I've been on a short story kick lately. Lots of stories from Evernight's Romance on the Go line, a ton of Robert W Chambers and Ambrose Bierce, and an anthology of stories inspired by Chambers' KIng in Yellow mythos. I did my degree in Creative Writing, and spent three years writing almost nothing but short stories, and I absolutely love the skill and art that goes into making a really good one. One of my favourites from the bunch I've read lately is Lipstick, by Erzabet Bishop.
I'll just admit it, the cover hooked me. It's so elegant and lovely! Lipstick is a quick, light-hearted paranormal romp with a touch of BDSM. Living-challenged (read: zombie) erotica writer Claire is dolled up and dragged out by her well-meaning friends (a vampire and a cat-shifter, so you know) to an upscale art exhibit. Claire's meeting with the artist, Maxwell, leads to a charged sexual encounter and a funny bit of revenge on a critic who can't keep his mouth shut. When I say this is a cute story, I don't mean to underplay the erotic elements, but it really is cute. Claire has a chatty, inviting voice that makes you feel like you're hanging out with a friend, and I liked the solid friendship between the three women. The humourous elements balance nicely with flashes of a darker world beneath the lipstick and little black dresses. I'm hoping we might get stories about Claire's friends, Carmen and Rachel, as they're both great, intriguing characters. And, really, I'd be happy to hear more about Claire and Maxwell, and life as a zombie!
Lipstick, despite the occasional bit of cannibalism, came as a light relief after reading Strange Trouble, book three in Laken Cane's relentless Rune Alexander series. I love these books, but they're so draining! The pace is non-stop, the violence is insane, the angst is off the charts, and the twists and turns are endless. Honestly, not for the weak of heart. This volume sees Rune tackle zombies, witches, mad vampires, her own inner darkness, and affairs of the heart, and it's crazy. I have book four, Obsidian Wings, all loaded up on my Kindle already, but I feel like I need to decompress before I go back to Rune's world.
Oh, and just a shout-out for some future reading! LM Pruitt is releasing her eight-book Winged series as a boxset at a ridiculously low price! So if you like angels, demons, feisty heroines and wars in Heaven, I definitely recommend snapping up this bargain.
Meanwhile, I'm going back to The Court of the Yellow King...
Oh, and just a shout-out for some future reading! LM Pruitt is releasing her eight-book Winged series as a boxset at a ridiculously low price! So if you like angels, demons, feisty heroines and wars in Heaven, I definitely recommend snapping up this bargain.
Meanwhile, I'm going back to The Court of the Yellow King...
