I have to start off by saying that I love the idea behind this anthology. It's kind of like watching that reality TV show that you just can't turn off, except that it's about some of our most beloved heroes and the people who have to deal with them. Ever wonder who does the laundry and who has to deal with the day to day issues that revolve around heroes? Or have you ever thought, do they stink when they get done fighting evil or riding on their horse? In this collection of 22 short stories we learn about all sorts of things that heroes get themselves into and what those around them have to deal with on a regular basis.

This is a fun twist, with subjects ranging from internet dating in Kristine Grayson's Geeks Bearing Gifts, to make- overs in Laura Resnick's The Quin Quart, to housekeeping in Adrian Nikolas Phoenix's The Horror in the Living Room. As with all anthologies there are some that are not as memorable as others, but I felt that overall it was a fun read with a little something in it for everyone. Some of the stories were lighter and more humorous with some being more serious and of course we had some action and suspense. I felt that each of the author's personalities and writing styles stood out wonderfully and made the reading experience very enjoyable. Denise Little has done an excellent job as the editor of THE TROUBLE WITH HEROES as well as many other fantastic works. I will definitely be looking into some of the authors that I read for the first time, which is one of the things that I love most about anthologies, after getting a little taste of their writing styles.

Book Summary

These 22 all-new tales pay tribute to the true heroes-the people who enable and put up with heroes. From what it's like to be Hercules' wife (complete with an appearance by Hercules in drag) to the trials of H.P. Lovecraft's housekeeper, from the perils of being King Kong's girlfriend to the downside of dating a shapeshifter, this anthology turns heroism on its head, revealing the behind-the-scenes drama, as opposed to glorious rescues.

From the Pied Piper's power trip to David acting like a giant you-know-what after slaying Goliath, these stories show heroes in all their ignominy and shine a light on the unsung faithful standing in their shadows.