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Beach Shorts
Life's a Beach.A rivalry that turns romantic, a flippant flirtation, an eternal love rediscovered within the sandy pines.Beach Shorts is a unique collection of stories filled with love, laughter and promises made by the water’s edge.Find a great reading spot and escape to Sparta, follow the poetic reunion of two souls, or ride the waves with a surfer who finds her great love.Your perfect beach read awaits.
242 pages, Paperback
Published May 23, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 12, 2023
Tidepool dreams: 4/5 stars. This was a very short, but very cute story about young love with a nice fantastical element to it. Props to an author that can do so much in so few words.
Tea leaves: 3/5 stars. I liked the story behind this one all right and the writing was fine, but it was also a bit far-fetched and because of the nature of the story the true romance didn’t get a chance to build.
True Romantics: 5/5 stars. I loved how such a brief story developed a relationship so well. The ending had me tearing up.
The Best Man: 2.5/5 stars. The story here was fine, except I had a problem believing that the best man and the maid of honor wouldn’t have met before the wedding day itself, especially given that they’re the groom’s brother and bride’s cousin, respectively. Also, small detail, but having the bridal march replaced with “Jar of Hearts”, Christina Perri’s hit about a failed relationship, seemed like a joke.
Shark Out of Water: 2/5 stars. I really liked the story behind this one, but the execution wasn’t so great. The writing was pretty choppy and the story rushed, and the dialogue was not something I’d ever expect to hear out of a real person’s mouth.
Muffins and Meet-Cutes: 4/5 stars. The writing was good and the story cute. The banter between Jason and Zach was a nice touch. I only wanted it to be longer.
Wildwood: 4/5 stars. I loved the story of a single mom getting together with her childhood friend. The story was heartwarming and it’s nice to have some representation of love stories for those that aren’t so young.
A Race to Finish: 5/5 stars. I may be a bit biased towards a period piece set during a ball, but the writing here was also good and a nice childhood enemies to lovers is always nice.
Tangled Web: 3.5/5 stars. This one was certainly unique, with an appearance from a “ghost” and some other far-fetched elements. But it was fun to see how all the characters were tangled up in their respective lies.
Ultimate Timeshare: 4/5 stars. This story could maybe be summed up as Outlander, but set in Ancient Greece. It was fun and cute and I love a full figured woman getting appreciated for her beauty.
Lemon Drops at Mermaid Lagoon: 3.5/5 stars. I really liked the sassiness and sarcasm of the main character and the story was cute. My only complaints were that about midway through there were a few pages where the writing jumped between past and present tense narration, and it pulled me out of the story a bit for that chunk. I also would have liked a bit more of their romance explored and it seemed to end abruptly.
Mermaid and Coyote: 4/5 stars. This was a cute tale of two fantastical beings falling in love with each other. I liked the idea of Alejandro’s were-coyote being a separate consciousness from him and how that interplay worked.
Blueberry Bells: 4.5/5 stars. I loved the descriptive language used for all of the elements of nature and how thorough they were in such a short time. There was an almost haunting edge to this story, but in the best possible way, and that fed nicely into a sense of warmth and contentedness.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Tea leaves: 3/5 stars. I liked the story behind this one all right and the writing was fine, but it was also a bit far-fetched and because of the nature of the story the true romance didn’t get a chance to build.
True Romantics: 5/5 stars. I loved how such a brief story developed a relationship so well. The ending had me tearing up.
The Best Man: 2.5/5 stars. The story here was fine, except I had a problem believing that the best man and the maid of honor wouldn’t have met before the wedding day itself, especially given that they’re the groom’s brother and bride’s cousin, respectively. Also, small detail, but having the bridal march replaced with “Jar of Hearts”, Christina Perri’s hit about a failed relationship, seemed like a joke.
Shark Out of Water: 2/5 stars. I really liked the story behind this one, but the execution wasn’t so great. The writing was pretty choppy and the story rushed, and the dialogue was not something I’d ever expect to hear out of a real person’s mouth.
Muffins and Meet-Cutes: 4/5 stars. The writing was good and the story cute. The banter between Jason and Zach was a nice touch. I only wanted it to be longer.
Wildwood: 4/5 stars. I loved the story of a single mom getting together with her childhood friend. The story was heartwarming and it’s nice to have some representation of love stories for those that aren’t so young.
A Race to Finish: 5/5 stars. I may be a bit biased towards a period piece set during a ball, but the writing here was also good and a nice childhood enemies to lovers is always nice.
Tangled Web: 3.5/5 stars. This one was certainly unique, with an appearance from a “ghost” and some other far-fetched elements. But it was fun to see how all the characters were tangled up in their respective lies.
Ultimate Timeshare: 4/5 stars. This story could maybe be summed up as Outlander, but set in Ancient Greece. It was fun and cute and I love a full figured woman getting appreciated for her beauty.
Lemon Drops at Mermaid Lagoon: 3.5/5 stars. I really liked the sassiness and sarcasm of the main character and the story was cute. My only complaints were that about midway through there were a few pages where the writing jumped between past and present tense narration, and it pulled me out of the story a bit for that chunk. I also would have liked a bit more of their romance explored and it seemed to end abruptly.
Mermaid and Coyote: 4/5 stars. This was a cute tale of two fantastical beings falling in love with each other. I liked the idea of Alejandro’s were-coyote being a separate consciousness from him and how that interplay worked.
Blueberry Bells: 4.5/5 stars. I loved the descriptive language used for all of the elements of nature and how thorough they were in such a short time. There was an almost haunting edge to this story, but in the best possible way, and that fed nicely into a sense of warmth and contentedness.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 16, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I would give this a 2.5 stars.
So I am someone that picks books based off their cover, is this a toxic trait for me- yes I can admit to that. I am always down for a “beach read” this one is called Beach Shorts- and it is 13 short stories all by different authors. I haven’t read a book that is like this before and found out that it isn’t my cup of tea. I am someone that really loves the build in stories and to be able to fall in love with characters and with short stories that isn’t something that you get to experience. I am trying not to have a bias against this book since it isn't something I typically would like. I really tried embracing the book but I feel like I had a bunch of eye rolls throughout the stories. The one I liked the most was the first because it had reminders of how I saw my mimi and much I missed my grandma. I think if you liked the books chicken noodle soup (throwback I know) then I think you would enjoy this, me not so much.
I would give this a 2.5 stars.
So I am someone that picks books based off their cover, is this a toxic trait for me- yes I can admit to that. I am always down for a “beach read” this one is called Beach Shorts- and it is 13 short stories all by different authors. I haven’t read a book that is like this before and found out that it isn’t my cup of tea. I am someone that really loves the build in stories and to be able to fall in love with characters and with short stories that isn’t something that you get to experience. I am trying not to have a bias against this book since it isn't something I typically would like. I really tried embracing the book but I feel like I had a bunch of eye rolls throughout the stories. The one I liked the most was the first because it had reminders of how I saw my mimi and much I missed my grandma. I think if you liked the books chicken noodle soup (throwback I know) then I think you would enjoy this, me not so much.
August 18, 2023
Received an ARC for a honest review from BookSirens.
It’s definitely a lightweight read. Safe for kids around with some light kissing and no spice. I love short stories and novels and if there is love and paranormal involved, I love it even more. Thats why I picked this book to try as ARC.
I’m afraid it was not for me. Short stories are a really great variety - different genders and characters - all about love. But for some reason only two I liked and they were the ones I don’t engage reading - the ones with no fantasy in them.
The best nan by Jenna Andrews - very normal hallmark romance vibes, sweet and cute, made me want to check the author out and found only ninja foodie cookbooks 🤪
Lemon drops at Mermaid Lagoon by Leigh Calvin - extra funny, even hilarious. Too short, I want more of the humour. And it was fun and it was a couple 50+. Sadly didn’t come across any books by this author. Would love to read something this funny.
It’s definitely a lightweight read. Safe for kids around with some light kissing and no spice. I love short stories and novels and if there is love and paranormal involved, I love it even more. Thats why I picked this book to try as ARC.
I’m afraid it was not for me. Short stories are a really great variety - different genders and characters - all about love. But for some reason only two I liked and they were the ones I don’t engage reading - the ones with no fantasy in them.
The best nan by Jenna Andrews - very normal hallmark romance vibes, sweet and cute, made me want to check the author out and found only ninja foodie cookbooks 🤪
Lemon drops at Mermaid Lagoon by Leigh Calvin - extra funny, even hilarious. Too short, I want more of the humour. And it was fun and it was a couple 50+. Sadly didn’t come across any books by this author. Would love to read something this funny.
July 12, 2023
summer vacation in a book
The stories in this collection take you on a summer vacation without the negative elements of packing suitcases, flight delays, sand in places you can really go without or they might take you to a place to relax when it rains outside. I`m a big fan of anthologies, since I always discover new authors to add to my favourite list and if I don´t connect with a story, it´s no big loss.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The stories in this collection take you on a summer vacation without the negative elements of packing suitcases, flight delays, sand in places you can really go without or they might take you to a place to relax when it rains outside. I`m a big fan of anthologies, since I always discover new authors to add to my favourite list and if I don´t connect with a story, it´s no big loss.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 21, 2023
I enjoyed all the different stories. All end with a happily ever after and nothing too spicy. This really is perfect for the beach or to have something quick to read. While I did love most of the stories, the one I enjoyed the most and want more of is Lemon Drops at Mermaid Lagoon by Leigh Calvin. Great romantic summer read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 21, 2023
This is a nice collection of short romance stories. The stories aren’t too long to read in one sitting and are short enough they can be read if you have a short block of time (like waiting at a doctor’s office). The stories are comprised of both contemporary and paranormal romance. If you need something to read while you’re waiting your turn, check out this selection of romances.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 2, 2025
The cutest collection of teeny beach reads!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews