Anthologies
A whole lot of nothing?
Ha ha. I know this will be hard for you to believe, but since I have not been a big collector of anthologies, I had to go shopping! And let me tell you how hard this was on me. Not! During my period of discovery, I unearth a vast knowledge, previously unknown to me, about anthologies.
Anthologies are often:
˘ Linked in topic or idea
˘ Linked in character or family
˘ An intro into a series or concept
˘ Allow editors and houses to try a new concept
˘ Showcase authors
˘ Help a new author by name association with an established author
˘ Holiday oriented
˘ Event oriented
˘ Lure readers into a new genre (give 'em a sample taste)
The more I thought on this, the more I warmed too the idea of "tasting" new authors and sampling their work before I go crazy buying an author out. Because, I'm like that. Once I find an author I like, I have to have everything they every wrote! I also liked the concept of maybe branching my reading out into different genres, areas I might not normally venture into and buy. If it was too far out of my interest or likes, what had I lost? Nothing really.
Some samples of the anthologies I purchased.
After Twilight - Amanda Ashley, Christine Feehan, and Rita Thompson published by Leisure Books invite readers to explore the dark side of paranormal romance.
Silent Night - 'Tis the season for passion and intrigue. Berkley Publishing brings us this treat. This romantic anthology includes J.D. Robb's "Midnight in Death", in which Lt. Eve Dallas hunts for an escaped serial killer; Susan Plunkett's "Christmas Promises" brings two lovers back together as they search for a missing child; Dee Holmes's "The Unexpected Gift" is a tale of a woman and her son, who discover the spirit of the holidays after finding a"body" in their backyard; and, Claire Cross's "A Berry Merry Christmas" delivers a special message to a young orphan.
Hot and Bothered - St. Martin steams up the set with this little anthology of four super charged novellas. Lori Foster, Laura Bradley, Gayle Callen.
A Knight's Vow - Another of Berkley's smashing successes. Lynn Kurland and Deborah Simmons bring their unique flair to this anthology. Fantasies are made of knights in shining armor. Men whose ferocity in battle was tempered by a code of chivalry...whose passions brought them to their knees before the women they desired...whose loyalty and honor never wavered -- and whose vows were never broken. These are the men of our dreams -- and now you can find them in four breathtaking Medieval tales by today's most acclaimed writers of historical romance...
X-Rated Christmas - A Scorching tale from Loose Id Christmas Noir by Barbara Karmazin A beautiful hermaphrodite. A serial killer. Shannon McNal faces death and finds love on Christmas Day. Home for the Holidays by Stephanie Vaughan When Valerie Mills tells best friend Suzi Crocker that what she really wants for Christmas is two men, she never dreams it could actually happen. And Twice Blessed by Rachel Bo Jenny's brief, sexy encounter with the Blake brothers was titillating, but mostly forgotten seven years later. But when Jenny reappears, these determined brothers will stop at nothing to make her keep her sexy promise.
By this point I was tapped and looking around for names I recognized… Now, I am a huge Christine Feehan fan. I'm sure you'd guess, but most of the other authors I had not delved into, but I found myself pleasantly surprised.
Most readers know about Brava's Bad Boys and Red Sage's Secrets but some of us forget the e-market which often showcases both e-only and print authors in their anthologies.
Triskelion Publishing had two Christmas anthologies All I Want For Christmas (authors Kally Jo Surbeck, Elaine Charton and Brenna Lyons as well as their steamier contribution Spirit of the Season contributing authors Lynn Warren, Kit Tunstall, Rachel Carrington and Alicia Sparks.
Liquid Silver Books has several: Resolutions a 4 ˝ star Top Pick from RT. Authors: Vanessa Hart, Jasmine Haynes, Leigh Wyndfield, Dee S. Knight (www.deesknight.com/Home/home.htm ) . Ain't Your Momma's Bedtime Stories Dee S. Knight,Jasmine Haynes, Dakota Cassidy, Leigh Wyndfield, Rae Morgan, Sydney Morgann, Vanessa Hart. And Afternoon Delights Vol. 1 Ten tantalizing tales to wet you appetite.
Over all I think there are some great anthologies out there and they are a good investment in expanding your reading, trying new authors and genres. How about giving a few a sample…see how you like them.
Good reading!
Thanks for stopping by!
Article Written by Izzy
**If you would like to take place in an upcoming genre page please email Izzy at Izzy@fallenangelreviews.com**
