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The Power of Love
Twelve all-new stories of women's resilience, empowerment, and fulfillment, by bestselling and award-winning authors.
In this engaging anthology of never-before published stories, twelve authors are united by their unique visions of the female experience. A young woman is torn between the security of her fiancé and the excitement of an old flame; a desperate wife is forced into the workplace for the first time in her life; an ambitious professional woman finally finds the courage to take control of her career; and her man; an emotionally fragile divorcee finds resolve in the ethereal visitations of an archangel...
These are just some of the women who discover and rediscover their own wonderfully fallible but ultimately strong selves in the shadow of love, romantic love, platonic love, new love, and lost love. Readers will be touched, inspired, charmed, and entertained by these original stories of disparate longings, unsettled lives, and the power of love.
Includes 12 stories by New York Times Bestselling Author Lori Foster and Erin McCarthy, Toni Blake, Dianne Castell, Karen Kelley, Rosemary Laurey, Janice Maynard, LuAnn McLane, Lucy Monroe, Patricia Sargeant, Kay Stockham, and J.C. Wilder.
A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS FROM THE POWER OF LOVE GOES TO THE BATTERED WOMEN’S SHELTER OF CINCINNATI
SWEET DREAMS - LORI FOSTER
UNPREDICTABLE - ERIN MCCARTHY
AFTER HOURS - TONI BLAKE
LAST OF THE RED-HOT MAMMAS - DIANNE CASTELL
SALESMAN OF THE YEAR - KAREN KELLEY
DANCE THE FANDANGO - ROSEMARY LAUREY
THE GIRL NEXT DOOR - JANICE MAYNARD
CHICKEN SOUP FOR ANNIE - LUANN MCLANE
NO ANGEL - LUCY MONROE
ANGEL IN THE ALLEY - PATRICIA SARGEANT
HANNAH’S CHOICE - KAY STOCKHAM
THE MOUSE WHO ROARED - J. C. WILDER
In this engaging anthology of never-before published stories, twelve authors are united by their unique visions of the female experience. A young woman is torn between the security of her fiancé and the excitement of an old flame; a desperate wife is forced into the workplace for the first time in her life; an ambitious professional woman finally finds the courage to take control of her career; and her man; an emotionally fragile divorcee finds resolve in the ethereal visitations of an archangel...
These are just some of the women who discover and rediscover their own wonderfully fallible but ultimately strong selves in the shadow of love, romantic love, platonic love, new love, and lost love. Readers will be touched, inspired, charmed, and entertained by these original stories of disparate longings, unsettled lives, and the power of love.
Includes 12 stories by New York Times Bestselling Author Lori Foster and Erin McCarthy, Toni Blake, Dianne Castell, Karen Kelley, Rosemary Laurey, Janice Maynard, LuAnn McLane, Lucy Monroe, Patricia Sargeant, Kay Stockham, and J.C. Wilder.
A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS FROM THE POWER OF LOVE GOES TO THE BATTERED WOMEN’S SHELTER OF CINCINNATI
SWEET DREAMS - LORI FOSTER
UNPREDICTABLE - ERIN MCCARTHY
AFTER HOURS - TONI BLAKE
LAST OF THE RED-HOT MAMMAS - DIANNE CASTELL
SALESMAN OF THE YEAR - KAREN KELLEY
DANCE THE FANDANGO - ROSEMARY LAUREY
THE GIRL NEXT DOOR - JANICE MAYNARD
CHICKEN SOUP FOR ANNIE - LUANN MCLANE
NO ANGEL - LUCY MONROE
ANGEL IN THE ALLEY - PATRICIA SARGEANT
HANNAH’S CHOICE - KAY STOCKHAM
THE MOUSE WHO ROARED - J. C. WILDER
305 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 2008
About the author
Lori Foster
434 books11.7k followersSince first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.
Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/
Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.
•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.
•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.
•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.
•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.
•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.
•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.
•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.
•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.
•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.
•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 24, 2008
I love the concept, a book with stories by many authors whose proceeds go to a woman's shelter. The only problem is there were too many authors and not enough story from each one. Just when I would settle into the story, BAM it's done. I'm a big fan of pretty much all the authors and appreciate the sentiment and the writing was good...but next time, fewer authors and more story from each please.
August 12, 2012
The authors' proceeds of the sale of this book go to the YWCA Battered Women's Shelter of Cincinnati. That's awesome. As a treat for Cincinnati area locals there are several stories set in the city and a few more set in Ohio. Also, some of the stories deal with domestic abuse and for those reasons alone this was a good read.
Sweet Dreams by Lori Foster
This is my first Lori Foster read though she's on my TBR pile. This story was among my faves. Cara Compton wakes up from a steamy dream involving her hot neighbor Jamison, only to see said hot neighbor staring into her window from his apartment across the way. He calls her when he sees she's up and invites her for a late night/early morning swim. X-rated dreams (of her) kept him awake too. He's waited years to be with her and he's not waiting any longer.
Unpredictable by Erin McCarthy
This is my first Erin McCarthy read as well. She is also on my tall TBR pile. This story was another fave. It's about a Cincinnati cop, Luke Warmer (he's hot!) his K-9 Ralph (sweet!) and a semi-physic named Hannah. Hannah is a bit lost, unsure of herself, her abilities and her usefulness. Luke is interested in every bit of her and Ralph is a big fan too. There are several cute scenes and a good bit of Cincy in the background.
After Hours by Toni Blake
This is my first Toni Blake read and she's now been added to my TBR pile. This story is set in Cincy and involves Marla Shepard and her boss Michael Gates. Marla is secretly in love with Michael but she's been offered her dream job in Pittsburgh and is leaving. Trying to explain to Michael her relocating plans, he misunderstands and reveals that he loves her. They make love and are blissfully happy when Marla tells him she's leaving. He's loved and lost in a long distance relationship before and won't do it again...even if he loves her. So she leaves and he has to decide if she's worth chasing.
Last of the Red-Hot Mammas by Dianne Castell
In this story we revisit Savannah's Magnolia Hotel (from Hot and Bothered) when 40 year old Gloria, trying to win a catering job finds herself confronted with what she thinks is a gift from her sister - who thinks she needs "to get laid". Will Gloria take a chance in the Magnolia hotel with the handsome blue eyed Rab? The story was good, there was a lot of abruptness with writing suddenly changing direction and some less than realistic reactions but one of the better stories.
Salesman of the Year by Karen Kelley
I've never read Karen Kelly before. This story is about a dysfunctional engaged couple, Jennifer and Adam who are house hunting. Their Realtor is Jen's high school love Devon. Jen and Devon however were kept apart at Jen's controlling father's insistence, this is the same man who has encouraged her relationship with Adam - who is very much like her father. Good story if a bit fast.
Dance the Fandango by Rosemary Laurey
This was my first Rosemary Laurey story and what sets this story apart is that it's about the romance of two 60+ year olds. Magda Stephenson is turning 65 and all her children, their spouses and the grand-kids are home to celebrate. Magda has some news to share, among which she's sold the house and is engaged to Juan, her Latin lover. The love story was fine and refreshing. I'm not over 60 and didn't find it odd to read about a couple that age. It was sweet and steamy. The dialogue and almost all of the idioms were distracting if not cheesy.
The Girl Next Door by Janice Maynard
I've read several short stories and one book by Maynard and have always liked her. This story is short and sweet. Jason Ratcliff had to leave college to raise his younger sisters when their parents died. It's been many years of hard work and now that his sisters are both off to college, the family home has been sold and he's planning to go back to school too, there's just one problem: he's in love with Felicity Jones. Felicity is Jason's sisters' best childhood friend and as far as she's concerned that's the only way he sees her. Felicity's parents moved away to Florida and left her their home and an inherited salon - where Felicity earns her living. She's in love with Jason, has been forever, and knows that now is her last chance to make a move if she wants to be with him.
Chicken Soup for Annie by LuAnn McLane
My first LuAnn McLane story and I was pleasantly surprised. Josh Wainscot is the pastor at the First Christian Church and runs a thrift shop that offers vouchers to those in need so they can buy items they want/need rather than only relying on donations of things they might not use/like. Single mom Annie has been through a lot these last few years. A deceased husband who gambled away everything and a young daughter to support, Annie works and lives at the bookstore in Prescott, Ohio. The clumsy pastor as the hero was really great. I wish it would have been longer or that the ending wouldn't have been so 'all in' so quickly, otherwise a good little story.
No Angel by Lucy Monroe
I'm a fan of Lucy Monroe and I think she writes some great heroes. In this story executive assistant Cheryl Gentry is in love with her boss Zack Alexander. Cheryl and her best friends are both victims of physical abuse by their former husbands. Her best friend Esperanza is remarried to a wonderful man and Cheryl, while looking for the same, finds herself attracted to the same "type" every time. This story has a lot of fun, sass and romance.
Angel in the Alley by Patricia Sargeant
This is my first Patricia Sargeant story and this one is about Annie, a victim of abuse who is days away from opening her own shop. She's independent, kind but could use a little help. She meets a homeless man named Raphael in her alley and offers him a job and a bed in the back. There is a bit of mystery in this story as well as a visit from the abusive ex. The story was unusual and I was confused by the G. Archer parts (the last 4 paragraphs in particular) but this isn't a bad read.
Hannah's Choice by Kay Stockham
My first Kay Stockham and I liked it even though it started out so terribly heartbreaking. Hannah Pruitt has survived an abusive relationship from her father and her husband but she's come back to her hometown, Orchard Ohio, to try to repair a relationship she regrets ending. Mitch Donovan has missed and loved Hannah all these years and now that she's home he wants answers...at the very least. Some great little scenes and the kind of story I love to read.
The Mouse Who Roared by J.C. Wilder
This is my first J.C. Wilder read and my only complaint is that the love story took a backseat to the makeover tale. Amy Mouse is a late bloomer in every way. After overhearing her boss confirm how plain, mousey and easy to take advantage of she is Amy makes some major changes in her life. In one day she gets a complete makeover, buys a building to open her own bookshop and goes after the hot fireman Jack O'Reilly. This is the same man her boss says would never go for someone like Amy. Jack seemed like a great guy and I wish we would have been able to learn more about him and focus on Amy and Jack...in addition to the 'Amy's taking control' plot.
Sweet Dreams by Lori Foster
This is my first Lori Foster read though she's on my TBR pile. This story was among my faves. Cara Compton wakes up from a steamy dream involving her hot neighbor Jamison, only to see said hot neighbor staring into her window from his apartment across the way. He calls her when he sees she's up and invites her for a late night/early morning swim. X-rated dreams (of her) kept him awake too. He's waited years to be with her and he's not waiting any longer.
Unpredictable by Erin McCarthy
This is my first Erin McCarthy read as well. She is also on my tall TBR pile. This story was another fave. It's about a Cincinnati cop, Luke Warmer (he's hot!) his K-9 Ralph (sweet!) and a semi-physic named Hannah. Hannah is a bit lost, unsure of herself, her abilities and her usefulness. Luke is interested in every bit of her and Ralph is a big fan too. There are several cute scenes and a good bit of Cincy in the background.
After Hours by Toni Blake
This is my first Toni Blake read and she's now been added to my TBR pile. This story is set in Cincy and involves Marla Shepard and her boss Michael Gates. Marla is secretly in love with Michael but she's been offered her dream job in Pittsburgh and is leaving. Trying to explain to Michael her relocating plans, he misunderstands and reveals that he loves her. They make love and are blissfully happy when Marla tells him she's leaving. He's loved and lost in a long distance relationship before and won't do it again...even if he loves her. So she leaves and he has to decide if she's worth chasing.
Last of the Red-Hot Mammas by Dianne Castell
In this story we revisit Savannah's Magnolia Hotel (from Hot and Bothered) when 40 year old Gloria, trying to win a catering job finds herself confronted with what she thinks is a gift from her sister - who thinks she needs "to get laid". Will Gloria take a chance in the Magnolia hotel with the handsome blue eyed Rab? The story was good, there was a lot of abruptness with writing suddenly changing direction and some less than realistic reactions but one of the better stories.
Salesman of the Year by Karen Kelley
I've never read Karen Kelly before. This story is about a dysfunctional engaged couple, Jennifer and Adam who are house hunting. Their Realtor is Jen's high school love Devon. Jen and Devon however were kept apart at Jen's controlling father's insistence, this is the same man who has encouraged her relationship with Adam - who is very much like her father. Good story if a bit fast.
Dance the Fandango by Rosemary Laurey
This was my first Rosemary Laurey story and what sets this story apart is that it's about the romance of two 60+ year olds. Magda Stephenson is turning 65 and all her children, their spouses and the grand-kids are home to celebrate. Magda has some news to share, among which she's sold the house and is engaged to Juan, her Latin lover. The love story was fine and refreshing. I'm not over 60 and didn't find it odd to read about a couple that age. It was sweet and steamy. The dialogue and almost all of the idioms were distracting if not cheesy.
The Girl Next Door by Janice Maynard
I've read several short stories and one book by Maynard and have always liked her. This story is short and sweet. Jason Ratcliff had to leave college to raise his younger sisters when their parents died. It's been many years of hard work and now that his sisters are both off to college, the family home has been sold and he's planning to go back to school too, there's just one problem: he's in love with Felicity Jones. Felicity is Jason's sisters' best childhood friend and as far as she's concerned that's the only way he sees her. Felicity's parents moved away to Florida and left her their home and an inherited salon - where Felicity earns her living. She's in love with Jason, has been forever, and knows that now is her last chance to make a move if she wants to be with him.
Chicken Soup for Annie by LuAnn McLane
My first LuAnn McLane story and I was pleasantly surprised. Josh Wainscot is the pastor at the First Christian Church and runs a thrift shop that offers vouchers to those in need so they can buy items they want/need rather than only relying on donations of things they might not use/like. Single mom Annie has been through a lot these last few years. A deceased husband who gambled away everything and a young daughter to support, Annie works and lives at the bookstore in Prescott, Ohio. The clumsy pastor as the hero was really great. I wish it would have been longer or that the ending wouldn't have been so 'all in' so quickly, otherwise a good little story.
No Angel by Lucy Monroe
I'm a fan of Lucy Monroe and I think she writes some great heroes. In this story executive assistant Cheryl Gentry is in love with her boss Zack Alexander. Cheryl and her best friends are both victims of physical abuse by their former husbands. Her best friend Esperanza is remarried to a wonderful man and Cheryl, while looking for the same, finds herself attracted to the same "type" every time. This story has a lot of fun, sass and romance.
Angel in the Alley by Patricia Sargeant
This is my first Patricia Sargeant story and this one is about Annie, a victim of abuse who is days away from opening her own shop. She's independent, kind but could use a little help. She meets a homeless man named Raphael in her alley and offers him a job and a bed in the back. There is a bit of mystery in this story as well as a visit from the abusive ex. The story was unusual and I was confused by the G. Archer parts (the last 4 paragraphs in particular) but this isn't a bad read.
Hannah's Choice by Kay Stockham
My first Kay Stockham and I liked it even though it started out so terribly heartbreaking. Hannah Pruitt has survived an abusive relationship from her father and her husband but she's come back to her hometown, Orchard Ohio, to try to repair a relationship she regrets ending. Mitch Donovan has missed and loved Hannah all these years and now that she's home he wants answers...at the very least. Some great little scenes and the kind of story I love to read.
The Mouse Who Roared by J.C. Wilder
This is my first J.C. Wilder read and my only complaint is that the love story took a backseat to the makeover tale. Amy Mouse is a late bloomer in every way. After overhearing her boss confirm how plain, mousey and easy to take advantage of she is Amy makes some major changes in her life. In one day she gets a complete makeover, buys a building to open her own bookshop and goes after the hot fireman Jack O'Reilly. This is the same man her boss says would never go for someone like Amy. Jack seemed like a great guy and I wish we would have been able to learn more about him and focus on Amy and Jack...in addition to the 'Amy's taking control' plot.
January 24, 2022
They were all a cute read but just wished they were longer. No time to get invested or feel for the characters. Love the fact that a portion of the proceeds go to the battered women shelter in Cincinnati.
January 28, 2021
An enjoyable selection of short stories
4 stars
This collection is 12 short stories all dealing with love and empowerment.
Sweet Dreams - Lori Foster
A workaholic finds exactly what she's always wanted in the arms of her neighbour.
Unpredictable - Erin McCarthy
Hannah feels cursed by her psychic ability until she meets a sexy cop and his adorable dog.
After Hours - Toni Blake
Marla has been in love with her boss for years. When she tells him she's quitting her job - his response isn't what she expected.
Last of the Red-Hot Mammas - Dianne Castell
Divorced single parent Gloria's birthday treat is a night with a male escort. Or so she thinks. Rob isn't who she thought he was and he's determined to win Gloria's heart.
Salesman of the Year - Karen Kelley
Jenny always did what she was told, including turning down bad-boy Devon in high school. But now he's back to show her he's a much better man than her fiancé.
Dance the Fandango - Rosemary Laurey
Grandmother Magda's husband died over a year ago and her children think it's time she started dating again. They're surprised when they learn what she's been up to with sexy Spaniard, Juan.
The Girl Next Door - Janice Maynard
Jason left college to look after his sisters when their parents died. Now he is selling up and moving away so Felicity, the girl that has loved him from afar, decides it's time to make her move.
Chicken Soup For Annie - Luann McLane
Single mum Annie is new in town when she bumps into pastor Josh in the thrift shop he runs. A misunderstanding leads to the pair spending time together and finding that they may be exactly what the other needs.
No Angel - Lucy Monroe
Cheryl has the hots for her boss, Zach, but is scared to go for it due to a past abusive relationship. Luckily, Zach isn't the kind of guy that will let her get away.
Angel in the Alley - Patricia Sargeant
Sara has finally divorced her abusive husband and is trying to start afresh when she finds a homeless man in the alley behind her shop. Feeling an affinity with him she gives him a job but he isn't who he says he is.
Hannah's Choice - Kay Stockham
Moving back to her home town after splitting up with her abusive ex, Hannah finds herself face to face with Mitch, the one man she would be willing to risk her heart again for.
The Mouse Who Roared - J.C. Wilder
When Amy overhears her boss telling someone that she is dull and mousy, she decides it's time she changed her look, life and go after the man she's been dreaming about.
This was an enjoyable collection of stories by some popular romance writers. I felt that the book's cover made it look more like an inspirational or self-help book rather than the set of sexy, funny but sometimes sweet and tender stories that it was.
The stand out stories for me were: Unpredictable, Chicken Soup for Annie, No Angel and The Mouse Who Roared. While there were no duds, some of the stories were a little ridiculous in my opinion although not offensive in any way.
Reading this book is like reading the ending of a love story - it's sweet, happy and you like it, but you also wish you had read more of the story. At only (roughly) 25 pages per story, they are short, sweet but perhaps not as involved as you might like. This is still a good selection of stories and definitely worth a read if you can get hold of the book.
January 20, 2020
I love when authors get together to create Anthology novels to benefit worthy causes! While also teaching warning signs to watch out for in our daily lives.
Some of the stories within are great just as they are; however, many of the others would have been greatly improved by some further elaboration.
Some of the stories within are great just as they are; however, many of the others would have been greatly improved by some further elaboration.
Read
April 15, 2020Loved the stories, easy to read language, need to relax, this book is a treat!
February 8, 2014
12 Contemporary romance stories are crammed into this book. Some work, some don't. I'll give this a 3 star for now & try to review a few at a time. I may change my star by the end.
Lori Foster - 3 stars. Protected sex. This is the old "friends turn into lovers" trope. In a story this short, it's about the only trope that works for me. LF is the queen of the short romance story, so she pulls this one off. Still too short!
Erin McCarthy - 2 stars. Protected sex. Ditzy girl who's "kind of psychic" hooks up with a cop. There's a police dog for added cuteness. WAAAAAY too short & they have sex way too fast for me.
Toni Blake - 1 star. Protected sex. There's a reason you've never heard of TB. She writes really bad stories. This one is a stinker. "in love with the boss" trope. Within 2 minutes (literally) of them baring their inner most feelings, he's banging her on his desk. Nasty!
Dianne Castell - 3 stars. Protected sex. This one worked for me, although most of the time DC stories don't. Forty something man & woman get together in Savannah. The guy turns out to be her daughter's new high school principal.
Karen Kelley - 3 stars. No sex. This could have gone 2 ways, & I'm glad KK took the high road & didn't have the heroine have sex with her old high school boyfriend. See, she's engaged with the cold, stuck up jerk her father apparently steered her towards. The fiancé kind of goes overboard with the villain act, but this is otherwise an OK story.
Rosemary Laurey - 4 stars. No sex. This is a true geriatric love story. The hero & heroine are in their mid 60s. They have to break it to her overbearing family that they're in love & going to get married. Definitely different.
Janice Maynard - 3 stars. No sex. Friends before lovers type story, but no sex. Nice, but rushed.
LuAnn McLane 3 stars. No sex. I really wish this could have been even a regular length short story. It would have been much better. Impoverished due to her dead husband's secret gambling addiction, the heroine meets the hero (who's a preacher) at a resale shop. The only thing is the daughter's annoying lisp kind of ruined the mood for me.
Lucy Monroe - 3 stars. No graphic sex. This would have been a much better story AGAIN if it had been longer. LM is a talented writer, & this story proves that, but it's just too short.
Patricia Sargeant - 3 stars. No sex. Good story about angels among us.
Kay Stockham - 3 stars. Sex is implied & as usual too soon. Rather predictable story of an abused woman going back to her hometown & first love.
J.C. Wilder - 3 stars. No sex. I liked this one. I would have enjoyed it if it could have been fleshed out a little more.
So, I won't change my mind & keep this one at 3 stars.
The proceeds from this book go to an abused woman's shelter in Cincinnati.
Lori Foster - 3 stars. Protected sex. This is the old "friends turn into lovers" trope. In a story this short, it's about the only trope that works for me. LF is the queen of the short romance story, so she pulls this one off. Still too short!
Erin McCarthy - 2 stars. Protected sex. Ditzy girl who's "kind of psychic" hooks up with a cop. There's a police dog for added cuteness. WAAAAAY too short & they have sex way too fast for me.
Toni Blake - 1 star. Protected sex. There's a reason you've never heard of TB. She writes really bad stories. This one is a stinker. "in love with the boss" trope. Within 2 minutes (literally) of them baring their inner most feelings, he's banging her on his desk. Nasty!
Dianne Castell - 3 stars. Protected sex. This one worked for me, although most of the time DC stories don't. Forty something man & woman get together in Savannah. The guy turns out to be her daughter's new high school principal.
Karen Kelley - 3 stars. No sex. This could have gone 2 ways, & I'm glad KK took the high road & didn't have the heroine have sex with her old high school boyfriend. See, she's engaged with the cold, stuck up jerk her father apparently steered her towards. The fiancé kind of goes overboard with the villain act, but this is otherwise an OK story.
Rosemary Laurey - 4 stars. No sex. This is a true geriatric love story. The hero & heroine are in their mid 60s. They have to break it to her overbearing family that they're in love & going to get married. Definitely different.
Janice Maynard - 3 stars. No sex. Friends before lovers type story, but no sex. Nice, but rushed.
LuAnn McLane 3 stars. No sex. I really wish this could have been even a regular length short story. It would have been much better. Impoverished due to her dead husband's secret gambling addiction, the heroine meets the hero (who's a preacher) at a resale shop. The only thing is the daughter's annoying lisp kind of ruined the mood for me.
Lucy Monroe - 3 stars. No graphic sex. This would have been a much better story AGAIN if it had been longer. LM is a talented writer, & this story proves that, but it's just too short.
Patricia Sargeant - 3 stars. No sex. Good story about angels among us.
Kay Stockham - 3 stars. Sex is implied & as usual too soon. Rather predictable story of an abused woman going back to her hometown & first love.
J.C. Wilder - 3 stars. No sex. I liked this one. I would have enjoyed it if it could have been fleshed out a little more.
So, I won't change my mind & keep this one at 3 stars.
The proceeds from this book go to an abused woman's shelter in Cincinnati.
December 5, 2010
In this engaging anthology of never-beforepublished stories, twelve authors are united by their unique visions of the female experience… A young woman is torn between the security of her fiancé and the excitement of an old flame…a desperate wife is forced into the workplace for the first time in her life…an ambitious professional woman finally finds the courage to take control of her career—and her man…an emotionally fragile divorcee finds resolve in the ethereal visitations of an archangel...
These are just some of the women who discover and rediscover their own wonderfully fallible but ultimately strong selves in the shadow of love— romantic love, platonic love, new love, and lost love. Readers will be touched, inspired, charmed, and entertained by these original stories of disparate longings, unsettled lives, and the power of love.
These are just some of the women who discover and rediscover their own wonderfully fallible but ultimately strong selves in the shadow of love— romantic love, platonic love, new love, and lost love. Readers will be touched, inspired, charmed, and entertained by these original stories of disparate longings, unsettled lives, and the power of love.
January 7, 2011
All of the short stories were well done. I don't think there was a single one in the bunch that I didn't enjoy.
When it comes to the rating, when the stories are so short I think its hard to say that I really like (4 stars) or that it was amazing (5 stars). You're getting a quick glimpse at a writer. A taste of how they write. I liked each one of them and would be open to checking out more of each author's work.
When it comes to the rating, when the stories are so short I think its hard to say that I really like (4 stars) or that it was amazing (5 stars). You're getting a quick glimpse at a writer. A taste of how they write. I liked each one of them and would be open to checking out more of each author's work.
May 28, 2011
I like anthologies like this that provide a short break from a longer book I might be reading concurrently. Most of the stories are about 3 chapters - almost too short at times. I would have rated this higher but several of the stories toward the end of the book have characters who have left abusive relationships (yay them!). But it made the end of the book a bit on the depressing side for me. Still, nice for good satisfying bites of love stories.
March 22, 2009
This book is an anthology of short love stories ranging from the steamy to the miraculous. It was an easy read. Some of the stories were much better than others and there was something for everyone. I'm not sure that I liked it that much. It would have been better to get a book by an author whose story you liked and then continue on from there.
March 9, 2010
This was a nice anthology with stories from many of my favorite romance authors. Filled with touching stories, sexy stories, funny stories, this collection has something for almost everyone who loves the romance genre. I also like the fact that the authors' proceeds from this book went to a women's shelter.
July 8, 2013
All the stories are good but I really enjoyed Sweet Dreams by Lori Foster, Unpredictable by Erin McCarthy, After Hours by Toni Blake,Last of the Red-Hot Mammas by Dianne Castell and No Angel by Lucy Monroe
I liked Salesman of the Year by Karen Kelley, The Girl Next Door by Janice Maynard, Angel in the Alley by Patricia Sargeant, Hannah's Choice by Kay Stockham
I liked Salesman of the Year by Karen Kelley, The Girl Next Door by Janice Maynard, Angel in the Alley by Patricia Sargeant, Hannah's Choice by Kay Stockham
October 1, 2013
Very short stories. So short that no one really had a chance to give us anything to care about.
Out of the 12 stories, there were two I actually enjoyed. Most of them felt too rushed.
Also, what a strange variety of stories. Everything from hey-ho let's fall on each other in implausible lust to a sort of sweet story about a poor woman and a preacher.
Out of the 12 stories, there were two I actually enjoyed. Most of them felt too rushed.
Also, what a strange variety of stories. Everything from hey-ho let's fall on each other in implausible lust to a sort of sweet story about a poor woman and a preacher.
June 4, 2008
Loved these short stories. And proceeds from the book go to the BATTERED WOMEN’S SHELTER OF CINCINNATI. One of my favorite stories was a "mature" romance!!! Woo Hoo!! Finally something for the over 50 crowd! Yes, we still like romance and sex!!
January 12, 2009
While I'm not a huge fan of short stories, this collection was full of some fun stories. My only complaint is there were so many writers that some of the stories were only a couple of pages. Which means just as I'm getting into the flow of it, the story ends. Drat!
May 7, 2013
Loved the book! I needed more on a lot of the stories. That's the main reason I think it ranked a 3, but ultimately I'm giving it a 4. I'll be adding these authors to my authors to look into reading their books.
January 23, 2015
Nice quick reads. Nothing overly fancy. A few of the stories could have been turned into a full book. They clearly were rushed along to make short for this book. Some good new authors to look into for full books.
May 12, 2014
This book contains an anthology of stories by different authors -- some were good, some not so good, some cute ...
February 23, 2009
The book is full of sweet short stories.
April 6, 2009
Not an ideal showcase for these authors' works
June 22, 2009
Fun stories, quick reads.
February 5, 2015
A pleasant book, but nothing earth-shattering.
May 27, 2012
Some stories were not too bad. But others were a little too far fetched !! I believe in love for sure but not marriage after an hour.....lol
January 31, 2014
I thought the stories were too short. Otherwise, good
May 27, 2015
I loved all these stories about the power of women and the men who love them. I loved this anthology and highly recommend it!!
August 1, 2008
An ok read - but the proceeds support domestic violence, a cause near to my heart.
January 2, 2011
I liked all of the different stories.
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