From New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Rebecca Zanetti, Shayla Black, Lauren Blakely, Liliana Hart, and introducing Molly E. Lee.Five Dark Tales. Five Sensual Stories. Five Page Turners.TRICKED: A Dark Protectors Novella by Rebecca ZanettiDIRTY WICKED: A Wicked Lovers Novella by Shayla BlackTHE ONLY ONE: A One Love Novella by Lauren BlakelySWEET SURRENDER: A MacKenzie Family … Novella by Liliana HartEDGE OF CHAOS by Molly LeeEvery Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.
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The Only One is a standalone novella. If you follow my reviews then you would know Lauren is one of my all-time favorite authors. I have read and loved every single one of her books. I love that her novellas might be short but it doesn’t feel like it. There is always a full story and still tells it. I first heard about Penny in Mister O and have gotten to know her bit by bit in a few books afterwards. Now, for Gabriel, I met him in The Sexy One and he is not only delicious but makes food just as amazing. I was so excited that they were getting their own book!
It’s been ten years since Penny saw him. Her swoon-worthy international man of mystery that broke her heart. Over the years she has tried to forget about him but when something reminds her of their time together, feelings come back. Anger. Sadness. Regret. And the flashbacks. Passion. Fire. Hope. Devastation. Sure, she has dated since but she hasn’t found the one. Not even close. When she thinks about it, she was only twenty-one in a foreign country. Maybe it was just meant to be a three-day love affair. But now he was here. Gabriel was here and she needed him to cater her animal rescue’s charity event. She was nervous with a twist of excited and upset to see him again. What she didn’t expect was for him not to recognize her. Now what?
Gabriel is instantly taken back when he meets Penny for the first time. She is beautiful. Stunning even. He hasn’t felt this way about a woman since his Penelope. Something about Penny reminds him of her but it can’t be her. It’s been ten years and surely she would have said something. Whoever, she is, he wants to get to know her. It’s not just a want but a need. Can this woman be the one he has been waiting for?
Gabriel and Penny’s story is a heartbreaking, beautiful, and swoon-worthy story about second chances and fate. They met on another continent when they were young, wild, and free. And now, they are in the same city, wiser, and waiting for love to find them. Will they find it in each other again? They are different people now. Can they move on from their past mistakes and just feel?
I loved this story! Second chances are one of my favorite storylines. And with Lauren writing one, I knew I would be hooked into it. Her characters are also so much fun, sexy, lovable and real. Penny is witty, passionate, and beautiful. She also loves her desserts and her dog. Gabriel is swoony but he is also passionate about life, food, love, and family. And he can cook! I mean come on…what’s not to love?! Together, they are magic.
P.S. I always knew Lauren was a great dog-namer but now I can add band-namer too.
P.P. S. After finishing the book, it made me want to eat caramels.
Quotes:
He’d made love to me with such passion and sensuality that my traitorous body can still remember the imprint of his hands on my skin, the caress of his delicious lips leaving sizzling marks everywhere.
“I would just like to find a man who’s like a dog. Someone who’s loyal.”
“I believe I’m amenable to your brand of torture.”
Three words Hot,Hot. Hot!
Stud Finder is a standalone novella that is part of the 1001 Dark Nights series. I don’t know how Lauren packs in so much story into such an amount of words but she does it amazingly. Every. Single. Time!
One matchmaking bargaining-hunting fashionista that doesn’t have time to date. One socially clueless tech multi-millionaire with a nerdy side that is ready to find Mrs. Right.
Evie was not going to let Dylan get eaten alive in the world of Internet dating. She is determined to show her friend’s brother that she was up for the challenge of finding him his perfect match. Not some gold-digging flinger. She knew what she had to do. That was until she saw his ass paired with his panty-melting glasses. That was the moment she knew there was going to be an even better challenge. Don’t fall for the client.
Dylan knew Evie but he never thought of her as someone he would date. She didn’t seem to be his type. That was until they got down to business with finding his match. And he discovers there is more to her than he thought possible. Was his match right in front of his eyes this whole time?
Overall…I sure do love a good quickie! Dylan and Evie are so much fun. I enjoyed every minute of their story. It is lighthearted, funny, and sexy. When you can laugh during the sexy times, I fall even harder. And of course, in Lauren fashion, you will get some cameos from previous characters and a glimpse into others…
Quotes:
“This is like Wonder Woman walking past the wounded. She can’t leave them behind.”
“Okay, fess up. Where’d you get those legs?”
She looks down, as if she only just now noticed she has them. “These things?” She waves a hand dismissively. “Ordered them from a catalogue.”
“You look like a dirty angel.”
started this book because I was curious.
In general I don’t like to read paranormal romance. My least favorite is romance with shifting…. but this book was big suprise for me. I like all stories. My favorite part of this antology is Blade. I really love it! I gave this rating because even if this book is write in very good way, I’m not big fan paranormal. But Hey. ..everyone who like this kind of stories will enjoy then !
Great stories and a new author for me to stalk
I have a fondness for anthologies as it’s a great way to find new authors and I almost always find a story I really like. This is even truer with the 1001 Dark Nights bundles, as the collections typically feature some authors I already know I love while the rest are authors I’ve heard about and want very badly to try out. With great writing and a mix of story types, almost everyone is going to find something to love in this collection and I have a new author to stalk. Overall, I give this 5 stars, Individual ratings and comments below.
One note regarding shifter stories: while I enjoy them, especially for a change of pace, they don’t tend to be my favorites, so you should take that into consideration when looking at my ratings.
Blade: A Bayou Heat Novella by Alexandra Ivy & Laura Wright
Puma shifters. Great world-building, and characters that quickly pulled me in. I’ve read and enjoyed a couple of earlier novellas set in the same world, and this story reminded me why I had these authors on my read-more-from list. One caveat: though the authors do a good job making this work as a standalone, there’s a lot of background carrying over from prior stories. Which means (imo) you’ll get even more enjoyment from this when read as part of the series. 4.5 stars
Dragon Burn: A Dark Kings Novella by Donna Grant
Dragon shifter. Great writing, characters and world-building, but too many unanswered questions for my taste. Would be more enjoyable if read as part of the series (I’d read one novella set in this world previously). 4 stars
Tripped Out A Blacktop Cowboys Novella by Lorelei James
Contemporary. I love this author and had actually read this story previously on its own. Strong, intelligent yet vulnerable characters that I love, tons of pun/word play kinds of laughs plus a perfect blend of heat and a bit of angst to balance everything out. 5 fully baked stars.
Stud Finder by Lauren Blakely
Rom com, opposites attract story. With lots of clever banter, this is a fun and flirty story I highly enjoyed. 5+ stars
#1 Crush by T Gephart
Rom com. The only new-to-me author in the collection, but one that’s been on my radar for a while. While occasionally Tia’s behavior made me cringe, I had to admire her ingenuity. As a whole the story was very funny, with lots of lol moments: “I mean it could be worse. Although I was talking to myself and I wasn’t sure that was a good thing, I hadn’t done anything to get me on an FBI watch list just yet.” and “I was so far gone with the insanity why stop now.” were just a couple of my highlighted passages. This author has definitely moved to my read-more-asap list. 5+ stars
B2B Kelly
1001 Dark Nights Bundle Seventeen contains stories from the following authors: Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright – Blade ; Donna Grant – Dragon Burn ; Lorelei James – Tripped Out; Lauren Blakely – Stud Finder; #1 Crush , a full length standalone by T. Gephart.
Blade by Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright is a 1001 Dark Nights novella and part of the Bayou Heat Series.
Blade is part of the pantera society, he was kidnapped and abused for decades.
Valli is a broken girl, used and abused by the same company that violated Blade. But now they are freed.
And here Blade picks up. Blade can´t let Valli go. He´s looking for her to prorect her and keep her safe.
Both could be so good together, but secrets and lies threaten to destroy their HEA.
Blade is a PNR book and not a standalone. I strongly recommend to read the previous book first.
This novella is a qiuck read with beautiful words, a beautiful story and beautiful characters. I love the writing and the story.
I give 4,5 stars. Thank you Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright!
Dragon Burn : In this scorching Dark Kings novella, New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant brings together a determined Dragon King used to getting what he wants and an Ice Queen who thaws for no one.
Marked by passion
A promise made eons ago sends Sebastian to Italy on the hunt to find an enemy. His quarry proves difficult to locate, but there is someone who can point him in the right direction – a woman as frigid as the north. Using every seductive skill he’s acquired over his immortal life, his seduction begins. Until he discovers that the passion he stirs within her makes him burn for more…
Gianna Santini has one love in her life – work. A disastrous failed marriage was evidence enough to realize she was better off on her own. That is until a handsome Scot strolled into her life and literally swept her off her feet. She is unprepared for the blazing passion between them or the truth he exposes. But as her world begins to unravel, she realizes the only one she can depend on is the very one destroying everything – a Dragon King. I loved the story and the characters and give 4 stars.
Tripped Out by Lorelei James is a Blacktops Cowboys novella and part of the 1001 Dark Nights world.
Tripped Out can easily be read as a stand-alone.
Meet Stirling Gradsky and Dr. Liam Argent. Both are co-workers.
Stirling left her stiff corporate life behind to to live more laid back. Liam is the head scientist in Stirling and Macon´s cannabis operation.
They are masters of pulling pranks on each other. But their chemistry is through the roof high and after they call a truce sparks fly high. They´re really good together.
I can´t say how much I love this book. The hero and the heroine are witty, they bicker and banter, they pull the hilariousest pranks on each other. They don´t really fit into their society, but they fit pretty well with each other. And don´t let me start with the scorching hot sex scenes. They´re uber-hot.
I recommend Tripped Out and give 5 stars.
Stud Finder by Lauren Blakely is a standalone romance novel and part od the 1001 Dark Nights Series.
Dylan Parker is a genius. A brilliant, funny hot nerd with questionable social skills. He has no filter, like No filter at all. He wants his one and has the glorious-not- idea to post a add. This results in a debacle. His sister asks her friend to help him out.
Evie is a matchmaker. She matches clothing, furniture and she matches couples for a living. And now this yummy man needs help skills. She likes him, like really likes him. But he´s her client, as in taboo client. They go on dates and she tries to be unattracted to him. That doesn´t work out so well.
Stud Finder is a fun read. I laughed, I cried and I had a good time reading this book. Stud Finder kept me well entertained. The characters are witty and lovable, the writing is great and I love the story.
I give 5 stars.
#1 Crush by T. Gephart is the first book in T.Gephart´s #1 Series and let me tell you, the story blew me away. I loved everything, the storyline, the writing, which´s excellent, the characters whom´re entertaining and lovable and the beautiful words in this beautifully thought out and beautifully told witty and fun story.
Tia Monroe is a columnist with a New York newspaper and she has a slight obsession with Eric Larson.
Eric is Hollywoods darling, very successful, rich and famous. To cure herself of her crush , Tia has a infailable plan. She wants to meet him and see for herself he´s unlovable. But just like mice and men nothing happens as it should. He´s a great guy and she falls even deeper for him. But there´s the itty bitty thing he doesn´t know that she´s a reporter. In a spectacular scene he breaks up with her and destroys her to the core, only to prove his point.
I read this story in one sitting, I couldn´t put it down. I had to know what happens next asap. I recommend the book and give 5 stars.
A fantastic variety of reads that you won’t want to put down once you start it , although Stacey Kennedy is a new author i’d already read & loved Heartbreaker , a blast from the past makes Joss’s new job even more exciting than she was expecting & her job isn’t the only place she wants to use her handcuffs .Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed books are always brilliant , paranormal , excitement & hint of danger always goes down well . Kendall Ryan’s book is an enjoyable romance , Sam & Maggie have been best friends forever , always been each others shoulder to cry on but when friendship starts to turn into something more do they want to risk it , my favourite of the five reads . Adriana Lockes book is the first i’ve read by her but it won’t be the last , a great story of a brother coming between two lovers even though hes only out to protect his sister from his lecherous friend .Laurelin Paige’s is so hot my kindle almost burst into flames , kinky , raunchy sex vixen by night & prim , proper assistant by day , how long Trisha can keep her two lives apart now Nathan Sinclair’s the one she’s having teh hottest , filthiest sex with now .
This is a terrific Dark Nights bundle by a group of fantastic authors and their novellas as an introduction to their series or a nifty little story to go along with the rest of the series. There’s something for everyone but I think every story is an enjoyable and entertaining read. Swoon-worthy heroes galore and sweet, sexy heroines in exciting storylines where sexy romance abounds. There’s sizzling chemistry with steamy couples, stories full of drama, suspense, intrigue, emotion and a few laughs that will leave you satisfied in the best way. You can’t go wrong with this bundle of fabulous stories by some of the best authors in the business. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
**THE BED MATE by Kendall Ryan
5 Hearts
The Bed Mate is a standalone novella in the Roommates series. I have read the previous books and loved them all and The Bed Mate is a perfect addition. I will make this short and sweet.
Two best friends. Two recent breakups. One New Year’s weekend in Colorado.
Sam and Maggie have been best friends since college, eight years ago. She has seen him go through women over the years. He has seen her with one man that doesn’t treat her right. And now they are both single together for the first time. Will this finally be the weekend that they see what other’s have seen all along? That they belong together.
This is a novella but it packs a punch. I love Sam and Maggie. Sam is adventurous and Maggie is cautious but as friends they even each other out. It’s perfect really. On the trip they start to notice things they didn’t before. It’s magical and having the book set around Christmas makes it even more.
Overall…it’s a wonderful additional to the series. I was fully invested in this couple. I even cried! That’s hard to do with a novella but it happened. I also laughed so it was a great combo.
Quotes:
It was the world’s most fucked catch twenty-two.
“Look, guys, I know you want this to be like some Kate Hudson rom-com so you can say you called it years ago, but she’s just my friend.”
“So, just to be clear, does that mean you think I have a chance with Justin Timberlake?”
“You’d have to admit you’re into him first.”
***LUCKY NUMBER ELEVEN by Adriana Locke
5 Hearts
Lucky Number Eleven is a complete standalone novel by one badass author, Adriana Locke. I have read and loved all of her books. I just know that I will be addicted to the story and the characters instantly and once again, I was. If adulting didn’t get in the way this weekend, I would of read it in one sitting.
Branch Best was warned to stay away from his best friend Finn’s sister. Layla knew she should have stayed away from him. But the moment she walked out of the car at the cabin, they felt something. It turned into a weekend of something. A weekend of shameless flirting, sexy secrets, and candied apples. It was a good time but they both knew that was all they could give. She wasn’t ready for someone like him. Not again. Maybe not ever. And he knew she was too good for him and his life. They knew the score. He didn’t do commitments. Hell, sometimes he didn’t even do names. He was straight forward about it. But he knew there was something different about Layla. She wasn’t a groupie. She wasn’t a one-off. She was smart, sexy, strong, sweet and beautiful in every sense of the word. He didn’t want to ruin that. Ruin her. But what if it was too late?
Their one weekend changes everything. Finn finds out about Branch’s betrayal. He is livid that Branch could easily go behind his back. After that weekend, both Branch and Layla can’t stop thinking about each other but know it’s for the best to be apart even though they developed feelings. Branch felt at ease with her. Felt like himself. Layla loved the way Branch made he feel beautiful and wanted. Together they laughed, relaxed, and felt right but wrong at the same time. But, when they see each other again, it’s not pretty. It’s confusing. Can they get back to how they felt before in that cabin?
Sorry. I can’t really say much. I will say that I Branch even when I didn’t like him. I love him for many reasons but the big one is that he doesn’t lie even if it’s hurts. He is also hilarious, sexy, and oh so swoon worthy. I also love Layla. She is seriously kick ass. She is everything Branch sees and more. Smart, strong, sexy, and beautiful. Together, their banter is on point. Their chemistry is off the charts. And their story is messy complicated and beautiful at the same time. Oh…I can’t forget about Finn and Poppy. They are some of my favorite secondary characters! Omg. I want more!! Of all of them.
Overall…I didn’t want it to end! The laughs, heat, and heart was everything!
P.S I want coffee cake! Now.
Quotes:
The reporter, whose name I didn’t catch, clutches her notes to her chest. “Maybe we can all three do something together one day.”
“That’s called a threesome and I’m in,” Finn deadpans.
Her mouth drops open. “I meant an interview!”
“I want your blood right now and your cock later. Keep your heart.”
“I think I just fell in love.”
She rolls her eyes and counts us down and we begin the most epic game of Skee Ball Linton has ever seen.
Anyway, enough of the bromance chronicles.
Another great collection
I’ve read a number of these bundles by now, and the stories are always well-written, if not always quite my usual taste, and this collection is no exception. Of the authors here, I’ve only read Kristen Proby extensively; the others were either brand new to me or I’d only read one book by them previously. As it happens, my favorite was by a new to me author, Liliana Hart, and was from a genre I don’t typically read, but I enjoyed them all. Overall, another great collection. 5 stars. Individual story comments and ratings follow.
B2B Kelly
Hollow Be the Haunt by Heather Graham
PNR. Part of the Krewe of Hunters series, this is new-to-me author and series. I’d call this a whodunnit mystery with ghosts—Jack and Ashley reminded me a bit of Nick and Nora Charles, if you’re old enough to remember The Thin Man movies. A well done mystery for newbies plus a wedding for series fans. While ghosts/PNR aren’t usually my go-to storylines, I was intrigued enough by the setup and the cast of characters to add this series to my TBR. 5 stars
Prince Roman by CD Reiss
Contemporary, coworkers at a company with a no fraternization policy. Part of a series of standalones, I’d previously read this when it was published individually. A story that felt to me like a modern, somewhat dirty, fairy tale, Raven is no helpless damsel in distress and Roman is a perfect modern day prince. Hot and sweet, 4.5 stars
No Reservations by Kristen Proby
Enemies to lovers. Part of the Fusion series, though I’ve read most of the books in every other series by this author, I hadn’t gotten around to anything from this series yet but I didn’t feel I was missing out on anything starting here. Loved the banter (and the great secondary characters including Tommy and brief appearances by Kat and Mac) with plenty of humor to go along with all the heat cooking between the perfectly matched Maura and Chase. 5 stars
Dawn of Surrender by Liliana Hart
Historical, Old West. Part of the MacKenzie Family series, this is another new to me author and series. Not typically my favorite genre, but I loved this. Wonderful characters plus heat, humor and a suspense filled plot that kept me on the edge of my seat all made for a great read and an author I’ll be looking for more from. 5+ stars
So Good by Darcy Burke
Contemporary. Book 1 in the So Hot series, I’d only read a historical romance by this author previously., and based on the happily paired off half-brother, I’d guess this is a spin-off from another series. Cam and Brooke had both been burned by a previous relationship and I liked how much they had in common. There were some great secondary characters as well as, per usual for me, I really enjoyed the sibling relationships. The winery setup was interesting and I liked the idea of brothers running a vineyard, but since I rarely drink, most of the actual wine talk went over my head and so those parts of the story dragged a bit for me. Funny and cute, with a bit of angst, a very enjoyable read. 4.5 stars
Every once awhile I will sit down to one of the Dark Nights because they know how to combine authors that capture your attention enough to turn to one of these bundles. In this one it starts off with one of my favorite authors whom I read many over the years of hers. The story in one that picks your brain while you try to figure out along with them who done it. The mystery side also comes in many shapes and aspects. Their help comes from unusual sources too. Two of them the authors that is I donot think I had read before so it was a treat to get intro to them and their writing that carries some heat along with some good characters. The contemporary romance is such that you follow along so easily with the characters taking you along with the growing relationships. Two of them I had read before but not many so I was glad too to have another opportunity to taste their fare of stories with the characters that capture a reader completely. One has alot of mystery and suspense also with the treat being superb. This mixture was a delight and one that was hard to put down for other things.
.5-4 stars. I have read most of these 1001 Dark Night Bundle books. I like that I can normally find several really good stories and new authors in each bundle. This one was no different. Lots of good stuff packed into this bundle!
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Heather Graham, CD Reiss, Kristen Proby, Liliana Hart, and introducing Darcy Burke.
HALLOW BE THE HAUNT: A Krewe of Hunters Novella by Heather Graham – 3.5 stars – This turned out to be pretty good. I had a hard time getting into it at first. I haven’t read anything by this author and I think that hurt the story a bit for me. This story features an already established engaged couple and it is a paranormal mystery outside of that. I wasn’t invested in the couple or the series already and it didn’t capture my interest at first. I am glad I stuck with it, though. Once I got interested in the mystery, I enjoyed the book. I was just expecting a romance and the romance in this story is pretty minor, which is not my cup of tea. Still, I enjoyed the story and the mystery, which featured ghosts and a trio of killer witches during Halloween in New Orleans.
PRINCE ROMAN by CD Reiss- 3.75 stars – This was pretty good read! This is Roman and Raven’s story. Raven has a history of having relationships with men she works with. It makes her work life messy and it eventually ends a lot of her jobs. She gets her dream job and is determined stay away from men at her new company, so she can work there for many years. But she didn’t count on meeting Roman at her new job. They have an instant attraction and have a hard time staying away from each other. They do eventually give into their feelings for each other. They must decide how to work out the situation at work and whether their relationship can withstand the test it faces.
Even though this was a novella, it took a while for me to get into this book. The first 30% was pretty slow. I didn’t understand their jobs or feel their chemistry at first. But it did gradually get better and I ended up enjoying it. I liked Roman and Raven. I did feel their chemistry and they were sweet and sexy together. I still didn’t totally understand their job situation, which played a big part in the story, until the very end. I got the main gist, but it took me a bit to understand what was going on there. But I still really liked it! It was a low angst, feel good, sexy book.
Prince Roman is a spin off of King of Code, which I have had on my TBR list and I am going to read soon. I enjoy C. D. Reiss’s writing style and I look forward to more from her in the future!
NO RESERVATIONS: A Fusion Novella by Kristen Proby – 3.25-3.5 stars – This was an okayish story. It featured two commitment phobes who push each other away a lot before they finally get together. I didn’t really feel the love between them and felt their declarations of it came out of the blue. This was not a bad story, but it also wasn’t great for me. Overall, it was entertaining enough.
DAWN OF SURRENDER: A MacKenzie Family Novella by Liliana Hart – 4 stars – This was really good and different! This story is a prequel to the MacKenzie Family series. I was pleasantly surprised that this was a historical set in Montana in 1892. It features a newly married couple finding their way together, with some suspense and adventure. I really liked this sweet, emotional and exciting read!
SO GOOD by Darcy Burke – 3.5-3.75 stars – This was a pretty good read. This story features two commitment-phobes working in the wine industry. It is a bit long and there was a lot of pushing away and denying feelings on both parts. It felt like too much pushing away, and when they finally got together officially, they were only together for a short time before there is a big blowup to break them up, and then they get back together at the very end. The pacing felt off, with the book rushed at the end and drug out for the first half. Still, this book had potential. I liked the writing style. The book kept me engrossed and kept my attention. I felt the emotions and the love between the couple. I will probably try this author again in the future.
Overall, I do recommend this bundle of novellas. They definitely kept me entertained and were all different and interesting in their own ways. I love these anthologies and have found some great new authors in them!
1001 Dark Night Bundle Nineteen has an impressive collection of intense and sexy stories.Each has a distinct alluring factor of it’s own.
Hallow be The Haunt by Bestselling author Heather Graham is a paranormal story set in background of Halloween and in Donegal plantation of Louisiana. Ashley Donegal and Jake Mallory,special FBI agent are there to plan and celebrate their marriage. But they get tangled into a mysterious murder case that has been apparently done by three witches. We have a story full of mystery, suspense, thrilling chills and a touch of paranormal side. Ashley has a special power to communicated with and feel the messages of the other world that finally helps the case to be solved. I do not usually read supernatural stories but this had me hooked from beginning to end!
Prince Roman by bestselling author CD Reiss will remind you once again why we call her “Shakespeare of Smut”. Her character building and story building is just amazing. I have read about Raven in her Silicon Valley Royalty series and I loved her. Her females are the strongest, smartest and most passionate women I have ever read. And Roman is so damn delicious. Nothing seduces me better than confident and arrogant men with intelligence. This novella didn’t feel like a novella. It has everything CD Reiss. A captivating story line. Absolutely stunning writing. Sexy and intense to fullest.
Next comes No Reservations, a Fusion novella by bestselling author Kristen Proby. And we are right in the territory of sexy and funny romance. Maura doesn’t date and she isn’t exactly thrilled when her friend Kat blindsides her into a double date with Chase, Kat’s brother-in-law. More so because Chase is a player. But when the night ends unexpectedly with them having a good time in Chase’s bed, every game changes. They try to avoid and deny this intense connection they have. They make stupid mistakes as both have issues. But love doesn’t know to back down. A delicious tale of romance and passion, I enjoyed every moment of it!
We are changing gear and let’s start a story set in 1892 in town of Surrender,Monatana. Dawn of Surrender, A MacKenzie Family Novella by Bestselling author Liliana Hart goes back in history when a band of robbers has attacked the family ranch of Elizabeth MacKenzie and she is fighting along side of her husband, Sheriff Cole MacKenzie. The beauty of the story comes from the love shining brightly in middle of the thriller and suspense. The couple has married under difficult circumstances and only in middle of chaos they truly know each other.That night in hotel was one of the sweetest yet sexiest scene I have ever read. I could not put it down.
The last story of the Discovery bundle is Darcy Burke’s “So Good”. 1001 Dark Nights is introducing her in this bundle and this is her first book by her. Set in Ribbon Ridge,Oregon, this is the story of Brooke and Cam. Cam is starting his winery with his brothers and Brooke is reputed wine distributor. But it never sounds ” All work and NO play” between them. They feel this crazy pull towards each other no matter how hard they try to deny the chemistry. The attraction is not physical only. They feel some soul deep connection. But they both have ghosts from their past which make them both vulnerable and insecure. They go back and forth like a well choreographed dance by the author. And I can’t help but read breathlessly what waits next. The story has an elaborate side characters platter with equally vivid description of the town. It gives a movie like feel and I could imagine every scene happening in front of my eyes! I loved the writing. Darcy Burke handles sexy, sassy and funny with equal ease. The story impressed me a lot and I am definitely looking forward to more from author.
(Received bundle from the publisher and InkSlinger PR for honest review)
Includes a couple of my favorites
I’ve read and enjoyed all these authors before (Kylie Scott and Lorelei James are auto 1-click authors for, and Kristen Proby is close as well). In fact, I’d previously read and reviewed the stories by Lorelei James and Kylie Scott (not that I didn’t enjoy the re-read), so the individual reviews for those two stories below are the highlights of my earlier reviews. Note that my standard for rating anthologies is a little different than an individual book, since I don’t expect every story in an anthology to quite mesh with my tastes. The story quality is usually so high with these 1001 Dark Nights collections, however, it’s not unusual for me to rate all the stories as 4 star or higher, so I was a little surprised when one story here didn’t make that mark, especially with these authors. With three 5 or 5+ star stories, as a whole, I’m going to call this 4.5 to 5 stars. Individual story reviews and ratings follow.
Wound Tight by Lorelei James
Note I first read and reviewed this story when it came out individually and this is a summary of that review. There’s something about a cowboy story that pulls me in every time, and nobody writes cowboys–or cowgirls–like Lorelei James. I’ve loved both her Rough Riders and Blacktop Cowboys series, so when I saw this crossover, I couldn’t snap it up fast enough. While you don’t need to have read either series to enjoy this, long time fans will enjoy the references to events or characters from earlier books. This story takes place partly in parallel to Tripped Out.
For fans like me who are bad with names, Justin is Jack Donahue’s brother, and former boyfriend, now brother-in-law, to Keely McKay Donahue. Justin was a bit of jerk at times, so I was happy to see that he’s grown up quite a bit (though he still has some issues to deal with), and I loved how the author tied Justin’s immaturity as a young man into the current storyline. I also loved how well thought out Callie’s background was: she might be young in age, but she’s had loads of responsibility for years, she’s used to taking care of herself and she has a clear, well-thought out plan in place for her life. In other words, she’s far more mature than Justin was at the same age, something that takes him a while to accept.
Hot cowboy and a sassy, sexy cowgirl plus heat, humor and a sweet HEA equals an engaging addition to two of my favorite series by one of my favorite authors. 5+ stars
Strong by Kylie Scott
Another one I read and reviewed when it originally came out and another summary of that review. This novella is the 5th book in the Stage Dive series (technically, #4.5, I think) and it’s a little hard for me to judge how it works as a standalone since I’ve read the previous books multiple times. I’m going to say that, like most of the 1001 Dark nights books, while newbies will enjoy it, long term fans will get more out of it due to extended knowledge of the characters.
Omg, I was literally cry laughing. So much hilarity–well, there’s Mal, so of course there’s hilarity–but as much as I love Mal, seeing Sam go all growly and protective about Martha and putting Mal in his place at one point was worth reading the book for all by itself. I’ve loved Sam since Lick, and Martha…well, okay, I don’t think anybody actually LIKED Martha originally, but I did see some redeeming qualities in her. And really, I have to admire a strong woman who owns her sh*t. Then with the band members–including both Sam and the nearly irrepressible Mal–finding her a bit scary at times and I was, “You go, girl!”
Add in touching base with all the Stage Dive members and their families (and even a new character or two) and this was the epitome of a story I couldn’t read fast enough but, at the same time, I didn’t want to end. You may not have loved Martha before, but you will now. 5+ stars
Dragon Night A Dark Kings Novella By Donna Grant
This series is on my TBR list, but I’d only read two other novellas before this one. While technically you can read this as a standalone, I think you would enjoy it more with the background of earlier books to build on.
I did feel a little lost in the beginning with some of the setup because I wasn’t familiar with the characters or events mentioned. Once Dorian met Alex though (which happened early on), none of that mattered, and I remembered just how good this author is and why the series is on my TBR in the first place. Plus, if you stick with it, eventually most characters are introduced and artifacts are explained.
With great world building and characters, a nice plot twist and just the right amount of steam, this is a lovely story about two lonely souls connecting in spite of themselves. 5 stars
Tempting Brooke A Big Sky Novella By Kristen Proby
Part of the author’s Big Sky series, this is easily read as a standalone.
I’ve usually enjoyed this author and this series, and this had the interesting characters as well as the enjoyable mix of humor and heat I’ve come to expect. I liked the setup putting Brody as the landlord intending to sell at odds with Brooke as the tenant just getting her business off the ground, and secondary characters such as Maisey, Van, and Micah also added interest.
That said, this story had trouble holding my attention. I think it suffered a little in comparison to the other stories in the collection (two of which I absolutely loved), and partly because this is a variant of a second chances story, which is not one of my favorite tropes. There were also places where I would have liked a little more depth—Brody telling Brooke his big secret felt glossed over to me, for instance, and wasn’t mentioned again. I realize that trying to tell a full story within the space of a novella can be challenging, but I just felt there were places where detail and emotion were missing.
A story with a lot of potential, this one just didn’t meet my expectations. 3.5 stars
B2B Kelly