Blurb
Love Is…
…forty stories of first loves, friends to lovers, and the heat of the moment.
Join forty authors, including multiple New York Times and USA Today bestsellers, as they take you on a romantic ride through time and space.
From the dazzling ballrooms of Regency historical romance to contemporary love, from sweet n’ dreamy to kinky n’ steamy, to the wide open frontier of science fiction romance and magical worlds of far away fantasy realms, sample the best that romance has to offer! Every short story is the perfect candy-sized nugget to read over a cup of coffee or before falling asleep at night.
Review
This is a collection of about forty short stories that I’ve read off and on for years when I wanted something short and fast. I haven’t read all the stories. While this book is no longer available for sale, many of these stories can be found individually. Most of them have a few typos, but some are worse than others.
In “Picture her Loved” by Sidney Bristol, the H/h met in a previous book but their back story is quickly rehashed for new readers. I liked this story the most because I’m fascinated by the BDMS culture. Odalia and Jacques are professionals by day and Dom/sub by night. Their relationship is all-consuming, very hot and I sooooo want a bossy, caring man like Jacques in my life.
4 Stars
In “Once Upon a Seal” by SM Butler, Maddie befriends a recluse, Sebastian, even though he won’t let her see his face in fear of rejection. Their friendship seemed believable and I rooted for them to fall in love. Their relationship formed fast and, while I liked that, they claimed to love each other far too fast. Still, it’s a sweet story about acceptance and moving on with your life.
3.5 Stars
In “The Invention of Marriage” by Kat Cantrell, Alexia and Jesse meet by chance and sparks fly. They’re both very busy professionals so they juggle their careers with dates for a few months. She then gets a job offer in another state which prompts them to push aside their career ambitions for love.
3 Stars
In “When Eva Gets Even” by Cass Curtis, full-sized Eva finds a receipt in her live-in boyfriend’s jacket pocket. The receipt is for a lingerie store, and the size-four teddy Kevin bought is something that would never fit Eva. Thinking he’s cheating on her, she follows Kevin around town and then seduces him into revealing the truth.
Kevin loves Eva just the way she is, but he has some secrets he doesn’t want her to know. When she jumps to the wrong conclusion, he thinks their relationship is over.
Both the H/h are fun, likable characters with trust issues. I enjoyed the story and wish it had been longer.
5 Stars
In “Her Unforgettable Romance” by Keri Ford, Samantha has returned to her small hometown to raise her baby niece, and she’s determined to avoid her old flame. Though she and Tyler were in love back in high school, he walked out on her without an explanation. Now he’s back in town, ready to pick up where they left off.
I liked Samantha and sympathized with her, but I couldn’t connect with Tyler and found his reason for leaving very poor. I did like Ms. Ford’s writing style, but there were some typos.
3 Stars
In “A Capella” by Sadie Haller, Mac is totally stressed out after receiving some horrible news and plans to binge eat to calm down. Unfortunately, her sexy Dom returns home early and catches her. She won’t say what’s wrong, so Finn sexually teases his submissive until she’s finally ready to trust him with her secret.
Mac and Finn are really great characters, and the sex scenes were sooooo hot. I believe this short story is a continuation from another book, the H/h’s main story, and I’m definitely interested in reading how they met and fell in love.
5 Stars
In “Hello, Treasure” by Faye Hunter, workaholic Celia is forced to take a required vacation by her boss the day before her fortieth birthday. She’s single and a little lonely, but she’s self-secured and happy with her life. When she arrives home, she finds a mysterious red envelope with a riddle inside. As she follows the clues, she winds up on a scavenger hunt that takes her to the most expensive, posh places in town. She’s having the time of her life, but she’s more than anxious to finally find her secret admirer.
OMG. What a sweet story! Celia is an awesome character. Though I wish there would’ve been more about Bash, I understand this story is all about enlivening the woman and feeling a like princess. I really enjoyed it.
5 Stars
In “Hidden Attraction” by Crystal Jordan, Sara is caught in a torrential rainstorm in the middle of the night and has no choice but to seek shelter at her ex-lover’s house. She broke up with him because he refused to commit or talk about his past, but she’s still in love with him. Though John welcomes her into his home, he doesn’t want her around. She’d ripped out his heart when she left him months earlier, and he still misses her. He has secrets he’s too ashamed to confess, but when the walls around his heart finally crumble, he learns a lesson about love.
Such a heart-wrenching story! I totally loved Sara and John. She’s a strong, independent woman, and John hides his vulnerability behind an indifferent mask. I loved seeing him break from the pain of his past and finally move forward with his life.
5 Stars
In “Gibran: Return of the Rebel Sheikh” by Jennifer Lewis, Aliyah was forced to marry the king of an Arab nation, a man old enough to be her grandfather. She’s never known pleasure and had lived in fear until the old king died. Now the king’s estranged son has returned to the palace, and she feels desire for the stranger.
Gibran despises his late father, and only returned at the request of the new king, his half-brother. He never expected the old king’s young wife to be so beautiful, and he can’t help but take his anger and frustration out on her.
Both characters have suffered loss and pain, but I didn’t feel like I got to know them. The story is a little repetitive with a HFN ending, but I believe the H/h’s romance is continued in a full-length book.
3 Stars
In “Falling Hard” by Molly McLain, Reed sees his old friend Mia walk into the gala, and he doesn’t like the way every guy in the room is ogling her. Mia loved Reed when she was an awkward, shy teenager, but he turned her down. Now a confident lawyer who uses her feminine wiles to get what she wants, she and Reed hit it off and wind up in bed.
I liked Mia, but couldn’t connect with Reed. The story ends on a cliffhanger, but is continued in the couple’s main book.
3 Stars
In “First Date” by Mima, ex-Army vet Cord has been watching Mia from the basement window of his apartment and sending her email messages for months. Though he’s stalking her, he’s also protecting her and healing from his PTSD in the process. Mia is totally freaked out and scared from the strange messages she keeps receiving, but she’s secretly thrilled by the attention. When Cord decides it’s finally time to approach her, he has to find someway to convince Mia to give him a chance, or he’ll lose her forever.
The H/h are awesome. Cord is definitely a broken man, and Mia is more than understanding given the situation. The sex scene at the end was totally hot, but I wish it had been a little shorter to show more emphasis on their budding relationship.
5 Stars
In “Her Royal Rendezvous” by Natasha Moore, Tony is the head of security for the royal family, and he’s working the wedding as the crown prince is getting married. His ex-fiancée is the prince’s cousin, and he can barely take his eyes off her. Liliana broke off their engagement because of Tony’s hectic work schedule and his constant no-shows for their dates, but she’s still in love with him. They reconnect after the wedding, but they both lead busy lives, and nothing has changed since they’ve been apart.
The H/h are likable characters, and though I enjoyed the story, I don’t see how their relationship will last because they both have demanding jobs. The story ends with a HFN, but I really wanted more info into their future.
4 Stars
In “Thunder and Loving” by A. Catherine Noon and Rachel Wilder, rancher Gabe Stanton is fascinated with his new neighbor Clarissa Finch, a city girl attempting to raise alpaca in his town. After a storm breaks and her favorite alpaca goes missing, they team up to rescue the animal and find passion amid the thunder and rain.
There wasn’t much description at the beginning of this story, so I had a hard time picturing what was going on. The later half, however, was more detailed. There were a few typos, but the characters were likeable.
3 Stars
In “The Hollywood Gambit” by Elle Rush, photographer Benny Duarte is determined to take bank teller Rita Morales on a date, but she keeps refusing him. Once he finally realizes why, he’s just as determined to change his philandering ways and treat her better.
This story is book 2.5 in the Hollywood to Olympus series. It ended rather abruptly, but the H/h’s romance continues in another book, which I would like to read. They were interesting characters, Benny especially, and I like the Hollywood/LA setting.
4 Stars
In “Shanghai Nights” by Jessica Stone, American Caitlin Peters moves to China for a fresh start, but she doesn’t speak the language. Then Ryan Carter helps her out in a convenience store. He’s part American and part Chinese with an equal foot in both worlds. They get along great, but will a culture clash tear them apart?
Caitlin and Ryan were fun characters, and I enjoyed the detailed descriptions about the food and the environment. The story was a little slow, however, and there was a loose end (how will the H/h deal with his after-hours job requirements that’s clearly sexist?). Still, I liked the story.
3.5 Stars
In “Love on Delivery” by Holley Trent, deliveryman Rafael Soto delivers a package to the wrong address, but then a pretty cowgirl offers him a home-cooked meal. Grace Carol feels like an outsider in town, but she’s determined to run her small ranch. The attraction between them is instant, but they keep it slow and steady.
I liked Grace and Rafael, but I don’t understand how he moseyed into her life and community so quickly, even going so far as to emailing her brother overseas. There were a few unanswered questions (her nickname; where is he going to live?), so I’m curious if there’s another book featuring this couple.
3 Stars
In “Compromising Positions” by A.J. Vale, thief Danielle Sanders is toying with hunky Detective Caleb Tate who’s once again brought her in for questioning. But the time for games is over. She goes into protective custody in order to protect him from her boss, and the sparks between her and Caleb finally ignite.
Danielle and Caleb are fun characters. The story is well written and flowed smoothly, but there were a few missing commas and the heroine was once called Dane, which was odd since this nickname was only used that one time. Anyway, I enjoyed the story.
4 Stars
In “Loving Serenity” by Elle Wylder, Trace and Serenity go to Las Vegas for a wedding. They’re married with a baby on the way, which they’re both nervous yet excited about.
This short story is a follow-up to the couple’s main romance. There was some info about the H/h’s past sprinkled in, but not enough for me to get to know the characters. There are lots of secondary characters, but as a new reader to the series, I couldn’t keep everyone straight.
3 Stars
In “A Taste of Love” by Clarice Wynter, newspaper reporter Chad Marchland wants the dirt on best-selling sex author Dr. Elise Fraser. After going to her book signing, he realizes there’s a vulnerable, sad woman beneath her strong, professional façade. And suddenly, his assignment isn’t all that important anymore.
I loved this story and connected with both the H/h. Chad and Elise fit great together. Elise’s past was the focus of character development, but Chad is still a well-rounded character with enough emotion and depth to keep him interesting. This is a really fun read!
5 Stars
In “Perfect No Matter What” by Zoe York, Kyle and Laney are in love but their busy schedules often keep them apart. When Kyle has to go to Las Vegas for work, she decides to switch around her schedule to join him.
I really liked the H/h. They got along great and were patient and understanding with each other. This short story continues their romance from another book, but I didn’t feel as though I lost anything by reading this story without the other one.
4 Stars
In “Flickering Light” by Elianne Adams, the queen of Avalore is long dead, and her people (dragon- and gryphon-shifters) have fallen into despair. Barbara wants to kill herself to prevent the darkness from taking over her soul, but the one light in her life—her friend Clay—keeps her grounded. After they finally give into their passion, Barbara is faced with a heartrending choice: give up Clay and save the realm, or give in to the darkness and perish.
I really think the previous books in the series should be read before this one. There wasn’t a lot of world building, so I felt lost about why the world and people are so downtrodden (other than from the loss of the queen). This story is fairly bleak and downbeat, but Barbara and Clay are still likable characters.
2.5 Stars
In “Bridal Faire” by Melisse Aires, wizard-in-training Adler only wants to finish his studies at school, but with his father insisting he marry, he heads to the city to find a wife. Though he makes a connection with a peasant girl, Ayperi, he doesn’t have luck wooing any of the available women. But when he sees Ayperi’s employer abuse her, he has no other choice but to rescue her.
The H/h are wonderful characters, both strong and decent. They become friends quickly, and it’s obvious love will soon bloom. Even though I enjoyed this story, there are telling issues and some choppy sentences. Adler and Ayperi’s romance is continued in another story, so I’m rooting for their HEA.
3 Stars
In “On Target” by Mahlee Ashwynne, Chaz is a journalist on a foreign planet, and she accidentally films an assassin murdering the king. Then her picture is posted beside the assassin’s all throughout the city, and she has no choice but to escape the planet or get arrested and likely die.
I liked Chaz, but I couldn’t connect with Aldien. Even though I normally love assassin romances, I couldn’t get into this one, and the sex scene was very uncomfortable. The writing is choppy with lots of telling, so my attention kept straying.
2 Stars
In “Blind Briar” by Sophie Avett, a mysterious male Fey takes Enid from her home to a cave where she must help her long-lost sister who’s in childbirth. After the baby is born, she’s then held against her will to act as the baby’s nanny. Enid only has contact with Alias who brings her supplies, helps her learn how to read, and insult her looks while also desiring her.
Enid was a strong woman, and even though she couldn’t read or write well, she was smart and understood how the world works. Alias, her sister, her parents, and the Fey species were pretty much just cruel people. They used Enid and ignored her when they didn’t need her. She deserved better.
There were some typos, but the writing flowed well and kept my attention.
2.5 Stars
In “The Pirate and the Earth Witch” by Jennifer Blackstream, pirate captain Tyr needs to secure and deliver a rare bird to an ogre king, or he will die at the hands of the king. He finds Ingrid, a land witch, living peacefully in her apple orchard and requests her help. She refuses, unable to leave the land and board his ship. So he kidnaps her.
Tyr and Ingrid have great chemistry, but he got a little too rough with her on occasion. He’s described as both a pirate and a Viking, so I’m unsure of the time-period.
I really enjoyed this story and would’ve given it 5 stars had they helped the innocent bird they had captured and given to the king.
Like with most of the short stories in this set, this one had a few typos, but none were overly distracting. The writing is good and kept my attention.
4 Stars
In “A Wolf to Watch Over Me” by Sela Carsen, Lauren is a human scientist living on Earth two hundred years from now. Humans have long interacted with aliens, warred with them, befriended them, and are traveling the galaxy. Hakon is a Fenris (alien wolf shifters), and he’s sent to Earth to protect Lauren from their mutual enemies, the Cancri. When she’s attacked, he has no choice but to take his destined mate back to his ship.
Really good story! Lauren and Hakon are likable characters, both stubborn and protective. They fell into insta-love, which I liked and rooted for. Other than a few typos, the story is well-written and flowed quickly.
4 Stars
In “Tempted Heart” by Cate Dean, Katelin Rossow sees a runaway hansom cab barreling down the street, right toward her beloved father. Then a mysterious man races toward him and pushes him out of the way, only to be injured himself. Though she’s engaged to another man, she quickly becomes smitten with the dashing young man and is determined to help him get well. But then Devan, Lord Rutledge, abruptly disappears from her life, leaving her to face her uncertain future alone.
I really enjoyed this story. It’s a prequel to another book (the main book for Katelin and Devan, which I’d love to read), so this short one ends on a cliffhanger. There were a few typos but nothing major. The writing is fast and smooth. I’m unsure of the story’s time period and location, but I think it probably takes place in late 19th century England given the description.
4 Stars
In “The Lightning God’s Wife” by Grace Draven, Martise tells her mage lover, Silhara, a story as a rainstorm brews in the near distance. The story centers on the aging Revida, a priestess to a water goddess who has forsaken the land. Severe drought has taken hold, and Revida has been shunned by her people for decades. She dreams of the lightning god and has fallen in love with him, but when she happens upon two children and their injured father who are in dire trouble, she soon realizes the father is her dream man in the flesh.
This is a fun story, but the pacing was a little slow. It focuses more on the fictional tale of Revida and Atagartis than on Martise and Silhara, who’s main story is in another book.
4 Stars
In “A Heart of Ice” by Hailey Edwards, Reine belongs to a matriarchal society that lives nine months out of the year underground for protection from the bitter cold that ravages the land. When summer comes, the people move to their topside dwellings for trade with other species. Reine must marry to secure her family’s and people’s protection for the next hundred years, but she’s resentful at being forced. Her mother has invited several eligible suitors to the castle, but Reine is intrigued with the new guard who’s intent on wooing her.
Reine and Ennis have great chemistry. She’s strong and not about to let any man take advantage of her. Ennis, likewise, appreciates her strength while still desiring her. They made for a fun couple.
4 Stars
In “Hatter’s Treasure” by Marie Hall, Hatter is determined to give his lover, Alice, the best birthday present he can. From flowers to a garden make of cake frosting, he goes out of his way to show her how much he loves her.
This is a cute twist on the Alice in Wonderland story, though there wasn’t much to it. It’s well-written, but I wish it would’ve been longer.
3 Stars
Book Overall – 4 Stars
— I’d love to know what you think of the book or my review. Please comment below.