Thank you to Amazon Original Stories for providing me with an arc of this collection.

I am gonna be really honest, I got this purely because of the Ashley Poston short story. I find short stories in anthologies hit or miss and this one was leaning towards miss. I think Poston really does well at fully fledged stories and character arcs but she needs more length than a short story to do that. I only read that one so I can't comment on the others but it was decent just not a stand out.

Putting together a short story collection from some of the top rom-com / women's lit authors was a stroke of genius. I am pretty sure I would read scribbles on a napkin from these authors. Centering it around Valentine's Day? Beyond. These are must reads.

Given the short story set up, I was concerned the books would feel rushed and incomplete. However, each one was well done and nailed the set up. My thoughts on each story:

• Christina Lauren: The Exception to the Rule (5 stars)
o I love a slow burn, which can be difficult to accomplish in a short story. The once a year emails were a good compromise. T and C are adorable. Of course they were fated to meet this way. Also loved when authors are in touch with unsatisfying descriptions and call it out: “I put on a black long-sleeved, scoop-neck dress that is much sexier than it sounds” because I have never pictured a scoop neck dress as sexy. Overall a cute concept that made sense as a short story.

• Abby Jimenez: Worst Wingman Ever (5 stars)
o This is classic Jimenez: weaves heavy topics with the hopefulness of forever. If anything, read this story to forever question “hard as hell” versus “hard as hail.” The two POVs helped the flow. Holly had so much heaviness to navigate that John struck that perfect balance. Not only that, Jimenez always offers up something that belongs in needlepoint: “Take responsibility for your own unhappiness. If you don’t love your life, change it.” But then something light and humorous to make you smile: “Like, you’re gonna have a stupid name and be an asshole? Pick a struggle.” (This one goes perfect with the J name controversy in the upcoming Just for the Summer.)

• Sally Thorne: Rosie and the Dreamboat (5 stars)
o Definitely the funniest of the three, I loved how uniqueness of the story. A spin on blind dating, Rosie needs her Romeo (actually, Leo) to rescue her from a spa day gone wrong. The full circle play on meeting her husband today was a sweet ending.

• Jasmine Guillory: Drop, Cover, and Hold On (3.5 stars)
o The only one of the collection that felt a little rushed, Guillory still made it happen. Setting the story in a bakery was a thing of my dreams. A bakery man churning out delectable sweet and savory treats? I’m in. I would have loved a little more connection. It just felt too forced to be swoony.

• Ashley Poston: With Any Luck (4 stars)
o While it was a little on the nose with the names—Love and Luck—it seemed on brand with the theme of the collection. Cute premise of the bride’s and groom’s best friends falling for each other. I liked the idea of getting away from falling for your best friend, but man do I love me a friends-to-lovers trope. The missing groom was a bit distracting; I think we could have had a similar outcome without this storyline.

• Sariah Wilson: Royal Valentine (5 stars)
o A situation when “I’m not who you think I am” was the perfect plot and didn’t come across as uncomfortable to watch. (Maybe this trope is really just meant for a short story?) I am a sucker for a royal storyline, and this was no exception.

This is the perfect Valentine's binge. You're also going to want to make sure you have some baked treats ready to go.

Thank you to Netgalley for letting me read in exchange for an honest review. Super cute series of novellas by some of the best romance authors. Something for everyone in these improbable encounters💚

The Exception to the Rule ~ Christina Lauren
4.5⭐️

Super cute, quick read. I loved the back and forth between C and T. Emails were a fun touch. I absolutely loved this story.

Worst Wingman Ever ~ Abby Jimenez
5⭐️

As with any Abby Jimenez story, I cried ugly tears. When I was denied Just for the Summer on Netgalley I may have also cried… but this story was a nice consolation. I will stan Abby Jimenez til the end. You must read this.

That being said, Holly and John’s relationship built on a wrongfully placed “dick coupon” was hilarious. Cutsie notes exchanged on a vehicle. As per any Abby story, there is a wee bit of sadness and hardship balanced with her witty sense of humor.

Rosie and the Dreamboat ~ Sally Thorn
4 ⭐️

This one was hilarious! Leo is a sexy fireman who comes to rescue Rosie from her latest dose of bad luck.

Drop, Cover, and Hold On ~ Jasmine Guillory
3.5 ⭐️

Daisy and Harris

With Any Luck ~ Ashley Poston
3.5 ⭐️
Audrey and Theo… last person you kiss til find soulmate. Best friends wedding. Missing groom. Elope.

Royal Valentine ~ Sariah Wilson
3.5 ⭐️

I was very fortunate to get a ARC and have been absolutely loving them. I even read a couple twice I loved them so much!

Highlights!
Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren
I loved how CLo told the majority of the story through email, but all the usual wit and humor in their writing was still there.

Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez
She had so much emotion in this story I was crying by the end of it!

Rosie’s Dreamboat by Sally Thorne
This was absolutely hilarious!!

Drop, Hold, Cover by Jasmine Guillory
Loved Daisy and Harris’ story!

With Any Luck by Ashley Poston
Ashley Poston is such a gifted writer and the way she writes FMC is just perfect.

Royal Valentine by Sariah Wilson
This was so sweet! It honestly felt like I was watching a romantic comedy while I was reading.

I’m not usually a reader of short-form anthologies because I’m afraid there’s not enough time to develop plot and depth, but these talented ladies definitely proved me wrong. All of the stories were engaging, funny, and often emotional. The authors definitely understood the assignment of the improbable meet-cute. My favorites were Christina Lauren’s and Abby Jimenez’s. I will definitely be going back to reread them again.

A great lineup of authors that put together such a fun group of Valentine’s Day novellas. Shout out to Christina Lauren and Abby Jimenez for my favorites of the bunch! These stories cured my after-Christmas January hangover. A nice job including very separate stories with some tie-ins to make them feel congruent (I’m looking at you guinea pigs and spas!)

༉‧₊˚. 3.5/5 overall — detailed reviews for each story below

Thank you to Amazon & all of the authors of this collection for sending me an ARC! I'm extremely thankful for this opportunity to review such cute and wholesome stories. This collection is available on January 23, 2024 and guess what... IT'S FREE for Prime and Kindle Unlimited members!! So make sure you go download yourself a copy of this ebook or audiobook!

✉˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡↪

story 1 : The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren
ʚ⁺˖↪ 4.5/5

When I think of a meet-cute, this is literally a dictionary definition! Yet again, C + L wrote an absolute masterpiece, following the love story of Terra(FMC) and Callum(MMC). From 2014 to 2026, we get a glimpse into an ever so classic wrong message romance that blooms into so much more.

With this story, I love the year by year progression of emails being sent between Terra and Callum on Valentine's Day, a tradition they managed to solidify and kept strong as they grew up and left behind high school and continued their educations. I will say, I do love the setting of the book (irvine, ca) only because I frequent irvine so often since I'm from los angeles and like the subtle references and being able to understand them and connect just makes me feel so warm and fuzzy inside.

This story is almost perfect, the only reason why I gave it a 4.5/5 is because <s><i>the first few years lowkey remind me of a text story on wattpad and idk how i feel about that</i></s>. Okay but still, I NEED this to become a full-blown novel or a movie because I've already reread it and it hasn't even been an hour since I finished the collection.

quotes !
⤷-✧˖° (note: second one might be a small spoiler)

"You'd come back just to see me?
"Without question."
and this literally happened before any romance???

"Are we still going to be emailing each other from the same couch on Valentine's Day in fifty years?"
"Without question."

✉˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡↪

story 2: Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez
ʚ⁺˖↪ 2.5/5

Imagine walking back out to your car and seeing a note slipped under your wiper. You'd probably panic, right? Well, what if that note was a sex coupon and it wasn't meant for you. Jimenez details the story between Holly(FMC) and John(MMC)(sorry but these names are so basic), a hospice nurse and a repairman respectively as they experience a very anonymous note-giving love story on Holly's beat up White Honda.

I had so much hope for this story... truly, and while I did enjoy some parts, I found myself questioning a lot of things as well. Holly is currently the primary caretaker for her ill grandma and thus, this short story includes insight into Holly's close family dynamic and the relationship she shares with her sister, mother, and grandmother. I really liked this because it led to some dramatic moments (see spoiler) and I guess included a brief reference to historical times which really makes you pause and realize just how lucky it is to be a woman in the 21st century. So a quick thing, each note is written in a different font (depending if Holly or John wrote it) and Holly's font is so round that I literally had to zoom in to read it because idek it was just impossible to see.

The reason why I rated it so low is because (note: kind of a spoiler) the story ended so abruptly? Like literally as soon as Holly and John met irl and suddenly the bobblehead is in her home and not her car (which btw I hate this detail because it's just so convenient and not at all realistic), he's just like 'I'll take you to Home Depot' and then it just ends. I was so disappointed.

✉˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡↪

story 3: Rosie and the Dreamboat by Sally Thorne
ʚ⁺˖↪ 5/5

I will admit, I did not understand the hype for firefighters, but after this story, god I LOVE THEM. This story had me laughing out loud WHEEZING as I clutched my stomach, gasping for air.

Rosie(FMC) has long been in the shadow of her sister Bree--the accomplished, pretty, and perfect Whittaker sister. When Bree gets a promotion at her job, Rosie decides to treat her to a spa day full of relaxation and rest. Low and behold, when the Whittaker sisters try out the spa's new machine, Rosie gets stuck inside what is essentially, a huge toilet. While Rosie is panicking, the spa is reluctant of destroying their brand new $85k machine just to save her, so when the firefighters arrive, Rosie finds herself having the most humorous and flirty conversation with a firefighter named Leo(MMC) (ok ik his nickname Romeo is one he hates, but he's so dreamy i wanna call him romeo).

I LOVE THIS STORY SO MUCH OMG! I love the immediate jealousy and sexual tension between Leo and Rosie as they recount stories from their day/lives. This story is so simple but literally had me glued to the screen because I just could not put this down at all.

quotes !
⤷-✧˖°

"Bree looks like a nineties supermodel with her wet hair scraped back. I'm in my sea otter era."

"I'm going to crawl out of this tank in a towel looking like the girl from The Ring"

"All things considered, you don't look like a drowned rat."

✉˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡↪

story 4: Drop, Cover, and Hold On by Jasmine Guillory
ʚ⁺˖↪ 2.5/5

Daisy(FMC), a curvy (idk why but the author really established this detail so many times throughout the story) ray of sunshine from the Bay Area absolutes loves her local bakery. However, from her past experience with visiting, the owner kinda... despises her to put it lightly. So, come Valentine's Day, Daisy ponders whether she should visit before finally mustering up her courage and entering the shop. All of a sudden, an earthquake happens and traps Daisy inside the shop with Harris(MMC), the owner of the bakery.

This story was very... interesting? I think the plot is okay I'm just kind of thrown off by the characters. So, the author establishes SO MANY times that Daisy is relatively curvy and seems to absolutely love eating pastries and then Harris has a kink for women who are into food (in an almost p*rn way). I like the plot because the earthquake is pretty unique and I like how they're forced into this close proximity because of it. I'll just say, I'm questioning if the author is a Californian because she described the earthquake to be so serious (hence the title). But I'm not even kidding. There have been like 3-4 earthquakes here in LA from the past few months and each one, I have literally either been in bed or in a dining hall and definitely did not do anything but stand/sit. Also, a turn off I have is that Harris always asks permission for everything. Like if he's already doing it, he'll ask for permission 5 more times to continue doing it.

✉˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡↪

story 5: With Any Luck by Ashley Poston
ʚ⁺˖↪ 1.75/5

Audrey Love(FMC) has grown up believing that she's cursed in love <i>(ironic ik)</i>. Growing up, her sisters managed a kissing booth, and somehow, after kissing one of the Love girls, anyone would immediately find their soulmate. Rhett, Audrey's best friend is getting married to his fiancée with Audrey being the best man. Theo(MMC), Carmilla's bestie, is the maid of honor at this wedding. What happens when the bachelor party gets so intense that the best man loses the groom the day of the wedding?

I'm so sad because the plot of this story is literally so good?? But I literally thought Audrey was a man at first because of her being the best man. Then I thought this was a romance between Audrey and Rhett because it's built up to be that, then Theo comes out of nowhere and like readers feel the sexual tension between Theo and Audrey but throughout the story Audrey keeps acting as if she's into Rhett (despite adamantly claiming they're just friends). Also, the story was so short that I blinked and it was over. This definitely could've been dragged on longer with anything, even an epilogue and I would've been happy. Random but Theo's background is so dreamy like the quiet guy who likes sculpting and isn't really comfy around anyone but Carmilla and Audrey.

✉˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡↪

story 6: Royal Valentine by Sariah Wilson
ʚ⁺˖↪ 5/5

Apparently this story is just a short side story of Wilson's Royals of Monterra series, but like I literally need to read this series now if it's anything like this because I AM IN LOVE!

Ilaria(FMC), Princess of Monterra yearns for a day without paparazzi constantly following her. So, while in Rome, she switches places with her PR assistant Anne and decides to explore the city, searching for the mysterious photographer who caught her eye. While out in the streets, Anne suddenly faints and later wakes up in an unfamiliar apartment. Her savior, Callum(MMC), is the photographer she was looking for. They immediately click but there's a problem... Callum thinks he's falling in love with Anne. As they spend their day together and fall in love with each other, Anne ponders if she should reveal the truth, not knowing that there's far more to uncover than she knows.

This plot is just *chefs kiss*. I haven't had much experience reading royal romance stories but this was just amazing! I really loved the feeling of constant suspense with Ilaria trying not to get caught and reading about a life that's so drastically different from an ordinary life is always just soso interesting. Also, Callum has a Scottish accent and while I used to think that it wasn't hot, idk he just makes it work and like it's so charming.

quotes !
⤷-✧˖° (SPOILER BUT SO DREAMY)

"Callum sweetly pressed his lips to mine. 'I'll always come for you. You're my princess. It's my duty to wake you with a kiss every morning. It's required that I make certain you have your fairy-tale ending."

✉˖⁺‧₊˚♡˚₊‧⁺˖૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡↪

if you're into meet-cutes, royal romance, enemies to lovers, love at first sight, firemen, funny guys, damsel in distress, bakers, etc... you will love this collection.

What an awesome line up of authors!

I absolutely adored these six Valentine Day themed novellas. Each one may have been themed the same, but each one was very unique and very well done for being novellas.

Perfect novellas to read around Valentine’s Day! Swoon worthy. Laugh out loud funny. Sweet. All the things.

Featured Authors:
🩵Christina Lauren
🩵Abby Jimenez
🩵Sally Thorne
🩵Jasmine Guillory
🩵Sarah Wilson
🩵Ashley Poston

Thank you to the authors for this wonderful e arc. Be on the lookout for these novellas. Pub date 01/23/24

I've read everything Abby Jimenez has written, and this short story was as magical as everything else she's done. She makes you swoon, cry, laugh, and need to rescue a dog from the closest shelter. The other authors that added short stories to this collection were equally as wonderful. I loved how there was a small connection to the other stories in each authors story. Incredibly cute!

I was really excited to find this collection of novellas on NetGalley. What an incredible group of authors! It included a few of my favorite authors and some new authors I am excited to find and read more of their books. Each author took a different writing approach that was creative but intertwined the stories well. I loved the little Easter eggs dropped in each story that connected it to another story. The stories were very independent, but had something in common like the name of a bakery or the name of a character. I love when books make me laugh out loud and allow me to visualize what is happening as all of these novellas did. My only “complaint” would be that I wished they were longer! The stories were complete as they were written, but I would have enjoyed reading more. What a perfect set to drop right before Valentine's Day.

I love these! Really cute Valentine's stories, from mostly authors I already love but two were new-to-me authors. I almost wished they'd been longer, the stories were so good.

I received this Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to Amazon Original Stories for this opportunity.

Publish date: 1/23/2024

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, here are six short stories that are guaranteed to make you smile, laugh, and fall in love (or back in love) with love. Each story is different, though there are a few casual name drops here and there to link them neatly together in the same universe. You definitely won’t miss any core details by not reading them all, but you would most certainly miss a cute story.

If you enjoy a good romance, there’s something for you in this collection; whether it be love letters, sunshine/grumpy, a bit of spice, dog lovers, royalty, or firemen.


**The entire collection will be available in ebook and audiobook formats for free to Amazon Prime and Kindle Unlimited members, and will also be available to purchase by non-members with the option to add digital audio for free on January 23, 2024.**

This was such a cute assortment of short stories! I really loved the Christina Lauren and Abby Jimenez. The stories all connecting in small ways was a nice little Easter egg.

A couple of the stories were forgettable to me, and I felt like I needed a little more. But overall I would recommend this for romance lovers and people who like romcoms and Valentine’s Day!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

“The Improbable Meet-Cute” collection is a collection of light-hearted short stories from some of the best authors of the genre. I loved that each story shared the Valentine’s Day theme and had small nods to other stories in the collection yet kept each author’s unique approach and creativity. I enjoyed the stories from Christina Lauren, Abby Jimenez, and Sally Thorne the most but thought each story was well-thought out and enjoyable. Would recommend this collection as a fun, quick-read! Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for sending this ARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I simply adored this collection of Meet-Cute stories by a stellar group of authors!

The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren - On February 14, an accidental email to a stranger opens the door to an unexpected relationship. I simply loved the back and forth between the two characters!

Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez - They’re falling in love, yet they’ve never met. Maybe fate can intervene in a heartwarming “what-if” short story about new beginnings. This had all the humor and warm fuzzies you could ever need in a meet-cute!

Rosie and the Dreamboat by Sally Thorne - For a hopeful and hopeless romantic, it’s love at first sight—with a little twist. A meet cute with a firefighter.... need I say more?

Drop, Cover, and Hold on by Jasmine Guillory - It takes nothing less than a fateful natural disaster to throw two opposites together in a ground-shakingly charming short story. Sometimes it feels like mother nature plays match-maker, super cute!

With Any Luck by Ashley Poston - Every person she kisses finds their true love, and it’s never her—until now, Valentine's romance with a little "Luck" - my best friend's wedding mixed with Abby Jimenez' Just for the Summer vibes. Minor critique in that I don't love a "drunk" not remember storyline so it wasn't my absolute favorite - the story was still fun to see play out overall.

Royal Valentine by Sariah Wilson - Valentine’s Day becomes a Roman holiday for a princess in disguise in a dizzyingly romantic short story about making wishes come true. This one had allll the hallmark - Italy romance meet cute vibes and I was here for it.

Thoroughly enjoyed these short stories and are so fitting for a season of love.

With an incredible group of authors like this, I knew I was in for a treat with this collection! I loved how each story was its own piece but there will small nods to the others that made it incredibly fun to read.

The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren was very sweet and gave You've Got Mail vibes. I loved how complete this story felt and how developed the timeline was. It's not often a novella or short-story can make a 10 year time jump feel whole - and Christina Lauren didn't disappoint (but do they ever?).

Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez had her signature elements of gut-wrenching moments tied in with humor (and a dog). As always, this story was cute, funny, and relatable. Abby has become the author where I never need to read the description - I know I'm going to love it. I would have loved this story to been a full book.

Rosie and the Dreamboat by Sally Thorne was one my favorites from this collection. The dialogue made this incredibly fun and charming. I would love a full-length book for this one - I think there's a lot more depth to the characters that we didn't get to see.

Drop, Cover, and Hold On by Jasmine Guillory admittedly was not my favorite. There were elements that I enjoyed but I think we didn't get to see enough of the grumpy/sunshine interactions to truly appreciate it here. It was continuously mentioned that Daisy thinks Harris hates her but we didn't get to experience their interactions other than very brief retellings. I think this would have worked better as a full-length to dive more into their characters and plot.

With Any Luck by Ashley Boston was funny with a ton of chemistry. I honestly feel like it didn't even need the "last kiss" element. The chemistry between Aubrey and Theo was great and I really enjoyed the storyline.

Royal Valentine by Sariah Wilson gave me The Princess Switch vibes. I liked the twist here but felt the ending was a little rushed. It would have been really fun if this was written in dual-perspectives!

What a fun set of bite sized meet-cures! I devoured these short stories and loved how each couple found eachother!

Overall, this is a solid collection of short stories. I do think some stand out more than others. I also don’t know if I would put the Abby Jimenez story directly after the Christina Lauren one because they were very similar (secret notes and not knowing who they are from). Also, I am a little peeved about having to remember that the Abby character was shopping at Home Depot because when she said that red tools were a green flag I could only think of Craftsman tools from Lowe’s which are not better than yellow tools aka Dewalt. I hope her readers pay attention to that and don’t go off to Lowe’s looking for a man buying red tools. In the Royal Valentine I did get confused by some of the way the accent for the man was written. Mostly when he said “Ken” instead of know. Otherwise I really enjoyed this and was thankful for the chance to read it early :)

This absolutely fabulous collection of short stories immediately caught my eye when I saw the authors listed. Christina Lauren? Abby Jimenez? Ashley Poston! It was a must read.

The six authors each provide one short story varying in length from around 40 pages to around 100, all centered around a love story.

Christina Lauren’s short story is told partially in epistolary format, using emails for a big section of the story. I love the format and thought it was so fun to read one from them this way!

Abby Jimenez brings the feels in her short story, touching on grief and on choosing our own happiness. It has her usual heart and humor and I could have easily read a full length book of this one!

Sally Thorne’s contribution brings humor and such a funny meet cute, with a touch of mental health representation dealing with a past trauma.

Jasmine Guillery writes a quick one set during an earthquake, bringing real sparks and chemistry in right around 30 pages.

Ashley Poston’s short story touches on those feelings when your best friend is about to married and someone else is going to take your role as their person. It is sweet with some zingy chemistry and her trademark beautiful writing,

Sariah Wilson rounds out the pack with a cute story about a princess who just wants to spend a day in anonymity and what happens during that day.

If you are a fan of these authors, this collection is a must! Quick reads that bring all of their usual heart, humor, and chemistry, these short stories brought a smile to my face.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

What a cute collection of romance stories! I am not usually a big fan of short stories, but when I saw the authors I knew I had to read this collection. The common theme of characters finding their romantic partners in unpredictable ways helped tie all of these stories together into a cohesive collection.

The Exception to the Rule: 5 stars. This one was my favorite so I am happy that this started out the book. I enjoyed the back and forth emails on Valentine's Day throughout the years with the main characters. I found the characters to be likable and quirky and the romance to have good depth.

Worst Wingman Ever: 4 stars. I liked the way this storyline developed. There was the most emotional depth to me in this short story. Some humor, cute romance, and a good connection between the characters.

Rosie and the Dreamboat: 4.5 stars. At first the dreamboat fireman's personality irked me a bit. However, I loved the plot line and the witty banter between the two main characters. This was my second favorite storyline.

Drop, Cover, and Hold: 3 stars. This one was the most rushed to me. There wasn't a lot of chemistry between the characters before they were thrown together after an earthquake, so the connection between them seemed forced. I liked the setting of the bakeshop and the idea of the "meet cute" though.

With Any Lucky: 4 stars. Kind of a Hangover style storyline, the characters are missing a groom and must retrace their steps to find them before the wedding. I enjoyed the enemies to friends romance between the characters.

Royal Valentine: 3 stars. The storyline of the princess shaking off her responsibilities to have some freedom in Rome was a cute Hallmarky idea. I liked the romance between the characters, but the ending was a bit rushed.

Overall I enjoyed these short stories. They felt like a cohesive collection and many of the stories made me want to read more about these characters!

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for granting me a free copy in exchange for my honest review!