cover image High Octane Heroes

High Octane Heroes

Edited by Delilah Devlin. Cleis, $15.95 trade paper (216p) ISBN 978-1-57344-969-4

Devlin (Smokin' Hot Firemen) assembles a passable erotic anthology of stories about men in uniform%E2%80%94including soldiers, cops, paramedics, and special agents%E2%80%94and the women who love, desire, and ogle them. Alice Janell's "As You Were" and Sidney Bristol's "Once Upon a Time in Mukdahan" showcase strong, confident women who more than match up to their male counterparts, and who show that having a thing for heroes doesn't preclude being a bit of a badass yourself. Some stories, like Sharon Hamilton's "SEAL Destiny," are even brave enough to portray a hero with a weakness for a particular woman in his life. Unfortunately, Brindle Chase's "Renegade" and others put their testosterone-soaked heores in opposition to fluff-brained women in need of rescue. Devlin does deliver on her promise of serious alpha males who are ready to swoop in and save the day, steal a few hearts, and set fire to the sheets. (Oct.)