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In Alluring Tales, publisher Avon Red brings together a number of talented authors to create an anthology that sizzles. The seven stories explore out-of-this-world erotic fantasies and cover a number of genres including science fiction, action adventure, and vampire stories. I really enjoyed six of the stories, but was disappointed by one of them. Despite this, I would still highly recommend this book based on the strength of six of the stories.
Lover’s Locket by Cathryn Fox
The portrait of Zarek had been Caira’s family for generations. She always wondered who he was and why she felt such a strong connection to his portrait. When a mysterious shopkeeper gives her a magical locket that will reveal Caira’s true love, she is overjoyed to discover Zarek stepping out of the painting and into her life. But the locket has a dark prophecy connected to it, and the lovers must fight the darkness if their love is to survive.
This story started off really well and had a lot of potential. However, I had problems with the character of Zarek. It didn’t feel like Caira and Zarek had any chemistry, and I found Zarek’s way of speaking to be very irritating to read.
Kili’s Ice Man by Delilah Devlin
Kili, an advertising executive, fantasizes about brawn, not brains. One of her favourite fantasies involves the Ice Man, a gladiator athlete with bulging muscles and a chiseled jaw. It’s her lucky day when the Ice Man shows up to an advertising pitch that she is presenting to their sports organization. It’s a good thing the pitch isn’t until after lunch, because Kili needs time to wipe the drool off her face and pull herself together. A co-worker suggests visiting a virtual fantasy facility so that Kili can work out her sexual frustration before meeting the Ice Man again, and Kili jumps at the opportunity. What Kili doesn’t know, however, is that the Ice Man’s real name is Gunnar Thorsson, that he isn’t brainless, and that he has her in his sights.
This story was a blast to read. Funny and sexy, it has an interesting alpha male hero and an entertaining heroine. It was a nice mix of old fashioned alpha male and modern romantic hero. It worked well as a short story, but I liked the characters enough that I would have loved it if it could have turned into a whole book. This was my second favourite story in the book.
The Hottest One Night Stand by Lisa Renee Jones
Assistant District Attorney Jessica Montgomery gives into temptation one night and has a wild fling with a mysterious Latino stranger. DEA agent Dominic Montez avoids relationships due to his line of work and is more than willing to participate. Neither of them share names but their connection is too strong to resist. Dominic cannot resist finding out who she is, but will a one night stand lead to something more?
This was a sensual, though very short story. It is basically a glimpse into one night of these characters lives. It fit well into the theme of the book.
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Out of the Shadows by Myla Jackson
TJ and Cassidy had a budding relationship until Cassidy suddenly refused to see or talk to TJ. He doesn’t understand why she has cut him off, but he can’t stop thinking about her. When an incoming hurricane gives TJ an excuse to check on her, Cassidy finds that she can no longer hide her secret. She reveals to TJ that she was attacked one night and has now become a vampire – one of the beings that TJ hunts as a part of his job as a policeman.
I found this story to be good, but I didn’t feel a lot of sympathy for Cassidy. It felt like she sobbed through quite a bit of the story and I wish her character didn’t feel quite so sorry for herself and her lost relationship.
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A Familiar Kind of Magic by Sylvia Day
As a powerful Familiar with magic and money at her disposal, Victoria is dangerous, - or so the warlocks’ High Council believes. They’ve tried in vain to tame her and she’s slipped through their leashes with glee. And now they’ve sent one of their most powerful Hunters to seduce her, a powerful warlock named Max Westin whose goal is to collar her and prepare her for her new Master.
This is my favourite story and I would even say this story makes it worth buying the book. The plot and back story was fully developed and the characters were wonderfully complex. The story was full of emotion and drama, and the love scenes are smoking hot. Day had created an unusual and interesting world that I would love to revisit in future stories.
Tempting Grace by Sasha White
A mentor to at-risk teens named Grace is tempted by Lukas, the handsome and caring preacher’s son. However, she resists his advances because they come from two different worlds and thinks that they do not have a future together. Lukas wants to there for her when she needs comfort, but will she accept him and move beyond her troubled past?
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This story was emotional and touching. The author did a great job in ensuring the story did not become too overwrought. The couple’s romance is very tender and there is a lot of heat in the love scenes.
Quick Silver by Vivi Anna
Sangria Silver makes a good living by delivering mysterious (and probably illegal) packages. Her latest delivery goes wrong while she’s on the road. A semi hits her vehicle, and the case she is delivering breaks open. Bound and gagged inside the case is Vance Verona, a sex worker that is being transported to Las Vegas against his will. Sangria must decide what is more important – the money or an opportunity to live another life.
Vivi Anna has created an entertaining adventure story with an interesting premise. This isn’t a romance, but it is a fun story with steamy love scenes. It made a nice way to end the anthology.
Warning: Some stories contain mild bondage and swearing.
Reviewed by S. Khaw
for The Road to Romance
April 21, 2007
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