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The 80s Rom-Com Club
Is there, like, anything more totally awesome than the fun, feel-good rom-com blockbusters of the 1980s? The women who make up the online Just Another 80s Rom Com Lovers Club don't think so. Join these digital friends as they each live out their own swoon-worthy love stories, minus teased bangs and mini skirts, reminiscent of some your favorite romantic comedies from the most righteous decade.
THE FIX UP by Mikal Dawn: Henley Morris and Not-the-Movie-Star Brad Pitt are teamed up on a home renovation show with tools, limited time, and a budget. The home they're assigned to renovate is a money “pitt” and they’re sure it’s out to get them. So is the general contractor. And don’t even get them started on the family of squirrels living in it…
FALLING FOR A PRICE by Bell Renshaw: Amie Lewis prefers writing about the escapades of others, but when a mysterious note arrives, it’s time to start her own adventure. Hiring Malcom Price, a handsome but obnoxious guide, is her first mistake. Being caught in the middle of his feud with Russian treasure hunters is the second. The third? Falling for him.
LAKESHORE WANDERING by Jennifer Rodewald: Hazel Wallace is working on a plan to keep her peaceful, remote life. When Bennet Crofton shows up pretending to be something he’s not, she knows she’s running out of time. Luckily for her, he hit his head and can’t remember a thing. With a sudden inspiration thanks to an 80’s RomCom, she’s got a whole new plan.
EVIE TYLER'S DAY OFF by Betsy St. Amant: When Evie Tyler plays hooky on her 30th birthday to complete the remaining 9 items on her “30 Before 30” bucket list with her best friend, she never expected her childhood crush—her BFF’s brother—to tag along. Red convertibles, impromptu concerts, and a hilarious comedy of errors collide into one day off Evie will never forget.
JUST LIKE THAT by Teresa Tysinger: New York City-based influencer Jane Holland is about to reel in the biggest partnership of her career. Life takes an unexpected turn when she’s needed in North Carolina to care for her niece. Will Jane find where she truly fits in her rural hometown—and with Andrew, her all-grown-up crush? Or, will opportunity draw her back to the life she always thought she wanted?
SURE ABOUT YOU by Jaycee Weaver: Editor, foodie, and 80s movies lover Isley Bradford lives by her trusty planner. Securing her dream job means traveling to a conference with the too-charming coworker she loathes. But with each bump in the road—some literally—he challenges her perceptions and makes her laugh. She'd had her future perfectly planned. Now? She's not so sure.
THE FIX UP by Mikal Dawn: Henley Morris and Not-the-Movie-Star Brad Pitt are teamed up on a home renovation show with tools, limited time, and a budget. The home they're assigned to renovate is a money “pitt” and they’re sure it’s out to get them. So is the general contractor. And don’t even get them started on the family of squirrels living in it…
FALLING FOR A PRICE by Bell Renshaw: Amie Lewis prefers writing about the escapades of others, but when a mysterious note arrives, it’s time to start her own adventure. Hiring Malcom Price, a handsome but obnoxious guide, is her first mistake. Being caught in the middle of his feud with Russian treasure hunters is the second. The third? Falling for him.
LAKESHORE WANDERING by Jennifer Rodewald: Hazel Wallace is working on a plan to keep her peaceful, remote life. When Bennet Crofton shows up pretending to be something he’s not, she knows she’s running out of time. Luckily for her, he hit his head and can’t remember a thing. With a sudden inspiration thanks to an 80’s RomCom, she’s got a whole new plan.
EVIE TYLER'S DAY OFF by Betsy St. Amant: When Evie Tyler plays hooky on her 30th birthday to complete the remaining 9 items on her “30 Before 30” bucket list with her best friend, she never expected her childhood crush—her BFF’s brother—to tag along. Red convertibles, impromptu concerts, and a hilarious comedy of errors collide into one day off Evie will never forget.
JUST LIKE THAT by Teresa Tysinger: New York City-based influencer Jane Holland is about to reel in the biggest partnership of her career. Life takes an unexpected turn when she’s needed in North Carolina to care for her niece. Will Jane find where she truly fits in her rural hometown—and with Andrew, her all-grown-up crush? Or, will opportunity draw her back to the life she always thought she wanted?
SURE ABOUT YOU by Jaycee Weaver: Editor, foodie, and 80s movies lover Isley Bradford lives by her trusty planner. Securing her dream job means traveling to a conference with the too-charming coworker she loathes. But with each bump in the road—some literally—he challenges her perceptions and makes her laugh. She'd had her future perfectly planned. Now? She's not so sure.
693 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2022
60 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Mikal Dawn
10 books139 followersMikal Dawn is an inspirational romance author, wedding enthusiast and proud military wife. By day she works for an international sports ministry, and by night she mutters to imaginary friends, performs sketchy Google searches, and procrastinates (like any good writer!). When she isn’t writing about faith, fun, and forever, she is obsessively scouring Pinterest (with coffee in hand, of course!) for wedding ideas for her characters.
Born and raised just outside of Vancouver, Canada, Mikal has lived throughout the southern and Midwest United States, currently residing in Oklahoma (and hoping it's their last move!) with her husband, two of her three kids, and one ferocious feline.
Born and raised just outside of Vancouver, Canada, Mikal has lived throughout the southern and Midwest United States, currently residing in Oklahoma (and hoping it's their last move!) with her husband, two of her three kids, and one ferocious feline.
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April 17, 2022READ FOR ENDORSEMENT
If your love language is a can of Mello Yello, some quality time playing Frogger on the Atari, and staring into Andrew McCarthy’s soulful eyes, prepare to meet your literary soulmate! The 80s Rom-Com Club brings together a winsome group of 80s movie lovers and casts them in their own thoroughly modern love stories, each told by an author you’ll love spending time with. Capturing the heart of some of the greatest rom-coms ever made, each story in this collection feels simultaneously fresh-out-of-the-box new and worn-in cozy—like slipping on a pair of Keds. Whether you’re a lover of the 80s or just a lover of happily ever afters, this is one collection you won’t want to miss. And if you’re a lover of both? What are you waiting for?! Crank up the Duran Duran, slip on your leg warmers, and get busy reading! — Bethany Turner, Award-Winning Author of The Do-Over
If your love language is a can of Mello Yello, some quality time playing Frogger on the Atari, and staring into Andrew McCarthy’s soulful eyes, prepare to meet your literary soulmate! The 80s Rom-Com Club brings together a winsome group of 80s movie lovers and casts them in their own thoroughly modern love stories, each told by an author you’ll love spending time with. Capturing the heart of some of the greatest rom-coms ever made, each story in this collection feels simultaneously fresh-out-of-the-box new and worn-in cozy—like slipping on a pair of Keds. Whether you’re a lover of the 80s or just a lover of happily ever afters, this is one collection you won’t want to miss. And if you’re a lover of both? What are you waiting for?! Crank up the Duran Duran, slip on your leg warmers, and get busy reading! — Bethany Turner, Award-Winning Author of The Do-Over
April 9, 2022
Let me tell you this! This collection of novellas is the most delightful, fun, group! I absolutely loved it! Funny as all get out, good plots, great characters, and talented authors. What more can you ask for? I must admit, though, that I haven't watched hardly any of the 80s movies referenced here, but hey, that just makes the stories MORE fun for me! Right? You are gonna LOVE this collection. I must stop using so many exclamation marks, but this book deserves them! Loved it so much.
My thanks to the authors for a copy of this book.
My thanks to the authors for a copy of this book.
May 2, 2022
JUST LIKE THAT by Teresa Tysinger: 4 stars
Refreshing to see a character who is an influencer who is not completely self-absorbed. Love that she thrived in a life she didn't see herself in. Great chemistry with the friend she reconnects with.
SURE ABOUT YOU by Jaycee Weaver: 3 stars
Interesting travel mishaps and relationship detours; wasn't feeling the romance.
EVIE TYLER'S DAY OFF by Betsy St. Amant: 3 stars
Loved the plot, especially the nods to Ferris Beuller, but Evie spent too much of the story awkward, hesitant, and whiny. Totally missed the supposed subtext that the guy was trying to get her to stand up for their potential relationship.
FALLING FOR A PRICE by Bell Renshaw: 3 stars
This story mixed up the vibe with a Romancing the Stone-esque adventure, but some of the details were vague or brushed over. The swifter pace worked for a novella, but by the end I didn't feel that their attraction translated to a connection deep enough for the ending they got.
THE FIX UP by Mikal Dawn: 2 stars
Sadly this story was not my cup of tea- the trifecta of reality show, home renovation, and facial piercings just didn’t do it for me. The slow pace and reno details had me skimming.
LAKESHORE WANDERING by Jennifer Rodewald: 5 stars!
I adore this author's writing style. The characters came to life with personality and depth, and I loved the setting. The plot was funny and yet poignant as feelings rise to the surface and the chemistry between the main characters was palpable. The family drama added an interesting dynamic and I'm excited that this novella introduces us to a new series from a favorite author!
Refreshing to see a character who is an influencer who is not completely self-absorbed. Love that she thrived in a life she didn't see herself in. Great chemistry with the friend she reconnects with.
SURE ABOUT YOU by Jaycee Weaver: 3 stars
Interesting travel mishaps and relationship detours; wasn't feeling the romance.
EVIE TYLER'S DAY OFF by Betsy St. Amant: 3 stars
Loved the plot, especially the nods to Ferris Beuller, but Evie spent too much of the story awkward, hesitant, and whiny. Totally missed the supposed subtext that the guy was trying to get her to stand up for their potential relationship.
FALLING FOR A PRICE by Bell Renshaw: 3 stars
This story mixed up the vibe with a Romancing the Stone-esque adventure, but some of the details were vague or brushed over. The swifter pace worked for a novella, but by the end I didn't feel that their attraction translated to a connection deep enough for the ending they got.
THE FIX UP by Mikal Dawn: 2 stars
Sadly this story was not my cup of tea- the trifecta of reality show, home renovation, and facial piercings just didn’t do it for me. The slow pace and reno details had me skimming.
LAKESHORE WANDERING by Jennifer Rodewald: 5 stars!
I adore this author's writing style. The characters came to life with personality and depth, and I loved the setting. The plot was funny and yet poignant as feelings rise to the surface and the chemistry between the main characters was palpable. The family drama added an interesting dynamic and I'm excited that this novella introduces us to a new series from a favorite author!
April 28, 2022
The 80s Rom-Com Club collection is full of nostalgia, hilarity, and swoony romance between it's pages.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.
**Full review at https://tonishiloh.com/2022/04/26/boo....
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.
**Full review at https://tonishiloh.com/2022/04/26/boo....
May 10, 2022
What a fun collection of novellas! I enjoyed each one! I’m a huge fan of 80s RomCom movies and it was a treat to have these authors take movies and use the theme to create a modern day story all connected to a group of women who met online from their love of 80s RomComs. I enjoy novella collections because I’ve been introduced to new authors before. I definitely recommend this collection.
April 29, 2022
It’s a fun novella collection that centers around friends in a virtual 80s romcom movie club. The five friends featured have never met each other in person and their friendship starts with a mutual love of 80s romcom movies and a chat room but progresses to real heartfelt sisterhood. If you love 80s movies and want a romcom novella collection to help you relive them, this book is the perfect choice.
Teresa Tysinger crafts a lovely second-chance romance for Jane and Andrew in Just Like That. Jaycee Weaver brings two polar opposites Pax and Isley into a cute romance that helps each other grow and mature in Sure About You. Betsy St. Amant weaves a bucket list and a lesson in letting go of fears into a monumental birthday celebration in Evie Tyler’s Day Off. Bell Renshaw’s Falling for a Price combines the thrill of a treasure hunt and suspense of tracking a missing person as Amie and her hired guide Malcolm look for her sister. Jennifer Rodewald allows complete opposites Hazel and Bennett to work out their differences, even with bad first impressions and deception, in Lake Shore Wandering.
I received the book from the authors and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Teresa Tysinger crafts a lovely second-chance romance for Jane and Andrew in Just Like That. Jaycee Weaver brings two polar opposites Pax and Isley into a cute romance that helps each other grow and mature in Sure About You. Betsy St. Amant weaves a bucket list and a lesson in letting go of fears into a monumental birthday celebration in Evie Tyler’s Day Off. Bell Renshaw’s Falling for a Price combines the thrill of a treasure hunt and suspense of tracking a missing person as Amie and her hired guide Malcolm look for her sister. Jennifer Rodewald allows complete opposites Hazel and Bennett to work out their differences, even with bad first impressions and deception, in Lake Shore Wandering.
I received the book from the authors and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
April 28, 2022
This collection is, like, so. much. fun.
I absolutely, thoroughly enjoyed every story in the collection. The 80’s Rom Com Club is a collection of novellas written by some of the best authors in the business.
Take a trip back to the best decade ever, when shoulder pads and big hair ruled. Each story is a fresh take on a classic 80’s film.
This is a book I’ll be reading year after year, like, totally!
I received an advance copy of the book from the publisher. My opinion is unsolicited and completely my own.
I absolutely, thoroughly enjoyed every story in the collection. The 80’s Rom Com Club is a collection of novellas written by some of the best authors in the business.
Take a trip back to the best decade ever, when shoulder pads and big hair ruled. Each story is a fresh take on a classic 80’s film.
This is a book I’ll be reading year after year, like, totally!
I received an advance copy of the book from the publisher. My opinion is unsolicited and completely my own.
April 24, 2022
What do you get when you have a Facebook group of individuals who LOVE 80s Rom-Coms?
You get 6 individuals who become fast friends, yet whose lives are so different.
You also get 6 different stories that each have a twist and connection to one of those wonderful 80s movies.
If you’re a fan of anything from the 80s, then this will be a very enjoyable collection to read.
This collection of stories will take you on a road to fun delightful memories. In each story, the reader will be able to recall the movie it connects with.
I’m not going to reveal the movies they are connected to because that’s the fun of reading this. See if you can find out which movie the stories go with.
Teresa Tysinger, Jaycee Weaver, Betsy St. Amant, Bell Renshaw, Mikal Dawn, and Jennifer Rodewald, have all become authors I will read over and over again. They are all wonderful authors who have delightful skills in writing stories that will bring a chuckle to your heart and soul.
I highly reconned you pick it up and have fun in the world of relationships and romance, and all things 80s!
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
You get 6 individuals who become fast friends, yet whose lives are so different.
You also get 6 different stories that each have a twist and connection to one of those wonderful 80s movies.
If you’re a fan of anything from the 80s, then this will be a very enjoyable collection to read.
This collection of stories will take you on a road to fun delightful memories. In each story, the reader will be able to recall the movie it connects with.
I’m not going to reveal the movies they are connected to because that’s the fun of reading this. See if you can find out which movie the stories go with.
Teresa Tysinger, Jaycee Weaver, Betsy St. Amant, Bell Renshaw, Mikal Dawn, and Jennifer Rodewald, have all become authors I will read over and over again. They are all wonderful authors who have delightful skills in writing stories that will bring a chuckle to your heart and soul.
I highly reconned you pick it up and have fun in the world of relationships and romance, and all things 80s!
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 6, 2022
Overall, totally rad collection. I dig it.
JUST LIKE THAT by Teresa Tysinger
Three cheers for small town charm! I love Jane's authenticity and sass! Well done, Ms. Tysinger!
SURE ABOUT YOU by Jaycee Weaver
Pax and Isley are a couple of firecrackers! I love their banter and lovely faith-based story. Well done, Ms. Weaver!
EVIE TYLER'S DAY OFF by Betsy St. Amant
Evie's story is completely delightful and oh so swoony! I love the dynamics between the birthday-trio and I want to know more about Jack! Rocked it, Ms. St. Amant!
FALLING FOR A PRICE by Bell Renshaw
Whew! Bell Renshaw's contribution to this collection got my heart rate up! Adventurous and a little suspenseful, Amie's vocation is far from the only thing I enjoyed about this novella.
THE FIX UP by Mikal Dawn
Unfiltered and unintentionally whispered thoughts and a family of squirrels definitely made this a home renovation worth watching... er, reading! Super fun reality television spin with all the drama you'd expect and fabulous authentic characters better than any HGTV marathon can deliver. Great work, Ms. Dawn :)
LAKESHORE WANDERING by Jennifer Rodewald
Jen Rodewald did what Jen Rodewald does, completely hooked me from the first line and left me eagerly anticipating more. Hazel and her pack of dogs are living a dream lifestyle as far as I'm concerned... well, to clarify, I'm happy to have my husband for all the manual labor but I'd be delighted with the setting and simplicity! I am absolutely looking forward to her next Murphy Brothers installment and this intriguing new series she has begun with this sweet and entertaining novella.
JUST LIKE THAT by Teresa Tysinger
Three cheers for small town charm! I love Jane's authenticity and sass! Well done, Ms. Tysinger!
SURE ABOUT YOU by Jaycee Weaver
Pax and Isley are a couple of firecrackers! I love their banter and lovely faith-based story. Well done, Ms. Weaver!
EVIE TYLER'S DAY OFF by Betsy St. Amant
Evie's story is completely delightful and oh so swoony! I love the dynamics between the birthday-trio and I want to know more about Jack! Rocked it, Ms. St. Amant!
FALLING FOR A PRICE by Bell Renshaw
Whew! Bell Renshaw's contribution to this collection got my heart rate up! Adventurous and a little suspenseful, Amie's vocation is far from the only thing I enjoyed about this novella.
THE FIX UP by Mikal Dawn
Unfiltered and unintentionally whispered thoughts and a family of squirrels definitely made this a home renovation worth watching... er, reading! Super fun reality television spin with all the drama you'd expect and fabulous authentic characters better than any HGTV marathon can deliver. Great work, Ms. Dawn :)
LAKESHORE WANDERING by Jennifer Rodewald
Jen Rodewald did what Jen Rodewald does, completely hooked me from the first line and left me eagerly anticipating more. Hazel and her pack of dogs are living a dream lifestyle as far as I'm concerned... well, to clarify, I'm happy to have my husband for all the manual labor but I'd be delighted with the setting and simplicity! I am absolutely looking forward to her next Murphy Brothers installment and this intriguing new series she has begun with this sweet and entertaining novella.
June 4, 2022
Mostly Pleased with this collection
I would have liked a little more faith in most of the stories, but I was glad that they weren't merely sweet romance. A couple of them were based on unbelievable 80s movies, so these novellas just didn't have the space to develop them anymore. But they were funny and mostly sweet, and I'm glad I bought it.
“Just Like That” by Teresa Tysinger *****
Loved it! Except for the few typos, I loved everything else about it! The memorable characters, the humor and sarcasm, the layers of relationships and decisions, the super-relevant and contemporary influencer life (which I wasn't expecting in a collection named for the 80s!), and happily ever after!
Favorite quotes:
“Yes, there was plenty her 455k followers didn’t see in the photos and videos posted to her thoughtfully curated feed. Like the bottle of antacids always within arm’s reach. The night guard her molars had ground so hard that it looked like it’d been run over by a cab. And the growing frequency of her eyerolls at Jayk (because the traditional spelling her boyfriend’s parents assigned him wasn’t unique enough), who was conveniently eager to be her plus-one at the latest launch party but never ready to pick up even the smallest tab.” (p. 7)
“...she’d learned that having everything you wanted meant giving up plenty too.” (p. 8)
“'I hate when you call my bluff, you know.' Satisfied, Jane smiled tightly. 'That’s what makes it so fun.'” (p. 9)
“Plus, it was only eight weeks. How much could life really change in such a short time?” (p. 16)
“After a long moment, Maddie looked up at Jane. 'It’s Henry.' Ah, so it was a boy! Jane pressed her lips together to subdue a smile. 'He’s my pig.' Jane blinked. If given one hundred guesses at what Maddie was going to say next, that would not have been one of them. 'Your pig?'” (p. 21)
“She was not going back to Cades Hollow for anyone but Maddie. Certainly not to prove anything to a virtual stranger who thought he had her figured out. Even if she would have, at one time, given anything to just get him to notice her at all.” (p. 25)
“Jane sought out adventure and created home wherever she landed. In fact, she’d created a whole brand around it.” (p. 37)
“All members of the online Just Another 80s Rom-Com Movie Lover Club, the women had eventually broken off into their own chat group and bonded over so much more than just the Brat Pack and totally awesome soundtracks.” (p. 44)
“Why did that word—unattached—pinch Jane’s insides like when a friend would twist the skin on your forearm until it burned?” (p. 61)
“'Your promise was way more serious than my joke about a stupid Southern idiom.' Both women laughed.” (p.73)
“'You,' she whispered. 'Are the adventure I choose to take.'” (p. 90)
“Sure About You” by Jaycee Weaver 5/16/22 ****
Some really great parts, but then several not-so-great parts. The not-so-great parts weren't terrible, but they just had some confusing grammar or irrelevant details that actually pulled me out of the story. I especially had trouble getting into it at the beginning. I also didn't appreciate the euphemism for a swear word that everyone knew exactly the word she wasn't saying (“KJV word for donkey”).
The thing that really brought it down for me was the ending. It wasn't really satisfying.
Favorite quotes:
“Isley Bradford—that’s eyes-lee, not iss-lee, iz-lee, or i-lee, trust me, you do not want to make that mistake more than once...” (p. 100)
“You know, the traditional winter, spring, summer, fall, instead of warm, hot, drowning in humidity, and Satan’s front porch.” (p. 100)
“To say I’d crash and burn if I asked her out would be putting it kindly. The woman would eviscerate me with great pleasure. If only I knew why.” (p. 103)
“But Mr. Paxton is the embodiment of everything I hate in this industry, and every time he opens his mouth, I have to fight the wild desire to sock him.” (p. 103)
“If he’s out, you can bet your sweet bippy I want in.” (p. 107)
“With a decisive nod, I escape into my office where it doesn’t smell like someone showered in a forest waterfall by moonlight. This month is going to be the worst on record.” (p. 109)
“I’m restless. I know what I don’t want anymore, but for the life of me I can’t figure out what I do.” (p. 112)
“Or it could go badly, and I’ll find myself frozen under Isley’s death glare accused of mansplaining or some other feminist notion. It’s not a bad thing for a man to want to step in and help, it’s in our DNA.” (p. 126)
“'If you’d asked, I’d have told you I don’t do road trips because I get horribly carsick. And there are no flight attendants to rescue me with paper bags.' Way to go, Pax. This should be fun. Ahem. Not.” (p. 130)
“Most of my friendships are virtual for a reason. I’m no good at idle chit chat.” (p. 134)
“I’m not typically superstitious, but even I have to acknowledge there’s some credence to Murphy’s Law.” (p. 136)
“'Rats. I thought for sure I had you.' That earns him a grin. This game is right up my alley. It utilizes inference and analysis while getting to know someone rather than endless questions or small talk.” (p. 138)
“The lies are easy. I don’t like Walter Paxton or his laugh. Or the way he smells. See how easy?” (p. 139)
“'Eat what you want, leave the rest.' 'That’s wasteful.' 'Ordinarily I’d agree with you. But on days like today when your world’s been thrust into chaos, eating well can provide as much emotional sustenance as physical.'” (p. 153)
“The smile she beams my way could light up a soccer field in the dead of night. It lights me up too. That’s when I know I’m in trouble.” (p. 160)
“Stunned, I stare at my phone and blink. Stef heaves a sigh like I’m the biggest moron she’s ever encountered. Maybe I am.” (p. 177)
“'How is boring worse than a jerk?' 'Trust me. It’s worse.'” (p. 177)
“Watch and learn, Duckie boy. This is how you man up and get the girl.” (p. 178)
“Not fifteen minutes after surrendering my life fully to God’s will and timing, I reverted to an immature dope.” (p. 198)
Evie Tyler's Day Off by Betsy St. Amant 5/16/22 *****
I totally LOLed all the way through this novella! This was so funny and sweet and relatable.
And the ending was so satisfying! >b>This is the most perfect epilogue written ever!!!!
Favorite quotes:
“...but drinks here were way too expensive to risk not liking it.” (p. 214)
“Close still misses the mark, Evie May Tyler. I could hear my mom in my head, the constant voice of disapproval I’d more or less learned to drown out over the years by avoiding conflict.” (p. 216)
“Bubbles kept one from getting pregnant before they were ready, and divorced twice before they turned thirty, like my older sister.” (p. 217)
“'See? You can trust me.' Her cat-ate-the-canary grin was far from trustworthy. It looked more like a Disney villain. All she needed to do was rub her hands together and toss her head back and cackle.” (p. 219)
“Gemma hardly ever thought about anything. She just…did. Went. Tried. Meanwhile, I sat around and overthought until the opportunity was gone, or until I psyched myself out.” (p. 220)
“Yeah, Evie. You won’t regret this! [section break] I was going to regret this.” (p. 226)
“Gemma swore her brother was officially off limits to all her friends. Teary-eyed, she’d gripped my hands and made me promise never to fall for her brother because she couldn’t bear ever losing me too.” (p. 232)
“But something about Colin made me feel old and young and ready and unsure all at once.” (p. 236)
“At his blank expression, I immediately decided that subtext was only useful in movies and books. In real life, I just wanted to know what people really meant and thought.” (p. 241)
“'She’s not wrong, you know. You are very photogenic.' For the rest of the session, Colin didn’t have to tell me to smile once.” (p. 244)
“'This is a bloodmobile. The name itself implies all kinds of horrible things.' It was literally a portable, rolling, remover of human blood. Like a vampire. A vampire-mobile.” (p. 249)
“He leaned in the open door, bracing one arm against the frame, talking low and slow like a hostage negotiator. Or really, more like how Black Widow talked to the Hulk.” (p. 251)
“'I knew you’d go through with it.' Her gaze softened. 'You’re one of the strongest people I know, Evie.'” (p. 257)
“... it was suddenly as if my big day was turning into a giant circus exhibit for everyone to gawk and stare at.” (p. 259)
“Watching Colin eat a chicken salad sandwich on a park bench while wearing a Thirty, Wordy, and Thriving T-shirt easily had become the best moment of the day.” (p. 262)
“'Those flicks are so corny. I don’t get the appeal.' 'Sometimes, corny is good. Corny can be comforting. Iconic.'” (p. 266)
“'This is your list of goals, Tyler. Gemma wanted to help you accomplish it. Think of her as the guy that pushes you off the bridge after your bungee cord is secure.' Well, that was a horrifying example.” (p. 268)
“Have fun, he said. Yes, so far, it was super fun fainting and vomiting on my birthday.” (p. 269)
“Attention, even if debatably not positive, always revived Gemma like hairspray revived an 80’s heroine.” (p. 276)
“I don’t have to stay in a bubble all the time.' I shrugged. 'I can blow some of my own.'" (p. 287)
“'We’re not even at the top of the wheel.' 'Feels like we are.' I grabbed the back of his head and pulled him in, pressing my lips against his. He immediately responded. And I decided I really liked falling.” (p. 308)
“'You familiar with V-J Day at Times Square?' 'Indeed I am.' He grinned, swooped her backwards, and kissed her soundly.” (p. 318)
“#RealMenWatchRomComs” (p. 320)
Falling for a Price by Bell Renshaw 5/22/22 **
I was not impressed. Of course, the poor author had to try to make Romancing the Stone with Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner a more contemporary and realistic story for the 80s Rom-Com Club. Unfortunately, it just couldn't be made realistic. Too much needed to change in the heroine's character, with bad guys who were too unrealistic and with too steamy a romance between two too-good-looking main characters in too short a time.
And there were several other loose threads that were never tied up. And there were several punctuation typos.
Though I used to enjoy Romancing the Stone back in the day, I've grown up, and this story was not worth it to me.
Favorite quotes:
“Amie flushed, yanking her thoughts—that always seemed to turn into fictional prose at the worst possible times—back like a wayward horse.” (p. 350)
“Rough, blunt, seemingly uncaring, but just like the characters she created, he was layered. Weren’t they all? Maybe it was time for her to stop looking for romance and start looking for love.” (p. 396)
The Fix Up by Mikal Dawn 5/31/22 *****
Besides the weak faith thread that seemed just thrown in there in 2 or 3 places, I loved it! I LOLed so much! And I loved the meta way that it laughed at its own ridiculous, unrealistic absurdity. It was a little cheesy, but it was so funny and romantic that I didn't mind.
I loved the snarkiness of the heroine Henley (though I didn't like the name). She was hilarious!
It mentioned several 80s movies, so I wasn't 100% sure which one this story was based on until I heard The Money Pit. It had to be that (I think the epilogue confirmed that). I've never watched that one – though I have watched Splash! lol
Favorite quotes:
“His perfectly-arranged dark blond hair wasn’t what she was typically attracted to, but when it framed grass-green eyes, she couldn’t help the extra beat of her heart. Extra beat? Hm. She may want to get that checked out. It could be a medical issue.” (p. 432)
“She mentally kissed two of her fingers and lifted them toward him in a salute. Farewell, stranger. May the odds be ever in your favor.” (p. 433)
“Unless…did the Lord need a graphic designer in Heaven? An app designer? Uuuuggghhhh. Was that blasphemous? Being a new Christian was so hard.” (p. 438)
“Will I ever learn how to focus? It’d be nice if focus was a spiritual gift that could have been bestowed upon her when she finally believed in Christ.” (p. 440)
“If eyerolls could kill, he’d be a dead man. As it was, the way his heart skipped a beat each time she looked at him, he may very well die anyway.” (p. 454)
“Nothing like trial by fire—literally. Oh boy, Brad’s panic puns were rubbing off on her.” (p. 457)
“The world became more vibrant in that moment. In other words, she was a goner. This was bad news, people.” (p. 464)
“The pastor began. 'Mawwiage. Mawwiage is what bwings us together today…'” (p. 532)
Lake Shore Wandering by Jennifer Rodewald 6/4/22 ***
This one was memorable but a little steamier than I like and not a satisfying ending. It also had a couple of unbelievable parts and a few typos. Because it was the last in the collection, I was left dissatisfied.
Favorite quotes:
“There was a reason Betsy Truitt was called Mama Bulldog by just about everyone in and around Luna. They all loved her. They all obeyed her too. Part fear, part awe drove that.” (p. 550)
“...she was now stuck. Caught like a winter hare in one of her traps.” (p. 555)
““Look, it’s only for five days, and Bennett is a good guy. I’d never let anyone hurt you. You know that, right?” He was hurting her. Hunter [her brother] was the man trapping her.” (p. 555)
“'Bullwinkle and termites, never mind.' Did he just make up another curse?” (p. 567)
“Gone was the badger; here stood this angel. Holding his hand. And he was captivated... Had he really thought of her as an angel moments before? What a sap. She was no angel, that was certain. She was a siren.” (p. 597-8)
“His mind wandered through the labyrinth of questions and blanks, finding nothing but emptiness and discomfort. But there was Hazel, holding his hand. Leading him home. That felt right.” (p. 629)
“Romance4Life: Also, can I steal this for my next project? HidingOnTheLake: Write away . . . it’s not like it’s going to happen for real.” (p. 637)
“No matter what had gone or not gone between them before he’d lost his memory, he was going to win his wife’s heart.” (p. 655)
“He rolled his eyes and went back to the cheese block. 'Stop watching that sappy romance movie channel, Mom. Usually you’re a reasonable woman, but I think those cheesy stories are muddling your brain.'” (p. 676)
I would have liked a little more faith in most of the stories, but I was glad that they weren't merely sweet romance. A couple of them were based on unbelievable 80s movies, so these novellas just didn't have the space to develop them anymore. But they were funny and mostly sweet, and I'm glad I bought it.
“Just Like That” by Teresa Tysinger *****
Loved it! Except for the few typos, I loved everything else about it! The memorable characters, the humor and sarcasm, the layers of relationships and decisions, the super-relevant and contemporary influencer life (which I wasn't expecting in a collection named for the 80s!), and happily ever after!
Favorite quotes:
“Yes, there was plenty her 455k followers didn’t see in the photos and videos posted to her thoughtfully curated feed. Like the bottle of antacids always within arm’s reach. The night guard her molars had ground so hard that it looked like it’d been run over by a cab. And the growing frequency of her eyerolls at Jayk (because the traditional spelling her boyfriend’s parents assigned him wasn’t unique enough), who was conveniently eager to be her plus-one at the latest launch party but never ready to pick up even the smallest tab.” (p. 7)
“...she’d learned that having everything you wanted meant giving up plenty too.” (p. 8)
“'I hate when you call my bluff, you know.' Satisfied, Jane smiled tightly. 'That’s what makes it so fun.'” (p. 9)
“Plus, it was only eight weeks. How much could life really change in such a short time?” (p. 16)
“After a long moment, Maddie looked up at Jane. 'It’s Henry.' Ah, so it was a boy! Jane pressed her lips together to subdue a smile. 'He’s my pig.' Jane blinked. If given one hundred guesses at what Maddie was going to say next, that would not have been one of them. 'Your pig?'” (p. 21)
“She was not going back to Cades Hollow for anyone but Maddie. Certainly not to prove anything to a virtual stranger who thought he had her figured out. Even if she would have, at one time, given anything to just get him to notice her at all.” (p. 25)
“Jane sought out adventure and created home wherever she landed. In fact, she’d created a whole brand around it.” (p. 37)
“All members of the online Just Another 80s Rom-Com Movie Lover Club, the women had eventually broken off into their own chat group and bonded over so much more than just the Brat Pack and totally awesome soundtracks.” (p. 44)
“Why did that word—unattached—pinch Jane’s insides like when a friend would twist the skin on your forearm until it burned?” (p. 61)
“'Your promise was way more serious than my joke about a stupid Southern idiom.' Both women laughed.” (p.73)
“'You,' she whispered. 'Are the adventure I choose to take.'” (p. 90)
“Sure About You” by Jaycee Weaver 5/16/22 ****
Some really great parts, but then several not-so-great parts. The not-so-great parts weren't terrible, but they just had some confusing grammar or irrelevant details that actually pulled me out of the story. I especially had trouble getting into it at the beginning. I also didn't appreciate the euphemism for a swear word that everyone knew exactly the word she wasn't saying (“KJV word for donkey”).
The thing that really brought it down for me was the ending. It wasn't really satisfying.
Favorite quotes:
“Isley Bradford—that’s eyes-lee, not iss-lee, iz-lee, or i-lee, trust me, you do not want to make that mistake more than once...” (p. 100)
“You know, the traditional winter, spring, summer, fall, instead of warm, hot, drowning in humidity, and Satan’s front porch.” (p. 100)
“To say I’d crash and burn if I asked her out would be putting it kindly. The woman would eviscerate me with great pleasure. If only I knew why.” (p. 103)
“But Mr. Paxton is the embodiment of everything I hate in this industry, and every time he opens his mouth, I have to fight the wild desire to sock him.” (p. 103)
“If he’s out, you can bet your sweet bippy I want in.” (p. 107)
“With a decisive nod, I escape into my office where it doesn’t smell like someone showered in a forest waterfall by moonlight. This month is going to be the worst on record.” (p. 109)
“I’m restless. I know what I don’t want anymore, but for the life of me I can’t figure out what I do.” (p. 112)
“Or it could go badly, and I’ll find myself frozen under Isley’s death glare accused of mansplaining or some other feminist notion. It’s not a bad thing for a man to want to step in and help, it’s in our DNA.” (p. 126)
“'If you’d asked, I’d have told you I don’t do road trips because I get horribly carsick. And there are no flight attendants to rescue me with paper bags.' Way to go, Pax. This should be fun. Ahem. Not.” (p. 130)
“Most of my friendships are virtual for a reason. I’m no good at idle chit chat.” (p. 134)
“I’m not typically superstitious, but even I have to acknowledge there’s some credence to Murphy’s Law.” (p. 136)
“'Rats. I thought for sure I had you.' That earns him a grin. This game is right up my alley. It utilizes inference and analysis while getting to know someone rather than endless questions or small talk.” (p. 138)
“The lies are easy. I don’t like Walter Paxton or his laugh. Or the way he smells. See how easy?” (p. 139)
“'Eat what you want, leave the rest.' 'That’s wasteful.' 'Ordinarily I’d agree with you. But on days like today when your world’s been thrust into chaos, eating well can provide as much emotional sustenance as physical.'” (p. 153)
“The smile she beams my way could light up a soccer field in the dead of night. It lights me up too. That’s when I know I’m in trouble.” (p. 160)
“Stunned, I stare at my phone and blink. Stef heaves a sigh like I’m the biggest moron she’s ever encountered. Maybe I am.” (p. 177)
“'How is boring worse than a jerk?' 'Trust me. It’s worse.'” (p. 177)
“Watch and learn, Duckie boy. This is how you man up and get the girl.” (p. 178)
“Not fifteen minutes after surrendering my life fully to God’s will and timing, I reverted to an immature dope.” (p. 198)
Evie Tyler's Day Off by Betsy St. Amant 5/16/22 *****
I totally LOLed all the way through this novella! This was so funny and sweet and relatable.
And the ending was so satisfying! >b>This is the most perfect epilogue written ever!!!!
Favorite quotes:
“...but drinks here were way too expensive to risk not liking it.” (p. 214)
“Close still misses the mark, Evie May Tyler. I could hear my mom in my head, the constant voice of disapproval I’d more or less learned to drown out over the years by avoiding conflict.” (p. 216)
“Bubbles kept one from getting pregnant before they were ready, and divorced twice before they turned thirty, like my older sister.” (p. 217)
“'See? You can trust me.' Her cat-ate-the-canary grin was far from trustworthy. It looked more like a Disney villain. All she needed to do was rub her hands together and toss her head back and cackle.” (p. 219)
“Gemma hardly ever thought about anything. She just…did. Went. Tried. Meanwhile, I sat around and overthought until the opportunity was gone, or until I psyched myself out.” (p. 220)
“Yeah, Evie. You won’t regret this! [section break] I was going to regret this.” (p. 226)
“Gemma swore her brother was officially off limits to all her friends. Teary-eyed, she’d gripped my hands and made me promise never to fall for her brother because she couldn’t bear ever losing me too.” (p. 232)
“But something about Colin made me feel old and young and ready and unsure all at once.” (p. 236)
“At his blank expression, I immediately decided that subtext was only useful in movies and books. In real life, I just wanted to know what people really meant and thought.” (p. 241)
“'She’s not wrong, you know. You are very photogenic.' For the rest of the session, Colin didn’t have to tell me to smile once.” (p. 244)
“'This is a bloodmobile. The name itself implies all kinds of horrible things.' It was literally a portable, rolling, remover of human blood. Like a vampire. A vampire-mobile.” (p. 249)
“He leaned in the open door, bracing one arm against the frame, talking low and slow like a hostage negotiator. Or really, more like how Black Widow talked to the Hulk.” (p. 251)
“'I knew you’d go through with it.' Her gaze softened. 'You’re one of the strongest people I know, Evie.'” (p. 257)
“... it was suddenly as if my big day was turning into a giant circus exhibit for everyone to gawk and stare at.” (p. 259)
“Watching Colin eat a chicken salad sandwich on a park bench while wearing a Thirty, Wordy, and Thriving T-shirt easily had become the best moment of the day.” (p. 262)
“'Those flicks are so corny. I don’t get the appeal.' 'Sometimes, corny is good. Corny can be comforting. Iconic.'” (p. 266)
“'This is your list of goals, Tyler. Gemma wanted to help you accomplish it. Think of her as the guy that pushes you off the bridge after your bungee cord is secure.' Well, that was a horrifying example.” (p. 268)
“Have fun, he said. Yes, so far, it was super fun fainting and vomiting on my birthday.” (p. 269)
“Attention, even if debatably not positive, always revived Gemma like hairspray revived an 80’s heroine.” (p. 276)
“I don’t have to stay in a bubble all the time.' I shrugged. 'I can blow some of my own.'" (p. 287)
“'We’re not even at the top of the wheel.' 'Feels like we are.' I grabbed the back of his head and pulled him in, pressing my lips against his. He immediately responded. And I decided I really liked falling.” (p. 308)
“'You familiar with V-J Day at Times Square?' 'Indeed I am.' He grinned, swooped her backwards, and kissed her soundly.” (p. 318)
“#RealMenWatchRomComs” (p. 320)
Falling for a Price by Bell Renshaw 5/22/22 **
I was not impressed. Of course, the poor author had to try to make Romancing the Stone with Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner a more contemporary and realistic story for the 80s Rom-Com Club. Unfortunately, it just couldn't be made realistic. Too much needed to change in the heroine's character, with bad guys who were too unrealistic and with too steamy a romance between two too-good-looking main characters in too short a time.
And there were several other loose threads that were never tied up. And there were several punctuation typos.
Though I used to enjoy Romancing the Stone back in the day, I've grown up, and this story was not worth it to me.
Favorite quotes:
“Amie flushed, yanking her thoughts—that always seemed to turn into fictional prose at the worst possible times—back like a wayward horse.” (p. 350)
“Rough, blunt, seemingly uncaring, but just like the characters she created, he was layered. Weren’t they all? Maybe it was time for her to stop looking for romance and start looking for love.” (p. 396)
The Fix Up by Mikal Dawn 5/31/22 *****
Besides the weak faith thread that seemed just thrown in there in 2 or 3 places, I loved it! I LOLed so much! And I loved the meta way that it laughed at its own ridiculous, unrealistic absurdity. It was a little cheesy, but it was so funny and romantic that I didn't mind.
I loved the snarkiness of the heroine Henley (though I didn't like the name). She was hilarious!
It mentioned several 80s movies, so I wasn't 100% sure which one this story was based on until I heard The Money Pit. It had to be that (I think the epilogue confirmed that). I've never watched that one – though I have watched Splash! lol
Favorite quotes:
“His perfectly-arranged dark blond hair wasn’t what she was typically attracted to, but when it framed grass-green eyes, she couldn’t help the extra beat of her heart. Extra beat? Hm. She may want to get that checked out. It could be a medical issue.” (p. 432)
“She mentally kissed two of her fingers and lifted them toward him in a salute. Farewell, stranger. May the odds be ever in your favor.” (p. 433)
“Unless…did the Lord need a graphic designer in Heaven? An app designer? Uuuuggghhhh. Was that blasphemous? Being a new Christian was so hard.” (p. 438)
“Will I ever learn how to focus? It’d be nice if focus was a spiritual gift that could have been bestowed upon her when she finally believed in Christ.” (p. 440)
“If eyerolls could kill, he’d be a dead man. As it was, the way his heart skipped a beat each time she looked at him, he may very well die anyway.” (p. 454)
“Nothing like trial by fire—literally. Oh boy, Brad’s panic puns were rubbing off on her.” (p. 457)
“The world became more vibrant in that moment. In other words, she was a goner. This was bad news, people.” (p. 464)
“The pastor began. 'Mawwiage. Mawwiage is what bwings us together today…'” (p. 532)
Lake Shore Wandering by Jennifer Rodewald 6/4/22 ***
This one was memorable but a little steamier than I like and not a satisfying ending. It also had a couple of unbelievable parts and a few typos. Because it was the last in the collection, I was left dissatisfied.
Favorite quotes:
“There was a reason Betsy Truitt was called Mama Bulldog by just about everyone in and around Luna. They all loved her. They all obeyed her too. Part fear, part awe drove that.” (p. 550)
“...she was now stuck. Caught like a winter hare in one of her traps.” (p. 555)
““Look, it’s only for five days, and Bennett is a good guy. I’d never let anyone hurt you. You know that, right?” He was hurting her. Hunter [her brother] was the man trapping her.” (p. 555)
“'Bullwinkle and termites, never mind.' Did he just make up another curse?” (p. 567)
“Gone was the badger; here stood this angel. Holding his hand. And he was captivated... Had he really thought of her as an angel moments before? What a sap. She was no angel, that was certain. She was a siren.” (p. 597-8)
“His mind wandered through the labyrinth of questions and blanks, finding nothing but emptiness and discomfort. But there was Hazel, holding his hand. Leading him home. That felt right.” (p. 629)
“Romance4Life: Also, can I steal this for my next project? HidingOnTheLake: Write away . . . it’s not like it’s going to happen for real.” (p. 637)
“No matter what had gone or not gone between them before he’d lost his memory, he was going to win his wife’s heart.” (p. 655)
“He rolled his eyes and went back to the cheese block. 'Stop watching that sappy romance movie channel, Mom. Usually you’re a reasonable woman, but I think those cheesy stories are muddling your brain.'” (p. 676)
May 12, 2022
The 80s Rom-Com Club appealed to me because I was a child of the 80s, the movies, the music, and the fashions( unfortunately). That's what initially drew me and, of course, I was familiar with all of the authors, but I'm not always a fan of a novella, and some of the stories I really liked, and well some just didn't hit the mark for me. They were too short for me.
I was hoping for more of a connection to the 80s in the actual novella, and that I know is what moved the rating for me down. I really liked the concept of these six women being connected through watching 80s-themed movies together, but I guess I envision more and I lost interest even as really the only way we (the reader) see them connect is through the chat room.
I was hoping for more of a connection to the 80s in the actual novella, and that I know is what moved the rating for me down. I really liked the concept of these six women being connected through watching 80s-themed movies together, but I guess I envision more and I lost interest even as really the only way we (the reader) see them connect is through the chat room.
June 4, 2024
THE FIX UP by Mikal Dawn - Loved the nicknames Henley gave everyone especially her partner Brat Pitt -not the movie star. The banter and internal thoughts (but sometimes not internal but said out loud) made me laugh. There is a slight bit of drama but loved how it all turned out.
FALLING FOR A PRICE by Bell Renshaw - Amie writes about adventure while her sister lives it. When she and Malcolm combine efforts their adventure turns deadly. Great ending.
LAKESHORE WANDERING by Jennifer Rodewald - Hazel was a hoot. She and Bennet have sparks flying but not always the good kind. When he loses his memory they both show their turn feelings. I did get irritated that in my opinion they both lied but only one of them apologized. Did love the grand gesture at the end.
EVIE TYLER'S DAY OFF by Betsy St. Amant - Evie has a bucket list and there is really only one item she wants to cross off. Her best friend has other plans. When her fellow "pact" maker crashes their birthday adventure things gets really interesting. One bucket list to remember.
JUST LIKE THAT by Teresa Tysinger - Jane and Andrew find themselves in the same town again. Loved how Jane was willing to be there for her niece no matter where there was. It was cute to see how Jane and Andrew sorta danced around each other. Really sweet romance.
SURE ABOUT YOU by Jaycee Weaver - A enemies to way more romance. Of course there is misunderstandings, assumptions and angst which makes for one bumpy ride. Sweet sweet ending.
FALLING FOR A PRICE by Bell Renshaw - Amie writes about adventure while her sister lives it. When she and Malcolm combine efforts their adventure turns deadly. Great ending.
LAKESHORE WANDERING by Jennifer Rodewald - Hazel was a hoot. She and Bennet have sparks flying but not always the good kind. When he loses his memory they both show their turn feelings. I did get irritated that in my opinion they both lied but only one of them apologized. Did love the grand gesture at the end.
EVIE TYLER'S DAY OFF by Betsy St. Amant - Evie has a bucket list and there is really only one item she wants to cross off. Her best friend has other plans. When her fellow "pact" maker crashes their birthday adventure things gets really interesting. One bucket list to remember.
JUST LIKE THAT by Teresa Tysinger - Jane and Andrew find themselves in the same town again. Loved how Jane was willing to be there for her niece no matter where there was. It was cute to see how Jane and Andrew sorta danced around each other. Really sweet romance.
SURE ABOUT YOU by Jaycee Weaver - A enemies to way more romance. Of course there is misunderstandings, assumptions and angst which makes for one bumpy ride. Sweet sweet ending.
April 10, 2022
What a fantastic collection of clean rom-com novellas involving great plots, humor, and characters! If you enjoy watching 80s movies, you'll love reading this collection written by fabulous, talented authors.
April 19, 2022
4.5 Stars
What an awesome collection of 80s romcom-inspired novellas! I was only familiar with two of the movies these stories were based on, but that didn't hinder my enjoyment one bit. I enjoyed every single story. They were all so good and I can't recommend it highly enough!
Just Like That by Teresa Tysinger
I loved this one! I liked seeing Jane back in her hometown of Cades Hollow, North Carolina. It's such a departure from the NYC lifestyle she's been living. I thought it was really interesting getting a peek at what an influencer does too. Jane and Andrew were so cute together, and I loved the fact that they didn't let misunderstandings linger for long. All in all, a really sweet story that I enjoyed a great deal.
Sure About You by Jaycee Weaver
I love a good enemies to lovers story and this one was great. I enjoyed the first-person narration from both Pax and Isley. Pax was charming from the get-go, but I didn't know what to think about Isley at first. Then, I realized she and I are a lot alike, lol, so I couldn't help but root for her. I thought the road trip was a ton of fun and loved all their "getting to know you" games. I also really loved seeing Pax's strong faith. So inspiring!
Evie Tyler's Day Off by Betsy St. Amant
This was such a fun take on Ferris Bueller's Day Off. There were lots of laughs and some hilarious, sometimes awkward, situations while Evie was marking off items on her "30 Before 30" bucket list. Evie was super likable, relatable, and so brave in facing some of her fears. Gemma was a great friend, and Colin was such a sweet and swoonworthy guy. I can't say enough good things about this novella!
Falling for a Price by Bell Renshaw
I enjoyed the fact that this story had a little mystery and suspense added to it. Amie was completely out of her element, but I admired her tenacity in trying to find her sister. Malcom's motives seemed a little questionable at first, but there was something so charming about him that I just knew there had to be more to his story. They didn't get off to the greatest start and things kinda went downhill from there for a little while, lol, but that led to some funny moments. This ended up being quite a fun read.
The Fix Up by Mikal Dawn
It was so fun watching the characters compete on a home renovation show. I enjoy those types of shows, so it was great to kinda get an "inside" look at what that might be like. The house that Henley and Brad "Not-the-Movie-Star" Pitt are tasked with renovating is a complete and total disaster. Anything that could go wrong did go wrong. I kept wondering what sort of (hilarious) calamity they'd encounter next. So entertaining!
Lake Shore Wandering by Jennifer Rodewald
This was a super fun gender-swapped remake of Overboard. Hazel was very much an outdoorsy country girl, while Bennet was very much a fancy city boy. Polar opposites, to say the least! So, you can just imagine the sparks that fly, right? There were so many hilarious, laugh-out-loud moments, but this was also a surprisingly sweet and tender read. I loved every second of it and didn't want it to end.
I received an early copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
What an awesome collection of 80s romcom-inspired novellas! I was only familiar with two of the movies these stories were based on, but that didn't hinder my enjoyment one bit. I enjoyed every single story. They were all so good and I can't recommend it highly enough!
Just Like That by Teresa Tysinger
I loved this one! I liked seeing Jane back in her hometown of Cades Hollow, North Carolina. It's such a departure from the NYC lifestyle she's been living. I thought it was really interesting getting a peek at what an influencer does too. Jane and Andrew were so cute together, and I loved the fact that they didn't let misunderstandings linger for long. All in all, a really sweet story that I enjoyed a great deal.
Sure About You by Jaycee Weaver
I love a good enemies to lovers story and this one was great. I enjoyed the first-person narration from both Pax and Isley. Pax was charming from the get-go, but I didn't know what to think about Isley at first. Then, I realized she and I are a lot alike, lol, so I couldn't help but root for her. I thought the road trip was a ton of fun and loved all their "getting to know you" games. I also really loved seeing Pax's strong faith. So inspiring!
Evie Tyler's Day Off by Betsy St. Amant
This was such a fun take on Ferris Bueller's Day Off. There were lots of laughs and some hilarious, sometimes awkward, situations while Evie was marking off items on her "30 Before 30" bucket list. Evie was super likable, relatable, and so brave in facing some of her fears. Gemma was a great friend, and Colin was such a sweet and swoonworthy guy. I can't say enough good things about this novella!
Falling for a Price by Bell Renshaw
I enjoyed the fact that this story had a little mystery and suspense added to it. Amie was completely out of her element, but I admired her tenacity in trying to find her sister. Malcom's motives seemed a little questionable at first, but there was something so charming about him that I just knew there had to be more to his story. They didn't get off to the greatest start and things kinda went downhill from there for a little while, lol, but that led to some funny moments. This ended up being quite a fun read.
The Fix Up by Mikal Dawn
It was so fun watching the characters compete on a home renovation show. I enjoy those types of shows, so it was great to kinda get an "inside" look at what that might be like. The house that Henley and Brad "Not-the-Movie-Star" Pitt are tasked with renovating is a complete and total disaster. Anything that could go wrong did go wrong. I kept wondering what sort of (hilarious) calamity they'd encounter next. So entertaining!
Lake Shore Wandering by Jennifer Rodewald
This was a super fun gender-swapped remake of Overboard. Hazel was very much an outdoorsy country girl, while Bennet was very much a fancy city boy. Polar opposites, to say the least! So, you can just imagine the sparks that fly, right? There were so many hilarious, laugh-out-loud moments, but this was also a surprisingly sweet and tender read. I loved every second of it and didn't want it to end.
I received an early copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
April 28, 2022
Some great stories!
I'm not a fan of every '80s rom-com, and am, frankly, usually embarrassed by the language in many of them. I am a fan, however, of rom-coms in general and especially a fan of several of these authors. Therefore, I was super excited when asked to read an advance copy and share my thoughts with you.
I just loved Sure About You by Jaycee Weaver. Not only was it a fun story of opposites attracting, a strong spiritual thread ties the story together. Pax had recently returned to his childhood faith, forsaking the wild life he had been living. His struggles were realistic and honest, and it was only through prayer that he was able to overcome them. Such a perfect picture of our lives and how we should be fighting our battles.
I was also fascinated with Lake Shore Wandering by Jennifer Rodewald. It was a fun variation on the movie Overboard, with the amnesiac not as obnoxious as Goldie Hawn's character. I appreciated that part of the change Bennet experienced was due to remembering truths about God when he couldn't remember much else.
The other stories were also enjoyable and were quite different from one another despite the shared characters through the Rom-Com Movie Club. Some have a faith emphasis, while others, though still clean, do not. I was impressed with how well each of the authors captured the character's personalities from the other stories through their FaceBook chats alone. So much so that I knew Hazel was quite the introvert before I even reached her story.
Readers who enjoy rom-com will want to grab a copy of The 80s Rom-Com Club and find some time to savor these stories. While you may, like me, prefer some over the others, you are bound to find several to love!
Originally Reviewed on Among The Reads
I'm not a fan of every '80s rom-com, and am, frankly, usually embarrassed by the language in many of them. I am a fan, however, of rom-coms in general and especially a fan of several of these authors. Therefore, I was super excited when asked to read an advance copy and share my thoughts with you.
I just loved Sure About You by Jaycee Weaver. Not only was it a fun story of opposites attracting, a strong spiritual thread ties the story together. Pax had recently returned to his childhood faith, forsaking the wild life he had been living. His struggles were realistic and honest, and it was only through prayer that he was able to overcome them. Such a perfect picture of our lives and how we should be fighting our battles.
I was also fascinated with Lake Shore Wandering by Jennifer Rodewald. It was a fun variation on the movie Overboard, with the amnesiac not as obnoxious as Goldie Hawn's character. I appreciated that part of the change Bennet experienced was due to remembering truths about God when he couldn't remember much else.
The other stories were also enjoyable and were quite different from one another despite the shared characters through the Rom-Com Movie Club. Some have a faith emphasis, while others, though still clean, do not. I was impressed with how well each of the authors captured the character's personalities from the other stories through their FaceBook chats alone. So much so that I knew Hazel was quite the introvert before I even reached her story.
Readers who enjoy rom-com will want to grab a copy of The 80s Rom-Com Club and find some time to savor these stories. While you may, like me, prefer some over the others, you are bound to find several to love!
Originally Reviewed on Among The Reads
April 27, 2022
This collection of 6 short stories is unlike any other book I've read. Even if you aren't familiar with any of the 80's movies they are loosely based on, they are great stories and I love how the stories are all linked together by the main, female character of each story being a part of an 80's movie lover chat group. In each story they interact with each other online, giving each other advice and encouragement.
The Fix Up was inspired by The Money Pit, Lake Shore Wondering was inspired by Overboard, Falling for a Price was inspired by Romancing the Stone, Just Like That was inspired by Baby Boom, Sure About You was inspired by The Sure Thing, and Evie Tyler's Day Off was inspired by Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
The Fix Up was inspired by The Money Pit, Lake Shore Wondering was inspired by Overboard, Falling for a Price was inspired by Romancing the Stone, Just Like That was inspired by Baby Boom, Sure About You was inspired by The Sure Thing, and Evie Tyler's Day Off was inspired by Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
May 10, 2022
This was a fun collection. I loved them all. I do think my favorite was the fixer-upper one. I totally saw the ending coming, and I still loved it. Drawing a blank on the title and author. But really this collection has something for everyone. Some suspense stories, straight up rom-com, everything. If you are a fan of 80s Rom-coms you will love it. If, like me, you've never seen one, you will still like like it! WORTH IT!
April 22, 2022
This was a great collection of sweet romance books from a Christian world view. The premise was cute (the heroines are all "internet friends" from a group centered around 80s rom-coms) and the books were as sweet as a Hallmark movie.
I enjoyed reading through this collection for all the same reasons I love watching rom-coms. It was an enjoyable way to spend a few hours.
I enjoyed reading through this collection for all the same reasons I love watching rom-coms. It was an enjoyable way to spend a few hours.
April 12, 2022
This book is an awesome collection of stories of online friends. These friends laugh, cry, and share in each other's lives. Each story has its own flair and yet brings this group of friends together in a powerful way. It is an easy read as you can read only one story or the whole book at once! i preferred one story at a time so I could relish living it with the characters. I highly recommend this book!!
May 20, 2022
Just Like That by Teresa Tysinger - This was a fun amazingly complete novella. I reached the end feeling that I had read a complete book.
Sure About You by Jaycee Weaver - Alternating first person is always rough reading. Overall a fun opposites attract story.
Evie Tyler's Day Off by Betsy St. Amant - I loved the story idea. The 30 before 30 list was interesting.
Falling for a Price by Bell Renshaw - I wasn't sure about this one at the beginning, but it quickly improved. Definitely the most rom-com of the group.
The Fix Up by Mikal Dawn - If HGTV ran a rom com, this would be it. I loved the characters and the showdown with squirrels.
Lake Shore Wandering by Jennifer Rodewald - Honestly I hated both characters at the beginning. They did improve thankfully. Also this novella is the start of a series so it wasn't as satisfying of an ending, but it did its job of enticing to read more.
Sure About You by Jaycee Weaver - Alternating first person is always rough reading. Overall a fun opposites attract story.
Evie Tyler's Day Off by Betsy St. Amant - I loved the story idea. The 30 before 30 list was interesting.
Falling for a Price by Bell Renshaw - I wasn't sure about this one at the beginning, but it quickly improved. Definitely the most rom-com of the group.
The Fix Up by Mikal Dawn - If HGTV ran a rom com, this would be it. I loved the characters and the showdown with squirrels.
Lake Shore Wandering by Jennifer Rodewald - Honestly I hated both characters at the beginning. They did improve thankfully. Also this novella is the start of a series so it wasn't as satisfying of an ending, but it did its job of enticing to read more.
April 28, 2022
These six novellas follow six women- bonded through friendship via an online 80’s rom-com group-and each of their journeys to finding love. Each novella is based on a beloved 80’s movie and can be read as stand alones (but let’s be honest, why would you NOT want to read them all… multiply times.) On my website I have a small synopsis of each book as well as any triggers that might be hard for some readers. I wanted to do each book justice instead of just one blanket review, however, if you are just looking to decide if you should read this book or not the answer is YES! Read this book. If you love 80’s rom-com movies or just love sweet books with happily ever afters, this is the book for you.
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from the author; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from the author; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 9, 2022
Like, totally man, this is a rad read!
The 80s was my favorite decade and each of these stories takes me back to my teenage and young adult life. They are filled with 80s nostalgia, fun, and swoony romance.
As I read each story I felt like I had gone back in time and was experiencing it all over again.
Highly recommended!
Thanks to the authors for a complimentary copy of the book.
The 80s was my favorite decade and each of these stories takes me back to my teenage and young adult life. They are filled with 80s nostalgia, fun, and swoony romance.
As I read each story I felt like I had gone back in time and was experiencing it all over again.
Highly recommended!
Thanks to the authors for a complimentary copy of the book.
April 28, 2022
The 80s Rom-Com Club collection of stories is loosely based on 80 movies! Each story includes funny dialog, comedy and of course romance. absolute treat and filled with hilarious moments. As a retiree, I was only familiar with two of the movies - Romancing the Stone and Overboard. So far I enjoyed reading: Lakeshore Wandering by Jennifer Rodewald, Just Like That by Teresa Tysinger and Sure About You by Jaycee Weaver. Lakeshore Wandering was a funny page turning read, but this avid reader was disappointed with the cliff hanger ending. This story is a introduction to a new series and the next book will NOT be RELEASED until 2023. It was a well written amnesia story. While the 1980s isn't my favorited decade, I applaud the authors for the unique premise.
April 29, 2022
A Collection Filled with Fun!
This is a novella collection filled with fun, romance, and a bit of adventure. I loved it!
I liked the messages between the 80's Rom-Com group. They show that people can be real friends even though they have never met in person.
This is a novella collection filled with fun, romance, and a bit of adventure. I loved it!
I liked the messages between the 80's Rom-Com group. They show that people can be real friends even though they have never met in person.
April 18, 2022
The 80s Rom-Com Club is a hilarious collection, with each novella inspired by--you guessed it--an 80's romcom movie. The stories are connected by an online group of friends who bonded over their love of romantic comedies and their regularly scheduled movie nights, but soon became a virtual sisterhood.
I have to admit I don't think I've seen any of the movies these stories were based on, but I might have to remedy that after reading this book! It also introduced me to a couple new authors, and I'll definitely be looking for more of their novels soon. My favourite story was Just Like That by Teresa Tysinger, although Evie Tyler's Day Off and The Fix-Up were close contenders. Sure About You was also fantastic. Falling for A Price and Lakeshore Wandering were both definitely on the more cheesy side, but still had plenty of hilarious moments and enjoyable endings. All in all, this was a fun, easy to read novella collection. If you enjoy romantic comedies, be sure to grab this one.
*I received a complimentary copy of The 80s Rom-Com Club through the authors. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.
I have to admit I don't think I've seen any of the movies these stories were based on, but I might have to remedy that after reading this book! It also introduced me to a couple new authors, and I'll definitely be looking for more of their novels soon. My favourite story was Just Like That by Teresa Tysinger, although Evie Tyler's Day Off and The Fix-Up were close contenders. Sure About You was also fantastic. Falling for A Price and Lakeshore Wandering were both definitely on the more cheesy side, but still had plenty of hilarious moments and enjoyable endings. All in all, this was a fun, easy to read novella collection. If you enjoy romantic comedies, be sure to grab this one.
*I received a complimentary copy of The 80s Rom-Com Club through the authors. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.
April 26, 2022
I thought this collection was absolutely fabulous! It was so much fun to read these stories inspired by popular 80’s Rom Com movies! Each stories was unique and each author brought their own spin on the story and it was just a really fun reading experience! I honestly haven’t had such an enjoyed and just for fun read in a good long while! I hope to see more of this kind of collaboration in the future! Dare I say a 90’s Rom Com collection???
May 11, 2022
Great Collection of stories
I really loved this collection of stories! Each one was unique and funny and kept me wanting more! Perfect fun read for any time!!
I really loved this collection of stories! Each one was unique and funny and kept me wanting more! Perfect fun read for any time!!
July 16, 2022
I'm a huge fan of the 1980s, so of course I had to read this collection of sweet rom-com stories! Each story is inspired by a particular rom-com of the '80s, an original concept for which I applaud the authors. The stories are perfect to read when you need a breather from heavier subject matter (I like to read these types of stories before bed). A reader not familiar with the retro movies may not get all the references, but I certainly did and I definitely would recommend this collection to my reader friends who enjoy sweet romance and are a fan of "throwback" movies of the 1980s. The authors in this group are some of my favorites, so I'll be on the lookout for future story collections!
February 4, 2023
As I jam out to my 80s playlist on Apple Music, I am hit with all sorts of nostalgia while thinking about how these stories will be with me for a long time.
I barely made it into the Gen X Club, so every element of the movies that these stories reflected are part of my childhood and early teen years. The mirroring of modern takes on 80s rom-coms brought a smile to my face with every page. With hints of "Money Pit", "While You Were Sleeping" or reverse "Overboard", "Farris Bulers Day Off" and a few others I couldn't recall at the time, this book had me looking through streaming apps to find these classics. (That doesn't seem right to say an 80s movie is a classic?)
I can't pick one of these to say I liked the best because each of these authors are excellent storytellers and I love them for putting this anthology together. THANKS A MILLION, LADIES!!!
I barely made it into the Gen X Club, so every element of the movies that these stories reflected are part of my childhood and early teen years. The mirroring of modern takes on 80s rom-coms brought a smile to my face with every page. With hints of "Money Pit", "While You Were Sleeping" or reverse "Overboard", "Farris Bulers Day Off" and a few others I couldn't recall at the time, this book had me looking through streaming apps to find these classics. (That doesn't seem right to say an 80s movie is a classic?)
I can't pick one of these to say I liked the best because each of these authors are excellent storytellers and I love them for putting this anthology together. THANKS A MILLION, LADIES!!!
June 19, 2022
THE FIX-UP
This was a cute, refreshing story al la HGTV. Henley and Brad were so cute together, and I loved the chemistry the immediately sparked on the page. This was a novella, so it was a shorter story, which means you should expect more insta-love!
FALLING FOR A PRICE
Amie is a city girl out of her element when her sister goes missing in the PNW and she makes it her mission to save her. In order to do so, she has to hire Malcom Price, ex-military and currently a PI and treasure hunter. This novella was not quite like the others, and it would be perfect for fans of Natalie Walters (me!). I liked seeing both characters step outside their comfort zones and find their ways to each other.
LAKE SHORE WANDERING
I have such a hard time picking my favorite from this novella collection, and I don’t even want to name it…but…I think this one might have been it. Not to say the others weren’t amazing, but there was something electric about Hazel and Bennet. I immediately needed more of them as soon as I read the last sentence, and I’m thrilled the author tells readers they’re coming back soon!
This opposite attracts story in the vein of OVERBOARD was so addicting. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next.
EVIE TYLER’S DAY OFF
This was such a fun story, and the only problem I have with it is HOW DARE YOU WAIT THREE YEARS TO SEE EACH OTHER. I couldn’t believe it took them so long to get together, and every page they didn’t kiss drove me crazy!
JUST LIKE THAT
This is the first story in the collection, and it sets the fun, flirty vibe for all the stories to come. This was a coming back home story, and I loved falling in love with Jane’s hometown as she rediscovered it and the boy she used to have a major crush on.
SURE ABOUT YOU
I related so easily to Isley. She is a major planner, and when her plans get derailed, she almost can’t take it. Her coworker Pax was her opposite, and their relationship was a wonderful balance.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
This collection is perfect for women’s fiction and Christian fiction readers. Fans of Carmen Schober and Natalie Walters will adore this collection. There’s spice without scorch and each story will make you want more from each author!
This was a cute, refreshing story al la HGTV. Henley and Brad were so cute together, and I loved the chemistry the immediately sparked on the page. This was a novella, so it was a shorter story, which means you should expect more insta-love!
FALLING FOR A PRICE
Amie is a city girl out of her element when her sister goes missing in the PNW and she makes it her mission to save her. In order to do so, she has to hire Malcom Price, ex-military and currently a PI and treasure hunter. This novella was not quite like the others, and it would be perfect for fans of Natalie Walters (me!). I liked seeing both characters step outside their comfort zones and find their ways to each other.
LAKE SHORE WANDERING
I have such a hard time picking my favorite from this novella collection, and I don’t even want to name it…but…I think this one might have been it. Not to say the others weren’t amazing, but there was something electric about Hazel and Bennet. I immediately needed more of them as soon as I read the last sentence, and I’m thrilled the author tells readers they’re coming back soon!
This opposite attracts story in the vein of OVERBOARD was so addicting. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next.
EVIE TYLER’S DAY OFF
This was such a fun story, and the only problem I have with it is HOW DARE YOU WAIT THREE YEARS TO SEE EACH OTHER. I couldn’t believe it took them so long to get together, and every page they didn’t kiss drove me crazy!
JUST LIKE THAT
This is the first story in the collection, and it sets the fun, flirty vibe for all the stories to come. This was a coming back home story, and I loved falling in love with Jane’s hometown as she rediscovered it and the boy she used to have a major crush on.
SURE ABOUT YOU
I related so easily to Isley. She is a major planner, and when her plans get derailed, she almost can’t take it. Her coworker Pax was her opposite, and their relationship was a wonderful balance.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
This collection is perfect for women’s fiction and Christian fiction readers. Fans of Carmen Schober and Natalie Walters will adore this collection. There’s spice without scorch and each story will make you want more from each author!
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