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rellimreads's review
5.0
I'm basing the stars off the fact that there a numerous stories from a variety of authors for a low purchase price and that this book is supporting charity. Obviously, I'll connect with some stories/authors better than others.
Notes:
* Please check the content warnings at the beginning of each story.
* I purchased the book, but I did receive an ARC for story "Ch-ch-ch-Changes" by Karen Grey. My reviews are my honest opinion.
* I'll continue to add thoughts on individual stories as I read them.
1/29/2023 - Fool Me Once by Addie Woolridge is a short story spanning a decades worth of New Year's scenes where Deep & Tim can't seem to get the right timing to launch a relationship. Whether it's being too young, still having career aspirations, or even just being scared - Deep is always holding back. Until this year...
1/28/2023 - Bold Vibes Only by Sara Whitney was a sexy neighbors to lovers romance. Gracie finally gets the courage to let the sexy chef next door know she's interested in more. Cam jumps at the opportunity to see if this is attraction or the relationship he's been looking for. Things go great, but an unexpected mishap has them on a mission driving all over the city. I like that they already know each other and spend the night learning even more. Gracie finds courage to stand up for herself and others while Cam is 100% supporting her. Love the epilogue and the HEA for these two.
1/27/2023 - Look Up and Dream by Kathy L. Wheeler is a sexy and unique take on mistaken identity and office - in this case, costars in a play - romance. Maylis and Aiden's story is a great mix of contention turned to passion, steamy, sweet, and finding a way to make it work when it seems impossible. Wheeler managed to pack all this into a novella spanning a year that left me wanting more while simultaneously feeling complete. I can't wait to check out more of her backlist.
1/25/2023 - Everything I Dreamed Of was my first time reading Alexa Rivers and I enjoyed it. Poor London, she's a bit clumsy and slightly awkward which has led everyone in her life to treat her as incapable. However, she's determined to start an animal rescue and horse riding farm. Large animal vet, Cal, is immediately attracted to London but his past makes him think they aren't a great match. Some cute and heartfelt interactions make for an adorable HFN.
Looking forward to more of the Destiny Falls series and Rivers' writing.
1/24/2023 - Be My Angel by Tinia Montford features a pop star trying to break free from her past and create her own path. While I normally prefer dual POV’s, this worked well being only from Shay’s perspective. I love her crush on bodyguard Graham and his unwavering support. Lovers of road trips and only one bed (like me!) will swoon for Montford’s closed door story. They get an HFN in their professional and personal lives.
I enjoyed Montford’s writing so much I grabbed her latest release, The Last Minute First Lady.
1/23/2023 - Champagne Punch by Lainey Davis is a short story featuring secondary characters from her Brady Family and Bridges & Bitters series. Fun for fans of either but aren’t necessary to read first to enjoy this.
Set entirely on New Year’s Eve, Lyra and Ray meet via mutual friends at a big party. Neither of them enjoy the raucous scene and decide to find a quieter evening. One thing leads to another and they end up spending the evening together.
Things end on an HFN for this cute couple. Davis notes they’ll be getting a full book sometime this year and I can’t wait to read it.
1/21/2023 - The Billionaire's Brouhaha by Danika Bloom was hilarious. I got the serious side eye from my husband (and our cat) for cracking up so much while reading it. I love stories with older MCs, Cathering & Eric are both over 40. It was also sweet, sexy, and poignant. Bloom packed a lot into such a small novella and now I'm hooked.
I loved Catherine and Eric - individually and as a couple. Poor Catherine wanted to be a bit grumpy and not get attached but Eric was (respectfully) persistent and they made a wonderful couple. As an artist making huge statements, Catherine is used to having her work criticized and is thrown for a loop when she meets Eric working on her latest project. Not only is he aware of her previous installations but he fully supports her perspective and vision... until he might be featured in it.
I enjoyed how Bloom brought these two together and their HFN. I also loved the secondary characters in the story and can't wait to see where she takes them as the series continues.
1/10/2023 - Beach Resolution is set in the Wanderlust series by Liz Alden. Michelle is stuck, alone at a resort while experiencing a medicinal abortion. In the next room, Greg, who also happens to be a doctor learns of her situation and offers to help. While this seems like an unlikely meet-cute - the time spent convalescing gives them the opportunity to get to know one another.
I love Greg’s adorably awkward initial conversations paired with Michelle’s desire to be independent yet knowing she needs help. They’re a sweet couple and Alden gives them some steam too in the epilogue.
This is my first time reading Alden’s writings and I enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to more of the Wanderlust series.
12/4/2022 - Ch-ch-ch-Changes by Karen Grey
Fans of Grey's Boston Classics series will enjoy this novella as a fun addition, however it's also a great chance to check out her writing style. As always, I appreciate her ability to mix serious topics, budding romance, a little conflict, and humor into her stories.
Spanning a decade, Grey gives us vignettes of several New Year's Eves for Sam and Dee. From their meeting while working/volunteering at Planned Parenthood to life as a married couple and then as parents. As with many marriages - there are hard times, big decisions, and sacrifices made. However their love, laughter, and dedication to each other shines through and they get a lovely HEA.
Notes:
* Please check the content warnings at the beginning of each story.
* I purchased the book, but I did receive an ARC for story "Ch-ch-ch-Changes" by Karen Grey. My reviews are my honest opinion.
* I'll continue to add thoughts on individual stories as I read them.
1/29/2023 - Fool Me Once by Addie Woolridge is a short story spanning a decades worth of New Year's scenes where Deep & Tim can't seem to get the right timing to launch a relationship. Whether it's being too young, still having career aspirations, or even just being scared - Deep is always holding back. Until this year...
1/28/2023 - Bold Vibes Only by Sara Whitney was a sexy neighbors to lovers romance. Gracie finally gets the courage to let the sexy chef next door know she's interested in more. Cam jumps at the opportunity to see if this is attraction or the relationship he's been looking for. Things go great, but an unexpected mishap has them on a mission driving all over the city. I like that they already know each other and spend the night learning even more. Gracie finds courage to stand up for herself and others while Cam is 100% supporting her. Love the epilogue and the HEA for these two.
1/27/2023 - Look Up and Dream by Kathy L. Wheeler is a sexy and unique take on mistaken identity and office - in this case, costars in a play - romance. Maylis and Aiden's story is a great mix of contention turned to passion, steamy, sweet, and finding a way to make it work when it seems impossible. Wheeler managed to pack all this into a novella spanning a year that left me wanting more while simultaneously feeling complete. I can't wait to check out more of her backlist.
1/25/2023 - Everything I Dreamed Of was my first time reading Alexa Rivers and I enjoyed it. Poor London, she's a bit clumsy and slightly awkward which has led everyone in her life to treat her as incapable. However, she's determined to start an animal rescue and horse riding farm. Large animal vet, Cal, is immediately attracted to London but his past makes him think they aren't a great match. Some cute and heartfelt interactions make for an adorable HFN.
Looking forward to more of the Destiny Falls series and Rivers' writing.
1/24/2023 - Be My Angel by Tinia Montford features a pop star trying to break free from her past and create her own path. While I normally prefer dual POV’s, this worked well being only from Shay’s perspective. I love her crush on bodyguard Graham and his unwavering support. Lovers of road trips and only one bed (like me!) will swoon for Montford’s closed door story. They get an HFN in their professional and personal lives.
I enjoyed Montford’s writing so much I grabbed her latest release, The Last Minute First Lady.
1/23/2023 - Champagne Punch by Lainey Davis is a short story featuring secondary characters from her Brady Family and Bridges & Bitters series. Fun for fans of either but aren’t necessary to read first to enjoy this.
Set entirely on New Year’s Eve, Lyra and Ray meet via mutual friends at a big party. Neither of them enjoy the raucous scene and decide to find a quieter evening. One thing leads to another and they end up spending the evening together.
Things end on an HFN for this cute couple. Davis notes they’ll be getting a full book sometime this year and I can’t wait to read it.
1/21/2023 - The Billionaire's Brouhaha by Danika Bloom was hilarious. I got the serious side eye from my husband (and our cat) for cracking up so much while reading it. I love stories with older MCs, Cathering & Eric are both over 40. It was also sweet, sexy, and poignant. Bloom packed a lot into such a small novella and now I'm hooked.
I loved Catherine and Eric - individually and as a couple. Poor Catherine wanted to be a bit grumpy and not get attached but Eric was (respectfully) persistent and they made a wonderful couple. As an artist making huge statements, Catherine is used to having her work criticized and is thrown for a loop when she meets Eric working on her latest project. Not only is he aware of her previous installations but he fully supports her perspective and vision... until he might be featured in it.
I enjoyed how Bloom brought these two together and their HFN. I also loved the secondary characters in the story and can't wait to see where she takes them as the series continues.
1/10/2023 - Beach Resolution is set in the Wanderlust series by Liz Alden. Michelle is stuck, alone at a resort while experiencing a medicinal abortion. In the next room, Greg, who also happens to be a doctor learns of her situation and offers to help. While this seems like an unlikely meet-cute - the time spent convalescing gives them the opportunity to get to know one another.
I love Greg’s adorably awkward initial conversations paired with Michelle’s desire to be independent yet knowing she needs help. They’re a sweet couple and Alden gives them some steam too in the epilogue.
This is my first time reading Alden’s writings and I enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to more of the Wanderlust series.
12/4/2022 - Ch-ch-ch-Changes by Karen Grey
Fans of Grey's Boston Classics series will enjoy this novella as a fun addition, however it's also a great chance to check out her writing style. As always, I appreciate her ability to mix serious topics, budding romance, a little conflict, and humor into her stories.
Spanning a decade, Grey gives us vignettes of several New Year's Eves for Sam and Dee. From their meeting while working/volunteering at Planned Parenthood to life as a married couple and then as parents. As with many marriages - there are hard times, big decisions, and sacrifices made. However their love, laughter, and dedication to each other shines through and they get a lovely HEA.
1bookobsessionconfessions's review
5.0
4.5 STARS for Beach Resolution by Liz Alden
This romance novella tackles the issue of medical abortion with intelligence and sensitivity. It was so refreshing to me because it’s something that’s rarely spoken of from a personal perspective.
The romantic story isn’t overshadowed by that aspect, it’s well balanced and I was entertained as well as emotionally touched for and by the main character.
Michelle and Greg are on vacation (she’s dealing with her medical, physical and emotional pain in her room alone, her “friend” ditched her last minute, she didn’t want to “take care of her”.)
Greg is a doctor and by happenstance he knows what she’s dealing with. He steps in and offers her his help and support.
What happens between the two is emotional, sweet and very entertaining.
Greg is an amazing man, he’s quintessential book boyfriend gold. Michelle is likable and relatable to me, I loved the bond they formed by spending time when she’s at her lowest and he’s being a white knight type of caretaker.
I love the way things progress and the epilogue was so fulfilling!
It’s really a fantastic novella, it’s a rare type of romance with an entertaining, interesting story. I love that and it’s for a wonderful charity/cause that I support.
This romance novella tackles the issue of medical abortion with intelligence and sensitivity. It was so refreshing to me because it’s something that’s rarely spoken of from a personal perspective.
The romantic story isn’t overshadowed by that aspect, it’s well balanced and I was entertained as well as emotionally touched for and by the main character.
Michelle and Greg are on vacation (she’s dealing with her medical, physical and emotional pain in her room alone, her “friend” ditched her last minute, she didn’t want to “take care of her”.)
Greg is a doctor and by happenstance he knows what she’s dealing with. He steps in and offers her his help and support.
What happens between the two is emotional, sweet and very entertaining.
Greg is an amazing man, he’s quintessential book boyfriend gold. Michelle is likable and relatable to me, I loved the bond they formed by spending time when she’s at her lowest and he’s being a white knight type of caretaker.
I love the way things progress and the epilogue was so fulfilling!
It’s really a fantastic novella, it’s a rare type of romance with an entertaining, interesting story. I love that and it’s for a wonderful charity/cause that I support.
sware65's review against another edition
5.0
This is my review for Everything I Dreamed of by Alexa Rivers.
London is trying to fulfill her dreams even though her family didn't think she could do it and she is always bumping into Cal.
The chemistry between them is off the charts but he always thought he would be with someone completely different to London but the pull to her is strong.
Loved reading this book and the ending is perfect.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
London is trying to fulfill her dreams even though her family didn't think she could do it and she is always bumping into Cal.
The chemistry between them is off the charts but he always thought he would be with someone completely different to London but the pull to her is strong.
Loved reading this book and the ending is perfect.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
wilko's review
4.0
Everything I Dreamed Of - Alexa Rivers
London is ridiculously clumsy especially when nervous which is basically around Cal wo she bumped into at a fundraiser and turns out to live in the same town she has decided to open her dog shelter that includes a riding school and horse trekking to help fund the rescue. There is insta love, rocky parent relationships, being vulnerable and fresh starts. This was a good read I just loved the characters soo much I wanted more.
London is ridiculously clumsy especially when nervous which is basically around Cal wo she bumped into at a fundraiser and turns out to live in the same town she has decided to open her dog shelter that includes a riding school and horse trekking to help fund the rescue. There is insta love, rocky parent relationships, being vulnerable and fresh starts. This was a good read I just loved the characters soo much I wanted more.
donnareadathon2021's review against another edition
5.0
I have pre-ordered this anthology that publishes on 3 January 2023, but in the meantime read the short story contributed by Liz Alden, called Beach Resolution.
Michelle is on her way to an all inclusive resort, but this trip is not all fun and happiness. At the airport, her bag tips over and empties, full of feminine hygiene products and a pack of pills. Coming from Texas it’s been a challenge to even get hold of the pills she is carrying. Greg, a paediatrician, watches knowingly but isn’t judging. He ends up in the room next door to Michelle and goes to check on her early the next day. She is in pain and at a low point, but this caring and adorable man stays with her, and provides the practical and emotional support she needs. The story is honest and very real, as well as being beautifully written.
I look forward to reading the rest of the anthology.
Read courtesy of the author
My rating 4.5/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Michelle is on her way to an all inclusive resort, but this trip is not all fun and happiness. At the airport, her bag tips over and empties, full of feminine hygiene products and a pack of pills. Coming from Texas it’s been a challenge to even get hold of the pills she is carrying. Greg, a paediatrician, watches knowingly but isn’t judging. He ends up in the room next door to Michelle and goes to check on her early the next day. She is in pain and at a low point, but this caring and adorable man stays with her, and provides the practical and emotional support she needs. The story is honest and very real, as well as being beautifully written.
I look forward to reading the rest of the anthology.
Read courtesy of the author
My rating 4.5/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
bookwormbullet's review
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
timap's review against another edition
4.0
Review for The Billionaire’s Brouhaha by Danika Bloom only:
Catherine, the female lead, is a feminist artist known for her controversial works and her habit of discarding lovers/relationships at the end of a project. Eric, the male lead, is a fan and the structural engineer tasked with ensuring her next creation meets building safety standards. Whilst he’s pleased to meet her, she’s not thrilled to be overseen by someone so arrogant and decides to bring him down a peg…
This novella is dual POV, well written, and an interesting contemporary, later in life romance. I enjoyed that both characters were past the first blush of youth with young adult children. I enjoyed the personal development they each pushed the other to achieve, with a certain amount of awkwardness for both of them at different points, and I enjoyed the interactions with others. This story appears to be the prequel for a series and I’ll be interested to see where it goes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Catherine, the female lead, is a feminist artist known for her controversial works and her habit of discarding lovers/relationships at the end of a project. Eric, the male lead, is a fan and the structural engineer tasked with ensuring her next creation meets building safety standards. Whilst he’s pleased to meet her, she’s not thrilled to be overseen by someone so arrogant and decides to bring him down a peg…
This novella is dual POV, well written, and an interesting contemporary, later in life romance. I enjoyed that both characters were past the first blush of youth with young adult children. I enjoyed the personal development they each pushed the other to achieve, with a certain amount of awkwardness for both of them at different points, and I enjoyed the interactions with others. This story appears to be the prequel for a series and I’ll be interested to see where it goes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
rva_reader's review against another edition
5.0
I read the novella Beach Resolutions by Liz Alden in this anthology. I liked how it discusses abortion and proceeds from this go to abortion rights. I love Alden’s writing and locations in her stories. This was a sweet romance.
book_lover_97's review against another edition
4.0
The Billionaire's Brouhaha by Danika Bloom
Catherine is independent and stubborn. I really liked her and Eric. Eric is supportive and has a great personality. This is a story of healing, and self discovery. It is a short and enjoyable read that acts as a prequel for a new series.
Catherine is independent and stubborn. I really liked her and Eric. Eric is supportive and has a great personality. This is a story of healing, and self discovery. It is a short and enjoyable read that acts as a prequel for a new series.
bellareadsromance's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
4.5
I had ARCs for 2 of the 11 stories in this anthology - Karen Grey and Lainey Davis.
Karen Grey: Ch-ch-ch-ch Changes
Fantastic - 5-stars!
This one follows young couple Sam and Dee, over the course of a very long relationship, from about 2005 until present day (actually, about 6 months from now), on New Year's Eve or thereabouts each year that the check-in happens. When they are early dating, to when they find out she's pregnant, to having a family, to having issues, until now.
Sam is a nurse and he works in a family planning clinic for abortions when they start out. He goes through all of the stages that we've seen in the news over the years with protests, physical altercations, being scared for his life just for working there, to moving elsewhere, to changing to covid care, and back again. Moving states when Roe vs. Wade was overturned to get back into what he believes to be a critical health care measure.
Dee is a law student and when she finds out she is pregnant she goes through the stages of decision for her future of not being able to finish her schooling, not being able to pursue her law dream if she's a mother - all of the terrible thoughts and feelings that go along with the "what if" when the lines appear on the stick that so many women have. And once she has the children, the story follows the couple through so many ups and downs and fights and resolutions over the years.
An extremely real-life short-story that is probably what many couples have lived through, whether the same careers or just similar, and extremely eye-opening. As with all of Karen's books, very well researched for what each character was going through emotionally, at work, the protests, just everything.
I really enjoyed this one!
Lainey Davis: Champagne Punch
Very cute - 4-stars!
This is a single night, new year's eve, and is couple Lyra and Rayland who meet at a bar party - and it's his birthday. It's instant attraction on both sides. They decide the party isn't for them, and attempt to leave and go to a nearby bowling alley instead. Lyra needs socks, and the place is packed (because... NYE!), so instead decide to go back to her apartment.
She offers that he can pet her cat - not a euphemism but her real cat, until later, when it becomes the other meaning. It's a single night story all about choice and partaking in the spirits of the evening and a woman's right to do what she wishes.
It's quick (under 40 pages), extremely enjoyable, and I wish that it did go beyond the single night and talk of doing it again the next year!
I received advance copies from both authors and Home Cooked Books, and this is my honest feedback and reviews.
Karen Grey: Ch-ch-ch-ch Changes
Fantastic - 5-stars!
This one follows young couple Sam and Dee, over the course of a very long relationship, from about 2005 until present day (actually, about 6 months from now), on New Year's Eve or thereabouts each year that the check-in happens. When they are early dating, to when they find out she's pregnant, to having a family, to having issues, until now.
Sam is a nurse and he works in a family planning clinic for abortions when they start out. He goes through all of the stages that we've seen in the news over the years with protests, physical altercations, being scared for his life just for working there, to moving elsewhere, to changing to covid care, and back again. Moving states when Roe vs. Wade was overturned to get back into what he believes to be a critical health care measure.
Dee is a law student and when she finds out she is pregnant she goes through the stages of decision for her future of not being able to finish her schooling, not being able to pursue her law dream if she's a mother - all of the terrible thoughts and feelings that go along with the "what if" when the lines appear on the stick that so many women have. And once she has the children, the story follows the couple through so many ups and downs and fights and resolutions over the years.
An extremely real-life short-story that is probably what many couples have lived through, whether the same careers or just similar, and extremely eye-opening. As with all of Karen's books, very well researched for what each character was going through emotionally, at work, the protests, just everything.
I really enjoyed this one!
Lainey Davis: Champagne Punch
Very cute - 4-stars!
This is a single night, new year's eve, and is couple Lyra and Rayland who meet at a bar party - and it's his birthday. It's instant attraction on both sides. They decide the party isn't for them, and attempt to leave and go to a nearby bowling alley instead. Lyra needs socks, and the place is packed (because... NYE!), so instead decide to go back to her apartment.
She offers that he can pet her cat - not a euphemism but her real cat, until later, when it becomes the other meaning. It's a single night story all about choice and partaking in the spirits of the evening and a woman's right to do what she wishes.
It's quick (under 40 pages), extremely enjoyable, and I wish that it did go beyond the single night and talk of doing it again the next year!
I received advance copies from both authors and Home Cooked Books, and this is my honest feedback and reviews.