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After Happily Ever After Once Again
The end is only the beginning! These ten standalone short stories pick up after the happily-ever-afters in some of our most popular lesbian romances and mysteries.
From bridal yoga in Australia and animal chaos in Scotland to cupcakes and confessions in New York, experience excitement, love, and laughter—from months to years after our couples first fell in love.
Find out what happens next in our second After Happily Ever After anthology, with stories from some of our best-selling authors: Roslyn Sinclair (The Carlisle Saga), Chris Zett (Irregular Heartbeat), Quinn Ivins (Worthy of Love), Fiona Zedde (House of Agnes), Rachael Sommers (Never Say Never), Jess Lea (A Curious Woman), A.L. Brooks (Up on the Roof), Cheyenne Blue (A Heart This Big), Harper Bliss (Seasons of Love), and Lola Keeley (A Roll in the Hay).
From bridal yoga in Australia and animal chaos in Scotland to cupcakes and confessions in New York, experience excitement, love, and laughter—from months to years after our couples first fell in love.
Find out what happens next in our second After Happily Ever After anthology, with stories from some of our best-selling authors: Roslyn Sinclair (The Carlisle Saga), Chris Zett (Irregular Heartbeat), Quinn Ivins (Worthy of Love), Fiona Zedde (House of Agnes), Rachael Sommers (Never Say Never), Jess Lea (A Curious Woman), A.L. Brooks (Up on the Roof), Cheyenne Blue (A Heart This Big), Harper Bliss (Seasons of Love), and Lola Keeley (A Roll in the Hay).
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About the author
Astrid Ohletz
17 books38 followersAstrid Ohletz has an education as a library assistant but worked as a legal secretary for one of the partners of a large, international law firm for more than ten years before she became a publisher, establishing Ylva Verlag and its international pendant, Ylva Publishing, in 2011 and 2012. Publishing combines her love of books with her understanding of legal and economic issues. Being able to publish books where subtext is maintext is a dream come true for Astrid.
In her free time, she writes stories under the pseudonym Emma Weimann.
In her free time, she writes stories under the pseudonym Emma Weimann.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 19, 2023
Another great short story compilation by Ylva giving us an updated glimpse of some much-beloved characters!
I have read all but three books these were associated with and the shorts made me interested in reading those as well.
Some of my favorites included "Don't Say Yes" featuring Diana and Emily from Chris Zett's Irregular Heartbeat who are desperately trying to get some much needed vacation time away from their busy lives. I've missed those characters and wouldn't mind seeing even more of them in the future! It also reminded me that while I respect that Zett is a busy doctor and wife, I'd really love to see more new stuff from her. No pressure, Chris, but pleeeeease? :-)
Another was "The Name Game" from Cheyenne Blue's A Heart This Big. This is one of my favorite books by Blue and we get an update on Nina Pellegrini and Leigh Willoughby's happy life. Theirs is an especially sweet swoon-worthy story because of how much they support and work together as a team. It's nice to see them so settled.
Fans of Jess Lea will appreciate a new little mysterious short "Something New" featuring the wonderfully quirky Margaret Gale and her object of affection Bess Campbell set during Bess's sister's wedding.
It was a brilliant move to end the collection with "Where the Heart Is" by Roslyn Sinclair. Vivienne takes Jules and Felicity to Ohio to meet the family. It's the strongest of the bunch, providing wonderful insight into Vivienne's familial relationships - especially with her mother. It's also a beautiful thing to see Jules' devotion to co-parenting Felicity in addition to Vivienne's steadfast dedication to their relationship.
Honestly, "Where the Heart Is" makes the entire collection worth purchasing all by itself, but there's a lot of great stuff to appeal to a diverse audience. I definitely recommend picking this up!
I have read all but three books these were associated with and the shorts made me interested in reading those as well.
Some of my favorites included "Don't Say Yes" featuring Diana and Emily from Chris Zett's Irregular Heartbeat who are desperately trying to get some much needed vacation time away from their busy lives. I've missed those characters and wouldn't mind seeing even more of them in the future! It also reminded me that while I respect that Zett is a busy doctor and wife, I'd really love to see more new stuff from her. No pressure, Chris, but pleeeeease? :-)
Another was "The Name Game" from Cheyenne Blue's A Heart This Big. This is one of my favorite books by Blue and we get an update on Nina Pellegrini and Leigh Willoughby's happy life. Theirs is an especially sweet swoon-worthy story because of how much they support and work together as a team. It's nice to see them so settled.
Fans of Jess Lea will appreciate a new little mysterious short "Something New" featuring the wonderfully quirky Margaret Gale and her object of affection Bess Campbell set during Bess's sister's wedding.
It was a brilliant move to end the collection with "Where the Heart Is" by Roslyn Sinclair. Vivienne takes Jules and Felicity to Ohio to meet the family. It's the strongest of the bunch, providing wonderful insight into Vivienne's familial relationships - especially with her mother. It's also a beautiful thing to see Jules' devotion to co-parenting Felicity in addition to Vivienne's steadfast dedication to their relationship.
Honestly, "Where the Heart Is" makes the entire collection worth purchasing all by itself, but there's a lot of great stuff to appeal to a diverse audience. I definitely recommend picking this up!
April 28, 2023
For anyone wanting to sample a book before getting the full version, this is the ideal collection. The connecting books are listed as well as the corresponding blurb.
But wait, there's more!!😊😊
For those who have read all or some of the novels, you get to take another peek into the characters lives and just maybe decide to read their story once more.
While I have favorites from this compilation, I reserve the right to keep that private and have readers form their own opinions......You'll probably end up liking them all (like I did). 😁
Once again, Astrid Ohletz has done a great job coming up with this bundle of shorts.
Highly recommend.
But wait, there's more!!😊😊
For those who have read all or some of the novels, you get to take another peek into the characters lives and just maybe decide to read their story once more.
While I have favorites from this compilation, I reserve the right to keep that private and have readers form their own opinions......You'll probably end up liking them all (like I did). 😁
Once again, Astrid Ohletz has done a great job coming up with this bundle of shorts.
Highly recommend.
July 8, 2023
3,5 - 4 ⭐️
April 25, 2023
A number of my favourite Sapphic couples are featured in this latest anthology of short sequels! Thank you so much, Ylva!
It was such a lovely experience to catch up, albeit briefly, on my favourite couples' lives. Especially that some of them are from books I haven't read again in quite a while, like Alice and Joy from 'Seasons of Love' by Harper Bliss.
This month, I revisited the beginning of Margaret and Bess' romance and eccentric story in 'A Curious Woman' before delving into 'A Curious Visit,' the latest full-length sequel in the series. And as I said in my book review(ish) of ACV, I do want more adventures with this quirky yet utterly charming duo—so imagine my delight when I saw that they are also featured in this anthology! And as expected, it was indeed another quirky, nerdy, fun, and thrilling read!
On top of that, catching up on Vivian and Jules' life as a couple and parents to adorable Felicity was the cherry on top of this exquisite cake for me! The short sequel is entitled 'Where the Heart Is,' and it was indeed a heartfelt and intense story! I was completely immersed in it!
There are more stories that I enjoyed—such as Nadine and Bella's from 'Worthy of Love' by Quinn Ivins, Agnes and Lola's from 'The House of Agnes' by Fiona Zedde, and many more!
Truly, this is yet another awesome anthology from Ylva's brilliant authors and editor, Astrid Ohletz! So, don't delay and go grab your copy now! 🥰🏳️🌈
It was such a lovely experience to catch up, albeit briefly, on my favourite couples' lives. Especially that some of them are from books I haven't read again in quite a while, like Alice and Joy from 'Seasons of Love' by Harper Bliss.
This month, I revisited the beginning of Margaret and Bess' romance and eccentric story in 'A Curious Woman' before delving into 'A Curious Visit,' the latest full-length sequel in the series. And as I said in my book review(ish) of ACV, I do want more adventures with this quirky yet utterly charming duo—so imagine my delight when I saw that they are also featured in this anthology! And as expected, it was indeed another quirky, nerdy, fun, and thrilling read!
On top of that, catching up on Vivian and Jules' life as a couple and parents to adorable Felicity was the cherry on top of this exquisite cake for me! The short sequel is entitled 'Where the Heart Is,' and it was indeed a heartfelt and intense story! I was completely immersed in it!
There are more stories that I enjoyed—such as Nadine and Bella's from 'Worthy of Love' by Quinn Ivins, Agnes and Lola's from 'The House of Agnes' by Fiona Zedde, and many more!
Truly, this is yet another awesome anthology from Ylva's brilliant authors and editor, Astrid Ohletz! So, don't delay and go grab your copy now! 🥰🏳️🌈
May 2, 2023
Fabulous!
A collection of short stories from some of Ylva's finest authors following the lives of iconic characters from much loved stories.
Loved this collection of stories so much. It was great to catch up with characters from stories I have previously read. Getting a little snapshot of a point in their lives that was meaningful, a surprise, or just going about their lives since meeting one another was great. It really was like catching up with old friends, which was amazing.
What I adore about collections like this is the variety of stories, characters, and authors they provide. Even if you haven't read any of the novels these stories are based on, or haven't read stories by any of the authors, this is a great introduction to them.
Highly recommend to anyone who already loves these characters or those wanting to discover something new.
A collection of short stories from some of Ylva's finest authors following the lives of iconic characters from much loved stories.
Loved this collection of stories so much. It was great to catch up with characters from stories I have previously read. Getting a little snapshot of a point in their lives that was meaningful, a surprise, or just going about their lives since meeting one another was great. It really was like catching up with old friends, which was amazing.
What I adore about collections like this is the variety of stories, characters, and authors they provide. Even if you haven't read any of the novels these stories are based on, or haven't read stories by any of the authors, this is a great introduction to them.
Highly recommend to anyone who already loves these characters or those wanting to discover something new.
April 16, 2023
My full review of this fantastic anthology will be out in The Lesbian Review website soon.
However I just wanted to leave a few words here.
I loved this anthology, I enjoyed it so much. Getting to see what some of my favourite characters are up to truly warmed my heart. But what I loved the most is that all the stories can be read as a standalone so not only did I meet up with old friends, I got introduced to new ones too and have now added the few books I hadn’t read from this anthology to my library.
However I just wanted to leave a few words here.
I loved this anthology, I enjoyed it so much. Getting to see what some of my favourite characters are up to truly warmed my heart. But what I loved the most is that all the stories can be read as a standalone so not only did I meet up with old friends, I got introduced to new ones too and have now added the few books I hadn’t read from this anthology to my library.
Read
April 22, 2023Much love to the other authors but I just bought this book to read more about Vivian and Jules.
Rereading them in action is like meeting an old friend you adore and miss so much (and maybe a little in love with). I have only felt this way with one other couple, Amelia and Caton from Behind The Green Curtain. I would have loved and paid good money to read about them again.
I loved the story. I loved how I could feel the time jump from how Vivian is now. As mentioned by the narration, she was indeed softer. I can still feel their love for each other and now for little munchkin Felicity. I love that we ended with Vivian thinking about proposing to Jules. This is the lead in to the third official book and I cannot wait.
Dear Roslyn Sinclair, not writing a third, fourth, or fifth book about Vivian and Jules would be a crime, punishable by my disappointment forever. Please don't make me wait that long.
Rereading them in action is like meeting an old friend you adore and miss so much (and maybe a little in love with). I have only felt this way with one other couple, Amelia and Caton from Behind The Green Curtain. I would have loved and paid good money to read about them again.
I loved the story. I loved how I could feel the time jump from how Vivian is now. As mentioned by the narration, she was indeed softer. I can still feel their love for each other and now for little munchkin Felicity. I love that we ended with Vivian thinking about proposing to Jules. This is the lead in to the third official book and I cannot wait.
Dear Roslyn Sinclair, not writing a third, fourth, or fifth book about Vivian and Jules would be a crime, punishable by my disappointment forever. Please don't make me wait that long.
April 7, 2023
I have read six of the ten novels whose ‘next chapters’ are included in this anthology. There was something to enjoy in each one.
In Lola Keeley’s Another Roll In the Hay the veterinarian, Tess, is engaged to the wealthy land owner, no longer ice queen, Susannah. I enjoyed meeting the drag queen, Sherry Vinegar, who MC’s the bingo to raise funds for LGBTQ youth. Tess made an important decision and needed to find the right time to approach Susannah.
In A.L. Brooks’ The Way Home we we found a pivotal day in Lena and Megan’s relationship being aided by their elderly, nosey neighbor, Dorothy. There was also the issue of Lena’s relationship with her father to be dealt with.
I really enjoyed Fiona Zedde’s Whiskey and Dark Chocolate and found it to be quite intriguing, from Lola’s gift idea for Whit, to learning about Jamika’s decision, to the erotic passion of Valentine’s evening!
A Wedding To Remember by Rachael Sommers was a fun story, as Emily volunteered her beach cabin for her sister’s November wedding. A huge storm provided for lots of humor with people scrambling with the emergency changes in plans.
Don’t Say Yes by Chris Zedde was really good. Diana and Emily were about to finally have the much-needed vacation when a snag popped up with Emily, who’s always known for saying yes, accepting a bet that could have potentially thrown a monkey wrench on their plans. I loved how cleverly that was resolved!
Jess Lea always gifts us with delightful moments. In Something New, I loved reading what Margaret and Bess had in store with the events surrounding Bess’ sister’s wedding, the hen party night with Margaret’s amusement of the cocktail waiters in g-strings, and an important item from the auction house that Margaret allowed to be the, “something borrowed.” This created quite the situation when the item was stolen.
Pop Tarts and Rice by Quinn Ivins came from Worthy of Love, a favorite novel of mine. I loved the story of Nadine’s woes for being wrongfully imprisoned for Federal campaign finance laws. Bella captured hearts with her kindness. Now, we continue their journey and find Nadine back as a lawyer and Bella on medication for ADHD, and attending college. Their interactions in this story are special as they face the challenges of learning how important they are to each other.
Harper Bliss’ Seasons of Love brought us to Seasons of Change where I was excited to meet back up with Alice, who fell in love with Joy, who has settled down after originally being the flirtatious one who paraded around topless as she seduced Alice. We now learn about early retirement, selling the business and motherhood!
In The Name Game by Cheyenne Blue, we join in to find Nina and Leigh happily together. Revisiting Banksia Farm was delightful. It’s now a registered charity that provides a program for the kids in the city to come and enjoy the animals. Nina and Leigh’s much anticipated long weekend away together was interrupted when they encountered an abused pony, which created moments of panic that lead to some fun for everyone.
Where The Heart Is by Roslyn Sinclair is the much anticipated finale to The Carlisle Series. We find Vivienne and Jules, the happy couple, eighteen months later when they took young Felicity to Toledo to visit Vivian’s family. Mary Fuharty, Vivian’s mother, was only meeting her granddaughter, Felicity, for the first time. I found it both fun and insightful to see Vivienne with her family and learn about them and their dynamics, but not surprised at Vivian’s dealings with them. After all, she is Vivian Carlisle! Vivienne even learned some things about herself, too. Yes, I love this couple and their feelings and what they mean to each other.
Oh! and you won’t want to miss that these mom’s are teaching “body boundaries” to Felicity.
I received an advanced copy from Ylva in exchange for an honest review.
In Lola Keeley’s Another Roll In the Hay the veterinarian, Tess, is engaged to the wealthy land owner, no longer ice queen, Susannah. I enjoyed meeting the drag queen, Sherry Vinegar, who MC’s the bingo to raise funds for LGBTQ youth. Tess made an important decision and needed to find the right time to approach Susannah.
In A.L. Brooks’ The Way Home we we found a pivotal day in Lena and Megan’s relationship being aided by their elderly, nosey neighbor, Dorothy. There was also the issue of Lena’s relationship with her father to be dealt with.
I really enjoyed Fiona Zedde’s Whiskey and Dark Chocolate and found it to be quite intriguing, from Lola’s gift idea for Whit, to learning about Jamika’s decision, to the erotic passion of Valentine’s evening!
A Wedding To Remember by Rachael Sommers was a fun story, as Emily volunteered her beach cabin for her sister’s November wedding. A huge storm provided for lots of humor with people scrambling with the emergency changes in plans.
Don’t Say Yes by Chris Zedde was really good. Diana and Emily were about to finally have the much-needed vacation when a snag popped up with Emily, who’s always known for saying yes, accepting a bet that could have potentially thrown a monkey wrench on their plans. I loved how cleverly that was resolved!
Jess Lea always gifts us with delightful moments. In Something New, I loved reading what Margaret and Bess had in store with the events surrounding Bess’ sister’s wedding, the hen party night with Margaret’s amusement of the cocktail waiters in g-strings, and an important item from the auction house that Margaret allowed to be the, “something borrowed.” This created quite the situation when the item was stolen.
Pop Tarts and Rice by Quinn Ivins came from Worthy of Love, a favorite novel of mine. I loved the story of Nadine’s woes for being wrongfully imprisoned for Federal campaign finance laws. Bella captured hearts with her kindness. Now, we continue their journey and find Nadine back as a lawyer and Bella on medication for ADHD, and attending college. Their interactions in this story are special as they face the challenges of learning how important they are to each other.
Harper Bliss’ Seasons of Love brought us to Seasons of Change where I was excited to meet back up with Alice, who fell in love with Joy, who has settled down after originally being the flirtatious one who paraded around topless as she seduced Alice. We now learn about early retirement, selling the business and motherhood!
In The Name Game by Cheyenne Blue, we join in to find Nina and Leigh happily together. Revisiting Banksia Farm was delightful. It’s now a registered charity that provides a program for the kids in the city to come and enjoy the animals. Nina and Leigh’s much anticipated long weekend away together was interrupted when they encountered an abused pony, which created moments of panic that lead to some fun for everyone.
Where The Heart Is by Roslyn Sinclair is the much anticipated finale to The Carlisle Series. We find Vivienne and Jules, the happy couple, eighteen months later when they took young Felicity to Toledo to visit Vivian’s family. Mary Fuharty, Vivian’s mother, was only meeting her granddaughter, Felicity, for the first time. I found it both fun and insightful to see Vivienne with her family and learn about them and their dynamics, but not surprised at Vivian’s dealings with them. After all, she is Vivian Carlisle! Vivienne even learned some things about herself, too. Yes, I love this couple and their feelings and what they mean to each other.
Oh! and you won’t want to miss that these mom’s are teaching “body boundaries” to Felicity.
I received an advanced copy from Ylva in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2025
After Happily Ever After Once Again is a great collection of what-happens-later stories. There are several opportunities to catch up with favorite characters, and a few chances to meet new couples. A very enjoyable, if all-too brief, read.
February 4, 2025
A great way to catch up with old friends and meet new ones! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! 5 stars!
April 10, 2023
It is always great reading about some of my favorite characters. There are ten short stories and each short story can be read as a standalone. However, they are much better if you read their full length novels before reading these short stories. You definitely don’t want to miss out on how they each met.
August 14, 2023
Where The Heart Is!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 6, 2024
There were some incredibly enjoyable short stories from books I hadn’t read. I now have a list of new books added to my wishlist thanks to this book.
April 25, 2023
I’m a sucker for short stories that follow after the HEA. I always enjoy the epilogues in books, and really these short stories are just further epilogues. Yes, I know that an epilogue is supposed to bring closure to the story, but a happy ever after really doesn’t, by definition, end. There are always many stories that can be told after the point where an author chooses to finish a story (unless one of the protagonists dies, but then, by definition, it’s not an HEA).
When an author succeeds in drawing me into the lives of the protagonists they become like friends, so I want to keep up with their lives and stories. Being allowed to see what happens next brings a little spark of happiness.
Unusually for an anthology of this kind, I hadn’t read any of the stories before – they were all new to me. I had read most of the of the books in which the characters originally achieved their HEA, though.
All of the stories are interesting and well-written but I suspect they will resonate differently with different readers – probably depending on how much you liked the original book. So, picking out my favourites from all the stories is a completely subjective exercise. But for the record, my top three favourites were: Something New by Jess Lea, Where the Heart Is by Roslyn Sinclair and Don’t Say Yes by Chris Zett.
Something New features Margaret and Bess from Lea’s novel A Curious Woman and contains its own mystery for the couple to solve. It’s set between the events of A Curious Woman and A Curious Visit and is stamped with Lea’s unique sense of humour from those two books. There’s considerable skill required to make a good short story that can stand alone, and Lea has that skill in spades. Something New was a total joy to read.
Where the Heart Is follows on from the events of Sinclair’s Above All Things and gives us an insight into Vivian Carlisle’s family backgound and the ways that Jules has softened her sharper edges. Anyone who has ever felt very different from the rest of their family will be able to relate to the story.
Don’t Say Yes is a great story about Diana and Emily from Zett’s Irregular Heartbeat. It makes my top three because the premise of the story (hint: it’s in the title) really appealed to me, and because Zett is a fine writer.
If you’ve read the previous collection of short stories edited by Ohletz, After Happily Ever After and enjoyed it, then you know what to expect. These short stories are every bit as good as those.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, but I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.
When an author succeeds in drawing me into the lives of the protagonists they become like friends, so I want to keep up with their lives and stories. Being allowed to see what happens next brings a little spark of happiness.
Unusually for an anthology of this kind, I hadn’t read any of the stories before – they were all new to me. I had read most of the of the books in which the characters originally achieved their HEA, though.
All of the stories are interesting and well-written but I suspect they will resonate differently with different readers – probably depending on how much you liked the original book. So, picking out my favourites from all the stories is a completely subjective exercise. But for the record, my top three favourites were: Something New by Jess Lea, Where the Heart Is by Roslyn Sinclair and Don’t Say Yes by Chris Zett.
Something New features Margaret and Bess from Lea’s novel A Curious Woman and contains its own mystery for the couple to solve. It’s set between the events of A Curious Woman and A Curious Visit and is stamped with Lea’s unique sense of humour from those two books. There’s considerable skill required to make a good short story that can stand alone, and Lea has that skill in spades. Something New was a total joy to read.
Where the Heart Is follows on from the events of Sinclair’s Above All Things and gives us an insight into Vivian Carlisle’s family backgound and the ways that Jules has softened her sharper edges. Anyone who has ever felt very different from the rest of their family will be able to relate to the story.
Don’t Say Yes is a great story about Diana and Emily from Zett’s Irregular Heartbeat. It makes my top three because the premise of the story (hint: it’s in the title) really appealed to me, and because Zett is a fine writer.
If you’ve read the previous collection of short stories edited by Ohletz, After Happily Ever After and enjoyed it, then you know what to expect. These short stories are every bit as good as those.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, but I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.
April 25, 2023
This was another cool after the novels short story collection from Ylva Publishing where we get to catch up on characters from full length books (a bunch of them, woo!)
There were a lot of characters that I had read their books all ready, but, a few of the stories introduced me to their characters too, which was cool. It was also weirdly interesting and tickled by funny bone for some reason that there were a few of the stories that has beach fun in them.
It was a really awesome collection. It was fun to catch up with some of these characters, and I can't wait to find their novels and start from the proper beginning for others of these characters.
There were a lot of characters that I had read their books all ready, but, a few of the stories introduced me to their characters too, which was cool. It was also weirdly interesting and tickled by funny bone for some reason that there were a few of the stories that has beach fun in them.
It was a really awesome collection. It was fun to catch up with some of these characters, and I can't wait to find their novels and start from the proper beginning for others of these characters.
April 5, 2023
What a fun catch up with some great characters. I am one of those readers who likes a solid epilogue with a nice happily ever after and this is a fun follow up to revisit their stories. I have read most of these books and the couple that I hadn’t read I now have added to my TBR. I will say the Roslyn Sinclair story was the one that really captured by interest here and I really enjoyed Jules and Vivian’s trip to Ohio. If you’re looking for a quick, light read with zero angst these are fun heartwarming shorts that definitely fit the bill.
April 29, 2023
An ARC copy was given to me by YLVA for a honest review.
I simply love it. Thera are ten stories, which show us how life goes by after the end of the books ending.
My two favourites are from L.Leeley (Another Roll in the Hay) and Ch. Zett (Don’t Say Yes).
All other stories are equally good and I hope, that there are more in planning.
I simply love it. Thera are ten stories, which show us how life goes by after the end of the books ending.
My two favourites are from L.Leeley (Another Roll in the Hay) and Ch. Zett (Don’t Say Yes).
All other stories are equally good and I hope, that there are more in planning.
April 30, 2023
NGL, I only picked up this anthology for the new Roslyn Sinclair story. It was short and teasing of more to come.
April 10, 2023
Some of the books that these “peeks into the future” were from, I had read, others not. It was great to get a catch up with old friends. It was also good to meet new people. Some I’m happy I spent time with but don’t expect to see again, others I will definitely seek out. I don’t think any are spoilers for the main books because the big stories are about the journey, these wee stories really are about the destination. I find it difficult to rate an anthology. Do you go by the story I liked the most, the least or overall? I’ve gone for the most, 4 stars.
March 28, 2023
Fun short story sampler
This is a collection of ten stories that revisit couples from several Ylva published stories and authors. The stories can be read in any sequence; one at a time, a bunch in a sitting, or a full book marathon. You don't need to read the novels they coincide with beforehand but if you like the short stories then you can check out the novels they're related to. Each related novel is listed after their corresponding story and again at the end of the book where there is a synopsis for each novel. This makes it easier if you do want to read those novels or if you've read them already and are trying to recall the gist of them to avoid that potential distraction while reading the short stories.
Collections like this are great samplers for those who want to check out an author in a shorter story form before delving into a full-length novel; you get a taste of their writing style and some characters that are already in at least one published novel. If they appeal to you there's a longer story with characters you've met for you to read. If you've read the novels already, these stories are like wish fulfillment, giving you more time with the characters you love to see what else they're up to. This collection has couples living together or not, dating a few months to longer more established relationships, and a cross section of situations they're put into. Whether you use this collection as a sampler or for wish fulfillment, it's fun reading all the same.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is a collection of ten stories that revisit couples from several Ylva published stories and authors. The stories can be read in any sequence; one at a time, a bunch in a sitting, or a full book marathon. You don't need to read the novels they coincide with beforehand but if you like the short stories then you can check out the novels they're related to. Each related novel is listed after their corresponding story and again at the end of the book where there is a synopsis for each novel. This makes it easier if you do want to read those novels or if you've read them already and are trying to recall the gist of them to avoid that potential distraction while reading the short stories.
Collections like this are great samplers for those who want to check out an author in a shorter story form before delving into a full-length novel; you get a taste of their writing style and some characters that are already in at least one published novel. If they appeal to you there's a longer story with characters you've met for you to read. If you've read the novels already, these stories are like wish fulfillment, giving you more time with the characters you love to see what else they're up to. This collection has couples living together or not, dating a few months to longer more established relationships, and a cross section of situations they're put into. Whether you use this collection as a sampler or for wish fulfillment, it's fun reading all the same.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2023
I really enjoyed returning to these couples and seeing how their lives have progressed. Some are a little funny, some are moving, but they all show the love and growth between the pair of women. You could read these without having first read the novels they first appeared in, but it's more satisfying to see how their lives are after the happily ever after.
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