Title: Anthology Volume 1
Author: Scarlet Blackwell
Genre: Contemporary/ anthology
Length: 231 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4874-0071-2
Publisher: eXtasy Books (October 1st 2014)
Heat Level: mostly Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts overall
Reviewer: Cat
Blurb: Scarlet Blackwell’s first collection of short stories is a mixture. Mostly contemporary, with a fantasy story and a Victorian setting thrown in for good measure, the stories feature lovelorn m/m couples from every walk of life some sportsmen, some porn stars, some mentally challenged. The common theme is love, as always and the finding of that one special person.
Purchase Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/scarlet-blackwell/Anthology-Volume-1/
Review: Overall, this was a very intriguing collection of stories. There were a few I absolutely fell in love with some I liked a lot and a couple that I felt were ok. There is a bit of something for all tastes.
In My Darkness, I Found a Light ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Robert is in a bad place in his life. He is unhappy. He doesn’t like being around people. Day to day life and loneliness is getting to him. He bumbles through life each day, depressed, sad, and alone.
This is a very morose story with a happy ending. A tragedy brings two men together. My heart went out to Robert. I see this in so many people these days. I love how the author makes the tragedy and eye-opener for Robert and hopefully anyone in that dark place.
A Tale of Two Halves ♥♥2 Hearts
Luke is a footballer and he is playing against his arch nemesis Dieter. The German is up and coming and everyone loves him even though he has come out as gay. Luke hates him and wants to do him bodily harm. In one attack, they land on top of each other and Dieter taunts him, saying he knows he wants him thrusting his hips into Luke. Luke becomes confused. They get into a fight and both penalized. They both go shower while the game goes on.
Ok. This wasn’t a bad story it just wasn’t for me. There were a lot of football terms. I didn’t quite get and I just didn’t get the violent nature. Having said that, there was a lot of sexual tension and it was hot if you like a rough and tumble type sex.
Guilt ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Evan is in a bar. He is use to one nightstands and hook ups. He sees a sexy man and approaches. One thing leads to another and he is in Stevens. Evan thinks it’s time for a change. He likes Seven. Suddenly Steve turns on him and makes him leave. Angry Evan goes back the club later and finds Steven again to confront him.
I really liked the premise of his story. This is he sort of story that need t to be longer. I would love to rad more about both of these men. The twist through me for a loop and I sure would like to see what becomes of these two men.
RoMANce ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Fox Reed is a major name in porn stars and works exclusively for RoMANce studios. He doesn’t like porn for porn sake and only does films with story lines. Jamie Warner is an up and coming actor at a competitor’s studio and has signed to do a movie with Fox. Jamie is always a top and Fox is surprised that Jamie is going to bottom for this film. As soon as he meets Jamie, sparks fly between them. But is there attraction more than just a job?
I have to say that normally the porn type stories aren’t my thing but having said that, this one is an exception. There is a lot of storyline in this short tale and oh, man is the sex smokin hot. It’s a wonder my kindle didn’t catch fire!
This Wave Always Breaks ♥♥♥3 Hearts
Karl is faced with his past when his boss hires Daron his ex from 15 years ago as assistant manager.
There is a lot of angst and sadness in this story. There was a lot of potential. This one just fell a bit short for me. I really didn’t connect with Karl. He seemed so whiny and like a teenager not a grown man. I will say that I did find the end to this very satisfactory. There are a lot of characters for such a short story. I do think that if this were a full-length story so that we knew more about the characters and more about Karl, that it would be a pretty good story.
Happy Birthday♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
It’s Lewis’ birthday and he is alone in the office working. A man comes in and proceeds to strip. Being a loner, he can’t figure who would hire him a stripper but he is glad.
Wow. Was this hot! Then the twist came at the end turning a very graphic story into a very sweet one. I loved it.
The Long Road Home♥♥♥3 Hearts
Kester has been infatuated with Melek for 5 years though he hasn’t even gone to speak to him. A stranger comes to town and things escalate.
I can’t say much more without spoiling it, but it was a sweet story.
The Rent Collector♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Jacob lives in a slum and can barely make enough to eat little less meat the rent. The collector comes by and is new. He begins having Jacob perform favors in order to stay since his rent is so far behind.
I really liked this. It is a bit angsty and could be considered dubious consent, but once the twist comes at the end, I felt a bit more like I could empathise with William. I felt it was a very sexy story with a satisfying ending. It’s not going to be for everyone but I really liked it a lot.
Homeless♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
This is one of my favorites of the collection.
Michael is a straight man who just broke off with his girlfriend he is rich, handsome and really doesn’t have to have a steady girl. Walking home drunk he stopped in the alley and a young homeless man propositioned him. He gave in and paid but only had $100, so Poe said he owed him another service. Michael swears he won’t be back.
I loved this. It is a bit angsty but it just pushed all my buttons right. I loved the feelings of confusion from Michael and Poe both. It’s sexy with a very good ending. I would have loved more of this story.
Rematch ♥♥♥3 Hearts
This is a second part to the Tale of Two halves. I have to say I liked this one somewhat better. I think if all these parts were combined and this made into a full-length story, it has potential to be very good. I would like to see what happens with Luke and Deiter.
Charlie ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
I fell in love with Charlie. If I had to pick one favorite of the batch, it would be this one though there a couple close seconds. Charlie is mentally handicapped. He is very childlike but very handsome. Jude is shopping for stuff to make a Charlie Chaplin costume when he meets Charlie and is taken by his looks and charm, though he realizes that Charlie is handicapped and tries to stay away.
Jude has to be applauded for accepting Charlie as the man he is and eventually seeing that he is a wonderful man with needs. I applaud the author for touching on such a topic.
My Love is Me and I am Him
This is more like a poem or flash it’s so short I can say too much but I will say it intrigued me and I’d love to see these men’s story… Controversial… Yes… Intriguing idea? Absolutely.