Dream & Desires: A Collection of Romance and Erotic Tales

Reviewed by Keyna Zorns © 2007

Wild Child Publishing.com © 2007

Title: Dream & Desires: A Collection of Romance and Erotic Tales
Author: Jenna Bayley-Burke, Faith Bicknell-Brown, Amanda Brice, Sela Carsen, Rachelle Chase, Gemma Halliday, Candace Havens, Zinnia Hope, Jackie Kessler, Susan Lyons, Richelle Mead, Debbie Mumford, Rhonda Stapleton, Bebe Thomas, Emily Veinglory, Sasha White, Lois Winston, Shaunna Wolf, and Kit Wylde
Publisher: Freya's Bower
Genre: various
ISBN: 1-934069-36-1
Release Date: February 2007

This collection of stories is a generous contribution from many talented writers that obviously care deeply about the welfare of others. The stories explore a variety of emotions as the authors give freely of their creative skills to craft a truly precious gift of their time and love.

The Forest for the Trees
By Jenna Bayley-Burke

This sweet story begins with a romance that threatens to take a sudden sour turn when Ryan rushes into the forest barefoot. Brenda dashes after him keeping up a constant banter in an effort to ease her alarming fears that he's walking away for good. Nothing could be farther from the truth, when the story ends with his long awaited marriage proposal, for a great happy ending.

Song Without Words
By Faith Bicknell-Brown

This enchanting story conveys intense emotions mere words cannot, transcending the realms of time and space though music. The magical harmony overcomes the initial discord of emotions, while the new rhythm of life weaves its way into Nancy's heart. Her freshly inspired song stimulates the senses at every turn, to at last unleash her formerly suppressed love for Bradley. This is truly an inspirational story.

Love @ First Site
By Amanda Brice

When Julie confides her latest romantic disaster to her best friend Dave, she wants to forget all about men. Over coffee, Dave probes deeper and in the end pleasantly surprises Julie with his feelings for her, while bringing her dream email partner to life.

The Christmas Prize
By Sela Carsen

While fighting the tormenting memories of the derogatory remarks from her former husband, Julie sings in a Christmas karoke contest. A handsome stranger compliments her performance then follows up with an invitation to coffee while Julie is announced the winner of the competition. This is definitely a sweet beginning.

Romance For One
By Rachelle Chase Mary gets pulled into her own fantasy while imagining what intimacy might be like with a man she sees across a restaurant. Her desires whirl out of control until the handsome male sends her a drink along with his business card, introducing himself.

Confessions of a Bombshell Bandit
By Gemma Halliday

This fast paced story is sassy and unexpectedly uplifting, after Carrie has one of the worst possible days. She gets fired from her bank teller job after reporting sexual harassment by her boss to HR, then is robbed while gathering her personal belongings. At home she learns she's being evicted from her apartment, and spends several days in bed with ice cream, before rallying with her friends to rob the same bank. Delightfully entertaining.

The Velvet Mask
By Candace Havens

Peyton and Nate have known each other most of their lives, but a variety of challenging circumstances kept them apart. The night of the masquerade ball, all of that swiftly changes, while their true identities are masked, their feelings shine through. The evening ends with a Happily Ever After beginning.

A Road of Misgivings
By Zinnia Hope

Relationships are the key focus of this story with one marriage having some difficulty and the other having problems getting off the launch pad to long term commitment. When Caleb's daughter Valerie is nearly killed by a coal truck, his priorities that were formerly hazy, jolt into crystal clarity.

To The Core
By Jackie Kessler

This emotionally charged story hovers on the earthly plane, before catapulting the reader into another realm. A place where Gwendolyn Ker refuses to meet the fate others orchestrated for her. In an action packed encounter, she throws away her special Zintal powers to become mortal, before meeting her potential true love. Engaging, humorous and brave.

Taking the Alleys
By Susan Lyons

A charming story about finding a special relationship in the most unexpected place. Nurturing those feelings with someone that views the world in a unique way, then forging a surprising life lasting bond. A touching story.

Brushstrokes
By Richelle Mead

This is the story of a succubus that sets out to corrupt other souls, especially those leading religious lives. Through devious planning and manipulation, she entices many while offering up precious works of art and books for destruction.

Red's Merry Mischief
By Debbie Mumford

This fantasy unfolds amidst magic while Red believes he is clever enough to orchestrate a passionate opportunity. He is thwarted by a spell that captures and binds him in another realm, where he must await his freedom.

Baring It All for Mr. Right
By Rhonda Stapleton

The perfect example of Mr. Right, named Jacob, shows up in Joanna's life when she least expects it. After trying to get a sneak peek at her new neighbor, she totally embarrasses herself by ripping the seat out of her shorts. With help from Joanna's roommate, Lil, Jacob agrees to escort Joanna to a wedding that ends unpleasantly, but the evening brings the promise of a nice romance for the new friends. Great read.

The Wedding Policy
By Bebe Thomas

Belle has met the love of her life in Charlie and when he seals that love with a modest pearl ring, they talk of marriage. Once Charlie asks for her hand, Belle's father won't give a definite yes, but when Belle heads for the church on her wedding day, it's not her beloved Charlie that's the groom. She grows to love her husband Barth in her arranged marriage and after his death, finally puts her feelings for Charlie to rest

Blood & Feathers
By Emily Veinglory

This provocative tale follows an angel named Paul, when he's devastated by his circumstances and sad at the loss of the one he was protecting. His former ward is transformed into a vampire and after a night of passion with Paul, takes his own life. Paul wanders aimlessly after being returned to mortal status, until he finds a new love interest.

The Mirror
By Sasha White

An erotic hot encounter that initially appears to be between strangers, heats up to a frantic pace as they make love in a hotel room. At the end of their sexual encounter, it becomes clear that they have a relationship, but enjoyed roll playing to increase shared pleasures. This story roars.

The Reluctant Bridesmaid
By Lois Winston

A most charming story with humor in all the right places. Paige is embarrassed when her boyfriend breaks things off to pursue her cousin Tara. Later, Paige is mortified when she is obligated to be a bridesmaid at the couples' wedding. She pulls the ultimate gotcha, when she shows up with a spectacular diamond engagement ring at the wedding. Tara is true to form when she's green with envy and in the end, Paige is surprised to learn her proposal is genuine.

The Forge: Jezren Dark Sky
By S.R. Howen

This dark fantasy covers many years, beginning with what appears to be a hopeless future for a small girl named Jezren. Against all odds, she rises to the top of a team of futuristic warriors and at last finds the love she has been seeking all her life. Imaginatively crafted.

Secret Valentines
By Kit Wylde

This wonderful romance seems doomed from the start, with secret gifts exchanges dictated among co-workers by the company. After Val gives Cliodhna chocolate, resulting in an immediate allergic reaction, he feels cursed. Once he takes the time to learn more about his exotic valentine, true love blossoms in time for the red hearted celebration.

Rating: 5 cats

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To find out more about how to purchase Dreams & Desires, visit Freya's Bower.