I love a good bargain. Five sweet romances for free? Can’t beat it. Oh, wait. I mean five WONDERFUL sweet romances for free. Can’t beat THAT.
The set starts with Stacy Claflin’s novel, SEASIDE SURPRISES. Handsome Jake is stuck in town, stuck running the family business—just generally stuck. Just when the tedium is more than he can stand, in comes Tiffany, keeping some secrets that spice things up and intriguing Jake. She tries to keep him at arm’s length, tries to deny her feelings, but love just can’t be denied. Unfortunately, neither can Tiffany’s past. The characters are ones you’ll root for, the setting is one you’ll want to visit again, and the resolution to the story is a total rush.
The second story in the set is Susan Hatler’s novella, LOVE AT FIRST DATE. Ellen’s family and friends’ history with relationships has taught her one thing—love should not be left to fate. So she’s come to rely on algorithms and probabilities to find her perfect match. The problem? The man the dating service says is her perfect mate looks great on paper and lukewarm in person. But fate offered up a hot alternative. These characters are so endearing, you’ll love them from the first word to the last.
The middle story in the set is Ciara Knight’s novella, RIVERBEND. This is the story of Mitch, a widower with a young son and an assistant, Cynthia, who holds both his personal and professional life together. When he wins an award at work, his acceptance speech makes both of them realize what they mean to each other, but because of a no-dating-coworkers policy (and a series of other misunderstandings), they risk losing everything that matters most to them. This story will tug at your heart.
The fourth story in the set is Jean Oram’s novel, WHISKEY AND GUMDROPS. Mandy has ignored Frankie’s romantic feelings for her for years, keeping him firmly in best-friend-mode. But when her ex gets married, she decides she needs a major life-change, too. So she goes from waitress to restaurant-owner. But she needs help. Lots of it. And he’s just the guy to give it to her. The interplay between the two of them is dynamic, and the antagonists (not villains, but antagonists) are also fun to read. One of them is especially well developed. The setting of the small town of Blueberry Springs is also very well done and is a place you’ll find yourself wanting to visit.
The final story of the set is Lindi Peterson’s novella, UPTOWN HEIRESS. When waiter Justin and heiress Grace vie for the same design job, Grace falls for him and he for her. There are only two problems. One, the obvious, they’re after the same job. And two, she’s lying to him about her identity. Justin has a clear disdain for the upper class. This story surprised me, as I thought it was going to be about a reality dating show. Pleasantly surprised, I might add. I liked these characters, and liked the way the job situation was resolved in the end.
So yes, this set is worth a free download. But it would be worth paying for, too. Every single one of these stories is an enjoyable read—clean romance, logical plotting, compelling characters, varied and enjoyable settings. It’s with no hesitation that I give this set five stars.