The Romanceaholic

Expected Release Date: May 7, 2011 (Available Now!)
Publisher: E-Scape Press
Imprint: N/A
Authors’ Websites:
http://phillipa-ashley.com/
http://www.nelldixon.com/
http://www.elizabethhanbury.com/
My Source for This Book: Gift From the Publisher

Official Blurb:
Brief Encounters is a sparkling new anthology of six romantic short stories. Sweet and sexy, contemporary and historical – the collection has something for everyone and is written by three top romantic authors Phillipa Ashley, Nell Dixon and Elizabeth Hanbury.

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Plus One Guest by Nell Dixon

Part of a Series: No
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Warm
Time Period: Contemporary

Lucy has only a few more days to find her “Plus One” guest for her dreadful cousin’s wedding — her wedding to the man that Lucy once thought was “The One” before the perfect-bodied cousin stole him from her.  Desperate to not show up alone, she asks her nerdy, uber-unfashionable boss Harry to go with her, never dreaming he’d agree.  He surprises her by not only agreeing to go, but for also putting some effort into his appearance. Not GQ material by any means, Harry still cleans up rather well, and as the day progresses, Lucy begins to wonder what other surprises Harry might hold…

Incredibly sweet and surprisingly funny, this short story was all about rethinking preconceptions and realizing that sometimes what you’ve been looking for has been under your nose all along.

American readers should be aware that there are quite a few colloquialisms not native to the states, but not to the extent that it actually detracted from the story.

4/5 Stars

A Weekend in Venice by Nell Dixon

Part of a Series: No
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Chaste
Time Period: Contemporary

A few months ago, Kay’s life was turned upside down when a terrible accident landed her in the hospital and took the life of her fiance, Laurence.  Now recovered physically, she takes a trip to Venice to get away from it all. Still heartbroken, she is disappointed by the splendors of the city, and stumbles upon a glassware shop.  Inside the shop, a man named Roberto insists that she visit his family’s glass factory, telling her that there is magic in his family’s glass.  Can Kay find the healing she so desperately needs in Venice?

This one was less about romance, and more about healing from grief.  While sweet, I wish this one had been longer, especially at the end.

2.5/5 Stars

Miss Pattingham Requests by Elizabeth Hanbury

Part of a Series: No
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Warm
Time Period: Historical/Regency

A reformed rake, Gyles Beaufort is in love. Having suitably convinced his would-be bride that he is sincere in both his affections and his commitment to devote himself to her happiness, he and Miss Ward have announced their engagement, and by all appearances, are deliriously happy. That is, until one day Gyles receives a missive ending their engagement, and immediately afterwards, Merryn is nowhere to be foundears.   Three weeks later, Gyles’ search for her has remained fruitless, and in low spirits,  he receives a request to visit his former childhood nanny Miss Pattingham, whom he still provides for in her retirement.

But Miss Pattingham is more than just a doddering old women wishing to visit with her former pupil.  What surprises does the intrepid woman have up her meddling sleeves?

I thoroughly enjoyed this one.  A big (but understandable) misunderstanding, a meddlesome old nanny, and two lovers destined for each other.

An adorable 4/5 Stars

The Virtuous Courtesan by Elizabeth Hanbury

Part of a Series: Prequel to Midsummer Eve at Rookery End collection
Series Best Read In Order: Works well as a standalone
Steam Level: Warm
Time Period: Historical/Regency

Leonora is on a mission — to recover a painting that her father had sold without her knowledge. Forced into subterfuge, she disguises herself as a boy and breaks into the house of Lord Allingham to retrieve the painting.  Unfortunately for her, the old Earl has recently died, and his heir happens to be nursing a hangover in the very study where the painting, The Virtuous Courtesan, resides.  Caught red-handed attempting to steal back the painting, she and the new Lord Allingham discover that there is a deeper story on both sides, as well as an incredible attraction.

This was an adorable story, and very well written. The only thing that gave me pause was the fact that I’m not a fan of love at first sight, so it did lose a full star from me for that. Otherwise, this was an enchanting addition to this anthology, and I admit I’m interested in reading the rest of the Midsummer Eve at Rookery End collection.

3.5/5 Stars

Feast of Stefan by Phillipa Ashley

Part of a Series: No
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level:
Time Period: Contemporary

Nick has been in love with Sarah for the past year, and now that it’s been almost two years since her husband died, he’s finally decided it’s time to make a move on her. The night that he finally gets the courage to ask her out, a stranger moves to town to work in the electronics factory that Nick works at.   Stefan is handsome, charismatic, and obviously attracted to Sarah.  Realizing that he’s no competition for Stefan, Nick backs off from his determination to woo Sarah, and in time befriends Stefan as well, though his heart is breaking every time he realizes that Sarah is falling for Stefan.  The night before Stefan is due to return to his home country, he throws a party at the local pub, but Sarah is late and Nick can’t raise her on the phone. Ordinarily, this wouldn’t be an issue, but with a freak snowstorm at play, Nick worries that something could’ve happened to her.  Nick and Stefan head out into the storm to check on Sarah, about a mile away, but is Sarah okay?

This was a cute story. There almost seemed to be a tiny hint of the paranormal, but nothing was ever confirmed. I always enjoy stories with unrequited love, and this one was no exception.  A very solid 4/5 Stars

A Bolt From The Blue by Phillipa Ashley

Part of a Series: No
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Warm
Time Period: Contemporary

This short story chronicles Lisa’s journey to get over her ex, whom she caught cheating on her with his physio. Going for a mountain hike in Converse sneakers was probably not the best idea, as she and her friend Carolyn soon find out, as Carolyn breaks her ankle and has to be airlifted off the side of the mountain. Left alone with a “mountain of a man” she dubs “Hagar the Horrible”, Lisa makes her way back down the mountain, trying to make conversation with a man who plainly has no interest in her.

A few days later, she visits the office of the mountain rescue to thank the group who airlifted Carolyn out, to make a donation to their cause… and to see if she can find “Hagar” again.

Having been given his direction, she discovers him in an artist’s gallery, where the graphic designer in her immediately appreciates his talent. They get to talking and soon one thing leads to another.. But can two broken hearts mend each other?

The only story in the anthology that is told in the first person POV, it was also the only one where the two main characters never actually share their names.  However, that didn’t seem all that important.  The ending was strangely satisfying despite that fact, and I did enjoy it.

American readers should probably be aware that dialing 999 in many countries is the equivalent of dialing 911 here in the States, but that’s a very trivial issue.

3.5/5 Stars

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Six bite-size stories for under $2? You really can’t beat that, and this anthology is perfect when you need a quick pick-me-up but don’t have time to sit down to a full-length novel. The best thing about this anthology, however, is that there’s something for everyone, with both contemporary and historical stories, and even one with a possible hint of the paranormal.

Overall, I’d say this one is probably a 4/5, with my favorites being Plus One Guest by Nell Dixon and Miss Pattingham Requests by Elizabeth Hanbury.

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