In this must-have short-story collection, Melanie Moreland introduces us to Ethan Thomas in When Love Blooms. Melanie Harlow shares her novel, Some Kind of Love. Molly McLain and Rhonda James share Luke and Mia’s no strings weekend that could lead to love. Claudia Burgoa visits New York City in How We Met. Leap with Dylan Allen to London where we meet Cara’s dream man. Emery Jacobs revisits the Beautiful Torture Duet. Go on vacation with the beloved characters of the Unspoken Series by Gabbie Duran. I See You is based on secondary characters in Ginger Scott's How We Deal With Gravity. Fall in love with Jeanne McDonald’s Shadow Kingsley in All Of Me. Lisa Kamps takes us to the ice arena with First Shot At Love (A Baltimore Banners Story). Bad girl Delilah meets Lance, her total opposite, in Wild Pumpkin by Martha Sweeney. Mia Kayla brings us Kent and Beth from Marry Me for Money, a couple with different views in All Work And No Play. In Love on The Edge, Molly Lee’s Dash and Blake from the Edge of Chaos spend their honeymoon chasing storms. Rockstar Silas Palmer finds love on the side of the road in Hitch by S.M. West.
Fifteen authors come together to celebrate Autism Awareness month with proceeds benefitting SARRC and Myles-A-Part.
Love Happens features stories about finding love, falling in love and being in love.
A bit about me: NYT/WSJ/USAT International bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of lots of lovely years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them. While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys travelling, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip. Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling down stairs) and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet.) She's learned happily ever-afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story.
Melanie is represented by Flavia Viotti at Bookcase Literary Agency. For any questions regarding subsidiary or translation rights please contact her at [email protected]
Love Happens Anthology is a stunning collection of novellas by some of indie's best authors. Each story has it's own twist on "Love" but all show that love really does happen and at times when you least expect it!
First Shot At Love by Lisa B. Kamps is a sweet love story that gives us the back story to her fifth book "Breakaway" which tells us how JP and Emily found love the first time around. I loved "Breakaway" and this novella was the perfect addition to these characters love story. Sweet with a whole lot of heat that kept me glued to the page.
Kissing For Keeps by Molly McLain & Rhonda James is a love when you least expect it story. Luke asks Mia’s on a "no strings weekend" to a family wedding but under the surface the chemistry and bubbling up and these two can't deny what they are feeling. This story had all the feels! Mia and Luke are dancing around the fact they both have feelings for each other and this dance was hot! A super fun quick read that will leave you smiling from ear to ear.
How We Met by Claudia Burgoa is set in NYC. The big apple and it's residents have big dreams like Willow. When her plans aren't turning out like she thought they would a random cab ride from a stranger can change Willow's path. I loved this surprise love story and enjoyed watching Willow and Hunter come into each others lives. I hope and can't wait for more with these two characters.
When Love Blooms by Melanie Moreland is a fun Rom/Com that was perfection from first page. Ethan meets Lily at her flower shop buying a gift to apologize to his mom but he can't get the sexy florist off his mind. Thus begins a hilarious tale of apologies with flowers for just about everything. I adored this story... Ethan is a complete sweetheart and Lily is so open and authentic. Melanie has a complete winner in this novella.
*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for an honest review ***
This is the perfect little read for anyone who loved Rise by Dylan Allen, for me who absolutely fell hook line and sinker for Dylan's writing this is a perfect extra into that story. That said you can also read this as a standalone as it's about Louis and Cara whom are Simon and Addies best friends so really you can just dive right into this sweet romance. Louis and Cara have a sexy relationship that kind of shocked them both. It's sweet, loving and actually turns into more. At the beginning it starts with Cara revealing that she is set to move to Paris that for her is a dream come true for her career and so this read is about them realising that they can't live without each other. It's short and sweet but I is equally a fabulous read as Rise.
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4 fun Stars for HITCH BY S.M WEST
This took me an hour to read, it's a perfect read for inbetween books. It's about a Rockstar and a girl called Pansey who is running away from 1 her old life and 2 her family which is the same thing tbh. Silas is the Rockstar whom is dealing with anger issues. They're both one mess of emotions and so together get into some situations but I loved it, it is surely a page turner. It kept me on my toes, their banter and chemistry is fireworks they argue like cat and dog then make up and are all over each other. It kind of reminds me of those road trip films. Super fun and quirky.
So if your wanting fun and plenty of chemistry in your characters then be sure to pick this up.
That is all..
ARC generously gifted in exchange for a honest review
Prepare for a wild ride! This sweet little gem is a page turner; accelerating from the very first line, going non-stop to the very end. I read it from start to finish without even blinking. Leading lady Pansy is such a hot mess, I immediately connected with her and her state of mind. She's a little lost and completely fed up with being treated poorly by her family. When she runs into Silas, a rock star with anger management issues, things quickly get heated. It's my favorite type of story, with two main characters who are at each other's throats one minute, and locking lips the next. The banter is sharp, the feelings intense, and the momentum break-neck. I adore the whole thing - Pansy and Silas are still fresh in my mind. I'm on the edge of my seat, hoping that SM West gives us a full-length story for these terrific characters.
Reviewing- "When Love Blooms" by Melanie Moreland.
I must say, I have not read a Melanie Moreland book that I didn't like. This short story was sweet and endearing with a nice healthy dose of heat. There was no ow/om. No cheating. Definitely instalove. No pushing away. My only complaints- I wanted more and there was no epilogue. Great story!
Wow, what an amazing anthology. So many talented writers and so many stories that I just fell in LOVE with! Two of my favorites, however, were from Melanie Moreland and Molly E. Lee! I am in love with those authors to begin with, and these short stories just solidified why I am obsessed with their writing!
When Love Blooms by Melanie Moreland
Ethan and Lily meet after Ethan stumbles into her flower shop looking for flowers for his mother. After meeting Lily, Ethan comes up with many excuses to see her again, in the form of 'needing flowers' to make amends for the small and insignificant mistakes he makes towards women during the day. For example: Taking an old ladies parking spot was a perfect excuse for Ethan to 'need' flowers'. Lily and Ethan were adorable together and let me tell you, they had some sexy sexy sexy scenes together. Whew. I'm fanning myself just thinking of them. All in all it was a great love story that stays with you days after reading it!
Storm Chaser Honeymoon by Molly E. Lee
First off, any short story that has Dash in it, immediately becomes my favorite. LOVED him in Edge of Chaos and LOVED him in this short story. This story takes place hours after their wedding when Dash and Blake are chasing a tornado (surprise, surprise!), only this time, Blake's mother is chasing with them. My favorite part of this story is when they pay tribute to Bill Paxton and his roll in Twister...a movie that ALWAYS reminds me of Edge of Chaos now. Great story. Great sex scenes. Highly recommended.
If you've read Ginger Scott's How We Deal With Gravity, you're somewhat familiar with Claire and Cole, but the possibility of a romance between the two might come as much of a surprise to you as it did to me. If you haven't read that book, it's okay, you'll meet them now in this short story of a man and a woman who've served as integral parts of each other's lives for years, but who've never been brave enough to speak up about what they truly want.
In such a brief narrative, Ginger Scott delivers a beautiful account of friendship, longing and unrequited love. It's so rare that I'm completely satisfied by such a short story because it's near impossible to pack such deep emotion into so few words. Ginger Scott does just that, however, brilliantly illustrating the silent longing of a bartender/rancher for the behavioral therapist that's only ever seen him as a friend.
Ginger Scott's writing, as always, is breathtaking and her storytelling in this short is full of heart but laced with an edge of pain. Angst, heartbreak, lust, friendship and the sweetest kind of joy all find themselves woven together in this perfect little package. I See You is a short and blissfully sweet happily ever after, a delicious little taste of what I hope to find in the rest of the Love Happens anthology.
Well this was a delicious novella. Pansy and Silas meet on a road by accident for better words and their ride was enjoyable through and through.
I didn't feel like I was reading something small. I immediately saw the bigger picture behind it. I really hope to have their long story one day because they are things to say IMO. S.M West gives a start to what could be an incredible love story.
Silas is a fine rock star with anger issues - who has just been kicked out of his tour - . Ivy is a young woman looking what to do with her life. If this is not a good plot for the future, I don't know what it. In the meantime, read their meeting and fall for their story.
Just let S.M. magic do the trick. She can writes full length novel but she definitely can deliver something concise and still nail it! More over this is for a good cause so don't put to many though into buying this anthology ;)
~Arc provided by the author in exchange of an honest review~
**Free copy provided in exchange for an honest review**
Review of Leap (A Symbols of Love Short Story) by Dylan Allen
I loved Cara and Louis in Dylan's debut novel Rise, and when I heard about Leap I was pretty excited to read a bit more about them. Dylan did a great job in giving us as much as she could in this short story, it even left me wanting more. A full length novel would be pretty awesome, because both characters are very intriguing. I wanted to hit Louis for the way he acted in the beginning but he redeemed himself. I am jealous of Cara for having such an awesome boyfriend. I love Dylan's writing style a lot and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because of it being a short story. I RARELY give short stories or novellas more than 4 stars.
I read "Hitch" by S.M. West, it was a cute little story that I was sad to see end! It was great though, the story is like the saying, "Big things come in small packages" or something to that effect. There was so much story in this short span of words and I really need to know what will happen next in Pansy and Silas' adventure together!
I can't wait to read the other stories in this anthology!
Enjoyed working on this project. The stories in the book are varied, wonderful and a great way to discover new authors! And a great cause benefits. What an awesome combo!
Another amazing story by Melanie Moreland! She always delivers. When Love Blooms was short, romantic, beautiful and hot. I was hoping for more pages at the end, because I absolutely adored Ethan and Lily’s love story.
Ethan is in desperate need of flowers. Lily owns the flower shop that Ethan visits. She gives him advice about which flowers he should buy and they start to talk. Ethan keeps needing flowers the following days and there is only place he goes to.
I love Ethan and Lily. Lily is kind, loving and passionate. She loves her flowers and the way she dresses. She knows what she wants and needs. Ethan likes Lily from the start and they way she looks. There is immediately a connection between Lily and Ethan. It doesn’t take long before they kiss. They fall hard and fast for each other. I absolutely loved them together!
-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --
I'll read the other stories someday! I already preordered it.
I had so much fun being a part of this anthology! We got the second to last final edit of the ebook and I'm enjoying all of the stories from the fellow authors. Thanks to all of the authors for participating and thank you to all of you readers who are supporting SARRC and Myles-A-Part!
Leap, a romance short by Dylan Allen, is a sweet little guilty pleasure that I thoroughly enjoyed. It has heart, angst, and steam with a touch of wit. It's a look inside a current relationship between two people, Cara and Louis, a secondary couple from Rise, Allen's previous novel, and gives insight into how one opportunity can turn the tables on a relationship where decisions have to be made in order to make it work.
I enjoy the detailed writing style of this this author, and she very easily paints a picture of this couple, and through dual POV, gives the reader insight into their fears and insecurities. I was drawn in immediately to their dilemma and feelings for one another.
I like the brief glimpse the reader gets of Louis' parents, and I hope we see them in future installments in her Symbols of Love series.
Although this couple is introduced in a previous book, this story can standalone. I thought it was refreshing to get a story with a couple who is already in a relationship. It made the story unique. I can't wait to see what Ms. Allen does next!
Review for When Love Blooms by Melanie Moreland (ARC) Sometimes love comes around and slowly creeps into your life. Other times it hits you over the head like a lead crystal vase. Since my real life version of love reflects the second part, I always find a kindred spirit in the storyline. That passion that you just instantly connect - your soul has found it's forever place.
For Ethan, he found his forever on the way to apologize. Multiple times. I love both characters. You get Ethan's stunned disbelief that he is now become impulsive. And Lily is just graceful and open - like she knew Ethan was coming just had to wait for him to finally show up.
I am a big fan of Melanie's storytelling. She gives you characters that you understand and don't feel like you are surface skimming regardless of the word count. You get what you expect, love, laughter and a definite happily ever after. 5 out of 5 stars for this story.
Disclaimer: As I have the opportunity to read more of stories, I'll amend the review. However, based on this one sample, if this is what the readers are in store for, the price of admission is well worth it for a very deserving charity.
Merged review:
This novella was part of original Love Happens anthology. Melanie Moreland has now offered this short story read to her readers as a thank you gift (free with newsletter subscription).
Ethan is a man in trouble. He needs to make up his transgressions with the women in his life. A chance stop in a flower shop for some 'I'm sorry' flowers -- Lily happens.
This is a sweet short story with a bit of heat added when Ethan and Lily can't deny their attraction. They are somewhat opposites attract, but that's what makes them work. Their exchanges are humor filled. These are exactly what you would expect when someone pops in your life unexpectedly. The attraction is felt from page one until "The End."
If you love instalove/sparks fly attraction, this book will warm your heart. A complete novella with no angst or drama. It delivers as promised with a smile blooming on your face.
*ARC copy generously provided for an honest review*
REVIEW for I See You by Ginger Scott: 4.5 stars! I See You features Cole and Claire, characters that are first encountered in Ginger Scott's How We Deal with Gravity. I did not read it yet but it was fun to get a glimpse of Mason and Avery. It makes me want to read their story that much more. I loved the fun country vibe of the novella. It made me think of the show Hart of Dixie especially because Cole is a bartender ^_^ I loved Claire's feisty personality and Cole's cowboy rancher style. :) It's written in dual POV's and I loved knowing what Cole was thinking. You get to see how much he cares for Claire and admires her as a person and it's so sweet!!! Claire wants to start a family with the man of dreams but feels like she's running out of time. She dates a guy who she doesn't have strong feelings for but it's so clear that Claire and Cole have a connection. I love the role autism played in them admitting their feelings for one another. It was heartwarming! <3 .................................................................................................... *** For more bookish fun follow my boards on my Pinterest Book Blog @ https://www.pinterest.com/bookscapes/*** :)
A great collection of stories all about love supporting a wonderful cause. I thought it was very special for this group of authors to dedicate this anthology to the late, Willa Thorne. She has planned to participate in this anthology and I know her new short story would have been a great addition to this collection.
The stories that stood out to me the most were: When Love Blooms by Melanie Moreland This story really made me laugh. Ethan is very to the letter, so when he stops in a flower shop to get flowers for his mother, he is not quite sure what to make of the flower shop owner Lily, who is as free-spirited as the come. Having a structured life isn't always the way to find your happiness.
Beautiful Baby by Emery Jacobs A beautiful and heartfelt story of a couple rushing to the hospital to have their first baby and the challenges that come along with it. Having my own child, these stories always tug at my heartstrings and bring back memories of when my daughter was born.
I See You by Ginger Scott Cole has loved Claire since he first laid eyes on her years ago, but Claire has no clue. He's never told her his feelings and she sees Cole as a good friend. Oh, did I mention Cole is a hot cowboy?
All of Me by Jeanne McDonald I was so drawn in by this story about an two artists - one a young, up and coming artist and the other a devilishly handsome pianist with blue eyes you want to start into all day. I felt so much emotion from this story, the connection between the characters and their journey. A great storyline packed into a short story.
First Shot At Love by Lisa B. Kamps Lisa never disappoints. I love that she wrote a new story based on characters from her Baltimore Banners book, Breakaway. Find out how JP & Emily meet and their romantic encounters mixed in with the fact that he is a famous hockey player. Never a dull moment in this one. I need to read Breakway now to see how their story continues.
All Work and No Play by Mia Kayla I am the biggest sucker for billionaire stories, especially when his love interest ends up being his wife and co-worker. Kent doesn't appear to have a problem flirting with Beth at work, but she wants to be taken seriously by her co-workers and superiors, so they know she isn't just there because she's married to the boss' son. I loved this story, some good laughs and Kent is off the charts, super sexy.
Kissing for Keeps by Molly McLain & Rhonda James This is in the top of my favs in this collection. So many good laughs in this story. Luke needs a date for his sister's wedding, so his mom, who is also a romance author, isn't bothering him about his love life. Who better to ask than, Mia, the waitress that waits on him a few times a week at a local diner. He is not looking for anything serious and she just wants to make sure she has money for her rent and car repairs. Mia is feisty, I loved her! And of course the story wouldn't be complete without a surprise house guest.
Some Sort of Love by Melanie Harlow (which isn't just a short story, it's the full novel.) Amazing story about a single father, Levi, whose son is autistic. When he runs into Jillian, a one-night stand from college, he is struck with a need to be with her. His son has always come first and he really struggles with realizing he deserves love and happiness outside of being a father. Jillian is a pediatrician, so she is always focused on her work, never has time for relationships or love. Reconnecting with Levi changes all of that with his sexy dirty talking, that he is a dad, makes him even more attractive to her. She is understanding of him need to put his son first, but when it comes down to it, is she willing to sacrifice her heart to him when he can't give his fully to her? One of Melanie's best books!
I enjoy buying anthologies ,You get to read very diverse stories by authors you love, while getting the chance to add new authors to your TBR pile , but what I loved about the Love Happens Anthology was that All Proceeds went to benefit Autism Awareness. This anthology was packed with some very different Love stories , filled with many emotions and I decided to leave some reviews on a few of my favorites .
Wild Pumpkin by Martha Sweeney Delilah is a young woman who gets herself into trouble and ends up having to do community service , where she meets Lance.Will romance happen or are they headed strait for trouble ? This story has everything , Action , mystery , intrigue ,Heartache ,romance and characters you'll love or love to hate . I'm talking to you Mr. Barone!! That ending ...ARGH!!!! I definitely need to find out what happens between Delilah and Lance in the full length novel Mrs. Sweeney has planned .
Beautiful Baby - Emery Jacobs A fast paced , crazy ride as a couple drive to the hospital to await the arrival of their new bundle of Joy. It was a smaller read than most of the stories in the anthology , but the emotions run high .which draws you in , especially when you learn of Henley's condition and how much Jacob has changed since she came into his life . These two are so in love and you felt it through the pages as they get their Happily Ever After.
Storm Chasers Honeymoon - Molly Lee A recently married couple head out on an epic honeymoon .........Why ? Because they are Storm Chasers ! Loved this read . This was an original , excitingly , sexy storyline as both Dash and Blake jump into the Mockingjay and head into the eye of the storm as man and wife
I received an ARC copy of Wild Pumpkin by Martha Sweeney in exchange for an honest review.
As the main female character in Wild Pumpkin is a total bad ass ! Delilah Powell is a tattooed massage therapist,that is forced to do community service due to a car accident. There she meets a group of people that in any other circumstances she may have never met. Though the story is short and P.S. it does leave you with a cliffhanger it is a great story. As with all of Martha's female characters Deliliah is strong and independent with a shell that need to be cracked by the right person. I until CAN NOT WAIT until the full book to see what twists and turns Martha takes Lance and Deliliah. Great Job yet again as always you have me sucked in and on pins and needles wanting more.
I received an ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. If I see you by Ginger Scott I loved this story. I didn't know this characters before reading this story but Ginger did an excellent work making you care for them. At the end, I wanted more of their story.
*** Recibí este ARC por la autora lo cual no afecta mi honesta opinión. Me encantó esta historia. No conocía a estos personajes, pero Ginger hizo un excelente trabajo haciendo que te preocupes por ellos. Al final, quería más de su historia.
When love blooms by Melanie Moreland 4 ⭐️ Safe. No OW/OM Sweet hero and sassy strong heroine.
How we met by Claudia Burgoa 3 ⭐️ Uhh is this like a prequel? Will we get a novel? It ended abruptly...
Leap by Dylan Allen. 3 ⭐️ Safe. No OW/OM.
Beautiful baby by Emery Jacobs. 3 ⭐️ Sequel novella of Beautiful Torture and Beautiful Forever. I didn't read this two so I don't know if those book are safe. Married couple. Safe. No OW/OM.
I See You is a short story by Ginger Scott included in the Love Happens anthology. It features two side characters from this author's novel, How We Deal With Gravity.
"So you take this feeling…the one you’ve got right here. You take this feeling with you, and you tell Garrett you’re sorry, but your heart…it’s somewhere else.”
Oh my gosh. This was such a sweet story. It had the flavors of Ginger that I love: brilliant characters, special children, captivating character dialogue, amazing love, and an HEA.
I loved getting more of Mason and Avery. Catching up on their story and family. They helped open the door for special moments with Cole and Claire, and allowed their story to play out as we always knew it should. Cole is TOTAL SOUTHERN SWOON! And Claire is as lovely as they come.
Fast and endearing, I See You made my heart beat with delight at receiving an unexpected treat of Cole and Claire's finally discovered love.
I had the pleasure of reading two short stories from this anthology. How We Met by Claudia Burgoa and Wild Pumpkin by Martha Sweeney.
How We Met by Claudia Burgoa I love reading the beginning of Willow and Hunter's story. These two are like moths to a flame and I'm excited to see what happens with these two.
Wild Pumpkin by Martha Sweeney
After getting arrested Delilah is sentenced to sixty hours of community service where she meets Lance. Now we don't know what he's done to deserve community service, but in this short getting to know therm story, we do know the sparks are there and I have a feeling that that the rest of this book is going to be amazing.
Because i am a believer of not doing spoilers I am going to try and keep this short but sweet and spoiler free. This is just the beginning of what is going to be an epic novel and I cannot wait for more. Delilah is clearly the bad girl who well all love with a seriously awesome sense of humour and I cannot wait to see what she gets up to. I am very excited about this short snippet and I hope you enjoy it to.
Received an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
This review is for the story Leap by Dylan Allen. Cara just wanted Louis to be happy for her and share her new adventure with him but Louis can be a jerk but than turn into the best guy.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of three stories in this anthology and they were fantastic.
I See You by Ginger Scott Ginger has done it again. Served up a beautiful read that delivers a great romantic short story that leaves you smiling. Sweet with a dash of hot & a perfect HEA.
Kissing for Keeps by Rhonda James & Molly McLain Loved this short story from 2 of my favourite authors. Fake dating quickly becomes real romance in this awesome short story.
Hitch by S.M. West Pansy is not having a good week. Cheated on, kicked out of her apartment and dropped out of school all at the same time. She meets Silas when he's hitchhiking and they spend some fiery, chemistry filled time together. Great quick read.
I have preordered my copy of the Anthology and can't wait to read the rest of the stories. Grab a copy and support a very worthy cause while reading some sweet stories
I received a ARC of hitch from SM west what a great little read! The story of Silas and Pansy was great and I would love to read more of their story! I will be purchasing this book and doing my bit for a great cause!! Definitely worth it!
I was lucky enough to receive Kissing for Keeps by Rhonda James and Molly McLain. This story was short and sweet but I fell in love with these characters on the first page and fell even harder throughout the rest. Luke asks Mia to spend a weekend with him at his sister's wedding. It's supposed to be no strings attached but they soon realize they have amazing chemistry and may have to revise their agreement. It's beautifully written! I really hope these authors decide to do more together
This was a light, amusing short read. Lily & Ethan were fun, but due to the short length of the book, there wasn`t room for much character development or an extensive plot line. Both are very likable but extremely different people who were drawn to each other. Their relationship progressed very quickly & before I could even hope for a twist or some angst, the story had ended. If you`re short on time & would enjoy a light, fun quick read, this one might please you. Due to its lack of depth, it was just ok for me.
Instalove, you either love it or you hate it, personally I’m not a huge fan, but when it comes to Melanie Moreland’s instalove, I love it. Not too cheesy and so easy to read. When Love Blooms is a quick, fun read following the delectable Ethan as he seeks out flowers for his mum, only to discover a quirky, sweet and totally endearing florist, Lily. Herein starts lots of flower arranging and sexy time. A complete feel good read and a wonderful story.