Holidays and Hookups

by Trinity Wood (Editor), A.R. Bell, Niki Brazen

Sandy beaches, rolling waves, hot bodies. All crucial elements for a dream vacation.

Pack your bags and grab your passport for over twenty tales of getting away and getting it on. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Read the best USA Today best-selling and award-winning romance authors in a spicy vacation collection curated by The New Romance Cafe.


Authors:
A.R. Bell
Angela Kady
Bethany Monaco Smith
Chele MacCabe
Chelle Pimblott
Cinna Stone
Emma Lunn Everly
Harper Michaels
Heather Osborne
Jan Halen
Jazmine Skye
JB Heller
Kat Webb
Katie Frey
L.S. Ram
Laurelle Lewis
Michelle Iannarelli
Niki Brazen
Renee Dahlia
Sarah Stein
Serafina Jax
Shannon O'Connor
Trinity Wood
Valerie Pepper

Genres: Romance, Anthologies

1372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2023

About the author

Trinity writes contemporary romance set in New Zealand. Because she can't get enough of book boyfriends, she created some of her own. Get ready to meet Sam, Corey, Jay, Tai, Luke, Mike, Travis, and many more, but please form an orderly line. Behind Trinity.

A self-professed good-time nerd, Trinity's never far away from one of her trusty Pokemon coffee mugs. Trinity also swears that Margaritas can cure colds.

Keep in touch on Facebook in The New Romance Cafe.

Reviews

[Nicole Scarborough · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last lie by Bethany Monaco Smith was a good quick read. Perfect for summer. I loved it

[Nerdybookshelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received Fling in Paradise from the Holidays and Hookups anthology from Emma Lynn Everly on Booksprout.

Amanda just turned 40 and has declared that she is going to focus on herself this year, and that means no flings with Ryan who is a corporate lawyer in his late 20's, and someone she instantly disliked. But after the two of them are thrown together in a wedding party-hotel snafu, that now has them sharing a room, will it still be possible to ignore rheir chemistry?

It is a very fun and steamy story that includes a reverse age gap and enemies to lovers trope. The author is a great writer who is able to creat well rounded characters in a short amount of time.

[Claire Ingledew · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Lie from this Holiday and hook ups is a fantastic read.

I loved everything about it, loved Bethany written style her characters and the story line. Mark and Frannie were a delight to read so easy to read for me it’s a definite 5⭐️

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun anthology filled with lots of great stories. I especially enjoyed The Resort At Wolf Lake by Chele MacCabe - the characters were realistic, and the story kept me interested. A very sweet tale.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my review for Accidentally Arrested on Vacation by Katie Frey

This is a holiday romance and it is Molly and Seb’s story. Molly was on holiday in Martinique with her friend Raoul only for her to be arrested because they thought that she was a lady of the night and ended up in a cell and then she got community service for the rest of her holiday making her angry and she just wanted to go home but when she made a promise she knew that she would stick to it. Seb is a cop and trying to catch a man that was completely ruining and controlling there town and seemed to have everyone in his pocket and when he saw Molly in a alley he ended up arresting her and giving her community service but even though he felt guilty he didn’t regret his decision as he realised that he wanted to spend more time with her and this was the only way to do that. The attraction between Molly and Seb was strong but Molly was only there for two weeks and Seb didn’t do relationships so will this become just another holiday fling or will it turn into more only time will tell what the outcome will be for them in the end. I absolutely enjoyed this book so much and I can’t wait to read more books in the future.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review: The Last Lie by Bethany Monaco Smith (part of the Holidays and Hookups anthology) releasing 6th June ✈️ ☀️ 🏖️ 💘

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶.5/5

❤️Meet cute (on a plane)❤️Tiny beach town setting❤️Banter❤️Bookish characters❤️

Well this was just perfect! If you’ve been here before you might be aware that I’m not a huge fan of short stories or anthologies in general. However this one has definitely changed my mind! Bethany got the mix spot on with this short, sweet, and definitely spicy story!

Mark is a pro footballer needing to hide away for a while; Frannie is a workaholic taking her first solo vacation and her first flight. They end up sitting next to each other on the plane and the rest (as they say) is history!

The pace of this is great - there’s an instant connection between the MC’s of course but their relationship development doesn’t feel rushed at all. I won’t say more about the plot as I don’t want to spoil it but I do feel more inclined to read the rest of the anthology now that I have read Bethany’s contribution. This story was the perfect palate cleanser and I read it super fast. I highly recommend checking it out.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holidays and Hookups Collection . . .

Fun in the sun collection of many stories is gathered here so you know you will find quite a few books that are perfect for you to enjoy. Below is a review of one of the books to give you an idea of what you can expect to find.

*** Reviewing “FLING IN PARADISE” by Emma Lynn Everly ***
Amanda Weston turned 40 and it’s time to swear off men and make better “self-care” choices for herself, especially no more of the young guy Ryan Cobalt, an attorney she doesn’t even like. The unlimited bar and tequila shots had her ending up in his bed, and he wants a repeat! But life happens and we all have to “roll with the punches” sometimes. Amanda is heading to a beachside wedding where she will be maid of honor for Connie. But when the inevitable mix-up occurs and she and Ryan have to share a room, will her new rules keep her strong and able to avoid temptation… NOT! The story is full of fun and lots of steam as Ryan isn’t ready to give up on her.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Lie by Bethany Monaco Smith

Part of the Holidays & Hookups Anthology

I’ve read quite a few of the author’s books and while pure romance isn’t often in my rotation of genres, I like how she gets down to the underlying feelings in her books.

For anyone familiar with the author, this one has Ida connections and you’ll recognize a few names. I always love a little Easter egg as I read.

I loved that this one was about a football player. I know so much more about football than a lot of other sports.

Mark is down to earth for having just played in the Super Bowl. Frankie is adorable knowing what she wants. Since this is a short story/novella, the deep characterization the author is known for is a little limited, but there wasn’t any limitation on the spice. I rooted for them from the start and that’s the most important thing for me in a romance.

I’d definitely recommend Mark and Frankie’s story.

[Book Nerdy 2020 · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE LAST LIE By Bethany Monaco Smith

Mark, a pro footballer who needs to lay low is on his way to Anais Bay when he ends up sitting with Frannie who is a workaholic on her first solo vacation and her first ever flight.


😊What i liked -

✔ Holiday Hookup/ Sports/Small Town/Instant Attraction.
✔ I have liked Mark ever since he made his appearance in Rae and Aaron's story. So reading Mark's story was such a treat.
✔ Frannie was such a sweet character.
✔ I loved their first meet and their instant connection.
✔ I Loved this short story which is a perfect mix of swoon, banter and spice.


🤔What could have been better -

✔ If Mark had a full length book.

📚Who Should read :

👶Beginners
💝Romance Lover
💕Instant Romance
🏖Holiday Romance

📈My Rating : 4/5

P.s - Loved having a glimpse of my favourite Granny and Grandpa.

Thank You, Bethany Monaco Smith ,for a copy.

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love an anthology as a go to for a quick read. This review is specifically for "The Last Lie" by Bethany Monaco Smith. In the same universe as the beloved Ida series, this short story has a lot packed into it. It is a vacation romance that is absolutly adorable!

Mark, a pro football player traveling incognito, is taking time away to let a tabloid story quiet down. Frannie, a social worker, is taking her first solo vacation.

Meeting on the plane, they have an instant connection and share many common interests. As fate would have it, Frannie's rental car falls through and since they are staying at the same resort, they ride together. Mark is so drawn to Frannie, but will she understand the lie he told her about himself? And will this be more than just a vacation fling?

[Shani (Bttrflymama88) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Lie by Bethany Monaco Smith

We already know if she writes it, I'm going to read it and then create all the things! Which I most definitely did! #8 will forever have a special place in my heart! 😉

I am absolutely in love with Mark and Frannie! This is just the pickup you need if you find yourself in a slump or honestly just because. It's light, fun, super Flirty! I mean hot shot football player Mark, sweet sunshine-y Frannie! Super cute airplane meet! He calms her fear of flying! From the same place going to the same place... and so much more! Sounds like fate to me! I mean they seriously are the cutest! A vacation fling that turns into so much more! Def a must read! But if it has Bethanys name on it! You should def read it!

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for The Last Lie by Bethany Monaco Smith

What a terrific sweet novella with a little steamy added into the mix. Imagine meeting a complete stranger on a plane and having an instant connection. Well, that is exactly what happens to Mark and Frannie. Two completely different people getting away from it all. Mark trying to lay low because of a scandal and Frannie is on vacation, the only thing is she has never flown. Secrets are kept as well as shared between the two of them. The chemistry that they share is sweet. They share a row, a car ride and so much more in this fantastic vacation romance that will have you dreaming of meeting that perfect guy on a plane.
I was so happy to see Mark get his own story as he is one of the characters from the series Friends Like Us.

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a review of Fling in Paradise by Emma Lynn Everly

A quick and fun read set in a tropical Caribbean resort where two people who clearly don't like each other are thrown together doing all sorts of couples activities in preparation for a wedding only they aren't the bride and groom. Instead they are the Maid of Honor and the Best Man. Add to that a lost reservation and the forced proximity of being in a room together with only one bed and you know that sparks are going to fly and they certainly do. It's also got a reverse age gap situation that she struggles with more than he does. It was sweetly romantic and steamy and a truly enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful collection of stories written by different authors.
Fling in Paradise by Emma Lynn Everly
This is a story about a couple who are maid of honor, and best man at a wedding, and they are complete opposites, but everything that can go wrong does, and they are forced to compete together as a couple in the run up to the wedding.
This is a well written story which is quick and easy to read, with opposites attract, a reverse age gap, humor, witty banter, romance, a lost reservation, forced proximity, challenges, enemies / lovers, and love, which leads to a fun, entertaining, and steamy page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Idalia Helaena · Rating 5 out of 5]

- My review is for “The Last Lie” by Bethany Monaco Smith.

“The Last Lie” is a vacation romance featuring Mark and Frannie, two strangers who met on a plane and felt an instant connection with each other. I thought this was a really cute story, and that Mark and Frannie’s relationship had depth even though they’d just met. Even though Mark made a few mistakes, I truly believe he was a good, kindhearted person, and I absolutely adored the way he took care of Frannie. And Frannie!!! I loved her sweet and sassy personality, and that she wasn’t afraid to stand up for what she wanted. This is perfect for fans of spicy vacation romance!

[Cara A · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Lie by Bethany Monaco Smith
Featured in The Holidays and Hookups Anthology

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

This is a sweet, short and spicy story about a pro football player hiding away and a hardworking FMC finally taking a vacation.
I love the instant chemistry, banter and ease at which they felt with one another. With this being a short story it didn’t feel rushed or missing pieces to develop their relationship and the storyline. If you are looking for a spicy quick love story this will be for you!

“It’s still scary, but now I know it’s worth it.”

I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.

[Dawn Litwiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this collection of quick reads, Bethany Monaco Smith has written the Last Lie.
This story of Frannie and Mark who are both getting away on a holiday and meet on the plane. Then find out they are staying at the same place and they have an instant connection. The more they spend time together, the harder they fall for one another. It's a fun, sweet & spicy read with a HEA. It doesn't get too heavy or angsty, but it isn't all perfect. Great quick reads in this anthology that are perfect for sitting ob the beach or by a pool, or even when you just have a little time to relax and enjoy a really great read! Yet again, Bethany doesn't disappoint!

[AddictedToReadingRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Vacation Romance

The Last Lie by Bethany Monaco Smith

Awww it was so romantic and perfect!!! This was one of the most amazing InstaLove romance that I’ve read!!! I literally felt in love with them in an instant too. Mark is so romantic and intense. Frannie is so cute and strong, and she’s definitely the one for him. I love how fate works in their favor and how both fall in love with each other at the same time. Their connection is so good. This short story is full of emotions. You are going to love every second of this vacation, a pretty amazing vacation. (And I love the little glimpse of Rae here).

[Brenda Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for Fling in Paradise by Emma Lynn Everly

This is a well written story with strong characters in Amanda and Ryan. The author brings an entertaining reverse age gap love story that starts with Amanda hating him and Ryan trying his best to change her mind. She brings the heat with some sexy scenes and moves the story perfectly with her vividly painted scenes.
It's an enjoyable read with a sweet and surprising ending.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Jalesa Kraus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the story The Last Lie by Bethany Monaco Smith as an ARC to read and review. I’ve read almost all of Bethany’s books and let me tell you as always she did not disappoint. This story had my emotions all over the place, I loved Mark and Frankie and how they met in such a coincidental way and everything just fell into place from there. I loved how she always found a way to tie other characters from her other books into the story as well. Overall I loved reading this cute little love story!

[Laura Carter-Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review is for “The Last Lie” by Bethany Monaco Smith.

Mark and Frannie's romance is one that a lot of people dream of having. Meeting for the first time on a plane and having an instant connection that leads to a relationship that doesn't just have an intense sexual connection, but is filled with emotional depth, is a relationship to be treasured. While Mark makes a few mistakes, he is able to show Frannie that he is in it for the long haul in the way he takes care of her. Frannie holds her own with her special brand of sweet mixed with sassy.

[Read By Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Lie by Bethany Monaco Smith:

The Last Lie was such a cute story. From the very beginning, I enjoyed both Mark and Frannie and loved the connection between the two of them. One thing I really like about this author is how all of her stories are interconnected, even when it is a story that is part of an anthology. The relationship between the two of them was so cute and I couldn't help but root for them as I was reading. I loved their chemistry and the plot. It was a quick read and super cute.

[Colleen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for The Last Lie in Holiday & Hookups by Bethany Monaco Smith

These two characters were absolutely adorable! Mark is well-mannered, modest, and extremely humble. Frannie is a workaholic, who is forced to go on a vacation, and completely clueless of who she’s been “dating” while on vacation. Unfortunately, lies always find a way to catch up to you. Although Mark hid his celebrity status from Frannie, their honest and instant connection is what keeps them together.

This short, swoon-worthy tale deserves a book 2. It was the perfect story to end my reading hiatus!

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a review for Poolside Love by Shannon O'Connor

I loved this quick read by Shannon O'Connor. Bree and Nicole are fun characters and the chemistry and attraction is off the charts. They meet whilst on vacation nd although it starts off as a fling it quickly develops into a long lasting relationship. This story had all the feels and it was very romantic. Loved the characters and the story was fun to read.

I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[bookishwith_toshyasue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Like by Bethany Monco Smith was such a sweet story. Just like most of her stories. I loved this short novella, the characters, the spice, the tension, and the possessiveness from the MC. Who doesn’t want to head on vacation, and end up next to a smexy man who will hold your hand when you are afraid to fly? This story had all the elements I have grown to love from Bethany and I was not disappointed. She had a little tricky-tricky in there that caught me off guard too! Great Novella.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is for The Last Lie by Bethany Monaco Smith. Honestly it now makes me want to snag the full anthology and read every story!

Frannie and Mark are ridiculously swoon-worthy in this short, and I love that we ended up with being able to know SO much from so little. If you’ve ready Bethany before though, you’ve gotten little glimpses of our Main Characters, especially Mark. He is charming, endearing, and not in his profession for the fame - but for the love of the game. When things go awry at the Super Bowl, he has to escape for a bit, and chooses Anais Bay. Frannie, on the other hand, is forced to use vacation time and just relax. One of her best friends recommended the place in Anais Bay, even though she’d be just as happy with a staycation.

Starting things off with fear, and a tiny white lie, we get one of the most incredible quick love stories mixed with a good amount of spice. Frannie and Mark have very quickly become a favorite couple!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amanda is the bridesmaid for her friend Connie and Ryan is the best man. She just turned forty and has sworn off men until she and Ryan end up on the same flight to the beachside wedding and they have a hot night together. Ryan is years younger is a corporate attorney so she is surprised how they hit it off. This is a short hot romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the last lie by Bethany Monaco smith. For a short read this story was beautifully written and captivated me from the beginning and held me all the way to the end. The characters were adorable together . The chemistry between the two was sweet. I have to say Frannie is definitely a tiny freak in the sheets and mark ever the gentleman enough to quench the little vixens thirst. I really enjoyed reading their love story.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is for "The last Lie" By Bethany. First I want to thank her for letting me ARC read this amazing book. The chemistry between Mark and Frannie. I read this book in one night because it was that good. There is so much I want to say but I don't want to give anything away so you just have to go read it.

[Jacqueline Fromm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Bethany Monaco Smiths story “The Last Lie”.
We get to meet one of her beloved characters cousin Mark, a football player. We see him go through something and hide himself. He meets Frannie a girl from our beloved town of Ida. Are the secrets to much? Read to find out….. 10/10 recommend
Spice is amazing, connection with characters is great.