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A review by nicolet2018
Premiere: A Romance Writers of America(R) Collection by Laura Kaye
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.