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Undertow: A compilation of short beach stories

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Discover new stories from your new favorite authors. No cliff-hangers, stand-alone, not from a series novelettes and novellas.

Riptide by Elizabeth SaFleur

Cheated on, dumped and fired—all by the same man—Ava Hollins’ only goal on her Caribbean vacation was to forget men existed. When she wins hot, wealthy, resort owner, Bret Wright, during a charity “man auction,” she’s not sure what to do with her suddenly acquired “love slave.” Fortunately, for Ava, Bret knows exactly what to do with her.

The Break by Rachel De Lune

When Victoria Abbott makes the hard journey back to her quaint, seaside hometown in Wales, she's unprepared for the guilt that claws at her. At the same time, she's instantly calmed by being on the sands where she spent time as a child. Her self-imposed rules never before gave her a shot at true happiness and she's not sure if she can face a second chance. But when she walks into Aeron Morgan's life, all that changes.

Aeron Morgan has all he wants from life. A financially successful business and the house of his dreams sitting on the cliff overlooking Oxwich bay. Until Victoria Abbott walks into sight. Not content with a one night stand, he wants Victoria to accept him and his darkest desires, forcing her to become the woman he knows is under her suit of armor. With her independence on the line Victoria grapples with choosing her dreams over what she's worked so hard for all her life.

Backwater Blessing by Kris Michaels

When Cole, Mr. FBI, and Logan, local cop and reigning Ice Princess, hook up to solve a case of Mississippi corruption at the highest judicial levels, sparks fly. Their attraction is hotter than the sultry southern sun. She wants to hate him—but she can’t. And Cole would never commit career suicide by staying in a backwater Mississippi town…not for any woman…especially not for Isabella Logan Church.

Undertow by Patricia A. Knight

Former Army Ranger, Max Harper didn’t know the young woman playing fetch on the beach with his therapy dog—but he wanted to. From his first meeting with Holiday Jones, her fresh beauty and soft heart swept him away. The wounded veteran knew he wanted forever with Holiday. There is just one small problem. She thinks he’s someone he’s not. When his down-to-earth Holiday learns who Max really is, love might not be enough—for no matter how generous a woman’s heart, it’s difficult to forgive deception.

Bring these four amazing stories with you on your summer vacation!

386 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 15, 2015

3 people are currently reading
82 people want to read

About the author

Kris Michaels

81 books1,116 followers
USA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author, Kris Michaels is the alter ego of a happily married wife and mother. She writes romance, usually with characters from military and law enforcement backgrounds.

Kris was born and raised in South Dakota. She graduated many years ago from a high school class consisting of 13 students (yes that is thirteen, eleven girls and two boys...lucky boys). She joined the military, met her husband, and traveled the world. Today she lives on the Gulf Coast and writes full time.

Kris is an avid people watcher and dreamer. The stories she writes are crafted around the hopes and dreams of a true romantic. She believes love is essential, people are beautiful, and everyone deserves a happy ending.

When she isn't writing Kris enjoys a full life revolving around family, friends, laughing, whiskey, and cold red wine. (Yes cold...don't judge.)

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for S.N. McKibben.
Author 15 books179 followers
June 18, 2015
Well now, it's been a while and I've been reading stories that can't be reviewed just yet and stories I can't talk about yet, however I'm now able to give my thoughts on a few short stories from Ms. SaFleur, Ms. Knight, my new favorite Ms. Michaels and now a new, new favorite on the horizon...Ms. De Lune!

These four all got together and wrote novelettes, novellas, or whatever you want to call these short stories. I thought, hey let's give this a try and thought...
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We'll begin with the first story "Riptide" by Elizabeth SaFleur

She had me on the floor the first chapter...my evil little heart could hardly keep up! I haven't laughed so much since Dr. Horrible graced YouTube.
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I mean, a single drunk female bidding on a Caribbean bartender, what could go wrong? Then I got involved with the characters and the chaos that ensued! I was like okay, I'm ready for this, let'er rip...
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Suffice it to say it's up to Elizabeth SaFleur excellent standards and we get to see one of her background characters from Elite Doms find his HEA.
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Next story is "The Break" by Rachel De Lune
This one was bold! Wow! Talk about surf, sand and sex!
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Rachel has a unique blend of British verbiage without leaving a yank like me in the dust of hard terms to go look up on the internet. She uses that flavor to melt panties off. A single woman, a voyeur and hot smoking sex.
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Then we have "Backwater Blessing" by Kris Michaels
I was captured by the first line and had to read more. This story was over too fast! Backwater Blessing gets the sacred Mephito's I love you GIF!
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Two detectives have to pretend to like each other for the sake of a huge human trafficking bust and become way more than their cover (talk about undercover lover) Oh yeah, there's this one scene...that I don't want to ruin it for you, but Oh, wow...he's in the hall, she's in the bedroom...bring lube. That's all I have to say.
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And last is "Undertow" by Patricia A. Knight
I could say the best was saved for last, but all these stories were fantastic! Undertow made me immediately invested in the characters, had me laughing, made my heart lurch, and then made me warm inside. It was sexy, funny, and personable. Very unusual story telling. A veteran Army Ranger and an adorable second generation hippie. They actually get along really well and were made for each other. I'm so glad I took these stories home with me :)
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So this compilation gets the Mephisto's standing ovation!
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Most definitely worth the while!
Profile Image for Roxs Reads.
825 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed every one of these short stories. They all have a little different theme to them but romance is the theme of the day of course.

I seem to have a special addiction to Undertow by Patricia Knight. I absolutely fell in love with her characters and the whole story was just awesome! If you are looking for a feel good story where the male lead might be a "hottie" but has lived and is continuing to live through some tragedy and the aftermath of that and a young girl comes along to help him through it all, then this is a book for you. You'll be cheering for Max and Holiday the whole way through!

Rachel De Lune has come through again with The Break. She introduces us to a side of ourselves that we may not know we had. The very idea of being watched, being loved, and becoming a whole different person through it all was not something Tori was expecting but Aeron showed her how neglecting that side of her was no longer an option.

Riptide and Backwater Blessing are also two great short stories, one set in a beautiful vacation getaway location and the other on the southern coast of the US. Both will give you that warm feeling you get when you think anything is possible.
Profile Image for Cheryl   Graham-Petit.
4,124 reviews26 followers
September 22, 2015
I received an ARC of Patricia A. Knights' book Undertow and an ARC of Riptide by Elizabeth SaFleur. These are the first books I've read by either of these authors and all I can say is I most definitely will be reading more. Each book was well-written, the characters were great, and the story-line was amazing and easy to read. From the cover to the very last page, these authors keep the reader captivated. If you're looking for some short, sexy stories that are good, fast, romantic with some naughty thrown in, Undertow is the book for you.
Profile Image for Katrina Berry.
1,017 reviews4 followers
September 30, 2015
I was given an ARC of Riptide by Elizabeth SaFleur in exchange for an honest review. As is the case with each of her books, I can say in all honestly that I’m never let down. The story is a quick read that you can so easily make room for around your busy schedule. This is a must have and full of fun, laughter and shenanigans that will have you rolling in laughter! Kudos to Ms. SaFleur for doing such an awesome job of bringing her story to life!
Profile Image for Krissys Bookshelf Reviews.
1,640 reviews81 followers
July 10, 2015
Undertow: A compilation of short beach stories

Riptide by Elizabeth SaFleur
Cheated on, dumped and fired—all by the same man—Ava Hollins’ only goal on her Caribbean vacation was to forget men existed. When she wins hot, wealthy, resort owner, Bret Wright, during a charity “man auction,” she’s not sure what to do with her suddenly acquired “love slave.” Fortunately, for Ava, Bret knows exactly what to do with her.

The Break by Rachel De Lune
When Victoria Abbott makes the hard journey back to her quaint, seaside hometown in Wales, she's unprepared for the guilt that claws at her. At the same time, she's instantly calmed by being on the sands where she spent time as a child. Her self-imposed rules never before gave her a shot at true happiness and she's not sure if she can face a second chance. But when she walks into Aeron Morgan's life, all that changes.
Aeron Morgan has all he wants from life. A financially successful business and the house of his dreams sitting on the cliff overlooking Oxwich bay. Until Victoria Abbott walks into sight. Not content with a one night stand, he wants Victoria to accept him and his darkest desires, forcing her to become the woman he knows is under her suit of armor. With her independence on the line Victoria grapples with choosing her dreams over what she's worked so hard for all her life.

Backwater Blessing by Kris Michaels
When Cole, Mr. FBI, and Logan, local cop and reigning Ice Princess, hook up to solve a case of Mississippi corruption at the highest judicial levels, sparks fly. Their attraction is hotter than the sultry southern sun. She wants to hate him—but she can’t. And Cole would never commit career suicide by staying in a backwater Mississippi town…not for any woman…especially not for Isabella Logan Church.

Undertow by Patricia A. Knight
Former Army Ranger, Max Harper didn’t know the young woman playing fetch on the beach with his therapy dog—but he wanted to. From his first meeting with Holiday Jones, her fresh beauty and soft heart swept him away. The wounded veteran knew he wanted forever with Holiday. There is just one small problem. She thinks he’s someone he’s not. When his down-to-earth Holiday learns who Max really is, love might not be enough—for no matter how generous a woman’s heart, it’s difficult to forgive deception.



My Review:
You know when summer has reared its head when three authors gather together to bring us a steamy anthology full of sand, surf and sex. (Although its mostly the latter) that's okay with me.
I enjoy little quickie stories that I can fit into a busy schedule yet still enjoy the the tale the author/s have created.
Each installment stands out as an individual even if you only enjoy just one of the installments in the end its worth picking up because they're all good authors. The Break is great for the laughs, Backwater Blessing is good for the sexy, and Undertow follows through with the perfect bow. I mean really, how friggen cute.
All the authors have done a fantastic job creating characters to love and adore even with the limited amount of space to create a full novel they still color many hearts to the perfect pitch.


My Rating:
4 Stars


Reviewed By:
Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/

Note: I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from the author.

Merged review:

Undertow: A compilation of short beach stories Undertow: A compilation of short beach storiesRiptide by Elizabeth SaFleurCheated on, dumped and fired—all by the same man—Ava Hollins’ only goal on her Caribbean vacation was to forget men existed. When she wins hot, wealthy, resort owner, Bret Wright, during a charity “man auction,” she’s not sure what to do with her suddenly acquired “love slave.” Fortunately, for Ava, Bret knows exactly what to do with her.The Break by Rachel De LuneWhen Victoria Abbott makes the hard journey back to her quaint, seaside hometown in Wales, she's unprepared for the guilt that claws at her. At the same time, she's instantly calmed by being on the sands where she spent time as a child. Her self-imposed rules never before gave her a shot at true happiness and she's not sure if she can face a second chance. But when she walks into Aeron Morgan's life, all that changes.Aeron Morgan has all he wants from life. A financially successful business and the house of his dreams sitting on the cliff overlooking Oxwich bay. Until Victoria Abbott walks into sight. Not content with a one night stand, he wants Victoria to accept him and his darkest desires, forcing her to become the woman he knows is under her suit of armor. With her independence on the line Victoria grapples with choosing her dreams over what she's worked so hard for all her life.Backwater Blessing by Kris MichaelsWhen Cole, Mr. FBI, and Logan, local cop and reigning Ice Princess, hook up to solve a case of Mississippi corruption at the highest judicial levels, sparks fly. Their attraction is hotter than the sultry southern sun. She wants to hate him—but she can’t. And Cole would never commit career suicide by staying in a backwater Mississippi town…not for any woman…especially not for Isabella Logan Church.Undertow by Patricia A. KnightFormer Army Ranger, Max Harper didn’t know the young woman playing fetch on the beach with his therapy dog—but he wanted to. From his first meeting with Holiday Jones, her fresh beauty and soft heart swept him away. The wounded veteran knew he wanted forever with Holiday. There is just one small problem. She thinks he’s someone he’s not. When his down-to-earth Holiday learns who Max really is, love might not be enough—for no matter how generous a woman’s heart, it’s difficult to forgive deception.My Review: You know when summer has reared its head when three authors gather together to bring us a steamy anthology full of sand, surf and sex. (Although its mostly the latter) that's okay with me. I enjoy little quickie stories that I can fit into a busy schedule yet still enjoy the the tale the author/s have created. Each installment stands out as an individual even if you only enjoy just one of the installments in the end its worth picking up because they're all good authors. The Break is great for the laughs, Backwater Blessing is good for the sexy, and Undertow follows through with the perfect bow. I mean really, how friggen cute. All the authors have done a fantastic job creating characters to love and adore even with the limited amount of space to create a full novel they still color many hearts to the perfect pitch. My Rating:4 StarsReviewed By:Krissy's Bookshelf Reviewshttp://kkmalott.booklikes.com/Note: I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from the author.
3,542 reviews14 followers
September 16, 2015
Undertow by Elizabeth SaFleur is a fun, quick read. Ava and Bret's story is well written and loaded with humor, spice and drama. This short read is perfect for those with limited time for reading. I look forward to reading more from Elizabeth SaFleur in the future. Undertow is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
Profile Image for Georgiann Hennelly.
1,960 reviews26 followers
November 5, 2015
Under Tow is a fabulous collection of four short love stories by four different Authors . They each have a different theme but romance is the theme in all of them. I enjoyed them all.
Profile Image for Ann (Literary Lust).
1,615 reviews25 followers
August 17, 2020
My review of The Break by Rachel De Lune

The Break is perfect for those seeking a fabulous, quick, insta love story that packs some heat.

I love Tori. She’s confident, successful and has her future all planned out - that is until she returns to the area where she grew up and meets the hot and irresistible Aeron. There is an instant attraction between the couple and the sexual chemistry is off the charts! I loved that Tori was able to embrace what Aeron was offering her, which subsequently led to her considering a different future to the one she had pictured for herself.

I always enjoy reading Rachel De Lune’s words and I am so pleased that I chose to read The Break. This short story is one that I would definitely recommend and it gets a fabulous 4.5 stars from me!
437 reviews5 followers
October 3, 2016
I have not read all the stories within this book but have read the story by Rachel De Lune. The story is called The Break.

It was a good short story.

Tori had lost everything in her life for the sake of her cereer. Her husband, friends and finally her mum.
She returns back to her roots to settle her mum's affairs, but gets caught up in a week of lusty, love and sex. But what will happen when that week is over and she has to return to her life?
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

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