What do you think?
Rate this book
Valentine's Day Is Killing Me
Cupid's arrow goes dangerously awry in this trio of stories that follow three women as their Valentine's Day festivities are marred by murder and illegal activities, leading them into the arms of the law. Original.
282 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
7 people are currently reading
868 people want to read
About the author
MaryJanice Davidson
142 books5,399 followersMaryJanice Davidson is an American author and motivational speaker who writes mostly paranormal romance, but also young adult and non-fiction. She is the creator of the popular UNDEAD series and the time-traveling historical fiction A CONTEMPORARY ASSHAT AT THE COURT OF HENRY VIII. MaryJanice is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author who writes a bi-weekly column for USA Today and lives in St. Paul with her family. You can reach her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.
www.maryjanicedavidson.org
@MaryJaniceD
MaryJanice's Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/maryjanicedav...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/maryja...
www.maryjanicedavidson.org
@MaryJaniceD
MaryJanice's Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/maryjanicedav...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/maryja...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 22, 2019
3 and a half stars!! ⭐⭐⭐½
A great collection of short stories all taking place around Valentine's Day.
A great collection of short stories all taking place around Valentine's Day.
April 7, 2009
I read this of course for Maryjanice Davidson and ended up liking the whole book. It took me awhile to admit to myself that I like romance novels. I read this one when I was still heavy in denial. With it's pink cover, cutesy cherub and being about all things Valentines day. I was certain I would not like this. But I wanted to read more of Davidson's work... so I figured if it's crap 4 pages in I won't bother with it or the other stories. Well I was surprisingly wrong and well into my way of really starting to see that Romance books are not at all what I thought. Even the parts that where I was beginning to enjoy.
The first story Cuffs and Coffee Breaks by Maryjanice Davidson is about Julie Kay. She always has a bad Valentines day. So to try to break that bad tradition she accepts a blind date. When she gets to the restaurant there has been a murder. She thinks her date is the one that has been killed, but as it turns out he's the one being arrested for killing the dead guy. She ends up trying to help solve the murder while getting to know her date.
The second story by Leslie Esdaile A "No Drama" Valentine's was by far my favorite story. I could really relate to Jocelyn Jefferson. Not that this has exactly happened to me, but I've had more then a few planed evenings that I put a lot of work into that started like this story did. Jocelyn decided that she would get together for Valentine evening with her closest friends. She plans a huge special pamper party evening for just the four of them. Only when the night comes about her three friends cancel on her. But the she decides to continue on anyhow and from there the evening takes some interesting turns that changes everything in her life.
The last story, Valentine Survivor by Susanna Carr is kinda of for me to remember. Shanna Murphy has a date but is unable to make it because she has to stay at wok for her Snotty she wolf boss. She is still in love with her ex-boyfriend Calder. She was going on a date with a well known slut to help get over him. Shannan sister try's to help Calder see that the only reason Shanna wanted to go on the date was to get over him. It so happens that Calder is still and has always been in love with Shanna. Calder and Shanna both work together, which of course sucks. Her boss ends up dead. So Shanna and her Ex (being the only two people still at work) are accused of her death. They try to figure out who killed her boss and see if they can make things work. It ended up being an okay story. But not really note worthy.
The first story Cuffs and Coffee Breaks by Maryjanice Davidson is about Julie Kay. She always has a bad Valentines day. So to try to break that bad tradition she accepts a blind date. When she gets to the restaurant there has been a murder. She thinks her date is the one that has been killed, but as it turns out he's the one being arrested for killing the dead guy. She ends up trying to help solve the murder while getting to know her date.
The second story by Leslie Esdaile A "No Drama" Valentine's was by far my favorite story. I could really relate to Jocelyn Jefferson. Not that this has exactly happened to me, but I've had more then a few planed evenings that I put a lot of work into that started like this story did. Jocelyn decided that she would get together for Valentine evening with her closest friends. She plans a huge special pamper party evening for just the four of them. Only when the night comes about her three friends cancel on her. But the she decides to continue on anyhow and from there the evening takes some interesting turns that changes everything in her life.
The last story, Valentine Survivor by Susanna Carr is kinda of for me to remember. Shanna Murphy has a date but is unable to make it because she has to stay at wok for her Snotty she wolf boss. She is still in love with her ex-boyfriend Calder. She was going on a date with a well known slut to help get over him. Shannan sister try's to help Calder see that the only reason Shanna wanted to go on the date was to get over him. It so happens that Calder is still and has always been in love with Shanna. Calder and Shanna both work together, which of course sucks. Her boss ends up dead. So Shanna and her Ex (being the only two people still at work) are accused of her death. They try to figure out who killed her boss and see if they can make things work. It ended up being an okay story. But not really note worthy.
January 21, 2009
3 very different romance stories.
MaryJanice Davidson - Cuffs and Coffee Breaks - the story felt like it was crammed into a novella. Would be a great full length story.
Leslie Esdaile - A "No Drama" Valentine's - In my opinion the best of the 3 stories. The story was hilarious and the characters were vivid. I must say that even my worst Valentine's Day is 1000 times better than Jocelyn's. The author brought the supporting characters to life and I would like to see if she's given any of them their own story.
Susanna Carr - Valentine Survivor - Good plot, but it also needed more space to play out. Not Ms. Carr's best work but still a good read.
I love short stories but I really hate when the story leaves you feeling as if the author had to compromise plot points for space. But each author did make me wonder if any of the supporting characters already had their own story in print or planned to print. I guess that is a compliment to each of their works.
MaryJanice Davidson - Cuffs and Coffee Breaks - the story felt like it was crammed into a novella. Would be a great full length story.
Leslie Esdaile - A "No Drama" Valentine's - In my opinion the best of the 3 stories. The story was hilarious and the characters were vivid. I must say that even my worst Valentine's Day is 1000 times better than Jocelyn's. The author brought the supporting characters to life and I would like to see if she's given any of them their own story.
Susanna Carr - Valentine Survivor - Good plot, but it also needed more space to play out. Not Ms. Carr's best work but still a good read.
I love short stories but I really hate when the story leaves you feeling as if the author had to compromise plot points for space. But each author did make me wonder if any of the supporting characters already had their own story in print or planned to print. I guess that is a compliment to each of their works.
July 28, 2014
This book had three stories in it: Cuffs and Coffee Breaks by MaryJanice Davidson, A "No-Drama" Valentine's by Leslie Esdaile and Valentine Survivor by Susanna Carr. I picked this book up because I'm a huge fan of MaryJanice Davidson. I read her story as well as Susanna Carr's story, but could not get into Leslie Esdaile's story. Because I am a survivor of bad Valentines, I enjoyed the two stories especially MaryJanice Davidson's story!
October 10, 2015
4.25 stars each for Leslie Esdaile & Mary Janice Davidson. very sexy read as always.
My first experience with Leslie Esdaile's book. I almost DNF at the first chapter because Jocelyn is so long-winded with her description of her friends and how awesome and beautiful they are... yeah... but surprisingly the book was really really good... I really love it very sexy and romantic and of course fun.
My first experience with Leslie Esdaile's book. I almost DNF at the first chapter because Jocelyn is so long-winded with her description of her friends and how awesome and beautiful they are... yeah... but surprisingly the book was really really good... I really love it very sexy and romantic and of course fun.
April 3, 2011
I liked two out of three of the stories. Cuff and Coffee Breaks was good as well as Valentine Survivor. A "No Drama" Valentine's story just wasn't for me. Kind of different and just not what I enjoy. Of course, to each his own.
February 28, 2015
Didn't like this book at all :( the characters were annoying and there wasn't as much romance, very disappointing:(
February 13, 2022
Three very different stories all involving Valentine’s Day!
The first story was fun and a quick read. It flew by, it had enough Valentine’s Day, mystery, and humor to be enjoyable!
The second story was good as well. It felt like it could have been good as a full book. There were lots of parts that could have been explained more and dug deeper into.
The third story never got me into it or kept me interested.
The first story was fun and a quick read. It flew by, it had enough Valentine’s Day, mystery, and humor to be enjoyable!
The second story was good as well. It felt like it could have been good as a full book. There were lots of parts that could have been explained more and dug deeper into.
The third story never got me into it or kept me interested.
February 15, 2020
I loved this short story by Susan Carr. Shanna was determine to have her dream valentines. She had to deal with a lot to get to it. I’am so happy Calder finally came around.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2023
This book had 3 different story lines and the first one was really the only one I actually liked 🙊
July 27, 2024
It was ok
Read
September 20, 2025I got this in a little free library and it was one of the worst books I've ever read. there wasn't a single likeable character or detail in any of the 3 stories.
February 4, 2009
I enjoyed this book. It was a light, easy read but fun. I especially enjoyed the second story, A "NO DRAMA" VALENTINE'S by Leslie Esdaile. 4 women decide they will spend Valentine's Day pampering themselves instead of sitting home alone waiting for men. Plans are made and put into action then all but the person who's spent the money back out. Since she can't cancel the pampering ladies, she gets pampered and the pampering turns into a party with her getting arrested as an accomplice to some drug dealers. She falls in love with the detective eventually. A fun story.
I also enjoyed the last story, VALENTINE SURVIVOR, by Susanna Carr. It's a story about a woman planning the perfect Valentine's Day. Of course, it doesn't quite work out and murder wasn't on her list. Fun!
The first story, CUFFS AND COFFEE BREAKS, by Mary Janice Davidson was only okay. It was rushed. The heroine was coarse and crude. The premise of the story was fine but I would have liked to have seen more character development and a longer story would have helped. Also I'd have liked a heroine without the whole tree on her shoulder, a small chip would have been fine.
I also enjoyed the last story, VALENTINE SURVIVOR, by Susanna Carr. It's a story about a woman planning the perfect Valentine's Day. Of course, it doesn't quite work out and murder wasn't on her list. Fun!
The first story, CUFFS AND COFFEE BREAKS, by Mary Janice Davidson was only okay. It was rushed. The heroine was coarse and crude. The premise of the story was fine but I would have liked to have seen more character development and a longer story would have helped. Also I'd have liked a heroine without the whole tree on her shoulder, a small chip would have been fine.
November 12, 2009
I bought this book cause one of the authors is Mary Janice Davidson and I am a fan. Turns out that of the three stories hers was the one I liked least! My favorite story was by Susanna Carr! It was great! Funny, Romantic, and much more realistic than MJD's story. The second story by Leslie Esdaile was also very good! I especially liked the main character in that story. Also the main love interest in it is just plain yummy! (But I have a thing for Detectives) MJD's story was ok. Just not very realistic from early on through to the end.
May 21, 2011
Just read one of the stories in this book. I'll wait to read the others. I read Valentine Survivor by Susanna Carr. I don't know it might be the worst books I'll made myself read. All of the characters were not people I liked. The female main character was spoiled and shallow. The male character loved her but I wonder why. She wanted to have the perfect Valentines Day but it was all about what she would get. Then after all that her boss dies and they think she did it!?! I gave the book 2 stars because maybe the other stories will be better.
May 28, 2014
The 2 stars are for MJ's story & Susanna Carr's story.
I picked this up b/c of MJ. Love the way she writes. Her story I loved. Susanna's story took me a tad to slide into but I liked it well enough I would read her other works.
The second story by Leslie Esdalie- yeahhhh, well it wasn't for me at all. I didn't like the flow and the language was hard for me to read and understand. (This is coming from someone who loves MJ's Candace character with multiple personalities and can keep them straight while reading the books.)
So no stars for that story from me.
I picked this up b/c of MJ. Love the way she writes. Her story I loved. Susanna's story took me a tad to slide into but I liked it well enough I would read her other works.
The second story by Leslie Esdalie- yeahhhh, well it wasn't for me at all. I didn't like the flow and the language was hard for me to read and understand. (This is coming from someone who loves MJ's Candace character with multiple personalities and can keep them straight while reading the books.)
So no stars for that story from me.
August 13, 2016
Ran across this at the library and thought it was timely, and might be fun to read for Valentine's Day (yesterday). The stories were okay ... though, it makes me relieved-squared that my husband and I have never put much stock in Valentine's Day. We love each other every day, hence the no pressure. Not so for the poor, disasterous heroines in this book. Ay caramba!
My favorite of the novellas was Leslie Esdaile's.
My favorite of the novellas was Leslie Esdaile's.
October 2, 2011
The Davidson story was pleasant. Carr’s was also good, if a bit over-the-top dramatic.The Esdaile story, however, was almost, but not quite, up to Bulwer-Lytton quality, and was much longer than the other two. (Well, the first 6 pages were that bad. I suppose it’s possible it improved after that, but I couldn’t continue.)
September 29, 2012
MaryJanice Davidson (1st story) & Susanna Carr (3rd story) were great. Those are the 4star.
MJ Davidson is always too funny and random! This was the first book i've read by S.Carr but i will be hunting for more.
I couldnt get into the Leslie Esdaile (2nd story) at all. By the second chapter i tapped-out.
MJ Davidson is always too funny and random! This was the first book i've read by S.Carr but i will be hunting for more.
I couldnt get into the Leslie Esdaile (2nd story) at all. By the second chapter i tapped-out.
August 27, 2008
I put this book down mostly unread. I did not like the middle story as I found it hard to read since it was rather ethnic. I gave up on the last story as I didn't care about the characters. And I only mildly liked the MaryJanice story.
May 1, 2020
I liked the first & last story - good light reading. I didn't care for A "No Drama" Valentine's - the writing doesn't flow very well - the accents in speech is fine but when it's thrown into the thought/actions - weird. I didn't even finish it.
October 31, 2013
I won/received this book through Godreads.
I thought this was a fun book. I don't normally read romance novels anymore, (not since high school) but I found myself thoroughly enjoying them! (it's 3 separate stories) Quick read.
I thought this was a fun book. I don't normally read romance novels anymore, (not since high school) but I found myself thoroughly enjoying them! (it's 3 separate stories) Quick read.
Read
November 11, 2013Loved this book, could totally relate to it. I hate Valentine's Day!! I really liked the middle story. Easy read with a little suspense. I won this book on a first reads giveaway on goodreads.com.
February 21, 2015
Story One was a 3 star story for me. The 2nd story, I just couldn't get into/relate to, so 2 stars. The third story was barely even a 2. Overall, this was not at all a fun one for me. None of the stories were believable to me.
February 16, 2015
I thought the MaryJanice story was hilarious. I didn't really like the middle story---there was so much slang. I don't really like slang (sorry!) but I didn't really like the last story about the ditzy chick who wanted her "dream valentines day".
July 15, 2008
Murder, betrayal... deception... all the things a single girl need on Valentine's Day... lol
November 1, 2009
Cute short stories by Leslie Esdaile, Susanna Carr and MaryJanice Davidson.
September 1, 2012
Quick fun read. Loved MaryJanice, as always, and really liked the last story from Carr -- I will definitely be checking her books out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews