Eye Candy by Tijan, J. Daniels, Helena Hunting, Bella Jewel, & Tara Sivec
Anthology/Holiday/ Romance Contemporary
September 5, 2017
SMP Swerve
Reviewed by Tori
A frightfully good time! Dive into these Halloween novellas from bestselling authors Tijan, J. Daniels, Helena Hunting, Bella Jewel and Tara Sivec. Featuring stories set in the worlds of their popular series.
Tijan’s Fallen Crest crew are back for a weekend of mischief that takes a sinister turn; all four couples from J. Daniels’ Alabama Summer series gear up for Halloween in their own sexy ways, with a special surprise at the end; Helena Hunting’s characters from Shacking Up plan a Halloween gala that features a few ghouls and witches; Bella Jewel brings the chills and thrills in her suspenseful take on Halloween night; and Tara Sivec gathers the Holiday family together one last time as they try to make this ghostly holiday one to remember—or one they’d rather forget…
Cozy up with a mug of hot cider on a dark night and fall under the spell of this Halloween anthology! (Goodreads)
It’s no secret that I am a fan of anthologies. I enjoy the short jaunts back into familiar worlds and being introduced to new ones. Anthologies are a great way to read new to you authors without a huge price or time commitment. Eye Candy is a fast, funny, and sexy compilation of various best-selling authors who each give us a look into beloved fans’ lives as they all get ready in some form or fashion for Halloween. This anthology best serves those who are familiar with these particular series though each novella stands firm on its own.
I chose not to review J. Daniels because I have not read her Alabama Summer series and I think you definitely need to be up to date with that series to enjoy and understand the events in her novella.
Fallen Crest Nightmare by Tijan-The first story of the anthology has Tijan revisiting Fallen Crest when the gang plans for the ultimate Halloween bash as Sam and Mason reunite after a month separation. Set during book 7, Tijan chooses a sinister base for her novella as reality and fiction merge for Sam when she finds herself dropped into a scene straight from the movie Scream as her friends begin to mysteriously drop like flies around her. A strong premise and dark humor made this a fast read though the narrative seemed to a bit punchy at times and I felt as if I was missing some key dialogue in certain scenes.
“I was ready to raise holy hell.”
Getting Down by Helena Hunting-Helena Hunting revisits Bancroft (Bane) and Ruby from Shacking Up and wets our appetite for the upcoming release of Hooking Up in this novella. Jam-packed with sexual shenanigans, witty dialogue, and hilarious mayhem will keep readers firmly engaged as a small intimate Halloween bash turns into a huge event when Ruby and her bestie, Amalia (Amie), are asked to host a charity ball instead. Ruby has her hands full with Bane’s moments of insecurity and worrying about Amie’s up and coming wedding to Bane’s cousin while Amie experiences some sizzling chemistry with Bane’s brother, Lex. Chemistry she should be experiencing with her fiance, Armstrong. From glittery BJs to outrageous costume malfunctions, Hunting gives Halloween a definite boost of goodness as she leaves you wanting more.
“God bless the sex toy industry and multiple orgasms.”
Unsafe Haven by Bella Jewel. A domestic abuse shelter’s plan to raise money for it’s budget by throwing a huge Halloween bash soon finds itself under a ghostly attack while an employee finds romance among the decorations. This standalone seemed to best embrace the overall premise of this anthology with its well-balanced blending of a sexy romance and a sub plotted spooky theme. I enjoyed experiencing the story through Jade’s point of view as she embraces and works through her fears and begins to open up to dating again while trying to stay alive during the “haunted” party. A fast sexy read with a hint of erotic overtones.
He leans down, kissing me again, and I can taste myself on him. It’s so erotic. So damned incredibly erotic.
The Stuffed Pumpkin by Tara Sivec. Set in the world of her Seduction and Snacks series, Sivec regales readers with an outrageous and wayyyyyy over the top melodrama of Halloween weddings, wars, and babies when the very pregnant Noel and her husband, Sam, visit Noel’s parents for Halloween and to prepare for their best friends’ wedding. Laughter, chaos, and some well-deserved groans are in abundance when clowns infiltrate every aspect of their visit. Some may find the humor a bit juvenile in some areas, especially Noel’s aunt Bobbie’s antics.
“Sweet Jesus, she looks like a clown that just woke up after a gang bang.”
Overall, Eye Candy is a tasty confection of Halloween delights.
Grade: B
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