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The Velvet Anthology
Into every generation there is a Chosen One.
She alone will wield the stamina and dashing good looks to stand firm against the vamps, the vixens, and the smokin’ hot damsels in distress; to stop the spread of their yearning and extinguish the swell of their desire.
She is the Reviewer.
She is Velvet Lounger.
Follow the best and brightest authors of our generation as they join forces with Velvet Lounger in this brilliant collection of short stories. From Elvis to Angles and Black Cats to enchanted Caesar Salads, you’ll see the legendary Velvet Lounger as you’ve never seen her before!
Featuring smart, sexy, and laugh-out-loud stories from Erica Abbott, Cheyne Curry, Stefani Deoul, Donna K. Ford, Cheryl Head, Karin Kallmaker, Lee Lynch, Ann McMan, Annette Mori and MJ Williamz, this uniquely entertaining collection belongs on the bookshelf of every Lesfic aficionado.
She alone will wield the stamina and dashing good looks to stand firm against the vamps, the vixens, and the smokin’ hot damsels in distress; to stop the spread of their yearning and extinguish the swell of their desire.
She is the Reviewer.
She is Velvet Lounger.
Follow the best and brightest authors of our generation as they join forces with Velvet Lounger in this brilliant collection of short stories. From Elvis to Angles and Black Cats to enchanted Caesar Salads, you’ll see the legendary Velvet Lounger as you’ve never seen her before!
Featuring smart, sexy, and laugh-out-loud stories from Erica Abbott, Cheyne Curry, Stefani Deoul, Donna K. Ford, Cheryl Head, Karin Kallmaker, Lee Lynch, Ann McMan, Annette Mori and MJ Williamz, this uniquely entertaining collection belongs on the bookshelf of every Lesfic aficionado.
- GenresAnthologiesLesbian
Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2018
16 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Fay Jacobs
12 books10 followersFay is a native New Yorker, who spent 30 years working in journalism and public relations. Her first book, As I Lay Frying a Rehoboth Beach Memoir (2004) is in its 3rd printing. Her second, Fried & True Tales from Rehoboth Beach won the 2008 National Womens Press Association Book of the Year for humor. Fay is the publisher of A&M Books a small feminist press. Fay has contributed The Advocate, Baltimore Sun, Delaware Beach Life, Sussex Weekly and the Wilmington News Journal. "
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 21, 2018
First of all, it’s very hard to ignore the reason for this anthology by Stone Soup Community press who publish and support unique talent within the LGBTQ community. They also support It Gets Better, The Trevor Project, Golden Crown Literary Society and the LAMBDA Literary Society.
Yes, The Velvet Anthology is a book with a mission.
The subject, Velvet Lounger, a reviewer with a big heart, inspired authors with a Frankenfurter costume, her cheeky English charm, and sparked an anthology with a difference.
With that kind of mission, you get some big names lending their pens to the project with Karin Kallmaker, Lee Lynch and Ann McMan to name just three (let alone the people behind the scenes) and the wonderful lady who has let herself be moulded to these women’s will.
The Velvet Anthology moves through each story from two fresh conference newbies, angels falling in love, eccentric trips from Provincetown, a splash of poetry, a bigger splash of Velvet in a dress, the woman beyond the costume, her heartbreak and her big, big heart.
It wouldn’t matter if the stories were terrible and the writing worse because it’s for such a good cause but you’ll find yourself laughing with Cheyne Curry, cheering with Annette Mori, and enjoying Donna K Ford all handle Velvet on the page. Cheeky, funny, big hearted and somehow poignant too. (The wonderful authors in full: MJ Williamz, Annette Mori, Cheryl Head, Cheyne Curry, Karin Kallmaker, Erica Abbott, Donna K Ford, Lee Lynch, Stefani Deoul and Ann Mcman.)
It’s a book well worth the price tag. Oh, and did I mention the cover? It matches the book perfectly. Yes, the Velvet Anthology is a book of silky smooth stories by the crème de la crème of Lesfic about one of our most beloved ladies.
Yes, The Velvet Anthology is a book with a mission.
The subject, Velvet Lounger, a reviewer with a big heart, inspired authors with a Frankenfurter costume, her cheeky English charm, and sparked an anthology with a difference.
With that kind of mission, you get some big names lending their pens to the project with Karin Kallmaker, Lee Lynch and Ann McMan to name just three (let alone the people behind the scenes) and the wonderful lady who has let herself be moulded to these women’s will.
The Velvet Anthology moves through each story from two fresh conference newbies, angels falling in love, eccentric trips from Provincetown, a splash of poetry, a bigger splash of Velvet in a dress, the woman beyond the costume, her heartbreak and her big, big heart.
It wouldn’t matter if the stories were terrible and the writing worse because it’s for such a good cause but you’ll find yourself laughing with Cheyne Curry, cheering with Annette Mori, and enjoying Donna K Ford all handle Velvet on the page. Cheeky, funny, big hearted and somehow poignant too. (The wonderful authors in full: MJ Williamz, Annette Mori, Cheryl Head, Cheyne Curry, Karin Kallmaker, Erica Abbott, Donna K Ford, Lee Lynch, Stefani Deoul and Ann Mcman.)
It’s a book well worth the price tag. Oh, and did I mention the cover? It matches the book perfectly. Yes, the Velvet Anthology is a book of silky smooth stories by the crème de la crème of Lesfic about one of our most beloved ladies.
March 28, 2019
This collection of delightful stories is based on Velvet Lounger, the person, but this book is not just for insiders. You don’t have to know the subject to appreciate the incredible works in this anthology. One of my favorites was about an actual guardian angel with the usual blend of humor and sweetness I’ve come to expect from Annette Mori. The other was the seductive wedding story by Karin Kallmaker, who manages to make something as simple as a glance radiate with heat and desire. (She just has such a knack for making words sizzle - and *I* want to dance with Maxim) All the stories in this collection are excellent though, with the classic Lee Lynch who never fails to create memorable characters and Erica Abbott’s tale of an anniversary celebration gone horribly wrong – or perhaps perfectly right. (Who could resist a "seize her salad" and a sexy server?) I would like to say I savored this book, reading one story a night, but I didn't. I sped through them all, not wanting to miss anything. It was also nice to find a couple of new-to-me authors - that's another great joy of a good anthology -- reading old favorites and discovering new ones. This book has a good blend of that.
August 13, 2018
‘Velvet flashed her a winning smile. She was gorgeous. And unattainable.’
California author Karin Kallmaker’s name shines brightly as the author of this book, but despite her impressive credential she is but one of the ten authors in his anthology. Karin has been exclusively devoted to lesbian fiction since the publication of her first novel in 1989. In addition to multiple Lambda Literary Awards, she has been featured as a Stonewall Library and Archives Distinguished Author. And impressive as these multiple honors are, the other nine authors whose works comprise this book are equally famous - MJ Williamz, Annette Mori, Cheryl Head, Cheyne Curry, Erica Abbott, Donna K Ford, Lee Lynch, Stefani Deoul, and Ann McMan.
Erica Abbott offers the Foreword for this anthology of stories by lesbian authors that brings a sense of mission and joy to the book’s stories: ‘Writers, editors and publishers create and deliver the books we read. Readers are the reason for the books; but an under-recognized and under-appreciated participant in the life of literature is the book reviewer. Reviewers provide what readers and authors both want: unbiased information to help readers decide where to spend their money and time. In the world of lesbian fiction, perhaps one of the hardest working and most reliable reviewers is Velvet Lounger, a delightful Brit with a wicked sense of humor and generous heart. This anthology was her brainchild. It is a benefit for the Golden Crown Literary Society Readers scholarship fund. GCLS is the organization devoted to promoting lesbian literature. The authors and everyone else associated with this project donated their time and talents for this worthy cause. What will you find here? A little bit of everything. Humor, romance, a bit of poetry. Many of these contributions pay homage to Velvet herself, others honor the lesbian literature she works to improve. So enjoy the works of some amazing writers and know that you are in your own way furthering the mission of GCLS.’
The stories focus on Velvet Lounger but spread her influence beyond her actual presence, too. And as the terrific stories close there is an acknowledgement from Velvet herself. ‘Where to start… and does anyone ever read these anyway? Chicken or egg? So Karin Kallmaker wrote a short for last year’s GCLS fundraising anthology, “Conference Call” from Bella Books, which had a character with a remarkable resemblance to VL dressed in the Frank’n’Furter costume from 2016 in DC. Chatting to the wickedly satirical Erica Abbot about having found fame (at last) she instantly said, “You need more – you need a Velvet Anthology” and so the idea was born to do a fundraiser for the GCLS Readers Scholarship Fund. Catching a pile of famous authors while drinking in the bar and asking them all at the same time is a great way to get co-operation. Hardly any arm twisting was needed. So a huge, ginormous and humongous shout out to everybody who has contributed and helped. Karin Kallmaker for the fame, and for writing another VL story. To Erica for the idea and for contributing both a story and the preface with her usual witty style. To Cheyne Curry, Stefani Deoul, Cheryl Head, Donna K Ford, Lee Lynch, Annette Mori and MJ Williamz – not least for NOT going there. To Ann McMan for contributing despite the “annus horriblis’ she has had since agreeing, and of course with heartfelt gratitude for the most beautiful jacket design ever – that alone is worth a donation.’ Terrific anthology by ten very gifted women. There is a story for everyone in this collection!
California author Karin Kallmaker’s name shines brightly as the author of this book, but despite her impressive credential she is but one of the ten authors in his anthology. Karin has been exclusively devoted to lesbian fiction since the publication of her first novel in 1989. In addition to multiple Lambda Literary Awards, she has been featured as a Stonewall Library and Archives Distinguished Author. And impressive as these multiple honors are, the other nine authors whose works comprise this book are equally famous - MJ Williamz, Annette Mori, Cheryl Head, Cheyne Curry, Erica Abbott, Donna K Ford, Lee Lynch, Stefani Deoul, and Ann McMan.
Erica Abbott offers the Foreword for this anthology of stories by lesbian authors that brings a sense of mission and joy to the book’s stories: ‘Writers, editors and publishers create and deliver the books we read. Readers are the reason for the books; but an under-recognized and under-appreciated participant in the life of literature is the book reviewer. Reviewers provide what readers and authors both want: unbiased information to help readers decide where to spend their money and time. In the world of lesbian fiction, perhaps one of the hardest working and most reliable reviewers is Velvet Lounger, a delightful Brit with a wicked sense of humor and generous heart. This anthology was her brainchild. It is a benefit for the Golden Crown Literary Society Readers scholarship fund. GCLS is the organization devoted to promoting lesbian literature. The authors and everyone else associated with this project donated their time and talents for this worthy cause. What will you find here? A little bit of everything. Humor, romance, a bit of poetry. Many of these contributions pay homage to Velvet herself, others honor the lesbian literature she works to improve. So enjoy the works of some amazing writers and know that you are in your own way furthering the mission of GCLS.’
The stories focus on Velvet Lounger but spread her influence beyond her actual presence, too. And as the terrific stories close there is an acknowledgement from Velvet herself. ‘Where to start… and does anyone ever read these anyway? Chicken or egg? So Karin Kallmaker wrote a short for last year’s GCLS fundraising anthology, “Conference Call” from Bella Books, which had a character with a remarkable resemblance to VL dressed in the Frank’n’Furter costume from 2016 in DC. Chatting to the wickedly satirical Erica Abbot about having found fame (at last) she instantly said, “You need more – you need a Velvet Anthology” and so the idea was born to do a fundraiser for the GCLS Readers Scholarship Fund. Catching a pile of famous authors while drinking in the bar and asking them all at the same time is a great way to get co-operation. Hardly any arm twisting was needed. So a huge, ginormous and humongous shout out to everybody who has contributed and helped. Karin Kallmaker for the fame, and for writing another VL story. To Erica for the idea and for contributing both a story and the preface with her usual witty style. To Cheyne Curry, Stefani Deoul, Cheryl Head, Donna K Ford, Lee Lynch, Annette Mori and MJ Williamz – not least for NOT going there. To Ann McMan for contributing despite the “annus horriblis’ she has had since agreeing, and of course with heartfelt gratitude for the most beautiful jacket design ever – that alone is worth a donation.’ Terrific anthology by ten very gifted women. There is a story for everyone in this collection!
August 14, 2018
Having never heard of the Velvet Lounger before picking up this book, I must say that these short stories were a great introduction. Also, the authors were new to me, so it was nice to see different talent embracing and showcasing the velvet lounger in an accessible way. Its hard to narrow down this collection as each story had some different quality, from steamy to laugh out loud, to boisterous and also thrilling. And you don’t have to be a lesbian or member of the LGBTQ community to enjoy this book either.
I liked the stories, some more than others which is a given with collections but the story by Lee Lynch about the Tea Dance in Texarkana was my favorite. Kent and Shanise were such human characters, I could see them sitting down at the table next to me. The anguish in Kent when Faith cannot accept him for who he truly is, hit very close to home for me. I do think this is a good book for anyone to pick up and lose yourself in a few stories about other peoples lives
I liked the stories, some more than others which is a given with collections but the story by Lee Lynch about the Tea Dance in Texarkana was my favorite. Kent and Shanise were such human characters, I could see them sitting down at the table next to me. The anguish in Kent when Faith cannot accept him for who he truly is, hit very close to home for me. I do think this is a good book for anyone to pick up and lose yourself in a few stories about other peoples lives
August 16, 2018
While there is a certain amount of compilations I had the pleasure to read, this one comes close to perfection to me, it’s a breath of fresh air to find such compilation of stories in the midst of overflowing fan-service spoon-feed kind of stuff that is been on books and movies in recent years.
The authors really make an incredible accomplishment with this hit, there is a lot of things to take note and just enjoy, page after page I found myself laughing hysterically and then having a serious expression while I was coping with everything I read, it’s a memorable experience from beginning to end.
To think I’m saying too much in this review, this work deserves your attention right now, and you certainly don’t want me to keep writing more details, just buy this book and enjoy it, there is a much satisfactory aspect in gathering all these short stories into one collection than dragging a long story that could easily get to a loose end.
The authors really make an incredible accomplishment with this hit, there is a lot of things to take note and just enjoy, page after page I found myself laughing hysterically and then having a serious expression while I was coping with everything I read, it’s a memorable experience from beginning to end.
To think I’m saying too much in this review, this work deserves your attention right now, and you certainly don’t want me to keep writing more details, just buy this book and enjoy it, there is a much satisfactory aspect in gathering all these short stories into one collection than dragging a long story that could easily get to a loose end.
August 30, 2018
The Velvet Anthology is a collection of short stories with diverse themes but centered around a single lesbian heroine- Velvet. The unique thing about the stories is that they are complete in themselves yet, the characteristics of the heroine remains the same. The heroine is tall, handsome, and having a bewitching personality. She has a husky voice and sings beautifully. She could make angels drool over her. She possesses a British accent and comes from England, but is eager to visit America.
The stories are intense and occur in the backdrop of an all women conference. All the stories have different characters save for the central one (Velvet) and all could easily complement one another. There is a sense of connection between them and yet each one of them are individual and could be read in seclusion. The stories would make you yearn, laugh, make you skeptical and evoke a range of other emotions. They provide a better understanding of the Lesbian world and are great to read.
The stories are intense and occur in the backdrop of an all women conference. All the stories have different characters save for the central one (Velvet) and all could easily complement one another. There is a sense of connection between them and yet each one of them are individual and could be read in seclusion. The stories would make you yearn, laugh, make you skeptical and evoke a range of other emotions. They provide a better understanding of the Lesbian world and are great to read.
October 15, 2018
If you enjoy short stories, this is a book you’ll definitely want to read. The Velvet Anthology is a collection of numerous short stories written by authors like Erica Abbott, Karin Kallmaker, and MJ Williamz. The ten stories included range in their topics which means you’ll find a unique variety inside which includes everything from thought-provoking to humorous stories. There’s also a foreword that explains more behind the book and why it was written as well as biographies of the authors toward the end if you want to learn more about them and their works.
At 198 pages, it’s not necessarily that long of a read so it’s perfect for those who want something they don’t have to invest much time in. While the writing styles vary, they are all easy to read and can help you to imagine the situations presented perfectly. This book is perfect for fans of Lesfic or even just those looking for something fun and unique to read.
At 198 pages, it’s not necessarily that long of a read so it’s perfect for those who want something they don’t have to invest much time in. While the writing styles vary, they are all easy to read and can help you to imagine the situations presented perfectly. This book is perfect for fans of Lesfic or even just those looking for something fun and unique to read.
August 14, 2018
The Velvet Anthology by Erica Abbot, and a host of other talented lesbian writers is a vast collection of mesmerizing and at times funny stories. The Velvet Lounger is a hugely prolific reviewer of lesfic, and this collection is dedicated to her. This is an amazing collection that hits it out of the park, there is something here for everyone, whether new to the genre or a more seasoned reader. From guardian angels to beautiful weddings, the love contained in this collection is palpable. It's clear that these writers have been able to come together with various stories throughout their lives to create such a compelling collection. These are strong women in the stories, building their dreams and relationships along the way. You will laugh, cry, and wonder at this powerful compilation of stories geared toward lesbian women. Highly recommend.
August 15, 2018
I’ve known nothing about the Velvet Lounger before but was quite intrigued and interested while reading the premise and the reviews.
Velvet Anthology did not disappoint a bit and each story is well-built and depicts powerful, funny and sexy stories revolving around the LGBTQ community. It was interesting to read and learn more about this genre as I’m a complete novice in the topic. The stories were interestingly connected, the characters are interesting, charming and smart and the writing style of each author complements beautifully. It’s a great book to lose yourself during your daily commute or while you’re relaxing by the beach. A great one if you are a beginner or a deep connoisseur of the niche. As an extra, you’ll know a lot of writers and will have the chance to check their own books in the future.
Velvet Anthology did not disappoint a bit and each story is well-built and depicts powerful, funny and sexy stories revolving around the LGBTQ community. It was interesting to read and learn more about this genre as I’m a complete novice in the topic. The stories were interestingly connected, the characters are interesting, charming and smart and the writing style of each author complements beautifully. It’s a great book to lose yourself during your daily commute or while you’re relaxing by the beach. A great one if you are a beginner or a deep connoisseur of the niche. As an extra, you’ll know a lot of writers and will have the chance to check their own books in the future.
August 14, 2018
A short story collection of erotic velvet love
This is a collection of short stories about velvet lounger a very sensual and strong willed woman who knows what she wants and goes for it without pause. The group of authors have come together to write a series of short sexy adventures. The com a con is a great adventure for a young sexy lady who has come out for her first experience and meets velvet who is a speaker at the event. Filled with passion and lust, the pair moves through the stages of knowledge and experience a firey finally. This is a very sexy and sensual collection with something for everyone. Check it out folks. You will not be disappointed.
This is a collection of short stories about velvet lounger a very sensual and strong willed woman who knows what she wants and goes for it without pause. The group of authors have come together to write a series of short sexy adventures. The com a con is a great adventure for a young sexy lady who has come out for her first experience and meets velvet who is a speaker at the event. Filled with passion and lust, the pair moves through the stages of knowledge and experience a firey finally. This is a very sexy and sensual collection with something for everyone. Check it out folks. You will not be disappointed.
July 19, 2018
An assortment!
This is an interesting assortment of stories! From crushes at a con to drags, there’s a bit of everything in this one!
This is an interesting assortment of stories! From crushes at a con to drags, there’s a bit of everything in this one!
August 16, 2018
Variant but powerful collection
A collection of short stories demonstrating power of woman and courage. A collection focusing on varies topics, each story is different but feels connected. There is a variation of emotions from being funny, emotional, witty, thrill, sadness, dreams, success, relations and some giggles. A kind of book wherein you can read one story and keep it and come back to read next.
A collection of short stories demonstrating power of woman and courage. A collection focusing on varies topics, each story is different but feels connected. There is a variation of emotions from being funny, emotional, witty, thrill, sadness, dreams, success, relations and some giggles. A kind of book wherein you can read one story and keep it and come back to read next.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews