A No-Drama Valentine's by Leslie Esdaile introduces us to Jocelyn Jefferson and her "sistas", who are all single and sick of the "Hallmark Holiday." They decide to treat themselves to a "Pamper Party" with the works, which will be held at Jocelyn's apartment. She goes to great expense and trouble to have the best party ever - only to have her friends back out on her at the last minute and it's too late to get a refund on the Pamper Party team, as they are already in route! The Pamper Party turns into a pity party, which turns into a Pamper Party, which turns in a very loud big party with a ton of strangers in her apartment. This is a Valentines Day she won't soon forget - it's the day that she gets arrested - and meets the hunkiest man she's ever seen in her life!!

Valentine Survivor by Susanna Carr is the story of Shanna Murphy, a woman bound and determined to have a romantic Valentine's Day, no matter what! She's prepared for any contingent except for the restaurant being closed down by the Health Department and no reservations available at any other restaurant, her date backing out at the last minute, being told she has to work late on Valentine's Day and oh, yeah... The highlight of her day is when she finds her boss .... dead at her desk, with Shanna as the only suspect. The only possible bright spot is her ex-boyfriend is back in the picture, but for how long?

Valentine's Day is Killing Me has its ups and downs. The comedic parts are laugh-out-loud funny and there is a ton of steam, but parts of the novellas felt rushed and very confusing - almost as if the authors were approaching their word limit. All in all, a fun read but a tad disappointing

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Pam
March 3, 2005