This Anthology was written beautifully by all 11 authors, and you’ll definitely feel like all of the FMC’s are empowered. Some of our FMCs are strong within their own right, some need a little coaxing, and others are *chefs kiss*. I’ll breakdown the stories, tittles, and what category they are real quick and below I’ve done a review on each story.
In total there are 11 stories:
4 Stories are Contemporary 🏙
7 Stories are Paranormal 💫
4 Why Choose:
A Sirens Christmas Carol by Salem Cross - 💫
Crowns of Unity by N.A Jameson - 💫
A Theory of Crystal by Nicola Cameron - 💫
Fated by the Lights by Scarlett Phillips - 💫
2 MMFs:
Ignite by Rebecca Rathe - 🏙
The QT Chromosome by Sienna Swift - 💫
2 MFs:
Kissing Under the Snow- SJ Ransom - 🏙
Just a Taste by Scarlett Chase - 🏙
3 FFs:
Remnants by DJ Krimmer - 🏙
Midsommer, but Sexy by Aletha Faust - 💫
Their Unfortunate Souls - RIver Starr - 💫
Ignite by Rebecca Rathe- MMF - 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
This was one of the stories that I was most excited to read about when I learned about this anthology coming out. Rebecca has a series that ties into this book, but it can be read as a standalone without feeling like you’re missing something. If you’re curious as to her previous books it’s called the Progeny Duet.
The FMC Mora isn’t who she outwardly portrays herself to be. Outside, she’s a wallflower, quiet. But on the inside, she is a brilliant hacker, and on a mission to take down the man and company who took away her childhood and family. She enlists the help of Quinn who’s an experienced document forger, usually helping women escaping their abusers, and Tony who’s a security expert, as well as a hacker. He works for Bennet Adley, who is from the Progeny duet.
I loved seeing Tony again, and watching him work with Quinn and Mora was very exciting. The story flowed great, and I really enjoyed this story, and the fun surprise 😉.
Remnants by DJ Krimmer - FF - 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was my first read by DJ, and it was a very interesting read. I don’t usually read FF books, I am more of a Why Choose fan or menage. That being said, DJ is a fabulous writer, and I loved how relatable her characters were, and the real life issues they were going through.
I liked Katie and Nora, and you could definitely feel through the writing how hard their experiences were on them. They’re both amazing characters, and I was so glad that they got their HEA in the end! This was also a “heavier” read, so double check the TW before reading this novella.
Kissing Under the Snow- SJ Ransom- MF - 🌟🌟🌟.5
I felt like this story was a perfect introduction to SJ Ransom and her writing. I haven’t read her books, but we get to see her creativeness shine through. We also get a snippet of darkness, 🌶, and love in this book.
This couple doesn’t have it particularly easy in this story. There is an age gap, the FMC is 18, and there’s a, very different type of service going on 😉. There’s town drama, OW drama, dramatics, and a few snippets that we could get other books for the other guys that Martin is friends with. Amaya, oh she’s so sweet and innocent but she does have a backbone, when she has the support.
I am glad that they get their HEA in the end, I just wish the story was a bit more cohesive.
Just a Taste by Scarlett Chase- MF - 🌟🌟🌟🌟
WOW, I was pleasantly surprised by this book, I don’t think I’ve read many books with female doms, if any. And I really liked how amazingly Scarlett wrote Lina’s character as well as Ro’s! There is funny banter between the two characters, and I love the outlook on s3x, and how empowering taking control of your sexuality!
This was a great read, and I loved reading something new and different for me from a new author! I hope that she writes more about this couple, or something similar!
A Sirens Christmas Carol by Salem Cross- WC - 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
The reason I originally found out about this anthology was because Salem informed her group that she was working on a story. And I have read almost every book written by Salem, her stories, world building and creativity never ceases to amaze me. By the title you can guess that our FMC is a Siren, Nixie is half human half Siren, and she is in the right place right time when she meets the guys. Citon, Sero & Rokin are on a bit of a holiday retreat, to gather themselves before they must get “serious” and settle down, per their father’s words.
The Cage brothers are habitually single, don’t take work seriously, but their father forces them to get serious quick. It’s a cute, small town happenstance meeting, with city boys and a Florida girl. Since Nixie is half human, she came come out of the water unlike her sisters, and can turn “off” her calling power.
I loved how things finally came together for all of them, it made me laugh, and it was perfect. The guys balance each other out, and their animals (I want you to read what they are). I truly hope Salem writes a full novel on them, balancing life, the guys taking on responsibilities, meeting the families, etc.
Midsommer, but Sexy by Aletha Faust - FF- 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Whew, the 🌶 in this short story was definitely at a high level! So I’m just going to say that Travis is an ass, and doesn’t deserve Jenna, at all. When Jenna plans a romantic getaway for her and Travis, to reconnect, she got a bit more than she bargained for.
We meet Bruinda, who is a bear shifter, and after doing a ritual to find her mate, which may be Jenna. She feels a connection with her, but being a shifter, she was a bit worried about it lasting. It would be interesting to read more about these two, or see other characters in this shifter world.
Fated by the Lights by Scarlett Phillips- WC 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
This story along with Salem’s & N.A. held the most promise for the possibility of a complete book of the characters. This was one of the most lighthearted stories, and I think it fit perfectly. The FMC Phoebe is a human living in a shifter town, and is completely obsessed with Aurora Borealis even her job involves showing tourists. We see a bit of the guys before they meet Phoebe and we get a bit of a backstory about them and how they find their mate.
Her mates, Ravi - golden dragon, Rakesh (Ravi’s twin) - silver dragon, Elio - red dragon, and Zeki - black dragon. They are are so excited to have found their mate, with their pack link they keep each other in balance (sometimes 😉). The inner monologue of the characters is so funny especially Phoebe when she first sees them. Also, if you love dirty talking guys, these guys are IT 🥵. I truly hope that their story is continued on in another book.
Their Unfortunate Souls - RIver Starr - FF - 🌟🌟🌟🌟
If you’re thinking of a popular song from the little mermaid, your spot on for what this story plays a twist on. We do have a siren instead of a mermaid and a sea witch. The Sirens are dying, and unfortunately the king isn’t looking to help even though they are his protection against monsters.
Nereida (our siren) used a summoning spell to bring the sea witch to her, and they have instant attraction. It’s 🌶 than the original telling, and some tentacles come into play. Csilla and Nereida make a great story and it was so fun to read this story.
The QT Chromosome by Sienna Swift - MMF - 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I loved meeting Hailey, Carson and Nick! It was a great fun read, and I like how their relationship really compliments one another so nicely. Carson may be my favorite from this trio, his outlook on life and how he’s so dedicated to Hailey.
When Hailey first meets Carson, she was just looking for fun, just for a night. But Carson doesn’t want just one night, and tries to change her mind, giving their relationship a chance. Her best friend Nick, helps her go out with Carson again. And things change over.
Crowns of Unity by N.A Jameson - WC - 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
This story, put me through so many emotions while I was reading it. N.A. Jameson really draws you in and makes you want more, even though we have a HEA. I really want to read more about these characters! I did not get enough with this short story. The FMC Regan is a sassy woman who takes charge of her sexuality, and isn’t afraid to show it. But there’s a huge twist, she isn’t as she seems, and neither is the guy she meets at a bar.
After she meets all the MMCs, Pax, Basil, Hawke, Zane and Axl, we are in for a bit of an emotional ride. I was SO glad to be seeing the guys POV in this book cause MAN, they were freaking MEAN. Obviously, you’ll see why they do what they do, and how Regan copes. Once you read this you’ll see what i’m talking about.
A Theory of Crystal by Nicola Cameron - WC 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
This story was the most intriguing one, we’re set in a completely different world called Magical Paladins of Crystal. Where certain women are very fertile and the men must marry in groups of 3 if they wish to carry on their bloodline. Our FMC Yelena does not want to be used just to wed men, have babies and take care of the household. But, her mother won’t hear it, she’s one of many children and all of her sisters are happily married off, having babies. After leaving, and disguising herself, 3 scholars come across her and ask for her help after she shares that she can write, and is intelligent. The MMCs, Ivan, Dmytro and Oleksander have different quirks, and the cutest one is that they get “blinders” on when they’re excited about a discovery or the possibility of one.
Even though this was my first read by Nicola, I was immediately drawn into this world, rooting for Yelena to gain her freedom, and so much more. The plot comes completely full circle by the end of this and I love how it was written. These 3 men are all amazing, and them being so supportive of her was great to see. There are a few twists and turns, and a surprise visit from someone you won’t see coming.
tldr; this is an amazing collection of short stories. It’s also a great way to dive into new categories of reading that you may have never tried before. I found new authors that I’d like to read more by, as well as hoping that authors I already love will hopefully be writing more about the stories I fell in love with. Plus, this supports an amazing cause! F*ck the Patriarchy 😉