Falling For You

Where Secrets Are Safe #13.5 (It Was You)

by Tara Taylor Quinn, Heatherly Bell, Claire McEwen

This autumn, warm your heart with ten fall-themed novellas from some of your favorite USA Today bestselling, national bestselling, and award winning Harlequin Superromance authors.

When the weather cools down, hearts heat up…

Bonfires aren't the only things warming up the night. Across the land, hearts are falling along with the leaves. Curl up with a pumpkin spice latte and warm your heart with ten tales of autumn love.

Foreword by Brenda Novak.

It Was You by Tara Taylor Quinn:
He has no problem respecting the fact that she is off limits…until the one night he does.

The Right Man by Heatherly Bell:
When one long planned dream day veers wildly off-course she must decide between the perfect wedding, or the right man.

Her Hometown Cowboy by Claire McEwen:
Falling for him wasn’t part of her plan.

Meet Me in the Middle by Jo McNally:
She’s used to playing it safe, but when her old crush comes cruising back into town, she might have to risk it all.

Outsider in a Small Town by Kristina Knight:
She may hold the keys to his heart…and his future.

If I Fall by Kris Fletcher:
What goes up must fall…in love?

Finding Harmony by Janet Lee Nye:
Jericho was the last place she wanted to be, but it was becoming the best place for her.

Perfect Fit by Angel Smits:
She never forgot her first love…and though he never measured up, neither did he.

Home to You by Dana Nussio:
Can a woman who ran from home and a man who never had it ever hope to discover that home really is a place for hearts?

Can’t Help Falling in Love by Lisa Dyson:
She’s career-oriented, and he’s the one who just broke her boss’s heart.

Genres: Romance, Anthologies, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Novella

759 pages, ebook

First published October 17, 2017

About the author

Tara Taylor Quinn began her love affair with Harlequin when she was fourteen years old and picked up a free promotional copy of a Harlequin Romance in a hometown grocery store. The relationship was solidified the year she was suspended from her high school typing class for hiding a Harlequin Romance behind the keys of her electric typewriter. Unaware that her instructor loomed close by, Ms. Quinn read blissfully on with one finger resting on the automatic repeating period key. She finished the book in the principal’s office. Forced to leave her romances in her locker after that, Ms. Quinn’s typing skills improved - a fact for which she is eternally grateful.

With over 80 original novels, published in more than twenty languages, Tara Taylor Quinn is a USA Today bestselling author with more than seven million copies sold. She is a winner of the 2008 National Reader's Choice Award, four time finalist for the RWA Rita Award, a finalist for the Reviewer’s Choice Award, the Bookseller’s Best Award, the Holt Medallion and appears regularly on the Waldenbooks bestsellers list. Ms. Quinn writes for Harlequin and MIRA Books. Reviewer, Cindy Penn, wordweaving.com says, “Amazing character development is the hallmark of author Tara Taylor Quinn’s work. Indeed, Taylor’s profound observations of human nature and intimate understanding of values and priorities lends extraordinary psychological depth to all her work.”

Tara Taylor Quinn was born and raised in Ohio. Though she wrote her first story at the age of seven, her professional writing career began ten years later when she was hired as a stringer with the Dayton Daily News in Dayton, Ohio. She attended Wright State University and graduated from Harding College in Arkansas with a degree in English and Journalism. She published several magazine articles before turning to writing as a full-time occupation.

Ms. Quinn is a Past President of the Romance Writers of America and served for eight years on the Board of Directors of that association. She has a wide range of experience as a public speaker and workshop presenter for writers groups around the country.

When she’s not home with her owners, Jerry Lee and Taylor Marie, or fulfilling speaking engagements, Tara loves to travel with her husband, stopping wherever the spirit takes them. They’ve been spotted in casinos and quaint little small town antique shops all across the country..

Reviews

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing heartwarming short novellas. A great way to read stories by authors you have never read before. I loved them all and too hard to pick a favorite one.
I received a copy of the boxed set for my honest review. These opinions are my own and I received no compensation for them.

[Jacqui Gretzinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came out at the perfect time - the leaves are falling from the trees and the temperature is lowering. When I downloaded the book, I lit my fireplace, brewed my favorite coffee and curled up on the big leather chair to start reading. I stayed up late to finish "Home to You" by Dana Nussio. I had to know how it ended before I went to sleep. This is a story many of us can relate to about love, family and the sacrifices we make for the love of someone else. Did she make the right decision? Would you have done the same? I especially loved the chef side of it and look forward to trying the recipes on the link from the book. Thanksgiving is coming.

Hope you enjoy this as much as I did. Happy reading and happy holidays.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are a set of 10 sweet novellas written by talented authors and the best thing, you get them at a great bargain.
One of my favorite stories is The RIght Man , written by Heatherly Bell. The story centers around Jimmy and Trish. These two are former Army who met , became friends , lovers and fell in love. But as the wedding preparations developed, Trish and Jimmy were at odds and end up breaking up. It’s a sweet story about family, compromises, and the need to communicate and be compassionate. Sometimes we literally “miss the forest for the trees”. In this case, the wedding is not the most important thing, but rather the love and the commitment of two individuals that want to spend their lives together.
I usually am not a fan of novellas ,but this one as well as the others , give us well developed characters and plot.
I was gifted this copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/30/2020)! 🎁

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a truly heartwarming set of novellas set up in the holidays. Whatever you like, there is at least one story in the collection for you. I started reading because one of my favorite authors, Heatherly Bell has a story released in the collection. I kept reading because something in each story touched my heart & emotions. It takes talent to write what is basically a short story & manage to create a connection between the reader & the characters in such a short amount of time. Each character, each plot, each twist is perfectly thought out to convey significant emotion. I've found several new to me authors that I'm going to be watching for.

[Maureen Fink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed all the different love stories. Each special and different. Great authors each told wonderful stories. I recommend it very much.

[J Lundsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great anthology of short stories! I read The Right Man by Heatherly Bell and loved it. Trish has dreamed of her perfect wedding since she was a little girl. But her dreams may derail the actual wedding. I can't wait to read more of these stories!!

[Teresa Fordice · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great preview to the series that she has going = loved reading an ARC - so thankful for some insight to many of the characters!

[Agnieszka]

I'll update as I read

It Was You (Where Secrets Are Safe #?) Tara Taylor Quinn 3* 10/18/17 - 74p
I liked the story line and the characters but struggled pretty much with the style and wish I knew before I started the novella it's part of a series. For all who not read Mother by Fate - there's a small spoiler - just in case you mind.

Her Hometown Cowboy (Sierra Legacy #0.5) Claire McEwen 4* 10/19/17 - 82p
In the beginning I struggled with the female MC a little but in the end I liked her. I liked also very much the way the author build so much chemistry and sexual tension and still was able to keep this novella clean, fun and very entertaining. I'm already looking forward to read more by this author.

If I Fall (Comeback Cove, Canada #?) Kris Fletcher 5* 10/20/17 - 84p
So far it's my favorite novella. I like both MC even if the male one isn't that obviously present. I love the style very much - it's fun, emotionally intense, realistic and so entertaining. In the beginning I had several times the feeling there're some pieces missing to get the entire picture though I fear it's because I didn't read the pervious books in series. I'm looking forward to read more by this author.

Home to You (True Blue #?) Dana Nussio 2* 10/20/17 - 86p
I liked the idea behind the book but wasn't able to relate to the main characters and the style. After the first third it felt like the book is dragging and I struggled to finish the novel. I would like to find out more about the characters though I'm not sure how much and if I'm willing to spend money on a book I'm not sure I'll like - we'll see.

Meet Me in the Middle (Gallant Lake #?) Jo McNally - 78p

Finding Harmony (Jericho Falls #?) Janet Lee Nye - 72p

Perfect Fit (My Chair at the Hawkins Table #?) Angel Smits - 78p

The Right Man (Heroes of Fortune Valey #1.5? continuation of Breaking Emily's Rules) Heatherly Bell - 63p

Outsider in a Small Town (Slippery Rock #3.5) Kristina Knight - 59p

Can’t Help Falling in Love (Tales From Whittler’s Creek #1.5? continuation of Prince Charming Wears a Badge) Lisa Dyson - 82p

[E_bookpushers · Rating 4 out of 5]

For several years off and on I would devour the monthly Harlequin Superromance offerings. At times these were the only contemporaries I read and I became invested in their longer category format not to mention the families, islands, towns, and sometimes family corporations. While some of the authors in this anthology were familiar to me others were new. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself able to sink into each story because they had that familiar Superromance feel to them even with the substantially shorter length. I found myself with mixed feelings when I finished - happy and energized by the familiarity but sad knowing Superromance as a line has come to an end. Overall, I think this felt like a well done combination of paying homage and farewelling a beloved tradition.

Disclaimer: I was offered an ARC but failed to claim it before the publish date so I purchased the copy I reviewed here.

[Fedora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic collection of autumn-y stories of falling in love--lots of smaller towns and some second chances, with warm and welcoming secondary characters. All of these are well written and while some of these authors were new to me, I definitely plan on checking out their backlists. Very satisfying reads!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free complimentary book and voluntarily reviewed it.

It Was You by Tara Taylor Quinn

I was so captivated by this story that I, honestly, forgot that it was a short novella. This story is about two very close friends who, on the spur of the moment, become lovers. There are many consequences that make it difficult for them to continue seeing each other in any form.

Ms. Quinn takes no shortcuts in the story. The characters are very well-defined and realistic. The author, also doesn’t short-change the plot or makes the reader feel rushed.


The Right Man by Heatherly Bell

This is the story of a couple who was engaged, but broke up a month ago when Jimmy gives his fiancée, Trish, ultimatum. Trish became a “Bridezilla” while preparing for her wedding. She drove everyone so crazy that Jimmy commanded she either elope or call off the wedding.

They get together for Thanksgiving to go to Trish’s grandmother’s house since she never told her of their breakup. You make think what happens next will be obvious, but it isn’t. Ms. Bell creatively allows Jimmy and Trish to learn more about each other so they each have insight into each other’s actions.

The ending is a wonderful surprise. Like Tara Taylor Quinn, Ms. Bell does not fall victim to many of the mistakes other writers make while writing a novella.

I highly recommend this anthology. There are seven other authors, who are mostly new to me. I now have found new authors that I am looking forward to reading more books by them.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell for these Autumn Romances! "FALLING FOR YOU"

I agreed to be an advance reader, but only managed to read about half the novellas in this adventurous collection. My apologies to the hard-working authors whose work I did not include in my review. I think the idea of a themed collection is brilliant. I enjoyed being introduced to new authors and also reading new work by a favorite.

Heatherly Bell: “The Right Man”
This is one of the nicest stories in the collection.
Jimmy Hopkins and Trish Jackson have met in the U.S. Army, where the Army toughened Trish up and where the man of her life, Sgt Jimmy Hopkins, softened her up. They are engaged to be married, and are already living a “happy ever after” life. But, then Trish begins to plan their wedding, a day she has always dreamed about. And plans. And plans. And changes plans. Finally, the Big Day threatens to derail their whole relationship. Can she get Jimmy back? The two are meant for one another, it’s clear. Yet, just as in life, sometimes kooky misunderstandings intervene. The author has interwoven plot, characters, sexy scenes and even laughter in a near seamless way. The pages zipped by and up to the last page, I could not put it down.

Tara Taylor Quinn: “It Was You”
This story begins with a positive pregnancy test. From that grabbing moment, the real-life drama proceeds with tender emotion. Robbie Churchill is a skilled therapist, to women who are victims of abuse. Colton Thomas is a rich and charismatic, sexy baseball pitcher, whose own father cheated on his mother until Colt drove him away. They have been truest of friends since childhood and their mothers just as close, but Colt has always stayed away from Robbie because of his desire to protect her from himself. He is sure he has inherited too many of his philandering father’s characteristics. So Colt’s sex life has centered around beautiful women in one-night-stands.
They are as close as family the night Robbie’s mother dies and Colt is there to comfort her, but they both yield to the impossible: they have sex together and she ends up pregnant.
This story tells of the inner and complex changes each character needs to make to realize the happy-ever-after conclusion. The emotions ring true and the characters are believable. Even though I knew there would be a happy ending, I felt pulled along by the story and the characters themselves. Sometimes I had difficulty realizing whose thoughts I was hearing or from whose perspective I was watching the story unfold, but overall, nicely done!

Claire McEwen: “Her Hometown Cowboy”
Caveat: I have read all the books set in Benson, CA, that Ms McEwen has written, and I am a fan. Having said that, I tried to read this novella with a firm grip on my objectivity. I couldn’t. I got pulled in by the skillful character development, the descriptions of the places, which are so real that I think I am there, and the best part of all, the emotional development to the sexy romance between Daisy Garland and Nate Sawyer. There is always another dimension to Ms McEwens’ books, too: She always brings in an important issue that her characters are passionate about and which makes them so real. The flaws they have are believable and the doubts and fears, which threaten their decisions, are credible. “Her Hometown Cowboy” is sweet, sassy and full of heart, with interesting location, people and emotions. I cried three times and cheered at the end!

Lisa Dyson: “Can’t Help Falling in Love”
Cute plot but not emotionally connected. I never believed the romance. Alyssa Thompson is beginning her career in New York City, but on her way to a wedding in Western Maryland, her car overheats in a snowstorm. Her cousin, Tyler, the groom, sends his friend Joe Russo, to help her out. They are immediately attracted to one another, but she has an ex-boyfriend who still wants her and he has a complicated relationship with a woman he’s only met twice. The story feels as if it is racing to an end, when actually I could have enjoyed more time spent with the characters; and some of the drama seemed forced. The author has some evocative descriptions to set the scene, but I was missing a connection to the place, to the characters, and to their emotions.

Kris Fletcher “If I Fall”
Snappy and clever. Emotionally satisfying. Whitney and Jed have a fine friendship. Except that for Whitney, it’s more. Then, as the delightful, smart story unfolds, Reader knows, too, that it’s also more for Jed. Bets, anyone? They are so used to their chummy repartee, and in keeping distance between themselves, that dealing with real feelings is more challenging than figuring out an escape from a treehouse!

Kristina Knight: “Outsider in a Small Town”
I didn’t get to finish this story. Well, to be truthful, although I wanted to, I felt so interrupted by the characters’ inner thoughts, all about the sexy things they wanted to do to each other. I felt that the story got lost. I felt bad about abandoning it, because the characters, Julia Colson and Aiden Buchanan, were very appealing. I enjoyed reading about Missouri in the story, because so many romances I’ve read are set in California or New York City.

[Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology of ten unique romance novellas (by numerous best-selling authors, might I add) was a great read during my honeymoon. Each novella stands alone, which makes it perfect for enjoying in bits and pieces.

- Tara Taylor Quinn's It Was You examines the hearty emotions of a life-long friendship turned romance. When Robbie finds out she is pregnant, she can't believe she let herself get into this situation - her pregnancy is a result of a one-night-stand with Colt, her longest friend. She knows that Colt's professional baseball career is able to provide more than enough for their unborn child but, Robbie has a career of her own and doesn't want her emotions to get in the mix. The story has a comforting touch, and Quinn tells this story of a tense relationship with a tone of familiarity that is sure to bring you much enjoyment.

- Heatherly Bell's The Right Man tells the story of a couple who had it all but lost it... or so they thought. Trish and Jimmy separate due to a HUGE disagreement. But Trish can't stand being without him, so much so that she can't bring herself to tell her family they've called off the wedding. There is some emotional baggage that weighs pretty heavy in this story but the way in which Bell is able to pack the punch into a short novella is really impressive.

- Claire McEwen's Her Hometown Cowboy is what we all want from a romance novel. Daisy is a type-A lawyer living in NYC and Nate is a veteran with dreams of turning his family ranch into a non-profit for vets with PTSD. When the two bump into each other unexpectedly, Daisy and Nate both see some hurt in each other's eyes that they can relate to, despite their obvious differences. Things heat up between the unlikely pair, which makes this a perfect ready for cozy nights snuggled up on the couch with a cup of hot tea.
Overall, I was very pleased with this collection. It earns a 4 out of 5 stars from me. Many of the characters and plots could use a bit of further development but you simply cannot get a better value for your money! This anthology of sweet, truly heartwarming novellas will only cost you $0.99.

[Deborah Cordes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've finished several novels in this anthology, and I've enjoyed them all. I was not familiar with a few of the authors, and I appreciated an introduction to their storytelling. I liked Tara Taylor Quinn's novella because of her lovely way with words - "After all of the artifice I've been around, I look at you and I see waterfalls. Mountains. Oceans. You're a natural wonder all of your own." I also enjoyed The Right Man by Heatherly Bell, because of her strong characterizations. Her heroine, "kickass" Trish was feisty and someone to root for. Claire McEwen's writing was well done, particularly her ability to set a scene. The vanilla smells of her childhood home drew me in. So many authors forget about scents when writing! Kristina Knight's small Midwestern town was engaging and different, placing me in a setting I've never experienced before. She also wove sensory experiences into her story - how I wish I could take a bite of hot funnel cake right now!
My one criticism is in the editing of some of the novellas. I found typos, incorrect wording, and grammatical mistakes, which indicates the publisher needed to edit more thoroughly. That being said, it didn't interfere with my enjoyment of this wonderful anthology.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling for you has TEN novellas in it! They are longer than I would have expected so it is a great deal. They are also standalone stories however some do have characters from each of the authors own series. Since I’ve read some of the series, I really enjoyed “meeting” characters again.

I had my favorites in the box set like It Was You, The Right Man, and Her Hometown Cowboy and that is NOT to say I didn’t enjoy the others. And Can’t Help Falling in Love made me shake my head…I can just picture this happening to two people! The Right Man by Heatherly Bell really showcased how if you don’t actually talk to one another, events can go horribly wrong. The great news is, once you do actually communicate, there is a spectacular chance of everything working out.

Great reading for the “cooler” days! I really enjoyed the stories.

[Perrin Larton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fall is here, and with it, this wonderful anthology! I loved all of these novellas. They were just the right length to pick up, have some 'me' time, and do something else, knowing I had more stories calling to me, that were just right!

All of the stories had warmth, heart, and love at their center. Misunderstandings abound, but ultimately, you have 10 wonderful 'happily ever after' stories from this fabulous group of authors. Get cozy in your favorite reading spot, have your drink of choice at your elbow, and fall into this book. You won't be disappointed.

Harlequin has retired the Superromance line, and all of these Superromance authors wanted one last hurrah in this line. Well done ladies, well done.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling For You- 10 short stories in this anthology~ my review is for Her Hometown Cowboy by Claire McEwen.
Clarie is relatively new to me and is becoming an author that I enjoy reading her books.
Her Hometown Cowboy is a short story that I found was very well written and I couldn't put the book down from the very first page until the last. I truly didn't want it to end.
Her Hometown Cowboy is a prequel to The Sierra Legacy series and here we have Nate a veteran back home working on his ranch wild horses. His friend's sister Daisy also has come home to Benson from her high life in New York as a lawyer. Can the two find their HEA?4I loved this story and I will be purchasing the rest of the series, I hope that both Nate and Dasiy pop up in the other books.
I highly recommend this book.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review is based on the novellas by Tara Taylor Quinn & Claire McEwen.

It Was You by Tara Taylor Quinn
At first I wasn't convinced that Robbie should give Colt a chance, but Tara Taylor Quinn did a good job of redeeming him. It Was You captures all of Robbie & Colt's raw emotions as they struggle to transition from close friends to something more.

Her Hometown Cowboy by Claire McEwen
I am a big fan of Claire McEwen and I've loved every book of hers that I've read. I loved Daisy & Nate's playful nature and the sweet moments that they shared. Her Hometown Cowboy is a very touching story and I really enjoyed it.

[Linda Buzard-Moffitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Heartwarming Collection of 10 Autumn HEA Romance Novellas all together in one anthology. What more could a reader ask for, especially for such a great price. This is an excellent way to get to know some great new authors, and to sample their work. Unless you know them all already, then you know you need to grab a copy of this box set. Get your reading corner ready, open this set up and enjoy one of these Fall Days with this group of sweet romances. I enjoyed every story in here a lot. I was luckily given an ARC of this collection to read. I was not compensated in any way for this review.

[Marcia Haskell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of Novella that hang together

This is the first book of stories where I enjoyed the writing and each of the stories. I’ve never lived in a small town, but each of these stories presented what I think small towns and the connectedness they represent. I enjoyed each of the characters and their situations. While the endings were obvious, from the beginnings, the stories were pleasant, the settings well described and the romance enjoyable.

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling For You is an anthology consisting of stories from ten authors. This anthology will help you feel the love of autumn. Falling For You is ten novellas that have the feel of full length stories. Get ready to curl up with your favorite blanket and enjoy these sweet romances that will warm you heart and soul.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great anthology of books! Most of the authors were new to me, with the exception of Heatherly Bell, but I will definitely be looking up ALL their blacklists!
Each novella has its own unique theme and trope, set in my favorite season...what’s not to love! For less than the price of one book, you get 10 fantastic reads. Treat yourself, or a friend, to this small town lovefest!

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

5: It Was You: Great story. Robbie's so terrified that she might lose Colt, that she's pushing him away. Colt's so afraid that he will become his dad, that he's letting her. But, that's not what either one wants.

I received a copy of this book as a gift. I am leaving my honest review

[KimberlyDawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling For You is an anthology with stories from ten different authors. All ten stories are sweet romances that will warm your heart. I enjoyed each story, and I definitely recommend this set!

[Penney · Rating 5 out of 5]

All short stories I enjoyed them all

[Peni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please see individual stories for review.

[Brianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done overall. Liked some stories better than others

[Joana Miguel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these stories

[Angela Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of love

10 novellas giving you sweet love stories to enjoy by all these talented authors. Each making your heart smile with happily ever afters