Eight of the nine stories were written by women, and, for the most part, showcase female protagonists. The stories take place in alien worlds, fantasy realms, small towns, and suburban backyards. Some deal with folktale goddesses, aliens, paranormal entities, futuristic bodyguards, shapeshifters, magical herbalists, and many more odd and interesting beings.

All are carefully crafted stories that just happen to have a romantic angle. All are interesting, quite unique, and have satisfying endings. These stories bear good plots with excellent studies in relationships. Yes, there is a little romantic heat in some of them, but mostly there is a sexual tension present that many good stories have, which just adds a layer of color and subtext to the plot. This was certainly the hallmark of the popular television series, The X Files, which kept viewers glued to their screens while they watched a complex, often quirky, mystery unfold. Likewise, attraction and romance aren’t the main focuses of these stories, but those elements certainly enhance the character development that occurs.

I highly recommend Sum3: The 2006 Zircon Anthology of Speculative Romance. These are just darn good stories.