Body Chemistry By Tawny Taylor
Lukas Brenner is a brilliant scientist working in Case Pharmaceuticals' research lab. But he is not very good with people and a total failure when it comes to women. Allie Larson is a softie who always picks up all kinds of strays. Body Chemistry was a fun short story that takes an office party and uses it for a sexy encounter. Lukas is really smart but very shy about his ability to attract women. So when he realizes what Allie and he shared in their one passionate night might be “just chemical” he pushes her away. Allie on the other hand manages to convince him it’s chemical alright but no formula from his lab could create this level of heat in her body and her heart. Very good!

Earthwork By Annie Windsor
Earth, 2800. The Warriors of Ais are dominant, battle scarred and far removed from the softer sides of love. They possess. They dominate. They know no other way. This is a ! story of dark passion and ultimate redemption brought about by trust and love. Keli is a healer and shows promise to be a powerful wytch. But she is reluctant to complete her studies as it will mean leaving her teacher Dram Wolfel, the most dangerous Warrior of Ais and the man she dreams of giving herself to body and soul. Dram Wolfel is a sinful temptation of an alpha hero to make your blood race and tingle! The glimpses of darkness tempered by a tender heart make you root for Keli being the one to unlock this dark warrior’s secret passion. The story races to its dramatic conclusion as we hope for a “happy ever after” for these two heroes.

Ghost of a Chance By Shiloh Walker
More than a hundred and fifty years ago, two lovers lost each other through an act of violence. Now their time has come again. CJ is a modern woman who has come back to the big old Victorian house that her father left for her inh! eritance. As a child the house terrified her, but she feels compelled to return. It seemed like a good option when she decided to makeover her life and pursue her dream to write a book. She began having sensual dreams of a handsome lover, Lukas. But she can’t shake the threatening atmosphere, so she begins investigating the history of the house. She finds old journals that reveal a wicked secret, a lost love and hints of a tragedy no one wants to recall. She meets a hero to share it all with her, if they can lay the ghosts of the past to rest. Luke has returned to save his long lost love but finds himself falling for the modern spirit she has developed. This is a compelling, wildly romantic and sensual story.

Past Running By Mlyn Hurn
Aeryn Michaels is finally getting on with her life. She was trapped in a horrible marriage but, after her husband was convicted of armed robbery and sent to prison, she divorced him. Devlin M! cDonald is the new sheriff in town. Although for different reasons, neither of them wants to get involved in a relationship. But the passion between them flairs and is impossible to ignore. Danger threatens them all when Aeryn’s ex-husband Craig Morelli escapes and comes back to even the score with Aeryn. Devlin will marshal all his resources to rescue the hostages and capture Craig before it’s too late. The suspense and gradual revelations of the situation really kept my attention. I was caught up in the romance that let an emotionally battered Aeryn find love and her sensuality with Devlin. Aeryn is smart and finds a way to not only survive but win in a dangerous situation. Devlin is a sexy hero, protective and ready to save the day! I will read this one again and watch for other stories by Mlyn Hurn. Very good!

The Beckoned By Jaid Black
Wai Ashley has had dreams of a secret friend and protector ever since she was a baby. Jack Elliot was always with her and as ! she grew his relationship in her dreams changed. He became more carnal and no real life man could compare. Feeling she has to get over her fantasies so she can find happiness she banishes him from her mind. Meanwhile Jack Elliot is anything but a fantasy. He is a real life man, a pacifist embroiled in a revolution. And he has been dreaming of Wai for years. She is his perfect woman to protect, possess and love. When a flash flood sends Wai to a two hundred year old historical village she finds Jack Elliot is indeed a real man. The sensuality between these two is explosive and the plot will keep you involved. It shows the power of love to conquer any obstacles. Another great story by “the Queen of Steam,” Jaid Black.

Overall impression: This is a satisfying collection of stories that will delight and thrill you. Each of the authors is gifted with the ability to make their characters come alive and to describe intriguing situations, places and ideas in ways that grab a reader’s attention and keep it to the last word. Of course sensuality is a big part of every story, with levels ranging from spicy to hot. Each story showcases the “Romantica” that Ellora’s Cave is known to deliver. With four different genres represented, there is something for everyone in this excellent anthology!

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Patrice
March 4, 2005