What Happens in Vegas...After Dark: An Anthology

What Happens in Vegas...After Dark was a pretty good collection of stories. There were a few that kept my attention better than some, but you're going to get that with any anthology collection. The one thing I did like about it as a whole was that each story involved characters we were introduced to in What Happens in Vegas. If you're looking for a few quick erotic reads, definitely pick up this collection. For my full review, check out Literary Escapism.

Hot for Revenge by Jodi Lynn Copeland Succubus Deitre is a supernatural creature on a mission. She's going to literally get under the skin of sexy firefighter, Ryan, whom she thinks is responsible for her best friend, Jada's death. Knocking on his door, determined to become his new roommate, Ryan falls head over lust for the sexy succubus. After getting into his head, can Deitre follow through with her plan to snuff out his life? Jodi Lynn Copeland's Hot for Revenge has just the right mix of eroticism and paranormal elements making it a moving romance story. I liked the way Ms. Copeland allowed both Deitre and Ryan to tell the story from their viewpoints. I felt for the sensitive Ryan, trying to battle his feelings of inadequacy, since he felt he should have saved Jada's life in the fire. Deitre knows only about Ryan and his infamous "ladies man" reputation and uses this to justify her need for revenge. But as she gets to know him better by using both fair and foul means, she's pleasantly surprised to find there's more to him. Be ready for some steamy action as these two mutually combust in some fiery couplings proving that there's more to a person than meets the eye. Sensual Magic by Lauren Dane Nell is a bounty hunter for the Owen Clan, a powerful clan of witches. Tracking the scent of a human female who's stolen a large amount of money, she follows every lead ultimately arriving in Las Vegas. While seeking her prey, she's inexplicably drawn to a strip club and its owner, William Emery. Knowing Fate is a fickle lady, she's flummoxed when she "feels" that he is destined to be her life mate. Will Nell get her mission accomplished or will William get in the way? Sensual Magic is a firecracker hot story loaded with witch's magic and hot lovin'. Lauren Dane brings back William, a character from her last Vegas story, and introduces him to Nell. I didn't really like William much before, but his character grows on you during this story. I felt sorry for him because he just can't understand why he's sexually drawn to Nell. After Nell tells him she's a hereditary witch, well...he has his protective instincts kick in, trying in an alpha way to protect her. Leave it to Ms. Dane to defer to Nell's superior power as she convinces William he's the man for her in a few scenes guaranteed to melt the paint off your walls! Devine Desires by Kit Tunstall Mal walks into Devi's tattoo parlor knowing his must not fail in his mission to save his father's life. Using his seductive wiles, Devi quickly falls under his erotic spell, and unknowingly surrenders her latent powers during their passionate lovemaking. As Devi's lifeforce starts to ebb, will Mal continue with his mission or save her instead? Kit Tunstall writes a superb paranormal story in Devine Desires. Devi has always wondered why she was "different", not quite fitting into polite society. She hides in the darkness, only coming out at night when she feels she can function with some degree of norma

I always worry a little bit about anthologies because they can be hit and miss based on the authors included. However, this book was a total HIT. Each of the stories can be read as a stand alone, and in Ms. Dane's book, a continuation of the story from "What Happens in Vegas" is a complete story on its own. Nell was a strong heroine, which I really appreciate, and did not take much crap from the hero William, who has his own issues. I don't want to ruin the story for everyone, but the way they end up together is a great story, complete with sweetness, frustration, and hot scenes. I especially liked there was character development in this story, as that is my main reason for reading authors and their stories. The other stories in the anthology by Jodi Lynn Copeland, Anya Bast, and Kit Tunstall are equally compelling. Ms. Copeland's story was a wonderful read because it is about how love can interfere in revenge, and the decisions that are made based on which is the stronger motivation. Anya Bast's story about a half-fae man who is unexpectedly introduced to his heritage and his soul mate is amazing. While I also don't want to run this one, the hero, Damien is not as he appeared in the first installment last year, and Elena is just right for him, if they can get past her father. Kit Tunstall's story was the one I had the hardest time getting into, mostly because the description of the story did not really match the story. From the description, it appeared it might be a story where the hero is a jerk and the heroine goes all wimpy and gives into him. I'm very happy to tell you I was wrong on this, but I think the story blurb should be changed as it does not give the reader an accurate idea of what the story is about. I've told my friends about this book, and they are now clamoring for release date, and I recommend this book to anyone who likes strong heroines, good storylines, all told with searing sensuality