What Happens In Vegas...

Overall, I enjoyed this book, and am being won over to the
Spice Line.

I hate to say it, but I didn’t like this JLC's contribution. This story is writing in the first person. I’m not sure if
that explains it, but the story is much too wordy, and the obvious is often
stated. Rhetorical questions are answered, and there are some writing issues. I
found myself noticing editing mistakes, such as the word “mew” being used when
it should have been “moue.” I was distracted by things I shouldn’t have been. I didn't like one of her other books either, but I'm still willing to give her a try.

Stripped by Lauren Dane

I really enjoyed this novella. Stripped draws you in from the start,
and you can almost see Dahlia’s dance. There are a few minor kinks in the
novella, but they’re easily forgiven. Dahlia Baker is a graduate student at UNLV, and lives like
one. Nash Emery is a business man, who comes from money. A lot of it. He
propositions her after seeing her dance, and she shoots him down fantastically. The reader follows Nash pursuing Dahlia, and her
capitulation. Both characters have a lot to work on. Dahlia has hang ups about
the class differences between them. She doesn’t want everyone to think she’s a
gold digger, or that she’s easy because of her looks. Nash has to understand
that Dahlia’s concerns are real to her, and that he has to be sensitive to her
needs and emotions.

I loved how genuine this story was. The characters are very
well written. Nash and Dahlia are very human, and had flaws that they work
through. I liked how each could admit they were being silly or unreasonable, suck
it up, and move on. I felt that I had a true grasp as to what made Dahlia and
Nash tick, and could really believe that they were a couple who would make it
work.

I’ve read a few of Ms. Dane’s books, and I would say that Stripped is my favorite by far. I’m
looking forward to her upcoming books. [Yes, I do have to blog about her other
ones still...]

Red Handed by Kit Tunstall

Red Handed was ok,
but certain parts rubbed me the wrong way. It starts with Roan interrogating
Amy, and punching her out – he thinks she’s a man. It bothered me a little that
this incident was just passed over.

I liked the ending and the storyline; I just had a hard time
believing that such a relationship did develop between Amy and Roan. They spent
too much of the novella isolating their emotions throughout the novella, and
that the ending was disjointed. I know that was the “point” – but it felt too
contrived for me.

The Ideal by Anya Bast

Cassidy and James are two very fun characters that I enjoyed
reading about. Cassidy has decided she’s going after James, and that’s that.
She took an emotional hit after her fiancé stood her up at the alter, so to
protect herself, but still “take care” of herself, she’s going to address her
attraction to James with a “friends with benefits” proposition. For his part, James has been hot for Cassidy since the first
time he met her. Unfortunately, she was taken by his friend. In fact, he was
supposed to be their best man. He held off because he doesn’t poach, and later,
because he’s a good guy and doesn’t want to rush Cassidy into something she’s
not ready for.

I love friends to lovers stories, and The Ideal is a great example of one. Not only is it hot, but you
can feel the connection between James and Cassidy. They’re three dimensional
characters that you find yourself rooting for, and sympathizing with.

A great contribution to the anthology, with a very cute
ending.

I was a bit hesitant about writing how I felt about these
novellas, because I’ve seen a lot of authors say readers just didn’t “get them/the
book” when they were reading it. Well, you know what? I think I got it. I just
didn’t enjoy it as much as some other people might, and I’m entitled to my
opinion.

Also, it’s FINALS TIME. And I haven’t begun studying. Sad,
dear friends, Sad. [And, dratted formatting!] [I also had to chop bits out... so hopefully it make sense still.]