These four stories take place in New Orleans, Louisiana settings. I'd read books previously by the first and last authors, Rexanne Becnel and Meagan McKinney. There were paranormal aspects to some of these stories in this romance anthology.
THE WAGER (Rexanne Becnel): This is the most delicious, seductive story I've read in a long time. Amanda Chastain (younger than her brother, but much savvier than Pierre) interrupts a poker game where Nicholas Devereaux is planning to fleece Pierre. She accepts a side wager with Devereaux that leads to profound consequences.
THE HAUNTING OF SARAH (Anne Logan): During the Civil War, Sarah marries the twin of the man she loves (after he jilts her). She is trapped in a cruel marriage and then she learns that the man she loves is dead. I've known several twins and have NEVER known a pair that the close loved ones could not tell the difference between them (even if they were identical twins). This story is so unbelievable; then the author heaps paranormal on top.
OUT OF THE NIGHT (Deborah Martin): A doctor works feverishly to save 7 young lives, but they are slipping away in the infirmary of an orphanage. Then a healer (many people call "Witch") starts to work over the children and they start to respond. However, she is unwanted by the population. Dr. Drouet must decide the fate of seven lives vs. the opinion of the community. The story is interesting and compelling; falling in love and deciding to marry in 24-hours seems a bit swift.
THE MONK (Meagan McKinney): Leila has just buried her father and is torn between marrying two men she does not love: a gambler or her father's partner (whom she feels cheated her father). Then a monk makes an alternative offer.
Other than THE HAUNTING OF SARAH, the other three are well worth the reader's time. My favorite was THE WAGER, followed by THE MONK.
Kristina C. (katcurtis) reviewed A Dance With the Devil (Dance with Devil) on + 121 more book reviews 
