Amazon Speculation Press Category:  Fantasy Publisher: Speculation Press ISBN-10:  0967197988 Type: Fiction Pages: 257 Copyright: Jan 1 2000 A collection of whimsical stories about angels and demons and the humans who interact with them. Some of the authors include: Jody Lynn Nye, Susan Sizemore, Michele Hauf, Jacqueline Lichtenberg, and Jennifer Dunne. In "Vacation," a succubus on vacation is determined to experience all seven virtues. The problem is, she has no idea how one goes about being good. Excerpt Saffron exited the limousine in stages, first just the tip of a black stiletto heel peeking beneath the open door, then a shapely ankle, followed by an impossibly long leg, stretching slowly from within the dark interior of the limousine until her shoe settled firmly on the cobblestone drive. Her pale white hand, the long red nails glistening in the sunlight as if they'd been freshly dipped in blood, extended languorously through the doorway. Three bellhops rushed to help her from the car. Her fingers closed around the nearest of the outstretched hands, tingling as she made the connection. His name was Albert. He lived alone, and dreamed at night of a beautiful, dark-haired woman who would kiss and caress him, and devour him slowly with her ripe berry lips. Saffron allowed Albert to draw her out of the car. He gasped and blinked, confronted with his secret image of desire made flesh. His fingers tightened on her hand. With a few soft words, Saffron could make him abandon his position, forgetting everyone and everything of importance to him in an endless spiral of craving until there was nothing left of him, and his soul belonged to her master. She licked her berry bright lips, tossed back her long, flowing black hair, and pulled her fingers from his grasp. She was on vacation. * * * As she approached the front desk, the manager elbowed one of the clerks aside and leaned forward onto the gleaming marble counter. "Checking in, Miss?" She reached into her tightly laced leather bustier and withdrew a credit card from its resting place between her breasts. The manager's eyes widened, and he held the thin rectangle of plastic with near reverence. "The name is Cubis." She gave it a foreign pronunciation: Coo-bee. "Saffron Cubis." He keyed the data into the computer, which promptly displayed her reservation. Saffron breathed a sigh of relief. She'd been promised a vacation, a reward for her excellent service, but she hadn't really believed it was possible. Her master's penchant for practical jokes was well known. "Welcome to The Slice of Heaven Resort and Spa. We've reserved a deluxe pool side suite for you. You will be staying with us for seven days?" "One can accomplish much in seven days," she said, admiring her master's sense of humor. The manager nodded, oblivious to the joke. "We have a number of package deals to make your stay more enjoyable. How many daily spa treatments would you prefer?" "None." "None?" The manager's eyebrows lifted. "Don't you wish to indulge in the spa's restful atmosphere, to relax and let your cares drift away?" "You mean, recline in pampered luxury, not lifting a finger, as your trained staff cater to my every need?" "Exactly!" He smiled broadly, fingers poised over the keyboard to accept her order. Indignation swelled her fragile bustier. "Sloth is a sin! I plan to be busy on my vacation. Very, very busy."

Crescent Blues - your pick of heavens, hells, angels, and the finest in devils
Can't afford a stairway to heaven? Buy Heaven and Hell instead. Not only will this anthology of favorite writers and promising newcomers fit your budget better, you get your pick of heavens, hells, angels and the finest in devils too.

Jody Lynn Nye's "The Fiber of Being" provides an appealing explanation of the mysterious ways angels work their Lord's miracles to perform. Susan Sizemore's "Ragnarok Can Wait" demonstrates why some people call her the world's greatest Viking fan while offering an alternative vision of heaven some people -- namely a Valkyrie or two -- might consider hell in Valhalla. And what celebration of celestial and netherworld creatures would be complete without a "Demon Puss" like Terri Beckett's D.C.?

Clever mortals (both innocent and anything-but) prove to be the stellar attractions in H. David Blalock's devilishly delightful "The Morality Clause" and Michael McShay's winning "The Prize of a Lifetime." Sweet describes Sharon L. Nelson's "A Plum Assignment," while those with a taste for the tart will appreciate Tom Dullemond's "The Eternal Reward."

No anthology hits the mark with every story, but that's to be expected and celebrated. Heaven and Hell, like the best of its breed, offers a bite for every taste. So you don't like stories that end just when it looks like the real fun's about to begin, or you tire a bit too quickly of heavenly bureaucracies. No problem. Like Washington, D.C., weather, wait five minutes -- er, pages, and everything changes.

And failing that, you could always take a "Vacation" with a nice demon. Not only does Jennifer Dunne make a damn fine literary travel agent, you'll never look at the cardinal virtues quite the same way again.

Reviewed by Jean Marie Ward

Para-Normal Romance Reviews - Delightful!
Saffron is skeptical when her master awards her with her first vacation in seven hundred years on the job, for he is known for cruel pranks.

However everything appears to be on the up and up, and Saffron decides to take advantage of this opportunity to experience something totally different. Eschewing the seven deadly sins that are the mainstays of her work, she determines to give the fabled seven virtues a whirl for a change. It isn't as easy as one would think since she is restricted to human abilities for her entire week long stay at The Slice of Heaven Resort and Spa, and she's sporting a body generated by the bellhop's secret image of desire.

She decides she needs a specific course of action before she embarks on her quest, but soon learns that actions aren't nearly as important as intentions. Saffron is about to get a unique prospective on her "assignments" as she struggles with temptation!

"Vacation" is humorous, and oddly inspirational and romantic in spite of the main character's unusual vocation. This short story showcases Ms. Dunne's delightful sense of irony and wonderful storytelling ability. It will have readers running out to try her full-length paranormal romances.

Reviewed by Leslie Tramposch