A Taste of Romance

It Happened in Comfort Cove #2.5

by Michele Hauf, Tara Taylor Quinn, Debbi Rawlins

A Romance for Every Mood! Discover four ways to fall in love with these four original novellas...

A white witch and a soul reaper battle for each other's hearts. A hot cowboy meets a sexy guest at a dude ranch and gets the ride of his life. A deadly storm may bring a detective and the woman he loves together...or tear them apart. And a woman expecting to go on a first date finds herself caught up in an investigation into a terrorist plot - and falling for the secret agent.

Enjoy four original Harlequin romance novellas from a variety of genres to suit any mood - sweet and sexy, paranormal and suspenseful - in A Taste of Romance anthology!

Anthology includes:

The Reaper's Heart by Michele Hauf (Harlequin Nocturne)
The Good Girl by Tara Taylor Quinn (It Happened in Comfort Cove series, Harlequin Superromance)
Any Man of Mine by Debbi Rawlins (Made in Montana series, Harlequin Blaze)
Secret Agent Seduction by Jennifer Morey (Vengeance in Texas series, Harlequin Romantic Suspense)

Genres: Romance, Anthologies, Paranormal, Contemporary, Harlequin, Contemporary Romance, Fiction

142 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2012

About the author

Michele has been writing romance, action-adventure and fantasy stories for over twenty years. Her first published novel was DARK RAPTURE.

France, musketeers, vampires and faeries populate her stories. And if she followed the adage 'write what you know', all her stories would have snow in them. Fortunately, she steps beyond her comfort zone and writes about countries she has never visited and of creatures she has never seen.

Michele also writes as Michele Renae, and you can find her erotica, chick lit, and Harlequin Romance titles at your favorite online retailer.

--From the author's website bio

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about anthologies in general, but when I saw Michele Hauf's name on this one I thought I'd try it out. Unfortunately, I really only liked one of the novellas, so I can't really recommend this book to others. I'm giving it 3 stars because I felt the novellas weren't badly written; they just didn't really work for me.

Michele Hauf's novella, The Reaper's Heart, just wasn't for me. I really didn't care for either the hero or the heroine. Usually Ms. Hauf is a favorite, but this one gets a pass.

The Good Girl by Tara Taylor Quinn had a great premise, but I thought the hero needed to do a LOT more groveling to the heroine. The story suffered from the shorter length, because I think I would have enjoyed it more if the characters had been a bit more developed.

Any Man of Mine by Debbi Rawlins was my favorite of the bunch. I really liked how the heroine felt like she didn't fit in, a characteristic shared by the cowboy hero. I haven't read any of Ms. Rawlins' books before (mainly because cowboys aren't my thing), but I enjoyed this enough to read more of her work. The couple did jump into bed together awfully quickly, but, again, that has to be because of the short length of the novella.

Secret Agent Seduction by Jennifer Morey is a romantic suspense novella, and unfortunately for Ms. Morey it had all the cliches I associate with the genre. In this case I should be fair and state that I just don't really like RS that much, so another fan of that genre or this series might enjoy this more. I did like that the couple decided to slow things down after all the initial sexual combustion.

[SheLove2Read · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF for The Reaper's Heart by Michelle Hauf. It only took 2 pages to know I wasn't going to be interested, purely based on content (demons and witches).

The Good Girl by Tara Taylor Quinn. 3 stars. I'm a little torn on this one. Very emotional content, but I disliked the hero for 90% of the story. He started out as a good guy, but a little too remote in his demeanor. Turned into a jerk but redeemed himself in the end. For me a case of too little, too late. Loved the heroine though.

Any Man of Mine by Debbi Rawlins. 2.5 stars for a light, quick read. Western romance. I thought it moved way too fast from "Hi, my name is..." to sheet music. If the author thought throwing in condom usage made that okay, she won't be one I'll read again.

Secret Agent Seduction by Jennifer Morey was a DNF also.

I have to say this is a disappointment. I hope Harlequin wasn't hoping to use this as a way to introduce readers to romance. If so, they failed miserably.

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 2 out of 5]

“The Reaper’s Heart” by Michele Hauf

Witch vs. Reaper: A witch and a reaper are at battling odds over each other’s hearts (literally, they want to slice open the chest cavity and rip out each other’s hearts for their own selfish purposes.) It’s a strange fantasy with true love. Do these two actually fall for each other? Of course, they do! It’s a Harlequin, after all.

They touch each other with magic as neither one is willing to give in. Who will win the heart? The witch will die if she doesn’t get his heart. I was just curious to see who would win.

This story is a weird paranormal similar to kind you might find in an Anne Rice book, but it is oddly misplaced in this collection of normal human relationships.


2. “The Good Girl” by Tara Quinn

This story started off kind of boring for me. For one thing, there were too many characters—too many to keep track of and too many that you don’t care for. The characters are in the middle of a storm. It’s ultimately about not having enough time to proclaim your love to that one special person—very blasé.

The best part was when Bill found out that Mary, the good girl, was a stripper. Now THAT was news. Why not start off with that?
The question was: can a man marry an ex-stripper? Are strippers bad? Well….



3. “Any Man of Mine” by Debbi Rawlins

The title is a Shania Twain song. I love that song!

Needless to say, this story is all about cowboys. Who wouldn’t want to hook up with a hot cowboy? I’d want Josh to teach me about horses.

I liked Haley and could relate to her introversion. “Drawing was safe and familiar.” (1420)
I really wish this would’ve been a clean romance (no sex) as that kind broke the old cowboy code for me.
Still, can a New Yorker have a future with a cowboy? Well, Harlequin will surely find a way to make it happen.
Oh, by the way, the next story in this series is “You’re still the one.”

Clearly, the author has a fetish for Shania Twain songs.



4. “Secret Agent Seduction” by Jennifer Morey

All the FBI/TES tactics in the beginning were boring and were skipped for the most part.

Evie has not had much luck with online dating. In fact, her last date ended up being a killer, a killer Agent Jude was hunting and had killed right in front of her. Of course, that’s the moment when he takes a liking to her.

To make a long story short, the two wind up between the sheets in the middle of his covert operation.

It’s just another Harlequin.

[Marj Cinqualbres · Rating 5 out of 5]

A taste is right

I loved all four novellas. I really enjoyed Michelle Hart's story. She is one if my favorite paranormal romance writers. I really miss Harlequin's paranormal series.
Will be looking for more from the other three also

[Lucinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for a Sunday read

This is a great set for a weekend read. It's also a great way to be introduced to some good authors.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reaper's Heart 4/11
The Good Girl. 4 /12
Any Man of Mine. 4/12
Secret Agent Seduction 4/12

[Honest B*tches Book Reviews - Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this collection of novellas 3 Stars overall, but that's a bit generous only because I enjoyed two of them so much that it pulls the average up a bit. There were a few more typos and errors in this than I'd expect from such a well known publisher, I guess quality isn't as important to them in a freebie teaser collection.

The Reaper's Heart - 2 Stars
Like many novellas, it felt very rushed and also way too convenient at times as well. The author's descriptions were beautiful but the characters' thoughts, actions, and dramatic emotions sent it way over the top.

The Good Girl - 4 Stars
I love the action and suspense in this story. I was drawn in right away. The best thing this had going for it is the sense of resolution you get, not only for the hero and heroine, but for Bill's sister as well. I admit that I shed a couple small tears during this one.

Any Man of Mine - 4 Stars
I loved this sweet story about a shy and sexy cowboy and the misfit city girl tourist. I wish this had been a full length novel instead cause it was so endearing. It moved very fast but the believability factor was there and made up for it.

Secret Agent Seduction - 1/2 Star
This was a terrible finish to an otherwise good collection. It had a dreadfully slow start, character actions were incredibly unrealistic (she met him hours ago, watched him kill 3 people, then decides sex is a good idea), and is repetitive (almost everyone has green eyes and uses them frequently -- and yes, I'm rolling my own non-green eyes here). Oh and the characters "magically" can tell what the other is thinking.

[Alicia (is beyond tired of your *ish) · Rating 2 out of 5]

These were all really short novellas and suffered from that fact. They all read like there was a strict word count and none of the authors could adequately tell their story within that limit. Also, it's okay if story doesn't have declarations of love or sex if cramming it in there doesn't make sense. Thankfully this was free.

The Reaper's Heart
Pretty ridiculous story all the way around. The resolution was awfully convenient.

The Good Girl
I think there's something to irritate everyone in this story. The thing that annoyed me most probably wouldn't annoy anyone else and the character that irritated me the least everyone else would hate most.

Any Man of Mine
I liked this one until the end where it ends really abruptly.

Secret Agent Seduction
I liked this one, too, mostly. I didn't like that they jumped into bed after knowing each other 10 minutes, five of which people were shooting at them, and he was supposed to be protecting her (though he was thrown into that position). Then she spent the rest of the story going on about having done so.

[Miah · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are four short novellas in this anthology and two of them were all right, one was lovely, and the fourth was dreck.

I got the book for Debbi Rawlins' "Any Man of Mine", which is part of her Made in Montana series. Her story was third in the book and my favorite of the four. I couldn't help but wish it was longer, but such is the nature of a novella anthology.

The second and fourth stories were Tara Taylor Quinn's "The Good Girl" and Jennifer Morey's "Secret Agent Seduction". Both of those were also short stories set in the world of their respective book series. They weren't really my cup of tea, but they were both well written and engaging enough that I finished them.

The first story was the worst of the lot. Michele Hauf's "The Reaper's Heart" was awful. The writing was stilted and uneven. Bouts of elaborate purple prose mixed with phrases such as "I like kinky." It was a struggle to force myself to finish the story.

Three stars average over all for the second, third, and fourth stories; but the first would have rated a DNF if I had another book in the car with me so it brought the book rating down to two stars.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reaper's Heart by Michele Hauf *****
This adorably sweet short romance is well written with a terrific concept. I just love how everything came together. A terrific way to begin this anthology.
The Good Girl by Tara Taylor Quinn *****
I loved this one so much, I will definitely be reading more. When a storm blows in to Comfort Cove, some residents are forced to wake up to the destruction in their surroundings. What a sweet, promising ending.
Any Man of Mine by Debbi Rawlins *****
This novella was just...wow! Seriously..fun, hott, sweet, romantic. A terrific novella.
Secret Agent Seduction by Jennifer Morey *****
This was a very mysterious, intriguing novella. I was hooked in the first chapter. Oh what hilarity abounds in on-line dating.

Overall, this was a terrific anthology. I had not read any of these authors, but I certainly will.

[Stories & Verse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Taste of Romance was a compilation of 4 short stories taken from 4 Harlequin genres that I don't normally read. However I did find each channelled a message of romance:

THE REAPERS HEART(Harlequin Nocturne genre; Paranormal)- Love will save your soul

THE GOOD GIRL (Harlequin Superromance genre "It happened in Comfort Cove" miniseries) - The one you truely love comes to mind in a brutal rain storm; Serendipity in a rain storm

ANY MAN OF MINE (Harlequin Blaze genre)- love and steamy romance will find you when you least expect it; even in times when you see yourself to be the misfit

SECRET AGENT SEDUCTION (Harlequin Romantic Suspense genre) love finds you when something that normally makes you angry makes you patient and absorbed with interest

[Caro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked all the novellas in it and they all had me wanting the read the rest of their series. I liked how there was a little of everything. There was sweetness, some hot paranormal, some hold-your-breath intrigue, and some good ol fashioned southern comfort. This was a great mix and I'm glad I own it. The stories were shorter (novellas) but they packed enough juiciness and meat to keep me entertained, on edge of my seat, smiling, snickering, and sighing with longing and happiness. I wouldn't mind reading this again at all. This is a good go-to book for a quick reading fix and it doesn't matter what the mood because it's got a little of everything. Enjoy!

[Christa Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the third story was sweet and the last one hot!! I think they deserve their stars if not the first two novellas in this collection. I liked the cowboy. He was a sweetheart, even if i couldn't connect with the heroine. His character was incredibly believable to me.

In Secret Agent Seduction, secret agent Jude did it for me. lol. He can have all of the stars. His story was super short, but action-packed and the author threw in enough steamy action, which was awfully tasty I might add, to keep you on the edge of your seat. That story alone gets a fiver from me. I wanted more. :D

[Lucille · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know they're called short stories for a reason, but damn, these stories are way too short!

I disliked most of them because they all contained insta-love. Except The Good Girl by Tara Taylor Quinn. But even that I didn't enjoy.

I think all these stories have potential to be a good novel given a more in-depth characterization and more character interactions, rather than a short story with insta-love and lust-filled gazes that is supposed to make me believe that they have fallen in love in the span of less than a week.

[Zuzana · Rating 2 out of 5]

4 Harlequin novellas
Anthology includes:

The Reaper's Heart by Michele Hauf
1 star. A witch falls in love with a demon. Unlikeable MCs. Terrible writing. Reads like a bad fanfic.

The Good Girl by Tara Taylor Quinn
2 stars. Better written than The Reaper's Heart. But what's with the shaming of the female characters?

Any Man of Mine by Debbi Rawlins
3 stars. The best of the lot. A cowboy romance. Nice, short and sweet.

Secret Agent Seduction by Jennifer Morey
1 star. The whole plot and especially the hero's background (a super secret counter-terrorist agency?!) are just ridiculous.

[rm2h · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Reaper's Heart by Michele Hauf
1 star. A witch falls in love with a demon. Unlikeable MCs. Terrible writing. Reads like a bad fanfic.

The Good Girl by Tara Taylor Quinn
2 stars. Better written than The Reaper's Heart. But what's with the shaming of the female characters?

Any Man of Mine by Debbi Rawlins
3 stars. The best of the lot. A cowboy romance. Nice, short and sweet.

Secret Agent Seduction by Jennifer Morey
1 star. The whole plot and especially the hero's background (a super secret counter-terrorist agency?!) are just ridiculous.

[Maya Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read for me, maybe because of the sex scenes. Obviously the novellas were too short for their to be actual good plot development. My favorite of the four was The Reaper's Heart, because of the fantastical premise and the awesomely serene description of the wintry night forest, in addition to the sex scene. Secret Agent Seduction was not very enjoyable; it was hard to actually get engaged in the secret agent plot.

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not happy with the last story. It was so good then all of a sudden a portion of the book is messed up for about 3 pages, skipping parts of it. Don''t know if it was the version I had, my e-reader or what, but it really messed with the flow and had me wondering what the heck I missed. Other than that, excellent read.

[Lillie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The two main problems with this book are really just the nature of the genre: 1) The wide range of subgenres means that few people will enjoy all the stories simply because of reading preferences. 2) The short length of each story means that there isn't time to develop characters and the plot often seems rushed.

[Hildegart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of four short stories made into an ebook. These are better than some of the other short romances I have read lately. Some followed scripts more than others, but as long as you aren't expecting much, they are quick reads.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read

This was an easy book to pick up and put down as needed. I liked the fact that the stories were short and wrapped up quickly. I liked the comedy in the first novel and may read another of this authors stories. A good quick read to introduce you to new authors.

[annette colon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Little Bit Of Everything

This book has a little bit of everything, from paranormal to contemporary, along with a little bit of sizzle and some action.
These stories are just a taste of what Harlequin has to offer.

[Kbee · Rating 3 out of 5]

4 novellas. 4 Cute little love stories.

[Misty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can't wait to read the full versions!!!

[Mary Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was four short stories. A different kind of love for each.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining

[Carla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty good.

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good short story book on romance from known Harlequin Romance wrtiers.

[Mya · Rating 4 out of 5]

i didnt like hav d endings

[Britta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only liked two of the four novellas. the first one and the second one (I think it was the second).