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That One Summer: A Collection of Steamy Contemporary Romance

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Your summer just got a whole lot hotter... Dive into a scorching summer with this limited-edition collection that will transport you into the heart of the steamiest love affairs. Whether you crave the excitement of a big-city romance, the charm of a small-town affair, or the allure of an island getaway, these stories push the boundaries of passion. Embark on a journey where friends become lovers, enemies discover surprising attractions, and strangers find themselves entangled in a magnetic pull they never saw coming. From sultry beachfront rendezvous to nights of sinful pleasure, these tales promise to awaken your deepest desires and leave you breathless for more. Will sparks fly? Can a summer fling turn into a love that lasts all seasons? Order your copy now and let the summer of seduction begin! Including stories Stephanie Morris - USA Today bestselling authorSharon Wray - USA Today bestselling authorTL Reeve/Michele RyanAnne Lange LizAnne AxtelWynter RyanSarah EverlySusanna EastmanJess SavageDani DanielsKris JayneLyssa ColeMae ArcherAli RiversDawn BacaSue Brown

1692 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2024

10 people are currently reading
23 people want to read

About the author

Stephanie Morris

128 books208 followers
Stephanie Morris is the author of interracial/multicultural romance.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Ally Doby (Schleicher).
1,123 reviews11 followers
July 12, 2024
*Review for Running From Us by Lyssa Cole*

Bring your fans because not only is this one set in a hot summer beach town, the chemistry and tension between these two will have you needing to cool off.

This short story features a side character from Lyssa Cole’s “Sierra Cove” series, told in dual first person POV and leaves you with a HEA. I was also left a tad jealous of Zara and Brad for the adventures they got to take.

I loved that Zara stood up for herself and took the steps necessary to get her mind right and figure out what she wanted in life. I loved that Brad also did the same thing for himself. I loved that Bradly jumped to a beautiful stranger’s aid, even if she didn’t think she really needed it.

Their chemistry from the start was like a magnetic pull that couldn’t be denied. Both of them had their own sets of drama and weren’t looking for love. Unbeknownst to them, fate had a different plan and we get the pleasure to watch it unfold in this instant attraction turned love with some big emotions from two lost souls finding each other in a beautiful place.

I can’t wait to read more of Lyssa Cole’s stories. Not only does she rip your heart to shreds, but she will stick it back together. If the other stories in this anthology are anything like this one, I’m so here for it! I received an advanced readers copy. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
986 reviews5 followers
June 11, 2024
I read Running From Us from Lyssa Cole which is one of the stories in the collection. If all of the stories in this collection are like the one I read, then this is not to be missed. I loved the instant attraction and chemistry. Two souls trying to escape past relationships that don't make them happy and when they aren't looking, they find each other. A feel good story!
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.9k reviews163 followers
June 10, 2024
This is a great collection of steamy romantic tales that are perfect for by the pool at the beach, in the park or while you relax on vacation. I enjoyed them all, but my favorite had to be Lyssa Cole's Running From Us. Loved Brad and Zara's story. The pacing was fast, and the emotions were big.
Profile Image for Nicola Hancock.
516 reviews7 followers
July 1, 2024
What a start and what an initial way to meet and Josie being the daughter of the Heron Hotel owner. Especially when you know how Raf feels about the hotel. The detail with the underworld descriptions as you get to know Raf is beautiful. Influencer meet fisherman/lawyer. It didn’t take much for the flirtation to build into full steam and I couldn’t help getting Romeo and Juliet vibes but raunchy. I loved how sweet Raf was but absolutely owned every touch. Josie was really not having a good time even though she was all loved up.

This is one reason I love quick reads it flitters from one thing to the next whilst making so much sense. I love, love at first sight. How much you’ll do for someone when you instantly adore them. It was romantic, steamy, fast paced and just gorgeous. Although I want to know more so much more about Josie and Raf.
Profile Image for Shannon.
366 reviews
January 29, 2025
Running From Us by Lyssa Cole

This is a spicy little novella to keep you warm in the cold winter months!

Zara and Brad are well developed characters (even with the novella length of the story!) with their own baggage they are trying to escape with a nice vacation. Zara is taking a break from a controlling family and Brad is trying to find himself after a personal loss. I loved their instant chemistry! I loved how they just clicked with each other! It's a pretty quick reach and well written.
This is a spinoff of a series, but you can enjoy this story on its own without having read the Sierra Cove series, though I do recommend reading it because it is a wonderful series!
Profile Image for Kez Marie.
1,187 reviews74 followers
June 26, 2024
I got to review one of the books in this summer anthology - 'Rafs tide of Destiny'.

It was a short and steamy whirlwind summer romance with some forbidden romance, insta love and family drama.
When Raf a local fisherman rescues Josie from drowning after a photoshoot accident, it sparks a connection between them. They start to date and their connection grows when another accident strikes, but Raf vows to look after Josie even if it means sneaking around her protective family.
When they discover their families are rivals it doesn't stop their romance and they embrace their chemistry.

❤️"She was going to die as one of those cautionary tales, the social media influencer who died for a great shot"
❤️ "He knew Josie was meant to be someone special in his life"
❤️"Love doesn't discriminate... it comes when we're ready or not"
Profile Image for K Webz.
1,856 reviews
June 11, 2024
Running From Us by Lyssa Cole

When two people meet at the right time, both trying to get away from their lives momentarily, it can’t be anything other than fate. Brad and Zara are beautiful together in this story. I loved the connection they built and the chemistry was amazing.
Profile Image for Donna Kaye.
Author 3 books15 followers
June 20, 2024
Great collection of stories from various authors. My favorite was Makin' A Splash by LizAnne Axtel and Miami Fling by TL Reeve & Michele Ryan. Wonderful steamy stories with great characters.
Profile Image for Sonja Charters.
2,689 reviews137 followers
June 28, 2024
The short story I read was Raf's Tide of Destiny which was written by Mae Archer.
Mae is the pen name of Amara Pajalic and I've read quite a few of her books now - those were all aimed at the YA audience.
This short story was much more aimed at adult reading.

This was a super quick read at only around 70 pages long and with this also being so fast paced, I literally devoured it in one go!

Raf and Josie seemed like great characters to explore but with such a short story it was difficult to fully get to grips with them.
I could easily have read much more around these characters and feel like there is potential to add to this book or extend the series.

I have always loved this author's writing which is descriptive and emotive and although the other books I've read deal with some tricky issues, we never get into too much detail with the more spicy scenes.
This book brings the spice!

I love the Romeo and Juliet theme here which really ramps up the tension and passion quickly but I definitely could have read more of what happened next for the families and couple.

A great quick read which I loved. It was nice to see this different side to an author that I already love to read!
Profile Image for Trini Tran.
229 reviews
June 15, 2024
3.5/5 ⭐️ I read Hilarious by Jess Savage which is set five years after Ella, Hailey, and Jack’s relationship ended. Ella Stewart returns to town to plan her wedding. Hailey runs into her, and once she finds out the reason Ella is back in town, she is appalled. But Hailey and Jack will do anything to keep Ella back in town and plan on ruining her wedding day so they can continue their romance.

The beginning of the book was realistic because that is exactly what a broken-up couple would do if they ran into their ex 5 years later after no contact just to find out they’re getting married. It was interesting knowing what both Hailey and Jack were doing after Ella left town, but I wish more details were given in regard to Jack. I wished we got more of the other POVs rather than just Ella. Her actions don’t depict that she truly loved Jack and Hailey because five years ago, her actions were okay for a scared teenager, but as a twenty-five-year-old who still thinks of Jack and Hailey, it makes no sense why she would choose to continue her lifestyle as a Stewart versus going for what she wants. But the heart indeed wants what it wants, and once you’re in forced proximity, all the emotions are stronger.

Overall, there were some good parts and parts I would change in this book. I would like to thank Jess Savage for the ARC of her story in exchange for an honest review.
896 reviews13 followers
June 11, 2024
This is a great anthology featuring an amazing group of authors. This is a perfect summer vacation or pool side read!

This review is for Running from US by Lyssa Cole

I loved this really sweet story of how Zara and Brad met. It was a cute vacation fling turned more. They were absolutely adorable together and left me feeling so giddy for them. I loved how adoring Brad was towards Zara. Plus you can't go wrong with a hot surfer!

It might be a short story but it packs an emotional punch. There were some deep moments and plenty of the 'butterflys in the belly' feeling moments.

Of course it was great getting a glimpse of the Sierra Cove crew and seeing where they are now. I loved that this was set in the Keys and had such a tropical vibe. It was a wonderfully uplifting story with loveable characters and I would highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Janna.
765 reviews59 followers
July 1, 2024
Thank you for Love Books Tours for the copy of the book (anthology).

The story I read was Raf’s tide of destiny.
Reading this short story was super refreshing between longer books. The story is intriguing and pulls you straight away. I like that there’s no real drama between the couple and that they fight against all the drama together. It’s the perfect mix of sexy holiday fling and romance that makes you melt away.
The characters are all very well thought through and even though Amanda was just a supporting character, I kinda want for her to relax a bit and find her happy ending too. Break away from her father.
The ending of the story is perfect and I wish we could have witnessed how the families reacted to the big news.
All in all, a great and sexy short story with great characters and not too much spicy. Can’t wait to see what the rest of stories in the books are like.
Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,773 reviews50 followers
June 8, 2024
This is a review for Running From Us by Lyssa Cole

This is a delightful insta love romance. Brad and Zara have both had painful experiences when it comes to romantic relationships and family expectations. A short vacation by the beach is meant to give each of them the time to do some thinking about their future, to put the past behind them and find some closure. Neither expected to find their “one “ while on vacation. A rescue of sorts leads to easy conversation and a tentative connection. Fate takes the decision of whether or not they should look each other up again out of their hands. The spark is lit, then there is combustion. Do they take a leap of faith together or say goodbye?

This book was a very enjoyable read and I would happily recommend it.
Profile Image for Kristy.
370 reviews5 followers
June 11, 2024
Lyssa Cole’s Running From Us is a nice little slow burn that takes place in the beautiful setting of the Florida Keys. An attraction between Zara and Brad is there from the get go but as they are both on a vacation to gain clarity of some life aspects and not looking for romance, they choose to partner up and enjoy the adventures offered by the beautiful locale as friends. That element makes for a sweet romance as they get to know one another and when the dynamics of the relationship alters it is due to the fact that they genuinely like each other and are not just succumbing to attraction. A delightful bit of romance and spice, this is a perfect read at the beach or by the pool or wherever is your favorite spot to relax.
1,141 reviews26 followers
June 14, 2024
I read Raf's Tife of Destiny in one go. It's an easy little 70-odd page number full of spice and drama.
I really liked the two characters, Raf and Josie. Warring families is a trope I like, this being a novella meant we didn't see the full fallout of the family when they discovered the romance which is disappointing to me, but I understand why there wasn't room in this for that.
There is shark drama, which I didn't see coming, but it added a good dynamic to the story.
Mateo is awful, I'm glad he only inhabited a couple of pages.
It takes quick burn romance to the extreme with the characters declaring their love for each other within 24hours, but hey, love at first sight and all that.
It had some fairly explicit scenes, but they were well written.
A good read.
Profile Image for Kelsey Stone.
489 reviews20 followers
July 1, 2024
While I read only one story from this collection, Raf’s Tide of Destiny by Amra Pajalic, I would absolutely read the rest of the collection in a heartbeat.

Pajalic’s story was reasonably short at about 70 pages, and right to the action. This story carried a plot full of dramatics and energy and it kept my attention to where I easily finished it in one day. RAF and Josie had great chemistry, and I loved the warring family trope.

The love at first sight always comes out a little outlandish when it’s within 24 hours of knowing each other, but the rest of the book made up for it and happened to get me out of a reading slump. The story was a good read and I look forward to taking a look at the other authors in this collection.
Profile Image for Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase .
4,784 reviews175 followers
May 16, 2024
Review for Lyssa Cole's Running From Us:
When your life is at a crossroads, the best thing you can do for yourself is to get away and spend time figuring out what to do next. But when Zara gets away from everything that is going wrong the last thing she wants is to catch the eye of a handsome stranger. But the moment she meets Brad, everything seems to become crystal clear and filled with passion and desire. Can you fall in love in an instant when your life is in turmoil? And what wil happen when sparks fly but reality sets in? Lyssa Cole brings the best in storytelling into a short but wonderful read. A definite must read to put a smile on your face.
11.9k reviews73 followers
June 6, 2024
These amazing authors have come together to give us a wonderful selection of stories. Each story pulls us into the lives of the characters and does not let go.

Summer Escapade by Ali Rivers: The author has given us a heartwarming story that pulls us into the lives of Jane and Alex. After being left at the altar, Jane is determined to find herself. A chance meeting at a resort pulls Jane and Alex together. The story keeps us turning the pages with heartbreak, determination, instant connection and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
354 reviews13 followers
June 24, 2024
For this book tour I read Rafs Tide of Destiny by Amra Pajalic which is a short story of around 70 pages in length.

I've read some books by Amra before but they have been Young Adult and were rather wholesome romances with teenage characters. This short story was a lot more adult, with the protagonists being in their early 20s.

I settled in, read the first two pages, and then pow, the story immediately turned dramatic and high energy. That pace then continued and I found I read this short story in one quick sitting.

With only 70 pages it's hard to get to know the characters. But I really liked Raf and Josie and would love a full length book featuring them.

It's a fast paced romance with plenty of heat throughout. A very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Geri Stoikova.
580 reviews5 followers
June 10, 2024
Review for Running from Us by Lyssa Cole

Zara and Brad meet when they both are taking a time out of their lives and are trying to figure out their next steps. Brad is a romantic who fall out of love with love and is feeling guilty. Zara is on a cross road in her life but doesn't want to continue living as before. So can two broken hearted people find hope and love again. From their chance meeting they share an instant attraction and build an easy friendship and slowly fall in love . What started as a holiday affair turns into a second chance to love but not before they close the page to their past . Running from Us is the perfect summer read and you don't have to wait for your holiday to read it.

Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
659 reviews5 followers
June 11, 2024
Running From Us by Lyssa Cole:
This was a great quick read! The story of Zara and Brad as they both run from their previous lives and relationships is sweet and fun, and they both are in love at first sight! I loved how they just naturally fell together into a growing friendship, and were both devastated when they had to separate at the end of their holiday. Brad is the ultimate romantic, and I loved the way Zara and him were able to build their relationship so quickly, and honestly. A great read!
Profile Image for Clare.
Author 147 books434 followers
June 15, 2024
This is for Honeymooning a Stranger by Sue Brown, the first story I rushed to read. Such a fun premise, where Cassie is determined to enjoy her Greek honeymoon even if she's alone because her cheating bridgroom dumped her. But then of course she meets the gorgeous and charming Nico. What I loved was Cassie's brave and cheeky spirit, and the banter between her and Nico, they were worthy equals. But with plenty of steam too, neither of them was ashamed of giving in to the spark between them! A lovely couple of characters in a sun-drenched setting, they deserved to find their HEA.
Profile Image for Rochelle.
1,641 reviews
June 17, 2024
This is a collection of steamy romance stories from a wonderful group of authors. The story that I read was Running from Us by the talented Lyssa Cole. I am a big fan of her work, and this quick story was no exception. Loved Zara and Brad. Their romance wasn’t expected at all. They weren’t looking for anything but a quick fling while on vacation, but love had other ideas. A quick read that will pull you in from the start and not let you go until the very end. A great read and I will definitely be going back and reading the rest in the anthology.
Profile Image for Maria.
926 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2024
Arc Review
I read That One Summer: Summer Escape by Ali Rivers

A short story full of love. It was a cute read and respectable.

An impromptu journey of self pity turned into a discovery of love. It all started on a fateful summer, waiting in front of the church…..

Jane hoping to become Mrs Combs, a dream she held close. Where was Gary?

Jump along, different options, no self pity ……. A new lease on life.
Welcome Alex Gains….

A short rundown, no further spoiling as I feel I have overstepped. Even though a quick read, do take time to appreciate.
Profile Image for Curvy Girl Book Nerd   (Jen S).
4,472 reviews71 followers
June 20, 2024
This review is for the story Summer Escapade. Jane is a bride who was just left at the altar by her high school sweetheart. Alex is a hunky boxer and businessman. When she decides to go on a trip right from the wedding, she decides on somewhere tropical. She meets Alex and sparks fly. But what happens when the vacation is over? Is this a fling or more? And who is Alex? This couple had great chemistry, and we gotna great HEA. I loved this short story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,440 reviews7 followers
June 29, 2024
Prequel interest in the Sierra Cove series
Running from Us. A Short introduction provides some background surrounding this couple. Brad and Zara meet at a hotel, where they have both taken a solo vacation to rest, relax and reassess. He is suffering a sense of guilt in regards to a past relationship and his dead fiancee. She is distancing herself from an interfering and overbearing mother and dismal ex. Their short liaison could lead to more if they are prepared to be honest with themselves and each other.
2,881 reviews7 followers
June 12, 2024
A great collection of summer romances.

Running from Us by Lyssa Cole
A wonderful little novella linked to the wonderful Sierra Cove series.
Both Brad and Zara are taking a break from their lives to try and make decisions about their futures. Neither expected to find someone they connected with let alone fall in love, but that’s exactly what happens.
Sweet, fun, a little spicy and a beautiful HEA.

Thank you to the author.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Diaz.
854 reviews
July 3, 2024
This was a brief romance novella with a insta love, family feud and opposite attract. The story follows Raf a local fisherman and Josie a media influencer who is all about the money shot. The story has family drama tied to the both of them, secrets are revealed and choices are made. The story was quick, the connection quicker and the spice was decent. What can I say what can be better than a forbidden romance absolutely nothing.
4,258 reviews11 followers
July 3, 2024
Summer Fling by Anne Lange

Wonderful summer read of two people escaping the trials of life and needing a reset in life, love and trust. Absolute, fantastic characters with many facets to them, which bring this storyline to life. Loved how well this pair matched in wit, charm and understanding, as life gives them one last big test as they put full faith in each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,925 reviews27 followers
July 3, 2024
Review for Summer Fling by Anne Lange

Emilee's life is in shambles, her ex managed to make take the fall for his bad deeds. She gets away to Tranquility Bay, where her friend is building a resort. What she does not know is her man also let the one cabin to his friend, Max. The pair have instant chemistry but there things have been kept secret.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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