It's a Love Thing is a compilation of 8 summer love stories by 8 different authors. Each story is unique in its content and genre, from contemporary YA to fantasy to paranormal, this anthology has something for everyone to enjoy while lazing away your summer days on the beach. In the Beginning by Cindy C Harley riding Drake is assigned to a parole officer - who also happens to be a surfer dude - in the tiny town of Seaside, California. His PO's alluring daughter, however, is off-limits... isn't she? Pete & Tink by Sherry Pete loves two Sponge Cremes and video games. All that is about to change when his mother wishes upon a star and a five-and-a-half inch faery answers the call. But can such a small faery help this manga-loving goofball? Temptation by Jamie Mel must choose between the equally hot Lucas (brooding and sexy) and Jason (funny and sexy) when she moves to a new town. And both will move heaven and earth in a bid for Mel's heart and soul. Haven by Renee' S. Sera returns to earth in Elspeth's body to try to rescue Dex's soul. Except Dex Porter has no intention of changing anything. When Sera “died,” so did his belief in the possibility of them being together again. Ye Olde Summertime of Love by Calvin In the days of old, Atticus will do all he can to save his true love Lyrica when disaster strikes the kingdom, sending them fleeing for their lives. Xeno by Alyssa You would think that having a father who works in Area 51 would be absolutely thrilling for a teenager. Well, you would be wrong. When Xeno comes to town, Em finds herself falling for him. If only she can ignore her father's theories about aliens... I Was Here - Before You Came by Camelia Miron In the days of Roman oppression, a hero rises. Ilias is thirsty for revenge, hindered by his feelings for his enemy's daughter. What will his mind or his heart? Seeds of Love by JC Blanca moves to Idaho seeking sanctuary from her troubled life. Her sexy neighbor Forest Longbow, an Apache smokejumper, is definitely a threat to the peace she seeks.
Cindy C Bennett was born and raised in beautiful Salt Lake City, growing up in the shadows of the majestic Rocky Mountains. She lives with two daughters, and three dogs. She also has two sons and two daughters-in-law. She volunteers her time working with teen girls between the ages of 12-18, all of whom she finds to be beautiful, fascinating creatures. When she’s not writing, reading or answering emails she can often times be found riding her Harley through the beautiful canyons near her home (yes, she rides a Harley and no, you'd never know it to look at her!).
Of the eight stories in this collection I thoroughly enjoyed Temptation, Xeno and In the Beginning. The others started out good but the endings were very disappointing. In spite of this the story lines were good, well written except for a few grammatical errors.
3 stars - 8 fast, cute love stores to fill a couple hours each
This book tries very hard to lead the reader down a certain path while taking a different one. It didn't work for me. The set up is that Lucas is this HOT, moody grump and Jason is this gorgeous fun loving, helpful type. Mel has to choose between them, since they both are interested in her. The problem I had was that the ONLY time Lucas was moody and grumpy was the first time they met. Other than that he was a total sweetie! Jason was ONLY helpful the first time they met and then he was a total jerk.
As far as the real path the book was leading me down, I saw it coming. Totally figured out the secrets and the "game". Do wish I could have beta read this book. I found some problems that, if fixed, would have made this a better read for me. For example, a character was called by their name before they were introduced to the MC.
I really wish this novella had been a full sized book. There were so many parts that were summarized that I was yelling - no I want the details!!! I also think the relationships developed too fast. If it had been a full sized book, there would have been time to experience a few more things together.
There were things I really enjoyed about this book. I loved the whole good vrs evil thing it had going on. I loved the clever modified "swear words" that Mel came up with all the time. I loved Mel's personality.
As for the guys, I'm total Team Lucas. Except for that first encounter, which was never really explained, he is the most fabulous mysterious type ever!
This whole complications has 8 fun summer novellas. It's kinda fun to have a book with stories that you can read in one sitting. Sometimes, that what I want. Just something to consume a few hours that will make me happy. This is a good choice for that.
Once a year I come out from writing and reading my dark, moody stuff to read something normal and beautiful. I really enjoyed this book. I especially liked the stories by Cindy Bennett and JC Willibat.