Hasn’t anyone heard the saying “nobody’s perfect”? Apparently, a lot of people in my hometown of Aidan Falls haven’t...

Don’t get me wrong. Most of the locals here are perfectly nice. But certain close-minded ex-classmates have a problem with the fact that I cheated on my jock-star football boyfriend on one drunk, stupid night. And no one likes to see a local hero embarrassed.

But everything changed when I accidentally sent a “sext” to the wrong number—and ended up sharing some flirty exchanges. So when the mysterious, sexy Noah Reeves shows up at my job, I’m a bit shocked.

You see, Noah’s a billionaire businessman who famously disappeared after a competitor kicked him out of his own family’s company. Why would he want to meet me? I don’t see anything special in the mirror.

But Noah may just be able to disprove the old adage that mirrors don’t lie...

On the dusty outskirts of Vegas, there’s a down and dirty saloon where all sorts of lethally charming—and genuinely dangerous—men carouse to seduce the women who happen to venture inside on their way to and from Sin City.

Despite the many women he’s bedded over the years, Gideon Lane has never been able to get Rochelle Burton completely out of his head. He certainly never expected to see the city girl again, now a successful author, all grown up in all the right places and asking for his protection.

After their disastrous night together, Rochelle was determined to put Gideon—and the things he made her want—far behind her. But when an obsessive fan expresses their anger over her latest book in a disturbing way, Rochelle’s overprotective cousins insist she hire the best bodyguard the Rough & Tumble saloon can offer.

Both Rochelle and Gideon intend to keep their relationship strictly professional, but when the threat to Rochelle puts them in close quarters, Gideon can’t help wanting the chance to prove that some things are better the second time around…

***

How about Valentine's Day Romance Anthologies? This is about as close to a box of chocolates as I can get for you.  I thought I would slip it to you early. 

I hope you are surrounded with love everyday and of every kind! 

My lists are never in any particular order.  Enjoy 

1. Valentine's Day Is Killing Me by MaryJanice Davidson, LESLIE ESDAILE, and SUSANNA CARR

A delectable serving of romantic tales gone bad_then even badder. A woman whose blind date shows up cuffed to a dead body only leads to uncovering a lot more than mystery. A party featuring dangerously naughty favors brings the cops a knocking-and not just on the door. And the overworked employee with a dead boss and an ex-boyfriend who happens to be the most insensitive, non-romantic, completely irresistible alpha male she's ever laid-ahem-eyes on...

2. Confessions of a Secret Admirer by Jennifer Ryan, Candis Terry, and Jennifer Seasons 

Waiting for You by Jennifer Ryan

Rancher Grant Devane has waited for Taylor Larson’s return to Fallbrook for more than ten years. Now that the fearless beauty has come home on her terms, he’ll do anything and everything necessary to win back her heart.

Sweet Fortune by Candis Terry

Sarah Randall is tired of being invisible to the opposite sex. So when a leap of faith sends her to Sweet, Texas, and into the path of ridiculously hot Deputy Brady Bennett, she’s determined to catch his eye … even if it means staying hidden just a little bit longer.

Major League Crush by Jennifer Seasons

Professional baseball player Drake Paulson can’t help wanting to know more about his cute, shy neighbor. But when he discovers her deepest secret and she flees, it’ll be up to him to win her trust—and her love—one gift at a time.

3. Valentine Kittens by Jo Ann Ferguson, Valerie King, and Cynthia Pratt

Just in time for Valentine's Day, three beloved Regency authors deliver a charming collection of stories in which kittens bring together lords and ladies of the ton.

4. Be My Texas Valentine by Jodi Thomas, Linda Broday, Phyliss Miranda, and DeWanna Pace

Out on these rugged plains, love never comes easy. And four daring ladies will do whatever it takes to capture the hearts of four irresistibly sweet-talking Texans. . . When a quiet foreman comes to the aid of a mystery lady, they'll find that this perfect starlit night is made for courtin'.... A determined heiress gambles high to reclaim the rancher she's never stopped wanting. . .. When a spirited lady and a go-getter mayor compete for their town's future, it's two dreams for a lifetime. . .. And to attract a lonely doctor's attention, a shy young woman needs courage--and two unlikely matchmakers. . ..

5. Valentine's Dream by Sandra Kitt, Carmen Green, and Felicia Mason 

Love Changes Everything by Sandra Kitt
Carter Morrison is a changed man. Grace Haley never imagined that her late husband's best friend would turn into the improved man she now sees. And when he asks her for a little Valentine's Day advice, she'll discover a longing deep in her heart….

Sweet Sensation by Carmen Green
Nessie Claiborne only wants to make her firm's annual Valentine's Day charity extravaganza a success. But the moment she tries to work with handsome, sensible executive Craig DuPont, she finds her impractical ideas and his hidden longings are producing a love affair neither expected.

Made in Heaven by Felicia Mason
Val Sanders doesn't believe in romance or love at first sight. Then she receives a gift certificate for a dating service and meets Eric Fitzgerald, the sexy bachelor owner. Has Eros loosed an arrow…one headed straight for Val's heart?

6. Jinxed! by Jacquie D'Alessandro, Jill Shalvis, and Crystal Green 

Blame It on Karma by Jacquie D'Alessandro Coffee shop owner Lacey Perkins scoffs when a fortune-teller informs her she's destined to fall for her arrogant, but definitely hot, property manager Evan Sawyer. Lacey figures she'd rather be jinxed—until she's cursed with a case of uncontrollable, insatiable lust.…

Together Again? by Jill Shalvis Accountant Chloe Cooper can't help but laugh at the prediction that her life is about to be transformed by true love. But that was before Chloe walked straight into her former lover, FBI agent Ian McCall, and he showed her just how thrilling things could get.…

Tall, Dark & Temporary by Crystal Green Candy shop owner Erin Holland isn't convinced when she's told that Ryan Wes, an infamous playboy, is "The One." Erin is going on a cruise with the gorgeous day trader for one reason only: sex. But her decadent plans keep getting mysteriously, frustratingly, thwarted.…

7. Who Needs Cupid? by Debra Salonen, Molly O'Keefe, and Susan Floyd 

Down with Cupid!

Elle Adams, Rebecca Potter and Lucky Morgan all have valid reasons for distrusting Cupid. And with February 14 coming on fast, they decide to take matters into their own hands. If the plucky little cherub can’t do his job, they’ll sweeten the odds.

But it looks as if Cupid wasn’t out to lunch. He was just waiting for the right moment to make things interesting. Now find out what happens when he finally launches those arrows.

8.  Valentines: A trio of Regency love stories for Sweethearts' Day!  by Barbara Metzger

BALD LIES

Audrina is desperate to ensure that Lord Blanford not only notices her beautiful cousin but marries her as well. However, Max's head is beset by larger worries than matrimony--though he is curiously diverted by the antics of the flame-haired matchmaking minx. . . .

THE LAST VALENTINE

Exiled into obscurity by her odious father, Martine can only assume the romantic love notes on her doorstep are a mistake--intended for another. Who could it be? Only Cupid knows--as mischief and merriment mark the countdown to Valentine's Day. . . .

LOVE AND TENDERNESS

Few blushing brides have their wedding night ruined by a ghost only they can see, but Senta's hysterics send her groom running. Reconciling these stubborn newlyweds is no easy task--even for a handsome, oddly dressed apparition who calls himself the King . . .

9. Accidental Valentine by Claire Gillian, Katrina Sizemore, S.L. Hughson, Jaylee Austin, and Wendy Sparrow 

Falling in love on Valentine's Day is the happiest of accidents.

10. Sinfully Sweet by Janelle Denison, Kate Hoffmann, and Jacquie D'Alessandro 

Does chocolate put you in the mood? ...The owners of Sinfully Sweet, an upscale sweets shop, want to test their theory that chocolate is the ultimate aphrodisiac. So they conduct an unorthodox study, disguised as a Valentine's Day promotion. When the unsuspecting customers start grabbing up the chocolates -- the experimental results go right off the charts!

WICKEDLY DELICIOUS by Janelle Denison: Sensible Rebecca Moore impulsively decides to take up the offer of millionaire playboy Connor Bassett to have a wildly erotic fling.

CONSTANT CRAVING by Kate Hoffmann by Uptight Daniel Montgomery and free-spirited Carlie Pratt find out that opposites don't just attract, they set the sheets on fire!

SIMPLY SCRUMPTIOUS by Jacquie D'Alessandro by Kel Martin and Darcy Scott, who shared a one-night stand five years ago, are suddenly back in bed together -- and they can't get out!

Have a wonderful Valentine's Week! 

Quick review for a quick read. This is a prequel story for Crystal Green's "Aidan Falls" series, and it falls squarely within the realm of a new adult novella. The book revolves around Carley, a college dropout (who flunked her classes) returning home and feeling like an outcast, but suddenly realizing she has a secret admirer locally who connects with her online. Carley thinks it might be a guy she's currently setting her sights on, but the stranger may possibly be someone else who watches her from afar...

My problem with this narrative was that in conjunction with its brevity, it was just too shallow and cliche, skimming the surface on what could've felt like a fuller experience of the characters meeting and subsequently beginning a relationship. At the very least, I did like the idea(s) this narrative put forward, from Carley trying to adjust to coming home to interacting on a social media app for the tech age. I didn't really get a sense of who any of these characters were other than their cardboard, cookie cutter constructions though, and the scene transitions were not only mostly telling (not showing) details, but they were very awkward. Not to mention that I wasn't sure how I felt about the superfluous "pleasure" scene that was kind of thrown in here at the mention of Carley thinking about her mysterious admirer. I didn't get any sense of who this dude was, plus fantasizing about someone you don't even really know but think you do can have all kinds of repercussions. Was Carley even remotely creeped out about the fact that she didn't know who this dude was? I didn't get that impression at all.

I'm going to read the full novel "Honeytrap" to see how or if characterization improves there, but overall, I was underwhelmed with this read, but it was a quick one to peruse.

Overall score: 1.5/5 stars

Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher InterMix.

***ARC provided by publisher through NetGalley***

I wanted the book I read for my birthday to be worth reading on my birthday. This one wasn't. I gave up after just a few chapters, because the story simply didn't pull me in. I didn't like the beginning with Ben at the saloon or the two brothers, I didn't like the premise of the black sheep of the family looking for the good brother's one night stand...I just didn't care.