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The Ivy Chronicles #1.5
Fifty First Times
You always remember your first time...
Whether it's the couple who decides not to go through with it, the two boys who finally aren't ashamed, the newlyweds whose wedding night could very well be their last night together, the deaf pair who have no choice but to take body language to a new level--or, of course, the two young lovers fumbling and laughing, getting everything wrong. These are the memories that will never fade.
Join nineteen fantastic authors as they pull back the curtain and give you a peek inside that one intense moment in their characters' lives when everything changes and nothing will ever be the same again.
Featuring stories from some of the hottest names in New Adult, Young Adult, and Romance including New York Times Bestselling authors J.Lynn/Jennifer Armentrout, Molly McAdams, Sophie Jordan, and Carrie Ryan.
NOTE: These stories are works of fiction. If you want to know about our first times, you'll have to buy us a pet monkey first.
Whether it's the couple who decides not to go through with it, the two boys who finally aren't ashamed, the newlyweds whose wedding night could very well be their last night together, the deaf pair who have no choice but to take body language to a new level--or, of course, the two young lovers fumbling and laughing, getting everything wrong. These are the memories that will never fade.
Join nineteen fantastic authors as they pull back the curtain and give you a peek inside that one intense moment in their characters' lives when everything changes and nothing will ever be the same again.
Featuring stories from some of the hottest names in New Adult, Young Adult, and Romance including New York Times Bestselling authors J.Lynn/Jennifer Armentrout, Molly McAdams, Sophie Jordan, and Carrie Ryan.
NOTE: These stories are works of fiction. If you want to know about our first times, you'll have to buy us a pet monkey first.
720 pages, Unknown Binding
First published February 1, 2014
About the author
Julie Cross
22 books1,702 followersJulie Cross is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author of New Adult and Young Adult fiction, including the Tempest series, a young adult science fiction trilogy which includes Tempest, Vortex, Timestorm (St. Martin's Press). She's also the author of Letters to Nowhere series, Whatever Life Throws at You, Third Degree, Halfway Perfect, and many more!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 373 reviews
November 5, 2014
♦ Only read Believe in Me by J. Lynn - 4 ★'s
This is a very short story about Ollie and Brittany that we met in the Wait for You series.
Ollie is Cam's roommate and known for his partying and womanizing ways. Brittany is a friend of Avery's and while she's had a crush on Ollie, she's not about to let him treat her like some one night stand.
Things come apart for Ollie when Brittany gives him a good-bye kiss on the cheek when he leaves for grad school. Something about that just drives him crazy and he can't quit thinking about her.
Two months later, he comes back to town with the sole mission of getting Brittany out of his system. Either she will blow him off or they will have a one night stand. Either way, he thinks he can put her to rest and get on with his life.
Fortunately, things don't quite work out that way!
I really enjoyed this 'novella' and definitely would have loved a full length story for these two. J. Lynn wrote them so well and I loved how they played off each other.
It was short and sweet and I'm happy I read it. If you're a fan of the series, I would definitely recommend it.
Favorite quotes:
♥ "Maybe I needed to buy her a turtle. That seemed to have worked for Cam."
♥ “That’s the one thing I like about you, Ollie. You’re smart.”
I’d snapped out of it. “The only thing you like about me?”
“It’s not the only thing,” she’d replied. “You have a nice ass.”
♥ "I’ve always known you were more than a stoned-out man whore.”
♦ BR w/Melissa!
This is a very short story about Ollie and Brittany that we met in the Wait for You series.
Ollie is Cam's roommate and known for his partying and womanizing ways. Brittany is a friend of Avery's and while she's had a crush on Ollie, she's not about to let him treat her like some one night stand.
Things come apart for Ollie when Brittany gives him a good-bye kiss on the cheek when he leaves for grad school. Something about that just drives him crazy and he can't quit thinking about her.
Two months later, he comes back to town with the sole mission of getting Brittany out of his system. Either she will blow him off or they will have a one night stand. Either way, he thinks he can put her to rest and get on with his life.
Fortunately, things don't quite work out that way!
I really enjoyed this 'novella' and definitely would have loved a full length story for these two. J. Lynn wrote them so well and I loved how they played off each other.
It was short and sweet and I'm happy I read it. If you're a fan of the series, I would definitely recommend it.
Favorite quotes:
♥ "Maybe I needed to buy her a turtle. That seemed to have worked for Cam."
♥ “That’s the one thing I like about you, Ollie. You’re smart.”
I’d snapped out of it. “The only thing you like about me?”
“It’s not the only thing,” she’d replied. “You have a nice ass.”
♥ "I’ve always known you were more than a stoned-out man whore.”
♦ BR w/Melissa!
Want to read
September 21, 2013FYI: I contributed a short story--"Under the Seryn Moon"--to this anthology, and I wanted to tell you a little about it. Here's a one-sentence synopsis: Set on a desolate colony planet, 18-year-old Lyra is bargained away by her father during peace treaty negotiations and exiled to an unfamiliar land, where she is handfasted to her enemy's son.
I thought it would be a fun challenge to write about a "first time" in an arranged marriage, specifically if the couple were total strangers going into the relationship. (And it was fun. I had a blast writing this.) As for the heat level, it's spicier than my ALIENATED series, but not quite as explicit as my Macy Beckett romances. I'd recommend ages 18+.
Hope you enjoy!
I thought it would be a fun challenge to write about a "first time" in an arranged marriage, specifically if the couple were total strangers going into the relationship. (And it was fun. I had a blast writing this.) As for the heat level, it's spicier than my ALIENATED series, but not quite as explicit as my Macy Beckett romances. I'd recommend ages 18+.
Hope you enjoy!
November 6, 2014
4 Stars!
(BR with Sharon)
Oliver Ryan aka Ollie/Senor Fucktard ;)) and Brittany Simmons aka Brit have been friends throughout college. Their best friends Cam & Avery are dating, so they are around each other quite a bit. Ollie is known as a man whore/ladies man, and can seem to have any girl he wants, except Brit. They flirts and trade insults & snappy comebacks, but it never goes any further. Ollie has lusted after Brit for as long as he can remember, but she continues to resist his charms. The night before he leaves for med school he runs into Brit & he feels like something changes between them. He can't quit thinking of her & missing her while he is away at school.
Two months later he returns to visit his friends, and sees Brit at a party. Things just click between them & they both finally admit they have feelings for each other. Ollie never dates or does commitment, but for the first time he wants more. Brit is different to him, and he wants her to be his. I really loved this novella. It was sexy & sweet & I wish we could have more of this couple. I would love another novella for them or a book! :D
-"I want to make this last."
-"There's not a single part of you I want to miss."
-I'd never, ever felt this way before. It shook me- she shook me.
(BR with Sharon)
Oliver Ryan aka Ollie/Senor Fucktard ;)) and Brittany Simmons aka Brit have been friends throughout college. Their best friends Cam & Avery are dating, so they are around each other quite a bit. Ollie is known as a man whore/ladies man, and can seem to have any girl he wants, except Brit. They flirts and trade insults & snappy comebacks, but it never goes any further. Ollie has lusted after Brit for as long as he can remember, but she continues to resist his charms. The night before he leaves for med school he runs into Brit & he feels like something changes between them. He can't quit thinking of her & missing her while he is away at school.
Two months later he returns to visit his friends, and sees Brit at a party. Things just click between them & they both finally admit they have feelings for each other. Ollie never dates or does commitment, but for the first time he wants more. Brit is different to him, and he wants her to be his. I really loved this novella. It was sexy & sweet & I wish we could have more of this couple. I would love another novella for them or a book! :D
-"I want to make this last."
-"There's not a single part of you I want to miss."
-I'd never, ever felt this way before. It shook me- she shook me.
April 12, 2020
Solo he leído Believe in me y es que puntúo. Los demás de momento no me interesan porque son de otras autoras, pero nunca se sabe.
A ver, ha sido corto pero intenso. Ojalá haber tenido un libro de este par, realmente me hubiera gustado, pero he disfrutado de esto. Me imaginaré como sigue la relación... jajaja
A ver, ha sido corto pero intenso. Ojalá haber tenido un libro de este par, realmente me hubiera gustado, pero he disfrutado de esto. Me imaginaré como sigue la relación... jajaja
February 9, 2017
**** 4,5 **** stars
I have only read "Believe In Me" by J. Lynn and this is the one I am reviewing. I really love J. Lynn's writing style and this one doesn't disappoint becuase although very short it's as good as the previous 3 books in Wait For You series. We get to catch up a little bit with Ollie "Senor Fucktard" (God, I love this nickname) and Britt, that were introduced in the ones mentioned above. So, Ollie comes back for a weekend from med school to visit his friends, and one friend especially, Britt that is. What he never expects is that "something" hits him and it hits him hard. And being a player as he was, he doesn't really get it until some quality time with Brit alone:) Our boy here might not know it yet but he has
Overall it was very cute, funny and sweet. You definitely have to read it if you are a fan of Camryn and the bunch. I would really like to read more in the future about these two.
I have only read "Believe In Me" by J. Lynn and this is the one I am reviewing. I really love J. Lynn's writing style and this one doesn't disappoint becuase although very short it's as good as the previous 3 books in Wait For You series. We get to catch up a little bit with Ollie "Senor Fucktard" (God, I love this nickname) and Britt, that were introduced in the ones mentioned above. So, Ollie comes back for a weekend from med school to visit his friends, and one friend especially, Britt that is. What he never expects is that "something" hits him and it hits him hard. And being a player as he was, he doesn't really get it until some quality time with Brit alone:) Our boy here might not know it yet but he has
Overall it was very cute, funny and sweet. You definitely have to read it if you are a fan of Camryn and the bunch. I would really like to read more in the future about these two.
May 15, 2015
(Make sure you have read the stories before reading my review)
Note: I will write separate reviews for each story, with their own ratings, and the general rating for this anthology reflects on the ratings of the books. (And don't mind some of the awkward plot summaries: I try to make them sound interesting, and I try to not give much away.) Plus, I'm reading the stories out of order—whatever takes my fancy at the time.
Highlights (to me): Believe in Me by Jennifer L. Armentrout (writing as J. Lynn), Two in the Morning by Roni Loren, and Daylight by Julie Cross.
The Corner of First and Second
Gennifer Albin
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: This story follows Jacqueline Kelly, who returns to her hometown, Beauford, Texas, where she comes face-to-face with someone from her past. I thought it was a good story, with a strong narrator, who, to me, could connect with the reader. Now I might check out some books by this author.
Daylight
Julie Cross
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: Daylight follows Audrey and her relationship with her now-husband, Jack, and how she is unsure about what comes next for them after he leaves for his "mission." (I don't mean to make him sound like a spy.) I actually liked this story; I liked the structure, the writing, the characters, and these characters' relationship.
A Little Too Scarred
Lisa Desrochers
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: A Little Too Scarred follows Rene, who was left scarred—both physically and mentally—due to an event that happened while she was in the army, and how she overcomes her self-consciousness of the scar on her face, thanks to Rick, the guy who loves her and who she loves. This story really hits you; I loved Rene, because she had the insecurities that most human beings have, and I loved the writing, so raw. I look forward to more books by Lisa Desrochers.
Once Bitten
Cole Gibsen
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: Once Bitten follows Avery Brown, a dog trainer, who is helping to find a little girl who went missing in the woods, and who has the company of the guy who broke her heart four years prior. I was surprised with this read: I really liked it. It had suspense, and it had romance that wasn't too meh!—though I feel like there was some details missing regarding Tanner and his leaving four years before the events of Once Bitten—and I need to look out for books by this author.
Crash
Sophie Jordan
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: Crash follows a guy and a girl: Hunter, a pre-med student in Dartmouth who, reluctant to go to a strip club, meets Brooke, a girl who struggles for a living, juggling jobs and community college, and he wants to get to know this girl who is too stubborn to let him in. (Sorry for the awful summary: it was hard to summarize it.) I enjoyed this story more than I thought I would; there was so much rawness, and I liked how the characters weren't perfect, how they were realistic.
Under the Seryn Moon
Melissa Landers
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: Under the Seryn Moon follows Lyra, who, after she is bargained away by her father, finds herself exiled to an unfamiliar land, where she is handfasted to the enemy's son. There are two things that I loved most about this story: the world-building and the characters. In a short story, Melissa Landers developed such a believable world, much like Alienated. And the characters: Lyra had the insecurities that anyone would have when they are forced out of their homes, but Kai was so patient, so kind, to her. I wish there is more!
How to Be a Heart Breaker
Lauren Layne
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: How to be a Heart Breaker follows goody-two-shoes Annie Gilmore as she tries to determine which heart she should break out of two guys. What I most enjoyed from reading this story was the message: that there is more one side to a person. In other words, yes, Annie is a good girl, but the goodness in her isn't what defines her as a whole. (I hope that made sense, because, frankly, it does to me.) Overall, another enjoyable read!
Two in the Morning
Roni Loren
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: Two in the Morning follows a guy named Bates who fights his attraction for his best friend, Malcolm. This is one of my favourite stories; amusing moments, cool characters, and great writing helps me connect with this story. I will check out Roni Loren's other books.
Believe in Me
Jennifer L. Armentrout (writing as J. Lynn)
Rating: ★★★★★
Review: Believe in Me follows Oliver, the best friend of Cam (from Wait For You), and Brit, the best friend of Avery (the narrator of Wait For You), as love blossoms between them. I absolutely loved their story; I was so glad they got together, and it was just perfect.
Sharing Firsts
Molly McAdams
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: Sharing Firsts follows Kinlee and Jace, two people who have loved each other since they were kids, as they struggle through their first fight. To be honest, it wasn't my favourite story, mostly because I find it weird that two people were together since they were, like, ten, but it was still good.
Strike Out
Myra McEntire
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: Strike Out follows Ben, who apparently has a laughable name—Jackson Bullock—and Liza, who hates the players—for a reason—as their relationship takes an unexpected direction, at least for Liza. I liked the characters; they felt real. I liked the writing; it was compelling. Another enjoyable read indeed!
This Is My Sign
Hannah Moskowitz
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
Review: This story follows two hearing-impaired people. Okay, the one problem I had with this story was the structure of it; the structure suited the story, but I just didn't like it. Plus, it was considerably shorter than the others, not that that was a problem. Although, I have a book by this author on my To-Read shelf—Gone, Gone, Gone—and I knew, at some point, I'll read it.
Going for Broke
Lyla Payne
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: Going for Broke follows Tressa, who feels the need to make amends with the guy she loves, Noel, by expressing her feelings for him before his wedding. I really liked it, even the ending, which, by the way, is what you see in many, many movies.
For the Sake of Science
Mark Perini
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Review: For the Sake of Science follows Luke, who is part of The Science Research Trip currently camping in Argentina, as he falls for one of the girls there. When I started it, I liked the premise, but the downfall for this story is the ending.
Love in an Elevator
Carrie Ryan
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: Love in an Elevator follows intern MacKenzie as she is stuck in an elevator with a guy who she finds herself attracted to. Read my summary and know that there is way more to the story than the attraction; in fact, MacKenzie and Russel talk about what they want to do in their lives. I wish there was more to these characters' story!
Bunga Bunga
Andrew Shaffer
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Review: Bunga Bunga follows the narrator as he and his friend go to some party. Okay, maybe I could've described the plot in a better way. But it adds to what I thought about it: it wasn't bad, to say the least, but I didn't particularly like it, either. It was just okay.
With the Lights On
Alexandra Thomas
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: With the Lights On follows Anna as she moves on from the horrible experience she had, related to her finding acceptance for her own body, and takes her relationship with Tal to the next step. I loved the message: that it doesn't matter what type of body you have, it doesn't matter what others think about it, so long as you accept yourself and your body. A good read indeed!
Field Emotions
Melissa West
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: Field Emotions follows Blake and Summer, two best friends who came from a poor small-town, as what started to be losing their v-card develops into a relationship more than friendship. The best-friends-turn-lover thing is something that is used over and over, but in the case of Blake and Summer, I liked their story and their relationship with each other.
Grind
Tracy Wolff
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Review: Grind follows Cage as he returns to his hometown, a place that three years ago he swore he would never step for in again, where he prepares for the Olympics coming up, and he is reunited with Dyani, a girl he loved. After reading so many stories similar to this, I didn't find myself enjoying as much as I should've.
Note: I will write separate reviews for each story, with their own ratings, and the general rating for this anthology reflects on the ratings of the books. (And don't mind some of the awkward plot summaries: I try to make them sound interesting, and I try to not give much away.) Plus, I'm reading the stories out of order—whatever takes my fancy at the time.
Highlights (to me): Believe in Me by Jennifer L. Armentrout (writing as J. Lynn), Two in the Morning by Roni Loren, and Daylight by Julie Cross.
The Corner of First and Second
Gennifer Albin
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: This story follows Jacqueline Kelly, who returns to her hometown, Beauford, Texas, where she comes face-to-face with someone from her past. I thought it was a good story, with a strong narrator, who, to me, could connect with the reader. Now I might check out some books by this author.
Daylight
Julie Cross
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: Daylight follows Audrey and her relationship with her now-husband, Jack, and how she is unsure about what comes next for them after he leaves for his "mission." (I don't mean to make him sound like a spy.) I actually liked this story; I liked the structure, the writing, the characters, and these characters' relationship.
A Little Too Scarred
Lisa Desrochers
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: A Little Too Scarred follows Rene, who was left scarred—both physically and mentally—due to an event that happened while she was in the army, and how she overcomes her self-consciousness of the scar on her face, thanks to Rick, the guy who loves her and who she loves. This story really hits you; I loved Rene, because she had the insecurities that most human beings have, and I loved the writing, so raw. I look forward to more books by Lisa Desrochers.
Once Bitten
Cole Gibsen
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: Once Bitten follows Avery Brown, a dog trainer, who is helping to find a little girl who went missing in the woods, and who has the company of the guy who broke her heart four years prior. I was surprised with this read: I really liked it. It had suspense, and it had romance that wasn't too meh!—though I feel like there was some details missing regarding Tanner and his leaving four years before the events of Once Bitten—and I need to look out for books by this author.
Crash
Sophie Jordan
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: Crash follows a guy and a girl: Hunter, a pre-med student in Dartmouth who, reluctant to go to a strip club, meets Brooke, a girl who struggles for a living, juggling jobs and community college, and he wants to get to know this girl who is too stubborn to let him in. (Sorry for the awful summary: it was hard to summarize it.) I enjoyed this story more than I thought I would; there was so much rawness, and I liked how the characters weren't perfect, how they were realistic.
Under the Seryn Moon
Melissa Landers
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: Under the Seryn Moon follows Lyra, who, after she is bargained away by her father, finds herself exiled to an unfamiliar land, where she is handfasted to the enemy's son. There are two things that I loved most about this story: the world-building and the characters. In a short story, Melissa Landers developed such a believable world, much like Alienated. And the characters: Lyra had the insecurities that anyone would have when they are forced out of their homes, but Kai was so patient, so kind, to her. I wish there is more!
How to Be a Heart Breaker
Lauren Layne
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: How to be a Heart Breaker follows goody-two-shoes Annie Gilmore as she tries to determine which heart she should break out of two guys. What I most enjoyed from reading this story was the message: that there is more one side to a person. In other words, yes, Annie is a good girl, but the goodness in her isn't what defines her as a whole. (I hope that made sense, because, frankly, it does to me.) Overall, another enjoyable read!
Two in the Morning
Roni Loren
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: Two in the Morning follows a guy named Bates who fights his attraction for his best friend, Malcolm. This is one of my favourite stories; amusing moments, cool characters, and great writing helps me connect with this story. I will check out Roni Loren's other books.
Believe in Me
Jennifer L. Armentrout (writing as J. Lynn)
Rating: ★★★★★
Review: Believe in Me follows Oliver, the best friend of Cam (from Wait For You), and Brit, the best friend of Avery (the narrator of Wait For You), as love blossoms between them. I absolutely loved their story; I was so glad they got together, and it was just perfect.
Sharing Firsts
Molly McAdams
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: Sharing Firsts follows Kinlee and Jace, two people who have loved each other since they were kids, as they struggle through their first fight. To be honest, it wasn't my favourite story, mostly because I find it weird that two people were together since they were, like, ten, but it was still good.
Strike Out
Myra McEntire
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: Strike Out follows Ben, who apparently has a laughable name—Jackson Bullock—and Liza, who hates the players—for a reason—as their relationship takes an unexpected direction, at least for Liza. I liked the characters; they felt real. I liked the writing; it was compelling. Another enjoyable read indeed!
This Is My Sign
Hannah Moskowitz
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
Review: This story follows two hearing-impaired people. Okay, the one problem I had with this story was the structure of it; the structure suited the story, but I just didn't like it. Plus, it was considerably shorter than the others, not that that was a problem. Although, I have a book by this author on my To-Read shelf—Gone, Gone, Gone—and I knew, at some point, I'll read it.
Going for Broke
Lyla Payne
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: Going for Broke follows Tressa, who feels the need to make amends with the guy she loves, Noel, by expressing her feelings for him before his wedding. I really liked it, even the ending, which, by the way, is what you see in many, many movies.
For the Sake of Science
Mark Perini
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Review: For the Sake of Science follows Luke, who is part of The Science Research Trip currently camping in Argentina, as he falls for one of the girls there. When I started it, I liked the premise, but the downfall for this story is the ending.
Love in an Elevator
Carrie Ryan
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review: Love in an Elevator follows intern MacKenzie as she is stuck in an elevator with a guy who she finds herself attracted to. Read my summary and know that there is way more to the story than the attraction; in fact, MacKenzie and Russel talk about what they want to do in their lives. I wish there was more to these characters' story!
Bunga Bunga
Andrew Shaffer
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Review: Bunga Bunga follows the narrator as he and his friend go to some party. Okay, maybe I could've described the plot in a better way. But it adds to what I thought about it: it wasn't bad, to say the least, but I didn't particularly like it, either. It was just okay.
With the Lights On
Alexandra Thomas
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: With the Lights On follows Anna as she moves on from the horrible experience she had, related to her finding acceptance for her own body, and takes her relationship with Tal to the next step. I loved the message: that it doesn't matter what type of body you have, it doesn't matter what others think about it, so long as you accept yourself and your body. A good read indeed!
Field Emotions
Melissa West
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Review: Field Emotions follows Blake and Summer, two best friends who came from a poor small-town, as what started to be losing their v-card develops into a relationship more than friendship. The best-friends-turn-lover thing is something that is used over and over, but in the case of Blake and Summer, I liked their story and their relationship with each other.
Grind
Tracy Wolff
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Review: Grind follows Cage as he returns to his hometown, a place that three years ago he swore he would never step for in again, where he prepares for the Olympics coming up, and he is reunited with Dyani, a girl he loved. After reading so many stories similar to this, I didn't find myself enjoying as much as I should've.
July 15, 2014
Brit y Ollie... amo esa pareja! Me da tanta pena que Jennifer haya decidido hacer una historia corta sobre ellos y no una full novel. Son hermosos, graciosos, y me encantan. Desde Wait for you que los quise juntos, así que me encanta que lo estén. Son uno para el otro.
La historia me encantó. Me pareció tan dulce y adorable, y a la vez graciosa y realista. Cero drama, cero vueltas.
Me encantan. Una de mis parejas favoritas.
La historia me encantó. Me pareció tan dulce y adorable, y a la vez graciosa y realista. Cero drama, cero vueltas.
Me encantan. Una de mis parejas favoritas.
December 11, 2016
Todo iba bien hasta que empezaron a introducir sentimientos… Y esa es la gran decepción y/o desventaja de leer una historia corta en una Antología. Demasiado corto, pocos diálogos, ¿Y ya pretenden enamorarse en unas cuantas paginas? No gracias, no estoy para esto.
August 13, 2016
I’m marking this as read, even though I’ve not read all of them yet. The reason for this is that I found that short stories apparently aren’t really my thing. Unless it’s like a bonus scene or something from another series or book that I’ve previously read (thankfully there are a few of thos in there). They are way to short to really get into the story, and just when I feel like I’m getting into it, it’s over. But that’s short stories for you, I guess. I’ll update this review again as I read more of the stories.
For now, I’m giving it 3.5 stars.
My favorites from this anthology this far: Believe in Me and Two in the Morning.
Believe in Me by J. Lynn
We get a little look into Brit and Ollie’s little love affair. They are characters from the “Wait for You” series, and it has a little crossover with “Be With Me”. Ollie and Brit’s (basically non-existent) relationship takes a turn before Ollie leaves for med school, and he can’t stop thinking about her. Two months later he meets up with her at a frat party, and things escalate pretty quickly.
Rating: 4.5 stars. It’s to the point, sweet and sexy. I already love the “Wait for you” series, and this was no exception.
Two in the Morning by Roni Loren
While sporting a pretty persistent hard-on, he’s desperately trying to block out the sounds of Malcolm rounding second base with his flavor of the week on the opposite side of the room… Bates is in love with his best friend and roommate, and we get to see how their friendship develops over thanksgiving break.
Rating: 4.5 stars. I adore this story. It was a little predictable, but very sweet, fun and intriguing. Homophobes can shove it, by the way.
The Corner of First and Second by Gennifer Albin
Jacqueline comes home for Christmas break to flaunt the fact that she got out of “Buttford”, which is quite the accomplishment. A lot has happened while she was away – her best friend is now married and pregnant. What, or rather whom, she really came home for though, was Wes. They were best friends, but they haven’t spoken since the disastrous night before she left. When she comes face to face with Wes again, and she is floored by the man he’s grown into.
Rating: 3 stars. It was over too quickly, pretty uneventful. The last half was pretty good.
Love in an Elevator by Carrie Ryan
MacKenzie is soaking wet from rain and the soda that just spilled all over her clothes. The idiots standing in the elevator she was trying to catch laughs while the doors slide shut.
Enters knight in shining armor.
They take the elevator up together, and (surprise, surprise) it shudders to a stop. Lightening has struck the building, and they are possibly going to be stuck for hours. MacKenzie is freezing from her soaking her clothes, and the knight offers her his shirt off his back. Needless to say, it doesn’t take long for steam to cover the mirrors in the elevator.
Rating: 2.5 stars. This was a bit too unrealistic for me. Not the first sexy elevator ride I’ve read about either. It was undoubtedly steamy, though.
Bunga Bunga by Andrew Shaffer
Barret and his best friend, Allan, are on their way to an orgy.
Barret has been fantasizing about Allan since freshman year. Allan looked like a jock – just his type. When he finally worked up the courage to talk to him, he found out that he just might be Allan’s type as well. Except it was pretty quickly revealed that Allan flirted with just about anybody. “I’m an equal opportunity lover,” he once told me, “but you can call me a slut.”
This weekend, his fantasies just might become reality.
Rating: 3 stars. Surprisingly uneventful. But what I liked was how the main character was exploring, and dauntlessly trying something new.
For the anthology itself, I have to say that I miss tables of content with a short description of the different stories. I usually don’t like going in blind…
Excerpts:
Daylight by Julie Cross
Two in the Morning by Roni Loren
Descriptions/blurbs (not the ones already read and reviewed):
Under the Seryn Moon by Melissa Landers
Set on a desolate colony planet, 18-year-old Lyra is bargained away by her father during peace treaty negotiations and exiled to an unfamiliar land, where she is handfasted to her enemy's son.
Melissa Landers says: "I thought it would be a fun challenge to write about a "first time" in an arranged marriage, specifically if the couple were total strangers going into the relationship. (And it was fun. I had a blast writing this.) As for the heat level, it's spicier than my ALIENATED series, but not quite as explicit as my Macy Beckett romances. I'd recommend ages 18+."
How to Be a Heartbreaker by Lauren Layne
Good-girl Annie Gilmore has never dated one guy, much less two. But now on her own for the first time in New York City, she's about to learn that the guy who's perfect on paper isn't always the one that makes your heart beat faster . . .
Lauren Layne says: "My personal take was to write about a college freshman who's never had a serious boyfriend, and is really, really ready to take that step and all of the things that come with it. And she's found just the right guy . . . or has she?"
Sharing Firsts by Molly McAdams
Jace Saco has known he was going to marry Kinlee Atkins his entire life; nothing would change that, not even her punching him in the nose for kissing her when they were five years old. But with their wedding in less than a week, they’ve just had their first real fight, and it ended with Jace walking away.
As they remember each and every first they ever shared together, the two are left hoping they didn't just share their last.
Field Emotions by Melissa West
Melissa's short within this amazing anthology tells the story of two best friends--one a star athlete, the other an honor's student--and their decision to take their friendship to the next level.
A Little Too Scarred by Lisa Desrochers
From her facebook page: Rick (yes, Lexie's dirtbag ex from A LITTLE TOO FAR) gets his own story.
This is what Julie Cross says about the book:
"Despite the implications from the description, Fifty First Times is not a book about sex. It’s about trust. It’s about the difference between love and lust. It’s about responsibility and growing up. It’s about each character’s individual definition of virginity which varies considerably from story to story. It’s about the couple who decides not to go through with it, the two boys who finally aren’t ashamed, the eighteen year olds in WWII era who’s wedding night could very well be their last night together, the deaf pair who have no choice but to take body language to a new level, the boy grieving the death of a close relative who meets an unexpected stranger on a road trip, the girl who’s drunken one night stand helps her come to terms with her feelings for a guy she’s been too afraid to open up to, the couple trapped in a fallout shelter anxiously awaiting the end of the world in a dystopian future, the pair facing racial and culture barriers proving that love can exist underneath the external layers of humanity, and of course the two young people fumbling and laughing, getting everything wrong yet making a memory that will never fade."
For now, I’m giving it 3.5 stars.
My favorites from this anthology this far: Believe in Me and Two in the Morning.
Believe in Me by J. Lynn
We get a little look into Brit and Ollie’s little love affair. They are characters from the “Wait for You” series, and it has a little crossover with “Be With Me”. Ollie and Brit’s (basically non-existent) relationship takes a turn before Ollie leaves for med school, and he can’t stop thinking about her. Two months later he meets up with her at a frat party, and things escalate pretty quickly.
Rating: 4.5 stars. It’s to the point, sweet and sexy. I already love the “Wait for you” series, and this was no exception.
Two in the Morning by Roni Loren
While sporting a pretty persistent hard-on, he’s desperately trying to block out the sounds of Malcolm rounding second base with his flavor of the week on the opposite side of the room… Bates is in love with his best friend and roommate, and we get to see how their friendship develops over thanksgiving break.
Rating: 4.5 stars. I adore this story. It was a little predictable, but very sweet, fun and intriguing. Homophobes can shove it, by the way.
The Corner of First and Second by Gennifer Albin
Jacqueline comes home for Christmas break to flaunt the fact that she got out of “Buttford”, which is quite the accomplishment. A lot has happened while she was away – her best friend is now married and pregnant. What, or rather whom, she really came home for though, was Wes. They were best friends, but they haven’t spoken since the disastrous night before she left. When she comes face to face with Wes again, and she is floored by the man he’s grown into.
Rating: 3 stars. It was over too quickly, pretty uneventful. The last half was pretty good.
Love in an Elevator by Carrie Ryan
MacKenzie is soaking wet from rain and the soda that just spilled all over her clothes. The idiots standing in the elevator she was trying to catch laughs while the doors slide shut.
Enters knight in shining armor.
They take the elevator up together, and (surprise, surprise) it shudders to a stop. Lightening has struck the building, and they are possibly going to be stuck for hours. MacKenzie is freezing from her soaking her clothes, and the knight offers her his shirt off his back. Needless to say, it doesn’t take long for steam to cover the mirrors in the elevator.
Rating: 2.5 stars. This was a bit too unrealistic for me. Not the first sexy elevator ride I’ve read about either. It was undoubtedly steamy, though.
Bunga Bunga by Andrew Shaffer
Barret and his best friend, Allan, are on their way to an orgy.
Barret has been fantasizing about Allan since freshman year. Allan looked like a jock – just his type. When he finally worked up the courage to talk to him, he found out that he just might be Allan’s type as well. Except it was pretty quickly revealed that Allan flirted with just about anybody. “I’m an equal opportunity lover,” he once told me, “but you can call me a slut.”
This weekend, his fantasies just might become reality.
Rating: 3 stars. Surprisingly uneventful. But what I liked was how the main character was exploring, and dauntlessly trying something new.
For the anthology itself, I have to say that I miss tables of content with a short description of the different stories. I usually don’t like going in blind…
Excerpts:
Daylight by Julie Cross
Two in the Morning by Roni Loren
Descriptions/blurbs (not the ones already read and reviewed):
Under the Seryn Moon by Melissa Landers
Set on a desolate colony planet, 18-year-old Lyra is bargained away by her father during peace treaty negotiations and exiled to an unfamiliar land, where she is handfasted to her enemy's son.
Melissa Landers says: "I thought it would be a fun challenge to write about a "first time" in an arranged marriage, specifically if the couple were total strangers going into the relationship. (And it was fun. I had a blast writing this.) As for the heat level, it's spicier than my ALIENATED series, but not quite as explicit as my Macy Beckett romances. I'd recommend ages 18+."
How to Be a Heartbreaker by Lauren Layne
Good-girl Annie Gilmore has never dated one guy, much less two. But now on her own for the first time in New York City, she's about to learn that the guy who's perfect on paper isn't always the one that makes your heart beat faster . . .
Lauren Layne says: "My personal take was to write about a college freshman who's never had a serious boyfriend, and is really, really ready to take that step and all of the things that come with it. And she's found just the right guy . . . or has she?"
Sharing Firsts by Molly McAdams
Jace Saco has known he was going to marry Kinlee Atkins his entire life; nothing would change that, not even her punching him in the nose for kissing her when they were five years old. But with their wedding in less than a week, they’ve just had their first real fight, and it ended with Jace walking away.
As they remember each and every first they ever shared together, the two are left hoping they didn't just share their last.
Field Emotions by Melissa West
Melissa's short within this amazing anthology tells the story of two best friends--one a star athlete, the other an honor's student--and their decision to take their friendship to the next level.
A Little Too Scarred by Lisa Desrochers
From her facebook page: Rick (yes, Lexie's dirtbag ex from A LITTLE TOO FAR) gets his own story.
This is what Julie Cross says about the book:
"Despite the implications from the description, Fifty First Times is not a book about sex. It’s about trust. It’s about the difference between love and lust. It’s about responsibility and growing up. It’s about each character’s individual definition of virginity which varies considerably from story to story. It’s about the couple who decides not to go through with it, the two boys who finally aren’t ashamed, the eighteen year olds in WWII era who’s wedding night could very well be their last night together, the deaf pair who have no choice but to take body language to a new level, the boy grieving the death of a close relative who meets an unexpected stranger on a road trip, the girl who’s drunken one night stand helps her come to terms with her feelings for a guy she’s been too afraid to open up to, the couple trapped in a fallout shelter anxiously awaiting the end of the world in a dystopian future, the pair facing racial and culture barriers proving that love can exist underneath the external layers of humanity, and of course the two young people fumbling and laughing, getting everything wrong yet making a memory that will never fade."
Want to read
September 4, 20142/25/14
I'm adding this simply for J. Lynn's story, Believe in Me, about Ollie and Brittany. I'm really hoping its a prelude to Stay With Me which is book 3 in the Wait For You series and is Brittany's book. I will be severely disappointed if those two do not end up together!
I do love Lyla Payne's Whitman University series, too.
I'm adding this simply for J. Lynn's story, Believe in Me, about Ollie and Brittany. I'm really hoping its a prelude to Stay With Me which is book 3 in the Wait For You series and is Brittany's book. I will be severely disappointed if those two do not end up together!
I do love Lyla Payne's Whitman University series, too.
February 27, 2014
It's hard to review a book as a whole when it's made up of a bunch of short stories. Some of which I really loved, most of which I liked, and some I didn't like at all. So in all I'd give it 3 1/2 stars, but I'll break them down individually for my review. This will probably be a long one.
Let's start with the ones I really loved. These would be my 5 stars. A Little Too Scarred by Lisa Desrochers was awesome. The first story I loved in this book about a girl who was wounded pretty bad in the military and a guy who wouldn't give up on her. I have read stories similar to this one (Stir Me Up by Sabrina Elkins had a similar feel to it {loved that book}) and I always find them compelling. I loved that Rene thought her life was pretty much over when she got so scarred and lost her eye, but Rick was able to show her over time that those things don't really matter. I loved his patience and understanding and his desire to show her how much she really meant to him, despite what she saw as horrible. I wanted more of their story. Once Bitten by Cole Gibsen was great. Aside from the fact that they never really explained why Tanner had to leave with ZERO explanation four years earlier (the fact that it was never really fully explained well enough bothered me) I loved it. I have never read a story about someone who trains cadaver/recovery dogs and I thought it was pretty fascinating. There was a lot of plot in there for such a short story. I loved the search and rescue aspect of this book and I found myself completely invested in wanting them to find little Olivia safe and unharmed. I wish it was a book so I could read more. Under the Seryn Moon by Melissa Landers I also found myself getting totally lost in. She did so much world building in such a short amount of time. I felt total sympathy and heart ache for Lyra, having to leave her family to find peace with their once rivals and an arranged marriage with someone she had never met. Their story was sweet and I loved Kai, and the way he treated her. I also REALLY wished this one was an entire book because I didn't want to stop reading. How to Be a Heartbreaker by Lauren Layne was probably one of the longest stories in this book, but another favorite. In such a short period of time she managed to weave a completely believable love triangle that she pulled off successfully. I was more than happy with the outcome. Loved Zach, Loved Annie, and Loved Garrett. Field Emotions by Melissa West was my last favorite. Something about a football player and a small town girl always seems to pull me to stories (probably because I'm from a small town) but I really loved Blake and Summer. I loved their relationship from page one, how they both came from nothing and had such a binding relationship from the way they grew up and how Summer was so afraid of losing Blake now that he was making the big time. Their story was sweet and endearing. I couldn't get enough of it.
Now to the stories I really liked my 4 stars... The Corner of First and Second by Gennifer Albin I really liked. The only thing that kept me from totally loving this one was that even though the two reconnected after heading off to their separate schools, there was still an air of uncertainty about their future. There was a line where they said something about "well we still have two weeks together" and that was good, but I didn't love it. I wanted a more solid future for them. Still really GOOD, but not love. I also really liked Crash by Sophie Jordan. I loved Hunter from Foreplay (if you haven't read that, you should...it's one of my FAVORITE books) so I was excited to see where his story would go. His story with Brooke was endearing and I love that he stood up for her in true Hunter fashion. I was also glad they didn't do anything but some heavy kissing. I don't love the stories where people hook up super quickly. For me there needs to be some history there, which is why I liked the next story, Love in an Elevator by Carrie Ryan, but didn't love it. I really liked the stuck in an elevator scenario and how it all played out, but it was a little too fast for me. Believe in Me by J. Lynn was one of the reasons I originally bought this book. I love Jennifer Armentrout and this story was no exception. Ollie and Brit were great. Strike Out by Myra McEntire I liked a lot with Ben and Liza. Ben wanting Liza to see him as more than a baseball player (players are off limits for her). Going for Broke by Lyla Payne was another great one. It was longer than most of the other stories which made it great for story building. I found myself totally invested in Tressa trying to let Noel know her feelings for him before he gets married in a few days. At one point I honestly had no idea how it would turn out. The ending felt a little rushed, probably because it had to be short story, but I really liked the outcome.
The first of my 3 star reads would be Daylight by Julie Cross. I just couldn't totally get into this story. What was his job? Why did it have to take him away to something that potentially would leave her a widow? Why couldn't he at least call her or write to her every now and again? It was too open ended for me and I couldn't love it like I wanted to. Sharing Firsts by Molly McAdams I just didn't find that compelling. It bothers me when people don't talk about their problems and try to push others away because of it. It was good, but not great. With the Lights On by Alessandra Thomas I wish I could have gotten more into. I understood where she was going with the story, but I just couldn't feel super emotionally attached, much like the main character. I liked the message, but the story was just ok. Grind by Tracy Wolff was good. I liked Gage and Dyani a lot. I understood their struggle for their relationship and wanted there to be a way for them to overcome it, which it seems they came up with a pretty good solution in the end. I'd probably give their story 3 1/2 stars.
Now to the 2 stars...Two in the Morning by Roni Loren and Bunga Bunga by Andrew Shaffer because I just don't like stories about gay men. No offense, but I'm a traditional girl when it comes to my reading. It's just not something I like to read about. Two in the Morning was definitely more interesting than Bunga Bunga. Two in the morning I could feel his struggle being attracted to his long time and best friend who also happens to be his roommate, and what happens when he finds out. In Bunga Bunga, I actually read some of it and then skipped the rest. Two guys going to an orgy party? No thanks. Then This is My Sign by Hannah Moskowitz was so short it was almost nothing. Nothing to connect to, nothing to really read. I was excited about reading a story between a deaf couple but it was literally like 2 pages tops? I was disappointed. For the Sake of Science by Mark Perini I just couldn't connect to. A guy who goes to Argentina and meets a girl who doesn't speak English but he's so attracted to her he ends up sleeping with her eventually. Not romatic to me at all. They can't even communicate except through kissing. I just couldn't connect to it.
Ok, well if you made it through that I'd be surprised! I just had to write it down so I could remember my favorites. A good book with lots of fun stories. Some great, some good, some meh, but I'd definitely recommend the good ones.
Let's start with the ones I really loved. These would be my 5 stars. A Little Too Scarred by Lisa Desrochers was awesome. The first story I loved in this book about a girl who was wounded pretty bad in the military and a guy who wouldn't give up on her. I have read stories similar to this one (Stir Me Up by Sabrina Elkins had a similar feel to it {loved that book}) and I always find them compelling. I loved that Rene thought her life was pretty much over when she got so scarred and lost her eye, but Rick was able to show her over time that those things don't really matter. I loved his patience and understanding and his desire to show her how much she really meant to him, despite what she saw as horrible. I wanted more of their story. Once Bitten by Cole Gibsen was great. Aside from the fact that they never really explained why Tanner had to leave with ZERO explanation four years earlier (the fact that it was never really fully explained well enough bothered me) I loved it. I have never read a story about someone who trains cadaver/recovery dogs and I thought it was pretty fascinating. There was a lot of plot in there for such a short story. I loved the search and rescue aspect of this book and I found myself completely invested in wanting them to find little Olivia safe and unharmed. I wish it was a book so I could read more. Under the Seryn Moon by Melissa Landers I also found myself getting totally lost in. She did so much world building in such a short amount of time. I felt total sympathy and heart ache for Lyra, having to leave her family to find peace with their once rivals and an arranged marriage with someone she had never met. Their story was sweet and I loved Kai, and the way he treated her. I also REALLY wished this one was an entire book because I didn't want to stop reading. How to Be a Heartbreaker by Lauren Layne was probably one of the longest stories in this book, but another favorite. In such a short period of time she managed to weave a completely believable love triangle that she pulled off successfully. I was more than happy with the outcome. Loved Zach, Loved Annie, and Loved Garrett. Field Emotions by Melissa West was my last favorite. Something about a football player and a small town girl always seems to pull me to stories (probably because I'm from a small town) but I really loved Blake and Summer. I loved their relationship from page one, how they both came from nothing and had such a binding relationship from the way they grew up and how Summer was so afraid of losing Blake now that he was making the big time. Their story was sweet and endearing. I couldn't get enough of it.
Now to the stories I really liked my 4 stars... The Corner of First and Second by Gennifer Albin I really liked. The only thing that kept me from totally loving this one was that even though the two reconnected after heading off to their separate schools, there was still an air of uncertainty about their future. There was a line where they said something about "well we still have two weeks together" and that was good, but I didn't love it. I wanted a more solid future for them. Still really GOOD, but not love. I also really liked Crash by Sophie Jordan. I loved Hunter from Foreplay (if you haven't read that, you should...it's one of my FAVORITE books) so I was excited to see where his story would go. His story with Brooke was endearing and I love that he stood up for her in true Hunter fashion. I was also glad they didn't do anything but some heavy kissing. I don't love the stories where people hook up super quickly. For me there needs to be some history there, which is why I liked the next story, Love in an Elevator by Carrie Ryan, but didn't love it. I really liked the stuck in an elevator scenario and how it all played out, but it was a little too fast for me. Believe in Me by J. Lynn was one of the reasons I originally bought this book. I love Jennifer Armentrout and this story was no exception. Ollie and Brit were great. Strike Out by Myra McEntire I liked a lot with Ben and Liza. Ben wanting Liza to see him as more than a baseball player (players are off limits for her). Going for Broke by Lyla Payne was another great one. It was longer than most of the other stories which made it great for story building. I found myself totally invested in Tressa trying to let Noel know her feelings for him before he gets married in a few days. At one point I honestly had no idea how it would turn out. The ending felt a little rushed, probably because it had to be short story, but I really liked the outcome.
The first of my 3 star reads would be Daylight by Julie Cross. I just couldn't totally get into this story. What was his job? Why did it have to take him away to something that potentially would leave her a widow? Why couldn't he at least call her or write to her every now and again? It was too open ended for me and I couldn't love it like I wanted to. Sharing Firsts by Molly McAdams I just didn't find that compelling. It bothers me when people don't talk about their problems and try to push others away because of it. It was good, but not great. With the Lights On by Alessandra Thomas I wish I could have gotten more into. I understood where she was going with the story, but I just couldn't feel super emotionally attached, much like the main character. I liked the message, but the story was just ok. Grind by Tracy Wolff was good. I liked Gage and Dyani a lot. I understood their struggle for their relationship and wanted there to be a way for them to overcome it, which it seems they came up with a pretty good solution in the end. I'd probably give their story 3 1/2 stars.
Now to the 2 stars...Two in the Morning by Roni Loren and Bunga Bunga by Andrew Shaffer because I just don't like stories about gay men. No offense, but I'm a traditional girl when it comes to my reading. It's just not something I like to read about. Two in the Morning was definitely more interesting than Bunga Bunga. Two in the morning I could feel his struggle being attracted to his long time and best friend who also happens to be his roommate, and what happens when he finds out. In Bunga Bunga, I actually read some of it and then skipped the rest. Two guys going to an orgy party? No thanks. Then This is My Sign by Hannah Moskowitz was so short it was almost nothing. Nothing to connect to, nothing to really read. I was excited about reading a story between a deaf couple but it was literally like 2 pages tops? I was disappointed. For the Sake of Science by Mark Perini I just couldn't connect to. A guy who goes to Argentina and meets a girl who doesn't speak English but he's so attracted to her he ends up sleeping with her eventually. Not romatic to me at all. They can't even communicate except through kissing. I just couldn't connect to it.
Ok, well if you made it through that I'd be surprised! I just had to write it down so I could remember my favorites. A good book with lots of fun stories. Some great, some good, some meh, but I'd definitely recommend the good ones.
September 13, 2016
I honestly only read Ollie and Britt's story. It was cute and sweet and a little too short. Hence, three stars. Maybe I'll go back someday and read all of it, but not today.
January 1, 2015
I did NOT finish this book. I read the first two stories completely, but didn't liked them... If I would have to rate them, I'd give them both less than 3 stars...
The reason why I started this book though, is because of the story 'Believe In Me' by J. Lynn.
I read this one completely and LOVED it!!
I wrote a mini review about Believe Me:
I may read the other ones in the future, but not right now.I recently found out about this short story. It's been published in Fifty First Times: A New Adult Anthology.
I've always been curious about Ollie's background story. I liked him a lot in Wait For You. He's super funny and ugh. I just love him.
I started reading and immediately squealed BECAUSE IT IS IN OLLIE'S POV!! Argh, it was so good!
He's the most sweetest guy ever! And seriously, this book is waaaaaaaay too short!! I want a full book about him, like ASAP!
Here are some quotes I just loved:
"Maybe I needed to buy her a turtle. That seems to have worked for Cam. Then again, she'd probably throw the turtle in my face and that wouldn't be fun, but she'd look hot doing it."
"Oliver Ryan," she said, and holy Christ cookies, I almost came hearing her say my full name. "I think you might actually like me."
"I've never been big on kissing, Brit. What's the point in it? But with you, I could fucking kiss you all night long. And throughout tomorrow, too."
"A smile was permanently etched on my face, and I knew it was the same kind of smile Cam wore whenever he was around Avery. I finally got what it meant and why."
The reason why I started this book though, is because of the story 'Believe In Me' by J. Lynn.
I read this one completely and LOVED it!!
I wrote a mini review about Believe Me:
I may read the other ones in the future, but not right now.I recently found out about this short story. It's been published in Fifty First Times: A New Adult Anthology.
I've always been curious about Ollie's background story. I liked him a lot in Wait For You. He's super funny and ugh. I just love him.
I started reading and immediately squealed BECAUSE IT IS IN OLLIE'S POV!! Argh, it was so good!
He's the most sweetest guy ever! And seriously, this book is waaaaaaaay too short!! I want a full book about him, like ASAP!
Here are some quotes I just loved:
"Maybe I needed to buy her a turtle. That seems to have worked for Cam. Then again, she'd probably throw the turtle in my face and that wouldn't be fun, but she'd look hot doing it."
"Oliver Ryan," she said, and holy Christ cookies, I almost came hearing her say my full name. "I think you might actually like me."
"I've never been big on kissing, Brit. What's the point in it? But with you, I could fucking kiss you all night long. And throughout tomorrow, too."
"A smile was permanently etched on my face, and I knew it was the same kind of smile Cam wore whenever he was around Avery. I finally got what it meant and why."
May 1, 2016
**Note: I only read How to Be a Heart Breaker by Lauren Layne, so the rating is only for that one story**
tbh I have no idea who the rest of the authors are lol
How to Be a Heart Breaker is a super cute and sweet story. It makes me grin from ear to ear!!
This. THIS IS the story I want to read from LL!
Interesting story, good plot, great characters, good banters, funny, cute, and sweet all at the same time.
All LL books that are released in 2016 really lack of the awesome LL style. I miss the old LL writing!!
I wish How to Be a Heart Breaker was a full length novel, instead of a 5 chapters story that included in an anthology!!
How to Be a Heart Breaker is a super cute and sweet story. It makes me grin from ear to ear!!
This. THIS IS the story I want to read from LL!
Interesting story, good plot, great characters, good banters, funny, cute, and sweet all at the same time.
All LL books that are released in 2016 really lack of the awesome LL style. I miss the old LL writing!!
I wish How to Be a Heart Breaker was a full length novel, instead of a 5 chapters story that included in an anthology!!
March 2, 2021
J.Lynn:
I don't know how she does it, but I love all of her characters and the relationships they are building. Seriously, I cannot wait for the next book.
Merged review:
rating: 3.75/5
I really liked it. I would read a book about these two. Sophie... think about it ;)
EDIT MARCH 2ND, 2021 : I guess goodreads merge my review for J. Lynn (Jennifer L. Armentrout) and Sophie's stories in this book, but I just bought a physical copy of this book so I can finally read all of the rest of it.
I don't know how she does it, but I love all of her characters and the relationships they are building. Seriously, I cannot wait for the next book.
Merged review:
rating: 3.75/5
I really liked it. I would read a book about these two. Sophie... think about it ;)
EDIT MARCH 2ND, 2021 : I guess goodreads merge my review for J. Lynn (Jennifer L. Armentrout) and Sophie's stories in this book, but I just bought a physical copy of this book so I can finally read all of the rest of it.
March 20, 2014
Read only J. Lynn's story and two more...
Britanny and Ollie were nice. You really can't say something more for such a short story. I was actually happy that they didn't get a full length book. I was never all that interested in Brit. I'm way more intrigued by Calla.
The other two stories...I don't even remember their names. Nough said...
Britanny and Ollie were nice. You really can't say something more for such a short story. I was actually happy that they didn't get a full length book. I was never all that interested in Brit. I'm way more intrigued by Calla.
The other two stories...I don't even remember their names. Nough said...
August 31, 2014
Siempre me quedara un poco de pena porque J Lynn no escribiera un libro sobre Ollie y Brit, pero aun asi la historia corta fue maravillosa.
Corto, dulce y tierno, me encanto llegar a conocer un poco mas a dos personajes que ame en los libros anteriores, espero saber algo mas de ellos en Stay With Me.
Contando los dias para poder leer la historia de Calla!
4.5 Estrellas!!!
March 4, 2014
I am so happy that Britt and Ollie got a story. I like that there wasn't really any drama in the story. It really was a short sweet drama free story. I just wish it was a little bit longer. I was happy that it was told from Ollie's pov because I was expecting it to be in Britt's pov. The story is featured in the Anthology Fifty First Times. There are some other good stories in the anthology as well.
Merged review:
Fifty First Times Anthology is on sale for $1.99 idk how long it will be on sale for.
Here is the Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Fifty-First-Tim...
Ollie and Britts story Believe in Me was worth the wait. Britt and Ollie are characters in JLynns Wait for You series. I was really happy that the story was in Ollie's pov because I didn't think he'd get a pov. I really liked it and thought it was sweet. It was nice to see a different side to Ollie. When I read Be with Me I was surprised that Ollie was going to med school. I hope that he gets Britt that tortoise. The story takes place during Be with Me. I wish the story would have been a little longer though but I am happy that Ollie/Britt got a story.
I also read the story Under the Seryn Moon and really liked that one as well. This story was about an arranged marriage. These two groups of people had been at war for years. They lived on some foreign colony. Finally after years of bloodshed, they agreed to make a peace treaty. Apart of the peace treaty was that they had to join their bloodlines. The daughter (Lyra) of the one leader had to marry the son (Kai) of the Seryn leader. Lyra felt very out of place in this foreign land where she was surrounded by these people who were enemies to her people not that long ago. I liked the main characters. I thought Kai was a really nice guy and he tried to make the situation easier for Lyra and never pressured her into doing anything that she didn't want to do. I like that he asked her permission first before her first time.
Daylight is the story of this newlywed couple Audrey and Jack. Their wedding night is their last night together before he heads off on a secret mission. Jack never directly says what his job is but I assume that it has something to do with the military. The story also shows a little bit of their courtship. They make a lovely couple. Their wedding night is their first time together but it could very well be the last. I thought the story was romantic and old fashioned. It was innocent yet sensual. It was sweet yet tinged with some sadness. My stomach was in knots reading the story because I didn’t know if Jack would make it back or not
I haven't read all the stories but want to read more of them because they sound good.
Merged review:
Fifty First Times Anthology is on sale for $1.99 idk how long it will be on sale for.
Here is the Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/Fifty-First-Tim...
Ollie and Britts story Believe in Me was worth the wait. Britt and Ollie are characters in JLynns Wait for You series. I was really happy that the story was in Ollie's pov because I didn't think he'd get a pov. I really liked it and thought it was sweet. It was nice to see a different side to Ollie. When I read Be with Me I was surprised that Ollie was going to med school. I hope that he gets Britt that tortoise. The story takes place during Be with Me. I wish the story would have been a little longer though but I am happy that Ollie/Britt got a story.
I also read the story Under the Seryn Moon and really liked that one as well. This story was about an arranged marriage. These two groups of people had been at war for years. They lived on some foreign colony. Finally after years of bloodshed, they agreed to make a peace treaty. Apart of the peace treaty was that they had to join their bloodlines. The daughter (Lyra) of the one leader had to marry the son (Kai) of the Seryn leader. Lyra felt very out of place in this foreign land where she was surrounded by these people who were enemies to her people not that long ago. I liked the main characters. I thought Kai was a really nice guy and he tried to make the situation easier for Lyra and never pressured her into doing anything that she didn't want to do. I like that he asked her permission first before her first time.
Daylight is the story of this newlywed couple Audrey and Jack. Their wedding night is their last night together before he heads off on a secret mission. Jack never directly says what his job is but I assume that it has something to do with the military. The story also shows a little bit of their courtship. They make a lovely couple. Their wedding night is their first time together but it could very well be the last. I thought the story was romantic and old fashioned. It was innocent yet sensual. It was sweet yet tinged with some sadness. My stomach was in knots reading the story because I didn’t know if Jack would make it back or not
I haven't read all the stories but want to read more of them because they sound good.
November 26, 2014
Writing romantic short stories is a tricky business. More often than not, the lack of pages means a bad case of insta-love or so little character background and development that we don't form any attachment to the relationship. However, if authors somehow find that sweet spot, they can become some of my favorite stories. Now the lack of pages means less drama and angst and a more hefty percentage devoted to swoon. It's pure fangirl service. You know those scenes in books that you read over and over again? They're typically of the feel good variety, right? The short stories in this anthology that get it right are exactly like that - an extended scene that puts a smile on my face and butterflies in my stomach.
Five of the nineteen short stories stood out to me:
1. "Under the Seryn Moon" by Melissa Landers - it's the only one that's not contemporary, so five bonus points right off the bat. Set in the future on a desolate colony planet, it's about a girl who's forced to marry her enemy's son after her people lose the war. I don't know how so much sweetness was packed into so few pages, but Melissa Landers somehow does it. If anything, this story has convinced me that she's at her best when she's writing for more mature audiences. Because it's not only sweet, but sexy, too. :) Out of all the stories I wanted this one to be a full length book the most!
2. "A Little Too Scarred" by Lisa Desrochers - a very touching story about a girl who gets badly injured while serving in Iraq (there's a scar that stretches across her face) and the boy who shows her that she's still beautiful to him - on the inside and the outside. Very, very crush-worthy guy.
3. "How to be a Heart Breaker" by Lauren Layne - the good girl discovering that maybe her heart needs a little bit of bad. The banter between our couple is super adorable.
4. "Field Emotions" by Melissa West - a cute best-friends-to-more plot. Bonus: football, which I love.
5. "Believe in Me" by Jennifer Armentrout - I was so excited to finally get Ollie and Brittany's story! It's probably better if you know the context by having read Wait for You, but there's JLA's typical humor and standout characters. I like that it was written in his point-of-view.
As a whole, Fifty First Times is pretty up and down. There are some good stories, some okay-ish stories, and some downright ugly stories. But I'm glad I found at least a few gems along the way.
This review can also be found at Love at First Page.
Five of the nineteen short stories stood out to me:
1. "Under the Seryn Moon" by Melissa Landers - it's the only one that's not contemporary, so five bonus points right off the bat. Set in the future on a desolate colony planet, it's about a girl who's forced to marry her enemy's son after her people lose the war. I don't know how so much sweetness was packed into so few pages, but Melissa Landers somehow does it. If anything, this story has convinced me that she's at her best when she's writing for more mature audiences. Because it's not only sweet, but sexy, too. :) Out of all the stories I wanted this one to be a full length book the most!
2. "A Little Too Scarred" by Lisa Desrochers - a very touching story about a girl who gets badly injured while serving in Iraq (there's a scar that stretches across her face) and the boy who shows her that she's still beautiful to him - on the inside and the outside. Very, very crush-worthy guy.
3. "How to be a Heart Breaker" by Lauren Layne - the good girl discovering that maybe her heart needs a little bit of bad. The banter between our couple is super adorable.
4. "Field Emotions" by Melissa West - a cute best-friends-to-more plot. Bonus: football, which I love.
5. "Believe in Me" by Jennifer Armentrout - I was so excited to finally get Ollie and Brittany's story! It's probably better if you know the context by having read Wait for You, but there's JLA's typical humor and standout characters. I like that it was written in his point-of-view.
As a whole, Fifty First Times is pretty up and down. There are some good stories, some okay-ish stories, and some downright ugly stories. But I'm glad I found at least a few gems along the way.
This review can also be found at Love at First Page.
February 15, 2016
Русские издатели порадовали любителей романтики сборником рассказов "Первый Раз" в который вошли рассказы следующих авторов:
Gennifer Albin 1/5
Julie Cross 5/5
Lisa Desrochers 4/5
Cole Gibsen 3/5
Sophie Jordan 5/5
Melissa Landers 5/5
Lauren Layne 5/5
Jennifer L. Armentrout 5/5
Как это бывает со сборниками рассказов книга не без изъянов. На мой взгляд рассказы Дженнифер Албани и Коул Гибсен были на редкость нелепы. У авторов не получилось развернуть истории, описать это красиво. Вышло что-то по-быстрому и скомкано. Но даже они не испортили впечатление от оставшихся рассказов. Обязательно дочитаю остальные рассказы в оригинале и дополню отзыв. Но русскому изданию "Первый раз" даю +4,5 и рекомендую любителям легкой романтики и коротких историй.
Gennifer Albin 1/5
Julie Cross 5/5
Lisa Desrochers 4/5
Cole Gibsen 3/5
Sophie Jordan 5/5
Melissa Landers 5/5
Lauren Layne 5/5
Jennifer L. Armentrout 5/5
Как это бывает со сборниками рассказов книга не без изъянов. На мой взгляд рассказы Дженнифер Албани и Коул Гибсен были на редкость нелепы. У авторов не получилось развернуть истории, описать это красиво. Вышло что-то по-быстрому и скомкано. Но даже они не испортили впечатление от оставшихся рассказов. Обязательно дочитаю остальные рассказы в оригинале и дополню отзыв. Но русскому изданию "Первый раз" даю +4,5 и рекомендую любителям легкой романтики и коротких историй.
February 25, 2014
I wish I could have more of Ollie and Brit! 'cause it was f*ING perfect.
April 16, 2019
I read only Ollie and Brittany's story. I loved Ollie!
June 30, 2020
REVIEW IS FOR GRIND BY TRACY WOLFF ONLY
VERY short story about a couple who have loved each other for years and have finally found their way back to one another.
VERY short story about a couple who have loved each other for years and have finally found their way back to one another.
August 31, 2020
Va a ser una reseña corta porque el libro es corto ya que leí la parte de J. Lynn .Lo ame, ver lo que pasa entre estos dos personajes es lo más . Me encanta como se desarrollan las cosas entre ellos, es todo lo que está bien y quisiera saber mucho más de ellos
February 28, 2014
4 - 4.5 Stars!
I don't usually rate anthologies for the simple reason being: it's all from different authors making it all different writing types. But this.. this was absolutely amazing!
Completely beautiful, heartwarming, and emotional. I definitely shed a couple of happy tears while reading these stories. It became so consuming and a guilty pleasure.
Reading each individual story put me in the characters shoes and that in its self is why I loved this anthology so damn much.
Some of my favorite authors wrote short stories in this and made me an extremely happy girl!
My absolute favorites in this:
"Daylight" by Julie Cross, oh mi god, such a lovely heartbreaking story about a couples first and last night together husband and wife. I smiled, I cried, I laughed, and I hugged my tablet. I don't know how Julie Cross made this story so sad, yet so happy and loving. Definitely in my top three favorites.
"A Little Too Scarred" by Lisa Desrochers, honestly, I've never read any books in the too far series, and I still loved this! Reading reviews from book one made Rick sound like an asshole, which was so not him in this short story! He was loveable and such a good guy. This was realistic and heartwarming, such a good read.
"Crash" by Sophie Jordan, ah! This showed Hunter from "Foreplay" one of my favorite books ever! Boy meets stripper. Stripper meets boy. Stripper is innocent and hates her job. Boy and stripper meet. The fall in love over night. I rooted for a Pepper and Reece short story, but this was just as great! Love, love, love this series! More, please.
"Two in the Morning" by Roni Loren, what a big surprise for me. This is a male/male friendship that grew into more. My heart was rooting for these two. I thought of this one the most after I was finished. It was fun and sad and amazing all in one bunch. The ending was just... perfection, perfection, perfection!
"Believe in Me" by Jennifer L. Armentrout/J Lynn, my number one favorite and the whole reason I bought this anthology! "Wait for You" is one of my favorite books and series, so when I heard Ollie and Brittany were getting their own little story, I jumped with joy! It took me only minutes to read, I was so absorbed and wanted more when it was over. I can only hope we read more about them in "Stay with Me".
"Sharing Firsts" by Molly McAdams, a prequel to her upcoming book "Sharing You". It introduced some characters I hope to read more of. It was a traditional Molly story: angst, romance, fighting, making up. A good short story by a good author. Anything by Molly is amazing.
"With the Lights On" by Alessandra Thomas, REALISTIC, CUTE, QUIRKY. Loved Tal. Loved Anna. Loved how they got together and grew. So cute and so nice to read about something that exists in the real world.
The rest were just as enjoyable. When I read and buy an anthology, this is what I expect!
I love new adult, and I love this! PERFECTION.
.
November 6, 2016
I'm only rating the two novellas that I've read thus far. Both were 5 wonderful stars for me which is why I keep rereading them!
***
This was my 2nd or third time reading Believe in Me by J. Lynn in this anthology. It features Brit and Ollie who are part of the Wait for You series. I loved the cameo appearances both had in the previous WFY series, and I loved how direct and honest these two were when they finally decided to test the waters with each other. No more flirtatious beating around the bush for them. Instead they opened up to each other and decide to see where their attraction can take them into the future. Long distance relationships suck donkey balls, but I think these two could do it.
A favorite quote:
'I'd never, ever felt this way before. It shook me-she shook me.' ~Ollie
*/*
I've read Crash by Sophie Jordan a couple of times as well now. I love her Ivy Chronicles series and the fact that Hunter finally gets on a path to a potential HEA of his own. Hunter deserved a girl whose heart could be freely given to after he and Pepper saw the light. And I loved how determined he and Brooke were as individuals in general.
A favorite scene:
'Damn it, Brooke. You won't give me your number. You won't come inside. Maybe I just want to get to know you. Maybe I don't want to say good-bye right now." ~Hunter
...
'A car honked and I gasped, pulling away. Blinking, I looked around, dazed. With a growl, he he dragged me back and we started all over again.
Against my car. In the cold. And I had never felt more on fire in my life.
It was a lot. Hard and fast. I felt like I was drowning.' ~Brooke
I love how this one ended, too.
***
This was my 2nd or third time reading Believe in Me by J. Lynn in this anthology. It features Brit and Ollie who are part of the Wait for You series. I loved the cameo appearances both had in the previous WFY series, and I loved how direct and honest these two were when they finally decided to test the waters with each other. No more flirtatious beating around the bush for them. Instead they opened up to each other and decide to see where their attraction can take them into the future. Long distance relationships suck donkey balls, but I think these two could do it.
A favorite quote:
'I'd never, ever felt this way before. It shook me-she shook me.' ~Ollie
*/*
I've read Crash by Sophie Jordan a couple of times as well now. I love her Ivy Chronicles series and the fact that Hunter finally gets on a path to a potential HEA of his own. Hunter deserved a girl whose heart could be freely given to after he and Pepper saw the light. And I loved how determined he and Brooke were as individuals in general.
A favorite scene:
'Damn it, Brooke. You won't give me your number. You won't come inside. Maybe I just want to get to know you. Maybe I don't want to say good-bye right now." ~Hunter
...
'A car honked and I gasped, pulling away. Blinking, I looked around, dazed. With a growl, he he dragged me back and we started all over again.
Against my car. In the cold. And I had never felt more on fire in my life.
It was a lot. Hard and fast. I felt like I was drowning.' ~Brooke
I love how this one ended, too.
September 24, 2014
I won a contest and had been wanting this book for a while, so I asked to have this one as part of my prize.
I'm so glad I did.
I was very intrigued by a book full of short stories about fifty first times. Of course I thought it would be all about sex, but it's not. It is about romance, so if you're not looking for that kind of anthology, I would pass on this one. I was also excited to see so many names of authors I knew I loved: Sophie Jordan, Julie Cross, J. Lynn, Melissa West, Melissa Landers. I was excited to see what each of them would bring to the table. I was also excited to read from authors I hadn't yet broken into: Molly McAdams, Cole Gibsen, Lyla Payne and more! having now read their stories, I am sure I would read other books by them.
There were a lot of stories so I won't review each one. What I will tell you is that you will get all types of romance in this book from innocent to sexy scenes. You'll also get relationships of all sorts. It was great to get these different perspectives, some of which I had never had the chance to read before.
There were stories with depth and stories that were more light. This book pretty much has it all. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you might even bite on your lip a few times. The variety means there will be something for everyone. And, while I didn't love each and every one of them, I did enjoy what each author was able to bring to the page.
Fans of NA books will definitely enjoy this compilation of stories. You might even find a new author to like! And if you haven't read NA before, this just might push you over into wanting to read more!
I'm so glad I did.
I was very intrigued by a book full of short stories about fifty first times. Of course I thought it would be all about sex, but it's not. It is about romance, so if you're not looking for that kind of anthology, I would pass on this one. I was also excited to see so many names of authors I knew I loved: Sophie Jordan, Julie Cross, J. Lynn, Melissa West, Melissa Landers. I was excited to see what each of them would bring to the table. I was also excited to read from authors I hadn't yet broken into: Molly McAdams, Cole Gibsen, Lyla Payne and more! having now read their stories, I am sure I would read other books by them.
There were a lot of stories so I won't review each one. What I will tell you is that you will get all types of romance in this book from innocent to sexy scenes. You'll also get relationships of all sorts. It was great to get these different perspectives, some of which I had never had the chance to read before.
There were stories with depth and stories that were more light. This book pretty much has it all. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you might even bite on your lip a few times. The variety means there will be something for everyone. And, while I didn't love each and every one of them, I did enjoy what each author was able to bring to the page.
Fans of NA books will definitely enjoy this compilation of stories. You might even find a new author to like! And if you haven't read NA before, this just might push you over into wanting to read more!
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April 17, 2015Προσωπικά ο μοναδικός λόγος που επέλεξα αυτό το βιβλίο,ήταν για το Believe in me της J.Lynn που ήταν και η μοναδική ιστορία που διάβασα σε αυτό το βιβλίο.
Η ιστορία είναι υπερβολικά μικρή για να μπορέσω να την βαθμολογήσω,αλλά μου αρέσει τρελά ο Όλι -ο τρελάρας,αστείος συγκάτοικος του Cam που γνωρίσαμε στο 1ο βιβλίο της σειράς wait for you.
Δεν τρελάθηκα με το story αλλά μεταξύ μας? δεν παραπονιέμαι ποτέ όταν έχω ένα φλιτζάνι ζεστό καφέ και μια ιστορία -έστω και τόσο σύντομη- της Jennifer Armentrout στα χέρια μου!!
"I was in the middle of telling her something extremely important.
Like how great we’d look together in my bed. That hadn’t gone over like I expected.
When I’d said it to her at a party once, she’d looked like she’d been seconds away from punching me in my balls. And I liked my balls just the way they were, so I’d moved far, far away from her that night."
"Maybe I needed to buy her a turtle. That seemed to have worked for Cam.
Then again, she’d probably throw the turtle in my face and that wouldn’t be fun, but she’d look hot doing it."
August 16, 2021
I have never been more mad at an author's decision, Ollie & Brit deserved a freaking book! Regardless, I enjoyed this short story to the moon and back, I was grinning like an idiot.
Just reading from Ollie's point of view was one of the best experiences ever.
"Maybe I needed to buy her a turtle. That seemed to have worked for Cam."
And isn't he a charmer?
"You're as beautiful as any queen."
I'm so in love with these two, Ollie is fucking perfect & Brit is so smart & witty, I love her. Basically I'm doing blackflips because they're together AS A BOYFRIEND & GIRLFRIEND RELATIONSHIP.
"Are you crazy? Wait. Don't answer that. You are a little crazy, and I like it. You're a smartass. You're funny as hell. You don't take shit from anyone, especially me. You're smart. You're absolutely beautiful to me and you always saw more than anyone else when you looked at me. So yeah, I like you. I really like you."
Just reading from Ollie's point of view was one of the best experiences ever.
"Maybe I needed to buy her a turtle. That seemed to have worked for Cam."
And isn't he a charmer?
"You're as beautiful as any queen."
I'm so in love with these two, Ollie is fucking perfect & Brit is so smart & witty, I love her. Basically I'm doing blackflips because they're together AS A BOYFRIEND & GIRLFRIEND RELATIONSHIP.
"Are you crazy? Wait. Don't answer that. You are a little crazy, and I like it. You're a smartass. You're funny as hell. You don't take shit from anyone, especially me. You're smart. You're absolutely beautiful to me and you always saw more than anyone else when you looked at me. So yeah, I like you. I really like you."
November 27, 2014
I should have paid attention to a few of my other GR friends who said this anthology lacked editing & was a let down. That, paired with a recent discussion I had with some friends about simply stepping away from an unsatisfying book, should have saved me from slogging my way through this. I put it on my TBR list to begin with bc I really liked a handful of the authors & was excited to see what they could do in the space of a short story. Unfortunately, I kept reading thinking the next story might be better than the last. And a couple of them were... But many of the stories lacked editing & others left off in a cliff-hanger with a note to "find out what happens to the MCs!" by buying that authors book. No thanks. I should have known better.
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