Lucky Valentine: A Limited Edition Romance Anthology

by Mellanie Szereto, J.P. Bastin, Sutton Bishop

Arrows are flying in every direction this Valentine’s Day!
No one’s immune to an unexpected poke in the heart, whether Cupid’s aim seems true or a little off target. Finding love again after loss, getting a second chance with an old flame, discovering opposites really can attract, realizing a friend or an enemy is really a true love… Find all your favorite tropes in this collection of contemporary romance short stories.
Happily-ever-after will find a way, even for those who have never before been lucky in love!
Includes stories from:
Mellanie Szereto, USA Today Bestselling Author
J.P. Bastin
Sutton Bishop
Cheryl Brooks
Lisa Caviness
Shyla Colt, USA Today Bestselling Author
Dove Daniels
Anna Hague
Liza Jonathan
Jenny Kalahar
Liza Malloy
Geni McGrath
L.A. Remenicky

Genres: Romance

662 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2023

About the author

Mellanie Szereto is the USA Today Bestselling Author of over sixty romcoms and contemporary romances, most with characters who have plenty of life experience like herself. Whether you call them older, seasoned, mature, experienced, or later-in-life protagonists, they deserve love too! Her stories are often set in small towns with quirky main characters, fun secondary casts, and lots of humor. She enjoys gardening, cooking, and baking—as well as hiking to work off the fruits of her labor—and incorporates food into all of her stories. She lives in an old farmhouse in rural Indiana with her husband of thirty-eight years.
She greatly appreciates reviews and loves to hear from her readers! Contact Mellanie at mellanie@mellanieszereto.com.
Visit her website: https://www.mellanieszereto.com
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Reviews

[Willie-mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this anthology, the mix of different stories and writing styles was awesome! The stories were well written well and the characters were amazing and very well developed! There were some newly discovered authors that I read and enjoyed as well! Well done!.

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

[CA Portnellus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun Valentine's Day anthology great for Romance readers. Spicy, sexy, surprising, femme fatale, sly lovers, tough bad boys, hardened guys finding love at last, lost loves, rekindled hearts and forgotten sad losses, young first love, and mid-life reboot--Cupid finds love for all! A smorgasbord of delights, savory, sweet, filled with hope and promise all await. Enjoy!

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for Not Quite Cupid by Mellanie Szereto
Daphne Hart, the owner of shop, Gifts From the Hart, has been the unofficial matchmaker in town for years, but hasn’t allowed herself to fall in love yet. She has a very handsome and friendly business and residential neighbour, Linus Fuller, who she thinks is lovely, but just too young for her. She is forty two and he is thirty seven. They are good friends and whilst Linus tries to flirt with her, she just makes crude jokes out of it and ignores it all, not letting him know if she likes him in the same way at all. His gramps has told him to take it slow and gentle, not to force the issue with her. He goes into her shop and asks for suggestions for a special gift and when she asks fro what occasion, he tells her it is for the girlfriend he hopes to have for Valentine’s Day, which is only a week away! She asks him for a description of what his ideal women would be and it fits her to a tee, but she chooses to ignore that, instead offering him the names of three of her friends, who meet his criteria. As the unofficial matchmaker in town, she will arrange a coffee date for him with each and hopefully he will click with one of them. She can then join the rest of her friends at the single’s night for those without partners to commiserate and get drunk!

Her friends are Margot, Hillary and Renee, and Linus only really knows them by where they work more than anything. Before Daphne can set him up with all of these women, he needs to contact them and let them know that he is actually after Daphne and that they will be fake dates, to try and push her hand. They all agree and Linus has to go on each of these dates that Daphne has organised and then report back to her, as do her friends. Each wonders why Daphne doesn’t grab him for herself, especially since he is such a great catch and as lovely as she said. But each agree that there was no real romantic spark between them and have no interest in him other than as a friend or brother. Linus has more up his sleeve, as her friends agree to help set her up at the event they are all due to go to, if they were all still single for Valentine’s Day. A thank you dinner a few days before soon causes problems, after they both get comfortable watching a film after a meal of all her favourite foods. Far too close and too comfortable, soon turns into a first kiss between them, and Daphne reacts badly. She avoids him like the plague for days and doesn’t even want to speak to him! It is now all or nothing for Linus as he needs to show the woman he has loved since the first time he saw her that she is the only woman he wants and prove to her that she is exactly what he wants. She is her own matchmaking worst enemy, but seeing Linus on dates with her friends has finally made her rethink her rigid stance of him being too young for her and realising that she deserves love of her own. Her one rule for matchmaking was that both people had to be honest with each other and about themselves. Now it’s her turn to do the same! I received an ARC copy of this book from the anthology, from BookSprout, and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above. I received an ARC copy of this book from the anthology, from BookSprout, and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is for Second Chance Valentine by Dove Daniels
This is a short, fast paced story with strong characters in Emi and Chase. It's a second chance at romance with the two crushing on each other in high school but clashed constantly. Ten years later the spark is still there. This time they are mature enough to face the truth. The author brings the heat along with the romance and delivers a sweet and sexy Valentine's romance.

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

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a review for My Grumpy Valentine only:

Ashley owns a bakery and Thorn is a lawyer that has been sent to make an offer to buy her bakery and recipes. They have wonderful chemistry but he's hesitant after his wife's death and the 20 year age gap between him and Ashley. Luckily with some help from Ashley's best friend Thorn figures out what he truly wants before it's to late. Personally I didn't think Thorn was all that grumpy. At the beginning of the book Ashley has super green eyes but later she has blue eyes. Just a little inconsistent, added words, or wrong words.

I am leaving my honest review for a complimentary copy of this book via the author.

[Ashley Nicole Trevino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only pertaining to a piece of this anthology I'm giving my review...

My Grumpy Valentine's is the perfect read for if u need a palate cleanser. It has little spice, some drama, and conflict that keep u enticed.Even though it has some tasty part, too lol(cupcakes ppl). The characters' relationship build is cute.. this is a short, very sweet read.. especially if u love a good written out age gap trope.

[Jenny Kalahar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review covers two of the thirteen stories/novellas included in Lucky Valentine: "Tico Time" by Sutton Bishop and "Anything But Flowers" by Cheryl Brooks.

Bishop's story follows hard-working PI Liberty from her hometown and family investigation business and seeing her former bf on another woman's arm to Costa Rica, a relaxing beach, and a man who emerges from the darkness and straight into her life. A little island fun is just what she needs, but how will she leave Eli for her real life when these exciting two weeks are up?

Brooks' novella stars a florist owner and her dreamy long-time regular customer. He has barely spoken to her except with his eyes, but Caroline was burned badly by a stalker and hasn't allowed herself to explore any attraction. Kahlil always buys a bouquet for a woman, but he isn't wearing a ring. Is he married? If not, who is he sending the flowers to and why? A chance accident breaks their silence, but Kahlil's shyness almost robs him of his chance at a first date with the woman of his dreams. What is he hiding, and will the complications mean Caroline will refuse his attention?

And a note about my novella, "Layered Hearts": Friends since kindergarten, Wendy and Lando are suddenly the only tenants in the apartment building his parents own when a small town becomes even smaller. With Wendy’s help, Lando sweats and strains to renovate the place into an artists' retreat. She’s the only one he's ever really wanted, but neither has ever crossed a line, protecting their friendship. Restrained emotions are set free on Valentine's Day, and once these friends have dared to become lovers, will it ruin everything … or will they discover love is the sweetest art of all?

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Grumpy Valentine: Age gap short contemporary romance. He's a lawyer sent to buy her business. Her cupcakes aren't the only things he falls for. However, a lost love make it hard for him. Can he overcome is greif an love again?
Great characters not just the MCs but her bff too.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !!! love Daphne and Linus... so cute !!! age is just a number but, try to convince Daphne that... Daphne is the town's matchmaker and Linus needs to be matched with anyone but her... she's older than him... Linus only has eyes for her... can he convince her that age is just a number ... so cute !!!
not quite cupid by mellanie szereto...

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

[Amanda Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is only for My Grumpy Valentine not the entire anthology. This is a short sweet love story. There is a little conflict, little drama and a little steam (could have been more in my opinion). I would love to get recipes for the tasty cupcakes mentioned. Overall good read.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite Cupid

A fun, flirty, older (slightly) woman, slightly younger man novella. Linus asks Daphne Hart to set him up with, well her, her description anyway. It doesn’t go quite as planned. Linus is dreamy and already head over heels for Daphne.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Quite Cupid by Mellanie Szereto
Daphne’s got some baggage that she’s never properly unpacked that’s keeping Linus stuck in the Friend Zone. Linus knows what he wants and is no longer prepared to wait to get it. Part Cupid, part Murphy’s Law, and all adorable. Best friends to lovers with an age gap and all the social angst possible when the older partner is the female one. I thought these two were the cutest couple I’ve read in a while and I was so glad to see Cupid get it right with this pair.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Not Quite Cupid by Mellanie Szereto in this collection, and if it's anything to go by, this should be a good collection to have.
Daphne loves playing match maker, and her latest man to find a match for Linus, who she feels a bit of attraction towards. Will she like who matches up with him? I liked this quick romance, with an older woman (42) and a little bit younger man (37), both of them were easy to like and I enjoyed the humour in it.

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

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. - This is a review for Not Quite Cupid by Mellanie Szereto. Linus likes Daphne but she thinks he’s too young for him. Daphne’s friends have a different idea though. It is a very short story with wonderful characters. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Anika · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting on the first pages, but it must be borne in mind that this is not an independent story, but an excerpt from a book. The characters are presented as if we already know them and their history and relationships. The story itself is interesting and quickly captivates, the main character evokes sympathy and empathy, mainly because other characters behave rudely with her, and I was very offended for Cari. There are two POVs in the story, Cari and Mumble, this helps to evaluate the story from all sides and understand the feelings of both heroes. But I'm still counting. that Kari deserves better.
A great story for one evening, it reads very easily, the plot quickly engages, and you no longer notice how the book is coming to an end. A great gift for yourself on Valentine's day :).

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

[Holly Rife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cari and Mumble have been meeting at family get-togethers for years, saying this time will be the last…. Cari's in trouble and she needs help. Will she see that Mumble is there to help her now and for always?

I love Cari and Mumble's story. They have been together as friends and sometimes more for years. Cari is so much stronger than she thinks she is. Mumble is a soft-spoken biker who will protect her to the ends of the earth. Their chemistry is scorching hot and so beautiful ♥️ this is a wonderful Valentine's story to be sure!!.

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

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read My Grumpy Valentine from this anthology and loved it. Ashley is a baker who is approached by an attorney trying to buy her bakery for a conglomeration. Action happens and hearts get put on the line. This is a sweet and spicy short story that is well written.

[Sarah Stubbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read My Grumpy Valentine.

This is an absolutely adorable, sexy romp. The age gap is something I'm definitely here for and reading about the yummy cupcakes was a bonus! Definitely has hallmark movie vibes so if you like those, you'll love this!

[Ariella Talix · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only part of this anthology I've had the privilege to read so far is Sutton Bishop's Tico Time. It's a fun-filled romantic getaway story about two delightful people, Eli and Liberty. Having read Hearts Don't Lie, the book that first introduces us to Liberty, is not a requirement, but it made it more fun for me to see what became of her and how she reacted to the work she did in that earlier book. We see her for the romantic she is at heart rather than a workaholic who desperately needs time off. I found myself pulling for this beautiful couple to find their HEA. (Sighing happily now with hearts in my eyes). Eli is a total "catch" so I hope she's good to him. Thanks, Sutton for the chance to read your story.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

I absolutely loved reading this book, the story was written well and the characters were pretty amazing. This story was short but full of excitement, it was a hot romance. The characters were having a sexual hookup that was suppose to be the end until they see each other again. Mumble belongs to an MC in New Mexico while Cari lives in North Carolina, and they were at her sisters wedding and once it is over they go their separate ways.

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

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my review for Secrets Revealed by Shyla Colt

Cari and Mumbles had been having a secret relationship for a long time. They both had secrets and kept things casual but Mumbles wanted more, he knew Cari was his one. The story felt a little rushed and the background was a little confusing because of this. The story had danger, intrigue, love, romance, heat, steam, amazing chemistry and a lovely HEA.

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

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story I'm reviewing is about Cari & Mumble by Shyla Colt. These 2 hook up whenever Cari is in town, but she is hiding a secret she is afraid will destroy her life and her family. Well paced, steamy, twists, and turns, this was a solid read. Gotta love an anthology full of Valentine love.

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

[Kira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reivew for my grumpy valentine by l.a. remenicky
So as cute as this story was I couldn't get over 3rd person. Or narration. I actually dislike that in books and try not to read them , that is why I only gave this 4 stars the story and plot were good and cute but I couldn't get over the pov

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review for Shyla Colt's Secrets story. It is a short, fast paced romance between Cari and Mumble. The characters were good, but I needed a little more to make sense of everything. I liked the characters, but there wasn't a lot of development in this short story. Some laughs, secrets, conflict, heat and love

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes short stories can try to cram too much detail and complicate things and at first thought this would be like that, but redeemed itself as unexpected romantic MC hero rescues his love as their sharing of their pasts ignite a resolution and HEA.
Sweet, romantic and sexy erotica in short enjoyable adventure.

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

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to read "Her Mafia Valentine" which is a part of this anthology. The "hero" in this follows Thomas, a character from Liza Malloy's "Mafiosa Princess" series (which I really love) and his finding his "heroine" Ana. I really enjoyed how he was so protective of her from the beginning and enjoyed the bit of mystery each character had. This was a very well rounded short story that included some good spicy love scenes. I really enjoyed this and hope to see more of these characters in the future.

[Dee Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for “Secrets Revealed” By Shyla Colt.

Cari is trapped in a deal with a golden boy bully who shares her secrets and is blackmailing her with them.
Mumble is part of the Dueling Devils MC and is ready to set the world on fire for her, if only he can convince her to share her troubles.
Steamy, edgy and a HEA.

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

[Rachel Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daphne is a matchmaker and set on finding a match for Linus. He wants a date with Daphne but will his plan to win her over work out?.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review from the Lucky Valentine anthology is Dove Daniels "Second Chance Valentine". They were high school nemesis but now being close to thirty Chase and Emi are seeing things differently. Emi wants some down time to unwind and so does Chase. When their parents married and divorced, they kept the cabin and both of them are headed to the same destination. Seeing each other for the first time in ten years was offsetting. Will their past hate get in the way of their future or has fate stepped in to offer these two a redo of their relationship giving them a clean sweep to a happily ever after? This story kept me glued to the pages.
I also read "Secrets Revealed" by Shyla Colt. This is an intriguing story about Cari and Mumbles. It drew me in, and I found myself connecting with Cari and everything she went through. In the end Will she and Mumbles get their chance for a happily ever after.
They were high school nemesis but now being close to thirty Chase and Emi are seeing things differently. Emi wants some down time to unwind and so does Chase. When their parents married and divorced, they kept the cabin and both of them are headed to the same destination. Seeing each other for the first time in ten years was offsetting. Will their past hate get in the way of their future or has fate stepped in to offer these two a redo of their relationship giving them a clean sweep to a happily ever after? This story kept me glued to the pages.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for Secrets Revealed by Shyla Colt

Cari is hiding something for her family. At her sister's wedding she hooks up with one of the bikers at the wedding, Mumble. The brothers were all told the bride's sisters were all off limits, but there was no way Mumble could stay away from Cari.

Can Mumble convince Cari to be his old lady and that he will protect her from anything?

Review for Second Chance Valentine by Dove Daniels

Emilene decided at the last minute to go to her high school reunion, there hotels were booked so headed to the family's cabin. She never expected Chase to show up, their parents were married for a while, it kind of made things hard in high school.

Chase believes it is time to hang up his cleats, ever since his injury he is just not into the game. He always had a thing for Emilene but she always froze everyone out. When he comes out of the shower, he is surprised to find her there, and loses his towel. This could be the perfect opportunity for both of them, will she take a chance?.

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