Catch My Heart

by Lyssa Layne

No one said love was easy. No one said love was perfect. No one said love didn't hurt. No one said love would last forever.

Follow these characters from your favorite Lyssa Layne books as they experience Valentine's Day in an unexpected, non-traditional fashion...

Love is a Fire/Burst Into Flame-Andy Garrity lost the love of his life almost three years ago. Giving in to his daughter-in-laws, he decides it's time to get back in the saddle and go on a first date for the first time since high school. Before he even meets his mate, Andy's having second thoughts and ready to pass on this opportunity at love.

Everybody's After Love/My Favorite What If-James Paul and Brianna Rossi are expecting their second child in less than a month. Brianna can't wait to have a daughter while James Paul is thrilled to have a new princess to spoil. Brianna has the perfect day planned for her husband until her plans blindside her in a way she never imagined.

Loved by the Linebacker-Recovering from a torn ACL, Blake Purser isn't used to taking it easy. He also isn't used to not having his best friend, Camila Lemos, spend more time with her boyfriend, his brother Evan, than him. His long-time on-again, off-again girlfriend, Molly Feiser, is doing her best to entertain him during the off season but Blake isn't prepared for her latest idea.

Holding the Other-Lee Maverick and Miranda Wallen are the king and queen of country music. The married couple have ruled the charts for the last ten years and fans love the chemistry between them. This Valentine's Day will be one for the records before the night is over.

My Favorite What If-Sloan Talbott and Jacob "Smitty" Smith are spending their first Valentine's Day as a couple. In the short time they've been together, they've carved out the perfect nook for just the two of them. Having spent the last six months in Italy, it's time they head back home to the States and learn to be together with their meddling families surrounding them 24/7. What if life for the new couple isn't perfect in the real world?

Love's not easy. Love's not perfect. Love hurts. Love doesn't last forever. Can these couples endure love at its ugliest or will it break them down more than they can handle?

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

Lyssa Layne is first, and foremost, the proud momma to her precious daughter, AR. In addition to working full-time and being a mommy to AR, she is also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, a runner, blogger, and an infertility survivor.

Having watched one too many medical dramas and being inspired by author Rachelle Ayala, who introduced her to the world of indie writing, Lyssa decided to try her hand at writing a romance story. Her attempt turned into the Burning Lovesick series. You can find Lyssa’s own interests throughout her stories although all stories are fictional.

You can visit Lyssa’s writing blog at http://www.authorlyssalayne.blogspot.com You can also follow her on Twitter @layne_lyssa or check out her Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/lyssalayne

Feel free to contact her regarding blog reviews, giveaways, or blog book tours authorlyssalayne@gmail.com Happy reading!

Reviews

[LaGina · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great collection of stories to be read, even better since I got the privilege to read them for Valentines weekend. Lyssa Layne was a new author for me but she is now on my author stalk....er I mean author to watch list. This collection has something for everyone. It was very heart warming and a really enjoyable escape. I am so glad that she was introduced to me. ON a side note I went through a personal situation a few months ago and this author personally contacted me to make sure that I was okay. Not only does this author write from the heart she does have a heart.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andy Garrity - Love is a Fire & Burst Into Flame

Andy has experienced more heartache in the last few years than any man should. Yet, his daughter-in-laws believe that maybe it's time for him to move on so he is no longer alone after the death of his wife Lisa, three years ago.

This book is an amazing look at the guilt of moving alone and knowing that it is ok to move on and no longer feel lonely. The book brings up such sad memories from past books, yet it is an amazing book on love and the ability to never forget those we have lost.

Absolutely loved this story!

Brianna Rossi - Everybody's After Love

Brianna is very excited with the upcoming arrival of her baby girl with her husband James Paul. Her pregnancy has been going super well and her and James Paul have been having a lot of intimate moments together! Her sister-in-law Julianne is also pregnant but has not been enjoying it the same way and is very fearful about something not going well.

I don't know how to tell you how amazing this story is without ruining anything. Holy incredible and emotional! This story just sinks into you and overwhelms you with emotion. Absolutely loved it!

Blake Purser - Loved by the Linebacker

Blake has been in a secret relationship with Molly for the past two years and he is really tired of sneaking around. On Valentine's Day he heads for dinner with Molly, Evan, Camila, Tate, Mia, Grant and Colie and they all discuss marriage and kids. Maybe Blake's in over his head this time.

Wow - really not sure how I feel about Blake! I must admit that I had issues with Blake in Loved by the Linebacker for the way he treated Evan and it appears that he still hasn't grown up. As he is getting his knee back together to hopefully return to the field life has more in store for him and the way he treats everyone will soon come back to haunt him.

Miranda Wallen - Holding the Other

Miranda is the queen of country music and is married to country music star Lee Maverick. Yet, over the past 10 years together they have gradually grown apart and Miranda feels like they are no longer connected. Will this Valentine's Day find the passion they have been missing?

This story is all about finding yourself and truly doing what is best for yourself and not adhering to what everyone expects from you. Miranda has to do what makes her happy and find herself and what she has lost over the years. I could really relate to this story!

Jacob "Smitty" Smith - My Favorite What If

Smitty and his girlfriend Sloan arrive back in the US after spending the last 6 months in Italy. They are ready to spend their lives together but who knows how it will be when they have their families and friends around them. Will they be able to handle the ghosts of their pasts, now that they are back in front of them?

I love Smitty! It must be so hard for both Sloan and Smitty to move on from the heartbreaks in their pasts to forge a future together but they start doing it. Smitty has several surprises for Sloan which shows the amazing guy he is. I just really hope Smitty catches a break as he truly deserves so much happiness!

[Dawn DiDominzio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Valentine’s Collection of 5 short stories, of which Lyssa Layne gives the reader a prequel of future book goodness to come. Each story has characters from her previous books, but you can jump on the “Lyssa Bandwagon” without having read about them in previous books. These stories are short, but high impact and you’d swear they were full length novels! I don’t know how she accomplished that illusion, but that she did. These stories will have you craving for more, and this is why reading is my ultimate passion. I don’t need to have all the answers, I don’t mind not having a conclusion and ending on a cliffy. It builds the anticipation for future releases, and the high it gives is so worth it! Having said that, the author clearly has plans to expand on each of these stories, and when she does, I will be all kinds of giddy.
Now, what can I say about the stories themselves? I could easily review each separately, but I tend to ramble on when I’m excited, so I will just say this. The saying quality vs. quantity is what immediately comes to mind here. I would much rather read a short story of quality, than having to read repetitive drivel. These stories have all the components of a full length novel, but they are easy, breezy to read. While I was reading, you couldn’t pry my Kindle out of my hand with a crowbar. Although, I did allow for much needed time-outs to clean up the black mascara running down my face, but the author is notorious for making you cry…and laugh at the same time, which is downright evil if you ask me ;) However, this is just one of the many reasons that I will always be part of the author’s faithful posse.
This collection has it all. Strong male characters (sexy shmexy, too, and sometimes broody. YES!), wicked cool female characters, interesting plots, LOL humor, angst, the sizzle factor, run and get tissues moments, and my fave, the element of surprise. All very different, but equally wonderful.
A message to the author: You owe me a package of make-up wipes and a box of tissues. ☻
I give the collection 5 Valentine’s day hearts. ♥♥♥♥♥

[Twinsie Talk Angie J · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Catch My Heart Valentine’s Day Collection by Lyssa Layne
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
I have got to say I have never read anything from this author so to me this was a GREAT introduction to her writing and even possible books I will want to read later!
Love is a Fire/Burst Into Flame – This story is a great look at the family dynamic of today’s families. There are your biological kids and your “adopted” kids . WE are seeing teen preganancies plus extended families.
Andy is being set up by one of his daughter-in-laws to meet Tricia. That part of the story was sweet but to be honest I so want to read about Katy and Nick. I loved the glimpse we got into this man and his children after the love of his life has passed.
Everybody's After Love/My Favorite What If – OMG this story….we are so excited to see this family of three growing to be a family of four. The arrival of the baby is so wanted in one family while another pregnancy is not wanted in another part of their family. The story line was so amazing and so sad at times but it also is a topic that needs to be addressed as this issue recently occurred to a friend of mine!!!
Loved by the Linebacker – Blake and Molly are hiding out from the prying eyes of the world. His brother is dating his best friend Camilla. When the two can finally be together to Valentine’s Day, there is a lot that both characters are hiding from the other…….*Que music*
Holding the Other – Lee and Miranda are a couple who have fallen into the marriage rut. Sex has lost its excitement. It’s just a perfunctory. This Valentine’s Day everything chances when the couple have to face where they are and where they’re headed.
My Favorite What If – Sloane and Smitty are spending their first Valentine’s Day back in the USA. They have been in a “honeymoon” period without any nosy family members around to disturb their new relationship.

[Angelica Lichtner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of 5 very sweet shorter stories and they are all very well written and really good. At first I thought that I would dislike the fact that it is not a book but 5 stories but I was wrong. They are really good when it comes to what they are about and how they are written. When I started reading I thought I would read one of the stories and then go to bed and it ended up with me finishing all five stories in one go.

If you are like me, and havent heared about Lyssa Layne before, this is a perfect book with short stories to start with. You get the feeling of the author and how she writes. I think this is a perfect introduction to an author and it makes you want to read more. I have bought more from Lyssa Layne after finishing this one becase it dragged me in and I really love the way she writes and the way she tells a stories.

I am writing this review a few days before Valentines Day and this is a perfect read before Valentines and on valentines. It is really 5 good love stories that makes your heart melt and ouze of love and happy feelings. What I really enjoyed is that it is romance but they do not have sex everywhere, its is about the main characters, the hero and heroine, and how they deal with their day to day life and all the ups and downs we all know is their. It cant be better according to me that you mix the hero and heroine, their life and romance together. It makes the story deeper and better.

I am so inlove with this book of 5 short stories and I know I will reread them in the future and I will read more from Lyssa Layne because this gave me the feeling of wanting to read more from the author. It is brilliant writing and the stories is so good in so many ways.

[Ramona Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catch My Heart
Lyssa Layne

Lyssa Layne's collection of short stories, Catch My Heart, brings us the continuation of a few of her popular novels, all set around Valentine's Day. This is like a dream for most readers - what happened after the happily ever after? Did it stay true to the promise? Did it become a happily just now? Or did the romance fizzle out after some time?

Romance, remember, isn't just filled with lust and hot romps in bed (or other places). After the heat, reality sets in and the hero and heroine need to deal with life in all its rawness, just like you and me.

While most endings are as expected - actually a bit more than I expected - one ending is slightly different than what you'd predict and another is a completely shocking surprise. Thank you, Ms Layne, for sticking to your signature unexpected twist even within a dozen or so pages of storyline!

These are deeper looks into the novels, which are nicely showcased at the end of each little tale, and really whet your appetite for more from these characters. Of course you'd understand the progression better if you had read the main novel (or novels, in some cases) but these stories can stand by themselves. Although, there is one in particular which truly left me wanting more because it is such a cliffhanger.

Like Valentine's Day itself, love can take many forms and appearances, sometimes even ones you'd never expect. Lyssa Layne showcases this with her quick reads in Catch My Heart: from good, to unexpected, to wait, what? They're such a great reminder that while romance is real, it still needs to weather life to grow, no matter if you're a character in a book or a true person.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited when Lyssa released a collection of Valentine's stories that included many of my favorite characters. It allowed me to get a tease of what might come with the characters in the future while it made me want to read even more!

Andy Garrity is back on the dating scene after losing his wife a few years prior. Will he have success and find a love like he lost?

James Paul & Brianna are a made-for each other couple. They seem to have it all but all changes in a split second, a way they weren't prepared for.

Blake & Molly are a couple that is hidden by the ins and outs of their daily lives. Her latest plan of action isn't what Blake had in mind.

Lee & Miranda are country crooners who have ruled many charts for the past few years.

Sloan & Smitty have had a whirlwind romance that has taken a non-conventional path. Life changes shows them that their dream life may not be what it was meant to be.

These stories show that love is not easy, its not perfect, it can hurt and sometimes it won't last forever but hopefully all can overcome!

[Janett The Pleasure of Reading Today · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Lisa's writing and she does not disappoint when it comes to this Valentine's collection.

Every one of these stories transport us not only to the lives of these characters but to the possibilities that come with a second chance at love, to losing the one you love, the insecurities that some go through at the thought of being a parent for the first time, the fear that the past will come back to hunt you and it'll repeat itself.

Lisa is an incredibly talented storyteller and I find that her book have soul, a feeling that transport her readers to the magical world her characters are living in. While these are short stories, some of them will get a full novel later on, and I can not wait for that to happen.

Love can leave us frail, full of fear and hopeless through a loss or a break up, but the arrival of a new soul to our lives can also build us back up, and show us how good it is to share dreams of a new life with another person. This is the message I got from these stories, this is the message we should never forget.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catch My Heart

    Valentine’s Collection

Lyssa Layne


Contemporary Romance


5  Stars


    This book is a collection of Valentine’s Day stories from your favorite Lyssa Layne books.

    Read about your favorite characters andd how they are spending Valentine’s Day.

    All of them experiencing different emotions and just trying to get through this day of Love without a broken heart.


    I as a reader needed the tissue box handy.  And at times was asking myself “ why is she doing this to us???  Despite all that, it’s a very good read and will give you the reader some extra closure in the books that this includes.






ARC provided by the author  in exchange for an honest review.  Reviewed by Lisa from Alpha Book Club


   

[Fiction Vixens Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of 5 really great short stories and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed these stories As you are reading these stories they will take you on a journey through the characters lives and the possibilities of second chances at happiness and love. It's also about insecurities of becoming first time parents. These stories will have you wanting more . This author has a talent for writing great stories ,that has soul and that will take us the reads on journey through happiness and sad times. I found that Lyssa Layne has given us everything from strong sexy males and some really wicked females with some real exciting plots. The plot has angst, humor, and some sizzling scenes,and these stories are really different. Just one thing that you should know is have tissues on hand you just might need them .I could go on and tell you more about each story but that would spoil it for you. I highly recommend that you read Catch my Heart ,because you won't be disappointed.

[Book Review Virginia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

VIRGINIA REVIEW
*********************************
This was short stories in a collection of five. You journey through many emotions of what you would do for that special love in your life. The plot was really real life and keep you entertain and enjoy reading them. The Character made you fall in love with them and they did drag you through their emotional times that will make you cry. Highly Recommend this book, you will totally enjoy it today.
How would you describe the plot of this book? some twist
Which of these words best describes the mood? Suspenseful
How would you describe the pace? steady
How would you describe the characters? developed
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *

[Virginia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was short stories in a collection of five. You journey through many emotions of what you would do for that special love in your life. The plot was really real life and keep you entertain and enjoy reading them. The Character made you fall in love with them and they did drag you through their emotional times that will make you cry. Highly Recommend this book, you will totally enjoy it today.
How would you describe the plot of this book? some twist
Which of these words best describes the mood? Suspenseful
How would you describe the pace? steady
How would you describe the characters? developed
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *

[D.L. Gallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ummmm, yeah so I don't know how to put into words how amazing this collection of short stories was.
It was so great to revisit the characters from Lyssa's previous works and see where they are now.
I do highly recommend to have tissues on hand as a few of them are tear jerker's and one may rip your heart it and stomp on it but it's done it a beautiful way, if that makes sense. Lyssa is my tear jerker queen and I cannot wait for more from Lyssa

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 4 out of 5]

SNSBAH Rating: 4.0

~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

A nice collection of Valentine romance stories. Some stories made me chuckle and some made me cry but they all touched my heart in one way or another. The only reason I did not give this book a five star rating is I found some stories dragged a little bit. Other than that I really enjoyed the stories overall. I am a sucker for a good romance and that is what you will get with these stories.

[Stephanie Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book of short stories. I enjoyed that not all were lovey dovey that you would think would come out of a Valentine's themed book. The author wrote a variety if different type short stories that were all an enjoyable read with a tissue or two, what did I just read here, and I need more please!

[Tracy Arnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice collection of Valentine romance stories. Some stories made me chuckle and some made me cry but they all touched my heart in one way or another. The only reason I did not give this book a five star rating is I found some stories dragged a little bit. Other than that I really enjoyed the stories overall. I am a sucker for a good romance and that is what you will get with these stories.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

**SPOILER FREE**


Such a sweet book! Captivates and hold yous hears to the stories. A good read for Valentine's or a perfect gift for your valentine who loves to read!

*Received for an honest review*

[Joann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its a terrific collection of romantic short stories with all kinds of different and charming characters, a great read /gift for Valentine's Day!!

[Paula Genereau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these stories. Even though they were short and 5 different ones but Lyssa rocked it. I love all her books.


I received a copy of the book for my honest review