New Orleans. Dirty Deeds. Hot Nights. <<-- Argh, could there BE a better combination? Nope, I don't think so! These stories all take place in and around Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans, tethered by the late nights, hospital setting, and the wicked acts the staff get up to one hot summer....
The anthology kicks off with Off Duty by Sawyer Bennett. It was the story I was most anticipating, and it didn't disappoint. HOT. That's the first word that comes to mind when I think of Sawyer Bennett's work, and it's certainly fitting for Off Duty. Tim and Holly were scorching, and I loved how they came together, communicated and worked to make it work. Being a novella meant that this second-chance romance was able to stick to the highlights...chemistry that'll melt your heart and your e-reader, a little bit of what-if to keep it interesting, and a whole lotta swooning. It's a great start to the anthology, and got me ready for...
Rebound by Chelle Bliss, my first Chelle Bliss experience! And hell, what an opener -- to her work and to Rebound itself. It was hot, dirty and a lot of fun. Sam and Fiona were perfect together -- their quick connection was believable, which is important when considering the accelerated nature of a novella. It may have reached the end a little faster than I would have liked, but otherwise Ms. Bliss gave me a well-paced, well-formed, very sexy and very likable story. And a sudden desire to visit a fortune teller, or perhaps a hot hockey player like...
Jordie Thomas from Wanting to Forget by Toni Aleo. I wanted to like this book, I truly did. But I found myself frustrated and angry at Jordie and his behavior. Not having read any of the other books in this series, I felt perhaps I was missing a key character trait that made him desirable and redeemable, aside from his (admittedly sexy) beard and stellar bedroom skills. Wanting to Forget was exceptionally well-written and had a host of thigh-clenching, panty-soaking moments, but it was difficult for me to lose myself in this story when I couldn’t see past Jordie's a--holish behavior. Perhaps what I need instead is some hot M/M action from one of my favorite authors...
Kindle Alexander. What can I say about Closet Confession? I loved this hot little read! Justin and Derek (Dr. Baby, BTW, is an awesome nickname) were SCORCHING hot together. There were fun, surprising moments, and it felt like a complete, well-rounded story, despite the length. Their brief-but-OMG-I-need-a-cold-shower coupling was spot-on; I wouldn't change a thing about it but I also wouldn't say no to MORE from this sexy couple. Until then, though, maybe I can make do with a sexy Mechanical Services man and a lonely doctor, like...
Joss Drake and Carson Stephens in Healing Touch by Brenda Rothert. Oh my! This new-to-me author knocked my socks -- and maybe even my panties -- off with this sizzling novella, which boasts through-the-roof chemistry and a ton of flirty, playful banter. I think I smiled through 85% of this story. The other 15%, I was probably panting. The connection between Joss and Carson was intense and perfect -- I adored this couple! I'd have happily read about them for hours, and yet, their story felt complete. Which is good, because it means I can move on to...
Swimming in Shadows by Eden Butler. Let's all just take a moment to drool over this HOT cover...Whew, damn! Okay, we done? Good, moving on! This is clearly a set-up for a longer series to come, and it's a very good one. That doesn't mean Swimming in Shadows ends on a cliffhanger though...more of a what's next? It's a good foundation upon which to build a series, and I can only hope that the girl from his past continues to help him see the path he needs to follow. I'm most definitely intrigued and...
A little sorry to reach the end of this anthology. It hit some MAJOR high notes, and was altogether an interesting, engaging, fun, occasionally funny, occasionally frustrating, often sexy and dirty tour of New Orleans, and Tulane Medical Centre. The stories flowed well and although there is no true interconnectivity between the stories beyond the appearance of the hospital in each, it was a collection that complemented each other and showed some superior writing skills.
If for no other reason that the excellent causes that Night Shift supports, I would recommend one-clicking. The overall awesomeness of these novellas is merely a bonus in helping others. After all, #LoveIsLove, and it doesn't matter who you love, or why, the important thing is being there for others when they need it -- and doing what you can to help. ~ Beth, 5 overall stars