"Loosely Connected Anthology of Darkness and Redemption"

"Love's Tender Fury" by MaryJanice Davidson

Marnie Hammer is a well-known, well-loved romance author -— but she's desperately unhappy. Though she has legions of fans and her latest book is being made into a movie, Marnie wants to see her real name on a cover. Preferably one that doesn't feature heaving breasts or florid, over-edited prose. She hatches a scheme to break out of the mold she has been cast in and finds that literary writing isn't as easy -— or as fun -— as she had hoped it to be. Luckily, publisher-turned-literay-agent Tony Freeborg is there to provide common sense and support. Could Marnie possibly find what she's really looking for in world of purple prose and hokey pseudonyms?

As a heroine-centric, quest of the modern woman story this tale is enjoyable. Davidson's trademark wit and off-the- wall humor serve the reader well. Her commentary on the publishing industry and the dilemma of a genre fiction writer are diverting. However, this story is apt to be disappointing to any reader looking for something along the lines of Davidson's usual over-the-top EC humorous romance. One supposes that Davidson intended the story to lampoon the romance publishing industry, (a la Lyndsay Sands and, to an extent, Shelby Morgen) but the dark disdain the heroine holds toward her job and her readers taints what humor is found in the story. The romance -— if one can call any part of the story romantic —- is emotionally chill. Devotees of Davidson will no doubt snap this anthology up for her story alone, but those looking for her usual wit and over-the-top romance may find themselves disappointed.

"Be Careful What You Wish For" by Joanna Wylde

Sandra is a massage therapist in a bit of a bind. Because she needed the money she accepted the lecherous Edgar Williams as a client, and ended up having to fight off his unwelcome assumptions of what her job entitled him to. His presence, however, turns her world upside down when their session is interrupted by a deadly assassin named Sean who kidnaps her, backhandedly saving her life. Of course, Sean knows that Williams would only patronize a masseuse for one reason -— and it isn't the massages. Sandra's only hope for survival is to keep her kidnapper pleased. But what if he guesses that she's not exactly a professional?

Killers, guns, and perilous, life-threatening danger provide spice for this capture/kidnap-themed novella by popular EC author Joanna Wylde. The characterization is excellent, the action scenes and plotting are secondary, but still exciting. Though some readers may find the hero's sordid assumptions and callous treatment of the heroine less than thrilling, readers who enjoy capture/kidnapping fantasies/stories will be thrilled by the edgy characters, hot sexual encounters and pulse-pounding suspense. The romantic fulfillment is limited because of Sandra's situation, but is believable and the story ends enjoyably. Not a story to everyone's taste, but a treat well worth the price of the anthology for some!

"Threads of Faith" by Joey W. Hill

She lives alone, separate from humanity and from the hurt that living among others can cause for her. Disguised as an old woman, Marisa's young soul is withering beneath the weight of her fears, weaknesses and responsibilities. Into her solitary world steps Conlon Maguire, a man of magic who sees beyond her illusions and can read the depths of her heart. He wants a potion -— but the price requires more than just money. The powers she serves dictate that for one night she is to be his.

Weighty and shadowed, Ms. Hill's contribution to the anthology is a sexual romp that turns to something deeper. She addresses the price of magic and the price of love and the rewards of service in intricate prose and explicit, enjoyable sex scenes. The romantic aspect of the story is somewhat stunted by the length dictates of the tale, but the ending is well-written and emotionally fulfilling.

FORGOTTEN WISHES is a dark, boundary-pushing anthology connected only by the fact that characters in each of the stories undergo some sort of redemption or change through the sexual and emotional relationships that develop. Overall, the pervasive darkness and lack of emotional connection in the relationships make this anthology a difficult read. Recommended for readers looking for something darker, or those who have particular enjoyment of capture/kidnap fantasies.

Reviewed by Ann Leveille
Courtesy Sensual Romance Reviews
Posted June 22, 2004

Summary

Love's Tender Fury by MaryJanice Davidson

Just once, Marnie Hammer would love to sign her real name to her extremely popular romance books. But her Jessica LeFleur pen name is more widely known. Add to that the love of her life is gay and just not interested in her that way. And now she is suddenly lusting after the gorgeous Tony Freeborg, literary agent extraordinaire. Such was NOT in her plans for her life.

Be Careful What You Wish For by Joanna Wylde

Sandra is having a bad day.

Her business is tanking and her latest therapeutic massage client, Edgar, thinks she's a whore. But even that pales in comparison to what happens when she goes into the bathroom to wash her hands...

Sean's spent the last five years in prison for murder. When he escapes, he wants two things: Revenge and sex. He finds both at the office of Edgar Williams, the man responsible for his partners' death. Now Edgar's dead, but Sean's still horny. Fortunately, the woman of his dreams is about to walk out of the bathroom and into his arms.

Be Careful What You Wish For

Threads Of Faith by Joey W. Hill

Marisa is a modern day witch, living at the edge of the woods and of society. She dispenses potions to help lonely souls find their true loves. Because of her inability to live among others, she doesn't believe love is for her, let alone sexual fulfillment. Then Conlon Maguire shows up at her cottage.

Conlon wants a potion to win the heart of his soulmate, but the magic behind the potion sets its price. Conlon's potion demands that he spend one night with Marisa, bringing her pleasure. As a servant of the Light, Marisa cannot refuse the price if Conlon agrees to it, but from the moment he touches her, she knows her heart and shields are in danger.