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Bennu Firebirds #3.5
Marking the Date
Maya is living the life of her dreams. She’s starred in three movies, gone to premieres, and done press releases around the world. Not to mention she landed the dreamy rock star boyfriend she’s loved since he was nothing more than a friend at summer camp.
But she hates how much their busy schedules keep them apart.
Being a rock star has its perks, and Xander Lewis plans on taking full advantage of them to give his girlfriend the most perfect Valentine’s Day ever. Especially since they missed their first two, and by some miracle, the stars have aligned, allowing them an entire week together.
Except... the universe has other plans.
Between a potential breakup in their friend group and a loved one on the verge of relapsing, one thing after another threatens to pull them apart.
Will Xander and Maya get their perfect moment together? Find out in this Bennu Firebirds short story!
But she hates how much their busy schedules keep them apart.
Being a rock star has its perks, and Xander Lewis plans on taking full advantage of them to give his girlfriend the most perfect Valentine’s Day ever. Especially since they missed their first two, and by some miracle, the stars have aligned, allowing them an entire week together.
Except... the universe has other plans.
Between a potential breakup in their friend group and a loved one on the verge of relapsing, one thing after another threatens to pull them apart.
Will Xander and Maya get their perfect moment together? Find out in this Bennu Firebirds short story!
52 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2022
15 people want to read
About the author
Cait Marie
30 books361 followersYA/NA multi-genre author Cait Marie has enjoyed reading and creating stories her entire life. Her 2020 fantasy debut, The Lost Legends, encompasses her love of fairy tales and adventure while her following book, The Last Summer, shows her appreciation for fluffy-but-moving contemporary romance.
In the time since, she has continued publishing in both genres and has plans to expand into science fiction, steampunk, and dystopian worlds.
Cait is the creator and manager of the book blog Functionally Fictional, works for YA Books Central, and offers a variety of author services, including editing, proofreading, and formatting. She has a BA in forensic psychology and an MFA in creative writing, both from Southern New Hampshire University.
Basically, her life revolves around books, but she also enjoys music, bullet journaling, graphic design, and Disney movies.
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cait.marie.h/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caits...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/c8_marie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c8_marie/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cait.marie.h
Newsletter Sign-Up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cait-Marie/e/B...
Website: https://caitmarieh.com/
Functionally Fictional: https://functionallyfictional.com/
In the time since, she has continued publishing in both genres and has plans to expand into science fiction, steampunk, and dystopian worlds.
Cait is the creator and manager of the book blog Functionally Fictional, works for YA Books Central, and offers a variety of author services, including editing, proofreading, and formatting. She has a BA in forensic psychology and an MFA in creative writing, both from Southern New Hampshire University.
Basically, her life revolves around books, but she also enjoys music, bullet journaling, graphic design, and Disney movies.
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cait.marie.h/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/caits...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/c8_marie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c8_marie/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cait.marie.h
Newsletter Sign-Up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cait-Marie/e/B...
Website: https://caitmarieh.com/
Functionally Fictional: https://functionallyfictional.com/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 17, 2022
Maya and Xander are finally going to celebrate Valentine's Day together. Earlier years Maya has been shooting a movie somewhere, or Xander's been on tour with his band, but this year they're going to spend a perfect day together. Or will they...?
It's so much fun to see Maya and Xander from "Missing the Beat" again, even if it's only in a short story! They're so cute together and I would have loved to spend more time with them! They're always there for friends and family - even when it intrudes on the few times they're home at the same time.
Xander really wants to do something special for Maya on Valentine's Day, but universe seems to want to put obstacles in their way. Xander, of course, finds a solution eventually. I'm not quite the romantic type myself, so to me it would have been mostly awkward, but to Maya it means the world. I prefer reading about grand, romantic gestures!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
It's so much fun to see Maya and Xander from "Missing the Beat" again, even if it's only in a short story! They're so cute together and I would have loved to spend more time with them! They're always there for friends and family - even when it intrudes on the few times they're home at the same time.
Xander really wants to do something special for Maya on Valentine's Day, but universe seems to want to put obstacles in their way. Xander, of course, finds a solution eventually. I'm not quite the romantic type myself, so to me it would have been mostly awkward, but to Maya it means the world. I prefer reading about grand, romantic gestures!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
February 10, 2022
I was given an Arc for my honest review.
Marking the Date is a short story sequel to Missing The Beat. It tells the story of Xander and Maya’s first Valentine’s Day together.
I love short story sequels because I get to see a glimpse into my favorite characters’ lives for a day. It makes me feel like I am a side character in the books. I say this with all of Cait’s books, but I love how authentic the characters are, and I love the relationships between characters.
It’s a super quick read. It puts you in a romantic mood for Valentine’s Day, and you get to hang out with some of the coolest characters on the planet.
I hope we get more books from the Bennu/ Summerville universe because I love everything about it.
Marking the Date releases on Amazon on 2/18.
Marking the Date is a short story sequel to Missing The Beat. It tells the story of Xander and Maya’s first Valentine’s Day together.
I love short story sequels because I get to see a glimpse into my favorite characters’ lives for a day. It makes me feel like I am a side character in the books. I say this with all of Cait’s books, but I love how authentic the characters are, and I love the relationships between characters.
It’s a super quick read. It puts you in a romantic mood for Valentine’s Day, and you get to hang out with some of the coolest characters on the planet.
I hope we get more books from the Bennu/ Summerville universe because I love everything about it.
Marking the Date releases on Amazon on 2/18.
February 25, 2022
Funny, Emotional, and Oh So Spicy!!!
If you loved these characters in Missing the Beat, this is an absolute must as they take their relationship to the next level. You also get cameos from other character in the series and a little side romance with Max and his band boyfriend.
I laughed out loud at least three times, got nervous about what was going to happen, and was emotionally moved by a few different moments. It's short, so I can't say much without spoiling, but this story was a great way to see the characters again and had it's own little storyline with a happy ending. When I got to the end I wanted more because they are just so stinking cute together, and like . . . who can't use more spicy scenes? It was soooooo good.
If you loved these characters in Missing the Beat, this is an absolute must as they take their relationship to the next level. You also get cameos from other character in the series and a little side romance with Max and his band boyfriend.
I laughed out loud at least three times, got nervous about what was going to happen, and was emotionally moved by a few different moments. It's short, so I can't say much without spoiling, but this story was a great way to see the characters again and had it's own little storyline with a happy ending. When I got to the end I wanted more because they are just so stinking cute together, and like . . . who can't use more spicy scenes? It was soooooo good.
February 19, 2022
Maya is an actress and her boyfriend Xander is a Rockstar. Both have conflicting schedules, so it's hard to see each other. But now they get one week together and finally get one Valentines Day with each other.
I loved everything about Maya and Xander's story. They had such busy schedules that it felt impossible for them to be together, but they managed to make it work. Xander isn't the typical rock star that is unfaithful and i loved that he was truly dedicated to Maya.
There were a lot of scenes that all played a part in getting the bigger picture. However, it felt like things jumped around too much and didn't really flow cohesively.
I loved everything about Maya and Xander's story. They had such busy schedules that it felt impossible for them to be together, but they managed to make it work. Xander isn't the typical rock star that is unfaithful and i loved that he was truly dedicated to Maya.
There were a lot of scenes that all played a part in getting the bigger picture. However, it felt like things jumped around too much and didn't really flow cohesively.
February 10, 2022
As always, this one is a winner! I always look forward to Cait's stories, and this one made me cry happy tears!
February 11, 2022
I enjoyed this sweet little short story about Maya and Xander!
February 18, 2022
Maya and Xander are still very much in love, but their busy schedules are constantly keeping them apart. With the universe determined to keep them apart, will they ever get their perfect Valentine’s Day moment?
Okay, so I didn’t even realize how much I missed the world of Bennu Firebirds until now. Marie has once again drawn me back into one of her amazing fiction worlds, and this story did not disappoint! I love that Maya and Xander are still together after three years, and even though they have their moments, what couple doesn’t? I loved the way the author wrapped up their story, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
Okay, so I didn’t even realize how much I missed the world of Bennu Firebirds until now. Marie has once again drawn me back into one of her amazing fiction worlds, and this story did not disappoint! I love that Maya and Xander are still together after three years, and even though they have their moments, what couple doesn’t? I loved the way the author wrapped up their story, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
February 21, 2022
Perfect Valentine’s Day read!
Maya and Xander haven’t been able to spend Valentine’s Day together because they have been in two different cities for the past few years.
They are finally able to spend the day together when Maya comes back home for the week. She just wants dinner and to spend time alone together.
Unfortunately things don’t go as planned for Maya and Xander ends up having to perform a show that night.
Quick easy read. I loved these two in Missing the Beat so I was excited to get a little glimpse at them 3 years after they got together again.
This story also includes a few other happy endings as well.
Maya and Xander haven’t been able to spend Valentine’s Day together because they have been in two different cities for the past few years.
They are finally able to spend the day together when Maya comes back home for the week. She just wants dinner and to spend time alone together.
Unfortunately things don’t go as planned for Maya and Xander ends up having to perform a show that night.
Quick easy read. I loved these two in Missing the Beat so I was excited to get a little glimpse at them 3 years after they got together again.
This story also includes a few other happy endings as well.
February 19, 2022
This is an adorable trip back into a world of great friends, nice guys, and celebrities. I've loved this series from the start but Maya and Xander are my favorite. They're both famous yet down to earth. They've loved each other for so long they're willing to do anything for each other. You really feel their love in these pages.
Cait Marie's writing is always so relaxing. I love diving into her books on an afternoon off from work just to calm my nerves for a while. Helps that these characters are so darn likable.
Cait Marie's writing is always so relaxing. I love diving into her books on an afternoon off from work just to calm my nerves for a while. Helps that these characters are so darn likable.
February 20, 2022
Perfect Day
Maya and Xander revisit was much needed. They endured so much in their first book as well as the growth a novella was needed. I am so happy he didn’t listen to her and followed his heart. A celebration of futures for sure.
Maya and Xander revisit was much needed. They endured so much in their first book as well as the growth a novella was needed. I am so happy he didn’t listen to her and followed his heart. A celebration of futures for sure.
February 18, 2022
A lovely short story with my two favorite characters
Maya and Xander are probably my favorite book couple of all time! Love this cure valentines story of the two of them
Maya and Xander are probably my favorite book couple of all time! Love this cure valentines story of the two of them
February 25, 2022
short but sweet
Cait you gave me the best honey nut feelios.
If you liked the other Firebirds books, you won’t want to skip this one!
Cait you gave me the best honey nut feelios.
If you liked the other Firebirds books, you won’t want to skip this one!
March 2, 2022
I love this story. It's a beautiful perfect story that made me cry. If you loved Missing the Beat, you will love this story. Alex does amazing things. Cait Marie writes great stories.
March 24, 2022
I absolutely love all of Cait Marie's books so it is no surprise when I read "Marking the Date" that I would fall in love with it as well. I loved how the characters interacted and I enjoyed how Cait made it seem to be a relationship that could happen in real life.
This book is a fun romance novel that does have mention of darker topics. The way Cait approached these topics was done tastefully and made things smooth to read. This book really let us get deep into Maya and Xander's relationship.
We were able to see the parts that the original story skipped over and moved to the epilogue. I absolutely loved how well this book was written. It is a shorter story that really let you see into the eyes of the characters and how they truly felt about each other. This story really goes into why they were made for each other and how they make certain situations work out.
I hope there is more to there story in the future as I would love to read more about how their relationship went and what it was like to raise kids and such.
I definitely give this short story a 5/5 stars. I recommend all of Cait's books and hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
This book is a fun romance novel that does have mention of darker topics. The way Cait approached these topics was done tastefully and made things smooth to read. This book really let us get deep into Maya and Xander's relationship.
We were able to see the parts that the original story skipped over and moved to the epilogue. I absolutely loved how well this book was written. It is a shorter story that really let you see into the eyes of the characters and how they truly felt about each other. This story really goes into why they were made for each other and how they make certain situations work out.
I hope there is more to there story in the future as I would love to read more about how their relationship went and what it was like to raise kids and such.
I definitely give this short story a 5/5 stars. I recommend all of Cait's books and hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews