4.5 rating

GILLIAN'S ISLAND by Lani Aames
Gillian and Brandt have been dating for more than a year but neither of them has admitted to being in love. Their friend Tony's boat capsized while cruising the Keys leaving them all stranded on an island which Gillian believes to be Pearl Island. Tony and his girlfriend Paige set off to find help on the other side of the island and Gillian and Brandt stay on the beach because Gillian injured her ankle. Both couples have issues and maybe a little time alone will help bring them closer. Add a mystery, treasure map and a couple of ghosts and you have the makings for an irresistible tale.

If you've ever had fantasies about pirates, lost love, and buried treasure then this one is for you. Lani Aames intertwines the fascinating relationships between two couples and a long lost love with fascinating results.

DEVON'S VIX by Rebecca Airies
After being bitten by a rogue vampire Jessie Coulters learns that she's one of the unlucky few who can be changed to a vampire. Her DNA is changing even though the drugs the medics have given her are cutting down the conversion rate. Eventually she will have to make the transition to full vix, but she'll worry about that later. Right now she has vampire hunters out to kill her and one very alpha vampire determined to claim her. Devon Knight has always cared for Jessie and having learned of the danger to her life sets out to not only ensure her safety, but claim her as his once and for all.

Rebecca Airies's contribution to this anthology is sure to be a hit with readers. The characters are larger than life, passionate and involved in situations that will have you holding your breath in anticipation of each new action-packed scene.

WENDY'S SUMMER JOB by Charlotte Boyett-Compo
Wendy Cole's stepmother is making her life a nightmare. Just because she doesn't agree with Wendy's choice of following her dreams and studying to be an actress, the witch has cut off all financial support which means Wendy has to find a job for the summer - fast! When she finds a business advertising for an `Extraordinary Receptionist' she applies and quickly learns that this job comes with many more perks than she could have anticipated - three hot brothers who are in dire need of her `services.'

This fairytale like story is simply delightful. While at first I wasn't sure what to think of Wendy's easy acceptance of the various `duties' assigned to her, I found her upbeat personality and enjoyment of her peculiar situation witty and exciting. In addition I got a huge kick out of the prologue to this story.

CHASING THE DRAGON by Megan Kerans
Raj Cad, The Dragon, hates the United Planetary Federation with a passion. There's no way he'd want anything to do with them and they know it, so why would they be sending yet another representative to see him? He denies Captain Ahnat's request for an audience but when he learns that the captain is a woman changes his mind. Captain Jade Ahnat's visit to The Dragon isn't just because of the UPF. Her sister, like thousands of others, is suffering from the Dark Sickness and Dragon's Eyes seeds are the only hope to cure them. Can Cad and Jade reach an agreement that will satisfy everyone involved?

I have to confess, I loved this story and not just because it's full of hot sweaty sex either! I was fascinated by Cad's rogue attitude and his tough persona while it's so obvious that he's falling for Jade. They're wonderful characters stuck in a world that doesn't understand them or their needs.

VIKING'S PLEDGE by Melany Logen
Mista's fondest desire is to return home to Ireland and her family but she can't deny a longing for her master Raynor. She's been caring for his son Advar ever since his birth and adores the child, someone else will care for him once she's gone, won't they? Raynor def