Back of Book: 

In this steamy rivals-to-lovers short story from New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey, a drama-loving camp counselor confronts the crush she’s been nursing for years on her gruff, rule-following fellow counselor.

Senior counselor Margot Berry is finally going to tell Dean Ingram how she feels. Sure, she’s been pranking him for eight years and they’ve formed something of a rivalry. But surely that will all be set aside when she fesses up to her crush, right? Wrong. Dean assumes her confession is just another prank. Can she convince him she’s for real before the camp session ends?

Tessa Bailey’s S’more of You is part of Summer Lovin’, a sweet and sultry collection of short summer romances that turn up the heat—and the heart. Read or listen to each short story in one easy, breezy sitting. And to fully immerse yourself in the flirty fun, try out the direct-to-listener audio experience.

Book Number: One 

Genre: Adult | Contemporary | Romance | Short Story 

Review: 🌟

A short story that exudes summer vibes due to it being a summer romance between two camp counselors. 

Margot Berry has had a crush on Dean Ingram for eight years. They first met at the very summer camp that they are now counselors at, but Margot still hasn't gotten the nerve to ask Dean out directly. Margot has been pranking Dean for as long as she can remember in the hopes that she'd get his attention, but alas, no takers. She assumes that things will go her way when she finally admits her feelings for him directly but when Dean assumes it's just another one of Margot's pranks, Margot gives up on the idea of ever pursuing him. That is, until Dean makes a move of his own. 

I figured I'd check out Amazon's newest summer collection of short stories while we are still in the right season, Unfortunately, I was quite sad to see that the first one was penned by Tessa Bailey. I haven't enjoyed any of her previous stories, so I wasn't expecting much going into this one. Sadly, it was worse than I expected. 

This story felt very juvenile. I was shocked that these characters are 21 years of age (like there is no way that these characters are older than I am!). They acted like petty teenagers who were too scared to admit their feelings for one another. Seriously, this story may have been cute if they were 15, but it is certainly not when they are 21. The fact that Margot has had a crush for eight years is just pathetic, and the way that Dean completely doesn't believe her is so childish. 

As usual, the sex scene was one of the most cringe things I've ever read. A grown woman wearing someone's boy's scout sash doesn't scream mature to me, and I certainly didn't appreciate just how brash Margot is. For a virgin, she certainly has bouts of extra confidence. The spicy scene certainly feels weird in a story that reads so juvenile. In my head, I know they are 21, but that just didn't feel right regardless. 

The ending was so bad I can't even. The way that Margot is planning out her entire life with this man she literally just confessed her feelings to and had sex with for the first time is bizarre. I can't believe that this was the note the story ended on, but whatever. 

Overall, "S'more of You" was another disappointing story by the one and only Tessa Bailey. I feel her Amazon Original Stories have garnered so much hate, it makes me wonder if anyone read them prepublication or if they just don't care about anyone's feedback and just published them anyway. This story was so juvenile, cringey, and cheesy; there wasn't a single part of it that I could take seriously. For such a short read, this one was quite painful to get through. Once more, I don't think I have any interest of reading Bailey's longer works. 

Back of Book: 

New York Times bestselling author Jessica Peterson’s short story of a ride through first love into forever follows a country music star who returns home for a family affair—and faces the cowboy who once watched her walk away.

Josie Reid abandoned her Texas hometown six years ago, when Weston Jessup chose his family’s ranch over her. Now a country music sensation, she’s back where it all started to officiate her brother’s wedding. Wes is the best man, and he’s determined to make things right. But can he convince Josie to give him another shot, or is their love song played out?

Jessica Peterson’s Save a Horse, Keep the Cowboy is part of Summer Lovin’, a sweet and sultry collection of short summer romances that turn up the heat—and the heart. Read or listen to each short story in one easy, breezy sitting.

Book Number: Two

Genre: Adult | Contemporary | Romance | Short Story 

Review: 🌟🌟

A second chance cowboy romance in which time reveals what is most important.

Josie Reid left her hometown six years ago to pursue her dreams as a country singer. Her boyfriend at the time, Weston Jessup, wasn't willing to come with her, so she left with a broken heart. Now, she is back for her brother's wedding. And of course, Weston is determined to win her heart back. When she sees that Weston isn't the boy she left behind, Josie may just give him a second chance.

After the first story in the "Summer Lovin'" collection, I was praying that the second installment would be better. It was, but it still wasn't my cup of tea.

The second chance vibes of this one is the only thing that saved it for me. Josie and Weston lust after each other immediately and make some comments about the other that would have been terrifying if they'd just met. Since they had years of chemistry prior to this story, I let it slide a little bit, but I still didn't like the direction their thoughts went immediately.

I did appreciate the themes of growing up and learning to prioritize what's most important. Weston was too scared to admit to his family that he was willing to try to pursue a career in music and that he loved his high school sweetheart enough to change the trajectory of his life. He knows that he messed up and actually works to better himself before Josie returns, which is quite the feat, honestly, I thought it was a bit thick how he proclaimed that he did everything for her, but I guess sometimes love may actually do that to a person in real life.

If this one would of had a cringey sex scene, I could have seen my rating drop even more. I was surprised to note that this one was actually closed door (despite them doing the deed out in the pasture). I wasn't expecting a closed door romances, so I found it to be a pleasant surprise.

Overall, "Save a Horse, Keep the Cowboy" wasn't to my liking. It was a bit too insta-lust for me, even though I kept telling myself it's a second chance romance and these two have history that I didn't get to see. I appreciated some of the themes and the fact that it was closed door, but everything else just flew over my head. I'd definitely give this author another chance, but I don't know if cowboy stories are really for me.

Audiobook Note: This one is narrated by Amanda Stribling and Nick J. Russo. I appreciated that these two both used southern accents to bring this Texas cowboy romance to life. This immersive experience was definitely my favorite part of engaging in this story.

Back of Book: 

A surprise invitation from her estranged bestie whisks one woman away to a destination wedding, where her past and possible future collide, in this forced-proximity short story from USA Today bestselling author Falon Ballard.

It’s been ten years since Lucy last saw her childhood friend, but when she’s invited to Sara’s Costa Rica wedding, she can’t say no. She starts wishing she had, though, after running into Beckett, Sara’s still-hot older brother. He and Lucy are stuck sharing a hotel room. It doesn’t take long for old feelings—and old wounds—to resurface. But maybe this time, something new will blossom too.

Falon Ballard’s One Hot Summer Wedding is part of Summer Lovin’, a sweet and sultry collection of short summer romances that turn up the heat—and the heart. Read or listen to each short story in one easy, breezy sitting.

Book Number: Three

Genre: Adult | Contemporary | Romance | Short Story 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

A best friend's brother romance that takes place in the scenic wedding destination of Costa Rica.

Lucy isn't sure why she is attending her ex-best friend's wedding. After all, Sara ghosted her ten years ago. For some reason, Lucy still feels as though she has to attend when Sara finally reaches out again. When she runs into Sara's brother, Beckett, Lucy wonders if she can return home without anyone noticing. Unfortunately, she's here for the long haul and it appears that she now has to share a room with Beckett. Secrets from years past are revealed that has Lucy questioning everything.

After the first two stories in this collection, I was seriously doubting that this one had any potential. It ended up actually being pretty cute though.

I'll start by saying that Costa Rica being the setting of this one helped. I once went to Costa Rica to attend a wedding myself, so this story brought back a ton of memories. It was fun seeing Lucy interact with sloths and butterflies. She even tested herself by going zip lining! I didn't embark on any such activities myself while I was there, so it was cool seeing a more adventurous take on this vacation destination.

Lucy and Beckett sounded like they had a very solid relationship as kids. I actually thought it was super mature of Beckett to wait on his feelings for Lucy until after she graduated high school, as he was several years her senior and didn't want anything to be gross or weird between them. It was such a bummer that Sara had to meddle in everything, as these two could have been together so many years ago.

Speaking of Sara, she's truly an awful best friend and sister. To lie to two of the people who are most important to her is just plain cruel. I fear it would be hard to forgive Sara after everything she has done, but kudos to Lucy and Beckett for trying. I mean, they did ditch her wedding early though, so that seems like pretty solid payback.

Overall, "One Hot Summer Wedding" is exactly as the title says. It features a summery destination wedding in Costa Rica, which makes for some great vibes. Lucy and Beckett seem like a solid enough couple, and I found their adventures they went on together to be sweet. I can't say this story is anything too special, but I'm happy to announce that this story didn't make me blacklist the author!

Audiobook Note: This entire story is told from Lucy's PoV, so it is solely narrated by Marjorie Lakewood. I really liked their narration of this one; it was super easy on the ears. The voice they used for Beckett was quite good, and the Spanish accents they gave the Costa Ricans was solid. I'd definitely listen to their work again.

Back of Book: 

While vacationing at a lakefront house with her friends, a woman prepares to risk it all for the one that got away, in this second-chance sapphic romance from award-winning author Rachel Lacey.

All Morgan wants is a relaxing day on the water. Instead, she accepts a “yes day” challenge that results in a series of increasingly flirty encounters with the beautiful woman she kissed eight years ago. This challenge—and Juliette—will push Morgan out of her comfort zone, but if she succeeds, she might get to say yes to something even more unexpected: love.

Rachel Lacey’s Girls Just Wanna Have Sun is part of Summer Lovin’, a sweet and sultry collection of short summer romances that turn up the heat—and the heart. Read or listen to each short story in one easy, breezy sitting.

Book Number: Four

Genre: Adult | Contemporary | Romance | LGBTQIA+ | Short Story 

Review: 🌟🌟

A sapphic summer romance in which two women get their second chance at love.

Morgan was hoping for a relaxing day at the pool with her friends. However, when her friend dares her to go talk to the gorgeous women she kissed eight years ago who also happens to be Morgan's bisexual awakening, Morgan finds herself paddle boarding with Juliette. Juliette is a bit annoyed that she's spending her last day on vacation teaching reluctant Morgan how to paddle board. When a storm sweeps through, the women find themselves stuck together on a small island with nothing but time.

Yeah, I'm really starting to think that this collection was written in a matter of days with very little advanced reading and/or feedback. I mean, this story was barely even a romance! *head in hands*

Neither woman is overly likable in this story, but they definitely don't pair well as a romantic couple. This could have been a really sweet start to a lasting friendship, but I have my doubts that these two will make it as a couple. Juliette spent half of this story completely annoyed at Morgan, and Morgan hates nature, which is like half of Juliette's personality. It just doesn't seem like a strong start for them.

This one is also way too instalove for me. Yes, these two technically met eight years ago (I'm starting to get fed up with everyone meeting eight years ago for no reason), but this is the first time they are actively talking to one another. At the end, they both agree that they love each other and that they were going to make this work. Mega oof. Let's just say I wasn't a fan.

The only positive thing that I can say about this one is that it nailed the summer vibes. Paddle boarding amongst friends is definitely a summer activity. And I guess there's also a finicky dog if you're an animal lover.

Overall, "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" was a cheesy summer story that had very few romantic elements. Juliette and Morgan read as frenemies at best, so I found this one to feel more like to friends chilling who just happened to kiss a few times. This felt very weak for a romance collection, but kudos for it being sapphic.

Audiobook Note: I was actually surprised to learn that this one was narrated by two separate performers, Quinn Riley and Emily Lawrence. Their voices were quite similar, but they each have a unique cadence to their voices. I honestly couldn't tell you who voiced which girl, because I wasn't invested enough in the story to care.

Back of Book: 

In Sarah Grunder Ruiz’s sweet summer fling of a short story, a neurodivergent heroine meets a kind out-of-towner who’s just what she needs to shake up her life—and makes her feel like she’s finally on solid ground.

If you ask Beck Penrose, Florida summers aren’t relaxing so much as roller coasters of sensory overload. But her nervous system settles down with Lucas Holiday, a travel blogger who gets her like no one else does. It’s easy to say yes to living like tourists for a weekend. But it’s harder to say goodbye when that weekend comes to an end.

Sarah Grunder Ruiz’s Summer Staycation is part of Summer Lovin’, a sweet and sultry collection of short summer romances that turn up the heat—and the heart. Read or listen to each short story in one easy, breezy sitting.

Book Number: Five

Genre: Adult | Contemporary | Romance | Short Story 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

A neurospicy woman decides to embark on a weekend out with a professional travel planner. 

Beck Penrose is a marine biologist who loves sea turtles and finds her fellow humans way too stimulating. She finds herself willing to put aside her complaints about her fellow humans when she meets Lucas Holiday, a travel blogger who explores the world and strives to find the best sort of vacations for everyone. When Lucas asks Beck to a weekend out, Beck is surprised that she finds herself saying yes. Now, Lucas is determined to give Beck a weekend she will remember. 

I’ve never read anything by Ruiz before, but I might have to. I was surprised that I found a neurodivergent main character in this series of short stories; it seems out of character, but I’m not complaining! If Ruiz is known for writing romance novels with neurodivergent main characters, I may end up being a huge fan of their work! 

I found Beck to be an extremely relatable main character. She’s often overstimulated by her surroundings, she’d prefer a quiet night in to an exciting night out, and she’s a big fan of marine life. Lucas is an extremely charming love interest for this short story. He not only puts Beck’s needs first (even though she is a near stranger), but he goes to such lengths to plan a weekend experience that is perfect for her. 

The ending of this one was a tad interesting, but I’m glad they didn’t confess their undying love for the other and move in together immediately. This story takes a more realistic approach, while still presenting the hope that these two may find a happily ever after together. 

Overall, “Summer Staycation” was a sweet story that features a lovable neurodivergent FMC and a MMC that is willing to put in the work to please her. I thought this one was a fun summer story and that it didn’t take itself too seriously while still remaining realistic. I think I need to check out more of Ruiz’s work because I see the potential of their writing!

Back of Book: 

In USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Jenshak’s short story about a clash of captains, team leaders for a men’s and women’s hockey team are forced together, while keeping their players in line—and their feelings in check.

Hattie Cannon’s sure Colin Jettson hates her. Colin is happy to let her believe it. It’s easier that way. That is until a summer hockey camp puts them in the same hotel. Keeping their college teams focused is one thing; keeping things civil is another. Good sportsmanship is a start, but what Hattie and Colin really need is to throw out the rulebook and play their own game.

Rebecca Jenshak’s Summer Thaw is part of Summer Lovin’, a sweet and sultry collection of short summer romances that turn up the heat—and the heart. Read or listen to each short story in one easy, breezy sitting.

Book Number: Six (Last Book) 

Genre: Adult | Contemporary | Romance | Short Story 

Review: 🌟🌟

A short story that features two young hockey players who come to realize they’ve liked each other for a while now. 

Hattie Cannon is convinced that Colin Jettson hates her. Hattie has thought that Colin is cute for a while, but she had her ex-boyfriend to consider. Now that Colin’s teammate is officially out of Hattie’s life, Colin finds that he is finally allowed to show Hattie his true colors. 

This is my first experience with Rebecca Jenshak and I can’t say I was all that enthused. Her sense of humor was alright, but this is literally one of the least original stories I’ve ever read. I haven’t read that many hockey romances, and this one seems exactly like all the others, just only 49 pages long. 

The plot of this one is so boring. I’ve read plenty of hockey romances in which the girl is dating one member of the team and another member is crushing on her. This concept can be really fun and cute if done correctly, but with such a short page count, I found this one to just be plain boring. 

Hattie and Colin are typical characters that one isn’t going to remember much about for long. They are the team captain of their respective teams, and they take hockey very seriously. Despite this, they are willing to put their relationship first. I didn’t find either of them to be overly likable, but I didn’t hate them either. 

Overall, “Summer Thaw” is a very stereotypical hockey romance that doesn’t take any chances. The plot was very uninspired and there was nothing unique about the characters. The sense of humor was decent, but that’s about it. I won’t be avoiding this author, but I won’t be actively seeking them out either.