Stolen Pleasures by Christine DeSmet

When antique owner Iris Beale became tangled up in a murder, sexy cop, Jonathan Sparrow, came to investigate the crime. As they work together to try to catch the killer, she’s determined to show him she could be a partner and a lover if he would only let her.  

Thought the story kept my attention, the plot didn’t feel realistic enough for me to enjoy it the way I had hoped. I liked the mystery, the suspense and the characters, but I needed more time on the characters themselves to make the story come alive. 

Summer Breeze by Linda L. Lattimer

Sophia Williams lost her dad in a tragic accident. Her mother was heartbroken and has given up on life. Sophia must overcome the past and try to connect with her mother before she loses her too. The task seemed impossible until handsome Scott Ducan showed her life has much more to offer when you share it with someone special. 

The opening didn’t grab me right away, so it took me a while to become engaged. Then the attraction happened so fast, I couldn’t connect with anyone. I liked the plot, but didn’t feel it had enough time to explore the characters in such a short piece. 

Life’s Choice by Patricia E. Gitt

CEO Elizabeth Barnes lived for her job, but in the last few years has she become restless. To recharge, Elizabeth decided to take a vacation.   When an aborted accident with neighbor Jack Lawson nearly knocked her over, Elizabeth never really gained her equilibrium. Attraction sizzled between them, and Elizabeth must decide if she wanted to continue to live for her job or if she wanted to risk a chance for more. 

This sweat romance contained two characters that I really enjoyed getting to know. I would have liked deeper emotions from both of them, but I liked the overall storyline and loved the romance. 

Mr. O’Grady’s Magic Box by Karen Michelle Nutt

Sent to investigate the truth about a mystical box that supposedly granted wishes, Aubrey Jules headed to a secluded B&B. To test the box, she needed to make a wish. The owner goaded her into wishing for true love. She expected to prove the myth false. Until Ian Quinn, an old lover, showed up, still in love with her and ready to rekindle their passion. 

This enchanting story easily drew me into the characters lives. I loved their interactions, the tension between all the characters, not to mention the wonderful story. Mr. O’Grady’s Magic Box was definitely one of my favorites in this anthology.

Double Booked by Courtney E. Michel

A bitter divorce has ruined Mina Tracey’s view of men. With a toddler to raise, she didn’t need to mess it up trying to date. But when a vacation trip went wrong, forcing her in proximity with Cullen Porter, she believed that Cullen was different. All she had to do was convince her heart to feel again and take a chance. 

All the characters in this short story came alive for me. I liked the peek the author gave into their lives. Although they re-hashed the past a lot, the budding romance and attraction between these two made their love feel real and lasting.

All the stories have something to recommend them, and like all anthologies, a few are better than others. This novel contains stories for any age. If you love romance of any kind and enjoy a bit of mystery, take a chance with these authors.

Reviewed by Stacey Brutger for The Road to Romance