Charley ClarkeReseñas

I was given this ARC by the publisher in exchange for an Honest Review.

Ok, I'll admit it. The cover of this one is what made me want to read it. Something about the brunette on the cover's lower face just hooked me?

That aside I liked most of the book, but not all of it.

It's about Bridget and Alex. They were BFFs as kids and then as they got older and went to college they became more. But, then something happened after college (we slowly find out what through flashbacks titled 'Then'), and they go their separate ways.

The 'Now' parts take place 5 years after they've split. Alex is a business owner and Bridget a star musician. Can they repair their relationship? I sure as heck weren't sure if they could.

On the whole, the plot was interesting, and I liked 99% of the characters. Even Keiko was so darn cute. But, unfortunately, I never really warmed up to Bridget. She just-- ugh-- it was was one of those characters who even though it was her leaving and breaking Alex's heart, somehow it was still made to be all Alex's fault and it was Alex who had to get over this and learn that? *sigh*

By the end it wasn't quite as bad, but, still seemed (except for one overly big moment) very one-sided when it came to the power in the relationship.

a cute set of stories. They are good for quick reads and most are interesting. I liked being able to finish a story without having to finish the book.

A collection of 6 short stories about love.

It was an okay collection but none of the stories really stood out for me. The end one in particular was too short and missed much of the detail I wanted. An easy short read but not the best.

A charming collection of romance short stories. The standout here for me is Love at the Edge of the Galaxy by Charley Clarke, with a tight plot and excellent writing. Some of the other stories could use a bit more editorial polish. Additionally, the e-book formatting isn't quite right, with odd spaces and overlapping text. If you're willing to look past a few flaws, this is a very enjoyable read.

The ghost story that started out the anthology wasn't bad. The "old man" in the bakery was okay and read all of it. Those are it, the rest I ended up flipping past. Think it was writing style, they just didn't grab me or make me want to read more than a few words.

This book was surely nothing special and nothing to remember. Its 5 shorts books in one and none of them stuck in my head or stuck out. Hence why it took me so long to read it. Decently written but nothing to remember or to reread.

Wonderful love stories, as promised with a twist. I loved them all, although I do have a favourite.

We meet ghosts, astronauts, vampires, old and young people, lesbians and non-lesbians.
One story (I am not telling which one, because of spoilers) was a bit disappointing, but a sweet story all the same.

I just learned the same editor published 'A Wink and a Smile'. I am looking forward to reading that one too.

Yet another delightful collection of short romantic stories! I loved this collection almost as much as the last. As a new mom, I don't have a ton of time to read anymore so I find myself losing track of characters and story lines in longer novels. This book was perfect! I had just enough time during nursing sessions to read a short story and satisfy my desire for intrigue, romance, and humor. I highly recommend "A Kiss and a Promise!"

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Six short love stories

Eve's Garden by Tricia Schneider

This is a nice fated lovers over time story. Eve has been waiting for her true love to come back to her. A new tenant moves in and she finally has hope. Will he be the one to remember her?

His memories of her, the events of his previous life seem to just appear one night. There is a little lead up to the events, but not his former life’s participation. He suddenly remembers everything and the HEA happens quickly.

Made To Be Broken by Kate Lowe

I found this difficult to get into. It is a snippet of what could be a larger story. It’s difficult to introduce a world and terminology definitions into such a short story. I’m not sure the title really suits the events of this short. Slightly predictable toward the end.
Love at the Edge of the Galaxy by Charley Clarke

Love that this was a same sex couple. They are rounded characters for a short story with a history, hurt feelings and new adventure. I enjoyed this one, I would love to see it as a full novel. I was a little disappointed with the precursor to the ending, if one had wanted to stay on the alien planet, she should have. It would have made their reunion more significant.
No Reservations by Christine Collier

Loved Gina’s enthusiasm and ideas for the window display.

Dialogue and interactions seem very formal, they don’t seem like two old school friends catching up and their flirting is very awkward.

Seems more of a short about Gina and her window displays than her and Michael.
Only Ever Slowly by Jennifer Quail

Carl is unlikeable.

Eva calls Carl old man too many times in one conversation.

I couldn’t get into this one.
Aftermath by Daniel L. Keating

The reiteration of their roles is not necessary as we garner who is the Fighter and who is the Healer when the first character’s name is said.

I found this also difficult to get into.

This is a nice small collection of short romances, some hits some misses, but entertaining.