Talia Hibbert

Annabeth Albert

Hudson Lin

Shae Connor

Rebecca Crowley

Ainsley Booth

Robin Covington

A Romance Anthology

Rogue Nights

Briar's Reviews

Due to time constraints, I was only able to read Hudson Lin's story. But, if the rest of these stories are half as good as Dare to Dream by Hudson Lin, then this anthology is absolutely fantastic!

This story follows Diego and Derek, two laws students, and their growing bond. Diego is a DACA recipient who learns the importance of standing up for what you believe in. Not only is there some super sexy scenes between Diego and Derek (because, we all know how magical Hudson Lin is with her romance/sexy writing abilities) but there is a lot of character growth within this short story.

I would definitely recommend this anthology series - I've read many of the previous ones. The political themes that are mixed in with romance (and sometimes erotica) make this a unique set of stories that don't fit the typical romance mold. Not all stories will work for all readers, but you are guaranteed to have at least one story you love or can relate to.

My biggest problem was that this story was way too short! I want more from each of these stories! 

Five out of five stars!

I received an advanced reader's copy because I am apart of Hudson Lin's ARC review team!

Lauren Sullivan

I’ve read and enjoyed some of these anthologies before, and since there were also several familiar names, I just had to pick this up! There are seven stories included, with two authors – Talia Hibbert and Annabeth Albert – that I’ve read and liked before. Without further ado, here’s individual reviews of the stories:

“Resisting Desire” – Talia Hibbert – ★★★★

I haven’t read much of Ms. Hibbert’s work, but what I have I’ve loved! This is a bit different from what I’ve come to expect from the anthology, as it’s actually set in Britain. Nina runs a website dedicated to independent political reporting, and her latest article on Brexit has led to death threats. Afraid to stay in her own home, and knowing the police will be of no help, she reaches out to her friend James for help. Problem is, things are a bit awkward between the childhood friends after a kiss led to a make out session that blew both their minds. Can they go back to being just friends, or is whatever between them worth risking that friendship to explore? My favorite part of this story is that while Nina leans on James for support, she’s the one who figures out the solution to her problems. Also, Ms. Hibbert doesn’t shy away from the realities of police racism and the double-standards for women in media, especially Black women.

“I can’t wait to watch you make history.”
“I can’t wait to make history together,” I countered.
“The couple that resists together, stays together.”

“Dropped Stitches” – Annabeth Albert – ★★★★

It’s a high school reunion of sorts in voting line when Bea literally runs into Kira, her high school crush. After Bea finds out Kira just got dumped by her girlfriend, she invites her along to the watch party for the political candidate she’s been volunteering for. Kira’s all competent and take-chargey, even when she gets roped into handing out signs for an event she’s just shown up to, and Bea is so kind and thoughtful, she volunteers to help Kira pick up her things from her ex’s place. This was quite sweet, with lots of bonus knitting, and I also liked that they got into an argument, but both women were able to realize where they went wrong and apologize. Overall, this is a sweet second chance story!

“I believe we’ve all got to do our best. For ourselves and for each other. And hope we’re doing right.”

“Parking Lot Cowboy” – Rebecca Crowley – ★★★★

Margot, newly moved to Kansas, spends her Saturday mornings volunteering as a women’s clinic escort with a taciturn (but seriously hot) cowboy. When, after three months, he finally breaks his silence, Margot practically tells him her life story, including inviting him to dinner at the apartment she still shares with her ex-boyfriend. Their relationship moved a bit too fast for me, but I liked that the general bent of the story was against keyboard warriors who are too busy arguing about how to fix everything wrong rather than actually trying to fix things.

“Sometimes we have to do dangerous things when we know they are the right things to do.”

“Dare to Dream” – Hudson Lin – ★★★★

Derek is a bit miffed at his fellow law student and homework partner, Diego, when he schedules their meeting for 10pm and then is half an hour late. It turns out Derek has more things to be upset about – though Diego is a DACA recipient and his mother is an undocumented immigrant, he’s more interested in taking care of his American-born sister than protesting politically. Diego’s frustrated that all Derek seems to see of him is that he’s a Dreamer, not his intelligence or legal skills. Despite the fact that they’ve just met, their relationship felt like it reflected that, so it wasn’t too unbelievable.

“The Coffee Shop Around the Corner” – Shae Connor – ★★★

Madeline, social media manager for a mayoral candidate, doesn’t realize that the cute coffee shop owner is the same person who’s been emailing her thoughtful questions about her candidate’s positions. This was cute, but it felt like it concentrated more on the political stuff than the relationship – like, I now know a lot more about Atlanta’s infrastructure issues than I expected – so I didn’t really get a good sense of the two of them as a couple. I think it’s really hard to write a believable relationship in a novella when the two characters have only just met (rather than relying on them being friends, old flames, etc) and it didn’t quite work for me.

“Love Your Face” – Ainsley Booth – ★★★★

Fred is a decidedly grumpy heroine, frustrated with life and the circumstances that are forcing her back to her hometown and family for Thanksgiving. Ami, her best friend, is a much more positive person, so it’s a really good thing that she surprises Fred by following her home. Fred’s family is set in their ways, refusing to even call her by her chosen nickname and incapable of understanding her job. Ami’s her backup, sticking up for her when her brother and dad once again try to downplay her achievements, and it gives Fred the power to finally realize that she has the ability to chose her own family. It was a sweetly funny take on chosen family and dealing with toxic relationships.

“My sponsor in prison said that second chances were gifts of grace. That wasting them was the ultimate insult to the universe[.]”

“Sacred Son” – Robin Covington – ★★★★

Ten years ago, Judah stomped all over Adam’s heart when he broke up with him before Adam left for college. Now Adam’s back and working with a nonprofit that helps Native Americans with legal issues, and Judah has a case he hopes he’ll accept – regaining custody of his son. This story was particularly heart-wrenching, given the trauma that Judah and his son faced. It was also, I think, a nice example of allyship – Adam needs to learn to follow what Judah wants, not what he thinks would be best for him.

Overall, I thought the collection was excellent, and it was a well-timed palate cleanser given the election this week. Very much recommended if you’re looking for some hopeful contemporary romance that doesn’t ignore the current political climate!

I received this book for free from the authors in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Rogue Nights A Romance Anthology

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