Ten First Dates

Off the Ice #0.5 - The Girl in the Jersey

by Ainsley Booth, Angela Denise, Erin McCarthy

He was the last person on earth she’d ever want to be stuck with for a weekend…
Their eyes met across the room and she knew…
They’d been friends forever but everything was about to change…
Once upon a time…

There are so many ways a great romance can start, and we’ve got TEN of them right here for you!

Ten ALL NEW, never-before-seen prequels from ten bestselling romance authors all in one place!

Find out how these swoony heroes and feisty heroines are first thrown together on the path to their happily ever after!

Enemies to lovers? Friends to lovers? Opposites attract? Small town? We’ve got it all!

AUTHORS INCLUDE: Ainsley Booth, Angela Denise, Erin McCarthy, Erin Nicholas, Julia Kent, Kaylee Ryan, Molly McLain, Piper Rayne, Samantha Chase, and Zoe York!

Bayou Tonight (Badges of the Bayou #0.5) by Erin Nicholas
The Girl in the Jersey (Off the Ice #0.5) by Ainsley Booth
Stay Always (Kincaid Brothers #0.5) by Kaylee Ryan
The Matchmaker’s Mistake (Highland Hills #0.5) by Angela Denise
False Start (Kingsmen Football Stars #0.5) by Piper Rayne
Shopping for a Booty Call (Shopping for a Highlander #0.5) by Julia Kent
At First Glance (But First, Whiskey #0.5) by Erin McCarthy
Call Me (The Donovans #0.5) by Samantha Chase
Rebel Secret (The Kincaids of Pine Harbour #4.5) by Zoe York
Moments With Him (Cole Creek #0.5) by Molly McLain

Genres: Anthologies, Romance, Rom Com, Short Stories, Friends To Lovers, Enemies To Lovers, Amazon

554 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 12, 2022

Reviews

[Zoe]

I have two brand-new stories in this prequel anthology! "Rebel Secret" is the story of how Josh Kincaid falls head-over-wrench for a billionaire's daughter, and "The Girl in the Jersey" (written as Ainsley Booth) is a hot one night stand with a hockey player story that sets up a new series! Excited for readers to devour them both.

This collection is FREE and will release August 12!

Amz: https://amzn.to/3ayUjaA

BN: https://bit.ly/10-First-Dates-BN

GP: https://bit.ly/10-First-Dates-GP

Apple: live release on August 12th!

Kobo: live release on August 12th!


NOTE: Apple and Kobo don't allow FREE preorders, so those links will come on release day.

[Tanja ~ KT Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no better way to introduce yourself to a new author than to snag an anthology! Especially when it's free! Yes, you heard me! FREE! What makes this extra special is that it's filled with some of my favorite writers. Wonderfully acquired stories all in one sweet read. I mean... I can't think of a better way to end summer romance season than with Ten First Dates.
~Tanja


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[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ten First Dates


Bayou Tonight - Erin Nicholas - Stars - Characters - Thoughts/review

The Girl in the Jersey - Off the Ice, Book .5 - Ainsley Booth - 4 Stars - Kieran Marsh, “Jersey Girl” - Quick, fun and very hot. I’m interested in continuing this series because I need to know what happens when these two find each other again.

Stay Always - Kaylee Ryan - Stars - Character Names - Review/Thoughts

The Matchmaker’s Mistake - Angela Denise - Stars - Character Names - Review/Thoughts

False Start - Kingsmen Football Stars, Book 1 - Piper Rayne - Stars - Character Names - Review

Shopping for a Booty Call - Julia Kent - Stars - Character Names - Review

At First Glance - But First, Whiskey, Book .5 -- Erin McCarthy - 4 Stars - MacKay Lennox, Faith - Another book that has me ready to dive into the series. Brother’s best friend is one of my favorite tropes and these two have so much chemistry I know it will be good.

Call Me - The Donovan's, Book .5 - Samantha Chase - 4 Stars - Arianna Donovan, Will Jameson - Again a really good start to a series. I’ve already looked up the next book and marked it to borrow from Scribd.

Rebel Secret - SERIES INFO - Zoe York - Stars - CHARACTER NAMES HERE - REVIEW/THOUGHTS HERE

Moments with Him - Molly McLain - Stars - CHARACTER NAMES HERE - REVIEW/THOUGHTS HERE

[E-Reader Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the Ainsley Booth and Zoe York stories in this anthology.

And damn.

They were fantastic!

But also frustrating because now I have to wait MONTHS to get the rest of the stories that were started in this anthology. 😩

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love anthologies! They are a great way to find authors new to you and enjoy stories from authors you already know and love.

False Start by Piper Rayne is a short novella prequel to what is coming in Piper Rayne’s new Kingsman Football Stars series. This story takes place when Lee and Shayna first met back in college and it is just the beginning of their story. We are going to jump eight years ahead for their full story, You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows, coming soon, and I for one, cannot wait.

Bayou Tonight, the prequel for Gotta Be Bayou by Erin Nicholas is seriously hot and sexy as Spencer Landry and Max Keller battle their common attraction yet both know that they are not a good match especially after a drunken make out session and some crazy questions that Spencer had to ask! Spencer “Do you bake?” Max “no”. Spencer “Do you like pets, TV?” Max “no”! Apparently Max doesn’t meet any of his criteria for the perfect woman, yet their chemistry can’t be denied!
This prequel leaves us with a cliffhanger so get ready for the rest of Spencer and Max’s story. I know I can’t wait!

[Donna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read the majority of these authors and they are some of my all time favorites. Each of these stories are short and sweet. Some are short and hot. A few of my favorites are from Piper Rayne, Samantha Chase and Erin Nicholas. Piper Rayne's is a quick prequel to the newest series they have coming out. I cannot wait to read more about Lee Burrows and how his life is going now as opposed to the biggest mistake of his college life as told in this story. Samantha Chase also has a prequel for a new series. The Donovan family sounds like it's going to be a wild ride. This story starts off with the youngest sister, Arianna, who loves truth or dare games. And choosing dare most of the time can get her into a sticky situation. Erin Nicholas also has been teasing us with snippets from her new series through her email updates. This is a fantastic introduction to Spencer and Max. They are totally opposite and I can't wait for the friction to commence.

[Fedora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific way to kick off ten series by excellent authors!

BAYOU TONIGHT by Erin Nicholas /////
GOTTA BE BAYOU, Badges of the Bayou
FBI agent Spencer Landry is looking for someone sunshiny and cheerful to make a life with but for some reason, he can’t stop thinking about investigative journalist Max Keller, who isn’t exactly all hearts and flowers.

This opposites attract takes a turn after some friends’ wedding and then after an unconventional date of sorts…


THE GIRL IN THE JERSEY by Ainsley Booth
Hockey player Kieran Marsh hopes to console himself at a party after being cut loose by his casual girlfriend. Harper is simply there to check things out…

[Mary Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulously fun collection of first date stories. Each one gives you the beginning of the couple’s book and allows you to get introduced and excited to read their full story. I typically don’t like to be teased and then required to wait but each first date gave me enough to get to know the couple while leaving me at an ok point that will allow me to wait without a huge cliffhanger before their full story is released. This also allowed me to read some author’s that I have never experienced before and now I’m anxiously awaiting their books.

[Mick C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stupid bet. The things you'll agree to, to make your friends shut up. What happens when the bet blows up in your face? Read this short story to find out. And be sure to look for the surprise at the end.

[Marisela M. Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girl in the Jersey

• Harper and Kieran story was absolutely adorable. I want more of them. I can’t believe I need to wait till February. Patiently waiting for this story. 🔥

[Jezabel Nightingale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Met so many new to me authors in this anthology and marked several books as wanting to read.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy

Tons of great stories that keep you hocked from the beginning. All the authors did a great job hyping up their books, can't wait to read them all.

[Carly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Frankly, this anthology was disappointing. However, it may be more on me than the writers. I have reached my saturation point and was hoping a set of nice little stories would bring back my sense of “wow” again. Nope. Didn’t happen. I think I have read every combination and permutation of storyline, character arc, and plot in the romance genres and their plethora of subgenres. I had my fingers crossed that this book would be different; after all, ten different writers had ten different stories to tell. Except…they were not much different from the myriad romance stories I’ve read this past year.

According to Merriam-Webster, a prequel is “a work (such as a novel or a play) whose story precedes that of an earlier work.” It was coined in 1958 and I find that fascinating, such a modern word with no classical etymology. According to experts in the publishing industry, the key point is that the narrative work is released after a complete story is published. It must appear chronologically before the original work. If these descriptions are true, and I think we have to agree they are, then each of the ten narratives in the book should be a prequel to a previously published book. Only three meet that criteria.

Bayou Tonight by Erin Nicholas [rated 2-stars]
This narrative is about FBI agent, Spencer Landry, and investigative journalist, Max Keller. The events within the story occur before Gotta Be Bayou, the first of three novels in the “Badges of the Bayou” series. This is not a prequel since it’s been published before the book which is due out on 13 September 2022. So, this is a longish advertising blurb, or perhaps the beginning of the book, Gotta Be Bayou. The two protagonists have met before, and the reader is made to assume a lot of information about their mutual past. At its end a lot of loose ends remain, like a cliffhanger. Although the initial by-play between Spencer and Max is funny (they are so not each other’s types), it gets old by the end of the sixth, and final, chapter. There’s nothing but conflict between the two, mostly because Spencer Landry is a jerk. Max Keller does not have enough of a personality to display her good and bad characteristics. Apparently, she’s intelligent and likes true crimes. Do I want to read more? Nope.

The Girl in the Jersey by Ainsley Booth [rated 1-star]
This item is not a prequel either. It’s published before the book, The Ex Captain (sic), which will be available next year, on 21 February 2023. So, again, we have an advertising blurb for an upcoming, unpublished novel. This is a strange bit of writing. There’s no beginning – we’re plopped right down into the middle of a hockey game – but there is lots of middle, and no ending as the writer just stops writing. Harper is eponymously “the girl in the jersey” and Kieran plays for an Arizona hockey team (somehow that’s as funny as the North Stars moving from Minnesota to Texas and changing their name). They meet at an after-game party and, yep, they have sex. She wants a one-and-done; he’s not so sure. That’s it. That’s the story. To be continued in The Ex Captain. That’s a hard pass of the hockey stick for me.

Stay Always by Kaylee Ryan [rated 0.5-stars]
This is touted as Kincaid Brothers #0.5, an auspicious beginning. However, it is not a prequel. The series of books about the Kincaid brothers begins with the novel, Stay Over, and continues through two other books. None of the three has been published yet, although the first is due out this month (13 September 2022). Orrin and Jade go on a date. Then another date. And another. Dinner with his family. Sex in the shower. And that’s the story. It’s weird: I often get irritated by stories that have too much incredulous conflict. This is the first time I’ve read a story without an ounce of conflict in it, and I’m shocked to say that I didn’t like it. I really did not care for it at all.

The Matchmaker’s Mistake by Angela Denise [1-star rating]
This is a true prequel. The book for which it is a prequel is Matchmaking a Single Dad, which has already been published. Holly is a professional matchmaker who seems disenchanted with matchmaking. Cole is a womanizing single parent. They have a history. She was hurting. He hurt her worse. He married another woman. She never got over it and they bicker constantly. He’s a widower now and still they bicker. The story is a few chapters with no beginning, plenty of middle, and no ending. I could not warm to either Holly or Cole. Both are equally silly and callous. There was a moment, at the end of the third chapter, that the story had a little spark. Sadly, it was extinguished in the next chapters when Cole went back to being a womanizing player. Why would Holly be interested in that? Big NO to getting the book.

False Start (Kingsmen Football Stars #1) by Piper Rayne [0.5-star rating]
This is not a prequel since its book, You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows, is not yet published and will not be available until December 2022. Lee is the popular and successful college quarterback failing Biology so he might be removed from the team and lose his scholarship. Shayna is the straight-A student assigned to tutor him. She’s had a crush on him since freshman orientation and can barely look him in the eye. She is a huge football fan but lies to him, telling him she doesn’t like the game. He’s a player, on and off the field, and is looking to…yeah. The plot is thin, the dialogue banal, and the characters are not fleshed out. There’s a lot of interaction between the two. And then…nothing. [The movie, “She’s All That,” does it better.] Towards the end of the sixth chapter he thinks, “I never want a woman to bear heartbreak at my hands.” Geez. What an arrogant “shower of water.” Not a fan.

Shopping for a Booty Call by Julia Kent [0.0-star rating]
This is a prequel to a 2-book series about Amy and Hamish, beginning with the book, Shopping for a Turkey. I have no idea what to say about this little narrative except that it’s terrible. Hamish has a Scottish brogue that is more trouble deciphering than it’s worth. This little glimpse into the characters’ lives is tawdry, tasteless, and insipid. Quite the trifecta. Hamish, a famous Scots footballer, and Amy cannot get along, but want to score a booty call. I cannot imagine reading an entire book, let alone two books, about these ridiculous characters with absolutely no redeeming values. That’s definitely a pass on the books.

At First Glance by Erin McCarthy [0.0-star rating]
This is not a prequel since its book, But First, Whiskey, has not yet been published (it’s due out 26 September 2022). So, OK…for over a decade, Faith has had a crush on McKay, a former football champion and friend of her brother. It started when she was 12 (and, yeah, that’s a bit creepy) and lasted through her teenage years. He was 7 years older, or 19 at the time. This story is a glimpse into their sexual exploits. For some reason, we remain unsure about how long it’s been since they’ve seen each other (it seems an important point because it is mentioned so often). In chapter 3, Faith narrates that it’s been seven years since they’d seen each other, and on the next page she is thinking he must be thirty years old now. That’s eleven years since they’ve seen each other, not seven. On a following page, she is thinking that he was looking at her differently from a decade earlier. So, it’s been 7, 10, or 11 years since they’ve seen each other. The story has quite a few errors in it, too, and they impact the enjoyment of reading. This story seems unbalanced, rushed, and prurient. Drunken sex. No romance. No thanks.

Call Me by Samantha Chase [4-star rating]
Again, not a prequel. Its book, Dare Me, is not due out until 4 October 2022. A game of Truth or Dare leads Arianna to Will’s table at a San Francisco restaurant after brunch with her friends. They spend the day together (nearly 24-hours), hit it off, then say goodbye, only to find themselves on the same plane leaving San Francisco the following morning. Ultimately, Will ends it for the usual silly reasons that proliferate in this genre. So…it ends. We’re supposed to buy the book to find out if they ever get back together again. I don’t want to know. I liked this little blurb. The end is bittersweet…and…they had an absolutely great day together. It was fun to tag along with them, and that’s enough for me. This was a brief little interlude that life threw their way. Short and bittersweet. I liked this story without a fairy tale HEA.

Rebel Secret by Zoe York [4.5-stars]
Zoe York is one of my favorite writers. Period. She has honed her talents and turned her books into something so much more than we generally find within the romance genres. She also seems to do her research, which is much appreciated. And…if that’s not enough…her books tend to be well edited and proofread: nicely done…! That said, this is not a prequel; it’s more like a prologue for the beginning of the book, Rebel at Heart, which is to be published next year, 25 April 2023. So…not a prequel. But a most excellent prologue. I’ve added the book to my wish list.

Moments with Him by Molly McLain [4-stars]
This one is a for-real prequel. This is the story that precedes We’re Made of Moments, published in April 2021. I am going to get this book. It’s about Jesse and Hayden. I liked Jesse: patient, persistent, enduring Jesse. I was not hooked on Hayden. She seemed indecisive to me, returning to a boyfriend who cheated on her and all she can do is make excuses for his abominable behavior. I hope the book has Hayden coming to her senses. She may not need to get back with Jesse, but she sure needs to get away from boyfriend Lane. Ugh.

I rated this collection 1.75 stars, rounded up to 2 stars. I rated each of the stories, added these ratings together for a sum of 17.5, then divided by 10, the number of stories in the collection. It almost seems unfair that three very good pieces are brought down by other stories that rated as few as 0.0 stars. However, the editors who selected the stories for this anthology picked them, so they stand together. The last three were the best and I was thrilled to read them; I have been discouraged by the romance genre in general and by some writers in particular. Perhaps I’ve become jaded, but I want more from the books on which I’m going to spend my time and money. Two of the three writers whose work I enjoyed are new to me and I look forward to finding more of their books. For the most part, this collection left me lukewarm.

[Heather Nobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this anthology!
Bayou Tonight by Erin Nicholas
I loved this little sneak peek into Max and Spencer’s relationship. Reading this story I was hungry for brownies, enchiladas, and chocolate chip cookies(luckily my daughter just made homemade ones,lol). I loved the internal dialogue that Spencer had with himself while drunk on moonshine. And the ending made me super excited for the rest of their story!! And these two are going to be so HOT!
The Matchmaker’s Mistake by Angela Denise
Loved this little peak into Holly and Cole’s relationship. All I can say is the animosity between them, more so on Holly’s part is going to make this relationship so hot when they finally get together. I can’t wait to read the rest of their story.
At First Glance by Erin McCarthy
Loved this peek into MacKay and Faith’s story. They definitely had a hot meet cute..or maybe a wet one,lol. All I can say is I can not wait for more of their story!

[Kaitie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is for Stay Always by Kaylee Ryan. Oh boy, I’m so excited for this series and this family! Orrin and Jade were an amazing introduction and I can’t wait for more!

This review is also for Moments with Him by Molly McLain. I can't get enough of Jesse and Hayden. And I loved seeing how their story officially began. I love them more then I did when I read them the first time.

[Karen Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bayou Tonight by Erin Nicholas:

I loved this one. Max and Spencer are great characters. They are attracted to each other, but Spencer has a list of things to make his ideal girlfriend, and Max doesn't check them off, she doesn't bake, has never had a pet, doesn't watch much TV, but he just can't keep away from her. So he follows her home and goes around to her house with a proposition to investigate a cold case.

They have such a strange relationship that I really want to know what happens next between them and can't wait to read Gotta Be Bayou, already pre-ordered

The Girl In The Jersey by Ainsley Booth

I loved this one. Harper is an interesting character. we don't get to know much about her, but you can tell she has some sort of past that will make for an interesting story. Kieran seems to be a good guy, but I would say a player. They have a steamy one night, then don't see each other till he gets moved to a new team and there she is in the stands.

I can't wait to read more of these two in The Ex-Captain. I pre-ordered it already.

Stay Always by Kaylee Ryan

This is the book I got this for and I wasn't disappointed, This series is going to be great, after reading "never with me", I knew I had to read this to start the Kincaid brother's series of books.

This is Orrin and Jade's story, Orrin is the eldest of the brothers so we have eight more to come, he had been watching Jade for a while but didn't have the courage to ask her out but when he saw her disappear from Deacon and Ramsey's engagement outside he followed and admitted that he liked her and asked her on a date, and what a first date he planned.

This is a great story of love and how it can hit you hard and fast, I can't wait to read the next book. already pre-ordered.

The Matchmaker's Mistake by Angela Denise

Holly and Bryn are twins who are professional matchmakers, Every year they celebrate their birthday together with dinner just the two of them with a princess birthday cake, but this year, Bryn is excited that her boyfriend is going to ask her to marry him and Holly doesn't think is a good idea, and holly bumps into her nemesis, Cole Garrison. Everything is going well till the person that delivers the cake is their father! and Bryn leaves, leaving Holly to deal with their father and Cole.

Just as she is about to make out with Cole her brother appears and spoils the mood, but she can't stop thinking about him or him her, I really want to see what happens between the two of them so definitely going to read their book. Already got their book ready to read.


False Start (Kingsmen Football Stars #1) by Piper Rayne

when Lee is falling behind on his grades, his coach has a word with his tutor to get him extra tuition and that would be Shayna, she is your librarian type, always swatting and very clever, and he is the quarterback for the team but he was told if his grades didn't improve he would be benched, so he agrees to let Shayna help him three days a week, the more time they spend together the more he likes her but he makes a bet with his friends that he would have her, after they spend an intimate time together he knows he should tell her about the bet but doesn't know how so hope she never finds out, but of course, she does and runs away and breaks things off with him, he knows he is a fool and doesn't know how to fix it.

I loved this book and pre-ordered YOU HAD YOUR CHANCE, LEE BURROWS.

Shopping for a Booty Call by Julia Kent

When Amy has to be a bridesmaid at her sister's wedding to a billionaire, she doesn't envisage the gorgeous Scottish football player Hamish, he is all muscle and full of himself, but there is something about him that she can't get out of her head. Every woman is swooning at him even her Mum.

After the hen night she returns to the hotel and sees him chatting up the receptionist, so makes a dash for her room, then at 3 am he gives her a booty call, one that stays in her mind.

I really liked this book, it was interesting and I will look at the next book.

At first Glance by Erin McCarthy

while at her brother's wedding, Faith decided it was hot so went for a dip in the pond, little did she know that her brother's best friend MacKay thought she was drowning and went in to save her, not knowing that the pond was shallow.

Once they got out of the pond, the chemistry they had was hard to not notice, so when he asked who she was she said she was catering staff, so they went to the barn and had hot steamy sex, it was only afterwards when his friends pointed out who she was he realised what a mistake they made.

I loved this story and have pre-ordered But first, Whiskey already.

Call me by Samantha Chase

It was Arianna's last day in San Francisco before she went home to the small town her family lived in, while sitting in a café with her friends who were also leaving they played a game of truth or dare and her dare was to go over to the gorgeous man in the corner and talk to him, that was simple as she had watched him from the time he had entered the café.

Will and Arianna spent the whole day and night together and saw the sights again and said goodbye at the end of it, but luck would have it that they were on the same plane home sat next to each other, call it fate or what!

When they went to leave Will found out that she was his best friend in the Marines little sister and knew then this had to be goodbye.

I have pre-ordered Dare me and can't wait to read it.

Rebel Secret by Zoe York

Monica was the heir to a racing team but was treated like any other member of staff, she was in marketing, so she thought to improve her knowledge she would get the sexy mechanic to show her what's what, Josh wasn't happy with her being there but finally said he would show her what it was all about, so took her to drag racing where he competed, neither of them wanted the night to be over so they drove and stopped at a lookout point and got a lot closer than they thought.

I want to read more of Josh and Monica's story, especially after the last chapter.

Moments with him by Molly Mclain

After having a party at her parent's cabin Hayden goes for a walk by herself after her boyfriend was groping another girl in front of her, so she goes to the lake, where she bumps into Jesse, who she had seen around when at the cabin, and they get on really well.

and the next year they meet again, and again after that, then when she catches her boyfriend cheating on her she packs her bags and goes to the cabin for two weeks, and the first person she wants to see is Jesse, they agree that she is his for the two weeks they have a great time together and she doesn't want to leave but does, and when she gets back she gets back with her boyfriend, but two months later she is in for a shock.

I really need to see where these two go, loved this book.

Overall I loved all of the first dates in this book and will read the follow-on for all of them, it is well worth reading and getting introduced to new authors to you.

[Amazeballs Book Addicts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up with plans to just read the stories by Piper Rayne and Julia Kent but then when I opened this book, I just started with the first story and read every story.



Bayou Tonight by Erin Nicholas:

I loved this one. Max and Spencer are great characters. They are attracted to each other, but Spencer has a list of things to make his ideal girlfriend, and Max doesn't check them off. I'm completely invested in their relationship and can't wait to read Gotta Be Bayou to see where it goes and if Max makes brownies.



The Girl In The Jersey by Ainsley Booth

I loved this one. Harper is an interesting character. We get a little of Harper in this story, but you can tell she has some sort of past that will make for an interesting story. Kieran seems to be a good guy. They have a steamy date night. I can't wait to read more of these two in The Ex Captain. I pre-ordered it already.



Stay Always by Kaylee Ryan:

Orrin and Jade are cute. I loved the first date that Orrin planned for them. This one was a quick cute read, and I will be picking up the other books about the Kincaid Brothers as they come out.



The Matchmaker's Mistake by Angela Denise:

So far, this one is my favorite. Holly seems like a fun gal. She takes things with stride. She has a run-in with her nemesis, Cole, and her birthday dinner with her twin goes badly. She may pretend she hates Cole, but they had great steamy chemistry. Their story was too short for me, so I can't wait to get more of them in Match Matching a Single Dad. I one-clicked that one right away. I wasn't entirely liking Holly's sister, so I didn't order her book, but maybe I will later after I get my full Holly and Cole fix.



False Start (Kingsmen Football Stars #1) by Piper Rayne:

I was excited to read this one. False Start is one of the two stories that had me wanting to read this anthology. I loved this one, and it's tied with The Matchmaker's Mistake for my favorite in this anthology. Lee is a big college football player. He's struggling in biology. Shayna has the best grade in the class and tutors him. I liked Shayna. Lee messes up, but Shayna's a strong girl, and I can't wait to see Lee grovel and what big gestures he's going to make to win her back in You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows.



Shopping for a Booty Call by Julia Kent:

I liked this one. It had me laughing at part. I wasn't a big fan of Hamish initially, but I loved his banter with Amy and started to like him. I will be checking out Shopping for a Turkey.



At First Glance by Erin McCarthy:

At First Glances is a short steamy introduction to MacKay and Faith. I can't wait to read more about these. They are definitely going to get into trouble, but I think they will have fun doing it.


Call Me by Samatha Chase:
Call Me was a good read. I wasn't completely feeling these characters, but then there's a little twist thrown in, and I might pick up Dare Me to see what happens next.

Rebel Secret by Zoe York:
Wow, all I have to say is that ending surprised me, and I definitely pre-ordered Rebel at Heart.

Moments With Him by Molly McLain:
I didn't like Lane, but I loved Hayden and Jesse together. I was so hoping she would stay in Cole Creek. I am rooting for Hayden and Jesse, and I will be one clicking We're Made of Moments so because I have to find out what happens.

I loved this anthology. After reading these stories, I have added many books to my TBR list and even pre-ordered some books.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Anthology of never before seen Prequels that includes some of my favorite authors -- SIGN. ME. UP! I largely picked this up because Samantha Chase; Zoe York; and Erin Nicholas are three of my favorite rom-com/romance authors right now. The other authors are also great and I enjoyed their prequels as well (even have pre-ordered most of them). I'm going to focus my review on these three though.

1. Samantha Chase - Call Me. I'm lucky enough to be on the review crew for Samantha Chase and I have had the opportunity to read Kiss the Girl already. It is so great to see the prequel to her new book (& new series) Dare Me - I'm looking forward to it already!

2. Erin Nicholas - Bayou Tonight. So. Good. I love this prequel to Gotta Be Bayou and am really looking forward to its release! I liked Max & Spencer's sparring in Say It Like You Mane It, so I'm glad they are getting their own book (first in the Badges of the Bayou series!)

3. Zoe York - Rebel Secret. I've been waiting for "what's next" since I finished Fearless at Heart - definitely looking forward to Rebel at Heart now!

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect beginnings to some amazing stories.
Bayou Tonight - Nicholas - 4
Between moonshine, brownies and cold case files Spencer and Max figure out while they are not perfect for each other, they are a match made by the laws of attraction.
Stay Always - Ryan - 5
Orrin has been in love with Jade forever, and when he finally gives in and asks her out their future is set in stone. This is a lovely romantic story that gives the reader all the feels and proves once again that Kaylee Ryan and romance go hand in hand.
The Girl in the Jersey - Booth - 4
A chance encounter with a hockey player and a woman who really hates hockey but likes the jerseys. Can one anonymous night be enough for Kieran?
The matchmakers mistake - Denise -4
Twin sisters who just happen to be matchmakers both have men issues. One has a man that won’t give her a future she deserves and one who has loved a man since high school with no luck. Can Holly and Bryn catch a break on their birthday? Over cake and too much tequila Holly finally gets what she wants from Cole, but too bad it ends before it can begin leaving Holly with revenge on her mind.
False Start - Rayne - 4
When Lee a college football star needs help passing a class, Shayna is the one to help him out. But with close quarters comes a connection. Which will win? The grade or her heart? Or will a bet override everything?
Shopping for a Booty Call - Kent
Nothing better than listing after someone in the wedding party. But who is listing after who? Hamish and Amy need to decide.
At First Glance - McCarthy - 5
A wet and wild connection at a wedding falls to pieces when MacKay finds out the woman he entertained just happens to be Faith, his best friends little sister.
Call Me - Chase - 5
Two strangers and one night of sight seeing and connections. Who knew truth or dare could be so much fun? But what will happen when reality hits and Will finds out who Ari really is?
Rebel Secret - York - 5
Fast cars and fast love between Josh and Monica blend together in a flirty and quick one night under the stars. But ends with a goals achieved but hearts broken.
Moments with Him - McClain - 5
What starts out as a friendship between Jesse and Hayden turns into so much more when Hayden retreats back to the lake to mend her broken heart. But when the two weeks are up is she left with much more than she bargained for?

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Included in this anthology are:

Bayou Tonight by Erin Nicholas: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Girl in the Hockey Jersey by Ainsley Booth: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Stay Always by Kaylee Ryan: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Matchmaker's Mistake by Angela Denise: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

False Start by Piper Rayne: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Shopping for a Booty Call by Julia Kent: Hamish and Amy are like oil and water - oil and water that are very, very attracted to each other. They have to be in the same wedding party, but that does not mean they have to hook up, right?

At First Glance by Erin McCarthy: Faith has always had a crush on her brother's best friend, MacKay. It was never going to happen, though, until one night at a wedding when he doesn't recognize her. All grown up, Faith is determined to take what she wants, even if it hurts afterward.

Call Me by Samantha Chase: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Rebel Secret by Zoe York - Josh is the just the person to help Monica. The hot mechanic can help her learn all about her dad's racing empire from the ground up. It doesn't hurt that the attraction is off the charts.

Moments with Him by Molly McLain: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

My favorites? The Girl in the Hockey Jersey and Bayou Tonight. They both made me want to read more and find out what happened to the characters.

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten First Dates is full of all new, laugh out loud, stories that I've been dying to read!

Here are just a few glimpses into some of the dates that totally made my reading night!!

Bayou Tonight by Erin Nicholas

This is the prequel to Gotta Be Bayou. Every moment I was reading was filled with a giggle and then an instant swoon moment, then I was right back to giggling followed by swooning again, and so on and so forth. While this was only a small taste of Spencer and Maxine's story, I am already hooked! I've fallen hard for the southern boy who can't stop thinking about the non-traditional redheaded woman. Their book is going to be fantastic, I can already feel it in my bones and can hardly wait for their full length novel!!

Matchmaking Mistake by Angela Denise

This is a prequel to both matchmaking stories, but told through Cole and Holly. Their book, Matchmaking a Single Dad recently released and there was quite a bit of talk about an infamous mistake between them. This funny prequel finally sheds some light on that fateful event along with what triggered Holly's sister Bryn and the beginning of her story.

At First Glance by Erin McCarthy

What exactly did happen between Cash's sister and his best friend while they were attending his wedding? I know I was dying to know the events that took place and was filled with glee to finally find out! This steamy first glance into Mackay and Faith's own story, But First, Whiskey is filled with sparks and fireworks. I can hardly wait for more, but I will tell you this small glimpse is spicy and sweet all rolled into one.

This is only a few of the stories contained in this amazing anthology, but it's full of great authors all jammed packed with brand new stories. Don't miss it! 

[Nathathida Atirekasâra · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I have to mention about a novella that makes me cry while I'm reading this anthology first which is "False Start", the start of Kingsmen Football Star series, by Piper Rayne. If you are their fan, you would have known about Lee Burrows for a while now and his book will come out soon but it is so good to know his history with Shayna first because now I definitely want he to win Shayna back! Shayna and Lee are an opposites attraction like a nerd and an athlete but they have chemistry. Their story is sweet yet steamy and has a little bit of angsty feeling combined. Lee's personality isn't too bad but his teammates are. I want to smack his friends' heads so hard but I know Lee also isn't an innocent one. And now I can't wait for Shayna and Lee's second chance!

Another one that I found it interesting is "Bayou Tonight." Both Spencer and Max have been attracted to each other since their first meeting. Now they have a chance to explore their chemistry and Erin Nicholas creates the story with funny and sexy theme.

The third one that I found it's interesting is "The Girl in the Jersey" by Ainsley Booth. I have never read Booth's books before but she makes me feel curious about Harper's history with Hockey.

I really love an idea of authors giving us, readers, their novellas to start their new series or reveal the first time their characters encountered each other... like this anthology as an example. I have to confess that there are a lot of authors I have never read their books in this one but this is another good part of reading an anthology though because I may discover a new author or authors I like their writing styles :)

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love prequels, so to have ten all in one volume with some of my very favorite one-click authors is a treat I just cannot pass up.
Rebel Secret by Zoe York gives us a glimpse of Josh Kincaid, the last brother to get his story told in the upcoming Rebel Heart. We see him meet Monica, only child of his boss, a few years before he returns to his small town home. Forbidden romance turns to something a lot more intriguing…
Ainsley Booth is back with Harper and Kieran in The Girl in the Jersey, a hockey romance that I’m extra excited about…it’s been a while since we had a new book from her! Harper is going to be a handful, so Kieran is in for a wild ride. Sexy times, for sure!
Max and Spencer are familiar faces if you’ve read Erin Nicholas’ Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild. In Bayou Tonight, these opposites definitely have a ton of chemistry, even if they have very little else in common. Spencer is quite hysterical with his list of requirements in a partner…good luck with that search, buddy. Max has no problem letting him know that she fits none of those categories.
And Samantha Chase brings us a new series about the Donovans, who live in the town next door to her beloved Magnolia Sound. Will and Adrianna have just one day together before moving on from San Francisco. It’s definitely at least attraction at first sight. But what happens when there’s less than six degrees separating gather two of them, and it’s going to cause complications that Will isn’t ready for?
I’m still reading the rest but loving every minute of it. My wish list is growing by leaps and bounds.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a tease! I can't wait for more!!

Ten First Dates brings the start or origins of relationships from the fabulous minds of ten romance writers in the form of prequel novellas that are just enough to hook and tease for the main stories to come.

Personally I loved being teased with Bayou Tonight- the prequel to Gotta Be Bayou by Erin Nicholas and False Start- the prequel to You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows by Piper Rayne.

I am addicted to the various Louisiana Bayou series from Erin and am having a hard time patiently waiting for Spencer and Max's HEA. The spark between these two is palpable and while Max hits none of the marks of what Spencer is looking for in a girlfriend or future wife he just can't help himself with her. In just a few chapters I felt the connection, the heat and loved the humor that simmers in this story and I need more!

Then I was teased with Lee and Shayna's story. I love these two together, Lee is not the typical jock and Shayna is not the typical nerd. This novella perfectly sets the stage to the start of their friendship turned more until Lee loses Shayna's trust. Now, I feel like I'm counting down the days until I can get my hands on this second chance romance!

All of the "first dates" included are the perfect teases and starts to so many love stories. My TBR was stacking up with every turn of the page with books from authors I'm familiar with but also from some authors that are new to me... and it's only just the start!

[Rhonda]

These are prequels to new series by the authors in this anthology. I have read 4 of the anthology stories so far so this is my review for them.
Piper Rayne's False Start is about Shayna and Lee. Shayna was a tutor to Lee Burrows, a popular football player. They started having a relationship but then he did something stupid and ruined whatever relationship they had going.
Ainsley Booth's The Girl in The Jersey is like a prequel to the a new hockey series. This is about Kieran, a hockey player who is at the end of his career and has a one night stand with a hot "girl in the jersey" They didn't exchange information so he has no idea how to get in touch with her. A couple years later, he sees her in the stands and the story continues in The Ex Captain.
Zoe York's Rebel Secret is almost like a prequel to the Kincaid Brothers Series since it doesn't give away anything about any of the other brothers. This is about Josh and the racing team owner's daughter, Monica. They have a short affair. The ending is such a surprise and I can't wait for their book, Rebel Heart.
Erin Nicholas' Bayou Tonight is about Maxine "Max" Keller and Spencer Landry, opposites attract story and a prequel to Gotta Be Bayou. They can't stop at a one night stand. I can't wait to read the rest of their story.
Even though I haven't read the other book, I will because the ones that I have read are so good.

[Daisy Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

More reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder

I absolutely loved At First Glance by Erin McCarthy. I didn’t want it to end. Faith is flirting with her brother’s grumpy best friend, who doesn’t recognize her. Things heat up but when McKay finally realizes she’s Cash’s little sister, he’s not happy. Their story is funny & steamy & left me wanting more of these two. I’ll be waiting until late September for the conclusion but suspect it will be worth it.

This is full of great reads, including a prelude to Holly and Cole’s story from Angela Denise, where we get to see what really happened on one of the occasions the love won out over the hate between them. This is a fun prologue for before or after Matchmaking A Single Dad, it works either way. There are eight more fun novellas, including Samantha Chase’s Call Me, where we meet Ari and Will, two strangers who meet on a dare and can’t get enough of one another. If you haven’t grabbed this book yet, get it now, you’ll thank me later.

[Lorraine Brattin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the beginning of Shayna and Lee Burrow's story. Lee is the quarterback for a division 1 team. Coach is ready to suspend him from playing unless he brings his Biology grade up. His professor introduces him to Shayna. She looks kinda nerdy with her hair up in a ponytail wearing glasses and an oversized sweatshirt. But at this point he will let anyone tutor him to get his grades up.

They agree to meet 3 times a week as this is the most his busy schedule will allow. He is starting to really look at her and see how beautiful she is beneath her glasses. She is also smart, and soft spoken. Normally Lee has no problems with women throwing themselves at him, but since meeting Shayna it doesn't feel right. Now one of the guys on the team has also noticed Shayna and basically tells Lee that if he doesn't go for her, then he will. Just to make it interesting, the other player bets him $1000 to pay off his mechanic bill if Lee gets her to sleep with him.

Lee hates this idea, but agrees to it. Now it's all about to hit the fan!

I am so stoked for the whole story to come out!! Ready for some great football player stories and I know Piper Rayne will totally make touchdowns! Let's go team! Enjoy!

[Meg (thyme.for.books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ten First Dates is a collection of romance/rom-com prequels. Each of the ten stories gives readers a teaser for what they can look forward to with the corresponding series for each of the prequels. These unique prequels leave readers wanting more as they all end in “cliffhangers”.

False Start by Piper Rayne is my favorite out of the stories in this anthology. It is the prequel to her upcoming book You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows and her new series Kingsmen Football Stars. False Start is the fun, spicy introduction of Lee and Shayna. Lee is failing Biology and needs a tutor to get his grade up before he loses his place on the football team. Having the highest grades in class, Shayna is assigned to help him. Sparks fly between the football star and the quiet nerd. While it is a bit predictable, I love a sports romance and this one is just right. I look forward to reading book one of the series when it comes out in December.

This anthology is a great way to discover some new-to-you authors as well as checking out new work from some of your prior favorites. All of the stories in this anthology were enjoyable and will definitely leave you wanting more.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review covers BAYOU TONIGHT by Erin Nicholas

BAYOU TONIGHT is the prequel short story to Erin Nicholas’ contemporary, adult GOTTA BE BAYOU erotic, romance story line focusing on journalist Maxine ‘ Max’ Keller and FBI Agent Spencer Landry, the first instalment in the author’s new BADGES OF THE BAYOU-a spin off from the author’s BOYS OF THE BAYOU GONE WILD. Max was first introduced in book five SAY IT LIKE YOU MANE IT

NOTE: BAYOU TONIGHT was first released in the multi-authored anthology TEN FIRST DATES.

Told from third person perspectives BAYOU TONIGHT focuses on journalist Maxine ‘Max‘ Keller and FBI Agent Spencer Landry. One year earlier, Max Keller and FBI Agent Spencer Max met when Max began investigating a case of importing exotic animals.Max and Spencer would reconnect at a mutual friend’s wedding where Spencer would discover he had nothing in common with our story line heroine but a hungover Spencer will eventually offer an apology in the form of a cold case where our couple would begin to investigate anew.

BAYOU TONIGHT sets the back story and foundation for Spencer Landry and Maxine Keller’s love story. The premise is fast and furious; the $ex scenes are intimate and seductive.

Www.thereadingcafe.com

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of prequels to the main event all wrapped up in this anthology. Two of those stories I read are At First Glance by Erin McCarthy and Bayou Tonight by Erin Nicholas.

At First glance: This prequel made laugh and had me grabbing an ice cold glass of water. MacKay and Faith have instant chemistry. MacKay thinks she’s in trouble and doesn’t recognize her. Faith can’t believe that her teenage dream is now reality. But there is a problem…big brother. Can’t wait to read more to find out how this plays out.

Bayou Tonight is about Max and Spencer. The sparks fly between these two as well. And the entire time they keep mentioning what a bad idea it is. But these two can’t seem to listen to their advice. Spencer wants a stable home. A warm home that smells of Enchiladas and cookies. Wants to leave all the bad stuff he deals with at the door when he comes home. Max is total opposite. She doesn’t cook or bake. She’s a workaholic. But talking about cold cases and crimes turns her on. I cannot wait to read more about Max and Spencer. Can opposites truly attract?