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Sindustry #1
Sindustry
Rentboys, strippers, hookers, and porn stars-these men are making a buck the hard way. This is Sindustry, where a quick fuck is more likely than a romantic kiss. But while they face the harsh light of reality every day, unexpected love finds them in all sorts of crazy ways. Take a look at Sindustry from the outside in, because for these guys, happily ever after is just around the corner.
Reluctant by Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban
Stripped Bare by S. Blaise
Boomerang by Rachelle Cochran
Fun and Games by Lenore Black
How Could I Not by Jamie Freeman
The Frost Affair by Sasha Skye
The Stripper and the Hairdresser by Bethany Brown
A Muse by Zahra Owens
Fin de Siecle by S. Reesa Herberth
Chat Line by Clare London
As Beauty Does by JL Merrow
The Four Seasons by Diana Copland
Reluctant by Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban
Stripped Bare by S. Blaise
Boomerang by Rachelle Cochran
Fun and Games by Lenore Black
How Could I Not by Jamie Freeman
The Frost Affair by Sasha Skye
The Stripper and the Hairdresser by Bethany Brown
A Muse by Zahra Owens
Fin de Siecle by S. Reesa Herberth
Chat Line by Clare London
As Beauty Does by JL Merrow
The Four Seasons by Diana Copland
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2009
5 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 12, 2009
I am usually disappointed with anthologies. Especially muli-authored ones, but I was pleasantly surprised when I read Sindustry.
I liked all of the stories in this book. There are some that are much better than others, but I can happily say they were all GOOD! YAY!
I am very happy I read it, and it's a book I'll re-visit again in the future.
4.25 stars
I liked all of the stories in this book. There are some that are much better than others, but I can happily say they were all GOOD! YAY!
I am very happy I read it, and it's a book I'll re-visit again in the future.
4.25 stars
July 11, 2009
"so far, a lot of story for the money. No total stinkers yet. And some real winners. Half way through now.
I made this observation half way through and it held up to the end.
I made this observation half way through and it held up to the end.
June 6, 2013
Anthology of short stories.
Reluctant, Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban
Cute story about a prostitute and an older guy experimenting with gay sex for the first time. I wanted more, per the usual with short stories.
Stripped Bare, S. Blaise
Cute story about a stripper and a blind guy. I liked the narrator's voice. Also wanted more at the end of this one.
Boomerang, Rachelle Cochran
Waiter (and prostitute on the side) reunites with high school crush. I didn't really connect with this story.
Fun and Games, Lenore Black
Aww, this was super cute! Game developer's friends hire him a prostitute for his birthday... who keeps coming back. Misunderstandings ensue. This was wrapped up pretty well.
How Could I Not, Jamie Freeman
This was also cute. Businessman hires prostitute who looks like someone he knows. I liked the friend side character as well.
The Frost Affair, Sasha Skye
Another cute story, about a prostitute and a senator whose relationship is changing. This one also actually wraps up pretty much everything.
The Stripper and the Hairdresser, Bethany Brown
Very short, the characters meet and get coffee. I didn't know enough about the characters to really care one way or the other.
A Muse, Zhara Owens
I was a little hesitant about the style this was written in, but it ended up drawing me in really well and I liked this story a lot. Photographer and prostitute/porn actor/model fall for each other.
Fin de Siecle, S. Reesa Herberth
Prostitute falls for a young artist sometime in the indeterminate past. I also didn't connect much with this story.
Chat Line, Clare London
Cute and funny story about a guy who accidentally calls a phone sex line instead of a number for housekeeping.
As Beauty Does, JL Merrow
Ahaha, JL Merrow always makes me laugh. This was cute and funny, about a prostitute who's regular client ends up being his new teacher. A small sampling of things that made me laugh:
The Four Seasons, Diana Copland
This was also very cute. A prostitute and a law student over the years as one comes up in the world and the other falls down. I liked that this actually addressed some of the dangers of prostitution that most of the other stories ignored.
Overall I found this anthology enjoyable, most of the stories were very cute. I was a little worried by the romanticized nature of some of these jobs though, I felt that all the stories, with the exception of the last two, ignored the dangers of prostitution and the truly desperate circumstances that often drive people to it. It was a little bit too rosy overall for me.
Reluctant, Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban
Cute story about a prostitute and an older guy experimenting with gay sex for the first time. I wanted more, per the usual with short stories.
Stripped Bare, S. Blaise
Cute story about a stripper and a blind guy. I liked the narrator's voice. Also wanted more at the end of this one.
Boomerang, Rachelle Cochran
Waiter (and prostitute on the side) reunites with high school crush. I didn't really connect with this story.
Fun and Games, Lenore Black
Aww, this was super cute! Game developer's friends hire him a prostitute for his birthday... who keeps coming back. Misunderstandings ensue. This was wrapped up pretty well.
How Could I Not, Jamie Freeman
This was also cute. Businessman hires prostitute who looks like someone he knows. I liked the friend side character as well.
The Frost Affair, Sasha Skye
Another cute story, about a prostitute and a senator whose relationship is changing. This one also actually wraps up pretty much everything.
The Stripper and the Hairdresser, Bethany Brown
Very short, the characters meet and get coffee. I didn't know enough about the characters to really care one way or the other.
A Muse, Zhara Owens
I was a little hesitant about the style this was written in, but it ended up drawing me in really well and I liked this story a lot. Photographer and prostitute/porn actor/model fall for each other.
Fin de Siecle, S. Reesa Herberth
Prostitute falls for a young artist sometime in the indeterminate past. I also didn't connect much with this story.
Chat Line, Clare London
Cute and funny story about a guy who accidentally calls a phone sex line instead of a number for housekeeping.
As Beauty Does, JL Merrow
Ahaha, JL Merrow always makes me laugh. This was cute and funny, about a prostitute who's regular client ends up being his new teacher. A small sampling of things that made me laugh:
"...a little attention to basic grammar would not go amiss..."
"...in the non-shagging sense of the word..."
The Four Seasons, Diana Copland
This was also very cute. A prostitute and a law student over the years as one comes up in the world and the other falls down. I liked that this actually addressed some of the dangers of prostitution that most of the other stories ignored.
Overall I found this anthology enjoyable, most of the stories were very cute. I was a little worried by the romanticized nature of some of these jobs though, I felt that all the stories, with the exception of the last two, ignored the dangers of prostitution and the truly desperate circumstances that often drive people to it. It was a little bit too rosy overall for me.
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March 20, 2012Reluctant by Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban 3.5*
Happily divorced Gregory, following the advice of a friend, meets escort Rico and falls hard.
Nice, promising start and then one long, long s**scene.
Stripped Bare by S. Blaise 3.75*
Luca is hired to strip on Ethan's sister's hen night. He is fascinated by Ethan, who seems to go to extremes so Luca would not meet him face to face.
Ethan was a very intriguing character. Would have like to know more of his story and how they work out their beginning relationship.
Boomerang by Rachelle Cochran2.75*
Chance is jobbing as a waiter at "Boomerang". One evening he meets his highschool crush who might not be as straight as he had seemed eight years ago and that Chance sometimes sleeps with guys for money might come back to bite him...
I read first half and skipped through the rest. Couldn't feel a conection between the protas and the narration felt bland and rushed at the same time.
Fun and Games by Lenore Black 3.75*
Geeky game designer gets a hooker as a birthday present from his friends. When the hooker turns up on his door the next day he first thinks that his friends had been very generous but can't help to fall for him...
Well written, short and sweet story.
How Could I Not by Jamie Freeman
The Frost Affair by Sasha Skye 3*
Politician keeps an affair with an artist his dirty, little secret. Artist has fallen for him along the way and doesn't want to be a kept man any longer...
Nice idea, but a bit lazy execution.
The Stripper and the Hairdresser by Bethany Brown 3.75*
Hairdresser is dragged along by his female co-workers to a strip club. There he sees the most beautiful man ever. Luckily, said beautiful man asks him out on a date.
Cute and fluffy. Nice to read. :)
A Muse by Zahra Owens 5*
Artist hires callboy to pose for his artistic photographs and can't help seeing more in him than just a model.
Wow, just wow! Very intersting style, that drew me in in an instant. And what a story and such fascinating characters!
Fin de Siecle by S. Reesa Herberth
Chat Line by Clare London 4*
Jerry needs help around the house, so he calls and the line connects him to Sean, the man with the very pleasant voice, but they are talking about doing chores... aren't they?
That was a fun read!
As Beauty Does by JL Merrow 3,75*
Nathan is a hooker, not a very successful one, but he's got some steady clients, one of them Stephen, who he likes more than a hooker should. When the new term of Tech School starts he meets his new English professor and is in for a surprise.
Although it's a finished story it could easily be the start to a novel. I would really like to know how they work things out after their HFN.
The Four Seasons by Diana Copland 4*
Happily divorced Gregory, following the advice of a friend, meets escort Rico and falls hard.
Nice, promising start and then one long, long s**scene.
Stripped Bare by S. Blaise 3.75*
Luca is hired to strip on Ethan's sister's hen night. He is fascinated by Ethan, who seems to go to extremes so Luca would not meet him face to face.
Ethan was a very intriguing character. Would have like to know more of his story and how they work out their beginning relationship.
Boomerang by Rachelle Cochran2.75*
Chance is jobbing as a waiter at "Boomerang". One evening he meets his highschool crush who might not be as straight as he had seemed eight years ago and that Chance sometimes sleeps with guys for money might come back to bite him...
I read first half and skipped through the rest. Couldn't feel a conection between the protas and the narration felt bland and rushed at the same time.
Fun and Games by Lenore Black 3.75*
Geeky game designer gets a hooker as a birthday present from his friends. When the hooker turns up on his door the next day he first thinks that his friends had been very generous but can't help to fall for him...
Well written, short and sweet story.
How Could I Not by Jamie Freeman
The Frost Affair by Sasha Skye 3*
Politician keeps an affair with an artist his dirty, little secret. Artist has fallen for him along the way and doesn't want to be a kept man any longer...
Nice idea, but a bit lazy execution.
The Stripper and the Hairdresser by Bethany Brown 3.75*
Hairdresser is dragged along by his female co-workers to a strip club. There he sees the most beautiful man ever. Luckily, said beautiful man asks him out on a date.
Cute and fluffy. Nice to read. :)
A Muse by Zahra Owens 5*
Artist hires callboy to pose for his artistic photographs and can't help seeing more in him than just a model.
Wow, just wow! Very intersting style, that drew me in in an instant. And what a story and such fascinating characters!
Fin de Siecle by S. Reesa Herberth
Chat Line by Clare London 4*
Jerry needs help around the house, so he calls and the line connects him to Sean, the man with the very pleasant voice, but they are talking about doing chores... aren't they?
That was a fun read!
As Beauty Does by JL Merrow 3,75*
Nathan is a hooker, not a very successful one, but he's got some steady clients, one of them Stephen, who he likes more than a hooker should. When the new term of Tech School starts he meets his new English professor and is in for a surprise.
Although it's a finished story it could easily be the start to a novel. I would really like to know how they work things out after their HFN.
The Four Seasons by Diana Copland 4*
April 20, 2013
A collection of short stories about male strippers, rent boys and male prostitutes/escorts finding love.
It's just as well these are such short stories, because the long term viability of some of these relationships is highly questionable.
Reluctant by Rhianne Aile and Madeline Urban
Recently divorced after 25 years of marriage, Gregory has his first sexual encounter with a man - a male prostitute - as ordered by his doctor.
Stripped Bare by S. Blaise
A gorgeous student and male stripper aggressively pursues the disabled brother of the bride-to-be
Boomerang by Rachelle Cochran
A twinkie waiter and sometime rent boy, reconnects with his "straight" high school crush.
Fun and Games by Lenore Black
A rent boy is the birthday gift that keeps on giving for a slightly overweight video game developer.
How Could I Not by Jamie Freeman
A young light-skinned Indian male escort falls for an older customer with a weird fetish.
The Frost Affair by Sasha Skye
A married senator and his male "mistress" spice up their love life
The Stripper and the Hairdresser by Bethany Brown
A stripper built like a greek god, sets out to capture the heart of a hairdresser
A Muse by Zahra Owens
A photographer falls for his muse, a male escort
Fin de Siecle by S. Reesa Herberth
A struggling artist falls for a male streetwalker
Chat Line by Clare London
Dialing a wrong number turns interesting for both parties
As Beauty Does by JL Merrow
A rent boy services his future A level English teacher on the streets of London
The Four Seasons by Diana Copland
A student falls for a gorgeous male escort.
It's just as well these are such short stories, because the long term viability of some of these relationships is highly questionable.
Reluctant by Rhianne Aile and Madeline Urban
Recently divorced after 25 years of marriage, Gregory has his first sexual encounter with a man - a male prostitute - as ordered by his doctor.
Stripped Bare by S. Blaise
A gorgeous student and male stripper aggressively pursues the disabled brother of the bride-to-be
Boomerang by Rachelle Cochran
A twinkie waiter and sometime rent boy, reconnects with his "straight" high school crush.
Fun and Games by Lenore Black
A rent boy is the birthday gift that keeps on giving for a slightly overweight video game developer.
How Could I Not by Jamie Freeman
A young light-skinned Indian male escort falls for an older customer with a weird fetish.
The Frost Affair by Sasha Skye
A married senator and his male "mistress" spice up their love life
The Stripper and the Hairdresser by Bethany Brown
A stripper built like a greek god, sets out to capture the heart of a hairdresser
A Muse by Zahra Owens
A photographer falls for his muse, a male escort
Fin de Siecle by S. Reesa Herberth
A struggling artist falls for a male streetwalker
Chat Line by Clare London
Dialing a wrong number turns interesting for both parties
As Beauty Does by JL Merrow
A rent boy services his future A level English teacher on the streets of London
The Four Seasons by Diana Copland
A student falls for a gorgeous male escort.
May 20, 2016
4.1 Stars
A M/M Romance Group Team Spin Spellapalooza Challenge read. (Go Team 6 - Living In Spin!!!)
Solid anthology on a topic near and dear to my heart (adult sex workers). Only one felt out of place (and it's the one I wish desperately hadn't disappointed me so): "The Frost Affair." It read like a het piece re-worked to fit the MM category. Not one mention of lube amid allllllll that buttsex and the shocking reference to a 'hidden pearl' so yeah, not pleased. It was a freaking Senator on the DL with a permanent side-piece, jealousy, art...I should have loved it. Grrr.
Otherwise, really well-done and I am definitely going to read the second volume.
A M/M Romance Group Team Spin Spellapalooza Challenge read. (Go Team 6 - Living In Spin!!!)
Solid anthology on a topic near and dear to my heart (adult sex workers). Only one felt out of place (and it's the one I wish desperately hadn't disappointed me so): "The Frost Affair." It read like a het piece re-worked to fit the MM category. Not one mention of lube amid allllllll that buttsex and the shocking reference to a 'hidden pearl' so yeah, not pleased. It was a freaking Senator on the DL with a permanent side-piece, jealousy, art...I should have loved it. Grrr.
Otherwise, really well-done and I am definitely going to read the second volume.
November 24, 2009
Considering the name of the book, I would have expected a lot more smexxing. There are actually a couple stories that have little or no sex in them. The stories were more romantic than I would have expected considering the title and topic of the book. Most of them ended somewhere between HFN and HEA. Dreamspinner tends to publish stories that are on the romantic than the graphic side, so perhaps I should have expected that.
As others have commented the quality of the writing and stories is very even for an anthology, which made this atypical purchase more pleasing. In general, the stories were good and there was only one that I didn't care for. I like "As Beauty Does" by JL Merrow the best because I really liked the relationship between "Stephen" and Nathan.
As others have commented the quality of the writing and stories is very even for an anthology, which made this atypical purchase more pleasing. In general, the stories were good and there was only one that I didn't care for. I like "As Beauty Does" by JL Merrow the best because I really liked the relationship between "Stephen" and Nathan.
July 21, 2009
This was a great book. I liked every story in this anthology. That's rare. Loved it!
April 19, 2021
Anthologies are usually hit or miss with me. This one was more of a hit than i was expecting. The stories were mostly cute, a bit on the tamer side without a lot of graphic detail. Some had no sex in them at all. A few were a bit "meet cute" type. None of the stories had what i'd call a HEA, more HFN. The only one that addressed any type of issues that someone in the sex trade would face was The Four Seasons by Diana Copland. The others either didn't mention any danger or reasons why their characters were in the trade. Not realistic at all. I was introduced to a few authors that i've not read anything by before and i'm interested in perusing more of their work to see if I might be interested.
September 4, 2013
4.0 Stars
Generally I shy away from anthologies; I don't care for them. They tend to be long but filled with too-short stories ... teasers, if you will ... and I'm usually left feeling kinda empty because I inevitably want to know more! That said, this anthology was surprisingly enjoyable.
1. Reluctant by Rhianne Aile and Madeline Urban 4.5 Stars
Rico is the CEO of a high-end escort service. He's suave and sweet. Gregory is a tax accountant who recently ended his 25-year marriage (amicably) because he has always wondered what it would be like to be with a man. Very sweet and satisfying story.
2. Stripped Bare by S. Blaise 4.0 Stars
Luca is a stripper studying to be a nurse. Ethan calls to hire Luca for his sister's bachelorette party. Luca is intrigued by Ethan's sexy voice and wants to meet him face-to-face, however, Ethan is reluctant because he is legally blind and disfigured from burn scars.
3. Boomerang by Rachelle Cochran 4.0 Stars
Chance and Evan, unknown to each other, had mutual crushes back in high school. Fast forward eight years. Chance is a twinkie waiter and sometime rent boy; Evan is a social worker. A little insta-love but really sweet story. I'd like to meet up with Chance and Evan again.
4. Fun and Games by Lenore Black 4.5 Stars
Patrick is a video game developer and owner/CEO of a highly successful video game company. For his 25th birthday, Patrick's best friends hire him Jack, a rent boy. This one had me in stitches and it was a little angsty (which I like). Overall, I loved it!
5. How Could I Not by Jamie Freeman 4.5 Stars
Wait. What? No condom!?! No way. Not cool. Okay, Ben is an escort with an MBA. "Richard," Ben's trick, f*cks him in an expensive NYC hotel room while a video montage of Ben's look-a-like plays in the background. Weird. I love the writing, though. But the characters? Meh. Except Handy. Oh wait ... update: I've changed my mind. I love Ben and Richard/Joshua. This one rocked!
6. The Frost Affair by Sasha Skye 4.75 Stars
Senator Alex Frost lost his beloved wife in a car accident 6 years prior. He has had an "exclusive" arrangement with Grayson Lennox for the past five years. The sex has been "vanilla" (Grayson's words) and mostly for comfort for Alex. But somewhere along the line, Grayson fell in love. This one was angsty. :) One gripe: Grayson forgave Alex a little bit too easily. Nonetheless this one's my fave so far.
7. The Stripper and the Hairdresser by Bethany Brown 3.5 Stars
Jasper is a hair dresser. While attending his co-worker Claudia's engagement party at a local strip club, he sees and is smitten with Scott (aka "Apollo") a super hot stripper. Lunch date ensues. Too much skipping and bouncing. WTF?!? What is this? Third grade? Cute story. Super, duper, tooth ache sweet.
8. A Muse by Zahra Owens 4.5 Stars
Photographer and rent boy. Wow, this was wonderful. The writing was hauntingly intimate. The story was lonesome (at times), poignant, and breathtakingly beautiful. Loved it.
9. Fin de Siecle by S. Reesa Herberth 2.5 Stars
Gabriel is a street walker; Jean Mercier is a struggling artist. This was a historical piece set in France. I didn't care for the writing; it lacked clarity. Confusing use of pronouns. Didn't like the characters. Boring.
10. Chat Line by Clare London 2.0 Stars
Holy crap this is painful. I don't even understand what Jerry is trying to sign up for! And this chat line "chat" is excruciating to read. Ugh! Not a fan of phone sex to begin with. This one was a bust.
11. Beauty Does by JL Merrow 4.5 Stars
Nathan is a part-time college student and part-time rent boy on the streets of London. One of his regulars turns out to be his English professor. Nice story. Liked this one.
12. The Four Seasons by Diana Copland 3.0 Stars
WTF is up with this Lisa Simmons chick? She is a first rate bi-yatch. Revulsion: what a wonderful way to start a story. Not! Michael is a law student when he meets Christian, a high-priced rent boy. Fast forward a few years and they meet again. This time, Michael is a law clerk and Christian is working the street corner. They spend a heartfelt night together but afterwards Christian walks away and Michael can't find him. Fast forward a few years, Michael is an associate attorney in a prestigious law firm. Christian is ... well, I won't spoil it but it's fairytale-ish and sweet. This one was alright. I really liked Michael. Christian was meh. I didn't like Lisa (first impressions are a bitch).
Generally I shy away from anthologies; I don't care for them. They tend to be long but filled with too-short stories ... teasers, if you will ... and I'm usually left feeling kinda empty because I inevitably want to know more! That said, this anthology was surprisingly enjoyable.
1. Reluctant by Rhianne Aile and Madeline Urban 4.5 Stars
Rico is the CEO of a high-end escort service. He's suave and sweet. Gregory is a tax accountant who recently ended his 25-year marriage (amicably) because he has always wondered what it would be like to be with a man. Very sweet and satisfying story.
2. Stripped Bare by S. Blaise 4.0 Stars
Luca is a stripper studying to be a nurse. Ethan calls to hire Luca for his sister's bachelorette party. Luca is intrigued by Ethan's sexy voice and wants to meet him face-to-face, however, Ethan is reluctant because he is legally blind and disfigured from burn scars.
3. Boomerang by Rachelle Cochran 4.0 Stars
Chance and Evan, unknown to each other, had mutual crushes back in high school. Fast forward eight years. Chance is a twinkie waiter and sometime rent boy; Evan is a social worker. A little insta-love but really sweet story. I'd like to meet up with Chance and Evan again.
4. Fun and Games by Lenore Black 4.5 Stars
Patrick is a video game developer and owner/CEO of a highly successful video game company. For his 25th birthday, Patrick's best friends hire him Jack, a rent boy. This one had me in stitches and it was a little angsty (which I like). Overall, I loved it!
5. How Could I Not by Jamie Freeman 4.5 Stars
Wait. What? No condom!?! No way. Not cool. Okay, Ben is an escort with an MBA. "Richard," Ben's trick, f*cks him in an expensive NYC hotel room while a video montage of Ben's look-a-like plays in the background. Weird. I love the writing, though. But the characters? Meh. Except Handy. Oh wait ... update: I've changed my mind. I love Ben and Richard/Joshua. This one rocked!
6. The Frost Affair by Sasha Skye 4.75 Stars
Senator Alex Frost lost his beloved wife in a car accident 6 years prior. He has had an "exclusive" arrangement with Grayson Lennox for the past five years. The sex has been "vanilla" (Grayson's words) and mostly for comfort for Alex. But somewhere along the line, Grayson fell in love. This one was angsty. :) One gripe: Grayson forgave Alex a little bit too easily. Nonetheless this one's my fave so far.
7. The Stripper and the Hairdresser by Bethany Brown 3.5 Stars
Jasper is a hair dresser. While attending his co-worker Claudia's engagement party at a local strip club, he sees and is smitten with Scott (aka "Apollo") a super hot stripper. Lunch date ensues. Too much skipping and bouncing. WTF?!? What is this? Third grade? Cute story. Super, duper, tooth ache sweet.
8. A Muse by Zahra Owens 4.5 Stars
Photographer and rent boy. Wow, this was wonderful. The writing was hauntingly intimate. The story was lonesome (at times), poignant, and breathtakingly beautiful. Loved it.
9. Fin de Siecle by S. Reesa Herberth 2.5 Stars
Gabriel is a street walker; Jean Mercier is a struggling artist. This was a historical piece set in France. I didn't care for the writing; it lacked clarity. Confusing use of pronouns. Didn't like the characters. Boring.
10. Chat Line by Clare London 2.0 Stars
Holy crap this is painful. I don't even understand what Jerry is trying to sign up for! And this chat line "chat" is excruciating to read. Ugh! Not a fan of phone sex to begin with. This one was a bust.
11. Beauty Does by JL Merrow 4.5 Stars
Nathan is a part-time college student and part-time rent boy on the streets of London. One of his regulars turns out to be his English professor. Nice story. Liked this one.
12. The Four Seasons by Diana Copland 3.0 Stars
WTF is up with this Lisa Simmons chick? She is a first rate bi-yatch. Revulsion: what a wonderful way to start a story. Not! Michael is a law student when he meets Christian, a high-priced rent boy. Fast forward a few years and they meet again. This time, Michael is a law clerk and Christian is working the street corner. They spend a heartfelt night together but afterwards Christian walks away and Michael can't find him. Fast forward a few years, Michael is an associate attorney in a prestigious law firm. Christian is ... well, I won't spoil it but it's fairytale-ish and sweet. This one was alright. I really liked Michael. Christian was meh. I didn't like Lisa (first impressions are a bitch).
August 20, 2012
I give this anthology 4 stars in total. You can see rates and short comments to each story below. But all in all I've enjoyed it very much.
1. RELUCTANT by Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban - ****.
2. STRIPPED BARE by S.Blaise - ***** five stars! Something to fantasize later.
3. BOOMERANG by Rachelle Cochran - * star. Boring.
4. FUN AND GAMES by Lenore Black - ***** five stars! Dorky Sweet! Though, I think it would have been more logical if Patrick found Jack at the sportbar and not with the help of some paper clippings that his PR FedExed him.
5. HOW COULD I NOT by Jamie Freeman - * Much ado about nothing.
6. THE FROST AFFAIR by Sasha Skye - * Terrible.
7. THE STRIPPER AND THE HAIRDRESSER by Bethany Brown - **
8. A MUSE by Zahra Owens - *** I liked the author's writing style better than the story itself.
9. FIN DE SIECLE by S.Reesa Herberth - **** The writing was a bit confusing. But a good story actually.
10. CHAT LINE by Clare London - **
11. AS BEAUTY DOES by JL Merrow - **
12. THE FOUR SEASONS by Diana Copland - **** stars. A nice story to end the book. I liked it. And I think this story could have been good as a separate book.
1. RELUCTANT by Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban - ****.
2. STRIPPED BARE by S.Blaise - ***** five stars! Something to fantasize later.
3. BOOMERANG by Rachelle Cochran - * star. Boring.
4. FUN AND GAMES by Lenore Black - ***** five stars! Dorky Sweet! Though, I think it would have been more logical if Patrick found Jack at the sportbar and not with the help of some paper clippings that his PR FedExed him.
5. HOW COULD I NOT by Jamie Freeman - * Much ado about nothing.
6. THE FROST AFFAIR by Sasha Skye - * Terrible.
7. THE STRIPPER AND THE HAIRDRESSER by Bethany Brown - **
8. A MUSE by Zahra Owens - *** I liked the author's writing style better than the story itself.
9. FIN DE SIECLE by S.Reesa Herberth - **** The writing was a bit confusing. But a good story actually.
10. CHAT LINE by Clare London - **
11. AS BEAUTY DOES by JL Merrow - **
12. THE FOUR SEASONS by Diana Copland - **** stars. A nice story to end the book. I liked it. And I think this story could have been good as a separate book.
December 15, 2010
This is a great collection of short stories.
Half are easily four and five stars. I'll get to those in a moment.
Of the other half: one was DNF due to too much sex with little happening in between, two were DNF due to slang/language that distracted from the story (yes, I'm very easily distracted by too much "local dialect", so if you like that, don't judge those based on my review), one had absolutely no conflict, one told the ending instead of showed it, and one was cute but very predictable.
The four/five star stories, made up for the ones that weren't, so this is still an anthology worth the purchase price. Some cute, some serious, the six that rated 4 or 5 were enjoyable and unique. The final story, The Four Seasons, was the perfect ending story. Fabulous and five stars. I immediately went looking for more by Diana Copland before I remembered that we share a publisher! I'll be checking out more stories by Diana, as well as a couple of other authors that participated in this anthology.
Half are easily four and five stars. I'll get to those in a moment.
Of the other half: one was DNF due to too much sex with little happening in between, two were DNF due to slang/language that distracted from the story (yes, I'm very easily distracted by too much "local dialect", so if you like that, don't judge those based on my review), one had absolutely no conflict, one told the ending instead of showed it, and one was cute but very predictable.
The four/five star stories, made up for the ones that weren't, so this is still an anthology worth the purchase price. Some cute, some serious, the six that rated 4 or 5 were enjoyable and unique. The final story, The Four Seasons, was the perfect ending story. Fabulous and five stars. I immediately went looking for more by Diana Copland before I remembered that we share a publisher! I'll be checking out more stories by Diana, as well as a couple of other authors that participated in this anthology.
March 20, 2011
4.5 stars
This is the kind of anthology that makes me smile. The first story is great and leads to other great tales. Each entry is long enough to be a story, not a quickie romp that has no substance just flash. With twelve authors writing all about rent boys and strippers its a dozen “Pretty Woman” type Cinderella stories that fed my romantic soul while fulfilling my erotic imaginations too.
With twelve stories, I did not expect them all to be 5 star winners but none of the stories are less than a 3 star read and only two of the stories wouldn’t rate higher. Even those stories were good, they were just told in an author style that did not appeal to me. They were slightly different POV or author voice than the usual erotica of this type that did not flow as smoothly as the other ten stories.
For the price, this anthology is a steal.
This is the kind of anthology that makes me smile. The first story is great and leads to other great tales. Each entry is long enough to be a story, not a quickie romp that has no substance just flash. With twelve authors writing all about rent boys and strippers its a dozen “Pretty Woman” type Cinderella stories that fed my romantic soul while fulfilling my erotic imaginations too.
With twelve stories, I did not expect them all to be 5 star winners but none of the stories are less than a 3 star read and only two of the stories wouldn’t rate higher. Even those stories were good, they were just told in an author style that did not appeal to me. They were slightly different POV or author voice than the usual erotica of this type that did not flow as smoothly as the other ten stories.
For the price, this anthology is a steal.
May 15, 2010
I have to say that this anthology was far more sweet and romantic than I expected, given the theme. Indeed, there were a couple of stories that I felt strayed too far into romanticising prostitution and rendering sex scenes in rather purple prose.
However, there were also some absolutely fantastic stories in there too, and I thoroughly enjoyed the contributions from Rachelle Cochrane, Lenore Black, Bethany Brown, Zahra Owens, S. Reesa Herberth, Clare London and JL Merrow, and would rate them all as 5 star. I think what attracted me to these stories, apart from how well they were written, was that the characters were more ordinary and flawed, as I prefer to read about ordinary folk rather than those living in the higher echelons of society.
However, there were also some absolutely fantastic stories in there too, and I thoroughly enjoyed the contributions from Rachelle Cochrane, Lenore Black, Bethany Brown, Zahra Owens, S. Reesa Herberth, Clare London and JL Merrow, and would rate them all as 5 star. I think what attracted me to these stories, apart from how well they were written, was that the characters were more ordinary and flawed, as I prefer to read about ordinary folk rather than those living in the higher echelons of society.
April 1, 2013
As with any anthology, the quality of the stories in this book varies quite a bit. Nonetheless, in general they are quite enjoyable. Oddly enough, given the subject matter, the story that is perhaps my favorite of all -- "The Stripper and the Hairdresser" by Bethany Brown -- has no sex at all beyond kissing. It just happened to push all my "sweet appreciation" buttons, without lapsing over into "sappy" territory. There is also some fine writing here by JL Merrow, Diana Copland, and others; and, interestingly, the anthology includes several ugly and/or disfigured characters as romantic leads.
All in all this collection isn't really exceptional, but it's a perfectly good way to spend an hour or two. I'm giving it 3.4 stars, not quite enough to round up to 4.
All in all this collection isn't really exceptional, but it's a perfectly good way to spend an hour or two. I'm giving it 3.4 stars, not quite enough to round up to 4.
March 4, 2011
I really enjoyed a majority of all the stories. I had a problem with two, they just ended too soon. Really a great anthology. 4.5 rating.
Reluctant / Rhianne Aile & Madeline Urban
Stripped Bare / S. Blaise
Boomerang / Rachelle Cochran
Fun and Games / Lenore Black
How Could I Not / Jamie Freeman
The Frost Affair / Sasha Skye
The Stripper and the Hairdresser / Bethany Brown
A Muse /Zahra Owens
Fin De Siecle / S. Reesa Herberth
Chat Line / Clare London
As Beauty Does / JL Merrow
The Four Seasons / Diana Copland
Reluctant / Rhianne Aile & Madeline Urban
Stripped Bare / S. Blaise
Boomerang / Rachelle Cochran
Fun and Games / Lenore Black
How Could I Not / Jamie Freeman
The Frost Affair / Sasha Skye
The Stripper and the Hairdresser / Bethany Brown
A Muse /Zahra Owens
Fin De Siecle / S. Reesa Herberth
Chat Line / Clare London
As Beauty Does / JL Merrow
The Four Seasons / Diana Copland
August 28, 2009
I'd stopped buying anthologies, finding them to be generally unsatisfying. Sindustry got such good reviews, though, and so did its follow-up, so I decided to give it a try. And I'm glad I did! I thought the stories were all well-written - not usually the case with collections. While I wished a few had gone on longer I was pleased with the plots and endings. The theme could have lent itself to repetitiveness, but that didn't happen. Each story was unique. I highly recommend this anth!
October 20, 2014
This is one of the best collection of stories I have ever read. I admit I was expecting them to be more tawdry and more about sex/erotica. I couldn't have been more wrong. They were very romantic.
A few of them had me tearing up. The last one I cried. I couldn't find fault in any of the writing or plots. I highly rec this.
note: Yes some of these stories tend to romanticize prostitution but this is fiction based on fantasy which is why I read in the first place. The real world sucks.
A few of them had me tearing up. The last one I cried. I couldn't find fault in any of the writing or plots. I highly rec this.
note: Yes some of these stories tend to romanticize prostitution but this is fiction based on fantasy which is why I read in the first place. The real world sucks.
June 6, 2013
I normally shy away from anthologies, preferring longer, single-story reads; however, I must admit there were some very good stories in this one.
There were also a few that I fast forwarded through after the first 4 or 5 pages because they held zero interest for me.
The "very good" ones in this book were worth skipping the few (I'll be tactful) "less good" stories.
5 stars for the stellar shorts, 1 star for the fast forwards, so 4 overall.
There were also a few that I fast forwarded through after the first 4 or 5 pages because they held zero interest for me.
The "very good" ones in this book were worth skipping the few (I'll be tactful) "less good" stories.
5 stars for the stellar shorts, 1 star for the fast forwards, so 4 overall.
December 4, 2017
The problem with anthology is, I'm usually lost interest at 50 or 60% of the stories.
Some stories are really good, some are boring. Not bad, but it's me who's bored easily.
I had to put it on hold for a day, and skimming some stories after.
But overall, if you're in the mood for naughty, night life with some happy ending and low angst, give it a try. You'll probably ended by enjoying it.
And it has lots and lots sex scenes for a bonus :)
Some stories are really good, some are boring. Not bad, but it's me who's bored easily.
I had to put it on hold for a day, and skimming some stories after.
But overall, if you're in the mood for naughty, night life with some happy ending and low angst, give it a try. You'll probably ended by enjoying it.
And it has lots and lots sex scenes for a bonus :)
July 24, 2009
4.5 out of 5 stars
March 3, 2010
I really liked most of the stories in this anthology. My only complaint is that they all had the same ending - and after so many stories, it got a little old.
July 5, 2010
Five stars for "Fun and Games" by Lenore Black" and The Four Seasons" by Diana Copland!
February 5, 2012
Really good selection of stories!
I have a soft spot for hustler stories, so I enjoyed this anthology a great deal! So different from each other, but all with very heartwarming and satisfying HEA.
I have a soft spot for hustler stories, so I enjoyed this anthology a great deal! So different from each other, but all with very heartwarming and satisfying HEA.
December 18, 2016
Awesome anthology! Usually I'm wary of anthologies because not all of them turn out well. But this anthology was awesome! There were one or two stories that didn't work for me but the rest of them were amazing!
September 2, 2012
It's a good anthology. Some stories are more gripping than others, but I guess it takes into account the different tastes of readers. It is romantic at its core, so there are quite a lot of cinderfella stories, but I have to say that I felt almost guilty at the end, because some of the stories touched a very gritty reality and I don't want to forget that there are young men who don't have a choice and don't have an out, so I appreciate the story which were a bit less glamorous. That said, here's a short summary of the stories.
Reluctant by R. Aile & M. Urban
Gregory is in his mid-forties. After his divorce he's starting a new life and he wants to explore his denied sexuality. Reading Gregory's thoughts was my favorite part and also an interesting premise to a story. Rico is the escort he hires to begins his exploration. I think it became romantic a bit too soon. When it lost its edge of novelty and attraction under which something else is simmering, the story lost its interest.
Stripped Bare by S. Blaise
This was one of my favorites and I want to read more by this author. It was the cute and touching story of Luca, a stripper, and Ethan, the guy who hires him for his sister's wedding. I can't really say what's different in this story, you have to find it for yourself, but the chasing was fantastic. I liked the snippets of Ethan's voice, its dryness and jadedness and the way Luca tried to get closer to him. I would really love to know what happens next.
Boomerang by R. Cochran
Chance is a waiter who makes some money on the side as a rent boy. Ethan is a childhood friend who reminds Chance of what he couldn't have and why he left his hometown. There wasn't enough tension in my opinion.
Fun and Games by L. Black
Super cute and funny story of Patrick, the dorky owner of a company that creates games, and Jack, the escort Patrick's friends hire for his birthday. I'm smiling just typing this. Patrick is impossibly adorable and Jake is awesome. I loved the way he brought the sexy back to Patrick.
How Could I Not? by J. Freeman
I liked this, especially the writing, which was beautiful and evocative. Ben is into the trade while he's waiting to find a job that suits his MBA. Joshua is an executive looking for an Indian young man, trying to chase away another man. I liked the pacing, trying to figure out why that other guy was haunting Joshua, but when the details of this obsession was revealed, I was a bit underwhelmed. I had figured out something darker and more dramatic, so the ending didn't really satisfy me.
The Frost Affair by S. Skye
Grayson is the kept man and secret lover of Senator Alex Frost. The senator is a widower who thinks he'll never be able to replace his wife and therefore prefers a male lover. I don't know, maybe I'm putting it too simple, but I wasn't convinced. There's little drama, but I liked to read the insecurities of the older man.
The Stripper and the Hairdresser by B. Brown
Another very cute story of Scott, the stripper, and Jasper, the hairdresser. They're both adorable klutz. It's a very sweet story.
A Muse by Z. Owens
This was weird, and courageous. The author chose a sort of you-point-of-view. It's a bittersweet story, because the rent boy the photographer hires just to take pictures of him knows how to be crude. The story is mesmerizing, maybe a bit too conceptual, but a nice change. It keeps the reader a bit excluded from what's happening, but it's unstoppable and really, it gives one even less control than one is used to.
Fin de siecle by S.R. Herberth
This is in a historical setting, in Paris. Teasing. Gabriel is a prostitute who went to Paris to become an artist but didn't succeed. Jean is an artist who wants to give Gabriel some art back. There's lust, but also friendship and desire, all wrapped into one package. I'll repeat myself, teasing.
Chat Line by Clare London
I would love this to be turned into a TV show on a split screen. I enjoyed it a lot. We have a sex chat line worker and an accountant. I can't give much away because there are a couple of twists that worked well with a reader's presumption after reading the title.
As Beauty Does by J.L. Merrow
I like very much J.L. Merrow's writing and this short story delivered the rawness of her characters, especially those from the working class. Let me tell you the relationship explored is a bit improper, but let's put all considerations of propriety out of this for the sake of the story, which is great. Nathan is a rent boy, but he resorts to that to pay rent and to be able to afford an education, since he has no family to support him. Stephen, Dark, Tall, and Ugly, is one of his regulars. The story is bitter and stinging, but at the end it's redeeming.
The Four Seasons by D. Copland
This was a real page turner, but it told quite the drama. It spans a decade and it basically tells the story of the obsession of Michael for Christian, the escort he meets once at the Four Seasons hotel and chases ever after.
Reluctant by R. Aile & M. Urban
Gregory is in his mid-forties. After his divorce he's starting a new life and he wants to explore his denied sexuality. Reading Gregory's thoughts was my favorite part and also an interesting premise to a story. Rico is the escort he hires to begins his exploration. I think it became romantic a bit too soon. When it lost its edge of novelty and attraction under which something else is simmering, the story lost its interest.
Stripped Bare by S. Blaise
This was one of my favorites and I want to read more by this author. It was the cute and touching story of Luca, a stripper, and Ethan, the guy who hires him for his sister's wedding. I can't really say what's different in this story, you have to find it for yourself, but the chasing was fantastic. I liked the snippets of Ethan's voice, its dryness and jadedness and the way Luca tried to get closer to him. I would really love to know what happens next.
Boomerang by R. Cochran
Chance is a waiter who makes some money on the side as a rent boy. Ethan is a childhood friend who reminds Chance of what he couldn't have and why he left his hometown. There wasn't enough tension in my opinion.
Fun and Games by L. Black
Super cute and funny story of Patrick, the dorky owner of a company that creates games, and Jack, the escort Patrick's friends hire for his birthday. I'm smiling just typing this. Patrick is impossibly adorable and Jake is awesome. I loved the way he brought the sexy back to Patrick.
How Could I Not? by J. Freeman
I liked this, especially the writing, which was beautiful and evocative. Ben is into the trade while he's waiting to find a job that suits his MBA. Joshua is an executive looking for an Indian young man, trying to chase away another man. I liked the pacing, trying to figure out why that other guy was haunting Joshua, but when the details of this obsession was revealed, I was a bit underwhelmed. I had figured out something darker and more dramatic, so the ending didn't really satisfy me.
The Frost Affair by S. Skye
Grayson is the kept man and secret lover of Senator Alex Frost. The senator is a widower who thinks he'll never be able to replace his wife and therefore prefers a male lover. I don't know, maybe I'm putting it too simple, but I wasn't convinced. There's little drama, but I liked to read the insecurities of the older man.
The Stripper and the Hairdresser by B. Brown
Another very cute story of Scott, the stripper, and Jasper, the hairdresser. They're both adorable klutz. It's a very sweet story.
A Muse by Z. Owens
This was weird, and courageous. The author chose a sort of you-point-of-view. It's a bittersweet story, because the rent boy the photographer hires just to take pictures of him knows how to be crude. The story is mesmerizing, maybe a bit too conceptual, but a nice change. It keeps the reader a bit excluded from what's happening, but it's unstoppable and really, it gives one even less control than one is used to.
Fin de siecle by S.R. Herberth
This is in a historical setting, in Paris. Teasing. Gabriel is a prostitute who went to Paris to become an artist but didn't succeed. Jean is an artist who wants to give Gabriel some art back. There's lust, but also friendship and desire, all wrapped into one package. I'll repeat myself, teasing.
Chat Line by Clare London
I would love this to be turned into a TV show on a split screen. I enjoyed it a lot. We have a sex chat line worker and an accountant. I can't give much away because there are a couple of twists that worked well with a reader's presumption after reading the title.
As Beauty Does by J.L. Merrow
I like very much J.L. Merrow's writing and this short story delivered the rawness of her characters, especially those from the working class. Let me tell you the relationship explored is a bit improper, but let's put all considerations of propriety out of this for the sake of the story, which is great. Nathan is a rent boy, but he resorts to that to pay rent and to be able to afford an education, since he has no family to support him. Stephen, Dark, Tall, and Ugly, is one of his regulars. The story is bitter and stinging, but at the end it's redeeming.
The Four Seasons by D. Copland
This was a real page turner, but it told quite the drama. It spans a decade and it basically tells the story of the obsession of Michael for Christian, the escort he meets once at the Four Seasons hotel and chases ever after.
August 13, 2009
Sheesh so many, some of these I loved, some not so much. They are all stories about sex trade workers (in many forms) who find unexpected love. I’ll just list the ones I loved:
Reluctant by Rhianne Aile and Madeleine Urban (how can you go wrong with these two). A newly gay divorced guy (40′s) and a male prostitute he hires to be his first. Great characters, I enjoyed the chemistry.
Stripped Bare by S. Blaise – A party stripper and the brother of the bride to be who hires him. A sweet story with a blind disfigured protag and a gorgeous stripper who won’t give up pursuing him after talking on the phone.
Boomberang by Rachelle Cochrane – A strip bar waiter and partime rent boy who meets his best friend from highschool at the bar who he thought was straight. They hook up and a former client brings up the paying for sex issue. I really liked the two characters and how they reconnected after being apart.
Fun and Games by Lenore Black – A video game developer’s friends decide to buy him a guy for his birthday. The guy keeps coming back and he assumes his friends paid for it. When he finds out they didn’t he accuses the guy of stealing his new game. Ooops. He didn’t. Anyway, this was perhaps my favorite, I just really liked the characters and how they intereacted.
The Stripper and the Hairdress by Bethany Brown – I guess the title says it all. This is a tie-in with Picture Perfect as Kennedy’s hair dresser friend Jasper is the guy it the title. He sees “Apollo” at a bachelorette party for his employee and they manage to get together. A cute story with both characters being very appealing and I loved how Scott (Apollo) seemed perfect physically but he was totally useless with directions and got lost at the zoo once. So a nice little quirk.
Chat Line by Clare London – A funny little story about a phone sex worker and the guy who phones him up thinking he’s a domestic help line looking for someone to clean his house. It takes him a while to catch on and is outraged then intrigued and the call comes to its natural outcome with them planning to get together. Very humerous and to see how the same thing could mean something different depending on what you were thinking.
Reluctant by Rhianne Aile and Madeleine Urban (how can you go wrong with these two). A newly gay divorced guy (40′s) and a male prostitute he hires to be his first. Great characters, I enjoyed the chemistry.
Stripped Bare by S. Blaise – A party stripper and the brother of the bride to be who hires him. A sweet story with a blind disfigured protag and a gorgeous stripper who won’t give up pursuing him after talking on the phone.
Boomberang by Rachelle Cochrane – A strip bar waiter and partime rent boy who meets his best friend from highschool at the bar who he thought was straight. They hook up and a former client brings up the paying for sex issue. I really liked the two characters and how they reconnected after being apart.
Fun and Games by Lenore Black – A video game developer’s friends decide to buy him a guy for his birthday. The guy keeps coming back and he assumes his friends paid for it. When he finds out they didn’t he accuses the guy of stealing his new game. Ooops. He didn’t. Anyway, this was perhaps my favorite, I just really liked the characters and how they intereacted.
The Stripper and the Hairdress by Bethany Brown – I guess the title says it all. This is a tie-in with Picture Perfect as Kennedy’s hair dresser friend Jasper is the guy it the title. He sees “Apollo” at a bachelorette party for his employee and they manage to get together. A cute story with both characters being very appealing and I loved how Scott (Apollo) seemed perfect physically but he was totally useless with directions and got lost at the zoo once. So a nice little quirk.
Chat Line by Clare London – A funny little story about a phone sex worker and the guy who phones him up thinking he’s a domestic help line looking for someone to clean his house. It takes him a while to catch on and is outraged then intrigued and the call comes to its natural outcome with them planning to get together. Very humerous and to see how the same thing could mean something different depending on what you were thinking.
August 3, 2012
This was a fabulous anthology! I was surprised by how sweet some of the stories were considering that the anthology focuses on men working in the sex industry, but while that might put some people off, I think that's actually the reason I loved Sindustry so much. There was a real mix of stories and although none of them were terrible, they ranged from individual ratings of 2.5/3 stars right up to 5 stars.
My favourite stories in the anthology were As Beauty Does by JL Merrow, Fun and Games by Lenore Black, Boomerang by Rachelle Cochran and The Four Seasons by Diana Copland. These ones all had quite sweet endings, which perhaps isn't to everyone's tastes but it's certainly something I like to see. A few of them even edged on being a little too sweet, but I still really enjoyed them and the anthology as a whole. Quite a few of the stories left me wanting more, too!
Individual story ratings:
Reluctant by Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban - 3 stars
Stripped Bare by S. Blaise - 4 stars
Boomerang by Rachelle Cochran - 4.5 stars
Fun and Games by Lenore Black - 4.75 stars
How Can I Not by Jamie Freeman - 3.5 stars
The Frost Affair by Sasha Skye - 4 stars
The Stripper and the Hairdresser by Bethany Brown - 3.75 stars
A Muse by Zahra Owens - 4 stars
Fin de Siecle by S. Reesa Herberth - 2.5 stars
Chat Line by Clare London - 3.5 stars
As Beauty Does by JL Merrow - 5 stars
The Four Seasons by Diana Copland - 4.75 stars
My favourite stories in the anthology were As Beauty Does by JL Merrow, Fun and Games by Lenore Black, Boomerang by Rachelle Cochran and The Four Seasons by Diana Copland. These ones all had quite sweet endings, which perhaps isn't to everyone's tastes but it's certainly something I like to see. A few of them even edged on being a little too sweet, but I still really enjoyed them and the anthology as a whole. Quite a few of the stories left me wanting more, too!
Individual story ratings:
Reluctant by Rhianne Aile & Madeleine Urban - 3 stars
Stripped Bare by S. Blaise - 4 stars
Boomerang by Rachelle Cochran - 4.5 stars
Fun and Games by Lenore Black - 4.75 stars
How Can I Not by Jamie Freeman - 3.5 stars
The Frost Affair by Sasha Skye - 4 stars
The Stripper and the Hairdresser by Bethany Brown - 3.75 stars
A Muse by Zahra Owens - 4 stars
Fin de Siecle by S. Reesa Herberth - 2.5 stars
Chat Line by Clare London - 3.5 stars
As Beauty Does by JL Merrow - 5 stars
The Four Seasons by Diana Copland - 4.75 stars
February 20, 2013
I started this anthology primarily for J.L. Merrow's story.
As Beauty Does, J.L. Merrow -- 4 stars. I always think of J.L. Merrow in terms of her humor, but this story is more of a serious contemporary, though it does have some of her trademark witty lines. In this story a rent boy discovers that his favorite regular is his new teacher at uni. I enjoyed the transition these two characters made as they figured out there could be more between them.
Stripped Bare, S. Balise -- 4 stars. I enjoy stories with a disabled character and this one was especially nice. A blind man hires a stripper for his sister's hen party and the stripper becomes curious about the man on the phone.
Fun And Games, Lenore Black -- 3 stars. A geeky game designer gets a rent boy as a gift from his friends for his birthday and the guy keeps coming back. Sweet though a little predictable.
The Four Seasons, Diana Copland -- 3.5 stars. A young law student sees a gorgeous male hooker in an upscale hotel and falls for him, but he doesn't have the money to pay for a night. Later, he sees the hooker again, now brought low and on the streets. The story is arranged in 4 chapters or time jumps, each named for a season of the year. This was a particularly nice little romance with a cinderfella ending.
I completed the anthology and enjoyed it. The other stories were decent enough reads as part of the collection. Recommended.
As Beauty Does, J.L. Merrow -- 4 stars. I always think of J.L. Merrow in terms of her humor, but this story is more of a serious contemporary, though it does have some of her trademark witty lines. In this story a rent boy discovers that his favorite regular is his new teacher at uni. I enjoyed the transition these two characters made as they figured out there could be more between them.
Stripped Bare, S. Balise -- 4 stars. I enjoy stories with a disabled character and this one was especially nice. A blind man hires a stripper for his sister's hen party and the stripper becomes curious about the man on the phone.
Fun And Games, Lenore Black -- 3 stars. A geeky game designer gets a rent boy as a gift from his friends for his birthday and the guy keeps coming back. Sweet though a little predictable.
The Four Seasons, Diana Copland -- 3.5 stars. A young law student sees a gorgeous male hooker in an upscale hotel and falls for him, but he doesn't have the money to pay for a night. Later, he sees the hooker again, now brought low and on the streets. The story is arranged in 4 chapters or time jumps, each named for a season of the year. This was a particularly nice little romance with a cinderfella ending.
I completed the anthology and enjoyed it. The other stories were decent enough reads as part of the collection. Recommended.
September 30, 2013
I got what I expected. As with all anthologies, some stories I liked more than others.
Reluctant by Rhianne Aile and Madeline Urban
- Alright. The ending that didn't sell for me.
Stripped Bare by S. Blaise
- Another alright story.
Boomerang by Rachelle Cochran
- An okay story.
Fun and Games by Lenore Black
- I actually thought this story was cute.
How Could I Not by Jamie Freeman
- I rather liked this oddly kinky story. Enjoyable.
The Frost Affair by Sasha Skye
- I liked this. It was sweet.
The Stripper and the Hairdresser by Bethany Brown
- An okay story.
A Muse by Zahra Owens
- This was very enjoyable.
Fin de Siecle by S. Reesa Herberth
- Felt like it was trying too hard to be high-brow. Didn't connect with me.
Chat Line by Clare London
- Ouch. This didn't work for me.
Beauty Does by JL Merrow
- Too short. I really do love Merrow's work.
The Four Seasons by Diana Copland
- Another favorite.
Reluctant by Rhianne Aile and Madeline Urban
- Alright. The ending that didn't sell for me.
Stripped Bare by S. Blaise
- Another alright story.
Boomerang by Rachelle Cochran
- An okay story.
Fun and Games by Lenore Black
- I actually thought this story was cute.
How Could I Not by Jamie Freeman
- I rather liked this oddly kinky story. Enjoyable.
The Frost Affair by Sasha Skye
- I liked this. It was sweet.
The Stripper and the Hairdresser by Bethany Brown
- An okay story.
A Muse by Zahra Owens
- This was very enjoyable.
Fin de Siecle by S. Reesa Herberth
- Felt like it was trying too hard to be high-brow. Didn't connect with me.
Chat Line by Clare London
- Ouch. This didn't work for me.
Beauty Does by JL Merrow
- Too short. I really do love Merrow's work.
The Four Seasons by Diana Copland
- Another favorite.
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