Nineteen talented authors have donated their efforts to DREAMS AND DESIRES with the proceeds going to assist a battered women’s shelter. From vampires to the historical, from an alternate universe to bank robbing, this anthology serves up something for everyone!

The Forest for the Trees by Jenna Bayley-Burke is an unusual tale of a pivotal moment in the relationship between Brenda and Ryan. Ms. Bayley-Burke shows a flair for drama as the reader wonders what the outcome will be of this situation. Brenda is a strong character and her fiery personality truly makes this tale.

Song Without Words by Faith Bicknell-Brown is a bittersweet story of a woman coping with the death of her beloved spouse. Nancy has vowed to play Robert’s Song Without Words but is she just lost in the music? Faith Bicknell-Brown’s lyrical style is almost musical in itself and works very well for a tale focusing on the power of music.

Love @ First Site by Amanda Brice discusses Julie Antonelli’s dating nightmare as she is ready to give up altogether. Will NiceGuysFinishLast change Julie’s mind? Amanda Brice’s amusing story about online dating will delight readers. Julie’s struggle to find a nice guy is one many will relate to. 

The Christmas Prize by Sela Carsen is the story of one woman’s triumph over her loss of self-esteem. Julie Corrigan is a powerful character and very much appropriate for this particular anthology. Sela Carsen’s story is extremely short, but its impact is huge.

Romance For One by Rachelle Chase finds Mary’s fantasy coming to life when she sees the sexy Bryan. The sexual tension sizzles your fingers as Mary envisions what her date with Bryan would entail. Readers will enjoy this short but very sexy tale.

Confessions of a Bombshell Bandit by Gemma Halliday describes Carrie Cabot’s antics as a bank robber. Gemma Halliday’s story will leave the reader howling with laughter! This delightful tale is exceptionally clever as the reader is lulled into accepting Carrie’s viewpoint. Well done!

The Velvet Mask by Candace Havens is about Peyton Fielding’s night out as Scheherazade after a painful breakup with a boyfriend. Peyton suffered Joey’s verbal abuse but on this night she’ll have the chance to stand up for herself and maybe find love in the process. Candace Haven has written a beautiful story of one woman’s reawakening to see her own attractiveness. Peyton demonstrates the power of a woman to overcome the harmful effects of a damaging relationship.

A Road of Misgivings by Zinnia Hope is a moving story about just how short life really is. Caleb, Jake, and Valerie break down on the side of the road and learn a lesson none of them will ever forget. Zinnia Hope has crafted an eerie yet hauntingly beautiful tale with some very powerful imagery. Readers will want more from this author after finishing this fascinating story.

To the Core by Jackie Kessler is a paranormal lover’s delight! Gwendolyn Ker decides she no longer wants to be Zintal when her family tries to force her into an arranged marriage. Jackie Kessler packs a lot of supernatural details and action into this short story, all to good effect. Ms. Kessler is an author this reviewer will be keeping an eye on as she has the potential to be a true force in the paranormal genre.

Taking the Alleys by Susan Lyons is a tale of one woman’s thoughts on her relationship and her desire for commitment with her partner. Written in first person perspective, Taking the Alley chronicles Bear’s insecurities in a touching manner that readers will relate to. Bear and Jeff (who is a woman) come from different worlds but love is a universal language as Ms. Lyons aptly demonstrates.

Brushstrokes by Richelle Mead is the tale of succubus Bianca Rinaldi as she copes with learning that sometimes sin works in mysterious ways. She wants to seduce Father Betto to please the demon who oversees her work but things take an interesting twist. Richelle Mead has crafted a phenomenal fantasy tale that takes place in a historical setting. She has developed a very credible tale about the succubi that will leave readers wanting to know more. There is a fine line between good and evil and Ms. Mead takes the reader on a clever journey down that line.

Red’s Merry Mischief by Debbie Mumford details the havoc caused by a mischievous Fae as he accidentally pulls a prank on the Summer Queen. Debbie Mumford has written an engaging short story about the Fae. Red is an interesting character but his penchant for pranks will cost him dearly this time and teaches a valuable lesson about unintended consequences. Debbie Mumford is clearly an author to keep an eye out for as this story will definitely appeal to readers.

Baring It All For Mr. Right by Rhonda Stapleton is the story of Joanna as she struggles to ask her sexy new neighbor to go on a date to a wedding. Rhonda Stapleton manages to pack a lot of humor into this short story as she chronicles what must be one of the worst case scenarios for a first date! This one is simply a hoot!

Blood and Feathers by Emily Veinglory is a unique twist on the vampire theme. Paul is an angel who is distraught after his charge, Terry, is transformed into a vampire and he is reassigned as a guardian to Bryant. Things are about to go awry for Paul in this short story. Sensitive readers should be cautioned that this is an m/m romance with some very explicit scenes. The twists and turns in Emily Veinglory’s story keep the pace smoothly flowing as Paul struggles with accepting his current lifestyle. Blood and Feathers is an intriguing tale that will appeal to readers looking for something a bit different from the traditional vampire tale.

The Wedding Policy by Bebe Thomas is about true love. Belle Stuart’s father has instituted a policy of choosing the groom for each of his daughters after one horribly embarrassed him. Belle hopes to marry Charlie but is unsure if her father will agree. Bebe Thomas has crafted a powerful tale about the true meaning of love that will resonate with readers. Her strong eye for details creates a vivid picture of the 1940s and really brings this story to vivid life.

The Mirror by Sasha White is one woman’s tale of woe that turns into a night of sexual bliss. Sasha White creates a very sensual tale that is simply sizzling in intensity. The scene practically burns your fingers it is so hot! The Mirror is one spicy read!

The Reluctant Bridesmaid by Lois Winston is Paige’s revenge upon her cousin, Tara, who stole her boyfriend. Lois Winston has penned the ultimate comeuppance in this perfect tale of payback. The beauty of this tale lies in the subtlety as this is not one about payback in the usual sense. Ms. Winston is definitely an author to keep an eye on with her gift at creating suspense.

The Forge: Jezren Dark Sky by Shaunna Wolf is a story of one woman’s triumph over a life started in poverty. Using an alternate universe as the setting, Shaunna Wolf has crafted an unusual urban fantasy tale in which Jezren has to conquer what seems like insurmountable odds. Jezren hasn’t had many opportunities to learn to trust but her strength of character helps carry her through the bad times and find that inner core of strength to survive and overcome.

Secret Valentines by Kit Wylde is a seasonal tale focusing on Valentine’s day. Val hates this holiday as his name is Valentine and is even more displeased to have to provide secret gifts to Cliodhna O’Cleirigh, a woman he can’t even pronounce the name of. Kit Wylde does a phenomenal job at combining the sweetly sensual with the humorous in the storyline to make this love story work. Readers will laugh out loud over the chocolate incident while cheering Val’s desire to find just the right secret Valentine gift.

DREAMS AND DESIRES is sure to be a hit! Each tale offers its own unique twist but one theme remains throughout and that is the power of survival against all odds. Whether dealing with an annoying coworker or the overwhelming grief of losing a loved one, each story offers a glimpse of hope. DREAMS AND DESIRES is a welcome addition to anyone’s reading collection!

Reviewed by Anne

 

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Posted December 2006