I've only read two stories in this anthology so far, and I'm going to set it aside for now. I'm writing a review because those two stories were both amazing! I'll update this review if I continue reading.
Infernal Affairs by Jordan L. Hawk
This is a fun and fast-paced story, with some standard urban-fantasy stuff alongside some new ideas. I am already a fan of his, so I'm definitely heavily biased, but I absolutely loved this story. It's hilarious; I have a ridiculous sense of humor, yet somehow, it's on my exact comedy wavelength. I also found this story super hot, probably because Chess seducing Ralgath is a key plot element, even though the sex is not too explicit (which is unusual for this author). The emotional connection between these two built slowly, and I found it totally believable. Ralgath and Chess are a really appealing pair. I also thought the villain was pretty fabulous! This feels like the start of a new series, and I sincerely hope it is.
Counterfeit Viscount by Ginn Hale
I also really like this author. I always feel so immersed in the worlds she creates. This is set in the same world as Wicked Gentlemen, which I haven't read yet, but I didn't feel lost at any point. I loved the atmosphere (it reminded me somewhat of Sunless Sea, which is always nice). As is usual with this author, the romance is just one of many things happening in the plot. But there's a strong feeling of romantic tension, and the way that tension was resolved surprised me, in the best way. The plot is partly about privilege and (fantasy) racism, which sometimes feels like commentary on the real world, yet is not heavy-handed. Archie loves Nimble, but he has also spent a long time seeing Nimble as ultra-powerful, (sort of) because of his race, instead of as a full person with both strengths and weaknesses, which is a form that real-world bigotry can take. But Archie does come to love Nimble for who he really is. This is a long story, with an almost leisurely feel to it, yet I still wanted more - so I'll have to read Wicked Gentlemen very soon.
