Love Blooms on Valentines Review: First Line Friday

Love Blooms on Valentines Review: First Line Friday

Welcome to today’s edition of First Line Friday where I’m sharing my Love Blooms on Valentines review. Love Blooms on Valentines is a new four novella collection from Two Dogs Publishing. As it released today (Happy Valentine’s Day, by the way), this one is brand new. I was on the launch team for this collection, but as always, my reviews and opinions are given without expectation and are fully mine.

Being a novella collection, I find myself in a quandary. Do I share the first line of the first novella? The first line of each novella? I’m not sure the protocol on this one. Until I hear of a commonly accepted practice on this particular issue, I’m going with the first line of the first novella. But keep reading after my review for a blurb about each individual novella.

FIRST LINE of Be My Inspiration by Chautona Havig

“I think I’m doomed to a future of ramen noodles and boxed mac and cheese.”

Isn’t that a fun first line. Nothing speaks romance and Valentine’s like ramen and mac and cheese! Seriously, though, the next line makes it even better. And the whole first paragraph. And if you know me, you know I’m not a fan of first person fiction. So, enjoying this first paragraph so much means a little bit more.

My Love Blooms on Valentines review

I enjoyed all the stories in this collection, but my absolute favorite is Be My Inspiration by Chautona Havig. I’m not typically a fan of first person point of view, but this author’s way of writing drew me in immediately. I love her style of storytelling. And the story she tells this time is wonderful. I’m not a fan of a main character that I’m supposed to be cheering on using another one without their knowledge, but the way the author weaves this one, it works for me. And then, there’s the whole twist on the twelve days of Christmas Valentine’s Day gift giving. I laughed out loud more than once. As the recipient of a gift gone wrong (probably more than one), I get it. Gift-giving is hard, especially when you’re going for really meaningful. And these failed attempts are great. Not for the giver, of course. But for the reader, it’s perfect.

Two Wrongs to Right by Katy Lee is the next in the collection. This one has a unique premise. I’ve not read many Valentine’s Day stories involving mobsters and revenge. But it works. The author does a good job of showing the lovable side of a main character who could, because of deception, end up being a bad guy in the reader’s mind. He is conflicted, with good reason. And there’s a twist at the end that adds a redemptive arc to another character who you couldn’t be quite sure about through the rest of the story.

The third story in the collection is Be Mine, Again by Gina Conroy. Misunderstanding and heartbreak have fueled the main character’s negative outlook on love for several years. But the one who broke her heart also holds the key to successfully taking the next step in her writing career. I really enjoyed this story’s setting. And I’m a fan of any story that has cooking or baking as major part of one of the character’s lives. The author does a good job giving her characters distinct voices and personalities too.

Wrapping up this fun, Valentine’s Day novella collection is Million Likes by Helena Smrcek. I’ve read a few stories that involve social media influencers, but I like the way this story handles the topic. The author does a great job showing the difference between what’s presented and reality, all while testing the influencers belief that what she presents is as real as reality. Those watching, or reading in this case, can’t help shaking their head along with the hero, who is a really lovable guy. The author also does a good job dealing with the idea that the heroine feels she has to hide behind the camera in her perfect online world because of scars (physical and emotional) she thinks no one can accept. There’s a good balance between the serious and the humorous in this story. In a story set around the world of fluff and all that is fake, there is a lot of sincerity and truth for the reader wrapped in a fun romance.

I found this collection an enjoyable read perfect to put you in the Valentine’s Day mood. I give it four stars.

More about Love Blooms on Valentines

Four Heart-Warming Christian Contemporary Romance Novels. One Exciting Valentines Collection.

Be My Inspiration – Chautona Havig
He’s just trying to salvage his career… and his heart.
Award-winning songwriter, Tanner Lawson, believes that avoiding romantic relationships is the secret to his success. When writer’s block strikes, he decides to win over a single mom at church. You know, for inspiration.
Dana Lyles thinks Linus is sweet—until she finds out he’s fake dating her. Sort of. Oh, and that he’s not who she thought he was. Then come the botched Valentine’s gifts. All fourteen of ’em.
With his secret identity (and his heart) on the line, Valentine’s Day just got all kinds of complicated.

Two Wrongs to Right – Katy Lee
Rubi Stone is a single mom who is navigating her recent widowhood as she keeps her charter boat business afloat in Royal Bay. Grady Andrews is only interested in taking down the billionaire tycoon who runs the seaside town and figures the locals will thank him for it in the end, even if they don’t realize it yet. With his plan set to destroy the beach club from the inside, all that’s stopping him is his growing concern for Captain Rubi and her little girl. His actions could send them both adrift in the storm he’s creating. But could Rubi’s love be the lifesaver he needs to set him on the right path…and into her arms forever?

Be Mine, Again – Gina Conroy
Rosie Santini, a cynical NYC obituary writer, lost faith in love after high school sweetheart, Rocco DeLuca, left for culinary school in Italy and never returned. Now stuck in a dead-end job, she’s given the chance to write a career-changing Valentine’s feature but struggles to write about a subject she doesn’t believe in. When past flames reappear, Rosie confronts unresolved heartaches and trauma surrounding Valentine’s Day. As she considers which ex to give a second chance, she realizes forgiveness might unlock both a future in love and her career, opening doors to possibilities with an ex or perhaps someone new.

Million Likes – Helena Smrcek
Amber’s Valentine’s Day challenge: earn one million likes to win her dream job as a show host. But returning to her Colorado hometown to create viral content brings more than she bargained for—especially when her ex, Lucas, is there.
To boost her chances, Amber enlists Lucas to play her “perfect boyfriend” in a series of romantic videos. Amid laughter, heartfelt moments, and reconciling her complicated past, Amber begins to rediscover her faith, confront her insecurities, and realize she’s more than her scars.
As love blossoms, Amber must choose: fleeting fame or a life rooted in faith, love, and true happiness?

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