Duty and Desire: Military Erotic Romance

Wright, herself a Navy wife, assembles 18 red-hot tales of men and women in uniform that range from WWII-era Russia to modern-day Afghanistan. While celebrating the valor, not to mention hotness, of those who serve their country, this anthology commendably covers darker issues, including post-traumatic stress syndrome and serious injuries, and love of all kinds, both straight and gay. Perhaps most touching is Sacchi Green’s “Sergeant Rae,” about two female soldiers sharing their lives together after one becomes a paraplegic saving the other’s life in Iraq. Other standouts include Christine d’Abo’s “Wilco,” which serves up BDSM with a twist—a female junior officer and her submissive male superior—and Michelle Augello-Page’s “Home,” about a soldier deployed to Afghanistan having a hot webcam tryst with his stateside wife. This touching and realistic lineup is highly recommended. (Dec.)