Midnight Fantasies by Various

Fairly sub-standard romance anthology
2 Stars

Mystery Lover - Vicki Lewis Thompson
When an unexpected storm hits, rancher Jonas takes shelter in a nearby cave. But he’s not alone and soon finds himself seduced by a mystery lady who refuses to tell him her identity. It’s the best sex of his life so it’s a shame he doesn’t know who it’s with - or does he?

This story was okay but really nothing special. I couldn’t take to B.J. (or her eye-rolly name) as she was just too much of a wimp. Jonas, however, was much worse. He was very proud of his sleeping around and I just had no idea why anyone would want to be with him. Not the best basis for a romance, unfortunately.


After Hours - Stephanie Bond
Michael Pierce has always seen costume shop owner, Rebecca, as a quiet wallflower. But all that changes when he goes over after hours and sees her dressing up as a sexy vampire. Suddenly he wants to know her a whole lot better...

I couldn’t really take to this story, either. Both Michael and Rebecca were just weeks out of very serious relationships and from the get go you could hardly expect either to be in a place to start looking for love again. I also didn’t particularly like the thought that Michael only started to like Rebecca once he’d realised she wasn’t mousy in the looks department.


Show and Tell - Kimberly Raye
When bad boy Dallas Jericho finds a piece of paper left over from a lingerie party that details someone’s fantasy with him, he’s intrigued. But when he finds out he’s been starring in good girl Laney Merriweather’s dreams he just has to show her what she’s been missing.

I liked this story of two people who were at odds with each other but secretly desired each other. It was cute and I especially like bad boy Dallas. As the story went on, however, Laney started to grate on me. She went on and on about keeping her reputation that in the end I wondered if Dallas (another daft name, in my opinion) didn’t deserve someone better.


Overall this wasn’t the best anthology that I have read. None of the stories grabbed my attention and I just couldn’t like a lot of the characters which is key in a romance. I’ll give the book 2 stars because I at least finished it but I didn’t like it and I really can’t recommend it, I’m afraid.

Blazing Bedtime Stories

Fun, magical anthology

4 Stars

This is an anthology of tales based on bedtime stories that are given the sexy, Blaze treatment. Days before Valentine’s Day, Cupid needs to prove that love still exists by helping three Valentine-hating women.

Once Upon A Bite – Kimberly Raye

Beauty salon owner, Shay Biggs, is through with the bad boys – she’s now on the look out for Mr Right. She doesn’t think she’ll find it in new guy in town, Matt Keller, but there’s some animal magnetism pulling the pair together. Do beauty and the beast stand a chance?

This story didn’t really do it for me, I’m afraid. I didn’t really get the whole werewolf/vampire thing and the whole story lacked any romance and was wrapped up far too quickly for my liking.

My, What A Big… You Have! – Leslie Kelly

Children’s author, Scarlett Templeton, doesn’t believe in fairy tales. But all that changes when she meets a sexy hunter in the woods on the way to her Grandmother’s house.

Despite being pure fantasy, this tale was believable and very sexy. I loved both Scarlett and Hunter and felt really drawn into the world of fairy tales.

Sexily Ever After – Rhonda Nelson

Ugly duckling Juliet hates Valentine’s Day with a passion but secretly wants someone to make her feel beautiful. Hunky Gareth is determined to win Juliet and make her see that she truly is a beautiful, sexy woman.

This was the only one of the three stories that didn’t have any magical element to it and was also my favourite of the three. Juliet was such a likeable character and you really wanted her to get her happy ending.

Magical, fantasy tales aren’t my usual choice but I have to say I enjoyed this anthology. The first story wasn’t particularly memorable but the other two were fun and well-written. If you like something slightly mystical or simply want to see if fantasy stories are your cup of tea then I would recommend this book to you. 4 stars.

Tex Appeal

Fairly enjoyable Texan anthology

3 stars

This book contains three sexy Blaze stories which all revolve around a Valentine’s Day newspaper contest. Set in Texas, each tells a different story of hunky, Texas cowboys and the women that tame them.

Real Good Man – Kimberly Raye

Cheryl Anne Cash is fed up of being dowdy, sensible and boring – so she decides to spice up her life by dumping her long term boyfriend and becoming a “carnal” coach. But things get complicated when her ex doesn’t want to let her go and wants her to show him all her new found skills.

This was a cute, light read about two people who had lost the essential sparkle in their lives. Although I didn’t understand the motivations of the main characters at certain times – this was still a well-written story that kept you turning the pages.

Unbroken – Alison Kent

Dr. Tess Autrey is writing a story on rodeo ‘buckle bunnies’ and decides to do a bit of time at a ranch for some in depth research. But when ranch owner Wyatt Crowe turns up the heat – the research becomes more one-on-one.

This story really wasn’t my cup of tea. It was slow paced and in my opinion, slightly boring. I didn’t like either of the main characters and while I’m usually happy to suspend belief in a romance – I just didn’t believe this happily-ever-after. Disappointing.

I Can Still Feel You – Cara Summers

Several months ago chef Macy Chandler had a sizzling affair with Texas Ranger Cade Dillon until he disappeared in the night. Now he’s back and Macy is determined not to fall into the same trap as before. But this time Macy’s life is in danger and Cade has no problem in staying as close as possible.

This was a slightly different story to the first two as there was the danger element thrown in along with the romance. Although this isn’t usually the type of story that I would go for, it was still a fun and enjoyable read. Both Macy and Cade were interesting, well rounded characters that seemed perfect for each other.

Overall, this was a fairly enjoyable anthology of stories centering around Valentine’s Day in Texas. While possibly not being the best Blaze anthology, it’s still worth a read although it’s maybe not a keeper. If you’re looking for short stories to pass the time then you can’t really go wrong with this book.