Hostage is an anthology with short stories by Josh Lanyon, Sarah Black, and Laura Baumbach.

In the first story Dangerous Grounds by Josh Lanyon, Taylor and Will are both policemen and after Taylor was injured in the line of duty their ability to act as partners has been tested. Just before Taylor was injured, he asked Will if they could try dating and in spite of his interest in Taylor, Will was more worried about ending their work relationship. While on vacation in the woods, they stumble on the remains of a hijacked plane and its occupants with a large amount of stolen money. Do Will and Taylor have time to solve the mystery and explore their feelings for each other and find help before time runs out? This Story is well written with characters who take on a life of their own.

In The Second Indian War by Sarah Black, Sam is having lunch at the Anasazi Inn before he plans to go to Skeleton Mesa, on the Indian Reservation, to capture on film the beautiful sunrise and sunset. Sam meets a very memorable and angry young man named TJ. After Sam arrives at Skeleton Mesa he again runs into TJ in the most unusual situation that could change not only his perspective on the world, but maybe even his future. The Second Indian War is an interesting story bringing to life the difficulties that the Indian Tribes have to this day. I loved how the mesa is described in such glorious detail that it is brought to life for the reader.

In Burn Card by Laura Baumbach, Cody is halfway through his shift at the CSI office and he can’t wait to spend the rest of his birthday with his macho boyfriend Gil. Unfortunately, he finds out that he is being pulled to the graveyard shift that night. Cody calls Gil and they get to spend some fun filled time together before it is nighty-night before work. All heck breaks loose when Cody gets kidnapped leaving Gil fighting to locate his boyfriend when Cody’s watch/locator is not activated. Will Gil find Cody in time? Ms. Baumbach has once again created an action packed story that captivates the reader from the start with compelling and charismatic characters.

In The Classic Story of Good and Evil by Sarah Black, Hutch is desperately looking for his pilot Daniel who has been captured by the NVA. Hutch and Daniel are Marines currently stationed in Vietnam in a time when any suspicions about homosexuality will get you not only dishonorably discharged, but put in the military jail. Hutch has always had feelings for Daniel, but Daniel isn’t willing to acknowledge or explore his feelings. Unfortunately, life in a war zone is never safe and when Daniel is captured it is up to Hutch to find the man that he loves. Will Hutch be in time or has fate separated them forever? Ms. Black has created a story that shows that even in the worst of times love can find a way. Hutch and Daniel are two very strong characters who come to bring the story to life for the reader.

Hostage is an anthology where all of the stories, though completely separate, revolve around the theme where one of the characters is taken hostage. I loved how this story line is so different in each of the stories and have powerful characters that bring each story to life. I wish to thank all of the authors for an incredible read.

Reviewed by: Teresa