Love, Laughter, and Merrily Ever Afters Collection by Violet Duke

Jun 21, 2014 Lori rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A great collection from some pretty amazing authors!

Getting Out of Hand
First I have to say I have read and loved all of Erin's books. This is just makes the list longer. This was truly an instant true love book. I so so so love nerdy men and Mason was a a well built nerd at that! Then there was Adrianne. She was such a neat change from other female characters. I loved her dirty talk. You do not always see that in female characters as the instigator of such talk. But she was so fun to read. The A great collection from some pretty amazing authors!

Getting Out of Hand
First I have to say I have read and loved all of Erin's books. This is just makes the list longer. This was truly an instant true love book. I so so so love nerdy men and Mason was a a well built nerd at that! Then there was Adrianne. She was such a neat change from other female characters. I loved her dirty talk. You do not always see that in female characters as the instigator of such talk. But she was so fun to read. The way she went for it with Mason each time they were together, even after just meeting. Loved their instantaneous chemistry! The story line was great. Flowed quickly and had funny parts as well as sad and endearing moments. Now I will have to impatiently wait for the next book in the series. Cannot wait!

Finding the Right Girl
Oh my freaking goodness! I didn't think I could love Brian more after reading him in the Nice Girl to Love series, but man do I ever. He is perfect, everything you could want in a hero. He is sexy, sweet, sincere, loving, take charge, fierce, protective...everything! Then there is Tessa! What a beautiful soul. Always wanting to help others and put them before herself. And their chemistry together was heartwarming, fire at times and sweet at others. I loved this story so much. The way the first series ended with the two of them meeting, you could tell their story would be special. It just totally touched my heart. Tears of joy, sadness, and fear all in one story. What an amazing story of never giving up! Wow!

On Any Given Sundae
A book about desserts is right up my alley. First I have to say I adored Elizabeth. Maybe because I could relate to her feelings of inadequacy. And Rob was a gem. a truly noble male character, flaws and all. This is a book where I think maybe for the first time I did not get angry with a lead character for when the relationship kinda went off course. It was a little heartbreaking at that point and made me feel so sad. But I loved the way the characters came together at first and again towards the end. It was a very cute sweet story, endearing. And it was a first of Marilyn Brant's for me too.

Sweet To You
I loved this book. I loved that Maddie and Jamison were friends most of their lives before they "clicked." Their story was a fun read that also included hotness, insane chemistry, true friendship and honest discussions. Even in the angsty part, I liked the way it was handled. Apparently this is the third book in the series, so I am excited I get to go back and read the others to get more of these characters.
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Jun 24, 2014 Amy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Getting Out of Hand by Erin Nicholas

I just loved this story. This is the first book of Erin's new series set in Sapphire Falls and can I just say Welcome to Sapphire Falls! This is the story of Adrianne Scott and Mason Riley. Oh Mason! I loved him! I have a soft spot for nerds and I love that he found someone who truly understood him in Adrianne. Their instant chemistry was amazing. I laughed out loud several times reading this book. I fell in love with all of the characters in this town and Getting Out of Hand by Erin Nicholas

I just loved this story. This is the first book of Erin's new series set in Sapphire Falls and can I just say Welcome to Sapphire Falls! This is the story of Adrianne Scott and Mason Riley. Oh Mason! I loved him! I have a soft spot for nerds and I love that he found someone who truly understood him in Adrianne. Their instant chemistry was amazing. I laughed out loud several times reading this book. I fell in love with all of the characters in this town and can't wait for their stories. Whether you are an old or new fan of Erin Nicholas I promise you will not be disappointed!

Finding the Right Girl by Violet Duke

I am a big fan of Violet. I have read all of her books! This is the spin off of The Nice Girl Series. This is about Brian and Tessa. I love Brian and am so happy that he got his HEA in this book. And Tessa! What strength she has. This book is sad and happy and oh so wonderful! I can't wait for Skylar's story!

On Any Given Sundae by Marilyn Brant

This is the first book I have ever read by Marilyn but it won't be the last. This story is about Elizabeth "Lizzy" Daniels and Roberto "Rob" Gabinarri. Rob is a former high school jock turned successful restaurant owner who lives in Chicago. He returns home to Wisconsin to help Elizabeth run their uncles' ice cream shop while they are in Europe. Elizabeth tries unsuccessfully to avoid Rob in the beginning. Their story is very sweet and I would recommend it. Also I think maybe I need to go get some ice cream now! :)

Sweet to You by Jessie Evans

This is also the first book that I have read by Jessie. This is the story of Jamison Hansen and Maddie Whitehouse. Jessie drew me in right from the start with this book. Holy Cow the chemistry between these two characters is amazing right from the first chapter! Maddie is just so sweet and it was great to see her falling for a man who can love her back the way she needs and deserves! It is the 3rd book in The Fire and Icing series. It did stand on it's own but now I want to go back and read the other books too! I would and will recommend this book. ...more

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Jan 02, 2015 N. Kuhn rated it really liked it

This was a great box set. I loved the stories, each author bringing their own touch to the Holidays. There were some editing errors sprinkled throughout every story. It' wasn't just one. But they aren't huge mistakes! Just some small ones here and there.

TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS by Jessie Evans - I feel like Lula fell for Carter's story too quick, but this story was a super sweet romance. I love second chances!

SEDUCING SANTA by Janelle Denison (aka Erika Wilde) - "And what a nice, refreshing This was a great box set. I loved the stories, each author bringing their own touch to the Holidays. There were some editing errors sprinkled throughout every story. It' wasn't just one. But they aren't huge mistakes! Just some small ones here and there.

TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS by Jessie Evans - I feel like Lula fell for Carter's story too quick, but this story was a super sweet romance. I love second chances!

SEDUCING SANTA by Janelle Denison (aka Erika Wilde) - "And what a nice, refreshing change it was to have a woman not want to relieve him of his money." This was sweet and super sexy!! This story is bound to leave you breathless. It was one heck of a heart warming, panty soaking story.

HIS CHRISTMAS WISH by Marquita Valentine - "I'll go to church on Sunday and make an announcement in front of God and your momma." Talk about a true southern threat! There's nothing like the gossip of church folk! Military heroes and holidays. This is one super romantic story. I loved this book and the characters. They were well written, stubborn but you could tell their love was real!

WILD IRISH CHRISTMAS by Mari Carr - I love stories about how parents met, but this one just didn't strike a chord with me. It's a sweet story, but I found myself scanning the pages to et through it. It just seemed to lack that oomph to keep me reading.

DECKING DREW by Violet Duke - "Your crazy Skylar transformations never failed to bring Christmas to life. Infinitely more magical for all of us each year." A thoughtful light entered his eyes. "So maybe that's your answer." He grinned. "Maybe yu just have to deck Drew, too." This was a great story but I wish it hadn't ended. I wanted to know more!! I need more! This was such a beautiful story. I could feel the characters pain, I could feel her heart ache. Beautifully written.

FAIRIES & WISHES by Karen Erickson (aka Monica Murphy) - Lily's naivete was cute and it was adorable how she let her inhibitions go. Some things she says are crazy and you don't expect them, but seeing her change and realize what she wants made a cute story.

IF I RETURN by Sawyer Bennett - I really really enjoyed this story. The beginning and end flowed great together. The story was sexy, beautiful and one of my favorites in this box set! It was a lovely read!

UNWRAPPED by Melody Grace - It was cute watching Lacey get Daniel to unwind. Seeing these two do the tango, dancing around each other, unsure of the fact that they have the same feelings, made for a great read. It was sweet and sexy all wrapped up into one.

HOLIDAY SPIRIT by Cathryn Fox - This was super short. I feel like I expected more, after the longer stories in this box set, this book was literally to the point and there's not much to it. I sort of felt like there wasn't much build up or development. I would have liked to see more from this.

A CHRISTMAS HEAT WAVE by Alannah Lynne - I wasn't a fan of this book. It keeps jumping from character to character and I didn't feel it. I wasn't feeling the romance, it wasn't sexy, it felt more like a beginning of a soap opera where you meet all the characters and that's it. It fell completely flat for me.

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Jul 07, 2014 Kara Hildebrand (Two Book Pushers) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

On Any Given Sundae - 4.5 stars

This is my first Marilyn Brant book and I just love the way she writes. This book is funny and sweet, and I wanted to eat ice cream and eclairs the whole time I read it! Lizzy (Elizabeth) and Rob (Roberto) are brought back together after not seeing each other for years to help run their uncles ice cream shop. Elizabeth has had a crush on Rob her entire life and Rob doesn't like the idea of being back in his home town. They both have hang ups from high school that ...more

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Dec 24, 2014 SL rated it liked it

For the most part this was pretty good. I skimmed through some of it, but really enjoyed Karen Erickson and Sawyer Bennett's contributions. Of course, they are two of my favorite authors, so in my opinion, they didn't disappoint,

The price of this collection is worth it for those two stories alone. Neither has ever written anything I haven't enjoyed.

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Jun 29, 2014 Lacy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A great collection of stories that I truely enjoyed. I met some new authors and will now be purchasing more of their work. This is a collection totally worth purchasing. Will continue my review shortly about each of the stories later.

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Dec 25, 2014 Rebecca (everyday reader) rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle-books, modern-day-romance, christmas, anthologies

A great collection of Christmas related stories. Old loves, new loves, vacations gone awry, weddings, babies and kids, and good friends fill up these holiday stories with lots of love!!

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Jun 20, 2014 Lady rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This is an awesome box set by some very talented authors! I really enjoyed the books and cannot to read more by these ladies :) Erin Nicholas was an old favorite but I am really beyond glad I took the time to read the rest of the stories from the authors who were all new to me!

On Any Given Sundae by Marilyn Brant

Elizabeth was in over her head the moment her Uncle opened his mouth... She knew it but she didn't realize how deep until his business partner went to call HIS nephew... How could she ...more

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Jun 20, 2014 MsChris1161 marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: own, ebook, reviewed, anthology-boxed-set

Finding the Right Girl by Violet Duke
Another winner from Violet Duke! Finding the Right Girl continues with the great characters of Brian Sullivan, his daughter Skylar, his brother Conner, and his best friend Abby. In this book we get to know Tessa Daniels better. She is the quirky magazine editor and caterer who helps Connor with fundraisers and writing grant proposals to fund Huntington’s disease causes. Like the Sullivan’s fighting this disease is close to her heart because she has lost her Finding the Right Girl by Violet Duke
Another winner from Violet Duke! Finding the Right Girl continues with the great characters of Brian Sullivan, his daughter Skylar, his brother Conner, and his best friend Abby. In this book we get to know Tessa Daniels better. She is the quirky magazine editor and caterer who helps Connor with fundraisers and writing grant proposals to fund Huntington’s disease causes. Like the Sullivan’s fighting this disease is close to her heart because she has lost her father and her older sister to Huntington’s Disease

Tessa comes across as a fun and carefree, living for the moment kind of girl, who refuses to fit inside the box, but she has an edge and is extremely independent. This comes from needing to take the responsibility of caring for her loved ones at a very young age and then being left all on her own. Her story is heartbreaking and you can’t help but love her. Likewise, the last bachelor Sullivan brother can’t help falling in love with her either! She brings out a protective alpha side of him and he is quickly smitten.

While this book has a wonderful and touching love story between the two main characters, it also takes a more serious turn at the life a person with Huntington’s disease suffers. Brian’s daughter Skylar’s fears, anxiety and sacrifice of her ability to focus on what other girls her age are focused on is front and center in this book without overwhelming it or bringing it down. Instead we get a fine example of true unconditional love and family support. Expect to shed a tear or two. But let’s not forget this is a Violet Duke book so we are treated to lighthearted fun as well, in the form of great banter, humorous times, and steamy sexy times. I found this book to be a bit more serious than the previous three, but well-rounded and definitely well-written.

Getting Out of Hand by Erin Nicholas
I officially have a new book boyfriend! Mason Riley, the hero in GETTING OUT OF HAND, the first book in Erin Nicholas's wonderful new series Sapphire Falls, is the new love of my life! Well, at least in my fantasies he is. The man is a genius who graduated two years early in high school, but got no respect from his classmates in Sapphire Falls. Instead they wrote him off as a nerd who didn't fit in. He crushed on Hailey, the most beautiful and popular girl in school for years only to have her humiliate him by rejecting and laughing at him in front of all her friends. They say the best revenge is to live a wonderful life and he certainly has! He moved away for college where with the help of his best friend, Lauren, he learned to dress stylishly, pumped up his body at the gym, and learned how to fit in at social settings. Now the man is a renowned scientist who meets with the President of the United States, implements ground breaking projects to help save third world countries, dates beautiful women, and has more money than the other four most successful men in his class combined. Oh, and did I mention he's used his scientific mind to study and learn how to best please women sexually? So a rich, handsome, kind, philanthropic, genius who dresses well, and has mad skills in the bedroom and is a bit of a dirty talker. Mine!!

Adrianne Scott didn't grow up in Sapphire Falls like most the townsfolk, but she was Hailey's friend in college. After a health scare she decided to walk away from her fast-paced, crazy, competitive, stress filled life working for her family's international business based in Chicago. She takes the low-key job as assistant to Hailey who is now the Mayor in Sapphire Falls. She may have only lived in town for three years, but she loves her quiet, slow-paced, peaceful life and all her new friends. She's a smart, beautiful, kind, giving woman who has all the men crushing on her to the point there's an ongoing bet as to who will get to kiss her first. But she hasn't been willing to risk her heart, so she hasn't dated any of them.

Hailey's determined to put herself in the Sapphire Falls history books by developing a shopping center that will bring growth and boost revenues for the townsfolk. She wants to build on land Mason owns so she invites him to town hoping to capitalize on the crush he'd had on her and talk him into donating the land along with about a hundred grand to get the project off the ground. When Adrianne researches Mason she becomes fascinated with his accomplishments, not to mention his good looks, and can't wait to meet the man himself. When Mason does come back to town after eleven years, it's not to help the town or the woman who spurned him. It's to thumb his nose up at Hailey and her project in person. However, the minute he sees Adrianne he can hardly think of anything else, including his revenge. The attraction is mutual. Adrianne is equally smitten with the sexy scientist. She finds herself forgoing all her rules to keep her heart safe and is instead peeling off her clothes for him at every opportunity. Their romance is quick, hot & heavy, eye-opening and life-changing for each of them. They are perfect for each other and it was wonderful to read their love story.

Sapphire Falls comes with a cast of adorable, quirky, sassy, enchanting characters that round out this story in such an enjoyable way. Erin writes so splendidly I felt right in the middle of what was happening as if I was there laughing and plotting along instead of merely reading about it. The ending was marvelous. A true romantic, I love nothing better than a great HEA ending. Getting Out of Hand delivers in a sigh-worthy way, leaving me wishing for more. I can't wait for the second book in the series, Getting Worked Up, and more fun with the people in Sapphire Falls. 5 stars

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Jul 09, 2014 Jody Chagnon rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The overall set of books is awesome and a bargain to boot! This set hits every emotion.

Tempting Love by Melanie Shawn

This book has you rooting for the girl the next. Can Eddie get over his once bitten twice shy routine to realize Haley, the girl next door, is the perfect match in his life? She's his go to girl for his daughter but can he ever see what everyone else sees about her feelings for him?

Unafraid by Melody Grace

This story really touches the heart. If you've ever lived in a small town The overall set of books is awesome and a bargain to boot! This set hits every emotion.

Tempting Love by Melanie Shawn

This book has you rooting for the girl the next. Can Eddie get over his once bitten twice shy routine to realize Haley, the girl next door, is the perfect match in his life? She's his go to girl for his daughter but can he ever see what everyone else sees about her feelings for him?

Unafraid by Melody Grace

This story really touches the heart. If you've ever lived in a small town and have had to live under someone elses mistakes, you will be cheering on Brit! But don't be fooled. Even those we see as perfect, as Brit sees Hunter, have secrets in their closets that they need to get past and forgive themselves for.

On Any Given Sundae by Marilyn Brant

This story is probably one we can all relate to on some level. The interfering family memebers doing a "set up" through trickery. The long time friends and uncles to Rob and Lizzy own an ice cream shop. They claim a sick aunt in Europe and off they go, forcing Lizzy and Rob to work together. He's unhappy having to come back to his home town that he couldn't wait to leave. She's nervous that her high school crush is coming back. Can they past their own feelings and actually help each other out? A fun read that will make you want your own ice cream.

Finding the Right Girl by Violet Duke

This is a laugh out loud, bring you to tears story. It is a heartfelt story about love lost, emotional strength and family love. The journey these characters share fill you with hope and make you stomp your feet at the stubbornness!

Getting Out of Hand by Erin Nicholas

I love Erin's books! This story is the first in her new series, Sapphire Falls. LOve it! Can't wait for the next book to come out. I'm married to geek so Mason had me from the start. Love that hot, nerdy man mix. Adrianne is the perfect match for him. Their chemistry is quick and intense. At times you can't help but laugh out loud or help the feeling of wanting to slap one of the other charcters. Another Erin Nicholas hit!! ...more

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Jun 27, 2014 Cheryl Sanders rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

On Any Given Sundae by Marilyn Brandt
This has to be the best first page to a book I've ever read. I loved it! This is a great story of finding love in unlikely places.

Finding the Right Girl by Violet Duke
Before you even start this book, grab a fresh box of tissues and keep it close. This was an amazing story about some pretty amazing people. This Nice Girl to Love series, which also flows into the Cactus Creek series, is a must read for anyone who loves those emotional contemporary romances with ...more

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Jun 26, 2014 Sofia Almiroudis rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Sweet to You- Jessie Evans
Great continuation in the Fire and Icing series. Just loved Maddie and Jamison's love story. Couldn't put it down, wanting more and more. It was hot and sexy from the get go. Loved that the two characters had been friends since childhood and never thought of each other as more until their almost kiss in the bakery (introduced in the Hot for You book) many years later. Thank god for that singles retreat.......where it all began. A must read!!! Great job as always Jessie. ...more

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Nov 26, 2014 Bette Hansen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I haven't read all the stories in this collection by I have read a few and they are fantastic and make this one set you will want to get. I can only imagine the rest will be just as good! I highly recommend everyone grab this now!

If I Return by Sawyer Bennett - Wonderfully sweet love story. Hope is a shy, studious college student. Jack is a strong, confident soldier headed to war. They have one glorious week together. A story you don't want to miss.

Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jessie Evans - ...more

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Nov 25, 2014 Bette Hansen rated it it was amazing

I haven't read all the stories in this collection by I have read a few and they are fantastic and make this one set you will want to get. I can only imagine the rest will be just as good! I highly recommend everyone grab this now!

If I Return by Sawyer Bennett - Wonderfully sweet love story. Hope is a shy, studious college student. Jack is a strong, confident soldier headed to war. They have one glorious week together. A story you don't want to miss.

Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jessie Evans - ...more

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Jul 14, 2014 Kristy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

What a great collection! I haven't finished them all yet, but the ones I've read so far are wonderful!
On Any Given Sundae by Marilyn Brant
Such an adorable story. Steamy too! 4 STARS
Finding the Right Girl by Violet Duke
This was such a great story. After the "Guy" books, this was a great conclusion to the series. 5 STARS
Sweet to You by Jessie Evans
I really like Jessie Evans' books. Great story lines and the characters are believable. 5 STARS
Getting Out of Hand by Erin Nicholas
You can't go wrong ...more

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Jul 14, 2014 Robin rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This box collection is a great mixture of funny and heartwarming stories! Definitely a purchase worth making. I initially picked up the set because one my favorite authors stories was featured. You may have heard of Erin Nicholas and if you haven’t you need to read her right away! Anyways I knew I wanted to read Erin’s 1st book in her Sapphire Falls series “Getting Out of Hand” , so I bought the whole set. I was rewarded by finding 6 other “new to me” authors and their wonderful stories. ( I had ...more

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Jun 27, 2014 Neena Christianson Martin rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, adult

This was such an awesome set of books. I had read some of the authors before, but some were new to me, and I will be reading more from all of the authors. Each story is a HEA, but getting to those hea's weren't smooth sailing. I give the collection five stars, but only because I can't give them more, they surely deserve more.

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Dec 03, 2014 genille taylor rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Good read

With the exception of two, fairies and spirits, this was actually a really good read. Marquita Valentine didn't disappoint and the others were good too! I would definitely recommend as a nice holiday distraction

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Jul 21, 2014 Sarah rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

To be honest, most box sets don't hold my interest until the last book...THIS ONE DID! Every book in this set is fabulous! One minute I was laughing and the next I was crying! These books are your true love stores! Every book is very well written! I highly recommend this box set!

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Dec 26, 2014 Dorel rated it liked it · review of another edition

I purchased this Christmas box set because I love Violet Duke books. Most of these stories in this set were okay. I like how this box set introduced me to new authors. The authors I'm looking forward to reading more books by are Janelle Denison & Karen Erickson.

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Jun 26, 2014 Jenna rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

This collection was wonderful to read. lots of love, laughter and tears! Each Author brought something new and exciting for each story.
I have recommended these books to all of my fellow readers..
Who doesn't love a feel good story? Or eight ....

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Nov 02, 2014 Pamela rated it really liked it

Shelves: own-kindle, shorts-novellas-under100pages

I read several of the short stories in here but most of them had their own Goodreadspages so I used them. I am using this one just for Decking Drew since it doesn't have it's own GR page. Very cute story, hope there is another one that will be their happy ever after.

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Jul 21, 2014 Nikki rated it liked it · review of another edition

Just ok, didn't really stir many brain cells or challenge me as a reader. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon light read or on a beach holiday.

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Apr 17, 2015 Janice Steele added it · review of another edition

Amazing stories

Enjoyed reading this amazing and exciting Christmas love stories that brought loved ones together. This is a must read.....awesome and exciting.

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Jul 17, 2014 Karen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

An amazing set of books from some of the best authors out there! This is by far one of the best box sets I've ever purchased!

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Jul 15, 2014 Penny rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A great collection by great writers, at a great price. I stumbled upon this wonderful, inexpensive box set that included 8 really sweet, funny stories. I highly recommend you pick this up.

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Jul 07, 2014 Crystal Singer rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This box set is a fantastic deal! Several authors I haven’t heard from, and a few that I had. So at $.99, I couldn’t beat it! I’ll give you some quick reviews on 4 books! No spoilers….just how I liked the books!

Getting Out of Hand by Erin Nicholas:
Erin Nicholas is my favorite. That’s no secret. I love her and anything she does. However, after falling totally and completely in love with her Bradford/Dixon series….it was hard for me to imagine loving a completely new, unrelated series. BOY WAS I This box set is a fantastic deal! Several authors I haven’t heard from, and a few that I had. So at $.99, I couldn’t beat it! I’ll give you some quick reviews on 4 books! No spoilers….just how I liked the books!

Getting Out of Hand by Erin Nicholas:
Erin Nicholas is my favorite. That’s no secret. I love her and anything she does. However, after falling totally and completely in love with her Bradford/Dixon series….it was hard for me to imagine loving a completely new, unrelated series. BOY WAS I WORRIED FOR NOTHING! WOW. From page 1 of this story, the Bradfords and Dixons were both far from my mind! I fell hook, line and sinker for Sapphire Falls and all of its residents. It was so fun meeting a whole new cast of characters and learning all their different personalities. I loved it. Mason Riley….what can I say?? Nerds have never been so hot!! And Adrianne Scott was the perfect mix of confident and unsure for me. Their chemistry grabbed me from the very beginning and didn’t let go! You’ll also meet the other girls that the next 3 books are about….and they are fantastic, funny, bitchy, crazy and wonderful! In this book you’ll find a sexy nerd, a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to give the details, a whole lotta hotness, heartbreak, love, tears and happily ever after. This is the perfect start to a brand new series!

Temping Love by Melanie Shawn:
I have read one other book by Melanie Shawn and to be honest, it wasn’t my favorite. I liked it, but didn’t love it. Well….that’s not how I felt about Tempting Love! I really really liked this one! It’s book 5 in their Crossroads series. I was apprehensive about reading it, because I hate starting in the middle of a series, no matter that it can be read as a standalone. However, I read it and now I want to start at the beginning of the series and read all of them! Eddie Thomas and Haley Sloan had some of the most intense sexual frustration I have ever read. He wanted her bad…but knew he needed to stay away. She wanted him and saw no reason to stay away. This story line worked for me! Eddie was the hot single dad, and Haley was the sweet girl next door (well, across the street anyways). Eddies little girl was so cute and added something real to this story. Loved it! Intensity, love, laughter, family, drama and STEAM is what you’ll get with this one!

Sweet To You by Jessie Evans:
Well, with the good, you usually have the not so good. I hate giving negative reviews, but this one just wasn’t for me. The potential was there for sure. Good story line, fun characters, the right amount of drama (for me anyway), but it just fell flat. From the beginning I noticed that the transitioning in the writing was off. It didn’t seem to flow very well. Some of the terminology used threw me for a loop as well…even though I understood it was meant as a joke, I just couldn’t take it (“love-rod”). Maddie is a sweet bakery owner who is ready to move on from her divorce after 6 years of marriage. Jamison was a bad boy who loved women. These two knew each other their entire lives and after one night at a singles retreat and some whiskey, quickly decided to make it more. This book wasted NO time getting between the sheets (or in the water). There really was no build up to their first hook up, it just happened quickly. A lot of potential with this one, but it came up short.

Finding The Right Girl by Violet Duke:
This book is a spin-off from Violet’s A Nice Guy series. I didn’t read that series, but had no problem jumping in with this one. I’m not exactly sure what to say about this book…other than it left me feeling happily broken hearted. This was a rip your heart out kind of romance for me. I had a roller coaster of emotions reading this one. If someone would have warned me….I don’t think I would have read it. I’m glad I did, it was good. But not the typical HEA that I always prefer! Dedication, love, understanding, tears, joy and, oddly enough, hot sex is what’s in store for you with Finding The Right Girl.

Happy Reading!!
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Aug 01, 2014 Maria Rose rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 5-star-reads, fully-reviewed-books

This is a review for Erin Nicholas's book Getting Out of Hand, part of the wonderful collection of 8 romantic stories. Based on this book alone I'm already thrilled with the purchase!

This first book in the Sapphire Falls series treats us to the story of Mason and Adrianne. Mason grew up in this small town, a boy with such a high IQ that he was always an outcast among his peers. When he left he became a successful scientist and never envisioned himself returning until an alumni event and a This is a review for Erin Nicholas's book Getting Out of Hand, part of the wonderful collection of 8 romantic stories. Based on this book alone I'm already thrilled with the purchase!

This first book in the Sapphire Falls series treats us to the story of Mason and Adrianne. Mason grew up in this small town, a boy with such a high IQ that he was always an outcast among his peers. When he left he became a successful scientist and never envisioned himself returning until an alumni event and a request for a business donation lure him back for some rest and relaxation. There he meets Adrianne, a Chicago transplant who loves the small town life and is enjoying her new community of friends. Her job is to coax the money and land out of Mason to support the new business development - only things don't go quite as planned when an instant attraction between them threatens the business plan and Mason's well ordered life.

I absolutely adored this story! I've always enjoyed small town romances and though the setting may be familiar, the characters in this story are very unique. Adrianne is a strong willed and dynamic female, used to the fast paced life of a business executive but quite happy to take a back seat to the Mayor and help out as her assistant behind the scenes. The slower pace and friendly atmosphere appeal to her and she is content with her new surroundings. Mason enters her life like a whirlwind, whisking her onto the dance floor at their first meeting and instantly showing her that while she's been content in her new life, there was something missing - and it was him. Mason is an enigma. He's a brilliant and wealthy scientist who has learned all the social niceties required to wine and dine the ladies and yet at his core still remains a little bit on the outside of normal with his total dedication and enthusiasm for his work. His immediate attraction to Adrianne releases unpredictable feelings that take him by surprise but in a good way. The sexual tension between them begins at their very first meeting and their love scenes are dynamic and emotional, steaming up the pages. Making love to Adrianne releases in Mason inspiration to solve some of his greatest technical challenges and I thought that Mason using her skin to record his ideas was perfectly in character for him (and so sexy!).

Secondary characters play an important role in the story, revealing the intricacies of Mason's relationship with them as teenagers and now as adults. His desire to be accepted by his peers still lingers and Adrianne's sensitivity to Mason's desire to be 'normal' is heartwarming to read. Alternating points of view give insight into Mason's and Adrianne's thoughts and feelings, adding emotional depth to the story. The overall tone of the book is lighthearted and fun, so enjoyable that I found it difficult to put down once I started reading. I am very much looking forward to future visits to Sapphire Falls. 5 delightful stars! ...more

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May 19, 2015 Rose rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

So far I have only read a couple of these stories but here are my reviews on them:

On The Rocks by Sawyer Bennett: Sawyer has done it again. This new beginning to her new series is fantastic. Gabby is a very strong woman who doesn’t take any crap off anyone. Hunter is a wonderful guy who loves his family and would do anything for them. I loved this book & look forward to the next one. I think the Last Call Series will be just as big a hit as the Off Series was.

Love, Tussles, and Takedowns ...more

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Dec 07, 2014 Diane rated it it was amazing

*partial review*
***
Twelve Dates of Christmas: The Ballad of Lula Jo by Jessie Evans

I LOVED this book!!

Tallulah Josephine Watson was a spinster at the age of 33 years old. At least, that is what she felt like.

Lula was 22 years old when she fell hard and fast for Carter Bryce, an archaeologist who came to her home town seeking his fortune. Despite a courtship that spanned a few years, Carter left abruptly when faced with Lula's decision to refuse his ring and not leave with him when his job ended. ...more

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