Archives for December 2018

Strays And Lovers by John Inman


Strays And Lovers by John Inman
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short story (152 pages)
Other: M/M, Anal Play
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Forty-six-year-old Eddie Hightower has a problem. He’s all alone. The only thing that saves him from facing that stark reality is the fact that he isn’t really alone at all. He has a house full of pets and a refuge full of stray unwanted animals he spends every waking hour trying to place in homes. While he loves what he does with all the joy in his heart, that same poor aging heart is still missing something. And Eddie knows exactly what it is. Romance.
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But wait. Cue the music. Suddenly, beyond all hope, it happens. In the small desert town of Spangle, California, where Eddie lives, comes a sad young stranger with piercing gray eyes. They are the palest, most stunningly beautiful eyes Eddie has ever seen. Poor Eddie Hightower is swallowed up in their silver depths and disappears without a gurgle. The stranger’s name is Gray Grissom. Gray, like his eyes. Without hesitation Eddie opens his doors—and his heart—to the lost young man. After all, that’s what Eddie does. He finds homes for strays. But this is one stray Eddie intends to keep for himself.

Eddie opens his home and heart to all manner of strays – the animals helping to keep his ever-growing loneliness at bay. While Eddie could feel himself getting older and this solitude was not how he’d have chosen to live, he loves his home, loves his pets and makes do. Until one day a stranger comes into their tiny town. Gray is certainly a stray – albeit a human one – and Eddie simply can’t turn the lost soul away. Eddie knows this is completely different to his other companions, but something about Gray hits him hard and he wants to build something with the very private man.

I enjoyed this emotional and interesting story. Gray and Eddie were both layered characters and there was plenty of mystery surrounding Gray in particular. I initially found it a little difficult to get a read on Gray – he seemed to blow hot and cold a little and while this was fully explained throughout the course of the story it still meant I took a while to really warm up to his character. Eddie, in comparison, was a lot easier for me to become fond of. With an enormous heart and a house full of stray pets I almost immediately wanted Eddie to find his happily ever after. I also really loved how there didn’t need to be a whole swag of secondary characters to help round out the stories – Eddie’s closest pet cats and dogs filled this area out nicely and I loved how the author gave each of the main pets their own characteristics and they helped both highlight the isolation Eddie felt but also stopped the book from feeling as if it lacked the supporting cast it needed.

The slower pace of the romance really appealed to me. Gray has a complicated past and instead of info-dumping or having it all come out in a rush to help move along the romance between Gray and Eddie I enjoyed the fact there was quite a bit of to-and-fro between the two men first. While readers looking for an intensely erotic and heavily-sexed up story might feel the pace a little too slow for their tastes I preferred letting the plot and characters unwind a little more sedately. It seemed to suit the story to my mind and keep the feel of the story real. Gray didn’t at all strike me as the sort of character to just open up immediately, so this extra time felt real and I liked how both men needed to work their way together over the course of a number of exchanges.

The sex, when it occurred, was deliciously hot and intense. There was so much emotion between the two men – so much hurt and loneliness that they bridged together. It felt to me like it just rolled from the pages. While hot and sexy, I really feel the depth of emotion and connection between Eddie and Gray is what makes this book stand out so much from others like it. Readers who enjoy intensely emotional, hurt/comfort style of stories should really enjoy this story and find it as satisfying as I did.

Offered to the Cyborg by Jessica Coulter Smith


Offered to the Cyborg by Jessica Coulter Smith
Cy-Con Book 2
Publisher: Changeling Press LLC
Genre: Science Fiction
Length: Short Story (129 Pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Sorrel

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Shaylee has only known pain and suffering all her life. First on Earth, passed around the foster care system, and later as a slave to one alien after another. No one has ever touched her with kindness, has ever cared what happened to her. When the sexy purple cyborg with the strange eyes and gentle touch says she’s his, Shaylee is almost scared to hope that her life is changing. But the big male isn’t interested in owning her as a slave. He wants a mate!

The heroine, Shaylee, pulled me into the story from the start. The chemistry and the developing relationship between Shaylee and Wrylack kept me enthralled until the end.

The Science Fiction was fascinating at certain parts of the story. It was the perfect mix of romance and Science Fiction for me. Though this is the second book in the series, the story was not all difficult to understand and is a great candidate for a stand alone.

Shaylee was a slave and the Alien was a healer. Not the usual combo but definitely something the book a great read.  Not your usual Alpha Male Alien & human story. Add Shaylee’s babies and I wanted an HEA real bad.

Offered to the Cyborg was fast paced but the characters and the story as a whole is a definite must read if you are looking for a quick but satisfying sci-fi romance to read.

Sultan’s Choice by Emma Holly


Sultan’s Choice by Emma Holly
Tales of the Djinn
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (70 pgs)
Other: M/F/M, M/M, M/M/F, Menage, Anal Sex, BDSM, Spanking
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

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A hot story for a winter’s night.

I’ve never read a book by Emma Holly and I’m glad I remedied that. This story was hot. I do mean hot. The three characters had a definite spark and it was refreshing to see them connect.

I did have a few quibbles, though. Part of my problem may be due to me not having read the other books in the series. It seemed like the characters jumped right into the action rather quickly. This might not be bad for some readers, but it took me a couple rereads to get caught up. Also, there were a few instances where I wasn’t sure whose point of view I was in and that was a tad confusing.

The sex is hot in this story. I mean HAWT. The connection between the characters is deep, so that’s a plus. I liked how Georgie wasn’t a bland beauty, but was a bit rough around the edges while having a heart of gold. I felt the heat between Iksander and Connor, but I had no real idea of what either man looked like. It was okay, though because the speed and intensity of the love scenes balanced it out.

If you’re looking for a story that’s hot and quick, then this one might be the story for you.

Decoy Date by Mira Lyn Kelly – Spotlight and Giveaway

Long and Short Reviews welcomes back Mira Lyn Kelly who is visiting with us today to celebrate the recent release of her newest book Decoy Date. Enter the Rafflecopter at the end of the post for a chance to win a copy of Just This Once.

Fake relationship. Real feelings. Big problems.

Brody O’Donnel doesn’t believe in happily-ever-afters—at least, not for himself. But he wants the best for his vivacious, beautiful friend Gwen Danes, and he’s tired of watching her pine for a clueless man. Figuring a little bit of jealousy will motivate the guy, Brody proposes a fake relationship. It’s an outrageous plan, but Gwen figures there’s no harm in it—until they share a passionate kiss she never saw coming.

Suddenly, Gwen’s fighting a growing attraction to a man she knows she can’t have. After all, he’s just faking it…isn’t he?

Enjoy an Excerpt

“How about the bar. How did you get into that?”

More relaxed, Brody made another one of those considering faces before answering. “I grew up wanting my own restaurant. The plans for the bar came later. My grandmother owned this swank place in Manhattan, and I thought there wasn’t anything better.”

“Your grandmother?” Could this guy get any better?

And the answer was a resounding yes, because then he was doing that thing where he reached back, pushing his big hands through the untamed curls of his hair, making his shirt stretch tight over his chest and arms. Nice. Brody slid the elastic off his wrist to bind the hair that liked to fall in his face. It wouldn’t stay that way for long. Within fifteen to thirty minutes, she’d bet all those wild red-brown curls would be back on the loose.

But for now he settled back against the cushions. “Yeah, the story goes that my grandfather opened the place before he met her. And one day she came in to the place with a date who’d done her wrong. Big mistake. She had a temper, and apparently wasn’t afraid to show it. So when she finished chewing this date out, Fiona was getting up to leave and my grandfather stopped her to offer her a job. He thought she could keep the kitchen running with that fiery Irish temper.”

Gwen was getting that warm swelly feeling in her chest as she leaned forward eager to hear more. “And then he fell in love with her and taught her to run the place?”

Brody coughed out a laugh. “Not quite. She told him what he could do with his offer and suggested if he had a better one, he had until she was out the door to give it to her. So he asked her to marry him instead.”

She was up on her knees, her chocolate set on the table behind the couch so she could clutch her hands over her heart. “That’s even better. No wonder you’re such a romantic!”

“Oh Gwendolyn. You give me those eyes and tell me I’m the romantic?” he asked with a shake of his head. “Hate to ruin it for you, but Fiona thought her husband had rocks in his head. Remember this is the woman who raised my mother. The happy ending to Fiona’s story was if her husband hadn’t died within a year of marrying her, she would have left him, new baby and all…but in the end she got the restaurant. And one summer I got to stay with her and she taught me to cook and—”

Gwen’s brows crumpled, that warm swelly feeling in her chest deflating in a rush. “Wait what? No.” She leaned forward poking him in the shoulder. “That’s the worst love story I ever heard!”

And now he was laughing for real, those deep green eyes flashing at her as he wedged himself further back into the couch cushions. “Love story? Sorry but that’s not really how the women in my family are. Hey!” he yelped, when she poked him again. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to poke the bear?”

Oh yeah, some bear. She’d heard people call him that before, because he was so big she guessed, but the only kind of bear this guy was, was a Teddy Bear. She poked again, and again because— “Yes, love story! You totally set me up.”

Poke. Poke.

“Gwen.”

She was pretty sure that was supposed to be some kind of warning, but no way could she take it seriously when the big guy was literally trying to wiggle away amid those deep rumbling laughs.

Poke.

Only then, lightning fast, the world spun and Gwen found herself laid out across Brody’s lap, held in place by the strong hand still wrapped around her wrist and the solid arm supporting her back. She blinked up into Brody’s too green, too deep, too soulful eyes, caught there and held. The laughter died between them and she swore, even as tight as he was holding her, the world shifted again…

About the Author: USA Today bestselling author Mira Lyn Kelly grew up in the Chicago area and earned her degree in fine arts from Loyola University. She met the love of her life while studying abroad in Rome, Italy, only to discover he’d been living right around the corner from her. They live in rural Minnesota.

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Buy the book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, or IndieBound.

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Trick Or Treat by Amabel Daniels


Trick Or Treat by Amabel Daniels
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday (Halloween)
Length: Short story (43 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Since it’s a party at the end of October, single dad Ford Meyers makes an honest mistake in thinking Officer Jennifer Haynes sports her sexy cop uniform in the spirit of Halloween—not for duty. Finally having a chance to speak to the one woman he’s noticed in this new town, he manages to move past his blunder and tends to the accident she reports. Meeting Jen comes through an unfortunate twist of law, but realizing she’s mutually interested in him? Definitely a plus.
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Only, now what? Jen’s thrilled that she can officially break the ice with the tempting gym owner in her neighborhood. But how to approach him off the clock is another matter. One more trick brings them closer together, and it’s up to them to risk focusing on the treat of becoming intimate, or staying hindered by the obstacles in their way.

Ford wasn’t quite sure throwing a party before Halloween was a good idea, but he gives in to his determined business partner and silently admits to himself he’s tired of the dry-spell he’s endured while raising his twin sons. When Ford gets the chance to finally chat to pretty, blonde Jen, he loves her cop “costume” – not realizing Jen really was a police officer, and wasn’t there for a casual party, but for official business.

I found this to be a fun and somewhat lighthearted short story – full of teenage-boy antics and mayhem and a healthy dose of more grown-up sexy shenanigans. I thoroughly enjoyed the small cast of main characters, Ford, his twins Nick and Peter, Jen and a few other strong secondary characters. While there’s plenty of chemistry between Ford and Jen I also enjoyed the fact that they didn’t actually get together really until right toward the end of the story. This helped me as a reader to become invested in them and their relationship. Also, with the fun and small-town feel of the story I think it wouldn’t have worked as well had they jumped each other and immediately dashed into the bedroom to be intimate.

More traditional readers might find the descriptive sex scene not to their tastes. Personally I found the scene not overly graphic but still sensual and sizzling. The scene is toward the end of the story, fairly brief and I feel it’s just nicely spicy – a perfect way to consummate the newly blossomed romance between Jen and Ford without going over the top or adding anything too taboo.

With a number of interesting characters and a solid small-town style of plot I feel this is a great story many readers can thoroughly enjoy. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more by this author.

Black Friday by Alex Irvine


Black Friday by Alex Irvine
Publisher: Tor Books
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Holiday, Action/Adventure
Length: Short Story (18 pages)
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

In a dark future America where consumerism and gun culture are unchecked, a young family teams up to celebrate the first shopping day of the Christmas season in the most patriotic way possible … in Alex Irvine’s Tor.com Original short story, Black Friday.

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I never would have thought to combine firearms with the tradition of Black Friday sales. These two things occupy such separate corners of my mind that I was mystified at first by how they could possibly be related. With that being said, the author did an excellent job of figuring out all of the stuff that both of them share in common. I was regularly surprised by just how many similarities they had, especially once I realized what the characters were actually doing at the mall on the day after Thanksgiving.

The ending felt a little abrupt to me. So much time was spent building up to it that I was surprised by how quickly it arrived. There were just enough loose threads left dangling by the time that scene ended that I didn’t feel comfortable choosing a full, five-star rating. With that being said, this was still something I enjoyed reading quite a bit.

This was one of the most intense stories I’ve read in ages. There was just as much action in the plot as there were science fiction themes, and that was an excellent choice for this universe. Caleb and his family lived in an incredibly dangerous world where someone’s fate could change in an instant. It made a great deal of sense to show what these experiences were like for these characters by throwing them into a situation where they had no idea what would happen next and where there was no such thing as finding a safe place to hide and catch one’s breath.

Whether you love, loathe, or are indifferent to the biggest shopping day of the year in the United States, Black Friday should be read by anyone who has any opinion on this topic at all.

Meet “Mountain Mercenary” Ronan Cross From Defending Chloe by Susan Stoker – Guest Blog and Giveaway


Long and Short Reviews welcomes Susan Stoker who is celebrating the recent release of Defending Chloe. Enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win a digital copy of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card.

Meet “Mountain Mercenary” Ronan Cross From Defending Chloe

Greetings Ronan, or can I just call you Ro?

Ro is fine.

I understand that you are part of Mountain Mercenaries, a secret group of ex-military men who save women and children from dangerous situations. Can you comment on this group?

No. As you said, it’s a secret group.

What about your handler Rex? He is particularly secretive.

Rex is amazing. I’ve never met him, but I don’t have to have met him to know he’s one scary bad ass dude. He knows people from all levels of law enforcement, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he had the President’s phone number programmed into his phone as well. But, like anyone in this line of business, he’s got some demons. Me and my fellow Mercenaries just hope they don’t come back and bite us in the ass one day.

There have been some major changes within the Mercenaries lately — especially with the introduction of Allye your teammate Gray Rogers’ significant other. How has having a civilian woman in the mix changed things? Does it make you think of anything that you may want in your future?

Allye is great. Love her. None of us had ever thought much about women…or at least having anything permanent with any specific woman, but seeing Gray with Allye makes me realize that one day I’d love to have a relationship like theirs. I want a woman who can stand up to me when I’m being a wanker but who isn’t adverse to letting me be a guy. And before you ask, what I mean is that I know myself, I’m gonna want to open her door and pay for shit. I’ll have no problem telling my woman that I love her, but I don’t want someone who will lose their shit if I track a little bit of mud in the house. Does that make sense?

Definitely. So what do you do for fun? You know, when you aren’t saving damsels in distress!

I’m a mechanic. I tinker with cars for fun. There’s nothing like taking in a car that won’t run, and turning it inside out to figure out what the problem is. The best feeling ever is when that beauty is driven off after I’ve given her new life.

And finally, tell us a bit about women in your life. Do you have a special someone?

Not yet. Although I have to tell you, I met the most intriguing woman the other day. There was just something about her that I can’t forget. Of course, there’s the little matter of figuring out who gave her the bruise she was sporting on her back and making sure she’s safe, but otherwise….

Gorgeous women don’t just stumble onto Ronan Cross’s remote property. But this one—vulnerable, victimized, and needing the kind of help only Ronan can offer—tells a story that makes his blood boil almost as hot as his need to protect her.

Since her father’s death, Chloe Harris has become a prisoner. Her own brother, a flesh peddler and low-level player in the Denver Mafia, is forcing her to sell her body for an endgame Chloe never saw coming: control over a vast fortune. Her only way out is to run—straight into the arms of the one hard-bodied man she can trust.

Defending Chloe could rain punishment down on the Mountain Mercenaries. Her brother has Mob connections and the local police in his pocket. But Ronan still has an edge—the unshakable loyalty of his deadly teammates. As well as an unquenchable thirst for retribution…and Chloe.

Enjoy an Excerpt

Chloe stared at all the clothes on the bed. Allye had arrived with a dozen bags in hand and told her she’d picked up a “few things” to tide her over.

“A few things?” Chloe asked in disbelief.

Allye laughed. “Ro said money was no object, and he wanted you to have enough things so you could have a choice of what to wear and not have to do laundry every night. I had to guess at your sizes, but I got some stuff with elastic waists just in case I was wrong in my assumptions.” Then the other woman began dumping the bags and showing off what she’d bought.

A shy smile formed as Allye’s words sank in. The thought that Ro wasn’t thinking about money, only her comfort, made Chloe feel good. Really good.

Allye smiled back as she said, “Ro doesn’t have to let you stay here, Chloe.”

“What do you mean?”

“Rex has a ton of contacts. And I mean a ton. This is what the Mountain Mercenaries do. They help get women out of bad situations. Ro could’ve asked Rex to set you up with one of the underground resources he has. You know, a safe house? You’d be just as safe there as you are here. But for some reason, Ro refused to even consider it. I know for a fact Gray suggested it. But you’re still here. He gave me his own money to get you stuff to wear. And he insisted that I find this for you.” Allye pulled out a bottle from a small bag she’d been holding.

Chloe recognized the brand of lotion she used.

“I’m going to say this only once, then I’ll never bring it up again . . . but I feel like I kind of have to.”

Chloe tensed.

“Don’t hurt him,” Allye said. “These guys . . . they’re total badasses. Professional soldiers. They can kick ass like you’d never believe. They go into situations no one else would dare. They take chances, and they’ll do whatever it takes to rescue women. I don’t know the other guys all that well yet, but I know Gray, and I have a feeling that deep down, they’re all scarred in one way or another. They’re all committed to saving women and children from the evils in the world, and there must be a deeper reason behind that than just wanting to do the right thing. And if Ro is anything like Gray, once he’s committed, he’s committed. He’ll move heaven and earth to make sure you’re happy, content, and safe. That’s how Gray is with me. I know without a doubt that Gray will never cheat on me, and he goes to great lengths to make sure I’m satisfied . . . in every way, if you know what I mean.”

Chloe stared at Allye with wide eyes as she continued.

“Ro strikes me as the same kind of man. I’m still getting to know the guys on the team, but I feel they wouldn’t be as close as they are if they didn’t have the same values and beliefs. Ro acts like the standoffish Brit more often than not, but he feels as deeply as anyone I’ve ever met. He likes you, Chloe. I was surprised when he actually left you here alone. He thought you’d bolt. Hell, I thought you’d leave. But you didn’t. And that means something to Ro.

“All I’m saying is that if you’re using his help to get away from your brother, good, I don’t blame you . . . but don’t lead him on. Ask if you can go into witness protection. Or into the underground program the Mountain Mercenaries have set up. Don’t stay here and make him think there’s something between you if you don’t feel that way.”

It was a long speech from the other woman, and Chloe felt the butterflies in her stomach again. She hadn’t thought much about how Ro was feeling because she was so uncertain herself and felt so out of control. But the idea of Ro keeping her around for a personal reason was appealing. More than appealing. She thought about how he’d washed her hair, how his hands had felt on her scalp. A man who was simply rescuing yet another woman from a bad situation wouldn’t do that, would he?

Allye cleared her throat, and Chloe realized she was waiting for her to say something. “I won’t lead him on,” Chloe said quickly. She hadn’t thought she’d want a boyfriend for a very long time after living under her brother’s controlling thumb, but Ro was nothing like Leon. He was bossy and tended to do things without asking her, but Chloe somehow knew if she objected or pushed back, Ro would listen to her and be flexible.

“Cool,” Allye said with a relieved sigh. “Now, shall we figure out which of this stuff you like and want to keep?”

Chloe smiled tentatively at the other woman. “Yeah. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. I have a feeling we’re going to be good friends,” Allye said, handing the bottle of lotion to Chloe and turning back to the bed.

Watching her dig through the clothes and start to put them in some sort of order, Chloe gripped the plastic bottle tightly. Allye would never know how much her words meant. It had been a long time since Chloe’d had a friend. A true friend.

About the Author: Susan Stoker is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose series include Ace Security, Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes, SEAL of Protection, Unsung Heroes: Delta Force, and Mountain Mercenaries. Married to a retired army noncommissioned officer, Stoker has lived all over the country—from Missouri to California to Colorado to Texas—and currently lives under the big skies of Tennessee. A true believer in happily ever after, Stoker enjoys writing novels in which romance turns to love.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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What I Would Tell a New Writer by Olivia Castillo – Guest Blog and Giveaway


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Olivia Castillo will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

What I Would Tell a New Writer

There is a lot more to this than just writing a book. This is a time consuming process with a lot of time and energy needed to spend towards getting your book seen and read. I would recommend a marketing plan, using social media to sell, and reviews to increase your visibility.

I think it’s a great idea to start building your book up before you launch it. I wish I had done that, but I was so excited to have my book done I put it out there without much of a plan. I had to learn fast. You have to balance your time everyday because marketing can be very time consuming and if you are writing a second book, it’s difficult to juggle it all.

As a new author you have to be selling yourself all the time. I am constantly on social media doing some form of advertisement for my book. I have to constantly ask myself, why would anyone choose your book over the others out there?

Also, the cover has to draw in the reader and fit the genre. I learned this the hard way. I had a different cover that I had my artist draw up, but was told it wasn’t clearly defining for the genre of historical fiction.

You have to develop a tough skin. Not everyone is going to love your book. I am learning to see criticism as instructors and as helpful to know for my next book.

Moreover, you need reviews, so it’s important to join book clubs and be involved in social media.

Even with all of that, it has been a very rewarding and healing experience. I have grown as a person and a writer. I would do this all over again.

Puerto Rico an island of contradiction, serves as an enchanting backdrop following three generations of women.

Elena: Resilient and ambitious, but trapped by duty to her children.
Maria: Passionate and headstrong, but married to a man she does not love. Josephina: Optimistic and romantic, but in love with an alcoholic.
Isabella: Clairvoyant and spiritual, but denies her heritage and roots.

Like the land these women are held hostage, unfulfilled and unable to find their happiness. Each generation like the land is cursed. Can they defy the powerful bond of the curse and free themselves to find love everlasting?

New Author, Olivia Castillo, like the jibaros of the past weaves a tale of sorrow and joy. Castillos’ fiction is timely, offering a glimpse into the islands rich history and offering insight into the story that has plagued women for all of time, the search for true love and acceptance of self.

Enjoy an Excerpt

Elena
Bayamón, Puerto Rico, May 1937

During those late-night hours, the old fort was deserted, with the exception of a few amorous couples who embraced in dark corners, not caring if they were seen. From the top of El Morro, she would stare out in awe at the vast, black, beautiful sea, waves breaking along the rocks, stars bright above her.

The melody of the coquí kept her company and she promised herself and God that someday she would finish school. The spirit of her grandmother’s Taino ancestors filled her and she felt at peace, knowing that her grandmother was watching over her. One balmy night as she was coming back from one of these walks, she was startled by a low whistle behind her.

Regretting that she had ignored her mother’s warnings about being out so late, she swiftly removed her shoe to use as a weapon. She spun around to see who the culprit was and what she saw left her speechless.

An older, sophisticated man smiled at her, white teeth flashing in the dim Spanish streetlamp. He was impeccably groomed, from his black brilliantine hair and thin, polished mustache down to his shiny black patent-leather shoes. He was dressed in a white suit, with a white fedora cocked down over one eye.

She stood there, dumbfounded. Her experience with men had been limited to her father and a handful of childhood crushes. The man looked her up and down like a cat ready to eat a canary.

About the Author: Olivia Castillo is a New York native. After going to the prestigious Fiorello H. Laguardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, she went on to study graphic design at Otis Parson’s College in Los Angeles. Along with being an entrepreneur, she is the mother of three children, and grandmother of two. When not writing or spending time with her family, she travels the world and paints. Song of the Boricua is her first novel.

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The Ghosts of Christmas by Paul Cornell


The Ghosts of Christmas by Paul Cornell
Publisher: Tor Books
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Holiday, Historical, Contemporary
Length: Short Story (34 pages)
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Which is harder: seeing your own future — or truly knowing your past? A science fiction tale of Christmases past and yet to come.

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Time travel is one of those topics I always enjoy reading about. The most interesting part about it in this story in particular was that it happened within the mind of a character who explored her memories of her past and future. She felt as though she was fully present in those times in her life, and yet her physical body never left the lab where she and her fellow scientists were testing the limits of the human mind.

There was so much going on in the plot that I had trouble keeping up with all of it. Sometimes the characters made references to things that had never been fully explained to the readers earlier. These moments were important ones for the storyline, so the fact that I didn’t interpret them the same way the characters did made it hard to understand why certain events happened later on in their adventures. As much as I liked the premise, these issues prevented me from choosing a higher rating.

The ending fit the tone of this tale perfectly. After the confusion I felt earlier, it was nice to reach a scene that made sense to me. I also appreciated the way the narrator tied all of the important themes together in the final scene. It gave me a sense of satisfaction and made me curious to see what else Mr. Cornell has written.

If you’ve ever wondered what the future might hold or what really happened during a fuzzy childhood memory, The Ghosts of Christmas might be right up your alley.

Overtime by Charles Stross


Overtime by Charles Stross
Publisher: Tor Books
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Holiday, Paranormal, Contemporary
Length: Short Story (30 pages)
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Review by: Astilbe

Introduced to readers in the novels The Atrocity Archive and The Jennifer Morgue, the Laundry is a secret British government agency charged with preventing dark interdimensional entities from destroying the human race. Now, in “Overtime,” the Laundry is on a skeleton staff for Christmas—leaving one bureaucrat to be all that stands between the world and annihilation by the Thing That Comes Down Chimneys. Written especially for Tor.com’s holiday season, Charles Stross’s novelette is a finalist for the 2010 Hugo Award.

Charles Stross is the Hugo-winning author of some of the most acclaimed novels and stories of the last ten years, including Singularity Sky, Accelerando, Halting State, the “Merchant Princes” series beginning with The Family Trade, and the story collections Toast and Wireless.

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Bob was an intelligent and sensible main character. I especially liked how cautious he was once he realized that the Christmas shifts he’d been assigned to take at his job weren’t going to be as quiet as he’d hoped. He took even the slightest whiff of danger seriously, and that’s something I always appreciate. There’s something to be said for a character who planned his moves out strategically instead of assuming that he had all of the information he needed thirty seconds after he realized something had gone horribly wrong.

As much as I enjoyed the time travel elements of the plot, I also found them confusing at times. A few key scenes were shared at times when I didn’t yet understand their full significance. Since they weren’t necessarily shared in order either, this only made me more uncertain about what was going on and when it was happening. It would have been really nice to have more direction from the narrator about how all of these pieces of the puzzle fit together.

The villain in this tale was deliciously frightening. Their backstory was as complex as it was relatable. While I can’t go into any detail about their identity or what their motives were, it was nice to meet an antagonist who was so interesting. Would I want to meet them? No, but I was intrigued by who they were and how much effort Mr. Stross put into given them a three-dimensional personality.

This story is part of a series, but it can be read on its own or out of order.

Overtime should be read by anyone who will be working over the holiday season.