Beach Blanket Bad Boys

Batteries Not Required by Linda Lael Miller

Gayle Hayes is back in Parable on business for her mother. The last person she wants to see on this little trip is Triston McCullough, but Gayle knows she couldn’t get so lucky as to avoid him. One look at Triston, and Gayle’s carefully crafted walls come tumbling down; it has always been this way between them. The fact that he cheated on her all those years ago (which was the reason she left Parable in the first place) doesn’t stop her from falling into his arms at the first invitation. Just what will Gayle do when she learns that her reasons for leaving back then weren’t really what she thought?

Batteries Not Requiredis a hot little story that answers the question, ‘Can you go home again?’ Gayle does go home and what she discovers is things aren’t always what you thought they were.

Sara Smiles by Alison Kent

Sara and Jax have been together for three years. Several months ago, she made a decision which she now has come to deeply regret. What Sara and Jax had between them was so great that one might even say that it was perfect. But when he proposed marriage, Sara let fear answer for her instead of listening to her heart. All around them, their friends were miserable and divorcing. Sara didn’t want that to happen to them, so she said no to Jax’s proposal. Now she’s changed her mind, or rather a new development has helped her to see the light. All she has to do now is convince Jax that she’s sincere…

For some reason Sara Smiles touched my heart. Sara and Jax are the perfect couple, but she let her insecurities cloud their relationship. Now that she’s ready for more, Jax is suspicious of her motives. Ms. Kent’s way with words is just impressive.

Seducing Tabby by Lucy Monroe

Tabby is used to men using the pretense of getting close to her in order to gather information on her prettier and more social sister. So when a new, gorgeous, enigmatic Englishman appears to be really interested in her, Tabby doesn't know what to do with him.

Calder Maxwell is genuinely interested in Tabby. She's not his usual type, but there's just something about her that Calder can't ignore. Just how he'll go about undoing years of damage done by other callous men and helping her overcome her obvious self-esteem issues, he doesn't know. Perhaps with a little convincing, Tabby will see herself as she really is.

I really enjoyed reading Seducing Tabby. It isn’t every day that the full-figured girl gets the hot, gorgeous guy. Seducing Tabby is funny and sweet, and Ms. Monroe has done an excellent job with this short story.

Captivated by Jill Shalvis

Wanting one another has never been a problem for Ella and James. It's all the things that go on in a marriage outside of the bedroom that continue to be an issue for them. James is constantly worried about Ella in the career she has chosen; Ella desperately wants to feel needed and her job gives her purpose. James gives her an ultimatum, or at least what she sees as one. To Ella, James is forcing her to choose between her job and him. Having reacted badly to this confrontation, James leaves her. Ella suffers, but refuses to admit it. She has her job and that is enough. At the very least she thinks she'll accept what must be, but a chance encounter with James changes all that. Here's a husband and wife who can't keep their hands or thoughts off the other, but will they be smart enough to bend a little before they lose each other forever?

Captivated is a thought-provoking story that readers are sure to take pleasure in reading. Ella loves James unconditionally, but doesn’t believe he feels the same. Ms. Shalvis has delivered a story that is high in emotion and in spirit.

Sister Switch by Susanna Carr

Tracey has always been the twin with a plan. This time, she wants Jessica to stand in for her at her wedding rehearsal so she can finalize the scheme that will make the wedding not necessary at all. Everyone knows there's no love between Tracey and her intended; their marriage is nothing more than a business merger. But as always, Tracey is one step ahead of the rest.

Tracey's supposed plan has disastrous results. As Tracey struggles to get to the wedding, she runs into none other than Nicholas Taggert, her groom's best man and her ex-lover. Nick isn't fooled for a second by Tracey's latest stunt. Having been intimate with her, he definitely knows the difference between her and her twin sister, Jessica. Now Nick and Tracey are trapped in the honeymoon suite together, and Nick is all too willing to play...

With a classic Susanna Carr flair, Sister Switch is humorous and excellent reading. Tracey is her own worst enemy, but she’s definitely determined. Nicholas is smart enough to allow Tracey enough space to sink herself, all the while hoping that in the end he can convince her that they’re meant to be together. Any book by Susanna Carr is sure be to your liking, and this one is a great example.

Spencer For…Ever by Morgan Leigh

Kip Spencer is none too happy to see Arden Prescott back in town. She's been gone for ten years and he wishes that she would have just stayed gone. They fought badly the last time he saw her. Arden has always been so sweet and trusting - the very things they fought over - but then she left and hasn't been back since. Kip sees her and remembers all the love he once felt for her. There is no way that he is going to allow her to have that kind of hold over him ever again. That is, until Arden kisses him, and he feels as if he's caught between heaven and hell. Unfortunately, she senses and sees his conflicted emotions and runs from him. Kip can't live with the shame he sees in Arden's eyes, and he knows he'll have to do something about it. As he sets out to apologize to her, Arden suddenly stumbles into danger. Will Kip lose his chance to be with the only woman he's ever loved?

Spencer For…Ever is a quick read, with a nostalgic twist. Ms. Leigh has given readers enough background about the characters that their reunion is realistic. Arden is a spunky heroine that is fun to read about. She might have been mild-mannered once, but all that’s changed. I’ve always loved any book by Morgan Leigh’s and Spencer For…Ever is no different.

Beach Blanket Bad Boys combines the stories of six authors with amazing talent. Each story is different in its own right, yet blends together perfectly as a whole. There’s something for everyone here, and I know you'll enjoy this variety of styles and subjects. Passionate affairs of the heart are the ongoing theme of these stories and each is resolved in a satisfying way. Every author does an impressive job of setting the scene, establishing the characters and presenting a story that readers will definitely to take pleasure in.

Reviewed by: Jaymi