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Valentine's Day Collection
From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean Romance, comes VALENTINE'S DAY COLLECTION.
Six brand new contemporary romance novellas by Janette Rallison, Heather B. Moore, Jenny Proctor, Annette Lyon, Heather Tullis, and Sarah M. Eden.
A BRUSH WITH THE LAW by Janette Rallison
Bethany has endured a streak of depressing Valentine’s Days. And this one is turning out no different. Her friend set her up on a blind date—and Bethany can only hope that James will be a decent guy. But it seems the fated day has other plans, and Bethany finds herself in the middle of a comedy of errors that make a blind date with a stranger the least of her problems.
EVERY OCCASION by Heather B. Moore
When Maurie moves back to her hometown to open up her dream shop, she calls a local construction crew for help. Former teenage crush Grant shows up on her front porch, answering the call for the construction job, and Maurie’s memories of her troubled childhood return with full force. When she discovers Grant has a troubled past of his own, Maurie realizes that she might have misjudged him all along.
HOLD YOUR BREATH by Jenny Proctor
As Kayla trains for the Olympic swimming trials, she vows to never let another boyfriend get in her way. When she finds out her younger sister’s new high school swim coach is Nate—the guy Kayla had a huge crush on when they were in school together—Kayla realizes that her resolve is weakening. But Kayla isn’t willing to risk giving up her Olympic dream for anyone, not even charming Nate.
THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE by Annette Lyon
When Sam’s long-time boyfriend, Steve, texts that he has something important to ask her on Valentine’s Day, she’s sure that he’s going to propose. Determined to look great for the big day, she hits the all-night laundromat to wash her favorite outfit. When her clothes are chugging away in a machine, Steve calls and pops a question—not one she ever would have expected. Reeling with shock, she’s left facing the holiday alone, unless you count the other person at laundromat, a guy leaning against his own washer, intent on his phone.
DEAL BREAKERS by Heather Tullis
The last place Colette wants to be stranded is the snowed-in Denver airport, especially when her sister is enduring chemo treatments and needs Colette’s help back home. When Colette runs into another stranded passenger—none other than former college boyfriend Drew—she can’t believe how much he’s changed . . . and hasn’t changed. Drew is still the same amazing guy that Colette was foolish enough to blow off for someone else. By the time she’d realized her mistake all those years ago, Drew’s heart had been too broken to give her a second chance. Now Colette can only hope that she can work her way back into his heart.
HEY, HELEN! by Sarah M. Eden
On the surface, Helen seems to have her life figured out. Her advice column, Hey, Helen!, is gaining more readers every week. She regularly hangs out with the guy next door, laughing and chatting over pizza and work. But when her feelings for her handsome neighbor begin tiptoeing toward something more than friendship, Helen can’t help hoping Neil might feel the same way. Between her own uncertainties, his friend-zone treatment of her, and a pair of loudly interfering parents, Hey, Helen! could use a little advice in love.
Six brand new contemporary romance novellas by Janette Rallison, Heather B. Moore, Jenny Proctor, Annette Lyon, Heather Tullis, and Sarah M. Eden.
A BRUSH WITH THE LAW by Janette Rallison
Bethany has endured a streak of depressing Valentine’s Days. And this one is turning out no different. Her friend set her up on a blind date—and Bethany can only hope that James will be a decent guy. But it seems the fated day has other plans, and Bethany finds herself in the middle of a comedy of errors that make a blind date with a stranger the least of her problems.
EVERY OCCASION by Heather B. Moore
When Maurie moves back to her hometown to open up her dream shop, she calls a local construction crew for help. Former teenage crush Grant shows up on her front porch, answering the call for the construction job, and Maurie’s memories of her troubled childhood return with full force. When she discovers Grant has a troubled past of his own, Maurie realizes that she might have misjudged him all along.
HOLD YOUR BREATH by Jenny Proctor
As Kayla trains for the Olympic swimming trials, she vows to never let another boyfriend get in her way. When she finds out her younger sister’s new high school swim coach is Nate—the guy Kayla had a huge crush on when they were in school together—Kayla realizes that her resolve is weakening. But Kayla isn’t willing to risk giving up her Olympic dream for anyone, not even charming Nate.
THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE by Annette Lyon
When Sam’s long-time boyfriend, Steve, texts that he has something important to ask her on Valentine’s Day, she’s sure that he’s going to propose. Determined to look great for the big day, she hits the all-night laundromat to wash her favorite outfit. When her clothes are chugging away in a machine, Steve calls and pops a question—not one she ever would have expected. Reeling with shock, she’s left facing the holiday alone, unless you count the other person at laundromat, a guy leaning against his own washer, intent on his phone.
DEAL BREAKERS by Heather Tullis
The last place Colette wants to be stranded is the snowed-in Denver airport, especially when her sister is enduring chemo treatments and needs Colette’s help back home. When Colette runs into another stranded passenger—none other than former college boyfriend Drew—she can’t believe how much he’s changed . . . and hasn’t changed. Drew is still the same amazing guy that Colette was foolish enough to blow off for someone else. By the time she’d realized her mistake all those years ago, Drew’s heart had been too broken to give her a second chance. Now Colette can only hope that she can work her way back into his heart.
HEY, HELEN! by Sarah M. Eden
On the surface, Helen seems to have her life figured out. Her advice column, Hey, Helen!, is gaining more readers every week. She regularly hangs out with the guy next door, laughing and chatting over pizza and work. But when her feelings for her handsome neighbor begin tiptoeing toward something more than friendship, Helen can’t help hoping Neil might feel the same way. Between her own uncertainties, his friend-zone treatment of her, and a pair of loudly interfering parents, Hey, Helen! could use a little advice in love.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2017
122 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
About the author
Janette Rallison
74 books1,996 followersCheck out my awesome book trailers!
My Unfair Godmother:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AlRg0...
My Fair Godmother: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up1jF8...
Just One Wish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP1Nce...
My Double Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzuswp...
Janette Rallison has five children who keep her well supplied with plot ideas, sometimes even making cameo appearances in her novels. She likes to write romantic comedy because there is enough angst in real life, but theres a drastic shortage on both humor and romance.
Playing the Field was named Society of School Librarians International Best Book Award Honor Book, and both Alls Fair In Love, War, and High School and Love, Life, and the Pursuit of Free Throws were included on YALSAs Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults list. Fame Glory, and Other Things on My To Do List, was just chosen for IRAs YA Choices list for 2007
"
My Unfair Godmother:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AlRg0...
My Fair Godmother: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up1jF8...
Just One Wish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP1Nce...
My Double Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzuswp...
Janette Rallison has five children who keep her well supplied with plot ideas, sometimes even making cameo appearances in her novels. She likes to write romantic comedy because there is enough angst in real life, but theres a drastic shortage on both humor and romance.
Playing the Field was named Society of School Librarians International Best Book Award Honor Book, and both Alls Fair In Love, War, and High School and Love, Life, and the Pursuit of Free Throws were included on YALSAs Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults list. Fame Glory, and Other Things on My To Do List, was just chosen for IRAs YA Choices list for 2007
"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
February 25, 2019
3.75 stars for this collection of six Valentine’s Day-themed contemporary romance novellas. Some of them are very quick and fluffy, but there’s some surprising depth in a few of them. My thoughts on all six novellas:
3.5 stars for "A Brush with the Law" by Janette Rallison: Bethany is an artist who's painting a mural on the bedroom wall for a couple who's out of town (the husband is planning to surprise the wife with it). It's also Valentine's Day, and Bethany has a blind date that evening that she's not all that excited about. The maid leaves and tells Bethany the doors will automatically lock up behind her. When Bethany gets accidentally locked out on the balcony, things start to get REALLY interesting. A cute but no-nonsense cop is involved. It's a little predictable (I saw it coming from a mile away) but good fun, especially if you like comedies of errors.
3.5 stars for "Every Occasion" by Heather B. Moore: Maurie has moved back to her hometown after her mother's death and bought a space to open up a shop, and moved into her mother's old home - which was an absolute mess. Maurie's mother, it turns out, was equally a mess and had lost custody of her daughter to state, and Maurie spend some years in the foster care system before aging out. Grant - her former teenage crush - is the guy who, as a teenager, called 911 and reported Maurie's mother, which resulted in the custody loss. He's been feeling guilty about it ever since, and he's not sure what to do when he's called to help Maurie with some remodeling work. Can this star-crossed pair work things out? Another one that's predictable, but props for taking on a different and difficult plot element in the loss of custody issues. Arguably it pulls its punches somewhat ().
3.75 stars for "Hold Your Breath" by Jenny Proctor: Here we have a couple of talented swimmers with Olympic dreams, Kayla and Nate. They've both run into some bumps in the road on the way to (they hope) the Olympics, and Kayla is now determined that NOTHING else will get in her way, especially not a relationship with a guy. She's been down that road before. But Nate is charming, and it's hard to resist the temptation ... Again, an unusual setting for a romance. That's the most memorable part of this story, which focuses a bit too much on Kayla's negative motivation (i.e., fear of getting involved in a relationship), but I still enjoyed it.
3.75 stars for "The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge" by Annette Lyon. Sam is sure that her long-time (and currently long-distance) boyfriend Steve is about to propose, and she wants to be ready for it. So off she heads to the all-night laundromat to wash her favorite outfit for the great occasion. Connor is the guy she runs into on her excursion, an internet personality who has his own issues going on with a Valentine's Day series of challenges from a despised online rival.
4.25 stars for "Deal Breakers" by Heather Tullis: Colette and Drew are two people with a past, accidentally meeting up in a snowed-in Denver airport while they're both on a layover, waiting to fly off to other places. Drew and Colette dated years ago in college, but she dumped him for another guy who was paying her a lot of attention . By the time Colette realized she'd made a mistake in college, she and Drew had drifted too far apart. I enjoyed the unusual airport setting of this novella, and the relationship and dialogue between Colette and Drew felt realistic.
4.25 for "Hey, Helen! by Sarah M. Eden: Great story about next-door neighbors (friends-to-lovers trope) and issues with problematic parents. Helen writes an advice column called "Hey, Helen!" Neil is her buddy in the apartment next door, an accounting student who Helen bounces her ideas off of. He's also trying to figure out how to get out of the friend zone with Helen, but he's worried about risking their friendship. Things get trickier when Neil's father, who has a rocky relationship with his wife (and with his son Neil) moves into Neil's apartment uninvited when he and his wife are on the outs. This is one of the better novellas I’ve seen from Sarah Eden. The banter between Neil and Helen is good, and Neil's struggles with his relationship with his parents adds some heft to the story.
Recommended if you like these kinds of quick, clean romance reads. You know who you are. :) Some of them feel a little rushed or superficial (typical with novella length). More serious themes than usual show up in the subplots of these novellas, so they feel less fluffy and more significant than usual with romance novellas.
3.5 stars for "A Brush with the Law" by Janette Rallison: Bethany is an artist who's painting a mural on the bedroom wall for a couple who's out of town (the husband is planning to surprise the wife with it). It's also Valentine's Day, and Bethany has a blind date that evening that she's not all that excited about. The maid leaves and tells Bethany the doors will automatically lock up behind her. When Bethany gets accidentally locked out on the balcony, things start to get REALLY interesting. A cute but no-nonsense cop is involved. It's a little predictable (I saw it coming from a mile away) but good fun, especially if you like comedies of errors.
3.5 stars for "Every Occasion" by Heather B. Moore: Maurie has moved back to her hometown after her mother's death and bought a space to open up a shop, and moved into her mother's old home - which was an absolute mess. Maurie's mother, it turns out, was equally a mess and had lost custody of her daughter to state, and Maurie spend some years in the foster care system before aging out. Grant - her former teenage crush - is the guy who, as a teenager, called 911 and reported Maurie's mother, which resulted in the custody loss. He's been feeling guilty about it ever since, and he's not sure what to do when he's called to help Maurie with some remodeling work. Can this star-crossed pair work things out? Another one that's predictable, but props for taking on a different and difficult plot element in the loss of custody issues. Arguably it pulls its punches somewhat ().
3.75 stars for "Hold Your Breath" by Jenny Proctor: Here we have a couple of talented swimmers with Olympic dreams, Kayla and Nate. They've both run into some bumps in the road on the way to (they hope) the Olympics, and Kayla is now determined that NOTHING else will get in her way, especially not a relationship with a guy. She's been down that road before. But Nate is charming, and it's hard to resist the temptation ... Again, an unusual setting for a romance. That's the most memorable part of this story, which focuses a bit too much on Kayla's negative motivation (i.e., fear of getting involved in a relationship), but I still enjoyed it.
3.75 stars for "The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge" by Annette Lyon. Sam is sure that her long-time (and currently long-distance) boyfriend Steve is about to propose, and she wants to be ready for it. So off she heads to the all-night laundromat to wash her favorite outfit for the great occasion. Connor is the guy she runs into on her excursion, an internet personality who has his own issues going on with a Valentine's Day series of challenges from a despised online rival.
4.25 stars for "Deal Breakers" by Heather Tullis: Colette and Drew are two people with a past, accidentally meeting up in a snowed-in Denver airport while they're both on a layover, waiting to fly off to other places. Drew and Colette dated years ago in college, but she dumped him for another guy who was paying her a lot of attention . By the time Colette realized she'd made a mistake in college, she and Drew had drifted too far apart. I enjoyed the unusual airport setting of this novella, and the relationship and dialogue between Colette and Drew felt realistic.
4.25 for "Hey, Helen! by Sarah M. Eden: Great story about next-door neighbors (friends-to-lovers trope) and issues with problematic parents. Helen writes an advice column called "Hey, Helen!" Neil is her buddy in the apartment next door, an accounting student who Helen bounces her ideas off of. He's also trying to figure out how to get out of the friend zone with Helen, but he's worried about risking their friendship. Things get trickier when Neil's father, who has a rocky relationship with his wife (and with his son Neil) moves into Neil's apartment uninvited when he and his wife are on the outs. This is one of the better novellas I’ve seen from Sarah Eden. The banter between Neil and Helen is good, and Neil's struggles with his relationship with his parents adds some heft to the story.
Recommended if you like these kinds of quick, clean romance reads. You know who you are. :) Some of them feel a little rushed or superficial (typical with novella length). More serious themes than usual show up in the subplots of these novellas, so they feel less fluffy and more significant than usual with romance novellas.
August 18, 2022
*Overall rating 4.5 rounding up to 5 stars since we can't do half stars. I rated each novella individually which you can see at the end of the reviews for each. *
Get ready for Valentine's Day everyone. ;-) The settings for each of these vary quite a bit and the plot lines are so different. I wasn't sure what to expect for Valentine's Day stories but will say that they each have fun, goofy and sometimes sad moments in them. Now not everyone loves Valentine's Day but don't worry, these stories aren't pushing Valentine's down your throat, I really enjoyed that the characters were very normal people and had no plans, blind dates, stuck in airports, plans to hang out with friends, cancelled plans and much more. It's about 50/50 for second chance stories and new beginning stories. They were all fun and done in a way that anyone, Valentine lovers or non Valentine lovers can enjoy!
A Brush with the Law ~ by Janette Rallison
I love the opening line "It was going to be another great Valentine's Day-at least for someone else."
Oh my heavens, this book was funny. What else could go wrong is definitely a good question you could be asking for Bethany our MC. One mistake leads to consequences and rushed decisions and funny circumstances to where you are really feeling sorry for our miserable MC. But never fear the cops are here. Hee Hee! She had several encounters with the law because of several misunderstandings. Now some of the circumstances I don't know if it would be what most people would choose but it worked for the story and created several moments of angst and humor. After everything goes wrong will Bethany find a way to make it to her blind date? Or will she have to stand them up. Ugh, how did she get herself into this mess?
Rating: 4 stars
Every Occasion ~ by Heather B. Moore
Maurie is returning to her childhood home. Not all memories there good. After losing her father, her grandparents and surviving a mother who went downhill emotionally and exposed Maurie to all kinds of heartache, Maurie is placed in foster care. After graduating school, starting a successful online business and inheriting her family home Maurie decides to make a go at expanding her business. What she didn't expect was the handyman she hires to fix up her house to be the one person she could never forget after moving away, the one person who looked out for her from afar. Grant is not prepared to be sent to a job for estimates for repairs. Especially to THAT house, HER house. He has a secret and doesn't know if he can share it with Maurie. A secret that has haunted him for years. Oh I really liked this one. Definitely some sad undertones and pain but I loved how the author handled it and spoke of the healing that took time to occur. Plus there's a fun little surprise at the end. A cute little boy and silly moments between the characters. Both characters unsure of themselves and yet the connection that they've felt has them not wanting to miss a moment of time.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Hold Your Breath ~ by Jenny Proctor
Kayla is almost at the end of her goal, something that slipped past her four years ago, and she's not going to let that happen again. Nothing can get in the way. So when she heads home to visit for a few weeks and watch her 16 year old sister compete in swim meets, the last thing she expects is Nate Hanson. Yep Nate Hanson, the amazing swimmer who was a senior when she was a freshman. The same person she was head over heels in love with for that year. The same person she hasn't forgotten. She tries to push back all of her emotions over him, every time they encounter each other, especially when he starts showing interest in her. Can she keep to her convictions and reach her goal? Or will Nate break down those walls? This was a really fun novella to dive into. ;-) Swimmers and Olympics, silly text conversations, shyness, dancing, red dresses and sweet kisses.
Rating : 4.5 stars
The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge ~ by Annette Lyon
Get ready for a Valentine's Day marathon. This group of ladies know how to celebrate and have a great time. Sleep in, go to breakfast in pjs, lots of sweet and savory treats, and lots of great chick-flicks. Sam has been holding these marathons for years as a great way to celebrate with friends and everyone to enjoy another day in life. Yet when she thinks that she's going to have something amazing and wonderful happen, she has to change her plans just a touch. She heads off in the middle of the night to the laundry mat to make sure she has the perfect outfit. She loses her sweatshirt, her lucky sweatshirt, gets some pretty shocking news, ends up meeting a guy she follows on youTube, has a couple crazy challenges to overcome and help with...cute story and fun characters I enjoyed. The main guy was a gentleman and I enjoyed watching the cute meet.
Rating: 4 stars
Deal Breakers ~ by Heather Tullis
Collette is in trouble. She's stranded at the airport in a snowstorm. Her sister needs her but there's no way to get back to her when all flights are cancelled. While sitting pondering what to do, what should she see...or rather who???? Coming off a flight is none other than the man who's heart she broke and whom she can't stop thinking about. What if she had chosen differently and they both had reacted differently? Would they have made it work? Now she's stuck in the airport with him and that giant looming question of why did she do what she did? Can they work past their past? What happens when the weather clears and they are free to fly off to their separate destinations? Card games, gummy worms, M&Ms, trail mix, tacos, books, kids, second chances, a wedding(not the MC's wedding), sickness, humor and so much more is part of this book. I enjoyed it, a fun and cute read about forgiving and letting going to move forward...whether together or separately..... I'll let you read to find out.
Rating: 4 stars
Hey, Helen! ~ by Sarah M. Eden
Super fun and cute!!! What's not to love about a secret love and an advice columnist being the one you love! You could write all kinds of questions anonymously, get answers that help and not be discovered...that is until you are ready to reveal your true feelings. Helen is the writer and her neighbor is the one in love with her. I really enjoyed all the silly Valentine's questions she was asked, I really liked the way she answered them as well. Plenty of good advice with a touch of sass! I can't help but say that this was the perfect novella to end the collection with! It will leave you with a sweet, lighthearted feeling and lots of laughs!
Rating: 5 stars
Content: Overall this was a great clean read. In one of the stories, due to some crazy circumstances, a character ends up in just her underwear. She's the only one around...at first and more crazy circumstances happen. It was written clean and made the situation funny. Sweet and swoony kisses. <3
I received a copy from the publisher, all thoughts and opinions within the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Get ready for Valentine's Day everyone. ;-) The settings for each of these vary quite a bit and the plot lines are so different. I wasn't sure what to expect for Valentine's Day stories but will say that they each have fun, goofy and sometimes sad moments in them. Now not everyone loves Valentine's Day but don't worry, these stories aren't pushing Valentine's down your throat, I really enjoyed that the characters were very normal people and had no plans, blind dates, stuck in airports, plans to hang out with friends, cancelled plans and much more. It's about 50/50 for second chance stories and new beginning stories. They were all fun and done in a way that anyone, Valentine lovers or non Valentine lovers can enjoy!
A Brush with the Law ~ by Janette Rallison
I love the opening line "It was going to be another great Valentine's Day-at least for someone else."
Oh my heavens, this book was funny. What else could go wrong is definitely a good question you could be asking for Bethany our MC. One mistake leads to consequences and rushed decisions and funny circumstances to where you are really feeling sorry for our miserable MC. But never fear the cops are here. Hee Hee! She had several encounters with the law because of several misunderstandings. Now some of the circumstances I don't know if it would be what most people would choose but it worked for the story and created several moments of angst and humor. After everything goes wrong will Bethany find a way to make it to her blind date? Or will she have to stand them up. Ugh, how did she get herself into this mess?
Rating: 4 stars
Every Occasion ~ by Heather B. Moore
Maurie is returning to her childhood home. Not all memories there good. After losing her father, her grandparents and surviving a mother who went downhill emotionally and exposed Maurie to all kinds of heartache, Maurie is placed in foster care. After graduating school, starting a successful online business and inheriting her family home Maurie decides to make a go at expanding her business. What she didn't expect was the handyman she hires to fix up her house to be the one person she could never forget after moving away, the one person who looked out for her from afar. Grant is not prepared to be sent to a job for estimates for repairs. Especially to THAT house, HER house. He has a secret and doesn't know if he can share it with Maurie. A secret that has haunted him for years. Oh I really liked this one. Definitely some sad undertones and pain but I loved how the author handled it and spoke of the healing that took time to occur. Plus there's a fun little surprise at the end. A cute little boy and silly moments between the characters. Both characters unsure of themselves and yet the connection that they've felt has them not wanting to miss a moment of time.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Hold Your Breath ~ by Jenny Proctor
Kayla is almost at the end of her goal, something that slipped past her four years ago, and she's not going to let that happen again. Nothing can get in the way. So when she heads home to visit for a few weeks and watch her 16 year old sister compete in swim meets, the last thing she expects is Nate Hanson. Yep Nate Hanson, the amazing swimmer who was a senior when she was a freshman. The same person she was head over heels in love with for that year. The same person she hasn't forgotten. She tries to push back all of her emotions over him, every time they encounter each other, especially when he starts showing interest in her. Can she keep to her convictions and reach her goal? Or will Nate break down those walls? This was a really fun novella to dive into. ;-) Swimmers and Olympics, silly text conversations, shyness, dancing, red dresses and sweet kisses.
Rating : 4.5 stars
The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge ~ by Annette Lyon
Get ready for a Valentine's Day marathon. This group of ladies know how to celebrate and have a great time. Sleep in, go to breakfast in pjs, lots of sweet and savory treats, and lots of great chick-flicks. Sam has been holding these marathons for years as a great way to celebrate with friends and everyone to enjoy another day in life. Yet when she thinks that she's going to have something amazing and wonderful happen, she has to change her plans just a touch. She heads off in the middle of the night to the laundry mat to make sure she has the perfect outfit. She loses her sweatshirt, her lucky sweatshirt, gets some pretty shocking news, ends up meeting a guy she follows on youTube, has a couple crazy challenges to overcome and help with...cute story and fun characters I enjoyed. The main guy was a gentleman and I enjoyed watching the cute meet.
Rating: 4 stars
Deal Breakers ~ by Heather Tullis
Collette is in trouble. She's stranded at the airport in a snowstorm. Her sister needs her but there's no way to get back to her when all flights are cancelled. While sitting pondering what to do, what should she see...or rather who???? Coming off a flight is none other than the man who's heart she broke and whom she can't stop thinking about. What if she had chosen differently and they both had reacted differently? Would they have made it work? Now she's stuck in the airport with him and that giant looming question of why did she do what she did? Can they work past their past? What happens when the weather clears and they are free to fly off to their separate destinations? Card games, gummy worms, M&Ms, trail mix, tacos, books, kids, second chances, a wedding(not the MC's wedding), sickness, humor and so much more is part of this book. I enjoyed it, a fun and cute read about forgiving and letting going to move forward...whether together or separately..... I'll let you read to find out.
Rating: 4 stars
Hey, Helen! ~ by Sarah M. Eden
Super fun and cute!!! What's not to love about a secret love and an advice columnist being the one you love! You could write all kinds of questions anonymously, get answers that help and not be discovered...that is until you are ready to reveal your true feelings. Helen is the writer and her neighbor is the one in love with her. I really enjoyed all the silly Valentine's questions she was asked, I really liked the way she answered them as well. Plenty of good advice with a touch of sass! I can't help but say that this was the perfect novella to end the collection with! It will leave you with a sweet, lighthearted feeling and lots of laughs!
Rating: 5 stars
Content: Overall this was a great clean read. In one of the stories, due to some crazy circumstances, a character ends up in just her underwear. She's the only one around...at first and more crazy circumstances happen. It was written clean and made the situation funny. Sweet and swoony kisses. <3
I received a copy from the publisher, all thoughts and opinions within the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
February 7, 2017
These Timeless Romance anthologies are always fun. I like how each anthology picks a certain theme and all the stories come up with fun ways to weave that theme into their stories. They always turn out to be so unique. I was especially excited when I saw this would be a Valentine Theme, I love Valentines Day and was excited to have some fun stories with this worked in. Each was unique and I liked that the Valentine theme wasn't over done. Overall, I thought the stories were cute. I liked them all, but my favorites were probably Janette Rallison and Heather B. Moore.
If you're a fan of contemporary romance this is an anthology you don't want to miss.
Content: Clean
If you're a fan of contemporary romance this is an anthology you don't want to miss.
Content: Clean
May 7, 2017
After reading some deep historical novels, this novella collection of light contemporary romances was just what I needed! It made me smile, giggle, and get swoony (I've recently decided this is the best way to describe that butterflies/toe curling feeling when the romantic moments are really touching). I'm always impressed that the stories in the Timeless Romance Anthologies are so creative and varied. Here's what I thought of each...
A BRUSH WITH THE LAW by Janette Rallison
So. Funny. This is the one that made me giggle and think, "Girl, what are you thinking?!" Bethany has a great sense of humor to deal with the mishaps that keep her in the sights of a local policeman.
EVERY OCCASION by Heather B. Moore
The chemistry is hot in this one! Maurie has a good perspective on life and her dysfunctional childhood, but that doesn't make returning home less painful. Grant was the one light in her youth but he has a confession of his own to make... great tension and backstories to make the characters vulnerable with each other.
HOLD YOUR BREATH by Jenny Proctor
I haven't read anything by Jenny Proctor before but this definitely won't be the last! I loved the determination of Kayla to stick to her plan of no dating while training for the Olympics, and Nate's equal resolve to not let her get away. They had fantastic chemistry and charming banter.
THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE by Annette Lyon
I missed the college roommate experience so this was a fun setting for me to read. Poor Sam gets blindsided but helping with an impromptu YouTube challenge gets her mind off the devastation. I felt like the story ended abruptly and I would have liked more of a wrap-up.
DEAL BREAKERS by Heather Tullis
I've always thought it would be fun to be stranded in an airport... even though I know that's crazy! This author's writing style included more telling than showing, which didn't help me connect with characters' emotions. A creative plot though!
HEY, HELEN! by Sarah M. Eden
One of my favorites of the collection, the secret love angle was so romantic and it was perfectly balanced with humor from Helen's column and compassion as she helps Neil take a difficult stand with some family issues. A strong story to end the anthology with, I finished with a big sigh of satisfaction :)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
A BRUSH WITH THE LAW by Janette Rallison
So. Funny. This is the one that made me giggle and think, "Girl, what are you thinking?!" Bethany has a great sense of humor to deal with the mishaps that keep her in the sights of a local policeman.
EVERY OCCASION by Heather B. Moore
The chemistry is hot in this one! Maurie has a good perspective on life and her dysfunctional childhood, but that doesn't make returning home less painful. Grant was the one light in her youth but he has a confession of his own to make... great tension and backstories to make the characters vulnerable with each other.
HOLD YOUR BREATH by Jenny Proctor
I haven't read anything by Jenny Proctor before but this definitely won't be the last! I loved the determination of Kayla to stick to her plan of no dating while training for the Olympics, and Nate's equal resolve to not let her get away. They had fantastic chemistry and charming banter.
THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE by Annette Lyon
I missed the college roommate experience so this was a fun setting for me to read. Poor Sam gets blindsided but helping with an impromptu YouTube challenge gets her mind off the devastation. I felt like the story ended abruptly and I would have liked more of a wrap-up.
DEAL BREAKERS by Heather Tullis
I've always thought it would be fun to be stranded in an airport... even though I know that's crazy! This author's writing style included more telling than showing, which didn't help me connect with characters' emotions. A creative plot though!
HEY, HELEN! by Sarah M. Eden
One of my favorites of the collection, the secret love angle was so romantic and it was perfectly balanced with humor from Helen's column and compassion as she helps Neil take a difficult stand with some family issues. A strong story to end the anthology with, I finished with a big sigh of satisfaction :)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
February 17, 2017
I absolutely loved each and every single story in this collection! The book starts off with a bang with A BRUSH WITH THE LAW. This is the most embarrassing story I've ever read!! I was blushing and giggling for a good chunk of the story and my husband was looking at me strangely. Although embarrassing, it's really sweet and I love the romance and the way it all came together in an unexpected way.
EVERY OCCASION is a tender and heartwarming story. Who wouldn't love to have another chance with a crush from the past? Maurie and Grant's story is the perfect mix of overcoming hardships and learning not to misjudge.
I'm not very athletic, but I sure love a story about those who are dedicated to sports, especially on an Olympic level. HOLD YOUR BREATH not only gives swimmer, Kayla, another chance at the Olympics, but also a chance at love--with a high school crush. Nate is just persistent enough to wedge his way into my heart...and into hers.
THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE left me almost screaming, "NOOOOO!!!" I didn't want it to end yet and wanted to know how things really played out. Sam gets the shock of her life...at a laundromat...on Valentine's Day...but luckily, a celebrity, of sorts, is there to pick up the pieces. When an internet challenge pushes Sam into the limelight, she goes with the flow and the romance is swoony.
I can't imagine being snowed in at an airport, but that's what happens in DEAL BREAKERS. Years earlier, Colette chose another man over Drew, but now he just might have a chance with her. I loved how over the course of a day or so, this couple gets reacquainted in a way they never imagined. Sometimes, love is all about the right timing.
Sometimes, it would be nice to be able to say what you want to people who are looking for advice and that's just what Helen gets to do with her advice column, HEY HELEN! Her long-time neighbor and friend, Neil, uses this as a chance to get his true feelings out there. I love a neighbors-turned to-romance story and this one delivers in a great way.
Content: Each story has the common Valentine's Day theme, yet is so unique and different. I went from laughing to feeling teary eyed to having my heart touched to cheering on many great couples. Each story has some clean kissing and the first story, due to unfortunate and hilarious circumstances, as a character that finds herself in her underwear. These are perfect reads for the season of love...or for anytime.
*I received a complimentary copy, which didn't affect my thoughts and opinions in any way.*
EVERY OCCASION is a tender and heartwarming story. Who wouldn't love to have another chance with a crush from the past? Maurie and Grant's story is the perfect mix of overcoming hardships and learning not to misjudge.
I'm not very athletic, but I sure love a story about those who are dedicated to sports, especially on an Olympic level. HOLD YOUR BREATH not only gives swimmer, Kayla, another chance at the Olympics, but also a chance at love--with a high school crush. Nate is just persistent enough to wedge his way into my heart...and into hers.
THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE left me almost screaming, "NOOOOO!!!" I didn't want it to end yet and wanted to know how things really played out. Sam gets the shock of her life...at a laundromat...on Valentine's Day...but luckily, a celebrity, of sorts, is there to pick up the pieces. When an internet challenge pushes Sam into the limelight, she goes with the flow and the romance is swoony.
I can't imagine being snowed in at an airport, but that's what happens in DEAL BREAKERS. Years earlier, Colette chose another man over Drew, but now he just might have a chance with her. I loved how over the course of a day or so, this couple gets reacquainted in a way they never imagined. Sometimes, love is all about the right timing.
Sometimes, it would be nice to be able to say what you want to people who are looking for advice and that's just what Helen gets to do with her advice column, HEY HELEN! Her long-time neighbor and friend, Neil, uses this as a chance to get his true feelings out there. I love a neighbors-turned to-romance story and this one delivers in a great way.
Content: Each story has the common Valentine's Day theme, yet is so unique and different. I went from laughing to feeling teary eyed to having my heart touched to cheering on many great couples. Each story has some clean kissing and the first story, due to unfortunate and hilarious circumstances, as a character that finds herself in her underwear. These are perfect reads for the season of love...or for anytime.
*I received a complimentary copy, which didn't affect my thoughts and opinions in any way.*
February 6, 2017
I love these Timeless Romance Anthology books. They are so fun. What could be better than a collection of romance books by your favorite authors?! For me, not much.
February 4, 2017
There are times when a girl just needs a quick fix to some good swooning romance. The short sweet novellas in Valentine’s Day Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology Book 19) did just that. Every one of them had something different to add to the dreaded day of Valentine’s. I could personally relate to many of the experiences in each story.
In A Brush with the Law, Bethany gets set up on a blind date while all her friends are away with their significant others. While getting ready for the date, she runs into one mishap after another. I honestly could not stop laughing! I started feeling so bad for her but still could not stop laughing at her misfortune. I absolutely loved this story!
Every Occasion is about Maurie. She has had her ups and downs in life but found success when she moved back to her hometown. While preparing to open a shop, she hires Grant to do some remodeling on her mother’s home. Between the two of them they learn about love and forgiveness for their past. I enjoyed Every Occasion. I felt it was longer than the other novellas in the book which I really enjoyed. I was able to feel their pains and felt so happy when they found true happiness in their lives.
I found Hold Your Breath a fun read. Kayla comes home to visit, but she still needs to continue her training for the Olympic Swim tryouts. While home, she discovers her long time high school crush, Nate is now her sister’s swim coach. Together they work through fears of the past to have a successful swimming future. My favorite character in this story was Nate. I loved watching him overcoming his trials and find success within himself.
In The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge, Sam has celebrating Valentine’s Day down to the minute. That is until she receives a call from her boyfriend. After expecting him to “pop the question” , he certainly gives her a big surprise. Fortunately the stranger in the Laundromat is there to help her deal with her surprise. I really admired Sam and her courage to face the news that was thrown at her. I love how she is able to pull herself out of sad situation and find joy in helping another.
Deal Breakers shows poor Collette show winds up stranded snowed in at the airport. Little does she know that she’ll run into former boyfriend, Drew, who has also become stranded. She finds she still cares for Drew but his heart was broken years before by her selfish actions. Again, Drew was my favorite character in this story. He is sweet and funny but is not afraid to speak his mind.
Hey! Helen is a advice column written by Helen and her upcoming questions deal with Valentine’s Day. She enlists the help from her neighbor, Neil, and together they figure out what the perfect Valentine’s Day would be. Meanwhile, Neil has his own struggles of his own that he must face. I loved how I felt I had more background in this story. It was a bit longer and I was able to enjoy each other the characters.
All in all, I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs something short and sweet. These are fun clean stories that will bring a smile to face and a fluttering in your heart.
-Please note I received a copy to review. All opinions are my own
In A Brush with the Law, Bethany gets set up on a blind date while all her friends are away with their significant others. While getting ready for the date, she runs into one mishap after another. I honestly could not stop laughing! I started feeling so bad for her but still could not stop laughing at her misfortune. I absolutely loved this story!
Every Occasion is about Maurie. She has had her ups and downs in life but found success when she moved back to her hometown. While preparing to open a shop, she hires Grant to do some remodeling on her mother’s home. Between the two of them they learn about love and forgiveness for their past. I enjoyed Every Occasion. I felt it was longer than the other novellas in the book which I really enjoyed. I was able to feel their pains and felt so happy when they found true happiness in their lives.
I found Hold Your Breath a fun read. Kayla comes home to visit, but she still needs to continue her training for the Olympic Swim tryouts. While home, she discovers her long time high school crush, Nate is now her sister’s swim coach. Together they work through fears of the past to have a successful swimming future. My favorite character in this story was Nate. I loved watching him overcoming his trials and find success within himself.
In The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge, Sam has celebrating Valentine’s Day down to the minute. That is until she receives a call from her boyfriend. After expecting him to “pop the question” , he certainly gives her a big surprise. Fortunately the stranger in the Laundromat is there to help her deal with her surprise. I really admired Sam and her courage to face the news that was thrown at her. I love how she is able to pull herself out of sad situation and find joy in helping another.
Deal Breakers shows poor Collette show winds up stranded snowed in at the airport. Little does she know that she’ll run into former boyfriend, Drew, who has also become stranded. She finds she still cares for Drew but his heart was broken years before by her selfish actions. Again, Drew was my favorite character in this story. He is sweet and funny but is not afraid to speak his mind.
Hey! Helen is a advice column written by Helen and her upcoming questions deal with Valentine’s Day. She enlists the help from her neighbor, Neil, and together they figure out what the perfect Valentine’s Day would be. Meanwhile, Neil has his own struggles of his own that he must face. I loved how I felt I had more background in this story. It was a bit longer and I was able to enjoy each other the characters.
All in all, I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs something short and sweet. These are fun clean stories that will bring a smile to face and a fluttering in your heart.
-Please note I received a copy to review. All opinions are my own
April 4, 2017
Love should be celebrated every day of the year, not only on Valentine's Day. That is why I don't have a problem reading this book out of season. :)
This book is an anthology of short stories. Each story gives a short glimpse into the characters falling in love. There isn't a conclusion, it is a snapshot of one day or a week or two. I found a lot of humor in the stories and cringe worthy moments. The characters embarrassment made me laugh and kept me wanting more.
I started this book in the evening and kept on reading long past my bedtime. When my tablet's battery died at 12:30, I pulled out my phone so I could continue. I read until I couldn't keep my eyes open and then promptly started my day by finishing the book. I would have happily stayed in my pajamas all day and continue reading, but the book ended.
I'm not going to give a break down of every story. I will tell you that all of them are excellent. I do have a favorite moment in a story. You can't resist the embarrassment of a lady breaking and entering in her underwear and being hauled into the police station. It may sound a little cheesy, but it was hilarious, you need to read it to find out why. (If only I were an author and thought of something like that! But I am happy to be a reader instead and leave the creativity to the people who write well.) In spite of the underwear incident, it is a clean book with kissing.
This is a fantastic read for any time of the year. You could grab a copy now and savor it on the holiday, but I think you should read it now and then re-read it on Valentines Day.
Source: I received a copy from eBooks for Review.
This book is an anthology of short stories. Each story gives a short glimpse into the characters falling in love. There isn't a conclusion, it is a snapshot of one day or a week or two. I found a lot of humor in the stories and cringe worthy moments. The characters embarrassment made me laugh and kept me wanting more.
I started this book in the evening and kept on reading long past my bedtime. When my tablet's battery died at 12:30, I pulled out my phone so I could continue. I read until I couldn't keep my eyes open and then promptly started my day by finishing the book. I would have happily stayed in my pajamas all day and continue reading, but the book ended.
I'm not going to give a break down of every story. I will tell you that all of them are excellent. I do have a favorite moment in a story. You can't resist the embarrassment of a lady breaking and entering in her underwear and being hauled into the police station. It may sound a little cheesy, but it was hilarious, you need to read it to find out why. (If only I were an author and thought of something like that! But I am happy to be a reader instead and leave the creativity to the people who write well.) In spite of the underwear incident, it is a clean book with kissing.
This is a fantastic read for any time of the year. You could grab a copy now and savor it on the holiday, but I think you should read it now and then re-read it on Valentines Day.
Source: I received a copy from eBooks for Review.
February 4, 2017
Valentine's Day Collection is the 19th installment from the Timeless Romance Anthology series. This installment includes the following six contemporary romance novellas:
A Brush With the Law by Janette Rallison
Every Occasion by Heather B Moore
Hold Your Breath by Jenny Proctor
The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge by Annette Lyon
Deal Breakers by Heather Tullis
Hey, Helen! By Sarah M Eden
These are great stories. I loved the stories by Heather B Moore, Annette Lyon, and Sarah M Eden and happy to find three new to me authors to read in the future.
Highly recommended.
5+ stars
A Brush With the Law by Janette Rallison
Every Occasion by Heather B Moore
Hold Your Breath by Jenny Proctor
The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge by Annette Lyon
Deal Breakers by Heather Tullis
Hey, Helen! By Sarah M Eden
These are great stories. I loved the stories by Heather B Moore, Annette Lyon, and Sarah M Eden and happy to find three new to me authors to read in the future.
Highly recommended.
5+ stars
did-not-finish
February 8, 2024I started this collection and quickly realized this was not for me. The first story was unnecessarily awkward and crude.
Just not my kind of story
Just not my kind of story
March 26, 2017
4.5 Stars
The VALENTINE'S DAY COLLECTION was a fun, sweet, and entertaining read from beginning to end! Full of heartwarming stories and happily-ever-afters perfect for the holiday and any time readers are looking for some stories to lift the heart.
A BRUSH WITH THE LAW by Janette Rallison: I love the humor this author always weaves through her stories. This one was full of laugh-out-loud moments, crazy situations, and endearingly sweet romance. A favorite from this collection and a story I plan on re-reading many times.
EVERY OCCASION by Heather B. Moore: This story had lots of chemistry mixed with lots of heartfelt moments. I loved the balance between some past sad memories, where the characters are in the present, and the possibility of what they're future could hold. Another lovely story.
HOLD YOUR BREATH by Jenny Proctor: This story was just pure enjoyment. I loved the characters, the teasing, the flirting, and this seriously great guy who put his heart out there. Another favorite.
THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE by Annette Lyon: This started off all fun, took a stop at some serious heartbreak, and involved a sweet guy who sees Sam as she really is—something to be treasured. Another story I plan on re-reading.
DEAL BREAKERS by Heather Tullis: This was a really sweet story. I didn't feel the chemistry or love the dialogue as much as the other stories. I think the way the characters still had some issues and were a little dramatic about stuff they should have been over a long time ago was one thing that didn't quite work with me. Otherwise, still an enjoyable story.
HEY, HELEN! by Sarah M. Eden: This was a crazy, sweet, adorable story! I loved the characters and I loved how Neil tried to figure out how to let Helen know how he felt. There was quite a bit of drama, but I loved the sweet moments and dialogue the most. Another great story!
In the end, was it what I wished for? Yes. Sweet, adorable, and fun romance. If you enjoy chick-lit or sweet romance, this is a great collection to grab!
Content: Clean
Source: Received a complimentary copy from the author, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.
This review originally appeared on Wishful Endings.
The VALENTINE'S DAY COLLECTION was a fun, sweet, and entertaining read from beginning to end! Full of heartwarming stories and happily-ever-afters perfect for the holiday and any time readers are looking for some stories to lift the heart.
A BRUSH WITH THE LAW by Janette Rallison: I love the humor this author always weaves through her stories. This one was full of laugh-out-loud moments, crazy situations, and endearingly sweet romance. A favorite from this collection and a story I plan on re-reading many times.
EVERY OCCASION by Heather B. Moore: This story had lots of chemistry mixed with lots of heartfelt moments. I loved the balance between some past sad memories, where the characters are in the present, and the possibility of what they're future could hold. Another lovely story.
HOLD YOUR BREATH by Jenny Proctor: This story was just pure enjoyment. I loved the characters, the teasing, the flirting, and this seriously great guy who put his heart out there. Another favorite.
THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE by Annette Lyon: This started off all fun, took a stop at some serious heartbreak, and involved a sweet guy who sees Sam as she really is—something to be treasured. Another story I plan on re-reading.
DEAL BREAKERS by Heather Tullis: This was a really sweet story. I didn't feel the chemistry or love the dialogue as much as the other stories. I think the way the characters still had some issues and were a little dramatic about stuff they should have been over a long time ago was one thing that didn't quite work with me. Otherwise, still an enjoyable story.
HEY, HELEN! by Sarah M. Eden: This was a crazy, sweet, adorable story! I loved the characters and I loved how Neil tried to figure out how to let Helen know how he felt. There was quite a bit of drama, but I loved the sweet moments and dialogue the most. Another great story!
In the end, was it what I wished for? Yes. Sweet, adorable, and fun romance. If you enjoy chick-lit or sweet romance, this is a great collection to grab!
Content: Clean
Source: Received a complimentary copy from the author, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.
This review originally appeared on Wishful Endings.
February 2, 2017
Loved all the stories. Each one is completely different from the others. A BRUSH WITH THE LAW was funny--poor Bethany had the worst day. EVERY OCCASION is about Maurie who moves back to her childhood home and meets up with Grant, a friend from years before. HOLD YOUR BREATH has Kayla, who's training for the summer olympics and doesn't want the distraction of a relationship before the upcoming trials. Can Nate change her mind? THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE was totally different than I expected but it was one of my favorites--I was so caught up in the story I was shocked when it ended. Sam (short for Samatha) expects her boyfriend to propose on Valentine's Day, but when he calls he delivers totally surprising and shocking news. Fortunately her night gets better. DEAL BREAKERS takes place in an airport during a snowstorm where Collette and Drew run into each other 10 years after breaking up. HEY HELEN! is about neighbors, Helen and Neil, who are best friends but Neil wants to move out of the friend-zone.
All are clean romances. I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
All are clean romances. I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2017
3.5 stars
When I saw that Janette Rallison had a story in this collection, I knew I was going to read it. And hers was by far my favorite of the bunch! But I thoroughly enjoyed all six stories, which were full of fun and laughter. The mix of heroines go through a variety of set ups on their way to falling in love. From getting hauled to jail, getting snowed in at the airport, and practicing for Olympic swimming, to writing advice columns, reigniting old crushes, and even doing the laundry, I giggled and swooned my way through. These stories are very short actually, but sometimes all you want is a quick, easy read guaranteed to make you smile, you know? These were perfect for that! :)
When I saw that Janette Rallison had a story in this collection, I knew I was going to read it. And hers was by far my favorite of the bunch! But I thoroughly enjoyed all six stories, which were full of fun and laughter. The mix of heroines go through a variety of set ups on their way to falling in love. From getting hauled to jail, getting snowed in at the airport, and practicing for Olympic swimming, to writing advice columns, reigniting old crushes, and even doing the laundry, I giggled and swooned my way through. These stories are very short actually, but sometimes all you want is a quick, easy read guaranteed to make you smile, you know? These were perfect for that! :)
February 1, 2017
Oh my goodness! I loved this whole collection! It's amazing, I loved the contemporary modern feel and each of the novella's had something that drew me in from the very beginning! Let's talk a little bit about each of the novellas in this one.
Janette Rallison's A BRUSH WITH THE LAW was a great start to this one. One of my very favorites in this collection, although how do you pick just one favorite???? Bethany was a great character and all of the issues she had in this one made me laugh, I think I spent a good chunk of this one laughing. This one is told just from Bethany's perspective and that might be a really good thing, I can't even imagine what the officer would have been thinking when he found her in a compromising situation after he'd already pulled her over. So stinking funny!
Heather B Moore's EVERY OCCASION is next. I liked both Maurie and Grant in this one. I loved that they had some history, and I loved the way Grant was concerned about Maurie and just how her life had turned out. He was so worried that he'd ruined her life when she was a teenager. Maurie was adaptable and she was able to move on from her rough start in life and become a functioning adult. This was a cute one, I loved the ending!
HOLD YOUR BREATH by Jenny Proctor was a fun one too! This one features Kayla and Nate. I really liked that you saw both of their points of view in this one, that becomes crucial later in the book because you understand why Kayla doesn't want any relationship and why Nate feels like they are so important. This one was a fun swimming themed story, Kayla's working so hard to make it to the Olympics, and Nate has already had one brush with them. I liked Kayla's family too, especially her younger sister, who's basically the whole reason Nate and Kayla ever had a chance. Loved this fun novella!
THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE by Annette Lyon was really a fun one to me. I loved the way Sam and her friends had a special anti-Valentine's Day tradition. And I had to laugh when Sam was getting ready to skip out on it because her boyfriend was going to be calling to ask her something. And when I finally found out what he wanted to ask her, I kind of laughed a bit more, just because the whole premise of this one has been something that we've talked about a bit this lately, so funny! Anyway, I really liked Connor in this one, he's a gentleman, working hard to help Sam and not terrify her. And I liked the whole premise of the challenge between him and Trevor. This one was so cute!
Heather Tullis' DEAL BREAKERS was fun too. I never would have thought to place a romance story in the airport with a bunch of people who are stuck for who knows how long before their flights will leave, and I thought the whole plot worked really well. Colette was such a great character, I loved her loyalty and concern for her sister going through chemo. I loved Drew too, he was really fun to "watch" with the kids stuck near them in the airport as well as with Colette. He was always looking out for someone before himself. Such a great story!
Sarah M Eden's HEY HELEN! was an awesome conclusion to this collection. I loved Helen and her neighbor Neil. This one was really fun because Helen's an advice columnist and Neil is her sounding board for her articles. I loved the way she really can't live without him, but she doesn't really think about anything beyond that. He was fun too! I loved the way he went out of his way to ask a question about her, but still hide it from her until the very end. His parents are pretty funny too! Always fighting and making Neil be in the middle of their battles. My favorite scene in this one is when they show up and start fighting in his apartment and Helen saves the day. So cute!
You don't want to miss this great collection, it's perfect to read at this time of the year!
Janette Rallison's A BRUSH WITH THE LAW was a great start to this one. One of my very favorites in this collection, although how do you pick just one favorite???? Bethany was a great character and all of the issues she had in this one made me laugh, I think I spent a good chunk of this one laughing. This one is told just from Bethany's perspective and that might be a really good thing, I can't even imagine what the officer would have been thinking when he found her in a compromising situation after he'd already pulled her over. So stinking funny!
Heather B Moore's EVERY OCCASION is next. I liked both Maurie and Grant in this one. I loved that they had some history, and I loved the way Grant was concerned about Maurie and just how her life had turned out. He was so worried that he'd ruined her life when she was a teenager. Maurie was adaptable and she was able to move on from her rough start in life and become a functioning adult. This was a cute one, I loved the ending!
HOLD YOUR BREATH by Jenny Proctor was a fun one too! This one features Kayla and Nate. I really liked that you saw both of their points of view in this one, that becomes crucial later in the book because you understand why Kayla doesn't want any relationship and why Nate feels like they are so important. This one was a fun swimming themed story, Kayla's working so hard to make it to the Olympics, and Nate has already had one brush with them. I liked Kayla's family too, especially her younger sister, who's basically the whole reason Nate and Kayla ever had a chance. Loved this fun novella!
THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE by Annette Lyon was really a fun one to me. I loved the way Sam and her friends had a special anti-Valentine's Day tradition. And I had to laugh when Sam was getting ready to skip out on it because her boyfriend was going to be calling to ask her something. And when I finally found out what he wanted to ask her, I kind of laughed a bit more, just because the whole premise of this one has been something that we've talked about a bit this lately, so funny! Anyway, I really liked Connor in this one, he's a gentleman, working hard to help Sam and not terrify her. And I liked the whole premise of the challenge between him and Trevor. This one was so cute!
Heather Tullis' DEAL BREAKERS was fun too. I never would have thought to place a romance story in the airport with a bunch of people who are stuck for who knows how long before their flights will leave, and I thought the whole plot worked really well. Colette was such a great character, I loved her loyalty and concern for her sister going through chemo. I loved Drew too, he was really fun to "watch" with the kids stuck near them in the airport as well as with Colette. He was always looking out for someone before himself. Such a great story!
Sarah M Eden's HEY HELEN! was an awesome conclusion to this collection. I loved Helen and her neighbor Neil. This one was really fun because Helen's an advice columnist and Neil is her sounding board for her articles. I loved the way she really can't live without him, but she doesn't really think about anything beyond that. He was fun too! I loved the way he went out of his way to ask a question about her, but still hide it from her until the very end. His parents are pretty funny too! Always fighting and making Neil be in the middle of their battles. My favorite scene in this one is when they show up and start fighting in his apartment and Helen saves the day. So cute!
You don't want to miss this great collection, it's perfect to read at this time of the year!
February 14, 2017
I don't know if I can adequately state how much I loved this collection! I would pay five dollars for Janette Rallison's story alone!
A Brush with the Law by Janette Rallison
Janette Rallison has a talent for embarassing her poor heroine's, and Bethany, the main character in this story is not an exception. Bethany is painting a mural for a couple who are out of town. I don't want to give away the plot, because it is hilarious. Suffice it to say, Bethany has not one, but two run-ins with the police, including the good looking Officer Hansen, and a blind date. Not an auspicious start to her Valentine's day!
This was my favorite story in the collection! It had me laughing outloud on an airplane, and grinning like a crazy person.
Every Occasion by Heather B. Moore
Maurie is returning back to her old hometown after inheriting her mother's house. She and her kooky best friend Taffy are also opening a store called Every Occasion. When Maurie hires a handman to do some renovations for her, she meets a blast from her past, in her old friend Grant.
Hold Your Breath by Jenny Proctor
Hold Your Breath may just take the spot for my second favorite story. Kayla Phillips is training for the Olympics. She messed up in the previous Olympic trial, and is determined not to let herself be distracted again. Then she meets Nate Hanson, her old high school crush, and her sister Bridget's swimming coach. Can she keep her distance, and why did she want to?
I loved the details about competitive swimming, and found myself wanting to watch the Olympics. Although, I think if I did, I would be disappointed that Kayla and Nate weren't competing. They felt that real!
The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge by Annette Lyon
Samantha McKinley is on a late night laundry run, anticipating a proposal from her boyfriend in the morning, on Valentine's day. Instead she gets dumped, but also meets Connor Wynn, who happens to star on her favorite YouTube channel. Connor is in the midst of The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge with Trevor (a total jerk and fellow YouTuber) and needs Samantha's help. This was a fun story, with the competition moving the story along. I wanted more!
Deal Breakers by Heather Tullis
Colette is stranded at the airport during a storm. She sees her old friend Drew, and finally has the chance to clear the air. Drew wanted to date her, but she didn't realize it until she was dating Nick, who happened to be a jerk. For years, Colette has been the girl who got away, and Drew has been Colette's one regret. Maybe this storm will give them a second chance.
Hey, Helen! By Sarah Eden
I love Sarah Eden. I am also a fan of kissing in my clean romance. This story was impressive in that I still loved it, even without my requisite kiss by the end.
Helen and Neil are neighbors. Helen writes an advice column Hey, Helen, and Neil is in accounting. Many nights they work together side by side. They were a great example of a romance building on friendships. I loved the way that Neil and Helen helped and supported each other through their problems and insecurities.
Overall, this was one of my favorite Timeless Romance Anthologies. There wasn't a single story that I didn't like, and a few that stood out as my favorite novellas of the year. This is a great collection full of chance meetings, reuniting, competition, and romance, all centered on Valentine's day. Whether you are for or against Valentine's day, this collection will make you laugh and sigh.
Content: clean (some kissing, no language, no violence)
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
A Brush with the Law by Janette Rallison
Janette Rallison has a talent for embarassing her poor heroine's, and Bethany, the main character in this story is not an exception. Bethany is painting a mural for a couple who are out of town. I don't want to give away the plot, because it is hilarious. Suffice it to say, Bethany has not one, but two run-ins with the police, including the good looking Officer Hansen, and a blind date. Not an auspicious start to her Valentine's day!
This was my favorite story in the collection! It had me laughing outloud on an airplane, and grinning like a crazy person.
Every Occasion by Heather B. Moore
Maurie is returning back to her old hometown after inheriting her mother's house. She and her kooky best friend Taffy are also opening a store called Every Occasion. When Maurie hires a handman to do some renovations for her, she meets a blast from her past, in her old friend Grant.
Hold Your Breath by Jenny Proctor
Hold Your Breath may just take the spot for my second favorite story. Kayla Phillips is training for the Olympics. She messed up in the previous Olympic trial, and is determined not to let herself be distracted again. Then she meets Nate Hanson, her old high school crush, and her sister Bridget's swimming coach. Can she keep her distance, and why did she want to?
I loved the details about competitive swimming, and found myself wanting to watch the Olympics. Although, I think if I did, I would be disappointed that Kayla and Nate weren't competing. They felt that real!
The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge by Annette Lyon
Samantha McKinley is on a late night laundry run, anticipating a proposal from her boyfriend in the morning, on Valentine's day. Instead she gets dumped, but also meets Connor Wynn, who happens to star on her favorite YouTube channel. Connor is in the midst of The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge with Trevor (a total jerk and fellow YouTuber) and needs Samantha's help. This was a fun story, with the competition moving the story along. I wanted more!
Deal Breakers by Heather Tullis
Colette is stranded at the airport during a storm. She sees her old friend Drew, and finally has the chance to clear the air. Drew wanted to date her, but she didn't realize it until she was dating Nick, who happened to be a jerk. For years, Colette has been the girl who got away, and Drew has been Colette's one regret. Maybe this storm will give them a second chance.
Hey, Helen! By Sarah Eden
I love Sarah Eden. I am also a fan of kissing in my clean romance. This story was impressive in that I still loved it, even without my requisite kiss by the end.
Helen and Neil are neighbors. Helen writes an advice column Hey, Helen, and Neil is in accounting. Many nights they work together side by side. They were a great example of a romance building on friendships. I loved the way that Neil and Helen helped and supported each other through their problems and insecurities.
Overall, this was one of my favorite Timeless Romance Anthologies. There wasn't a single story that I didn't like, and a few that stood out as my favorite novellas of the year. This is a great collection full of chance meetings, reuniting, competition, and romance, all centered on Valentine's day. Whether you are for or against Valentine's day, this collection will make you laugh and sigh.
Content: clean (some kissing, no language, no violence)
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2017
Romance, clean
This was such a perfect read for me! More of a 4.5, but I rounded up. It really was a perfect collection of varied stories. I loved reading each of the novella's, and fun to see how each author created their own story, with beautiful details and back stories.
The first novella, was so cute, while I could tell where it was going, it was still funny. JR knows how to cleverly paint a lovely romance, but with humor and wit. Very cute attraction, would love to read the rest of their story! Bethany and James' 'meetings' were funny and clever, and a fun escape.
HM's "Every Occasion" Maurie's story of returning to her home town, and starting her own business to escape a failed relationship. Grant's failed relationship, and his past with Maurie have him hesitating to make contact with Maurie. Maurie's teenage crush on Grant, stirs up old memories. Repairing and updating her childhood home pulls them both together, and helps them both heal as they face the past and find their future. Genuine honest hearts, and lots of attraction, this was a lovely read.
JP "Hold Your Breath" was another cute novella, the clever way she pulled together Kayla and Nate, and had them 'fall' as they both trained for their dream made for a fun read. Another two honest hearts that came together. The intensity and desire for their Olympic dreams made for a great background story, and finding each other in the present when Kayla in particular crushed on Nate in the past made another part of the background story.
AL "The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge" was another fun premise. Sam and Connor's chance meeting, and the way they come together to help him with his 'challenge' was a cute read, and so fun that she was able to get a new chance for happiness after her boyfriend dumps her. Very fun premise and lovely fall!
HT "Deal Breakers" was another cute premise, people who knew each other in the past, and healing hearts. It was fun to read how they were able to talk about their past, and to see a future after being together in the present. Their kindness to the mother with her children, and the airport snow-in made for a fun fall and getting to know one another again.
SME "Hey Helen" novella, was again another fun fall. Two friends who are comfortable, and both realize there is something more there. As they both wish for more, and not sure how it will happen when they are friends. Neil's clever letters to Helen at her Newspaper advice column were a sweet way to bring them together. Neil's family situation, and Helen's work were clever foils to bring them together in a relationship, and get them out of the friend zone. Very sweet and clever fall.
Very nice collection, and very lovely HEA.
I was given a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This was such a perfect read for me! More of a 4.5, but I rounded up. It really was a perfect collection of varied stories. I loved reading each of the novella's, and fun to see how each author created their own story, with beautiful details and back stories.
The first novella, was so cute, while I could tell where it was going, it was still funny. JR knows how to cleverly paint a lovely romance, but with humor and wit. Very cute attraction, would love to read the rest of their story! Bethany and James' 'meetings' were funny and clever, and a fun escape.
HM's "Every Occasion" Maurie's story of returning to her home town, and starting her own business to escape a failed relationship. Grant's failed relationship, and his past with Maurie have him hesitating to make contact with Maurie. Maurie's teenage crush on Grant, stirs up old memories. Repairing and updating her childhood home pulls them both together, and helps them both heal as they face the past and find their future. Genuine honest hearts, and lots of attraction, this was a lovely read.
JP "Hold Your Breath" was another cute novella, the clever way she pulled together Kayla and Nate, and had them 'fall' as they both trained for their dream made for a fun read. Another two honest hearts that came together. The intensity and desire for their Olympic dreams made for a great background story, and finding each other in the present when Kayla in particular crushed on Nate in the past made another part of the background story.
AL "The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge" was another fun premise. Sam and Connor's chance meeting, and the way they come together to help him with his 'challenge' was a cute read, and so fun that she was able to get a new chance for happiness after her boyfriend dumps her. Very fun premise and lovely fall!
HT "Deal Breakers" was another cute premise, people who knew each other in the past, and healing hearts. It was fun to read how they were able to talk about their past, and to see a future after being together in the present. Their kindness to the mother with her children, and the airport snow-in made for a fun fall and getting to know one another again.
SME "Hey Helen" novella, was again another fun fall. Two friends who are comfortable, and both realize there is something more there. As they both wish for more, and not sure how it will happen when they are friends. Neil's clever letters to Helen at her Newspaper advice column were a sweet way to bring them together. Neil's family situation, and Helen's work were clever foils to bring them together in a relationship, and get them out of the friend zone. Very sweet and clever fall.
Very nice collection, and very lovely HEA.
I was given a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 8, 2020
Valentine's Day Collection
A Brush With the Law -Janette Rallison
-"It was going to be another great Valentine’s Day—at least for someone else." This is the opening sentence to Janette Rallison's story in this anthology. With a start like that, how can it go wrong? I love this author's humour that shines through her writing. Her stories are always clean, sharp, and so romantic! I love everything she writes. She has written in a wide variety of styles, showcasing her many talents. She had me laughing all the way through her quirky, hilarious tale. A very "heart"-y 5 stars!
Every Occasion - Heather B. Moore
A sweet story about a girl with a difficult past who moves home again. An old friend helps renovate her home and a friendship is rekindled - and something more. Nicely written. A gentle story. Lots of issues (neglect, abandonment, divorce, etc.) but told in a gentle, positive manner.
Hold Your Breath - Jenny Proctor
This was a new author for me and I really enjoyed her story about high school acquaintances who see each other again after several years. Great writing style and a very original storyline. I've never read a story about swim teams and Olympic athletes before. It was "refreshing". I will be seeking out more of her work after this.
The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge - Annette Lyon
A cute story about finding love in a strange place and under unexpected circumstances... Another very "different" storyline. Lots of fun to read. Very enjoyable.
Deal Breakers - Heather Tullis
Being stranded in an airport for two days might not be so bad - if you're stranded with the right person... A fun read about two college friends who reconnect and find they still have feelings for each other.
Hey, Helen! - Sarah M. Eden
A student/accountant finally manages to tell his neighbour/advice columnist friend that he's in love with her. This story was the perfect ending to the collection, with a little advice from the columnist for every reader. Sweet and squeaky clean.
This was a great anthology. I really enjoyed every one of the stories. They were all so different, each had its own style, creativity, and had something fun to contribute. I recommend this collection.
A Brush With the Law -Janette Rallison
-"It was going to be another great Valentine’s Day—at least for someone else." This is the opening sentence to Janette Rallison's story in this anthology. With a start like that, how can it go wrong? I love this author's humour that shines through her writing. Her stories are always clean, sharp, and so romantic! I love everything she writes. She has written in a wide variety of styles, showcasing her many talents. She had me laughing all the way through her quirky, hilarious tale. A very "heart"-y 5 stars!
Every Occasion - Heather B. Moore
A sweet story about a girl with a difficult past who moves home again. An old friend helps renovate her home and a friendship is rekindled - and something more. Nicely written. A gentle story. Lots of issues (neglect, abandonment, divorce, etc.) but told in a gentle, positive manner.
Hold Your Breath - Jenny Proctor
This was a new author for me and I really enjoyed her story about high school acquaintances who see each other again after several years. Great writing style and a very original storyline. I've never read a story about swim teams and Olympic athletes before. It was "refreshing". I will be seeking out more of her work after this.
The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge - Annette Lyon
A cute story about finding love in a strange place and under unexpected circumstances... Another very "different" storyline. Lots of fun to read. Very enjoyable.
Deal Breakers - Heather Tullis
Being stranded in an airport for two days might not be so bad - if you're stranded with the right person... A fun read about two college friends who reconnect and find they still have feelings for each other.
Hey, Helen! - Sarah M. Eden
A student/accountant finally manages to tell his neighbour/advice columnist friend that he's in love with her. This story was the perfect ending to the collection, with a little advice from the columnist for every reader. Sweet and squeaky clean.
This was a great anthology. I really enjoyed every one of the stories. They were all so different, each had its own style, creativity, and had something fun to contribute. I recommend this collection.
June 18, 2022
I love the Timeless Romance Anthologies!! It’s nice to have shorter stories that I can sit down and read when I don’t have long. I also enjoy finding new authors through the collections. And the thing I love the most – the authors are so talented and write such wonderful stories!!
The Valentine’s Day theme was so fun! I enjoyed each of these unique stories. I can see myself pulling this out each February for a little Valentine’s romance. *sigh*
A Brush with the Law by Janette Rallison
Talk about a bad Valentine’s Day!! So funny! I loved Bethany’s humor and the way she used it to help her deal with everything that was happening. Officer Hansen had such a good heart. I enjoyed the story, and the sweet ending.
Every Occasion by Heather B. Moore
I loved this second chance story! Maurie and Grant are both wonderful people that truly deserved happiness. And Trent was just adorable!
Hold Your Breath by Jenny Proctor
I really enjoyed this story! I loved the way Kayla and Nate helped each other and made each other better. This is the first thing I’ve read by Jenny Proctor. I would definitely read more by her.
The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge by Annette Lyon
This was a fun story! I really liked Sam. Her Valentine’s Day marathons sound epic. Connor is such a gentleman. I loved that he always wanted to make Sam feel comfortable. I wish this story had kept going. I wasn’t ready to leave them yet.
Deal Breakers by Heather Tullis
I’m so glad Colette got a second chance with Drew! I’m not sure how she let him go the first time. Of course, she isn’t either. :) I loved their interactions with the family at the airport. I was glad we got to see what happened after the airport, as well.
Hey, Helen! by Sarah M. Eden
I loved this story!! It was obvious what great friends Helen and Neil were. It was definitely time for the next step! I loved them both and loved the way things unfolded between them.
I received a complimentary copy of the book. I have given my honest opinion.
The Valentine’s Day theme was so fun! I enjoyed each of these unique stories. I can see myself pulling this out each February for a little Valentine’s romance. *sigh*
A Brush with the Law by Janette Rallison
Talk about a bad Valentine’s Day!! So funny! I loved Bethany’s humor and the way she used it to help her deal with everything that was happening. Officer Hansen had such a good heart. I enjoyed the story, and the sweet ending.
Every Occasion by Heather B. Moore
I loved this second chance story! Maurie and Grant are both wonderful people that truly deserved happiness. And Trent was just adorable!
Hold Your Breath by Jenny Proctor
I really enjoyed this story! I loved the way Kayla and Nate helped each other and made each other better. This is the first thing I’ve read by Jenny Proctor. I would definitely read more by her.
The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge by Annette Lyon
This was a fun story! I really liked Sam. Her Valentine’s Day marathons sound epic. Connor is such a gentleman. I loved that he always wanted to make Sam feel comfortable. I wish this story had kept going. I wasn’t ready to leave them yet.
Deal Breakers by Heather Tullis
I’m so glad Colette got a second chance with Drew! I’m not sure how she let him go the first time. Of course, she isn’t either. :) I loved their interactions with the family at the airport. I was glad we got to see what happened after the airport, as well.
Hey, Helen! by Sarah M. Eden
I loved this story!! It was obvious what great friends Helen and Neil were. It was definitely time for the next step! I loved them both and loved the way things unfolded between them.
I received a complimentary copy of the book. I have given my honest opinion.
February 5, 2017
This isn't a typical Valentine's Day!
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February 6, 2017
This was a fun Valentine's Day collection. These are some of my favorite authors and I loved the stories. I know these are all short stories, but most of them seemed to end really abruptly. Like I turned the page expecting a wrap-up chapter and it wasn't there.
But still fun stories that I would recommend.
Content: Clean
Source: Amazon.com
But still fun stories that I would recommend.
Content: Clean
Source: Amazon.com
February 2, 2017
I honestly think that this is the best anthology yet. There is something for everyone in here: blind dates, second chances, and old friendships becoming something more. Clean romance for grown-ups is a tricky genre, but this anthology hit all of the right notes.
February 7, 2017
I absolutely loved this collection of Valentine's stories! Each one is different yet equally good in the way it is written and how I could not seem to get enough! I could have easily read a full-length version of each story! I don't want to write a short novel for my review so just suffice it to say that you will not regret buying and reading this awesome collection! From laugh out loud funny to serious and emotional, each short story will have you wanting more! I received a copy of this book for free and I was not obligated to review the book.
February 10, 2017
I loved this collection of stories. I enjoyed all of them. The first one A Brush With The Law had me laughing out loud. Bethany's day was one crazy struck of bad luck after another. This story has a sweet ending that makes up for all the horrible bad luck Bethany endures.
The second story Every Occasion is about Maurie and a childhood friend Grant. Maurie has moved back to town after 8 years and is setting up a gift basket store and trying to repair her childhood home into a livable condition. Grant is who she hires to repair her home and the two discover a romance that was in the beginning stages in their youth.
Next is Hold Your Breath. Kayla is training for the Olympic swim team and doesn't want any distractions. When visiting her family she discovers her sister's swim coach is a guy she had a crush on in high school. Nate wants to date her but Kayla is afraid he will distract her from her goal of swimming in the Olympics. Can Nate convince her he won't be a distraction?
The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge is a fun story about life not turning out how you planned. Sam thinks her boyfriend is going to pop the question on Valentines. While in a laundromat at midnight Sam's boyfriend gives her shocking news about his engagement to someone else. Then Sam gets help from another person at the laundromat and her night takes a different direction that she could ever imagine.
Deal Breakers is about college sweethearts who run into each other years later at an airport that is snowed in. Collette regrets breaking up with Drew in college. Will she get a second chance?
Hey Helen! was a sweet romance about best friends falling in love. Helen writes a column for the paper. Neil wants to take the friendship to something more but he doesn't know how to tell Helen this. He writes in to her advice column and uses her advice to tell her he loves her on Valentines.
The second story Every Occasion is about Maurie and a childhood friend Grant. Maurie has moved back to town after 8 years and is setting up a gift basket store and trying to repair her childhood home into a livable condition. Grant is who she hires to repair her home and the two discover a romance that was in the beginning stages in their youth.
Next is Hold Your Breath. Kayla is training for the Olympic swim team and doesn't want any distractions. When visiting her family she discovers her sister's swim coach is a guy she had a crush on in high school. Nate wants to date her but Kayla is afraid he will distract her from her goal of swimming in the Olympics. Can Nate convince her he won't be a distraction?
The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge is a fun story about life not turning out how you planned. Sam thinks her boyfriend is going to pop the question on Valentines. While in a laundromat at midnight Sam's boyfriend gives her shocking news about his engagement to someone else. Then Sam gets help from another person at the laundromat and her night takes a different direction that she could ever imagine.
Deal Breakers is about college sweethearts who run into each other years later at an airport that is snowed in. Collette regrets breaking up with Drew in college. Will she get a second chance?
Hey Helen! was a sweet romance about best friends falling in love. Helen writes a column for the paper. Neil wants to take the friendship to something more but he doesn't know how to tell Helen this. He writes in to her advice column and uses her advice to tell her he loves her on Valentines.
March 4, 2017
I truly enjoyed this collection!! I have had a lot going on lately and haven't had a lot of time to read, so these short stories were perfect. They were light-hearted, fun, romantic, and well-done.
The first story, A Brush With the Law, by Janette Rallison was AWESOME! If you only read this collection for her story, it will be worth it. I was dying! It was so, so funny and cute. In fact, I stayed up way to late reading it and then the next morning and I told my mom and husband all about it because it was so memorable.
All of the stories were good. This anthology is packed with really experienced authors who write well-written stories. There are some great kisses and romantic moments.
I highly recommend this collection to all clean-romance lovers!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and my opinion is that this collection is great!
The first story, A Brush With the Law, by Janette Rallison was AWESOME! If you only read this collection for her story, it will be worth it. I was dying! It was so, so funny and cute. In fact, I stayed up way to late reading it and then the next morning and I told my mom and husband all about it because it was so memorable.
All of the stories were good. This anthology is packed with really experienced authors who write well-written stories. There are some great kisses and romantic moments.
I highly recommend this collection to all clean-romance lovers!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and my opinion is that this collection is great!
February 7, 2017
The first short story is by Janette Rallison called a Brush With the Law. She knows how to write a funny story. Her romances are so awkward and just fun.
2nd is Every Occasion by Heather Moore. This was a well developed story line with good characters.
3rd Hold your Breath by Jenny Proctor. As I read this one I was amazed how real it was. The author has a good grasp on reality and how to write it well.
4th The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge by Annette Lyon. This one was a little odd and harder to get into. The beginning took too long. I loved how it all came together in the end.
5th Deal Breakers by Heather Tollis. This was a sweet story about finding love again with the same person after messing up in younger years.
6th Hey Helen by Sarah Eden. Love Sarah's books. Always tender and always teach a good lesson. I think we would be friends, she writes like I think.
2nd is Every Occasion by Heather Moore. This was a well developed story line with good characters.
3rd Hold your Breath by Jenny Proctor. As I read this one I was amazed how real it was. The author has a good grasp on reality and how to write it well.
4th The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge by Annette Lyon. This one was a little odd and harder to get into. The beginning took too long. I loved how it all came together in the end.
5th Deal Breakers by Heather Tollis. This was a sweet story about finding love again with the same person after messing up in younger years.
6th Hey Helen by Sarah Eden. Love Sarah's books. Always tender and always teach a good lesson. I think we would be friends, she writes like I think.
February 21, 2017
Another great collection. Though this one was probably better quality overall. There weren't any stories that were 'meh.' I enjoyed all of them.
February 15, 2019
I particularly enjoyed the first one. A series of unfortunate events that had me laughing. From one accident-prone girl to a fictional one, I so relate!
February 1, 2017
A BRUSH WITH THE LAW by Janette Rallison
This story was laugh-out-loud hilarious. Poor Bethany just can't catch a break. Everything that could go wrong pretty much does. But somehow, she's able to keep her sense of humor through it all. I absolutely enjoyed every minute of this story.
EVERY OCCASION by Heather B. Moore
Maurie's story is not all lollipops and rainbows. She's had a rough life, but she's managed to have great business success and she's following that up with a brick-and-mortor store. The relationship between Maurie and Grant has depth that you don't normally find in a novella. A wonderful story for anytime of year.
HOLD YOUR BREATH by Jenny Proctor
The dream of swimming at the Olympics is the backdrop for this fun, energetic story. Kayla and Nate were on their high school swim team together, and now, several years later the Olympics are within Kayla's reach. She can't risk any distractions, but will the past repeat itself?
THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE by Annette Lyon
Sam believes she's reading the signs correctly and is anticipating a proposal from her long-time boyfriend, Steve. And even though Sam is cautiously optimistic, she still manages to be completely surprised and thrown for a veritable loop (multiple times) by how Valentine's Day actually turns out. Definitely a story for "Millennials."
DEAL BREAKERS by Heather Tullis
How do you make the best of being stuck in the Denver airport overnight? In Collette's case, Providence has intervened and she is able to spend the time with Drew (the guy whose heart she broke, but whom she still might love). A second-chance romance in an unusual setting makes for a fun story that left me wanting more.
HEY, HELEN! by Sarah M. Eden
How do you weight the risks of attempting to move out of the friend zone and into a dating relationship? When the friend in question is an advice columnist, you write her column a letter in hopes she doesn't realize it's you. Then you follow said advice. This was such a fun story! I loved Helen and Neil - I didn't like Neil's parents so much, but every story needs a little sour with the sweet. I'd love a peek into the future!
FYI~ All novellas are clean with these notes: there is one story with a homosexual character and a scene where a girl is caught outside in only her underwear.
honest disclosure~ I received a review copy from one of the authors.
This story was laugh-out-loud hilarious. Poor Bethany just can't catch a break. Everything that could go wrong pretty much does. But somehow, she's able to keep her sense of humor through it all. I absolutely enjoyed every minute of this story.
EVERY OCCASION by Heather B. Moore
Maurie's story is not all lollipops and rainbows. She's had a rough life, but she's managed to have great business success and she's following that up with a brick-and-mortor store. The relationship between Maurie and Grant has depth that you don't normally find in a novella. A wonderful story for anytime of year.
HOLD YOUR BREATH by Jenny Proctor
The dream of swimming at the Olympics is the backdrop for this fun, energetic story. Kayla and Nate were on their high school swim team together, and now, several years later the Olympics are within Kayla's reach. She can't risk any distractions, but will the past repeat itself?
THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE by Annette Lyon
Sam believes she's reading the signs correctly and is anticipating a proposal from her long-time boyfriend, Steve. And even though Sam is cautiously optimistic, she still manages to be completely surprised and thrown for a veritable loop (multiple times) by how Valentine's Day actually turns out. Definitely a story for "Millennials."
DEAL BREAKERS by Heather Tullis
How do you make the best of being stuck in the Denver airport overnight? In Collette's case, Providence has intervened and she is able to spend the time with Drew (the guy whose heart she broke, but whom she still might love). A second-chance romance in an unusual setting makes for a fun story that left me wanting more.
HEY, HELEN! by Sarah M. Eden
How do you weight the risks of attempting to move out of the friend zone and into a dating relationship? When the friend in question is an advice columnist, you write her column a letter in hopes she doesn't realize it's you. Then you follow said advice. This was such a fun story! I loved Helen and Neil - I didn't like Neil's parents so much, but every story needs a little sour with the sweet. I'd love a peek into the future!
FYI~ All novellas are clean with these notes: there is one story with a homosexual character and a scene where a girl is caught outside in only her underwear.
honest disclosure~ I received a review copy from one of the authors.
December 25, 2020
3.5 stars overall. Not my favorite collection but I still enjoyed it.
A Brush With the Law by Janette Rallison - 3.5 stars....Super cute story. Bethany experienced one unfortunate situation after another. She had an amazing sense of humor though and I loved the entire premise of the story.
Every Occasion by Heather B. Moore - 3 stars...Light, quick and fluffy.
Hold your Breath by Jenny Proctor - 3.5 stars....Nate and Kayla were adorable. I liked that Nate was so persistent and resilient. Really cute story.
The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge by Annette Lyon - 2.5 stars....I thought things happened a bit too quickly. This was basically a rebound story. Not a huge fan of those.
Deal Breakers by Heather Tullis - 3.5 stars....another sweet novella with a second chance at love trope.
Hey, Helen! By Sarah M. Eden - 4 stars....Always enjoy Mrs. Eden’s work. This was my favorite in the collection. I love a good friends to lovers trope.
Content: Squeaky clean, sweet kisses, no violence, no language.
A Brush With the Law by Janette Rallison - 3.5 stars....Super cute story. Bethany experienced one unfortunate situation after another. She had an amazing sense of humor though and I loved the entire premise of the story.
Every Occasion by Heather B. Moore - 3 stars...Light, quick and fluffy.
Hold your Breath by Jenny Proctor - 3.5 stars....Nate and Kayla were adorable. I liked that Nate was so persistent and resilient. Really cute story.
The Ultimate Bachelor Challenge by Annette Lyon - 2.5 stars....I thought things happened a bit too quickly. This was basically a rebound story. Not a huge fan of those.
Deal Breakers by Heather Tullis - 3.5 stars....another sweet novella with a second chance at love trope.
Hey, Helen! By Sarah M. Eden - 4 stars....Always enjoy Mrs. Eden’s work. This was my favorite in the collection. I love a good friends to lovers trope.
Content: Squeaky clean, sweet kisses, no violence, no language.
May 3, 2019
3.5 - A BRUSH WITH THE LAW by Janette Rallison
This was funny and embarrassing and borderline inappropriate - I would've died from mortification, literally. But fun and cute. (Clean besides the fact that she is in her )
3.5 EVERY OCCASION by Heather B. Moore
Cute story, nothing amazing, but enjoyable.
4 HOLD YOUR BREATH by Jenny Proctor
Favorite of the set so far.
3 THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE by Annette Lyon
This story felt really rushed even for a novella, I think that more time was spent on talking about what the girls were going to do for their girls night in on Valentine's than actually developing a story with the H & h...I couldn't get on board with it. Moral Note: Some innuendos, and mild talk of alternate lifestyle.
3.5 - DEAL BREAKERS by Heather Tullis
Sweet story, not my favorite of the set but cute.
4.5 HEY, HELEN! by Sarah M. Eden
Awww, this was so cute! Neil's parents aside it was my new favorite of the set.
This was funny and embarrassing and borderline inappropriate - I would've died from mortification, literally. But fun and cute. (Clean besides the fact that she is in her )
3.5 EVERY OCCASION by Heather B. Moore
Cute story, nothing amazing, but enjoyable.
4 HOLD YOUR BREATH by Jenny Proctor
Favorite of the set so far.
3 THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE by Annette Lyon
This story felt really rushed even for a novella, I think that more time was spent on talking about what the girls were going to do for their girls night in on Valentine's than actually developing a story with the H & h...I couldn't get on board with it. Moral Note: Some innuendos, and mild talk of alternate lifestyle.
3.5 - DEAL BREAKERS by Heather Tullis
Sweet story, not my favorite of the set but cute.
4.5 HEY, HELEN! by Sarah M. Eden
Awww, this was so cute! Neil's parents aside it was my new favorite of the set.
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