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valerieullmerauthor's review against another edition
5.0
I loved every single story in this romance writer's collection that contained historical, contemporary, paranormal, and gay stories. A great read and highly recommended!!!
chirson's review against another edition
2.0
I read this out of curiosity and for the sake of Courtney Milan's story. The anthology did not have everything, but it was interesting to see this 'primer' of American (more or less mainstream, I suppose, since there was no kink here, except perhaps for sexy angels) romance writing. And frankly, it committed all the predictable sins - for instance, there was entirely too much coincidence going round. There was the wrong email, the wrong blind date, the wrong station, the wrong house and a letter left in the wrong mailbox.
There was one story that mentioned "heart" five times on the same page. I counted. And in general those people had so many feelings, such strong reactions. Get a grip.
There were new adult romances about heroines who are different from other girls and thus deserve to be treated right (and those regular girls presumably don't?). These worked best when they relied on humour.
There were supernatural romances with angels (as I've already mentioned) going to war and with succubi. Those were slightly sexier but could have used more tension.
There was one story whose male protagonist was a guy who had been sentenced to prison for a rape he didn't commit (because that is a thing that happens all the time, she said ironically). It might have been better than this description suggests, but I didn't read it because that premise was beyond gross.
There was one gay romance (no lesbian romances though, predictably - that's the market, after all) that did so much describing of muscles and skin I felt tired afterwards.
I liked the historical romances best, no surprise there, but for the most part they did better in set up than in resolution - those didn't feel quite earned or did feel rushed. I guess that might be due to length. And I kind of wish I could read a story like that with a less stellar guy. As in, instead of marrying and risking scandal the two have illicit sex on the side. She's my dead wife's sister? We'll live together pretending to be 'like siblings' and if she's pregnant, that's a long trip to Europe. She's my housekeeper? Sounds great, let her keep my affairs in order, and so on.
(So when is Milan's next novel coming out? I need my fix of actually compelling and well-written romance :()
There was one story that mentioned "heart" five times on the same page. I counted. And in general those people had so many feelings, such strong reactions. Get a grip.
There were new adult romances about heroines who are different from other girls and thus deserve to be treated right (and those regular girls presumably don't?). These worked best when they relied on humour.
There were supernatural romances with angels (as I've already mentioned) going to war and with succubi. Those were slightly sexier but could have used more tension.
There was one story whose male protagonist was a guy who had been sentenced to prison for a rape he didn't commit (because that is a thing that happens all the time, she said ironically). It might have been better than this description suggests, but I didn't read it because that premise was beyond gross.
There was one gay romance (no lesbian romances though, predictably - that's the market, after all) that did so much describing of muscles and skin I felt tired afterwards.
I liked the historical romances best, no surprise there, but for the most part they did better in set up than in resolution - those didn't feel quite earned or did feel rushed. I guess that might be due to length. And I kind of wish I could read a story like that with a less stellar guy. As in, instead of marrying and risking scandal the two have illicit sex on the side. She's my dead wife's sister? We'll live together pretending to be 'like siblings' and if she's pregnant, that's a long trip to Europe. She's my housekeeper? Sounds great, let her keep my affairs in order, and so on.
(So when is Milan's next novel coming out? I need my fix of actually compelling and well-written romance :()
shomarq's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.75
chroniclesofabookreader's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this collection of short stories. It was a varied mixture of different genres that all had something to do with love. Whether it was about a second chance at love, finding love in the most unexpected places, or rekindling past flames, they were all incredibly great romances that I truly hope are just precursors to more in a series. I want more from each world and each author.
“Even in the dark, he saw the flush creep up her cheeks. A slow smile spread across his face. He was the guy who always had a comeback, but he couldn’t have spoken just then.” – Station 12, Amber Lin
I’m going to sort of skip around a bit and not mention every story (because there were a lot of them), but regardless of if I don’t mention certain ones, I loved them all–it would just take way too long to mention them all. First, I’m going to start off with Ms. Sylvia Days’ novel Hard To Breathe. Holy cow, that one was feisty and hot, and paranormal. I truly enjoyed the passion and sexual tension that could be called upon in such a short amount of time. I definitely want more from this story, or from another novel in the series. In T.L. Costa’s novel The Poet, I found such funny humor that I was giggling and embarrassed, and I wasn’t even in the story. In Tanya Michna’s novel Under A Wicked Moon we get some sexy werewolf loving that I would love to get more of. I loved the romantic suspense in both Cindy Gerard and Allison Brennan’s novels. Oh, and Laura Kaye’s story with another hot tattoo artist? YES PLEASE! With Sabrina Jeffries’ novel we get some taboo-loving sexual angst that was killer. Historical romance is so difficult for some readers to get into, but if it’s done correctly as it is by Ms. Jeffries along with all others in this collection, it can be an amazing story.
“I’m cursed. Yes, I mean cursed. I’ve had a crush on Hannah Smith for as long as I’ve known that girls grow boobs. So, um, for a while now. Like, for years and years.” – The Poet, T.L. Costa
Some of these authors were completely new to me, while others are like old friends. Whenever you buy a collection it’s usually about looking for the authors you know and buying because they are in it. Let me tell you, you may do that with this one but it won’t be what you come out of it with. You will read every story, you will find authors that you will enjoy their writing style and want more of, and you will love those favorite authors even more. I truly enjoyed every single story in this collection and that is no lie. Each story, while not novel-length, is completely perfect for being novellas. There’s a beginning, there’s a middle, and there’s an end to each one while still having substance, a connection, a sizzle, and some angst. Happily Ever Afters are present and perfect (for how each story is supposed to be).
“‘I could’ve held you back if I loved you less, but I want you to soar, Annalise. When you land and catch your breath, I just want to be your refuge. That’s all.'” – Hard to Breathe, Sylvia Day
**Received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion**
“Even in the dark, he saw the flush creep up her cheeks. A slow smile spread across his face. He was the guy who always had a comeback, but he couldn’t have spoken just then.” – Station 12, Amber Lin
I’m going to sort of skip around a bit and not mention every story (because there were a lot of them), but regardless of if I don’t mention certain ones, I loved them all–it would just take way too long to mention them all. First, I’m going to start off with Ms. Sylvia Days’ novel Hard To Breathe. Holy cow, that one was feisty and hot, and paranormal. I truly enjoyed the passion and sexual tension that could be called upon in such a short amount of time. I definitely want more from this story, or from another novel in the series. In T.L. Costa’s novel The Poet, I found such funny humor that I was giggling and embarrassed, and I wasn’t even in the story. In Tanya Michna’s novel Under A Wicked Moon we get some sexy werewolf loving that I would love to get more of. I loved the romantic suspense in both Cindy Gerard and Allison Brennan’s novels. Oh, and Laura Kaye’s story with another hot tattoo artist? YES PLEASE! With Sabrina Jeffries’ novel we get some taboo-loving sexual angst that was killer. Historical romance is so difficult for some readers to get into, but if it’s done correctly as it is by Ms. Jeffries along with all others in this collection, it can be an amazing story.
“I’m cursed. Yes, I mean cursed. I’ve had a crush on Hannah Smith for as long as I’ve known that girls grow boobs. So, um, for a while now. Like, for years and years.” – The Poet, T.L. Costa
Some of these authors were completely new to me, while others are like old friends. Whenever you buy a collection it’s usually about looking for the authors you know and buying because they are in it. Let me tell you, you may do that with this one but it won’t be what you come out of it with. You will read every story, you will find authors that you will enjoy their writing style and want more of, and you will love those favorite authors even more. I truly enjoyed every single story in this collection and that is no lie. Each story, while not novel-length, is completely perfect for being novellas. There’s a beginning, there’s a middle, and there’s an end to each one while still having substance, a connection, a sizzle, and some angst. Happily Ever Afters are present and perfect (for how each story is supposed to be).
“‘I could’ve held you back if I loved you less, but I want you to soar, Annalise. When you land and catch your breath, I just want to be your refuge. That’s all.'” – Hard to Breathe, Sylvia Day
**Received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion**
katy313's review against another edition
4.0
What a great variety of stories! I wasn't familiar with all the authors, but after getting a taste of their writing, I will be reading their full length books! This collection had a little something for everyone!
kayedacus's review against another edition
4.0
Review of "Station 12" by Amber Lin
A fun, quick read. It's more of a happily-for-now than an happily-ever-after story, but with its brevity, it works.
A fun, quick read. It's more of a happily-for-now than an happily-ever-after story, but with its brevity, it works.
destinugrainy's review
3.0
What do you think when you hear about "wrong number"?
Dalam pemikiranku yg pertama kali muncul adalah telepon yg salah sambung. Tapi ternyata beberapa penulis terkenal yg berkontribusi dalam kumcer ini punya pandangan yg berbeda. Menakjubkan bs membaca banyak kisah romantis yang berangkat dari benang merah yang sama, "wrong number".
Kumcer ini paket lengkap. Ada YA, NA, contemporary romance, suspence/thriller romance, pararom sampai LGBT romance.
Dalam pemikiranku yg pertama kali muncul adalah telepon yg salah sambung. Tapi ternyata beberapa penulis terkenal yg berkontribusi dalam kumcer ini punya pandangan yg berbeda. Menakjubkan bs membaca banyak kisah romantis yang berangkat dari benang merah yang sama, "wrong number".
Kumcer ini paket lengkap. Ada YA, NA, contemporary romance, suspence/thriller romance, pararom sampai LGBT romance.
nicolet2018's review against another edition
3.0
I stumbled upon this because I noticed that this was a anthology by the Romance Writers of America and they seem to be the go-to for recommendations on the best romance as well as offer awards eg RITA that make writers more well known.
I was excited because this anthology seemed to have a great mix of different romance genres and I do not see this often in anthologies. The theme is "wrong number" and that was not apparent to me at first because the title was "Premiere", I only found out after reading the intro, to be honest I saw that in most of the stories but not all.
Big names like Sylvia Day and Vicki Lewis Thompson caught my eye even though I have not read their books I will review the collection individually.
Ravished by the Geek by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Genre: Contemporary romance
4/5 stars
The premise of "wrong number" was quite strong as the heroine, Vivian Crowley "Viv" sends a steamy story she is writing to the wrong Jamie in the company. The title is so cute and it definitely feels fresh. Showing that geeks are as attractive as the stereotypical male love interest in romances. It was hot and steamy and gave the characters new insights to each other.
Under a Wicked Moon by Lila Bell
Genre: Paranomal NA romance
3/5 stars
This was about a half witch, Stacia Byrne who is one the run from the Tribunal, who govern the paranormal worlds and beings. She gets the surprise of her life when her childhood friend and crush, Liam turns up to capture her. I am aware that the setting in this story is a part of her Wicked Creatures story. That is why there is quite an info dump and not enough explanation. Frankly the plot and length did not match. It seemed too convenient that Liam and Stacia are mates.
A Right Honourable Gentleman by Courtney Milan
Genre: Historical romance
3/5 stars
I was expecting something different but I found the characters to be very different and Catherine's honesty was quite refreshing and unexpected for the time period. I was happy that the story lived up to the name and the characters did not get together while they were still having an employee/employer relationship.
Station 12 by Amber Lin
Genre: Contemporary romance
3.5/5 stars
I thought this was some kind of science fictional story but it turned out to be one about firemen and getting the wrong location. The writing was good and I like the story and characters. It isn't often I read romances about firemen. The conflict Isobel faced about whether to take the risk or not seemed relatable. One thing though, if they ate Indian food and kissed, I think that would be very awkward because of the onions and garlic incorporated into the dishes. That seemed unrealistic.
Wrong Number, Right Girl by Monica Murphy
Genre: NA romance
3.5/5 stars
I liked that this story was about the main character, Ty deciding that he wants more than just chasing girls and the funny antics that cropped up when he is given the number of Lauren who is the opposite of the girls he usually goes for. But I liked that Ty matured and Ty decided on who he wanted. I found it relatable that Lauren was hardworking and caring.
A Light in the Darkness by Regina Scott
Genre: Regency romance
3/5 stars
Again, I expected something different from the title, nice that it was a Christmas story and talks about how going to war affects a person. Percy and Eleanor had real issues to deal with that affected whether they could be together or not. The Nights Court made me think of faeries even though the story was not about that.
Coming Home by Joan Johnston
Genre: Contemporary romance
3/5 stars
No way am I believing that Savannah and Luke fell for each other so quickly. The contrast of their characters was interesting, Savannah being an FBI agent and Luke was wrongly accused and had to spend time in prison. It really made Savannah question her bias and give Luke a second chance.
The Poet by T.L. Costa
Genre: YA romance
3/5 stars
It is quite unusual to see Young adult and adult stories in one collection but I think that it makes it diverse and represents everyone. Wyatt was the typical clueless teenage boy in love with this girl he has known for a long time. The antics he got up to because he sent the poem he wrote to the wrong person was so funny and I especially enjoyed the zumba lesson.
Dead Wrong by Cindy Gerard
Genre: Romantic suspense
3.5/5 stars
Another story on being wrongly accused and being comforted by an old flame. The writing was great for the story, making it sense tense and suspenseful. I could have done with more though especially on the main plot.
The Fallout by Harper St. George
Genre: Contemporary romance
3/5 stars
I thought I knew how the story was going to go based on how it started but it surprised me. I needed more from Elena and Dexter on why they were almost divorced and how they would solve their real problems of a long distance relationship.
Hard to Breathe by Sylvia Day
Genre: Paranormal romance
4/5 stars
I love stories about angels ever since I started reading Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series. This one had an interesting premise where young angels are trained for war. The world building was stunning and that is probably because I just loveee stories about angels! However, I did not like the age difference between the two love interests, Annalise and Gareth. It was so clear that in terms of maturity Annalise was just not equal to Gareth, putting aside age. The thoughts she has about him feel like infatuation and just a crush on your teacher.
I liked the concept of angels finding their mate but it was so hard to believe that Gareth would feel the same burning passion for Annalise just because she is his mate...erm no. It takes way more than just a magical bond for a relationship to work.
There were some inappropriate scenes and this felt like a teacher-student relationship type of story. Gareth was an arse hole behaving hot and cold to Annalise. I did not believe that his mindset on her changed so quickly from stone cold to raging sex animal. I have to give Annalise props for having the courage to admit how she felt and the sex was steamy. But the interactions they have just felt very icky to me.
In summary, I would love another story in this world but I did not like this couple.
All I Want by Erica Ridley
Genre: Historical romance
3.5/5 stars
I liked that Lady Matilda was not the typical historical romance female but she was firm and knew how to play Vingt-et-un. Once again, the story revolves around unrequited love and a soldier returning from war changed. I liked that Owen and Matilda already were friends with fond memories and the difference a few years made on both of them force them to reevaluate their options: Do they want to be together despite their difference in class?
Covering Her Skin by Laura Kaye
Genre: Contemporary romance
4/5 stars
One of my favourites. I was fascinated with the subject of tattooing and the process after I read Fractures in Ink which revolves around the workers at a tattoo studio. The reader is presented with a unique situation, Emery wants to cover the tattoo she commissioned as a show of love to her long time boyfriend because things do not go as planned. The process of designing around a current tattoo was most intriguing as people go to a tattoo studio to get a tattoo not to cover up a current one. Ronan was tall, dark and handsome but a real sweetheart because he looked out for Emery when she was not aware. I would love more of this, the story and the world.
The Long Way Home by Katy Regnery
Genre: Contemporary NA Romance
3.5/5 stars
Clarissa "Clarey" has had enough of the McInerney brothers and the last thing she wants is to sit beside Ford, the youngest of the three, on a very long bus ride home. However, they call a truce and reminisce about old times but revelations come to light. They force them to decide whether the risk of possible love is worth forgiving.
Their Night Off by Allison Brennan
Genre: Romantic suspense
3.5/5 stars
I liked that this was a second chance romance and the two love interests have to work at keeping their relationship thriving. Especially because they are in law enforcement. A night off turns into a work night because Suzanne realizes things that affect her latest case. Joe is very understanding as their date night is ruined. I would have been pissed but the writing was exciting.
Flying in the Face of Convention by Lex Valentine
Genre: LGBTQ/ M/M romance
3/5 stars
This is not my first time reading a m/m romance but this is not my typical pick. However, I am so pleased that all forms of romance is represented and I would love to see more of this in other anthologies and romance novels. The beginning was interesting but frankly how the story progressed felt very unrealistic. Especially how Jordan confessed his secret feelings for Trey whilst Trey was feeling the same for Jordan and then they have sex. The theme of wrong number was presented clearly however the subject on convention could have been approached and written in a different way to make it more impactful. For example if Trey was struggling with his feelings for a guy.
An April Fools Forbidden Affair by Sabrina Jeffries
Genre: Historical romance
3/5 stars
Another "should we, shouldn't we?" as widower, Mason debates whether he should come clean about his feelings for his wife's sister Augusta. The back and forth was frankly quite annoying and hilariously, it took the antics of her teenage brother to get them to see clearly. He demanded that he was going to marry the love of his life even though her mother did not approve because time is short and he was sick and tired of watching Mason and Augusta mooning over each other. The age difference was a no-no for me but I am aware that for historical/regency romances, the heroine tends to be much younger.
Wrong Address, Right Guy by Diane Kelly
Genre: Contemporary romance
3.5/5 stars
A sweet story that shows that common interests is more important than looks as Katherine and Trent discover on a blind date mix up that turns out to be serendipity. I found it realistic that Trent looked average and was starting to bald but Catherine did not care about appearances because they had a shared love for swing music and got along. Tells a important lesson and felt refreshing compared to the popular romances in the market that give an unrealistic portrayal on appearances and focuses on much on looks.
To sum up, I wished that most of the stories had more pages as I wanted more on the characters and the world they were in. My favourites were Ravished by the Geek, Station 12, Hard to Breathe, Covering Her Skin and Wrong Number, Right Guy.
Common themes were romances that developed fast, cheating boyfriends, chance encounters and most were the unrequited kind of romance or "I like you but don't know you like me" thinking of both characters. Alot could have been solved if the characters did not assume they knew how the other person felt or thought. If you enjoy romance or would like to dip your tie in this is a good read that features the whole range of the genre.
I was excited because this anthology seemed to have a great mix of different romance genres and I do not see this often in anthologies. The theme is "wrong number" and that was not apparent to me at first because the title was "Premiere", I only found out after reading the intro, to be honest I saw that in most of the stories but not all.
Big names like Sylvia Day and Vicki Lewis Thompson caught my eye even though I have not read their books I will review the collection individually.
Ravished by the Geek by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Genre: Contemporary romance
4/5 stars
The premise of "wrong number" was quite strong as the heroine, Vivian Crowley "Viv" sends a steamy story she is writing to the wrong Jamie in the company. The title is so cute and it definitely feels fresh. Showing that geeks are as attractive as the stereotypical male love interest in romances. It was hot and steamy and gave the characters new insights to each other.
Under a Wicked Moon by Lila Bell
Genre: Paranomal NA romance
3/5 stars
This was about a half witch, Stacia Byrne who is one the run from the Tribunal, who govern the paranormal worlds and beings. She gets the surprise of her life when her childhood friend and crush, Liam turns up to capture her. I am aware that the setting in this story is a part of her Wicked Creatures story. That is why there is quite an info dump and not enough explanation. Frankly the plot and length did not match. It seemed too convenient that Liam and Stacia are mates.
A Right Honourable Gentleman by Courtney Milan
Genre: Historical romance
3/5 stars
I was expecting something different but I found the characters to be very different and Catherine's honesty was quite refreshing and unexpected for the time period. I was happy that the story lived up to the name and the characters did not get together while they were still having an employee/employer relationship.
Station 12 by Amber Lin
Genre: Contemporary romance
3.5/5 stars
I thought this was some kind of science fictional story but it turned out to be one about firemen and getting the wrong location. The writing was good and I like the story and characters. It isn't often I read romances about firemen. The conflict Isobel faced about whether to take the risk or not seemed relatable. One thing though, if they ate Indian food and kissed, I think that would be very awkward because of the onions and garlic incorporated into the dishes. That seemed unrealistic.
Wrong Number, Right Girl by Monica Murphy
Genre: NA romance
3.5/5 stars
I liked that this story was about the main character, Ty deciding that he wants more than just chasing girls and the funny antics that cropped up when he is given the number of Lauren who is the opposite of the girls he usually goes for. But I liked that Ty matured and Ty decided on who he wanted. I found it relatable that Lauren was hardworking and caring.
A Light in the Darkness by Regina Scott
Genre: Regency romance
3/5 stars
Again, I expected something different from the title, nice that it was a Christmas story and talks about how going to war affects a person. Percy and Eleanor had real issues to deal with that affected whether they could be together or not. The Nights Court made me think of faeries even though the story was not about that.
Coming Home by Joan Johnston
Genre: Contemporary romance
3/5 stars
No way am I believing that Savannah and Luke fell for each other so quickly. The contrast of their characters was interesting, Savannah being an FBI agent and Luke was wrongly accused and had to spend time in prison. It really made Savannah question her bias and give Luke a second chance.
The Poet by T.L. Costa
Genre: YA romance
3/5 stars
It is quite unusual to see Young adult and adult stories in one collection but I think that it makes it diverse and represents everyone. Wyatt was the typical clueless teenage boy in love with this girl he has known for a long time. The antics he got up to because he sent the poem he wrote to the wrong person was so funny and I especially enjoyed the zumba lesson.
Dead Wrong by Cindy Gerard
Genre: Romantic suspense
3.5/5 stars
Another story on being wrongly accused and being comforted by an old flame. The writing was great for the story, making it sense tense and suspenseful. I could have done with more though especially on the main plot.
The Fallout by Harper St. George
Genre: Contemporary romance
3/5 stars
I thought I knew how the story was going to go based on how it started but it surprised me. I needed more from Elena and Dexter on why they were almost divorced and how they would solve their real problems of a long distance relationship.
Hard to Breathe by Sylvia Day
Genre: Paranormal romance
4/5 stars
I love stories about angels ever since I started reading Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series. This one had an interesting premise where young angels are trained for war. The world building was stunning and that is probably because I just loveee stories about angels! However, I did not like the age difference between the two love interests, Annalise and Gareth. It was so clear that in terms of maturity Annalise was just not equal to Gareth, putting aside age. The thoughts she has about him feel like infatuation and just a crush on your teacher.
I liked the concept of angels finding their mate but it was so hard to believe that Gareth would feel the same burning passion for Annalise just because she is his mate...erm no. It takes way more than just a magical bond for a relationship to work.
There were some inappropriate scenes and this felt like a teacher-student relationship type of story. Gareth was an arse hole behaving hot and cold to Annalise. I did not believe that his mindset on her changed so quickly from stone cold to raging sex animal. I have to give Annalise props for having the courage to admit how she felt and the sex was steamy. But the interactions they have just felt very icky to me.
In summary, I would love another story in this world but I did not like this couple.
All I Want by Erica Ridley
Genre: Historical romance
3.5/5 stars
I liked that Lady Matilda was not the typical historical romance female but she was firm and knew how to play Vingt-et-un. Once again, the story revolves around unrequited love and a soldier returning from war changed. I liked that Owen and Matilda already were friends with fond memories and the difference a few years made on both of them force them to reevaluate their options: Do they want to be together despite their difference in class?
Covering Her Skin by Laura Kaye
Genre: Contemporary romance
4/5 stars
One of my favourites. I was fascinated with the subject of tattooing and the process after I read Fractures in Ink which revolves around the workers at a tattoo studio. The reader is presented with a unique situation, Emery wants to cover the tattoo she commissioned as a show of love to her long time boyfriend because things do not go as planned. The process of designing around a current tattoo was most intriguing as people go to a tattoo studio to get a tattoo not to cover up a current one. Ronan was tall, dark and handsome but a real sweetheart because he looked out for Emery when she was not aware. I would love more of this, the story and the world.
The Long Way Home by Katy Regnery
Genre: Contemporary NA Romance
3.5/5 stars
Clarissa "Clarey" has had enough of the McInerney brothers and the last thing she wants is to sit beside Ford, the youngest of the three, on a very long bus ride home. However, they call a truce and reminisce about old times but revelations come to light. They force them to decide whether the risk of possible love is worth forgiving.
Their Night Off by Allison Brennan
Genre: Romantic suspense
3.5/5 stars
I liked that this was a second chance romance and the two love interests have to work at keeping their relationship thriving. Especially because they are in law enforcement. A night off turns into a work night because Suzanne realizes things that affect her latest case. Joe is very understanding as their date night is ruined. I would have been pissed but the writing was exciting.
Flying in the Face of Convention by Lex Valentine
Genre: LGBTQ/ M/M romance
3/5 stars
This is not my first time reading a m/m romance but this is not my typical pick. However, I am so pleased that all forms of romance is represented and I would love to see more of this in other anthologies and romance novels. The beginning was interesting but frankly how the story progressed felt very unrealistic. Especially how Jordan confessed his secret feelings for Trey whilst Trey was feeling the same for Jordan and then they have sex. The theme of wrong number was presented clearly however the subject on convention could have been approached and written in a different way to make it more impactful. For example if Trey was struggling with his feelings for a guy.
An April Fools Forbidden Affair by Sabrina Jeffries
Genre: Historical romance
3/5 stars
Another "should we, shouldn't we?" as widower, Mason debates whether he should come clean about his feelings for his wife's sister Augusta. The back and forth was frankly quite annoying and hilariously, it took the antics of her teenage brother to get them to see clearly. He demanded that he was going to marry the love of his life even though her mother did not approve because time is short and he was sick and tired of watching Mason and Augusta mooning over each other. The age difference was a no-no for me but I am aware that for historical/regency romances, the heroine tends to be much younger.
Wrong Address, Right Guy by Diane Kelly
Genre: Contemporary romance
3.5/5 stars
A sweet story that shows that common interests is more important than looks as Katherine and Trent discover on a blind date mix up that turns out to be serendipity. I found it realistic that Trent looked average and was starting to bald but Catherine did not care about appearances because they had a shared love for swing music and got along. Tells a important lesson and felt refreshing compared to the popular romances in the market that give an unrealistic portrayal on appearances and focuses on much on looks.
To sum up, I wished that most of the stories had more pages as I wanted more on the characters and the world they were in. My favourites were Ravished by the Geek, Station 12, Hard to Breathe, Covering Her Skin and Wrong Number, Right Guy.
Common themes were romances that developed fast, cheating boyfriends, chance encounters and most were the unrequited kind of romance or "I like you but don't know you like me" thinking of both characters. Alot could have been solved if the characters did not assume they knew how the other person felt or thought. If you enjoy romance or would like to dip your tie in this is a good read that features the whole range of the genre.
kathyrandallbryant's review
3.0
Cute collection
I needed something light and breezy to get me though my move. This was perfect. A set of short stories to introduce me to a new set of authors, some sweet, some HILARIOUS, and some downright hot.
I needed something light and breezy to get me though my move. This was perfect. A set of short stories to introduce me to a new set of authors, some sweet, some HILARIOUS, and some downright hot.
mnemehoshiko's review against another edition
2.0
This wasn't a bad collection of stories but lots of them felt like they were written at the last minute and could have been tightened up quite a bit.
I've read some of the authors in this collection before and this was not their best work. I did discover a new author (Amber Lin) which was nice.
I've read some of the authors in this collection before and this was not their best work. I did discover a new author (Amber Lin) which was nice.