Spring Fling: A New Adult Anthology (2014) - Plot & Excerpts
I received an advanced copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review. I have to say, I was not disappointed. One of my very favorite authors, Julia Kent is featured in the book with her novella “Share Me”. Let me tell you, in my opinion, the book is worth it for her story alone. She has such wonderful character development and has a way of drawing you into the story almost from word one. You’ve also got three other very talented writers bringing you three more excellent novellas. I wasn’t familiar with the other writers before this book, but after reading it, I am definitely a fan of each of them now. With New Orleans Mardi Gras as a backdrop, these stories take you on four incredible journeys that will have you hanging on every word and rooting for that happy ending every time. These stories are all intriguing, endearing, sexy, and beyond HOT! You can’t go wrong with this one! Do yourself a favor and read it! *I received an ARC of this book in exchange for this honest review*Spring Fling is a fun and wild ride – just like Spring Break should be!There is a real art to presenting either a good anthology or a quality novella. To achieve both is even more challenging – but Avon Impulse most certainly achieved that here. This anthology presents four new adult novellas centered on New Orleans at Spring Break. Each installment is developed well and provides hot, instant interest in the main characters, while still giving the fun-size of a novella. The way each story has a consistent sweet thread makes it even more delightful and therein brings the joy of a great anthology. Another important part of anthology is that I introduce you to authors you didn’t know before. And, boy, does this do that! I came for Julia Kent, but I stayed for the other three great authors.I have been very impressed with how Avon Impulse has embraced the fun and adventurous side of this new generation of romance writers and readers. Keeping with that trend, there's nothing "traditional" about this anthology, except in the best ways possible – by playing off some favorite classic plots and bringing them each a new, sexy, and modern twist. Each novella is great and I was very impressed overall. Below is my review of each piece:Share me – 5 Stars - It's about time a traditional publisher recognized the genius that is Julia Kent. She's been rocking readers' worlds for a while now and seeing her included in this Avon Impulse anthology is a brilliant move by them indeed. I love all that she writes, but Ms. Kent has a special gift for creating layered, unique, and sexy new adult stories that stick with you long after they're done. Share Me is no exception! This novella is hot, hot, hot, but also thoughtful and intriguing in the best way.Emma is complex and a bit unlikeable at first, but her unfair dumping at the hands of a guy she gave too much of her life to, and her ensuing path of self discover with not one, but two, mysterious international men, is fabulous. My only complaint is not really one at all – I need more! I am sending a silent plea now to beg Ms. Kent to keep this story going – while still bringing me all the other books in her other series that I am desperately panting for from her.Shake Me – 4 Stars - This is just the sweetest story, with sexual tension and descriptive writing to keep you up all night. I have a deep love of stories of boys with secret crushes on the girl next door, and, oh my, does Travis bring that. Light but fun and very well written, I enjoyed this, as well.Show Me – 5 Stars - I am obsessed with the classic Pygmalion/My Fair Lady trope. You tell me someone is grooming another character for love or sex and I am there! Yet Show Me is so much more than that. Dual POV is used to perfection to tweak this story in that that "artist" was in love with his "creation" all along. I am looking forward to finding some time to reread this one, because I love it.Shock me – 4 Stars – W hat New Orleans based anthology would be complete without some masks and wild passion in the French Quarter? Callie has convinced herself she loves her best friend Ryder and will finally take matters into her own "good girl" hands behind the comfort of a mask. She's not prepared for Ryder's devastatingly hot bad-boy brother, Liam, and trust me, he's not ready for her either. Loads of fun, if light on conflict and angst, I still adored it.
What do You think about Spring Fling: A New Adult Anthology (2014)?
I bought this to read the Julia Kent story, but liked the others, too. 3 to 3-1/2 stars each.
—Bayan
wished some of the stories would continue.
—Sarah
Only read: Show Me by Catheryn Fox
—PaintingKnight
