All You Need Is Love…and books! Are you ready to surrender your emotions to the MM authors of Encompass Ink?Ten talented authors have come together to present a charity anthology benefiting the Human Rights Campaign. With stories ranging from hot and spicy to sweet romance, join us, and show the world that “All You Need Is Love.”“The Vampire’s Return” by Lily LuchesiA war between humanity and … between humanity and the Undead leads to famed wizard Oscar Scott developing feelings for 19-year-old mortal Desi Duponce. When disaster strikes, Oscar knows only one thing for certain: he will have Desi as his, for a moment or for eternity.
“Rule 1” by Victoria Kinnaird
For Jack and JJ, being on tour with their band is one of the highlights of their new-found fame. But when the first rule of tourbus living is no sex on the bus, touring is going to get really hard, really fast.
“Scratching an Itch” by S. Davidson
Ryan is a successful businessman, trying to raise two children while hiding his sexuality from his employees and clients. He travels miles from home to keep his secret safe but sometimes, a one night stand becomes something more…
“The End” by S. Davidson
Taylor’s job is to photograph the spoils of war and make the military look good. The view’s not always a pretty one. Twenty two veterans commit suicide every day. Will Taylor become another statistic? Not if Ryan has any say in it. Trigger warning – suicide.
“Always and Forever” by Hope Daniels
As boys, Troy and Marshall vowed to be best friends for always and forever. Now, as ex-soldiers, can they find their way out of the darkness and into the light?
“Blood Eternal” by S L Perrine
In seventy-five years, Nunzio has never gotten attached to anyone, not enough to break the law. When he finds Jefferey, he can’t help himself. But breaking the rules has consequences…
“Collide” by Elaine White
Mason knew there was no way he could meet a nice guy who was hot, charming, and 100% unashamed to be a geek. Not without it all going to hell. It was inevitable. Meeting Oliver was meant to be the balm to his anxiety, so of course it had to end badly. He just didn’t expect it to break his heart.
“Hero’s Quest” by Kay Ellis
Hero is an orc with a difference. He plans to escape his life of violence and lead his warband to the promised land. Sadly, nothing ever goes to plan for Hero – no one knows where the promised land is and having a pesky human along for the ride is definitely going to make his quest more complicated.
“His Reckoning” by Raechel Lynn
Benjamin Cavanaugh thought he’d live out the rest of his life on the brutal streets of New Seattle, killing vampires and other paranormal scum. A chance encounter with a beautiful yet dominant man sets him on a path of fighting for the life he wants instead of the life he had.
“Rules of the Game” by T L Travis
Kendall Shaw is sick of feeling like his dad’s personal puppet. Joe Butler has worked diligently to build up his architecture business and has a strict no dating policy, especially when it comes to clients. Sparks fly when the relentless Kendall refuses to take no for an answer.
“Seductive Secrets” by Piper Kay
There’s something familiar between Jace and Reese that neither can deny – they’re falling hard for each other. It’s exciting and mysterious. Jace seems to be keeping secrets and Reese can’t help but wonder exactly what’s going on in their relationship.
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The Vampire’s Return by Lily Luchesi is the first story in this anthology and I am super stoked to see her in this as she is a favorite of mine! 19 year old Desi is sent to a master potioneer to save the world from vampires. Desi is clumsy and lovable, Oscar mysterious, dark, and sexy. Luchesi captures what I believe is the intended meaning behind what bdsm is all about. I just wish she had been able to write it in a full length novel as I did not want it to end. What she did write in this novella, however, was packed with delicious detail that you will just have to read for yourself. Well done!
Rule 1 by Victoria Kinnaird is apparently a short story that can be read as a standalone but belongs in between book 1 and 2 of a series. I really enjoyed the way the characters \ bandmates had the camaraderie and playfulness of siblings. Jack and JJ were absolutely the cutest couple, tormented as they were. I’d really be interested in checking out the series from the beginning and my interest is peaked about Dylon and Amy.
Always and Forever by Hope Daniels is a touching story of two men with a history, a first love and then life happened and they went their separate ways. Ten years later fate decides to give them another chance. This author pulled me in and kept me captivated til the very end of the story. The characters had depth and I swear I could feel their pain, their love, and everything in between. I would absolutely buy more books by this author.
Blood Eternal by S.L. Perrine was so good I forgot I was reading an anthology. I loved that Jeffrey brought out a bit of humanity in Nunzio. He actually had a conscience. The two definitely complimented each other’s personalities. The heat level was off the charts but it’s not all there was to the short story. It was amazing to witness Jeffrey become the vampire he was meant to be. I would love to see this turned into a full length novel. I did not get nearly enough time with these characters. This is not my first read by this author and it certainly won’t be the last!
Collide by Elaine White
Ohmygosh! Loved this! At first I was thinking poor Mason. Then I thought Yay Mason! I swear I never start reviews like this but it’s necessary, because then I start thinking his sister bought him a playmate for the convention! You all reading this, tell me that didn’t cross your minds! I’ve not read anything by Elaine White before this but that is going to change because this story was fantastic! Mason is such an adorable geek with a few extra pounds. He’s an author attending a bookcon when he meets Oliver, the hot brat. I loved how she included tidbits about reviews and cover designs and how some people don’t understand things from the author’s standpoint that can make or break a book launch. This was awesome, highly recommended!
Hero’s Quest by Kay Ellis is about the Orcs rising up from slavery and oppression and searching for a peaceful place to live instead of always having to fight in one human war after another. Their plan was to kidnap the Emperor to trade for their peace and freedom. Instead, they stole the wrong human. I enjoyed reading this fantastical short story. Ellis’ character development and world building skills are fascinating to watch play out. Well done!
His Reckoning by Raechel Lynn
Benjamin is part of a human task force fighting against the paranormals in the city but when he happens upon a tall, dark, handsome stranger in an alley he realizes his deepest, darkest desires and his world is flipped upside down. Or is it right side up? This short story was HOT! There are some gaps where information is missing but it’s easily pieced together. The storyline had a lot of potential, the author’s voice noteworthy. I could definitely see this as a full length novel. This was my first introduction to this author and I would love to see what else she has published!
Rules of the Game by TL Travis
As one of my favorite authors, I was looking forward to this story. At the very beginning, when Travis was describing Kendall, I had a sense of deja vu like I had physically seen him before. Though I’m certain it was coincidental, it helped give me a visual in all his masculine glory. This is Kendall and Joe’s story. Kendall is a lawyer in the family firm and Joe is contracted out as the architect that will be in charge of a new project. Joe knows he shouldn’t act on any of the fantasies plaguing his mind about Kendall, his client. Kendall, the playboy, knows he won’t be able to rid his mind of the handsome architect until he’s had one night with him. He’s certain that’s all it will take. The author’s voice absolutely shows the quality that makes her writing unique. Travis has the wonderful gift of being able to jump inside the male mind and personality in order to tell her tales. The smoking hot bedroom scenes just about melted my tablet. This beautiful story is heartwarming, the characters perfectly delicious and I highly recommend this author!
5 Stars
A hot and sexy collection
Some of the authors in this grand collection, I’ve read before, and some are new authors to me. I must say as a collection, this anthology contains stories that fit with each other. Each one of the stories, though, is great on its own merits. So, in this review, I’ll comment on each of these great stories.
The Vampire’s Return: Yes, vampires and werewolves surround this story, but it’s about Desi. A human determine to bring down vampires, but finds something else. A Dom and himself. The desire of heat is great within the story and I like the way it builds. I like how the story was put together, and how it flowed perfectly. There was something very intense between Desi and Oscar, something that always brings them together. A very intense and dramatic story, loved the ending. I enjoyed the story and look for more from this author.
Rule 1: In the opening, the author mentions this story is from characters of her series, ““The Keswick Chronicles”, and since I haven’t read that, it’s a book that I will look into. It’s written in first person, and I think that works for this story.
It’s a fun, romantic story between bandmates, and they’re trying to be together, on a tour bus. I enjoyed the story and look for more from this author.
Scratching an Itch and The End: The stories go together, the first about Ryan looking for his latest one-nighter so he could scratch an itch, and the next about that one-nighter … and that there’s more to the story. I first thought it was just a typical short about a one-night stand, but it grew from there. Magnificent segway into what is was really about. An extremely powerful story. I enjoyed the story and look for more from this author.
Always and forever: A great and intense story about Troy, Rico, and Marshall, and about their desires and demons within. I like how it’s written in third person, but there are parts that are focused on Troy, Rico, or Marshall. Each man is intense, has his own secrets and tries to protect the other. I enjoyed how it was put together, and how the story unfolded perfectly. I enjoyed the story and look for more from this author.
Blood Eternal: The birth of a new vampire, created against the rules. Something about the undead and what happens between Nunzio and Jeffery. The POV is first person, and it’s done with both characters. The story leads up to the turning of Jeffery, and shares the real reason Nunzio went against the rules to do it. It’s an intense story of vampires and blood lust, and erotic and romantic in a twisted, paranormal way. I enjoyed the story and look for more from this author.
Collide: The quest for finding that one love, in a place he’d never thought. Oliver and Mason. They just click. I like the build up of the story, and how it isn’t perfect. It’s a connection that great. The story is well written, as it brings together everything that works within a short story. I enjoyed the story and look for more from this author.
Hero’s Quest: Hero is not just a hero, and according to the Orc, it’s just a word. However, this story brings together the orcs and a human … Kez. It’s a great story that builds up and adds the tension of the chemistry between Kez and Hero. Hero is Kez’s unlikely savior. I enjoyed the story, and it flowed very well, adding both humanity and connection between two species. I enjoyed the story and look for more from this author.
His Reckoning: Powerful and intense encounter in a dirty alley brings Benjamin to realize his hidden desires. It’s a great story that kept this reader engaged, wondering what would happen next, and how it would play out when Benjamin found his Sir again. And then, the final twist came at the end. I enjoyed the story and look for more from this author.
Rules of the Game: A story about both Kendall and Joe. Kendall being Joe’s client. The POV is third person, but you get the perspective of both men. Kendall is bi, but Joe is under the impression that Kendall is straight, leading for some great story telling and chemistry between the two. I’ve read this author’s work before, and I was definitely not disappointed. I enjoyed the story and look for more from this author.