aboutthatstory's review
4.0
Overall Rating: 3.6 out of 5 stars
I rated each novella individually and then averaged them out to get the overall rating.
Play With Me by Lisa Renee Jones - 4 stars
I really liked this story. There was a nice introduction and I got a good since of who the characters were. Kali and Damion have a major attraction to one another and great chemistry – I thought they were a good match. I like that Kali was strong and didn't put up with a bunch of crap. Damion is so sweet and carrying. I thought everything unfolded nicely. There was just the right mix of intrigue, heat and drama. I love how everything played out, really nice ending.
Snow Fall by Mary Ann Rivers - 2 stars
I’m torn about this one. Overall I thought it was a decent story but it was just okay for me, I never really connected with it. There was a decent mix of sweetness and emotion. I did think the main characters had an interesting first meeting and I liked the who is C? aspect. I thought the first half was slow and I considered not finishing but was curious enough that I read on. I liked the overall conclusion but it was still kind of sad. This was a nice, hope filled story with some sexy times mixed in but it just wasn’t for me.
After Midnight by Serena Bell - 5 stars
I loved this story! I thought Nora and Miles were great characters and had an awesome first meeting. They had serious chemistry and there were lots of hot moments. I liked their conversations and thought this was an fun, lighthearted read with the perfect mix of drama added in. I thought everything unfolded nicely, there was a great pace, and the ending was perfect. I couldn’t this one down! Totally captivating and sexy story that had me smiling!
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I rated each novella individually and then averaged them out to get the overall rating.
Play With Me by Lisa Renee Jones - 4 stars
I really liked this story. There was a nice introduction and I got a good since of who the characters were. Kali and Damion have a major attraction to one another and great chemistry – I thought they were a good match. I like that Kali was strong and didn't put up with a bunch of crap. Damion is so sweet and carrying. I thought everything unfolded nicely. There was just the right mix of intrigue, heat and drama. I love how everything played out, really nice ending.
Snow Fall by Mary Ann Rivers - 2 stars
I’m torn about this one. Overall I thought it was a decent story but it was just okay for me, I never really connected with it. There was a decent mix of sweetness and emotion. I did think the main characters had an interesting first meeting and I liked the who is C? aspect. I thought the first half was slow and I considered not finishing but was curious enough that I read on. I liked the overall conclusion but it was still kind of sad. This was a nice, hope filled story with some sexy times mixed in but it just wasn’t for me.
After Midnight by Serena Bell - 5 stars
I loved this story! I thought Nora and Miles were great characters and had an awesome first meeting. They had serious chemistry and there were lots of hot moments. I liked their conversations and thought this was an fun, lighthearted read with the perfect mix of drama added in. I thought everything unfolded nicely, there was a great pace, and the ending was perfect. I couldn’t this one down! Totally captivating and sexy story that had me smiling!
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
caffeineandbookreviews's review
4.0
I've been enjoying novella book sets for the new fact that I can chat myself into believing I've finished off an entire book when it's actually 3 storage books. But then my attention had been so sorry that shorter bits sized works of fiction has been easier.
The authors each have their own unique and easy to read style and the stories were very sweet. Perfect to get one in the holiday spirit.
The authors each have their own unique and easy to read style and the stories were very sweet. Perfect to get one in the holiday spirit.
jaime_fiction_fangirl's review
4.0
Play With Me 4.5 Stars
Hot Alpha misunderstood male + bruised not broken woman + office/living spaces in huge casino in las Vegas = HOT! HOT! HOT! On typical Lisa Renee Jones fashion this story had passion, romance, heat and betrayal. My only complaint is that it was just a short story and I didn't get to read more about Damion Ward!!
Snowfall 4.5 Stars
This is my first time reading something from this author but based on this I will looking for more. This story was unique and although the basic premise and outcome was predictable the journey to get there was special. I really loved Jenny and my heart was breaking for her and what she was going through but having Evan there was helpful. PS those cyber scenes were pretty darn steamy.
After Midnight 4.5 Stars
Yet another author I haven't read until now but will be searching out. I really actually loved this story because of the instant attraction/connection between Miles & Nora which is unusual because insta-love tends to turn me off in books. This was different though. I also thought that it was super sweet that Miles' best friend Owen went through so much trouble to help him get over his troubles. Very fun story.
I cannot decide which of these stories are my favorite. I loved each of them for different reasons.
*I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Hot Alpha misunderstood male + bruised not broken woman + office/living spaces in huge casino in las Vegas = HOT! HOT! HOT! On typical Lisa Renee Jones fashion this story had passion, romance, heat and betrayal. My only complaint is that it was just a short story and I didn't get to read more about Damion Ward!!
Snowfall 4.5 Stars
This is my first time reading something from this author but based on this I will looking for more. This story was unique and although the basic premise and outcome was predictable the journey to get there was special. I really loved Jenny and my heart was breaking for her and what she was going through but having Evan there was helpful. PS those cyber scenes were pretty darn steamy.
After Midnight 4.5 Stars
Yet another author I haven't read until now but will be searching out. I really actually loved this story because of the instant attraction/connection between Miles & Nora which is unusual because insta-love tends to turn me off in books. This was different though. I also thought that it was super sweet that Miles' best friend Owen went through so much trouble to help him get over his troubles. Very fun story.
I cannot decide which of these stories are my favorite. I loved each of them for different reasons.
*I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
wilovebooks's review
5.0
I thought this was a wonderful mix of holiday-themed stories. They range from fun to sassy to sad yet hopeful. They are all very different, but of course they are all steamy and they all have very well developed characters for novellas. They feel more like full-length novels. Each is wonderful in its own way. My personal favorite is Snowfall by Mary Ann Rivers. Similar to her novella The Story Guy, it is a lovely, emotional story that tugs at the heart. I just loved it. I highly recommend this little collection.
alleskelle's review
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With a special mention to Mary Ann Rivers' story. I LOVED that one. This author "grabs" me every time!!! 5 STARS for that one alone!
With a special mention to Mary Ann Rivers' story. I LOVED that one. This author "grabs" me every time!!! 5 STARS for that one alone!
jaimereadsromance's review
4.0
Play With Me 4.5 Stars
Hot Alpha misunderstood male + bruised not broken woman + office/living spaces in huge casino in las Vegas = HOT! HOT! HOT! On typical Lisa Renee Jones fashion this story had passion, romance, heat and betrayal. My only complaint is that it was just a short story and I didn't get to read more about Damion Ward!!
Snowfall 4.5 Stars
This is my first time reading something from this author but based on this I will looking for more. This story was unique and although the basic premise and outcome was predictable the journey to get there was special. I really loved Jenny and my heart was breaking for her and what she was going through but having Evan there was helpful. PS those cyber scenes were pretty darn steamy.
After Midnight 4.5 Stars
Yet another author I haven't read until now but will be searching out. I really actually loved this story because of the instant attraction/connection between Miles & Nora which is unusual because insta-love tends to turn me off in books. This was different though. I also thought that it was super sweet that Miles' best friend Owen went through so much trouble to help him get over his troubles. Very fun story.
I cannot decide which of these stories are my favorite. I loved each of them for different reasons.
*I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Hot Alpha misunderstood male + bruised not broken woman + office/living spaces in huge casino in las Vegas = HOT! HOT! HOT! On typical Lisa Renee Jones fashion this story had passion, romance, heat and betrayal. My only complaint is that it was just a short story and I didn't get to read more about Damion Ward!!
Snowfall 4.5 Stars
This is my first time reading something from this author but based on this I will looking for more. This story was unique and although the basic premise and outcome was predictable the journey to get there was special. I really loved Jenny and my heart was breaking for her and what she was going through but having Evan there was helpful. PS those cyber scenes were pretty darn steamy.
After Midnight 4.5 Stars
Yet another author I haven't read until now but will be searching out. I really actually loved this story because of the instant attraction/connection between Miles & Nora which is unusual because insta-love tends to turn me off in books. This was different though. I also thought that it was super sweet that Miles' best friend Owen went through so much trouble to help him get over his troubles. Very fun story.
I cannot decide which of these stories are my favorite. I loved each of them for different reasons.
*I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
booksuperpower's review
4.0
Heating up the Holidays 3 story bundle is a Loveswept publication released in October 2013.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Well, it's that time of year when we start breaking out the holiday stories. Many of the Christmas themed novels we read border on the syrupy sweet. There is no better time of year for heartwarming tales of romance. But...... Sometimes the holidays need a little spice. If spice is what you are in the mood for, then you should like this one. Three contemporary holiday themed romances.
The first story in the book is "Play with Me" by Lisa Renee Jones.
Kali has career and family issues bad enough to leave Texas for Vegas. Her new job working for the CEO of a large casino operation has her working up close and personal with Damion Ward, a man known for chewing people up and spitting them out. But when Kali shows no fear towards him, he is instantly at attention. But, trouble lurks when a security breach is discovered.
The second story is "Snowfall" by Mary Ann Rivers.
This is the story of Jenny, a brainy young woman that never wanted anything but to be a microbiologist. No problems with achieving that goal, but Jenny has been diagnosed with an eye disease that will cause her to eventually lose her sight.
Meanwhile, Jenny has begun chatting with the person that lived in her apartment before she did. The catch is that they have never met. Casual conversations soon turn into hot internet sex.
But, Jenny is also trying to prepare herself for the day when she will no longer be able to see. She begins seeing a therapist that helps her with exercises so she will be able to function as normally as possible. But, there is also an attraction between herself and her therapist. This is a Christmas themed romance, that's hot by also sweet.
The Third story is "After Midnight" by Serena Bell. This is story of Miles, a man going through an incredibly difficult phase in his life. He is attending a New Years Eve party with his best friend Owen, who insisted he attend. Miles meets Nora at the party and the two of them connect, but Miles is in no place at that time to really act on his attraction, although he wants to. But, before he can grab a New Years kiss from her, the two of them are separated and never even knew each other's names. Will they ever be able to find each other again?
This one was also sweet and spicy. A great story to start off the New Year with.
All three stories were good in this bundle. The second and third were the best, with the second story being my favorite.
Overall this one gets an A.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Well, it's that time of year when we start breaking out the holiday stories. Many of the Christmas themed novels we read border on the syrupy sweet. There is no better time of year for heartwarming tales of romance. But...... Sometimes the holidays need a little spice. If spice is what you are in the mood for, then you should like this one. Three contemporary holiday themed romances.
The first story in the book is "Play with Me" by Lisa Renee Jones.
Kali has career and family issues bad enough to leave Texas for Vegas. Her new job working for the CEO of a large casino operation has her working up close and personal with Damion Ward, a man known for chewing people up and spitting them out. But when Kali shows no fear towards him, he is instantly at attention. But, trouble lurks when a security breach is discovered.
The second story is "Snowfall" by Mary Ann Rivers.
This is the story of Jenny, a brainy young woman that never wanted anything but to be a microbiologist. No problems with achieving that goal, but Jenny has been diagnosed with an eye disease that will cause her to eventually lose her sight.
Meanwhile, Jenny has begun chatting with the person that lived in her apartment before she did. The catch is that they have never met. Casual conversations soon turn into hot internet sex.
But, Jenny is also trying to prepare herself for the day when she will no longer be able to see. She begins seeing a therapist that helps her with exercises so she will be able to function as normally as possible. But, there is also an attraction between herself and her therapist. This is a Christmas themed romance, that's hot by also sweet.
The Third story is "After Midnight" by Serena Bell. This is story of Miles, a man going through an incredibly difficult phase in his life. He is attending a New Years Eve party with his best friend Owen, who insisted he attend. Miles meets Nora at the party and the two of them connect, but Miles is in no place at that time to really act on his attraction, although he wants to. But, before he can grab a New Years kiss from her, the two of them are separated and never even knew each other's names. Will they ever be able to find each other again?
This one was also sweet and spicy. A great story to start off the New Year with.
All three stories were good in this bundle. The second and third were the best, with the second story being my favorite.
Overall this one gets an A.
anacoqui's review
4.0
I requested the galley of this holiday themed collection because of how much I loved Mary Ann Rivers previous novella, Story Guy. I have not previously read fiction by Lisa Renee Jones or Serena Bell. Each novella in Heating up the Holidays takes on one of our fall/winter holidays.
Lisa Renee Jones' novella Play with Me, takes place in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Kali Miller newly arrived in Las Vegas hustles for a job after the job she relocated for disappears. She leaps at the opportunity to become the new administrative assistant to Damion Ward the secretive and driven CEO of the Vantage Hotel and Casino (who happens to look just like Robert Downey Jr as Tony Stark).
I nearly didn't finish this story, even though it started out very strong. I loved how Kali jumped right into the deep-end, trying to figure a high-stakes job and complicated boss. Sadly the story features insta-lust, and work-place romantic hijinks, a trope I rarely enjoy, and Kali and Damion made too many ridiculous decisions for me to buy into their story. I stuck it out, only to be disappointed with a rushed resolution that told more than it showed.
Mary Ann Rivers had me crying once again. Snowfall, is the story of Jenny Wright a mircobiologist facing a scary and life-changing medical diagnosis. Last spring my father was given a diagnosis similar to the one Jenny struggled to come to terms with. As Jenny wrestled to adjust, I couldn't help but think back to days I spent combing Medline for information for my father and speculating just how much this could change his life.
I loved that Rivers carefully structured this story to have the reader experience the same kind of uncertainty Jenny is facing. Most romances identify the romantic leads within a few chapters. In Snowfall who exactly she is falling for is as obscure to the reader as it is to Jenny which provided a delicious tension. I also loved that this is first and foremost Jenny's story of reclaiming her life and moving on after setback as much as it is a romance.
After Midnight, by Serena Bell opens on New Year's Eve a few minutes to midnight. Miles Shepard is having a horrible winter, under suspicion for embezzlement, he is in leave from his non-profit, has lost his fiancée, and most importantly his sense of self. He is at this party under protest, dragged there by one of his oldest friends, Owen, hundreds of miles from his home and problems. At this party he meets a sparkling Nora Hart whose joie de vivre captivates and frightens him. They share a New Year's kiss but fails to learn each other's names when they are too rapidly separated.
I thought Serena Bell did the best job of taking advantage of the conceits of its central holiday. While Snowfall starts with a mediation on Christmas and Play With Me, takes place around Thanksgiving, After Midnight is all about the promises of new beginnings and acquaintances not quite forgotten. I loved the rhythm of the dialogue and pacing of this story. Miles and Nora's reactions and decisions felt real and believable. I will be looking for Ms. Bell's work in the future.
Publication date October 28, 2013 Digital ARC provided for free by publisher via NetGalley.
Lisa Renee Jones' novella Play with Me, takes place in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Kali Miller newly arrived in Las Vegas hustles for a job after the job she relocated for disappears. She leaps at the opportunity to become the new administrative assistant to Damion Ward the secretive and driven CEO of the Vantage Hotel and Casino (who happens to look just like Robert Downey Jr as Tony Stark).
I nearly didn't finish this story, even though it started out very strong. I loved how Kali jumped right into the deep-end, trying to figure a high-stakes job and complicated boss. Sadly the story features insta-lust, and work-place romantic hijinks, a trope I rarely enjoy, and Kali and Damion made too many ridiculous decisions for me to buy into their story. I stuck it out, only to be disappointed with a rushed resolution that told more than it showed.
Mary Ann Rivers had me crying once again. Snowfall, is the story of Jenny Wright a mircobiologist facing a scary and life-changing medical diagnosis. Last spring my father was given a diagnosis similar to the one Jenny struggled to come to terms with. As Jenny wrestled to adjust, I couldn't help but think back to days I spent combing Medline for information for my father and speculating just how much this could change his life.
I loved that Rivers carefully structured this story to have the reader experience the same kind of uncertainty Jenny is facing. Most romances identify the romantic leads within a few chapters. In Snowfall who exactly she is falling for is as obscure to the reader as it is to Jenny which provided a delicious tension. I also loved that this is first and foremost Jenny's story of reclaiming her life and moving on after setback as much as it is a romance.
After Midnight, by Serena Bell opens on New Year's Eve a few minutes to midnight. Miles Shepard is having a horrible winter, under suspicion for embezzlement, he is in leave from his non-profit, has lost his fiancée, and most importantly his sense of self. He is at this party under protest, dragged there by one of his oldest friends, Owen, hundreds of miles from his home and problems. At this party he meets a sparkling Nora Hart whose joie de vivre captivates and frightens him. They share a New Year's kiss but fails to learn each other's names when they are too rapidly separated.
I thought Serena Bell did the best job of taking advantage of the conceits of its central holiday. While Snowfall starts with a mediation on Christmas and Play With Me, takes place around Thanksgiving, After Midnight is all about the promises of new beginnings and acquaintances not quite forgotten. I loved the rhythm of the dialogue and pacing of this story. Miles and Nora's reactions and decisions felt real and believable. I will be looking for Ms. Bell's work in the future.
Publication date October 28, 2013 Digital ARC provided for free by publisher via NetGalley.