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Red Velvet and Absinthe
Red Velvet and Absinthe explores love and lust with otherworldly partners who, by their sheer fantastical nature, evoke passion and desire far beyond that which any normal human being can inspire. Although the greats such as Bram Stoker, Edgar Allan Poe, and Daphne du Maurier are long dead, these contemporary authors keep the Gothic spirit alive and well by interpreting it in new and exciting ways. Red Velvet and Absinthe offers readers a collection of unique and original stories that conjure up the atmospheric and romantic spirit of the Gothic masters (and mistresses) but take things a bit further by adding to the brew a generous dosage of eroticism. Lie back and listen to the wind howling outside your window as you read these stories in the flickering light of a candle, the absinthe you’re sipping warming your body like the caressing touch of a lover’s fingers...
256 pages, ebook
First published September 6, 2011
59 people are currently reading
1229 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
298 books33.7k followersKelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 17, 2011
You never really know what to expect when you go into a collection like this. Well, I mean you know one thing to expect, but as for the quality of the actual storytelling, it's a gamble. Fortunately this was a gamble that paid off, because I found myself consistently surprised with the quality of the stories. Yes, each one revolves around some sort of otherworldly/supernatural (smutty) relationship, but for the most part, it seems like all of the authors chose to focus on layering their stories and injecting as much depth and interestingness to the stories and characters.
A lot of people are put off by short stories, I think (and this used to be true of me) because they don't connect - there's just not enough time, not enough text, and so things end up falling a little flat for them emotionally. Many times a reader will say of a short story, 'It was good but I wish it was full-length' or 'There just wasn't enough' ... they are left unsatisfied, feeling as if they've just begun when it ends. But there are a good number of stories in here that I actually found myself connecting to, sometimes rather quickly, and I have to praise that. One in particular, "Cover him with Darkness" by Janine Ashbless, I found very intriguing and perfectly complete as a short story - I didn't want anything else from it. I just thought it was really well done, well-suited to the format, and intriguing. The same is true of "Painted" by Anna Meadows and "Dolly" by Charlotte Stein. All 3 of these stories are completely different with a different feel, but they all had a completeness to them, and a story I loved following.
One other thing I found interesting and a little unexpected was that the stories that most appealed to me and felt the most interesting and complete (and the least cheesy) were the ones that didn't have to do with vampires or weres. It's not necessarily that the vamp/were stories were bad, necessarily, but with few exceptions, I found myself caring about them less. I did really enjoy editor Mitzi Szereto's "The Blood Moon Kiss" which is one of the vamp stories, and is a fun, somewhat tongue in cheek take on vampire culture and a certain popular television show. But the standouts for me were the unexpected ones: artworks come to life, little wax voodoo dolls that could have been very creepy but were somehow sweet, fallen angels or gods or god-knows-what - there was a nice spread of creativity and world-building throughout the collection that I really appreciated.
The only real drawbacks for me were just things that aren't to my taste. Romances and dynamics that just don't appeal to me. (I'm sorry, but I am just not a fan of complete submission, of anyone, to anyone. Collars and cages - aaaand I'm out.) But this I think was actually probably a good thing in its own way because it shows that there really is a little something for everyone.
I think the foreward from Kelley Armstrong (yes, that Kelley Armstrong) was a nice surprise that really seemed to get at the heart of the collection and the somewhat gothic feel of the whole thing. These stories are about atmosphere and Otherness, and amping up the latant sexual tension of the gothic classics into something more palpable. Really well done.
[Side note: If you're wondering if you want to venture to read a book labeled 'paranormal erotica romance', I would employ the cock-test I used in my review of and Falling, Fly sometime back: how do you feel about the word 'cock'? If you just cringed, skip this. If you sat up straighter and said 'where?' go out and grab a copy.]
A lot of people are put off by short stories, I think (and this used to be true of me) because they don't connect - there's just not enough time, not enough text, and so things end up falling a little flat for them emotionally. Many times a reader will say of a short story, 'It was good but I wish it was full-length' or 'There just wasn't enough' ... they are left unsatisfied, feeling as if they've just begun when it ends. But there are a good number of stories in here that I actually found myself connecting to, sometimes rather quickly, and I have to praise that. One in particular, "Cover him with Darkness" by Janine Ashbless, I found very intriguing and perfectly complete as a short story - I didn't want anything else from it. I just thought it was really well done, well-suited to the format, and intriguing. The same is true of "Painted" by Anna Meadows and "Dolly" by Charlotte Stein. All 3 of these stories are completely different with a different feel, but they all had a completeness to them, and a story I loved following.
One other thing I found interesting and a little unexpected was that the stories that most appealed to me and felt the most interesting and complete (and the least cheesy) were the ones that didn't have to do with vampires or weres. It's not necessarily that the vamp/were stories were bad, necessarily, but with few exceptions, I found myself caring about them less. I did really enjoy editor Mitzi Szereto's "The Blood Moon Kiss" which is one of the vamp stories, and is a fun, somewhat tongue in cheek take on vampire culture and a certain popular television show. But the standouts for me were the unexpected ones: artworks come to life, little wax voodoo dolls that could have been very creepy but were somehow sweet, fallen angels or gods or god-knows-what - there was a nice spread of creativity and world-building throughout the collection that I really appreciated.
The only real drawbacks for me were just things that aren't to my taste. Romances and dynamics that just don't appeal to me. (I'm sorry, but I am just not a fan of complete submission, of anyone, to anyone. Collars and cages - aaaand I'm out.) But this I think was actually probably a good thing in its own way because it shows that there really is a little something for everyone.
I think the foreward from Kelley Armstrong (yes, that Kelley Armstrong) was a nice surprise that really seemed to get at the heart of the collection and the somewhat gothic feel of the whole thing. These stories are about atmosphere and Otherness, and amping up the latant sexual tension of the gothic classics into something more palpable. Really well done.
[Side note: If you're wondering if you want to venture to read a book labeled 'paranormal erotica romance', I would employ the cock-test I used in my review of and Falling, Fly sometime back: how do you feel about the word 'cock'? If you just cringed, skip this. If you sat up straighter and said 'where?' go out and grab a copy.]
dnf-lost-interest
December 15, 2015DNF @ 30%
Red Velvet and Absinthe is an anthology of short-stories that fall in the genre of paranormal erotic romance. In my opinion, erotica is the foremost genre though ... which is OK but it was just too much for my personal taste. I'm sure fans of erotica with paranormal themes will have fun with this collection though.
Red Velvet and Absinthe is an anthology of short-stories that fall in the genre of paranormal erotic romance. In my opinion, erotica is the foremost genre though ... which is OK but it was just too much for my personal taste. I'm sure fans of erotica with paranormal themes will have fun with this collection though.
October 31, 2011
Reviewed by Stephanie O
Ebook provided by publisher
Haunting, Intriguing, Sensual, Curious, Lustful, Spellbinding, Hot. All words I could use to describe this collection of short stories.
Ok, so I didn’t get the chance to sit and read this one by candle light, with glass of wine. More or less, I was privileged to read it sitting in my car in the parent pick up line waiting for school to let out. A few times I wondered if I was blushing. At times I even had to set the Nook down, so I could let the short story I just read sink in. As with any multi story book, you run the risk of some being out of the park home run hits, while others seem to be a foul ball. With this grouping, each story made its way to a base . . some made it only to first base, while others were out of the park home runs.
The two stories that just completely rocked my world were: The Blood Moon Kiss and La Belle Mort. The Blood Moon Kiss finds us on the set of a popular “Vampire” show. The amount of heat that oozed off the pages of this story should have melted my Nook, I’m so glad it didn’t. However, La Belle Mort, a story that finds us in a cell with a young lady awaiting punishment (hanging) for something she didn’t do . . well, this story was one that I had to set my Nook down after reading. I needed a moment to just let the story sink in.
There is something here for everyone. With 15 different short stories, how could you not find something that tickles your “fancy”.
Ebook provided by publisher
Haunting, Intriguing, Sensual, Curious, Lustful, Spellbinding, Hot. All words I could use to describe this collection of short stories.
Ok, so I didn’t get the chance to sit and read this one by candle light, with glass of wine. More or less, I was privileged to read it sitting in my car in the parent pick up line waiting for school to let out. A few times I wondered if I was blushing. At times I even had to set the Nook down, so I could let the short story I just read sink in. As with any multi story book, you run the risk of some being out of the park home run hits, while others seem to be a foul ball. With this grouping, each story made its way to a base . . some made it only to first base, while others were out of the park home runs.
The two stories that just completely rocked my world were: The Blood Moon Kiss and La Belle Mort. The Blood Moon Kiss finds us on the set of a popular “Vampire” show. The amount of heat that oozed off the pages of this story should have melted my Nook, I’m so glad it didn’t. However, La Belle Mort, a story that finds us in a cell with a young lady awaiting punishment (hanging) for something she didn’t do . . well, this story was one that I had to set my Nook down after reading. I needed a moment to just let the story sink in.
There is something here for everyone. With 15 different short stories, how could you not find something that tickles your “fancy”.
August 18, 2012
3 1/2
This book is full of short stories of wild monkey sex, each story around maybe 10 -15 pages long and each book filled with up to maybe 20 authors. Each book can have M/M, F/F, M/F, BDSM, cheaters etc.. because anything goes in these short stories. This is not a romance book, it’s a book full of erotica fun. I myself don’t too much connect with these type of books, basically I don’t like just sex I want a story and a romance connection between a couple but a few of these books leaves me very surprised at times. Plus, this is a good way to get to know an author before you buy a full length book by them and that’s why I read them.
Red Velvet and Absinthe is a paranormal themed book with 15 short stories. These are not your normal vampire or werewolf stories we read, this one is filled with different gothic like creatures that stalks the streets. I found two stories I fully enjoyed, Snowlight, Moonlight and The Persistence of Memory. These two grabbed me because I could feel more of a romantic connection between these characters and the stories were really different.
Again these types of books are just for fun monkey sex. If this is your kind of thing please add this to your reading list.
This book is full of short stories of wild monkey sex, each story around maybe 10 -15 pages long and each book filled with up to maybe 20 authors. Each book can have M/M, F/F, M/F, BDSM, cheaters etc.. because anything goes in these short stories. This is not a romance book, it’s a book full of erotica fun. I myself don’t too much connect with these type of books, basically I don’t like just sex I want a story and a romance connection between a couple but a few of these books leaves me very surprised at times. Plus, this is a good way to get to know an author before you buy a full length book by them and that’s why I read them.
Red Velvet and Absinthe is a paranormal themed book with 15 short stories. These are not your normal vampire or werewolf stories we read, this one is filled with different gothic like creatures that stalks the streets. I found two stories I fully enjoyed, Snowlight, Moonlight and The Persistence of Memory. These two grabbed me because I could feel more of a romantic connection between these characters and the stories were really different.
Again these types of books are just for fun monkey sex. If this is your kind of thing please add this to your reading list.
October 29, 2011
Wow, what a month this has been for short story collections – first I had my chance to get my hands on Take Me There: Trans and Genderqueer Erotica (a 5 star read of transgender erotica), and now I’ve got Red Velvet and Absinthe (a 5 star read of gothic erotica). The fact that they're both courtesy of Cleis Press can't be a coincidence!
If I had to pick one word to define this collection, it would definitely be atmosphere. You can feel the condensation upon the cold, stone walls; you can smell the sulphur scent of recently snuffed candles in the air; and you can taste the coppery tang of blood upon the tip of your tongue. These are not just stories with a gothic touch, these are stories written in the true gothic tradition.
It’s hard to choose from a collection like this, but my favourites included:
Snowlight Moonlight by Rose de Fer – this read like an old-school, 19th century gothic tale . . . just a lot sexier (and with a lovely touch of bondage)!
Cover Him with Darkness by Janine Ashbless – a wonderful story of family pacts, inherited responsibilities, and the erotic allure of a fallen angel who wants only be to be loved . . . and set free
The Blood Moon by Mitzi Szereto – one of my top 3 favourites in the collection, the kind of story that begs for more.
Dolly by Charlotte Stein – creepy and sexy at the same time, I thought I knew where it was going, and then she wowed me with a twist that is just perfect
La Belle Mort by Zander Vyne – a passionate and (at times) exhausting tale of witchcraft erotica, and one that made me squeal with delight at the twist ending
Milady's Bath by Giselle Renarde – what can I said, the lovely Ms Renarde can do no wrong by me . . . and her story of a wronged woman taking comfort in the arms of her her maidservant made me sigh with pleasure. Another of my top three.
The Queen by Tahira Iqbal – perhaps the most intensely sexual of all the reads (for me, at least) and the proud piece of pleasure to round out my top 3.
I started out by saying that, if I had to pick one word to define this collection, it would be atmosphere. That’s true, but if I could pick a second, it would be consistency. This is a wonderfully written collection of stories, every one of which captures the spirit of the gothic, and every one of which captures your imagination. There were a few stories where the subject matter didn’t quite enthral me, but the writing still kept me reading.
Perhaps most appreciatively, this is a collection of gothic stories that are also erotic – not just an erotica collection with gothic elements tossed in. Altogether lovely, haunting, and deliciously decadent, you’ll be snuffing out the candles long before you’re done, if only to hide your own gothic touch under the cover of darkness!
If I had to pick one word to define this collection, it would definitely be atmosphere. You can feel the condensation upon the cold, stone walls; you can smell the sulphur scent of recently snuffed candles in the air; and you can taste the coppery tang of blood upon the tip of your tongue. These are not just stories with a gothic touch, these are stories written in the true gothic tradition.
It’s hard to choose from a collection like this, but my favourites included:
Snowlight Moonlight by Rose de Fer – this read like an old-school, 19th century gothic tale . . . just a lot sexier (and with a lovely touch of bondage)!
Cover Him with Darkness by Janine Ashbless – a wonderful story of family pacts, inherited responsibilities, and the erotic allure of a fallen angel who wants only be to be loved . . . and set free
The Blood Moon by Mitzi Szereto – one of my top 3 favourites in the collection, the kind of story that begs for more.
Dolly by Charlotte Stein – creepy and sexy at the same time, I thought I knew where it was going, and then she wowed me with a twist that is just perfect
La Belle Mort by Zander Vyne – a passionate and (at times) exhausting tale of witchcraft erotica, and one that made me squeal with delight at the twist ending
Milady's Bath by Giselle Renarde – what can I said, the lovely Ms Renarde can do no wrong by me . . . and her story of a wronged woman taking comfort in the arms of her her maidservant made me sigh with pleasure. Another of my top three.
The Queen by Tahira Iqbal – perhaps the most intensely sexual of all the reads (for me, at least) and the proud piece of pleasure to round out my top 3.
I started out by saying that, if I had to pick one word to define this collection, it would be atmosphere. That’s true, but if I could pick a second, it would be consistency. This is a wonderfully written collection of stories, every one of which captures the spirit of the gothic, and every one of which captures your imagination. There were a few stories where the subject matter didn’t quite enthral me, but the writing still kept me reading.
Perhaps most appreciatively, this is a collection of gothic stories that are also erotic – not just an erotica collection with gothic elements tossed in. Altogether lovely, haunting, and deliciously decadent, you’ll be snuffing out the candles long before you’re done, if only to hide your own gothic touch under the cover of darkness!
October 3, 2011
“The supernatural: Think vampires, werewolves, ghosts … eerie sounds in the night, impassioned whispers teasing at the depths of sleep … Think red velvet, flickering candles, love and lust with otherworldly partners who unleash passion and desire far beyond that inspired by simple mortals.” – excerpted from the back cover blurb
Let me just start off by saying that this anthology most definitely lives up to the above blurb. Next to Fairy Tale Lust, this has to be one of my fave anthologies from Cleis Press. I don’t believe I passed over one story in here (which I normally do in anthologies if one fails to grab my attention), but of course, I did have my favorites…
In Zander Vyne’s “La Belle Mort,” Lady Elizabeth Jane Morton—a woman wrongly accused and imprisoned for witchcraft—is visited by a cleric who shows her how not to fear death by freeing her body. Thanks to all the hot men I’ve seen in priest garb over the years (Jared Padalecki, Ewan McGregor, Stellan Skarsgård, pre-crazy Mel Gibson, Colin O’Donoghue…), it seems may have developed a little thing for men of the cloth and so I really enjoyed this story. It’s hard to tell if this man is really a cleric or something disguised as some, but wither way I found it strongly and beautifully written.
In Janine Ashbless’s “Cover Him With Darkness,” a young girl learns that her family is the guardians of Azazel, fallen angel and tempter of mortal women. Yet as she grows up and aids in watching over him, she finds herself attracted to him and the things he makes her feel. Fallen angels, ’nuff said. Well written and sexy … loved it!
These two stories are just the cream of this surprisingly dark and sensual crop. I urge all lovers of paranormal erotic romance to pick up this anthology! Perfect reading for those cold, autumn nights.
----------------------
http://www.read-all-over.net/31-days-...
Let me just start off by saying that this anthology most definitely lives up to the above blurb. Next to Fairy Tale Lust, this has to be one of my fave anthologies from Cleis Press. I don’t believe I passed over one story in here (which I normally do in anthologies if one fails to grab my attention), but of course, I did have my favorites…
In Zander Vyne’s “La Belle Mort,” Lady Elizabeth Jane Morton—a woman wrongly accused and imprisoned for witchcraft—is visited by a cleric who shows her how not to fear death by freeing her body. Thanks to all the hot men I’ve seen in priest garb over the years (Jared Padalecki, Ewan McGregor, Stellan Skarsgård, pre-crazy Mel Gibson, Colin O’Donoghue…), it seems may have developed a little thing for men of the cloth and so I really enjoyed this story. It’s hard to tell if this man is really a cleric or something disguised as some, but wither way I found it strongly and beautifully written.
In Janine Ashbless’s “Cover Him With Darkness,” a young girl learns that her family is the guardians of Azazel, fallen angel and tempter of mortal women. Yet as she grows up and aids in watching over him, she finds herself attracted to him and the things he makes her feel. Fallen angels, ’nuff said. Well written and sexy … loved it!
These two stories are just the cream of this surprisingly dark and sensual crop. I urge all lovers of paranormal erotic romance to pick up this anthology! Perfect reading for those cold, autumn nights.
----------------------
http://www.read-all-over.net/31-days-...
February 10, 2012
originally appeared on:Bookshelf Confessions
Gothic Literature have never been this good!
Red Velvet and Anthology is a collection of supernatural, paranormal, gothic stories from awesome authors..Presented in celebration with Gothic Literature.
First and foremost the cover is stunning, it really pique my attention and urges me to request a review copy for it..well, I was not wrong, I was definitely engrossed with the book…
Plus a foreword by Kelly Armstrong, New York Times bestselling author of Bitten.
From its stunning cover…I enjoyed reading the different stories offered, each of it with its own remarkable plot and characters…of page by page ghosts, vampires, werewolves, demons, alive paintings…everything a reader’s mind hasn’t yet discovered.
It is a well-written and well-edited book…:).. Each story giving the reader a crescendo of anticipation as to what kind of creatures would be offered next..
A fast-read..actually I read this book in one sitting, not missing a single word of it….I am transported into each world of magic and the unknown..and it feels like I was there with them, feeling the torture and the ecstacy….that’s how good authors could stir a readers imagination by just words…and admittedly I found myself included in those readers.
Off course it came to the fact..that there are my favourite ones like Cover him with Darkness and The Blood Moon Kiss…I really really loved this two….some of the stories are not so appealing to me..but all in all it’s a great packaged of literature and the supernatural…
It’s a book pack of romance, supernatural beings, suspense, mysteries, and erotica…
Now I know that fear coupled with love and anticipation makes a good couple.. Maybe that’s the reason why a lot of girls around in the world never stop dreaming of a vampire to bit them and bring them to his mysterious yet romantic world..a world of forever…
To every girl out there….or any young adults who want to enjoy a good,romantic, goose-bump-read..you should grab this one!
Gothic Literature have never been this good!
Red Velvet and Anthology is a collection of supernatural, paranormal, gothic stories from awesome authors..Presented in celebration with Gothic Literature.
First and foremost the cover is stunning, it really pique my attention and urges me to request a review copy for it..well, I was not wrong, I was definitely engrossed with the book…
Plus a foreword by Kelly Armstrong, New York Times bestselling author of Bitten.
From its stunning cover…I enjoyed reading the different stories offered, each of it with its own remarkable plot and characters…of page by page ghosts, vampires, werewolves, demons, alive paintings…everything a reader’s mind hasn’t yet discovered.
It is a well-written and well-edited book…:).. Each story giving the reader a crescendo of anticipation as to what kind of creatures would be offered next..
A fast-read..actually I read this book in one sitting, not missing a single word of it….I am transported into each world of magic and the unknown..and it feels like I was there with them, feeling the torture and the ecstacy….that’s how good authors could stir a readers imagination by just words…and admittedly I found myself included in those readers.
Off course it came to the fact..that there are my favourite ones like Cover him with Darkness and The Blood Moon Kiss…I really really loved this two….some of the stories are not so appealing to me..but all in all it’s a great packaged of literature and the supernatural…
It’s a book pack of romance, supernatural beings, suspense, mysteries, and erotica…
Now I know that fear coupled with love and anticipation makes a good couple.. Maybe that’s the reason why a lot of girls around in the world never stop dreaming of a vampire to bit them and bring them to his mysterious yet romantic world..a world of forever…
To every girl out there….or any young adults who want to enjoy a good,romantic, goose-bump-read..you should grab this one!
August 16, 2011
I was very lucky to get an advance copy of this compilation and can tell you that it is a deliciously wicked read...
My favourites were Snowlight, Moonlight by Rose de Fer, La Belle Mort by Zander Vyne and The Persistence of Memory by Evan Mora.
My favourites were Snowlight, Moonlight by Rose de Fer, La Belle Mort by Zander Vyne and The Persistence of Memory by Evan Mora.
July 10, 2020
4-1/2 Gothic-y Goodness Stars
I’m not typically a fan of short stories. Usually, I feel that if a story is worth sinking my teeth into, I’d like to chew on it for a while. However, this collection has everything I crave, including really solid writing, interesting characters, chilling paranormal themes, gothic tropes, and genuinely steamy erotica. Several of the stories would make excellent full-length novels, and I find myself wanting to search out their authors’ works.
The only downside to this collection was the audio component. In the first half of the recording, I encountered several 10-30 second sections of muted audio. Those bits of the story were just gone. The other complaint I had was with the narrator. She enunciated each word too much without much inflection (or with inflection on the wrong words), and I’m afraid I often had the impression I was being read to by a robot. I decided to round my review up to 5 stars, anyway, since the stories themselves were just what I needed.
I’m not typically a fan of short stories. Usually, I feel that if a story is worth sinking my teeth into, I’d like to chew on it for a while. However, this collection has everything I crave, including really solid writing, interesting characters, chilling paranormal themes, gothic tropes, and genuinely steamy erotica. Several of the stories would make excellent full-length novels, and I find myself wanting to search out their authors’ works.
The only downside to this collection was the audio component. In the first half of the recording, I encountered several 10-30 second sections of muted audio. Those bits of the story were just gone. The other complaint I had was with the narrator. She enunciated each word too much without much inflection (or with inflection on the wrong words), and I’m afraid I often had the impression I was being read to by a robot. I decided to round my review up to 5 stars, anyway, since the stories themselves were just what I needed.
July 29, 2015
Super awesome read!!
Originally posted at Butterfly-o-Meter Books on May 18 2012:
Wow! Just, freaking wow!! As you guys can see, this is my first time awarding the Bomy Award of Excellence – the bunch of butterflies that appears as a second rating under the 5 butterflies. If you guys haven’t had the chance to, take a looksie at my newly set rating system here. It’s like a 5++ sort of rating, the official fangirlism at large basically.
I debated with myself whether to award it or not, it’s a new rating so I’m still getting used to it. In the end, I felt like it had to be awarded here, because above all other delights, this anthology gave me a dose of my ultimate delight: diversity. Beauty, emotion, delight, and diversity. To put it in clear terms, this is my reading experience jackpot.
Reviewing anthologies is at times hard, especially when we’re talking about various authors. Sometimes that kind of diversity can become confusing, but this one was the rare case of everything fitting together utterly amazing. Though we’re talking about various writing styles, points of view, themes, endings, heat levels, this is quite possibly one of the best anthologies I have read, it was one of the best reading experiences I’ve had in a while. True, given the paranormal erotic romance tone it has overall, it would seem easy to seduce me I guess, but this just blew me away, honestly. This book was waiting for me for like a year, patient and sweet, until I managed to make my way to it. Guess what, I was literally biting my hands while reading thinking, wholly freaking gosh, I had this jewel collecting dust in a folder all this time???
I wanted to pick out a couple of titles that I liked best, but I just can’t pick. Honestly, I loved them all. Some I was completely melting about, some I totally loved. I got sort of sniffling for some…they basically cover all kinds of awesomeness.
Plus, simplistic as it may be to view things this way, this anthology is sort of big. I mean, big, like 240 pages or more. Call me a sucker but I like short stories that aren’t too short to make their point, you know what I mean? These stories make their points fabulously. If you like paranormal romance on the hotter side, but beautifully written and gorgeous, read this. If you haven’t already, and you will, you’ll surely love it, I simply can’t imagine you not loving it.
Originally posted at Butterfly-o-Meter Books on May 18 2012:
Wow! Just, freaking wow!! As you guys can see, this is my first time awarding the Bomy Award of Excellence – the bunch of butterflies that appears as a second rating under the 5 butterflies. If you guys haven’t had the chance to, take a looksie at my newly set rating system here. It’s like a 5++ sort of rating, the official fangirlism at large basically.
I debated with myself whether to award it or not, it’s a new rating so I’m still getting used to it. In the end, I felt like it had to be awarded here, because above all other delights, this anthology gave me a dose of my ultimate delight: diversity. Beauty, emotion, delight, and diversity. To put it in clear terms, this is my reading experience jackpot.
Reviewing anthologies is at times hard, especially when we’re talking about various authors. Sometimes that kind of diversity can become confusing, but this one was the rare case of everything fitting together utterly amazing. Though we’re talking about various writing styles, points of view, themes, endings, heat levels, this is quite possibly one of the best anthologies I have read, it was one of the best reading experiences I’ve had in a while. True, given the paranormal erotic romance tone it has overall, it would seem easy to seduce me I guess, but this just blew me away, honestly. This book was waiting for me for like a year, patient and sweet, until I managed to make my way to it. Guess what, I was literally biting my hands while reading thinking, wholly freaking gosh, I had this jewel collecting dust in a folder all this time???
I wanted to pick out a couple of titles that I liked best, but I just can’t pick. Honestly, I loved them all. Some I was completely melting about, some I totally loved. I got sort of sniffling for some…they basically cover all kinds of awesomeness.
Plus, simplistic as it may be to view things this way, this anthology is sort of big. I mean, big, like 240 pages or more. Call me a sucker but I like short stories that aren’t too short to make their point, you know what I mean? These stories make their points fabulously. If you like paranormal romance on the hotter side, but beautifully written and gorgeous, read this. If you haven’t already, and you will, you’ll surely love it, I simply can’t imagine you not loving it.
December 24, 2011
This product was provided to me free of charge by Eden Fantasys in exchange for an unbiased review. This review is in compliance with the FTC guidelines
For those of you that know me... and those that don't this is my little statement about short books.... I do not judge short stories on the rush of their relationships, because they are just that - short stories. So, yes the relationships always could have been drawn out more, yea it seems like they fall in love to fast and of course the story could have been made longer... but it is a short story. So with that said.... here is my review...
I was given this book for an honest review and my honest thoughts, so here goes...
This book is complied of some great stories! I have to say that the stories may be short, but there is definitely something to sink your teeth into... There is some substance to claw your nails into... And there are other stories that will leave you mystified. This anthology is to be considered a part of the erotic books collection.
Some stories left me feeling like love struck a cord and stayed there... Some were so sweet and loving that it made me feel it was my first time... Some stories were dark and mysterious..
The stories that I loved reached inside and made me take notice of the characters. Made me see beyond what the writer wanted me to see and what the characters really wanted me to see. The characters wanted me to feel their pain, embrace their love... Taste the bitter sweet darkness that hangs beyond their reach. The passion you discover is worth sneaking off into the bedroom with your other and discovering your own passion. Just beware of what lurks in those corners...
Now while the book as a whole was really good... But you know me, I am here to tell you the truth. Some stories left me feeling a bit off. Like I was left out of a joke or something. But even though I felt like I was missing something... the stories were worth reading. If you are looking for something with a hint of the dark side... a dash of some passion... Then you need to pick this book up!
For those of you that know me... and those that don't this is my little statement about short books.... I do not judge short stories on the rush of their relationships, because they are just that - short stories. So, yes the relationships always could have been drawn out more, yea it seems like they fall in love to fast and of course the story could have been made longer... but it is a short story. So with that said.... here is my review...
I was given this book for an honest review and my honest thoughts, so here goes...
This book is complied of some great stories! I have to say that the stories may be short, but there is definitely something to sink your teeth into... There is some substance to claw your nails into... And there are other stories that will leave you mystified. This anthology is to be considered a part of the erotic books collection.
Some stories left me feeling like love struck a cord and stayed there... Some were so sweet and loving that it made me feel it was my first time... Some stories were dark and mysterious..
The stories that I loved reached inside and made me take notice of the characters. Made me see beyond what the writer wanted me to see and what the characters really wanted me to see. The characters wanted me to feel their pain, embrace their love... Taste the bitter sweet darkness that hangs beyond their reach. The passion you discover is worth sneaking off into the bedroom with your other and discovering your own passion. Just beware of what lurks in those corners...
Now while the book as a whole was really good... But you know me, I am here to tell you the truth. Some stories left me feeling a bit off. Like I was left out of a joke or something. But even though I felt like I was missing something... the stories were worth reading. If you are looking for something with a hint of the dark side... a dash of some passion... Then you need to pick this book up!
December 3, 2011
One of the best paranormal erotica anthologies I've read.
So many I've read are weird, off, and the paranormal elements don't mesh well with the erotic elements- or there's not really enough sex to consider it erotica.
Most of these stories were spot on. Creepy, sexy, naughty, dark, dangerous...this collection had a little bit of everything. There were two stories that I found odd and questioned what exactly the paranormal element was- I mean it was clear there was something "Other" going on but no explanation to exactly what it was. One story I think it was the lake that was the creep factor. The other the woman had to have been a witch or sorceress or something. And those two stories were more story than erotica but still wonderfully written.
You'll find a bit of all the creatures in this collection- werewolves, vampires, ghosts...I especially loved the one with the serial killer and the ghost. Quite nicely done.
Definitely a haunting collection fans of gothic horror with sexual elements and erotic twists with adore.
Light a candle, grab a glass of wine and settle in to read this lush collection of spellbindingly sensual stories.
So many I've read are weird, off, and the paranormal elements don't mesh well with the erotic elements- or there's not really enough sex to consider it erotica.
Most of these stories were spot on. Creepy, sexy, naughty, dark, dangerous...this collection had a little bit of everything. There were two stories that I found odd and questioned what exactly the paranormal element was- I mean it was clear there was something "Other" going on but no explanation to exactly what it was. One story I think it was the lake that was the creep factor. The other the woman had to have been a witch or sorceress or something. And those two stories were more story than erotica but still wonderfully written.
You'll find a bit of all the creatures in this collection- werewolves, vampires, ghosts...I especially loved the one with the serial killer and the ghost. Quite nicely done.
Definitely a haunting collection fans of gothic horror with sexual elements and erotic twists with adore.
Light a candle, grab a glass of wine and settle in to read this lush collection of spellbindingly sensual stories.
March 25, 2012
Brought to you by OBS member Autmn
I had forgotten how much I love compilations and this one was no exception. Each short erotic tale will take you by the hand and lead you dreamily down the primrose path and the beauty of the journey is never knowing if you will come back alive.
I highly recommend this book to readers that revel in the lush prose of gothic and erotic romance and to those adventurous souls that enjoy a bittersweet story that doesn’t always end the way you would expect.
A few of my very favorites include Snowlight, Moonlight by Rose de Fer, La Belle Mort by Zander Vyne and The Persistence of Memory by Evan Mora. Erotic, chilling and heartbreaking. How can you resist?
I had forgotten how much I love compilations and this one was no exception. Each short erotic tale will take you by the hand and lead you dreamily down the primrose path and the beauty of the journey is never knowing if you will come back alive.
I highly recommend this book to readers that revel in the lush prose of gothic and erotic romance and to those adventurous souls that enjoy a bittersweet story that doesn’t always end the way you would expect.
A few of my very favorites include Snowlight, Moonlight by Rose de Fer, La Belle Mort by Zander Vyne and The Persistence of Memory by Evan Mora. Erotic, chilling and heartbreaking. How can you resist?
September 16, 2011
Intriguing, otherworldly, atmospheric and sensual. Quality storytelling from the talented likes of Janine Ashbless, Charlotte Stein, Ashley Lister (worthy of 5* each) and a host of others. Lots of great writing and lyrical prose - nothing in this prettily packaged anthology edited by Mitzi Szereto gets less than a 3* rating from me.
January 7, 2012
One common problem with anthologies is that the stories often seem the same, especially if they are all of the same genre. In Red Velvet and Absinthe all the stories were from the same genre: paranormal romance.
What I liked the most about this anthology is that none of the stories seemed like clones of each other. I was interested in each story, and never skimmed.
What I liked the most about this anthology is that none of the stories seemed like clones of each other. I was interested in each story, and never skimmed.
September 15, 2011
I loved it! It was just what i needed ;)
June 17, 2016
This review originally appeared on my blog, Books Without Any Pictures:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/20...
Red Velvet and Absinthe: Paranormal Erotic Romance is a collection of fifteen erotic short stories featuring ghosts, werewolves, vampires, and things that go bump (see what I did there?) in the night. The stories draw on the gothic literary tradition, which at its heart has always paired romanticism with apprehension of the unknown. This is one of those books that I’m not sure I’d have been drawn to in a store, but was gifted to me as the nice folks at Cleis Press were packing up their booth at Book Expo a couple years back. I’m so glad I got a chance to read it, and ended up enjoying it a lot!
Usually when I read short stories, I have a hard time transitioning from one to another. My immersion gets broken as one story ends and the next begins, and so I end up reading a collection over the course of several months, reading a story here and a story there, but not at the same pace that I’d read a novel. Red Velvet and Absinthe was completely different. While each of the stories was unique, they all shared a sense of mystery and sensuality that kept me reading even as one story ended and the next one began. I finished the book in three sittings, which is so much faster than usual for me when reading short fiction.
Now let’s look at the stories themselves.
Snowlight, Moonlight by Rose de Fer
This was one of my favorite stories in Red Velvet and Absinthe. A mad scientist tames a newly turned werewolf woman into submission. It reminded me of something that ought to be a Jonathan Coulton song.
Cover Him with Darkness by Janine Ashbless
A girl grows up in a tiny village, and her family has a secret. They’ve been guarding a man who is chained to a rock for thousands of years, and now it’s Milja’s turn to take over. Milja is attracted to him, but has been warned about the consequences of unleashing such a being. Weird and dark and wonderful, Cover Him with Darkness leaves you asking questions and begging for more.
A Rose in the Willow Garden by Elizabeth Daniels
A vampire falls in love with a woman whom he’s about to turn, but maybe he’s wrong about who is the predator and who is the prey.
The Bood Moon Kiss by Mitzi Szereto
A crew is filming a show about a vampire turning his human lover. The lead actor is actually a vampire, and is about to turn his leading lady. So meta.
Painted by Anna Meadows
This is the story of a mysterious painting and the woman who lives within it.
Dolly by Charlotte Stein
Delightfully bizarre. A woman creates a golem and begins a relationship with it, while feeling a sense of guilt about sleeping with her creation.
La Belle Mort by Zander Vyne
This one is weird. Through a series of encounters with a visiting stranger, a condemned woman learns how to (sexually) welcome Death.
The Persistence of Memory by Evan Mora
One common idea you see in vampire literature is whether or not a supernatural creature should become involved with mortals, or whether they cause more harm than good. A vampire struggles with this as he has several encounters with one woman, but each time causes her to forget. Meanwhile, she feels that there is something missing in her life that she can’t quite put her finger on.
Scratched by Ashley Lister
More sexy werewolves! The protagonist’s boyfriend thinks he’s been turned into a werewolf, so he secludes himself in the woods. Of course, his girlfriend doesn’t believe him and comes to him right as his transition begins.
Bitter and Intoxicating by Sharon Midwell
An artist is inspired by his muse.
Tea for Two by Claire Buckingham
Another strange one. After reading some books about the occult, a professor tried to sacrifice his unborn child to give his wife immortality. Now she’s a lonely ghost.
Milady’s Bath by Giselle Renarde
This was one of my favorite stories in Red Velvet and Absinthe. Each month, a woman sneaks out of her home for a violent sexual rendezvous with what is presumably a werewolf. After each encounter, her maid/lover prepares her a bath and nurses her wounds while wondering what compels her mistress to deliberately seek that pain. Quite lovely.
The Way Home by Carrie Williams
A motorcyclist stops at a bar and ends up banging the bartender, who happens to be a vampire. While the story had a strong start, the ending was weak and left far too many unanswered questios.
The Queen by Tahira Ibqal
Can this one please be a full-length novel? Pretty please? Amelia is one of the vampire King’s mistresses. One day, the King and other mistresses are murdered, and Amelia sets off on a journey to take her place as the vampire Queen.
Benediction by Bonnie Dee
Set in the afterlife, a man learns to let go and to forgive himself for his sins.
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/20...
Red Velvet and Absinthe: Paranormal Erotic Romance is a collection of fifteen erotic short stories featuring ghosts, werewolves, vampires, and things that go bump (see what I did there?) in the night. The stories draw on the gothic literary tradition, which at its heart has always paired romanticism with apprehension of the unknown. This is one of those books that I’m not sure I’d have been drawn to in a store, but was gifted to me as the nice folks at Cleis Press were packing up their booth at Book Expo a couple years back. I’m so glad I got a chance to read it, and ended up enjoying it a lot!
Usually when I read short stories, I have a hard time transitioning from one to another. My immersion gets broken as one story ends and the next begins, and so I end up reading a collection over the course of several months, reading a story here and a story there, but not at the same pace that I’d read a novel. Red Velvet and Absinthe was completely different. While each of the stories was unique, they all shared a sense of mystery and sensuality that kept me reading even as one story ended and the next one began. I finished the book in three sittings, which is so much faster than usual for me when reading short fiction.
Now let’s look at the stories themselves.
Snowlight, Moonlight by Rose de Fer
This was one of my favorite stories in Red Velvet and Absinthe. A mad scientist tames a newly turned werewolf woman into submission. It reminded me of something that ought to be a Jonathan Coulton song.
Cover Him with Darkness by Janine Ashbless
A girl grows up in a tiny village, and her family has a secret. They’ve been guarding a man who is chained to a rock for thousands of years, and now it’s Milja’s turn to take over. Milja is attracted to him, but has been warned about the consequences of unleashing such a being. Weird and dark and wonderful, Cover Him with Darkness leaves you asking questions and begging for more.
A Rose in the Willow Garden by Elizabeth Daniels
A vampire falls in love with a woman whom he’s about to turn, but maybe he’s wrong about who is the predator and who is the prey.
The Bood Moon Kiss by Mitzi Szereto
A crew is filming a show about a vampire turning his human lover. The lead actor is actually a vampire, and is about to turn his leading lady. So meta.
Painted by Anna Meadows
This is the story of a mysterious painting and the woman who lives within it.
Dolly by Charlotte Stein
Delightfully bizarre. A woman creates a golem and begins a relationship with it, while feeling a sense of guilt about sleeping with her creation.
La Belle Mort by Zander Vyne
This one is weird. Through a series of encounters with a visiting stranger, a condemned woman learns how to (sexually) welcome Death.
The Persistence of Memory by Evan Mora
One common idea you see in vampire literature is whether or not a supernatural creature should become involved with mortals, or whether they cause more harm than good. A vampire struggles with this as he has several encounters with one woman, but each time causes her to forget. Meanwhile, she feels that there is something missing in her life that she can’t quite put her finger on.
Scratched by Ashley Lister
More sexy werewolves! The protagonist’s boyfriend thinks he’s been turned into a werewolf, so he secludes himself in the woods. Of course, his girlfriend doesn’t believe him and comes to him right as his transition begins.
Bitter and Intoxicating by Sharon Midwell
An artist is inspired by his muse.
Tea for Two by Claire Buckingham
Another strange one. After reading some books about the occult, a professor tried to sacrifice his unborn child to give his wife immortality. Now she’s a lonely ghost.
Milady’s Bath by Giselle Renarde
This was one of my favorite stories in Red Velvet and Absinthe. Each month, a woman sneaks out of her home for a violent sexual rendezvous with what is presumably a werewolf. After each encounter, her maid/lover prepares her a bath and nurses her wounds while wondering what compels her mistress to deliberately seek that pain. Quite lovely.
The Way Home by Carrie Williams
A motorcyclist stops at a bar and ends up banging the bartender, who happens to be a vampire. While the story had a strong start, the ending was weak and left far too many unanswered questios.
The Queen by Tahira Ibqal
Can this one please be a full-length novel? Pretty please? Amelia is one of the vampire King’s mistresses. One day, the King and other mistresses are murdered, and Amelia sets off on a journey to take her place as the vampire Queen.
Benediction by Bonnie Dee
Set in the afterlife, a man learns to let go and to forgive himself for his sins.
August 27, 2015
There is a lot to like in this fantasy collection. Overall the writing is excellent, the sex is hot, and the authors are very creative.
I purchased the book originally because I'm a fan of Janine Ashbless, and her "Covered in Darkness" did not disappoint. It offered clear nods to its antecedents in world mythology, but was its own story. I felt the longing of the heroine through every page. My one disappointment was that it ended when it did, although to take the story further would have taken it beyond the boundaries of an anthology entry.
The final story, "Benediction" by Bonnie Dee, was as exquisite an account of the redemptive potential of sacred sexuality that I have ever read.
I'm not a particular fan of the Gothic genre. Ultimately, although I ended up feeling like I'd spent time with too many vampires and werewolves, it wasn't the Gothic element but the supernatural/paranormal that made this collection compelling to me.
I purchased the book originally because I'm a fan of Janine Ashbless, and her "Covered in Darkness" did not disappoint. It offered clear nods to its antecedents in world mythology, but was its own story. I felt the longing of the heroine through every page. My one disappointment was that it ended when it did, although to take the story further would have taken it beyond the boundaries of an anthology entry.
The final story, "Benediction" by Bonnie Dee, was as exquisite an account of the redemptive potential of sacred sexuality that I have ever read.
I'm not a particular fan of the Gothic genre. Ultimately, although I ended up feeling like I'd spent time with too many vampires and werewolves, it wasn't the Gothic element but the supernatural/paranormal that made this collection compelling to me.
November 10, 2014
The darkness and desires enveloping the characters within these stories makes for an all together fascinating read. Whether it is a vampire, werewolf or spectral being there is something in all of them that you can recognize and sympathize. I love the broad scope of different timeframes, cultures and partner parings, and feel that there is something for everyone within these pages. Each of these authors will enrapt you with the depth of their characters and the complexity of their storylines.
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
https://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Boo...
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
https://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Boo...
March 10, 2013
Gothic stories are some of my most favorite reads. The werewolf that runs the moors at night, the lady who climbs out her window to meet her lover every month...or maybe the dark angel that seduces the young girl who is to care for him or the wife who haunts the halls of her home and strips for her husband-they are both trapped at other ends of the universe. One in the physical plane, the other a ghost. Not one story in this collection was wanting. Lusty and seductive, they capture the imagination of our darkest hearts and leave us shifting in our seats, restless for satisfaction. There is truly something for everyone. Fans of the paranormal- you must add this one to your TBR list.
5/5
5/5
May 18, 2012
"Snowlight, Moonlight" - Rose de Fer ★★★
"Cover Him With Darkness" - Janine Ashbless ★★★
"A Rose in the Willow Garden" - Elizabeth Daniels ★★★★
"The Blood Moon Kiss" - Mitzi Szereto ★★★
"Painted" - Anna Meadows ★★★★
"Dolly" - Charlotte Stein ★★★★
"La Belle Mort" - Zander Vyne ★★★★
"The Persistence of Memory" - Evan Mora ★★★
"Scratched" - Ashley Lister ★★★
"Bitter and Intoxicating" - Sharon Bidwell ★★
"Tea for Two" - Claire Buckingham ★★★
"Milady's Bath" - Giselle Renarde ★★
"The Way Home" - Carrie Williams ★★
"The Queen" - Tahira Iqbal ★★★
"Benediction" - Bonnie Dee ★★
"Cover Him With Darkness" - Janine Ashbless ★★★
"A Rose in the Willow Garden" - Elizabeth Daniels ★★★★
"The Blood Moon Kiss" - Mitzi Szereto ★★★
"Painted" - Anna Meadows ★★★★
"Dolly" - Charlotte Stein ★★★★
"La Belle Mort" - Zander Vyne ★★★★
"The Persistence of Memory" - Evan Mora ★★★
"Scratched" - Ashley Lister ★★★
"Bitter and Intoxicating" - Sharon Bidwell ★★
"Tea for Two" - Claire Buckingham ★★★
"Milady's Bath" - Giselle Renarde ★★
"The Way Home" - Carrie Williams ★★
"The Queen" - Tahira Iqbal ★★★
"Benediction" - Bonnie Dee ★★
August 25, 2013
Sunlight, Moonlight by Rose de Fer: With gorgeous prose and a deeply sensual style, this untraditional werewolf love story revolves around an eccentric, but yummy, doctor and a sexually charged woman during her rebirth and transformation - 8/10
Cover Him with Darkness by Janine Ashbless: An account of the seduction of the young, naïve Milja by an imprisoned fallen angel. Disturbing as it is tantalizing, this story takes place in a rustic faraway land and has biblical notes. I found it absolutely explosive, and it reads almost like a folktale - 10/10
A Rose in the Willow Garden by Elizabeth Daniels: Apparently this was inspired by the murder ballads "Down in the Willow Garden" and "Where the Wild Roses Grow," but being unfamiliar with both, I was really lost while reading. Daniels's effect is majestic and surreal, but the supernatural summoning in this story is too confusing for me to enjoy greatly - 5/10
The Blood Moon Kiss by Mitzi Szereto: Hot! I love the southern spunk with which Szereto writes. Daytime television's most popular hunk Talen and small-town actress Christine hook up in this surprisingly refreshing vampire tale of reincarnated love and its path to eternity. The shifting perspectives aren't clearly labeled, which is a bit disorienting, but other than that, The Blood Moon Kiss is a delight of an erotic read - 8/10
Painted by Anna Meadows: Benjamin, a lowly groundskeeper at Mr. Lawrence's estate, loses his innocence and discovers ecstasy within the mysterious beauty of an enchanted painting. The way he completely loses himself in a seductive art's form is fascinating. The plot is kind of confusing, but the concept, lovely - 7/10
Dolly by Charlotte Stein: Ohhh this one's kind of twisted, but a fantasy you can't deny: a make-believe man come to life. Sophie imagines the man of her dreams and literally creates him: a gorgeous Frankenstein. However, that's all he is: a doll. No mind of his own, and no soul... or so she thinks. Love the perceptive tone in this one, but not a fan of the choppiness. Overall Dolly is red-hot and has an amazing implication at the end. Simply mind-bending! - 9/10
La Belle Mort by Zander Vyne: Eliza, imprisoned in a dark cell for a crime she hasn't committed, comes face to face with her executioner, whom she just as well may be imagining. This one is a bit darker than the rest, but enjoyable in a devastating way. Grim and chilling, La Belle Mort follows an unlikely pair of lovers and highlights the keeping of faith and the promise of light after darkness - 8/10
The Persistence of Memory by Evan Mora: A passionate lesbian story to spice things up a bit. Rowan, a healer who has the power to wipe the memory of her grantees clean, falls for the vulnerable but ever-strong Lily. The concepts of soul mates and protective duty are touched upon in this story. It's emotional and will make your spine tingle, but the plot itself is nothing terribly exciting - 7/10
Scratched by Ashley Lister: Vicky must deal with the transformation of her werewolf lover, Jake... even though she might be his biggest prey. The curse this storyline revolves around is great, but the actual sex scenes are just okay - 6/10
Bitter and Intoxicating by Sharon Bidwell: Wilting artist Émile finds inspiration in the eerily alluring Vérène, which propels his greatest piece yet. I found this one rather strange and didn't "get" it for the most part, but do appreciate how it combines French mythology with the essence of abstraction and the fine line between art and pleasure - 6/10
Tea for Two by Claire Buckingham: Not of fan of this story about Anastasia's coming-to-terms with her fallen angel husband, Gregory because it dragged on so much. The plot is messy as well, so it took me a while to comprehend, and the sex just falls flat - 4/10
Milady's Bath by Giselle Renarde: The maid of a young, impulsive lady who lusts for a beast she seeks to tame, narrates this sensual story. The actual supernatural eroticism takes place behind closed doors, while a tender female passion takes place in front—an interesting perspective! The juxtaposition of rough werewolf sex and gentle womanly loving makes for a rich story that will make you squirm - 9/10
The Way Home by Carrie Williams: Darker and more sinister than the other stories, The Way Home follows the downfall of a nameless woman who finds an escape from her complicated life in a bartender whom she only knows as "Freddy." The mindless, pleasurable routine they fall into is a French paradise, but she soon discovers that this little vacation of hers won't last forever. While I'm still not exactly sure what kind of creature this story depicts, the depth and obscurity of it makes it an exemplary piece of Gothic fiction - 9/10
The Queen by Tahira Iqbal: Upon a sudden attack in the King's court, Amelia is snatched out of her vampire King lover's arms, and forced to face the tragic aftermath, as well as the throne she inherits. The new Queen finds solace in the sexy but detached bodyguard, Landon; she soon discovers that between them, is lust... as well as bloodlust. The plot here would make a terrific novel, but it was just way too much to fit into 14 pages. Iqbal's ideas are ambitious, but The Queen moves way too fast; too much happens for a tiny story that's meant to be longer - 5/10
Benediction by Bonnie Dee: Micah's soul is stripped bare when he seeks redemption in the form of an angel, the gorgeous Hasdiel. She alone has the power to separate him from his sins, as well as teach him to finally forgive himself. While the tone of Benediction is ethereal—perfect for an angel story—I didn't like it that much because the plot isn't novel, and the characters are rather unmemorable - 6/10
Pros
Very diverse stories with all sorts of paranormal creatures and folklore // Intricate plots // Complex characters and relationships // Rich, seductive mood // Quality erotica
Cons
Some of the stories are hard to follow because they're so fantastical // Only a few stories were actually arousing ("Dolly," "Milady's Bath," and "The Way Home."
Love
"Dites-moi qui vous aimez, et je vous dirai qui vous êtes," she said. "Isn't that pretty? It's French. It means 'tell me whom you love, and I'll tell you who you are.' I read it on a tombstone, once."
— from Elizabeth Daniels's A Rose in the Willow Garden
Verdict
Red Velvet and Absinthe is a Cleis Press classic, with lush worlds built into every story, and sensuality that reaches supreme heights. This anthology is as good as Gothic short fiction gets: dark as night and smooth as velvet. While I didn't really connect with some individual stories, the majority of them are hauntingly seductive and gloomy in the most alluring way.
Rating
8 out of 10 hearts: An engaging read; highly recommended.
Source
Complimentary copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, Cleis Press!).
Cover Him with Darkness by Janine Ashbless: An account of the seduction of the young, naïve Milja by an imprisoned fallen angel. Disturbing as it is tantalizing, this story takes place in a rustic faraway land and has biblical notes. I found it absolutely explosive, and it reads almost like a folktale - 10/10
A Rose in the Willow Garden by Elizabeth Daniels: Apparently this was inspired by the murder ballads "Down in the Willow Garden" and "Where the Wild Roses Grow," but being unfamiliar with both, I was really lost while reading. Daniels's effect is majestic and surreal, but the supernatural summoning in this story is too confusing for me to enjoy greatly - 5/10
The Blood Moon Kiss by Mitzi Szereto: Hot! I love the southern spunk with which Szereto writes. Daytime television's most popular hunk Talen and small-town actress Christine hook up in this surprisingly refreshing vampire tale of reincarnated love and its path to eternity. The shifting perspectives aren't clearly labeled, which is a bit disorienting, but other than that, The Blood Moon Kiss is a delight of an erotic read - 8/10
Painted by Anna Meadows: Benjamin, a lowly groundskeeper at Mr. Lawrence's estate, loses his innocence and discovers ecstasy within the mysterious beauty of an enchanted painting. The way he completely loses himself in a seductive art's form is fascinating. The plot is kind of confusing, but the concept, lovely - 7/10
Dolly by Charlotte Stein: Ohhh this one's kind of twisted, but a fantasy you can't deny: a make-believe man come to life. Sophie imagines the man of her dreams and literally creates him: a gorgeous Frankenstein. However, that's all he is: a doll. No mind of his own, and no soul... or so she thinks. Love the perceptive tone in this one, but not a fan of the choppiness. Overall Dolly is red-hot and has an amazing implication at the end. Simply mind-bending! - 9/10
La Belle Mort by Zander Vyne: Eliza, imprisoned in a dark cell for a crime she hasn't committed, comes face to face with her executioner, whom she just as well may be imagining. This one is a bit darker than the rest, but enjoyable in a devastating way. Grim and chilling, La Belle Mort follows an unlikely pair of lovers and highlights the keeping of faith and the promise of light after darkness - 8/10
The Persistence of Memory by Evan Mora: A passionate lesbian story to spice things up a bit. Rowan, a healer who has the power to wipe the memory of her grantees clean, falls for the vulnerable but ever-strong Lily. The concepts of soul mates and protective duty are touched upon in this story. It's emotional and will make your spine tingle, but the plot itself is nothing terribly exciting - 7/10
Scratched by Ashley Lister: Vicky must deal with the transformation of her werewolf lover, Jake... even though she might be his biggest prey. The curse this storyline revolves around is great, but the actual sex scenes are just okay - 6/10
Bitter and Intoxicating by Sharon Bidwell: Wilting artist Émile finds inspiration in the eerily alluring Vérène, which propels his greatest piece yet. I found this one rather strange and didn't "get" it for the most part, but do appreciate how it combines French mythology with the essence of abstraction and the fine line between art and pleasure - 6/10
Tea for Two by Claire Buckingham: Not of fan of this story about Anastasia's coming-to-terms with her fallen angel husband, Gregory because it dragged on so much. The plot is messy as well, so it took me a while to comprehend, and the sex just falls flat - 4/10
Milady's Bath by Giselle Renarde: The maid of a young, impulsive lady who lusts for a beast she seeks to tame, narrates this sensual story. The actual supernatural eroticism takes place behind closed doors, while a tender female passion takes place in front—an interesting perspective! The juxtaposition of rough werewolf sex and gentle womanly loving makes for a rich story that will make you squirm - 9/10
The Way Home by Carrie Williams: Darker and more sinister than the other stories, The Way Home follows the downfall of a nameless woman who finds an escape from her complicated life in a bartender whom she only knows as "Freddy." The mindless, pleasurable routine they fall into is a French paradise, but she soon discovers that this little vacation of hers won't last forever. While I'm still not exactly sure what kind of creature this story depicts, the depth and obscurity of it makes it an exemplary piece of Gothic fiction - 9/10
The Queen by Tahira Iqbal: Upon a sudden attack in the King's court, Amelia is snatched out of her vampire King lover's arms, and forced to face the tragic aftermath, as well as the throne she inherits. The new Queen finds solace in the sexy but detached bodyguard, Landon; she soon discovers that between them, is lust... as well as bloodlust. The plot here would make a terrific novel, but it was just way too much to fit into 14 pages. Iqbal's ideas are ambitious, but The Queen moves way too fast; too much happens for a tiny story that's meant to be longer - 5/10
Benediction by Bonnie Dee: Micah's soul is stripped bare when he seeks redemption in the form of an angel, the gorgeous Hasdiel. She alone has the power to separate him from his sins, as well as teach him to finally forgive himself. While the tone of Benediction is ethereal—perfect for an angel story—I didn't like it that much because the plot isn't novel, and the characters are rather unmemorable - 6/10
Pros
Very diverse stories with all sorts of paranormal creatures and folklore // Intricate plots // Complex characters and relationships // Rich, seductive mood // Quality erotica
Cons
Some of the stories are hard to follow because they're so fantastical // Only a few stories were actually arousing ("Dolly," "Milady's Bath," and "The Way Home."
Love
"Dites-moi qui vous aimez, et je vous dirai qui vous êtes," she said. "Isn't that pretty? It's French. It means 'tell me whom you love, and I'll tell you who you are.' I read it on a tombstone, once."
— from Elizabeth Daniels's A Rose in the Willow Garden
Verdict
Red Velvet and Absinthe is a Cleis Press classic, with lush worlds built into every story, and sensuality that reaches supreme heights. This anthology is as good as Gothic short fiction gets: dark as night and smooth as velvet. While I didn't really connect with some individual stories, the majority of them are hauntingly seductive and gloomy in the most alluring way.
Rating
8 out of 10 hearts: An engaging read; highly recommended.
Source
Complimentary copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, Cleis Press!).
June 20, 2019
This book was defiantly different from other books that I've read. I don't tend to read erotica related books. Not because I find them vulgar or anything, just because I haven't found any that were good. I read the 50 Shades series and wasn't too impressed so I just tend to steer away from this genre altogether. Every year I try and reach out to other genres that I don't typically read, erotica is one of them, to read something that I'm not used to. I like to make myself a little uncomfortable so that I can actually learn something. Now I didn't learn anything from these short stories, but what I did experience was another thing. HA! For once, in a long time, I couldn't put this book down. I just wanted to keep reading, and reading. And I did which is no surprise. I think one of the most important things with anthologies is that they are just perfect to read. You don't obligate yourself to a 250+ page book to get invested in. You are reading smaller, simpler pieces where you just small tastes if you will. However, that is my only complaint. I really wanted to get to know these characters more and even have some more smexy stuff happen. The briefness of it is good and bad in that way. You get a little, but you want more. I know I did. I finished this book in two days and immediately went onto my local library's website to try and find some more.
My favorite out of all the stories was Milady's Bath mainly because there were hints at werewolves. (I know there were other stories which featured werewolves, this one was my favorite one). I liked it because we weren't directly seeing what was going on with the wolf perse. You could let your mind wonder of the doings of the night. This within the constructs of F/F was great. You get this outer layer arousal from your brain working with the werewolf narrative, but also a literal arousal from the written action.
My favorite out of all the stories was Milady's Bath mainly because there were hints at werewolves. (I know there were other stories which featured werewolves, this one was my favorite one). I liked it because we weren't directly seeing what was going on with the wolf perse. You could let your mind wonder of the doings of the night. This within the constructs of F/F was great. You get this outer layer arousal from your brain working with the werewolf narrative, but also a literal arousal from the written action.
March 4, 2018
Although this anthology of paranormal erotica blends the Gothic atmosphere of Bram Stoker and Edgar Allen Poe with the contemporary passion-filled fantasy of Kelley Armstrong-like writers, it was a blending that I could not get into. I had to ditch this book after a couple of stories.
July 31, 2018
Cover Him With Darkness is some of the best writing EVER. Limitless stars. The rest of the book gets three stars, so I settled for four for the whole thing. It's is cute, raunchy, imaginative, all good things.
May 2, 2021
This book was well written and well received by me the only problem i found was a consistant theme of vampires. I find this to be common with paranormal romance though I myself am drawn away from that. There are more paranormal creatures than vampires people.
July 5, 2021
Not sure how this was supposed to be "gothic" - but the one story that seemed gothic (the one about the vampire) , ended up abruptly and really was not fleshed out at all. All the stories were really superficial and none had any meat to them ...
June 19, 2017
A few of the stories were really good, but most of them were boring and forgettable. Especially the last 2. They had no main subject, just very long and boring sex scenes.
December 16, 2018
I enjoyed the short story format and multiple writers.
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