{Romance Novella Review} Brave by Zoe Dawson

{Romance Novella Review} Brave by Zoe Dawson

In the season of hope, in the season of giving…

How far would you go for your friend?

Alissa Thompson has been the good girl her whole life. Her uninterested parents don’t understand her hopes and dreams. But this Christmas when her steadfast childhood friend Charlie needs her more than ever, she can’t back down. Crossing the line means being braver than she has ever been in her life. It means changing and growing and taking a stand.

Dakota Gray was brave in the face of debilitating fear. But he lost himself in that blood soaked day and has shunned everything he once knew. Now shattered and broken, he hides out in isolation, his wounds beyond healing. His heart closed, his emotions buried, he’s a man on the edge of self-destructing. Little does he know that courage would be found in another searching for the strength to be brave.

Now snowbound in the Colorado Rockies one week before Christmas, Alissa thought this was about her journey and her friend, about setting him free. But from the moment she meets Dakota, she learns about what real bravery is all about. What real love is all about. But is the season enough, her courage enough, her love enough to heal this hero’s brave heart and in the end set herself free? (Blurb via Goodreads)

{Details} ebook, 119 pages. Published November 1st 2013 by Blue Moon Creative. Source: Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Zoe Dawson and Blue Moon Creative.

{Rating} 4/5 -- I really liked it!

{Review}

"Sweat rolled down my back and off my arms." (page 1, line 1)

Brave is a surprisingly heavy read and packs quite a punch in only 119 pages. Alissa and Dakota have been through a lot, things Dawson hints about but you have to keep reading to find out exactly what haunts them.

Brave is told from both Alissa and Dakota's points of view - I'm a big fan of dual POVs - we see Alissa on a quest for her best friend and Dakota who is hiding out in the mountains and comes to Alissa's rescue. They are both suffering, both weighed down with guilt and grief, and together they begin to find a way to move on.

"I made it so you wouldn't feel hopeless. I know what that feels like, and it's the worst feeling on earth. I didn't want you to feel that way, ever." (location 1034)

I liked how Dawson showed the different kinds of brave, emotionally and physically, and how sometimes you are being brave just getting through the day.

"I told you I'm no hero, Alissa. I'm just a man...just a man."
"I know you are a man. You are so, so...brave."
"Brave? Do you really think so?"
"Yes, and you taught me how to be brave." (location 1155)

I did think the end was kind of rushed, a lot of big things happened (and yea for therapy! That's another kind of brave, seeking help), but I was happy to see everything tied up, to see how far both Alissa and Dakota have come.

{Romance Novella Review} Dazed (Connections #2.5) by Kim Karr

{Romance Novella Review} Dazed (Connections #2.5) by Kim Karr

A Connection Series Novella featuring Aerie Daniels and Jagger Kennedy (River Wilde's cousin)

Jagger Kennedy never went looking for fame, he just fell into it. After scoring a major modeling contract, his clean-cut good looks and charm catapulted his career. But when his actress girlfriend breaks his heart, he moves to L.A. to try his hand at acting. He needs to make a change, and the last thing he’s looking for is love…

Aerie Daniels is a woman in control … until she meets Jagger. Her surprising connection with him leaves her stunned, and it’s unlike anything she’s ever felt. But just when she lets her walls fall, she makes a startling discovery about him that breaks her fragile heart into a million pieces.

To keep from losing the one woman he can’t bear to be without, Jagger is willing to give up anything—including his career. But even that might not be enough to regain Aerie’s shattered trust… (Blurb via Goodreads)

{Details} Kindle Edition, 141 pages. Published April 1st 2014 by Intermix. Source: Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Intermix and Kim Karr.

{Rating} 3/5 -- I liked it!

{Review}

"All of my senses engage as I wait in line and stare through the clear glass - the fragrance in the air from the foil wrapped treats wafts under my nose, the beauty of the lines of shelves decorated with tiny dots and colored sprinkles mesmerizes me, and the anticipation of the taste makes my mouth water." (page 1, line 1)

I struggled with liking/connecting with Aerie (though I love the name!). She was cold and detached and doesn't let anyone get close to her. As I learned more about Aerie's past and experiences I came to understand her and why she is the way she is. I started to root for her and hope for her happily-ever-after.

I liked Jagger though he did seem a bit over the top, a male model, an actor, but he was sweet and genuine, patient and understanding. He's a good guy who encourages Aerie to test her boundaries, to be brave, to open up.

I liked the cute meet, the fun, flirty beginning to their relationship and 'Alice'. I do wish that when things got complicated between them that they had talked about things but I understand why it's so hard for her to trust, to give someone a chance.

If you're looking for a quick story with a steamy relationship give Dazed a try (and don't worry if you haven't read anything else in the Connections series, it can stand alone).

{Romance Minute Novella Review} Ivan by Roxie Rivera

{Romance Minute Novella Review} Ivan by Roxie Rivera

Desperate to find her sister, Erin goes to the only man in Houston who can help her--Ivan Markovic. The intimidating, tattooed Russian operates one of the most elite mixed-martial arts training centers in the world but it’s his shadowy past and reputed connections with Houston’s underworld that interest her most.

To find her sister, she’ll need the help of her big, scary Russian protector—but asking for help from a man like Ivan carries a steep price, one that might just include her heart. (Blurb via Goodreads)

{Details} ebook, Published February 24th 2013 by Night Works Books. Source: Amazon

{Rating} 4/5 - I really liked it!

{Review} 

"Erin, please don't go in there." (page 1, line 1)

An exciting, sexy read. A serious alpha male with a checkered past. A brave, determined heroine. I really enjoyed this novella, the characters were interesting - and likeable, the storyline was exciting and a little bit heartbreaking. Despite being a short read Ivan and Erin were well rounded characters, they had amazing chemistry and their romance was hot and sweet and believable. I look forward to reading more from Roxie Rivera.

{Romance Novella Reviews} Love on Main Street

Where love begins on Main Street and ends happily ever after....

Christmas, the most magical season, is almost upon the small mountain town of Snow Creek. For seven couples, holiday wishes mean more than just gifts or parties. Can Snow Creek pull off its annual holiday miracle of bringing love to town?

Featuring seven original romances by New York Times and bestselling authors…

Juliet Blackwell
LGC Smith
Cecilia Gray
Adrienne Bell
Rachel Herron
Ruby Laska
Lisa Hughey

QUEEN OF HEARTS BY JULIET BLACKWELL
Serafina Rogers is not an impulsive person, but lately something’s gotten into her. She walked away from warm San Diego, her scumbag ex-fiance, and her teaching job in order to come to Snow Creek and take over her deceased aunt’s witchy supply store. Unfortunately, her hunky cowboy landlord, Joe, has other plans for the space, which hasn’t turned a profit in years. Neither Joe nor Serafina believe in magic, much less romance. But when a Yule log is tossed on the fire, Serafina begins seeing things in her aunt’s deck of cards, and Joe’s niece goes missing…they might just have to change their minds.

THE HOLIDAY SHOW BY LGC SMITH
Christy Monroe hates Christmas. The excess, the inevitable disappointments--bah. Dan Rose loves Christmas. The fun, the way his bakery smells—it’s all a little magical, especially in Snow Creek. When their first-grade daughters decide they want to be sisters, Christy and Dan had better watch out. The girls maneuver their parents into organizing the elementary school holiday show together. It doesn’t take long for Dan to make it his goal to change Christy’s mind about Christmas—and taking a chance again on love.

LET IT SNOW BY CECILIA GRAY
After losing her parents, Jessica can't bear to lose her childhood home and family bookstore, too. When they're taken from her, she has nowhere to go…except the arms of Daniel, Snow Creek's resident hero paramedic. It's not be the Christmas miracle Jessica wanted, but it might the one she needs….

SECOND CHANCES BY ADRIENNE BELL
There’s no doubt in Eileen Ledger’s mind that the last time she saw hockey superstar Paul McAlester she made the biggest mistake of her life. Only, she’s never been sure if the mistake was in kissing him, or in running away. But ten years later, Paul is back in town for Christmas, and Eileen has a second chance to make things right…as long as she can keep herself from falling in love again.

A CHRISTMAST YARN BY RACHAEL HERRON
Knitting has always served as a distraction, something that Clara can hide behind. After a significant weight loss, though, she's still not sure if she wants to be noticed. When sexy Lincoln ends up on the front porch of her yarn store, he seems to see everything clear as day. Will Clara finally be seen for her true self?

MISS BONNY'S BURIED TREASURE BY RUBY LASKA
Caroline Bonny has always known about her family curse: no Bonny daughter will ever marry until her great-great-great-grandfather's buried treasure is found. Caroline has made her peace with her life as a spinster-turned-cosmetologist, until easy-on-the-eyes schoolteacher Lance Carter comes to town determined to drown his recent breakup in holiday festivities.

ONE SILENT NIGHT BY LISA HUGHEY
Nick and Ally Carpenter split up months ago after years of infertility treatments crushed their marriage and their dreams of children. When the couple reunites for the holidays to make a dying woman happy, can an unexpected miracle show them the way back to love or is it too late? (Blurb via Goodreads)

{Details} Kindle Edition, 410 pages. Published October 20th 2013. Source: Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

{Review(s)}

Sweet, charming, heartwarming stories that show the spirit of Christmas. All seven stories are tied together with the common thread of Snow Creek, the characters and staples of life in the idyllic town of Snow Creek.

Comments about specific stories:

A Christmast Yarn by Rachael Herron -- I've been a fan of her work, especially because I'm a knitter, a little 'k' knitter that is. I loved this story, sweet Clara who is awkward and unsure and uncomfortable in her new skin, wonderful Lincoln who is adjusting to his changed life. Oh, and here's a hankie alert, I teared up within the first five minutes.

Let It Snow by Cecilia Gray -- I'm also a big fan of Cecilia, both her young adult and adult work. Love and sacrifice and guilt and freedom and an excellent happy ending, I enjoyed this story very much. Oh, and there's a puppy!

{Romance Novella Minute Review} Play by Play by Kate Donovan

{Romance Novella Minute Review} Play by Play by Kate Donovan

Former college football star Jake Dublin’s wildly popular sports blog also details his personal life. And lately it’s all about Sophie, the pretty young woman who just moved into his apartment building. His readers know her only as “Elevator Girl,” and they’re all rooting for Jake to score.

The blog posts and banter with his followers are all in good fun, and he fully intends to come clean with the woman he’s wooing and wowing. That is, until she confides that she grew up in a house full of jocks and even dated a few. Her verdict? Never again!

Jake knows he needs to confess. But somewhere along the line he fell in love with Sophie and can’t stand the thought of losing her. So he procrastinates, and blogs, and digs himself deeper into a hole, until it all leads to a showdown that’s so nail-biting, not even the best play-by-play guy could ever have seen it coming. (Blurb via Goodreads)

{Details} Kindle Edition, 85 pages, Published September 9th 2013 by Beyond the Page. Source: Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

{Rating} 3/5 - I liked it

{Review} Full disclosure here: I'm not a sports fan, at least not as a spectator, but I was charmed by the story, even the sports talk. Donovan conveyed Jake's enthusiasm and made me understand why people are so excited about sports. I liked the format, what we got to see of Jake through his blog posts and comments. I would have liked the romance to be more developed but it was still a fast, fun and flirty read.