"Three Unusual Stories from Popular EC Authors"

The MANACONDA anthology brings together three enticing paranormal erotic romance stories by popular authors Sherri King, Jaid Black, and Lora Leigh. For fans of these authors, treasures from established series can be found, though Lora Leigh's short introduces a new world entirely for eager readers. For new or old readers, this anthology is a real treat.

Sacred Eden (A Horde Wars Story) by Sherri L. King

Obsidian and Cady are back, and this time they're going shopping! Domestic bliss has never been so sweet -- until an unexpected attack forces them to confront their worst fears. They've found love, but is it going to be enough to keep them alive?

King brings back the hero and heroine of her first Horde Wars book in this sexy, exciting short. Though not light and fluffy, the story does have its light moments. The meat of the tale, however, is a strong mystery and a tense fight -- apropos enough for the Horde Wars world. Both the domestic bliss and the intense action are good reads, and King blends the two perfectly. Unfortunately, readers of the Horde Wars series, particularly of the first book, may find themselves a little lost by the events and characters introduced, though veteran readers will be well-pleased with the short.

Knight Stalker (Blood Ties Series) by Lora Leigh

Bliss St. Clair has finally come across the man she wants to claim as her own -- unfortunately, she found him in the midst of sensual explorations with another woman. Her jealously was only somewhat mitigated by her next discovery... that Cadan isn't just a sexy, voracious man... he's also a bloodthirsty vampire! Complicating the already messy situation is the pushy symbiot that is the true source of Cadan's vampiric tendencies, a creature who wants Cadan to claim Bliss as host to his own beloved mate. All that's needed is for a group of bad vamps to pop in for a spell...but no one ever said getting the man of your dreams was supposed to be easy!

Leigh contributes the anthology's only totally new world in "Knight Stalker", a fun, different vampire romance. The story is good, though not particularly easy to get into, as Leigh saves her world building for the middle of the tale, at which point some less-persistent readers may have already given up on an overall plot. The sex is hot, though, and the story, once developed, interesting and exciting. "Knight Stalker" is not your usual vampire story, either, which could be pleasing or disappointing, depending on your taste.

Devilish Dot (Khan-Gor, Trek Mi Q'an Adventure) by Jaid Black

Dorothy "Dot" Araiza is a sex toy creator and salesperson who, ironically enough, finds herself abandoned and completely without sex. When an accident on the way to a party lands her in a world unlike any she's ever seen before, she sort of forgets the humming demand of her blood. While she searches for a way to get home, her scent and her cry awaken Vaidd Zhon, a gargoyle-like native of the strange world she had found, and he knows instantly that she is his Bloodmate, the only woman who will be his, forever.

"Devilish Dot" is a sexy, almost classical addition to Black's blockbuster Trek Mi Q'an series, the first new story in that world in quite some time, in fact. Though familiarity with the world of Trek Mi Q'an will definitely enhance the read of this story, it is not necessary to have read the novels to enjoy the story. As with Black's earlier work, the reader is treated with wry, spunky characters and fascinating creatures and worlds and their distinctly erotic natures. Black doesn't explore the still-open arc of her novels, but the tale is both sound and enormously pleasing. "Devilish Dot" is a must-read for Black and Trek Mi Q'an fans, and a scorching, quirky introduction for readers who haven't yet read the series.

Sensuality Level: This anthology has been rated "E-rotic" by the publisher.

Reviewed by Ann Leveille
Courtesy Sensual Romance Reviews
Posted August 13, 2004

Summary

Trek Mi Q'an - Devilish Dot By Jaid Black
Part of the Trek Mi Q'an series

Dorothy "Dot" Araiza is a sex-toy maker by trade. One would think she has an active social life, but on the contrary, her existence is a rather boring, staid one. Dot dreams of finding her happily-ever-after, of being swept off her feet by Prince Charming - not to mention getting laid after eight pathetic years! A lightning storm later, all Dot's fevered fantasies will come true.

But Prince Charming isn't quite what she'd been expecting...

Blood Ties - Knight Stalker By Lora Leigh

A centuries old vampire, or is he? Bliss St. Clair comes upon the man of her dreams as his lethally sharp teeth are biting into another woman's neck. He's a vampire. But this one can walk in the daylight, a cross doesn't harm him, he's not dark and brooding, merciless or tortured. He's a charming bad boy with a rakish sense of humor and a wicked smile that heats every nerve ending in her body.

And he wants her. Not for the blood that runs in her veins, not for the essence of her soul which makes her a perfect candidate to enter his world, he wants her because the passion she arouses in him sets his heart and his soul on fire.

Now, Cadan Gaelan must protect the woman his heart has chosen, from the menace of the world he lives in. The Dark Knights who would tear her from him and use her from their own evil plans...Unless he can convince her to accept him and the secret of his vampirism.

The Horde Wars - Sacred Eden By Sherri L King
Book 4 in the series The Horde Wars

Cady and Obsidian, two greatly revered Shikar Warriors, know they share a love like no other. A love that will last forever. A love not even Death could interrupt.

And now it's time to put that love to the ultimate test...for Death is on it's way.