adequate for me to get a feel for what turns on each of the protagonists and the sexual persuasion was both hot and sweet. However, this story only works because of the paranormal aspect with which the author used to good effect.

My most favorite line in the whole book is, “She was going to smell wolfy for days.” I read it over a few times, with my grin getting wider and wider at each pass. It’s terrific.

Howling for Kitty is quite simply, fun for fun’s sake. It’s not rocket science, it’s entertainment. It has some very sexy scenes that scorched my eyebrows and the characters were cute. The story is a like an appetizer — it whets your appetite for more.

Chain of Kisses by Angela Knight

Chain of Kisses by Angela Knight
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (59 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, Anal Play, Forced Seduction, Fetish, Spanking, Voyeurism
Rating: 3.5 cherries
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

For years, Prince Admiral Arles of Tor has been obsessed with Gisel Vanda, who jilted him at the altar. When he discovers the lovely runaway is now a mercenary space captain, he captures her, determined to get Gisel out of his system. He soon discovers she’s even more intelligent and beautiful than he remembered, but she is also a political liability he can’t afford.

Gisel bitterly regrets jilting Arles, and her love for him still burns bright. Even as he tests her with acts of erotic dominance, she sees the opportunity to redeem herself. But with a murderous enemy closing in, can love survive the demands of royalty?

Sex, revenge style, isn’t what it’s cracked up to be when it’s hurting them both at the same time. Thing is, both the hero and heroine are prone to stubbornness. What is it going to take for them to reveal what is in their hearts?

Well, first the hero, Arles, has to capture the heroine. Once he does that, Gisel, the heroine, is at his mercy. But she doesn’t want mercy from him physically, but emotionally and that might be asking too much. Seems there’s a history between them that isn’t what either of them thought but they have to play things out in order for them to come to the same conclusion.

I found it interesting that the author chose to mix Viking folklore in outer space. It gave it an exotic but relatable flavor that made the story appealing and clever. I liked Ms. Knight’s version of the paparazzi and it’s just as annoying there as it is here, perhaps more so.

I liked the mini drama that the author included to force the hand of the hero. In fact, Gisel came out looking more like royal material than Arles, in spite of his attributes. I enjoyed the realization that Ragnar, Arles’s dad, recognized how good they were together and how he actually knew the whole story before any of them. It made Arles look a might silly because of his all powerful alpha attitude. Daddy still knows best.

Ms. Knight has a deft hand when it comes to crafting sexual hijinks and this book pushes the envelope just a bit. I wasn’t too comfortable with Gisel’s accepting of the deal or her acquiescence to being treated the way Arles treated her. I understand the reason given but I didn’t acknowledge it as being reason enough. The heroine’s liking it while simultaneously expressing emotional anguish didn’t make it work for me. Nor did Arles give her a safe word, therefore, it came across as forced seduction. I found the fetish tools unique and fascinating because the author gave them otherworldly panache and function. The scenes were written well, with enough heat to appeal to BDSM fans and there was a satisfactory happily ever after that read like a true prince and princess fairy tale.

Chain of Kisses is a short shot of sexual loving that leads to truth, happiness and kinky jewelry. It’s a fun read that encapsulated what sci-fi romance readers on the fetish side look for when time is short but the yen is there for something romantic, daring, a bit suspenseful yet ends with a happy sigh. This short story has it all and is a zippy way to pass the time.

All Wrapped Up Volume One by Angela Knight, Dakota Cassidy, Ann Jacobs, Kate Hill

All Wrapped Up by Angela Knight, Dakota Cassidy, Ann Jacobs, Kate Hill

Publisher: Changeling Press

Genre: contemporary, futuristic, Paranormal

Length: Short Story (120 pages)

Other: M/F, bdsm

Rating: 4 cherries

Reviewed by Dogwood

Angela Knight — Blood Service

Adiva Mayhew is a spy — and a damn good one. But now she’s running for her life from a deadly bounty hunter — who’s also a Vampire…

Ann Jacobs — Branded

Cole Callender — an entrepreneur with an eye to the future. Branded a sexual deviant under Earth laws, Cole adopts Obsidion as his future.

Dakota Cassidy — Slave School Dropout

Nyla is a cat. So is Lucas. Nyla is an Egyptian Mau, descendant of the Goddess Bast. Lucas… isn’t. In fact, he’s a Tom cat. Unlikely lifemates at best.

Kate Hill — Tainted Kisses

Niabi’s only choice is to strike a bargain with Etlu — the humans’ lives in exchange for her complete surrender to his desires.

I chose this book to review because I have enjoyed all four of these amazing authors’ stories at some point in the past. Let me say right off that All Wrapped Up was not a disappointment. Changeling Press brought together four very entertaining stories from four imaginative and talented writers. Each story-teller brought in a unique perspective into their creative chronicles making this anthology very enticing.

Angela Knight — Blood Service

A spy named Adiva gets a bounty on her head for her part in an effort to overthrow General Tang’s government. This is scary news for poor Adiva especially when a vampire named Vigilante decides to be the bounty hunter to capture her. When Vigilante final captures his prey, we discover he has other plans for Adiva. If Adiva becomes his willing blood-thrall he will not turn in Adiva to General Tang. This leads to an unusual romance; however, General Tang is determined to capture Adiva. Will he succeed?

This story is action-packed and juicy fun. I thought the love scenes were extremely HOT and true to Angela Knight’s form, this story will definitely “take a bite” out of your time, as you find yourself enthralled in this blood-lusting crusade. The character’s emotions were expressed well as Adiva panicked over her situation and Vigilante lusted over his capture. I truly enjoyed this short story and if I had not read any of Angela’s Knight’s works before I would definitely be heading looking for more of her books to read now.

Ann Jacobs – Branded

Cole Callender is exiled from earth for breaking Earth’s law as a “sexual deviant” when he comes to the aid of an abused young lady. Banished to Obsidion to live out his remaining days, Cole decides to turn the planet around to his personal lifestyle. Cole builds a safe community for all doms and subs practicing BDSM on Obsidion. Poor scarred Amber, a victim of abuse from a dominating partner named Dax who took things way too far, was rescued from her abuse by Cole. After Cole’s sister and Amber get caught in a raid, they too find themselves exiled from earth to live on Obsidion. Can the love Cole offers Amber help Amber see that life is worth living after-all and can Amber ever heal completely?

Ann Jacobs makes her characters irresistible in her epic as we discover that Cole is so loving and Amber is so broken. Ms. Jacobs created a distinctive futuristic lore that intrigued this reader immensely. I did feel that if this tale had been given more of the opportunity to elaborate, then this saga may have been an even more enjoyable fable. It had the potential for a full novel, but as a short story I still recommend reading it, as I found it to be an emotionally heart-tugging fictional account.

Dakota Cassidy — Slave School Dropout

“Meow!! HERE Kitty Kitty!”

This original story is about Nyla and Lucas, both cat-shifters.

These two shape-shifters have an attraction between them, but there seems to be a bit of a problem. Nyla is an Egyptian Mau and a descendant of the Goddess Bast, bred into the upper-class world of shape-shifting royalty, as her noble pedigree is pure and untarnished. Where’s the problem? Well poor ole Lucas is just your everyday common shape-shifting tomcat, not to mention the fact Lucas is a dominate and Nyla is too proud (and arrogant) to ever be reigned in by any male tabby even when she realizes this common alley-cat is indeed her true life-mate.

Oh,what is a kitten to do? Can she give in to the dominate side of Lucas? Even if her family is against such a romance?

Leave it to Dakota Cassidy to come up with a humorous yet romantic cat-tale involving household feline shape-shifters of the more common variety. But don’t think this narrative is simply silly with no meat, because this reader sank her claws right into this purr-fect fable. Punchy with a side twist of imagination, this unusual narrative purred its way right into my lap. You might find this fictional piece is more fun than a bowl of cream and a ball full of cat-nip.

Kate Hill– Tainted Kisses

A true example of Good meets Evil!

Plundered from his mother’s womb by the very creature responsible for her death and then turned into a vampire by that same monster, Etlu was raised to be an emotionless, ruthless creature who can destroy a life, showing absolutely no mercy or emotions. But lately Etlu has been observing humans in pleasurable situations and has found himself a bit curious about it.

In comes our heroine, Niabi who has vowed to use her power for good. Niabi who is also a blood-connoisseur, has sworn to protect the village that Etlu’s warriors have just destroyed. Niabi finds herself making a bargain with the devil. She has agreed to give herself to Etlu for his new curious desires in exchange for the lives of the humans she has sworn to protect.

Can a seemingly soulless monster learn to feel compassion and love?

Kate Hill’s tale of good verses evil is the darkest of the four stories. Ms. Hill has woven for us a fantastic fantasy of evil villain and sacrificial heroine that, through the trials of fire, the consensus and remaining conclusion is indeed “love” conquers all.

So are you ready to plunge into the future with a little spicy BDSM in and a side of the paranormal? All Wrapped Up delivers with a bright, shiny bow. This creative slant on futuristic romance makes this anthology a possible forever classic.

Mirror, Mirror: Shadowed Glass by Elizabeth Jewell

Mirror, Mirror: Shadowed Glass by Elizabeth Jewell
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (28 pgs)
Other: M/M, anal sex
Rating: 4 cherries
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Vampire Olav hasn’t seen his lover, Rig, in centuries… until he looks in the Mirror.

Olav, a vampire, is at a business meeting in Fiji when he sees a strange, wooded landscape in the mirror in an elevator. The mirror draws him through, and he finds himself face-to-face with Rig, the only man he’s ever loved, who disappeared hundreds of years before.

Rig has been in the wasteland behind the mirror for centuries, being punished by a man he wronged in his former life. Will Olav’s love be enough to free him from eternal torment?

Can love truly conquer all? Read Shadowed Glass and find out.

I love a hot short story. It’s got to grab me right out of the box and keep my attention while burning my fingers. This is one of those rare piece of short fiction to do just that. The words flow from the page and kept me right in my seat. I had to know what would happen next and how the author had it worked out. There are very few characters in this piece, but the minimalist quality really works for this book.

I love the Mirror, Mirror books because I never know where I’ll be transported to. In this book, we get to meet Olav and Rig. The complexity in the relationship between the two is something lacking in much of the short stories I’ve read of late. It’s not a sticky sweet linear love story. The twists and turns made me turning pages to know what would happen and how. I couldn’t get enough.

When I first met Rig, I wasn’t sure I’d like him as a character. He’s in a situation where it would be easy to fall into dislike with him. But the further I got into the story, the more I liked him. Granted, I loved reading about him and Olav, but there was something about Rig that really tugged at my heart.

And when these two bodies collide? Be prepared and have a cool drink or a fan handy. You’ll be glad you did.

If you’re looking for smart, sassy, sexy fiction, grab a copy of Shadowed Glass.