Only One Bed

by Lucy Eden, Rebel Carter, Renée Dahlia

There's only one problem...there's only one bed.

Only One Bed Of A Pick Up Truck - Lucy Eden

Julian Harris is a world famous photographer who wins awards and travels the globe photographing world famous celebrities, history-making events, and things I can only dream of. He's also my older brother's best friend and the boy, excuse me, man, I've had a crush on my entire life. A series of unfortunate events leaves us stranded on the side of a mountain road in Upstate New York, and something about the way he looks at me makes me wonder if Jules sees me as something more than the awkward teenage girl he used to call 'Dee Dee'.

Only One Flower Bed - Rebel Carter

Seven years ago Grant Sinclair left his small town of Plenty, Georgia to chase his dreams of a degree, traveling the world, and owning his own business. But when Grant left home to chase after all that good, he left behind something more than good. He left behind the first man he ever loved. Remi Wilson. Now he's back and Grant won't give up on Remi. Even if the other man is hell bent on being as bitter as unsweet tea.

The Bed Hierarchy - Lauren Connolly

One innocent night can change the course of a life. Theo discovered this first hand when Olive Buchanan came into his world for less than 24 hours. Six years later, he still can't get over the memory of her. That's the only reason he's agreed to attend the Buchanan family's annual vacation; to prove that his best friend's little sister is not the perfect woman his mind has made her out to be. He has one week to put aside this secret obsession and move on. A task that is suddenly difficult when he finds himself getting closer to her every night...

Uplift - Renee Dahlia

Anvita Khatri thought she knew everything about manipulating emotions. As a T.V. producer her career succeeded based on knowing how to make an audience laugh and cry. Her new project, Uplift, has her matching struggling small business owners with mentors and teaching them the skills they need. Shazza Barnett didn't expect to be widowed at twenty three, or struggling to keep her late husband's small roofing business afloat. She sees an ad for a new show that could just change her life. But it's the producer, Anvita who's overwhelming her with feelings. Feelings she hasn't had in a long time.

In The Cards - Sarah E. Lily

Emme is about to embark on the creative project of her dreams. But first she'll need help from Kendall, the local river guide and Emme's long time crush. What will a day on the river and a night by the fire have in store for these two women?

Romantic Intent - A.Z. Louise

When Mat tries to take time out to think after getting fired from her job, she ends up at a campsite with a trunkful of supplies she doesn't know how to use. A mischievous puppy and a ruined tent end up in a grudging partnership with Ryan, an experienced camper who wants nothing more than to lend a hand. But Mat isn't the best at accepting help, and she has enough on her plate without the attraction that begins to build between them. As a storm begins to brew overhead, Mat has to come to terms with much more than temptation.

What You Need - Torrance Sené

Ness has one thing on her mind-advancing her career in real estate- but a snowstorm, one bed, and a passionate attraction to her co-worker threaten to bring joy back into her workaholic life.

Holding On - Ali Williams

An anxious woman and a man with a protective streak discover that sometimes taking a chance is the only thing you need to find someone to hold onto.

Genres: Romance, Anthologies, Queer, Forced Proximity, Contemporary

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 5, 2020

About the author

Lucy Eden is the nom de plume of an romance obsessed author who writes the kind of romance she loves to read. She’s a sucker for alphas with a soft gooey center, over the top romantic gestures, strong & smart MCs, humor, love at first sight (or pretty damn close), happily ever afters & of course, steamy love scenes.

When Lucy isn’t writing, she’s busy reading—or listening to—every book she can get her hands on— romance or otherwise.

She lives & loves in New York with her husband, two children, a turtle & a Yorkshire Terrier.

Website: https://www.lucyeden.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucyedenauthor/
Join Lucy Eden's Paradise: https://www.facebook.com/groups/33013...
Twitter:https://twitter.com/lucyedenauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucyedenaut...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lucy-...

Reviews

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average 2.8 Stars / Average 2.5 Steam Fans

One Bed of a Pickup Truck by Lucy Eden 3.25 Stars / 3 Steam Fans

Only One Flower Bed by Rebel Carter 3.25 Stars / 3 Steam Fans

Bed Hierarchy by Lauren Connolly 3.5 Stars / 3.5 Steam Fans

Uplift by Renee Dahlia 3.5 Stars / 2.5 Steam Fans

In the Cards by Sarah E. Lily 3 Stars / 2 Steam Fans

Romantic Intent by AZ Louise 2 Stars / 2 Steam Fans

What You Need by Torrance Sene 2 Stars / 2 Steam Fans

Holding On by Ali Williams 2 Stars / 2 Steam Fans

Video review available in Week 13: Mar 28 – Apr 3, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.

For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

[Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read 6 of the 8 books in this anthology that all feature the 'only one bed' trope. Sometimes the link to the trope was a little tenuous, but its one of my favourite things regardless and I loved how diverse these stories were (multiple feature POC characters, and there is a mix of m/f, m/m and f/f).

"One Bed of a Pickup Truck" by Lucy Eden - 3.5/5
A m/f brothers best friend romance, where they get stranded in their truck on their way to a wedding. First one I read and I don't recall much so not a standout, but I remember enjoying it.

"Only One Flower Bed" by Rebel Carter - 4/5
A second chance m/m. Kind of angsty and full of sexual tension, and features a makeup scene during a storm. Really liked it.

"The Bed Hierarchy" by Lauren Connolly - 5/5
m/f from the guys POV. Shares a room with his best friends' sister because they're the 'lowest in the hierarchy' for bedrooms in their vacation rental. My favourite! Great pacing, pretty steamy and had me laughing out loud. Need to check out more of this author's work!

"In the Cards" by Sarah E Lily - 4/5
f/f about a photographer and her friend/longtime crush (a local river guide) who go on a camping trip together. Really sweet and great characterisation. Liked this a lot!

"What You Need" by Torrance Sene - 4/5
f/f romance about two realtor co-workers stuck in a house listing together during a snowstorm. Great sexual tension and pretty steamy.

"Holding On" by Ali Williams - 4.5/5
m/f following a date (and first time) between two unnamed characters. Really interesting storytelling as rather than the full story, we get a snapshot in time of the early stages of their relationship. Took a moment to get into it but the writing was fantastic, I found myself connecting to the characters (despite knowing nothing about them). Perfect balance of steamy and heartfelt and definitely memorable.

I DNF'd "Uplift" by Renee Dahlia (couldn't get in to the writing style/storytelling) and "Romantic Intent" by A Z Louise (really unlikable main female character).

[Lane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from BookSprout. I selected this book because Lucy Eden had a story in the collection. There was no summary of any of the books, so I didn't know what to expect. Had I known, I probably wouldn't have chosen to read this collection. But since I selected the book, I thought I'd be fair to the authors.

Only One Bed Of A Pick Up Truck - Lucy Eden

The stories are all short stories that have the theme of only one bed. The first story, by Lucy Eden, was short but packed a punch. Despite its length, the story didn't seem too rushed and the characters, Nadirah and Julian, worked well with each other. I even found myself laughing and smiling at the end. I felt like the mention of being bisexual was an afterthought...and really didn't matter in the scheme of things.

Only One Flower Bed - Rebel Carter

I did not like One Flower Bed. I didn't read the synopsis before reading this story and was very surprised to realize this was a M/M story. I decided to finish the story and was glad it was short. The characters didn't seem to work well with each other and maybe the story was rushed. The ending felt forced. I know it's a short story, but this needs to be fleshed out more.

The Bed Hierarchy - Lauren Connolly

Theo and Olive worked well together in the Bed Hierarchy. This story was funny, and the characters worked well with each other. Olive's family was a hoot. Even the animals were a part of the hierarchy.

Uplift - Renee Dahlia

I didn't like Uplift, but I did like that the author made certain that the dialogue matched the setting of the story. I enjoyed Shazza's lingo. I didn't connect with both of the characters.

In The Cards - Sarah E. Lily
This story didn't feel forced or rushed. It was written well, but it is not a story I would typically choose to read.

Romantic Intent - A.Z. Louise

I did not like this story because I didn't like the main character. Mathilda "Mat" was not a likable character. Ryan deserved so much more than her wishy-washy attitude and her unnecessary anger. At one point, I wanted Ryan's dog to pee on her! The story wasn't badly written and I understood the stress the character was under, but she was a HOT mess and needed to get herself together before wanting/not wanting something with a perfect stranger.

The other stories were just okay at best.

[Brandie Bridges-Sells · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, but most importantly I loved the stories. Now this book is filled with steamy romance that I was not ready for. I knew it was going to be steamy, but good lord not that steamy!!! As I was reading this book I loved how each story was completely diverse. Within each story it talked about sexuality. Also I loved that their were bipoc authors in this book as well. Each story created its on perspective on life and what to do with it, and is what you want worth risking any and everything. All the stories were very good, but out of all of them my favorites were by Lucy Eden, Renee Dahlia, and A.Z. Louise. The characters and the story lines are very realistic and sometimes as I was reading them I felt like I was their and the characters were my best friends. But overall, it you want to read a romance book that is filled with steamy sex I would suggest picking up this book. I guarantee the stories will not disappoint.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this anthology from Rebel Carter , author of Only One Flower Bed. It's a sweet small town second chance MM romance with strong characters with a hot and steamy chemistry. I loved reading their story as Grant pursues Remi to give their love a second chance.

It's an entertaining anthology and I enjoyed reading.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[JenMcJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

An 8 story anthology by mostly new to me authors. These are very, very short stories.

4.5 Stars. The Bed Hierarchy by Lauren Connolly 3/8. M/F. This author knocked this short story out of the park. Sweet, funny, relatable, sexy, funny... My favorite short, anthology story in a while. I'll be checking out the author's backlist which is the point of these things so it hits the mark.

3.5 Stars. Holding On by Ali Williams. 8/8. M/F. This one was well told and romantic but the dom/sub stuff, while mild, seemed to come out of nowhere. It was still a good story but should have been a longer novella.

3 Stars. One Bed of a PickUp Truck by Lucy Eden 1/8. M/F. This felt long for a short story but it was well told and I liked the characters.

3 Stars. Only One Flower Bed by Rebel Carter. 2/8. M/M. This one felt a little forced and rushed. It should have been a longer story. It could still be a short story, it just needed a bit more meat (no pun intended) to get from mad to glad. I'm not a fan of second chance stories so this one had an uphill battle with me and it did OK.

2 Stars. Uplift by Renee Dahlia 4/8. F/F. This was not a very smooth read. Interesting setting and characters but choppy and wooden.

2 Stars. In the Cards by Sarah E. Lily 5/8. F/F. This was a fast, instalove, cute story.

2 Stars. What You Need by Torrance Sene 7/8. F/F. I felt like this just rushed to the kink.

DNF. Romantic Intent by A.Z. Louise 6/8. M/F. This was a DNF. I didn't like Mat and Ryan deserves someone way less toxic.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three specific stories stood out to me that made me have to give this a 5 star.
1. Lucy Eden. Stranded in a truck! Friend's younger sister. Sitting on face!!!
2. Rebel Carter. Perfectly written grump. PLANTS. Stranded in an effing GREEN HOUSE. I swoon.
3. Torrance Sene. I'm sorry where the fuck has she been all my life? Her story was HOT.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection by multiple authors of 8 short stories that are built around the theme of only one bed, just enough to get the heart pumping! The blurb gives you a good recap of what each one is about if you want to pick and choose the order to read them. Or you can do it the absolute easiest way and start at page 1 – no decisions needed!

My favorite was “Only One Bed Of A Pick Up Truck” by Lucy Eden. It was short, like the others, but it was well-paced, had a good story line, laughs which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I liked the characters, Nadirah and Julian (“Jules”), so glad that she got to be with the guy she had crushed on for so long.

With the variety offered, all sorts of combinations, you should easily find some stories you can enjoy! That’s the beauty of an anthology where you can jump from story to story and pick and choose what draws your attention!

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an awesome set of books that I enjoyed reading. The story and character building were off the characters and had me reading into the late hours of the night, I couldn't put it down. Their full of emotion, drama, action, chemistry, steam, hot alpha males, and hot and steamy romances. The chemistry between the characters is amazing and the story lines were fantastic, they are a definite must read for any fan and I can't wait to read more form these author's.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twin, full, Queen or King, California King or made to order (flat bed) are all different size beds have been used in this book. Multiple authors with creative minds make great short story tell fun. Binge or take your time. Vol. 1 has the good stuff so far to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gwessie Tee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow some truly spectacular shorts in this anthology, was offered the arc by the fantastic Ali and it did not disappoint, fabulous stories each in their own right very passionate indeed, I'm usually one for wanting to get to know the characters and their journeys to their happy ever afters but these stories were awesome, thank you all for writing them.

[Staci Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very elaborate well written small stories gathered together in one good book written erotica well written in good taste

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy Mccalmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of romance stories by several different authors. The stories are short and enjoyable with great characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ReadToBreathe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars
I only read the first two stories, I liked them but they were too short for my taste.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for fans of the only one bed trope: obviously. What is more fun is how each author interprets the bed. Spoiler alert: not all of them are mattresses.

[Marie Lipscomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, diverse, sexy romance

I love the Only One Bed trope, so a whole anthology dedicated to it is my catnip. I loved how each author interpreted the trope so differently, and the diverse cast of characters and relationships was wonderful to read.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eight short stories! Although there are eight short stories – I am only reviewing four as I had no preference to read the others. My rating is only for the ones I read and not the entire novel. I am glad that they provided a review and disclosed if they would be a M/M or F/F romance.

One Bed of a Pickup Truck – Jules and Nadirah – they heading to a Nadirah’s brother’s wedding when they swerve off the road due to a deer, so there is where they both realize that they have feelings for each other.

The Bed Hierarchy – Theo and Olive – Friends to lovers, well mostly he was her brothers’ best friend but they both had huge crushes on each other. Finally, the family vacation changes it all and he becomes more than just a friend but family!

Romantic Intent – Matilda and Ryan – They meet when his pup decides to pee on her tent, so he offers her his. She is very defensive about everything until she realizes that he really likes her!

Holding On – A man and woman meet in time of a storm and fireworks explode between them. He is all she needs to keep her anxiety down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kounj Muzafar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of short stories. I'm only reviewing the stories I read and liked.

Reading the first page of One Bed if a pickup truck, by Lucy Eden, I thought it would be another boring and slow story.
But!! It turned out to be a fast-paced, soft, smoothly running story. In the first twenty pages, I understood the plot but at this point, I was expecting more twists and turns.
Well, the twist and turns I was expecting happened. For me, it was too soon, but for some reason, it flowed. It was a sweet, steamy romance story. I liked it.

The bed hierarchy by Lauren Conolly, Theo's, and Olive's story is by far my favorite. I wish it would have been longer. I just loved, loved it. It was short and just a perfect read.

I'm giving five-star rating just because of by The bed hierarchy by Lauren Conolly.

Other stories were average reads, but it is actually a worth buying book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this collection of quick stories where each couple was faced with a single bed. Either by choice or fate. Each story revolves around a couple, co-workers, childhood crush, a new relationship, two almost complete strangers and old lovers who are stuck in a situation where there's only one bed. There are MM, MF, and FF couples in the stories. But each shows happiness comes in different packages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renée Dahlia · Rating 5 out of 5]

First up, it feels super awkward to review an anthology that I'm in. I'm here to review all the other stories, and I know it's taken me ages to finally read them when this anthology was released ages ago. Yes, this is messy. Should I delete my rambling thoughts? Gah.

I loved the other stories in this anthology (obviously I like mine too - argh, writing this is so awkward). Lucy Eden's one is brilliant, Rebel Carter had me swooning, Ali's story is so poetic, and the others were excellent too.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romancelandia (borrowed from the publisher)
This anthology has a collection of books on the ‘only one bed’ trope, from a variety of authors. It was my first time really reading this trope, and it made for an enjoyable read. Some of them I didn’t enjoy as much as others, but there’s bound to be something for everyone amongst these short and steamy stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling box set of amazing, enjoyable, and compelling read-worthy romances. The amazing story-lines are consistent, interesting, engaging, fast pace, well written, and action-packed with adventures, humor, and romance. Each book is unique with characters that are likeable, well-developed, and deep. Strongly recommended!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a diverse group of unique stories. Each stands alone, is individual and is unconnected to the others. A couple were outside my normal reading likes, bit none were disliked. I would say my favorite is either Ryan and Mattie from Romantic Intent or Dee Dee and Julian from One pickup bed. Both are my standard reading material and quite enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mylene Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dee and Julian have known each other most of their lives. On their way to Dee's brother's wedding, who is also Julian's best friend, the dynamics of their relationship changes due to a confession. Realisations are acknowledged and acted upon. Can Dee and Julian sustain this awakening beyond the wedding?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of eight short stories by multiple authors.
One theme, only one bed, different style of bed for more fun. Different couple.
If you want to pick and choose , you may also read all of them. No order is required.
They are fun, hot and entertaining to read.
Enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa B · Rating 3 out of 5]

An anthology with a couple of short romance stories that somehow involve only one bed for the couples and how they get together.

*Only One Bed Of A Pick-Up Truck by Lucy Eden
Best friends who are on their way to a wedding but are stranded after a crash, this one packs a punch.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this collection of books - the characters, the plots, the emotion, the writing!

Each book has a storyline that grabs you right from the start keeping you engrossed and on edge throughout the whole book!

This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This an interesting collection of short stories that center around "only one bed". They are unique and interesting and really steamy. I liked some but some not so much. I did like the first story, it was probably one of my favorites. I was surprised to see a story about a m/m in collection. All the stories are sexy with a range of emotions in each one.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eight stories by different authors. The theme, one bed. These stories were short and easy to read.
There are m/f, m/m and f/f couples in these stories. My favorite story was by Lauren Connolly, The Bed Hierarchy. I really enjoyed the book. Thank you to all the authors.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Kylie Wylie.

[Misty Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bed Hierarchy by Lauren Connelly

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is my first book by this author. I really enjoyed it even if it was extremely short. It had the right amount of cute, sassy and sexy.
Theo has had the hots for his best friends little sister for six years. He just hopes she feels the same way.