Six top notch authors show readers a wide variety of SUMMER FANTASIES in this anthology that is sure to add some steam to those hot summer nights.

JJ Massa opens up this anthology with Beach House: Old Friends.  Evie St. John is thrilled to get the invitation to meet up with her old friends at the beach, particularly since her old flame Gibb Weston will be there.  Little does she know, but Gibb is now separated from his wife and the spark of attraction between them is about to ignite.

I wasn’t sure about this story at first, as it deals with some issues I am uncomfortable with.  Infidelity in marriage is a big no-no in a story for me, but JJ Massa sensitively incorporates elements into the storyline that make it work.  Beach House: Old Friends comes across like a brief but important interlude between friends with the relaxed, casual atmosphere. 

Genie in a Bottle by Trista Bane is the story of Jennifer Davies, first seen in CALL OF THE WILD as Sirena’s sidekick.  With Sirena on her honeymoon, Jennifer has let loose and is now working at the club as a stripper, albeit with a mask and a partner. Her feelings for her dance partner, Michael Harris, have gone past the friendship stage, but will it all be jeopardized when an old flame from her past reappears?

Oh what a joy to see Jennifer break free of her uptight background and let it all hang out!  A story about a stripper finding love may seem sordid but in the hands of a storyteller like Trista Bane, it is pure poetry.  One can feel the love between Michael and Jennifer as they dance together, seemingly oblivious to the audience.  As with any story by Trista Bane, there are some definite moments of heartbreaking intensity as Jennifer and Michael cope with the fallout from the return of her old flame, Eric Vaughn.  Genie in a Bottle is a story that left me cheering as Jennifer really comes out of her shell and stands up for herself.

CJ England captivates readers with Skyrockets in Flight… Afternoon Delight.  Captain Ross Cannon, a retired munitions expert from the Army, has put his skills to use by designing beautiful and safe fireworks displays.  Stacy Jackson doesn’t care how safe Ross says his fireworks are as she knows just how deadly fireworks can be.  Will the fireworks between these two be snuffed out over their disagreement?

Skyrockets in Flight… Afternoon Delight is yet another stunning tale from the mastermind, CJ England.  Ms. England captures the hearts and souls of her readers with her sensuous tales in which love triumphs over all.  Skyrockets in Flight… Afternoon Delight is perhaps my favorite story yet of her contemporary tales.  Stacy’s anguish comes across so clearly as does Ross’s own emotional turmoil over Stacy’s lack of trust.  My heart literally ached for both of them, making the ending all the sweeter.  Keep your box of Kleenex handy, as CJ England once again writes another heartbreakingly beautiful and steamy tale.

Summer Storm by Cassidy McKay centers around one woman’s lifelong fear of storms.  Samantha Benning has been terrified of storms ever since the one that swept her parents away.  Since then, she hasn’t let anyone near her heart either but something about Spencer Tripp and his son, Casey, slips through her barriers.  Will her newly found security soon be threatened?

Don’t let go of that Kleenex box just yet, as Cassidy McKay’s story is guaranteed to make you cry!  Summer Storm is a heart wrenching story with a twist that literally had me on the edge of my seat, hoping all would be happily resolved.  What an emotional rollercoaster ride!  Sam’s struggle over her fear of storms and her turmoil concerning the ethics of getting involved with the father of a client would have made this story successful but Cassidy McKay has an even bigger twist in mind.  I can’t rave enough about Cassidy McKay and her absolutely beautiful writing!

Becca Furrow adds a futuristic slant to SUMMER FANTASIES with her tale, Surviving Summer.  Gema and Kellac are both prisoners, participating in the Survival Game.  But how will they work together, as Kellac is a Puregen?  Gema knows the survival rate of non-Puregens is very poor as players can amass points for betraying their partners….

I have read one other tale by Becca Furrow so it was no surprise to me to thoroughly enjoy Surviving Summer.  Becca Furrow is an author I want to see more from, as she creates fantastic but very believable worlds populated with characters I care about.  Who couldn’t help but cheer for Gema, particularly as her secrets are revealed?  And Kellac is a true hero who learns to overcome his prejudices for the sake of love.  Surviving Summer is a definite must read for fans who like their science fiction sexy!

SUMMER FANTASIES concludes with The Watermelon Riot by Melissa Glisan. Reporters Scott Reneau and Michelle Butler have been relegated to covering the most boring and tedious events after they shocked the town with a story involving corruption in local politics.  Scott can’t believe he’s stuck covering a story about a watermelon festival, until he learns a bit of local history.  Will Michelle shed her dull exterior as this year’s Watermelon Festival heats up?

What is more reminiscent of summer than the watermelon?  Melissa Glisan puts a sexy spin on the watermelon, ensuring I will never look at this produce in exactly the same way again!  The Watermelon Riot has more of a small town feel to it that may not appeal to readers who haven’t experienced the eccentricities that permeate such an environment.  Readers familiar to small towns will relish The Watermelon Riot, as Ms. Glisan offers such a realistic portrayal.

SUMMER FANTASIES is one hot anthology, guaranteed to add a bit of spice to those long, lazy days of summer.  Grab something cool as these six fantastic authors crank up the heat! 

Reviewed by Anne

 

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Posted September 2007