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Premiere: A Romance Writers of America Collection
From Romance Writers of America® comes a never-before-published collection of tales that showcases the breadth and complexity of the world's most popular genre of fiction!
New York Times bestselling authors Cindy Gerard and Allison Brennan bring the thrills in their tales of romantic suspense.
New York Times bestselling authors Sabrina Jeffries and Courtney Milan take you on a trip back in time with lush stories of historical romance.
New York Times bestselling authors Vicki Lewis Thompson and Joan Johnston show the wonder of contemporary romance, while New York Times bestselling authors Monica Murphy and Laura Kaye's New Adult romances delve into the evolving Millennial perspective.
And editor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Sylvia Day's tale of angels and sizzling desire takes readers to the edge with paranormal romance.
From the first love of Young Adult romance to tales of second chances, LGBT romance to the realms of the supernatural, contemporary to historical, suspense to inspirational, the genre of romance has a story for every reader and this blockbuster inaugural collection from Romance Writers of America showcases it all!
Introduction by Sylvia Day
Ravished by the Geek by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Under a Wicked Moon by Lila Bell
A Right Honorable Gentleman by Courtney Milan
Station 12 by Amber Lin
Wrong Number, Right Girl by Monica Murphy
A Light in the Darkness by Regina Scott
Coming Home by Joan Johnston
The Poet by T. L. Costa
Dead Wrong by Cindy Gerard
The Fallout by Harper St. George
Hard To Breathe by Sylvia Day
All I Want by Erica Ridley
Covering Her Skin by Laura Kaye
The Long Way Home by Katy Regnery
Their Night Off by Allison Brennan
Flying in the Face of Convention by Lex Valentine
An April Fool’s Forbidden Affair by Sabrina Jeffries
Wrong Address, Right Guy by Diane Kelly
New York Times bestselling authors Cindy Gerard and Allison Brennan bring the thrills in their tales of romantic suspense.
New York Times bestselling authors Sabrina Jeffries and Courtney Milan take you on a trip back in time with lush stories of historical romance.
New York Times bestselling authors Vicki Lewis Thompson and Joan Johnston show the wonder of contemporary romance, while New York Times bestselling authors Monica Murphy and Laura Kaye's New Adult romances delve into the evolving Millennial perspective.
And editor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Sylvia Day's tale of angels and sizzling desire takes readers to the edge with paranormal romance.
From the first love of Young Adult romance to tales of second chances, LGBT romance to the realms of the supernatural, contemporary to historical, suspense to inspirational, the genre of romance has a story for every reader and this blockbuster inaugural collection from Romance Writers of America showcases it all!
Introduction by Sylvia Day
Ravished by the Geek by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Under a Wicked Moon by Lila Bell
A Right Honorable Gentleman by Courtney Milan
Station 12 by Amber Lin
Wrong Number, Right Girl by Monica Murphy
A Light in the Darkness by Regina Scott
Coming Home by Joan Johnston
The Poet by T. L. Costa
Dead Wrong by Cindy Gerard
The Fallout by Harper St. George
Hard To Breathe by Sylvia Day
All I Want by Erica Ridley
Covering Her Skin by Laura Kaye
The Long Way Home by Katy Regnery
Their Night Off by Allison Brennan
Flying in the Face of Convention by Lex Valentine
An April Fool’s Forbidden Affair by Sabrina Jeffries
Wrong Address, Right Guy by Diane Kelly
380 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2015
102 people are currently reading
2749 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Day
121 books122k followersAcclaimed for her signature emotionally charged storytelling and the psychological complexity of her characters, Sylvia Day is a number one bestselling author in twenty-nine countries, with translations in forty-one languages and over twenty million copies of her books in print. Day is the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, #1 Sunday Times, #1 Globe and Mail, #1 Der Spiegel, and #1 international bestselling author of over twenty award-winning novels, including six Sunday Times, ten New York Times and thirteen USA Today bestsellers. Visit the author at sylviaday.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
February 11, 2015
So many amazing authors packed into one collection, equals happiness for me. Each author has their own unique story, which means readers get to experience a variety of genre's, all in one book. These stories are short and will not take you that long to read the whole collection. Each story is enjoyable and worth the read. There are many stories in this collection, but my favorites are from Kate Regnery and Laura Kaye.
The Long Way Home by Kate Regnery was such a sweet and entertaining read that had me sighing in a few places. I really loved Ford and thought he was such a great hero. He totally stole my heart in this story.
Clarissa and Ford have history between them. Clarissa used to be with Ford's brother until he screwed up in a big way. Ford's been in love with Clarissa forever, but could never do anything about it because she belonged to his brother. They both have to attend the same wedding back home and end up taking the same bus. Join Clarissa and Ford in one very long bus ride, as they put the past behind them and confront their feelings.
Covering Her Skin by Laura Kaye is another enjoyable read. Emery goes to Ronan for a tattoo, which ends up being a really bad idea. Later on, Emery goes back to Ronan for a cover up. Sparks fly between the two. The characters are likable and I really enjoyed the storyline. Would have really liked to see someone beat Emery's ex fiancé though. This story is fast paced and entertaining.
A great collection to add to any romance lovers library!
The Long Way Home by Kate Regnery was such a sweet and entertaining read that had me sighing in a few places. I really loved Ford and thought he was such a great hero. He totally stole my heart in this story.
Clarissa and Ford have history between them. Clarissa used to be with Ford's brother until he screwed up in a big way. Ford's been in love with Clarissa forever, but could never do anything about it because she belonged to his brother. They both have to attend the same wedding back home and end up taking the same bus. Join Clarissa and Ford in one very long bus ride, as they put the past behind them and confront their feelings.
Covering Her Skin by Laura Kaye is another enjoyable read. Emery goes to Ronan for a tattoo, which ends up being a really bad idea. Later on, Emery goes back to Ronan for a cover up. Sparks fly between the two. The characters are likable and I really enjoyed the storyline. Would have really liked to see someone beat Emery's ex fiancé though. This story is fast paced and entertaining.
A great collection to add to any romance lovers library!
February 12, 2015
I’m a MG/YA Paranormal Romance author myself who’s happy to be a member of RWA for many years.
When I saw the RWA [Romance Writers of America] association with this book that I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed with any of the selections it contains. Needless to say when I finished reading this collection of short stories, my assumption proved to be quite correct. One of the reasons I brought the KINDLE Edition of this book as opposed to the paperback version is I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it so I could start reading the all marvelous short stories it contains.
I truly believe almost everyone who reads this book will agree that unlike other anthologies complied by others, all of the selections made by Sylvia Day, surrounding the theme of a wrong number, are all equally superb.
Ms Day needs to be congratulated for the daunting task she undertook in bringing everything together in the manner she has. I’d love to comment on each of the authors in this book, but if I did, my review might run a few pages; which is why I’ve commented on the book itself.
Being a Book Reviewer, this collection of romance genres has not only given me the opportunity to read several gifted romance authors at one time; it has exposed me to genres I haven’t been exposed to yet.
There is no way I cannot give Ms. Day 5 STARS for this endeavor, and if the rating went up to 10, I’d have given her that.
When I saw the RWA [Romance Writers of America] association with this book that I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed with any of the selections it contains. Needless to say when I finished reading this collection of short stories, my assumption proved to be quite correct. One of the reasons I brought the KINDLE Edition of this book as opposed to the paperback version is I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it so I could start reading the all marvelous short stories it contains.
I truly believe almost everyone who reads this book will agree that unlike other anthologies complied by others, all of the selections made by Sylvia Day, surrounding the theme of a wrong number, are all equally superb.
Ms Day needs to be congratulated for the daunting task she undertook in bringing everything together in the manner she has. I’d love to comment on each of the authors in this book, but if I did, my review might run a few pages; which is why I’ve commented on the book itself.
Being a Book Reviewer, this collection of romance genres has not only given me the opportunity to read several gifted romance authors at one time; it has exposed me to genres I haven’t been exposed to yet.
There is no way I cannot give Ms. Day 5 STARS for this endeavor, and if the rating went up to 10, I’d have given her that.
did-not-finish
January 31, 2017This is an anthology of romance stories revolving around the theme "wrong number." I did not read all of them. I only read Regina Scott's story "A Light in the Darkness" and skimmed some of the historical stories. I realized that Regina Scott's story is the only one worth reading for me.
"A Light in the Darkness"
Inspirational Regency short story
kisses only
4 stars
Major Sir Percival Nightincourt, former right hand man to the Duke of Wellington, has returned to his family home following the defeat of Napoleon. At last Napoleon has been banished to Elba. However, Percy can not banish his memories of the war, which is why he is writing a book. His flighty younger sister Amelia begs him to take a break and join her Christmas party. When one guest insists on bringing her companion it makes the numbers wrong and Percy is needed to make up the number for the gentlemen. Percy reluctantly agrees. It's the least he can do for many years ago he once offered Eleanor Grasland his heart. Ellie is companion to her demanding cousin Harriet who keeps her busy. Ellie longs to be married but married for love and companionship. She once refused to marry a soldier but did she make the right choice?
I loved this story! It's very sweet. The hero, Percy, is a kind gentleman. He loves his sister and wants to please her though she doesn't understand him. He is suffering from what we call PTSD and writing for therapy. Ellie is a great heroine. She is a companion but she's tough. She can stand the demands of her awful cousin and she has a mind of her own. She knows what she wants and she isn't afraid to say no when the situation isn't what she expected. At first it seems as if this was a story somewhat based on Persuasion but once we get to know Ellie and her reasons for rejecting Percy, it becomes clear that Ellie made up her own mind about Percy. Like Persuasion, this story is a second chance at love story.
The plot takes place all in one night. It's a little unbelievable because of the timeline, but it works because Percy and Ellie knew each other before. The story could be drawn out into a novella or even a full length novel but it's sweet the way it is. There's comedy and sadness blended to form a beautiful story. Also, a bonus is that it's set on Christmas. I would have given the story 5 stars if it wasn't Inspirational. It's not too terribly heavy handed but it's enough to classify the story as Inspirational. Even so, I think it's Regina Scott's best written story to date. The writing has a slightly more old-fashioned feel to it than some of the other stories I skimmed and of course the period details really shine through. This is an excellent story to read this time of year.
The other historical stories seemed to involve characters lusting after each other and more modern language. The only other one worth reading is "A Right Honorable Gentleman" by Courtney Milan. (Victorian romance, mild sensuality, kisses only) Catherine Hooks is governess to the irrepressible young Peter Glennon, whose father is the Chancellor of the Exchequer in Victorian London. Mr. Glennon is the most feared man in London. He glowers, he growls, he sacks his servants for no good reason and only Miss Hooks is able to deal with him. She's also wise enough to deal with Mr. Glennon's feelings towards her and tells him succinctly what he actually needs and seeks to separate herself from his household. It's up to Mr. Glennon to show her how he truly feels.
I really liked Miss Hooks, though she sounds a little more modern than a Victorian spinster. I loved the way she dealt with Peter and how she found a solution to her problem with Peter's father. Mr. Glennon is not my ideal hero. He's too gruff for me. The two make a nice pair because she can keep him from being too horrible. This story wasn't too bad. 3 stars.
In "All I Want" by Erica Ridley (Regency romance, mild sensuality, kisses only), Lady Matilda Kingsley wants a suitor to love her for herself and not for her dowry. Her greedy cousin seeks to gamble her off to the winner of a winner takes all card game. However, not all is as it seems. The challenger is Owen Turner, a soldier and once Lady Matilda's childhood friend. Matilda's cousin wants to ruin Owen as much as Owen wants to beat Egbert. Matilda enters the game and win or lose, she knows what she wants.
Lady Matilda seems very modern for a Regency miss. She goes around without a chaperone or maid, plays cards as well as any gentleman and is very strong-minded. I like strong-minded heroines and I didn't mind Lady Matilda, I just didn't really buy her as a Regency heroine. I felt bad for Owen, a victim of the circumstances of his birth and English law. He seems to have a bad temper though which I do not care for. He's very proud and I wasn't sure I liked him until the end. I only skimmed this story and didn't read it in detail. The period details mostly seemed lacking. I couldn't tell what year it was supposed to be set until Napoleon was mentioned. It seemed more Edwardian than Regency. This story wasn't bad but it wasn't great. 2 stars
"A Light in the Darkness"
Inspirational Regency short story
kisses only
4 stars
Major Sir Percival Nightincourt, former right hand man to the Duke of Wellington, has returned to his family home following the defeat of Napoleon. At last Napoleon has been banished to Elba. However, Percy can not banish his memories of the war, which is why he is writing a book. His flighty younger sister Amelia begs him to take a break and join her Christmas party. When one guest insists on bringing her companion it makes the numbers wrong and Percy is needed to make up the number for the gentlemen. Percy reluctantly agrees. It's the least he can do for many years ago he once offered Eleanor Grasland his heart. Ellie is companion to her demanding cousin Harriet who keeps her busy. Ellie longs to be married but married for love and companionship. She once refused to marry a soldier but did she make the right choice?
I loved this story! It's very sweet. The hero, Percy, is a kind gentleman. He loves his sister and wants to please her though she doesn't understand him. He is suffering from what we call PTSD and writing for therapy. Ellie is a great heroine. She is a companion but she's tough. She can stand the demands of her awful cousin and she has a mind of her own. She knows what she wants and she isn't afraid to say no when the situation isn't what she expected. At first it seems as if this was a story somewhat based on Persuasion but once we get to know Ellie and her reasons for rejecting Percy, it becomes clear that Ellie made up her own mind about Percy. Like Persuasion, this story is a second chance at love story.
The plot takes place all in one night. It's a little unbelievable because of the timeline, but it works because Percy and Ellie knew each other before. The story could be drawn out into a novella or even a full length novel but it's sweet the way it is. There's comedy and sadness blended to form a beautiful story. Also, a bonus is that it's set on Christmas. I would have given the story 5 stars if it wasn't Inspirational. It's not too terribly heavy handed but it's enough to classify the story as Inspirational. Even so, I think it's Regina Scott's best written story to date. The writing has a slightly more old-fashioned feel to it than some of the other stories I skimmed and of course the period details really shine through. This is an excellent story to read this time of year.
The other historical stories seemed to involve characters lusting after each other and more modern language. The only other one worth reading is "A Right Honorable Gentleman" by Courtney Milan. (Victorian romance, mild sensuality, kisses only) Catherine Hooks is governess to the irrepressible young Peter Glennon, whose father is the Chancellor of the Exchequer in Victorian London. Mr. Glennon is the most feared man in London. He glowers, he growls, he sacks his servants for no good reason and only Miss Hooks is able to deal with him. She's also wise enough to deal with Mr. Glennon's feelings towards her and tells him succinctly what he actually needs and seeks to separate herself from his household. It's up to Mr. Glennon to show her how he truly feels.
I really liked Miss Hooks, though she sounds a little more modern than a Victorian spinster. I loved the way she dealt with Peter and how she found a solution to her problem with Peter's father. Mr. Glennon is not my ideal hero. He's too gruff for me. The two make a nice pair because she can keep him from being too horrible. This story wasn't too bad. 3 stars.
In "All I Want" by Erica Ridley (Regency romance, mild sensuality, kisses only), Lady Matilda Kingsley wants a suitor to love her for herself and not for her dowry. Her greedy cousin seeks to gamble her off to the winner of a winner takes all card game. However, not all is as it seems. The challenger is Owen Turner, a soldier and once Lady Matilda's childhood friend. Matilda's cousin wants to ruin Owen as much as Owen wants to beat Egbert. Matilda enters the game and win or lose, she knows what she wants.
Lady Matilda seems very modern for a Regency miss. She goes around without a chaperone or maid, plays cards as well as any gentleman and is very strong-minded. I like strong-minded heroines and I didn't mind Lady Matilda, I just didn't really buy her as a Regency heroine. I felt bad for Owen, a victim of the circumstances of his birth and English law. He seems to have a bad temper though which I do not care for. He's very proud and I wasn't sure I liked him until the end. I only skimmed this story and didn't read it in detail. The period details mostly seemed lacking. I couldn't tell what year it was supposed to be set until Napoleon was mentioned. It seemed more Edwardian than Regency. This story wasn't bad but it wasn't great. 2 stars
February 10, 2015
***WILL AVERAGE STAR RATING AS I READ***
THE LONG WAY HOME by Katy Regnery
What a freaking adorable and swoon worthy read! I love shorts like this because you skip all the unnecessary fillers and backgrounds and get right to the butterflies and goosebumps *wink*
At first I didn't know why Clarissa was so hesitant towards Ford as she got on a bus heading home, but as the story unfolds I kept looking at the estimated time 'left in chapter' as the angst kept building. It was remarkable the amount of emotions such few pages can bring out of you and I found myself falling for Ford the more I read in his POV.
This story was passionate and moving. If this is just a taste of what is included in this anthology I am eager to read more!
5 *WINK* READ
Book Flirts by Jessi
http://bookflirtsbyjessi.blogspot.com
Http://www.facebook.com/bookflirts
@bookflirtsjessi
Bookflirtsbyjessi@yahoo.com
THE LONG WAY HOME by Katy Regnery
What a freaking adorable and swoon worthy read! I love shorts like this because you skip all the unnecessary fillers and backgrounds and get right to the butterflies and goosebumps *wink*
At first I didn't know why Clarissa was so hesitant towards Ford as she got on a bus heading home, but as the story unfolds I kept looking at the estimated time 'left in chapter' as the angst kept building. It was remarkable the amount of emotions such few pages can bring out of you and I found myself falling for Ford the more I read in his POV.
This story was passionate and moving. If this is just a taste of what is included in this anthology I am eager to read more!
5 *WINK* READ
Book Flirts by Jessi
http://bookflirtsbyjessi.blogspot.com
Http://www.facebook.com/bookflirts
@bookflirtsjessi
Bookflirtsbyjessi@yahoo.com
February 9, 2015
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 9, 2015
I read THE LONG WAY HOME by Katy Regnery -- 4.25 stars--
I read COVERING HER SKIN by Laura Kaye--4.25 stars--
_________________
Clarissa “Clarey” Calhoun (first cousin to Savannah Calhoun Carmichael from The Vixen and the Vet) and Ford McInerney find themselves sitting together on a cross country bus traveling from their college town in Colorado to their home town in West Virginia. The problem? Clarey has a painful history with Ford’s older brother, Lincoln, and wishes she was seated beside anyone but a “cheating” McInerney. But Ford, who has been quietly in love with Clarey for most of his life, plans to make the most of the 36-hour journey, with high hopes that the “girl next door” might just be the “girl of his dreams” by the time they reach their destination.
~~~
REVIEW: 4.25 stars-- THE LONG WAY HOME is a new adult, contemporary romance novella by Katy Regnery found in the anthology PREMIERE: A Romance Writers of America Collection Presents #1. THE LONG WAY HOME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. The author may have plans to include the heroine in her upcoming novella from The Vixen and the Vet storyline.
The premise of the storyline is a friends to lovers trope between former childhood friends who lived next door to one another. Returning to Big Chimney, West Virginia for Dodge McInerney’s wedding to Myrna McGovern, Ford McInerney and Clarissa Calhoun find themselves seat mates for a thirty five hour bus ride from Boulder, Colorado to home. Ford has been in love with Clarey Calhoun as long as he can remember but Clarey was his older brother Linc’s girlfriend, and off limits until the fateful day that Clarey discovered that Linc had cheated on her with a girl back home.
Katy Regnery pulls the reader into a sweet story of second chances (of a sort) for two people who share a painful memory and a past. While Clarey is angry with Linc for his betrayal, her misdirected anger at Ford consumes her thoughts. Throughout the trip, emotions and memories recall what had happened and the connection between Ford and Clarissa.
THE LONG WAY HOME is an intimate, compelling and passionate novella focusing on two people whose journey will take them full circle. There are no sexual situations and no graphic language. It is a storyline where a broken heart gets a second chance at love. The world building looks at childhood memories, family connections and small town life. A well written and remarkable, short story from Katy Regnery that teases the senses leaving your wanting more.
Copy supplied by the author.
___________________
COVERING HER SKIN by Laura Kaye
4.25 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release February 9, 2015
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--COVERING HER SKIN is a short story novella by Laura Kaye found in the Premiere: The Romance Writers of America Collection Presents #1. This is Emery Morgan and Ronan Kane’s story-a friends to lovers trope.
One year earlier Emery had her, then fiance’s professional football jersey number tattooed onto her skin but as luck would have it, Hunter Jameson dumped Emery for the latest Hollywood hot body. Returning to the scene of the crime-Kane Brothers Tattoo-Emery approaches Ronan Kane asking for a cover up to hide her painful past.
Ronan Kane has had a crush on Emery for close to four years but she was off limits-engaged to the local hero-star quarterback Hunter Jameson and a man with a reputation of a wandering eye and busy hands. Now that Emery was single, Ronan’s thoughts turned to Emery, in the hopes of something more permanent than a cover up tattoo.
COVERING HER SKIN is a fast paced, wonderful read with a touch of heartbreak, building romance and a look to the future. Laura Kaye adds a little bit of suspense, a sexy tattoo artist and a woman hoping to move forward without ever having to look back. Laura’s books have always been a go to read and COVERING HER SKIN is a welcome addition to my collection.
I read THE LONG WAY HOME by Katy Regnery -- 4.25 stars--
I read COVERING HER SKIN by Laura Kaye--4.25 stars--
_________________
Clarissa “Clarey” Calhoun (first cousin to Savannah Calhoun Carmichael from The Vixen and the Vet) and Ford McInerney find themselves sitting together on a cross country bus traveling from their college town in Colorado to their home town in West Virginia. The problem? Clarey has a painful history with Ford’s older brother, Lincoln, and wishes she was seated beside anyone but a “cheating” McInerney. But Ford, who has been quietly in love with Clarey for most of his life, plans to make the most of the 36-hour journey, with high hopes that the “girl next door” might just be the “girl of his dreams” by the time they reach their destination.
~~~
REVIEW: 4.25 stars-- THE LONG WAY HOME is a new adult, contemporary romance novella by Katy Regnery found in the anthology PREMIERE: A Romance Writers of America Collection Presents #1. THE LONG WAY HOME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. The author may have plans to include the heroine in her upcoming novella from The Vixen and the Vet storyline.
The premise of the storyline is a friends to lovers trope between former childhood friends who lived next door to one another. Returning to Big Chimney, West Virginia for Dodge McInerney’s wedding to Myrna McGovern, Ford McInerney and Clarissa Calhoun find themselves seat mates for a thirty five hour bus ride from Boulder, Colorado to home. Ford has been in love with Clarey Calhoun as long as he can remember but Clarey was his older brother Linc’s girlfriend, and off limits until the fateful day that Clarey discovered that Linc had cheated on her with a girl back home.
Katy Regnery pulls the reader into a sweet story of second chances (of a sort) for two people who share a painful memory and a past. While Clarey is angry with Linc for his betrayal, her misdirected anger at Ford consumes her thoughts. Throughout the trip, emotions and memories recall what had happened and the connection between Ford and Clarissa.
THE LONG WAY HOME is an intimate, compelling and passionate novella focusing on two people whose journey will take them full circle. There are no sexual situations and no graphic language. It is a storyline where a broken heart gets a second chance at love. The world building looks at childhood memories, family connections and small town life. A well written and remarkable, short story from Katy Regnery that teases the senses leaving your wanting more.
Copy supplied by the author.
___________________
COVERING HER SKIN by Laura Kaye
4.25 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release February 9, 2015
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--COVERING HER SKIN is a short story novella by Laura Kaye found in the Premiere: The Romance Writers of America Collection Presents #1. This is Emery Morgan and Ronan Kane’s story-a friends to lovers trope.
One year earlier Emery had her, then fiance’s professional football jersey number tattooed onto her skin but as luck would have it, Hunter Jameson dumped Emery for the latest Hollywood hot body. Returning to the scene of the crime-Kane Brothers Tattoo-Emery approaches Ronan Kane asking for a cover up to hide her painful past.
Ronan Kane has had a crush on Emery for close to four years but she was off limits-engaged to the local hero-star quarterback Hunter Jameson and a man with a reputation of a wandering eye and busy hands. Now that Emery was single, Ronan’s thoughts turned to Emery, in the hopes of something more permanent than a cover up tattoo.
COVERING HER SKIN is a fast paced, wonderful read with a touch of heartbreak, building romance and a look to the future. Laura Kaye adds a little bit of suspense, a sexy tattoo artist and a woman hoping to move forward without ever having to look back. Laura’s books have always been a go to read and COVERING HER SKIN is a welcome addition to my collection.
February 18, 2015
BOOK REVIEW: 4 STARS
HARD TO BREATHE BY SYLVIA DAY
It’s not a secret that Sylvia is one of my favorite authors. I bought this anthology with my eyes closed just because she had a novella in it. I’ve only read her novella, and maybe one day I’ll read the others.
First, I read her introduction to the anthology, What is a romance novel?. It was amazing and I agree with her 100%:
“Romance Writers of America® defines romance fiction as smart, fresh, and diverse, with a central love story and an emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending. Some say romance novels are pure fantasy because of that happy ending, but the truth is that romantic love is everyday magic and happy endings happen every minute. Falling in love is one of the core elements of the human condition: it touches us all.”
She couldn't said it better.
Sylvia’s novella in this anthology, Hard to Breathe, is a paranormal romance about one angel girl, Annalise, who's in training to be in the legion’s army of angels and she is madly in love with her Commander Gareth, a very powerful, strong and super HOT angel, who makes her have very erotic fantasies. She is very sure it’s a unrequited love, but things aren’t always what they look like.
I really enjoyed reading this novella, but sadly, it’s too short. I’d love to know more about how they met, how he was as a commander, - he was pretty mean the little i could read -, to know about their traditions - the vows were so romantic - and most of all, I’d love to know more about their future together.
February 13, 2015
ONLY READ "A Right Honorable Gentleman" by Courtney Milan
CM has already written a novella totally (wonderfully) messing with my beloved falling-for-the-governess trope, and in this short (too bleeding short!) story she's taken the original trope and “upscaled” it like the sort of flea-market find clever people refurbish into the expensive-looking centrepiece of an entire room. Everyone is so... grown up, so understanding of the society they live in and the roles they inhabit therein, and so self-aware and sensible.... and grown up! In this reworked trope, in these characters, and in all the ways she usually manages to just write better than anyone else, CM has created another work that will be the standard everything in this genre will need to live up to because I didn’t know until she wrote it that this is what I’ve always wanted these stories to be.
CM has already written a novella totally (wonderfully) messing with my beloved falling-for-the-governess trope, and in this short (too bleeding short!) story she's taken the original trope and “upscaled” it like the sort of flea-market find clever people refurbish into the expensive-looking centrepiece of an entire room. Everyone is so... grown up, so understanding of the society they live in and the roles they inhabit therein, and so self-aware and sensible.... and grown up! In this reworked trope, in these characters, and in all the ways she usually manages to just write better than anyone else, CM has created another work that will be the standard everything in this genre will need to live up to because I didn’t know until she wrote it that this is what I’ve always wanted these stories to be.
October 6, 2015
This is more a 3.5 about the whole anthology because I've read all stories.
My favorites were by Courtney Milan, Joan Johnston and the best for me was Diana Kelly's.
The ones I liked the less were by Lila Bell and Monica Murphy.
All the others were average, some better than others.
My favorites were by Courtney Milan, Joan Johnston and the best for me was Diana Kelly's.
The ones I liked the less were by Lila Bell and Monica Murphy.
All the others were average, some better than others.
October 26, 2016
This is a collection of short stories all based on the idea of a wrong number. This collection is very diverse and demonstrates a great variety of stories and techniques and genres.
RAVISHED BY THE GEEK by Vicki Lewis Thompson: Jamie Smith receives a misaddressed email from Vivian Crowley who is the woman of his dreams. When Jamie reads Vivian's fantasy scene in her email, he decides to make her dreams come true. This is a sweet story and Jamie is simply adorable. Rating: 4 stars.
UNDER A WICKED MOON by Lila Bell: Stacia Bryne and Liam MacTire were foster children together. They are now enemies as Liam has been sent to kill the half-human, half-sorceress. Liam is a half-human, half wolf shifter. Stacia creates a potion to turn Liam into her protector but when it works, she fears that what they have isn't real. I really liked this story. There was something compelling about the characters. It certainly made me interested in reading the connected novellas. Rating: 4.25 stars.
A RIGHT HONORABLE GENTLEMAN by Courtney Milan: Miss Catherine Hooks is a servant in the household of Mr. Edward Glennon. In the almost five years that she has been governess to the widower's son an attraction between the two has arisen, but their stations make acting on it impossible. When Catherine decides it is time for her to leave, Edward realizes that he doesn't want her to. This is a favorite. Sparkling characters and dialogue despite the short length. I could read a whole novel about these two and yet this story story also is satisfying. Rating: 5 stars.
STATION 12 by Amber Lin: Isobel Monroe goes to the fire station to return some of her ex's things and ends up at the wrong station. She meets Matthew Gaines who is also a fire fighter. He asks her out on a date, but she refuses. But their story isn't over. This story is really just the beginning of their relationship, but I thought the characters were interesting and their interaction felt genuine. Rating: 4.25 stars.
WRONG NUMBER, RIGHT GIRL by Monica Murphy: Ty Webster is a player with women and he is bored. When he succumbs to a dare to get the number of a hot young woman, he can't help but notice her friend who is definitely not his type. Lauren thinks Ty is attractive but knows this guy would never be interested in her. This story is told in alternating first personal narratives. This is a sweet new adult story about a guy changing his life. Rating: 4 stars.
A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS by Regina Scott: Major Sir Percival Nightincourt and Eleanor Grasland knew each other years before but parted when Percy joined the military. Now Percy has given up his commission and when the two encounter one another again, he realizes what he has been missing. This is a sweet inspirational romance. Rating: 3.5 stars.
COMING HOME by Joan Johnston: Savannah Whitelaw is an FBI agent and Luke Winters has just been exonerated after spending 6 years in jail. After being convinced to go on a double date, Savannah can't help but be attracted to this man who is so wrong for her. I really liked this story because there was definite angst and potential in the story. I wish there was more to the story because this is really just the beginning of a relationship. This story is connected with her Hawke's Way series. Rating: 3.5 stars.
THE POET by T.L. Costa: Wyatt Hershowitz has had a crush on Hannah Smith since sixth grade. When she asks for the Spanish homework, he accidentally sends her a poem he wrote for his mom's birthday. What follows is a funny attempt by Wyatt to rectify his mistake. This story is well written and funny and made me smile. Rating: 4 stars.
DEAD WRONG by Cindy Gerard: Erin Livingston has just been acquitted of the murder of her husband and has come home under threat from her father-in-law who blames her for his son's death. Jed Rafferty and Erin had a thing as teenagers and haven't seen one another in years. Jed knows, however, that Erin is the woman for him and doesn't intend to lose the chance with her. This story felt complete and substantial despite its short length. Rating: 4.25 stars.
THE FALLOUT by Harper St. George: Elena Black and Dexter Thomas Herrington married young and within two years were separated. Now four years later, they are getting divorced. When Dex comes back to talk to her, however, they find that there might be something worth saving. This story had much promise, but once the two meet up again, I didn't feel the emotional connection the story should have had. Rating: 3 stars.
HARD TO BREATHE by Syvia Day: Annalise knows that she needs to get away from her trainer Gareth. Annalise is in love with him although a relationship between angel trainer and student is forbidden. When she tries to get reassigned, Gareth foils her attempt. When she is forced to reveal her reason to him, she feels his rejection but he might be hiding something as well. I loved this story. Well written and executed with interesting characters. I want to read more. Rating: 5 stars.
ALL I WANT by Erica Ridley: Lady Matilda Kingsley and Major Owen Turner were childhood friends but Owen is illegitimate and not the proper match for the daughter of a duke. Years later, they meet again over a game of cards. The story between these characters was sweet and completely unrealistic but enjoyable nonetheless. Rating: 4 stars.
COVERING HER SKIN by Laura Kaye: Emery Morgan has come to Ronan Kane to get rid of one of the biggest mistakes of her life. A year ago, Emery had Ronan, a tattoo artist, give her a tattoo of her fiance's jersey number and football team right before he dumped her. Now she wants the tattoo transformed. Ronan made one of the biggest mistakes in his life when he agreed to do Emery's tattoo a year ago and wants to rectify that mistake for the woman he has had a crush on for years and never thought to see again. This story was really good. There is great character development and an interesting idea of transformation. Rating: 4.25 stars.
THE LONG WAY HOME by Katy Regnery: Clarissa Calhoun and Ford McInerney end up sitting next to one another on a bus cross-country traveling to the same wedding. Ford has been in love with Clarissa forever, but she was his older brother's girlfriend. Now he has a chance to get her to give them a chance. This new adult story was good. The relationship between Clarissa and Ford is complicated and their history makes the story interesting. Rating: 4 stars.
THEIR NIGHT OFF by Allison Brennan: FBI Special Agent Suzanne Madeaux and Detective Joe DeLucca have had a casual relationship for a while complicated by their work and Joe's ex-wife. Just when Suzanne is thinking that their relationship should be more, the two get involved in one of Suzanne's cases. This story was just okay for me. It was an interesting story but not enough about the romance between the two. Rating: 3 stars.
FLYING IN THE FACE OF CONVENTION by Lex Valentine: A mis-delivered delivered wedding invitation bring Trey Beaumont and Jordan Smithson together. Trey had been interested in Jordan when they were in college together and now he finds out that they were unknowingly living in the same building. Trey had never told Jordan of his interest in him but now sees a new opportunity. My complaint here is that the character o Jordan is not really developed. It would have been nice to know more about him so that the relationship was more balanced. On the other hand, I really liked the epilogue which gave the story a nice ending. Rating: 3 stars.
AN APRIL FOOL'S FORBIDDEN AFFAIR by Sabrina Jeffries: Mason Brandt, Earl of Westville wants Miss Augusta Hunt, his late wife's sister but knows that it is impossible since is would be scandalous to marry his sister-in-law. Augusta wants Mason as well but knows only that he has purposely kept away from her. When the two discover a prank by Augusta's younger brother, they work together to foil it. This story is well written and has characters in an interesting dilemma. I wish there was more to this story because this could be a longer novella or a novel itself. Rating: 4 stars
WRONG ADDRESS, RIGHT GUY by Diane Kelly: Katelyn Harrington is unlucky in love. When her boyfriend is late for their date again, she breaks it off with him. Then her neighbor stands up her date. When that date arrives, Katelyn decides that she will pretend to be his date. I liked this story because the premise was interesting and the romance was sweet. Rating: 3 stars.
RAVISHED BY THE GEEK by Vicki Lewis Thompson: Jamie Smith receives a misaddressed email from Vivian Crowley who is the woman of his dreams. When Jamie reads Vivian's fantasy scene in her email, he decides to make her dreams come true. This is a sweet story and Jamie is simply adorable. Rating: 4 stars.
UNDER A WICKED MOON by Lila Bell: Stacia Bryne and Liam MacTire were foster children together. They are now enemies as Liam has been sent to kill the half-human, half-sorceress. Liam is a half-human, half wolf shifter. Stacia creates a potion to turn Liam into her protector but when it works, she fears that what they have isn't real. I really liked this story. There was something compelling about the characters. It certainly made me interested in reading the connected novellas. Rating: 4.25 stars.
A RIGHT HONORABLE GENTLEMAN by Courtney Milan: Miss Catherine Hooks is a servant in the household of Mr. Edward Glennon. In the almost five years that she has been governess to the widower's son an attraction between the two has arisen, but their stations make acting on it impossible. When Catherine decides it is time for her to leave, Edward realizes that he doesn't want her to. This is a favorite. Sparkling characters and dialogue despite the short length. I could read a whole novel about these two and yet this story story also is satisfying. Rating: 5 stars.
STATION 12 by Amber Lin: Isobel Monroe goes to the fire station to return some of her ex's things and ends up at the wrong station. She meets Matthew Gaines who is also a fire fighter. He asks her out on a date, but she refuses. But their story isn't over. This story is really just the beginning of their relationship, but I thought the characters were interesting and their interaction felt genuine. Rating: 4.25 stars.
WRONG NUMBER, RIGHT GIRL by Monica Murphy: Ty Webster is a player with women and he is bored. When he succumbs to a dare to get the number of a hot young woman, he can't help but notice her friend who is definitely not his type. Lauren thinks Ty is attractive but knows this guy would never be interested in her. This story is told in alternating first personal narratives. This is a sweet new adult story about a guy changing his life. Rating: 4 stars.
A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS by Regina Scott: Major Sir Percival Nightincourt and Eleanor Grasland knew each other years before but parted when Percy joined the military. Now Percy has given up his commission and when the two encounter one another again, he realizes what he has been missing. This is a sweet inspirational romance. Rating: 3.5 stars.
COMING HOME by Joan Johnston: Savannah Whitelaw is an FBI agent and Luke Winters has just been exonerated after spending 6 years in jail. After being convinced to go on a double date, Savannah can't help but be attracted to this man who is so wrong for her. I really liked this story because there was definite angst and potential in the story. I wish there was more to the story because this is really just the beginning of a relationship. This story is connected with her Hawke's Way series. Rating: 3.5 stars.
THE POET by T.L. Costa: Wyatt Hershowitz has had a crush on Hannah Smith since sixth grade. When she asks for the Spanish homework, he accidentally sends her a poem he wrote for his mom's birthday. What follows is a funny attempt by Wyatt to rectify his mistake. This story is well written and funny and made me smile. Rating: 4 stars.
DEAD WRONG by Cindy Gerard: Erin Livingston has just been acquitted of the murder of her husband and has come home under threat from her father-in-law who blames her for his son's death. Jed Rafferty and Erin had a thing as teenagers and haven't seen one another in years. Jed knows, however, that Erin is the woman for him and doesn't intend to lose the chance with her. This story felt complete and substantial despite its short length. Rating: 4.25 stars.
THE FALLOUT by Harper St. George: Elena Black and Dexter Thomas Herrington married young and within two years were separated. Now four years later, they are getting divorced. When Dex comes back to talk to her, however, they find that there might be something worth saving. This story had much promise, but once the two meet up again, I didn't feel the emotional connection the story should have had. Rating: 3 stars.
HARD TO BREATHE by Syvia Day: Annalise knows that she needs to get away from her trainer Gareth. Annalise is in love with him although a relationship between angel trainer and student is forbidden. When she tries to get reassigned, Gareth foils her attempt. When she is forced to reveal her reason to him, she feels his rejection but he might be hiding something as well. I loved this story. Well written and executed with interesting characters. I want to read more. Rating: 5 stars.
ALL I WANT by Erica Ridley: Lady Matilda Kingsley and Major Owen Turner were childhood friends but Owen is illegitimate and not the proper match for the daughter of a duke. Years later, they meet again over a game of cards. The story between these characters was sweet and completely unrealistic but enjoyable nonetheless. Rating: 4 stars.
COVERING HER SKIN by Laura Kaye: Emery Morgan has come to Ronan Kane to get rid of one of the biggest mistakes of her life. A year ago, Emery had Ronan, a tattoo artist, give her a tattoo of her fiance's jersey number and football team right before he dumped her. Now she wants the tattoo transformed. Ronan made one of the biggest mistakes in his life when he agreed to do Emery's tattoo a year ago and wants to rectify that mistake for the woman he has had a crush on for years and never thought to see again. This story was really good. There is great character development and an interesting idea of transformation. Rating: 4.25 stars.
THE LONG WAY HOME by Katy Regnery: Clarissa Calhoun and Ford McInerney end up sitting next to one another on a bus cross-country traveling to the same wedding. Ford has been in love with Clarissa forever, but she was his older brother's girlfriend. Now he has a chance to get her to give them a chance. This new adult story was good. The relationship between Clarissa and Ford is complicated and their history makes the story interesting. Rating: 4 stars.
THEIR NIGHT OFF by Allison Brennan: FBI Special Agent Suzanne Madeaux and Detective Joe DeLucca have had a casual relationship for a while complicated by their work and Joe's ex-wife. Just when Suzanne is thinking that their relationship should be more, the two get involved in one of Suzanne's cases. This story was just okay for me. It was an interesting story but not enough about the romance between the two. Rating: 3 stars.
FLYING IN THE FACE OF CONVENTION by Lex Valentine: A mis-delivered delivered wedding invitation bring Trey Beaumont and Jordan Smithson together. Trey had been interested in Jordan when they were in college together and now he finds out that they were unknowingly living in the same building. Trey had never told Jordan of his interest in him but now sees a new opportunity. My complaint here is that the character o Jordan is not really developed. It would have been nice to know more about him so that the relationship was more balanced. On the other hand, I really liked the epilogue which gave the story a nice ending. Rating: 3 stars.
AN APRIL FOOL'S FORBIDDEN AFFAIR by Sabrina Jeffries: Mason Brandt, Earl of Westville wants Miss Augusta Hunt, his late wife's sister but knows that it is impossible since is would be scandalous to marry his sister-in-law. Augusta wants Mason as well but knows only that he has purposely kept away from her. When the two discover a prank by Augusta's younger brother, they work together to foil it. This story is well written and has characters in an interesting dilemma. I wish there was more to this story because this could be a longer novella or a novel itself. Rating: 4 stars
WRONG ADDRESS, RIGHT GUY by Diane Kelly: Katelyn Harrington is unlucky in love. When her boyfriend is late for their date again, she breaks it off with him. Then her neighbor stands up her date. When that date arrives, Katelyn decides that she will pretend to be his date. I liked this story because the premise was interesting and the romance was sweet. Rating: 3 stars.
June 22, 2017
A nice collection of stories, all based around the concept of a “wrong number.” My favourites were “The Poem” by T.L. Costa, which was awkward and really funny, and “Covering Her Skin” by Laura Kaye. Lots of new authors here for me to read more.
RAVISHED BY THE GEEK by Vicki Lewis Thompson: Cliched characters but okay. 3.5 stars.
UNDER A WICKED MOON by Lila Bell: Needed a bit more world building or something because I couldn't get into it in the short amount of time. 3 stars.
A RIGHT HONORABLE GENTLEMAN by Courtney Milan: Loved the UST and the banter. This would have made a really good full-length novel. 4 stars.
STATION 12 by Amber Lin: Cute. 4 stars.
WRONG NUMBER, RIGHT GIRL by Monica Murphy: I liked how Ty was trying to grow out of his frat boy ways. 4 stars.
A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS by Regina Scott: I didn't really feel this one because it seemed too short. 3 stars.
COMING HOME by Joan Johnston: Felt like it could be the beginning of a much longer story. Nice. 4 stars.
THE POET by T.L. Costa: My favourite story so far. Awkward and awesome. 5 stars.
DEAD WRONG by Cindy Gerard: Meh. Seemed rushed. 3 stars.
THE FALLOUT by Harper St. George: Too short to get a sense of any connection between the couple. 3 stars.
HARD TO BREATHE by Sylvia Day: The raunchiest story so far, ironic considering it's about angels. I wasn't really invested in these two. 3 stars.
ALL I WANT by Erica Ridley: Sweet and short. 3 stars.
COVERING HER SKIN by Laura Kaye: My second favourite. Always quality from Laura Kaye, and this story was perfect. 5 stars.
THE LONG WAY HOME by Katy Regnery: Also very good. I loved how all the brothers were named after cars. 4 stars.
THEIR NIGHT OFF by Allison Brennan: Not so much a romance as a crime story, but pretty good. 3 stars.
FLYING IN THE FACE OF CONVENTION by Lex Valentine: The sole M/M of the anthology, and also about cops. Not a lot of character development but plenty of raunch. 3.5 stars.
AN APRIL FOOL'S FORBIDDEN AFFAIR by Sabrina Jeffries: An okay historical about a difficult dilemma. 3 stars.
WRONG ADDRESS, RIGHT GUY by Diane Kelly: I liked this one a lot. If only it was longer! 4.5 stars.
RAVISHED BY THE GEEK by Vicki Lewis Thompson: Cliched characters but okay. 3.5 stars.
UNDER A WICKED MOON by Lila Bell: Needed a bit more world building or something because I couldn't get into it in the short amount of time. 3 stars.
A RIGHT HONORABLE GENTLEMAN by Courtney Milan: Loved the UST and the banter. This would have made a really good full-length novel. 4 stars.
STATION 12 by Amber Lin: Cute. 4 stars.
WRONG NUMBER, RIGHT GIRL by Monica Murphy: I liked how Ty was trying to grow out of his frat boy ways. 4 stars.
A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS by Regina Scott: I didn't really feel this one because it seemed too short. 3 stars.
COMING HOME by Joan Johnston: Felt like it could be the beginning of a much longer story. Nice. 4 stars.
THE POET by T.L. Costa: My favourite story so far. Awkward and awesome. 5 stars.
DEAD WRONG by Cindy Gerard: Meh. Seemed rushed. 3 stars.
THE FALLOUT by Harper St. George: Too short to get a sense of any connection between the couple. 3 stars.
HARD TO BREATHE by Sylvia Day: The raunchiest story so far, ironic considering it's about angels. I wasn't really invested in these two. 3 stars.
ALL I WANT by Erica Ridley: Sweet and short. 3 stars.
COVERING HER SKIN by Laura Kaye: My second favourite. Always quality from Laura Kaye, and this story was perfect. 5 stars.
THE LONG WAY HOME by Katy Regnery: Also very good. I loved how all the brothers were named after cars. 4 stars.
THEIR NIGHT OFF by Allison Brennan: Not so much a romance as a crime story, but pretty good. 3 stars.
FLYING IN THE FACE OF CONVENTION by Lex Valentine: The sole M/M of the anthology, and also about cops. Not a lot of character development but plenty of raunch. 3.5 stars.
AN APRIL FOOL'S FORBIDDEN AFFAIR by Sabrina Jeffries: An okay historical about a difficult dilemma. 3 stars.
WRONG ADDRESS, RIGHT GUY by Diane Kelly: I liked this one a lot. If only it was longer! 4.5 stars.
August 26, 2019
There are 18 very short stories in this collection united by the theme "Wrong Number". I'm only going to comment on the ones I enjoyed, which turns out to be 11 stories. That's pretty good, I think. Plus I picked up a few new authors to try out. So 4 stars for having a decent number of good stories.
A Right Honorable Gentleman by Courtney Milan -
As a new fan of this author's Brother's Sinister series, I checked out this book to read this story about a suffragette and the man who catches her on the wrong balcony. (I believe it's also available free on her website.) It gave the reader what she does best - two distinctive, unique characters with a genuine conflict. There wasn't a plot, but I enjoyed it. 3 stars
Station 12 by Amber Lin -
Really cute girl meets guy story. When the heroine tries to return her ex-boyfirend's belongings she ends up at the wrong fire station. It turned out to be a nice story with no sex, which was a bonus. 4 stars
Wrong Number, Right Girl by Monica Murphy -
A cute piece about a college guy who's trying to change his way with women; I enjoyed what there was but the story lacked any substance. 2.5 stars
A Light in the Darkness by Regina Scott -
A sweet Christmas story set at the end of the Napoleanic Wars. Nothing special about this story of seperated lovers, but the minor characters add to the tale. 3 stars
Dead Wrong by Cindy Gerard -
Nice Romantic Suspense about a woman accused of murdering her husband, then exonerated, but her ex-father-in-law still wants revenge. I've read a few of this author's RS novels and enjoyed them; this story was pretty good. There's a plot here, which is always appreciated. 3 stars
The Fallout by Harper St. George -
This super short story had an interesting beginning - a quickie wedding gone south; it opens the day the heroine receives the divorce papers. The plot could have gone several ways. Unfortunately the ex showed up immediately and I was less then impressed. But I really liked the way it began, it felt so real. Only 1 star, but it had potential so I'm including it.
All I Want by Erica Ridley -
Lovely Regency-type story about childhood friends who meet again years later at a card game. Very short but well done and fun to read. 4 stars
Covering Her Skin by Laura Kaye -
This was pretty short but read like a full blown book. The heroine is getting over being dumped a year ago and wants her tatoo covered, so she goes back to the man who inked it on her. This was very well done; the interesting characters have some backstory and a couple of minor characters added depth to it. Because I don't see how it could have been better at this length I have to give it 5 happy stars. :)
The Long Way Home by Katy Regnery -
Dumped by his brother, Clarissa finds herself on a long bus ride with younger brother Ford. Can he touch her heart in just 36 hours? A good story that begins at my Alma Mater. 4 stars
Their Night Off by Alison Brennan -
And FBI agent and NYC cop try to spend a nice evening together but end up catching a bad guy instead. I thought the story was entertaining and well written. 4 stars
Wrong Address, Right Guy by Diane Kelly -
Oddly enough this story uses a premise I've thought about for years but never seen - girl meets boy when she has to tell him he's been stood up by the girl's jerky sister/friend, or in this case, neighbor. That plus Glenn Miller and some really nice MCs made this shortie a big hit with me. 5 swing dancing stars.
A Right Honorable Gentleman by Courtney Milan -
As a new fan of this author's Brother's Sinister series, I checked out this book to read this story about a suffragette and the man who catches her on the wrong balcony. (I believe it's also available free on her website.) It gave the reader what she does best - two distinctive, unique characters with a genuine conflict. There wasn't a plot, but I enjoyed it. 3 stars
Station 12 by Amber Lin -
Really cute girl meets guy story. When the heroine tries to return her ex-boyfirend's belongings she ends up at the wrong fire station. It turned out to be a nice story with no sex, which was a bonus. 4 stars
Wrong Number, Right Girl by Monica Murphy -
A cute piece about a college guy who's trying to change his way with women; I enjoyed what there was but the story lacked any substance. 2.5 stars
A Light in the Darkness by Regina Scott -
A sweet Christmas story set at the end of the Napoleanic Wars. Nothing special about this story of seperated lovers, but the minor characters add to the tale. 3 stars
Dead Wrong by Cindy Gerard -
Nice Romantic Suspense about a woman accused of murdering her husband, then exonerated, but her ex-father-in-law still wants revenge. I've read a few of this author's RS novels and enjoyed them; this story was pretty good. There's a plot here, which is always appreciated. 3 stars
The Fallout by Harper St. George -
This super short story had an interesting beginning - a quickie wedding gone south; it opens the day the heroine receives the divorce papers. The plot could have gone several ways. Unfortunately the ex showed up immediately and I was less then impressed. But I really liked the way it began, it felt so real. Only 1 star, but it had potential so I'm including it.
All I Want by Erica Ridley -
Lovely Regency-type story about childhood friends who meet again years later at a card game. Very short but well done and fun to read. 4 stars
Covering Her Skin by Laura Kaye -
This was pretty short but read like a full blown book. The heroine is getting over being dumped a year ago and wants her tatoo covered, so she goes back to the man who inked it on her. This was very well done; the interesting characters have some backstory and a couple of minor characters added depth to it. Because I don't see how it could have been better at this length I have to give it 5 happy stars. :)
The Long Way Home by Katy Regnery -
Dumped by his brother, Clarissa finds herself on a long bus ride with younger brother Ford. Can he touch her heart in just 36 hours? A good story that begins at my Alma Mater. 4 stars
Their Night Off by Alison Brennan -
And FBI agent and NYC cop try to spend a nice evening together but end up catching a bad guy instead. I thought the story was entertaining and well written. 4 stars
Wrong Address, Right Guy by Diane Kelly -
Oddly enough this story uses a premise I've thought about for years but never seen - girl meets boy when she has to tell him he's been stood up by the girl's jerky sister/friend, or in this case, neighbor. That plus Glenn Miller and some really nice MCs made this shortie a big hit with me. 5 swing dancing stars.
September 11, 2015
Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls
Un antologia che spiega cosa significa romanzo rosa?
Quando ho letto che in questo romanzo si snodavano diversi racconti ho mentalmente esultato.
Una serie di scrittrici di fama mondiale unite in questo progetto è praticamente il sogno di ogni lettore compulsivo come me. Così ho deciso di provare a recensire più racconti per dare onore al lavoro di queste donne.
Cito testualmente le parole dettate nella sorta di prologo che apre questi romanzi nel romanzo seguita e gestita dalla Day, che personalmente adoro:
"La Romance Writers of America definisce la letteratura rosa come intelligente, fresca ed eterogenea, con una storia d’amore al centro della trama e un finale emozionalmente appagante e roseo."
Con queste parole si apre il libro.
Il primo romanzo che vi andrò a presentare è quello di Vicky Lewis Thompson, VIOLENTATA DAL NERD.
Cosa succederebbe se venisse inviato in allegato uno stralcio di libro ad un indirizzo mail sbagliato? Indirizzo mail che guarda caso corrisponde al nerd della ditta sfigato in cui lavori, e che prova una passione assurda per la mittente della mail? Benissimo! Proprio in questo pasticcio si trova Val quando riceve l’invito di uno sconosciuto che le promette sesso sfrenato usando le tecniche del suo personaggio inventato. Sconosciuto che sa benissimo essere Jamie. Infatti il ragazzo dopo aver letto la scena sessualmente intrigante, inviatagli per errore, decide di essere per Val il suo uomo dei sogni misterioso. Racconto breve ma molto intenso. Scrittura e dialoghi calzanti che arrivano direttamente al punto con una storia d’amore e un finale appagante. Ho trovato spiritoso un dialogo fra i due ragazzi.
**- Qual è il tuo cibo preferito?
-Maccheroni al formaggio. Li prendo sempre a mensa-
-Lo so, ma se potessi scegliere qualunque cosa al mondo, che cosa…?
-Sempre maccheroni al formaggio **.
Il secondo romanzo a cui voglio dare attenzione è proprio quello di Sylvia Day.
SENZA RESPIRO è un fantasy che parla e racconta della storia d’amore di due angeli combattenti in una realtà non ben definita.
Annalise è innamorata del comandate Gareth da moltissimi anni ed è stata assegnata alla sua classe per diventare un Angelo Combattente Volante di grande capacità. Figlia e sorella d’arte, Annalise chiederà di abbandonare il battaglione di Gareth per diplomarsi e scordarsi di lui. La sua vicinanza non fa che distrarla. Quando Annalise spiegherà a Gareth il vero motivo del suo abbandono scoppierà lo sfacelo tra i due protagonisti. Ma il finale sarà bellissimo perché verranno alla luce tanti retroscena che Gareth ha nascosto durante questi anni.
Un romanzo raccontato in prima persona sempre favoloso e scorrevole. Nonostante sia un genere diverso da quello a cui siamo abituati il suo modo di scrivere è superlativo.
**Non si tratta di Josiah… ritratto a denti stretti.
- Ah no?- chiede, risalendo con lo sguardo sul mio corpo, seguendo l’incrocio delle cinghie di cuoio della fondina del pugnale che mi incrociano il seno, scivolando poi sulla gola e fermandosi infine sulla bocca. E’ di nuovo teso come una corda, come se stesse aspettando di sentire la più spiacevole delle notizie.
E io sono ben felice di servigliela visto che mi ha messa con le spalle al muro.
-Sei tu, Gareth. Sono innamorata di te.-**
Ultimo racconto che mi ha entusiasmata è quello di Laura Kaye.
SULLA SUA PELLE racconta la storia di Kane ed Emery. Kane è un tatuatore di grandi campioni di football e Emery è la ex fidanzata del quaterback che l’ha lasciata prima delle nozze per stare con una modella. Peccato che il suo abbandono coincida con un colpo di testa di Emery che per amore si è fatta tatuare il numero di maglia del giocatore. Kane sapeva del presunto tradimento ma nonostante tutto non ha detto nulla per non rovinare il suo futuro matrimonio.
Kane, da sempre innamorato di Emery, resta senza parole quando a distanza di un anno lei si presenta per far coprire il tatuaggio con una farfalla che è il simbolo della rinascita.
La loro storia, tra un tatuaggio e l’altro, diventerà molto hot e romantica.
Racconto scritto in terza persona e molto intrigante per la presenza del tatuatore. Ultimamente è un genere di personaggio che trovo molto interessante forse anche dovuto al mio amore per l’inchiostro sulla pelle.
I racconti che hanno dato vita a questa antologia mi hanno divertita in alcuni tratti e mi hanno fatto innamorare dei personaggi nonostante siano racconti che vanno dalle 35 alle 50 pagine. E se racconti così brevi hanno questa capacità ritengo siano davvero meravigliosi.
Lo consiglio vivamente per una lettura veloce sotto l’ombrellone.
Un antologia che spiega cosa significa romanzo rosa?
Quando ho letto che in questo romanzo si snodavano diversi racconti ho mentalmente esultato.
Una serie di scrittrici di fama mondiale unite in questo progetto è praticamente il sogno di ogni lettore compulsivo come me. Così ho deciso di provare a recensire più racconti per dare onore al lavoro di queste donne.
Cito testualmente le parole dettate nella sorta di prologo che apre questi romanzi nel romanzo seguita e gestita dalla Day, che personalmente adoro:
"La Romance Writers of America definisce la letteratura rosa come intelligente, fresca ed eterogenea, con una storia d’amore al centro della trama e un finale emozionalmente appagante e roseo."
Con queste parole si apre il libro.
Il primo romanzo che vi andrò a presentare è quello di Vicky Lewis Thompson, VIOLENTATA DAL NERD.
Cosa succederebbe se venisse inviato in allegato uno stralcio di libro ad un indirizzo mail sbagliato? Indirizzo mail che guarda caso corrisponde al nerd della ditta sfigato in cui lavori, e che prova una passione assurda per la mittente della mail? Benissimo! Proprio in questo pasticcio si trova Val quando riceve l’invito di uno sconosciuto che le promette sesso sfrenato usando le tecniche del suo personaggio inventato. Sconosciuto che sa benissimo essere Jamie. Infatti il ragazzo dopo aver letto la scena sessualmente intrigante, inviatagli per errore, decide di essere per Val il suo uomo dei sogni misterioso. Racconto breve ma molto intenso. Scrittura e dialoghi calzanti che arrivano direttamente al punto con una storia d’amore e un finale appagante. Ho trovato spiritoso un dialogo fra i due ragazzi.
**- Qual è il tuo cibo preferito?
-Maccheroni al formaggio. Li prendo sempre a mensa-
-Lo so, ma se potessi scegliere qualunque cosa al mondo, che cosa…?
-Sempre maccheroni al formaggio **.
Il secondo romanzo a cui voglio dare attenzione è proprio quello di Sylvia Day.
SENZA RESPIRO è un fantasy che parla e racconta della storia d’amore di due angeli combattenti in una realtà non ben definita.
Annalise è innamorata del comandate Gareth da moltissimi anni ed è stata assegnata alla sua classe per diventare un Angelo Combattente Volante di grande capacità. Figlia e sorella d’arte, Annalise chiederà di abbandonare il battaglione di Gareth per diplomarsi e scordarsi di lui. La sua vicinanza non fa che distrarla. Quando Annalise spiegherà a Gareth il vero motivo del suo abbandono scoppierà lo sfacelo tra i due protagonisti. Ma il finale sarà bellissimo perché verranno alla luce tanti retroscena che Gareth ha nascosto durante questi anni.
Un romanzo raccontato in prima persona sempre favoloso e scorrevole. Nonostante sia un genere diverso da quello a cui siamo abituati il suo modo di scrivere è superlativo.
**Non si tratta di Josiah… ritratto a denti stretti.
- Ah no?- chiede, risalendo con lo sguardo sul mio corpo, seguendo l’incrocio delle cinghie di cuoio della fondina del pugnale che mi incrociano il seno, scivolando poi sulla gola e fermandosi infine sulla bocca. E’ di nuovo teso come una corda, come se stesse aspettando di sentire la più spiacevole delle notizie.
E io sono ben felice di servigliela visto che mi ha messa con le spalle al muro.
-Sei tu, Gareth. Sono innamorata di te.-**
Ultimo racconto che mi ha entusiasmata è quello di Laura Kaye.
SULLA SUA PELLE racconta la storia di Kane ed Emery. Kane è un tatuatore di grandi campioni di football e Emery è la ex fidanzata del quaterback che l’ha lasciata prima delle nozze per stare con una modella. Peccato che il suo abbandono coincida con un colpo di testa di Emery che per amore si è fatta tatuare il numero di maglia del giocatore. Kane sapeva del presunto tradimento ma nonostante tutto non ha detto nulla per non rovinare il suo futuro matrimonio.
Kane, da sempre innamorato di Emery, resta senza parole quando a distanza di un anno lei si presenta per far coprire il tatuaggio con una farfalla che è il simbolo della rinascita.
La loro storia, tra un tatuaggio e l’altro, diventerà molto hot e romantica.
Racconto scritto in terza persona e molto intrigante per la presenza del tatuatore. Ultimamente è un genere di personaggio che trovo molto interessante forse anche dovuto al mio amore per l’inchiostro sulla pelle.
I racconti che hanno dato vita a questa antologia mi hanno divertita in alcuni tratti e mi hanno fatto innamorare dei personaggi nonostante siano racconti che vanno dalle 35 alle 50 pagine. E se racconti così brevi hanno questa capacità ritengo siano davvero meravigliosi.
Lo consiglio vivamente per una lettura veloce sotto l’ombrellone.
December 10, 2019
Des histoires assez sympathiques, certaines auteures savent intéresser la lectrice avec une histoire courte, d'autres non, certaines histoires qui m'ont paru durer une éternité… A lire pour découvrir certaines auteures qu'on ne connait pas.
De toute l'anthologie, j'ai zappé la nouvelle M/M de Lex Valentine.
Mes jolies découvertes: Lila Bell/Diane Kelly
Mes déceptions: Joan Johnston/Vicky Lewis Thompson/Harper St. George
Mes préférées: Cindy Gerard/Sylvia Day/Courtney Milan/Laura Kaye/Sabrina Jeffries
Les autres nouvelles non citées étaient sympas sans être inoubliables
De toute l'anthologie, j'ai zappé la nouvelle M/M de Lex Valentine.
Mes jolies découvertes: Lila Bell/Diane Kelly
Mes déceptions: Joan Johnston/Vicky Lewis Thompson/Harper St. George
Mes préférées: Cindy Gerard/Sylvia Day/Courtney Milan/Laura Kaye/Sabrina Jeffries
Les autres nouvelles non citées étaient sympas sans être inoubliables
April 13, 2018
I picked this up for Laura Kaye’s Covering Her Skin-loved that one-and decided to read the rest of the offerings. Futuristic, historical, paranormal, romantic suspense, second chances, even a spicy M/M number, Premiere had a great variety of short stories and heat levels to enjoy!
March 28, 2022
I enjoyed this collection of short stories. All the stories incorporated the plot device of a wrong number and it was really fun to read how many different ways the authors came up with to incorporate that idea. I read the collection to identify new authors I might want to read and I certainly accomplished that.
June 29, 2015
I was in such a good mood when I read this book, which really helped me enjoy these stories. Premiere is an anthology containing 18 short stories, which is a lot. As a result the authors had to write shorter short stories than anthologies usually have, which can be tricky.
Since there was limited page numbers majority of the authors went the exes or had a crush for years route which was pretty smart because it made the romance more believable and gave the story less set up.
Considering the page restraints and my awesomely good mood all the stories (even the ones I thought were okay and/or forgettable) were cute and amusing. Even the ones that mistook lust for love amused me.
There wasn't much wiggle room to add much depth to these stories so there isn't really much to talk about, which is why I'm only going to mention the stories that stood out to me, starting with A Right Honorable Gentleman by Courtney Milan.
There was something surprisingly progressive about the characters in this story. I enjoyed that lust didn't overwhelm the story (in fact nothing physical happens) and my face hurt from how much I smiled while reading this. I'm not sure of Courtney Milan as an author from this, but I am interested enough to try reading her novels.
Next is All I want by Erica Ridley. Not gonna lie, I barely remember this story, I do remember liking it enough to buy a novel by her so I must of enjoyed it. According to my notes it's about exes (sort of) and apparently I thought it was good stuff.
Covering her Skin by Laura Kaye. Another author I plan to check out. So a woman recovering from a bad break up goes to get her tattoo covered by the man who gave it to her in the first place (not her ex). Emery and Ronan were so sweet and I appreciated they didn't rush to saying love, instead they just wanted a start. Good stuff.
Their Night Off by Allison Brennan. The last author I plan to check out. Not only were the main characters exes but they are currently in a relationship and while there are problems they're making it work. I liked that the focus wasn't on them but on Suzanne doing her job and Joe helping, and yay for not doing a murder investigation. Really yay!
Some titles I wanted to mention that surprised me:
Wrong Number Right Girl by Monica Murphy was a duel 1st person pov story which I hate, honestly I just skipped it.
The Poet by T.L. Costa. Not only is this YA, but it's from the males 1st person pov and it was adorable. My only problem was the embarrassment the main character got into, I know he was a teen and unable to speak to his crush, that was cool, but the whole Zumba thing felt too much (for me).
A lIght in the Darkness by Regina Scott. Historical, past beaus, solider, numerous mentions of the lord and prayer which I've never read before in historical fiction (and thinking about it that's a bit odd, or is it?).
Flying in the Face of Convention by Lex Valentine. Unexpected m/m story. My only real complaint, the unisex names. The only character without a unisex name was Trey and the story was from his 3rd person pov so it didn't matter. Since I wasn't expecting m/m I assumed when anyone with a unisex name was mentioned said character was female until he was described, but this also led to confusion for the other couple mentioned. At first I thought Casey and Alex were m/f, then they were referred to as men, but during the wedding one of them was called the wife, but then they're finally introduced and described as both being men! It was so unnecessarily confusing. I will say this is the only story I remember any of the characters' names.
Final Thoughts: Super cute, but having 18ish stories all very short didn't really let me get a good sense if I'd like the author or not. The stories were pretty forgettable making this collection forgettable, but I did find some authors I might like to read more of (mostly I went for stories that weren't love at first sight or, well I can't really remember anymore) and it was nice to read some fluff, I just kinda wish the stories had been split into more than one book and made longer so they'd have more substance.
Since there was limited page numbers majority of the authors went the exes or had a crush for years route which was pretty smart because it made the romance more believable and gave the story less set up.
Considering the page restraints and my awesomely good mood all the stories (even the ones I thought were okay and/or forgettable) were cute and amusing. Even the ones that mistook lust for love amused me.
There wasn't much wiggle room to add much depth to these stories so there isn't really much to talk about, which is why I'm only going to mention the stories that stood out to me, starting with A Right Honorable Gentleman by Courtney Milan.
There was something surprisingly progressive about the characters in this story. I enjoyed that lust didn't overwhelm the story (in fact nothing physical happens) and my face hurt from how much I smiled while reading this. I'm not sure of Courtney Milan as an author from this, but I am interested enough to try reading her novels.
Next is All I want by Erica Ridley. Not gonna lie, I barely remember this story, I do remember liking it enough to buy a novel by her so I must of enjoyed it. According to my notes it's about exes (sort of) and apparently I thought it was good stuff.
Covering her Skin by Laura Kaye. Another author I plan to check out. So a woman recovering from a bad break up goes to get her tattoo covered by the man who gave it to her in the first place (not her ex). Emery and Ronan were so sweet and I appreciated they didn't rush to saying love, instead they just wanted a start. Good stuff.
Their Night Off by Allison Brennan. The last author I plan to check out. Not only were the main characters exes but they are currently in a relationship and while there are problems they're making it work. I liked that the focus wasn't on them but on Suzanne doing her job and Joe helping, and yay for not doing a murder investigation. Really yay!
Some titles I wanted to mention that surprised me:
Wrong Number Right Girl by Monica Murphy was a duel 1st person pov story which I hate, honestly I just skipped it.
The Poet by T.L. Costa. Not only is this YA, but it's from the males 1st person pov and it was adorable. My only problem was the embarrassment the main character got into, I know he was a teen and unable to speak to his crush, that was cool, but the whole Zumba thing felt too much (for me).
A lIght in the Darkness by Regina Scott. Historical, past beaus, solider, numerous mentions of the lord and prayer which I've never read before in historical fiction (and thinking about it that's a bit odd, or is it?).
Flying in the Face of Convention by Lex Valentine. Unexpected m/m story. My only real complaint, the unisex names. The only character without a unisex name was Trey and the story was from his 3rd person pov so it didn't matter. Since I wasn't expecting m/m I assumed when anyone with a unisex name was mentioned said character was female until he was described, but this also led to confusion for the other couple mentioned. At first I thought Casey and Alex were m/f, then they were referred to as men, but during the wedding one of them was called the wife, but then they're finally introduced and described as both being men! It was so unnecessarily confusing. I will say this is the only story I remember any of the characters' names.
Final Thoughts: Super cute, but having 18ish stories all very short didn't really let me get a good sense if I'd like the author or not. The stories were pretty forgettable making this collection forgettable, but I did find some authors I might like to read more of (mostly I went for stories that weren't love at first sight or, well I can't really remember anymore) and it was nice to read some fluff, I just kinda wish the stories had been split into more than one book and made longer so they'd have more substance.
February 9, 2015
I absolutely loved this collection of short stories. It was a varied mixture of different genres that all had something to do with love. Whether it was about a second chance at love, finding love in the most unexpected places, or rekindling past flames, they were all incredibly great romances that I truly hope are just precursors to more in a series. I want more from each world and each author.
“Even in the dark, he saw the flush creep up her cheeks. A slow smile spread across his face. He was the guy who always had a comeback, but he couldn’t have spoken just then.” – Station 12, Amber Lin
I’m going to sort of skip around a bit and not mention every story (because there were a lot of them), but regardless of if I don’t mention certain ones, I loved them all–it would just take way too long to mention them all. First, I’m going to start off with Ms. Sylvia Days’ novel Hard To Breathe. Holy cow, that one was feisty and hot, and paranormal. I truly enjoyed the passion and sexual tension that could be called upon in such a short amount of time. I definitely want more from this story, or from another novel in the series. In T.L. Costa’s novel The Poet, I found such funny humor that I was giggling and embarrassed, and I wasn’t even in the story. In Tanya Michna’s novel Under A Wicked Moon we get some sexy werewolf loving that I would love to get more of. I loved the romantic suspense in both Cindy Gerard and Allison Brennan’s novels. Oh, and Laura Kaye’s story with another hot tattoo artist? YES PLEASE! With Sabrina Jeffries’ novel we get some taboo-loving sexual angst that was killer. Historical romance is so difficult for some readers to get into, but if it’s done correctly as it is by Ms. Jeffries along with all others in this collection, it can be an amazing story.
“I’m cursed. Yes, I mean cursed. I’ve had a crush on Hannah Smith for as long as I’ve known that girls grow boobs. So, um, for a while now. Like, for years and years.” – The Poet, T.L. Costa
Some of these authors were completely new to me, while others are like old friends. Whenever you buy a collection it’s usually about looking for the authors you know and buying because they are in it. Let me tell you, you may do that with this one but it won’t be what you come out of it with. You will read every story, you will find authors that you will enjoy their writing style and want more of, and you will love those favorite authors even more. I truly enjoyed every single story in this collection and that is no lie. Each story, while not novel-length, is completely perfect for being novellas. There’s a beginning, there’s a middle, and there’s an end to each one while still having substance, a connection, a sizzle, and some angst. Happily Ever Afters are present and perfect (for how each story is supposed to be).
“‘I could’ve held you back if I loved you less, but I want you to soar, Annalise. When you land and catch your breath, I just want to be your refuge. That’s all.'” – Hard to Breathe, Sylvia Day
**Received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion**
“Even in the dark, he saw the flush creep up her cheeks. A slow smile spread across his face. He was the guy who always had a comeback, but he couldn’t have spoken just then.” – Station 12, Amber Lin
I’m going to sort of skip around a bit and not mention every story (because there were a lot of them), but regardless of if I don’t mention certain ones, I loved them all–it would just take way too long to mention them all. First, I’m going to start off with Ms. Sylvia Days’ novel Hard To Breathe. Holy cow, that one was feisty and hot, and paranormal. I truly enjoyed the passion and sexual tension that could be called upon in such a short amount of time. I definitely want more from this story, or from another novel in the series. In T.L. Costa’s novel The Poet, I found such funny humor that I was giggling and embarrassed, and I wasn’t even in the story. In Tanya Michna’s novel Under A Wicked Moon we get some sexy werewolf loving that I would love to get more of. I loved the romantic suspense in both Cindy Gerard and Allison Brennan’s novels. Oh, and Laura Kaye’s story with another hot tattoo artist? YES PLEASE! With Sabrina Jeffries’ novel we get some taboo-loving sexual angst that was killer. Historical romance is so difficult for some readers to get into, but if it’s done correctly as it is by Ms. Jeffries along with all others in this collection, it can be an amazing story.
“I’m cursed. Yes, I mean cursed. I’ve had a crush on Hannah Smith for as long as I’ve known that girls grow boobs. So, um, for a while now. Like, for years and years.” – The Poet, T.L. Costa
Some of these authors were completely new to me, while others are like old friends. Whenever you buy a collection it’s usually about looking for the authors you know and buying because they are in it. Let me tell you, you may do that with this one but it won’t be what you come out of it with. You will read every story, you will find authors that you will enjoy their writing style and want more of, and you will love those favorite authors even more. I truly enjoyed every single story in this collection and that is no lie. Each story, while not novel-length, is completely perfect for being novellas. There’s a beginning, there’s a middle, and there’s an end to each one while still having substance, a connection, a sizzle, and some angst. Happily Ever Afters are present and perfect (for how each story is supposed to be).
“‘I could’ve held you back if I loved you less, but I want you to soar, Annalise. When you land and catch your breath, I just want to be your refuge. That’s all.'” – Hard to Breathe, Sylvia Day
**Received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion**
March 29, 2015
I read this out of curiosity and for the sake of Courtney Milan's story. The anthology did not have everything, but it was interesting to see this 'primer' of American (more or less mainstream, I suppose, since there was no kink here, except perhaps for sexy angels) romance writing. And frankly, it committed all the predictable sins - for instance, there was entirely too much coincidence going round. There was the wrong email, the wrong blind date, the wrong station, the wrong house and a letter left in the wrong mailbox.
There was one story that mentioned "heart" five times on the same page. I counted. And in general those people had so many feelings, such strong reactions. Get a grip.
There were new adult romances about heroines who are different from other girls and thus deserve to be treated right (and those regular girls presumably don't?). These worked best when they relied on humour.
There were supernatural romances with angels (as I've already mentioned) going to war and with succubi. Those were slightly sexier but could have used more tension.
There was one story whose male protagonist was a guy who had been sentenced to prison for a rape he didn't commit (because that is a thing that happens all the time, she said ironically). It might have been better than this description suggests, but I didn't read it because that premise was beyond gross.
There was one gay romance (no lesbian romances though, predictably - that's the market, after all) that did so much describing of muscles and skin I felt tired afterwards.
I liked the historical romances best, no surprise there, but for the most part they did better in set up than in resolution - those didn't feel quite earned or did feel rushed. I guess that might be due to length. And I kind of wish I could read a story like that with a less stellar guy. As in, instead of marrying and risking scandal the two have illicit sex on the side. She's my dead wife's sister? We'll live together pretending to be 'like siblings' and if she's pregnant, that's a long trip to Europe. She's my housekeeper? Sounds great, let her keep my affairs in order, and so on.
(So when is Milan's next novel coming out? I need my fix of actually compelling and well-written romance :()
There was one story that mentioned "heart" five times on the same page. I counted. And in general those people had so many feelings, such strong reactions. Get a grip.
There were new adult romances about heroines who are different from other girls and thus deserve to be treated right (and those regular girls presumably don't?). These worked best when they relied on humour.
There were supernatural romances with angels (as I've already mentioned) going to war and with succubi. Those were slightly sexier but could have used more tension.
There was one story whose male protagonist was a guy who had been sentenced to prison for a rape he didn't commit (because that is a thing that happens all the time, she said ironically). It might have been better than this description suggests, but I didn't read it because that premise was beyond gross.
There was one gay romance (no lesbian romances though, predictably - that's the market, after all) that did so much describing of muscles and skin I felt tired afterwards.
I liked the historical romances best, no surprise there, but for the most part they did better in set up than in resolution - those didn't feel quite earned or did feel rushed. I guess that might be due to length. And I kind of wish I could read a story like that with a less stellar guy. As in, instead of marrying and risking scandal the two have illicit sex on the side. She's my dead wife's sister? We'll live together pretending to be 'like siblings' and if she's pregnant, that's a long trip to Europe. She's my housekeeper? Sounds great, let her keep my affairs in order, and so on.
(So when is Milan's next novel coming out? I need my fix of actually compelling and well-written romance :()
December 6, 2016
I read this book as part of an anthology in February 2015
4.25 stars-- THE LONG WAY HOME is a new adult, contemporary romance novella by Katy Regnery found in the anthology PREMIERE: A Romance Writers of America Collection Presents #1. THE LONG WAY HOME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. The author may have plans to include the heroine in her upcoming novella from The Vixen and the Vet storyline.
The premise of the storyline is a friends to lovers trope between former childhood friends who lived next door to one another. Returning to Big Chimney, West Virginia for Dodge McInerney’s wedding to Myrna McGovern, Ford McInerney and Clarissa Calhoun find themselves seat mates for a thirty five hour bus ride from Boulder, Colorado to home. Ford has been in love with Clarey Calhoun as long as he can remember but Clarey was his older brother Linc’s girlfriend, and off limits until the fateful day that Clarey discovered that Linc had cheated on her with a girl back home.
Katy Regnery pulls the reader into a sweet story of second chances (of a sort) for two people who share a painful memory and a past. While Clarey is angry with Linc for his betrayal, her misdirected anger at Ford consumes her thoughts. Throughout the trip, emotions and memories recall what had happened and the connection between Ford and Clarissa.
THE LONG WAY HOME is an intimate, compelling and passionate novella focusing on two people whose journey will take them full circle. There are no sexual situations and no graphic language. It is a storyline where a broken heart gets a second chance at love. The world building looks at childhood memories, family connections and small town life. A well written and remarkable, short story from Katy Regnery that teases the senses leaving your wanting more.
4.25 stars-- THE LONG WAY HOME is a new adult, contemporary romance novella by Katy Regnery found in the anthology PREMIERE: A Romance Writers of America Collection Presents #1. THE LONG WAY HOME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. The author may have plans to include the heroine in her upcoming novella from The Vixen and the Vet storyline.
The premise of the storyline is a friends to lovers trope between former childhood friends who lived next door to one another. Returning to Big Chimney, West Virginia for Dodge McInerney’s wedding to Myrna McGovern, Ford McInerney and Clarissa Calhoun find themselves seat mates for a thirty five hour bus ride from Boulder, Colorado to home. Ford has been in love with Clarey Calhoun as long as he can remember but Clarey was his older brother Linc’s girlfriend, and off limits until the fateful day that Clarey discovered that Linc had cheated on her with a girl back home.
Katy Regnery pulls the reader into a sweet story of second chances (of a sort) for two people who share a painful memory and a past. While Clarey is angry with Linc for his betrayal, her misdirected anger at Ford consumes her thoughts. Throughout the trip, emotions and memories recall what had happened and the connection between Ford and Clarissa.
THE LONG WAY HOME is an intimate, compelling and passionate novella focusing on two people whose journey will take them full circle. There are no sexual situations and no graphic language. It is a storyline where a broken heart gets a second chance at love. The world building looks at childhood memories, family connections and small town life. A well written and remarkable, short story from Katy Regnery that teases the senses leaving your wanting more.
December 8, 2015
La copertina recita:
“Un’antologia di racconti romantici e frizzanti per sognare a occhi aperti”
Vediamo:
- Violentata dal nerd: 1 stellina
- Sotto una luna malvagia: 2 stelline
- Un gentiluomo molto onorevole: 2 + stelline
- Caserma 12: 3 stelline
- Numero sbagliato, ragazza giusta: 3 stelline
- Una luce nell’oscurità: 2+ stelline
- Ritorno a casa: 3 stelline
- Il poeta: 1.5 stelline
- Un errore mortale: 4 stelline
- La ricaduta: 3+ stelline
- Senza respiro: 2 stelline
- Tutto ciò che voglio: 2 stelline
- Sulla sua pelle: 3+ stelline
- Il lungo viaggio verso casa: 3 stelline
- La serata libera: 3 stelline
- Volando oltre il conformismo: 3 stelline
- Relazione proibita di un primo d’aprile: 3 stelline
- Indirizzo errato, ragazzo giusto: 2+ stelline
Per una media totale di 2.5 stelline
Il vero problema, secondo me, è che 18 racconti di una ventina di pagine l’uno non dicono un bel nulla. Alcuni racconti potrebbero essere l’inizio una storia carina, ma poi finisce tutto così all’improvviso e niente.
Potevano essere magari novelle di storie più ampie scritte dalle varie autrici, così che le varie coppie sono già consolidate, invece scrivere di un incontro e di un innamoramento in 20 pagine non rende l’idea.
Consigliato? No, direi di no.
“Un’antologia di racconti romantici e frizzanti per sognare a occhi aperti”
Vediamo:
- Violentata dal nerd: 1 stellina
- Sotto una luna malvagia: 2 stelline
- Un gentiluomo molto onorevole: 2 + stelline
- Caserma 12: 3 stelline
- Numero sbagliato, ragazza giusta: 3 stelline
- Una luce nell’oscurità: 2+ stelline
- Ritorno a casa: 3 stelline
- Il poeta: 1.5 stelline
- Un errore mortale: 4 stelline
- La ricaduta: 3+ stelline
- Senza respiro: 2 stelline
- Tutto ciò che voglio: 2 stelline
- Sulla sua pelle: 3+ stelline
- Il lungo viaggio verso casa: 3 stelline
- La serata libera: 3 stelline
- Volando oltre il conformismo: 3 stelline
- Relazione proibita di un primo d’aprile: 3 stelline
- Indirizzo errato, ragazzo giusto: 2+ stelline
Per una media totale di 2.5 stelline
Il vero problema, secondo me, è che 18 racconti di una ventina di pagine l’uno non dicono un bel nulla. Alcuni racconti potrebbero essere l’inizio una storia carina, ma poi finisce tutto così all’improvviso e niente.
Potevano essere magari novelle di storie più ampie scritte dalle varie autrici, così che le varie coppie sono già consolidate, invece scrivere di un incontro e di un innamoramento in 20 pagine non rende l’idea.
Consigliato? No, direi di no.
February 11, 2015
Several of these short stories were nice, and left me wanting more. As my preferred read is a novel, this didn't surprise.
The ones I wanted to be longer - because I wanted more of the characters - not necessarily because the story was incomplete - The Fallout by Harper St George and The Long Way Home by Katy Regnery
Enjoyed Ravished by the Geek by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Station 12 by Amber Lin, and Wrong Address, Right Guy by Diane Kelly.
A couple of romantic suspense stories that were pretty good were Coming Home by Joan Johnston and Dead Wrong by Cindy Gerard,
Historical I liked A Right Honorable Gentleman by Courtney Milan, another was OK - A Light in the Darkness by Regina Scott. Surprisingly didn't finish An April's Fool's Forbidden Affair by Sabrina Jeffries, usually one of my keeper authors. Also didn't finish All I Want by Erica Ridley.
I admit I skipped a few in this collection of short stories. Don't like m/m stories or paranormal. Tattoos - ick!
So in all a nice variety. I found a couple of authors to explore - Harper St George and Katy Regnery and I imagine that is the intent of this widely varied collection of romance short stories.
The ones I wanted to be longer - because I wanted more of the characters - not necessarily because the story was incomplete - The Fallout by Harper St George and The Long Way Home by Katy Regnery
Enjoyed Ravished by the Geek by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Station 12 by Amber Lin, and Wrong Address, Right Guy by Diane Kelly.
A couple of romantic suspense stories that were pretty good were Coming Home by Joan Johnston and Dead Wrong by Cindy Gerard,
Historical I liked A Right Honorable Gentleman by Courtney Milan, another was OK - A Light in the Darkness by Regina Scott. Surprisingly didn't finish An April's Fool's Forbidden Affair by Sabrina Jeffries, usually one of my keeper authors. Also didn't finish All I Want by Erica Ridley.
I admit I skipped a few in this collection of short stories. Don't like m/m stories or paranormal. Tattoos - ick!
So in all a nice variety. I found a couple of authors to explore - Harper St George and Katy Regnery and I imagine that is the intent of this widely varied collection of romance short stories.
February 10, 2015
When several of today's top romance authors come together to offer a collection like this, you know it's sure to be nothing less than spectacular. Whatever you fancy at the moment, there's something in here to take care of those cravings and hopefully, you'll discover a new author to stalk errr, follow.
THE LONG WAY HOME by Katy Regnery
I really think that Clarissa (Clarey) and Ford were cheated because these two deserved a full length novel! There's so much more to their story that could have been told but nevertheless, Ms. Regnery shows off her ability to pack an emotional punch in less than 20 minutes. It's poignant, heartfelt, and Ford is so head over heels for Clarey that you'll be begging her to finally see him as more than the brother of the jerk who broke her heart. Can she ever forgive him for his part in her betrayal?
Two young people find themselves on a journey to heal from the past and move forward to create a future together. You'll be left with no doubt that Ford and Clarey are two people who were destined for each other.
THE LONG WAY HOME by Katy Regnery
I really think that Clarissa (Clarey) and Ford were cheated because these two deserved a full length novel! There's so much more to their story that could have been told but nevertheless, Ms. Regnery shows off her ability to pack an emotional punch in less than 20 minutes. It's poignant, heartfelt, and Ford is so head over heels for Clarey that you'll be begging her to finally see him as more than the brother of the jerk who broke her heart. Can she ever forgive him for his part in her betrayal?
Two young people find themselves on a journey to heal from the past and move forward to create a future together. You'll be left with no doubt that Ford and Clarey are two people who were destined for each other.
February 22, 2015
This is why I love Sylvia Day and RWA. In this book you have some of the best romace authors of the day (no pun intended) writing what they do best. Unually in a compilation there are few so-so stories and some good stories, but in this collection evey story is excellent. I don't want to give anything away but Sylvia Day's story is sexy and romantic. I would love it if she wrote more about this world.
The heat levels for the stories, range from sweet to steamy(my fav) and each is excellent in its own right.
An excellent bed time read for any romance lovers.
The heat levels for the stories, range from sweet to steamy(my fav) and each is excellent in its own right.
An excellent bed time read for any romance lovers.
March 22, 2015
What do you think when you hear about "wrong number"?
Dalam pemikiranku yg pertama kali muncul adalah telepon yg salah sambung. Tapi ternyata beberapa penulis terkenal yg berkontribusi dalam kumcer ini punya pandangan yg berbeda. Menakjubkan bs membaca banyak kisah romantis yang berangkat dari benang merah yang sama, "wrong number".
Kumcer ini paket lengkap. Ada YA, NA, contemporary romance, suspence/thriller romance, pararom sampai LGBT romance.
Dalam pemikiranku yg pertama kali muncul adalah telepon yg salah sambung. Tapi ternyata beberapa penulis terkenal yg berkontribusi dalam kumcer ini punya pandangan yg berbeda. Menakjubkan bs membaca banyak kisah romantis yang berangkat dari benang merah yang sama, "wrong number".
Kumcer ini paket lengkap. Ada YA, NA, contemporary romance, suspence/thriller romance, pararom sampai LGBT romance.
February 9, 2015
Loving it!
I just finished The Long Way Home by Katy Regnery. LOVED IT! I really liked The Vixen & the Vet, though I don't really remember Clarey. Anyway, Ford was SO smitten with his brother's ex! Clarey was a sweet girl that'd been wronged. This was a short, cute read that really had you rooting for Ford & Clarey.
I just finished The Long Way Home by Katy Regnery. LOVED IT! I really liked The Vixen & the Vet, though I don't really remember Clarey. Anyway, Ford was SO smitten with his brother's ex! Clarey was a sweet girl that'd been wronged. This was a short, cute read that really had you rooting for Ford & Clarey.
February 10, 2015
Remember Ty the complete Unredeeming A$$h;:&@ from One Week Girlfriend? Monica did it she will make you fall in love with the jerk in her story Wrong Number in "Premiere". And to top it off its my favorite kind of story. If you loved One Week you will definitely love this!
You go girl! Monica you hit it out of the freaking ballpark!
You go girl! Monica you hit it out of the freaking ballpark!
February 12, 2015
Absolutely love Laura Kaye and Covering Her Skin in this book was amazing. The only sad part was that the story was so short. I would love to read more about Emery and Ronan. Who doesn't love Laura Kaye's books involving sexy tattoo artists! Although her book, Hard as it Gets (Hard Ink) book 1, is still my favorite!!
February 13, 2015
What a great variety of stories! I wasn't familiar with all the authors, but after getting a taste of their writing, I will be reading their full length books! This collection had a little something for everyone!
February 13, 2015
Some good, some great stories
This book is a compilation of short stories in a wide range of romance styles: contemporary, recency, New Adult, paranormal, sweet, and gay.
Some of the stories seemed to rush the ending, but they were all enjoyable and well-written.
This book is a compilation of short stories in a wide range of romance styles: contemporary, recency, New Adult, paranormal, sweet, and gay.
Some of the stories seemed to rush the ending, but they were all enjoyable and well-written.
March 14, 2015
Toe-curling romance!
Romance that coats the heart in warm caramel! I thoroughly enjoyed each story: sighed through a few, chuckled through some, and shivered deliciously through others. Can't wait for the next anthology.
Romance that coats the heart in warm caramel! I thoroughly enjoyed each story: sighed through a few, chuckled through some, and shivered deliciously through others. Can't wait for the next anthology.
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