Review: California Dreamin' Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology Book 11)

California Dreamin' Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology Book 11)

ebook, 350 pages, published April 2015 by Mirror Press 

Source: I received a copy from an author in exchange for an honest review

My Rating: 5 Stars

(my reviews are after each description) 

Description:

Six brand new contemporary romance novellas with bestselling and award winning authors.

In the sweet novella TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE by Heather B. Moore, Gwen uses her wedding photography business to keep her life simple and focus on something other than her own broken heart. When Jack, a guy too handsome for his own good, helps her clean up after a photoshoot, then asks her out, she doesn’t know if she can handle dating again. But Jack’s charm wins her over, and she agrees to meet him for dinner. The more she gets to know Jack, the more she likes him, but everything about him seems too good to be true. 

I love it when a normal, everyday girl meets a dream guy and doesn't even know it! Gwen is very down to earth and focused on her photography business, but she can't help but notice good looking Jack. He's charming and everything about him really does seem too good to be true, but he's only human. The way the interest in each other builds is utterly delightful. I loved his adorable sister almost as much as I loved Jack and Gwen is just as sweet as can be! This is a darling story set in a fun setting.

GONE FISHING, a charming novella by Kaylee Baldwin, follows Claire as she tries to convince her dad to leave his start-up company as a boat guide and come back home to Colorado. He’s the only one who can defend Claire against her domineering mother. But when she arrives at the San Diego harbor, she’s met with more than one surprise. First, that her dad is truly living his dream and has never been happier, and second, she’s unexpectedly attracted to his business partner, Miguel.

I love the ocean and a story with a strong presence on a boat was just perfect for me! Claire needs her dad to come home, but is surprised to meet his partner, who knows a lot about her. First meetings aren't also a good indicator of how a relationship will be because things sure didn't start out on a great foot for Claire and Miguel! Another charming story is found in this one and I devoured every minute of it.
 
In THE PIER CHANGES EVERYTHING, an enchanting novella by Annette Lyon, Alexandria has one last task to perform for her late husband, who died much too young: scatter his ashes in the Pacific Ocean. She goes to the Santa Monica Pier to do just that, but her plans get sidetracked after meeting Michael and feeling an immediate connection to him. They grab lunch, and the more time they spend together, the more they discover that they have in common—including past romantic hardships. As the day wears on, Alexandria begins learn that her heart just might be able to find love again.

Second chances are so romantic. Michael and Alexandria both have pasts to recover from and after spending a day together, find comfort in each other and in a surprise revelation. This story is filled with nostalgic moments, as well as hope for the future and really tugged on my heartstrings.
In Jennifer Moore’s captivating novella A HERO’S SONG, AnneMarie’s career as a romance novelist is skyrocketing and her agent books her on a late night talk show. The host gets her to admit that she was in love once, with a guitar player. Moments after her segment, Lance Holden appears on the same stage, to perform his newest song. Is it a terrible coincidence? AnneMarie hasn’t seen Lance ever since he broke her heart ten years ago, and she has refused to think about him again. Their lives are worlds apart, but as Lance tries to reconcile with AnneMarie, she finds herself taking a second chance. 

Once again, I love a good second chance story and this one fit the bill perfectly! AnneMarie, a romance novelist, reconnects with her former love, guitar player, Lance, on a talk show. Can you say sparks?! I love the way he tries to win her over with music and the journey they take to find reconciliation.
In STAY WITH ME, an endearing novella by Shannon Guymon, Jolie moves to L.A. to take on a nanny position for the summer, since apparently having a degree in art doesn’t translate to getting a job as a graphic designer. When Fitz, the family’s chauffeur, picks her up at the airport, she wonders if every man in LA is model-gorgeous. When Jolie meets her two charges, she finds them adorable and needy. But it’s harder to hold onto her job than she thought with a hostile Mrs. James and her spoiled brother. Fitz becomes both the silver lining of her job and the man who just might convince her to stay in L.A.

I've always wondered what it would be like to go out of state to nanny and felt that the experience Jolie had was so romantic--and scary! I was living vicariously through her. I would hate to work for someone as mean as Mrs. James, but to have a fun, flirtatious fling with the chauffeur would make it totally worth it. Fitz is darling and I loved the way Jolie worms her way into the hearts of her charges in a snap.
In the delightful novella, A PLACE TO CALL HOME, by Sarah M. Eden, Ada is the best realtor around. The best. She prides herself in matching each client with the house that will fit all of their needs. She hasn’t failed yet. So when Craig hires her to find him the perfect condo for him and his son, Ada is up for the challenge. What she may not be prepared for is her unforeseen attraction to Craig, her immediate attachment to his nine-year-old son, and her heart telling her that it’s okay to take another chance.  

I need a friend like Ada in my life! She's a dream realtor and such a sweet person and friend. Craig hires her to find the perfect place for him and his son, but she doesn't count on finding a place in her heart for this incredible duo. I loved these characters and their fun personalities. I think these kind of people totally make a story that much more enjoyable.

OVERALL REVIEW:

I love California and having a whole anthology set in this fabulous setting was absolutely brilliant! I love the way each story had a similar thread, yet were each so different. And oh, so good! I loved meeting each of these couples and wished each and every story could be full-length, as I was completely enamored with every single one of them. This is one of my favorite anthologies to date and my heart was pounding with romantic anticipation throughout the whole thing. This is perfect for fans of sweet and clean romances, with nothing more than kissing, and each story can be read in a sitting. I always plan on savoring them, but end up devouring the whole book. I love these authors!

Buy Links: