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lissyiszy's review
3.0
Truly Paradise – Michelle Ziegler
This I thought this story was ok. I loved the introduction because it made me laugh. I couldn't connect with the main character on an intellectual level. She seemed to be unable to deal with her problems on her own. I understand she made a mistake but I couldn't understand the way she handled it. Just tell him up front and/or tell your friends so that they can help you. She didn't and her friends didn't bother reading the signs either.
I also thought the love interest was too hands off. I would have liked to see him do more to help her or see her reach out for him. It just seemed the communication seemed to be on the wrong wavelength between them. I guess it's because they just met but still, I didn't understand. The writing is a bit choppy and not as smooth as I'd like.
Ocean Dust – Laurie Treacy
I found this story difficult to get into and found myself skimming to get to the point. It's really only half way through do I truly get invested. I liked the idea of paranormal elements taking place but I feel the characters are too young and things aren't explained clearly.
I like the background of the love interest but it seems that this is the beginning of a whole story in itself. I don't quite get the end of the story but I think that it could be continued into something else. I would have liked to had a full story arc instead of just an introduction to another story.
The Beach Rose – Christa MacDonald
This story is nice with a contemporary feel. The theme is a "second chance". I thought it was sweet but the story didn't thrill me as much when I read. Nothing interesting really intrigued me as I read. What I got out of the story is wistfulness of the characters about their lives and regrets they had in the past. Maybe I'm not the right target audience for this yet because I didn't find this story exciting, but I can appreciate the idea of wanting a second chance and to make a better choice than the first time around.
When the Sea Swallows the Sun – Kim Strattford
This story I enjoyed. I liked the tension between the characters and how the characters changed during the story. It was quick but enough development for me for a short story. I particularly enjoyed the banter between the characters. I found myself chuckling at them and found myself immersed in the story. The writing is short but straightforward and more up my alley when it comes to writing.
The plot advanced quickly and my favorite part is that the characters communicated with each other. Well they bantered, but during that banter they were able to discuss and learn things about each other that they may not have noticed if they didn't talk like so many other characters in stories. I thought the writing could be polished just a bit but I still enjoyed this story.
Love’s Nectar – Jaylee Austin
This story is ok. I can see how relationships could be complicated but I don't really appreciate these types of complexities even though they happen in real life. I couldn't relate to any of the characters. Except for the child. Overall, this story is probably for those who enjoy complex relationships and deception.
Love’s High Tide – Niki Mitchell
I liked this story but I didn't love it as much as I had hoped. I've seen the cliche of making a bet with a friend to get the girl but this story doesn't really do anything to twist the cliche. It was fun to see but nothing really happened to make me care as much for the story. I liked Skye and how tough she is but I didn't like how she melted just because Harley was hot and helped her a few times. It just didn't seem enough for me that he did a few things and her shield just melted. It seemed unbelievable to me. Also the big thing at the end didn't seem to be enough for me to believe he was worth it then either. Perhaps I'm also not the type to enjoy public displays of affection.
Linger – Melissa J. Crispin
I liked this story. It was interesting. I did get a bit confused at first at what was happening in the story but overall I liked it. I do have a few questions about the story but I don't want to spoil it. There seemed to be a plot hole that was missed during edits that still bothers me. If you ignore that fact then you'll probably be fine. I like the theme of the story and thought the end was sweet. Also there was a cute dog and I'm a sucker for dogs.
Above Reproach – Sheryl Winters
This story is good. I liked that Margaret is established and has a life of her own but she seemed to be extremely moody. I suppose it's because she's pregnant but still her anger is a bit much in my opinion. Then again, I've never been pregnant so I don't know. Garrett is nice, he didn't seem much at first but I liked how the author gave both characters a weakness to make them stronger. They both developed nicely and they become stronger because of that and I appreciate the thought behind it.
Overall, a good selection of stories. The stories are all diverse in age and romance so you're bound to find something you'll like. There is no LGBTQ romance in here just so you all know. I would have liked to see one to help make it more diverse but this is still a good variety. If you're looking for sweet, cute, and beachy romance then you'll like these stories.
3.3 out of 5 rating for me!
(A copy was provided for an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way.)
This I thought this story was ok. I loved the introduction because it made me laugh. I couldn't connect with the main character on an intellectual level. She seemed to be unable to deal with her problems on her own. I understand she made a mistake but I couldn't understand the way she handled it. Just tell him up front and/or tell your friends so that they can help you. She didn't and her friends didn't bother reading the signs either.
I also thought the love interest was too hands off. I would have liked to see him do more to help her or see her reach out for him. It just seemed the communication seemed to be on the wrong wavelength between them. I guess it's because they just met but still, I didn't understand. The writing is a bit choppy and not as smooth as I'd like.
Ocean Dust – Laurie Treacy
I found this story difficult to get into and found myself skimming to get to the point. It's really only half way through do I truly get invested. I liked the idea of paranormal elements taking place but I feel the characters are too young and things aren't explained clearly.
I like the background of the love interest but it seems that this is the beginning of a whole story in itself. I don't quite get the end of the story but I think that it could be continued into something else. I would have liked to had a full story arc instead of just an introduction to another story.
The Beach Rose – Christa MacDonald
This story is nice with a contemporary feel. The theme is a "second chance". I thought it was sweet but the story didn't thrill me as much when I read. Nothing interesting really intrigued me as I read. What I got out of the story is wistfulness of the characters about their lives and regrets they had in the past. Maybe I'm not the right target audience for this yet because I didn't find this story exciting, but I can appreciate the idea of wanting a second chance and to make a better choice than the first time around.
When the Sea Swallows the Sun – Kim Strattford
This story I enjoyed. I liked the tension between the characters and how the characters changed during the story. It was quick but enough development for me for a short story. I particularly enjoyed the banter between the characters. I found myself chuckling at them and found myself immersed in the story. The writing is short but straightforward and more up my alley when it comes to writing.
The plot advanced quickly and my favorite part is that the characters communicated with each other. Well they bantered, but during that banter they were able to discuss and learn things about each other that they may not have noticed if they didn't talk like so many other characters in stories. I thought the writing could be polished just a bit but I still enjoyed this story.
Love’s Nectar – Jaylee Austin
This story is ok. I can see how relationships could be complicated but I don't really appreciate these types of complexities even though they happen in real life. I couldn't relate to any of the characters. Except for the child. Overall, this story is probably for those who enjoy complex relationships and deception.
Love’s High Tide – Niki Mitchell
I liked this story but I didn't love it as much as I had hoped. I've seen the cliche of making a bet with a friend to get the girl but this story doesn't really do anything to twist the cliche. It was fun to see but nothing really happened to make me care as much for the story. I liked Skye and how tough she is but I didn't like how she melted just because Harley was hot and helped her a few times. It just didn't seem enough for me that he did a few things and her shield just melted. It seemed unbelievable to me. Also the big thing at the end didn't seem to be enough for me to believe he was worth it then either. Perhaps I'm also not the type to enjoy public displays of affection.
Linger – Melissa J. Crispin
I liked this story. It was interesting. I did get a bit confused at first at what was happening in the story but overall I liked it. I do have a few questions about the story but I don't want to spoil it. There seemed to be a plot hole that was missed during edits that still bothers me. If you ignore that fact then you'll probably be fine. I like the theme of the story and thought the end was sweet. Also there was a cute dog and I'm a sucker for dogs.
Above Reproach – Sheryl Winters
This story is good. I liked that Margaret is established and has a life of her own but she seemed to be extremely moody. I suppose it's because she's pregnant but still her anger is a bit much in my opinion. Then again, I've never been pregnant so I don't know. Garrett is nice, he didn't seem much at first but I liked how the author gave both characters a weakness to make them stronger. They both developed nicely and they become stronger because of that and I appreciate the thought behind it.
Overall, a good selection of stories. The stories are all diverse in age and romance so you're bound to find something you'll like. There is no LGBTQ romance in here just so you all know. I would have liked to see one to help make it more diverse but this is still a good variety. If you're looking for sweet, cute, and beachy romance then you'll like these stories.
3.3 out of 5 rating for me!
(A copy was provided for an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way.)
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