Busiest day of the year for Valentina Compton's little flower shop that she runs with her two sisters. There's roses. Chocolate covered strawberries. Professions of love... And Val just got dumped. Freaking. Awesome.
When the sexy as sin coffee shop owner next door overhears Val's pitiful and unglamorous plans for the night-- which include a pint of Ben and Jerry's, a bottle of wine, and a horror flick-- he tells her to be ready at seven. No excuses. Because he is going to be her Valentine's date. Well, her fake Valentine's date.
But when Beau shows up at her door, the woman that he's known for ages steps out and knocks his damn socks off. Little black dress. Sky high red heels. Velvety red lips. This is a fake date, right? That's what the deal was. One fake Valentine's date to make that loser ex-boyfriend of hers regret his decisions in life.
Wrong. Because one fake date with Valentina is never going to be enough for Beau. Not now. Not ever.
Danielle Baker was born and raised in the beautiful city of Petoskey, nestled on the crystalline shores of Lake Michigan. She is blissfully married to the love of her life, Nicholas. Danielle’s love of writing began while she was in high school. At the urging of her family, Danielle was given the boost she needed to ‘Get back in the saddle’ and keep reaching for her lifelong dream of becoming a published author. When Danielle isn’t working, writing, or spending time with her family, she can be found with a cup of coffee in one hand and a book in the other.
2.75 stars | TL;DR - This story was a good idea and had some sweet moments, but there was far more telling that showing. In the end, I didn't feel like these characters were real and their connection could have, and should have, been a lot stronger. But, I believe it was the author's first novella in this little series, so there was enough potential that I'd be willing to try another.
My Thoughts: I feel like a lot of people forget that novellas require a ton of development. You have so little room to do so much work, which means you can’t rely on simple characters or overly simple storytelling. This is far from the worst novella I’ve read, and I will say that the last quarter or so was much more interesting than the rest. That said, it still fell into a trap I see so often with novellas: it had almost no character or relationship development.
Both the FMC and MMC fell soo flat for me - honestly, they may as well have been cardboard cutouts. I really wish I had loved them more. They were described as lovely people, but I never felt anything from them. Side note, they also had two of the most aesthetic jobs you can give characters in a book (a coffee shop and a floral shop), and we got absolutely zero behind-the-scenes insight into their work, which could have added so much to the atmosphere.
They also lacked chemistry. The author made a smart choice by presenting them as childhood best friends, yet they still felt almost like strangers. Their entire connection and shared history was told rather than shown. In fact, the author referenced their past multiple times, and it felt like even she knew she was trying to sell something that wasn’t quite coming across on the page.
For a 160-page novella - which isn’t particularly short - I expected more character development overall.
With all of that said, I’m still willing to try another novella by this author, especially since I believe this was her first. I’d also be intrigued by a full-length novel from her. I’m being critical here, but it certainly wasn’t all bad. I think the author has good ideas, and I like the type of story she was trying to tell. I’m a character-driven reader, and if the characters don’t feel real to me, I’m always going to struggle. Who knows, maybe I'm the problem ¯\\(ツ)/¯
Be Mine, Valentine by Danielle Baker Valentina & Beau
My Rating: 4☆ Holiday Romance Collection Book One Valentine's Novella - 160 Pages 3rd Person POV Fake Date Friends to Lovers Next Door Neighbors Grumpy & Sunshine Sweet & Spicy He Calls Her Sweetheart Couple in Their 30's 7 Year Age Gap
I like this novella. If you can get past the 3rd person POV, I think it's a great read for Valentine's Day. Because it's written in 3rd person POV, I did struggle to get into it but as soon as I caught on, it was a good read. It's written well. I liked the plot. The story was engaging. The spicy scenes were good. I've only read one other book by this author. And I definitely will be reading the other novellas in this series. I believe the rest are written in 1st person POV.
Another great read by Danielle Baker. This was my first "why choose" and it did not disappoint. She did a great job balancing the fantasy and the realism of it would would. Highly recommend, as always.
Such a cute friends-to-lovers Valentine’s story. Val and Beau find themselves together for a Valentine’s date and realize just how attracted to each other they are. So fun and definitely steamy. Loved it!
I have not read a book like this before. It was written in 3rd person pov, which I typically don’t care for, with hints of 1st person. I hadn’t experienced a writing style like this before and I have to say I throughly enjoyed it, if you are on the fence because you don’t read 3rd person I say give this a shot. It didn’t read like a typical 3rd person so you might find you like it. The author’s writing style has a way of pulling you into the story and engaging you as a reader. There are several times we get inner monologues from the characters that really help bring everything together.
This story takes place mainly on Valentine’s Day and is a friend’s to lovers tale of Beau and Val. Val is a hopeless romantic that owns a flower shop with her two sisters. She is recently divorced and is trying to date again only to be let down and dumped the day before Valentine’s. Beau is a self proclaimed lifelong bachelor who is grumpy but sweet. His parents were best friends with Val’s and the families grew up together. When the girls father was sick he made Beau promise he would look out for them. Beau takes his promise seriously so when he hears Val upset he decides he will be her “fake” date for the night.
It is a very quick read that has plenty of steamy scenes. You find yourself truly pulling for them as a couple and wanting to read more. There were a few moments I literally laughed out loud. There was a little drama with a third act break up. There wasn’t a lot of groveling but there didn’t need to be any.
All in all, this was a short and sweet Valentine’s read. It will make you swoon, chuckle and feel good once you finish and I highly recommend.
“You can’t be afraid to start over again. You don’t need a new chapter, sweetheart. Start a whole new book.”
✔️valentine’s novella ✔️fake dating ✔️friends to lovers ✔️small age gap (she’s 33, he’s 39) ✔️small town
2.5⭐️
This one didn’t really work for me, which is sad because I really enjoyed the Christmas novella in this series that is about Val (FMC)’s sister and Beau (MMC)’s brother. The writing, especially in the first half, feels stilted and awkward, though that does get better in my opinion as the story goes on. Now, I know this is a novella and typically there isn’t much in the way of character and relationship development, there is usually some but obviously not as much as a full-length novel. That said, there is a third act breakup that should have forced character development, in this case for the MMC (IMO that’s the only legitimate reason for a 3rd act breakup), but it was really just a waste of page space. Sure, he realized that he misses her and wants to be with her (but he knew that as soon as he left). I don’t feel like we as readers are really given any reason to care about them as individuals or as a couple and while sometimes that doesn’t bother me in a novella it did in this case. I will still be reading the other two in this series because I want to give them a fair shot (especially because I liked Christmas) but this one won’t be going on the re-read list.
💝Book: Be Mine, Valentine 💝Series: The holiday romance collection 💝Author: Danielle Baker ✨Overall: 4/5⭐️ ✨Spice: 3/5🌶️
🍓This book was perfect for a Valentine’s Day read! Even though it was a novella, it delivered on the sweet and steamy. It also had me in my feelings and almost crying at 1am this morning. Not to mention, the banter between Beau and is brother Theo had my DYING 😅.
🍓This book is told in third person. It’s about Val and Beau. Val was recently divorced and moved back to her home town to start over. When her Valentine’s date cancels on her childhood friend Beau steps up to plate to make sure she has the best date ever.
💝TROPES💝 💋Fake Date 💋Small Town 💋Sweet & Spicy Romance 💋Age Gap 💋Tattooed & Big Boy MMC 💋Grumpy/Sunshine 💋Valentine's Day themed 💋HEA
💖Favorite lines💖 💋”Well, you make me want to be the best I can be, Val. For you. Always.” -Beau 💋”You arrogant, slimy mother f*cker” -Val 😂 💋”How was any normal man suppose to measure up to a six foot seven, winged fae warrior with a schlong the size of a salami capable of doling out a dozen orgasms” -Also Beau 😂 💋”If I ever hear you talk about yourself like that again, Valentine, I will put you over my kneee and turn that pretty a** pink. I don’t care how old you are the fact that I used to babysit you.” -Beau
I love her novellas. They go quickly but it’s not an insta love situation. It’s generally a oh snap how have I never noticed this before. Her men fail hard and take care of those they love.
Val and Beau are no different. They’ve known each other most of their lives. But it’s never gone there. Until Valentine’s Day. Beau steps up to show Val her worth and ends up realizing she means so much more. When he messes up he makes it up to her in the best way…with books.
These two were so fun and funny. They loved hard and made sure to fight for what they wanted. It may have taken a slight blip to realize what it was worth but like all good things they come back together strong.
I loved this cute romance. Perfect for the holiday.
This novella will sure get you in the mood for Valentine’s Day…or any day for that matter. Beau the grumpy self proclaimed bachelor sure knows how to sweep woman off their feet. He has know Val for years and when she gets dumped before Valentine’s Day he offers to take her out. Well more demands he will. After Val is dumped she is on a man hating journey all men even Beau. Until she mentions she bought a new dress just for Valentine’s Day but will be staying home.
They end up spending two amazing days together and can’t get enough of each other. But will he throw his bachelor life away for Val who just wants to be loved like the men do in her romance books?
This story was short sweet and spicy. I loved every second of it
If you are looking for a sweet and sexy novella this book is for you! I fell in love with Bue and Val's story. I personally don't really care for Valentine's Day and picked up this book to support a Michigan Indie Author. But after reading this I found myself swooning over all things valentines.
The spice level was 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ with multiple scenes and they were very well done.
I simply wished it had a little more of their story and a little less spice. It was a lot for a 150pg book.
Overall, I loved the story and will be re-reading this book next v-day.
A quick short novella, and right before valentines Day.
Beau and Val have known each other since they were kids, growing up as neighbors and their patents being best friends made them close.
After Val gets dumped the night before valentines Day, Beau says he'll take her out. The date is supposed to be fake, they're just friends. But after dinner, things take a turn. Beau tells her to make him leave, but she can't do it.
Beau doesn't do relationships, and Val has actually had a crush on him for a while. "The tattooed looking lumberjack." I loved it when they were talking about her books on the bookshelf too, because obviously so relatable!
Super cute friends to lovers small town romance. They grew up together. He’s always the bachelor and almost 40. She’s out of a shitty marriage and trying to date which isn’t going well. It’s Valentine’s Day and he offers to take her out and then the spend 2 days wrapped up in each other. He had promised her dad he would take care of her and her sisters when he died. Then he feels guilty and avoids her for two weeks. Until her birthday where he thinks she has a date and plans to win her back. But she doesn’t have a date, she just told her sisters that so they would leave her alone. They love across the hall from each other. He gives her a gift. They get together for real. HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
💗Short, sexy and spicy Valentines Novella. 💗Life long friends turned to lovers. 💗He says he’ll be her date after she gets dumped the night before Valentine’s Day. 💗He’s a perpetual bachelor not looking for a relationship. 💗She’s 8 years younger, divorced and believes in fairytale kind of love she reads in her romance novels. 💗He buys her books she’s talked about for her birthday. He’s a coffee shop owner, she runs a florist with her 2 sisters. 💗Insta love and spicy.
Now.. where do we sign up to meet at Man like Beau? I mean, sure.. is he perfect 100% of the time? No, but so close! I bought this novella from Danielle Baker at a book signing MONTHS ago and chose to hold off and read it when the time was right. VALENTINE'S WEEKS 💝!!! I absolutely loved this. It was filled with snark and spice and emotion, and oh.. did I mention the spice 🥵? This is an absolutely fun way to spend your Valentine's Day! I highly recommend it!
Val and Beau….❤️🔥 With the history between them neither are sure they should cross the line, but when they do, it’s hot and it’s beautiful. A quick read that leaves nothing on the table. You feel their indecision and their passion. I love that neither are perfect emotionally or physically. It makes them more relatable and real.
From the beginning you could feel the tension between Valentine and Beau! I was not ready for their story to end! Beau’s character is grumpy but yet very sweet and protective, especially towards Val. Beau is the guy that Val did not see for herself at first, but is completely perfect for her.
5 stars for this Holiday Novella, add to your TBR and give it a read this Valentine's Day.
Beau, 39 & Val, 32 - they've known each other for 30 years, but have they truly SEEN each other? Not until their "fake" date, turned out to be not so fake after all.. Beau made a promise to Val's dad before he passed, that he would take care of the girls - but did the promise really mean going quite that far? Would he be proud? Is this how it's always supposed to have been?
You'll have to read it to find out.
I loved the chemistry, comfort and poking fun throughout this story, and the history these two have. The way Beau makes Val feel like the only girl in the world 🥵 His level of protection, right down to her walking in those death trap heels.
🍓 Neighbours ❤️ Age Gap 🍓 Grumpy/Sunshine ❤️ Small Town 🍓 Friends to Lovers ❤️ Fake Date 🍓 Sweet & Spicy
A cute valentines day themed novella with lots of spice. I loved how Beau looked after Val and her sisters and that they were real longtime friends before they fell for each other.
I am not usually a big fan of third person pov but in this story it totally did not bother me because the feelings of Val en her Beau came across perfectly.
Beau 😍 this is just something about a grumpy sunshine, fake dating that always has me kicking my feet and giggling. Danielle Baker was able to add the perfect amount of spice to this cute novella and will make you swoon for days. Beau and Val are the cutest. Can’t wait to read what’s next!
Val and Beau instantly pull you in. It’s a very well written friends to lovers story with just the right amount of spice. I’m excited to see these characters pop up again in another novella down the road! Very quick but engaging read that I will definitely be revisiting.
What a wonderful book right in time for Valentine's Day! Beau is the perfect blend of grumpy, protective, seductive - all the yummy things! Great read from a Michigan author! Check it out!
Thank you Danielle for letting me ARC read this amazing book. This book had all the Valentine vibes. I laugh, got a little emotion and top with spice. This book was a quick read but had me wanting more. The characters were so well written and made you believe in love.
Danielle Baker is my favorite romance author! This is such a cute spicy story! She always writes the most amazing book boyfriends! I also laughed out loud when she mentioned the Petosky Stone series and discreet covers on Val’s bookshelf 😂
Danielle did an absolutely amazing job with Beau and Val’s love story! I love Beau he is such a gentleman, and Val is so sweet! They are the perfect couple! Best friends to lovers Age gap Grumpy/Sunshine This book is sweet and spicy. I love how fast-paced it was and how they connected with each other. Their chemistry was amazing!
Great spicy love story. I finished this book in just a few hours. I like how relatable Val was and that it took place in Michigan. If you want a quick romantic and spicy read I would highly recommend.
This was such a cute book!! Well written. Grumpy/Sunshine. Friends/Lovers. I am glad I bought this at the book convention when I met Danielle. I can’t wait to read her others I got! I laughed out loud when she mentioned the Petoskey series!
This was such a fun friends to lovers holiday inspired novella. It sets up the series really well. It is exactly what we want from a novella: quick, light, spicy. I will continue to read this series and see what each of the siblings get themselves into.
This was the perfect friends to lovers novella! Beau and Val were 👌🏻. The spice was spicing per usual 🥵. I have yet to meet an MMC by Danielle that hasn’t been delicious 😮💨. Can’t wait to read book 2!