Review of Red Velvet and Absinthe

Review of Red Velvet and Absinthe

Anthology of 15 Paranormal Erotic Romance Stories

Edited by Mitzi Szereto

Published by Cleis Press

Pages 239

ISBN 978-1-57344-716-4

Cover Artist Scott Idleman

Buy on Amazon

Snowlight  Moonlight by Rose De Fer

Brilliant story to start the anthology with, subtle undertones of BDSM interspersed with shape-shifting erotica.

Cover Him With Darkness by Janine Ashbless

Unusual story that was compelling as you thought you knew what way it would go only to find out you were completely wrong. Was a bit disappointed with the ending as I felt it left the main question still unanswered.

A Rose In The Willow Garden by Elizabeth Daniels

A beautifully sad yet loving story that made this reader, wipe away a tear or two. This is a story that will haunt me in the very best way for years to come.

The Blood Moon Kiss by Mitzi Szereto

Such a sensually erotic story that combines all the elements I love to read. So far this would have to be my most favorite and it would be nice to see this one actually made into a longer story, delving deeper into the lives of the two main characters. It is truly a well written piece of prose that does the author proud.

Painted by Anna Meadows

An intriguing tale of sensuous prose that at times becomes too heavy with purple prose. I liked the descriptive use of flowers but it did become tedious and made this reader lose the plot line quite a few times, resulting in having to re-read it again and purposely try to keep up with the plot.

Dolly by Charlotte Stein

An interesting story with an incredible twist at the end that reminded me of a story I once read when I was younger but without the eroticism Dolly has.

La Belle Mort by Zander Vyne

What an outstanding story. Was not prepared for the twist at the end and I found I could not take my eyes off the page. The pace of the story was well set. It was as if the author was purposely writing the words in the same vein as one would make love, slowly at first then with increasing passion until the final destination is reached and released. Well worth the read!

The Persistence of Memory by Even Mora

Extraordinary story of love, the pace was fast but not that fast that you couldn’t catch a breath but when you did it was only to read more that would take it away again. I would have liked to have read more of this story as I believe there is more to Rowan and Lily’s story to come or perhaps it is just the author’s way of teasing the reader.

Scratched by Ashley Lister

Even though the plotline was predictable, the sensuousness of the story line is what kept it afloat. Pure un-adulterated lust makes this a definite body tingling book.

Bitter and Intoxicating by Sharon Bidwell

This was an interesting tale, filled with passion, fervor and artistry both in the descriptive use of the words and the subject matter.

Tea For Two by Claire Buckingham

Tea For Two is a heart wrenching story that had this reader on the verge of tears. The poignancy of this love story and the loss that the two main characters suffer is so tenderly written, making the whole scenario come alive before your very eyes. Congratulations Ms. Buckingham for a truly tremendous and well thought out short story.

Milady’s Bath by Giselle Renarde

This story has a bit of everything, love, lust, mystery and hot passion. Without giving the story away, the protagonist comes across as a sweet little creature with the way she speaks and describes everything. Being written in first person POV, it does give you more of an insight as to what she is feeling and her reactions to what is happening. Thoroughly enjoyed this story, well done!

The Way Home by Cary Williams

As I began to read this, I was a tad confused as it seemed to be words or sentences missing, then I reminded myself that it was a galley copy I was reading so full edits had not been achieved yet. So now I can relate my views on this story. Personally I would not class this as erotica but everyone has different ideas. I feel the concept of this story was good just not well executed as there were areas within the story that would have done better with clarification and perhaps as a longer storyline, allowing the Author more flexibility to delve into the characters personalities a lot deeper.

The Queen by Tahira Iqbal

Brilliant, this is the only word I can think of to describe what I felt about this story. The pace keeps you right on the edge and what an orgasmic edge it is.  If this was a print book then I would class this story as a page turner.

Benediction by Bonnie Dee

This was a wonderful story to end the anthology with. It gives a whole new outlook on angels and their duties whilst still giving a somewhat moral lesson about self-forgiveness. 

My Opinion

Overall I enjoyed reading this anthology. The Authors are all wonderful story tellers, weaving their own versions of Gothic Erotica. None of the stories were repetitious; all were fresh and innovative in style and setting. My only complaint with it was the length, to me I prefer to read an anthology that is not quite as long but again that is just this reviewer’s opinion.

I would give this a rating of 4 out of 5

*bites n kisses*

Vampirique Dezire