Lover’s Lockett is truly a story of enduring love and the power of that love. All things are possible if we believe the power of love.

Kili’s Ice Man by Delilah Devlin
Ad exec Kili has a secret passion for watching gladiator fights even though she knows the men would have more brawn than brain. Gladiator Gunnar is a new client at her agency, and he bribes a virtual reality tech to let take part in Kili’s VR experience.

This story may be short, but Ms. Devlin cranks up the heat as Kili and Gunnar experience their fantasy.

The Hottest One Night Stand by Lisa Renee Jones
Assistant D.A. Jessica was on leave, planning a visit to her sister’s for a family birthday party when her car breaks down. Stranded, she stops at a roadside bar to use the phone. There she finds the most gorgeous hunk, and even though their eyes meet, he leaves the bar. Later, at the nearby motel, she realizes they have no vacancies, and in the pouring rain, runs back to her car, crying over her misfortune. A loud knock on her door startles her, even more so when it turns out to be the hunk from the bar, offering to share his room. What follows is a night of discover for Jessica.

Whew, talk about hot! Ms. Jones never disappoints, and the only way she could improve on this story is to make it longer.

Out of the Shadows by Myla Jackson
Neighbors Cassidy and TJ were friends who spent one fantastic night together, and then Cassidy wouldn’t return his calls or answer her door. TJ works night as a cop, fighting evil in the streets, namely vampires. On the night before a huge hurricane is scheduled to hit, he sees movement behind one of Cassidy’s windows and stops to check on her.

Ahh, true love overcomes all obstacles. Sweet storyline written with red hot sex!

A Familiar Kind of Magic by Sylvia Day
Victoria is a feline Familiar, who loved Darius deeply once and casts blame on the Council for his death. The council doesn’t realize that upon Darius’ death, he transferred his powers to Victoria and in the centuries that have passed since, she has been able to avoid capture and placement with another warlock. Now the Council is sending Max, the most powerful Hunter, to capture and if necessary, assassinate Victoria. Max senses how strong Victoria is, but knows she can’t compete with his powers, but what about seducing him just by being herself?

A classic tale of love slipping in the back door and sweeping you off your feet. Both Victoria and Max are truly likable characters and you’ll find yourselves pulling for them throughout the whole book.

Tempting Grace by Sasha White
Grace’s heart is hardened by her past, and when a teenager she mentored dies from an overdose, the feels lost and lonely. Lukas sees her in the store and, as usual, he wants to take her out but he knows she will refuse again. She surprises him by asking for sex, just for one night. Lukas knows this will never be enough for him, but takes what he can get. They both learn from each other that night, but Grace knows Lukas’s father will never approve of her.

A really touching story with heartbreak, love and hope the shining features. Ms. White certainly knows how to build her characters and let their emotions tell the story.

Quick Silver by Vivi Anna
Sangria has an unusual but lucrative occupation, moving objects from one place to another. When called upon to deliver a box to Vegas for way more than her usual fee, she knows something is not quite right about the job, but knows she has to take it if she values her life. Hit by a semi truck, her cargo gets knocked out of the vehicle and breaks open, revealing a man, tied and gagged. His name is Vance and he is a sex worker, hired by wealthy woman for their personal entertainment. They hide out, but are soon found by two gun toting musclemen, who agree to give them a head start on escaping in exchange for the original $50,000 sum Sangria was paid to transport Vance.

A very interesting beginning to what could become an exciting series. The sexual chemistry between Sangria and Vance is present from the beginning, and since both are very strong characters, the action comes quickly.

Alluring Tales: Awaken the Fantasy really does offer a story for every taste. Each story is well written and all the authors have written stories that are engaging and entertaining. This anthology is a great way to get a taste of the writing styles of each author, making Alluring Tales: Awaken the Fantasy: Awaken the Fantasy, an excellent book to read.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Lisa Freeman
April 9, 2007