Beyond the Last Page by Ashlee Shades

Beyond the Last Page Reviews

• 
  Cailin Briste

  The tag line for this collection of short stories, ...because the end is the beginning of forever, is a hint that at least some of these tales will bring tears to your eyes. This happened with the first story by R.B. O’Brien, “Beyond the Rain,” which also had one of the two most sensual scenes in the book. The cover promised sensual short stories. O’Brien writes lyrical prose although halfway through her story I skipped some description to find out if my fears were true.
  
  The majority of these stories skip back and forth between past and present, one handling this device better than the others. Even so I was confused at one point in that story. Beyond Forever by Sebastian Nox would have been better without it all together.
  
  Of the six authors one is exceptional, Mark A. Morris. His story, “Beyond the Mask,” was original and a delight to read. I do have one bone to pick with Morris. I understand this was a short story and so you were time limited, but the epilogue was an unnecessary trick to get to a happily ever after when your story didn’t need one. What it deserves is a full telling at novel length. I would buy that book in a heartbeat.
  
  At 99 cents, I’d recommend purchasing this collection. O’Brien’s and Morris’s stories alone are worth the price, and you’ll find things to enjoy in the other four. The bits of poetry in “Beyond Forever,” the erotic scenes in “Beyond Mercy” by Summer Layne, the contrasting love scenes in “Beyond the Call of Duty” by Rachel de Vine (the second love scene was perfect), and the sweet sadness in “Beyond the Last Breath” by Ashlee Shades.
• 
  George

  Beyond the Last Page, Nu Romantics.
  As a rule, I don't read short stories, preferring novels or novellas. That said, I decided to read Beyond the Last Page anthology of six writers who belong to the Nu Romantics. That's because I have become fascinated by this group's attempt to give new meaning to the genre of Romance, and also because I have come to enjoy the work of several of its members in novel form.
  
  Let me say right off that I will have to revise my opinion about short stories. The six offerings in this anthology not only go way beyond what is traditionally regarded as Romance but also testify to the writing skills of its members.
  
  I found I had to take my time reading these stories. Each of them is so different in style and emphasis they require some reflection after reading. And they really do go beyond the last page. If you were to ask me if I had one favourite, I would have to say that I am unable to choose. Each story demonstrates how far beyond traditional romance this group of writers has gone.
  
  Rosemary O'Brien's story Beyond the Rain stretches the boundaries between life and death. It is a bitter-sweet romance that has a paradoxical ending, and not your typical HEA. Still, it leaves the reader with hope.
  
  Sebastian Nox's Beyond Forever is another tale of lovers locked in a soul bond forever--but in this case in a modern medico-scientific context. A remarkable read, and one that leaves the reader breathless.
  
  Rachel de Vine's Beyond the Call of Duty is a more traditional offering--the story of a young man in time of war with two loves separated by distance and emotion. Wartime separations often force unexpected romantic discoveries. Agony and hope--a constant theme of this anthology.
  
  Mark A. Morris's contribution is one of the most puzzling of all. Entitled Beyond the Mask it chronicles a futuristic theme park where employees can literally shift shape by using magnetic powder and a field generator. It's less of a romance than others, but there is a fascinating encounter between a security guard and a female employee who has assumed the shape of a cat. All in all, a surreal look at a fantastic future.
  
  Beyond Mercy is a lovely tale by Summer Layne about a ménage a Trois that results in an unexpected pregnancy, a separation, then a joyous reunion--ten years apart. It's more in the line of traditional romance but departs from the usual by the love between two men and a woman that totally transcends traditional ro0mance boundaries. No fake guilt or self-reproach here.
  
  And finally, there is a poignant romance by Ashlee Shades entitled Beyond the Last Breath. It's the story of a couple whose feminine half is dying of cancer, and the love the couple has shared over 60 years of marriage. It particularly resonated with me because I had the same experience with my wife of 60 years. Again the theme is love and death. In my case, I lived. Not your usual romantic idyll.
  
  I strongly recommend this anthology for those of you who want to experience what the writers of the Nu Romantics are capable of. Don't expect the traditional plots and templates. Do expect unusual relationships and unexpected couplings. And don't always expect a HEA. But of one thing you can be sure. All these writers respect human life and connections and write about real human sexual relationships.
• 
  Ann

  Beyond the Last Page
  By Various authors
  Main Characters:
  I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the authors.
  4 1/2 out of 5 stars total for this book with the caveat that two of the stories were not what I would normally read. (Historical & fantasy) 6 short stories for the price of one.
  Beyond the Rain by R.B. O’Brien
  5 out of 5 stars
  Julietta and Max
  Absolutely loved this story! Shocking ending.
  Beyond Forever by Sebastian Nox
  5 out of 5 stars
  Adam and Abigail
  Another good story.
  Beyond The Call of Duty by Rachel de Vine
  4 out of 5 stars
  Thomas, Dolly and Camille
  This story takes place in the late 1890's and early 1900's.
  This was a well written story but not my cup of tea. Loved the epilogue.
  Beyond the Mask by Mark A Morris
  3 out of 5 stars
  Kathleen and Sean
  I'm sorry I could not give this story a higher rating but to me it was like a fantasy or sci-fi and I do not ever read any of those. Just not what I read and so therefore I skimmed over most of the story. It did appear to be well written and for those of you who like that genre, you would probably like this one.
  Beyond Mercy by Summer Layne
  5 out of 5 stars
  Mercy, Luke and Chase
  This was an m/f/m story with a hea ending and I loved it.
  Beyond the Last Breath by Ashlee Shades
  5 out of 5 stars
  Thomas and Izzy
  This story starts out in 1954 and ends some 60 years later. It was beautiful, sad and romantic with a surprise ending.
  All in all I enjoyed this book.
  
• 
  Rachel Vine

  Beyond the Last Page is an anthology like none I have read before. Each of the six stories was unique, but had a sensual romantic thread running through them all.
  One is an exceptional love story that gave me goose bumps at one point – so dramatic and well-hidden was an unexpected outcome. It’s romantic and will pull at your emotions.
  Another with a futuristic theme, makes you wonder if the story is describing a dream, or a strange reality, but is captivating in its description of the struggle to maintain their love affair against the odds.
  There is a love story based during the First World War, describing how a young boy, barely 18, discovers the horror of war, but finds something precious amid the carnage.
  A science fiction story, set in a fairground of the future, describes an encounter between two members of the team between whom a spark is lit.
  Another is a love story between one woman and two men, who drifted apart and finally found each other again.
  The last one is a moving story about the end of a long, loving marriage, and will bring you to tears.
  Overall, I found the stories moving, romantic and absorbing. A wonderful trilogy and well worth reading.
• 
  Lena

  There were a lot of warmth in the stories. A few of them surprised me and I’m not easily surprised. All in a good way, even if it was a little sad.
  Six short stories in one book. Some of the authors I already knew and some were new to me.
  The characters were all well described and I felt as part of the stories.
  The quality of the stories were high.
  
  I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
  
  
• 
  April

  A cute anthology by new or new to me authors. Beyond Mercy by Summer Layne isn't my usual genre but was well written. I feel like there's a bigger story begging to be written! I don't really lean towards historical but I really enjoyed Beyond The Call Of Duty by Rachel de Vine. Beautiful story. One that I'll think back on again and again!
• 
  Renee Atkins

  Oh my
  
  These are the sweetest stories, if not traditional. From one story to the next, I never knew what to expect! The only thing you can expect is great love, and great imagination from these wonderful authors. I will be following these fills through their careers.
• 
  Joyce

  Short stories. Good read