3.5 stars overallAs other reviewers have said, this is a mixed bag. But there goes the way of anthologies, usually not all the stories are equally strong and as the (in your face) title says, you can ‘like it or not.’ One thing I do like is that this collection, with the common theme of non/dub con, presents this kink at varying degrees -- so depending on your comfort level there should be something here for you. And we get the opportunity to see several authors strut their stuff in a veritable smorgasbord of writing enticing us to sample all and venture on for seconds when you find something you like.
Out of Options/Angelia Sparrow & Naomi Brooks 2.0 stars
‘Out of Options’ starts the anthology off with a hardcore non-consent/slave set-up. That’s all fine, it clearly sets up the main theme, sets the reader up for the ride ahead. But, for me this was the weakest story in the anthology so it’s position is unfortunate. What this story illustrates is how an author must walk a very fine line in this type of erotica. The characters must still have some thread of empathy between them thus bringing out my own to make it work. Connor’s utter destitution, hopelessness and lack of choice and Jarrett’s manipulation of him just comes off as creepy plus five/erotica minus five. And while the cross-dressing aspect thrown in at the end peaked my interest for a mo (as it always will, smile), the lack of connection between the two guys still leaves me cold.
Obedience Classes/Sean Michael 3.5 stars
Well, this is some hot shifter D/s play. If you’ve read even a few shifter stories you’ll find nothing really, completely new going on here -- alpha meets reluctant mate, must have mate, bites mate, they mate, etc. (3 stars) So, ho-hum there but it is well done and the two guys...erm...weres are sweet. What sets it apart for me was the very well written on-going, relentless seduction (5 stars).
...afterthought: What reeeeeeaaalllly would have ratcheted it up a few notches would have been some mating in shifted form with some serious knotting action going on. Now THAT would have added a little spice to the chili (take off 1/2 star).
What It’s Worth/Gryvon 4.0 stars
Serious public seduction and dark, dirty coitus of a surly, virginal bottom by a gangstah top. Slurp. Kinky hot. Me wants more.
Blindside/Stella Harris 3.5 stars
A sweet first crush/first seduction/coming of age short about two college guys exploring... I still can’t figure out how Dylan had access to the health center for his ‘trysts’ and it doesn’t make for the sexiest of seduction spots but, hey, it got the job done.
Unnatural Means/TC Mill 4.5 stars
Very nicely done. Well written and makes you think -- Isak’s moral, spiritual and sexual struggle and Sain knowing him better than he knows himself makes up this riddle. I had no idea how this was going to end up and when I got there...I loved it. I want to know more about Isak and Sain but the ending was satisfactory. This was my favorite in the anthology, new and fresh. Will have to find more stuff by this author.
Salting the Earth/Heidi Belleau & Violetta Vane 4.0 stars
The opening to this story took a bit of puzzle solving to get the lay of the story-land and this is in keeping with these authors -- no spoon feeding and you have to work a bit for your literary supper.
We’re back on the Emerald Isle, same world as their previous [b:The Druid Stone|13751785|The Druid Stone (Layers of the Otherworld, #1)|Heidi Belleau|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337208175s/13751785.jpg|19385292]. Ronan’s twin sister Rose is looking a bit rough around the edges and disappears to somewhere every night. Ronan believes that the Sidhe are spiriting her away and using her in their sensual pursuits so he goes searching. He finds the faerie mound and slips into Sidhe-world and that’s when the story kicks into gear as we again meet the king of the faeries, Finnbheara and his court. Seductive Finnbheara played a part previously in ‘Druid Stone’ when he tried to lure two other of Belleau and Vane’s lads to his harem. He sinks his fetching, erm, claws into pretty, confused Ronan who becomes a plaything of Finnbheara’s court in a night of decadent debauchery. Imagine a sex-drug infused ongoing orgy and you’re there. Yum.