by Susan S., guest reviewer
Be forewarned, reading Once Upon a Threesome will leave you with a permanent afterglow. And the heat level’s equivalent to biting into a Ghost Chile pepper.
Warning: These are explicit and erotic short stories intended for the adult reader.
Story 1- “Barabbas, Give Me Back My Barabbas” by Jen Bluekissed
Summary: Grief stricken over the loss of her sons, and her husband’s upcoming crucifixion, Rivka finds solace in Shoshanah’s arms. When the Roman governor frees Rivka’s husband, Barabbas, the two women will join forces to give him a homecoming he’ll never forget.
Review: Sadly, I didn’t connect with this story. It was a dark read among 13 light-hearted stories. I couldn’t empathize with the hero, an imprisoned criminal. The wound descriptions distracted me from fully enjoying the plot. And it was difficult envisioning someone wounded to that degree, “isolating” their pain in order to find sexual satisfaction.
Rating: 2.5 Stars
Type: F/M/F
Story 2- “Untold Riches of the Holy Land” by Jay Hughes
Summary: On a crusade in search of the Holy Land, Geoffrey decides he’ll use some gold pieces at Assad’s bathhouse wagon. With three hours to burn, and two handsome blue-eyed Welshmen, what’s a man to do?
Review: Jay Hughes, I’m a fan! Exceptionally well-written, with wonderful descriptions. A scorching triple M Medieval ménage. You could literally feel the steam from the bathhouse as it lightly touches your skin.
Rating: 5 Stars
Type: M/M/M
Story 3- “Inamorata” by Kristabel Reed
Summary: Welcome to Italy’s Spring Festival! Antonio Tulon (Conte di Brindisi) is following Elisabeta through the streets of Venice. When he catches her, he’ll show Elisabeta some loving, Italian style. Against an alley wall. When he’s summoned away to meet with his future bride (Bianca d’Artusio) she’ll offer him a proposition he simply can’t deny. Of course, he’ll share Elisabeta! He’s an altruistic guy, lol.
Review: Ms. Reed serves up her erotica, piping hot!
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Type: F/F/M, and M/F
Story 4- “Lord Barclay’s Seduction” by Em Brown
Summary: Jonathan Weston and his lovely wife Genevieve, have accepted an invitation to stay at the Dancaster’s country estate. All’s well until a gorgeous newcomer named Phineas Barclay arrives. One night, Jonathan wakes to find he’s in bed…alone! His search quickly leads him to Barclay’s room. And soon finds his wife isn’t the only one attracted to Phineas.
Review: Although this anthology is bursting with wonderful stories, there are two that blew me away; this was one of them. I love Brown’s setting descriptions, as well as the emotional range of the author’s characters. How’s the erotica? On fire! I’m familiar with the author’s writing voice; I’ve been a fan since I read “And Damian Makes Four” from the anthology Threesomes.
Rating: 5 Stars
Type: F/M/M
Story 5- “The Gentleman’s Loving Spy” by K.T. Grant
Summary: Abigail Barlow is the Vicar’s widowed daughter. She’s a British lady admired by Shobon’s society, but also a lady with a penchant for watching handsome men pleasuring each other. Gabe and Thom spot her spying, and the three become quickly acquainted. My Thom, what pointy teeth you have! Maybe, it’s all the better to pleasure them with. Or maybe, he’ll decide to make Barlow their immortal companion.
Review: Grant’s story was a fun read. The erotica built up at a nice pace, but what did I enjoy the most? The mystery element. The author lets you infer your own conclusions regarding Thom and Gabe’s real identities.
Rating: 5 Stars
Type: M/F/M and M/M, Some elements of voyeurism
Story 6- “ The Encore” by J. Schrade
Summary: Isabella Morgansten is an actress, and an unrepentant flirt. Unable to withstand the heat and the dust, she instructs Aubrey to stop the wagon-she wants a swim. Aubrey relents and joins her, but it isn’t until a cowboy named Buck joins them, when things really heat up.
Review: You’re going to get wet! O.k., so it’s a double entendre. Please forgive me, but it is erotica, and the characters “are” frolicking in the water.
Rating: 4 Stars
Type: M/M/F
Story 7- “Loving Homecoming” by Janet Post
Summary: Jean Anne and Carol are co-workers, friends, and lovers. Keeping men happy at Francine’s Sporting House’s what they do. So when a sexy, blue-eyed outlaw comes calling…Roy will be “very” happy. He walks in looking for a blond (Jean Anne), and gets a redhead (Coral) too.
Review: A “sweet” triple love story, really! Oh, very well…and the erotica’s hot. <g>
Rating: 5 Stars
Type: M/F/F
Story 8- “Three on Twelfth” by Gregory Norris writing as Jo Atkinson
Summary: Vincent’s a confident woman, and why shouldn’t she be? She’s a gifted poet, beautiful woman, and a fantastic lover. Her writing muse is the stuff of fantasies: gorgeous dark-haired man, with stunning green eyes. How lucky can one woman get? How `bout, sex with an editor and his assistant lucky. After finding satisfaction, Vincent may write-off her muse altogether.
Review: I really enjoyed the way Atkinson pens the mystery elements. Entertaining and hot!
Rating: 4 Stars
Type: M/F/M and M/M
Story 9- “Casting Couch” by Courtney Sheets
Summary: Roxanne wants to be a star! Hoping to seal the deal, she dresses the part for a Hollywood audition. Director Michael St. John and actor Duncan Peters ask her to audition for them…on the sofa. When she throws caution to the wind, Roxanne will have an unforgettable threesome, and get the part. Now, there’s a surprise, lol. Review: One word, first letter h. Hot!
Rating: 5 Stars
Type: M/F/M
Story 10- “French Kiss” by Cathleen Ross
Summary: Sophie’s an American working undercover in Paris. When she walks in on her cheating, treacherous boyfriend (Henri), she’s furious. But soon, Major Benoit and Major DuPres (two hot-as-hell soldiers) will show Henri, that revenge, is a dish best served cold. French translation sounds sultrier: La vengeance est un plat a le mieux servi le froid.
Review: Ross’ “French Kiss” was my favorite story within the anthology. When Major Benoit clears his desk to pleasure Sophie…that was pure, raw, testosterone! Triple-moan worthy!
Rating: 5 Stars
Type: M/F/M, Some voyeurism
Story 11- “Tea Time” by Rebecca Leigh
Summary: Carol and June are friends who meet once-a-week to catch up on the week’s gossip over tea. June reminds me of Bree from Desperate Housewives, btw. Keeps the house nice and tidy and everything’s in tip-top shape. Harriet’s the new girl in town, and Carol thinks it’d be nice if she joins them for tea. You know, do the nice neighborly thing, and welcome her to town. But, what these ladies do over tea will make you gasp. Scandalous!
Review: May cause uncontrollable urges to lick honey off your fingers. A hot read! I enjoyed how Ms. Leigh presents the ladies as “innocent” little housewives.
Rating: 4 Stars
Type: F/F/F
Story 12- “Purple Haze” by Melanie Thompson
Summary: Dan and Jan are old high school friends; now they’re an item. On a road trip to Woodstock they pick up a hitchhiker nickname Sissy. You’ll trip on acid, listen to Hendrix, and have a threesome.
Review: This story makes you wish you would’ve gone to Woodstock; and if you did go, makes you wish you’d remember it! Thompson’s story was hot and groovy! ☮
Rating 5 Stars
Type: M/F/F
Story 13- “Woodstock” by Garland
Summary: I’ve named Moon Flower as the #1 luckiest romance heroine of all time. Why? Four straight days of sex with two gorgeous hippies is why. Ronnie, Ariel, and Moon Flower hitchhike their way to Woodstock. They’ll be plenty of free love and music for all.
Review: I loved Grams incessant interruptions, what fun! Penciling in Garland’s name on my: Keep eyes peeled for this author “list.” Triple hot…now pass the doobie. ☮
Rating 5 Stars
Type: M/F/M and M/M/F
Story 14- “Snap Decision” by Elizabeth Coldwell
Summary: Morgan’s a professional photographer, and his model is late! When Joan (model name-Fawn) does show, she’s not alone. She brings along her manager, Anton, all 6 ft. of him. This photography session takes an unexpected turn for Morgan. A ménage-à-trois turn. But that’s cool…it’s the 60’s.
Review: Ms. Coldwell makes her characters sound so appealing. She expertly describes their physical characteristics. I can envision the author turning a knob clockwise, and setting the erotica level to extra scorching…then sitting down to write, or type- her stories. Works for me!
Rating: 5 Stars
Type: F/M/M
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
Ravenous Romance, eBook, Erotic, Historical Romance, Anthology, May 27, 2010.
ISBN# 978-160-777-3405
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This post was written by...
Susan S. – who has written 104 posts on Love Romance Passion.
Susan adores any paranormal character in leather, can't get enough of those unscrupulous rakes, and has a special fondness for law enforcement officers. If there’s a hero/heroine with a badge she's all over it! You may also see her around the web as Witchy Woman because of her love for magic, broomsticks, and black cats. Learn more about Susan in Meet the Review Staff at Love Romance Passion.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I read this anthology and agree with you on most of your reviews, especially the first one. Really couldn’t get into it and almost stopped reading the entire anthology. Glad I didn’t, it was a very good mixture!
Hi Isabel,
Thanks for popping in, hope you’re well.
I have (3) anthologies edited by Perkins, and I’m not stopping there! They’re fun-scorching reads!
Thanks so much for your review of French Kiss. I’m so glad you liked it.
You’re right. The French sounds so much better than English.
Best
Cathleen Ross
As always, thanks for the review
Hi KT, loooved your short story.
Hi Cathleen, I am in total awe of your writing skills. Not only did I enjoy “French Kiss,” but I have Dirty Sexy Murder on my TBR list. Thanks for popping in!
Hi Susan,
Thank you so much for the nice review. Glad you liked my story.
All the best
XOXO
-Garland-
Laughing incessantly, Garland popped in! Let me put on my tie-dye headband, and round purple shades. I said in my review I’d keep my eyes peeled for you, and here you are, lol!
Thank you for stopping in.
Seriously…”LOVED” your short story.
Haha. Thank you.
I’m very happy you liked it. You can visit my website to find out more about my stories. There’s also a link there to my facebook where I always update. I’d love to have you as one of my facebook friends. 
http://www.garlandserotictales.webs.com
Thanks for adding the link; I had tried unsuccessfully to find you. I’m hopping on over to your site.