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Love and Bravery: Sixteen Stories
From the award-winning author of The Fish Tales and the Venery series comes sixteen short stories that are smart and softly hardcore.
If a novel is a banquet, Laqueur's anthology is a tapas course. Literal love bites that that focus on isolated moments in time. Microfiction that captures the middle of the action without worrying much where things started or where they'll end up. Each vignette touches on the notion of bravery. Because love is always worth the risk.
From a joyful retiree in Bali to a chance encounter on a train, Laqueur explores erotic courage. A blind date in Manhattan. A secret crush in Canada. An ancient aphrodisiac in St. Lucia. A Brazilian street block during Carnival. A box seat at the Paris Opera. A swim with dolphins in New Zealand.
How far will you go for your heart's desire? How passionate a chance will you take?
If a novel is a banquet, Laqueur's anthology is a tapas course. Literal love bites that that focus on isolated moments in time. Microfiction that captures the middle of the action without worrying much where things started or where they'll end up. Each vignette touches on the notion of bravery. Because love is always worth the risk.
From a joyful retiree in Bali to a chance encounter on a train, Laqueur explores erotic courage. A blind date in Manhattan. A secret crush in Canada. An ancient aphrodisiac in St. Lucia. A Brazilian street block during Carnival. A box seat at the Paris Opera. A swim with dolphins in New Zealand.
How far will you go for your heart's desire? How passionate a chance will you take?
140 pages, ebook
First published February 25, 2018
12 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Suanne Laqueur
28 books1,579 followersA former professional dancer and teacher, Suanne Laqueur went from choreographing music to choreographing words, writing stories that appeal to the passions of all readers, crossing gender, age and genre. As a devoted mental health advocate, her novels focus on both romantic and familial relationships, as well as psychology, PTSD and generational trauma.
Laqueur’s novel An Exaltation of Larks was the grand prize winner in the 2017 Writer’s Digest Book Awards and took first place in the 2019 North Street Book Prize. Her debut novel The Man I Love won a gold medal in the 2015 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards and was named Best Debut in the Feathered Quill Book Awards. Her follow-up novel, Give Me Your Answer True, was also a gold medal winner at the 2016 RFBA.
Laqueur graduated from Alfred University with a double major in dance and theater. She taught at the Carol Bierman School of Ballet Arts in Croton-on-Hudson for ten years. An avid reader, cook and gardener, she started her blog EatsReadsThinks in 2010.
Suanne lives in Westchester County, New York with her husband and two children.
Laqueur’s novel An Exaltation of Larks was the grand prize winner in the 2017 Writer’s Digest Book Awards and took first place in the 2019 North Street Book Prize. Her debut novel The Man I Love won a gold medal in the 2015 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards and was named Best Debut in the Feathered Quill Book Awards. Her follow-up novel, Give Me Your Answer True, was also a gold medal winner at the 2016 RFBA.
Laqueur graduated from Alfred University with a double major in dance and theater. She taught at the Carol Bierman School of Ballet Arts in Croton-on-Hudson for ten years. An avid reader, cook and gardener, she started her blog EatsReadsThinks in 2010.
Suanne lives in Westchester County, New York with her husband and two children.
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February 10, 2020Travel the world with sixteen stories that explore the courage to love.
EXCERPT FROM "Naked as Birth"
“Are you ready?” Chen asks.
“Yeah.” My throat’s so dry, the word gets stuck and I just nod the rest.
He kisses me. “Don’t be afraid.”
I’m shaking crazy nervous, every hair on my body screaming Holy shit, I’m really doing this. But I’m not afraid. I’m ready to not like it. I’m prepared to change my mind. It could be great, or it could be nothing more than weird. But it’s nothing to be afraid of. I know that much.
Chen moves on his knees between my legs. I can feel the heat coming off him. It presses on me, dry and hollow like a sauna. Crackling and woodsy in my nose and throat.
His hands skim lightly over my stomach. “Can’t fucking believe this,” he says, softer than air. His face is magic. Like he’s watching the birth of a sun.
I’m wrong. There is something to be scared of.
I’m afraid of disappointing him.
I really have no business being in his bed. This level of intimacy is something I left by the side of the road years ago. Ever since I aged out of foster care and started living on my own, autonomy has been my drug of choice. I have sex to scratch an itch, not to connect. Once you start connecting, you’re screwed. I keep love at a distance. I don’t give any more than what’s required and I don’t let anyone under my skin.
Until now, it’s been quick, impersonal fucks. The less kissing, the better. I never take all my clothes off. Never lie down if I don’t have to. I don’t hang around afterward. I don’t get emotional. I sure as hell don’t get scared.
Lying here, naked as birth, my mouth swollen from kissing, my belly quivering under Chen’s fingertips…I’m terrified.
I do not let people fuck me.
I don’t let people close to me, let alone into me.
Except Chen. Fucking Chen who would never hurt anyone or anything. Chen who feels guilty for swatting a mosquito. Chen, who is the most dangerous kind of partner for me because he doesn’t carelessly screw. He doesn’t know how. He’s always involved. Unapologetically emotional. Fearlessly afraid.
He’s looking at me now. Waiting.
He wants to make love and I don’t know how.
EXCERPT FROM "Naked as Birth"
“Are you ready?” Chen asks.
“Yeah.” My throat’s so dry, the word gets stuck and I just nod the rest.
He kisses me. “Don’t be afraid.”
I’m shaking crazy nervous, every hair on my body screaming Holy shit, I’m really doing this. But I’m not afraid. I’m ready to not like it. I’m prepared to change my mind. It could be great, or it could be nothing more than weird. But it’s nothing to be afraid of. I know that much.
Chen moves on his knees between my legs. I can feel the heat coming off him. It presses on me, dry and hollow like a sauna. Crackling and woodsy in my nose and throat.
His hands skim lightly over my stomach. “Can’t fucking believe this,” he says, softer than air. His face is magic. Like he’s watching the birth of a sun.
I’m wrong. There is something to be scared of.
I’m afraid of disappointing him.
I really have no business being in his bed. This level of intimacy is something I left by the side of the road years ago. Ever since I aged out of foster care and started living on my own, autonomy has been my drug of choice. I have sex to scratch an itch, not to connect. Once you start connecting, you’re screwed. I keep love at a distance. I don’t give any more than what’s required and I don’t let anyone under my skin.
Until now, it’s been quick, impersonal fucks. The less kissing, the better. I never take all my clothes off. Never lie down if I don’t have to. I don’t hang around afterward. I don’t get emotional. I sure as hell don’t get scared.
Lying here, naked as birth, my mouth swollen from kissing, my belly quivering under Chen’s fingertips…I’m terrified.
I do not let people fuck me.
I don’t let people close to me, let alone into me.
Except Chen. Fucking Chen who would never hurt anyone or anything. Chen who feels guilty for swatting a mosquito. Chen, who is the most dangerous kind of partner for me because he doesn’t carelessly screw. He doesn’t know how. He’s always involved. Unapologetically emotional. Fearlessly afraid.
He’s looking at me now. Waiting.
He wants to make love and I don’t know how.
December 31, 2019
I want more....
Gosh, what I wouldn’t give to be one of the characters in this compilation of immensely satisfying stories.
SLQR writes romance and the act of falling in love with such panache and a healthy dose of talent. The beauty of the book is in the diversity of its characters, the exotic locations and the compacted emotions that hums in the background threatening to overflow.
I want a redo at falling-in-love! Love you, Suanne.
December 25, 2017
Suanne Laqueur and her amazing books (The Fish Tales / Venery series) were a highlight of my 2017! I'm truly happy that I've found her and I really enjoyed this short stories too. <3
Love and Bravery is only available as an exclusive download for Suanne's Reader Club members.
Join there and get your free copy. :)
https://instafreebie.com/free/rYp46
--------------------------------
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Ps. My Top 5 books are belong to Mrs.Laquer's... So I highly recommend her books to you. Trust me, you won't regret for reading them. :)
Love and Bravery is only available as an exclusive download for Suanne's Reader Club members.
Join there and get your free copy. :)
https://instafreebie.com/free/rYp46
--------------------------------
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Ps. My Top 5 books are belong to Mrs.Laquer's... So I highly recommend her books to you. Trust me, you won't regret for reading them. :)
December 30, 2017
Fourteen short stories of love and bravery. They only take a minute to read and a second to fall in love with. I mean, they were all Laqueurish so I didn't really have a choice in the falling in love thing.
Any favorites? Bois Bandé and The Tiger, because Rog and Stav goddammit. And Sacanagem. Because, “Within four walls, beneath the sheets, and behind the mask of carnaval, everything can happen.” Need I say more? Oh and Short For? Because I have a thing for trains. And this is a story about a sort of first date. On a train. Gold. World Peace. Because poor Camberley really deserves an acknowledgement. And a story with only dialogue and nothing else? What’s not to love?
But the winner? Kaikoura. Because Marama and Haori. What else?
January 1, 2018
It feels kind of impossible to have a favourite in this varied group of love bites but I absolutely loved one of the earlier pieces in LOVE AND BRAVERY called BLIND.
This selection of nibbles are lovely and full of different flavours of delightful, moving, sexy, and fun. Whether you're familiar with Laqueur's works or wanting to test the waters, this is definitely worth reading.
4 "love is worth the risk" stars
This selection of nibbles are lovely and full of different flavours of delightful, moving, sexy, and fun. Whether you're familiar with Laqueur's works or wanting to test the waters, this is definitely worth reading.
4 "love is worth the risk" stars
January 4, 2018
Suanne Laqueur never, ever disappoints. Love bites, she calls them. Well they remind me of a box of chocolates, the mystery chocolates—just like Forrest says, “”...life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get”. Well I devoured every last bite. Hands down one of my auto-click authors. Thank you for this tasty treat!! Fantastic!!!
January 1, 2018
My first read of the year by one of my favorite authors. Great way to start with several stories about being brave in love.
December 9, 2023
It’s a book of short stories, every single one rich in words and different.
Bois Bandé - old friends, so in love and so happy. Not a streak of tigers because there is only one tiger but what a fabulous tiger he is.
The moon and the sword! Sigh. I can cry at a short story can’t I? Well I did. Just a little bit. Because who wouldn’t cry at a pod of dolphins?
I loved Short For, a story with hope for future happiness and finding a soulmate when you least expect it.
Suanne Laqueur’s story telling is nothing short of magnificent whether it be a short story of a re-union in Paris, an epic tale that takes child to man or a recipe for cooking sprouts!
Re-read done and of course I gasped again because I love Roger Lark and I love that he gets two stories. I love that he gets Stav.
I gasped at a mesmerising lady with a scar on her leg, swimming with dolphins with the man she loves. He is, after all, part Fish.
I gasped at Cam, aka Camberley. Is that you our intrepid journalist?
Is Lucky Dare’s real name Katherine? I might have to do a Fish Tales re-read (again) just to check.
Bois Bandé - old friends, so in love and so happy. Not a streak of tigers because there is only one tiger but what a fabulous tiger he is.
The moon and the sword! Sigh. I can cry at a short story can’t I? Well I did. Just a little bit. Because who wouldn’t cry at a pod of dolphins?
I loved Short For, a story with hope for future happiness and finding a soulmate when you least expect it.
Suanne Laqueur’s story telling is nothing short of magnificent whether it be a short story of a re-union in Paris, an epic tale that takes child to man or a recipe for cooking sprouts!
Re-read done and of course I gasped again because I love Roger Lark and I love that he gets two stories. I love that he gets Stav.
I gasped at a mesmerising lady with a scar on her leg, swimming with dolphins with the man she loves. He is, after all, part Fish.
I gasped at Cam, aka Camberley. Is that you our intrepid journalist?
Is Lucky Dare’s real name Katherine? I might have to do a Fish Tales re-read (again) just to check.
January 21, 2018
I'm finishing my year with my favourite author. Suanne Laqueur this year was all about you. A Charm of Finches took Best Book of the Year as far as I'm concerned. And this collection of short stories were a delight to read. Thank you for making 2017 a great reading year
March 11, 2018
Phew finally a 5 star book. I've been going through 1 stars like napkins.
The power of this book was the simplicity of telling a whole story in few words. I just love love love short stories, and SL now made me adore them.
The Tiger story at the end was funny and a nice wrap up.
The writing very detailed and descriptive making us imagine the surroundings in a crystal clear way, as if we are there.
My least favorite one was the Damascus one since I didn't feel the city it could have been anywhere in a conflict zone. While the rest of the stories the settings was an important factor.
Also the 'She Knew Killarney Well', it was too vague for my taste, was he in prison, or why was there a decade separation. Was it a decade before they stood in that same spot?
The rest were all very interesting. The book is one of those that you can read and reread and each time you would discover something.
LOVE IT.
The power of this book was the simplicity of telling a whole story in few words. I just love love love short stories, and SL now made me adore them.
The Tiger story at the end was funny and a nice wrap up.
The writing very detailed and descriptive making us imagine the surroundings in a crystal clear way, as if we are there.
My least favorite one was the Damascus one since I didn't feel the city it could have been anywhere in a conflict zone. While the rest of the stories the settings was an important factor.
Also the 'She Knew Killarney Well', it was too vague for my taste, was he in prison, or why was there a decade separation. Was it a decade before they stood in that same spot?
The rest were all very interesting. The book is one of those that you can read and reread and each time you would discover something.
LOVE IT.
March 4, 2018
"Love is always worth the risk."
This novella is a collection of short yet touching snippets of why the "little things" in life are what's most important... it's those little things that give actual meaning to the greater ones that come later on because of them. A life lesson it took me years to comprehend and yet I'm grateful to have finally reached that level of intelligence... making my own life a much happier one. "Love and Bravery" is a hymn to love and how it affects the heart so deeply... forever necessary and forever present if we just open our eyes and recognize it. 5 Soul Touching Stars for love at first sight... new beginnings... respecting what is there, in front of us, within our grasp.
This novella is a collection of short yet touching snippets of why the "little things" in life are what's most important... it's those little things that give actual meaning to the greater ones that come later on because of them. A life lesson it took me years to comprehend and yet I'm grateful to have finally reached that level of intelligence... making my own life a much happier one. "Love and Bravery" is a hymn to love and how it affects the heart so deeply... forever necessary and forever present if we just open our eyes and recognize it. 5 Soul Touching Stars for love at first sight... new beginnings... respecting what is there, in front of us, within our grasp.
June 11, 2019
This collection of shorts from Suanne Laqueur was a free download after I joined her mailing list. I discovered this author late last year and have become an avid fan. I have read her entire back list and loved each one. There aren't enough words to describe how much I enjoy her writing. Thank you, Suanne for this incredibly generous gift! I can't wait for the next novel in your Venery Series.
January 5, 2019
Lots of be brave and love. ❤️
I’d love for Short For? to be continued...
I’d love for Short For? to be continued...
December 29, 2017
The title says it all. I loved these snippets of stories in the pivotal moments that spoke volumes even if the dialogue was kept to a minimum. And as a fan of all of Suanne Laqueur's works, she's got some hidden surprises in there, too, because not all of the characters are completely fresh faces. This is more like a collection of coffee table treats, when you have a few quiet minutes to enjoy and to soak in the surroundings and bask in her words with all the warmth and glow that a treat should provide.
January 10, 2018
A short book of stories placed in various countries around the world. Full of fire and sex and chemistry. Is there anything this woman can’t do?
February 8, 2020
It was not what I was expecting. The stories were so short, I did not see the point of it. I didn't have enough time to get in the moment with the characters and what was happening although mainly nothing was happening.
But I will say that one story really intrigued me and I finished it wanting so much more from it. Surprise, surprise, it was the longuest story in the book.
So I guess in conclusion it really is not a format that works for me.
I'm rating the book 2 stars for the writing and that one story.
But I will say that one story really intrigued me and I finished it wanting so much more from it. Surprise, surprise, it was the longuest story in the book.
So I guess in conclusion it really is not a format that works for me.
I'm rating the book 2 stars for the writing and that one story.
April 7, 2018
4 Stars. This book comprises of 16 vignettes. Some are beautiful and poignant, while others, well, kind of didn’t leave enough impression for me to comment on. My favourites were Blind, Your Name and World Peace.
One thing that consistently impressed me throughout the book, and the reason why I wouldn’t give this book anything less than 4 stars, was the prose. Just simply gorgeous.
One thing that consistently impressed me throughout the book, and the reason why I wouldn’t give this book anything less than 4 stars, was the prose. Just simply gorgeous.
January 22, 2023
The 52 Book Club Reading Challenge
Prompt 6: Under 200 pages
Title; Love & Bravery
Author: Suanne LAQUEUR
Own paperback
5 Stars
Sixteen short stories set in a variety of exotic places.
The first person stories are told from the male perspective which is refreshing.
Each story is a scene from life.
Perfection
Prompt 6: Under 200 pages
Title; Love & Bravery
Author: Suanne LAQUEUR
Own paperback
5 Stars
Sixteen short stories set in a variety of exotic places.
The first person stories are told from the male perspective which is refreshing.
Each story is a scene from life.
Perfection
March 2, 2018
Those short stories will make you crave more and more of Suanne’s captivating writing! You will fall head over heels with these characters in her stories... an insight into the literary genius that is Suanne Laqueur!!!!
March 3, 2018
I loved these tasty nuggets from an author I’ve fallen in love with. While it didn’t take long to read each story, I lingered in thought after each one. One of the stories was made up of just dialogue. Wow, just wow! Thanks to the author for these yummy love bites.
December 27, 2017
Lovely. Just lovely.
September 8, 2018
4.5 stars
i am not normally a fan of short stories but these were sooo good!! So many of them I wished I could just keep reading.. As always, I bow to the greatness of Suanne
i am not normally a fan of short stories but these were sooo good!! So many of them I wished I could just keep reading.. As always, I bow to the greatness of Suanne
November 15, 2018
Loved the short stories. Steamy and ready for the next tale. Does not disappoint. Great for when you want a little something to make you smile, instant gratification.
March 16, 2019
A collection of tasty snippets from Ms Laqueur, she never disappoints. The writing is beautiful, each little 'Love bite' is completely satisfying, rich and sublime. I love her!
March 30, 2018
I love The Thing, how her mind works. So many opportunities... and Rog & Stav...grrr ;)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews