Nine stories of lovers reuniting and finding their other halves. Another great collection of stories from the group of writers known collectively as Naughty Literati. I give the collection 4 out of 5.
"Silent Sky" by Regina Kammer. (m/f) After the Towers fell, Jennie thought her husband had perished in them. As she grieves, she remembers how she first met Scott and how his job began to affect their marriage and love life. I don't like heroes and/or heroines who commit adultery, so that did affect my reaction to this story. Kammer has, however, provided a well-written tale about a horrible day. 3.5 out of 5.
"Homeward Bound" by Alexa Silver. (m/m) Sequel to "Get Away" found in the NAUGHTY ESCAPES collection. Popular actor/director Bryson Ossnick has decided it is time to come out as bisexual. His lover, musician Kellen Petric is thrilled, but isn't certain Bry is ready for all that comes with the reveal. I really love catching up with Bry and Kel. It would be great to continue checking in on the two men to see how Bry's decision affects them, both professionally and personally. Both men are well-drawn and relatable. I enjoy them both! 4.5 out of 5.
"Lady Esther's Lesbian Lover" by Berengaria Brown. (f/f) Too old, not beautiful, and with a portion barely adequate, Lady Esther Barrington had no marriage prospects. She wasn't really disappointed as, deep inside, she knew she was more attracted to women. Cecilia Aylmer was a very well-educated vicar's daughter who was governess to Lady Esther's nieces and nephews, Cessie and Esther begin as friends, then become so much more. Erotic, but not overly graphic. A meeting of two women outside the norm who seem to have an understanding helper. 3.5 out of 5.
"Renovating the Relationship" by Katherine Kingston. (m/f/m) Brad Carpenter knows his boss, Drew Robertson, needs someone to supervise the mansion renovations. He suggests widow Dani Scott, a woman he loved, but lost because he couldn't supply the type of intense pain she desired. Now he has an idea that will give them both what they want. Very hot, a unique solution to a difficult problem. I am pleased that Drew will be getting his own story as I'm intrigued by the character. 4.5 out of 5.
"The Wyndmaster's Homecoming, Part 2" by Charlotte Boyett-Compo. (m/f) Continuing the story begun in NAUGHTY ESCAPES collection. Major Marisol Diaz rescues her player lover Santos Cabrera from the prison planet. Santos has plenty of time to think about their relationship as he heals. A nice finish, with Marisol as both the rescuer and the solver of Santos' many problems. Extremely hot at the end. 3.5 out of 5.
"Back in Your Arms" by Marianne Stephens. (m/f) Brian Benson is surprised that his new client is the woman he once loved, but lost after his father's bank foreclosed on her family's home. Elizabeth Morton is fixing up the place to give back to her parents. Started out very strong, but soon lost what could've been an interesting conflict, falling instead into a series of sexual encounters with a touch of spanking. 3 out of 5.
"My Cups Runneth Over" by Francesca Hawley. (m/f) Brook Linden had left the woman he loved to avoid causing her death. As the years moved on, he focused on his glass-making art. Now the Tarot cards are predicting marriage. Delia Heath meets Brook again at a joining ceremony. Maybe they have a second chance. Sweet and hot, all in one. Brook's struggles to keep Delia safe are understandable, but what he *saw* was just waiting for him. 4 out of 5.
"Ocean Dreams" by Suz deMello. (m/f) Sandi Ricks returned to see dolphin Blue and is convinced to come in the water with him. Boy, does she get a big surprise when doing so! LOVED the tip of the writing hat to the original Ivan Tors series FLIPPER as well as the two films that preceded it. A generation of children came to love and respect the ocean creatures. An unusual shifter tale that also touches on the movement to free or, at the very least, improve the lives of the acquatic creatures in captivity. 4 out of 5.
"Take Me Home" by Nicole Austin. (m/f) Hybrid Mates 5. Chloe Stanis brought her son Cody to a family get-together, the first real contact since she was raped at 16 and thrown out of the pride by her father. She is terrified when she recognizes her new stepbrother, Declan Andris, as he mate. Told in first person, we see that Chloe may be damaged, but she was strong enough to survive and raise her son on her own. But to have happily ever after, Declan must convince her that she is safe with him. And then there is Leo, her father, appearing at the reunion. 4 out of 5.