Sandy M’s review of Three to Tango Anthology by Lauren Dane, Emma Holly, Megan Hart, Bethany Kane
Erotic Romance anthology published by Berkley 3 May 11
I was eager to read this anthology written by four of today’s most talented erotica authors. I’ve read all but Emma Holly, so I knew there’s some darned great reading to be had. I wasn’t too far off in my prediction. All the novellas featured here pretty good, and, as goes with reading anthologies, I like a couple better than others. But if you’re looking for some sizzling erotic stories, this one will satisfy any and all needs.
Flipping for Chelsea by Emma Holly
This is my first ever read of Emma Holly. I’m happy I do like this short read, because sometimes if you don’t care much for an author’s novella, it’s hard to pick up one of their full-length novels later on.
We first meet Chelsea, Luca, and Liam in 1997 when they’re young and have their futures ahead of them. Chelsea is heading off to college and she wants one last night with her two best friends. She’s always had a crush on Liam from a really early age and that’s grown into a love that is heartfelt, but it also that causes problems within the trio when they finally come together for their good-bye, even after one hot night.
Then we jump ahead to 2011 when Chelsea returns home, hoping things can somehow be better between them all. But Shay is the one who felt he was intruding on the love Liam and Chel shared, so he too has been gone, working all these years in Boston. It’s Liam and Chelsea who bridge the chasm that’s built up from years of silence and lone suffering.
When Luca makes a surprise visit, Liam has decisions to make if he wants to share in the love of these friends he’s missed for so long. This is a nice friends-to-lovers story with the extra fun of a threesome. The sex, of course, is as hot as can be. I like the characters well enough, but I feel they need a little more depth. Otherwise, a good first story for me from Emma Holly.
Grade: B
Summary:
Shay and Liam shared an unforgettable night with their lifelong friend, Chelsea, awakening a rush of forbidden feelings—feelings they have to reckon with when the three reunite, and the unrequited lust between them is too much to bear.
No excerpt available.
Dirty/Bad/Wrong by Lauren Dane
I’ve only read Lauren Dane’s Cascadia Wolves series so far, though I probably have every darned book on her backlist around here somewhere. You know, so many books too little time. I like this novella, but I have to say that I prefer her humor and her shifters. But that’s just me.
Ava is back in Petal to wrap up her mother’s life and home. With both parents now gone, she can hopefully truly forget the horrible childhood she’d suffered, all with the help of Angelo and Luca, her best friends. She’s turned into a confident, independent woman after years in L.A., so these few days in Petal should be a breeze. But she doesn’t count on the feelings that flood through her seeing the family who loved her more than her own.
And, of course, there’s Angelo and Luca and they’re happy to see Ava, want her to stay with them longer than she’s planned. They want the chance to convince her to stay with them permanently, to show her how good it can be for the three of them. And it definitely is good between them. They sizzle right off the page with a touch or a kiss, so you can imagine what happens with all that sex goin’ on.
Another friends-to-lovers read. I like the characters, and there’s more depth in this story with the telling of Ava’s growing up years, all she went through and how she’s changed. However, I do want a little more, considering this is Lauren Dane. But it does satisfy in all the right places.
Grade: B-
Summary:
Though Ava left her hard-knock Georgia childhood behind, she never forgot Luca and Angelo. Together they were best friends with a bond that could never be broken. But when she returns, the three must decide whether to face the fires that burn between them, or forgo their desires forever.
Read an excerpt.
Just One Night by Megan Hart
Up to this point, Just One Night is my favorite of the anthology. It’s one of those make-your-dream-come-true stories, all at the behest of a man who thinks he’s doing his girlfriend a favor. Jerk gets his, though.
Kerry is attending her high school reunion with one mission in mind – spending one night with her old crush, Brian. She has the “permission” of her boyfriend, Jeremy, because he wants her happy and he knows this will make her happy. So meeting up with and loving Brian for the night is a dream come true, one she’ll remember forever.
Brian has hopes to see Kerry at the reunion, but he never thinks things could go as far as they do. And he wants more from Kerry than just one night, so he finally calls her. Again, Jeremy has no problem with Kerry meeting up with Brian. In fact, he encourages it. If he knows about it, it’s not a lie, it’s not cheating. Okay, bud, whatever you say. One thing leads to another, Brian learns about Jeremy, but he still can’t resist Kerry. But after meeting Jeremy, Brian has to walk away from the love of his life.
I’m so happy that Kerry finally wakes up to the kind of love Jeremy says he has for her. Great scene. I really like Kerry and Brian, and, well, you can already figure out how I feel about Jeremy. I’m also glad to find another Megan Hart story I like. I’ve been a tad disappointed in the last couple I’ve read, especially after enjoying my first by her, Tempted, so much. This is a very good read.
Grade: B+
Summary:
Fun-loving couple Kerry and Jeremy find themselves in a triangle of trouble when Kerry’s old crush, Brian, returns for a school reunion, and Jeremy gives her his enthusiastic approval to seduce him. But while Jeremy has no trouble sharing Kerry, Brian isn’t sure he can handle what’s coming.
Read an excerpt.
On the Job by Bethany Kane
Of the four stories, this is my favorite. I’ve not read Bethany Kane per se before, but I have read her other alias, Beth Kery. So I guess you can say I’m not surprised I enjoyed this novella. We’re given more of a story that works the erotica into it instead of the other way around.
Walker Gray is retired from the Secret Service and is back in Lake Tahoe to establish his own business, but in the meantime he’s helping a friend with protection and security. The man’s fiance has been the target of an assassination attempt, so they need to find out what the hell is going on. The kink in the plan is the fiance is Madeline, the same Madeline whom Walker loved and left years before.
And Madeline is not happy he’s back. She tries to punish him in various ways, but right off the bat she learns such trying things won’t work with Walker. The first scene in which Walker is pushed too far at Maddie’s misplaced teasing is perfect. Walker doesn’t put up with much and he makes sure Maddie knows that. The dinner table scene is also one I love. All sizzling and steamy. You end up as hot and bothered as Madeline.
I like the twist that comes about at the end. All must face consequences, some good and some bad. It’s Walker who makes the story for me. He’s totally alpha. I kept thinking what a hot and sexy Highlander he would make. Yeah, it’s the historical reader who loves the Scottish in me. He’s perfect for such a role and perfect just as he is. I’m smitten.
A very, very satisfying read.
Grade: A-
Summary:
Years ago, Walker walked out on Madeline when she needed him most. Now, the ex-Secret Service agent is back—hired to protect Madeline by her billionaire boss, Tony. Madeline is determined to make him pay for denying her desires—and she’s not above bringing Tony in to sweeten the deal.
Read an excerpt.
When I read erotic books, I like a story to go along with all the sexual goings-on, which is what the Kane delivered. The other three stories deal only with what’s between the characters in terms of what happened with them in the past and then how they get reacquainted for the future, no other storyline to keep things more interesting.
All in all, this is a nice collection, and even if you haven’t read one or more of these authors, I think you’ll still have a sexy, smokin’ time with the characters they’ve created.
Overall Grade: B+
