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Rating: 
Summary: fun anthology
Review: "Mother May I" by Lynsay Sands. In 1358 London, Margaret and Elizabeth want their children, Jonathan and Alice, married. Neither Jonathan nor Alice wants to wed anyone. The king orders Jonathan to find a fiancée. As Alice helps him pick a wife, they fall in love. In spite of the ludicrous mothers, medieval romance fans will find this tale cute.
"The Breeding Season" by Lisa Cach. In 1750 England, Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Highcroft agree their children would make a perfect couple. However, Evelina enjoys parties while Charles relishes studious pursuits. After getting the duo together, the moms allow nature to take control. The cast makes this an entertaining historical romp.
"Seeking Single Superhero" by Julie Kenner. Jennifer works for the Mortal-Protector Liaison Office, hiding superhero protectors from the people. Jenny detests the conceited protectors, but her mother selects one for her to marry. Julie prefers Starbuck, a seemingly ordinary person working undercover to ferret out a spy. This comic book futuristic romance is at its best when the plot faces its A-Team player Starbuck.
"The Day Her Heart Stood Still" by Susan Grant. Astronaut Andie visits her wacky mom, a true ET believer. When Zefer the alien arrives, Andie's mother believes he is perfect for her daughter even if they are a star-crossed couple. This hyperspeed tale is science fiction romance at its delightful best.
The four stories are for the most part fun to read with delightful lead couples spanning the sub-genres, but the irritating imbecilic mothers slow down the plots with their shenanigans. Harriet Klausner
Rating: 
Summary: All In One....
Review: Great romance anthology. My favorites are Lisa Cach's "Mother May I? and Susan Grant's "The Day Her Heart Stood Still". Both of the historical were hilarious and heartfelt. There's no dragging out in this book, the stories are short and move at a good pace. I enjoy reading all of the romance genres and usually rotate between historical, contemporary, futuristic, gothic and paranormal depending on what I'm in the mood to read. Having a variety in one book caused a "building up" effect, from the past all the way to the future.
Rating:
Summary: All In One....
Review: Great romance anthology. My favorites are Lisa Cach's "Mother May I? and Susan Grant's "The Day Her Heart Stood Still". Both of the historical were hilarious and heartfelt. There's no dragging out in this book, the stories are short and move at a good pace. I enjoy reading all of the romance genres and usually rotate between historical, contemporary, futuristic, gothic and paranormal depending on what I'm in the mood to read. Having a variety in one book caused a "building up" effect, from the past all the way to the future.
Rating:
Summary: Highly diverting romance
Review: In this highly diverting romance anthology, mothers know best. No matter the era, these enterprising, apron-wearing (all right, that part is a cliché), virtuous purveyors of love want grandbabies to coddle, and their offspring to be deliriously happy. If a push in the right direction is needed, so be it. If subterfuge, lying and a co-conspirator is required for their plans to succeed, so much the better. Such actions are forgivable when one's intentions are the purest of the pure, after all. Even Jonathan of Fairley, soon to be an earl, isn't immune to a mother's meddling, err, help. When King Edward issues Jonathan an ultimatum: to find a bride in a fortnight or the King will chose said bride for him, Jonathan is understandably aggrieved. His mother suggests he consult with Lady Alice Houghton, the daughter of a dear friend, to create a list of possible bride-to-be's. Lady Fairley makes it abundantly clear, however, that Alice is not a candidate for matrimony. She's far too plump, and well, unsuitable to marry her only surviving son. Jonathan is unaffected by his mother's disapproval. In fact, he's a little too preoccupied with his mother's odd behavior to give it much thought. His attraction to Alice is difficult to tether, however. The Scourge of Crécy can surely choose his own bride! "Mother, May I?" sparkles with Lynsay Sands' trademark humor. Novellas are a poor showcase for this writer's talents, however. I can't quite put my finger on the "why" of it. Alice and Jonathan's relationship is somewhat tepid, yes, but one can hardly expect a montage of fireworks in a span of ninety pages. Whatever elusive ingredient is missing, as a reader you feel the lack -- or at least, I did. Ms. Sands' full-length novels are a shining example of humorous, sensual romance; this novella is a pale cousin in comparison. It still began this anthology with a bang, though. From medieval England, we journey to Bath in 1750. Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Highcroft despair of their misfit children ever marrying, and thus, hatch a plot designed to marry them off to each other. Evelina Johnson has cultivated a reputation as a flirt, and Charles Highcroft is horse mad, spending most of his time in the family stables. Both are horrified to hear of their fate: Charles is to escort Evelina throughout Bath, from function to function -- or else they will lose what matters most to them. For Evelina, her freedom, her cosmetics and her Parisian fashions are at stake; for Charles, his horses. Uncomfortable in the social sphere, Charles is angry over his mother's decree. Evelina is a surprisingly enjoyable companion, however. If only the girl would wear less of that godawful paint and powder! "The Breeding Season" is yet another novella by Lisa Cach a reader is hard-pressed not to enjoy. Her characters and plots are always so unique, genuinely appealing and downright ingenious. I have yet to read a full-length novel by Ms. Cach, but I continue to marvel over her ability to write a novella that feels so complete and well rounded. Charles and Evelina are a pair of mismatched lovers who compliment each other beautifully, and bring out the best qualities in each other. The quality, stylish prose of Ms. Cach makes all of this possible. Fast-forward to the present, and you'll find Jennifer Martin (whose mother is all too eager to find Jenny a husband who can leap tall buildings in a single bound). Daphne Martin even has the gall to place a personal ad for her daughter in an issue of the Mortal-Protector Weekly Bulletin. Now, her mother knows Jenny is adamantly against dating a Protector, those muscle-bound, god-like beings who save the Universe on a daily basis. Jenny would much prefer to date a mortal man, that is, if she actually had the time to date. Inviting a co-worker to be her date for a company function is an impulsive action she quickly regrets. Starbuck is a man who appeals to Jenny on too many different levels. He's also more than he appears to be on the surface. "Seeking Single Superhero" has compelled me to seek out Julie Kenner's backlist. Starbuck is an absolutely delicious hero, and I need, want, no, have to experience a Protector male on a grander scale! I would do kart wheels down a busy intersection (baby butt naked) to make that happen. Thankfully, Ms. Kenner's April release, "Aphrodite's Passion," continues the Protector saga. I personally hope the series goes on and on adfinium... The final offering in this anthology is a rosy look into the future. Andie Del Sarto is a Major in the US Air Force who has also been picked to pilot an upcoming mission to Mars. NASA has yet to announce who the six astronauts participating in the mission will be. Its failure to do so is a publicity stunt of sorts. Having a month's leave at her disposal, Andie travels to New Mexico where her parents live -- and where her mother is the proprietress of Extraterrestrials-R-Us. Her decision to visit with her eccentric mother is a puzzling one for Andie. Any scandal tainting her name could rip her dream-of-a-lifetime from Andie's grasp, and her alien-fascinated mother is a scandal waiting to happen. Worse, Andie is afraid her mother's lunacy might be catching. Her mother claims to have rescued an alien, and the man lying unconscious in her mother's trunk certainly is unusual. But an alien? Surely not! "The Day Her Heart Stood Still" is much too short to fully satisfy a reader. I suggest tracking down Susan Grant's backlist to fill the void until her next novel is released. I plan to do exactly that. Andie and Zefer have only whetted my appetite; both have the heart and soul of an adventurer, a craving to explore uncharted space and a keen desire for a soul mate. Again, my only complaint with this novella is its brevity, and the abruptness of its ending. Futuristic romance has a star in Ms. Grant! I was pleased to find myself spinning in the same orbit as this wonderfully talented author. Buy this anthology, read it, and I'm sure you'll agree: Mother does know best.
Rating:
Summary: A very wonderful book
Review: Lyndsay Sands is definitely the best here. "Mother, May I?" is very funny and entertaining. The hero's mother really understand his way of thinking and use it to manipulate the hero into marrying the heroine.
Lisa Cach's "The Breeding Season" is also very good, but the heroine's view of a good looking man is one with white wig, stockings, and frilly stuff. At first, the hero is rugged and manly, but at the end, because of love, he changed his appearance (which made me pictured him as a sissy). Nevertheless, the story line is good.
Julie Kenner's "Seeking Single Superhero" is great, but too short. I enjoy reading her previous book "Aphrodite Kiss".
Susan Grant's "The Day Her Heart Stood Still" is quite weird. I don't quite understand the point of the story, except pointing out that aliens do exist.
Even though one of the stories is bad, the other three is very very good and worth buying the book.
Rating:
Summary: Four winning stories!
Review: Quite often when I read anthologies, one or two of the stories are excellent and the others just OK. I really enjoyed all the stories in this anthology. The first two stories (by Lynsay Sands and Lisa Cach) are historical, which I don't often read, but I enjoyed them both very much. The last two (by Julie Kenner and Susan Grant) are the reason I bought this and they were both wonderful. "Mother, May I?" by Lynsay Sands is set in Medieval England. The story is about Lord Jonathan, a knight, whose mother goes to some extreme and sometimes funny antics to get him to finally wed. This was a sweet and humourous story. This is the first story I've read by this author and I liked this one so much, I will now look for more. "The Breeding Season" by Lisa Cach is also a historical. Charles and Evelina's mothers force them to spend time together. She is very flamboyant and he is very shy...at first <g> I wasn't sure at first if I would like these characters, as they did not seem to be the usual romance hero/heroine, but I did and the story was very good. "Seeking Single Superhero" by Julie Kenner is set in the same world as her novel "Aprodite's Kiss" and was excellent. Jennifer works along with her mother at the Mortal-Protector Liaison Office and is NOT looking for a protector (superhero) boyfriend. Her mother has other ideas <g>. I loved this one...it was funny, sexy and I can't wait until the release of "Aprodite's Passion" next month. If you haven't read Aprodite's Kiss before this, you will want to after! "The Day Her Heart Stood Still" by Susan Grant is also a science fiction romance and it was fabulous! Andie is a pilot and astronaut who's mother is (much to her dismay) a UFO fanatic. Imagine her surprise when her mother brings home a handsome and very sexy alien. It's a lovely and touching story and Susan's dedication before the story brought tears to my eyes. Excellent and highly recommended, as are all of Susan's stories! An all around excellent anthology.
Rating:
Summary: Very highly recommended
Review: Regardless of time or place, mothers have always manipulated their children's marriage choices, ostensibly for the child's own good. Just in time for mother's day, four of Love Spell's most engaging authors offer short stories of romances proving that mother knows best. This anthology is very highly recommended. "Mother, May I?" by Lynsay Sands (1353): King Edward orders Lord Jonathan to choose a bride within two weeks, or he will select a bride for him. Jonathan has been sidestepping women his mother selects for him for years. Now he feels outraged at her indifference when she offers to support his quest but refuses to aid his choose. Little does he suspect that the woman he dismisses as too learned and too voluptuous is just the woman she intends for him to marry! A delightfully romantic tale with wonderful characters, including a woman that breaks typical stereotypes of attractiveness, "Mother, May I?" proves that a mother knows what is best for her son. "The Breeding Season" by Lisa Cach (1750): Evelina has high spirits and lacks discipline. Charles prefers a barnyard to a drawing room. Both are considered misfits and unmarriageable, so their mothers conspire to get them married. Another tale of an unorthodox heroine, Cach chooses to portray Evelina as a woman who daringly kisses the boys without regard to consequences, preferring to live in the moment and savor her freedom. Using this historically forbidden element to great effect, in addition to cosmetics and fashion, Cach demonstrates that two mothers scheming together can be twice as effective. "Seeking Single Superhero" by Julie Kenner (Today): Her mother let a superhero get away, and her marriage to a mortal was quite disillusioning. Therefore, mom intends that Jennifer marry a superhero, even placing a want ad on her daughter's behalf. Jennifer, however, lives an extraordinary life determined by her job as a spin doctor, covering superhero events with a mundane explanation the press will accept. The last thing she wants to a superhero. What she wants is an ordinary mortal and an ordinary home life. What she gets a superhero working undercover. Maybe mom's way was right, after all, in a round about way. Terrific plot twists, unexpected superpowers and a wonderful introduction to the hero of APHRODITE'S PASSION. Once again Kenner demonstrates her superflair for creating the outrageous and delightful! "The Day Her Heart Stood Still" by Susan Grant (Tomorrow): Her mother's love of the extraterrestrial made growing up in Roswell, Arizona a terrible challenge. It also fueled Andie's own dreams of the stars, resulting in her selection to be a part of the team soon to be announced that will fly on a three year mission to Mars. In the month before the announcement and the ensuing publicity it will entail, Andie returns to her hometown. While gazing into the night sky, she makes a wish for the man who could make her toes curl with a single look. She never dreamed her wish would come true with a man falling from the sky! This futuristic romance proves a mother's wisdom, however unorthodox. Grant makes the future believable with this tender and far reaching tale.
Rating:
Summary: Let's skip to the future !
Review: Sometimes I'm leery about buying anthologies, but because it included one of my very favorite authors I couldn't wait to buy it. I thought, Susan Grant is such a wonderful writer that only 10 chapters could never be enough. I was right. I wanted it to go on and on. If you have ever read one of Ms. Grant books you'll know she has a gift with interesting and entertaining detail with absolutely wonderful characters. Just like in "The Star King", she draws you right in and doesn't let up. I'm going out to wish upon star too, if it will bring me an alien like Zefer! He has all the wonderful qualities that only Susan Grant can describe. He's also a little mysterious and complex. Andie is a serious astronaut that has gained the control over her life until... what is it about an alien with sexy eyes - and a look that can make your toes curl - make the best of them loose it? ;) I'm with you, Mom, let's keep him a secret! I enjoyed Ms. Grant's story so much I even enabled the Paper-Clip Guy again in Word so I can have a secret smile all day long. Read the book, you'll see why !! Thank you, once again Susan, for a very entertaining and fun read!
Rating:
Summary: Perfect gift for Mum!!
Review: This anthology has four of Dorchester's bright stars giving you varied tales of how Mother KNOWS BEST!!! (Ignore the running blah green cover!!)
Lynsay Sand's Gives a medieval tale of mother plotting to get the grand-babies she wants by telling him the girl is wrong for him. Julie Kenner gives you a futuristic tale. I loved "The Day her Heart Stood Still", a take off on "the Day the Earth Stood Still". As a child I always thought Michael Rennie and Patrica Neal created good sparks and sighed wishing for more romance. Susan Grant takes that idea and runs with it (Thank you, Susan, for finally fulfilling that childhood desire!!). And Lisa Cach sends you to 1750 England giving us another super historical romp!!! Whimsical, light reading perfect for MUM!!! The PERFECT gift for Mum....with a box of ...Chocolates!!!
Rating:
Summary: Well, Lynsay is back with another delightful tell.
Review: Well, Lynsay is back with another delightful tell. After her brother's nearly fatal wounding, she flees the hills of her Highlands and finds herself captured by a well-muscled Scotsmen. Little did she know the Scotsman was bent on revenge. Laird Galen MacDonald's wife was murdered nine months before by his enemy, Laird MacGregor. When Galen learns that the MacGregor plans to take an English woman as a bride, he decides to get his revenge by stealing her and marrying her himself. Lynsay's character is no weak-willed miss, and while thrilled she is saved from having to marry the MacGregor, she plans a little revenge of her!! Lynsay proves once again she is a writer that delivers!!!
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