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Love Stories: A Novella Collection
A collection of contemporary romance novellas from New York Times Bestselling Author Samantha Young.
This volume includes novellas previously only available exclusively to newsletter subscribers. They have now been collated into this romantic collection of modern love stories.
Includes:
The Forbidden Christmas Gift:
It’s Christmas at Shaw’s Department store in Edinburgh! Reid Shaw should feel nothing but gratified by his success. But he’s not satisfied because the sexy Scot wants forbidden fruit for Christmas: Evan Munro. Reid’s Evan’s boss. He’s thirteen years older than her.
Oh … and she’s his best friend’s little sister.
New Year's Eve:
After Ryan drunkenly kisses the object of her crush, Joe—her sister’s father-in-law— at his son’s birthday party, all she wants to do is avoid Joe for the rest of eternity. But when they find themselves stranded alone together on New Year’s Eve, Ryan discovers Joe most definitely doesn’t want to avoid Ryan…
Loving Valentine:
Micah Green has loved Valentine Fairchild for over ten years; ever since they were kids brought together by Micah's difficult family life. Too many outside factors have gotten in their way, pushing them further apart over the years. But Micah, no matter how hard he tries, can't forget her. When he finds a way to see her again, he realizes he's wasted too much time loving Valentine from afar. Now he just has to convince her to let go of their past so they can move on with their future. Together.
Ember in the Heart:
When Ember Bonet overhears her sister’s fiancé’s best friend uttering rude remarks about the Bonet sisters at the engagement party, she instantly dismisses him as a pretentious man-child. Then said man-child, Foster Darwin, moves into the house next door along with his five-year-old daughter, making him hard to ignore.
Foster can’t believe his best friend, Colt, omitted to tell him the spinsterish Bonet sisters live in the house next door to his new home. Problem is, Ember Bonet is anything but spinsterish. From the moment they met, Foster has fought an overwhelming attraction to her. An attraction he has no time for. Not only is he determined to prioritize his daughter Georgie, he can’t fail his own father again. And Edward Darwin has made it clear that Foster must settle down with the right woman. Unfortunately, his family’s idea of ‘right’ isn’t the sexy massage therapist next door who’s eleven years his senior.
Determined to keep her distance from Foster, Ember fails when it becomes clear he and Georgie need support in their new life together. But proximity to one another is too great a temptation, and physical chemistry soon turns into so much more. If only Ember could get over their age difference and Foster his family pride…
This volume includes novellas previously only available exclusively to newsletter subscribers. They have now been collated into this romantic collection of modern love stories.
Includes:
The Forbidden Christmas Gift:
It’s Christmas at Shaw’s Department store in Edinburgh! Reid Shaw should feel nothing but gratified by his success. But he’s not satisfied because the sexy Scot wants forbidden fruit for Christmas: Evan Munro. Reid’s Evan’s boss. He’s thirteen years older than her.
Oh … and she’s his best friend’s little sister.
New Year's Eve:
After Ryan drunkenly kisses the object of her crush, Joe—her sister’s father-in-law— at his son’s birthday party, all she wants to do is avoid Joe for the rest of eternity. But when they find themselves stranded alone together on New Year’s Eve, Ryan discovers Joe most definitely doesn’t want to avoid Ryan…
Loving Valentine:
Micah Green has loved Valentine Fairchild for over ten years; ever since they were kids brought together by Micah's difficult family life. Too many outside factors have gotten in their way, pushing them further apart over the years. But Micah, no matter how hard he tries, can't forget her. When he finds a way to see her again, he realizes he's wasted too much time loving Valentine from afar. Now he just has to convince her to let go of their past so they can move on with their future. Together.
Ember in the Heart:
When Ember Bonet overhears her sister’s fiancé’s best friend uttering rude remarks about the Bonet sisters at the engagement party, she instantly dismisses him as a pretentious man-child. Then said man-child, Foster Darwin, moves into the house next door along with his five-year-old daughter, making him hard to ignore.
Foster can’t believe his best friend, Colt, omitted to tell him the spinsterish Bonet sisters live in the house next door to his new home. Problem is, Ember Bonet is anything but spinsterish. From the moment they met, Foster has fought an overwhelming attraction to her. An attraction he has no time for. Not only is he determined to prioritize his daughter Georgie, he can’t fail his own father again. And Edward Darwin has made it clear that Foster must settle down with the right woman. Unfortunately, his family’s idea of ‘right’ isn’t the sexy massage therapist next door who’s eleven years his senior.
Determined to keep her distance from Foster, Ember fails when it becomes clear he and Georgie need support in their new life together. But proximity to one another is too great a temptation, and physical chemistry soon turns into so much more. If only Ember could get over their age difference and Foster his family pride…
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2021
49 people are currently reading
607 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Young
108 books28.3k followersSamantha is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and a Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee. Samantha has written over 60 books and is published in 31 countries. She writes emotional and angsty romance, often set where she resides—in her beloved home country Scotland. Samantha splits her time between her family, writing and chasing after two very mischievous cavapoos.
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December 6, 2021
4.5 'Love Stories' Stars!
ARC provided via Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review.
A collection of novellas from one of my top favorite authors? Sign me up! I am a massive fan on Samantha Young and when I saw she was releasing a collection of short stories that I still had not yet had the pleasure of reading, I was all over it. And after reading these four stories I have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed every single one of them and its wonderful characters.
All the parts in Love Stories: A Novella Collection have been developed enough to enjoy them as novellas, the characters are well developed and complex, the plot is fluent, the connections are definitely there and the chemistry burns the pages. And I am so happy because every single one has a very good ending that wraps everything up. Also there are so many troupes involved (age-gap, workplace, forbidden, retelling…) so I am sure any romance fan will find something they can enjoy. In my case, I really enjoyed all four stories but I loved New Year’s Eve and Ember in the Heart more because they were the extremely emotional ones.
Therefore, I am rating Love Stories: A Novella Collection with an overall of 4.5 STARS because it’s a great collection of novellas that any fan of Samantha’s writing will love. Also it’s a great way to get to know her style if you haven’t read anything by this amazing author yet. I highly recommend this and any of her other books because Samantha’s stories are such a treat for any romance reader!
The Forbidden Christmas Gift: 4.5 ‘forbidden fruit’ Stars!
New Year's Eve: 5 ‘code red’ Stars!
Loving Valentine: 4 ‘Cupid’ Stars!
Ember in the Heart: 5 ‘obsession’ Stars!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
ARC provided via Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review.
A collection of novellas from one of my top favorite authors? Sign me up! I am a massive fan on Samantha Young and when I saw she was releasing a collection of short stories that I still had not yet had the pleasure of reading, I was all over it. And after reading these four stories I have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed every single one of them and its wonderful characters.
All the parts in Love Stories: A Novella Collection have been developed enough to enjoy them as novellas, the characters are well developed and complex, the plot is fluent, the connections are definitely there and the chemistry burns the pages. And I am so happy because every single one has a very good ending that wraps everything up. Also there are so many troupes involved (age-gap, workplace, forbidden, retelling…) so I am sure any romance fan will find something they can enjoy. In my case, I really enjoyed all four stories but I loved New Year’s Eve and Ember in the Heart more because they were the extremely emotional ones.
Therefore, I am rating Love Stories: A Novella Collection with an overall of 4.5 STARS because it’s a great collection of novellas that any fan of Samantha’s writing will love. Also it’s a great way to get to know her style if you haven’t read anything by this amazing author yet. I highly recommend this and any of her other books because Samantha’s stories are such a treat for any romance reader!
The Forbidden Christmas Gift: 4.5 ‘forbidden fruit’ Stars!
New Year's Eve: 5 ‘code red’ Stars!
Loving Valentine: 4 ‘Cupid’ Stars!
Ember in the Heart: 5 ‘obsession’ Stars!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
December 6, 2021
(ARC provided by author)
Love Stories: A Novella Collection by Samantha Young is a collection of contemporary romance novellas previously only available exclusively to newsletter subscribers. They have now been collated into this romantic collection of modern love stories.
Includes:
-The Forbidden Christmas Gift
-New Year's Eve
-Loving Valentine
-Ember In The Heart
____________________
***THE FORBIDDEN CHRISTMAS GIFT***
“Haven’t you ever met a woman who made you lose your common sense? Who made your skin hot and your blood pump and everything else but kissing her, touching her, ceased to matter?”
Evan Munro lives in Scotland where she works as the PA for her brother’s best friend Reid. She’s been crushing on him since she was fourteen hoping he’d one day finally notice her. She tries to keep things professional even though she’s secretly infatuated with her gorgeous boss.
Reid Shaw owns a successful department store in Edinburgh and is often accused of being a workaholic. He loves his job, but lately a certain employee is driving him to distraction. His best friend’s little sister is all grown up, but she’s off limits. She’s too young for him but she’s become his newest obsession.
The Forbidden Christmas Gift by Samantha Young is a brother’s best friend, age gap, boss/office forbidden romance. It’s a sexy Christmas story about getting what your heart desires most!
____________________
***NEW YEAR’S EVE***
I felt a deep tug low in my belly at the mere sight of him. I had never been this viscerally attracted to a man in my life.
Ryan Baillie is a beautiful, independent 24 yr. old woman living in California. Her little sister means the world to her, and she tried to spend as much time with her as possible. When her sister falls in love and marries, she gains even more family including a new brother-in-law, and his forty yr. old father Joe Colchester. He’s sexy, successful, and her ultimate fantasy, but sadly off limits. Then she drinks too much one evening at a party and one kiss intensifies her crush and makes him her greatest temptation. She tries to ignore her attraction and avoid things getting too awkward, but when she finds herself stranded alone on New Year’s Eve with the object of her affection will she let fear win, or take a chance on love?
New Year’s Eve by Samantha Young is a captivating age gap romance about family, sizzling chemistry and unexpected love!
____________________
***LOVING VALENTINE***
He looked at me like no one ever had before. He stared at me like he thought I was beautiful. I grinned, my heart racing just thinking about it.
Micah Green’s childhood wasn’t the best. Then his world is changed for the better when he’s sixteen. He turned his life around, and in the process fell in love with the one girl he could never have. He adored Valentine Fairchild from the first moment he’d laid eyes on her. She was the one person that truly saw him. Through the years he was tormented trying to deny his real feelings, but the heart wants what the heart wants.
Loving Valentine by Samantha Young is a heartwarming friends to lovers romance about bad timing, young love, and second chances.
____________________
***EMBER IN THE HEART***
It was a good thing she hated him… otherwise, she’d be a temptation and distraction he might not be able to resist.
Ember Bonet is the second oldest of the Bonet sisters. She’s a 36 yr. old single massage therapist who lives with her sisters in their family home they inherited from their parents. Life is good, and then the universe decides to have a sick sense of humor when Foster Darwin moves in next door. He is her soon to be brother-in-law’s best friend and business partner, so she has to occasionally see him, but this is too close for comfort. He was quite possibly the rudest man she’d ever met, and they clashed at every turn. He’s a judgy jerk who comes from a high society family that’s all about reputation, wealth and snobbery. She was unapologetically herself and knows her worth. He was eleven years younger, and their personalities just didn’t mesh, but their physical attraction was on fire. They were two completely different people who had nothing in common, but she was drawn to him. He was easily the most beautiful man she’d ever seen. Would she be able to keep her distance, or will he become her newest obsession?
Ember in the Heart by Samantha Young is a single dad, neighbors, age gap, enemies to lovers romance about family, fate and delicious temptation. Opposites attract in this addictive love story.
_____________________
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3EutbU4
Love Stories: A Novella Collection by Samantha Young is a collection of contemporary romance novellas previously only available exclusively to newsletter subscribers. They have now been collated into this romantic collection of modern love stories.
Includes:
-The Forbidden Christmas Gift
-New Year's Eve
-Loving Valentine
-Ember In The Heart
____________________
***THE FORBIDDEN CHRISTMAS GIFT***
“Haven’t you ever met a woman who made you lose your common sense? Who made your skin hot and your blood pump and everything else but kissing her, touching her, ceased to matter?”
Evan Munro lives in Scotland where she works as the PA for her brother’s best friend Reid. She’s been crushing on him since she was fourteen hoping he’d one day finally notice her. She tries to keep things professional even though she’s secretly infatuated with her gorgeous boss.
Reid Shaw owns a successful department store in Edinburgh and is often accused of being a workaholic. He loves his job, but lately a certain employee is driving him to distraction. His best friend’s little sister is all grown up, but she’s off limits. She’s too young for him but she’s become his newest obsession.
The Forbidden Christmas Gift by Samantha Young is a brother’s best friend, age gap, boss/office forbidden romance. It’s a sexy Christmas story about getting what your heart desires most!
____________________
***NEW YEAR’S EVE***
I felt a deep tug low in my belly at the mere sight of him. I had never been this viscerally attracted to a man in my life.
Ryan Baillie is a beautiful, independent 24 yr. old woman living in California. Her little sister means the world to her, and she tried to spend as much time with her as possible. When her sister falls in love and marries, she gains even more family including a new brother-in-law, and his forty yr. old father Joe Colchester. He’s sexy, successful, and her ultimate fantasy, but sadly off limits. Then she drinks too much one evening at a party and one kiss intensifies her crush and makes him her greatest temptation. She tries to ignore her attraction and avoid things getting too awkward, but when she finds herself stranded alone on New Year’s Eve with the object of her affection will she let fear win, or take a chance on love?
New Year’s Eve by Samantha Young is a captivating age gap romance about family, sizzling chemistry and unexpected love!
____________________
***LOVING VALENTINE***
He looked at me like no one ever had before. He stared at me like he thought I was beautiful. I grinned, my heart racing just thinking about it.
Micah Green’s childhood wasn’t the best. Then his world is changed for the better when he’s sixteen. He turned his life around, and in the process fell in love with the one girl he could never have. He adored Valentine Fairchild from the first moment he’d laid eyes on her. She was the one person that truly saw him. Through the years he was tormented trying to deny his real feelings, but the heart wants what the heart wants.
Loving Valentine by Samantha Young is a heartwarming friends to lovers romance about bad timing, young love, and second chances.
____________________
***EMBER IN THE HEART***
It was a good thing she hated him… otherwise, she’d be a temptation and distraction he might not be able to resist.
Ember Bonet is the second oldest of the Bonet sisters. She’s a 36 yr. old single massage therapist who lives with her sisters in their family home they inherited from their parents. Life is good, and then the universe decides to have a sick sense of humor when Foster Darwin moves in next door. He is her soon to be brother-in-law’s best friend and business partner, so she has to occasionally see him, but this is too close for comfort. He was quite possibly the rudest man she’d ever met, and they clashed at every turn. He’s a judgy jerk who comes from a high society family that’s all about reputation, wealth and snobbery. She was unapologetically herself and knows her worth. He was eleven years younger, and their personalities just didn’t mesh, but their physical attraction was on fire. They were two completely different people who had nothing in common, but she was drawn to him. He was easily the most beautiful man she’d ever seen. Would she be able to keep her distance, or will he become her newest obsession?
Ember in the Heart by Samantha Young is a single dad, neighbors, age gap, enemies to lovers romance about family, fate and delicious temptation. Opposites attract in this addictive love story.
_____________________
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3EutbU4
January 11, 2022
The Forbidden Christmas Gift:
Evan works as a PA for Reid Shaw, her brother’s best friend. It was a favor to get a job with him but she has proved herself to be a valuable employee. Evan has a massive crush on Reid and despite all her attempts to get him to really ‘see’ her, they have all failed. She thinks it’s something to do with the 12 year age gap.
Reid longs to find someone he can marry and have a family with but he has a few rules he lives by when it comes to dating and they may be holding him back from finding the one. He also works too much, that makes it hard to give a lot of attention to any girl he dates, work always comes first. Maybe one day he will meet someone who has the opposite effect on him.
Now that Evan knows what is holding him back from dating someone like her she plans to ramp things up a bit, showing him how irresistible she is and how good they could be together. It’s definitely working, Reid can’t seem to get thoughts of her out of his mind.
‘It had taken me twenty years to find a woman who filled my thoughts and drove me to distraction. And it would have to be my best friend’s little sister. It wasn’t the forbidden thing that got me hot. She did. It was the forbidden thing that made it hurt. Because I couldn’t have her.’
As Reid battles with his feelings towards Evan, she decides to draw a line in the sand. If he wants to play with her he better be ready for her because he is the only thing she wants for Christmas.
New Year's Eve:
An undeniable attraction between a couple with a 16 year age gap. It started with a drunken kiss one night that neither of them has ever forgotten. After witnessing the obvious lusting between them that everyone else can see except them, they are set up to spend a weekend away in a private cabin.
It does not take long for the lust to win out and for them to realise that they can no longer deny what has been building for a long time. Two bodies collide and there are orgams aplenty!
This is a fun and sexy novella.
Loving Valentine:
Micah lives with his alcoholic mother who has been MIA for a few weeks now, leaving him with an empty fridge and no power. When her best friend calls in to check up on things she is shocked to find him living this way and promptly takes him home to stay with them.
Micah is a good student who works really hard, his goal of getting a scholarship is within reach and will hopefully help change the course of his life. However, living with the Fairchild family opens so many doors for him, he is treated as if he was one of their own children. Speaking of that, the Fairchild have one other child, Valentine.
From the moment Micah and Valentine first meet, there is a strong connection between them. An undeniable one that they try to fight. Only thing is that neither of them admit it to each other, this leads them to making silly decisions and taking them on very different paths.
Valentine has always felt like she cannot live up to the expectations her family have of her and even Micah has made her feel this way recently, he was the one person she could count on to believe in her. It seems that fate is not done with them yet and when they cross paths once again. it’s time for a bit of raw honesty. Can Micah maker her his forever Valentine?
Ember in the Heart:
When Foster Darwin moves into the house next door to the Bonet sisters, he is a source of much discussion among the siblings. He is only 25 years old, very good looking and a single father to his five year old daughter Georgie. He is best friends with their soon to be brother-in-law so their paths cross on several occasions but the most memorable is at the engagement party of Colt & Jade. It is here he makes Ember feel as insignificant as a dust mite.
Ember is the eldest sister, at 36 years old she is still single and a successful business owner. Some consider her a spinster but she has plenty of life left in her yet. When she meets Foster’s daughter Georgie, they instantly form a connection. Ember can’t fathom how a mother could leave her child to pursue a career without looking back. She enjoys spending time with Georgie, helping out Foster when he needs childcare is something she looks forward to.
There is also something brewing between Foster and Ember. There is an attraction there but the age difference and his indifference towards her at times is frustrating. Then there is the whole issue of class and his parents wanting him to find the right match. Luckily their hormones seem to take over and it’s a game changer for both of them. Everything Foster thought he wanted has changed and he can’t imagine his life without Ember sharing it with him and Georgie.
If you are a Pride & Prejudice fan then you will love this modern day twist written along similar lines to the original. There is a family of five sisters and a handsome, arrogant man who is downright rude to one of them. There are issues with class and snobbiness but it is very much in the present time. This felt like a full length novel and I loved every moment of it!
Evan works as a PA for Reid Shaw, her brother’s best friend. It was a favor to get a job with him but she has proved herself to be a valuable employee. Evan has a massive crush on Reid and despite all her attempts to get him to really ‘see’ her, they have all failed. She thinks it’s something to do with the 12 year age gap.
Reid longs to find someone he can marry and have a family with but he has a few rules he lives by when it comes to dating and they may be holding him back from finding the one. He also works too much, that makes it hard to give a lot of attention to any girl he dates, work always comes first. Maybe one day he will meet someone who has the opposite effect on him.
Now that Evan knows what is holding him back from dating someone like her she plans to ramp things up a bit, showing him how irresistible she is and how good they could be together. It’s definitely working, Reid can’t seem to get thoughts of her out of his mind.
‘It had taken me twenty years to find a woman who filled my thoughts and drove me to distraction. And it would have to be my best friend’s little sister. It wasn’t the forbidden thing that got me hot. She did. It was the forbidden thing that made it hurt. Because I couldn’t have her.’
As Reid battles with his feelings towards Evan, she decides to draw a line in the sand. If he wants to play with her he better be ready for her because he is the only thing she wants for Christmas.
New Year's Eve:
An undeniable attraction between a couple with a 16 year age gap. It started with a drunken kiss one night that neither of them has ever forgotten. After witnessing the obvious lusting between them that everyone else can see except them, they are set up to spend a weekend away in a private cabin.
It does not take long for the lust to win out and for them to realise that they can no longer deny what has been building for a long time. Two bodies collide and there are orgams aplenty!
This is a fun and sexy novella.
Loving Valentine:
Micah lives with his alcoholic mother who has been MIA for a few weeks now, leaving him with an empty fridge and no power. When her best friend calls in to check up on things she is shocked to find him living this way and promptly takes him home to stay with them.
Micah is a good student who works really hard, his goal of getting a scholarship is within reach and will hopefully help change the course of his life. However, living with the Fairchild family opens so many doors for him, he is treated as if he was one of their own children. Speaking of that, the Fairchild have one other child, Valentine.
From the moment Micah and Valentine first meet, there is a strong connection between them. An undeniable one that they try to fight. Only thing is that neither of them admit it to each other, this leads them to making silly decisions and taking them on very different paths.
Valentine has always felt like she cannot live up to the expectations her family have of her and even Micah has made her feel this way recently, he was the one person she could count on to believe in her. It seems that fate is not done with them yet and when they cross paths once again. it’s time for a bit of raw honesty. Can Micah maker her his forever Valentine?
Ember in the Heart:
When Foster Darwin moves into the house next door to the Bonet sisters, he is a source of much discussion among the siblings. He is only 25 years old, very good looking and a single father to his five year old daughter Georgie. He is best friends with their soon to be brother-in-law so their paths cross on several occasions but the most memorable is at the engagement party of Colt & Jade. It is here he makes Ember feel as insignificant as a dust mite.
Ember is the eldest sister, at 36 years old she is still single and a successful business owner. Some consider her a spinster but she has plenty of life left in her yet. When she meets Foster’s daughter Georgie, they instantly form a connection. Ember can’t fathom how a mother could leave her child to pursue a career without looking back. She enjoys spending time with Georgie, helping out Foster when he needs childcare is something she looks forward to.
There is also something brewing between Foster and Ember. There is an attraction there but the age difference and his indifference towards her at times is frustrating. Then there is the whole issue of class and his parents wanting him to find the right match. Luckily their hormones seem to take over and it’s a game changer for both of them. Everything Foster thought he wanted has changed and he can’t imagine his life without Ember sharing it with him and Georgie.
If you are a Pride & Prejudice fan then you will love this modern day twist written along similar lines to the original. There is a family of five sisters and a handsome, arrogant man who is downright rude to one of them. There are issues with class and snobbiness but it is very much in the present time. This felt like a full length novel and I loved every moment of it!
December 6, 2021
We have four little holiday-themed romances in this book - all of which have previously been sent out in Sam's newsletter. So you might've read one or more already - I remember that I at least read one of those - maybe all - I'm a Bookalzheimer patient - so who knows. LOL!
The Forbidden Christmas Gift
In this first little story we have Evan and her boss Reid. Who is 12 years older than her and her brother's best friend!
But ever since she was 14 she's been in love with him and now he finally sees her. But he has too many rules about not dating younger women et cetera.
But it's Christmas time and if not now then when? 🎅
I really enjoyed this story. We've seen this as a movie many times before. The department store heir and the young poor employee. And it's adorable and sweet and heartbreaking and sexy and just lovely. I could read and watch those things every day for eternity and never get bored.
New Year's Eve
Here we have another age gap thing.
Ryan is 24 years old and kind of in love with her little sister's 40 year old father in law!
And then the two of them end up alone in a lake cabin for New Year's - due to the sister and son playing matchmaker!
That was really adorable too! I would've preferred a bit of a smaller age difference. Ryan could have been 28 and it would still have been age gappy but a bit better. But still - I really liked this. Ryan is so much older than her years, she had to grow up fast to take care of her sister.
Adorable and sparky love story!
Loving Valentine
Valentine + Micah.
They've been in love with each other since Valentine's mom brought Micah home to live with them ten years ago. But they never told each other! So the years went by with other girl- and boyfriends until one day ...
Adorable. A really heartbreaking story in the beginning and then we get a bit of a wasted time situation. Ten years of wasted time because they just never said anything. Ugh! Idiots! But it was still a cute little story!
Ember in the Heart
Ember and Foster.
He's her sister's husband's friend and business partner and he doesn't seem to like her much. Which she overheard at a party!
But that's not the real Foster - which she soon finds out once he moves into the house next to her - with his five year old daughter!
He's a really great guy who is kinda super attracted to Ember - but she's eleven years older than him and she's a college drop-out massage therapist. Not something his parents would be happy with.
That was the perfect adorable final story in this collection!
Funny and sweet and sparky and sexy. And so cute and sweet with the little girl who is missing her mom and ugh. So adoarable! I wish we would've gotten a real full-length book about all the sisters!!
LOVE STORIES was an adorable and sweet and sparky and sexy and funny and just perfect little collection of novellas! Perfect to squeeze in some quick reading time during those busy holiday moments.
💜
💜
December 10, 2021
This book of four delicious bites just fitted my mood. Each story was rich despite the brevity of the pages; I definitely had some favourites. Christmas touched at least three of the stories but they weren’t overtly Christmassy which works just fine for me. Each couple knew one another at least a bit already but no one could describe these couples as friends at the start. We also got a couple of age-difference stories.
Each book had a slice of steam and more. If that’s your bag, you can’t go wrong here. I’m putting my seperate ratings below for each novella, with a few individual thoughts.
The Forbidden Christmas Gift – 4 stars. Probably my favourite and this one had a strong office romance vibe.
New Year’s Eve – 4 stars. Joe was a babe and I loved this one too. Snowy cabin vibes were rolling alongside an older man.
Loving Valentine – 3.5 stars. This was a lesson in love-patience and these teens to adults were sweet and then adult-ish, if you get my vibe!
Ember In The Heart – 3 stars. I struggled a bit with the tool that was Foster in this story, redemption occured but he wound me up. Can I also say that I need to see safe sex behaviours on the agenda, especially in casual relationships, the opposite is not sexy to me. That said, major props for the older woman trope here.
Thank you to the author for the early review copy.
Find this review at A Take From Two Cities Blog.
Each book had a slice of steam and more. If that’s your bag, you can’t go wrong here. I’m putting my seperate ratings below for each novella, with a few individual thoughts.
The Forbidden Christmas Gift – 4 stars. Probably my favourite and this one had a strong office romance vibe.
New Year’s Eve – 4 stars. Joe was a babe and I loved this one too. Snowy cabin vibes were rolling alongside an older man.
Loving Valentine – 3.5 stars. This was a lesson in love-patience and these teens to adults were sweet and then adult-ish, if you get my vibe!
Ember In The Heart – 3 stars. I struggled a bit with the tool that was Foster in this story, redemption occured but he wound me up. Can I also say that I need to see safe sex behaviours on the agenda, especially in casual relationships, the opposite is not sexy to me. That said, major props for the older woman trope here.
Thank you to the author for the early review copy.
Find this review at A Take From Two Cities Blog.
December 12, 2021
These love stories were the perfect bite of hot Rumchatta feels. Each story gave me exactly what my heart was craving, especially Evan & Reid’s story. I’m a sucker for an age gap, best friend’s little sister trope. Bring on the forbidden romance! When Reid asked Evan how long, and she responded with since she was 14, I nearly melted on the spot!! The rest of the stories were so good, but this one fed my soul!!
December 6, 2021
A collection of forbidden romances.
In some the Hero is dating someone else while the heroine is in his life and so is the heroine.
HEA in each individual story.
In some the Hero is dating someone else while the heroine is in his life and so is the heroine.
HEA in each individual story.
November 30, 2021
4.5 Stars
Review by Lisa Kane
Love Stories is a collection of small stories by Samantha Young all with a bit of spice and spark.
First up is The Forbidden Christmas Gift. Evan has been in love with her big brother Patrick's best friend, Reid from the time she discovered she had hormones. But twelve years separates them and although Reid is protective of her, he has no romantic interest in her. But once Evan grew up, she thought Reid would come to see her as a woman, not a child.
Reid is successful, ambitious and avoids commitments. He puts his business before his relationships and focuses on woman who want him for the material things he can give them, not for any long term basis. Evan has a job at Reid's business but things are still not going anywhere with them. That is until Reid sees Evan dressed as a sexy little Santa's helper in his department store. He's seeing red and it's not Santa's costume.
Cute story, lusty and sweet.
Next is New Year's Eve.
Ryan has had a secret crush on her little sister Shaw's father-in-law, Joe. He's forty and she's sixteen years younger. He's dated beautiful woman over the last few years and Ryan knows there can never be anything between them. She's embarrassed about her behavior at Joe's Christmas party. She can't face him again.
Fate steps in and throws a distraught Ryan alone with Joe. Maybe Joe isn't as indifferent to Ryan as she thought. This was a hot, steamy read.
Loving Valentine is the third story in the collection. Micah is a smart kid, but has an alcoholic mother who took off weeks ago without paying the utilities. He's determined to finish high school, but working part time isn't going to cut it with the bills. Caroline, a child hood friend of his mother's shows up. She's well to do, has followed Micah's mom's ups and downs and is furious at the situation. She tells Micah he's coming home with her. Fortunately, her husband Jim is just as kind hearted and welcomes him. They have a daughter a year younger than Micah's 16. Valentine is her name and at his first look at her, Micah is smitten.
Caroline is hard on her daughter. She smothers Valentine and no matter how hard she tries, she can not come up to her mother's standards. Meanwhile, Micah excels at his new school. These two dance around each other for years, each wanting the other, but neither having the courage to admit it.
Loving Valentine spans a decade, following the two as they grow up, grow apart and distantly long for the other. This one has a little bit of angst and I loved it!
The last story is Ember in the Heart. This one is a play on the Pride and Prejudice theme. Ember has five sisters, is in her mid thirties and has never married. Her parents died and it was up to her to raise her sisters. She owns a successful spa and massage business, is fiercely independent and is just plain lovely.
Foster comes from a privileged background, is twenty five years old and has custody of his five-year-old daughter, Georgie. The child's mother has just taken a job in Paris and she left it to Foster to take care of their daughter. Foster is driven and is in business with Ember's future brother-in-law, Colt. Ember and Foster had a run in at the engagement party for Jade and Colt. Their next meeting occurs when Foster moves in next door. Yep, that's right. He's Ember's new next door neighbor. Yay....
Foster may be attracted to Ember, but she is unsuitable for a relationship with him. His parents hold high expectations for him, he failed them once when he got Georgie's mother pregnant when he was twenty, he can't let them down again. He may be successful, but his net worth is no where near what he stands to inherit from his parents.
You get the picture for the story. Back and forth (and a little "in and out"!) and lots of conflict. Foster drove me nuts with his stubborn snobby views, but Ember is a woman worth the risk of losing it all.
All in all, each story was unique and colorful. A great read!
Review by Lisa Kane
Love Stories is a collection of small stories by Samantha Young all with a bit of spice and spark.
First up is The Forbidden Christmas Gift. Evan has been in love with her big brother Patrick's best friend, Reid from the time she discovered she had hormones. But twelve years separates them and although Reid is protective of her, he has no romantic interest in her. But once Evan grew up, she thought Reid would come to see her as a woman, not a child.
Reid is successful, ambitious and avoids commitments. He puts his business before his relationships and focuses on woman who want him for the material things he can give them, not for any long term basis. Evan has a job at Reid's business but things are still not going anywhere with them. That is until Reid sees Evan dressed as a sexy little Santa's helper in his department store. He's seeing red and it's not Santa's costume.
Cute story, lusty and sweet.
Next is New Year's Eve.
Ryan has had a secret crush on her little sister Shaw's father-in-law, Joe. He's forty and she's sixteen years younger. He's dated beautiful woman over the last few years and Ryan knows there can never be anything between them. She's embarrassed about her behavior at Joe's Christmas party. She can't face him again.
Fate steps in and throws a distraught Ryan alone with Joe. Maybe Joe isn't as indifferent to Ryan as she thought. This was a hot, steamy read.
Loving Valentine is the third story in the collection. Micah is a smart kid, but has an alcoholic mother who took off weeks ago without paying the utilities. He's determined to finish high school, but working part time isn't going to cut it with the bills. Caroline, a child hood friend of his mother's shows up. She's well to do, has followed Micah's mom's ups and downs and is furious at the situation. She tells Micah he's coming home with her. Fortunately, her husband Jim is just as kind hearted and welcomes him. They have a daughter a year younger than Micah's 16. Valentine is her name and at his first look at her, Micah is smitten.
Caroline is hard on her daughter. She smothers Valentine and no matter how hard she tries, she can not come up to her mother's standards. Meanwhile, Micah excels at his new school. These two dance around each other for years, each wanting the other, but neither having the courage to admit it.
Loving Valentine spans a decade, following the two as they grow up, grow apart and distantly long for the other. This one has a little bit of angst and I loved it!
The last story is Ember in the Heart. This one is a play on the Pride and Prejudice theme. Ember has five sisters, is in her mid thirties and has never married. Her parents died and it was up to her to raise her sisters. She owns a successful spa and massage business, is fiercely independent and is just plain lovely.
Foster comes from a privileged background, is twenty five years old and has custody of his five-year-old daughter, Georgie. The child's mother has just taken a job in Paris and she left it to Foster to take care of their daughter. Foster is driven and is in business with Ember's future brother-in-law, Colt. Ember and Foster had a run in at the engagement party for Jade and Colt. Their next meeting occurs when Foster moves in next door. Yep, that's right. He's Ember's new next door neighbor. Yay....
Foster may be attracted to Ember, but she is unsuitable for a relationship with him. His parents hold high expectations for him, he failed them once when he got Georgie's mother pregnant when he was twenty, he can't let them down again. He may be successful, but his net worth is no where near what he stands to inherit from his parents.
You get the picture for the story. Back and forth (and a little "in and out"!) and lots of conflict. Foster drove me nuts with his stubborn snobby views, but Ember is a woman worth the risk of losing it all.
All in all, each story was unique and colorful. A great read!
December 6, 2021
Love Stories: A novella collection is written by author Samantha Young. All the short holiday stories that can be read as a standalone. All have a happy ending. The general genre: contemporary romance. Tropes ranged from age gap, to forbidden romance
These five short spicy, sweet, sexy stories are perfect to read over a warm cup of coffee or glass of wine. I for one, enjoyed all of them when I read them in Samantha’s newsletter and again in this compiled format.
* The Forbidden Christmas Gift, is sweet and sexy with Evan having been in love with her older brother’s BFF, Reid since she was a teen. He’s 12 years her senior though and never looked at her twice until she now that she’s working at his store in a sexy little Santa’s helper get up.
* In New Year’s Eve, we have another age gap romance with Ryan 24 and her younger sister’s 40YO father-in-law who end up alone in a lake cabin on New Year’s Eve. Even though I would’ve preferred a smaller age gap, the story was steamy and it worked because Ryan was very mature for her age.
* Loving Valentine follows Micah and Valentine through a ten-year span. They met when Micah was 16 and Valentine was 15. They immediately fell for one another but never confessed their feelings, until they’re older and wiser. The story is a bit heartbreaking and angsty, but ultimately had a HEA.
* Ember in the Heart follows Ember and Foster. Foster is a single dad who move’s next door to Ember. Foster y Ember’s brother-in-law’s BFF. Another age gap where the heroine is 11 older than the hero. They’re also a bit of opposites, but the attraction is undeniable. This story is fun, sweet and sexy.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3DpDZkT
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author Valentine PR. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★ Check out all my book edits over at Instagram
These five short spicy, sweet, sexy stories are perfect to read over a warm cup of coffee or glass of wine. I for one, enjoyed all of them when I read them in Samantha’s newsletter and again in this compiled format.
* The Forbidden Christmas Gift, is sweet and sexy with Evan having been in love with her older brother’s BFF, Reid since she was a teen. He’s 12 years her senior though and never looked at her twice until she now that she’s working at his store in a sexy little Santa’s helper get up.
* In New Year’s Eve, we have another age gap romance with Ryan 24 and her younger sister’s 40YO father-in-law who end up alone in a lake cabin on New Year’s Eve. Even though I would’ve preferred a smaller age gap, the story was steamy and it worked because Ryan was very mature for her age.
* Loving Valentine follows Micah and Valentine through a ten-year span. They met when Micah was 16 and Valentine was 15. They immediately fell for one another but never confessed their feelings, until they’re older and wiser. The story is a bit heartbreaking and angsty, but ultimately had a HEA.
* Ember in the Heart follows Ember and Foster. Foster is a single dad who move’s next door to Ember. Foster y Ember’s brother-in-law’s BFF. Another age gap where the heroine is 11 older than the hero. They’re also a bit of opposites, but the attraction is undeniable. This story is fun, sweet and sexy.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3DpDZkT
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author Valentine PR. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★ Check out all my book edits over at Instagram
February 9, 2022
awwww
sweet, sexy and short
sweet, sexy and short
December 5, 2021
Evan has a crush on her brother’s best friend who also happens to be her boss. With being 13 years younger she’s desperately trying to grasp onto any bit of attention that he will give her.
I personally have a hard time with this trip because it feels like it’s the same scenario over and over again. Reid lusts over Evan but he won’t touch her because it’s his best friend sister and it’s also his PA. He thinks her brother will kick his ass for doing anything so despite feelings, he is a butthole to Evan. She ends up saying she’s going to leave the job.
Of course they end up hooking up getting together. Big brother Patrick says the whole
“If you hurt her, I will kill you.”
Then it gets weird when talking about marriage and way too quick. This just wasn’t simply for me.
I personally have a hard time with this trip because it feels like it’s the same scenario over and over again. Reid lusts over Evan but he won’t touch her because it’s his best friend sister and it’s also his PA. He thinks her brother will kick his ass for doing anything so despite feelings, he is a butthole to Evan. She ends up saying she’s going to leave the job.
Of course they end up hooking up getting together. Big brother Patrick says the whole
“If you hurt her, I will kill you.”
Then it gets weird when talking about marriage and way too quick. This just wasn’t simply for me.
December 1, 2021
This is a collection of four novellas that were previously released as bonus downloads in the author’s newsletters.
The first two stories are perfect reads for the holidays, as they center around Christmas and New Years. The third novella has a strong connection to Valentine’s Day.
I really enjoyed these quick reads. They all had different tropes, and each felt fresh to read, even right after one another.
If you’re a fan of Samantha Young, definitely make sure to pick these up.
The first two stories are perfect reads for the holidays, as they center around Christmas and New Years. The third novella has a strong connection to Valentine’s Day.
I really enjoyed these quick reads. They all had different tropes, and each felt fresh to read, even right after one another.
If you’re a fan of Samantha Young, definitely make sure to pick these up.
November 10, 2024
I will start with the saying that Samantha Young is one of my favourite authors and this book just proved to me how good she is.
This book definately has everything: love, christmas spirit, sexy times, spicy times, laughter and joy.
Now let's discuss the novellas fellas 😄.
❄️ The Forbidden Christmas Gift ❄️:
Let's just say that one of my favourite tropes is an age gap romance. And Reid and Evan story became one of my favourite romances, even for a short novella.
🥂 New Year's Eve 🥂:
Ho-ho-ho. We have another age gap romance on the horizon. And it is steamy, steamy, steamy. This is all I will say for it. You have to read it to fnd out 😉.
💖 Loving Valentine 💖:
We have Micah and Valentine story here. It is a second chance romance. I was crying for some part of the book, but everything was soo sweet and romantic in the end that made me wish... made me wish I have someone like Micah loving me.
💫 Ember in the heart 💫:
Like i mentioned I love age gap. This novella though, it is an reverse age gap romance. I admit I am not a fan of reverse age gap, but earlier this year I read another book from Samantha Young that was reverse age gap and.... I loooved it. And this was even better than the previous one. I fell in love with Ember and Foster. And the epilogue was so sweet, that I couldn't stop smiling for most of the day.
Now, I know that the paperback version of the book will includes another two novellas from Samantha: "Villian" and "One day: A Valentine novella". I read them both, but I want to have them soooo bad. With this said, I will definately be buying the paperback.
I received an ARC from Valentine PR for my honest opinion and I just want to say.... Thank you, thank you, thank youuuu soo much ❤️❤️❤️.
This book definately has everything: love, christmas spirit, sexy times, spicy times, laughter and joy.
Now let's discuss the novellas fellas 😄.
❄️ The Forbidden Christmas Gift ❄️:
Let's just say that one of my favourite tropes is an age gap romance. And Reid and Evan story became one of my favourite romances, even for a short novella.
🥂 New Year's Eve 🥂:
Ho-ho-ho. We have another age gap romance on the horizon. And it is steamy, steamy, steamy. This is all I will say for it. You have to read it to fnd out 😉.
💖 Loving Valentine 💖:
We have Micah and Valentine story here. It is a second chance romance. I was crying for some part of the book, but everything was soo sweet and romantic in the end that made me wish... made me wish I have someone like Micah loving me.
💫 Ember in the heart 💫:
Like i mentioned I love age gap. This novella though, it is an reverse age gap romance. I admit I am not a fan of reverse age gap, but earlier this year I read another book from Samantha Young that was reverse age gap and.... I loooved it. And this was even better than the previous one. I fell in love with Ember and Foster. And the epilogue was so sweet, that I couldn't stop smiling for most of the day.
Now, I know that the paperback version of the book will includes another two novellas from Samantha: "Villian" and "One day: A Valentine novella". I read them both, but I want to have them soooo bad. With this said, I will definately be buying the paperback.
I received an ARC from Valentine PR for my honest opinion and I just want to say.... Thank you, thank you, thank youuuu soo much ❤️❤️❤️.
December 30, 2022
During this crazy, busy time of year I like to indulge in short stories as an escape from the holiday season. It's not often I can carve out time to hide away with a book so novellas are perfect for this.
Evan has had a crush on Reid since she was young. Reid is her brother's best friend so somewhat forbidden. Evan has recently graduated college and Reid has offered her a job as his PA, which will just be the beginning of her career path. However, being around Reid is only reigniting the crush she has had on hi for so long. This time though, the 13 year age gap doesn't seem to big now that she is an adult herself.
Reid has always noticed Evan but bro code means that he has always steered clear of her. Now that years have gone by and he sees her every day, his feelings towards her are evolving and he can no longer ignore them. Could Evan finally have the man of her dreams for Christmas?
This was a short and sweet Christmas novella that ticked all the boxes.
Evan has had a crush on Reid since she was young. Reid is her brother's best friend so somewhat forbidden. Evan has recently graduated college and Reid has offered her a job as his PA, which will just be the beginning of her career path. However, being around Reid is only reigniting the crush she has had on hi for so long. This time though, the 13 year age gap doesn't seem to big now that she is an adult herself.
Reid has always noticed Evan but bro code means that he has always steered clear of her. Now that years have gone by and he sees her every day, his feelings towards her are evolving and he can no longer ignore them. Could Evan finally have the man of her dreams for Christmas?
This was a short and sweet Christmas novella that ticked all the boxes.
January 3, 2022
Forbidden Christmas gift: 5 stars
Evan has always knew who was the man for her. Unfortunately he was stuck on her age plus that she was his best friend sister to notice. I love how she stood up to him and in the end got her Christmas wish.
Evan has always knew who was the man for her. Unfortunately he was stuck on her age plus that she was his best friend sister to notice. I love how she stood up to him and in the end got her Christmas wish.
December 21, 2021
A great collection of short stories. Here is a short review of each story.
Forbidden Christmas gift: 5 stars
Evan has always knew who was the man for her. Unfortunately he was stuck on her age plus that she was his best friend sister to notice. I love how she stood up to him and in the end got her Christmas wish.
New Year's Eve: 4.5 stars
In the beginning I was so confused. I thought Ryan was a man. She was in love with a man who she felt she could never have due to their age.
Loving Valentine: 5 stars
I beyond love this story. Micah fell for her at love first sight. Unfortunately he was a dummy for most of their lives. Anyone would see she was madly in love with him. I'm so happy that she got her happily after. Valentine is her family black sheep I see so much strength in her.
Ember in the Heart: 5stars
Foster can really be a jerk wow. I really did love this book. I wish there was a part that Ember got to tell off Georgie mom. Ember always took care of everyone and made sure they were happy. I'm happy she was able to get happiness. I was left wanting more of these characters especially the sisters.
Arc read in an exchange for honest reviews.
Forbidden Christmas gift: 5 stars
Evan has always knew who was the man for her. Unfortunately he was stuck on her age plus that she was his best friend sister to notice. I love how she stood up to him and in the end got her Christmas wish.
New Year's Eve: 4.5 stars
In the beginning I was so confused. I thought Ryan was a man. She was in love with a man who she felt she could never have due to their age.
Loving Valentine: 5 stars
I beyond love this story. Micah fell for her at love first sight. Unfortunately he was a dummy for most of their lives. Anyone would see she was madly in love with him. I'm so happy that she got her happily after. Valentine is her family black sheep I see so much strength in her.
Ember in the Heart: 5stars
Foster can really be a jerk wow. I really did love this book. I wish there was a part that Ember got to tell off Georgie mom. Ember always took care of everyone and made sure they were happy. I'm happy she was able to get happiness. I was left wanting more of these characters especially the sisters.
Arc read in an exchange for honest reviews.
December 6, 2021
Samantha Young is one of my go to for romance stories and I was super excited to read her short stories collection all in one. This is a perfect compilations for the winter holidays to sit down and read with a warm hot chocolate and swoon over these couples.
Each story is about two people who have this undeniable connection but there is something that prevents them from taking that one step. From young sister to the best friend, to father in law crush, family friends son who is taking into their home and finally the best friend of brother in law.
There is a lot of angst, steamy sexy moments, but each one has a little something for many of the favorite romantic tropes that readers can't get enough of. Young is a master of making the readers connect to her couples like her contemporary romance series On Dublin Street. Novella may be short but they have all Youngs special touches that make this a great collection.
Each story is about two people who have this undeniable connection but there is something that prevents them from taking that one step. From young sister to the best friend, to father in law crush, family friends son who is taking into their home and finally the best friend of brother in law.
There is a lot of angst, steamy sexy moments, but each one has a little something for many of the favorite romantic tropes that readers can't get enough of. Young is a master of making the readers connect to her couples like her contemporary romance series On Dublin Street. Novella may be short but they have all Youngs special touches that make this a great collection.
February 14, 2025
I read these by their separate individual novellas
December 13, 2021
This collection of holiday novellas were very sweet, steamy. They put me in a happy holiday mood.
Each story is a different, fun romance trope, so it has a variety which I really like and think is a big plus.
The author has great characters and a really enjoyable writing style.
It’s perfect for a quick read during the busy holiday season.
Novella’s aren’t always fantastic for me, I think it’s really hard to have enough character depth and enough story.
I think these were more than adequate and lovely romantic characters.
The mood the author sets is really great.
Fun, romantic and festive ♥️🎄
Each story is a different, fun romance trope, so it has a variety which I really like and think is a big plus.
The author has great characters and a really enjoyable writing style.
It’s perfect for a quick read during the busy holiday season.
Novella’s aren’t always fantastic for me, I think it’s really hard to have enough character depth and enough story.
I think these were more than adequate and lovely romantic characters.
The mood the author sets is really great.
Fun, romantic and festive ♥️🎄
December 6, 2021
4 stars!
This book contains four novellas released by Samantha Young to her newsletter subscribers, all published together in one convenient collection. All complete standalones, these are sweet, sexy and heartfelt stories, each of them a delightfully easy read, that deliver gorgeous romance and will leave you with a smile on your face.
The collection includes:
The Forbidden Christmas Gift
4 stars!
I loved this novella! It’s a quick read, but is full of chemistry and heat, and left me with a smile on my face.
Evan is working as the PA to the CEO of a big department store in Edinburgh, every day a torment because she’s crushing on her boss… hard. Not only is Reid her boss, but he’s also her older brother’s best friend who she has loved from afar since she was a teenager. But he is 12 years older than her, serious and broody, and has never really given her the time of day.
What Evan doesn’t realise is that Reid has recently started looking at her in a new way – all grown up, sexy and alluring, and not just his best mate’s baby sister. He is completely distracted by her, and increasingly smitten, and it’s messing with him in all kinds of ways.
It’s a difficult position they are in, and the ‘forbidden’ element creates fun tension. Their attraction continues to blossom and the sexual tension builds beautifully until they can’t resist anymore, and their coming together is full of heat, passion and emotion, and is so freaking gorgeous.
Though it’s a short read, Young gives us a surprising amount of depth, and a complete story – complete with the hilarious telling the family scene…
I loved this one, and finished it grinning hugely.
4 stars!
New Year’s Eve
4 stars!
This is a great novella! It’s a short read, but it packs a punch of chemistry and emotion, with a wonderfully swoony alpha hero and a gorgeous age-gap romance.
Ryan is mortified after drunkenly kissing the man she’s been crushing on for years – her younger sister’s father-in-law. Joe is 16 years older than Ryan (he is 40, she is 24), but he’s just as hot for her as she is for him, and when they find themselves alone in a secluded cabin for New Year’s, all of that heat can’t help but ignite.
It’s all kinds of steamy, and as much as they are passionate for each other, there also is a strong emotional connection between them, and I loved watching them come together.
But Ryan has had a difficult life. She has walls up to protect herself. Luckily, Joe is just the man to smash them down.
Holy. Freaking. Swoon!
I loved this story, and I freaking love Joe! Such a fun read.
4 stars.
Loving Valentine
2.5 stars
Micah and Valentine and have loved each other for years, ever since Valentine’s family took Micah into their home when he was just a teenager. He became a part of the family, and Micah and Valentine formed a close relationship, but he never pursued her romantically, knowing that his place in the family was precarious and never wanting to cross that line and push any boundaries.
The story book follows them over ten years, and they never seem to be on the same page at the same time. But finally, they’re both single, and Micah is tired of waiting, and he’s finally going to take the chance of pouring his heart out to the girl he’s always loved.
It’s sweet and swoony, and a little bit sexy. But for me the story moved too quickly. It’s more like highlights, jumping between key moments in Micah and Valentine’s lives, and while we can definitely see that they have feelings for each other, I didn’t really get the chance to become invested in them as a couple, and didn’t feel it as much as I was hoping to. It was just too short for anything more than that. Still an ok read.
2.5 stars.
Ember in the Heart
4 stars!
A modern twist on Pride and Prejudice, this is a fun, sweet romance that is full of fabulous tropes:
Enemies-to-lovers
Single dad
Age-gap
Older woman/younger man
Ember is a 36 year old woman living in her family home, with her sisters who she helped raise following the death of their parents. Her comfy life is disrupted when a new neighbour moves in to the house next door, and it’s none other than Foster – the man who she overheard talking rudely about her at her sister’s engagement party.
Foster had no idea that he was moving in next to the Bonet’s house. His best friend is engaged to the Ember’s sister, and though he was instantly attracted to Ember, he does his best to dismiss her, instead focussing on his 5-year-old daughter, and his new role as her sole parent. He doesn’t have time for the sexy distraction next door, but when he needs somebody to help watch his daughter for him, Ember is there, and as she and Georgie develop a sweet relationship, Foster can’t help but be more and more drawn to his feisty neighbour.
This is a cute romance with a fun set-up. Ember is a great heroine, strong and confident, and though her life didn’t turn out the way she had originally planned, she has made the best of things and has created a successful and satisfying life for herself. Though Foster initially comes across as a giant a-hole, there is so much more to him, and it doesn’t take long for us to see his other side. They have issues to contend with – such as Foster’s attitude, the age gap, and his parents also have high expectations of him, that he should marry the ‘right’ kind of woman (Ember is not that woman). But the chemistry between the two of them is too strong to ignore, and their coming together is sweet, sexy and gorgeously swoony.
For such a short read, this novella feels like it’s longer, with a nice amount of depth, and good character development. I really enjoyed the story, and finished it with a smile on my face.
4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book contains four novellas released by Samantha Young to her newsletter subscribers, all published together in one convenient collection. All complete standalones, these are sweet, sexy and heartfelt stories, each of them a delightfully easy read, that deliver gorgeous romance and will leave you with a smile on your face.
The collection includes:
The Forbidden Christmas Gift
4 stars!
I loved this novella! It’s a quick read, but is full of chemistry and heat, and left me with a smile on my face.
Evan is working as the PA to the CEO of a big department store in Edinburgh, every day a torment because she’s crushing on her boss… hard. Not only is Reid her boss, but he’s also her older brother’s best friend who she has loved from afar since she was a teenager. But he is 12 years older than her, serious and broody, and has never really given her the time of day.
While my boss could glower for Scotland and brood and cut a person with a look so dirty I’d seen grown men crumble under it, he rarely raised his voice. He was always so in control. It made me want to ruffle his feathers.
And by ruffle his feathers, I mean drive him so wild with passion he falls on me like a wild thing.
What Evan doesn’t realise is that Reid has recently started looking at her in a new way – all grown up, sexy and alluring, and not just his best mate’s baby sister. He is completely distracted by her, and increasingly smitten, and it’s messing with him in all kinds of ways.
“Haven’t you ever met a woman who made you lose your common sense? How made your skin hot and your blood pump and everything else but kissing her, touching her, ceased to matter?”
Not until now.
It’s a difficult position they are in, and the ‘forbidden’ element creates fun tension. Their attraction continues to blossom and the sexual tension builds beautifully until they can’t resist anymore, and their coming together is full of heat, passion and emotion, and is so freaking gorgeous.
“I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. If I let you walk away, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.”
Though it’s a short read, Young gives us a surprising amount of depth, and a complete story – complete with the hilarious telling the family scene…
“Oh, dear God,” Patrick groaned, reminding us he was still there. “I’m in pain. Physical pain. New rule.” He wagged his finger at us. “When I’m in the room, we will all pretend that yours is a spiritual union in name only.”
Reid shook with laughter at my side. “Really?”
“I will end you,” Patrick warned. “If you break this rule, I will end you.”
I loved this one, and finished it grinning hugely.
4 stars!
New Year’s Eve
4 stars!
This is a great novella! It’s a short read, but it packs a punch of chemistry and emotion, with a wonderfully swoony alpha hero and a gorgeous age-gap romance.
Ryan is mortified after drunkenly kissing the man she’s been crushing on for years – her younger sister’s father-in-law. Joe is 16 years older than Ryan (he is 40, she is 24), but he’s just as hot for her as she is for him, and when they find themselves alone in a secluded cabin for New Year’s, all of that heat can’t help but ignite.
This isn’t just a ‘little attraction.’” He took a step toward me, determination and need dark on his face. “This is a code-red situation.”
“Code red?” I could barely breathe.
“Code red. I can’t live my fucking life because all I can think about is you.”
It’s all kinds of steamy, and as much as they are passionate for each other, there also is a strong emotional connection between them, and I loved watching them come together.
“I want you so much.”
“God, baby, you have no idea how much I want you back.”
But Ryan has had a difficult life. She has walls up to protect herself. Luckily, Joe is just the man to smash them down.
“I can’t bear the idea of you thinking I don’t want you or need you enough to fight for this. Because I do.”
…
“I’m in love with you. It took me years to find you, and I’m a selfish bastard for wanting to keep you, but if you feel even half of what I feel, I’m willing to fight for this.”
Holy. Freaking. Swoon!
I loved this story, and I freaking love Joe! Such a fun read.
4 stars.
Loving Valentine
2.5 stars
Micah and Valentine and have loved each other for years, ever since Valentine’s family took Micah into their home when he was just a teenager. He became a part of the family, and Micah and Valentine formed a close relationship, but he never pursued her romantically, knowing that his place in the family was precarious and never wanting to cross that line and push any boundaries.
The story book follows them over ten years, and they never seem to be on the same page at the same time. But finally, they’re both single, and Micah is tired of waiting, and he’s finally going to take the chance of pouring his heart out to the girl he’s always loved.
“I let you go. But you should know, I have never regretted anything more in my life. And God … I have missed the hell out of you.”
It’s sweet and swoony, and a little bit sexy. But for me the story moved too quickly. It’s more like highlights, jumping between key moments in Micah and Valentine’s lives, and while we can definitely see that they have feelings for each other, I didn’t really get the chance to become invested in them as a couple, and didn’t feel it as much as I was hoping to. It was just too short for anything more than that. Still an ok read.
2.5 stars.
Ember in the Heart
4 stars!
A modern twist on Pride and Prejudice, this is a fun, sweet romance that is full of fabulous tropes:
Enemies-to-lovers
Single dad
Age-gap
Older woman/younger man
Ember is a 36 year old woman living in her family home, with her sisters who she helped raise following the death of their parents. Her comfy life is disrupted when a new neighbour moves in to the house next door, and it’s none other than Foster – the man who she overheard talking rudely about her at her sister’s engagement party.
Foster had no idea that he was moving in next to the Bonet’s house. His best friend is engaged to the Ember’s sister, and though he was instantly attracted to Ember, he does his best to dismiss her, instead focussing on his 5-year-old daughter, and his new role as her sole parent. He doesn’t have time for the sexy distraction next door, but when he needs somebody to help watch his daughter for him, Ember is there, and as she and Georgie develop a sweet relationship, Foster can’t help but be more and more drawn to his feisty neighbour.
This is a cute romance with a fun set-up. Ember is a great heroine, strong and confident, and though her life didn’t turn out the way she had originally planned, she has made the best of things and has created a successful and satisfying life for herself. Though Foster initially comes across as a giant a-hole, there is so much more to him, and it doesn’t take long for us to see his other side. They have issues to contend with – such as Foster’s attitude, the age gap, and his parents also have high expectations of him, that he should marry the ‘right’ kind of woman (Ember is not that woman). But the chemistry between the two of them is too strong to ignore, and their coming together is sweet, sexy and gorgeously swoony.
“I know I don’t deserve you. You are incredible, smart, kind, funny, loving, and passionate, and there is no doubt in my mind that someone who is your equal is out there waiting for you. But I’m a selfish bastard because the mere thought of letting him have you feels like my heart is being ripped from my chest.”
For such a short read, this novella feels like it’s longer, with a nice amount of depth, and good character development. I really enjoyed the story, and finished it with a smile on my face.
“I promise you that no man will love you harder than I do or work harder to prove it.”
4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2021
Most people know I love Samantha Young as an author and fellow Scottish Lass but these Novellas she has written are just a joy to read and fall in love with.
The Forbidden Christmas Gift
What to do when you have a crush on your brother’s best friend. This story is about Evan and her huge crush on Reid. It is such a sweet thing to have and to feel so strongly that her feelings never diminish, even when Reid needs a PA and Evan decides she will help him out.
It was lovely romantic story of how Reid battles with his new feelings for Evan and his friendship and relationship he has with her brother. The pull between the two feelings is difficult for Reid and only he can deal with this but what will he do?
That is for you to find out, but you will love this story I can guarantee you that!
New Year’s Eve
This story is about Ryan, ahh Ryan the girl who fell in love with her sister’s father-in-law, Intrigued? Good, I thought so, you will love this story.
Poor Ryan she knows she should not have these feelings or even try and act on them, however, when you have some Dutch courage (drink) you feel brave enough to do anything. Don’t You? That daemon drink, well it gave Ryan the courage she needed to make her move, although what Ryan doesn’t know is how Joe feels for her.
Although this was a Novella, there was enough steam in it to get you revved up to see what happens. This Story was one I read in one night it was just addictive to see what happened next.
Loving Valentine
A second chances story which I always love.
Micah has had a difficult upbringing, mother abandons him when he was young, he moves in with his best friend at 16 and their family and this is where it gets a bit of a sticky situation.
Micah has feelings for Valentine (the daughter of the family he is living with), but he can’t act on those feelings as that would just be a no-go area, but as they grow up and the feelings grow on both sides’ things take a turn with issues for both unresolved and needing some TLC.
This story followed Micah and Valentine through their friendship and growing together as a couple, there was no doubt in my mind that these two should not be together and I hope you find that as well. This was a well thought story, with true feelings and a realism about it.
Ember in the Heart
I love Pride and Prejudice and this story was like you were reading on a modern take on “Pride and Prejudice.”
Foster is a bit younger than Ember and it is sometimes obvious in the story just because at times he can come across as immature but then you get a very mature Foster who raises his daughter on his own and loves her so much.
Ember to me is Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice, she doesn’t suffer fools gladly, she will not put up with any of Foster’s rubbish or bow down to him, she is her own strong-minded person and knows what she wants.
The sexual tension between these characters is so intoxicating you are addicted to them.
A beautiful story through and through.
The writing throughout this Novella was second to none, Samantha writes with passion and heart, and it shows.
The Forbidden Christmas Gift
What to do when you have a crush on your brother’s best friend. This story is about Evan and her huge crush on Reid. It is such a sweet thing to have and to feel so strongly that her feelings never diminish, even when Reid needs a PA and Evan decides she will help him out.
It was lovely romantic story of how Reid battles with his new feelings for Evan and his friendship and relationship he has with her brother. The pull between the two feelings is difficult for Reid and only he can deal with this but what will he do?
That is for you to find out, but you will love this story I can guarantee you that!
New Year’s Eve
This story is about Ryan, ahh Ryan the girl who fell in love with her sister’s father-in-law, Intrigued? Good, I thought so, you will love this story.
Poor Ryan she knows she should not have these feelings or even try and act on them, however, when you have some Dutch courage (drink) you feel brave enough to do anything. Don’t You? That daemon drink, well it gave Ryan the courage she needed to make her move, although what Ryan doesn’t know is how Joe feels for her.
Although this was a Novella, there was enough steam in it to get you revved up to see what happens. This Story was one I read in one night it was just addictive to see what happened next.
Loving Valentine
A second chances story which I always love.
Micah has had a difficult upbringing, mother abandons him when he was young, he moves in with his best friend at 16 and their family and this is where it gets a bit of a sticky situation.
Micah has feelings for Valentine (the daughter of the family he is living with), but he can’t act on those feelings as that would just be a no-go area, but as they grow up and the feelings grow on both sides’ things take a turn with issues for both unresolved and needing some TLC.
This story followed Micah and Valentine through their friendship and growing together as a couple, there was no doubt in my mind that these two should not be together and I hope you find that as well. This was a well thought story, with true feelings and a realism about it.
Ember in the Heart
I love Pride and Prejudice and this story was like you were reading on a modern take on “Pride and Prejudice.”
Foster is a bit younger than Ember and it is sometimes obvious in the story just because at times he can come across as immature but then you get a very mature Foster who raises his daughter on his own and loves her so much.
Ember to me is Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice, she doesn’t suffer fools gladly, she will not put up with any of Foster’s rubbish or bow down to him, she is her own strong-minded person and knows what she wants.
The sexual tension between these characters is so intoxicating you are addicted to them.
A beautiful story through and through.
The writing throughout this Novella was second to none, Samantha writes with passion and heart, and it shows.
April 9, 2021
This was a lovely little novella, that made me smile as much as it made me growl in frustration at our leading man Foster.
Oh, did that man make me so mad at times, however I loved how well Ember dealt with him, and wasn't afraid to put him in his place when he needed it.
I didn't read the blurb first, so didn't realise it was sorta kinda based on Pride and Prejudice, but I did say as I was reading a few particular parts "this is very Darcy and Elizabeth" - and, well, I was right!
Enjoyable, quick read that will fill in an hour or two on the couch
Oh, did that man make me so mad at times, however I loved how well Ember dealt with him, and wasn't afraid to put him in his place when he needed it.
I didn't read the blurb first, so didn't realise it was sorta kinda based on Pride and Prejudice, but I did say as I was reading a few particular parts "this is very Darcy and Elizabeth" - and, well, I was right!
Enjoyable, quick read that will fill in an hour or two on the couch
December 4, 2021
LOVE STORIES : A Novella Collection by Samantha Young
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 6, 2021.
This volume includes novellas previously only available exclusively to newsletter subscribers. They have now been collated into this romantic collection of modern love stories
•••••••••
Review: LOVE STORIES by Samantha Young is a collection of erotic novellas and short stories previously released to the author’s newsletter subscribers but have now been made available in one romance collection.
THE FORBIDDEN CHRISTMAS GIFT focuses on the forbidden relationship between twenty three year old PA Evan Monro, and thirty five year old businessman Reid Shaw.
Evan Monroe is Reid Shaw’s PA, but more importantly Reid’s best friend Patrick’s little sister, and therefore is off limits in more ways than one. A disastrous string of failed relationships finds Reid wondering if he will ever find his own HEA, a HEA he is considering with Evan Monro. With the approach of the Christmas holidays Reid and Evan are busier than ever but the possibility of one night together is abruptly halted, and Reid considering letting Evan go.
THE FORBIDDEN CHRISTMAS GIFT is an age-gap, best friend’s younger sister/work place romance that quickly develops into something more. The fast paced premise is captivating; the characters are feisty; the $ex scenes are energetic and seductive.
••••••••••
Review: NEW YEAR’S EVE follows another age-gap forbidden romance between twenty-four year old advisor Ryan Baillie, and forty year old, renovator Joe Colchester.
Ryan Baillie’s younger sister married Joe Colchester’s son, therefore Joe’s attraction to Ryan is strictly off-limits but a drunken Christmas Eve make out session between Joe and Ryan left Ryan heart broken in the face of rejection but Ryan’s night went from bad to worse, and in the ensuing week Ryan struggled to move on with her life. An invitation to spend the New Year with her sister and her husband at the family cabin meant spending time with the man who had broken her heart.
NEW YEAR’S EVE is another fast paced, age-gap, forbidden romance. The premise is engaging; the $ex scenes are edgy and intense; the characters are energetic and determined.
••••••••••
REVIEW: LOVING VALENTINE follows twelve years in the life of Micah Green and Valentine Fairchild.
At sixteen years of age, Micah Green was abandoned by his mother, and taken in by attorney Caroline Fairchild and her husband Jim where Micah would meet their daughter, fifteen year old Valentine aka Cupid. Valentine’s life wasn’t easy; her mother expected perfection, and her only solace was her friendship with the young man her parents raised as their own. Twelve years would pass- words said in anger, misunderstanding, miscommunication and life, meant Valentine and Micah were more like strangers than two people who had loved one another from afar. One final attempt to prove he was worthy, Micah set on to seduce the woman he never stopped loving, a woman who had never stopped loving Micah in return.
LOVING VALENTINE is an emotional novella that covers twelve years in the life of two people torn apart by anger and pain. The fast paced premise is heart breaking and captivating; the characters are broken but energetic; the romance struggles in the face of misunderstanding and diverging paths.
•••••••••
REVIEW: EMBER IN THE HEART twenty-five year old, single father and real estate investor Foster Darwin, and thirty-six year old massage therapist/business owner Ember Bonet.
Foster Darwin met Ember Bonet at his best friend and partner’s engagement party, an engagement to Ember’s sister Jade but the meeting between Ember and Foster didn’t go according to plan, and Ember would soon discover that her new neighbor was none other than Foster Darwin. Foster Darwin is a snob, and constantly looked down his nose at our story line heroine but when he needed help with daughter, Ember was quick to jump in and help. Falling for his daughter’s temporary ‘nanny’ was out of the question but fall he did, if only for a short period of time.
EMBER IN THE HEART is an age-gap romance wherein Foster Darwin is unable to let go of his snobbish upbringing, and in doing so, hurt the woman with whom he would fall in love. The premise is emotional and heart breaking; the romance is seductive; the characters are feisty and energetic.
LOVE STORIES: A Novella Collection is a wonderful addition to any romance lovers library of wonderful reads.
Www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 6, 2021.
This volume includes novellas previously only available exclusively to newsletter subscribers. They have now been collated into this romantic collection of modern love stories
•••••••••
Review: LOVE STORIES by Samantha Young is a collection of erotic novellas and short stories previously released to the author’s newsletter subscribers but have now been made available in one romance collection.
THE FORBIDDEN CHRISTMAS GIFT focuses on the forbidden relationship between twenty three year old PA Evan Monro, and thirty five year old businessman Reid Shaw.
Evan Monroe is Reid Shaw’s PA, but more importantly Reid’s best friend Patrick’s little sister, and therefore is off limits in more ways than one. A disastrous string of failed relationships finds Reid wondering if he will ever find his own HEA, a HEA he is considering with Evan Monro. With the approach of the Christmas holidays Reid and Evan are busier than ever but the possibility of one night together is abruptly halted, and Reid considering letting Evan go.
THE FORBIDDEN CHRISTMAS GIFT is an age-gap, best friend’s younger sister/work place romance that quickly develops into something more. The fast paced premise is captivating; the characters are feisty; the $ex scenes are energetic and seductive.
••••••••••
Review: NEW YEAR’S EVE follows another age-gap forbidden romance between twenty-four year old advisor Ryan Baillie, and forty year old, renovator Joe Colchester.
Ryan Baillie’s younger sister married Joe Colchester’s son, therefore Joe’s attraction to Ryan is strictly off-limits but a drunken Christmas Eve make out session between Joe and Ryan left Ryan heart broken in the face of rejection but Ryan’s night went from bad to worse, and in the ensuing week Ryan struggled to move on with her life. An invitation to spend the New Year with her sister and her husband at the family cabin meant spending time with the man who had broken her heart.
NEW YEAR’S EVE is another fast paced, age-gap, forbidden romance. The premise is engaging; the $ex scenes are edgy and intense; the characters are energetic and determined.
••••••••••
REVIEW: LOVING VALENTINE follows twelve years in the life of Micah Green and Valentine Fairchild.
At sixteen years of age, Micah Green was abandoned by his mother, and taken in by attorney Caroline Fairchild and her husband Jim where Micah would meet their daughter, fifteen year old Valentine aka Cupid. Valentine’s life wasn’t easy; her mother expected perfection, and her only solace was her friendship with the young man her parents raised as their own. Twelve years would pass- words said in anger, misunderstanding, miscommunication and life, meant Valentine and Micah were more like strangers than two people who had loved one another from afar. One final attempt to prove he was worthy, Micah set on to seduce the woman he never stopped loving, a woman who had never stopped loving Micah in return.
LOVING VALENTINE is an emotional novella that covers twelve years in the life of two people torn apart by anger and pain. The fast paced premise is heart breaking and captivating; the characters are broken but energetic; the romance struggles in the face of misunderstanding and diverging paths.
•••••••••
REVIEW: EMBER IN THE HEART twenty-five year old, single father and real estate investor Foster Darwin, and thirty-six year old massage therapist/business owner Ember Bonet.
Foster Darwin met Ember Bonet at his best friend and partner’s engagement party, an engagement to Ember’s sister Jade but the meeting between Ember and Foster didn’t go according to plan, and Ember would soon discover that her new neighbor was none other than Foster Darwin. Foster Darwin is a snob, and constantly looked down his nose at our story line heroine but when he needed help with daughter, Ember was quick to jump in and help. Falling for his daughter’s temporary ‘nanny’ was out of the question but fall he did, if only for a short period of time.
EMBER IN THE HEART is an age-gap romance wherein Foster Darwin is unable to let go of his snobbish upbringing, and in doing so, hurt the woman with whom he would fall in love. The premise is emotional and heart breaking; the romance is seductive; the characters are feisty and energetic.
LOVE STORIES: A Novella Collection is a wonderful addition to any romance lovers library of wonderful reads.
Www.thereadingcafe.com
December 6, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is a collection of contemporary romance novellas that were once only available for newsletters subscribers. She has put them all in one book and now we all get to enjoy them. The stories in this collection are:
The Forbidden Christmas Gift:
This is the story of Reid and Evan. He has had some great success and should be grateful for what he has. However he wants something that he can't have and that something just so happens to be his sisters best friend and his employee Evan. He is also thirteen years older than her and he knows she is forbidden fruit. It's Christmas after all, isn't that when you get the gift of something you want to so bad? You have to read it to see what happens but I really loved these characters. They stole me heart and I didn't get it back.
New Years Eve
Ryan has had a crush on Joe for forever. He though is her sister's father in law and she knows that she really shouldn't be crushing on him. One drunken night though, at his son's birthday party, she kisses Joe. The next day, she decides the best thing to do is avoid Joe for the rest of her life. But that can't happen they way he is in her sister's life. I thought this story was so sweet and steamy. I could have read about these two characters a lot longer than this story. I really loved it and never wanted it to end.
Loving Valentine
This is the story of Micah and Valentine. These two were kids together and were each others best friend for years and year. Micah's difficult home life had a big hand in bringing them together. However as they get older there always seems to be something that is pushing them further and further away. But Micah has never stopped loving Valentine. One day he figures out a way to see her again. After all he is tired of loving her from afar and has spend way to much time doing it. Can she forget about the past and let it go so they can be together? You have to read to find out. I really loved this story.
Ember in the Heart
When Ember Bonet was at her sister's engagement party when she overhears her fiancé's talking smack about the Bonet sister's she instantly knows that this guy is a guy she doesn't need around her or want anything to do with him ever. After all, who talks that way about the woman your best friend is marrying and her sister. I was outraged for her. But one day Foster Darwin, the man with the big mouth, moves in next to Ember along with his five year old daughter and the one man in the world she wanted to ignore is right there beside her and really hard to ignore. Little does she know that foster doesn't really think what he said about her, he really really is attracted to her and now he's next door. But the man is busy and doesn't have time to give the attraction the time it would take. His daughter is his first priority and he also has a father that he greatly disappointed and he doesn't want that to happen ever again. However, his father wants him to settle down but his idea of the right woman isn't Ember who is a massage therapist and next door neighbor. But she is also eleven years older than him. But when Ember sees him struggling, no matter how bad she wants to, she just can not ignore him and let him struggle can she? You have to read to find out but it is so worth the read.
I loved all the stories in this book and I am so glad that Samantha Young put them all in one collection for the entire world to enjoy.
This is a collection of contemporary romance novellas that were once only available for newsletters subscribers. She has put them all in one book and now we all get to enjoy them. The stories in this collection are:
The Forbidden Christmas Gift:
This is the story of Reid and Evan. He has had some great success and should be grateful for what he has. However he wants something that he can't have and that something just so happens to be his sisters best friend and his employee Evan. He is also thirteen years older than her and he knows she is forbidden fruit. It's Christmas after all, isn't that when you get the gift of something you want to so bad? You have to read it to see what happens but I really loved these characters. They stole me heart and I didn't get it back.
New Years Eve
Ryan has had a crush on Joe for forever. He though is her sister's father in law and she knows that she really shouldn't be crushing on him. One drunken night though, at his son's birthday party, she kisses Joe. The next day, she decides the best thing to do is avoid Joe for the rest of her life. But that can't happen they way he is in her sister's life. I thought this story was so sweet and steamy. I could have read about these two characters a lot longer than this story. I really loved it and never wanted it to end.
Loving Valentine
This is the story of Micah and Valentine. These two were kids together and were each others best friend for years and year. Micah's difficult home life had a big hand in bringing them together. However as they get older there always seems to be something that is pushing them further and further away. But Micah has never stopped loving Valentine. One day he figures out a way to see her again. After all he is tired of loving her from afar and has spend way to much time doing it. Can she forget about the past and let it go so they can be together? You have to read to find out. I really loved this story.
Ember in the Heart
When Ember Bonet was at her sister's engagement party when she overhears her fiancé's talking smack about the Bonet sister's she instantly knows that this guy is a guy she doesn't need around her or want anything to do with him ever. After all, who talks that way about the woman your best friend is marrying and her sister. I was outraged for her. But one day Foster Darwin, the man with the big mouth, moves in next to Ember along with his five year old daughter and the one man in the world she wanted to ignore is right there beside her and really hard to ignore. Little does she know that foster doesn't really think what he said about her, he really really is attracted to her and now he's next door. But the man is busy and doesn't have time to give the attraction the time it would take. His daughter is his first priority and he also has a father that he greatly disappointed and he doesn't want that to happen ever again. However, his father wants him to settle down but his idea of the right woman isn't Ember who is a massage therapist and next door neighbor. But she is also eleven years older than him. But when Ember sees him struggling, no matter how bad she wants to, she just can not ignore him and let him struggle can she? You have to read to find out but it is so worth the read.
I loved all the stories in this book and I am so glad that Samantha Young put them all in one collection for the entire world to enjoy.
November 27, 2021
4 Novellas and one sneak peak chapter into a full length book comes in this collection.
I'm a reader that prefers full length novels, but sometimes in between books, I just need a palate cleanser, and what better way to have them than in one book so you can pick and choose at your leisure!
The first novella is The Forbidden Christmas Gift. It's an age gap, workplace romance along with brother's best friend romance. Evan starts out as the Elf of Shaw Department store when Reid takes notice of her and her short little outfit. But she's so much more than that and she proves that to him. As her boss, brother's friend and someone so much older than Evan, Reid tries to tell himself she is off limits. I enjoyed the workplace setting and the fact it was all during Christmas (perfect reading for this month). It progressed quickly, but it was still fun and sweet and a bit sexy.
The Second novella is New Years Eve. Another great holiday read for this time of year. It's an age gap with an older man (Joe) and younger woman (Ryan), but she's also the older sister of his son's wife. Making for a bit of a messy and forbidden union. They have this obvious chemistry and he never settles down with one woman for long, so everyone is looking out for Ryan once they find out. But Ryan's sister has other plans. This was quick and fun and I almost wished we had more of these two and how their attraction grew until they couldn't handle it anymore. Ryan is wise beyond her years, but at 24 and Joe at 40, would that cause for any troubles in the future?? But alas, it's just a novella.
Next up is Loving Valentine. And it's not much of any sort of holiday story even with the name. It's a first love, second chance, coming of age romance. Valentine and Micah end up living in the same home during their latter high school years and they have an immediate attraction to one another, but do not tell each other. Micah knows he was given a break by being able to live with Valentine's family and he doesn't want to mess it up. SO, they pine for each other for YEARS!!! This one would have definitely made a better full length novel. To skip over years in a novella didn't especially work for me as much and I wanted to slap both of these characters because of it. But once they realize the mistakes they made and the time they wasted, it was sweet. But man...that time?? Angst and drama lovers will enjoy this one!
And finally Ember in the Heart. Another age gap romance, but this time Ember is the older one. She's 36 and Foster is 25 with a young daughter (swoon, I love a single parent romance). When he moves in next door and they already have a connection because of his work partner being engaged to Ember's sister, they will definitely be forced to see one another plenty. He's a single parent and his daughter is so sweet and just looking for love. And Foster is this sort of grump and emotionless guy. SO what does this loving and bright woman such as Ember see in him? Once they both fall? Gah! Love it. And the way he makes up for everything? I loved it. But it just may be the single dad thing. Well, maybe how he goes all alpha too.
These novellas were just the right cleanser in between other books I was reading and I enjoyed the "break". They weren't exactly perfect, but still enjoyable and I like that they are all packaged into one book making them easily accessible. Plus, you get a teaser chapter of the first book in the Adair series, Here With Me. It is so good!!
I'm a reader that prefers full length novels, but sometimes in between books, I just need a palate cleanser, and what better way to have them than in one book so you can pick and choose at your leisure!
The first novella is The Forbidden Christmas Gift. It's an age gap, workplace romance along with brother's best friend romance. Evan starts out as the Elf of Shaw Department store when Reid takes notice of her and her short little outfit. But she's so much more than that and she proves that to him. As her boss, brother's friend and someone so much older than Evan, Reid tries to tell himself she is off limits. I enjoyed the workplace setting and the fact it was all during Christmas (perfect reading for this month). It progressed quickly, but it was still fun and sweet and a bit sexy.
The Second novella is New Years Eve. Another great holiday read for this time of year. It's an age gap with an older man (Joe) and younger woman (Ryan), but she's also the older sister of his son's wife. Making for a bit of a messy and forbidden union. They have this obvious chemistry and he never settles down with one woman for long, so everyone is looking out for Ryan once they find out. But Ryan's sister has other plans. This was quick and fun and I almost wished we had more of these two and how their attraction grew until they couldn't handle it anymore. Ryan is wise beyond her years, but at 24 and Joe at 40, would that cause for any troubles in the future?? But alas, it's just a novella.
Next up is Loving Valentine. And it's not much of any sort of holiday story even with the name. It's a first love, second chance, coming of age romance. Valentine and Micah end up living in the same home during their latter high school years and they have an immediate attraction to one another, but do not tell each other. Micah knows he was given a break by being able to live with Valentine's family and he doesn't want to mess it up. SO, they pine for each other for YEARS!!! This one would have definitely made a better full length novel. To skip over years in a novella didn't especially work for me as much and I wanted to slap both of these characters because of it. But once they realize the mistakes they made and the time they wasted, it was sweet. But man...that time?? Angst and drama lovers will enjoy this one!
And finally Ember in the Heart. Another age gap romance, but this time Ember is the older one. She's 36 and Foster is 25 with a young daughter (swoon, I love a single parent romance). When he moves in next door and they already have a connection because of his work partner being engaged to Ember's sister, they will definitely be forced to see one another plenty. He's a single parent and his daughter is so sweet and just looking for love. And Foster is this sort of grump and emotionless guy. SO what does this loving and bright woman such as Ember see in him? Once they both fall? Gah! Love it. And the way he makes up for everything? I loved it. But it just may be the single dad thing. Well, maybe how he goes all alpha too.
These novellas were just the right cleanser in between other books I was reading and I enjoyed the "break". They weren't exactly perfect, but still enjoyable and I like that they are all packaged into one book making them easily accessible. Plus, you get a teaser chapter of the first book in the Adair series, Here With Me. It is so good!!
December 27, 2021
The forbidden Christmas gift is a warm story that takes you on a journey of two people that after years of knowing each other finally find a way to their hearts. Amazing story. I really loved it. Evan and Reid are perfect.
New years eve
Ryan and Joe are unordinary couple. They fight their feelings because their connections are uncommon. Joe is Ryan's stepbrothers dad. So.. there is also an age gap. But their chemistry is so strong, that they don't care about all that. They get through it and I love it.
Valentine
It is an interesting story. I was really nervous reading it and cheering them on. Then crying for them, because their decisions were always at the wrong time. Until finally Valentine told everything to Micah, just to spite him. When Micah finally learned that she feels the same it was time to grew a pair of balls and take command!
Ember in the heart
This story is special. Foster had bad experiences with women. When he finally meets thr one that shakes him to the core, he messes it up. Not once, but a few times. Thankfully Ember knows how to forgive and forget. Really lovely story.
I received an earc from the author and am leaving a voluntary review.
New years eve
Ryan and Joe are unordinary couple. They fight their feelings because their connections are uncommon. Joe is Ryan's stepbrothers dad. So.. there is also an age gap. But their chemistry is so strong, that they don't care about all that. They get through it and I love it.
Valentine
It is an interesting story. I was really nervous reading it and cheering them on. Then crying for them, because their decisions were always at the wrong time. Until finally Valentine told everything to Micah, just to spite him. When Micah finally learned that she feels the same it was time to grew a pair of balls and take command!
Ember in the heart
This story is special. Foster had bad experiences with women. When he finally meets thr one that shakes him to the core, he messes it up. Not once, but a few times. Thankfully Ember knows how to forgive and forget. Really lovely story.
I received an earc from the author and am leaving a voluntary review.
December 6, 2021
4.5 Stars for Love Stories: A Novella Collection
This is a collection of four novellas previously released through Samantha Young’s newsletters and they have now being released as a collection of love stories. This collection has something for everyone from single dad to brothers best friend, they are all sweet and a little bit steamy and the first two are perfect reads to put you in the mood for the upcoming holiday season. I loved everything about these quick reads I could not get enough of them but I was left wanting more. I love the magic of Christmas and we certainly get a magical read with Love Stories: A Novella Collection.
This is a collection of four novellas previously released through Samantha Young’s newsletters and they have now being released as a collection of love stories. This collection has something for everyone from single dad to brothers best friend, they are all sweet and a little bit steamy and the first two are perfect reads to put you in the mood for the upcoming holiday season. I loved everything about these quick reads I could not get enough of them but I was left wanting more. I love the magic of Christmas and we certainly get a magical read with Love Stories: A Novella Collection.
December 6, 2021
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December 5, 2021
Si vous êtes abonnés à la newsletter de Samantha Young, vous avez donc pu découvrir les nouvelles qui sont dans ce recueil. L'auteur y aborde divers thèmes qui lui tiennent à coeur et nous allons nous régaler à découvrir les différents personnages et les rebondissements qu'ils vont vivre.
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