(Dianne) Fox Writes

Torquere Press’ Taste Test: Spring Fling mini-anthology (edited by Mychael Black) includes three stories: “Something Better” by Sean Michael, “Suddenly, Finally” by Cassidy Ryan, and “Zero’s Fist” by Kiernan Kelly.

“Something Better” is a fun little romp at a gay resort in Key West. Dan has just been dumped by his long-term lover and Manny, a staffer for the resort, is just the guy to remind him what a great catch he is. “Suddenly, Finally” is a sugar-sweet story about Casey and Josh, and Josh’s little surprise. Casey has been in love with Josh since college, and when Josh shows up on his doorstep with a baby in tow, Casey can’t say no.

In any anthology, there’s always one story that really catches me. For this one, for me, “Zero’s Fist” was that story. Zero is a werewolf, the leader of his pack, and his territory is being challenged by the leader of another pack. The situation brings some unexpected help in the form of Dante, Zero’s ex-lover. Dante left years ago, when Zero became pack alpha, and didn’t look back. When he heard about another pack’s plans to attack Zero and take over his territory, though, he didn’t think twice about going back to try to head off the attack before it started.

All in all, this Taste Test is definitely something I don’t regret spending my money on. All three stories were good reads, and I’ll definitely be picking up more titles from those authors.