Romance/Dark Fantasy. 29633 words long. First published in 2008

Abby's imagination hadn't been playing tricks with her memory. Glen Plankey is still so attractive he makes her toes curl, even fifteen years after first meeting him in a court room. And that voice! Deep and authoritative, she practically melts into a puddle at the sound of it. She can't wait to see more of him. Glen can't get away fast enough. Everything about Abby reminds him of a terrible day in his life, yet his brain turns to adolescent mush at her curves and his heart skips a beat every time she smiles. Soon undeniable attraction leads to scorching passion and grows into a true love affair. But is it strong enough to survive when he thinks she has played him for a fool?

A Tale of Tournai Savarin, the most powerful sorcerer in Tournai, has honed his Talent through years of study and made magic his life. Among the wealthy and noble circles he moves in, no one would suspect the handsome, refined, and arrogant sorcerer’s humble beginnings, which is how Savarin prefers it. Tournai’s princes task Savarin with studying and strengthening the spells that protect the principality from magical attack. They are complex, centuries old, and exactly the type of puzzle Savarin is eager to solve. To his annoyance, the princes insist Loriot accompanies him. Loriot worked his way up the ranks of the royal guard to captain and takes pride in his service. He must obey the princes’ orders to protect Savarin, despite believing his skills would be best used elsewhere. And despite his wariness of magic. UnTalented himself, he has learned not only the benefits of magic but also its potential for harm—and how to counter it. Loriot and Savarin clash during their journey, but there’s another reason for the tension between them, and passion develops into feelings neither expected. But Savarin must still fortify Tournai’s magical barrier, and his only solution endangers both him and the royal family.

Рассказ вошёл в сборники: The Golden Apples of the Sun (Золотые яблоки солнца) The Stories of Ray Bradbury (И грянул гром: 100 рассказов)

Heaven doesn’t want him. Hell is afraid of him. She can see right through him…If the abrupt appearance of Will Vassago on her couch is any indication, knowledge of Anjali’s rare ability to see past demons’ disguising glamours has spread far beyond the Foundation. One thing that hasn’t changed since she accidentally touched him two years ago—his unnerving affect on her hormones.Officially, Vassago needs Anjali’s help to find an escaped Skinwalker demon. He’s also got some not-so-official plans for their down time, but if her sensitive gift reveals who he really is—a fallen angel—any chance to fan the embers of desire between them will be lost.Anjali tries to get their assignment over with before she loses control entirely. With every encounter, the unquenchable fire in her body burns hotter. And Vassago is startled to realize when he almost loses her to the rifts of Hell he has already lost his...

Guys like Ryker Russo don't notice girls like Jenna Armstrong.Constantly on the move, Jenna doesn't want to settle down anywhere. As long as her latest motel room has a television, wi-fi, and a vending machine, she will make do. It isn't just Jenna's curves that make her self conscious. Beneath her clothes she hides a secret, one that she is running from. But when her car breaks down, leaving her without a mode of transport to get to the next town, mechanic Ryker seems to show an interest in her. With his muscles, tattoos, and piercings, Ryker has trouble literally written all over him. Jenna can't understand why he would want to be seen with a fat girl like her, and besides, she needs to keep moving. Time is running out and she's terrified if she stays in one place, her past will catch up to her.

Zhanna has a vision, one of the return of honor to the Witches and Mercenaries of Russia. Making that hope a reality is becoming more difficult as time goes on, with the young woman battling prejudice from her neighbors and attacks from other Magic users. It is a good thing that Dascha always has her back, as her Witch sets out to show the disorganized and dishonored mercenary Witches of Russia exactly what it means to stand by your Word! Lead by example, practice what you preach. Progress is being made, one step at a time as Zhanna acquires spells and allies. It is too bad that progress is paid with pain.

Sherlock Holmes Mystery Magazine #1 features fiction by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Carole Bugge, Ron Goulart, Marc Bilgrey, Edward D. Hoch, Hal Blythe, and Jean Paiva. Features by Kim Newman, Lenny Picker, Mrs Hudson, and Marvin Kaye. Edited by Marvin Kaye.