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Skull Creek #3.25
Blazing Bedtime Stories: Once Upon A Bite / My, What A Big...You Have! / Sexily Ever After
These Valentine's Day stories have Blazingly happy endings…
Once Upon a Bite by Kimberly Raye
Beauty and the beast—in the bedroom! When wolfishly irresistible Matt Keller lands in Skull Creek, Texas, Shay Briggs sees a hunky beast who needs her taming touch.
My, What a Big…You Have! by Leslie Kelly
Scarlett Templeton doesn't believe in fairy tales. That is, until she meets a sexy rogue in the woods, on her way to Grandmother's house….
Sexily Ever After by Rhonda Nelson
Ugly duckling Juliet only wants to be a femme fatale. Little does she guess that a chance meeting with hottie Gareth will inspire her to reveal her sexy swanlike plumage—and a lot more—before long!
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2009
8 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Raye
138 books460 followersI've always been an incurable romantic. While I enjoy reading all types of fiction, my favorites, the books that touch my soul, are romance novels. From sexy to thrilling, sweet to humorous, I like them all. But what I really love is writing romance--the hotter the better!
I started my first novel back in high school and have been writing ever since. To date, I've published over thirty novels, one of them a prestigious RITA Award nominee, Romance Writers of America's highest award of excellence. I have also been nominated by Romantic Times magazine for several Reviewer's Choice awards, as well as a career achievement award.
I've written for several different publishers, including Harlequin Books, Leisure Books, Berkley/Jove, St. Martin's Press and Warner Books. Born and bred in the Lone Start State, I still live deep in the heart with my real-life hero, Curt, and our young children.
Like any over-worked, under-appreciated wife and mother, I have very little free time. But when I find a few precious moments, I LOVE to read. Some of my favorite authors include Janet Evanovich, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Charlaine Harris (see my Favorite Reads page for more) and the exceptionally talented Nina Bangs. Give me a bag of Sugar Babies, a Toby Keith or Kevin Fowler CD (I love Texas music), and a great book, and I'm in heaven!
I started my first novel back in high school and have been writing ever since. To date, I've published over thirty novels, one of them a prestigious RITA Award nominee, Romance Writers of America's highest award of excellence. I have also been nominated by Romantic Times magazine for several Reviewer's Choice awards, as well as a career achievement award.
I've written for several different publishers, including Harlequin Books, Leisure Books, Berkley/Jove, St. Martin's Press and Warner Books. Born and bred in the Lone Start State, I still live deep in the heart with my real-life hero, Curt, and our young children.
Like any over-worked, under-appreciated wife and mother, I have very little free time. But when I find a few precious moments, I LOVE to read. Some of my favorite authors include Janet Evanovich, Vicki Lewis Thompson, Charlaine Harris (see my Favorite Reads page for more) and the exceptionally talented Nina Bangs. Give me a bag of Sugar Babies, a Toby Keith or Kevin Fowler CD (I love Texas music), and a great book, and I'm in heaven!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 25, 2009
I do not normally read this kind of "literature," but this book was picked by my book club to "examine the genre," so to speak. It's a little difficult to judge, but I will attempt nevertheless.
This book contained three novellas, each one telling a story of a woman disillusioned in love and finding love. I suppose each novella delivered a required measure of throbbing members and voluptuous bodies; however they definitely lacked in creativity department, especially first two. Authors of "Once Upon a Bite" and "My, What a Big ... You Have" attempted and failed to write love stories with a paranormal "twist." They were poorly executed, made absolutely no sense, and, as one of my book club members said, "couldn't even give a decent excuse for characters to have sex." The third story "Sexily Ever After" was a standard representative of Harlequin romance genre - decent but mediocre and not very imaginative.
Most likely I will never read anything of this sort again, but I am giving this book 2 stars anyway, just because it gave me and my book club friends a reason to have some great laughs.
This book contained three novellas, each one telling a story of a woman disillusioned in love and finding love. I suppose each novella delivered a required measure of throbbing members and voluptuous bodies; however they definitely lacked in creativity department, especially first two. Authors of "Once Upon a Bite" and "My, What a Big ... You Have" attempted and failed to write love stories with a paranormal "twist." They were poorly executed, made absolutely no sense, and, as one of my book club members said, "couldn't even give a decent excuse for characters to have sex." The third story "Sexily Ever After" was a standard representative of Harlequin romance genre - decent but mediocre and not very imaginative.
Most likely I will never read anything of this sort again, but I am giving this book 2 stars anyway, just because it gave me and my book club friends a reason to have some great laughs.
February 15, 2009
"Blazing Bedtime Stories" is a hot, quick three-story read by Harlequin Blaze. Cupid is in trouble! The latest numbers show sex on the upswing, but love is diving down into a recession! If he doesn't get his numbers up Venus will boot him down to a basement office in hell. The website Kissmyasscupid isn't helping matters so he decides to arrange a little love for the 'top three' cupid haters on their site. Two of the stories were very funny and the third a little more romantic.
"Once Upon a Bite" is the coda to Kimberly Raye's Texas vampires series. In this one, a werewolf bitten by a vampire finds out what happens when he meets his mate.
"My, What a Big...You Have" by Leslie Kelly really ticked my funny bone. A children's author stumbles into trouble and love by veering to the road less taken.
"Sexily Ever After" is Rhonda Nelson's take on the story of the Ugly Duckling.
All three tales were very hot and short enough to provide a little reading between your own Valentine's Day activities!!
"Once Upon a Bite" is the coda to Kimberly Raye's Texas vampires series. In this one, a werewolf bitten by a vampire finds out what happens when he meets his mate.
"My, What a Big...You Have" by Leslie Kelly really ticked my funny bone. A children's author stumbles into trouble and love by veering to the road less taken.
"Sexily Ever After" is Rhonda Nelson's take on the story of the Ugly Duckling.
All three tales were very hot and short enough to provide a little reading between your own Valentine's Day activities!!
January 10, 2021
Fun, magical anthology
4 stars
This is an anthology of tales based on bedtime stories that are given the sexy, Blaze treatment. Days before Valentine's Day, Cupid needs to prove that love still exists by helping three Valentine-hating women.
Once Upon A Bite - Kimberly Raye
Beauty salon owner, Shay Biggs, is through with the bad boys - she's now on the look out for Mr Right. She doesn't think she'll find it in new guy in town, Matt Keller, but there's some animal magnetism pulling the pair together. Do beauty and the beast stand a chance?
This story didn't really do it for me, I'm afraid. I didn't really get the whole werewolf/vampire thing and the whole story lacked any romance and was wrapped up far too quickly for my liking.
My, What A Big... You Have! - Leslie Kelly
Children's author, Scarlett Templeton, doesn't believe in fairy tales. But all that changes when she meets a sexy hunter in the woods on the way to her Grandmother's house.
Despite being pure fantasy, this tale was believable and very sexy. I loved both Scarlett and Hunter and felt really drawn into the world of fairy tales.
Sexily Ever After - Rhonda Nelson
Ugly duckling Juliet hates Valentine's Day with a passion but secretly wants someone to make her feel beautiful. Hunky Gareth is determined to win Juliet and make her see that she truly is a beautiful, sexy woman.
This was the only one of the three stories that didn't have any magical element to it and was also my favourite of the three. Juliet was such a likeable character and you really wanted her to get her happy ending.
Magical, fantasy tales aren't my usual choice but I have to say I enjoyed this anthology. The first story wasn't particularly memorable but the other two were fun and well-written. If you like something slightly mystical or simply want to see if fantasy stories are your cup of tea then I would recommend this book to you. 4 stars.
May 14, 2018
I picked this book up back in April and read "Once Upon a Bite" by Kimberly Raye (two stars). For some reason this story just didn't click with me, so I put this book down for about a month and then read "My, What a Big...You Have!" by Leslie Kelly (four stars), which had been the whole reason I'd picked up this collection in the first place. And of course I loved it. I've read some of Leslie Kelly's other books before, so I had a good inkling I'd enjoy it. She is a fabulously talented prose writer and I definitely want to read more by her. The last story, "Sexily Ever After" by Rhonda Nelson (4 stars) was super fun and, like Leslie Kelly's story, rang true to me - the characters were well-drawn (loved Gareth and Juliet together!) and the story had a good pacing. Furthermore, I tend to like a female character who is an artist, like Juliet.
All in all a good collection. I liked the fairy tale elements in all three stories, but I liked best the dark setting, tone and romance of the one by Leslie Kelly. The best writers make you believe what is on the page and this one did that for me.
All in all a good collection. I liked the fairy tale elements in all three stories, but I liked best the dark setting, tone and romance of the one by Leslie Kelly. The best writers make you believe what is on the page and this one did that for me.
August 11, 2019
Cute, quick stories for an afternoon read.
August 25, 2024
I am so glad that Matt got his happily ever after, the way he ignored the mate signs was just so cute
August 24, 2022
My complete review is here:
https://anovelexperience2011.blogspot...
https://anovelexperience2011.blogspot...
July 24, 2012
Cupid’s mother Venus has high expectations – the numbers show sex high… but love low… so Cupid is reintroducing love into 3 women’s lives – Cupid gets to be a somewhat dumpy newspaper photographer, a children’s book’s author’s fan, and a makeover artist.
Once Upon a Bite –Kimberly Raye
(Beauty and the Beast) Shay Briggs, wannabe journalist but runs a day spa and needs a hook to get her customer’s back. Matt Keller – werewolf (with secret to grow hair fast) who was bitten by a vampire (when trying to help another vampire couple) so he’s a bit out of whack. Through their attraction to one another (succumbing to said attraction) and getting to know and accept one another, but come to terms with their true selves, and with commitment to each other.
My, What a Big…. You Have! Leslie Kelly
(Little Red Riding Hood) Scarlett Templeton – children’s writer, specializing in fairy tales where the prince is a whimp and the princess saves the day… reflecting her own disillusionment… and kids love them. Hunter Thibodaux - expoliceman, found out last year with his fairy mother’s death about the alternate world and his half brother Lucas Wolf… and now a bounty hunter that tracks criminals who cross over between our reality and the fairy tale reality. 3 of the cops he worked with are trafficking fairy tale drugs on our side… 2 are dead, and he suspects his half brother of the deed (in vengeance for his sister’s death at one of their hands)… Cupid sends Scarlett down an off road on the bayou, and he ends up taking her to the other side (can’t give up time to take her back to town)… and they fall in love… and she accept him. Two scenes – in the alternate world, he feeds her a few teaspoons of a tea to ease her pain, with the side effect of getting real horny. And after a 2nd night of passion, the sun is up, she cuddles up to who she thinks is Hunter, but is in fact his brother – who wants to talk to Hunter, but needs her ‘protection’ so that Hunter will listen.
Sexily Ever After - Rhonda Nelson
(The Ugly Duckling) Juliet Swan, an average looker in a family of blonde stunners, an artist… Gareth Harper, landscape/pool designer… both are hired by rich Jamison Highgrove, who is looking to build a sex cave adjoining the pool (like Hugh Hefner?) and slightly naughty fairy tales painted on his bedroom walls – to keep things fresh with his wife. He had met Juliet when he was dating one of her sisters, but felt a strong tug towards Juliet… and Juliet was attracted to him too… though neither knew it of the other…
They work together for a week, talk a lot, enjoy each other’s company, share a few kisses… and on the night before Valentine’s day, all the work is done, they have free reign of the house… and they indulge in a night of passion… where Gareth wants Juliet to know how beautiful he finds her… (and she gains that last lick of confidence, and is able to redo the smile on her ugly duckling mural to make it perfect)… and after a bit of rockiness, where she says goodby (before he can)… and they miss each other desperately… and he decides she doesn’t do relationships, so she’s going to have to trust him … ahhh and he becomes very well known for building sex grottos.
Once Upon a Bite –Kimberly Raye
(Beauty and the Beast) Shay Briggs, wannabe journalist but runs a day spa and needs a hook to get her customer’s back. Matt Keller – werewolf (with secret to grow hair fast) who was bitten by a vampire (when trying to help another vampire couple) so he’s a bit out of whack. Through their attraction to one another (succumbing to said attraction) and getting to know and accept one another, but come to terms with their true selves, and with commitment to each other.
My, What a Big…. You Have! Leslie Kelly
(Little Red Riding Hood) Scarlett Templeton – children’s writer, specializing in fairy tales where the prince is a whimp and the princess saves the day… reflecting her own disillusionment… and kids love them. Hunter Thibodaux - expoliceman, found out last year with his fairy mother’s death about the alternate world and his half brother Lucas Wolf… and now a bounty hunter that tracks criminals who cross over between our reality and the fairy tale reality. 3 of the cops he worked with are trafficking fairy tale drugs on our side… 2 are dead, and he suspects his half brother of the deed (in vengeance for his sister’s death at one of their hands)… Cupid sends Scarlett down an off road on the bayou, and he ends up taking her to the other side (can’t give up time to take her back to town)… and they fall in love… and she accept him. Two scenes – in the alternate world, he feeds her a few teaspoons of a tea to ease her pain, with the side effect of getting real horny. And after a 2nd night of passion, the sun is up, she cuddles up to who she thinks is Hunter, but is in fact his brother – who wants to talk to Hunter, but needs her ‘protection’ so that Hunter will listen.
Sexily Ever After - Rhonda Nelson
(The Ugly Duckling) Juliet Swan, an average looker in a family of blonde stunners, an artist… Gareth Harper, landscape/pool designer… both are hired by rich Jamison Highgrove, who is looking to build a sex cave adjoining the pool (like Hugh Hefner?) and slightly naughty fairy tales painted on his bedroom walls – to keep things fresh with his wife. He had met Juliet when he was dating one of her sisters, but felt a strong tug towards Juliet… and Juliet was attracted to him too… though neither knew it of the other…
They work together for a week, talk a lot, enjoy each other’s company, share a few kisses… and on the night before Valentine’s day, all the work is done, they have free reign of the house… and they indulge in a night of passion… where Gareth wants Juliet to know how beautiful he finds her… (and she gains that last lick of confidence, and is able to redo the smile on her ugly duckling mural to make it perfect)… and after a bit of rockiness, where she says goodby (before he can)… and they miss each other desperately… and he decides she doesn’t do relationships, so she’s going to have to trust him … ahhh and he becomes very well known for building sex grottos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2016
Once Upon a Bite – Kimberly Raye – 2/5 – Shay is a small town, former beauty queen who has had nothing but bad luck with guys. She’s also a cosmetician and when she sees Matt Keller’s picture in the paper and he has long hair when he normally has short, she figures he has some hair remedy and goes out there to get it. Matt is actually a werewolf on the prowl for his mate but can’t share that, so he offers to tell her some hair remedies in exchange for sex. He’s refusing to see that Shay is actually his mate, but can’t seem to get her out of his head. This was kind of cute and had a lot of potential, but didn’t quite come out in execution. I honestly think the whole vampire thing was completely unnecessary, as there was more than enough interest with just the werewolf factor. Also, his particular reaction to a vampire bite left a lot of questions unanswered…This was straight up insta-love, with them having one night together and them basically being in love but denying it. And based on that, Shay decides to fully accept that he’s half vampire, half werewolf and that she loves him anyway. A bit farfetched.
My What a Big…You Have! – Leslie Kelly – 4/5 – Scarlett Templeton is on her way to visit her grandmother in the bayou when she crashes her car after almost running into a man who looks a bit like a wolf. Hunter Thibodaux ends up rescuing her, but because he’s on a police-like mission, he can’t take her back to civilization yet. So he takes her into the next dimension, where fairy tales are real – it’s never really explained, but it is alluded to fairly clearly. Scarlett is too smart not to figure out something strange is going on, but Hunter keeps trying to hide the truth from her. Even going so far as to distract her with their attraction. I liked this and I seem to like Leslie Kelly’s use of a fairy-tale dimension that reminds me of the 10th Kingdom. (I only later saw the parallels to Red Riding Hood, duh.) Hunter was very sexy and Scarlett for once was actually an intelligent heroine (not just one that claimed to be and really wasn’t).
Sexily Ever After – Rhonda Nelson - 3/5 – Well – only in this story, where Juliet Swan paints a naughty mural depicting Beauty and the Beast, Red Riding Hood and the Ugly Duckling did I figure out that each story in this anthology portrays an interpretation of that fairy tale. This story is the Ugly Duckling. Juliet is nothing like her beautiful sisters and is very insecure about her looks. Gareth, her sister’s long ago ex (for a few days) is working in the same house as she is and is very interested. But she just can’t trust that it’s going to last, since she has no faith in her looks or ability to keep his interest. This was very good, mostly because I liked the characters and their chemistry. It was insta-lovey, but still enjoyable. Not much really happened in this story.
My What a Big…You Have! – Leslie Kelly – 4/5 – Scarlett Templeton is on her way to visit her grandmother in the bayou when she crashes her car after almost running into a man who looks a bit like a wolf. Hunter Thibodaux ends up rescuing her, but because he’s on a police-like mission, he can’t take her back to civilization yet. So he takes her into the next dimension, where fairy tales are real – it’s never really explained, but it is alluded to fairly clearly. Scarlett is too smart not to figure out something strange is going on, but Hunter keeps trying to hide the truth from her. Even going so far as to distract her with their attraction. I liked this and I seem to like Leslie Kelly’s use of a fairy-tale dimension that reminds me of the 10th Kingdom. (I only later saw the parallels to Red Riding Hood, duh.) Hunter was very sexy and Scarlett for once was actually an intelligent heroine (not just one that claimed to be and really wasn’t).
Sexily Ever After – Rhonda Nelson - 3/5 – Well – only in this story, where Juliet Swan paints a naughty mural depicting Beauty and the Beast, Red Riding Hood and the Ugly Duckling did I figure out that each story in this anthology portrays an interpretation of that fairy tale. This story is the Ugly Duckling. Juliet is nothing like her beautiful sisters and is very insecure about her looks. Gareth, her sister’s long ago ex (for a few days) is working in the same house as she is and is very interested. But she just can’t trust that it’s going to last, since she has no faith in her looks or ability to keep his interest. This was very good, mostly because I liked the characters and their chemistry. It was insta-lovey, but still enjoyable. Not much really happened in this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2015
This is an anthology featuring the following stories:
Once Upon a Bite by Kimberly Raye (5 stars)
This story is about Shay Briggs (a beauty shop owner) and Matt Keller (a werewolf looking for his mate). Matt was bitten by a vampire and has been having trouble ever since. He has been getting hairy even when it is not a full moon. Someone snapped a picture of him running through town with long hair and totally naked. Shay had seen him that very morning with short hair. She is determined to find out how he grew hair that fast so she can save her struggling business. Matt agrees to help if she will sleep with him. Will they fall for each other? What is matt turning into? Is she the mate of matt's dreams? Is he the wolf of her dreams? Read to find out!
My, What a Big...You Have! by Leslie Kelly (5 stars)
This story is about Scarlett Templeton (an author of children's books) and Hunter Thibodaux (a bounty hunter). Hunter is hunting his half-brother Lucas when he comes across Scarlett who has crashed her car and is hurt. Hunter takes her "over the rainbow" as Lucas calls it. It's a place that is very different - where our fairy tales come from. Will Hunter and Scarlett fall in love while he is caring for her? Will Hunter take Lucas back with him? Will Scarlett finally believe in love?
Sexily Ever After by Rhonda Nelson (5 stars)
This story is about Juliet Swan (a painter) and Gareth Harper (her sister's ex-boyfriend). Gareth was attracted to Juliet from the moment he met her, but since he was dating her sister he didn't do anything. Gareth's just gotten out of a relationship where he caught his girlfriend sleeping with his best friend/business partner under his christmas tree. He lost his girlfriend, business partner, and best friend all in one swoop. Juliet believes she is plain and believes that nobody will ever love her. Gareth and Juliet share some wonderful moments together but believing she will get her heart broken like always, she breaks up with him. Will Gareth fight for her? Will he allow her fear to take away the best thing that has ever happened to either of them?
I loved each of these stories! These couples were put together by Cupid after they each told him to kiss their ***. Cupid is determined to help these three women who do not believe in love. I thought this was a great read!
Once Upon a Bite by Kimberly Raye (5 stars)
This story is about Shay Briggs (a beauty shop owner) and Matt Keller (a werewolf looking for his mate). Matt was bitten by a vampire and has been having trouble ever since. He has been getting hairy even when it is not a full moon. Someone snapped a picture of him running through town with long hair and totally naked. Shay had seen him that very morning with short hair. She is determined to find out how he grew hair that fast so she can save her struggling business. Matt agrees to help if she will sleep with him. Will they fall for each other? What is matt turning into? Is she the mate of matt's dreams? Is he the wolf of her dreams? Read to find out!
My, What a Big...You Have! by Leslie Kelly (5 stars)
This story is about Scarlett Templeton (an author of children's books) and Hunter Thibodaux (a bounty hunter). Hunter is hunting his half-brother Lucas when he comes across Scarlett who has crashed her car and is hurt. Hunter takes her "over the rainbow" as Lucas calls it. It's a place that is very different - where our fairy tales come from. Will Hunter and Scarlett fall in love while he is caring for her? Will Hunter take Lucas back with him? Will Scarlett finally believe in love?
Sexily Ever After by Rhonda Nelson (5 stars)
This story is about Juliet Swan (a painter) and Gareth Harper (her sister's ex-boyfriend). Gareth was attracted to Juliet from the moment he met her, but since he was dating her sister he didn't do anything. Gareth's just gotten out of a relationship where he caught his girlfriend sleeping with his best friend/business partner under his christmas tree. He lost his girlfriend, business partner, and best friend all in one swoop. Juliet believes she is plain and believes that nobody will ever love her. Gareth and Juliet share some wonderful moments together but believing she will get her heart broken like always, she breaks up with him. Will Gareth fight for her? Will he allow her fear to take away the best thing that has ever happened to either of them?
I loved each of these stories! These couples were put together by Cupid after they each told him to kiss their ***. Cupid is determined to help these three women who do not believe in love. I thought this was a great read!
December 7, 2011
I bought this book a while back, almost as soon at it came out, but I only got to read it a couple of weeks back and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I only recently got into paranormal (thanks to the TV series The Vampire Diaries) and so I've taken to adding one or two para books to each purchase.
The book follows three unrelated women (in 3 separate stories: Once Upon A Bite| My, What A Big...You Have! | Sexily Ever After (Harlequin Blaze)) who have just about given up on love. The book starts with an into of 'the world above' where the deities have to account for their work, and in particular Lover Boy (or cupid) is on the spot because humans are more interested in sex than love. So he decides to take matters into his hands and bring love to these three women.
I enjoyed Once Upon a Bite the most, because I love werewolves and the hero was one very sexy (cunning) werewolf looking for his mate. There's a tiny twist to that, which you would have to read to find out. I enjoyed Kimberly Raye's humour in the story.
The humour and the (spoiler alert) fantasy world in "My, What A Big...You Have!" also made me enjoy that story quite a lot.
Sexily Ever After had less humour, but had probably the most believable (rooted in reality) characters. Plain Jane turned sexy stories have always appealed to me, so this was a perfect end to the trio of stories.
And cupid got a reward! Now who doesn't want a win-win situation?
I only recently got into paranormal (thanks to the TV series The Vampire Diaries) and so I've taken to adding one or two para books to each purchase.
The book follows three unrelated women (in 3 separate stories: Once Upon A Bite| My, What A Big...You Have! | Sexily Ever After (Harlequin Blaze)) who have just about given up on love. The book starts with an into of 'the world above' where the deities have to account for their work, and in particular Lover Boy (or cupid) is on the spot because humans are more interested in sex than love. So he decides to take matters into his hands and bring love to these three women.
I enjoyed Once Upon a Bite the most, because I love werewolves and the hero was one very sexy (cunning) werewolf looking for his mate. There's a tiny twist to that, which you would have to read to find out. I enjoyed Kimberly Raye's humour in the story.
The humour and the (spoiler alert) fantasy world in "My, What A Big...You Have!" also made me enjoy that story quite a lot.
Sexily Ever After had less humour, but had probably the most believable (rooted in reality) characters. Plain Jane turned sexy stories have always appealed to me, so this was a perfect end to the trio of stories.
And cupid got a reward! Now who doesn't want a win-win situation?
July 5, 2023
Reread 2023- Started reading this story and the only story that seemed familiar was the second one. So that really does reinforce the ratings below, and ratings wil remain the same.
Once Upon a Bite - 3/5 this book was decent, however there was an aspect to the story that didn't get resolved in the end. That and the rushed nature of the story (yes hard not to be rushed with a short novella) made this story ok. It did however have some humour that bumped the rating up to a 3.
My What a Big.... You Have - 4.5 stars/5. I thought this story was the best of the bunch. The world building was very interesting and this book had the potential to be fleshed out to a full length Harlequin, and I would like to revisit this world with a longer story. The characters were decently developed for a novella.
Sexily Ever After- 2.5 stars/5. I like Rhonda Nelson's longer novels, but this one was very bland. The story started with a bit of humour, but the characters lacked depth other than Juliette's insecurities, and the dialogue was boring. I will give the writer credit, it is hard writing an Ugly Duckling story, without it being all about looks- but its hard to buy the storyline when the character lacks personality.
Overall, this book has decent short stories when you want a quick read or need a short modern day steamy fairy tale.
Once Upon a Bite - 3/5 this book was decent, however there was an aspect to the story that didn't get resolved in the end. That and the rushed nature of the story (yes hard not to be rushed with a short novella) made this story ok. It did however have some humour that bumped the rating up to a 3.
My What a Big.... You Have - 4.5 stars/5. I thought this story was the best of the bunch. The world building was very interesting and this book had the potential to be fleshed out to a full length Harlequin, and I would like to revisit this world with a longer story. The characters were decently developed for a novella.
Sexily Ever After- 2.5 stars/5. I like Rhonda Nelson's longer novels, but this one was very bland. The story started with a bit of humour, but the characters lacked depth other than Juliette's insecurities, and the dialogue was boring. I will give the writer credit, it is hard writing an Ugly Duckling story, without it being all about looks- but its hard to buy the storyline when the character lacks personality.
Overall, this book has decent short stories when you want a quick read or need a short modern day steamy fairy tale.
February 2, 2014
More of a 3.5. (well, it's an anthology)
Lessee… the first short - part of the Love at First Bite series (huh; where's George Hambleton) - has a H who is a werewolf…that got bitten by a vampire. Now… this world has vampires turned by blood exchange; not being bitten, so his suddenly developing vampiric tendencies was puzzling - to the other characters as well. It was…cute.
The second one was pretty interesting - heroine writes children's stories where the heroines are not damsels in distress. She finds herself in Far Far Away sharing space with a cop whose half brother is a wolf-man. I would like to see a full-length novel in this world as it sounds v. interesting.
At this point, I would have likely given the book a rare(for an anthology) 4 BUT… the last story did not work for me. First off, the h is an artist and… she doesn't see her finer points? Seriously? How can you be a good artist (she supposedly was) if you're that blind? Then there was her breakup with the H. I wanted to smack her. At least, the H grew a pair and didn't let her get away.
Lessee… the first short - part of the Love at First Bite series (huh; where's George Hambleton) - has a H who is a werewolf…that got bitten by a vampire. Now… this world has vampires turned by blood exchange; not being bitten, so his suddenly developing vampiric tendencies was puzzling - to the other characters as well. It was…cute.
The second one was pretty interesting - heroine writes children's stories where the heroines are not damsels in distress. She finds herself in Far Far Away sharing space with a cop whose half brother is a wolf-man. I would like to see a full-length novel in this world as it sounds v. interesting.
At this point, I would have likely given the book a rare(for an anthology) 4 BUT… the last story did not work for me. First off, the h is an artist and… she doesn't see her finer points? Seriously? How can you be a good artist (she supposedly was) if you're that blind? Then there was her breakup with the H. I wanted to smack her. At least, the H grew a pair and didn't let her get away.
February 10, 2013
Three stories by three authors woven around a common theme - Cupid is going to make sure that the three women featured on kissmyasscupid.com change their mind about love and valentines.
Kimberly Raye takes us back to Skull Creek with the first story. It was ok but not as funny as her other Skull Creek stories.
The middle story by Leslie Kelly was my favorite. I liked that the woman was the sexual aggressor and the numerous references to dark fairy tales.
The third story by Rhonda Nelson was a nice contemporary. Unlike the first two, it didn't have anything paranormal in it but it was still very enjoyable.
Kimberly Raye takes us back to Skull Creek with the first story. It was ok but not as funny as her other Skull Creek stories.
The middle story by Leslie Kelly was my favorite. I liked that the woman was the sexual aggressor and the numerous references to dark fairy tales.
The third story by Rhonda Nelson was a nice contemporary. Unlike the first two, it didn't have anything paranormal in it but it was still very enjoyable.
September 2, 2011
all were excellent stories. loved them all. really love this series. the last one was my fav, though. sexily ever after-rhonda nelson. she always thought she was the ugly duckly of the family. and atlast she found someone who well was a prince i though. that thinks she is beautiful and love her for her. i cried at the end. it was so sweet. i love hea( happily ever after)
March 28, 2023
In order to follow "Love at first Bite" by Kimberly Raye, I just read Once Upon a Bite.
Review coming soon :)
Review coming soon :)
Want to read
January 13, 2012The titles are cute:)
September 16, 2015
Harlequin Blaze 447
January 15, 2017
3+ stars = HBZ #447
February 12, 2011
I really enjoyed this anthology. I really liked Kimberly Raye's short story.
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