"Blossoms" by Lord Malinov (malinov@mindless.com). Guest review by Sven the Elder.

As those who read both a.s.s and a.s.s.d at present can ably testify, a lot of the former has become a rather putrid swamp just at present. This fact is evoking rather a lot of vehement, if mildly entertaining, posts to the latter. All have good points; and yes, there is "freedom of speech" and yes, that includes all shades from the light of some really excellent stories to the dark of troll & shock merchants, who are rather like naughty schoolboys saying 'Bum' for effect. There are also the dark porn merchants that beggar belief. Sadly, in our imperfect world and anarchic Usenet they too have the 'right' to post. We also have the 'right' not to read.

Soapbox ditched, mild rant mode 'orft'! Why this mention of the dross you ask? Well, every now and again a story comes to light which eclipses the rubbish to such an extent that it is worth trawling through the garbage to find it.

Malinov, I know you don't like the thought of your work going through a critique process; so I shall not do so. Just be aware of one thing, gentle readers: Mal has recently started writing what he calls "Trashy improv(isation)" - his description of some of his short stories. They tend to use the English language in a neat and concise way which, coupled with short punchy story lines, is most entertaining. They are all worth searching out. Use Deja (adult) Malinov.

This is *not* a "trashy improv," I hasten to add - just a rather nice story about gentle, hot love in the latter stages of pregnancy. Go find it and enjoy a superb read.