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There's No Such Thing As A Werewolf is the opening title of this hilarious anthology. This story belongs to MaryJanice Davidson's Whyndham werewolves series, and like her previous titles in the collection, it is full of her trademark humor. Dragon Drake is the only blind werewolf of his pack. Any handicap is considered a weakness by his pack and, as a result, he has distanced himself from them. Taking advantage of his other enhanced abilities, Dragon has been able to make a successful living, among humans, as a doctor. On his way home one night, a gang tries to mug him and he disposes of them. A rather young looking girl, who seems to have been with the gang, is concerned about him and apologizes. As the girl turns around to leave, Drake realizes that he can actually "see" her. He feels compelled to follow her. In this story two well-liked characters from a previous story in the series make a guest appearance. Although it isn’t as hysterically funny as some of her other titles, I loved the “twist” that Ms. Davidson added.
The second story is Michelle R. Bardsley's The Lust Bastion. Kira Maxwell wants a new vibrator, but it can't be just any vibrator. She wants the best of the best: a Pharaoh 3000. For that purpose she goes to The Lust Bastion Erotica Emporium. As Kira browses around in the store, the slightly odd shop owner gives her something different than what she wanted. Kira leaves the shop with a toy named The Great Smenkare. She is fascinated by it, despite the sucky name and boy is she in for a BIG surprise. I found this story to be not only lighthearted but also heartwarmingly romantic.
The last story in the anthology is Chris Tanglen's Drenched With Affection. It brings us the story of Tim Neffster and Melody Talaway. Tim's ex-wife divorced him because he barely paid any attention to her. One day he comes back from work to find her literally bulldozing their house … and that is how he finds out that she is leaving him. Tim promises himself that that will never happen again. Melody Talaway is a horror story writer. She had been involved with a (much) younger man who gave her amazing sex and she couldn't be happier … until from one day to another he decided to leave her because she was more interested in her books' characters than him. As her ex-lover leaves, Melody promises herself that that will never happen again … notice a common theme? Mr. Tanglen's story definitely classifies as a laugh-out loud situation comedy.
Lighthearted Lust is most definitely the sort of book that you would want to read whenever you need a pick-me up or simply are in the mood for a good laugh. The anthology brings the reader two paranormal stories in contemporary settings and one contemporary story. The humor in the book goes from the whimsical and magical in MaryJanice Davidson's story, and the heartwarmingly romantic in Michelle R. Bardsley's to the situation comedy type in Chris Tanglen's offering. There certainly is variety in this book and I had a great time reading it. All the stories are well rounded and have very appealing characters. I admit that reading stories by three of my favorite writers in one volume was quite a treat. If you outright enjoy comedies or like some humor sprinkled in between your more serious reads, give Lighthearted Lust a try. You will not regret it.
Reviewed by Mireya Orsini
for The Road to Romance
May, 6, 2004
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