Two More Days
Authors: Aileen Erin, Alessandra Torre, Chanda Hahn, Charleigh Rose, Colleen Hoover, Dominique Laura, Eric R. Asher, Ilsa Madden-Mills, Jennifer Wilson, Jessica Hawkins, Jewel E. Ann, K. Bromberg, Kandi Steiner, Karina Halle, Katie Ashley, Kelsie Stelting, Laurelin Paige, Leia Stone, Lexi Ryan, Lora Richardson, M. Robinson, Marni Mann, Max Monroe, Meagan Brandy, Micalea Smeltzer, Dr. Rebecca Sharp, R.K. Lilley, S.J. West, Tijan, Willow Aster
Publication Date: October 24, 2021
Genre: Anthologies, Contemporary Romance
Rating: Each short story is rated below.
Synopsis:
The Bookworm Box is proud to present Two More Days, our second anthology installment. Much like the first installment, Two More Days is an exciting and unique reading experience with contributions from several of our charity’s featured authors. Each author was given the same first sentence. Where they took that sentence was completely up to them.
Every story is different. No story is related.
The only thing these stories have in common is their starting point. Each author showcased in this anthology was featured in The Bookworm Box in 2020. Each author has graciously donated their story so that 100% of profits from this anthology will be going to the various charities The Bookworm Box is able to support because of you, the readers.
Before I start my review of this anthology, I would like to point out (as the blurb did) that all profits from this book goes to charity. It’s available in paperback from The Bookworm Box or ebook from Amazon. It’s also in Kindle Unlimited. Every story starts out with the same first line. My mini reviews are in order the novellas are in the book. Also, I didn’t read all of the novellas. Some were fantasy/paranormal and I wasn’t interested. They are marked “Did Not Read”. Nothing against the authors, the writing, or anything. They just weren’t my thing.
Tequila Mate by Katie Ashley – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I was not familiar with the Running Mate series before reading this novella, but I didn’t have to be. That’s a big plus for me. I could jump right in and not feel like I was missing anything. It also had a flashback that felt natural in the story rather than taking me away from what was currently going on. That was another big plus. The third big plus was that things between Selah and Stuart may have escalated quickly, but it was done in a way that felt true to the characters and their feelings for each other.
Always Cake by Max Monroe – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
How is that Max Monroe can write a novella that is basically two chapters and still make me laugh and swoon? It was so short, but felt complete. That’s not to say I wouldn’t want more of this story. I totally would!
Confessions by Laura Richardson – ★ ★ ★ ★
This novella was a lot heavier and sadder than I expected. It’s about a girl whose brother is in jail for killing a man. That man is her love interest’s older brother. She’s been avoiding him and he tries to reconnect with her. The writing was good, but I wasn’t a fan of the flashback in it. It was such an indepth story, I felt like it needed a full length book.
Heels Over Head in Love by Willow Aster – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This one was over before I was ready for it to be. This novella is sort of a spin-off of Willow Aster and Laura Pavlov’s G.D. Taylors series. I ADORED that series, so this was fun. There were some good cameos. I also loved how accident prone Hazel was. I really want this to turn into a full length romance in the future for Hazel Taylor and Brady Barnes!
Second Summer by Laurelin Paige – ★ ★ ★ ★
I’m not sure what to think of this one… It was a little odd, but I guess it’s part of a humorous comedy called Dating Season where Chloe tries to get over her crush on her roommate by finding love. I think I would read more about Chloe since this book was funny in an awkward way.
Protected by Dr. Rebecca Sharp – Did Not Read
The Vanished by Jennifer Wilson – Did Not Read
The Shelby by Jewel E. Ann – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I didn’t quite know what to think of this one at first, but I ended up loving it. The story of Shelby was unique, interesting, and entertaining.
Sunshine Rae by Kandi Steiner – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I don’t have much to say about this one, but I ended up really loving it.
From Friends to This by Dominique Laura – ★ ★ ★ ★
I enjoyed this one, but I wanted more from it. It just gave me a little taste and didn’t feel like a full rounded novella.
The Kiss by M. Robinson – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was a hilariously cute novella about a couple attending pregnancy class. I hadn’t read anything by Robinson before and this was an update to an already established couple. That didn’t matter and I would be interested in going back and reading their book now.
Stone Heart by S.J. West – Did Not Read
Without Yesterday by Lexi Ryan – ★ ★ ★ ★
I wasn’t so sure about this one. It got a little too close to making me uncomfortable before turning into something I loved. I need to remember to go back and read Krystal’s book now.
Good Girl Gone Bad by R.K. Lilley – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I read R.K. Lilley for the first time earlier this year, but I had forgotten about it. This novella made me want to read more! I loved the whole set up with Leona and Fitz. Can we please get a book for them?
Of Potions and Poison by Chanda Hahn – Did Not Read
Breaking the Rules by Charleigh Rose – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Coop and Reid were awesome. I loved this novella. I ended it wishing it was a full novel.
Stray by Jessica Hawkins – ★ ★ ★ ★
This one surprised me. The way it was written was pretty genius. I still wasn’t a big fan of Pierce cheating the way he did (cheating not really included in the novella), but it ended up working out for me.
A Home for Hobgoblins by Eric R. Asher – Did Not Read
Falling for My Stepbrother by Kelsey Stetling – ★ ★ ★ ★
A YA book about a girl meeting her stepbrother without knowing who he is and falling for him. It was actually adorable.
When Fire Strikes by Marni Mann – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I don’t think I’ve read this author before. Why have I not read this author before? This was cute. It was about two roommates who go on a date. It made me want to read more.
Armageddon, Again by Aileen Erin – Did Not Read
Strike One by Meagan Brandy – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I loved this one! I read Dirty Curve, so it was nice to be back in this world. I didn’t want it to end for Nova and X, so it was good to learn they’re getting a full book.
Office Hours by Alessandra Torre – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was probably the steamiest in the book. It was an adult college student and her adjunct professor. Not always my favorite trope, but it worked here. As always, Alessandra Torre killed it.
Pineapple by Leia Stone – ★ ★ ★ ★
This was a vampire/human romance. Normally, I wouldn’t have read it, but I got sucked in at the beginning. I ended up enjoying it.
Sincerely, Dane by Ilsa Madden-Mills – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Ilsa Madden-Mills made this novella so much fun! I loved the Halloween costumes and the mission the characters were on. The romance was super cute, too. I would read a whole book. It also combines two of her book worlds, so fans will like that.
Dark Eyes by Karina Halle – ★ ★ ★ ★
Another vampire story, but not a romance. This was another that pulled me in when I didn’t expect it to. I could actually see myself reading the related books.
What If… by K. Bromberg – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I wish this was a full length book! I loved the story of how a fortune teller foretold Sky what was going to happen about her wedding. I also loved how everything played out. It was so cute!
When It Happens by Micalea Smeltzer – ★ ★ ★ ★
This was a cute story about a girl in a small town falling for an actor when he comes to town to shoot a movie. It did need a little better editing because a chapter was out of place and confused me.
F*ck by Tijan – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was an intro for a future soccer romance for Tysen and Kase. It has me excited for what’s to come. I’m hoping their book is coming sooner than later! It was typical Tijan and I loved it!
The Dress by Colleen Hoover – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I’m not sure what I was expecting from Colleen Hoover, but it wasn’t this novella! It was such a good story with a great message. I especially loved the dinner scene!