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Blind Date, Checkmate
This is a novella with the length of appx 100 printed pages.REVIEW“There is something about a man who is famous and wants just a regular ol girl that I like to read about. The chemistry between these two leaps out at you and you really enjoy reading about Shelby resisting the urge to plunge into love.” — Beck’s Book Picks about Blind Date/CheckmateBLIND DATE, CHECKMATEShould a woman who’s unable to forget her first love give “happily ever after” one more try? Shelby Winters’ one great love went sour. If she can’t feel that way about a guy again, why bother? When Shelby’s best friend sets her up on a blind date with Logan, the guy who broke her heart, he pursues her relentlessly, forcing her to make a give her heart what it’s always desired and risk total devastation or shut Logan out and lose her only shot at happiness. To Shelby, it’s a lose-lose situation. Or is it?EXCERPT“I never stopped loving you,” he said as we both got to the door.Liar. I whirled around and glared. “I was seventeen and it’s been nine years. We’ve both grown up. I’m not the same stupid kid and I won’t be so gullible this time.” Why did he keep drawing me into these conversations? “So far, Logan, you’re all talk and no action. The story of your life. No follow-through.” I tried to get past him but he blocked the door. I backed up when I noticed his eyes ablaze, thinking maybe I’d pushed him too far. As if I were his prey, he caged me against the wall with his arms. I pressed my back into cold plaster so I wouldn’t feel his thighs brushing mine. He only moved closer, a breath away, the friction of our bodies sending an inferno through me. Oh, yes, that had definitely been missing in my life. “You want me to follow through, I’m ready right now,” he growled softly.Me too. But Logan was the last guy I’d go there with. Although it wouldn’t exactly be a hardship re-enacting certain moments with someone that gorgeous, deep down I was still bruised by his past rejection. But I couldn’t deny I was tempted. I’d never had a relationship that lasted. If I was doomed to a life of loneliness, it almost seemed justifiable to take happiness where I could find it, even if only temporarily. Logan inched toward me, his lips at my temple. My pulse spiked as he sucked my earlobe between his lips and I shuddered.“I knew you still loved me,” he whispered in my ear.His words slapped me back to reality. A temporary fling with him would only bring me a lifetime of more pain. No. Way. “Oh, honey, you’re confusing love with lust.” I patted his cheek a little harder than necessary and pushed on his chest. “A guy like you should know better. Let’s go eat. I’m hungry.” I sailed past him knowing I’d thrown him a nice curve. I’d just taken his bishop. Score one point for me.WHAT BOOK REVIEWERS ARE SAYING ABOUT VERONICA BLADE'S OTHER “This book is delicious!”“This book takes Twilight and others like it to the next level!”“The dialogue and emotions are real and raw, there are some expletives and sexual fantasy scenes but I felt they worked with the characters and gave them more of an edge to their creation. Oftentimes the author used comedic wit to the scenes giving it an even more humanistic appeal to the characters.
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2011
8 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Blade
63 books412 followersBrain candy. Cleansing your reading palate one book at a time.
Veronica Blade lives in Southern California with her husband and children. By day she runs the family business, but each night she slips away to spin her tales. She writes stories about young adults to relive her own childhood and to live vicariously through her characters. Except her heroes and heroines lead far more interesting lives — and they are always way hotter.
Veronica Blade lives in Southern California with her husband and children. By day she runs the family business, but each night she slips away to spin her tales. She writes stories about young adults to relive her own childhood and to live vicariously through her characters. Except her heroes and heroines lead far more interesting lives — and they are always way hotter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 5, 2016
Veronica Blade has teamed up once again with Crush Publishing to deliver this heartwarming novella about heartache and renewed loved. Veronica does it again with cover art is a simple design to let you know the fire that brews in pages beneath.
Although it is a short read Veronica Blade did an excellent job at capturing the turmoil that seems to plague every woman at some point in her life. However, for this tale we meet Shelby a twenty-six year old successful realtor who had her heart ripped out of her chest nine years prior when her soul mate Logan moves away and dumps her.
Never fully mending from the loss, Shelby has one bad relationship after the other and is only able to commit to a vagarious workout routine (If only I had followed Shelby commitment instead of the Ben & Jerry’s). She finds herself on a blind date with the very guy who crushed her so many years before.
When Logan weasels himself back into Shelby’s life claiming he never stopped loving her, will she be strong enough to guard her hear? Determined, head long not to allow her heart to be broken, Shelby throws up every wall she possible can at Logan. Will it be enough though? Does Logan love her? What will be the defining moments in Shelby’s life? Will she live happily ever after?
I look forward to future writing from this author no matter the genre Veronica Blade does such an excellent job at weaving every story she writes and still in some way leaves you hungry for more.
Disclosure: I participate in Author Reviews and a copy was provided to me by the author. No payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was not any obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist, or the readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Although it is a short read Veronica Blade did an excellent job at capturing the turmoil that seems to plague every woman at some point in her life. However, for this tale we meet Shelby a twenty-six year old successful realtor who had her heart ripped out of her chest nine years prior when her soul mate Logan moves away and dumps her.
Never fully mending from the loss, Shelby has one bad relationship after the other and is only able to commit to a vagarious workout routine (If only I had followed Shelby commitment instead of the Ben & Jerry’s). She finds herself on a blind date with the very guy who crushed her so many years before.
When Logan weasels himself back into Shelby’s life claiming he never stopped loving her, will she be strong enough to guard her hear? Determined, head long not to allow her heart to be broken, Shelby throws up every wall she possible can at Logan. Will it be enough though? Does Logan love her? What will be the defining moments in Shelby’s life? Will she live happily ever after?
I look forward to future writing from this author no matter the genre Veronica Blade does such an excellent job at weaving every story she writes and still in some way leaves you hungry for more.
Disclosure: I participate in Author Reviews and a copy was provided to me by the author. No payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was not any obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed here are entirely mine and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist, or the readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
July 27, 2015
Blind Date, Checkmate is a grippingly passionate and incredibly stunning second chance romance. This is not a journey that can be read casually and put it down whenever you feel like it. Your heart will be taken over and drawn into this beautifully heartbreaking yet intensely hopeful story. The beautiful characters you encounter will both warm and stretch your heart to its breaking point. The words within these pages will both haunt and inspire you just as real life haunts and inspires us to reach for our dreams and dare to walk beyond our comfort zone in the hopes of making this life something unforgettable and remarkable.
Shelby can feel the frayed edges of her heart more keenly with each passing day. Since her best friend and soul mate walked out of her life nine years ago, she is just living out a passionless and hopeless existence. Even though she has built a life and loves, she can’t ignore the gaping hole within her heart and very soul. No one and nothing can fill that blackened void. When the very person that resigned her to this life reenters her life, she doesn’t know what to do. Logan’s very presence pulls her to him, but she fights with everything in her to push him away in order to save her heart. Logan is pulling out all the stops to make sure that Shelby understands what happened nine years ago, and what is going on right now. Will his determination push her so far out of reach that he won’t be able to touch her heart like he desperately wants to, or will Shelby finally exact her revenge on his without giving him a chance to explain and set things right?
I love Logan’s gentle perseverance in trying to soften Shelby’s heart. He refuses to walk away from his heart, and because of that he is willing to change up his strategy in order to do what he can to prove to her the truth in his words and intentions. His amazing sensitivity and tender attempts to lift up and encourage Shelby won my heart over long before it won hers over. I understand Shelby’s reactions and completely sympathize for her as I would undoubtedly act the same way she did. There is only so much devastating pain and deep heartache you can survive. Watching the hearts of these two slowly but surely open up to the other was absolutely breathtaking and utterly stunning. You feel every gnawing pain and each happy thrill, and their reunion is both undeniably sweet and utterly inspiring.
This is the first book that I have read by Veronica Blade, and she has definitely stolen my heart and captured my attention. I look forward to discovering and experiencing many more priceless treasures that she has created. Don’t hesitate to pick up a book from this amazing author. You will not be disappointed in the least.
Shelby can feel the frayed edges of her heart more keenly with each passing day. Since her best friend and soul mate walked out of her life nine years ago, she is just living out a passionless and hopeless existence. Even though she has built a life and loves, she can’t ignore the gaping hole within her heart and very soul. No one and nothing can fill that blackened void. When the very person that resigned her to this life reenters her life, she doesn’t know what to do. Logan’s very presence pulls her to him, but she fights with everything in her to push him away in order to save her heart. Logan is pulling out all the stops to make sure that Shelby understands what happened nine years ago, and what is going on right now. Will his determination push her so far out of reach that he won’t be able to touch her heart like he desperately wants to, or will Shelby finally exact her revenge on his without giving him a chance to explain and set things right?
I love Logan’s gentle perseverance in trying to soften Shelby’s heart. He refuses to walk away from his heart, and because of that he is willing to change up his strategy in order to do what he can to prove to her the truth in his words and intentions. His amazing sensitivity and tender attempts to lift up and encourage Shelby won my heart over long before it won hers over. I understand Shelby’s reactions and completely sympathize for her as I would undoubtedly act the same way she did. There is only so much devastating pain and deep heartache you can survive. Watching the hearts of these two slowly but surely open up to the other was absolutely breathtaking and utterly stunning. You feel every gnawing pain and each happy thrill, and their reunion is both undeniably sweet and utterly inspiring.
This is the first book that I have read by Veronica Blade, and she has definitely stolen my heart and captured my attention. I look forward to discovering and experiencing many more priceless treasures that she has created. Don’t hesitate to pick up a book from this amazing author. You will not be disappointed in the least.
January 7, 2012
I just have to say from the get-go that Ms. Veronica Blade is fast becoming my favorite up and coming author to date! I was lucky enough to get to read and review her book Something Witchy This Way Comes and loved it, so I was really looking forward to reading more of her work. Blind Date is different in that it is a contemporary romance, and a novella, but I wasn't disappointed at all! It was such a great read - fun, flirtatious, painful, romantic - it ran the gamut of emotions in such a short time!
Shelby's first love was Logan, and Shelby's first heartbreak was Logan. When they were 17 his parents divorced and he had to move to California with his father, but they swore they would stay together, and he would come back for her when he turned 18. But he didn't - instead he called her and broke up with her, and this left her devastated. Now, 9 years later, she still can't commit to a relationship because she can't make herself trust that any man she gives her heart to won't leave her eventually. I think anyone who has been hurt by a relationship gone bad can relate to this! Imagine her surprise when her best friend, Ginny, sets her up on a blind date with Logan of all people!! It turns out he never stopped loving her and wants her back. He is now a very famous author who is on the cover of all the latest tabloids with a different girl on his arm in every picture, but that was because he never stopped loving Shelby and no one could measure up in his eyes. He finally grows a pair and decides to go back to his home town and win her back.
This book is a great example of back and forth - for every move he makes, she counters, hence the term "checkmate"! This is a very quick read because in such a short time, you really become invested in the characters. You want Logan to have a good reason for why he broke Shelby's heart in the first place, and you want Shelby to finally be able to be happy with her one true love. The characters, including the secondary characters, are well fleshed out, and the plot moves at an amazing pace! I, for one, couldn't stop reading it!
I definitely recommend that you check out this awesome new author, and have a little fun finding out if Shelby and Logan can find their way back to each other :D
Shelby's first love was Logan, and Shelby's first heartbreak was Logan. When they were 17 his parents divorced and he had to move to California with his father, but they swore they would stay together, and he would come back for her when he turned 18. But he didn't - instead he called her and broke up with her, and this left her devastated. Now, 9 years later, she still can't commit to a relationship because she can't make herself trust that any man she gives her heart to won't leave her eventually. I think anyone who has been hurt by a relationship gone bad can relate to this! Imagine her surprise when her best friend, Ginny, sets her up on a blind date with Logan of all people!! It turns out he never stopped loving her and wants her back. He is now a very famous author who is on the cover of all the latest tabloids with a different girl on his arm in every picture, but that was because he never stopped loving Shelby and no one could measure up in his eyes. He finally grows a pair and decides to go back to his home town and win her back.
This book is a great example of back and forth - for every move he makes, she counters, hence the term "checkmate"! This is a very quick read because in such a short time, you really become invested in the characters. You want Logan to have a good reason for why he broke Shelby's heart in the first place, and you want Shelby to finally be able to be happy with her one true love. The characters, including the secondary characters, are well fleshed out, and the plot moves at an amazing pace! I, for one, couldn't stop reading it!
I definitely recommend that you check out this awesome new author, and have a little fun finding out if Shelby and Logan can find their way back to each other :D
January 31, 2012
Veronica has done it again! I absolutely loved Something Witchy This Way Comes. SWTC was a young adult book and this book was for a more mature audience and I have to say she captured my heart with this one!
I am a big old sap for love stories especially when you have to fight for the love to stay alive. In this story Shelby has moved away from home and started a new life after losing the love of her life Logan. They dated for many years in high school but then Logan had to move away and when he left he took Shelby's heart with him. Shelby tried dating different guys but it never worked out for long because all she thought about was Logan and how much she loved him. It didn't matter what she tried she could not get rid of him because he was everywhere she looked. See Logan was a famos Author and he was all over the billboards and magazines and the news. So no matter how hard she tried to forget him she could not.
Logan loves Shelby he is miserable without her but the long distance thing just does not seem to be working for them. So he breaks up with her in hopes that she will find someone to love. The only thing is he can't get over her and he wants her back. He is afraid that she will tell him to get lost because she is still angry with him but he loves her and will do anything to be with her but will that be enough for him? Will Shelby let him back in?
Her best friend tired of seeing her hurt and alone tries hard to fix Shelby up with Mr Right only thing is Mr Right is not her idea of right. Then her best friend sends her on a blind date and tells her she will know who it is when she gets to the resturant. Once Shelby gets there to the resturant her life will forever be changed because the person sitting there patiently waiting for her is someone she definately did not want to see.
What is a girl to do when she loves someone and the other person doesn't love her or so she thinks? Can time heal all wounds? What will Shelby do with this stranger she is sitting next to? When love is all you have is it enough to mend the heart and restart a relationship you thought was lost? Read this book to find out and you will not be disappointed!
Veronica I look forward to reading more from you! Thanks a bunch for this great read.
I am a big old sap for love stories especially when you have to fight for the love to stay alive. In this story Shelby has moved away from home and started a new life after losing the love of her life Logan. They dated for many years in high school but then Logan had to move away and when he left he took Shelby's heart with him. Shelby tried dating different guys but it never worked out for long because all she thought about was Logan and how much she loved him. It didn't matter what she tried she could not get rid of him because he was everywhere she looked. See Logan was a famos Author and he was all over the billboards and magazines and the news. So no matter how hard she tried to forget him she could not.
Logan loves Shelby he is miserable without her but the long distance thing just does not seem to be working for them. So he breaks up with her in hopes that she will find someone to love. The only thing is he can't get over her and he wants her back. He is afraid that she will tell him to get lost because she is still angry with him but he loves her and will do anything to be with her but will that be enough for him? Will Shelby let him back in?
Her best friend tired of seeing her hurt and alone tries hard to fix Shelby up with Mr Right only thing is Mr Right is not her idea of right. Then her best friend sends her on a blind date and tells her she will know who it is when she gets to the resturant. Once Shelby gets there to the resturant her life will forever be changed because the person sitting there patiently waiting for her is someone she definately did not want to see.
What is a girl to do when she loves someone and the other person doesn't love her or so she thinks? Can time heal all wounds? What will Shelby do with this stranger she is sitting next to? When love is all you have is it enough to mend the heart and restart a relationship you thought was lost? Read this book to find out and you will not be disappointed!
Veronica I look forward to reading more from you! Thanks a bunch for this great read.
April 21, 2012
5 Stars
I think what draws me into Veronica Blade's stories so much is how relatable each one is. I always become stubborn when a guy expresses his feeling for me. Though I don't have the same reason Shelby does, I feel the same way when it comes to letting myself hope. I tend to push all people away when they get too close, subconsciously. Reading these stories helps me realize I need to open up more and I'm thankful for the insight I receive from each one of these amazing books. And OMG Blind Date, Checkmate doesn't have a single supernatural in it and I still liked it! That's a big step for me :)
I think what draws me into Veronica Blade's stories so much is how relatable each one is. I always become stubborn when a guy expresses his feeling for me. Though I don't have the same reason Shelby does, I feel the same way when it comes to letting myself hope. I tend to push all people away when they get too close, subconsciously. Reading these stories helps me realize I need to open up more and I'm thankful for the insight I receive from each one of these amazing books. And OMG Blind Date, Checkmate doesn't have a single supernatural in it and I still liked it! That's a big step for me :)
May 26, 2012
This is the type of book that makes you wish that you were the main character and that you could only wish that a decent guy like this would come around. Maybe it's just me. I liked this book and was saddened that it ended. It's the type of book you want it to continue and continue and continue. I would recommend reading this if you love romance books, I for one am not a fan of romance books BUT I won this book through the goodreads giveaway and for the author's kindness of giving me a book, I owed it to them to read and review it. I do recommend it! Well worth the 1 1/2 hrs it took me to read it.
May 3, 2012
Blind Date, Checkmate is the perfect pick for romance lovers looking for a quick, entertaining read. What makes it such a good novella is the fact that it's so easy to identify with the main character, Shelby. There are very few women out there who haven't gotten their hearts broken at some point and I think we all have a friend or family member who is perhaps a little overly concerned with our love lives. I can't say much more without giving away too much, so I'll just end this by saying give it a chance. You won't be disappointed.
June 7, 2012
I really enjoyed it and thought it was so clean on there was no sex scenes just some minor kissing. It was a really great read and I am glad that I got it on my kindle.
June 9, 2012
Very cute story. It was even free! Quick read but worth the time.
July 10, 2012
Ginny sets up her friend Shelby on a blind date.. Little does Shelby know its her long lost love Logan.. They rekindle their relationship and all is well..
October 17, 2012
I love sweet love stories with happy endings
January 25, 2021
Shelby Winters and Logan Starks were high school sweethearts until he had to move with his dad to Los Angeles. He promised he would come back for her when he was 18 but he soon quit answering her phone calls or responding to her texts. He just ended it between them. He became a famous writer and she saw his photo often with various starlets. Now nine years have passed and Logan is back in town. He tells Shelby he never stopped loving her. She is afraid to trust him with her heart again. He realizes how much he hurt her and tells her to read the manuscript he left with her.
His father became seriously ill and didn't want anyone to know. Logan had to take care of him. Still no excuse for not calling or texting Shelby for nine years! If he truly loved her, he would have. She might still love him and he might say he loves her but I would not trust him.
His father became seriously ill and didn't want anyone to know. Logan had to take care of him. Still no excuse for not calling or texting Shelby for nine years! If he truly loved her, he would have. She might still love him and he might say he loves her but I would not trust him.
December 9, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
How crazy was this. The only down side to this story is it was to short. I wanted more Logan and Shelby. Forever love.
How crazy was this. The only down side to this story is it was to short. I wanted more Logan and Shelby. Forever love.
December 28, 2011
Blind Date, Checkmate by Veronica Blade
Pages: E-book equivalent to about 100 printed pages.
Publisher: Crushed Publishing
Genre: Adult Romance
Buy the Book: Kindle ($0.99!)
Should a woman who’s unable to forget her first love give “happily ever after” one more try?
Shelby Winters’ one great love went sour. If she can’t feel that way about a guy again, why bother? When Shelby’s best friend sets her up on a blind date with Logan, the guy who broke her heart, he pursues her relentlessly, forcing her to make a choice: give her heart what it’s always desired and risk total devastation or shut Logan out and lose her only shot at happiness. To Shelby, it’s a lose-lose situation. Or is it?
If you're looking for a sweet romance with just enough sizzle to leave you breathless, then Blind Date, Checkmate is your book! It tells the story of Shelby, a successful realtor living in Sacramento who has a habit of exercising when she needs to work off some sexual tension. Her heart was broken 9 years ago, by the love of her life, and now he's back... and he won't take no for an answer!
This novella is relatively short, but it's definitely an emotional roller coaster. From the moment I met Logan, I was rooting him on. It's almost like a chick flick, where you just know that the guy is going to get the girl, because if he doesn't then true love doesn't exist and your whole life is a lie. And even if I didn't like what Logan did to Shelby when they were teenagers, the fact that he moved back to Sacramento just to make things right with her counts for a lot.
Veronica Blade has this innate ability to keep the sexual tension running high throughout the course of the entire story, only allowing some closure at the tail end of it. As was the case with her debut novel, Something Witchy This Way Comes, if you read my review, you would remember this lovely little graphic:
And yes, that still holds true for Blind Date, Checkmate. Just like in Something Witchy, there were so many moments in the novella that I just wanted Shelby to give in to Logan, rip his clothes off and jump his bones. The steaminess was on at all times, and since this is an adult novella and the characters are in their twenties, references to sex don't have to be veiled with innuendos. Shelby wanted Logan, badly, and quite honestly I did too!
Read this yummy excerpt and you'll know just what I'm talking about:
As if I were his prey, he caged me against the wall with his arms. I pressed my back into the cold plaster so I wouldn't feel his thighs brushing mine. He only moved closer, a breath away, the friction of our bodies sending an inferno through me.
Oh yes, that had definitely been missing in my life.
"You want me to follow through, I'm ready right now," he growled softly.
Blind Date, Checkmate was a fun and sexy story about rekindling a romance. And it's a pretty quick read, so buy it! 5 out of 5 stars.
January 3, 2012
Remember that first heart-pounding, sweat-inducing and thought-overtaking love of your life? You both swore you would be together forever and nothing would come between you. Now, do you remember what happened to that love? Did it last or did fate intervene and crush those hopes and dreams? For Shelby and Logan, their deep and all-consuming love story was brought to a halt, long ago, leaving Shelby reeling and broken. Logan has become a big time writer and a magazine cover drool-inducing celebrity, while Shelby has become a successful Realtor who has put together a decent life. Career-wise, both are shooting toward the moon, heart-wise, they are diving into the Bermuda Triangle.
Little does Shelby know what she is about to encounter when her best friend sets her up on a blind date. Never in a million years would she fathom who her eyes behold waiting for her in the restaurant as her date. Sparks are about to fly and they are not necessarily the good kind - yet.
Blind Date, Checkmate is a lovely and fun story to sink into. Many readers will be able to relate, on some level, with the characters of Shelby and Logan - of their story. I totally fell in love with Logan who is thoughtful, caring, hot and goes after what he wants. He is also on the sensitive side, which is a delightful addition to such a hottie. Shelby is an intelligent, strong and stubborn woman who wants to keep Logan as far away from her as possible. The problem? He will have none of it. I do have to admit that there were a couple of times that I wasn't so sure how I felt about Shelby. Overall I really liked her, but wanted to thump her a couple of times throughout the story.
Veronica Blade is an incredibly talented story teller. I fell in love with her work with her YA novel Something Witchy This Way Comes and greatly enjoyed this novella of the "adult" nature. The story she weaves is delightful and tight, excellent characterization and an intriguing plot. To be able to span different genres so effortlessly says a lot about an author and I eagerly await more from Ms. Blade - in all genres! If you haven't checked her out yet, you are truly missing out! I highly recommend Blind Date, Checkmate for anyone looking for a fun and relaxing read that will suck you in from beginning to end!
Little does Shelby know what she is about to encounter when her best friend sets her up on a blind date. Never in a million years would she fathom who her eyes behold waiting for her in the restaurant as her date. Sparks are about to fly and they are not necessarily the good kind - yet.
Blind Date, Checkmate is a lovely and fun story to sink into. Many readers will be able to relate, on some level, with the characters of Shelby and Logan - of their story. I totally fell in love with Logan who is thoughtful, caring, hot and goes after what he wants. He is also on the sensitive side, which is a delightful addition to such a hottie. Shelby is an intelligent, strong and stubborn woman who wants to keep Logan as far away from her as possible. The problem? He will have none of it. I do have to admit that there were a couple of times that I wasn't so sure how I felt about Shelby. Overall I really liked her, but wanted to thump her a couple of times throughout the story.
Veronica Blade is an incredibly talented story teller. I fell in love with her work with her YA novel Something Witchy This Way Comes and greatly enjoyed this novella of the "adult" nature. The story she weaves is delightful and tight, excellent characterization and an intriguing plot. To be able to span different genres so effortlessly says a lot about an author and I eagerly await more from Ms. Blade - in all genres! If you haven't checked her out yet, you are truly missing out! I highly recommend Blind Date, Checkmate for anyone looking for a fun and relaxing read that will suck you in from beginning to end!
May 15, 2012
My rating: 3/5 stars
Read the review in my blog!
May contain some spoilers
Earlier I read Veronica's Something Witchy This Way Comes and A Bite's Tale: A Furry Fable and since this is my third book from her, guess you could say I'm officially a fan!
Like with her other books, Veronica manages to write some effortless dialogues, and guess you could say that really is her specialty. The story is full of action and full of romance (though no dirty scenes, so younger audience can read this too) and it just keeps you hooked.
Since this is a novella, it is quite short. That was probably the reason why I occasionally felt like things were moving too fast and there was just a little too much action.
I'm the biggest fan of an emotional rollercoaster, but because of the length, there had to be emotions flying around nonstop. So I wouldn't have mind if there hadn't been that many up and downs so fast, but it still didn't stop me from reading, and enjoying, this! It took me two hours and I was finished, since I couldn't stop reading!
Shelby and Logan were enjoyable and interesting characters, even though Logan was quite The Hunk and occasionally liked himself a little too much ;) And Shelby's so called BFF just bugged me soooo much, I just wanted to kick her butt!
Though, of course, things might have gone differently if she hadn't been forcing these two together, but still. She was just kind of annoying.
The romance was so sweet and cute, and there really wasn't anything besides kissing, so even though this isn't exactly YA book, things stay decent.
Overall, this really was a fun and cute read! Maybe just a little too quick, since in the end you just wanted more to read! Give it a go, you won't be disappointed!
Again, my thanks to Veronica, you didn't let me down! :)
Love,
Monaliz @ Mind Reading?
Read the review in my blog!
May contain some spoilers
Earlier I read Veronica's Something Witchy This Way Comes and A Bite's Tale: A Furry Fable and since this is my third book from her, guess you could say I'm officially a fan!
Like with her other books, Veronica manages to write some effortless dialogues, and guess you could say that really is her specialty. The story is full of action and full of romance (though no dirty scenes, so younger audience can read this too) and it just keeps you hooked.
Since this is a novella, it is quite short. That was probably the reason why I occasionally felt like things were moving too fast and there was just a little too much action.
I'm the biggest fan of an emotional rollercoaster, but because of the length, there had to be emotions flying around nonstop. So I wouldn't have mind if there hadn't been that many up and downs so fast, but it still didn't stop me from reading, and enjoying, this! It took me two hours and I was finished, since I couldn't stop reading!
Shelby and Logan were enjoyable and interesting characters, even though Logan was quite The Hunk and occasionally liked himself a little too much ;) And Shelby's so called BFF just bugged me soooo much, I just wanted to kick her butt!
Though, of course, things might have gone differently if she hadn't been forcing these two together, but still. She was just kind of annoying.
The romance was so sweet and cute, and there really wasn't anything besides kissing, so even though this isn't exactly YA book, things stay decent.
Overall, this really was a fun and cute read! Maybe just a little too quick, since in the end you just wanted more to read! Give it a go, you won't be disappointed!
Again, my thanks to Veronica, you didn't let me down! :)
Love,
Monaliz @ Mind Reading?
June 5, 2012
2.5 Stars
Shelby Winters never got over her teenage love. After dating for three years, her Logan had to move away when his parents divorced. They tried to make the long distance work until one day he called and dumped her. Not only had he broken his promise to come back to her once he turned eighteen, but he'd also broken her heart irrevocably. All that happened nine years ago.
When her best friend strong arms her into agreeing to a blind date, Shelby is more than surly but gives in eventually. Imagine her shock when she sees who her blind date is.
Nine years ago, Logan made the biggest mistake of his life. Now he's back and he'll do whatever it takes to get a second chance and make things right. Convincing her to trust and love him again won't be easy, but he's determined to get her back.
I love stories about second chances. I figured two people who drifted apart for whatever reason as teenagers would be older and wiser when their second chance came around. On page two, I already knew I'd have a hard time liking the heroine. Not only has she spent the past nine years pining for Logan, but she's in denial about her feelings for him. She lies to herself, her best friend and even Logan. I understood that she was deeply hurt, but she could have listened to what he had to say, or tell him to get lost once and for all. From beginning up until the end, she's b*tchy (vocally), but on the inside all her thoughts are mushy. As for Logan, he had a good reason for not returning once he turned eighteen, but as for the other eight years, I didn't buy his excuses. He claims he never stopped loving her yet he stayed away and silent all that time. Even if he thought she had moved on with someone else, as long as she didn't have a ring on her finger, he could have had a chance to win her over. The ending may have resolved the issue for Shelby, but it was just too easy and simple.
February 12, 2012
http://freak-ya-tastic.blogspot.com/2...
I have to thank Veronica Blade for this free e-copy. Like always, I enjoy her story. What can I say? I'm a fan.
This book is a oneshot book, not really a young-adult read but that can be read by young-adult readers since there isn't any explicit contents. I'm sure this cute romance will please you.
I read this short novel in less than an afternoon, as much hooked by the characters as hooked by this love story. How can someone resists when it's about two people in love when they were teenagers but who lost touch without ever forgetting each other?
Once again, Veronica Blade has a perfect writing style for such a story. Her style isn't all with embroidments, but much more about modernity that sounds so easy to convince us with her story and awesome characters that remind me myself or other people I know or knew.
Even if you know how it will end, you love to read and know how it will happen, totally hoping for Shelby to find happyness. It's not too cheesey and it's what I like too with this novel. I love to read romances, but too much is too much even with awesome characters. Here, it's more believable and stays cute to read.
I recommand this short novel for readers who're looking for a cute light romance fast to read. You'll have a goot time with this novel, I'm sure of it even if I regret a little that it's not a little longer with more peripeties for Shelby with Jared and Logan. That's just me though. I like conflicts a lot in books.
March 20, 2012
Congrats Veronica, you have done it again! Again you have written a story that i could not put down. And this isn't even my usual genre of reading! But i absolutely loved it. You have proven you can not only write for the YA (i'm still in love with "Something Witchy This Way Comes" by the way") but that you can write just as great for the older crowd. I read this book in 2 days. I loved the story, i think it's something every girl/woman can relate to in a sense of first loves and having our hearts broken and how after that we kinda wanna protect ourselves from the world. In reality had a girl's first love come back to town - more than likely she would be the one chasing him, so i loved that it was the other way around in this story, just goes to show that there are guys out there that aren't complete and total a** holes. I loved the bantering back and forth between Shelby and Logan, i found it fun and entertaining. I mean i think every girl wishes they had a Logan in their lives. And i loved that Shelby was a strong and independent woman who could, if she had to, stand on her own two feet. Alot of books portray the female as weak and so i was glad to read something that did not do that. This was a very refreshing, fun, entertaining read, and i would suggest it to anyone who likes a good romance. Happy Reading! =)
October 23, 2012
Oh my goodness this book is so fun! I read it twice! Yup twice! Ms. Blade normally writes YA, but this book is for a more mature audience and I have to say she did a excellent job! This story is about first love and second chances. Do you remember yours? Did it last? Well Shelby gets a chance. If you want to know if Shelby gets her happy ever after with Logan. I found that Shelby is stubborn and the fact that she wants to protect herself a good thing. It was a nice to see a girl make a guy (in this case Logan) work really hard. One of my favorite parts is at a party Shelby's friend Ginny has. I loved seeing Shelby jealous of women flirting with Logan. I also enjoyed the roller coaster of emotions felt while reading this. You can never go wrong with a story by Veronica Blade. She has a knack for capturing and keeping my attention till the last word is read. And then I want to pick up another read from her.
Just FYI~ This book contains some swearing and reference to sex (with no detail)
Just FYI~ This book contains some swearing and reference to sex (with no detail)
March 25, 2012
For a pint-size romance, Blind Date, Checkmate, weighing in at just under 100 pages, might be your ticket.
This was a cute story of the reacquaintance of two long-ago lovers. The story is fairly straight-forward; it is realistic but is enjoyable due to this realism. Perhaps the situation is unique but the characters are recognizable and relatable. Logan (sweet or total stalker?) was likeable despite his--well--stalker-like qualities. Shelby isn't so blinded by love as to give up her mind, but learns to listen to what's in her heart.
I recommend this book for fans of romance without the raunch (there are sexual references in the book but nothing shocking to a girl in her mid-teens or older) and those who believe in long-term love.
I received this book free of charge through the GoodReads First Reads program.
This was a cute story of the reacquaintance of two long-ago lovers. The story is fairly straight-forward; it is realistic but is enjoyable due to this realism. Perhaps the situation is unique but the characters are recognizable and relatable. Logan (sweet or total stalker?) was likeable despite his--well--stalker-like qualities. Shelby isn't so blinded by love as to give up her mind, but learns to listen to what's in her heart.
I recommend this book for fans of romance without the raunch (there are sexual references in the book but nothing shocking to a girl in her mid-teens or older) and those who believe in long-term love.
I received this book free of charge through the GoodReads First Reads program.
August 24, 2012
I was given this book by the author on a read to review basis.
Veronica Blade has fast become one of my favourite authors, and her books always have me up way past my bedtime since I can’t put them down – Blind Date, Checkmate was no exception to this. As a novella, it’s short, sweet and fast paced.
The characters are well developed, and Shelby’s hurt from her first love, Logan, ending their relationship is evident. She still loves Logan (doesn’t everyone still have some feelings for their first love?), and has never really been able to move on so when he returns determined to win her back, it’s no surprise that she is wary.
True love, as expected, wins out, but not before a roller coaster of an emotional ride.
A truly talented author, who writes in a way you can easily relate to and get completely lost in her story lines.
Veronica Blade has fast become one of my favourite authors, and her books always have me up way past my bedtime since I can’t put them down – Blind Date, Checkmate was no exception to this. As a novella, it’s short, sweet and fast paced.
The characters are well developed, and Shelby’s hurt from her first love, Logan, ending their relationship is evident. She still loves Logan (doesn’t everyone still have some feelings for their first love?), and has never really been able to move on so when he returns determined to win her back, it’s no surprise that she is wary.
True love, as expected, wins out, but not before a roller coaster of an emotional ride.
A truly talented author, who writes in a way you can easily relate to and get completely lost in her story lines.
July 20, 2016
I'm slowly coming to the conclusion that Novellas are not really for me. Generally I like stories to build and have a lot of padding if you know what I mean.
This one however broke the mold. I really liked it. I "bought" the characters and the reasoning and wasnt left feeling like I'd only got half the story.
I won't put any spoilers in, partly because I read this a while ago and somehow my review seems to have disappeared (as have a few others since they changed stuff on here) and partly because its too short to drop any hints that won't spoil that tummy turn feeling when you've enjoyed a good book.
I really like this author and will be keeping an eye out for more of her work.
This one however broke the mold. I really liked it. I "bought" the characters and the reasoning and wasnt left feeling like I'd only got half the story.
I won't put any spoilers in, partly because I read this a while ago and somehow my review seems to have disappeared (as have a few others since they changed stuff on here) and partly because its too short to drop any hints that won't spoil that tummy turn feeling when you've enjoyed a good book.
I really like this author and will be keeping an eye out for more of her work.
January 16, 2012
Shelby can't forget her first love, Logan, who moved away and broke her heart when she was young. It's even harder to forget him now that he's a famous author who's constantly hitting the A-list Hollywood events, appearing all over the tabloids looking very hot and unforgettable (as if he hadn't been already!). When Logan, shows up in Shelby's northern California home town wanting to purchase a permanent residence, Shelby needs to decide if risking her heart one more time could lead to the happy ending she always wanted with him. Veronica Blade has a sassy and fun voice as she takes us through Blind Date/Checkmate. A great read, which I highly recommend.
January 31, 2012
Blind Date, Checkmate was a little predictable but still a nice light read that would make for good lunch time or waiting room reading. The characters are likeable for the most part. Shelby was insanely stubborn but I suppose she had good reason to be. Can she get over the past and fall in love again? Logan is a writer and a ladies man who has seen the err of his ways. But is he too late to reclaim his first and only love?
To see this review and more, check out my blog at http://lratrandom.blogspot.com/
To see this review and more, check out my blog at http://lratrandom.blogspot.com/
February 6, 2012
I loved this story! At first, I was thinking what a sorry character Shelby was being. But, about half way through the story I realized that I act just like her!! Don't ask what brought that home to me. My point is, the characters were very realistic and you felt their emotions so keenly. I enjoyed the torture she endured, how she thought everything was being done just to crush her. Ok, I fully admit, this sounds alot like me......
I fell in love with Logan, Jared.....it would be hard to decide. The end left me teary-eyed and full of happiness.
Excellent story!
I fell in love with Logan, Jared.....it would be hard to decide. The end left me teary-eyed and full of happiness.
Excellent story!
October 17, 2015
It's always nice to read this kind of story, first love, first heartbreak... second chance romance. I immensely enjoyed reading Shelby and Logan's journey to finding each other again after so many years of no contact.The author was able to deliver a believable sweet love story with TOTALLY relatable characters.
My only complain is that the book is short... I was not satisfied with ending the story too soon. Sorry, that's just me. I'm starting to think short stories just don't usually work for me.
My only complain is that the book is short... I was not satisfied with ending the story too soon. Sorry, that's just me. I'm starting to think short stories just don't usually work for me.
June 9, 2012
What a cute read! There is nothing like a woman scorned! and Shelby is just that. The book starts off with Ginny setting up Shelby on a blind date to help her get over her lost love Logan. Logan happens to be the blind date Shelby is about to meet up with.
This is a very short story that was very far from my normal reading choices, I found that I really enjoyed Shelbys snippiness and attitude towards Logan.
Anyone who has ever been dumped *and really who hasnt* will enjoy this.
This is a very short story that was very far from my normal reading choices, I found that I really enjoyed Shelbys snippiness and attitude towards Logan.
Anyone who has ever been dumped *and really who hasnt* will enjoy this.
June 25, 2013
This was a cute story. A fast read, and at first I was a little disappointed that it was so short. I thought about it and realized that all of the elements that I enjoy in a romance story were there, the characters were developed and it had a satisfying ending.
Tuck it in your purse to read when you are waiting at the doctor's office or waiting for the kids in the carpool line.
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway.
Tuck it in your purse to read when you are waiting at the doctor's office or waiting for the kids in the carpool line.
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway.
March 25, 2012
I won this book on goodreads.com. It was a wonderful quick read. While it was short it doesn't take long to fall in love with the main charactor. From the very begning you start to hope she sees the error in her ways and that she says yes to the one man that she should say yes to. I would have given it more stars but to me it is a typical romance book.
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