Scan barcode
jaga119's review
4.0
That was a fun read. Some of the stories were better, some were worse, but all were well-written and quick to read. This book is a reminder for those of us who enjoy SFR of just what can be there to enjoy.
mousegoddess's review
4.0
needed more queer, but it was nonetheless a joy to read an actual, organized, edited anthology instead of a half-assed box set.
gerd_d's review
3.0
In general I have to say, that not only for a free publication this anthology is of remarkable quality. Out of the collected stories there’s only one that felt superfluous to me, as it didn’t add anything new to it, and due to it’s short length never build up to a whole story, making it seem more like filler.
For the rest of the stories goes, that the writing is good to excellent, and that if I was more of a fan of traditional romance I would give a higher rating overall. As it stands, some of the stories left me personally with this better not examine to closely feeling, that, if it had been a novel, had for some of the included material ended in a did not finish.
I was also glad to see that in spite of there being a Romance label attached to it, the authors did take the time to talk about something else but just sex (there are actually only two semi-explicit sex scenes to be found in the whole book – faith in the writing half of humanity restored).
Kudos also go to the editor, for selecting stories that between them cover a wide range of the SF-Romance genre.
Lastly I wish to express that I was glad to see that Linnea Sinclair isn’t just there, as happens at times with anthologies, to have a big name on the cover, but does deliver a delightful SF tale that works even if you aren’t familiar with the world it’s set in.
The stories:
Imprint, Pippa Jay – A futuristic Crime Romance. Didn’t enjoy the world building that much, there’s something about the imprint idea that always gives me a shiver, I favour free will all the way, but the ending is sweet.
Allure, Amy Laurens – Again, I had problems with the world building, it feels a lot like traditional frontier/settlers romance and, for my personal likes, is too focused on a love, honour & duty message.
Nobody’s Present, Marcella Burnard – This was the first story that genuinely, positively surprised me. Going through a bunch of unsavoury romance tropes that made me fear the worst, it could well have led down to it becoming some breeder fantasy, and then taking a sudden left turn for the better, ending on a lovely “This Island Earth” note.
Well played!
The Stranger, Kyndra Hatch – Well, I’ve got not much to say about this one. It’s kind of nice to read, but didn’t add anything, IMO.
Mission: Nam Selan, Linnea Sinclair – As stated above, positively loved this one. Great Space Opera feel, with a smitten of romance. Perfectly balanced.
Prime Sensations, Liana Brooks – More Space Opera. The romance plays a more important role in this one. Partly loved it, partly disliked it. There’s initially a lot of cattiness going on between the female leads, a lot of slut shaming; not something I’m terribly fond of as I feel it only works to strengthen certain negative stereotypes about women. But the author’s exploration of sexual attraction between the genders felt more genuine, and more sensual, to me than it does in most romance tales, have to give her credit for that.
Envy’s Revenge, Berinn Rae – Dystopia. I was glad to see the anthology covering yet more diverse genre aspects with this. If it hadn’t been for this holding one of the above mentioned more explicit sex scenes, I’d have been tempted to put in YA, for that is where dystopian stories seem to dwell mostly these days. The use of a first person view, and the fact that the characters age gets never clearly defined underlined that.
Overall a story I didn’t feel entirely comfortable reading, but did enjoy nonetheless.
Whiskey and Starshine, Erica Hayes – An Italo Western in space setting, well on a different planet. Same as Envy’s Revenge this story builds on a setting in which women are little more than (sexual) prey, taking the topic a step further; if it hadn’t been for that I might have enjoyed it a lot, so it ended up my least favorite.
It did, however, add to genre diversity, I have to give it marks for that at least.
For the rest of the stories goes, that the writing is good to excellent, and that if I was more of a fan of traditional romance I would give a higher rating overall. As it stands, some of the stories left me personally with this better not examine to closely feeling, that, if it had been a novel, had for some of the included material ended in a did not finish.
I was also glad to see that in spite of there being a Romance label attached to it, the authors did take the time to talk about something else but just sex (there are actually only two semi-explicit sex scenes to be found in the whole book – faith in the writing half of humanity restored).
Kudos also go to the editor, for selecting stories that between them cover a wide range of the SF-Romance genre.
Lastly I wish to express that I was glad to see that Linnea Sinclair isn’t just there, as happens at times with anthologies, to have a big name on the cover, but does deliver a delightful SF tale that works even if you aren’t familiar with the world it’s set in.
The stories:
Imprint, Pippa Jay – A futuristic Crime Romance. Didn’t enjoy the world building that much, there’s something about the imprint idea that always gives me a shiver, I favour free will all the way, but the ending is sweet.
Allure, Amy Laurens – Again, I had problems with the world building, it feels a lot like traditional frontier/settlers romance and, for my personal likes, is too focused on a love, honour & duty message.
Nobody’s Present, Marcella Burnard – This was the first story that genuinely, positively surprised me. Going through a bunch of unsavoury romance tropes that made me fear the worst, it could well have led down to it becoming some breeder fantasy, and then taking a sudden left turn for the better, ending on a lovely “This Island Earth” note.
Well played!
The Stranger, Kyndra Hatch – Well, I’ve got not much to say about this one. It’s kind of nice to read, but didn’t add anything, IMO.
Mission: Nam Selan, Linnea Sinclair – As stated above, positively loved this one. Great Space Opera feel, with a smitten of romance. Perfectly balanced.
Prime Sensations, Liana Brooks – More Space Opera. The romance plays a more important role in this one. Partly loved it, partly disliked it. There’s initially a lot of cattiness going on between the female leads, a lot of slut shaming; not something I’m terribly fond of as I feel it only works to strengthen certain negative stereotypes about women. But the author’s exploration of sexual attraction between the genders felt more genuine, and more sensual, to me than it does in most romance tales, have to give her credit for that.
Envy’s Revenge, Berinn Rae – Dystopia. I was glad to see the anthology covering yet more diverse genre aspects with this. If it hadn’t been for this holding one of the above mentioned more explicit sex scenes, I’d have been tempted to put in YA, for that is where dystopian stories seem to dwell mostly these days. The use of a first person view, and the fact that the characters age gets never clearly defined underlined that.
Overall a story I didn’t feel entirely comfortable reading, but did enjoy nonetheless.
Whiskey and Starshine, Erica Hayes – An Italo Western in space setting, well on a different planet. Same as Envy’s Revenge this story builds on a setting in which women are little more than (sexual) prey, taking the topic a step further; if it hadn’t been for that I might have enjoyed it a lot, so it ended up my least favorite.
It did, however, add to genre diversity, I have to give it marks for that at least.
jessmahler's review
4.0
I picked this book up yesterday when I was looking for some fun and relaxing reading. Like all anthologies, the stories varied, but overall I was delighted. Out of 8 stories, three would have gotten 5 stars as stand alones, most of the rest were enjoyable reads that I would recommend to fans of the genre. There was one story I couldn't finish - the MC annoyed me too much. The writing and story itself were fine, so I expect most readers would enjoy it.
I'll be looking for more from these authors, and recommend this anthology to anyone looking for some good SFR to pass the afternoon with.
I'll be looking for more from these authors, and recommend this anthology to anyone looking for some good SFR to pass the afternoon with.
pippajay's review
5.0
In the interest of full disclosure - I have a story in this anthology. My review and rating is based solely on the other seven stories in the collection, and NOT my opinion of my own.
Allure - I had the privilege of beta reading this before it was even submitted, and it still had me swallowing tears after the first couple of pages. Short and achingly sweet. If you aren't sniffling by the end you have no heart.
Nobody's Present - normally I don't go for the Mars needs women type story - one of my least favourite tropes - but this one pulled me right in and made me love it. *salutes author*
The Stranger - another short and sweet story, of love rediscovered. I would like to see this developed as a longer story.
Nam Selan - I'm a relative newcomer to Linnea's work, pointed there by Laurie Green, but I have read Games of Command. That book is a favourite because of Kel-Paton and Sass, so meeting them again was such a pleasure.
Prime Sensations - another I got to beta read, and despite disliking creme brulee I think of it with fondness everytime I hear it mentioned after this story. How to write sensuous without the sex. ;)
Envy's Revenge - grim and gritty view of a dystopian future. Despite that, the romance is very sweet and believable.
Whiskey and Starshine - a definite tang of Firefly! Lovely descriptions, intense romance and evocative of the Wild West in space.
Each story had a very distinctive flavour, and in spite of being short, I had no problem visualizing each 'world'. The characters were believable and often enthralling. I would love to read more stories set in each universe. This is one of the few books I've read recently that I would go back and read again.
Allure - I had the privilege of beta reading this before it was even submitted, and it still had me swallowing tears after the first couple of pages. Short and achingly sweet. If you aren't sniffling by the end you have no heart.
Nobody's Present - normally I don't go for the Mars needs women type story - one of my least favourite tropes - but this one pulled me right in and made me love it. *salutes author*
The Stranger - another short and sweet story, of love rediscovered. I would like to see this developed as a longer story.
Nam Selan - I'm a relative newcomer to Linnea's work, pointed there by Laurie Green, but I have read Games of Command. That book is a favourite because of Kel-Paton and Sass, so meeting them again was such a pleasure.
Prime Sensations - another I got to beta read, and despite disliking creme brulee I think of it with fondness everytime I hear it mentioned after this story. How to write sensuous without the sex. ;)
Envy's Revenge - grim and gritty view of a dystopian future. Despite that, the romance is very sweet and believable.
Whiskey and Starshine - a definite tang of Firefly! Lovely descriptions, intense romance and evocative of the Wild West in space.
Each story had a very distinctive flavour, and in spite of being short, I had no problem visualizing each 'world'. The characters were believable and often enthralling. I would love to read more stories set in each universe. This is one of the few books I've read recently that I would go back and read again.
More...