Gillian’s Island by Lani Aames

Gillian, Brandt, Paige and Tony are on a cruise on Tony and Paige’s boat when a sudden squall strands them on the deserted side of what they assume is an uninhabited island in the Caribbean. Paige and Tony decide to trek to the other side of the island and Brandt stays behind with Gillian who has sprained her ankle. It soon turns out that Gillian knows some secrets about the island.

This is a short but unsatisfying read as I found the prose to be choppy and abrupt. Having two couples, a hackneyed treasure hunt and some ghosts in a 27 page long story doesn’t work as the reader only gets to skim the surface of their relationships.

Devon’s Vix by Rebecca Airies

When Jessie Coulter realised that the man she had been dating, Devon Knight, was a vampire, she broke it off with him. Not because she dislikes vampires but because she is well on her way to becoming one. She was bitten by a vampire, but didn’t report it to the authorities as demanded by law. Afraid that Devon would find out, she has stayed far away from him. But now that fanatics have somehow learnt her secret and want to kill her, Devon re-enters her life, this time with no intentions of leaving.

An unusual take on the vampire genre, this is a fun read with two sexy characters. I enjoyed Jessie and Devon’s relationship which is described in smooth and fluid language. Devon’s Vix is well worth reading.

Wendy’s Summer Job by Charlotte Boyett-Compo

Wendy Cole has been cut off from her allowance by her stepmother and so has to look for a job to support her through college. She is at her wit’s end when she spies a sign at a shop window reading Extraordinary Help Wanted and decides to try her luck. The shop belongs to the three Quinlan brothers who really are looking for some extraordinary qualities in their new receptionist. Qualities that all three want to test themselves. Both alone and together.

Wendy’s Summer Job is a curious modern take on several fairytales. I could detect Cinderella, Three Little Pigs, some Goldilocks and even hints of Snow White. This confusion does not do this story justice, but it is still an amusing read.

Chasing the Dragon by Megan Kerans

Raj Cad is the last Dragon of his kind. His brethren have been massacred by the United Planetary Federation. So it is ironic to the extreme that the UPF now needs Cad’s help to stop the progress of a deadly virus. Captain Jade Ahnat is sent to bargain for Dragon’s Eyes seeds – Cad’s exclusive property and the only cure for the disease. Life under the UPF is literally sterile, and Jade finds herself falling for Cad’s particular brand of bargaining.

Apart from the rather unfortunate name for the hero and the outlandish premise, this is actually a very enjoyable read. The setting is unusual enough to catch the reader’s attention and it is well written. The characters are interesting and I enjoyed reading about their unusual courtship. Heck, even the hero’s name makes for unintentional comic relief, especially when Jade shouts it in, ehm, ecstasy. This story made me laugh, if not at the places the author envisioned, but a laugh is a laugh.

Viking’s Pledge by Melany Logen

When Raynor, chieftain’s son, returns from a Viking raid, all he can think of is Mista – his thrall who seems to have enthralled him. His interest in the slave girl has been noted by jealous eyes, so Mista has had a hard time when he was away. Raynor wants nothing more but to make her part of his life, but prejudice from his peers and Mista’s own wish to return to her homeland threaten to keep them apart.

Who knew that Viking men could be so loving and emotional? Author Melany Logen has created a memorable hero who is willing to do almost anything to keep the love of his life happy. And all this without becoming sappy in the least. This story is a must read for all Viking fans.

Taking it All by Cheyenne McCray

Lately, Lisa Peterson has come to realise that she has a few friends to hang out with, a boring job and a dinky little car. Unfortunately, it is at this point she knocks over a man while reversing. Imagine her surprise when her victim turns out to be a drop dead gorgeous hunk of a man who takes one look at her and invites her out for a drink. Suddenly boring is the last word on Lisa’s mind.

What a truly wonderful story! Taking it All is written in trademark Cheynne McCray style. It is witty, has some terrific one-liners, and is seriously HOT. I predict that women all over the country will be lying in wait in their cars, trying to reverse on a likely candidate. This story alone is worth the purchase price of the anthology.