Keep the Fire Burning:fantasy romance by Daisy Banks A flame of passion turns into an ever-burning fire of love. Devastation unites a Prince and a village maiden and together they discover the sweet fire of the flame of love.
Three-Way Tie:short BDSM erotic romance by MQ Barber Strong knots hold love fast. Henry gives his submissive lovers a day filled with the best kind of tension.
In His Embrace:contemporary romance by Wendy Ely When life’s glow threatens to die in a person, love’s light guides the way. Tori expected Friday to be completely ordinary: a quick goodbye to her best friend who was going away on a business trip for the weekend, a routine checkup at her doctor’s office, and the rest of the day filled with work. But she was wrong. Ben’s hand rested on her hips a little longer than usual during their goodbye, igniting sparks she’d tried to ignore for years, and then her tests came back abnormal. Scared and alone, she wishes for one person’s hand to hold–Ben’s. He is trying to make it back before her next doctor visit, but can he?
May I Have This Dance:paranormal romance by Toni Kelly The right partner makes all the difference…in love and dancing. Tired of hiding who and what he is, half-demon Sebastian Reyes is determined to find happiness. Easier said than done, though—his true identity could drive away the only woman he loves.
A Keeper:contemporary romance by Charlotte McClain Some things are worth keeping. Some guys are keepers. Dina Paxson has a few days before going back to work on the cruise ship to straighten out a billing snafu at the storage facility. Paul Hanover is baby-sitting the facility for his mother when Dina comes in. She’s a little odd, but in a way that makes him want to know more about her. Too bad his need to know conflicts with her desire to be a little more anonymous.
Like Autumn Leaves and Campfires:GLBT erotic romance by Elle Parker Mysterious neighbors, scheming wives and bar fights. This was not Dino’s idea of a relaxing vacation. All Dino Martini wants is to enjoy his vacation with best friend turned boyfriend, Seth Donnelly. But when he stumbles across a mystery, it feels like business as usual. If Dino wants to spend his time focused on Seth instead of fighting in bars, he might have to get back to work.
Ripe for Trouble:Contemporary romance by Autumn Piper Are they ready for love this time around, or just ripe for trouble? When Ivy Leeds takes a job in her hometown, few things have changed…but Ridley, the bad boy of her graduating class, has cleaned up his act. Or so everyone else thinks. After hearing him and his friend practicing pickup lines, she has her doubts. Ridley Tucker can hardly believe his eyes. Ivy, the president of the Brainiac Club, has returned to town. Some things never change—she’ll barely give him the time of day, and she still looks as fine as she did that night at Prom, when they almost… Well, when he blew their chances forever. Or…did he?
Slip the Skin:paranormal romance by Tera Shanley His curse is her cure. Just when Linden Ashby finally accepts her impending doom, a handsome stranger gives her another chance at life. But will it be at the expense of her soul?
Highlander’s Captive:historical romance by Joanne Wadsworth His mission is to capture. Hers is to turn the tide. Julia MacLeod is held captive by a Highland warrior, a man whose deep-seated honor may just turn him into becoming the captured instead.
Joanne Wadsworth is a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling Author who adores getting lost in the world of romance, no matter what era in time that might be. Hot alpha Highlanders hound her, demanding their stories are told and she’s devoted to ensuring they meet their match, whether that be with a feisty lass from the present or far in the past.
Living on a tiny island at the bottom of the world, she calls New Zealand home. Big-dreamer, hoarder of chocolate, and addicted to juicy watermelons since the age of five, she chases after her four energetic children and has her own hunky hubby on the side.
So come and join in all the fun, because this kiwi girl promises to give you her “Hot-Highlander” oath, to bring you a heart-pounding, sexy adventure from the moment you turn the first page. This is where romance meets fantasy and adventure…
I am not rating the book because I only read Elle Parker's "Dino Martini" short....
Like Autumn Leaves and Campfires by Elle Parker: 4 stars
Two books of Elle Parker's "Dino Martini" series were part of my early experience in reading MM romance, back in 2010. I had fun with Dino -- a middle aged private eye -- and his mechanic/best friend turned boyfriend Seth. They were likeable and their stories were light and easy. These two guys didn't angst over friendship turning into lovers; they acknowledged their attraction and moved from that.
... and I've been agonizing about more stories about them because I want to be around Dino and Seth more.
So THANK GOD for this short story (and a hopeful news about book #3!). I grabbed it when it was still free -- and despite being short it was still enjoyable. It was like returning to your best buddies. This time Dino and Seth were going on vacation, and I thought the part where they both being flirty and such a tease toward one another was really cute.
There is no really mystery here, in my point of view. Sure there were these 'neighbors' on their vacation place that acted mysteriously, but it's not like Dino is solving anything. So for me, this one was more about the two men enjoying their time together outside of Florida and not about mystery.
4 stars for Elle Parker’s Like Autumn Leaves and Campfires. I really loved the two Dino Martini books (and was convinced that was the last of them), so I was delighted to see that this story was out. It’s light on mystery but full of Dino/Seth time. I still love these guys.
A Keeper by Charlotte McClain - 1 star. Boring, very confusing, no chemistry, wastes words with details that don’t matter to the romance. Not really a romance anyway. More like a first chapter than a complete story.
Highlander’s Captive by Joanne Wadsworth - 1 star. Seriously thin wallpaper. No depth. Insta-love. Boring.
Ripe for Trouble by Autumn Piper - DNF due to the heroine slut shaming the hero’s ex who is also his baby mama.
"Loose Lana. Ugh. Ivy felt like she needed antibiotics just from being in the same room with her."
Never mind that she'd already described the hero as having slept with every woman in town. But that’s okay cuz he’s a man. We all know it’s the dirty, skanky sluts with the cooties and the promiscuous men are spared by the grace of angels or some shit.
In His Embrace by Wendy Ely - 2.5 stars. Was okay but there were ways to make the story stronger and I couldn’t turn off my inner editor. The doctor visit had me rolling my eyes. The conflict was resolved with a sentence. The hero’s job stuff could’ve been shortened to make room for showing the relationship changing and building tension. Overall meh.
Keep the Fire Burning by Daisy Banks - 2 stars. Heavily skimmed. No conflict. Insta. Twee.
May I Have This Dance by Toni Kelly - 3 stars. Kinda confusing at start. Feels like part of a series that should’ve been read first. Was okay.
Slip the Skin by Tera Shanley - 3 stars. Writing was fine but the pace was too fast for the depth needed for this story.
Like Autumn Leaves and Campfires by Elle Parker - 3 stars. Didn’t really feel like it had an ending but was okay. Late in the story Seth referred to a woman who’d come onto Dino as a slut. So basically another double standard pot and kettle.
Three-Way Tie by MQ Barber - DNF. Couldn’t get into story. Writing seemed okay.
Colorful autumn leaves, mugs of hot cider, and brisk winds scented with pumpkin spice and bonfires... These are some of the images that come to mind as I remember delving into this collection of autumn-themed novellas.
These short and sweet tales of overcoming challenges and discovering true love warmed me from the inside out when I needed it most. There's a little something for every romance reader (paranormal, fantasy, contemporary, humorous, women's fiction), or if you're like me, you love it all and are happy if there's good characterization and story regardless of the subgenre. This anthology won't disappoint.
Among my favorite short stories are: ◾Autumn Piper's Ripe for Trouble, a stand-alone short story set in her Trouble line of witty, emotionally gripping contemporary romances ◾Joanne Wadsworth's Highlander's Captive, a light-hearted historical piece set in late medieval Scotland ◾A Keeper by Charlotte McClain, a contemporary short story with a fresh voice and endearing characters ◾Slip the Skin by Tera Shanley, a paranormal romance with a Harley-riding shifter and a woman dying of a brain tumor
These are just a few of my favorites, but every story was really well done, superbly edited, and unique in charm and voice. This is a wonderful compilation.
This anthology has such a fabulous mix of novellas within the sub genre of romance. There's something in here for everyone. The nine novellas were well written and each author brought something unique to the collection. They ranged from sweet to steamy, and each novella included a content warning so I was well aware of what was coming up. Nine delightful stories, and some new authors I've never read before. I've definitely come away wanting to check out what else some of the authors have to offer beyond this collection.
Best of all, this anthology was free. Amazing. Huge thanks to all those authors who contributed.
Actually only read the Dino Martini story--since I don't really read m/f anymore--but the short was really cute. Loved seeing a little bit more of Seth and Dino.
Now...if I can only get my hands on the elusive Like Pizza and Beer, my day would be complete.
I only read the Dino and Seth story, "Like Autumn Leaves and Campfires". In other news, THERE'S A NEW DINO AND SETH STORY.
Dino and Seth leave Florida for a few days at a cabin in Wisconson. They mingle with the natives, experience a fall fair, and do all that northern, small town, cabin-in-the-woods type stuff.
A delightful mix of romance in all different genres and heat levels. The anthology gives you a wee taste of so many great Lyrical authors. It's nice to try before you buy! :-)
This is pure cuteness, a peek into Dino and Seth's relationship that had me awwing the entire time 🥰 Of course it isn't a Dino book without a mystery to be solved, although I admit I would've liked more development related to that, but it was still good, especially that 'we've been through this before' moment at the bar.
Overall a sweet little extra thing for those of us who aren't done with these characters yet. More like a 3.5★ ish for me but I really like it even if it left me wanting more.
Rating is only for "Like Autumn Leaves and Campfires by Elle Parker" In this story Dino and Seth have some quality time which other and some trouble with their strange neighbors.
I love getting laid. Not the pale, wilted imitation of maybe getting laid sometime next week.
First off, if you haven’t read Like Coffee and Doughnuts or Like Pizza and Beer, start there so you know who these characters are. If you’ve already met them, dive into this short.
I make no bones about the fact that I do enjoy these stories. Dino and Seth are fun together. Dino is very old school. He’s had a lot of changes in his life, including the fact his best friend, Seth, has become his perpetually horny and witty boyfriend. And they fit somehow. Seth is protective and loving, despite the fact that he’s got some pain-in-the-butt (no comment) qualities.
In this story, which is part of the First Frost Anthology, you get to sneak a peek at them while they’re on vacation. Or at least what starts out as a vacation. Someone at the campgrounds seems determined to keep everyone away from their place. When they resort to violence and trickery, Dino is back on the job.
Who is it and what are they looking for? That’s part of the fun. Sadly, this story is a short and it’s put into an anthology instead of a free-standing novella, but it was fun to revisit these friends.
I've only read the new Dino & Seth story by Elle Parker in this book and as much as I enjoyed it, I did not find this story to be on a par with the books however, it was still a very enjoyable read and I did love getting a Dino & Seth fix. Hopefully it'll tide me over until there's a new book, oh please let there be a new book Ms Parker, I have by no means had my fill of Dino and Seth and would be thrilled to read more, lots and lots more.
Contemporary, fantasy, paranormal, and erotica romances make up these nine short stories, and they’re all centered around the beginning of winter (cold weather). Like all anthologies I’ve read, I liked some stories better than others. The two paranormal ones were probably my favorite (gee, I wonder why??) and the erotica ones were quite steamy.
May I Have This Dance Paranormal romance by Toni Kelly
The right partner makes all the difference... in love and dancing. Tired of hiding who and what he is, half-demon Sebastian Reyes is determined to find happiness. Easier said than done, though— his true identity could drive away the only woman he loves.
I have missed Dino and Seth a lot so I'm probably going to be highly biased. These are my type of guys - just normal no gimmick and a nice insight into their relationship.
4**** am not gonna rate all the book because i've only read "Like Autumn Leaves & Campfires" by Elle Parker , that is the book i want so the 4 stars are not for the Anthology :)