A couple of great stories for an afternoon read!  They are short, but wonderful!
597631
I had not read the other books in this series so I know nothing about these characters, but as a stand-alone this was a nice short set of two overlapping stories that were very sweet and sexy.

Mary and Anthony have known each other since they were babies. He has refused to touch her until she says I do. She finally agrees to run off to Vegas with Tony and asks her twin brother, Samuel, to come with and walk her down the aisle. On the way to Vegas, Samuel and Tony get an alert about a million dollar bounty on a Nika Kozar. Will they skip the wedding to have the biggest payday in their bounty careers?

Samuel and Nika is an insta-lust story. When Samuel tries to capture Nika for the bounty he realizes that she is just what he wants and sets out to prove that he will protect her at all costs. It turns out that the bounty on her head is from her father who is one of the best hitmen to ever come out of Russia.

Both stories were great and even thought the characters were new for me I liked them immediately. This is a great story for an afternoon read.

My only negative is the graphics which makes this book file 3.5 MB.
2128128
Perfect length for an evening short read.  I enjoyed the stories and will look for more of her books to read.
4842169
While not as good as the full length books (primarily due to the length denying the ability to fully develop the characters), the two stories in this collection were quite entertaining.  I do enjoy the people, town, and the way they all interact, so additional time spent with them was enjoyable and fun.
3670944
The three stories were detailed and very good short stories, they were more romance then I like. I would recommend for a quick read.
3328648
I liked the idea of short stories ! I could put the book down and come back for another story later
3327627
If you enjoy the short stories/poetry/cartoons in the New Yorker, you'll love this holiday collection.  It's hard to follow a longer novel in December, so this was quick, fun reading, for those few minutes, when you might have just enough time for a cup of coffee/tea and a short read!
1547665
this collexction of stories is great for a quick read. with other familiar characters, and a small glimpse of life in the past.
868405
I'll try and review each story in short.

1. Faerie Ire by Erin Tettensor. A cute story rich in humor and with some very witty writing. Some may consider it childish, but that was author's intention. Entertaining. ****

2. The Woman Who Drew Dragons by Rosemary Jones. A very nice idea, but a bit drawn out. Could have been shorter. ***

3. The Hunting Game by Eric Scott De Bie. One of two stories I was looking forward to. De Bie shows all of his storytelling talent in this story, but I got the feeling he wanted to tell too much in 30 pages. Had the substance for a whole novel, really. Imaginative, but hasted. ***

4. The Road Home by Harley Stroh. A very good short story, with all the elements a short story should have. Very interesting characters. ****

5. How Burlmarr Saved the Unseen Protector by Kameron Franklin. The second one I was looking forward for. I just loved "Maiden of Pain". The story features one of Realms' iconic dragons. Again, we have an interesting idea and good writing, but very hasted realization. Could have used additional 20 pages. ***

6. A Tall Tale by J.L. Collins. Nave and pretty boring. Probably the worst of the lot. *

7. The Book Dragon by Jim Pitrat. Concise and vivid. Interesting characters, although not so dragon-oriented as the rest of the stories. ****

8. Freedom's Promise by Ed Gentry. The crown story of the book. Magical, philosophical, tragic. Simply great. *****

9. Possessions by James P. Davis. Another great story. Bloody and mystical, with one totally unpredictable twist. *****

10. Queen of the Mountain by Jaleigh Johnson. A story of human determination. As some other stories in the book, could have used a couple more pages to flesh it out. ***

11. The Strength of the Jester, by Murray J.D. Leeder. Nothing special, although it has a nice, philosophical note to it. The only story directly dealing with the Rage. Too much combat, though. ***

All in all, this is a selection of average short stories, with two shining exceptions, and very few bad stories. I will give it four stars, although I must warn you that you will actually get only 240 pages of stories. The rest are excerpts from other books, used only to pump up the page count. They really could have included another story or two. A classic WotC robbery.
4230152
I'm usually not one for science fiction, but when I saw that Miss Blum was offering free copies of her new short story collection to reviewers, I was more than happy to jump at the chance. :)

All written in first person, this was a great round-up of short, Sci-fi stories. Quick and easy to read, it was perfect for me the other day. :)

Heavens Jubilee -- 5 stars

I LOVED THIS STORY, OKAY. *tries to calm down* Seriously though. The whole theme of redeeming the souls of the 'subjects' (I want to say more there, but...spoilers.), gaahhh. It was so, so powerful and really had me thinking. :)
My favorite story of the collection!  (And I love that song too, so that's a plus of course. ;))

Zanes Consequences -- 3 stars

This was my least favorite of them all. How it showed that you should always listen and pay attention was interesting, but there really wasn't any consequences shown. It was just like "oh, I can still do *that* so it's okay." Like I said, there wasn't really any consequences. Gramps succeeded in making me laugh though, so 3 stars. ^_^

Hope Is All Thats Left -- 3.5 stars

Again, rather short, and this one kind of feel flat to me. It seemed like they didn't really 'need' to cling to that hope; everything came pretty easily to them. Also, at times it felt like a chapter of something longer, instead of its own story. But it did have a good message which I enjoyed, it just wasn't a favorite.

Darrens Choice -- 4 stars

This was another super short story, but it didn't come off as too short in my opinion. There was a good message of humble, Christ-like, sacrifice which was amazing. I really liked this one. :D

New Life -- 4 stars
Wow. This. Was. Just. So. Great. Such a unique sci-fi-feeling twist on salvation through the Master. <3

Star Kitty: The Data Files  -- 4.5 stars

Such a cute and funny kitty-cat-cuddly story!! :) I went in to this one a bit hesitant, only because I'm not a 'cat-person'. (Puppy dogs are more my thing. <3) But I have to say...this story surprised me. Miss Blum did an incredible job of pulling off an adorable story told through the eyes of a cat without it being clich or confusing.
This wasn't my favorite story (although the ending was PRECIOUS!!), but I have to give 4.5 stars for the amazing writing. :)

*I received a free e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.*
1926421
This is a good collection of short stories - I enjoyed reading all 5 of them!  The only thing I can say that's a detriment is that the stories are too short, and I wanted to read much more! Excellent writing can do that to a reader!  I'll be looking forward to starting the next book I have of Kendall Talbot's, called Double Take, as I love a good mystery blended with people to whom I can relate!
4014244
Pleasant and entertaining, the romantic anthology TAPESTRY features two outstanding short stories and two that are pretty decent.

"To Kiss in the Shadows" by Lynn Kurland fleshes out an incident mentioned in her full-length novel STARDUST OF YESTERDAY.  Set in medieval times, the heroine Lianna is scarred by pox and her hero knight, Jason, is feared as a sorcerer.  It's a non-sexual story, but that's not what bugged me.  What bothered me were pertinent questions that were not answered, like why was Lianna's family killed and why would no one tell the King that his ward was poisoned?  Rating: 3 stars.

"An Interrupted Tapestry" by Madeline Hunter had good passion and a believable background between the main characters.  Set in London 200 or 300 years ago, wealthy merchant Andreas is helping Giselle raise money to pay her kidnapped brother's ransom.  It's almost painful to watch them deny their feelings for each other.  Rating: 5 stars.

"Dragonswan" by Sherrilyn Kenyon was the reason I bought this anthology; it was also a letdown.  Don't get me wrong: I love Sebastian, from his frankness to his dark sexuality to his cool facial tattoo.  I also loved the fact that he was a dragon who could travel through time.  Everything else about the story was blah.  Kenyon's Dark-Hunter fans will want to read it though, for its explanation about the were-hunter's "claiming" ritual.  Rating: 3 stars.

"Into the Dreaming" by Karen Marie Moning was a delight.  I'm not a fan of hers, so I'm still reeling in shock over the fact I liked this story the most.  Highlander Aedan has one chance to free himself from eternal servitude to a dark (and deliciously intriguing) faery king, and Jane is sent back in time to help him.  The characters are great, the attitude fun.  Rating: 5 stars.
1534079
I was so happy to finally pick up and read this anthology. I think that the holidays is the best time to read short stories and novellas since we are all so busy and rushed. Little bite size pieces are sometimes just what are neededand when they help one get into the holiday spirit? What could be better!

I had previously only read a few of these authors (Levithan, Rowell, Forman & Black) and loved the chance to test the writing styles of the others before picking up any full length volumes.

Below youll find my quick thoughts on each short story.

1  Midnights by Rainbow Rowell 

I loved this one, but then Rainbow Rowell really can do no wrong, can she? This was a great coming of age story that followed the main character through several years and several New Years eve parties. Plus I am a sucker for the friends to more trope!

2  The Lady and the Fox by Kelly Link  

I liked the magic and the folksy feel of this one but I never real got it or connected with the characters.

3  Angels in the Snow by Matt De La Pena 

This was a cute story that sort of took a long time to build and then was over? I don't knowI enjoyed it but wanted more

4  Polaris is Where Youll Find Me by Jenny Han 

This one really disappointed meI was expecting great things from Han due to all the hype for her books but I really just didn't get into this story at all. No investmentno connection

5  Its a Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown by Stephanie Perkins 

This one was another big winner. I really felt like I connected immediately to Marigold and I love North (and his name)! Definitely my favorite of the bunch North is totally swoonworthy and I was left with all the warm fuzzies!!

6  Your Temporary Santa by David Levithan 

So I normally love, love , love Levithan but this one just fell short for meIt just all felt contrived to make a point and there was no real holiday spirit in it for me.

7  Krampuslauf by Holly Black 

EhThis one just didn't do anything for me

8  What the Hell Have You Done, Sophie Roth? by Gayle Forman  1/2

This was a really cute feel good story that also reminds us not to make assumptions. Forman here, succeeded in both making a point and leaving one with a sweet read. I think this may be what Levithan was trying for but didn't quite manage.

9  Beer Buckets and Baby Jesus by Myra McEntire 

A cute story with a hint of romance and a bit of holiday spirit turning a prankster whos always in trouble around. I enjoyed this one but didn't fall in love.

10  Welcome to Christmas, CA by Kiersten White 

Another cute short. I loved Ben and his ability to sense the food that would evoke the sensibilities in the patron. Sadly I think I might have enjoyed this more had it come earlier in the anthology.

By this point I was sort of just pushing for the end.

11  Star of Bethlehem by Ally Carter 

Another ok tale that I could have taken or left.

12  The Girl Who Woke the Dreamer by Laini Taylor 

I am so glad that the anthology ended with this story. What beautiful and evocative writing!! I will definitely be checking out Taylors full length booksthis one was so magical and special.
4813083
I enjoyed these stories a lot, but they were all very short. The variety of animals and situations was great. I would have liked as little more meat to the stories, but they are nice quick reads with happy ever after endings for humans and animals. Most were lighthearted, but some were more emotional. Get this if you want what I just described.
3569218
This author is great at writing simple short sweet stories. They are an easy fun read that will keep you entertained during your break. It is worth the read!
492471
I enjoyed these stories. They were a light read, sorta cutesy, not a lot of heavy drama. Nobody had a dreadful secret, or an abusive past, none of that! While there was sex, it was not graphic, sleazy sex, for which I was grateful. Would definitely read this author again, and recommend her books!
4148697
These short stories are fun to read, simultaneously offering laughs and insights. Good read alouds for quiet winter evenings or around the campfire this summer (especially the second one: you might keep the fire a little brighter after you read it. )
86295
Excellent short mysteries stories-most of them deal with various art thefts, often in international settings. Some of them reminded me a bit of Stanley Ellin's short stories. If you liked early Hitchcock anthologies, you'll love these stories! One of them, the Monkey King, concerning the theft of a jade statue, was a short story I read in a long gone Hitchcock paperback many moons ago. I've searched for that story for years but didn't know the author, so i was delighted to encounter it here! A couple of tales are rather anticlimactic  but most are pretty good stories and you can't beat the price. I also recommend James Holding's Murder & Mayham Megapack. ( However, I was less enthused with The Library Fuzz Megapack which concerns the adventures of a Library Cop! )