Just Erotic Romance Review:

Title: Myth Behavin'
Author: Shiloh Walker, Rachel Bo, Bonnie Hamre
Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing
Publisher URL: www.ellorascave.com
ISBN: 1-4199-0140-0
Reviewer: Francesca Hayne

Nebulous by Shiloh Walker
Rating: 4 Stars
Heat level: S

Since Kerrigan's youth, her dreams have been filled by a man that inexplicitly draws her to him, filling her thoughts with lust but tormenting her with fear and heartache. Their unexplainable bond prevents her from developing permanent relationships with men, causing her to lead a lonely life.

Demon-born incubus Azar cannot fathom the desire he has for Kerrigan. He can't stop thinking about her, wanting her with a yearning he hasn't felt since his mortal life ended some seven hundred years ago. But when he checks in on her one night, he hears her whisper a name she couldn't possibly know, the name of a demon.

A dark and somewhat sinister story, Nebulous provides a remarkable touch of poignant emotions and fiery love scenes. The direction of the story is almost confusing, including the curious situations that occur; although based on the intense circumstances, the turmoil is both expected and needed to make the story believable. The heartache is quite powerful, including many of the same emotions seen in everyday life. There is a great deal of focus on forgiveness and healing, which hit me with a dramatic punch. Azar is quite complex, especially considering how he is somewhat evil but still bleak and brokenhearted. Likewise, Kerrigan just wants answers to why her dreams consume her life. I felt her uncertainty and unrest, especially behind the almost violent and desolate sexual dreams she experiences. The scenes of forced sex are somewhat disturbing but fit the story; without these scenes, Nebulous wouldn't have as much of an impact. As a whole, this grim and shadowy story provides a unique escape from the typical romance and I enjoyed the distinctive change of scenery.

Into the Green by Rachel Bo
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Heat level: O

Tawny Blackwood loves her ex-boyfriend, sexy conservationist Kaniwa Tijani, but knows she can't give him what he wants. He's looking for a future with her, one she can't commit to. While she loves him with all her heart, she also knows that she has a mission to fulfill. When the last of the Brazilian rainforest begins to die, Tawny asks Kaniwa to help her carry out a plan that might reverse nature's destruction. But what Kaniwa doesn't realize is that the only other man in her life, phantom lover and constant companion Forrest Green, might be the one person who can give Kaniwa what he always wanted…a future none of them ever expected.

Ms. Bo sure knows how to roll up hot sex with intense emotions, and she delivers with this short story. The plot flows quickly, with several mystifying elements that surround the characters. While Tawny is confused as to her focus, I found myself understanding her role in the world and agreeing with her overall uncertainty about her situation. Kaniwa doesn't seem as vibrant, as Tawny shines as a strong, worthy woman, but he is still the standing block of faith in Tawny's life. He provides the additional strength that Tawny needs when her fear takes over. But it's the mysterious third character that gave a passionate touch to the story. While still being surrounded by secrecy and mystical elements, Forrest provides a naive and sexually innocent twist to the story, all while throwing the passion into high gear. The sex scenes between these three are both imaginative and filled with explicitly delicious imagery. I squirmed in my seat quite a few times through these intensely hot scenes! Overall, all three characters fit well together and nothing felt forced in this story. This short story rocked my world in regards to sex and unique storyline.

El Trauco by Bonnie Hamre
Rating: 5 Stars
Heat level: H

The Chilean island of Chiloé has many myths and legends, including one about El Trauco, a forest troll who seduces maidens and abandons them to pregnancy. During a visit to her aunt, Isabel O'Shaughnessy finds herself consumed by erotic dreams of El Trauco and obsessed with finding him. But will their encounter end in a lusty happily ever after or will Isabel leave the island with a broken heart?

I have always loved stories that have a bit of a mystery, loads of emotional punch as well as plenty of earth-shattering sex, and Ms. Hamre has pulled off all three in El Trauco. Using a tone infused with fear as well as lust, I found myself filled with trepidation in some scenes. The beginning moves more like a horror story than a love story, but as Isabel becomes more comfortable with her surroundings and accepts her situation, the tone changes to one of temptation and sexual longing. Isabel's aunt plays an important role as a secondary character, often relating unusual myths and instilling a sense of anxiety throughout the story. While Isabel initially is thrown for a loop with her emotions, she changes by allowing her strength to come to the surface. She's not going to take anything lying down, accepting a wild romp in the woods. And how well our troll romps too! Youch, this guy can make anyone cry out for passion. At first, he seems almost uncaring in his interactions, which considering what and who he is, was completely expected. In many ways, El Trauco is an innocent in love and all things surrounding it, except for passion. Passion is something he knows quite well, often playing Isabel's body in a way that made me want my own troll. The ending was both surprising and inspiring. By and large, this was my favorite story in this anthology.

Francesca Hayne
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