Yours 2 Keep

"Yours 2 Keep" is a decent anthology of stories centering around "Y2K" bug-related disasters. As usual with anthologies, some stories were better than others, but all were good reading."Arts Magica" by Kay Hooper was one of the stand-out stories in this bunch. The hero and heroine were well-developed for a novella, and the premise was both interesting and different from the norm.I don't normally enjoy overly sweet romantic stories, but I'll make an exception for "Gabriel's Angel." The characters and romance were very, well, sweet, and I was definitely rooting for them by the end."Stuck with You" is a decent story. The novella form forces the characters to undo long-time biases in a short amount of time -- a short enough time that the transition in their relationship felt abrupt. But, the characters were appealing, and I especially enjoyed the ending."Close Quarters" was probably the weakest of the bunch, although it's still a good read. The secondary characters were especially appealing with their mischief. But, again, the relationship transition felt awkward."Trouble at Midnight" is well-written, with an interesting premise. I liked the characters a lot, and enjoyed the story. But I felt a little cheated, too; this story could have used a little more development to be truly outstanding.Despite all these criticisms, all the stories in this anthology were well-written and interesting. This is a very good read from some talented authors. (And, even better, since it's now 2001, we can look at the dire Y2K predictions and snicker. Hehe.)

The first two have a touch of paranormal to add to the new millennium atmosphere. The next three show us that pre-judgment could cost us true love unless fate and the Y2K bug step in.Arts Magica - A quick easy read. A young wizard plays with an experiment created by the man she admires. When the Y2K bug hits she finds herself transported to his home in 1899.Gabriel's Angel - The Y2K try's to put an end to Gabe Rawlins future in the new millennium. He meets a gorgeous angel who helps him find his way.Stuck With You - When the Y2K bug hits Attorneys Lauren Alexander and Griffin Sloan find themselves stuck with each other. They learn that the Y2K and fate are working together to set the record straight.Close Quarters - Veronica Rourke thinks she is committing a felony to protect her fathers privacy. When the Y2K hits she finds herself trapped with the man she is sabotaging.Trouble at Midnight - Dora Wickers wants to make changes in her life...but she doesn't know if her Clark Kent / Banker boyfriend fits in. When the Y2K hits they find themselves stranded on a train forced to make a decision.I liked the premise of true love being in the hands of fate AND the Y2K bug. Let me remind you this is an anthology, the stories are short and the relationships are quick, so don't be surprised if you come away wanting more. This passionate anthology is a fun easygoing read to start the new millennium with.

All of the stories in YOURS 2 KEEP were wonderful, which is not often the case in short story collections. Special standouts were "Arts Magica" by Kay Hooper, "Stuck with You" by Michelle Martin and "Trouble at Midnight"by Jill Shalvis.Readers who loved Kay Hooper's THE WIZARD OF SEATTLE, will be estatic at the chance to see Richard and Serena Merlin again. In this story, you meet their apprentice, Felictiy Grant, who has yet to learn how to control her own powers. While experimenting with her powers, Felicity gets thrown back in time to 19th Century London and into the arms of one delicious scientist.With "Stuck with You", Michelle Martin gifts readers with something that is often hard to find, a love story that is not only "sizzling" hot, but also heart sweet. When two adversaries are stuck in an elevator due to the Y2K bug, they are forced to find out that they have more in common than they knew. Their journey to this discovery is one of the sweetest that I have read in years. I've never read a book by Michelle Martin before, but I'm making it a Y2K resolution to change that and fast.Jill Shalvis' "Trouble at Midnight", is another story of characters discovering new things about each other. Dora thought that her "soon to be" fiance Adam Morgan was just a dull, dependable Clark Kent kind of guy. She knows that other ladies would love to have a dependable man like him, but she longs for more adventure and mystery. It takes a Y2K disaster to show her that Adam is all the adventure she would ever need. He is one hot hero!The other stories in the collection are just as good, but these three were my favorites!

"Arts Magica" by Kay Hooper. In Seattle as the millennium approaches, Master Wizard Merlin asks his apprentice Felicity to test a hundred-year old machine that mysteriously pulsates power. Felicity enters the device and lands in 1899 where she meets and falls in love with its inventor John. "Gabriel's Angel" by Marilyn Pappano. It is entertaining and fun to read. This is a strong short story collection that will please romance fans who get to read this book on this side of Y2K.Harriet Klausner