This Anthology starts strong with a series of well written novels concentrating on romance. It was edited well by interspersing the weaker novels in the middle. A fantastic choice was made to end strong with the novel that used the Cancer Relay for Life as the centerpiece for a new romantic beginning for a character widowed by cancer. One of the best selected and edited anthologies that I have read in a number of years!!!

Cora Rules by Mel Curtis

This third book in the Hollywood Rules Series and focus on the Cora Rules character. This book provides the story of Jack and Vivian from another perspective that is not told in previous books. While the other books provide the ending, this book gives the details in the context of learning about Cora. It is a fast paced, high charged, emotional book. All the emotions are well written into the context of a journey into the past that turns into a discovery of what is needed for developing a wholeness for a healthy productive relationship and life. The trueness of the characters shine in this insightful book. I would highly recommend it.

Surrender to Love by Raine English

A suspenseful mystery with the right amount of intrigue, rivalry, and love interest. It starts out slow and builds fast with the characters developing relationships both good and bad quickly. A heartwarming story that shows how the challenges of aging can be solved with the care and concern of family. Not the usual coming of age relationship story. Loved the premise.

The Merry-Go-Round by Donna Fasano

This story had a complexity that had the reader turning the page wondering what was next. At first, it appeared to be the typical divorced woman plot but the interaction with the other characters brought unique twists. While I honestly did not like that the husband was a weak character. It does take all types in the world and not every book needs to show a positive traits in the main character. It just doesn't happen often and does add to the uniqueness of the book. From my perspective, this book shows the type of man to avoid. Stay far away from this man. I strongly recommend this book as an exercise in demonstrating a co-dependent relationships.

Twist of Fate by Patti Forsythe

This story was a great coming of age story. It explored the what if factor and showed how mistakes in teenage years can build character while really turning out for the best. A second chance at love for the major characters also provided insight into cultural differences. Life balance brings us challenges and this book offers the reader an excellent, well-written, romantic escape into the lives of the characters. Great book!!

Her French Count by Mona Risk
At the beginning, a strong start brings the reader into the story by narrowing the focus to trying to discover who is not just a doctoral student. It seems like everyone in the story has an agenda. Remarkably well played with the characters providing twists and turns in the plot. The author has a main character who grabs the reader's attention and sympathy from the beginning without an overdrawn finish despite a wrap up that is typical romance. Highly suspenseful and entertaining.

Love Me Forever by Ari Thatcher

This book provides a glimpse into a second chance at love. The author hits the usual high notes by plotting a reconnection with a former flame but then adds depth with the search for independence by the main character. It is a good storyline that embraces the ability of women to reconnect with themselves after divorce.

Playing the Rookie by Rachelle Ayala

A lighthearted, spoofy romance brings attention to the existence of cultural differences that still exist. This author shows how arranged marriages can be harmful if not taken seriously by both individuals. The main characters fall in love but run into challenges due to lack of truthfulness. An intriguing look into the Korean culture of marriage and society that had me visualizing the antics of the characters. Loved the story!!

Duke of Devonwood by Carly Carson

This story, while an excellent romance between two characters, had such confusion between time periods. It could not decide whether to be a regency or contemporary romance. There were elements from the Regency period when hand sewing was the norm and servants did certain things. There were plot elements that were not fully developed such as the bet at the beginning of the story. In all, while the premise was good, the book needed further refining and editing.

True North by Kelly Collins
An engaging novel that looks at family dynamics. This love-at-first-sight storyline takes us through the challenges of developing a relationship despite baggage. Truly, a well-balanced and insightful second chance. Loved it!!

Fashion Victim by Suz deMello

Loved this fast paced mystery that layered intrigue and romance to a suspenseful conclusion. The reader was kept engaged through the twists and turns of the romantic journey that brought the main characters together. I highly recommend this well written glimpse into the fashion world.

Season Unforgettable by Keta Diablo

This novel is a myriad of expectations and understandings. It allows the reader to think about how our upbringings shape a person but, also, how a person can overcome an upbringing to become better than the parent. I liked seeing the developing storyline and the challenges of life with unethical individuals. Loved the story and highly recommend it!!

Most Likely to Turn up the Heat by Cheryl Harper

A look at life and why it is hard for some people to form relationships. Lively, vivacious characters connect the reader to the dialog in the novel making it more real. I really appreciated the topic of how disconnect from a sense of community limits the ability to trust in relationship. Loved the happiness in the ending.

My Favorite What If by Lyssa Layne

It is a book that has a second chance at love from many perspectives. The plot is multi-layered and each twist just adds to the heightened suspense. Finding out at almost the end of the book to what happened to the one of the main characters is a gripping aha moment. A masterful story that I would highly recommend.

Relay for Love by Susan Ann Wall

This book speaks to and from the heart. The author shows how the grieving process influences aspects of developing new relationships. A theme in the book is that the presence of loved ones plays an active role in new relationships. As someone with a cancer diagnosis whose numbers are good, this story was an inspiration. The relay for life solidarity cheered me and encouraged me since there is no cure for my cancer. Additionally, my husband died last year of a rare cancer that was metastatic when it was discovered. It is hoped that this well written novel of happiness, growth, and strength in togetherness will continue to raise awareness. I highly recommend this book!! ( )