Every SFF enthusiast should be reading Alexandra Erin (be it the abundant work offered on her website and news letter, her eclectic musings and commentary on Twitter, or in this book of excellent short stories). Erin's writing is incisive, fun, and empathetic. And more often than not, profound.
FIST DATES, LAST CALLS feels different from a lot of SFF fiction I've read. Not because it focuses less on life-and-limb danger, and deeds of daring do (though it does for the most part), but because its stories feel more like exploration than narrative. Traditionally, Speculative Fiction applies a 'what if' to reality, creating spaces for characters to have meaningful experiences. FDLC, however, skips the mediator and applies its 'what if's directly to the characters themselves. The experiences are no less meaningful, but they are drawn in terms of theme and emotion rather than setting or plot.
All good SFF fiction should make you think. And FDLC absolutely does. It also makes you care.