The Wedding Day Collection by various authors

The Wedding Day Collection 

By Various Authors

Book Blurb:
The honor of your presence is requested to the pages of The Wedding Day Collection, an anthology of tales celebrating that love-inspired event. All of these short stories rev
olve around the romance of the wedding day. From an unexpected bump and an outspoken wedding crasher to a missing groom, we hope these stories will make you smile and warm your heart.

Always the Groomsman
by Margaret Ethridge

What a treat! If you've read Margaret Ethridge's fabulous book, Commitment you are going to reaaallly love Always the Groomsman. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading the full length novel Commitment than you are still going to enjoy Always the Groomsman because it is a sweet, light hearted story that has an overbearing family take over what was to be a small, discrete wedding ceremony. Maggie and Tom are a mature couple (not twenty something) and they already have a sweet baby boy with another baby on the way when they finally make their way to declare their wedding vows. The story starts with poor Maggie puking while squatting on the floor at Dunkin Donuts and ends with a river of pink and white streamers and a spray of confetti in a Judge's office. So much fun. 
This is the wedding readers didn't get in Commitment and it was exactly what I was hoping for. Lots of family and love surrounding them. 


Veiled Threat 
by Cheryl Norman

I wasn't a fan of Veiled Threat. The story was to deep requiring far more background and time to tell the story rather than having it jammed into a short anthology. I liked the premise but the leaps of assumptions that the protagonists had to make to move this story forward quickly were way to unbelievable. Also due to the how short the story was, there was too many conveniences. For example she was drugged, kidnapped, made a clean get away from kidnapper (he tripped while chasing her) then to have her run to the car (completely not groggy despite just waking up from said drugging) to find the keys conveniently still in the ignition. I bet if the author was able to stretch out the story and not make everything so favourable, it would have been better. 


White Wedding
by Karen Stivali

White Wedding was a fairly undramatic story of a couple, in love and getting married. It was a whole lot of fluff. Sweet instant messages over the computer, lots of gooey compliments and love. Unfortunately, a very unforgettable story. 


Wine, Roses and Twins
By Suzanne Lilly

Well that was fun! I read Wine, Roses and Twins so fast because it was action packed. I think I was exhausted from the adrenaline rush reading about the trek to get the maid of honour to the hospital in time for her baby deliveries. I have to say, I adored this story. There was such closeness between the sisters and I loved how sweet and fitting it was that a new set of sisters entered the world. 


Schrodinger's Cake
by Ute Carbone

Another cute story. When Evan had a slight car accident bumping into the back of Gina's bakery van, he may have been thankful that she didn't get hurt but the smashed wedding cake was a different story. I actually saw this story all playing out in my head. I really liked it. I thought it was a bit of a reach that Evan was already thinking about "love" regarding Gina but maybe that is what love at first sight is really about. Evan and Gina made a great team.  


Not Getting Married Today
by Jennifer Johnson

I loved Not Getting Married Today. I think I loved it so much because I could really relate to the David's girlfriend, Janie. You see David is a preacher (a really cool preacher I might add) and his girlfriend Janie is not religious at all. She is a very nice person, she has high morals and all her friends lean on her for support but she does not attend church. The problem is that David really wants to start with some sort of marriage conversation with her and she is just waiting for the dreaded "Jesus" talk. She has been waiting and waiting and waiting and yet, David never brings up how he plans to save her soul. This belated conversation is exactly how I feel when I find out someone is religious. I almost avoid them because I am so sure that they are going to pounce on me and try to convert me or shame me. 
     Ultimately the interesting thing about Not Getting Married Today is that the story is actually about a couple who are at the church about to get married by David when a massive secret comes of the closet. David and Janie are supposed to be the side story but really they are the main protagonists. Very clever of the author. 


All Action, No Talk
by Evelyn Jules

All Action, No Talk is a delightful story that includes circus performers and love. When I think of romantic couples, I admit that a clown and a mime are not a likely pair that comes to mind. However Evelyn Jules pulls it off. Alice (a professional circus clown) finds herself about to get married to the wrong man and knows she is going to make the biggest mistake of her life. Thankfully the man she has been secretly in love with for years decides that even though he is a professional circus mime, now it is the time to speak up. Alex is used to acting out his story through body motions but he realizes if he doesn't act out in real life, he could lose Alice forever. Now this was a wedding that I would have loved to attend. 


Magnolia Brides
by Valerie Haight

I am on the fence deciding if I liked the story of Magnolia Brides or not. There is a supernatural twist in this love story. I do have to say that I loved this quote and I highlighted it because it rings so true. "A drunk man's words are a sober man's thoughts." That is a brilliant line. Jorrie receives a drunken breakup phone call from her fiance the very night of the wedding rehearsal. My heart was sad for her but I wasn't really feeling the devastation on her part. I suppose it was because her lifetime friend made a huge confession that same night. A memorable night for her in so many ways. 

NOTE: A Wedding Day Collection has a zero heat rating as nothing more than a kiss appears in the stories. Lots of love and fluff. 

Discovering Alicia by Tessie Bradford

Brad & Alicia's story



Discovering Alicia

By Tessie Bradford

Book Blurb:Four glorious weeks in a cabin nestled deep in the wilds of Northern Michigan is exactly what Alicia needs. Fishing, sleeping and reading are the only things on her agenda until she finds herself on the forest floor with a gorgeous man running his strong hands over her body. When she realizes they know each other she’s surprised, but when he revs her into a sexual frenzy in a hot minute, Alicia is stunned. The last thing she needs to do is to repeat past mistakes.

Brad can’t believe his college crush is literally sprawled at his feet. It’s been ten years, but Alicia still heats his blood to boiling in an instant. She’s in his neck of the woods for an entire month, the perfect amount of time for a steamy, no-strings-attached fling.
Alicia and Brad soon discover they are both looking for far more.

Received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review


I really liked Discovery Alicia. I love a sexy erotic romance novella when there is a totally believable and realistic story as the base theme. 

At first glance I wasn't sure what the title of the novella, Discovery Alicia was leaning toward. My first instinct was that it was going to be a D/s story. Although I do enjoy a great D/s story, I was really happy that Discovery Alicia was simply about a woman who finally felt comfortable enough with herself sexually.  This subject matter is completely authentic for real life and completely relatable.  Previously Alicia hadn't the time to invest in any sort of serious relationships. So although she was not shy, she was just a bit inexperienced and she was used to repressing her affections and needs.  In fact, the author doesn't even try to hide Alicia's inner struggles when she engages in an intimate moment with Brad. 


"Alicia hesitated, wildly conflicted between how she wanted to behave and how she thought she should behave." 


Even more appropriate was the confident and truthful response Brad gives her as he sees Alicia pull back. 


“You’re going to tell and show me what makes you feel good or what you’re not into, and I’ll do the same. Making love is no fun if it’s not honest.” 

I loved the fact that Alicia and Brad already knew each from years previous so it allowed for a speedy relationship to blossom over a short month long time frame. I genuinely liked both Alicia and Brad's characters and I felt by the end of the novella, it all wrapped up in a perfect happily ever after for the pair. 

Teasers: Fantasy sharing and trying out those fantasies, county fair foreplay, menage

March Madness by Maggie Wells

Shelli Ann Jones and Kevin O'Shea's book




March Madness (Hot Nights in St. Blaise book 3)

By Maggie Wells

Book Blurb:
Shelli Ann Jones never considered ‘It takes one to know one’ an effective pick-up line, but when she runs headlong into St. Blaise Regional Medical Center’s elusive Mr. March, she revises her opinion.

Trauma Surgeon Kevin O’Shea should come with a sign that reads BEWARE OF THE DOG, but Shelli Ann couldn’t hold that against him. She only wanted him for his body. At first.

Kevin is fascinated by his new neighbor. So fascinated, he might be turning into peeping Kevin.

The tables turn when Shelli Ann uses the same meaningless flirtation, casual intimacy, and careful standoffishness Kevin thought he had trademarked against him, forcing him to unleash the full force of his dogged determination in his pursuit to win the heart of the only woman who could break his.

Very excited to have read my monthly St. Blaise fix. You don't have to read the books in order and I find myself looking forward to the beginning of each month to read about a new calendar hottie. 

March Madness could have been titled "Dog Days of March" as a canine nickname game was frequently used in teasing. Trauma surgeon Kevin O'Shea may not normally date his hospital colleagues but he certainly has the distinction around town as being a "dog" type of guy. Admittedly he acknowledges the reputation with an "arf". We all know a guy like Kevin in real life. The flirty hottie who always gets the girl despite having a reputation as a "love 'em and leave" guy. It was so satisfying to read about a man like Kevin meeting his match with Shelli Ann. 

Shelli Ann is new to town and she is in charge. She is top dog in her new position at the hospital and from their first rain soaked encounter, pretty much had Kevin eating out of the palm of her hand. Seems to me that Shelli Ann was a bit of a dog in her own right. Whether Shelli Ann is wrapped up in a skimpy shower towel or donning rain soaked hospital scrubs, she leaves Kevin with images he can't seem to shake. It's enough to drive a man to wash is sheets or vigorously clean his house. 

Playful banter, hot sex and spring Missouri rains take center spot in this March Madness novella. Looking forward to April. 

Teasers: parking lot encounter, bed sheet curtain, lots of wet, new meaning to the term friendly neighbours

February's Fling by Maggie Wells

Sharon Mallory and Chad Holgren



February's Fling (Hot Nights in St. Blaise book 2)

By Maggie Wells

Book Blurb:Having a tough enough time reestablishing her credibility in the wake of the calendar’s success, Sharon Malloy refuses to jeopardize her career for a fling with an inappropriate man. No matter how badly she aches to be flung.

The sexy Finance Administrator may be fresh off the world’s most amicable divorce, but she’d long passed the age of giving in to reckless impulses. The problem is, when Chad Holgren touches her, it doesn’t feel reckless. It just feels right.

Sharon’s determination to play it cool only fuels Chad’s fire. Determined to prove he has what it takes to make her happy, he puts her through her paces time and again, stretching the boundaries of their relationship and hanging on tight when Cupid’s arrow catches them both with their pants down.

Even though February's Fling is book 2 in the Hot Nights in St. Blaise series. Each novella can definitely be read as a stand alone. The connection for the series is the hospital charity calendar that each of the characters modeled for. Good news because as a reader you can get any novella from the series and enjoy without the worry of not being familiar with the previous characters. 

I love the premise of February's Fling where as the female protagonist, Sharon is the 42 yr old divorcee who is being pursued by the smart 27 year old hot body, Chad. Now tell me that didn't put a smile on my face!

One of the personalities traits that I loved about Chad is that even though he is under thirty, he is quite successful and mature enough to know what he wants in life. He knows and he persues with fevour. He wants to be with Sharon and it was perfect that he drove to her house to tell her as such. Oh la la and what a declaration it was. 

"You have no idea… No idea how much I want you,” he murmured against her ear. He pushed her shirt over her belly. “Raise your arms.” Chad's desire for Sharon put me in a constant state of bliss. 

Chad never has doubts nor reservations regarding his feelings for Sharon where as she is not so sure. Even though she is a very tall "Wonder Woman" that has kept herself in shape, she has insecurities that her amicable divorce has left her questioning her desirability. I think a lot of women in their forties would relate. It is not a low self esteem issue but more believing that a gorgeous young man like Chad could be interested in her. I say go for it and take that February Fling!

Teasers: Thank you, Macy, "Everyone goes to the Huckleberry", hot yoga and not the kind you do in a group setting, cool grandpa

Montana Sky by Nora Roberts

Tess, Lily and Willa's book



Montana Sky

By Nora Roberts

Book Blurb:In life, Jack Mercy hadn't been a kind man. In death, he was no different. His daughter Willa expected to inherit his ranch, the place she'd put her heart and soul into. But at the reading of the will, she learns that her home has been given not just to her, but to two sisters she barely knows as well. And in order to inherit, they must all live on the ranch for a period of one year.

None of the three sisters are happy with the arrangement. And apparently, neither is someone else as deadly incidents begin occurring around them. Willa, Tess and Lila find themselves fighting for their lives alongside the men who have become part of the lives and their hearts.

Originally Published 1996

Great story with a bit of a romance, sisterly love, mystery and suspense all mixed together.

Montana Sky was broken down into the four seasons and each one was carefully plotted and perfectly paced with a full year of content. I found none of the sections dragged on nor ended too quickly. Even through the cold and blistering winter season, you can't help but be swept up into the descriptive settings so beautifully written by Nora Roberts. 

Three sisters, who were complete strangers, were forced to live together for a full year as a condition of their wicked father's will in order to earn their inheritance. Jack Mercy was a complete jerk in life and I suppose upon his death he wanted to remain as mean spirited as he lived. I kept hoping over and over again that it would eventually be revealed that he wanted the three sisters to know each other and become a family but it just turned out that he was as mean as ever. The man had no love for anyone except his ranch. 

Montana Sky did not really come across to me as a romance novel. I would wholeheartedly agree about it being a women's novel but the story was more centered around the growth of the relationship between the sisters. Tess, Lily and Willa were fabulous characters. By the end of the story, I felt I had friends. Each were so different and over the course of the year the women's characters and personalities had grown substantially. Tess from a shallow city girl to a horse riding and caring woman. Lily from the shy, scared flower to a woman who could stand on her own two feet and finally Willa the woman who felt she had to prove everything to world could finally accept that she already had everyone's admiration and respect. I also loved that the women each helped themselves get to their special place and it was not from the guidance of a man. 

With three women came three romances and once again each one was different and matched perfectly to the sisters personalities. They were a joy to read. 

Being a vintage romance from the 90's it was awesome to read about about the aged electronics like VCR movies and the clothing styles of the nineties. I loved being able to pick up on those notables and giggle when I read about typing reports or lacey collars on dresses. So authentic. 

Throughout Montana Sky there is a mystery brewing and a brutal murdered on the loose. I had no idea who the culprit was and I was often changing my mind on who the killer could be. It was not until the very end that the pieces of that suspenseful puzzle came together. 

Teasers: Mercy Ranch, fight with mounted animal heads, scalping, Tess with trail of condoms - "I don't know whether to be afraid or flattered."  

At Last by Jill Shalvis

Amy Michaels & Matt Bowers' book



At Last (Lucky Harbor book 5)

By Jill Shalvis

Book Blurb:HER LOVE HAS COME ALONG . . . Amy Michaels loves her new life in Lucky Harbor. A waitress in the local diner, she's looking forward to her first weekend hike through the mountains. But when a wrong turn takes her off the trail, she finds herself up close and personal with forest ranger Matt Bowers. And even though she's tempted to kiss that sexy smile right off his face, she won't make the mistake of getting involved with the town heartthrob.

A former cop whose life went south, Matt doesn't let anyone get too close. But something about the feisty beauty caught his eye the moment he first saw her in the diner. After a hot night under a starry sky, Matt can't deny their attraction-or the fact that for the first time in a long time, he feels the stirrings of something more. Now it's up to Matt to help Amy see that, no matter what is in their past, together they can build a future in Lucky Harbor.

Once again another fabulous installment of Jill Shalvis' Lucky Harbor series. I just adore the townsfolk of this Pacific Northwest town. At Last didn't ignore any of the secondary characters that the readers have grown to love. 

Amy's heart is sealed shut. Vaulted tight. Iced over. I honestly didn't know what it was about Amy that Matt thought was appealing. She barely smiled. She was short with her answers and really only had three chocoholic friends surrounding her. I'd like to think that maybe Matt had a hero thing going on and that he figured he needed to save her or something. BUT even when his sexy Park Ranger self had to save a lost Amy, she was annoyingly a "tough girl" and very ungrateful. I wasn't quite sure how I was going to like this heroine. Admittedly it took more than half way through the book before I started to thaw towards her. 

Jill Shalvis' inspiration for Matt

Matt. Oh Matt. Ranger Hot Buns. Enough said? Matt is the quintessential romance book hero. Navy turned cop turned park ranger. Matt and Amy do heat up the pages with some awesome sexual tension. I really liked that Amy was all "don't fall in love with me" and "lets have sex but only sex and not a relationship".  It was Matt who was craving the relationship. Personally I thought Amy was nuts but she clearly had personal issues that she needed to overcome before giving her heart to someone. Amy had major trust issues. 

To help Amy get over her issues I thought it was really interesting that Jill Shalvis used another character, eighteen year old Riley, to reflect and deflect Amy's history. I thought it was a cool angle and it was probably the quickest way to get Amy to discover through her own self recovery how to heal the past without the aid of a man to be the rescue hero. It is very fitting that the book is called, At Last. 

I do adore this Lucky Harbor series and I can't wait to read the next book, Forever and a Day.  

Teasers: Amy & Matt have the best friends ever, falling down; in the dark; while camping; to sneak away to go pee ends in (me with a smile) 

Cheapskates in Love by Evelyn Jules

Elena Armstrong & Ben Kessel's book



Cheapskates in Love

by Evelyn Jules

Book Blurb:It’s couples skating night down at the local rink and Elena Armstrong can’t seem to keep her cocky jock blind date around long enough to knee him in the balls. Sadly, she was too much of a cheapskate to pay for a membership to an online dating site and based everything on Leonard’s personality profile alone. Big mistake.

At the opposite end of the rink, Ben Kessel, another cheapskate on a blind date with Iris, the ice princess, is having a similarly miserable time. Elena, a hater of all things sports-related, inches out into the skating world butt-first and collides with Ben. After sharing their hilarious and horrifying dates-gone-wrong stories, the two disappear and make everything right again on the floor in the players’ dressing room. Almost everything. They forget to exchange numbers. Now these two cheapskates need to make the ultimate sacrifice: pay for a membership to the online dating site so they can track each other down. But is the possibility of love really worth the price of $24.95 per month?

How adorable is that cover?!?!?

I immediately fell in love with Cheapskates in Love and was really disappointed that it ended too quickly. This couple demanded a full novel!

Cheapskates in Love is my third time reviewing a novella by Evelyn Jules and I think it is high time that she write a full length story. I ADORE her heroines. They have all been so fun and Elena is a great addition to that club. 

When I think of a romantic date, certain scenarios pop into my mind. Ice skating is one of them. That is why I was smiling while reading about both Ben and Elena meeting at the ice rink while on dates with other people. I was cracking up reading about the personalities and the hilarious descriptions of those other dud dates. I suppose when you try out the online dating game, you have to kiss a lot of toads to get to that one prince. 

It made me smile that both Ben and Elena aren't really getting the best selections lined up for their blind dates.  They are both too cheap to spring for the full dating package offered by the online dating service. I know that there are some real cheapskates out there that can relate to their monetary dilemma. 

As I was reading along loving the chemistry that Ben and Elena were experiencing with their laughs and banter that I completely forgot that this is suppose to be an erotic novel. I actually wanted them to continue with their joking and date longer instead of getting to the hot steamy stuff. Now that ought to tell you something right there!

It was so refreshing to read an erotic themed novella that was light and contemporary. 

Teasers: Hookups.com, The big dope and the ice princess, damn coccyx, 555-bite me

Jumping Mr. January by Maggie Wells

Beth Watkins and Robert "Spence" Spencer's book





Jumping Mr. January (St. Blaise book 1) 

By Maggie Wells 

Book Blurb:
When she pitched the idea for The Men and Women of St. Blaise Regional Medical Center fundraising calendar to her Board of Directors, Beth Watkins thought she wrote the perfect prescription for the small town hospital’s budget shortfall.

The moment she got a green light, Beth went after the man she wanted to be her Mr. January and so much more. She had no time to waste. Hunky EMT Robert ‘Spence’ Spencer was leaving for medical school within weeks of the photo shoot she arranged and there was no way on earth Beth was going to miss the chance to sneak a peek at her old high school crush in all his glory.

Focused and dedicated, Spence wants bigger things than his hometown can offer, but when brainy, sexy Beth Watkins breezes back into St. Blaise with a plan that includes getting into his pants, he finds she is the one woman who can offer him something he doesn’t want to refuse.

Provided an ARC copy for an honest review

I've been hearing the buzz about this very cool new series by Maggie Wells so when I was offered a review copy, I jumped at the chance to read the first installment, Jumping Mr. January.  

Fabulous! This new series is called "Hot Nights in St. Blaise" and every month there will be a new novella released. The series is based around a sexy calendar where the hospital staff from St. Blaise pose in their birthday suit for each of the months. Each month's story is represented by that month's calendar pin up. How cool is that! 

The first story out the gate was about the calendar's mastermind, Beth Watkins. I loved this character because she is so down to earth and so honest. She wears glasses and that just adds to her sex appeal. Beth and the yummy paramedic, Spence had known each other since high school but they more or less admired each other from afar. My favourite type of story is when the protagonists have an established background history so it was utterly perfect to read about them finally acting on their crushes. 

Spence was an excellent hero because although he was hot enough to be Mr. January, I loved that he still is modest enough to have his speech trip up and stubble when he is around Beth. Yes Beth is pretty but he is more in awe of her natural charisma and her character. Loved that!

Although it is the beginning of 2013, I am already slotting Beth and Spence's first intimate scene as most memorable. No spoilers from me but I have to leave you with this comment of - who says lovemaking has to be perfectly orchestrated? My cheeks still hurt from smiling. I long for more author's to write scenes like that. 

I am so pumped that I now have a novella a month to look forward too. Jumping Mr. January was about 78 pages long. 

Teasers: an honest relationship, backseat wrestling match, homage to Samantha Jones, cake seduction

Leave Me Breathless by Cherrie Lynn

Macy Rodgers and Seth "Ghost" Warren's book



Leave Me Breathless (Ross Siblings book 3) 

By Cherrie Lynn

Book Blurb:Leather and lace don't strike sparks. Or do they?

It's Valentine's Day, but Macy Rodgers isn't feeling the love. Aside from a torrid, one-night fling in a backseat a few months back, her love life has been sorely lacking, but fortunately she has devious friends who feel like playing Cupid. Wouldn't they be shocked to learn that the match they've made for her is the same one that steamed up the back of that '69 GTO..

Seth "Ghost" Warren has just returned to town after an extended absence. Between his grandmother's failing health, his job as a tattoo artist, his band's gigs, and a crazy ex that won't leave him alone, he's stretched thin. Cautious cowgirl Macy is the last thing he needs thrown into the mix.
She's all country, he's all heavy metal—and Macy knows that if anyone can propel her out of her rut, it's Seth. But when their worlds collide, it's anyone guess if they'll survive with their hearts intact.

Great title of this book because it left me breathless. Wow did I enjoy it. I am pleased the cover had a bald guy on it since Seth has a shaved head however that is not quite how I picture the characters.  

Leave Me Breathless is an exact example of me purchasing a book due to a Twitter buzz. Not by the author mind you but rather by the excitement from fellow book bloggers praising this story. That always captures my attention way more than an author plug so I bought it ASAP. I held on to read the story for a bit as I was waiting for the mood to strike me to read a contemporary romance with erotic elements. Perfection. There isn't a damn thing I can say about Leave Me Breathless that I didn't like about it. That is really rare for me. For the $1.99 price tag it is well beyond worth it. 

Seth fits the bad boy persona in appearance. Tattoos, goatee, bald, awesome GTO car, plays in a band and even *clears throat* has a pierced manhood. (oh and he knows how to use it!!!) All this rocker image but you are still cognizant of a man who deeply loves his Nana, his sister and is fractured and wary of relationships because of  his burned past experiences. He is forever the jokester and a talented tattoo artist. He says exactly what comes to his mind but seems to be able to hone onto the sensitive feelings and needs of Macy. To put it bluntly, he is droolworthy and has now been added to my list of book boyfriends. 

I really related to Macy. A lot. In fact I saw a lot of Macy's persona in me. Probably more than I have ever felt in any heroine I've read before. Here is are some great descriptions about Macy:

"She'd always prided herself on being the type of who didn't spread her drama around for everyone's amusement, and swallowing that pride felt like choking down a bowling ball."

"She was one of those girls who remarkable had a different hairstyle every time he saw her."

Macy is the complete opposite of Seth. She is country to his heavy metal. He is tattooed all over his body and she is milky white clean. She rides horses and he plays guitars. She has a close loving relationship with her parents and he grew up without the influence of parents. Whereas their upbringings were opposite they both are fiercely loyal to their friends and are both pretty stubborn and determined. So on the outside looking in, they may appear night and day but inside where it counts, they were more alike. 

I am reading Leave Me Breathless out of order since it is the third in the series. I am most definitely going back to read book 2 and book 1. You can read Leave Me Breathless as a stand alone but now I want to read more about these characters. 

The intimate scenes were outstanding and very well written. Yes Leave Me Breathless is erotic but the story is the key feature. The erotic scenes are the icing on the cake. The scenes are not filled with props (toys etc) but rather the focus is more about the building of love between a man and a woman that just have insatiable appetites for each other. 

Teasers: Seth in a fedora, history of "Ghost", hotel in the middle, stalker exes