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norwayellesea's review
4.0
This is a fabulous anthology containing nine novellas. A wonderful way to discover new writers and their work.
1. The Trouble With Never: (Southern Romance) ~ by Isabella Harper. This is such a treat for me, as I love Southern Romance stories and whilst I felt a bit frustrated at the end -Is that it! I'm so happy that there will be more Summer and Caleb to come soon. The author manages to capture the intensity of feelings between the protagonists as they face up to their mutual attraction. The air crackles between them as they deal with the past that has kept them apart for ten years and the resulting emotional baggage. 4 stars
2. Roses are Wrong, Violets Taboo ~ by Kris Calvert. On the Eve of Valentine's day, Alex Tabeau is alone in a bar after burying his beloved grandfather. The man that had brought him up had once told him “you'll know her when you see her.” So when Rose Westwood walks into the Voodoo Bar, he knows that she is the one. Will just one night together be the beginning of their future? 4 stars
3. Love's Not Viral ~ by Nessie Strange. A fun story with a serious undertone - Astley becomes an overnight media social media sensation when drop-dead gorgeous Hollywood actor Bradley Stone announces to his twelve million followers that he's going to marry her! After Bradley turns up on her doorstep with a media entourage looking on, it is his older brother that Astley turns to for help. Surprisingly this “old man” has more in common with her, which is a good thing right? 5 Stars
4. Take The Plunge ~ by Kishan Paul. RN Eve Cambridge has changed a lot since High School. For a start, she's ten dress sizes slimmer. When she accidentally sprays pepper into the face of the guy she spent High school drooling, the mistake turns into a date. However, a chance meeting before the date highlights issues that Eve would rather forget. 4 Stars
5. Keep Calm and Eat Chocolate ~ Michaela Miles. What happens when two people meet up in an institution, both knowing that themselves are sane and not ill, recognising this fact in each other too? An intriguing short story on how two people help each other work towards being released from their forced detention and seek justice for those that wronged them. 5 Stars
1. The Trouble With Never: (Southern Romance) ~ by Isabella Harper. This is such a treat for me, as I love Southern Romance stories and whilst I felt a bit frustrated at the end -Is that it! I'm so happy that there will be more Summer and Caleb to come soon. The author manages to capture the intensity of feelings between the protagonists as they face up to their mutual attraction. The air crackles between them as they deal with the past that has kept them apart for ten years and the resulting emotional baggage. 4 stars
2. Roses are Wrong, Violets Taboo ~ by Kris Calvert. On the Eve of Valentine's day, Alex Tabeau is alone in a bar after burying his beloved grandfather. The man that had brought him up had once told him “you'll know her when you see her.” So when Rose Westwood walks into the Voodoo Bar, he knows that she is the one. Will just one night together be the beginning of their future? 4 stars
3. Love's Not Viral ~ by Nessie Strange. A fun story with a serious undertone - Astley becomes an overnight media social media sensation when drop-dead gorgeous Hollywood actor Bradley Stone announces to his twelve million followers that he's going to marry her! After Bradley turns up on her doorstep with a media entourage looking on, it is his older brother that Astley turns to for help. Surprisingly this “old man” has more in common with her, which is a good thing right? 5 Stars
4. Take The Plunge ~ by Kishan Paul. RN Eve Cambridge has changed a lot since High School. For a start, she's ten dress sizes slimmer. When she accidentally sprays pepper into the face of the guy she spent High school drooling, the mistake turns into a date. However, a chance meeting before the date highlights issues that Eve would rather forget. 4 Stars
5. Keep Calm and Eat Chocolate ~ Michaela Miles. What happens when two people meet up in an institution, both knowing that themselves are sane and not ill, recognising this fact in each other too? An intriguing short story on how two people help each other work towards being released from their forced detention and seek justice for those that wronged them. 5 Stars
reads2love's review
5.0
If you are in the mood for romance, this book has something for lovers of several genres, and even though they are short stories, most of the tales will lead into future stories, so you might be left wanting more, but your needs will be fulfilled (eventually...) The storytelling of these nine authors is magical and will keep your interest until the very last page.
Under the Mango Tree: This is a cute little tale of two people meeting and being attracted to each other, despite what society thinks is proper. Lakshmi and Huntley should not have even met, yet they are so attracted to the other, they desire to marry. The picture that is painted here is quite vivid. I enjoyed this trip into the past and was delighted to realize the characters were actually the parents of a character in another book. I also enjoy seeing a glimpse at the traditions of another culture and learning how Lakshmi was to be wed, not for love but because of a contract that her father made. This was not my first book read by this author, and will definitely not be my last.
Rolf's Quest: I enjoyed this Merlinian tale. The story is so interesting, easy to follow, very vivid, and wonderfully written. I was transported right into the story. I could feel every breath, caress, flutter in my heart, and the warmth of love right along with the characters. I cannot wait for the continuation of this story! At the end, I exclaimed my happiness. You will fall in love with Rolf and Melissa and wish for their happiness and for Merlin’s curse to be broken. I LOVE ROLF!
Fall Into Darkness: You will love this story and absolutely be angry that it ends where it does.
Things you will love: See the image at the right? That was Valerie’s image of Eli, and that is exactly how you will picture him while reading the story. YUM. She has a way of describing everything that is so visual, you see it all playing in your head like a movie. This story gives you an intriguing twist on angels and how they can mate. You’ll be a bit disturbed at the hellhounds. You’ll also need to change your panties after the steamy stuff. I also loved that Ashley sees how people die when she looks in their eyes, and she doesn’t understand why. Lots of things to love in this short story.
What you will be angry at: The end. Where the story ends will have you throwing things, yelling at your e-reader, and cursing the heavens that there isn’t more… yet. I can’t wait to see more of Eli and Ashley’s story. Will they mate or won’t they? This is a must-read. You might get angry at the end, but it’s a must-read.
Roses are Wrong, Violets Taboo: This was a tasty little number. I enjoyed the quick attraction between Rose and Chase, but I also loved that they didn’t rush right into the sack (I mean, they waited an hour or two). They did actually take some time to talk and learn a little about each other. I would love to read more of their story. I’ll probably never look at a crab leg the same way again. It was a steamy story and left a few questions that I would love to see answered when the story continues. Why was Rose so set on leaving? Will the couple work out? I’m looking forward to the continuation, because they way the story ended left me a little frustrated not knowing for sure that they get their happy ever after.
Alphabetical Disorder: I was so excited to read this story. I love circus tales. The intrigue of the curse was also so interesting. I loved Susie and Sam’s chemistry. I felt like I was under the tent watching what was going on. This was a great romance, and the added mystery of the curse… I flew through the story and was sad to see it end. I’ll definitely be looking for more of Katie’s circus tales. .. wait, I already proclaimed my love for Rolf... I might adore Sam even more. I've already asked the author for more circus tales. So now I'm (im)patiently waiting.
Love's Not Viral: I wasn’t sure what to expect from this story, as the author doesn’t normally write contemporary romance. But I was pleasantly surprised. The premise of the story was great. What would you do if a celebrity decided to announce to the world that you were engaged, even though you only met in passing the previous evening? And for him to show up at your house, with no intent of leaving? How crazy is the guy? Aster is a great girl to read; she is smart, sassy, feisty, and headstrong. When Bradley’s brother, James shows up to save the day, they wind up locked in her bedroom. Could the insanity run in the family or is James a surprising perfect match for Aster? I won’t ruin the tale. It’s a fun read that will have you wondering what you would do in her shoes.
Under the Mango Tree: This is a cute little tale of two people meeting and being attracted to each other, despite what society thinks is proper. Lakshmi and Huntley should not have even met, yet they are so attracted to the other, they desire to marry. The picture that is painted here is quite vivid. I enjoyed this trip into the past and was delighted to realize the characters were actually the parents of a character in another book. I also enjoy seeing a glimpse at the traditions of another culture and learning how Lakshmi was to be wed, not for love but because of a contract that her father made. This was not my first book read by this author, and will definitely not be my last.
Rolf's Quest: I enjoyed this Merlinian tale. The story is so interesting, easy to follow, very vivid, and wonderfully written. I was transported right into the story. I could feel every breath, caress, flutter in my heart, and the warmth of love right along with the characters. I cannot wait for the continuation of this story! At the end, I exclaimed my happiness. You will fall in love with Rolf and Melissa and wish for their happiness and for Merlin’s curse to be broken. I LOVE ROLF!
Fall Into Darkness: You will love this story and absolutely be angry that it ends where it does.
Things you will love: See the image at the right? That was Valerie’s image of Eli, and that is exactly how you will picture him while reading the story. YUM. She has a way of describing everything that is so visual, you see it all playing in your head like a movie. This story gives you an intriguing twist on angels and how they can mate. You’ll be a bit disturbed at the hellhounds. You’ll also need to change your panties after the steamy stuff. I also loved that Ashley sees how people die when she looks in their eyes, and she doesn’t understand why. Lots of things to love in this short story.
What you will be angry at: The end. Where the story ends will have you throwing things, yelling at your e-reader, and cursing the heavens that there isn’t more… yet. I can’t wait to see more of Eli and Ashley’s story. Will they mate or won’t they? This is a must-read. You might get angry at the end, but it’s a must-read.
Roses are Wrong, Violets Taboo: This was a tasty little number. I enjoyed the quick attraction between Rose and Chase, but I also loved that they didn’t rush right into the sack (I mean, they waited an hour or two). They did actually take some time to talk and learn a little about each other. I would love to read more of their story. I’ll probably never look at a crab leg the same way again. It was a steamy story and left a few questions that I would love to see answered when the story continues. Why was Rose so set on leaving? Will the couple work out? I’m looking forward to the continuation, because they way the story ended left me a little frustrated not knowing for sure that they get their happy ever after.
Alphabetical Disorder: I was so excited to read this story. I love circus tales. The intrigue of the curse was also so interesting. I loved Susie and Sam’s chemistry. I felt like I was under the tent watching what was going on. This was a great romance, and the added mystery of the curse… I flew through the story and was sad to see it end. I’ll definitely be looking for more of Katie’s circus tales. .. wait, I already proclaimed my love for Rolf... I might adore Sam even more. I've already asked the author for more circus tales. So now I'm (im)patiently waiting.
Love's Not Viral: I wasn’t sure what to expect from this story, as the author doesn’t normally write contemporary romance. But I was pleasantly surprised. The premise of the story was great. What would you do if a celebrity decided to announce to the world that you were engaged, even though you only met in passing the previous evening? And for him to show up at your house, with no intent of leaving? How crazy is the guy? Aster is a great girl to read; she is smart, sassy, feisty, and headstrong. When Bradley’s brother, James shows up to save the day, they wind up locked in her bedroom. Could the insanity run in the family or is James a surprising perfect match for Aster? I won’t ruin the tale. It’s a fun read that will have you wondering what you would do in her shoes.
ellesea's review
4.0
This is a fabulous anthology containing nine novellas. A wonderful way to discover new writers and their work.
1. The Trouble With Never: (Southern Romance) ~ by Isabella Harper. This is such a treat for me, as I love Southern Romance stories and whilst I felt a bit frustrated at the end -Is that it! I'm so happy that there will be more Summer and Caleb to come soon. The author manages to capture the intensity of feelings between the protagonists as they face up to their mutual attraction. The air crackles between them as they deal with the past that has kept them apart for ten years and the resulting emotional baggage. 4 stars
2. Roses are Wrong, Violets Taboo ~ by Kris Calvert. On the Eve of Valentine's day, Alex Tabeau is alone in a bar after burying his beloved grandfather. The man that had brought him up had once told him “you'll know her when you see her.” So when Rose Westwood walks into the Voodoo Bar, he knows that she is the one. Will just one night together be the beginning of their future? 4 stars
3. Love's Not Viral ~ by Nessie Strange. A fun story with a serious undertone - Astley becomes an overnight media social media sensation when drop-dead gorgeous Hollywood actor Bradley Stone announces to his twelve million followers that he's going to marry her! After Bradley turns up on her doorstep with a media entourage looking on, it is his older brother that Astley turns to for help. Surprisingly this “old man” has more in common with her, which is a good thing right? 5 Stars
4. Take The Plunge ~ by Kishan Paul. RN Eve Cambridge has changed a lot since High School. For a start, she's ten dress sizes slimmer. When she accidentally sprays pepper into the face of the guy she spent High school drooling, the mistake turns into a date. However, a chance meeting before the date highlights issues that Eve would rather forget. 4 Stars
5. Keep Calm and Eat Chocolate ~ Michaela Miles. What happens when two people meet up in an institution, both knowing that themselves are sane and not ill, recognising this fact in each other too? An intriguing short story on how two people help each other work towards being released from their forced detention and seek justice for those that wronged them. 5 Stars
1. The Trouble With Never: (Southern Romance) ~ by Isabella Harper. This is such a treat for me, as I love Southern Romance stories and whilst I felt a bit frustrated at the end -Is that it! I'm so happy that there will be more Summer and Caleb to come soon. The author manages to capture the intensity of feelings between the protagonists as they face up to their mutual attraction. The air crackles between them as they deal with the past that has kept them apart for ten years and the resulting emotional baggage. 4 stars
2. Roses are Wrong, Violets Taboo ~ by Kris Calvert. On the Eve of Valentine's day, Alex Tabeau is alone in a bar after burying his beloved grandfather. The man that had brought him up had once told him “you'll know her when you see her.” So when Rose Westwood walks into the Voodoo Bar, he knows that she is the one. Will just one night together be the beginning of their future? 4 stars
3. Love's Not Viral ~ by Nessie Strange. A fun story with a serious undertone - Astley becomes an overnight media social media sensation when drop-dead gorgeous Hollywood actor Bradley Stone announces to his twelve million followers that he's going to marry her! After Bradley turns up on her doorstep with a media entourage looking on, it is his older brother that Astley turns to for help. Surprisingly this “old man” has more in common with her, which is a good thing right? 5 Stars
4. Take The Plunge ~ by Kishan Paul. RN Eve Cambridge has changed a lot since High School. For a start, she's ten dress sizes slimmer. When she accidentally sprays pepper into the face of the guy she spent High school drooling, the mistake turns into a date. However, a chance meeting before the date highlights issues that Eve would rather forget. 4 Stars
5. Keep Calm and Eat Chocolate ~ Michaela Miles. What happens when two people meet up in an institution, both knowing that themselves are sane and not ill, recognising this fact in each other too? An intriguing short story on how two people help each other work towards being released from their forced detention and seek justice for those that wronged them. 5 Stars
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