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jen286's review
3.0
Resisting Desire by Talia Hibbert - Alright short story. Didn't absolutely love it like the rest of this authors books, but it was fine.
Parking Lot Cowboy by Rebecca Crowley - I have a hard time with short stories normally, and this one was okay but did feel a bit rushed towards the end.
The Coffee Shop Around the Corner by Shae Connor - This was cute. I love the whole we were writing each other and didn't know it, but also had a crush on each other thing.
Parking Lot Cowboy by Rebecca Crowley - I have a hard time with short stories normally, and this one was okay but did feel a bit rushed towards the end.
The Coffee Shop Around the Corner by Shae Connor - This was cute. I love the whole we were writing each other and didn't know it, but also had a crush on each other thing.
ari76's review
4.0
I'm trying to read more romantic stories with feel-good endings and I'm glad I started with this. There is something to unpack about me gravitating to a collection focused on social justice themes - my guesses are a desire for representation, more expansive definition of romance, and honestly some conflict . Resisting Desire by Talia Hibbert, Dropped Stitches by Annabeth Albert, Dare to Dream by Hudson Lin, and Sacred Son by Robin Covington were my favorites because my heart was warmed and I was up late at night flipping through my e-pages seeing how it was resolved. Parking Lot Cowboy by Rebecca Crowley also gets a special shout out because I just was not expecting to feel feelings about the characters but found myself so happy at the end when they got together. If I had to pick favorite-favorites, it would likely be Dare to Dream, Dropped Stitches, and Resisting Desire because the feelings were felt, and I think they incorporated the charge to have a socially relevant setting with the most ease.
I'm really trying to unlearn my tendency toward only "serious-serious" books, so this was good practice suspending some disbelief and enjoying love stories in progress. There were some cringe moments, as well as stories that didn't spark warm feelings but overall, I really enjoyed the read.
I'm really trying to unlearn my tendency toward only "serious-serious" books, so this was good practice suspending some disbelief and enjoying love stories in progress. There were some cringe moments, as well as stories that didn't spark warm feelings but overall, I really enjoyed the read.
kara_hildebrand's review
5.0
Dropped Stiches is Annabeth Albert's addition to the Rogue Nights Anthology. It's Annabeth's first f/f and the first one I've read and I loved it. Bea is a political activist and also a knitter and she runs into her high school crush on election night. Kira is just coming off a bad breakup but reconnecting with Bea and being forced to go out and have fun is just what she needed. Bea and Kira feel the sparks between them, but is it just a rebound or can they shed their pasts and try to move on together? I loved this story! It's short but full of emotion and meaning. Bea and Kira have strong beliefs and together they are honest, open and see their future. Yes, Annabeth, we want MORE!
Sacred Son by Robin Covington's new second chance novella. Judah and Adam were teenagers who were each other's firsts. Now they are grown men. Adam is a lawyer who fights for the rights of Native Americans and Judah is fighting to get his son back. Judah knows Adam can help him, but will he. Adam never stopped thinking about Judah and seeing him again brought back all those memories. Of his first love and his first heartbreak. Can they work together to get Judah's son back? Will they have a second chance at love? This story was so fantastic! It was short, hot and meaningful. There are real issues involved and so much emotion and heart. Overall, I laughed, cried, got hot and bothered and really, really need more of Adam and Judah!
His eyes were eating me alive, visually caressing my face and my body like they were still his and I realized I that I wanted him to possess me, to make me his again.
Sacred Son by Robin Covington's new second chance novella. Judah and Adam were teenagers who were each other's firsts. Now they are grown men. Adam is a lawyer who fights for the rights of Native Americans and Judah is fighting to get his son back. Judah knows Adam can help him, but will he. Adam never stopped thinking about Judah and seeing him again brought back all those memories. Of his first love and his first heartbreak. Can they work together to get Judah's son back? Will they have a second chance at love? This story was so fantastic! It was short, hot and meaningful. There are real issues involved and so much emotion and heart. Overall, I laughed, cried, got hot and bothered and really, really need more of Adam and Judah!
His eyes were eating me alive, visually caressing my face and my body like they were still his and I realized I that I wanted him to possess me, to make me his again.
turophile's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
A collection of romance stories. Some I liked, some I did not.
writeon_sl's review
3.0
3.5 stars
I bought this anthology because I heard Anabeth Albert was part of it. Surprisingly, her story did not turn out to be my favorite. I found most of the book to be entertaining and cute, and enjoyed the political and social justice aspects that made the stories unique. But even with that uniqueness factor, not many of these stood out for me. My favorites were Parking Lot Cowboy by Rebecca Crowley and Dare to Dream by Hudson Lin. I'd never read anything by either author but will definitely be checking their stuff out now. The last story Sacred Son by Robin Covington suffered from obvious editing errors that really killed my enjoyment of the story. It would've ranked up with the other two as favorites but the mistakes were distracting and were a poor closing for an otherwise decent book.
I bought this anthology because I heard Anabeth Albert was part of it. Surprisingly, her story did not turn out to be my favorite. I found most of the book to be entertaining and cute, and enjoyed the political and social justice aspects that made the stories unique. But even with that uniqueness factor, not many of these stood out for me. My favorites were Parking Lot Cowboy by Rebecca Crowley and Dare to Dream by Hudson Lin. I'd never read anything by either author but will definitely be checking their stuff out now. The last story Sacred Son by Robin Covington suffered from obvious editing errors that really killed my enjoyment of the story. It would've ranked up with the other two as favorites but the mistakes were distracting and were a poor closing for an otherwise decent book.
briarsreviews's review
5.0
Due to time constraints, I was only able to read Hudson Lin's story. But, if the rest of these stories are half as good as Dare to Dream by Hudson Lin, then this anthology is absolutely fantastic!
This story follows Diego and Derek, two laws students, and their growing bond. Diego is a DACA recipient who learns the importance of standing up for what you believe in. Not only is there some super sexy scenes between Diego and Derek (because, we all know how magical Hudson Lin is with her romance/sexy writing abilities) but there is a lot of character growth within this short story.
I would definitely recommend this anthology series - I've read many of the previous ones. The political themes that are mixed in with romance (and sometimes erotica) make this a unique set of stories that don't fit the typical romance mold. Not all stories will work for all readers, but you are guaranteed to have at least one story you love or can relate to.
My biggest problem was that this story was way too short! I want more from each of these stories!
Five out of five stars!
I received an advanced reader's copy because I am apart of Hudson Lin's ARC review team!
This story follows Diego and Derek, two laws students, and their growing bond. Diego is a DACA recipient who learns the importance of standing up for what you believe in. Not only is there some super sexy scenes between Diego and Derek (because, we all know how magical Hudson Lin is with her romance/sexy writing abilities) but there is a lot of character growth within this short story.
I would definitely recommend this anthology series - I've read many of the previous ones. The political themes that are mixed in with romance (and sometimes erotica) make this a unique set of stories that don't fit the typical romance mold. Not all stories will work for all readers, but you are guaranteed to have at least one story you love or can relate to.
My biggest problem was that this story was way too short! I want more from each of these stories!
Five out of five stars!
I received an advanced reader's copy because I am apart of Hudson Lin's ARC review team!
karentje's review
4.0
This is an anthology where one or both of the characters are involved in political activism in one small way or another. It has a little something for everyone with f/m, m/m and f/f couples all finding their HEA.
The first story is the one that spoke to me the most. Resisting Desire by Talia Hibbert is a very passionate story and even though it’s only a short one, it still has so much emotion and pent-up longing in it. James is head over heels in love with his best friend’s little sister, but really messes up his chances with her in a misguided, and belated, attempt at “chivalry”. Nina is terribly hurt by his apparent rejection and resolved to stay away from him, but dangerous circumstances bring the couple some much needed forced proximity and the chance to make things right.
In Dropped Stitches Annabeth Albert brings us a very sweet story about two women finding love with their high school crushes. At first glance it’s very much an opposites attract story, but it’s always dangerous to assume… a lesson Bea has some trouble learning. This was a very enjoyable read, but I missed the emotional intensity and the chemistry that I’ve come to expect from this author. I did love the knitting, and it inspired me to take up one of my own unfinished projects again.
Parking Lot Cowboy is a story that brings up one of the more ugly sides of political activism with pro-life protesters intimidating and harassing women & teenage girls going to family planning clinics for help. I loathe these people. I especially liked shy Tyler with his big heart . Margot was intellectual and very energetic, exactly what was needed to draw Tyler out.
Dare to Dream by Hudson Lin was also a great story. The whole Dreamer aspect making it very relevant and very much a HFN story with the realistic, though hopeful ending. I can certainly understand Diego’s fear and reluctance to draw attention. Derek could have been a little more understanding of that, I think.
The Coffee Shop Around the Corner is based on the ever cute “you’ve got mail” trope, but I wasn’t convinced by the connection the main characters built up, either via e-mail or in real life. Once they meet everything gets intense too fast, in my opinion.
Love Your Face was also not for me. I like the idea of best friends becoming lovers, who doesn’t? But it started off a bit wrong for me with one of the characters implying that most straight women are bi-curious unless they are internalizing misogyny…? I also didn’t like the interactions with the family’s. It felt too all or nothing for me, and I especially couldn’t understand Ami’s decision to basically avoid her family because she didn’t like their meddling or questions. Seems a silly reason, she could also just be upfront about her life and give them a chance to deal with that. She does stand up for Fred, which was lovely, but I just didn’t feel it with this couple.
Sacred Son by Robin Covington was another one of the stories that stood out to me, in a good way. It was interesting to read more about the issues Native Americans face. And nothing is cuter than a single dad who is devoted to his kid. Not to mention the former bad boy trying to make a new life for himself. The only thing that bothered me a little were some of the typo’s, the editing could have been better.
The first story is the one that spoke to me the most. Resisting Desire by Talia Hibbert is a very passionate story and even though it’s only a short one, it still has so much emotion and pent-up longing in it. James is head over heels in love with his best friend’s little sister, but really messes up his chances with her in a misguided, and belated, attempt at “chivalry”. Nina is terribly hurt by his apparent rejection and resolved to stay away from him, but dangerous circumstances bring the couple some much needed forced proximity and the chance to make things right.
In Dropped Stitches Annabeth Albert brings us a very sweet story about two women finding love with their high school crushes. At first glance it’s very much an opposites attract story, but it’s always dangerous to assume… a lesson Bea has some trouble learning. This was a very enjoyable read, but I missed the emotional intensity and the chemistry that I’ve come to expect from this author. I did love the knitting, and it inspired me to take up one of my own unfinished projects again.
Parking Lot Cowboy is a story that brings up one of the more ugly sides of political activism with pro-life protesters intimidating and harassing women & teenage girls going to family planning clinics for help. I loathe these people. I especially liked shy Tyler with his big heart . Margot was intellectual and very energetic, exactly what was needed to draw Tyler out.
Dare to Dream by Hudson Lin was also a great story. The whole Dreamer aspect making it very relevant and very much a HFN story with the realistic, though hopeful ending. I can certainly understand Diego’s fear and reluctance to draw attention. Derek could have been a little more understanding of that, I think.
The Coffee Shop Around the Corner is based on the ever cute “you’ve got mail” trope, but I wasn’t convinced by the connection the main characters built up, either via e-mail or in real life. Once they meet everything gets intense too fast, in my opinion.
Love Your Face was also not for me. I like the idea of best friends becoming lovers, who doesn’t? But it started off a bit wrong for me with one of the characters implying that most straight women are bi-curious unless they are internalizing misogyny…? I also didn’t like the interactions with the family’s. It felt too all or nothing for me, and I especially couldn’t understand Ami’s decision to basically avoid her family because she didn’t like their meddling or questions. Seems a silly reason, she could also just be upfront about her life and give them a chance to deal with that. She does stand up for Fred, which was lovely, but I just didn’t feel it with this couple.
Sacred Son by Robin Covington was another one of the stories that stood out to me, in a good way. It was interesting to read more about the issues Native Americans face. And nothing is cuter than a single dad who is devoted to his kid. Not to mention the former bad boy trying to make a new life for himself. The only thing that bothered me a little were some of the typo’s, the editing could have been better.
beckymmoe's review
4.0
A solid anthology--not a single weak story in the group! I loved that they all had some basis in the political but it wasn't the main focus--a hopeful political view helped to give each of the romances hope, though. And who doesn't need a little more hope in their lives these days?
The first story (Resisting Desire) was from a new-to-me author (Talia Hibbert--now I really need to see what she can do in a longer format!) who has been on my TBR for quite some time. It was a fun best friend's little sister/unrequited love story, and definitely whetted my appetite for more from this author.
The second (Dropped Stitches) was from an author whom I've meant to read more from (Annabeth Albert). It's a F/F, which was different--I've only read her M/M books so far--and was another unrequited love story that grew into a friends-to-lovers one. The "magic of yarn" (the author's words) gave the story an extra fun twist.
Parking Lot Cowboy was from another new-to-me author (Rebecca Crowley); I absolutely loved this opposites attract story with a hero and heroine who volunteer as escorts at a family planning clinic--I am absolutely going to add more from this author to my TBR ASAP.
Hudson Lin's (another new author!) Dare to Dream was a M/M romance between two law students--a Dreamer and an immigrant whose family managed to get their green cards. One of them is all about protesting the immigration crisis, and the other just wants to keep his head down and keep on working--can their relationship possibly have a future when their views are so different? (And yeah, my TBR pile just keeps growing!)
The Coffee Shop Around the Corner by Shae Connor is a cute take on You've Got Mail and The Shop Around the Corner, with a bit less antagonism between the hero and heroine and a whole lot more politics. And yet another author I'll be looking up!
Ainsley Booth's Love Your Face is another F/F story and also a friends-to-lovers tale that anyone who's ever dreaded going home for the holidays will definitely relate to; I might have been even happier than Fred was to see Ami waiting at the airport for her!
Finally, Robin Covington's Sacred Son delivered another solid read from one of my favorite authors. It's a M/M second chance romance where the heroes reunite to help one of them regain custody of his son. This one had me tearing up more than once!
Now I just have to get my hands on the other Rogue anthologies!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
The first story (Resisting Desire) was from a new-to-me author (Talia Hibbert--now I really need to see what she can do in a longer format!) who has been on my TBR for quite some time. It was a fun best friend's little sister/unrequited love story, and definitely whetted my appetite for more from this author.
The second (Dropped Stitches) was from an author whom I've meant to read more from (Annabeth Albert). It's a F/F, which was different--I've only read her M/M books so far--and was another unrequited love story that grew into a friends-to-lovers one. The "magic of yarn" (the author's words) gave the story an extra fun twist.
Parking Lot Cowboy was from another new-to-me author (Rebecca Crowley); I absolutely loved this opposites attract story with a hero and heroine who volunteer as escorts at a family planning clinic--I am absolutely going to add more from this author to my TBR ASAP.
Hudson Lin's (another new author!) Dare to Dream was a M/M romance between two law students--a Dreamer and an immigrant whose family managed to get their green cards. One of them is all about protesting the immigration crisis, and the other just wants to keep his head down and keep on working--can their relationship possibly have a future when their views are so different? (And yeah, my TBR pile just keeps growing!)
The Coffee Shop Around the Corner by Shae Connor is a cute take on You've Got Mail and The Shop Around the Corner, with a bit less antagonism between the hero and heroine and a whole lot more politics. And yet another author I'll be looking up!
Ainsley Booth's Love Your Face is another F/F story and also a friends-to-lovers tale that anyone who's ever dreaded going home for the holidays will definitely relate to; I might have been even happier than Fred was to see Ami waiting at the airport for her!
Finally, Robin Covington's Sacred Son delivered another solid read from one of my favorite authors. It's a M/M second chance romance where the heroes reunite to help one of them regain custody of his son. This one had me tearing up more than once!
Now I just have to get my hands on the other Rogue anthologies!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
iamrainbou's review
3.0
i'm so sorry Talia Hibbert, you deserved better than this mess of anthology.
mousegoddess's review
4.0
For the there was a fair bit of variance in story quality but there was no story that had me scowling. The stories ranged from 2.5 to 5, for me.