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State of Mind
Vampires, movie stars, and cowboys, oh my! State of Mind is full of romantic stories to suit every mood.
In the mood for a zombie-fighting cowboy? Check. Or what about a spicy elevator scene? Check. Maybe a vampire lusting after a delicious human? Check.
Small, but mighty, these eight short stories are full of humour, romance, and all with that delightful happily ever after you crave.
State of Mind is the first volume of the Girl Dinner anthology series. One of the love interests is inspired by a beloved, real-life movie star. Can you guess who? For copyright reasons, don’t say it out loud.
In the mood for a zombie-fighting cowboy? Check. Or what about a spicy elevator scene? Check. Maybe a vampire lusting after a delicious human? Check.
Small, but mighty, these eight short stories are full of humour, romance, and all with that delightful happily ever after you crave.
State of Mind is the first volume of the Girl Dinner anthology series. One of the love interests is inspired by a beloved, real-life movie star. Can you guess who? For copyright reasons, don’t say it out loud.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2026
About the author
Nora Halloway
1 book5 followersNora Halloway is an emerging indie author who writes a combination of speculative fiction, paranormal romance, and dark rom-coms.
‘In Your Dreams’ (in the State of Mind: Girl Dinner Vol. 1 anthology) is Nora’s first published piece. The idea came to her, and the words flowed until, before she knew it, she’d written the story in a day.
Her next story will be out sometime in 2026, and will follow a woman out for murderous revenge and a man who stumbles (quite literally) into the middle of it. Girl kidnaps boy. Boy kinda likes it.
Nora will focus on short stories in the foreseeable future, with the possibility of a novella or full-length novel one day!
Follow Nora on Instagram @nora.halloway.author for updates on her works in progress and her published pieces.
‘In Your Dreams’ (in the State of Mind: Girl Dinner Vol. 1 anthology) is Nora’s first published piece. The idea came to her, and the words flowed until, before she knew it, she’d written the story in a day.
Her next story will be out sometime in 2026, and will follow a woman out for murderous revenge and a man who stumbles (quite literally) into the middle of it. Girl kidnaps boy. Boy kinda likes it.
Nora will focus on short stories in the foreseeable future, with the possibility of a novella or full-length novel one day!
Follow Nora on Instagram @nora.halloway.author for updates on her works in progress and her published pieces.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 19, 2026
I love an anthology and this did not disappoint!
These are eight different romantic short stories, across a variety of sub-genres and tropes. These also contain a variety of spice ratings. I found this thoroughly enjoyable and a great opportunity to read stories from a variety of Australian and New Zealand authors, including Emma Mugglestone, Kate Broadway, Jess McFarlane, E.J. Riley, Collette Rivera, Devon May, Sabrina Duval, and Nora Halloway.
I love that each story is prefaced with a summary, trigger warnings and spice rating. This makes it great to pick and choose what you feel like reading, particularly useful if you are a mood reader (like me!).
I am very keen for the next anthology in the Girl Dinner collection!
#AussieIndieReads #SupportIndieAuthors
These are eight different romantic short stories, across a variety of sub-genres and tropes. These also contain a variety of spice ratings. I found this thoroughly enjoyable and a great opportunity to read stories from a variety of Australian and New Zealand authors, including Emma Mugglestone, Kate Broadway, Jess McFarlane, E.J. Riley, Collette Rivera, Devon May, Sabrina Duval, and Nora Halloway.
I love that each story is prefaced with a summary, trigger warnings and spice rating. This makes it great to pick and choose what you feel like reading, particularly useful if you are a mood reader (like me!).
I am very keen for the next anthology in the Girl Dinner collection!
#AussieIndieReads #SupportIndieAuthors
January 8, 2026
There is nothing better than bite sized steamy stories! This anthology was so much fun and I’ve been introduced to a bunch of new to me authors than I can now add to my ever-growing tbr list. There is also a spice level for each story so you can pick and choose depending on what you’re feeling like at the time.
Thank you to Hummingbird Editing for the ARC ❤️
Thank you to Hummingbird Editing for the ARC ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really really enjoyed some of the stories in this collection. I did find myself skipping some of skimming through them cause they just didn't fully grab me.
Overall for me this was a 3 star read.
Overall for me this was a 3 star read.
February 14, 2026
I've never been one for short stories - they're so rarely done well - but this anthology was an absolute BLAST. Laura has masterfully curated 8 stories inspired in varying degrees by a certain Chilean Zaddy we all know and love, that served as the perfect sampler for a range of authors, many new to me.
Some of the stories were more to my taste than others - though, such is the joy of an anthology.
Emma Mugglestone couldn't miss if she tried, E.J. Riley grabbed me by the throat from her first syllable and didn't let go (Pasha and June were sublime, if their story had been a full length novel I'd have begged for a sequel - I can not stress how much I loved the story and her writing), Kate Broadway's contribution was fabulous, funny and brilliant, whilst Devon May's offering handled anxiety beautifully. But the standout inclusion, that I haven't stopped thinking about - can't stop thinking about - was Nora Halloway's, 'In Your Dreams'. It was absolutely divine -not a single bloody note. Not one.
Some of the stories were more to my taste than others - though, such is the joy of an anthology.
Emma Mugglestone couldn't miss if she tried, E.J. Riley grabbed me by the throat from her first syllable and didn't let go (Pasha and June were sublime, if their story had been a full length novel I'd have begged for a sequel - I can not stress how much I loved the story and her writing), Kate Broadway's contribution was fabulous, funny and brilliant, whilst Devon May's offering handled anxiety beautifully. But the standout inclusion, that I haven't stopped thinking about - can't stop thinking about - was Nora Halloway's, 'In Your Dreams'. It was absolutely divine -not a single bloody note. Not one.
January 25, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book!
This is the first anthology I’ve read and I really enjoyed it.
It read books from a couple of the authors, but it’s a nice way to discover new authors.
It had some genres I don’t really reach for but again, a nice introduction to widen my reading styles.
The stories were short and could be read in one sitting.
Out Feb 13. Highly recommend!
This is the first anthology I’ve read and I really enjoyed it.
It read books from a couple of the authors, but it’s a nice way to discover new authors.
It had some genres I don’t really reach for but again, a nice introduction to widen my reading styles.
The stories were short and could be read in one sitting.
Out Feb 13. Highly recommend!
March 22, 2026
Loved every second of this, such a fun anthology!
Review of advance copy
This was such a fun read! I have not read a lot of anthologies but this one makes me want to read more of them! Eight authors, eight unique and interesting stories. I really loved the creativity and just fun that was in this book!!!! And honestly, some of these stories totally need to be a novella or a novel because the characters were so much fun and I wanted MORE!
The love, romance, second chances, the yearning these characters go through just made me grin like an idiot. I just had the best time! There is going to be another volume and I'm super excited to see where it goes!!
The love, romance, second chances, the yearning these characters go through just made me grin like an idiot. I just had the best time! There is going to be another volume and I'm super excited to see where it goes!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was grateful to have received an ARC for this Anthology from Hummingbird Editing!
I like anthologies. They're a great way to be introduced to new authors you haven't read before and to see what they're writing is like before committing to a whole book. They're also a cute collection of short stories so each "chapter" is essentially a new book !
I enjoyed this one, a few that weren't my usual go to, however was quietly intrigued and really enjoyed.
I like anthologies. They're a great way to be introduced to new authors you haven't read before and to see what they're writing is like before committing to a whole book. They're also a cute collection of short stories so each "chapter" is essentially a new book !
I enjoyed this one, a few that weren't my usual go to, however was quietly intrigued and really enjoyed.
February 22, 2026
What a great collection of romantic short stories bringing together some exciting new and current voices in the Aus/NZ writing sphere. I'm not a huge romance reader but I enjoyed every story. Each one made me wonder what might happen after 'the end' and how the couples' lives would continue outside of these snapshots. My favourite story was absolutely The Curious Beguilement of Pasha and June by E.J. Riley and my second favourite was I Wish I Were an Orange by Kate Broadway. Am I only a touch biased because E.J. Riley is one of my best friends? Yes. But I truly loved the story and thought it was wonderfully written.
February 17, 2026
This romance anthology provided the perfect Valentine’s Day reading with its wonderful mix of sub genres and tropes. Eight stories by Australian and New Zealand romance authors, each with its own unique voice, characters and spice level.
From contemporary to rom-com and paranormal to speculative, no two stories were the same and it was an absolute smorgasbord for this romance loving reader. I loved the addition of the playlist and the spice guide at the beginning and adored spending time with each of the characters in these stories. Some of these were authors I’ve previously read and loved like Emma Mugglestone, Kate Broadway and Devon May. Others were new discoveries for me and I can’t wait to read whatever they come up with next.
From contemporary to rom-com and paranormal to speculative, no two stories were the same and it was an absolute smorgasbord for this romance loving reader. I loved the addition of the playlist and the spice guide at the beginning and adored spending time with each of the characters in these stories. Some of these were authors I’ve previously read and loved like Emma Mugglestone, Kate Broadway and Devon May. Others were new discoveries for me and I can’t wait to read whatever they come up with next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Sometimes, I wish I were an orange." Just going to leave this one here, with no spoilers.
I'm going to start by saying this: I don't usually read short stories. In fact, at one point I was convinced I didn't like them at all.
I usually like a slow burn, a build up of all that lovely, angsty goodness I need in a romance.
I was wrong. Very wrong. It turns out, I actually do like them. A lot.
I also enjoyed being able to read a story in its entirety, without having to play the one more chapter game until the early hours of the morning.
Compiled and edited by Hummingbird Editing, it's clear she has an eye for this, and extremely good taste.
The eight writers are all from Australia and New Zealand. They all have wonderful imaginations, and different styles that somehow all come together cohesively.
With the different authors comes different spice levels and tropes. You should grab this book if you enjoy any of the following:
- Second chances
- Forced proximity
- Friends to lovers
- Paranormal
- Post-apocalyptic
- Secret crushes
- Yearning
- Vampires
- Celebrities
- Fake dating
State of Mind will be available from 13 February, with a playlist included, to get you in the mood (or keep you there).
Thank you to Hummingbird Editing and all the authors for the complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I'm going to start by saying this: I don't usually read short stories. In fact, at one point I was convinced I didn't like them at all.
I usually like a slow burn, a build up of all that lovely, angsty goodness I need in a romance.
I was wrong. Very wrong. It turns out, I actually do like them. A lot.
I also enjoyed being able to read a story in its entirety, without having to play the one more chapter game until the early hours of the morning.
Compiled and edited by Hummingbird Editing, it's clear she has an eye for this, and extremely good taste.
The eight writers are all from Australia and New Zealand. They all have wonderful imaginations, and different styles that somehow all come together cohesively.
With the different authors comes different spice levels and tropes. You should grab this book if you enjoy any of the following:
- Second chances
- Forced proximity
- Friends to lovers
- Paranormal
- Post-apocalyptic
- Secret crushes
- Yearning
- Vampires
- Celebrities
- Fake dating
State of Mind will be available from 13 February, with a playlist included, to get you in the mood (or keep you there).
Thank you to Hummingbird Editing and all the authors for the complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Read
February 10, 2026Thank you to the publisher for the gifted eARC, this review can also be found on my bookstagram.
Perfectly timed for those who are after a galentine or valentines romantic fiction fix, with it's lovely diverse mix of bite sized romance novellas. These bite size romance narratives featured several different tropes, genres, characters, and vibes that would work for and be enjoyed by different romance readers.
I throughly enjoyed how each and every story in this collection had it's own voice, allowing for each authors style to be seen throughout. I also throughly enjoyed how this anthology introduced me to some new authors, and also allowed me to read and explore more from authors I've previously enjoyed.
My favourite aspect of this anthology is how even though each story has the same inspiration, every author has their own take on it and explored it in a different way. This for me as a reader was seen within each authors style and narrative voices.
Overall I found this to be a fun collection of short stories, that are brilliantly timed for those who are after a galentine's or valentines romance fix. If you've ever wanted to check out any and or, all of these authors, I'd recommend adding this to your TBR and or shelves.
Perfectly timed for those who are after a galentine or valentines romantic fiction fix, with it's lovely diverse mix of bite sized romance novellas. These bite size romance narratives featured several different tropes, genres, characters, and vibes that would work for and be enjoyed by different romance readers.
I throughly enjoyed how each and every story in this collection had it's own voice, allowing for each authors style to be seen throughout. I also throughly enjoyed how this anthology introduced me to some new authors, and also allowed me to read and explore more from authors I've previously enjoyed.
My favourite aspect of this anthology is how even though each story has the same inspiration, every author has their own take on it and explored it in a different way. This for me as a reader was seen within each authors style and narrative voices.
Overall I found this to be a fun collection of short stories, that are brilliantly timed for those who are after a galentine's or valentines romance fix. If you've ever wanted to check out any and or, all of these authors, I'd recommend adding this to your TBR and or shelves.
January 30, 2026
I’ve receive this an ARC, and is one of the fist anthologies of the year, cute romance stories and discovered a lot of new authors!
Easy to read, each story has an intro with level of spice as well.
Easy to read, each story has an intro with level of spice as well.
April 25, 2026
State of Mind (Girl Dinner Vol. 1) is basically a little tasting platter of romance, featuring eight incredible Aussie authors and honestly, it delivers on every vibe. From vampires to movie stars to second-chance love (and plenty in between), each story brings something fresh while still giving you that swoony, heart-flutter feeling.
What I loved most is how easy it is to dip in and out - perfect for when you want a quick hit of romance without committing to a full novel. Every story feels like its own little world, but together they create such a fun, addictive collection.
If you’re a romance reader (or just in the mood for something sweet, spicy, or a little bit magical), this is definitely one to add to your TBR. Think cozy, quick, and guaranteed to make your heart beat just a little faster
What I loved most is how easy it is to dip in and out - perfect for when you want a quick hit of romance without committing to a full novel. Every story feels like its own little world, but together they create such a fun, addictive collection.
If you’re a romance reader (or just in the mood for something sweet, spicy, or a little bit magical), this is definitely one to add to your TBR. Think cozy, quick, and guaranteed to make your heart beat just a little faster
April 9, 2026
A sweet anthology of romance stories by some awesome Aussie author indies - some new and some favourite already.
A couple of the stories hooked me in from the first few lines, and that elevator scene?! Phwoar!!! ❤️��🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
I enjoyed this as a palette cleanser and when I didn’t have much time to dedicate myself to a full story.
A couple of the stories hooked me in from the first few lines, and that elevator scene?! Phwoar!!! ❤️��🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
I enjoyed this as a palette cleanser and when I didn’t have much time to dedicate myself to a full story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️
These 8 short stories by amazing ANZ authors is just the perfect bite-sized romances with... well, bite (in some cases). We have everything from matchmaking, vampires, dream walking, actors and friends to lovers and so much pining!
But the biggest draw card (apart from the authors themselves) is that each story is loosely based around a certain Hollywood actor who is a hot commodity today and is just... delicious (that accent is soooo good)
On my Instagram post I've tagged each author in a mini review and I urge you to check the book (and review out) - I read this prior to official release day.
These 8 short stories by amazing ANZ authors is just the perfect bite-sized romances with... well, bite (in some cases). We have everything from matchmaking, vampires, dream walking, actors and friends to lovers and so much pining!
But the biggest draw card (apart from the authors themselves) is that each story is loosely based around a certain Hollywood actor who is a hot commodity today and is just... delicious (that accent is soooo good)
On my Instagram post I've tagged each author in a mini review and I urge you to check the book (and review out) - I read this prior to official release day.
January 26, 2026
I love myself an anthology. I had only read stories one of the authors before I picked this up and it was a privilege to be able to read an advance copy of it.
Each story was a fun short story, with enough detail that made each one enjoyable, without leaving much hanging.
Each story was a fun short story, with enough detail that made each one enjoyable, without leaving much hanging.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🩷State of Mind: Girl Dinner Vol. 1 - An Anthology🩷
If you are a mood reader who refuses to commit to just one trope at a time, this fun romance anthology is here to save you 🙈😜
These stories don’t take themselves too seriously, but they still deliver the emotional beats, strong chemistry, and swoony moments that work because they’re short, sweet, and a little bit sexy 🔥
This anthology feels like it was written by authors who love romance and know how to have fun with it. Not every story was a personal favourite, but the variety is exactly what makes this collection shine. You can dip in and out depending on your mood, which makes it perfect for reading slumps and busy days when you just need that little boost 🥰
Thank you so much to @hummingbird.editing and the authors for gifting me a digital copy to review 🙏🏻 this is available to pre-order now and will be released 13th Feb 🩷
QOTD: What is on your TBR for Feb?
If you are a mood reader who refuses to commit to just one trope at a time, this fun romance anthology is here to save you 🙈😜
These stories don’t take themselves too seriously, but they still deliver the emotional beats, strong chemistry, and swoony moments that work because they’re short, sweet, and a little bit sexy 🔥
This anthology feels like it was written by authors who love romance and know how to have fun with it. Not every story was a personal favourite, but the variety is exactly what makes this collection shine. You can dip in and out depending on your mood, which makes it perfect for reading slumps and busy days when you just need that little boost 🥰
Thank you so much to @hummingbird.editing and the authors for gifting me a digital copy to review 🙏🏻 this is available to pre-order now and will be released 13th Feb 🩷
QOTD: What is on your TBR for Feb?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dinner is served and what a spread! Variety is the spice of life in this assortment of stories - from vampires, zombies, Hollywood starlets and ordinary characters there’s something for everyone.
Highlights include: second chance at love between a cameraman and movie star, two stunt actors discovering paranormal activity on set, and a vampire who develops feelings for a human man.
This fun curation of HEA shorts are fun, entertaining, and perfect for a Saturday night in with wine and a cheeseboard - perfect girl dinner just in time for Galentine’s Day!
Highlights include: second chance at love between a cameraman and movie star, two stunt actors discovering paranormal activity on set, and a vampire who develops feelings for a human man.
This fun curation of HEA shorts are fun, entertaining, and perfect for a Saturday night in with wine and a cheeseboard - perfect girl dinner just in time for Galentine’s Day!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
As curator of this anthology, I can say with confidence that these stories are so wonderful and fun! I love the range, with contemporary, sci-fi, paranormal, and speculative romance. I hope you enjoy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you're looking for something that has a little bit of everything, this is the book for you.
8 amazing authors have come together to bring us this Anthology, and it's amazing! Some were authors I knew, and some were authors I'm now lucky to know!
The stories are varying sub-genres of Romance, and they do not disappoint. They have their own characters, triggers, spice meters, and of course charm! I loved every single one, and my only issue overall was that they're SHORT stories - I need more!
The variety is perfect for mood readers, if that's your thing, because I can almost guarantee there is something here for everyone. Laura from Hummingbird Editing curated this book, and I couldn't be more proud. Everyone involved has done an amazing job and I may or may not have accumulated multiple copies. It is also the perfect portion sizes for someone looking for a small introduction to the authors!
8 amazing authors have come together to bring us this Anthology, and it's amazing! Some were authors I knew, and some were authors I'm now lucky to know!
The stories are varying sub-genres of Romance, and they do not disappoint. They have their own characters, triggers, spice meters, and of course charm! I loved every single one, and my only issue overall was that they're SHORT stories - I need more!
The variety is perfect for mood readers, if that's your thing, because I can almost guarantee there is something here for everyone. Laura from Hummingbird Editing curated this book, and I couldn't be more proud. Everyone involved has done an amazing job and I may or may not have accumulated multiple copies. It is also the perfect portion sizes for someone looking for a small introduction to the authors!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews