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Never Too Late #3
Pining
A slow-burn, friends-to-lovers standalone holiday romance
The bad guy never gets the girl.
In the eyes of the law, I’ve paid for my youthful mistakes but I know I can never undo the damage I’ve caused. When I stepped out of my cell, I vowed to live a good life, make the right choices, and avoid temptation at all costs.
Until her.
She’s not a choice, she’s a compulsion. A craving. A beautiful, brave heroine who walked straight off the pages of the comic books I create and into my life with the superpower of making me believe I could be the man she deserves.
But I’m not.
She wants to tell the world about us this Christmas, including her father—my boss. But before she does, I need to tell her the truth.
Can I possibly stay her hero when she finds out that I used to be the villain?
The bad guy never gets the girl.
In the eyes of the law, I’ve paid for my youthful mistakes but I know I can never undo the damage I’ve caused. When I stepped out of my cell, I vowed to live a good life, make the right choices, and avoid temptation at all costs.
Until her.
She’s not a choice, she’s a compulsion. A craving. A beautiful, brave heroine who walked straight off the pages of the comic books I create and into my life with the superpower of making me believe I could be the man she deserves.
But I’m not.
She wants to tell the world about us this Christmas, including her father—my boss. But before she does, I need to tell her the truth.
Can I possibly stay her hero when she finds out that I used to be the villain?
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2020
141 people are currently reading
2142 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Rose
30 books2,945 followersStephanie Rose is a badass New Yorker, a wife, a mother, and lover of all things chocolate. Most days you'll find her trying to avoid standing on discarded LEGO or deciding which book to read next. Her debut novel, Always You, released in 2015 and since then she's written several more—some of which will never see completion—and has ideas for hundreds to come.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
November 20, 2020
Pining was back in 2019 part of an Anthology which consisted of eight novellas.
Now Pining has got an upgrade and the story is more developed and explored. Now the reader gets more. A deeper look into the characters and the dynamics between them all.
Pining is a spin off of Simmer and Rewrite and can easily be read as a stand-alone. All the characters from those books appear and it was so good to be back with Sara, Drew, Josh and Brianna. Victoria is Sara and Josh’s daughter and she’s a pretty remarkable woman. I simply adored her. She’s had a difficult upbringing with her mother, Sara being a single parent but now she’s lucky to have two families. Her dad Josh and his family as well.
Anthony Diaz is starting fresh after being released from jail. A good guy who wants to move forward but still struggles with his past and guilt. That man swept me off my feet with his words and his actions. My kind of hero!
He starts working at a shop which belongs to Victoria’s dad. There’s an immediate connection between the two of them having the same passion for comic books and a friendship is formed. The courtship is wonderfully done with palpable dialogue and sizzling chemistry.
It’s not just as simple as just getting together when the mind keep telling something different.
There’s something so comforting and effortless about how Stephanie Rose writes. She delivers heartfelt romance in spades. With Pining she excels. Not only did I get my steam but I got humor and a story with all the emotions and depth. She writes the most swoon worthy heroes and Anthony is another Stephanie Rose specialty.
Her Second Chance series is my favorite and Pining is right up there with them. Simply amazing!
5 Dibs on Diaz Stars
*Beta copy*
Now Pining has got an upgrade and the story is more developed and explored. Now the reader gets more. A deeper look into the characters and the dynamics between them all.
Pining is a spin off of Simmer and Rewrite and can easily be read as a stand-alone. All the characters from those books appear and it was so good to be back with Sara, Drew, Josh and Brianna. Victoria is Sara and Josh’s daughter and she’s a pretty remarkable woman. I simply adored her. She’s had a difficult upbringing with her mother, Sara being a single parent but now she’s lucky to have two families. Her dad Josh and his family as well.
Anthony Diaz is starting fresh after being released from jail. A good guy who wants to move forward but still struggles with his past and guilt. That man swept me off my feet with his words and his actions. My kind of hero!
He starts working at a shop which belongs to Victoria’s dad. There’s an immediate connection between the two of them having the same passion for comic books and a friendship is formed. The courtship is wonderfully done with palpable dialogue and sizzling chemistry.
It’s not just as simple as just getting together when the mind keep telling something different.
There’s something so comforting and effortless about how Stephanie Rose writes. She delivers heartfelt romance in spades. With Pining she excels. Not only did I get my steam but I got humor and a story with all the emotions and depth. She writes the most swoon worthy heroes and Anthony is another Stephanie Rose specialty.
Her Second Chance series is my favorite and Pining is right up there with them. Simply amazing!
5 Dibs on Diaz Stars
*Beta copy*
November 19, 2021
Listen to me people! If you want a swoony Christmas read with a hero so sweet you can literally taste it..Pining is the one that will give it to you. I love a flawed character that is trying to make good on past mistakes of his youth. Insert Victoria, the boss’s daughter whom he tries his best to stay away from, but the chemistry, the pull is way too strong for either one to deny.
“She’s not a choice, she’s a compulsion. A craving. A beautiful, brave heroine who walked straight off the pages of the comic books I create, and into my life with the superpower of making me believe I could be the man she deserves.”
This book was such a pleasant surprise, and I need so much more. If you love a slow burn, friends to lovers, and a super strong attraction & chemistry. Make sure you one click this book tomorrow on release day!
“She’s not a choice, she’s a compulsion. A craving. A beautiful, brave heroine who walked straight off the pages of the comic books I create, and into my life with the superpower of making me believe I could be the man she deserves.”
This book was such a pleasant surprise, and I need so much more. If you love a slow burn, friends to lovers, and a super strong attraction & chemistry. Make sure you one click this book tomorrow on release day!
November 12, 2020
This is a holiday standalone you do not want to miss!
*Swears on Santa's toy bag*
This does feature the second generation from previous books. But truth be told, I read them so long ago, it's not a requirement. (However, you'll be curious and do so.)
Let's talk about the Italian Henry Cavill, Anthony. Yes in looks, but what I mean is the adorable, slightly quiet, depreciating humor but not so secret geek. He's a beta wrapped up in alpha layers.
Then the heroine, Victoria is equally adorable. She spunky, cute, and has the utmost biggest heart.
The story is about the perfect mismatched odd couple on the outside but love each other fiercely on the inside. From meet-cute to epic grand gesture it's the Christmas romance you've been wanting to get your hands on now the season has started!
What I loved:
- Everything
- Especially the hero
- Especially the heroine
What to consider:
-That you have to wait until Nov 20th to read it.
Recommendation: Buy it! Will be a re-read for holiday seasons to come.
*Swears on Santa's toy bag*
This does feature the second generation from previous books. But truth be told, I read them so long ago, it's not a requirement. (However, you'll be curious and do so.)
Let's talk about the Italian Henry Cavill, Anthony. Yes in looks, but what I mean is the adorable, slightly quiet, depreciating humor but not so secret geek. He's a beta wrapped up in alpha layers.
Then the heroine, Victoria is equally adorable. She spunky, cute, and has the utmost biggest heart.
The story is about the perfect mismatched odd couple on the outside but love each other fiercely on the inside. From meet-cute to epic grand gesture it's the Christmas romance you've been wanting to get your hands on now the season has started!
What I loved:
- Everything
- Especially the hero
- Especially the heroine
What to consider:
-That you have to wait until Nov 20th to read it.
Recommendation: Buy it! Will be a re-read for holiday seasons to come.
Read
November 21, 2021Pining is LIVE and FREE on Kindle Unlimited!
1Click: https://geni.us/Pining_ebook
“Ready to go? I ran home to change. Can’t go to a holiday party at a comic book store without Wonder Woman colors!”
My eyes widened at the sight of Victoria in a tight red sweater over even tighter jeans. Her lips were a matching crimson, and the urge to drive my hands into her dark hair and kiss the hell out of her rendered me speechless and stupid. I wanted to scream “what the hell are you doing with me?” but at the same time, pull her into my arms again like that day at the diner only this time, not let her go.
“You and your friend have a good time tonight.” Lou laughed and shook his head as he left the garage.
❄️Delicious slow burn
❄️Friends to lovers romance
❄️First love
❄️Swoony hero w/a past
❄️All. The. Feels
🎄 Read Chapter One of Pining on Book+Main Bites 🎄
→ https://bookandmainbites.com/bite/48681
🎄 BLURB 🎄
The bad guy never gets the girl.
In the eyes of the law, I’ve paid for my youthful mistakes but I know I can never undo the damage I’ve caused. When I stepped out of my cell, I vowed to live a good life, make the right choices, and avoid temptation at all costs.
Until her.
She’s not a choice, she’s a compulsion. A craving. A beautiful, brave heroine who walked straight off the pages of the comic books I create and into my life with the superpower of making me believe I could be the man she deserves.
But I’m not.
She wants to tell the world about us this Christmas, including her father—my boss. But before she does, I need to tell her the truth.
Can I possibly stay her hero when she finds out that I used to be the villain?
*Originally a short in the Mistletoe Over Manhattan Anthology and now expanded to more than double the story.
🎄 Add to your TBR 🎄
→ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
🎄 Vote for PINING for Goodreads Most Anticipated November Romance 🎄
→ https://bit.ly/35ugeJA
1Click: https://geni.us/Pining_ebook
“Ready to go? I ran home to change. Can’t go to a holiday party at a comic book store without Wonder Woman colors!”
My eyes widened at the sight of Victoria in a tight red sweater over even tighter jeans. Her lips were a matching crimson, and the urge to drive my hands into her dark hair and kiss the hell out of her rendered me speechless and stupid. I wanted to scream “what the hell are you doing with me?” but at the same time, pull her into my arms again like that day at the diner only this time, not let her go.
“You and your friend have a good time tonight.” Lou laughed and shook his head as he left the garage.
❄️Delicious slow burn
❄️Friends to lovers romance
❄️First love
❄️Swoony hero w/a past
❄️All. The. Feels
🎄 Read Chapter One of Pining on Book+Main Bites 🎄
→ https://bookandmainbites.com/bite/48681
🎄 BLURB 🎄
The bad guy never gets the girl.
In the eyes of the law, I’ve paid for my youthful mistakes but I know I can never undo the damage I’ve caused. When I stepped out of my cell, I vowed to live a good life, make the right choices, and avoid temptation at all costs.
Until her.
She’s not a choice, she’s a compulsion. A craving. A beautiful, brave heroine who walked straight off the pages of the comic books I create and into my life with the superpower of making me believe I could be the man she deserves.
But I’m not.
She wants to tell the world about us this Christmas, including her father—my boss. But before she does, I need to tell her the truth.
Can I possibly stay her hero when she finds out that I used to be the villain?
*Originally a short in the Mistletoe Over Manhattan Anthology and now expanded to more than double the story.
🎄 Add to your TBR 🎄
→ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
🎄 Vote for PINING for Goodreads Most Anticipated November Romance 🎄
→ https://bit.ly/35ugeJA
October 3, 2020
Loved, loved, LOVED this book! Stephanie Rose once again delivers a romance that’s swoony, steamy, and gives us all the feels. Plus her hero Anthony...yeah, you’re going to want to find a spoon to eat him up with. Yum!
*full review to follow**
*full review to follow**
September 20, 2022
slow burn my ass
November 15, 2020
Boss's daughter? Check.
Torn hero trying to redeem himself? Check.
Comic and superhero love? Check. Check. Check!
Plus, the family that surrounds the couple are beautiful and bright and the very best of what the holiday is supposed to be. Which I always adore.
You won't want to miss this heartwarmingly sweet holiday novel by Stephanie Rose. Be prepared to smile and hurt and smile again!
Torn hero trying to redeem himself? Check.
Comic and superhero love? Check. Check. Check!
Plus, the family that surrounds the couple are beautiful and bright and the very best of what the holiday is supposed to be. Which I always adore.
You won't want to miss this heartwarmingly sweet holiday novel by Stephanie Rose. Be prepared to smile and hurt and smile again!
November 23, 2020
What a swoon fest!
This book is exactly what I needed to lift my spirits. I mean come on, a hot tatted Latino with a heart of gold, a feisty beautiful and sweet Italian woman with a slight obsession with Wonder Woman...the result was magic!
This author did a stellar job in creating characters that were real, likable and had a lot of heart. Her ability to write a story about 2 people who are complete opposites but have an instant attraction was seamless! Anthony is struggling to start over and meeting and falling for Victoria who also happens to be his new boss’s daughter was not in the cards. But fall for her he did and the attraction is mutual! Oh sparks flew and the sexual tension was super hot!
Bittersweet, slow burn, full of passion and humor, Anthony and Victoria’s story had me glued to the pages. I heard this was part of an anthology. I had not read it (but I certainly will in the near future)and I had no trouble following or enjoying this story.
Te Amo!
Those 2 little words carry so much weight and so much meaning in this story. What you’re willing to do and sacrifice for those you love! I don’t want to say more except read it. Anthony and Victoria are both carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders for different reasons. Their instant attraction, their friendship and their budding love story was a real journey of love and second chances.
Perfect read to lift your spirits before the holidays in 2020!!
This book is exactly what I needed to lift my spirits. I mean come on, a hot tatted Latino with a heart of gold, a feisty beautiful and sweet Italian woman with a slight obsession with Wonder Woman...the result was magic!
This author did a stellar job in creating characters that were real, likable and had a lot of heart. Her ability to write a story about 2 people who are complete opposites but have an instant attraction was seamless! Anthony is struggling to start over and meeting and falling for Victoria who also happens to be his new boss’s daughter was not in the cards. But fall for her he did and the attraction is mutual! Oh sparks flew and the sexual tension was super hot!
Bittersweet, slow burn, full of passion and humor, Anthony and Victoria’s story had me glued to the pages. I heard this was part of an anthology. I had not read it (but I certainly will in the near future)and I had no trouble following or enjoying this story.
Te Amo!
Those 2 little words carry so much weight and so much meaning in this story. What you’re willing to do and sacrifice for those you love! I don’t want to say more except read it. Anthony and Victoria are both carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders for different reasons. Their instant attraction, their friendship and their budding love story was a real journey of love and second chances.
Perfect read to lift your spirits before the holidays in 2020!!
December 27, 2020
This was a terrific holiday romance that tugged at my heart strings. Anthony made a youthful mistake that leave him with a lifetime of consequences. I loved his vulnerable heart hidden within his tough exterior. Victoria is the girl who is gorgeous and geeky and not at all aware of her beauty. I love how much she believes in Anthony from the beginning. I love that she encourages him, pushes him, helps him, and loves him, regardless of his past. I loved reading as Anthony overcomes guilt and self-doubt to embrace love with Victoria. I loved Victoria’s family. I love that Anthony’s aunt and cousin are so supportive of him and his happiness.
This holiday read is written in first person from dual POV. It packs heat, humor, and a little angst as they find their way to their HEA.
This holiday read is written in first person from dual POV. It packs heat, humor, and a little angst as they find their way to their HEA.
November 8, 2020
OMG!!! When I first read Victoria and Anthony in the shortened version of Pining in the Mistletoe Over Manhattan anthology last year, I immediately fell completely in love with Victoria. Like super hard core girl crush, for real. This expanded version of their story only made me love her more. From the little girl I first met in Rewrite and Simmer to the amazing woman she became, I can’t think of another character that I’m so insanely captivated by.
These two deserve way more stars than any rating system would allow. They’re strong and resilient. They are goals. I wanted to savor this story but I couldn’t put it down so I’ll just have to visit again!!
These two deserve way more stars than any rating system would allow. They’re strong and resilient. They are goals. I wanted to savor this story but I couldn’t put it down so I’ll just have to visit again!!
November 12, 2020
4.5 stars! I absolutely loved this story about Anthony and Victoria. I guess now would be a good time to confess that I have not read the books with Josh and Bri and Sara and Drew but I will soon! Regardless, that’s obviously not required to love this book and get totally lost in the story and characters. I felt so bad for Anthony and the struggles he has had in life. Both Anthony and Victoria didn’t have a lot growing up but their circumstances in their teens were quite different and they found themselves on different paths until those paths converged to find each other. I love that Victoria is a fan of comics and not afraid to show it! And Anthony loves that about her! I didn’t read this when it was a short story but I couldn’t imagine it any other way than it is now and I’m so glad that Stephanie Rose decided to make this a full length book! This is a book about second chances...second chances in life and love! Don’t miss this one!
~Alexis💜
~Alexis💜
November 17, 2020
I swear Stephanie Rose never disappoints!!! Pining was a great little Christmas treat. It was short but it ticked every box for me. Anthony and Victoria were the absolute cutest!!! Anthony...sigh...I loved him so much. He was a man trying to get his life back on track after making a mistake in his teens when he meets Victoria. He has an instant connection to her but he feels unworthy of her so he tries his best to stay away but their attraction was too strong to deny.
This book was perfection and hits all the feels..perfect holiday read!!
This book was perfection and hits all the feels..perfect holiday read!!
November 16, 2020
I had the honor to BETA read for the first time a Stephanie Rose book, well it's a novella, but I may or may not have asked her for a few more words in the form of a Prologue lol.
Here is what I will tell you about Pining, it was part of a very short anthology, so you may have already met Anthony Diaz and Victoria Falco; if you love friends-to-lovers, this is your jam; if you love a slight slow burn (not too slow) again, this is your jam; if you love a hot sexy Latino man who is redeeming himself into society, again, this is your jam. You love a saucy heroine that can hold her old, guess what, this is your jam.
You are going to fall in love with these two characters as much as I did. Buckle up ladies, November 20th will be right here and Pining should be on your Kindle.
Here is what I will tell you about Pining, it was part of a very short anthology, so you may have already met Anthony Diaz and Victoria Falco; if you love friends-to-lovers, this is your jam; if you love a slight slow burn (not too slow) again, this is your jam; if you love a hot sexy Latino man who is redeeming himself into society, again, this is your jam. You love a saucy heroine that can hold her old, guess what, this is your jam.
You are going to fall in love with these two characters as much as I did. Buckle up ladies, November 20th will be right here and Pining should be on your Kindle.
October 20, 2020
One of my favorites! This story is so sweet and real. I love how flawed the characters were and how they developed. At times romance can feel two dimensional, but Stephanie was able to bring her characters off the page and into my heart. Comics, and steam, and redemption. It doesn't get better than that! Five stars!
November 10, 2020
Pining is pure joy. Stephanie Rose expanded her Christmas story from last year and gave Victoria Falco and Anthony Diaz the journey they were meant to have. I loved the novella but this version is out of this world wonderful. These characters are true and feel like family. Especially since Victoria is the daughter of two couples who have their own stories in Rewrite and Simmer.
There is the right amount of angst and longing as Anthony sees himself as not good enough for Victoria and yet all she sees is the man who is more than perfect for her. The way they hit it off almost immediately with their sweet addiction to comic books and superheroes, I felt their connection right along with them. And couldn't look away from their burgeoning love even when it hits a roadblock or two.
Rose writes Victoria as the strong woman both her mother and father are fiercely proud of and protective of. Yet they allow her the freedom to choose whom she loves and what she wants out of life. And I just loved that. The family support and camaraderie is a huge part of this book and all it does is make me want more from this entire crew! That's the mark of a great story imo, not being able to let go after those last words are read.
Because Victoria is a no-nonsense kind of woman, I really enjoyed how she fights for what and who she wants. She doesn't back down even when a stubborn and sexy mechanic/tattoo artist/comic book genius drives her to tears. Her moxie and his humility are all kinds of flawless together especially when Anthony can't get out of his own head. To see both fight for each other no matter what, warmed my heart and I was a sighing fool as I finished this well-written and delightful read.
Pining is the sort of book that will make you smile. It will make you swoon and it will fill your soul up completely with the kind of love that is both beautiful and irresistible. Ideal for those who need a bit of happy (and who doesn't these days), Pining is romance done right and I happily give it 5 sweet stars!!!
There is the right amount of angst and longing as Anthony sees himself as not good enough for Victoria and yet all she sees is the man who is more than perfect for her. The way they hit it off almost immediately with their sweet addiction to comic books and superheroes, I felt their connection right along with them. And couldn't look away from their burgeoning love even when it hits a roadblock or two.
Rose writes Victoria as the strong woman both her mother and father are fiercely proud of and protective of. Yet they allow her the freedom to choose whom she loves and what she wants out of life. And I just loved that. The family support and camaraderie is a huge part of this book and all it does is make me want more from this entire crew! That's the mark of a great story imo, not being able to let go after those last words are read.
Because Victoria is a no-nonsense kind of woman, I really enjoyed how she fights for what and who she wants. She doesn't back down even when a stubborn and sexy mechanic/tattoo artist/comic book genius drives her to tears. Her moxie and his humility are all kinds of flawless together especially when Anthony can't get out of his own head. To see both fight for each other no matter what, warmed my heart and I was a sighing fool as I finished this well-written and delightful read.
Pining is the sort of book that will make you smile. It will make you swoon and it will fill your soul up completely with the kind of love that is both beautiful and irresistible. Ideal for those who need a bit of happy (and who doesn't these days), Pining is romance done right and I happily give it 5 sweet stars!!!
November 24, 2020
I can't believe my baby girl Victoria is a grown up! Well, mostly grown up, she still can't legally drink. But still. It seems like just yesterday she was that sweet, shy little girl and now look at her- all in love and stuff. How did this happen?!?
Pining is such a treat- it'll put you in the holiday spirit for sure, a perfect read for this time of year! Anthony and Victoria are just so sweet together. There was definitely pining and longing looks between these two, it was so cute to witness.
I'm so glad this story was told in dual pov, as it made it easy to connect with both Anthony and Victoria. And it helped to understand some of Anthony's actions- instead of just seeing them through Victoria's eyes. He's had a tough few years and I was happy that good things were happening for him.
This is a fairly quick read, so even though there was some conflict, it wasn't drawn out. And it felt realistic, instead of drama just for the sake of drama. Anthony had to work things out for himself and I loved the way he went about making things up to Victoria.
If you've read Rewrite and Simmer you'll appreciate seeing Josh and Brianna and Sara and Drew again- Victoria's a lucky girl to have so many people who love her!
November 17, 2020
This book is a real friends to lovers romance that was a great read. This slow burn holiday romance was a sweet read that was a great page turner. This story was part of a short novella that this author has made into a full length book and it is a a wonderfully sweet read.
Anthony and Victoria were always meant to be. Victoria is a hard worker and is a strong and beautiful woman. She fights for what she wants and when she meets him she is drawn to him to. Anthony has just been released from prison and wants to start a fresh he knows that he has made some bad choices but now wants to make the most of his life. He starts working at a job working in a store that belongs to Victoria's father. When these two meet there is a defiantly connection and something passes between them both. They both have a great love of comics but Anthony thinks that he is not good enough for her and feels guilt but she sees the other way and knows they are meant to be.
I always love reading books by this author and they way that she writes her characters,always in a way that the reader can connect with them. This story was easy to follow and flows throughout, there are some predictable moments but this was still and awesome read. This is a steamy, sweet, emotional story that will have you rooting for them both until the end in the hope they will get there own HEA.
For more on my reviews, new releases, and more about books head over to my blog.
https://www.facebook.com/VickisMagica...
Anthony and Victoria were always meant to be. Victoria is a hard worker and is a strong and beautiful woman. She fights for what she wants and when she meets him she is drawn to him to. Anthony has just been released from prison and wants to start a fresh he knows that he has made some bad choices but now wants to make the most of his life. He starts working at a job working in a store that belongs to Victoria's father. When these two meet there is a defiantly connection and something passes between them both. They both have a great love of comics but Anthony thinks that he is not good enough for her and feels guilt but she sees the other way and knows they are meant to be.
I always love reading books by this author and they way that she writes her characters,always in a way that the reader can connect with them. This story was easy to follow and flows throughout, there are some predictable moments but this was still and awesome read. This is a steamy, sweet, emotional story that will have you rooting for them both until the end in the hope they will get there own HEA.
For more on my reviews, new releases, and more about books head over to my blog.
https://www.facebook.com/VickisMagica...
November 7, 2020
“In another life, I’d be everything for her, everything she wanted me to be. In this one, I was nothing.”
Oh but what Anthony doesn’t realize is that he is seriously everything! From the first moment they met, you felt the budding attraction between Victoria and Anthony. It was like flame to a paper, with words igniting and explosive.
“The only thing I was sure of was that whatever happened between us, I’d have an Anthony-shaped scar for the rest of my life.”
My heart breaks that Anthony feels he doesn’t deserve her love but his mistakes were made when he was young and brought him directly to the love of
His life.... that is if only he would get his head out of his ass first.
The sky is officially clear for these two, not a cloud in sight.
Oh but what Anthony doesn’t realize is that he is seriously everything! From the first moment they met, you felt the budding attraction between Victoria and Anthony. It was like flame to a paper, with words igniting and explosive.
“The only thing I was sure of was that whatever happened between us, I’d have an Anthony-shaped scar for the rest of my life.”
My heart breaks that Anthony feels he doesn’t deserve her love but his mistakes were made when he was young and brought him directly to the love of
His life.... that is if only he would get his head out of his ass first.
The sky is officially clear for these two, not a cloud in sight.
November 9, 2020
I first read Victoria and Anthony's short story in the Mistletoe Over Manhattan collection. I loved it. This longer version is so so much better! This book expands on everything! There is more backstory, more characters, more laughs, more steam, more everything! I fell in love with Victoria when she was a little girl in Rewrite. Her character has grown into an amazingly strong and resilient young woman. Anthony is so stuck in the shame of his past that I wasn't sure he could make his way out. The way these two navigate their love and their roadblocks melted my heart.
November 12, 2020
This is such a sweet holiday read. You'll smile while reading and if you're like me and you love comics these two will hit you in the extra feels. Santa will def be swinging by for them.
November 12, 2020
A shortened version of Pining by Stephanie Rose was included in the Mistletoe Over Manhattan anthology, and has been re-penned as a full-length young-adult novel featuring Anthony Diaz and Victoria Falco. It is a stand-alone but is also a spin-off of Simmer and Rewrite, and I liked getting updates on characters from the previous books: Sara, Drew, Josh and Brianna. Victoria is Sara and Josh’s daughter first meets our hero in the auto shop where they both work. So our sweet heroine is off-limits in Anthony’s eyes as her father aka his new boss is giving him his big break that he desperately needs.
Stephanie always writes swoony heroes and Anthony is one you will be routing for. He’s made mistakes in his past and paid his time, and just needs to forgive himself and allow himself to be loved. I love how much they both have in common, especially their love of comic books, how easy their conversations are, and how much they enjoy each other’s company.
Still a college student, Victoria is intelligent with goals and a life plan, and only has eyes for Anthony. He has pinned for her since they first met but feels unworthy, and this book is all about their journey and the obstacles they faced. But since this is a romance, have no fear because love wins out, and this young couple does find their very own HEA.
Stephanie always writes swoony heroes and Anthony is one you will be routing for. He’s made mistakes in his past and paid his time, and just needs to forgive himself and allow himself to be loved. I love how much they both have in common, especially their love of comic books, how easy their conversations are, and how much they enjoy each other’s company.
Still a college student, Victoria is intelligent with goals and a life plan, and only has eyes for Anthony. He has pinned for her since they first met but feels unworthy, and this book is all about their journey and the obstacles they faced. But since this is a romance, have no fear because love wins out, and this young couple does find their very own HEA.
November 23, 2020
Love Lights Up the Soul!
Pining is a quick, but electric romance. It has unique characters and sizzling chemistry. Victoria and Anthony share an easy friendship fraught with sexual tension. Their romance will heat you up and fill your heart with holiday joy!
Pining is a quick, but electric romance. It has unique characters and sizzling chemistry. Victoria and Anthony share an easy friendship fraught with sexual tension. Their romance will heat you up and fill your heart with holiday joy!
November 23, 2020
This was a heartwarming story that hooked me from the first page. This swoony, steamy novella left me with a huge smile on my face. I just loved Anthony and Victoria. If you're looking for a great holiday story, don't miss this one!
November 3, 2020
I read and love anything Ms. Rose writes! And Pining is no exception. I started this book and I couldn’t put it down! I adore Victoria and Anthony. Like adore. And I love that we get to check on old favorites from the last too! And I especially love that this book takes place at my most favorite time of the year too! But man, another outstanding and amazing read by Ms. Rose right here!!
November 14, 2020
Pining is not your typical holiday story. It is so much more. This is an upgraded short story turned into a full novella. It’s a continuation of a family ( if you’ve read Stephanie Rose’s previous books) we came to know and love. However, don’t worry if you haven’t read the previous stories because you will be able to follow Victoria’s and Anthony’s story. It clearly stands on it’s on. The thing is you after you read this story you will want to go back and read the books of this beautiful family. It will touch your heart in all kinds of emotional ways.
Victoria has grown up and is working at her father’s motorcycle shop. This is where she meets and develops a friendship with Anthony. Anthony has some baggage of his own. I don’t do spoilers so I won’t get into details. What I will say is that there is a definite lesson to be learned and a realism to this story. How many of us can’t forgive ourselves for something? It begs the question is a second chance meant for everyone? Is everyone entitled to one? This is a story of forgiveness, love, and hope. The fact that it takes place during the holiday season just adds to the story’s depth. Many of us take for granted the holidays are happy for everyone. In reality many are just trying to get through them. Not everyone has happy memories or their situation isn’t ideal in the present. It also deals with selfless love. A lot is packed into this story. So much that I would love to see a follow up. Stephanie has unique concepts and beautiful creativity in her writing. She adds little touches and her writing is very vivid. You feel and see the story as it’s played out.
I read this story in one sitting. This is a family you never want to leave. They’re current, eclectic in nature and a treasure, so much so that I want to go back and re-read Simmer and Rewrite. So sit back grab a hot chocolate and enjoy this holiday tale. I did!
P.S.- prepare to be filled with the holiday spirit!
Victoria has grown up and is working at her father’s motorcycle shop. This is where she meets and develops a friendship with Anthony. Anthony has some baggage of his own. I don’t do spoilers so I won’t get into details. What I will say is that there is a definite lesson to be learned and a realism to this story. How many of us can’t forgive ourselves for something? It begs the question is a second chance meant for everyone? Is everyone entitled to one? This is a story of forgiveness, love, and hope. The fact that it takes place during the holiday season just adds to the story’s depth. Many of us take for granted the holidays are happy for everyone. In reality many are just trying to get through them. Not everyone has happy memories or their situation isn’t ideal in the present. It also deals with selfless love. A lot is packed into this story. So much that I would love to see a follow up. Stephanie has unique concepts and beautiful creativity in her writing. She adds little touches and her writing is very vivid. You feel and see the story as it’s played out.
I read this story in one sitting. This is a family you never want to leave. They’re current, eclectic in nature and a treasure, so much so that I want to go back and re-read Simmer and Rewrite. So sit back grab a hot chocolate and enjoy this holiday tale. I did!
P.S.- prepare to be filled with the holiday spirit!
November 10, 2020
A slow-burn, friends-to-lovers standalone holiday romance
The bad guy never gets the girl.
In the eyes of the law, I’ve paid for my youthful mistakes but I know I can never undo the damage I’ve caused. When I stepped out of my cell, I vowed to live a good life, make the right choices, and avoid temptation at all costs.
Until her.
She’s not a choice, she’s a compulsion. A craving. A beautiful, brave heroine who walked straight off the pages of the comic books I create and into my life with the superpower of making me believe I could be the man she deserves.
But I’m not.
She wants to tell the world about us this Christmas, including her father—my boss. But before she does, I need to tell her the truth.
Can I possibly stay her hero when she finds out that I used to be the villain?
Author's note: Originally a short in the Mistletoe Over Manhattan and now expanded to more than triple the story. If you love steamy holiday romances with tough, Wonder Woman-loving heroines, a swoon-worthy hero with a past, this book is for you!
Freaking loved Anthony and Victoria's story! Flawlessly written and heartfelt. Their story was anything but easy and Anthony really struggled with his past. It was such a great story to see how much they both grew throughout their relationship. Loved this book!
The bad guy never gets the girl.
In the eyes of the law, I’ve paid for my youthful mistakes but I know I can never undo the damage I’ve caused. When I stepped out of my cell, I vowed to live a good life, make the right choices, and avoid temptation at all costs.
Until her.
She’s not a choice, she’s a compulsion. A craving. A beautiful, brave heroine who walked straight off the pages of the comic books I create and into my life with the superpower of making me believe I could be the man she deserves.
But I’m not.
She wants to tell the world about us this Christmas, including her father—my boss. But before she does, I need to tell her the truth.
Can I possibly stay her hero when she finds out that I used to be the villain?
Author's note: Originally a short in the Mistletoe Over Manhattan and now expanded to more than triple the story. If you love steamy holiday romances with tough, Wonder Woman-loving heroines, a swoon-worthy hero with a past, this book is for you!
Freaking loved Anthony and Victoria's story! Flawlessly written and heartfelt. Their story was anything but easy and Anthony really struggled with his past. It was such a great story to see how much they both grew throughout their relationship. Loved this book!
November 10, 2020
“Pining”—Stephanie Rose [5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️] Ahhh be prepared for an awesome standalone holiday romance that will give you all the feels! With “Pining” you can expect a friends to lovers romance, a swoony hero with a past, a comic book loving superhero female, and a slow burn that will just have you craving more! Anthony has made some mistakes in his past, but he vowed that after his time in jail he would make the most of his life, make the right choices, and avoid temptations. That plan all changed when he starts his new job and is instantly mesmerized by his boss’s daughter, Victoria. She’s beautiful, a hard worker, and is kicking butt in college, but he doesn’t think he can ever be the man she deserves. Anthony is holding onto what they have together right now, knowing there’s a time limit with Victoria; once she finds out the truth of his past, he doesn’t think she could possibly want someone like him. I absolutely fell in love with Anthony and Victoria and their swoony storyline and their determination to be together! This was just the pick me up book I needed and I highly suggest checking this out when it’s released on November 20th! 👍🏼 Thank you to Stephanie Rose for providing me a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!📚
November 11, 2020
Pining was originally a short novella as part of a holiday anthology. And when I read it, I was disappointed that it wasn’t a full length novel. I was excited when Stephanie Rose announced that she was giving us more Anthony and Victoria, and she did not disappoint. These two were so good together, and took those organic steps of becoming friends before becoming more. Although, Anthony always held back a little bit, and was worried what Victoria would say about it past. And when he finally told her, he mucked it up good...I loved that Victoria saw Anthony for the amazing guy that he was, and didn’t see him as this “villain” he thinks he is. She truly saw Anthony for Anthony. I loved the visit with past characters from Rose’s backlist....and it was wonderful to get this story in it’s entirety. I love a good novella, but sometimes you just need more....and we got the more here!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.
November 9, 2020
I first read Pining when it was a novella in an anthology. Stephanie Rose has since taken that novella and expanded it into a full novel. And it is simply fantastic!
Anthony has recently been released from prison after having served two years for his part in a crime with his cousin. He is fortunate that Josh Falco (from Stephanie Rose's Rewrite) hires him to work as a mechanic in his bike shop. That is where he meets Victoria, Josh's daughter, and a fellow comic book nut. The two bond over comics, and a friendship develops into more. But Anthony is afraid of what may happen once Victoria finds out about his record.
I loved this story! Stephanie Rose did a fantastic job of expanding this into a full novel, and I fell in love with Anthony even more than I had previously! Victoria proved to be a strong young woman, who knows what she wants and will go after it. I loved her strength!
Pining was a definite hit for me~ I hope to see glimpses of these two in future books!
Anthony has recently been released from prison after having served two years for his part in a crime with his cousin. He is fortunate that Josh Falco (from Stephanie Rose's Rewrite) hires him to work as a mechanic in his bike shop. That is where he meets Victoria, Josh's daughter, and a fellow comic book nut. The two bond over comics, and a friendship develops into more. But Anthony is afraid of what may happen once Victoria finds out about his record.
I loved this story! Stephanie Rose did a fantastic job of expanding this into a full novel, and I fell in love with Anthony even more than I had previously! Victoria proved to be a strong young woman, who knows what she wants and will go after it. I loved her strength!
Pining was a definite hit for me~ I hope to see glimpses of these two in future books!
November 15, 2020
Last year when I finished reading Pining as a short story that was apart of a collection called Mistletoe Over Manhattan the first thought I had was, I need more of these two and as usual Stephanie Rose came through by expanding this amazing story.
Victoria and Anthony are so special, I love the worlds Rose creates because they are so comforting and sexy and real with emotions that have you forever bonded with her characters.
Pining is perfect if you're looking for the ideal friends to lovers holiday read with culturally diverse characters full of passion, feels and fierce chemistry!
Unputdownable, heartfelt.....captivating and sultry, Pining is one of my favorites from Stephanie Rose!
Victoria and Anthony are so special, I love the worlds Rose creates because they are so comforting and sexy and real with emotions that have you forever bonded with her characters.
Pining is perfect if you're looking for the ideal friends to lovers holiday read with culturally diverse characters full of passion, feels and fierce chemistry!
Unputdownable, heartfelt.....captivating and sultry, Pining is one of my favorites from Stephanie Rose!
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