Tag Archives: Short Story Collections

Westward Weird edited by Martin H. Greenberg & Kerrie Hughes

Overview
Image result for westward weird book cover

Title: Westward Weird
Author: Martin H. Greenberg, Kerrie Hughes, Jay Lake, Larry D. Sweazy, Anton Strout, Seanan McGuire, Brenda Cooper, Christopher McKitterick, Steven Saus, Dean Wesley Smith, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Jennifer Brozek, J. Steven York, Jeff Mariotte & Jody Lynn Nye
In: Westward Weird (Martin H. Greenberg & Kerrie Hughes)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Short story collections, Weird western
Dates read: 15th June – 14th November 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Daw Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: She pulled the last of the pins free and shook out her hair.

Synopsis

When you were a kid did you long to put on your cowboy boots, belt on your guns, saddle up, and ride off to find adventures? Did you sit glued to the TV watching The Lone Ranger, Marverick, bonanza, The Wild Wild West, The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. and Firefly, to name just a few of the many series that have been popular over the last sixty years? And were you caught up in movies like Outlands, Time Bandits, Serenity, or Back to the Future Part III? If so, Westward Weird is the book for you.

The thirteen original stories included here ride a very broad range between science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal – and all of htem are told from a Wild West perspective. So get ready for some good old-fashioned adventure as:

  • The Old Gods cross paths in the Old West
  • Two thieves are given a job they can’t refuse, but no one told them they’d encounter aliens along the way
  • A mining family never expected their claim to be jumped from parallel universes
  • A Mars colony may be about to find out exactly how the West was won
  • Cowboys will be hard-pressed to ride herd on the living dead
Thoughts

This was a fantastic collection that introduced me to a genre that I never really knew existed – Weird westerns. I absolutely loved it. Whilst I haven’t really been getting into Westerns all that much, I most definitely love the science fiction and fantasy spin to the topic. Now I have a whole new genre to read and things to fill my shelves with… that wish list just keeps on growing.

Now that I’ve read this collection, I need to find a few weird western full-length novels. After all, it’s a genre that I’ve most definitely fallen in love with and want even more of. I can’t wait to read more and more weird westerns and fill my brain with all sorts of cyborg wild west stories. Tales of werewolves and vampires. And just…. Fun.

This is a fantastic collection that not only fits great into my shelf of books that I already own, but it also introduced me to a great new sub-genre, authors and just… fun. Now I need to save up some money to get some of the books that this has left on my wishlist…

<- Lone WolfThe Temptation of Eustace Prudence McAllen ->

Image source: Amazon

More Than Words: Volume 6 by Joan Johnston, Robyn Carr, Christina Skye, Rochelle Alers & Maureen Child

Overview
More Than Words, Volume 6 (Virgin River, #10.1) by Joan Johnston

Title: More Than Words: Volume 6
Author: Joan Johnston, Robyn Carr, Christina Skye, Rochelle Alers & Maureen Child
In: More Than Words: Volume 6 (Joan Johnston, Robyn Carr, Christina Skye, Rochelle Alers & Maureen Child)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romanceShort story collections
Dates read: 22nd October – 14th November 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Harlequin
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: “That’s why I thought of you.”

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Presenting… the sixth annual More Than Words anthology

Five bestselling authors
Five real-life heroines

Little by little, one person at a time, we can make our world a better place. The five dedicated women selected as this year’s recipients of Harlequin’s More Than Words award have done just that, by discovering a seed of compassion, and nurturing it to effect real change in their communities. To celebrate their accomplishments, five bestselling authors have honored the winners by writing short stories inspired by these real-life heroines.

We hope More Than Words inspires you to look into your heart and find the heroine who lives within.

Thoughts

I bought this anthology with no idea what to expect. I only knew that there was a Virgin River novella in it somewhere. And now I want to get my hands on all of the More Than Words books that I can find. I love that not only are they gorgeous little romances. But they also incorporate charities and amazing activities which are run by some incredibly awe-inspiring women. What a fantastic collection!

I found the idea of creating an anthology around five charities and women who have created them to be seriously unique. And brilliant. Hence, the fact that I want to buy the rest of these books. I mean, how cool is it that this book not only is an amazingly fun and beautiful read, but also a way to promote some great causes. It also manages to place a face to those who would most benefit from funding going to such charities.

This was a fantastic collection that not only had me feeling happy and all dopey and lovey (which is honestly why I read romances), but also hopeful about the world. After all, every one of these stories had a happily ever after. And the horrible things in the world aren’t necessarily always horrible. Or at least, in these hopeful stories, there are still happily ever afters…

<- The Princess ShoesAlmost Lost ->

Image source: Goodreads

Home Improvement: Undead Edition edited by Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner

Overview
Image result for home improvement undead edition book cover

Title: Home Improvement: Undead Edition
Author: Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner, Victor Gischler, Patricia Briggs, Rochelle Krich, Heather Graham, James Grady, Melissa Marr, E. E. Knight, Seanan McGuire, S. J. Rozan, Stacia Kane, Suzanne McLeod & Simon R. Green
In: Home Improvement (Charlaine Harris & Toni L.P. Kelner)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Short story collections, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 7th June – 24th October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Jo Fletcher Books
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: Two weeks after their first post they met in the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf on Larchmont.

Synopsis

There’s nothing like home renovation for finding skeletons in the closet or otherworldly portals in the parlour… And when you add in a hefty dose of the supernatural, the normal, everyday challenges of home D-I-Y become even more hazardous!

International number 1 bestseller Charlaine Harris has joined forces once again with award-winning mystery writer Toni L.P. Kelner to construct a brilliant anthology of fourteen forays into the frightening world of home improvement.

Thoughts

This is a great and fun collection. It’s amusing and light. Filled with lots of gorgeous paranormal stories and just seriously fun. What I love most about it though is that each and everyone of these stories features the process of home renovations in some way, shape or form. And, as a home owner myself… I can attest to the fact that sometimes home improvements are literally hell…

I love that this collection brings the supernatural and paranormal into our everyday experiences. Everyone has a home and, in the case of these somewhat more magical lives… after all, even vampires and witches and the fae still need a home… but their complications are a lot worse than the ones that I have had to face…

This collection had some authors and series that I’m familiar with. And some that are new to me. As with many of the good anthologies that I read, my wish list has grown yet again. Which is really what I want when I read a good anthology.

<- In Brightest DayIf I Had a Hammer ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Midnight Kiss by Robyn Carr, Jean Brashear & Victoria Dahl

Overview
Midnight Kiss – RobynCarr

Title: Midnight Kiss
Author: Robyn Carr, Jean Brashear & Victoria Dahl
In: Midnight Kiss (Robyn Carr, Jean Brashear & Victoria Dahl)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romanceShort story collections
Dates read: 29th September – 20th October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Harlequin
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: “Uh-oh,” she said.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

THESE ARE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS WORTH KEEPING!

TAKE A RISK

At the inaugural New Year’s Eve party at Jack’s Bar, two lonely revelers decide the best balm for their broken hearts might just be each other.

FIND THE PERFECT WORK-LIFE BALANCE

When a flinty lawyer with a bad-boy addiction meets the quintessential nice guy, sparks fly that consume their expectations of life and love.

GET THOSE FINANCES IN ORDER

Working over the holidays on a messy bank takeover is made worse for two federal specialists by an ill-advised kiss that will never happen again … right?

Thoughts

This is a fun anthology that centres around the “magic” of New Years Eve. It’s cute, filled with all the romance a girl could want and just generally enjoyable. Plus, I was able to find two new authors to add to my wish list… which is always a bonus when reading a fun anthology.

I must admit. I really don’t get the whole New Year’s Eve hype. There is just something seriously “meh” about the whole thing. And to be honest, completely ridiculous. I mean one night isn’t going to change squat. But, I still loved how this collection used those kind of weird themes to create this story. I may not really get the hype… but I do love the stories.

Each and everyone of these stories finished with a New Year’s Kiss. They were just so optimistic and full of hope. Just what a girl wants in a good contemporary romance anthology.

<- Midnight AssignmentMidnight Confessions ->

Image source: Robyn Carr

Bad Boys Online by Erin McCarthy

Overview
Bad Boys Online by Erin McCarthy

Title: Bad Boys Online
Author: Erin McCarthy
Series: Bad Boys Online
In: Bad Boys Online (Erin McCarthy)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Short story collections
Dates read: 8th – 20th October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Collection
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: “Ohmigod, ohmigod.”

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Once upon a time, New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster ran a contest on her Web site (www.lorifoster.com) to find the hottest unpublished romance authors just waiting for that glass slipper. Now, it’s your turn to get lucky and have a ball with one of the freshest, sexiest new voices in erotic romance…

Hard Drive
Mack Stone can’t believe he’s just walked in on the delicious Kindrea Hill having an online affair in her office. Being discovered in flagrante computer delicto doesn’t seem to bother Kindra. In fact, she claims to prefer the impersonal touch to the complication of a relationship. That’s enough to make Mack issue a challenge of his own: He wants Kindra to grant him twelve nonstop hours to turn every erotic e-mail into a hot reality and prove that in love and pleasure, there’s not substitute for the real thing…

User Friendly
Computer guru Evan Barrett can solve any tech problem, but the sight of Halley Connors’ lovely head pasted onto some woman’s nude body – courtesy of a hacker determined to derail her catering website – just has him in a cold sweat. Imagining his secret crush in the buff is the kind of fantasy that drives him wild every time Halley’s near. Now, as they work overtime to save the business, Evan realizes that not every fire needs putting out so quickly… and some require very little stoking to catch…

Press Any Key
To Jared Kinkaid, the only way to keep his mind – and his hands – off his luscious co-worker Candy Appleton is to insult or ignore her at every turn. But his efforts at lust control have his boss convinced that the partners need a little help via online couples counselling. When they’re mistakenly signed up for sensual couples counelling instead, Jared and Candy’s shock turns to pleasure as they each deliver some hands-on therapy of their own…

Take a little time to reboot, ’cause these sly guys give a whole new meaning to o-site tech support…

Thoughts

This contemporary romance collection seriously threw me back to the internet when I was a little pre-teen. Don’t get me wrong, I never used it for these activities… but there was still some very fun nostalgia associated with the technology that was being used.

There are three different novellas in this collection, and each and everyone has a slightly different way in which cyber relationships / seduction can occur. I love how these little romances carried the same online theme… but had completely different relationships, seductions and moments throughout.

This variety and series of stories was absolutely brilliant. I really, really enjoyed this and ended up digging through my shelves for any Erin McCarthy stories that I could find, just to continue getting my happy fix.

<- User FriendlyHard Drive ->

Image source: Goodreads

Bad Boys in Black Tie by Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy & Morgan Leigh

Overview
Bad Boys In Black Tie (Watson Brothers, #3) by Lori Foster

Title: Bad Boys in Black Tie
Author: Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy & Morgan Leigh
In: Bad Boys in Black Tie (Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy & Morgan Leigh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romanceShort story collections
Dates read: 3rd June – 4th October 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Brava
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Her gaze travelled all over him and still she couldn’t take it in.

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Synopsis

Some men you can’t take anywhere… except the bedroom. No matter how you dress them up, they’ll always be a little bit rough around the edges, a little too hot for polite society, a little too naked in their appreciation of a woman, and a little too delicious to share with anyone else anyway…

BAD BOYS IN BLACK TIE

Good With His Hands by Lori Foster
As next-door neighbors and best friends, Pete Watson and Cassidy McClannahan have a “no sex” relationship. “No sex” equals continuing friendship. “Ohmygodyes” sex equals big problems and probably some serious dish throwing. It may be a rigid rule, but it works. Until Pete decides he wants to push the line. If sensible Cassidy won’t take his hits, he’s ready to transform himself into the perfect “black tie” guy he thinks she wants. And once she’s in his arms, he’ll show her just what else that black tie can do…

Miss Extreme Congeniality by Erin McCarthy
CJ White knows there must be a catch when Wyatt Maddock – her despised FBI partner – offers to transfer out of Chicago and far, far away from her. There’s a catch all right, and it’s a big one: CJ has to spend one sexy night with the untamed playboy, wearing the outfit of his choice, the pig. Okay, so the guy’s hot. So his reputation in the bedroom is the stuff of legend. So CJ’s been in a dry spell for about, oh, three years. So maybe one night to be rid of him isn’t so unbearable. But once the sheets have cooled, CJ’s just starting to heat up, and moving away is the last thing on Wyatt’s mind…

Last Call by Morgan Leigh
Tess Braeden is new in Justice, North Carolina, but there’s no justice when she learns that her inherited home is about to be foreclosed on. The mayor doesn’t even have the decency to give her an appointment to plead her case. Thank goodness for Fletcher Graham. Meeting the hard-bodied, hard-working cutie is the only bright spot in her insane life. With his sensual skills and soulful eyes – not to mention that air of mystery – he could become Mr. Right very quickly. But will he become Mr. Wrong when Tess discovers what his real day job is?

Whether you want to straighten their ties – or loosen them up – these bad boys make formalwear look good… especially when it’s on the floor.

Thoughts

There is just something incredibly sexy about a man in a suit. So a collection of three novellas by some of my favourite authors that feature men in suits… yeah, I’ll get on board with that! Especially on those late nights when I’m alone on the couch… yeah, don’t judge me… 😊

There is no doubt – I’m definitely going to read this short story collection again. Not just because all three novellas were amazing independently, but because they were actually amazing together as well. It was just a fantastic collection. One that reminded me what it is that made me fall in love with contemporary romance so recently…

Upon finishing this collection, I felt happy, content and just a little bit hopeful for the future. Exactly what I look for in a collection of contemporary romance short stories. Definitely one I’ll be recommending to anyone who asks!

<- Last CallGood With His Hands ->

Image source: Goodreads

Hot in Handcuffs by Sylvia Day, Shayla Black & Shiloh Walker

Overview
Hot in Handcuffs - Bookshelf • Best Selling Books by #1 New York ...

Title: Hot in Handcuffs
Author: Sylvia Day, Shayla Black & Shiloh Walker
In: Hot in Handcuffs (Sylvia Day, Shayla Black & Shiloh Walker)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: EroticaRomantic suspense, Short story collections
Dates read: 16th June – 29th July 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: When he rubbed his fingertips along the bottom, the disturbance of the smooth surface made him frown.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Allow yourself to imagine the man behind the dark sunglasses. Hear the purr of his zipper as he lowers it, then reaches for the shiny metal hanging from his black leather belt. It’s futile to resist arrest. Give yourself up to the fantasy. Besides, he thinks you’re so hot in handcuffs…

Arresting Desire – Shayla Black
FBI Agent Jon Bocelli never stopped wanting beautiful professor Lucia DiStefano. She’s interested in taking her first lover, and he intends to be that man. When her past puts her life in danger, Jon risks everything to save her and prove this fling is forever.

On Fire – Sylvia Day
When Deputy Marshal Jared Cameron investigates a series of arson attacks in a seaside town, the biggest blast of heat comes from sexy fire inspector Darcy Michaels—until their scorching after-hours affair is compromised by a secret from Darcy’s past.

The Unwilling – Shayla Black
Mica Greer and her former lover, ex-FBI agent Colby Mathis, once shared an intimate past and a powerful psychic gift. Now, they’ve been reunited by a bizarre series of murders—and an electrifying passion that could put them both in jeopardy.

Thoughts

I quite enjoyed this collection. I bought it because for one of my yearly reading challenges, I needed a book with handcuffs on the cover. And I was happily, presently surprised by how much I enjoyed this. A good dose of erotica, and a great many romantic suspense stories left me in my happy place.

It’s been a little while since I read much romantic suspense. In fact, it’s an area of romance that I’m starting to get more and more into. It was nice to find three more authors and two more series to add to that section on my shelves.

Some aspects in these three novellas are pretty intensely erotic and sexual. But, there are also moments of pure sweetness that help to balance this. It creates a fantastic balance that draws you in and keeps you turning that pages.

<- The UnwillingArresting Desire ->

Image source: Sylvia Day

Kindred: 12 Queer #LoveOzYA Stories edited by Michael Earp

Overview
Image result for kindred 12 queer book cover

Title: Kindred: 12 Queer #LoveOzYA Stories
Author: Marlee Jane Ward, Erin Gough, Michael Earp, Jax Jacki Brown, Claire G Coleman, Nevo Zisin, Jen Wilde, Christos Tsiolkas, Ellen van Neerven, Omar Sakr, Alison Evans & Benjamin Law
In: Kindred (Michael Earp)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Contemporary, LGBTQI, Short story collections
Dates read: 9th June – 17th July 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Walker Books
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: His disbelief at the time that has slipped away is overwhelming.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

What does it mean to be queer? What does it mean to be human? In this powerful #OwnVoices collection, twelve of Australia’s finest writers from the LGBTQIA+ community explore the stories of family, friends, lvoer and strangers the connections that form us.

Thoughts

This is an amazing collection. A great taste of some of the amazing talent that Australia has to offer. And a unique theme – LGBTQI+. It’s definitely a theme that is slowly filling more and more of my shelves. But it’s one that I’m definitely actively hunting for more of. I now have all twelve of the authors in my collection on my wishlist…

Each and every one of the stories in this collection are thoughtful and intriguing. They ran the gamut of emotions – some had me in tears, others had me hooting with laughter. But, what they all had in common? They had a great, thought-provoking theme that drew me in from the very beginning.

This is my first #LoveOzYA collection. And when I bought this, I did buy a few others. Now, I am exceedingly grateful for the fact… I can’t wait to enjoy more of the beautiful Qussie work on my shelves!

<- Questions to Ask Straight RelativesRats ->

Image source: Bookdepository

That Holiday Feeling by Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods & Robyn Carr

Overview
Image result for that holiday feeling book cover

Title: That Holiday Feeling
Author: Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods & Robyn Carr
In: That Holiday Feeling (Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods & Robyn Carr)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romanceShort story collections
Dates read: 1st – 13th June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Mira
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: “What are you doing tomorrow?” Philip asked unexpectedly.

Synopsis

Celebrate Christmas with three store is from your favorite authors

Silver Bells by Debbie Macomber
In this classic story, Debbie brings those Manning men and Manning sisters home for a mistletoe marriage when a single dad finally says “I do.” this story was also published in the anthology Christmas Kisses

The Perfect Holiday by Sherryl Woods
Will bachelor Trace Franklin become a groom-to-be by Christmastime? He sure will … if Savannah Holiday’s aunt Mae as anything to do with it.

Under the Christmas Tree by Robyn Carr
When the folks of Virgin River discover a box of adorable puppies under the town’s Christmas tree they call on local vet Nathaniel Jensen for help. But it’s his budding romance with Annie McCarty that really has tongues — and tails — wagging!

Thoughts

This is a great collection. I probably should have read it closer to Christmas. But, in the midst of all of the insanity, it was nice to read something so uplifting. A collection that is all about family, love and spending a holiday together. Actually, I very rarely even concentrated on the Christmas aspect of these three novellas – I just liked the family and love themes that ran throughout and left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

I bought this collection because the last novella is part of the Virgin River series. So I knew that I was going to love the final story in this collection. I figured I’d probably just enjoy the first two. I was wrong. I loved all three novellas ridiculously. They made me very happy and content. And left me with that after-glow you get when you read a seriously phenomenal story. They also just left me generally happy since they were romances that featured family. Both the creation of a new one and the honouring of an old one.

If I were to imagine my ideal holiday season or Christmas… this would be it. It would be about love and family. Being grateful for the people in your life and just filling the world with love. It’s not something that I necessarily feel every year and all the time, but this is a great little reminder of the power of love and how things can be comfortably sweet and happy even in the darkest moments.

<- Under the Christmas TreeSilver Bells ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Monstrous edited by Ellen Datlow

Overview
Image result for the monstrous ellen datlow book cover

Title: The Monstrous
Author: Ellen Datlow, Jeffrey Ford, Peter Straub, Dale Bailey, Caitlin R. Kiernan, Gemma Files, Livia Llewellyn, Adam-Troy Castro, Kim Newman, Jack Dann, Gardner Dozois, Carole Johnstone, Brian Hodge, Stephen Graham Jones, Adam L. G. Nevill, Sofia Samatar, Terry Dowling, Glen Hirshberg, A.C. Wise, Steve Rasnic Tem, Christopher Fowler & John Langan
In: The Monstrous (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Horror, Short story collections
Dates read: 8th January – 3rd June 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Tachyon
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: “I supppose I do,” I reply.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Horror’s most acclaimed editor reveals twenty riveting tales of the Other gone wrong. Monsters who suffer from heartbreak, betrayal, ungrateful kids, and unpaid overtime. Creatures of darkness that struggle to adapt to modern living. Ordinary folks who find themselves inexplicably transformed. 88 But if you dare, come a bit closer and discover the most terrifying of beings – those who are living under your own skin and peering out from behind your eyes.

Thoughts

This collection is brilliant. It is dark, creepy and intense. It is fun. It gave me goose bumps. And it is filled with monsters who come in ALL shapes and sizes. And I mean ALL. A wonderful, fantastic and seriously enjoyable collection filled with the things that go bump in the night. The things that you really hope aren’t hiding under your bed.

Although this anthology sits in my horror shelf, it isn’t really all that scary. Sure, there are multiple moments of discomfort throughout. But they’re that, you have to think a little too much, or consider the many moments of confusion throughout this story that you really don’t necessarily want to think too much about. And, honestly, it’s not the things that jump out and yell BOO that make me love horror. It’s that underlying discomfort that makes you look at your own life that I am quickly becoming obsessed with.

I absolutely adored this collection. It was filled with some familiar names and new ones. Each and every story made me stop and really think about what the storyline was saying. And even now, when I have still finished the whole collection… I am still thinking about some of the stories that I read.

<- Run, Rabbit, RunA Natural History of Autumn ->

Image source: Amazon