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Bump in the Night
Bump in the Night
Turn off the lights . . . and turn on your darkest fantasies.
Demon pacts. Ghostly possessions. Monsters lurking in the depths. The things that go bump in the night frighten us, but they also intrigue us. Fascinate us. Even turn us on.
Join us as fan favorites Ally Blue and Kari Gregg bring over-amorous aquatic beasts to life with their mythic twists on the Siren and the monster in the lake. Erotic horror pros Heidi Belleau, Sam Schooler, and Brien Michaels show us just how sexy scary can be with a pair of demon deals destined to curl your toes and set your heart thrashing. And literary masters Laylah Hunter and Peter Hansen weave haunting worlds where ghosts and dead lovers can touch our hearts (and other, naughtier places too . . .) and teach us lessons from beyond the grave.
By turns exciting, evocative, and exquisitely explicit, the stories in Bump in the Night are sure to scratch your sexy paranormal itch. Explore your wildest fantasies with us in this collection of dark erotic tales.
Reader discretion advised. This title contains the following sensitive drug use, dubious consent, explicit violence, non-consent.
Demon pacts. Ghostly possessions. Monsters lurking in the depths. The things that go bump in the night frighten us, but they also intrigue us. Fascinate us. Even turn us on.
Join us as fan favorites Ally Blue and Kari Gregg bring over-amorous aquatic beasts to life with their mythic twists on the Siren and the monster in the lake. Erotic horror pros Heidi Belleau, Sam Schooler, and Brien Michaels show us just how sexy scary can be with a pair of demon deals destined to curl your toes and set your heart thrashing. And literary masters Laylah Hunter and Peter Hansen weave haunting worlds where ghosts and dead lovers can touch our hearts (and other, naughtier places too . . .) and teach us lessons from beyond the grave.
By turns exciting, evocative, and exquisitely explicit, the stories in Bump in the Night are sure to scratch your sexy paranormal itch. Explore your wildest fantasies with us in this collection of dark erotic tales.
Reader discretion advised. This title contains the following sensitive drug use, dubious consent, explicit violence, non-consent.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2013
9 people are currently reading
578 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Haimowitz
41 books721 followersM/M erotic romance author, freelance writer and editor, sadist with a pesky conscience, shamelessly silly, proudly pervish. I'm a twitter addict (@rachelhaimowitz), and I blog every M/W/F at Fantasy Unbound. To learn all about my current and upcoming projects, please stop by my website. I love to hear from folks, so feel free to drop me a line anytime at metarachel (at) gmail (dot) com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 15, 2018
Cross-posted at Shelf Inflicted and at Outlaw Reviews
★★★ Resurrection Man by Laylah Hunter – Adel St. Claire died prematurely of tuberculosis. Josef Leitner has the means and the tools to bring him back to life. But at what cost? Competently written, vividly descriptive, with an authentic historical feel. Technically, there was nothing wrong with the story, but I wanted less sex and more time spent exploring the consequences of Josef’s actions.
★★★★★ Mating Season by Kari Gregg – Despondent because of his failed marriage and lost job, Danny decides to go on a fall hiking trip at the lake at his best friend Keith’s insistence. Who believes in crazy tales about lake monsters anyway? Danny learns two things – that all tales contain a nugget of truth and best friends are not always trustworthy. This is all kinds of creepy and kinky, and a superb example of erotic horror.
★★★★ Flesh and Song by Ally Blue – Mesmerizing, atmospheric, haunting and dreamlike. I love stories that involve mysterious water dwellers, tranquil settings, and people looking to escape. Ally Blue is no Patricia McKillip, but this is a lovely story that kept me riveted. I think it would have been even better with a little more backstory about Noah so I could have been fully invested in his fate.
★★★ Out From Under by Brien Michaels – Brant tries to leave the demon Fromunder, but he won’t have any of it and Brant’s lover pays with his head. In order to get his lover back, he must help the demon with his plan for revenge. Of course, these things never go as expected. This was a fun, entertaining story that was more humorous than horrific. Some of the scenes were a little over the top, and reminded me of films with too many special effects. Sometimes, less is more.
★★★★ Sleeping With Ghosts by Peter Hansen – Yordan is a Bookman, a priest who takes souls for those born without one. This was a gently written, haunting, immersive story with a surprising twist. Very well done.
★★★★★ Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler – This story deserves all the stars! Tobias is devoted to his good works and to God, but he is a deeply troubled and conflicted man. Once David enters his life again, sickly and dying, Tobias scorns him for his flagrant sexuality and his life decisions. Their youthful experimentation is a source of shame for Tobias, and he wants David to follow a righteous path. Tobias meets a strange man in church, who knows all his thoughts, feelings, his arrogance and harsh judgment. Making a dark deal will change both men’s lives forever.
I am familiar with a few of the authors here, so was really thrilled to get the opportunity to read this anthology. These stories are dark and should appeal to those readers who enjoy demons, spirits, sea monsters and sexy times that are not necessarily pleasurable.
A great collection!
Thanks to Charming from Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group for lending this to me.
★★★ Resurrection Man by Laylah Hunter – Adel St. Claire died prematurely of tuberculosis. Josef Leitner has the means and the tools to bring him back to life. But at what cost? Competently written, vividly descriptive, with an authentic historical feel. Technically, there was nothing wrong with the story, but I wanted less sex and more time spent exploring the consequences of Josef’s actions.
★★★★★ Mating Season by Kari Gregg – Despondent because of his failed marriage and lost job, Danny decides to go on a fall hiking trip at the lake at his best friend Keith’s insistence. Who believes in crazy tales about lake monsters anyway? Danny learns two things – that all tales contain a nugget of truth and best friends are not always trustworthy. This is all kinds of creepy and kinky, and a superb example of erotic horror.
★★★★ Flesh and Song by Ally Blue – Mesmerizing, atmospheric, haunting and dreamlike. I love stories that involve mysterious water dwellers, tranquil settings, and people looking to escape. Ally Blue is no Patricia McKillip, but this is a lovely story that kept me riveted. I think it would have been even better with a little more backstory about Noah so I could have been fully invested in his fate.
★★★ Out From Under by Brien Michaels – Brant tries to leave the demon Fromunder, but he won’t have any of it and Brant’s lover pays with his head. In order to get his lover back, he must help the demon with his plan for revenge. Of course, these things never go as expected. This was a fun, entertaining story that was more humorous than horrific. Some of the scenes were a little over the top, and reminded me of films with too many special effects. Sometimes, less is more.
★★★★ Sleeping With Ghosts by Peter Hansen – Yordan is a Bookman, a priest who takes souls for those born without one. This was a gently written, haunting, immersive story with a surprising twist. Very well done.
★★★★★ Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler – This story deserves all the stars! Tobias is devoted to his good works and to God, but he is a deeply troubled and conflicted man. Once David enters his life again, sickly and dying, Tobias scorns him for his flagrant sexuality and his life decisions. Their youthful experimentation is a source of shame for Tobias, and he wants David to follow a righteous path. Tobias meets a strange man in church, who knows all his thoughts, feelings, his arrogance and harsh judgment. Making a dark deal will change both men’s lives forever.
I am familiar with a few of the authors here, so was really thrilled to get the opportunity to read this anthology. These stories are dark and should appeal to those readers who enjoy demons, spirits, sea monsters and sexy times that are not necessarily pleasurable.
A great collection!
Thanks to Charming from Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group for lending this to me.
October 5, 2014
Overall anthology rating = 4.5 stars
This is certainly one of the most provocative slash anthologies I’ve read. Each story is unique in its own special horror and all are well crafted. Warning: this is more horror than erotica. And while there’s little to no romance, there is plenty of sexual intoxication. There are a lot of disturbing elements. If rape or dubious consent is a trigger, proceed with caution.
The endings are more ‘happy-for-now’ or even ‘this is as good as it’s gonna get’. But isn’t that what life in the ‘Twilight Zone’ is all about? I have to admit that I gobbled these up, thrilled by the story-telling.
There is a common thread through the stories summed up by a line lifted from one of them, “I hadn’t stopped to consider the cost.” All of the characters pay a price for their actions.
Highly recommended for those who want a darker, no-holds-barred read. But please heed the tags.
This is a freakishly long review, so the spoiler tags are to save space more than anything else.
Resurrection Man by Laylah Hunter (historical, paranormal, gore) 4.0 stars
Mating Season by Kari Gregg (paranormal, monsters, tentacle-sex, slave/captive, non/dubious-consensual/rape, cock/ball torture, gore, bondage, medical kink) 4.5 stars
Flesh and Song by Ally Blue (contemporary, paranormal, gods/demons, sailing, tropical island) 3.5 stars
Out From Under by Brien Michaels (contemporary, paranormal, demons/monsters, slave/captive, bondage, vine sex, non/dubious-consensual/rape, three-way, stuffing & sounding, torture, gore-fest) 4.0 stars
Sleeping With Ghosts by Peter Hansen (paranormal, alternate universe, ghosts, violence) 3.5 stars
Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler (paranormal, demons, rape, ‘shock-value’) 4.0 stars
For this review, give-aways, author interviews, and much more:
October 14, 2013
I almost missed out on this book because I "don't read horror." Seriously, I don't, and it's because anything that contributes to my already over the top anxiety is generally not good for me, so I avoid horror books and horror movies.
But I love several of the authors involved in this project, so, armed with my guard dog and a glass of wine, I dug in. :)
The first story, Resurrection Man, is a Frankenstein-type tale. I have never read Laylah Hunter before, and I enjoyed this introduction to her work. It was sensual and a little scary, but not too much. I really felt a sense of Josef's desperation and Adel's need for warmth and comfort.
The second story, Mating Season, is a tentacle monster story by Kari Gregg. I've read stories by Kari in the past, and IIRC, all the ones I've read had some kind of kinky taboo to them. This story was creepy, and hot and I sort of love tentacle stories, so this was definitely one of my favorites in the collection.
Flesh and Song by Ally Blue was interesting, with vivid imagery and a sense of desperate loneliness and mindless devotion. The timeline however, stretching over months but told in a short story, never really gelled for me. I know there was a sense of being lost to time, lost to ambition, but I never really felt a sense of it beyond the MC's confusion. I still enjoyed the story, but think perhaps that particular aspect of it, though effective, made it harder to connect.
Out from Under by Brien Michaels--more tentacles! The last time I read something by Brien, it scared the hell out of me, so I was a little nervous about this one. The imagery in this story is bright and intense, almost like a comic book--in fact, my brain filled in the imagery with comic-style graphics and it really, really worked for me. I loved it.
Sleeping with Ghosts was my favorite story in this collection, and also my first time reading Peter Hansen. The best word I can think of to describe this story is "atmospheric." It was haunting and measured, and the worldbuilding was *just* right. Not too much to make the story feel rushed, but enough to really draw you in and give you a feel for the social and religious dynamics involved. SO. GOOD.
Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler. I love these ladies, and was so excited to read something they wrote together. Now, another review I read referred to part of this story as "shocking" because it took place in a church. Being raised in a secular home, I didn't find it so much shocking as "fitting," both for the story and for a bit of social commentary. For centuries, churches have manipulated their own flocks through fear--whether through fear of hell or fear of social ostracization. It seemed only fitting for a church to figure prominently in this story which dealt with both a fear of social condemnation and dealing with the moral responsibility inherent in passing judgment on another. Good shit, this.
Overall, I give the collection 4 stars and recommend for just about anyone. :)
But I love several of the authors involved in this project, so, armed with my guard dog and a glass of wine, I dug in. :)
The first story, Resurrection Man, is a Frankenstein-type tale. I have never read Laylah Hunter before, and I enjoyed this introduction to her work. It was sensual and a little scary, but not too much. I really felt a sense of Josef's desperation and Adel's need for warmth and comfort.
The second story, Mating Season, is a tentacle monster story by Kari Gregg. I've read stories by Kari in the past, and IIRC, all the ones I've read had some kind of kinky taboo to them. This story was creepy, and hot and I sort of love tentacle stories, so this was definitely one of my favorites in the collection.
Flesh and Song by Ally Blue was interesting, with vivid imagery and a sense of desperate loneliness and mindless devotion. The timeline however, stretching over months but told in a short story, never really gelled for me. I know there was a sense of being lost to time, lost to ambition, but I never really felt a sense of it beyond the MC's confusion. I still enjoyed the story, but think perhaps that particular aspect of it, though effective, made it harder to connect.
Out from Under by Brien Michaels--more tentacles! The last time I read something by Brien, it scared the hell out of me, so I was a little nervous about this one. The imagery in this story is bright and intense, almost like a comic book--in fact, my brain filled in the imagery with comic-style graphics and it really, really worked for me. I loved it.
Sleeping with Ghosts was my favorite story in this collection, and also my first time reading Peter Hansen. The best word I can think of to describe this story is "atmospheric." It was haunting and measured, and the worldbuilding was *just* right. Not too much to make the story feel rushed, but enough to really draw you in and give you a feel for the social and religious dynamics involved. SO. GOOD.
Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler. I love these ladies, and was so excited to read something they wrote together. Now, another review I read referred to part of this story as "shocking" because it took place in a church. Being raised in a secular home, I didn't find it so much shocking as "fitting," both for the story and for a bit of social commentary. For centuries, churches have manipulated their own flocks through fear--whether through fear of hell or fear of social ostracization. It seemed only fitting for a church to figure prominently in this story which dealt with both a fear of social condemnation and dealing with the moral responsibility inherent in passing judgment on another. Good shit, this.
Overall, I give the collection 4 stars and recommend for just about anyone. :)
December 18, 2017
resurrection man by laylah hunter - 4 stars
mating season by kari gregg - 3 stars
flesh and song by ally blue - 2 stars
out from under by brien michaels - 3 stars
sleeping with ghosts by peter hansen - 5 stars
blasphemer, sinner, saint by heidi belleau and sam schooler - 4.5 stars
overall: 3.6
-------------------
pre-review:
i see you judging me and honestly i don't have any words to defend myself with ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
mating season by kari gregg - 3 stars
flesh and song by ally blue - 2 stars
out from under by brien michaels - 3 stars
sleeping with ghosts by peter hansen - 5 stars
blasphemer, sinner, saint by heidi belleau and sam schooler - 4.5 stars
overall: 3.6
-------------------
pre-review:
i see you judging me and honestly i don't have any words to defend myself with ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
October 18, 2013
Excellent M/M horror anthology. Six strongly written weird tales, not a clunker in the bunch. I won’t rate them individually; they were all very good, and even better in collected form. Highly recommended.
Resurrection Man, by Laylah Hunter
Josef resurrects his dead boyfriend by the use of dangerous magic. Deliciously chilling and emotionally erotic. The nature of the magic (runes carved into the boyfriend’s flesh and an enchanted jewel in place of his heart) were fascinatingly eerie.
Mating Season, by Kari Gregg
Tentaclesex, yay! The old-fashioned kind: monstrous and non-con. Heed warnings if you prefer to avoid rape. Amusingly written, nice happy ending. Oh, it’s also !
Flesh and Song, by Ally Blue
Noah finds paradise on a fabled island, in sexual thrall to a nameless god. What happens when he begins to see cracks in his perfect existence? Enjoyed the language in this one and a clever, small twist at the end.
Out from Under, by Brien Michaels
Wow! Brant is the unwilling minion of a demon whose natural form involves leaves and tendrils. More tentaclesex, yay! To save his human lover’s life, Brant must lure a gorgeous man from a bar back to the demon’s lair. Great surprises, humor, and imagery.
Sleeping with Ghosts, by Peter Hansen
Wistful and dark story of a priest in an order which kills people whose time has come, in order to take their souls for babies waiting to be born. One day, Brother Yordan takes the wrong man.
Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler
Tobias makes an unspeakable bargain to save a boyhood friend and lover from dying of “the French disease” in the wynds of old Whitechapel. Poignant, strong, thought-provoking, and featuring a delightful lust demon.
Resurrection Man, by Laylah Hunter
Josef resurrects his dead boyfriend by the use of dangerous magic. Deliciously chilling and emotionally erotic. The nature of the magic (runes carved into the boyfriend’s flesh and an enchanted jewel in place of his heart) were fascinatingly eerie.
Mating Season, by Kari Gregg
Tentaclesex, yay! The old-fashioned kind: monstrous and non-con. Heed warnings if you prefer to avoid rape. Amusingly written, nice happy ending. Oh, it’s also !
Flesh and Song, by Ally Blue
Noah finds paradise on a fabled island, in sexual thrall to a nameless god. What happens when he begins to see cracks in his perfect existence? Enjoyed the language in this one and a clever, small twist at the end.
Out from Under, by Brien Michaels
Wow! Brant is the unwilling minion of a demon whose natural form involves leaves and tendrils. More tentaclesex, yay! To save his human lover’s life, Brant must lure a gorgeous man from a bar back to the demon’s lair. Great surprises, humor, and imagery.
Sleeping with Ghosts, by Peter Hansen
Wistful and dark story of a priest in an order which kills people whose time has come, in order to take their souls for babies waiting to be born. One day, Brother Yordan takes the wrong man.
Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler
Tobias makes an unspeakable bargain to save a boyhood friend and lover from dying of “the French disease” in the wynds of old Whitechapel. Poignant, strong, thought-provoking, and featuring a delightful lust demon.
Read
November 6, 2013Nov 6, 2013- Have only read Mating Season by Kari Gregg so far.
o.O
Seriously disturbing, but ridiculously hot. Ridiculously. Hot.
Will rate the book after I've read the other stories.
o.O
Seriously disturbing, but ridiculously hot. Ridiculously. Hot.
Will rate the book after I've read the other stories.
October 28, 2013
This is a must read book. For those looking for clever creepy creatures taking a human, this is the book for you. The most disturbing one is from talented writer, Ms. Gregg. It isn't because it is scary. It's because it is erotically arousing with a very dark theme. The other stories are all well done with insidious undertones of demonic domination.
In Mating Season, Ms. Gregg titillates the reader with tentacle sex and forced breeding. This depraved story is well written with a focused plot. The characters are simplistic but this is fine because the sex scenes are fabulous. The non-con in addition to the sexual acts will be remembered for a long time. How can anyone top fisting, sounding and face fucking by tentacles? The poor boy tricked into bestiality with a creature is blazing hot. The details in his rape are erotically charged. Ms. Gregg does an excellent job with vivid depraved descriptions.
A close second in creepiness is Flesh and Song by Ally Blue. Once again, there are tentacles involved in this erotic m/m story. Ms. Blue creates a horrifying existent for a man making a pact with a demon. What is interesting is the long con in order to meet the ending the demon desires. The sex in this story is rough and non-con. The added element of fear increases the arousal. It's a kinky swamp thing creature who can make dreams come true. Ms. Blue is a new to me author whom I'm going to keep an eye on.
The rest of the authors, Ms. Hunter, Mr. Michaels, Mr. Hansen, Ms. Belleau and Mr. Schooler all write great stories mixing kinky sex with menacing monsters. All of the stories follow the theme of losing a soul due to the seductive offers of nightmarish beasts wearing a handsome mask. Each of the stories are tightly written. It's surprising how well they can elicit a sexual response with chilling villains. Each author dances the fine line between sexy and gross very well with attractive attributes. The reader can't help but enjoy the main character's downfall. With such captivating monsters providing tantalizing bargains, it's hard to say no. Even those with good intentions fall short and end up with punishing consequences.
*provided by NetGalley
In Mating Season, Ms. Gregg titillates the reader with tentacle sex and forced breeding. This depraved story is well written with a focused plot. The characters are simplistic but this is fine because the sex scenes are fabulous. The non-con in addition to the sexual acts will be remembered for a long time. How can anyone top fisting, sounding and face fucking by tentacles? The poor boy tricked into bestiality with a creature is blazing hot. The details in his rape are erotically charged. Ms. Gregg does an excellent job with vivid depraved descriptions.
A close second in creepiness is Flesh and Song by Ally Blue. Once again, there are tentacles involved in this erotic m/m story. Ms. Blue creates a horrifying existent for a man making a pact with a demon. What is interesting is the long con in order to meet the ending the demon desires. The sex in this story is rough and non-con. The added element of fear increases the arousal. It's a kinky swamp thing creature who can make dreams come true. Ms. Blue is a new to me author whom I'm going to keep an eye on.
The rest of the authors, Ms. Hunter, Mr. Michaels, Mr. Hansen, Ms. Belleau and Mr. Schooler all write great stories mixing kinky sex with menacing monsters. All of the stories follow the theme of losing a soul due to the seductive offers of nightmarish beasts wearing a handsome mask. Each of the stories are tightly written. It's surprising how well they can elicit a sexual response with chilling villains. Each author dances the fine line between sexy and gross very well with attractive attributes. The reader can't help but enjoy the main character's downfall. With such captivating monsters providing tantalizing bargains, it's hard to say no. Even those with good intentions fall short and end up with punishing consequences.
*provided by NetGalley
January 25, 2014
Mating Season by Kari Gregg
A well written but nauseatingly grotesque mashup of tentacle porn, medical kink and m-preg. I would write more but the anti-emetic has made me drowsy.
honestly-ill-never-get-around-to-it
November 5, 2013So, apparently, in this is "Mating Season=best Tentacle-Sex Story Ever Written"
August 27, 2014
"Resurrection Man" by Laylah Hunter --- 1.0 star
One of the reasons for this rating is Present Tense. Too much sex didn't help either.
"Mating Season" by Kari Gregg --- 4.0 stars
This story grew on me. When I just finished it I was certain it was going to be a two star rating, but somehow, by the end of the day, I am willing to give it four stars.
"Flesh and Song" by Ally Blue --- 3.5 stars
"Out From Under" by Brien Michaels --- 3.5 stars
"Sleeping With Ghosts" by Peter Hansen --- 3.5 stars
"Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint" by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler --- 4.0 stars
I realise there is a moral in every story, but the question persists: "and then what"? Maybe I am missing a point, but that's how my mind works and I can't help it. Most of the ghost stories are a dead (pardon the pun) end to me.
One of the reasons for this rating is Present Tense. Too much sex didn't help either.
"Mating Season" by Kari Gregg --- 4.0 stars
This story grew on me. When I just finished it I was certain it was going to be a two star rating, but somehow, by the end of the day, I am willing to give it four stars.
"Flesh and Song" by Ally Blue --- 3.5 stars
"Out From Under" by Brien Michaels --- 3.5 stars
"Sleeping With Ghosts" by Peter Hansen --- 3.5 stars
"Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint" by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler --- 4.0 stars
I realise there is a moral in every story, but the question persists: "and then what"? Maybe I am missing a point, but that's how my mind works and I can't help it. Most of the ghost stories are a dead (pardon the pun) end to me.
December 18, 2013
I just want to point out the fact that this is not horror. I love horror. I am a horror fanatic. Not once did I find myself scared, or spooked, or tense, or creeped. Was I deeply disturbed? Yes. Because it is a dark read in the sense that rape hides around mostly every corner. Rape does not a horror story make. As it says in the blurb, this is “dark,” and it is “paranormal.” Just don’t go in expecting horror, particularly if you’re a fan of the genre. Go in expecting horrific acts of dubious consent in a paranormal setting, or no consent, or tentacle rape. Maybe even a dash of forced mpreg.
I did not like this. I did like this. I am so fucking conflicted about this book. I had a very strong reaction to about 40% of the stories in this anthology. It was a strong reaction of loathing. We did not get along. It’s unfortunate, because I really think that if the book had been arranged in a different order, some of my animosity would have been alleviated. However, the stories I did not like share common themes, a lack of romance and a lot of rape. They also have the misfortune of being clumped together in the middle of the book. I can read dub-con and non-con. But I do so in doses. I intersperse those books with others. I need a balance so I’m not inundated with a complete lack of passion or human decency in my reading. I need a warning. I need to not read back-to-back rape scenes. This book is not balanced. There is little or no romance in most of the stories, a mountain of consent issues, and it is oppressive to have that all piled together in the middle. Like this anthology is not horror, most of these stories are not romance (personally, I do not find any type of nether region prolapse, romantic). Ugh, this anthology is just oversaturated with rape scenes. I almost want to go into a lengthy discussion about rape culture, but I'll end up rambling on. But no, wait. Does no one else find it problematic that some of the major problems in m/f seem to trickle across genres? Are people subconsciously more comfortable with this in their fiction when it is happening to men? *Cringes*. I was uncomfortable. And then irritated. And then flabbergasted that it seemed to be a general theme throughout the anthology.
I do want to say that these are all well written. The anthology is comprised of a group of talented authors. It is the content of the stories, not the writing styles, which put me in a rage.
Resurrection Man by Laylah Hunter: 4 Stars
I actually really liked this story. It was a great start to the anthology. I loved the author’s writing style, the description, the atmosphere of melancholy, and the actual story. Really, I found the plot fascinating. However, I thought it ended way too soon. The ending was rather ambiguous. It just felt unfinished. As a result, Resurrection Man seemed like more of a beginning than a complete story.
Mating Season by Kari Gregg: 1.5 Stars
Let me start by saying that I am a fan of tentacles, tails, circus performing Genitalia, and other odd kinky things. Here, there be tentacles. Unfortunately, I did not like them. Not a bit. That was on account of all the rape though.
This was less tentacle sex, more tentacle assault. Kind of like the stuff you would find in Hentai, only in sentence form. So, if that’s your thing, then yea, you will probably love this story. I will say that while this is not for everyone, definitely not for me, there are some who will undoubtedly love it to slimy little pieces.
Me? I found it, in no way, hot. It was basically a date rape nightmare; only with tentacles. I thought it was graphic, gross, ridiculous, and infuriating. Seriously? At that point I screamed something like “Are you fucking kidding me?!” And attempted to brain my kindle against my bedroom wall. She still hasn’t forgiven completely.
Flesh and Song by Ally Blue: 3 Stars
This one left me a little undecided. I loved it, and I didn’t. It was beautifully written. It was also short, sad, and disheartening. It was like a retelling of the story of Odysseus and Calypso from Homer’s Odyssey, only with a twist. It took me awhile to get into it. Sadly, right when I thought it was becoming great, it ended.
Just a side note: I would consider this dub-con. Due to the effects of being on the island the main character is not capable of giving his consent.
Out From Under by Brien Michaels: 2 Stars
The main problem I had with this one, a problem that hindered any hope I had of enjoying it, is that I didn’t know enough about Jason. He is the person that Brant goes through hell for. I guess he is this person that Brant loves? Basically, he is a person the reader knows nothing about. As a result, I was not invested in anything Brant was doing. I didn’t really care too much how his story turned out.
I suppose that, instead of being invested in Brant’s story because of his relationship. I was supposed to be invested in his story because of his horrible situation (all the rape). Mostly, I just wanted the story to be over.
Sleeping with Ghosts by Peter Hansen: 3.5 Stars
I thought the story was great, the world building was amazing, and I really enjoyed the idea behind it. However, it ended way too abruptly. I would most definitely read a continuation of this, or another set in this world.
Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler: 4 Stars
I liked this one a lot. I loved the characters the most. I thought that Tobias was a raging asshole. He was a judgmental, sanctimonious, obtuse prick. Completely unlikeable. Yet, he drew me in. I liked being in his POV because it was uncomfortable. More importantly, I loved watching him realize his mistakes. The character growth was delicious. I liked the story as well. I was invested, I read as quickly as possible to get to the end so I could find out what would happen to David.
All in all, I thought Bump in the Night started and ended strong. Everything in between was all over the place, for me it was a roller coaster ride of love and loathing.
*ARC courtesy of Riptide Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3 Stars
More reviews at The Morning After Romance
I did not like this. I did like this. I am so fucking conflicted about this book. I had a very strong reaction to about 40% of the stories in this anthology. It was a strong reaction of loathing. We did not get along. It’s unfortunate, because I really think that if the book had been arranged in a different order, some of my animosity would have been alleviated. However, the stories I did not like share common themes, a lack of romance and a lot of rape. They also have the misfortune of being clumped together in the middle of the book. I can read dub-con and non-con. But I do so in doses. I intersperse those books with others. I need a balance so I’m not inundated with a complete lack of passion or human decency in my reading. I need a warning. I need to not read back-to-back rape scenes. This book is not balanced. There is little or no romance in most of the stories, a mountain of consent issues, and it is oppressive to have that all piled together in the middle. Like this anthology is not horror, most of these stories are not romance (personally, I do not find any type of nether region prolapse, romantic). Ugh, this anthology is just oversaturated with rape scenes. I almost want to go into a lengthy discussion about rape culture, but I'll end up rambling on. But no, wait. Does no one else find it problematic that some of the major problems in m/f seem to trickle across genres? Are people subconsciously more comfortable with this in their fiction when it is happening to men? *Cringes*. I was uncomfortable. And then irritated. And then flabbergasted that it seemed to be a general theme throughout the anthology.
I do want to say that these are all well written. The anthology is comprised of a group of talented authors. It is the content of the stories, not the writing styles, which put me in a rage.
Resurrection Man by Laylah Hunter: 4 Stars
I actually really liked this story. It was a great start to the anthology. I loved the author’s writing style, the description, the atmosphere of melancholy, and the actual story. Really, I found the plot fascinating. However, I thought it ended way too soon. The ending was rather ambiguous. It just felt unfinished. As a result, Resurrection Man seemed like more of a beginning than a complete story.
Mating Season by Kari Gregg: 1.5 Stars
Let me start by saying that I am a fan of tentacles, tails, circus performing Genitalia, and other odd kinky things. Here, there be tentacles. Unfortunately, I did not like them. Not a bit. That was on account of all the rape though.
This was less tentacle sex, more tentacle assault. Kind of like the stuff you would find in Hentai, only in sentence form. So, if that’s your thing, then yea, you will probably love this story. I will say that while this is not for everyone, definitely not for me, there are some who will undoubtedly love it to slimy little pieces.
Me? I found it, in no way, hot. It was basically a date rape nightmare; only with tentacles. I thought it was graphic, gross, ridiculous, and infuriating. Seriously? At that point I screamed something like “Are you fucking kidding me?!” And attempted to brain my kindle against my bedroom wall. She still hasn’t forgiven completely.
Flesh and Song by Ally Blue: 3 Stars
This one left me a little undecided. I loved it, and I didn’t. It was beautifully written. It was also short, sad, and disheartening. It was like a retelling of the story of Odysseus and Calypso from Homer’s Odyssey, only with a twist. It took me awhile to get into it. Sadly, right when I thought it was becoming great, it ended.
Just a side note: I would consider this dub-con. Due to the effects of being on the island the main character is not capable of giving his consent.
Out From Under by Brien Michaels: 2 Stars
The main problem I had with this one, a problem that hindered any hope I had of enjoying it, is that I didn’t know enough about Jason. He is the person that Brant goes through hell for. I guess he is this person that Brant loves? Basically, he is a person the reader knows nothing about. As a result, I was not invested in anything Brant was doing. I didn’t really care too much how his story turned out.
I suppose that, instead of being invested in Brant’s story because of his relationship. I was supposed to be invested in his story because of his horrible situation (all the rape). Mostly, I just wanted the story to be over.
Sleeping with Ghosts by Peter Hansen: 3.5 Stars
I thought the story was great, the world building was amazing, and I really enjoyed the idea behind it. However, it ended way too abruptly. I would most definitely read a continuation of this, or another set in this world.
Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler: 4 Stars
I liked this one a lot. I loved the characters the most. I thought that Tobias was a raging asshole. He was a judgmental, sanctimonious, obtuse prick. Completely unlikeable. Yet, he drew me in. I liked being in his POV because it was uncomfortable. More importantly, I loved watching him realize his mistakes. The character growth was delicious. I liked the story as well. I was invested, I read as quickly as possible to get to the end so I could find out what would happen to David.
All in all, I thought Bump in the Night started and ended strong. Everything in between was all over the place, for me it was a roller coaster ride of love and loathing.
*ARC courtesy of Riptide Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3 Stars
More reviews at The Morning After Romance
October 15, 2013
3.5 stars
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This anthology has a little bit of everything. There's horror, forced sexual situations, as well as pretty much every other thing you can imagine. I wouldn't consider any of these really romance and of those that might be, I would say they all have HFN endings. There are monsters, spirits, tentacle sex, demons and even the devil himself. A nice anthology to be read during the month of October. However, if you are squeamish or offended by certain sexual situations, I say to pass on this one. If you have an open mind and don't get a bit freaked out by things considered taboo, then I highly recommend it.
This book was provided by Riptide Publishing via Net Galley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This anthology has a little bit of everything. There's horror, forced sexual situations, as well as pretty much every other thing you can imagine. I wouldn't consider any of these really romance and of those that might be, I would say they all have HFN endings. There are monsters, spirits, tentacle sex, demons and even the devil himself. A nice anthology to be read during the month of October. However, if you are squeamish or offended by certain sexual situations, I say to pass on this one. If you have an open mind and don't get a bit freaked out by things considered taboo, then I highly recommend it.
This book was provided by Riptide Publishing via Net Galley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
books-im-in
September 28, 2013...ok so now I have read my contributor's copy and I am *delighted* to be in such excellent company. This collection is definitely not for the squeamish or for anyone with consent-related triggers, but if you like 'em dark we can do that. We can do that good and hard.
October 21, 2013
4.5 stars rounded up because this was just that good! The stories are a combination of hot and deliciously creepy (or deliciously disturbing in most of the stories!). I think my favorite was Laylah Hunter's story 'Resurrection Man'. So good!!
Want to read
August 14, 2016but i'm saying tho
i want it
like, a lot
i want it
like, a lot
October 28, 2013
An excellent blend of sexy, and dark and creepy. Perfect pre-Halloween reading.
October 21, 2013
4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good book Reviews
Follow the link for Riptide's ‘Bump in the Night’ Blog Tour and Author Giveaway!
Review:
So, I’ve been reading anthologies lately and almost all of them have this thing in common. No, not the theme (that is a given) rather the fact that after a while all the stories in the anthology seem the same, no unique ones to make a stand, a very few grab your attention. They are nice, but you forget them after a day or two.
But this one, oh my God, this anthology has made it straight to my favorites shelf, and I’ll be damned if I don’t take it down every so often to re-read it again and again and again. You might notice down below on each review how some of these stories have made quite an impact in me, one perhaps has scarred me for life. I swear I’m still going to re-read that incredibly horrifying story for as long as I live. Hell I’m going to have a great time telling them tales when with friends to scare the heck out of them too. Because that’s what this anthology is about. An incredible mix of dark fiction and explicit erotica meant to scare the living daylight out of you while simultaneously stoking that forbidden dark fire deep down in your shadiest part of your soul. Bump in the Night is definitely my favorite anthology among them all. Many thanks to the very talented authors who created these stories, they were simply wonderful.
Resurrection Man By Laylah Hunter
Oh my, what a marvelous story, how very creepy and brilliant.
What would you do if you were to lose the love of your life? What if you could bring him back from the cold darkness of Death? What price would you pay?
There is nothing Josef wouldn’t do for Adel. All his artistry, all their money, everything he can he’s ready to give. But when he pulls Adel’s spirit back into the living world he realizes the price he ultimately has to pay is much, much bigger than mere money or knowledge. The hunger for life is so much bigger when you’ve been dead after all…
A brilliant paranormal story and so very unique to what I’ve read so far. Honestly I don’t think I’ve read anything similar and the balance between the creepy and sexy and horny is just plain perfect. It’s like a mix of Frankenstein and Vampires with a slight dose of magic thrown in for good measure. I liked it, no I loved it. Everything about it was way cool, the writing, the idea and the way the story went, the play of emotions. Excellent indeed!
This is definitely a story I’d love to tell when around the fire on dark, stormy nights, or around Halloween. And if you love the style I think this is one of those you should not miss.
Mating Season By Kari Gregg
Horrifying, oh I have no words… This is terror, pure, unadulterated terror. Oh my God!!! Oh my guts are screaming in sympathy with the poor character of this story. Oh I have no words as my skin crawls and goosebumps travel my whole body. Oh my freaking God, this is definitely a story I’ll never, ever, EVER forget.
Ok, here it is. Danny has been humiliated. His girlfriend left him right before their marriage for his boss, and said boss fired him right after. Feeling useless and in a dead end in his life Danny hides in his apartment until his friend Keith drags him out for a game of basketball all the time trying to make him feel better and suggesting him to go hiking the lake and get his shit together.
Danny never goes to the lake once autumn rounds the corner. There are tales of a monster living there and Danny deep down believes them. But his friends insistence make him careless and he eventually makes his mind to go hiking. What follows is a crazy scientist, a slimy monster with enormous tentacles, and a poor guy forced into being a lab-rat, all dancing around a horrifying story that includes forced… things and death and addiction and… I have no words!
This is a horror story people! Horror with capital “H”. There is no other way around it. The things that happen to Danny from the very first night he sets foot on that lake are made from the worst of nightmares. I was literally screaming for half this read. My skin still hasn’t stopped crawling and I’m awed at this author’s creativity and slimy tale. OH MY GOD!!!
So I don’t know; did I like it? I don’t know. Was I fascinated by it? Hell yeah. Did it grip me and held me captive despite the gut wrenching horror I felt the entire time? It sure did. Is this what you want? Only if you don’t faint easily and have a strong, strong stomach. Oh God, I’ll never step foot on a lake, ever, ever again.
Flesh and Song By Ally Blue
La Terre de la Belle Mort, The Land of Beautiful Death. The island found in no map, whispered only in frightening tales, a sinful promise of all your heart’s desires that come with a severe price.
That is what Noah has been looking for, for nearly eight months. The tale wants the island unfound when you so much search for it. Only by sheer luck or mistake one can land there, only when lost one can be found, but then you might never leave it again…
Just as he’s about to give up the search though a mighty storm leads him to this gorgeous island. But Noah doesn’t know what he wants. Now that he’s here what exactly is he looking for? The gorgeous naked man on the beach calls to him, running through the jungle the call becomes near painful. He must go to him, he needs to before he dies. And there, on a beautiful pool under a waterfall his God awaits, his fathomless black eyes beaconing him forward, his wonderful musical voice urging him to this astonishing creature.
Days, weeks, months pass in the haze of dream that takes everything from him besides the longing for his God. No memories, no ambitions, no will for anything else beside the arms wrapped around him and the sex God giving him all he wants, nothing else exists. Finally Noah understands what he’s been searching for. But he forgot that once he got his heart’s desire, it would come with a price…
This is a gorgeous story, heartbreaking and a bit sad in the end, but gorgeous nonetheless. I believe when I think of a Siren, the emotions this story evoked are exactly right. The promises, the longing, the will to do anything, to give anything for the call of the Siren. Homer would have been ecstatic to have read this version of his Sirens’. What a wonderful story this one.
Out from Under By Brien Michaels
How did it come to this? To get trapped between two demons and their century long vendetta? Each more horrible than the other, every path leading to death… or worse.
Three years under the demon’s spell. Three years of nightmares and being a slave to the demon’s twisted wishes, luring men into their deaths. But when Fromunder killed his lover right in front of his eyes Brant felt his world shift and true Hell consume him. The demon had no hold on him now that his lover was dead, or had he? The promise to bring Jason back was too alluring to deny, the price for that burning his soul, yet nothing would deter him from doing whatever in his power to achieve it.
And that’s how it came to this… lying in the middle of a bed between two sworn enemies, waiting for one to die and the other to consume him… After all he suffered, he would never see his lover again. Right?
This was a very nice story, the evil and viciousness of the paranormal world was so strong, the read so raw not shying away from explicit violence, torture, or sexual abuse, but rather basking in it. A story made from the stuff nightmares come from, a story fit for the spirit of Halloween, a story strong enough to make you lose yourself in its dark depths.
Can you tell I loved this one too?
Sleeping With Ghosts By Peter Hansen
Oh, wow! This was quite a cold story. I don’t know what to make of it really.
In this story Yordan is a Bookman, a priest who is sent to turn the last page of men’s life in order to give a chance for a soulless newborn. A weird world with many Churches, Priests, Brotherhoods. Religion and politics that make an appearance and give you a notion of what this world is about without delving much into it. The story is mostly about Yordan taking a life that was uncalled for, simply by blindly following orders. The soul who lost his body now wanders without a new one to take residence. A haunted night, a cold encounter, rippling feeling of dread… Yes, cold is how this story leaves you, cold from inside out. It gave shivers and frankly it made me want more. I was not satisfied with this short, I wan’t more Bookmen, more Ironmen, more of this world.
However this story was quite worth it and so very in the ghostly atmosphere. Lovely indeed. I still want more though. *sigh*
Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint By Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler
Oh this story was quite brilliant as well. See this is another “deal with a Devil” themed one, but it was so very well executed.
The man who makes the deal doesn’t make it for himself, rather for someone else. He makes a deal for a person he once loved as a boy in dark corners, but shunned in broad daylight. He made the deal for a man he held in contempt, humiliated, and crushed his hopes when he most needed him. Tobias makes a deal for David’s life.
What I loved more in this story was the fact that the Devil here is a creature that as horrific and repulsive as he was described to be, I ended up admiring and actually being my favorite character here. Tobias was this self-righteous Christian charitable man who lacked humbleness and was blind by his bigotry. He perverted and twisted his love for David by convincing himself that David “tempted” him and he still stayed strong and moral, while David “chose” to be the immoral person he became. The brilliancy of the writing here was how the Devil made Tobias become David in the end. How he made him feel and understand and comprehend that sometimes in life there is no choice, sometimes you simply have to do everything in your power for the person you love, own it and never once back out from it.
I loved this story, it was deep with meanings while in the same time was full of those dark sinful erotic scenes that come when you strike a deal with a devil…
Thommie
Review written for MM Good book Reviews
Follow the link for Riptide's ‘Bump in the Night’ Blog Tour and Author Giveaway!
Review:
So, I’ve been reading anthologies lately and almost all of them have this thing in common. No, not the theme (that is a given) rather the fact that after a while all the stories in the anthology seem the same, no unique ones to make a stand, a very few grab your attention. They are nice, but you forget them after a day or two.
But this one, oh my God, this anthology has made it straight to my favorites shelf, and I’ll be damned if I don’t take it down every so often to re-read it again and again and again. You might notice down below on each review how some of these stories have made quite an impact in me, one perhaps has scarred me for life. I swear I’m still going to re-read that incredibly horrifying story for as long as I live. Hell I’m going to have a great time telling them tales when with friends to scare the heck out of them too. Because that’s what this anthology is about. An incredible mix of dark fiction and explicit erotica meant to scare the living daylight out of you while simultaneously stoking that forbidden dark fire deep down in your shadiest part of your soul. Bump in the Night is definitely my favorite anthology among them all. Many thanks to the very talented authors who created these stories, they were simply wonderful.
Resurrection Man By Laylah Hunter
Oh my, what a marvelous story, how very creepy and brilliant.
What would you do if you were to lose the love of your life? What if you could bring him back from the cold darkness of Death? What price would you pay?
There is nothing Josef wouldn’t do for Adel. All his artistry, all their money, everything he can he’s ready to give. But when he pulls Adel’s spirit back into the living world he realizes the price he ultimately has to pay is much, much bigger than mere money or knowledge. The hunger for life is so much bigger when you’ve been dead after all…
A brilliant paranormal story and so very unique to what I’ve read so far. Honestly I don’t think I’ve read anything similar and the balance between the creepy and sexy and horny is just plain perfect. It’s like a mix of Frankenstein and Vampires with a slight dose of magic thrown in for good measure. I liked it, no I loved it. Everything about it was way cool, the writing, the idea and the way the story went, the play of emotions. Excellent indeed!
This is definitely a story I’d love to tell when around the fire on dark, stormy nights, or around Halloween. And if you love the style I think this is one of those you should not miss.
Mating Season By Kari Gregg
Horrifying, oh I have no words… This is terror, pure, unadulterated terror. Oh my God!!! Oh my guts are screaming in sympathy with the poor character of this story. Oh I have no words as my skin crawls and goosebumps travel my whole body. Oh my freaking God, this is definitely a story I’ll never, ever, EVER forget.
Ok, here it is. Danny has been humiliated. His girlfriend left him right before their marriage for his boss, and said boss fired him right after. Feeling useless and in a dead end in his life Danny hides in his apartment until his friend Keith drags him out for a game of basketball all the time trying to make him feel better and suggesting him to go hiking the lake and get his shit together.
Danny never goes to the lake once autumn rounds the corner. There are tales of a monster living there and Danny deep down believes them. But his friends insistence make him careless and he eventually makes his mind to go hiking. What follows is a crazy scientist, a slimy monster with enormous tentacles, and a poor guy forced into being a lab-rat, all dancing around a horrifying story that includes forced… things and death and addiction and… I have no words!
This is a horror story people! Horror with capital “H”. There is no other way around it. The things that happen to Danny from the very first night he sets foot on that lake are made from the worst of nightmares. I was literally screaming for half this read. My skin still hasn’t stopped crawling and I’m awed at this author’s creativity and slimy tale. OH MY GOD!!!
So I don’t know; did I like it? I don’t know. Was I fascinated by it? Hell yeah. Did it grip me and held me captive despite the gut wrenching horror I felt the entire time? It sure did. Is this what you want? Only if you don’t faint easily and have a strong, strong stomach. Oh God, I’ll never step foot on a lake, ever, ever again.
Flesh and Song By Ally Blue
La Terre de la Belle Mort, The Land of Beautiful Death. The island found in no map, whispered only in frightening tales, a sinful promise of all your heart’s desires that come with a severe price.
That is what Noah has been looking for, for nearly eight months. The tale wants the island unfound when you so much search for it. Only by sheer luck or mistake one can land there, only when lost one can be found, but then you might never leave it again…
Just as he’s about to give up the search though a mighty storm leads him to this gorgeous island. But Noah doesn’t know what he wants. Now that he’s here what exactly is he looking for? The gorgeous naked man on the beach calls to him, running through the jungle the call becomes near painful. He must go to him, he needs to before he dies. And there, on a beautiful pool under a waterfall his God awaits, his fathomless black eyes beaconing him forward, his wonderful musical voice urging him to this astonishing creature.
Days, weeks, months pass in the haze of dream that takes everything from him besides the longing for his God. No memories, no ambitions, no will for anything else beside the arms wrapped around him and the sex God giving him all he wants, nothing else exists. Finally Noah understands what he’s been searching for. But he forgot that once he got his heart’s desire, it would come with a price…
This is a gorgeous story, heartbreaking and a bit sad in the end, but gorgeous nonetheless. I believe when I think of a Siren, the emotions this story evoked are exactly right. The promises, the longing, the will to do anything, to give anything for the call of the Siren. Homer would have been ecstatic to have read this version of his Sirens’. What a wonderful story this one.
Out from Under By Brien Michaels
How did it come to this? To get trapped between two demons and their century long vendetta? Each more horrible than the other, every path leading to death… or worse.
Three years under the demon’s spell. Three years of nightmares and being a slave to the demon’s twisted wishes, luring men into their deaths. But when Fromunder killed his lover right in front of his eyes Brant felt his world shift and true Hell consume him. The demon had no hold on him now that his lover was dead, or had he? The promise to bring Jason back was too alluring to deny, the price for that burning his soul, yet nothing would deter him from doing whatever in his power to achieve it.
And that’s how it came to this… lying in the middle of a bed between two sworn enemies, waiting for one to die and the other to consume him… After all he suffered, he would never see his lover again. Right?
This was a very nice story, the evil and viciousness of the paranormal world was so strong, the read so raw not shying away from explicit violence, torture, or sexual abuse, but rather basking in it. A story made from the stuff nightmares come from, a story fit for the spirit of Halloween, a story strong enough to make you lose yourself in its dark depths.
Can you tell I loved this one too?
Sleeping With Ghosts By Peter Hansen
Oh, wow! This was quite a cold story. I don’t know what to make of it really.
In this story Yordan is a Bookman, a priest who is sent to turn the last page of men’s life in order to give a chance for a soulless newborn. A weird world with many Churches, Priests, Brotherhoods. Religion and politics that make an appearance and give you a notion of what this world is about without delving much into it. The story is mostly about Yordan taking a life that was uncalled for, simply by blindly following orders. The soul who lost his body now wanders without a new one to take residence. A haunted night, a cold encounter, rippling feeling of dread… Yes, cold is how this story leaves you, cold from inside out. It gave shivers and frankly it made me want more. I was not satisfied with this short, I wan’t more Bookmen, more Ironmen, more of this world.
However this story was quite worth it and so very in the ghostly atmosphere. Lovely indeed. I still want more though. *sigh*
Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint By Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler
Oh this story was quite brilliant as well. See this is another “deal with a Devil” themed one, but it was so very well executed.
The man who makes the deal doesn’t make it for himself, rather for someone else. He makes a deal for a person he once loved as a boy in dark corners, but shunned in broad daylight. He made the deal for a man he held in contempt, humiliated, and crushed his hopes when he most needed him. Tobias makes a deal for David’s life.
What I loved more in this story was the fact that the Devil here is a creature that as horrific and repulsive as he was described to be, I ended up admiring and actually being my favorite character here. Tobias was this self-righteous Christian charitable man who lacked humbleness and was blind by his bigotry. He perverted and twisted his love for David by convincing himself that David “tempted” him and he still stayed strong and moral, while David “chose” to be the immoral person he became. The brilliancy of the writing here was how the Devil made Tobias become David in the end. How he made him feel and understand and comprehend that sometimes in life there is no choice, sometimes you simply have to do everything in your power for the person you love, own it and never once back out from it.
I loved this story, it was deep with meanings while in the same time was full of those dark sinful erotic scenes that come when you strike a deal with a devil…
Thommie
September 29, 2014
Resurrection Man by Laylah Hunter – 3.5 stars: Great idea! I loved this feeling of uncertainty. I thought every minute something terrible would happen.
Mating Season by Kari Gregg – no rating: Totally creepy and disturbing! Seriously! I still have no words. And I don’t know how to rate it… But it’s definitely not my favorite.
Flesh and Song by Ally Blue – 2.75 stars: Where was the horror? Nice idea, but this story could have been so much better.
Out from Under by Brien Michaels – 3 stars: The best part? Fromunder seeking revenge!
Sleeping with Ghosts by Peter Hansen – 5 stars: I was looking forward to read more by Peter Hansen, but I didn’t expect such an amazing story! It had a dark and captivating atmosphere and a world that was so fascinating, that I didn’t want this story to end. Really loved it! Sleeping with Ghosts is my favorite story of this anthology!
Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler – 4.75 stars: Wow, another really great story! Creepy but totally worth reading!
Mating Season by Kari Gregg – no rating: Totally creepy and disturbing! Seriously! I still have no words. And I don’t know how to rate it… But it’s definitely not my favorite.
Flesh and Song by Ally Blue – 2.75 stars: Where was the horror? Nice idea, but this story could have been so much better.
Out from Under by Brien Michaels – 3 stars: The best part? Fromunder seeking revenge!
Sleeping with Ghosts by Peter Hansen – 5 stars: I was looking forward to read more by Peter Hansen, but I didn’t expect such an amazing story! It had a dark and captivating atmosphere and a world that was so fascinating, that I didn’t want this story to end. Really loved it! Sleeping with Ghosts is my favorite story of this anthology!
Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler – 4.75 stars: Wow, another really great story! Creepy but totally worth reading!
June 17, 2016
Wow.
So much wow.
I loved every single story in this. Even the one that pushed hard at one of my biggest squicks (Mating Season) was amazingly written even while it made me cringe into a tiny, squirming ball in my chair.
I wish for a novel series set in Peter Hansen's "Sleeping with Ghosts" setting. The world building in this was phenomenal.
Every story had such a different feel from the others, but all were remarkable and had perfect endings.
Damn!
So much wow.
I loved every single story in this. Even the one that pushed hard at one of my biggest squicks (Mating Season) was amazingly written even while it made me cringe into a tiny, squirming ball in my chair.
I wish for a novel series set in Peter Hansen's "Sleeping with Ghosts" setting. The world building in this was phenomenal.
Every story had such a different feel from the others, but all were remarkable and had perfect endings.
Damn!
Want to read
November 13, 2013Soon darling...I will have read you soon.
January 22, 2019
Really, the only story I enjoyed was Kari Gregg’s “Mating Season”. The rest, meh.
April 21, 2014
Resurrection Man by Laylah Hunter
2.5 stars
This was a short, sweet, and creepy story. My only problem with it is that I didn't feel connected to the characters, I liked it but was almost detached the whole time I was reading and then it was over. Still I've become interested in trying this author out.
Mating Season by Kari Gregg
4 stars
The only 1st pov story. It contains rape and some other things that usually turn me off but Kari Gregg manages to always make me like or at least not feel too turned off by it. It was easy to like and feel for Danny, he gets screwed (literally and figuratively) throughout the story, but the way Gregg writes allows me to not think and feel with Danny. There are three reasons Kari Gregg's dubcon (in this case it was differently rape) are easy to enjoy no matter how horrible things get (trust me she's really descriptive, it's horrible what happens). One, this is fiction therefore it's easier to be okay with things that in real life are not okay. Two, she only shows the pov of the character experiencing these horrible things (seeing the pov of the character doing the horrible things would ruin the story), not to mention said character is usually drugged out of his mind and totally okay with everything as a result. Three, it's not people doing the drugging/raping/dubcon, it's a nonhuman (in this case an octopus monster thing) and can almost be taken as cultural misunderstanding (from their pov this is just how things are done, it's not morally wrong). All in all I enjoyed this story a lot, and it truly was horror.
Flesh and Song by Ally Blue
2 stars
This wasn't a bad story, it's about a guy searching for something. Too bad what he finds is evil. My main problem with this story is the ending, this is a horror anthology, but this story didn't feel like horror, it felt almost , which bothered me for some reason. I did love Ligia and Noah's relationship with Ligia.
Out From Under by Brien Michaels
3 stars
This was a fun read. It's about monsters, and how someone can become one just to live. Brant is a monster, he didn't want to die so he made a deal with a demon which led to him assisting in horrible things done to other people. At the start of the book his lover dies and that drives Brant throughout the story, too bad I never got to know or care about Jason. Still the demons were fun to read about and this was definitely a horrible situation, but the characters are so morally bad that it was almost fun to read. Kind of wish this was part of a bigger story and more developed.
Sleeping with Ghosts by Peter Hansen
3 stars
Not sure what this story was doing here, but I really did enjoy it. The world was simple but fascinating, and truly this story was bittersweet. I honestly want to read a series just following Yordan around as he did She Who Turns the Page's bidding. Seems like it'd be a fun possibly poignant story about wandering throughout this strange but easyish to understand world.
Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler
3 stars
I would've rated this higher, but there were too many things in this story that I personally don't enjoy, but it was well done. Tobias is young and religious, he's also in love with David and prostitute and man, his religious views make it hard for him to accept these feelings and he's tormented. He's also easy pickings for a devil. Warnings: Rape happens in this story, it's true that it wasn't forced but this was definitely rape and the true horror (because this really is a horror story) is the ending. It's hard to enjoy a story like this, because unlike with Mating Season, Tobias doesn't break, his horror is the slow kind.
2.5 stars
This was a short, sweet, and creepy story. My only problem with it is that I didn't feel connected to the characters, I liked it but was almost detached the whole time I was reading and then it was over. Still I've become interested in trying this author out.
Mating Season by Kari Gregg
4 stars
The only 1st pov story. It contains rape and some other things that usually turn me off but Kari Gregg manages to always make me like or at least not feel too turned off by it. It was easy to like and feel for Danny, he gets screwed (literally and figuratively) throughout the story, but the way Gregg writes allows me to not think and feel with Danny. There are three reasons Kari Gregg's dubcon (in this case it was differently rape) are easy to enjoy no matter how horrible things get (trust me she's really descriptive, it's horrible what happens). One, this is fiction therefore it's easier to be okay with things that in real life are not okay. Two, she only shows the pov of the character experiencing these horrible things (seeing the pov of the character doing the horrible things would ruin the story), not to mention said character is usually drugged out of his mind and totally okay with everything as a result. Three, it's not people doing the drugging/raping/dubcon, it's a nonhuman (in this case an octopus monster thing) and can almost be taken as cultural misunderstanding (from their pov this is just how things are done, it's not morally wrong). All in all I enjoyed this story a lot, and it truly was horror.
Flesh and Song by Ally Blue
2 stars
This wasn't a bad story, it's about a guy searching for something. Too bad what he finds is evil. My main problem with this story is the ending, this is a horror anthology, but this story didn't feel like horror, it felt almost , which bothered me for some reason. I did love Ligia and Noah's relationship with Ligia.
Out From Under by Brien Michaels
3 stars
This was a fun read. It's about monsters, and how someone can become one just to live. Brant is a monster, he didn't want to die so he made a deal with a demon which led to him assisting in horrible things done to other people. At the start of the book his lover dies and that drives Brant throughout the story, too bad I never got to know or care about Jason. Still the demons were fun to read about and this was definitely a horrible situation, but the characters are so morally bad that it was almost fun to read. Kind of wish this was part of a bigger story and more developed.
Sleeping with Ghosts by Peter Hansen
3 stars
Not sure what this story was doing here, but I really did enjoy it. The world was simple but fascinating, and truly this story was bittersweet. I honestly want to read a series just following Yordan around as he did She Who Turns the Page's bidding. Seems like it'd be a fun possibly poignant story about wandering throughout this strange but easyish to understand world.
Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint by Heidi Belleau and Sam Schooler
3 stars
I would've rated this higher, but there were too many things in this story that I personally don't enjoy, but it was well done. Tobias is young and religious, he's also in love with David and prostitute and man, his religious views make it hard for him to accept these feelings and he's tormented. He's also easy pickings for a devil. Warnings: Rape happens in this story, it's true that it wasn't forced but this was definitely rape and the true horror (because this really is a horror story) is the ending. It's hard to enjoy a story like this, because unlike with Mating Season, Tobias doesn't break, his horror is the slow kind.
October 13, 2013
It's very appropriate to have this come out near all hallow's eve. For some like the story of the man on the island and the monster in the lake during his mating season all you need is vincent price and the eery factour goes up ten fold.
My favourite is the first story about the lover who loses his only love and brings him back to life but not really so he can live forever with him. It shows the lengths some will go to to hold on to one's soulmate and never leave them. How when they say forever they really do mean it. Such a beautiful story. Unusual way to show true love and what we do for it but beautiful.
the cephalopod story was one that will creep you out. Interesting but creepy. Not sure if I would want a friend like that but to each his own. The demon story is weird but I love the lengths that the slave went to get his love back in his arms proving that love is love no matter what the sacrifice.
A collection of stories that will have you realize that not all is what it seems. Some will be creepy and perfect for halloween month, some sweet about the lengths we go for love and others that show sometimes we pay a price to get are deepest desires.
My favourite is the first story about the lover who loses his only love and brings him back to life but not really so he can live forever with him. It shows the lengths some will go to to hold on to one's soulmate and never leave them. How when they say forever they really do mean it. Such a beautiful story. Unusual way to show true love and what we do for it but beautiful.
the cephalopod story was one that will creep you out. Interesting but creepy. Not sure if I would want a friend like that but to each his own. The demon story is weird but I love the lengths that the slave went to get his love back in his arms proving that love is love no matter what the sacrifice.
A collection of stories that will have you realize that not all is what it seems. Some will be creepy and perfect for halloween month, some sweet about the lengths we go for love and others that show sometimes we pay a price to get are deepest desires.
Want to read
February 5, 2014OUT FROM UNDER BY BRIEN MICHAELS
I originally read Brien Michaels' contribution last year as a beta read. He warned me when he sent it that it was "weird" but I said that I have 4 brothers and a husband who thinks it's funny to have gross out contests with his uncle that routinely end with one of them throwing up. Bring it on.
He wasn't kidding when he said it was weird! Lol. I've never read anything with tentacles (and not much horror either) before so this is definitely new for me. He's introducing me to a whole new world!
It's definitely intense and disturbing but I'm thinking that was the effect he was going for. I actually felt for Fromunder during the flashback (although I'm really not a fan of his name) and I didn't think that's be possible given how evil he is.
I'm hoping Brien will write another short that tells Jason and Brandt's story.
(((Still reading the other contributions to the anthology)))
I originally read Brien Michaels' contribution last year as a beta read. He warned me when he sent it that it was "weird" but I said that I have 4 brothers and a husband who thinks it's funny to have gross out contests with his uncle that routinely end with one of them throwing up. Bring it on.
He wasn't kidding when he said it was weird! Lol. I've never read anything with tentacles (and not much horror either) before so this is definitely new for me. He's introducing me to a whole new world!
It's definitely intense and disturbing but I'm thinking that was the effect he was going for. I actually felt for Fromunder during the flashback (although I'm really not a fan of his name) and I didn't think that's be possible given how evil he is.
I'm hoping Brien will write another short that tells Jason and Brandt's story.
(((Still reading the other contributions to the anthology)))
October 23, 2013
This anthology's well written and lived up to its title, so no faults there. Gave it 2 stars primarily because the stories geared toward conveying a sense of malevolent darkness and eery gloom, and were definitely not written with the intention of supplying a happy ending. I love reads that include horror, suspense, thrillers and the like, but if there's no HEA in sight and hope is but a distant memory, the read simply depresses me. Also, two of the stories in this antho involved tentacles, which I'm in no way into, talk about "Ew!" and "WTF?". So yeah, not my cup of tea this one.
December 28, 2013
Resurrection Man - 3 stars
Mating Season - no rating
Flesh and Song - 2 stars
Out from Under - 2 stars
Sleeping with Ghosts - 4 stars
Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint - 5 stars
Resurrection Man.
Mating Season.
Flesh and Song.
Out from Under.
Sleeping with Ghosts.
Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint.
Mating Season - no rating
Flesh and Song - 2 stars
Out from Under - 2 stars
Sleeping with Ghosts - 4 stars
Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint - 5 stars
Resurrection Man.
Mating Season.
Flesh and Song.
Out from Under.
Sleeping with Ghosts.
Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint.
November 27, 2013
These tales have tails that slither between your legs and seek entrance to your cave, demanding you become a slave to their machinations. Come hither as they cause you to quiver, weaving their way past your defenses. They're relentless in their pursual to take by force what you have before given freely. They are very needy, but you need them more. They are witch-y in their ways, giving and taking, they play, but in the end, it is not only you who will fall to sin. The demons and dead play hard. They play to win.
These stories were dark and not-so-delicious. We were reading about monsters with tentacles entering and invading. Not a particular fantasy of mine, but for those who like the idea of slippery secretions, this might just be for you.
In Laylah's story, we read of Josef who arrives at a mortuary to cast a spell, commanding his lover Adel to return to him. Once returned, Adel has a craving for more than just Josef's touch.
Kari Gregg wrote a tale of a monster in the lake whose tentacles are used for more than just pleasing the occasional passerby. There is non-consent in this one.
Ally Blue gives us Noah. Noah has sailed to an island where he becomes stranded and owned by the land's inhabitant; a siren. Used as a sex slave and mesmerized by this god, Noah's need of him surpasses his own thoughts of safety until he's no longer near him. Noah has to fight to not fall back under his spell.
There are more stories of sin, seductions, and submission for those with a particular fetish. Great writing and entertaining, albeit, dark stories.
*I received an ARC in return for a honest review*
These stories were dark and not-so-delicious. We were reading about monsters with tentacles entering and invading. Not a particular fantasy of mine, but for those who like the idea of slippery secretions, this might just be for you.
In Laylah's story, we read of Josef who arrives at a mortuary to cast a spell, commanding his lover Adel to return to him. Once returned, Adel has a craving for more than just Josef's touch.
Kari Gregg wrote a tale of a monster in the lake whose tentacles are used for more than just pleasing the occasional passerby. There is non-consent in this one.
Ally Blue gives us Noah. Noah has sailed to an island where he becomes stranded and owned by the land's inhabitant; a siren. Used as a sex slave and mesmerized by this god, Noah's need of him surpasses his own thoughts of safety until he's no longer near him. Noah has to fight to not fall back under his spell.
There are more stories of sin, seductions, and submission for those with a particular fetish. Great writing and entertaining, albeit, dark stories.
*I received an ARC in return for a honest review*
August 20, 2015
1st story: Resurrection Man by Layla Hunter: ah. Zombie story of a sort. Was a bit weird.
2nd story: Mating Season by Kari Gregg: When I first read it, I was fascinated. Whoa. Tentacles and forced alien-male breeding.
3rd story: Flesh and Song by Ally Blue: Kind of freaky but harder to get involved because of the dreamlike narration. Paranormal, "godlike" Siren being.
4th story: Out From Under by Brien Michaels: This was also weird and freaky. Tentacles and demons, oh my.
5th story: Sleeping with Ghosts by Peter Hansen: Finally read it. Ghost story. For some reason, it was spookier than the others for me so far. Not as titillating, though, and was definitely not as easy to get into with a completely fantastic society.
6th story: Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint by Heidi Belleu and Sam Schooler: Finally read it. Why did I wait? Beginning was a bit boring - until the church meeting. Demon story with dubious/non consent. LOVED that scene. Also some play on Christian moralizing vs. non-Christian behavior. This short barely toes the line for me in keeping "lectures" on that side of tolerable but it worked for the story. I want some more of this.
Overall, definitely a horror feel to these stories. Funny I enjoyed it since I don't like horror.
I liked stories 2 and 6 the best with 4 as a close second.
2nd story: Mating Season by Kari Gregg: When I first read it, I was fascinated. Whoa. Tentacles and forced alien-male breeding.
3rd story: Flesh and Song by Ally Blue: Kind of freaky but harder to get involved because of the dreamlike narration. Paranormal, "godlike" Siren being.
4th story: Out From Under by Brien Michaels: This was also weird and freaky. Tentacles and demons, oh my.
5th story: Sleeping with Ghosts by Peter Hansen: Finally read it. Ghost story. For some reason, it was spookier than the others for me so far. Not as titillating, though, and was definitely not as easy to get into with a completely fantastic society.
6th story: Blasphemer, Sinner, Saint by Heidi Belleu and Sam Schooler: Finally read it. Why did I wait? Beginning was a bit boring - until the church meeting. Demon story with dubious/non consent. LOVED that scene. Also some play on Christian moralizing vs. non-Christian behavior. This short barely toes the line for me in keeping "lectures" on that side of tolerable but it worked for the story. I want some more of this.
Overall, definitely a horror feel to these stories. Funny I enjoyed it since I don't like horror.
I liked stories 2 and 6 the best with 4 as a close second.
October 23, 2013
I have posted my full review on my blog, The Itinerant Librarian. Click or copy and paste in your browser the link to read the review:
Review link: http://itinerantlibrarian.blogspot.co...
Review link: http://itinerantlibrarian.blogspot.co...
October 26, 2013
What an interesting and intriguing collection of erotic short stories! The editor did a wonderful job of including a wide range of fantasies. Tentacle sex, demonic domination, and ghostly possession.... this will keep the reader entertained nicely!
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