Red Velvet and Absinthe: Paranormal Erotic Romance [Paperback]

You never really know what to expect when you go into a collection like this. Well, I mean you know one thing to expect, but as for the quality of the actual storytelling, it's a gamble. Fortunately this was a gamble that paid off, because I found myself consistently surprised with the quality of the stories. Yes, each one revolves around some sort of otherworldly/supernatural (smutty) relationship, but for the most part, it seems like all of the authors chose to focus on layering their stories and injecting as much depth and interestingness to the stories and characters.

A lot of people are put off by short stories, I think (and this used to be true of me) because they don't connect - there's just not enough time, not enough text, and so things end up falling a little flat for them emotionally. Many times a reader will say of a short story, 'It was good but I wish it was full-length' or 'There just wasn't enough' ... they are left unsatisfied, feeling as if they've just begun when it ends. But there are a good number of stories in here that I actually found myself connecting to, sometimes rather quickly, and I have to praise that. One in particular, "Cover him with Darkness" by Janine Ashbless, I found very intriguing and perfectly complete as a short story - I didn't want anything else from it. I just thought it was really well done, well-suited to the format, and intriguing. The same is true of "Painted" by Anna Meadows and "Dolly" by Charlotte Stein. All 3 of these stories are completely different with a different feel, but they all had a completeness to them, and a story I loved following.

One other thing I found interesting and a little unexpected was that the stories that most appealed to me and felt the most interesting and complete (and the least cheesy) were the ones that didn't have to do with vampires or weres. It's not necessarily that the vamp/were stories were bad, necessarily, but with few exceptions, I found myself caring about them less. I did really enjoy editor Mitzi Szereto's "The Blood Moon Kiss" which is one of the vamp stories, and is a fun, somewhat tongue in cheek take on vampire culture and a certain popular television show. But the standouts for me were the unexpected ones: artworks come to life, little wax voodoo dolls that could have been very creepy but were somehow sweet, fallen angels or gods or god-knows-what - there was a nice spread of creativity and world-building throughout the collection that I really appreciated.

The only real drawbacks for me were just things that aren't to my taste. Romances and dynamics that just don't appeal to me. I'm sorry, but I am just not a fan of complete submission, of anyone, to anyone. Collars and cages - aaaand I'm out. But this I think was actually probably a good thing in its own way because it shows that there really is a little something for everyone.

I think the foreward from Kelley Armstrong (yes, that Kelley Armstrong) was a nice surprise that really seemed to get at the heart of the collection and the somewhat gothic feel of the whole thing. These stories are about atmosphere and Otherness, and amping up the latant sexual tension of the gothic classics into something more palpable. Really well done.

[Side note: If you're wondering if you want to venture to read a book labeled 'paranormal erotica romance', I would employ the cock-test I used in my review of and Falling, Fly sometime back: how do you feel about the word 'cock'? If you just cringed, skip this. If you sat up straighter and said 'where?' go out and grab a copy.]

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.

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.

There was not a bad story in this entire collection. The ambience was mysterious, moody, and dripping with sensuality throughout. Mitzi did a wonderful job of compiling well-written and engaging stories, that as a whole, create the perfect paranormal-package. I love dark and I love erotica, so the combination was a welcome and refreshing read. The erotica was not over-the-top, and I think that this would be a selection that lovers of dark/paranormal romance could easily sink their teeth into if some of the more risque erotica gives them pause.