Love is unpredictable and can come in ways we least expect… sometimes from outside the solar system. This collection contains eleven swoon-worthy love stories that redefine how two souls fall in love. From aliens and vampires, to phantoms and shape-shifters. Arranged marriages, sworn enemies, and even perfect strangers. Love can be found in the most unexpected places with the most unexpected people. Find romance in unconventional ways by reading Love Undefined from the creative writers at LDS Beta Readers. Includes a bonus flash fiction piece by bestselling author, Victorine Lieske!
Man, was I impressed from the get go. A great cover and I'm always biased towards a book with a great cover.
The first story blew me away. So well written and engaging. I loved it. The others continued on with the heartwarming feeling that was the character of each one of these stories. Now usually with Anthologies you read a story here and there and skip over about half of it. Not with this one. I think I read all but two of the stories. It was that good. The last time I read an anthology this good it was by a single author so to have such consistency with multiple authors speaks to the skill of the editors.
There is something there for everyone to like especially if you have a soft spot for romance. Some of the stories are Science Fiction - a particular favourite - while others are contemporary - not my favourite - another that was a historical romance - another was paranormal - another favourite - but I like anything with romance. A bit like how chocolate can make everything better.
I had the honor of editing the manuscript for this anthology and I am truly amazed at the talent of the authors and their level of devotion to this project. They worked on their stories for months, accepting constructive criticism and working with beta readers and critique partners to make these the best stories they could be. We truly have a great deal of talent in this book. Nice job, everyone! –Julie L. Spencer
This anthology has many gems! Some of my favorite stories are Happy Wenceslas, Sir!, Space Order Bride, The Phantom of the Chapel, Hidden in Silence, and Diaries and Dreams. The great thing about this anthology is the reader gets bit of everything, from sci-fi and fantasy to contemporary romance. And many of the stories are written is such unique ways, from the perspective of a diary or a letter and another has Scottish brogue. So imaginative! And every story of course has romance.
Reader Rated for ages 14+ for some sensuality. Clean language.
This is a kaleidoscope of really interesting love stories. The title really is the definition of these love stories. I like how each story was separated by the author's information it helped break up each story so it didn't seem to run together. Also when putting an anthology together it needs to start with one that pulls you into the book. This was not easy for me with the first story, which I still think I need to reread myself with out the kindle reading it to me. Just keep that in mind when you keep reading my review.
1-Happy Wenceslas, Sir by Jana S Brown: Interesting. I think I need to read it a few more time to get this story. I already restarted it twice. I think it has to do with a former vet but I got kind of lost a lot.
2- Music in my Heart by H. Linn Murphy: Loved it! So sweet and tender. I love the come-back. Great short story with connection and understanding.
3-Space Order Bride by Tiffany Chandler: This one was weird but full of emotion. I mean I was laughing, aaahhhhing, and aweing all in the same fast weird story. LOL!
4-The Phantom of the Chapel by Julie L Spencer: This one caught me right off. Started great and the phantom base didn’t hurt. I loved it. I at first thought this is way too fast there is no way they can fall in love that fast and then the conflict hit. Well done.
5-Hidden in Silence by Lisa Rector: Woah! This was a weird, intensely sweet hewoman, heman type story. Strong, honorable, sweet, and loving.
6-Love Under Contract by Amy Meyer: I remember beta reading this one. I really enjoyed it the first time and it was even better this time. Beautiful story of blossomed love even through a desperate dying man’s contract.
7-Fool’s Gold by Marla Buttars: This was different. I really liked it. It was fantasy mixed with a love story. I’m interested in checking out more of Butters Writing. Thank you!
8-Facing the Endless Night by C. David Belt: Woah! This is an interesting twist on a vampire love story. I liked it in a weird way, which is the way I think it was meant to be taken. Good job David.
9-Second-Chance Experiment by Erin Minds: Awe! I liked this one. It’s the second chance with the one you didn’t expect to get a second chance with love story theme. Good job!
10-The Promise of Snow by Jeanna Mason Stay: Huh, another interesting fantasy filled love story. Although good and well written (a use for each word). It seemed too short.
11-Diaries and Dreams by Jean Newman: I remember this one from beta reading it. I loved it then and I love it more now. It’s such a clever spin on a love story. Dreaming of your future in reverse. Then live it forward. So intriguing.
12-Robert and Irene by Victorine Lieske: Really, really short. To the point. Not much emotion per say but there was an underlining they’ve known each other a long while feel to it. Interesting.
I enjoyed this book of short story romances. I don’t usually read short stories, so this was a nice break from longer reads. It’s refreshing to read romances that are clean, fun, and light. I loved that the stories ranged from sci fi to fantasy to realistic fiction. I especially enjoyed the stories “Happy Wenceslas” and “The Promise of Snow.” I also loved the little flash fiction piece at the end.
The stories in this collection were great. I enjoyed everyone. The was a lot of variety and different genres. My only complaint is they were very short.