30 of your favorite authors come together to celebrate love and romance in this anthology featuring brand new, original short stories.
All proceeds will go to the American Heart Association.
Featured authors include: A.M. Kusi, Abbie Zanders, Alley Ciz, Anna Blakely, Anna Brooks, Becca Steele, Cora Kenborn, Darcy Burke, Elizabeth SaFleur, Emery Rose, Greer Bailey, Ivy Layne, J. Kenner, Jeana E. Mann, Jennifer Woodhull, Joslyn Westbrook, Kailee Samuels, Kait Nolan, Lexi C. Foss, Lisa Suzanne, Lynne St. James, Maria Luis, P.J. Fiala., Rebecca Sharp, Riley Edwards, S.E. Rose, Saffron A. Kent, Samantha Lind, Susan Stoker, Taylor Danae Colbert.
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.
Full Disclosure I only read A Cut Above The Rest by Alley Ciz because it was Bette and E. Sorry not sorry :)
When I heard we were getting Bette and E's book I was scared. Alley can be a real monster sometimes and since I've read Kay's story, I thought maybe this book would be devastating. So, I was petrified. Then I read her promise at the start and I couldn't turn the page fast enough.
This is a standalone prequel novella. And honestly it can be read whenever but knowing what happens to all these characters after this definitely added to the emotions. That said the chemistry between Bette and E is electric and I actually found myself so lost in Alley's writing I kept waiting to see what was happening next.
I got to the end of this and was so desperate for more. But I'm also relieved that it ended there. I just really need Alley to write faster.
I had the pleasure of reading one story from this Anthology and I am in love...i cant wait for its continuation!!!
𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊: Illicit Acts. 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄: Dark Romance. 𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄: Assassin Hero, 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: Cora Kenborn. 𝐓𝐘𝐏𝐄: PART OF ANTHOLOGY "LOVE IS IN THE AIR." 𝐏𝐎𝐕: FIRST-PERSON: DUAL PERSPECTIVE.
𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘: Mikhail is back in his home town for the purpose of avenging a girl murdered in cold blood...a killer with a conscience...But when a deal makes his way for the killing of Zasha Gaheris, he accepted it with the intention of protecting his God child...but nothing could have prepared from the storm Zasha will bring at his door. Did Mik who never had a weakness finally found his damnation in an eighteen year old.
𝐌𝐘 𝐅𝐄𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒: Gahhh!!! I love this short read...and the part that it's just a beginning gives me good vibes. Mikhail and Zasha cannot be more different from eachother...26 years of life and experience separates them but I got the feeling that they understood eachother flawlessly in just their first meeting. I love this girl with her wit, sharp tongue, sharper mind and sassy attitude. We even got a glimpse of Ava and Niko from THE DARKEST DEED... The lies and secrets have just begun and the unintentional betrayal will be costing both of them in the future. I am so excited for this new triology focusing on Bratva...darkness is a promise because nothing is soft about Bratva...😈🖤
This anthology is for a cause very special to me, the American Heart Association. Two years ago, my husband had a heart attack at home. For nearly fifteen minutes, he had no heart beat. He wasn’t breathing. The precious oxygen that every cell of our body demands in order to function was denied him. I’m so grateful for the amazing care and interventions he had, from the dispatcher on the phone to the doctor who discharged him from the hospital five weeks later. Words alone could never be adequate to express our gratitude to all of those who touched our lives along the way, including many friends and authors here in Romancelandia.
Thankfully, our story has a happy ending. I came to know others during our experience who, sadly, weren’t as fortunate. If we can give a little through the sale of this anthology to help others either avoid an experience like hubby and I had or to gain similar positive results, well it's a small way to have a big impact. Plus, we have a phenomenal lineup of truly gifted authors, so you can purchase this one knowing the writing will touch your heart, and your contribution will touch someone else’s life in an amazing way. ❤
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 - Arrow & Salem by Saffron A. Kent (Love Is in the Air, Anthology) When I saw this anthology was being released, I was so excited because my queen SAK was releasing an extended epilogue featuring Arrow & Salem from “My Darling Arrow” and a sneak peek into Reed & Callie’s story + Poe, Wyn and Callie’s gorgeous brothers! This extended epilogue was everything I wanted and more, SAK gave us a beautiful conclusion to a passionate story. I know I say this all the time, but I am truly in awe of this women’s capability to make you FEEL every word. SAK has mastered the art of poetic writing and mesmerizing words that leave you with all the butterflies and a grin on your face the entire time. Arrow & Salem will forever be an exquisitely delicious, beautiful poignant love story that grips you from the start and never let’s go. . “𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙭 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚. 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧.” 𝙃𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙙. “𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨. 𝙎𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙚𝙣.” . After a passionate story of unrequited love and longing Arrow & Salem finally have found their Happy Ever After but that has not come easy and Salem is still feeling the weight of what their relationship has done to her sister, her one and only living family member. Salem wants to patch things up with her sister before her wedding to Arrow, so she plans to set up a time to meet with her going behind Arrow’s back because he knows anytime Salem and her sister are together Salem ends up in tears. . When Salem finally sees her sister after so much time apart, she realizes just how much she missed her but what Salem wasn’t expecting was for her sister to ask something of her that would absolutely tear her apart. Has her sister really changed? And can she do what her sister has asked of her? . Get ready for an even more possessive, dominant, alpha, growly Arrow and our sweet, innocent, full of love Salem who has such a huge heart that Arrow will destroy anything in its path trying to hurt her. . Rating – 5+🌟 Steam – 5+🔥 . 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗠𝗲 𝗢𝗻: Instagram ♡
I received Darcy Burke’s contribution to this anthology: INVITATION. And an invitation it is. Not a romance for what I know the author to write but a prequel full of promises, introducing some of the future protagonists for her series to be launched next may, The Phoenix Club. And while the story turns mainly around 3 main characters, a dejected suitor, a courtesan looking for a change of trade and a second son well decided to break his society’s rules, it also presents various aspect of what will be this series with its crew of outcasts. So I plan to attend this upcoming series.
My review is for Cut Above the Rest by Alley Ciz and it was a fun morsel to help pass the evening. Quick read that will leave you wanting more. You get to see how Eric and Bette meet and it was a delight. Alley’s brand of lol moments will pull you in from page one. I had a smile on my face the entire time that I read their story.
The Offer The Offer is a short story by Becca Steele where total opposites are dating for appearances only. Bad boy, hot head rugby player vs. the good girl socialite. What they weren't expecting was actual chemistry. Even though it was a short story, Becca Steele built it up just right and delivered the steam and the chemistry. I only hope she'll come back and make this a full-length story because these two are HOT!
Cut Above The Rest Alley Ciz takes us back to when Eric, Kay's brother from Looking To Score, first meets Bette. It's cute and it's charming. This is E before he was super protective. He's only a freshman in college. Also, it gives us a peek at Kay when she was barely a teenager.
Review for GASPING IN HIS GRASP by Kailee Samuels:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
OMG!!! Forget what you know about Mrs Samuels' work, or rather don't ever forget it! Sorry I am not making much sense here, but you'll understand when you'll have read her novella!
"I need a fearless soul, ready to burn through my wreckage and rebuild my heart with all the love he has to give."
Gasping In His Grasp is a scorching hot/panty melting age-gap romance (I'm talking about 25+ years here *gasp*) between a yound bartender and and ex-military hot biker. With the deep sensuality and the nerve-wrecking anticipation of this story, I found myself caught up into a seduction game I couldn't get enough of.
Be prepared to see Stormy and Randy errupting into your book world. The feisty and sassy woman definitely can tango! The question remains open as to who leads the dance, though... *evil laugh*.
I plan to read more but for now, I'd like to give my review for Saffron Kent's Arrow & Salem:
Oh my. This little extra into the current lives of Arrow and Salem from My Darling Arrow was just what I needed. I didn't realize how much I have missed them and to get to see them as an engaged couple, still as passionate and feisty as ever made me swoon. The added component regarding Salem's sister was an unexpected shock but I thoroughly enjoyed how both she and her fiercely protective fiance in Arrow handled that prickly situation in only the way they could: with a few tears and a ton of hugs and kisses, no matter how growly Arrow was at his head-strong woman.
We also get a glimpse into the lives of the other St. Mary's besties and that has me all kinds of excited for what is to come next.
Love is clearly in the air when it comes to Arrow & Salem and I couldn't be happier to get to be with them once more. 5 solid stars!
When Jameson Met Chloe by Joslyn Westbrook I love that this story started with the hea, and then told how they got to that point. Jameson owns Luv Bytes, one of the most successful dating apps, and Chloe needs to join, interview Jameson, and write an article on her experience with the app. The problem being...these two already know each other, and it did not go well the first time.
Safe read. This was an emotional read, my heartstrings tugged a few times throughout their story. Jameson is one of the sweetest guys, I really adored him. He and Chloe were just sweet together, it made my heart happy. Hea.
Bad boy rugby player Jake has had one too many bad headlines. Jake is friends with Victoria’s brother and suggests a deal that will help them both out. Clean up his act and get her mother off her back.
But it’s not that easy. The rugby bad boy doesn’t trust easily so trying to break down those walls is a massive task for Victoria.
It may only be a short story but sparks fly and the sexual tension is off the charts.
Another hit from Becca Steele.
Cut Above The Rest by Alley Ciz
We finally get to see how two of my favourite characters from Alley’s hit series, U of J met.
Bette and E, who we first met in Looking To Score have such an interesting love story and we had glimpses of it but I’m so happy that Alley chose to give us more of them. E and Bette’s chemistry is explosive and they have such a sweet meet cute that I couldn’t get enough of this short story.
My review is for Cut Above the Rest by Alley Ciz. I already knew I was in for trademark Ciz lol moments at the very first opening scene. I love the U of J series and it was so great to see how E and Bette met. The meet cute put a smile on my face and is the perfect segue into the series. New readers looking for a great sports romance series should read this one and start binge reading... you won’t regret a single moment.
This review is for When Jameson Met Chloe by Joslyn Westbrook.
I read it in one go. And it was wonderful! I couldn’t put it down. I wouldn't change a thing! Although, maybe, someday, a longer version? It lends itself to a full-length story. The end was just a bit fast now. Not too fast, not to worry! It's just that a great story is always too short for me; that moment when you have to say goodbye to new bookfriends always comes too soon. And this sure was an awesome read! And a steamy one at that! Well-written. Highly recommend. It was also cool to meet up with 'old' friends Macy and Sage (Macy from Confessions of a Bookaholic).
My review of one story in the anthology Invitation by Darcy Burke The Phoenix Club – Prequel
A delightful look at the main players who will run an exclusive club in this new series by Darcy Burke has caught my eye. After reading this teaser, I had hopes that Belle and Lucien might end up together, and perhaps they will, but then again, perhaps they will each find someone else to eventually settle down with instead before the series ends. I am intrigued, delighted and eager to read more and have heard that the first book in the series, Improper, will be released March 25th.
Did I enjoy this novella? Yes Would I read more in this series? Definitely!
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
A little taste of what’s to come in a brilliant new series from Darcy. The Phoenix Club looks like it’s set to be another winner . Secret partners, ladies with covered backgrounds, wastrel titled gents, and an owner with a difficult family, but wow does he sound like a heartthrob. I can hardly wait . Bring it on!
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
OMG! I absolutely LOVED Cut Above The Rest by Alley Ciz! The prequel to her UofJ series! I’ve wanted to know Bette and Eric’s story since reading the UofJ series and it was so perfect! Of course it’s short but it gets straight to the point. How they met, how they connected and we get to meet little Kayla and JT, besties in the UofJ series! If you loved it as much as I did you will love the UofJ series! I’m so obsessed with all her writing! Now time to get down with all the other amazing authors in this anthology!
One Holiday Kiss - A.M. Kusi Amara and Lyric, best friends. They have a great friendship and Amara does not want to ruin it with her best friend. Playing Spin the Bottle, and that one kiss sets off Lyric on a path of wanting and he’s going to get what he wants. Throw in a small misunderstanding and you've got some stress. Nice quick read.
The Proposal - Abbie Zanders Heff is planning a proposal for Valentine’s day, but he’s left it to the last minute. He’s a SEAL, he should have a plan B. Leave it to Sandy, she has a plan B they Heff doesn’t know about, it’s a nice reversal that plays out perfectly. Loved this extra snipped of the Sanctuary series.
Her Risk to Take - Anna Blakely R.I.S.C - Rescue, Intel, Security and Capture Loved the suspense right off the bat. Lexi and Trevor love each other desperately and they each have an idea to show the other how much they do with special surprises on Valentine’s Day, but they just might get the chance due to a robbery and shooting. Great short read.
Where I’ll Be - Anna Brooks Flipping awesome, I was so very much looking forward to Lincoln’s and Oakley’s story and this just gave me the slightest peak into their future. This author is the best and I can’t wait to read the full story.
When Jameson Met Chloe - Joslyn Westbrook I liked this story, it started with the ending, which was kinda cool. Loved the concept of the dating app and the rules for the four weeks. PAP and “swoonsation” were cute words, throw in a 10 year age difference, experience and an alpha male you it was an excellent short story.
Holly & Dash - Susan Stoker Suspense and sweet surrender. Holly meets dash when her friend is in a compromising position. “Lucy and Ethel.” His friend takes off with her and Holly is left with Dash who she’s been crushing on for a while. They have a really weird first date, well it’s not really a date and then it gets better from there. An incident on the base has both of them locked in trying to survive. They realize time is not guaranteed and they make amends to complete their dedication to each other.
Stella & Magic - Riley Edwards
Same intensity in this story as it’s interlinked with Holly & Dash. Could it be that Magic beat a 12? “Abort Mission” is totally hilarious, that’s how they met, she fell out of a tree and Magic caught her. “Friendship, and love all rolled together.”
I just realised how much I missedArrow and Salem from My Darling Arrow which is one of my favourite books from 2020. I am in love with them. Really. I am also oh so very excited for CallieReed. All of the crumbs have made me even MORE thrilled for their story. A Gorgeous Villain is hands down one of my most anticipated reads for this year. I cannot wait.
I have said this before and I’ll say it again,Saffron A. Kent is one of my favourite authors. If you liked Arrow and Salem’s story, then you will definitely be more than happy with this extendedepilogue.
I recommend this anthology.
*ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.*
Amazing stories by amazing authors, they will make you swoon, laugh and fall in love with all the characters.
Here is my review for some of this wonderful stories:
Cut Above the Rest by Alley Ciz: Alley did it again!! it don't matter if is a short story or a full book I'm always devoured her stories. In this story you the back side story of how Eric and Bette met. if you have read the UofJ series then you know who these characters are and if not don't worry this short story is sweet and will definitely make you want to read the UofJ series.
The Offer by Becca Steele: Omg!!! this story is so good. Bad boy mets good girl!! the chemistry between Jake and Victoria is off the charts HOT!!! the sensual tension and banter between these characters made the story so entertaining to read. This novel deserves a whole book.
Arrow & Salem by Saffron A. Kent: One of my favorite couples, Arrow and Salem are the main characters from My Darling Arrow. In this short story we catch up with them and now they are about to get married. But like in all of Saffron's book you'll get angst and drama. I love how these couple faces so many obstacles to be together but how good they are to each other. Of course their is some steamy moments and I honestly loved this story. It was a sweet treat.
Bound To You by Maria Luis: Holly Molly, I was not expecting this. This book is based on The Broken Crown world and the level of hotness of this book is off the roof. Im speechless, I didn't see this coming but I loved every page of it and now I need to have more, good thing Maria has promise us more. Betrayal, drama, revenge, passion, you get all of that in this short story>
This is a Huge anthology of great writing. So, I’m going to review it as I read the stories. Overall, this is a group of short stories with a Valentine’s Day happily ever after vibe. The Proposal by Abbie Zanders is an awesome novella from the Sanctuary series. You must read this series if you haven’t. It is one of my current favorites. The stories are full of alpha protector with hearts of gold, strong women, a lodge for veterans, a lot of great suspense, and happily ever afters. The Proposal takes place as Heff decides to propose to Sandy. They both have their own surprises planned. This story is about placing those surprises and the mishaps that take place. Abbie Zanders writes awesome characters. So, you really don’t want to miss this sweet, sultry tale! It’ll leave you with a huge smile on your face. Her Risk to Take by Anna Blakely was a hot page turner! Anna Blakely’s RISC series is amazing. The plots are sexy and suspenseful, and the characters are lovable. I’m in love with this series. This story revisited Lexi and Trevor. Lexi has managed to have a mind-blowing surprise for Trevor on Valentine’s Day. First she needs to run by her restaurant and make sure that everything is going well on Valentines Day. Unfortunately three guys come in to rob the restaurant. Lexi and her staff are taken hostage after they catch Lexi texting Trevor. Of course Alpha team and the police are responding. Lexi is saved with the clever security equipment that they put in her restaurant. Of course, you get a sexy happily ever after. Plus we learn that there will be a Charlie team. I’m so excited!
“30 of your favorite authors come together to celebrate love and romance in this anthology featuring brand new, original short stories.
All proceeds will go to the American Heart Association”
Stripped love by: Emery Rose I decided since this is an anthology to focus on a short story by one of my favorite authors!
This story takes us back to a world that the author has already created, “The Love and Chaos” world. If you haven’t read the other two books go back and read those ASAP!
This is a Short story that will be turned into a full length book... it’s about Siena who you will meet in Sweet Chaos. I loved getting her perspective on things that happened in Sweet chaos.
This story takes place when Sienna Move to New York, she’s at a cross roads in her life. I loved the dynamic between her and Asher! He’s the fun loving and relaxed stripper, to Sienna’s corporate personal and do things by the book, nature. I loved seeing the way he brought her out of her shell, in the short time we saw them together. He is going to be perfect for her I can already tell.
I cannot wait for the full length book because I know it’s going to be nothing short of amazing!
I plan to read more of the short stories in this book! Anthologies are my favorite way to find new authors!
I am obsessed with these anthologies from all my favorite authors!! And because of this recent one, I discovered even more authors that I've been wanting to try, but haven't had the chance to read their books, so it's a win win all around!!
I loved all of these little stories, but my top three favorites were Cut Above The Rest by Alley Ciz, Stripped Love by Emery Rose, and The Betrayal by Rebecca Sharp! Each of these stories were glimpses into characters I've already loved and obsessed over, so it's so amazing to get more of them! They were all so fun, and sexy, all the while being so emotional and I just cannot wait for more!
As someone who is obsessed with Alley Ciz's books, I really loved that she wrote about a couple we all know and love -- Bette and E! Their beginning was so freaking cute and authentic, and I just could not stop the smile that was on my face!
All of these stories were absolutely amazing, and I definitely look forward to reading all the full books once they are published! Plus all the proceeds goes to an amazing foundation, so please one click if you can!😊
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
My review is for Alley Ciz’s Cut Above The Rest, #UofJ Prequel. Ok get ready to swoon. There is nothing better than an author giving you more details of characters you love. This story stole my heart from the very first sentence. Knowing what I did already about Eric and Bette’s relationship from reading, strike that, heck devouring Alley’s U of J series, I knew going into reading this story I would love it so much! And surely I did.
Eric and Bette are literally the definition of Meet Cute! How they get together is adorable! Then as the story progresses their relationship gets stronger and even better. When you get to the end you want so much more. But then you know you have more of their incredible romance in the U of J series, so it makes this feel full circle.
This story was beautiful and absolutely enjoyable. Get ready to swoon wicked hard over these two. I know after reading this I want so much more, therefore I need to go re-read the U of J series!
Love Is In the Air is an anthology that contains Cut Above the Rest by Alley Ciz. And can I just say.....IT'S ABOUT FREAKING TIME!!!!!! Cut Above the Rest is the story of how Eric and Bette met (fans know them from the U of J series - and if you haven't read those WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!!!!). In true Alley fashion you fall in love with the characters immediately. I don't want to give too much away but this tasty little morsel has me antsy in anticipation of her Royal books that are coming up, the next U of J AND BTU. Gimme more Alley!!!!!!!
This anthology also contains When Jameson Met Chloe by Joslyn Westbrook. Quick witted writer Chloe is able to turn bad interviews into media gold. But when she's asked to review the dating app Luv Bytes created by none other than Jameson Wright, she can't wait to prove how ineffective the app is, or is it? I really enjoyed this quick and dirty novella by Joslyn Westbrook! Yet another reason to purchase this treasure packed anthology!!!!
I read Cut Above the Rest by Alley Ciz and loved it! It’s E and Bette’s story from the first three books in the U of J Series (looking to score, game changer, and playing for keeps). Ever since meeting them I’ve always wanted their love story and to know how they met and Alley wrote it perfectly. E and Bette have an instant attraction and immediately know they want one another. Love was definitely in the air in this book. I loved seeing all of the other characters as well but younger being described in different POV’s. I definitely recommend reading this as a starter to the U of J series, you can read it after, or just by itself however you prefer but I will definitely be reading the rest of these cute love stories in this anthology
I have really enjoyed the stories that I have read out of this so far. Maria Luis's story was a huge shock. I thought I was prepared for some surprises, but I was absolutely not prepared. My mouth dropped open at least six times. It was a totally captivating story and a great lead-in to her Broken series. I also enjoyed Kait Nolan's story. It is the beginning of her next book, and now I am desperate to read it. I loved the romantic way Paisley and Ty reconnected and how tender they were together. Joslyn Westbrook's story was like You've Got Mail with a dating app spin. I don't want to spoil anything, but the twists in here were pretty clever. Those are the authors I was already familiar with. Now I need to read the stories by the new-to-me authors. I am really looking forward to them.
The Offer is a short story that will be featured in the soon to be released Love Is In The Air Anthology.
Victoria and Jake are total opposites. Vic is the good girl with a sassy attitude while Jake is the bad boy rugby player who desperately needs to clean up his act.
Victoria's brother makes a offer to Jake to help him...thats were it begins. I loved Jake and Victoria's chemistry. They definitely have the whole opposites attract thing down.
The Offer is a short but sweet story. You will be left wanting more!! Im hoping we get more from these two.
I'm excited to read the rest of the stories in this anthology once its released!
My Review is for "The Offer" is a short story written by Becca Steele,
Victoria is a good girl who wants her mother to stop meddling in her love life and Jake is a bad boy rugby player who is trying to clean up his reputation. I loved this short story as it gave us a glimpse into Jake & Victoria, Even though this was a short story I was completely fine where it ended and I cannot wait to read more about Jake & Victoria.
I have given this 4 stars as it was the short story from the anthology and have no doubt I will change it to 5 stars once the full book is released.
Illicit Acts by Cora Kenborn, all I can say is WOW! This amazing story built around smoke and mirrors and filled with heat and suspense will have you wanting more. Mika and Zasha have that kind of story that will melt the paint off of walls. Throw in the little hiccup and a bit of betrayal and you have a recipe for a story you will want more of. I can't wait to read the remainder of the stories. There are so many great authors in this collection.