Jack's unselfish love for his daughter leads him to discovering a new type of love for his future.

Ava's Haven by Jules Bennett
Olivia founded Ava's Haven years ago to help pregnant teens. Her own history fueled her need to help others. Colin reappears in her life and wakes up her dormant emotions and also reminds her of past mistakes that can't be changed.

This story reminds us that forgiveness plays a very important role in our lives, especially the ability to forgive ourselves.

Skin Deep by Heidi Betts
Several years after Mac left the bright world of glamour, designer drugs and unlimited booze he is confronted by a woman from that time. Supermodel Sophie is trying to restart her career after being burned in an apartment fire. She wants Mac to create a new portfolio of portraits since he is the best in the business.

In this story we read about the importance of loving ourselves for what we've accomplished and not obsessing over past mistakes.

Atticus Gets a Mommy by Ann Christopher
A car accident left Keenan with no use of his legs and limited us of his arms and hands. Colleague and past girlfriend Diana shows up at Keenan's sisters wedding with a date and stirs Keenan's jealousy. What's a girl to do when the man she loves tells her to find somebody who can give her all she needs?

This book reminds me of that saying, "If you love something, set it free; if it comes back it is yours, if not it never was." Keenan thought he was doing the right thing by backing away from his relationship with Diana, but loves knows no boundaries.

The Redemption of Brodie Grant by Lisa Cooke
Brodie was accused of a crime as a teen that drove him out of town. He's back now for his sister's wedding and to help his mother on the ranch and knows the townspeople still hold resentment towards him. When Maggie, the sister of his new brother-in-law disappears, Brodie must utilize his acquired tracking skills in the search for her. Saving her life opens up new possibilities for them if they can put their past behind them.

Forgiveness and perseverance play important roles in this story as lies are exposed and the truth revealed.

The Wolf Watcher's Diet by Paige Cuccaro
Ella wrecks her car after swerving to avoid a large dog in the road and winds up in a ditch. When her rescuer tries to turn her into a kidnapping victim, she is saved by the same dog. Waking up hearing voices in her head makes Ella realize her whole life has dramatically changed.

I loved the humor infused into this story as Ella learns to love herself as she is. Luke's unwavering support helps Ella as she navigates the transition from human to wolf and hopefully back to human.

A Fairy Precious Love by Gia Dawn
Fairy Summer lost her wings as a teenager and now devotes her days to helping other fairies who have lost their wings and must learn to live on the ground. Her latest patient is the king's niece. Summer and the king used to be childhood sweethearts but Summer knew Wolf must marry a fairy with full use of her wings. When tragedy strikes Wolf, Summer has to reevaluate her plans for the future.

Summer's unselfish love for Wolf causes their separation and his love for Summer leads him to make changes in the fairy mindset. The love they share transcends time.

Second Time Around by HelenKay Dimon
After an accident cancelled his athletic career, single dad Heath settled in his hometown with his uncle to raise Nate, his son. Serena carried a crush on Heath as a teenager and she moved back to town a year ago, managing to avoid Heath until Nate was placed in her class. Now Heath has plans to undo the damage he inflicted as a self-important teenager.

Heath's love for his son and uncle helped him to grow up and realize his past mistakes. Serena youthful infatuation with Heath caused insecurities in herself. Time spent apart has matured both Heath and Serena allowing them to realize that true love endures forever, if given the chance.

All eight stories showcase the different types of love families share. All shared that wonderful feeling of love, whether it was the love between a man and woman, parent and child, or other family relationship. Some of the stories were humorous and others told of a past tragedy that took love to fully heal. Reading this book reminds me of what I love about romance - that pleasant feeling of happiness and belief that everyone deserves and can have their own happily ever after.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Lisa Freeman
June 16, 2010