Hunter
Loreste is a curious, rebellious young mermaid who is fascinated by humans. While hanging out at the docks she overhears them whispering about a legendary fisher named, Hunter who seems to have a magical power over fish. As Loreste’s interests grows, she becomes reckless and is caught by Hunter. What will happen now?

This is a bittersweet story about unexpected love and living with your decisions. The characters are sweet and I enjoyed the romance interlaced with the curiosity and realities of life.

The Queen’s Lady and Her King
Anslyn has been in love with King Edan since she was six years old. However he was destined to marry another, and she ill fated to serve as his queen’s lady. Anslyn tries hard to control her feelings, but her love for her king is apparent to many. She struggles to balance her duties with her emotions. When she learns the true nature of the queen, Anslyn realizes that Edan doesn’t deserve such an evil woman. Yet who would believe Anslyn over the queen?

I felt the plot dragged on a little too long in this story and was a bit predictable, even with some unexpected hot scenes between two important characters. I liked the idea of the Anslyn and Edan having a torch for each other since they were young, but I thought their coming together a bit too melodramatic, but still sweet.

The Guy from Beadsville
Melanie decides to work a second job so she can save enough money for her dream vacation to Hawaii. When her friend mentions a bead shop that is looking for a book keeper, Melanie knows she’s found the perfect job. The only problem is her intense attraction to the store’s owner, and the fact that she’s constantly day-dreaming about him. Can Melanie focus long enough to keep her job and get her vacation?

Melanie is seduced by Tom’s beauty and sensitivity. This was a sweet story about finding out a new way of living that includes love and happiness.

The Frontier
Rebekkah is devastated at the loss of her husband and brother after the Osha people, the native people of the new world they’ve settled in, attacked them. Her heart is also torn because her savior happens to be an Osha man named Raniwa, and he tells her that her husband has violated one of their women and must be punished. With her house destroyed, Rebekkah is forced to stay with Raniwa, learning to live as his people do, studying their language and their customs. But can two people from such different worlds ever find happiness together in a world that scorns their mating?

With a new spin on some very familiar popular ideas about race mixing, this story is a nice tale about loving someone regardless of where they are from, and learning to embrace difference, rather than tolerate it. The characters are genuine in their feelings, saving the story from being too preachy or sappy.

The Seduction of Squire Meg
Meg is surprised when Peter Black requests that she act as his squire, but she soon learns that his intentions go beyond that of a helper.

I found this a difficult story to get into, as I was confused about the plot and the personalities were a bit ambivalent. However Meg was entertaining, and I liked how the story carried a bit of witty dialogue.

Masquerade
Lindy is starting to fall for her cyber friend, O.G. even as she can’t fight the frustrating attraction she has to her co-worker Kyle. How will she handle her mixed emotions and what will be the outcome once she finds out who O.G.’s real identity is.

I always like the story of co-workers who secretly like each other. I like Kyle’s alter-ego O.G. and I felt the story was very likeable. A good read.

The Verity of the Vampyre
Emily has always been fascinated with the subject of vampyres. When she meets Mr. Wellsley, she has a strong connection to him that she can’t understand. Could this possibly be one of the mysterious beings she studies?

I liked Emily’s curiosity and the fact that she is honest about what she really wants. I also liked the interesting take on vampyres and how Oliver was able to teach Emily about herself and his world. This was a good story to end out the anthology.

Diana Laurence showcases a breadth of romantic options in this anthology, however at times I felt the stories went from really good to mediocre. Overall, I was impressed by her ability to navigate different worlds and genres of romance and I recommend this anthology for those who enjoy short, engaging stories.


Reviewed by: Jacque