A Love for Romance

I’ve read a couple of the entries in this anthology and while different in content they were all definitely awesome reads.
Do You Mind? by Freya Barker
A beautiful story of a chance meeting of kindred souls in an airport while flights are delayed. Jack travels for his job as a photographer for National Geographic and Bernie is an author flying home to Canada from a signing. The characters are quite likable, especially the easygoing Jack, who persuades Bernie that they should spend more time together to explore the chemistry between them. Bernie has been hurt in the past and faced some issues that still bother her, but Jack is definitely a charmer. The writing is tight and the characters well developed. The sexual tension and intimate scenes of the couple are HOT. In true Freya Barker style, there is a twist that makes the reader want more of this couple.

What Happens on Spring Break by RC Stephens
I am a big fan of RC Stephens, her work is never formula or cookie cutter. The variety in her stories amazes me and am often surprised by the ideas she comes up with. What Happens on Spring Break is a fun flirty read about Sasha, a college student whose life is turned upside down by a change in her family and Chris, a bit older bar owner. Convinced by her friend and her mother to have a bit of fun, Sasha goes to Florida with Kelly on spring break. Not exactly a party girl, Sasha isn’t up for the spring break scene and heads for the beach. There she meets Chris and their first impressions of each other should point to a couple that should not work. He thinks she’s a spoiled rich girl and she thinks while he’s attractive, he’s not her type. Their banter is humorous and the chemistry as dynamic as their attraction.
As always, Ms. Stephens spins a well-plotted tale with likable, relatable characters and great dialogue. The writing is tight and the twists in the plot leave the reader wanting more. It appears what happens on spring break, doesn’t always stay on spring break. I’m anxious to know if this is a prequel to a longer book to come.

Trading Yesterday by Kahlen Aymes
If this is the first chapter of a new book by Ms. Aymes, I cannot wait to read the rest of the story. The writing is tight and story flows into the reader’s heart. The emotions are raw and grab the reader immediately and refuse to let go. Chance and Teagan were desperately in love and planning a future together. When Chance is given a chance to live his soccer dream playing, the couple decides to put their future on hold so he can take the opportunity. Half a world away, his world is rocked with betrayal that leaves him devastated and angry. Six years later he is asked by Teagan to come home because of an emergency. Despite his anger, he returns and is hit with an unexpected emotional tidal wave: anger, hurt, more betrayal, love, and possibly forgiveness.
I can’t wait to read the rest of Trading Yesterday. Kahlen Aymes does angst and emotion in all the right ways. Her stories never fail to satisfy the reader’s need to have their heart shattered and mended by her beautiful words. I’ll impatiently wait for the rest of Chance and Teagan’s story.

Almost Too Late by Micalea Smeltzer
I have not read anything by Micalea Smeltzer before but after reading her entry into this anthology, I added all of her books onto my TBR. This novella is a prequel to the her Willow Creek series, after checking Amazon, I see this writer has quite a backlist, which I can’t wait to read.
Almost Too Late gives the backstory of Remy and Mathias. Their tenuous start as friends quickly heats to young love, although the road to their future is very rocky. While Remy isn’t quite the black sheep of her family, she is definitely some shade of gray. Mathias is the school bad boy and in the eye of every girl at school, add in the fact that he can sing and the panties will fall. He, his friend, and his twin brother start a band, which the series follows in future books.
In an uncharacteristic move Mathias reaches out to Remy because he feels she is a kindred soul. They start out as friends but eventually young love and lust win the couple over. Needless to say, there are several twists that throw boulders in their path and I can’t wait to see where things lead.

The Break by Debra Presley
I was intrigued by the entry from Ms. Presley. This is the first work I’ve read by this author and The Break appears to be an interesting prologue to an upcoming book or series, which I cannot wait to read. Rachelle lives in an abusive relationship with her doctor husband, Trey. Their relationship was not always abusive but over time Trey has blamed all of his issues on his wife and reads things into her actions. Her punishment is severe and distressing. Rachelle’s plan is to leave the relationship but is she strong enough to do so? Plans are made, set into motion, and plot twists occur. The writing is crisp and direct, the emotions palpable and the danger realistic. Yes it ends in a bit of a cliffhanger, but hopefully the next installment isn’t far behind.