Cute and short stories with strong female leads who all have undeniable attraction from the start. Good authors contributing to this book.

My Boss’s Wife, by Gun Brooke, was just too tropey for me. I don’t want to throw out any major spoilers so I’m not going to go into a lot of detail, but the story is far too manufactured. The character of Constantine was sweet, but a transparent plot device. Neither Mallory nor January were well developed, though I did like January’s grit. And Peter was a caricature. I did like the premise, and it has some promise; there were some parts I really enjoyed. The format does of course necessitate getting the protagonists to the point quickly, but I felt that My Boss’s Wife just really strains credulity too much.3.5⭐️

Her Therapist’s Daughter, by J.J. Hale, features a neurodivergent protagonist, and I’m a little bit torn about this one. I’m very much an advocate of representation, and l readily admit that I just may not be able to relate adequately enough to appreciate this one fully, but my sense is that at least part of the author’s point with this one was to portray Freya’s growth in an empathetic and cognitive sense along the way as she falls in love with Blake. But I think this point may be too subtle, and it may be too easy to interpret the character as a brash, insensitive, immature player instead. And, again, the story is instalove, which is of course somewhat attributable to the format. 3.5⭐️

But not entirely. And I say this because the third story, Her Brother’s Girlfriend, by Aurora Rey, manages to largely avoid that pitfall. If this one had been a full-length book I would have gladly bought it. It goes without saying that the novella format accelerated and compressed the storyline. In spite of that, Her Brother’s Girlfriend did not feel as rushed. The relationship between the protagonists was given some room to develop, and a reasonably believable framework upon which to do so. While the ending aggressively tests believable limits of “happily ever after” for the cast of characters, the reader is willing to let it slide for the sake of a short story and the protagonist’s HEA, and at the very least the lack of angst is actually kind of refreshing. 4.5⭐️

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am leaving a voluntary review.

I enjoyed all three novellas in “All For Her: Forbidden Romance”, but the one that stood out for me was “Her Brother’s Girlfriend” by Aurora Rey. This story focused on Hadley Devine who returns to town when her father suffers a medical issue and a long recovery. Hadley will serve as the chef at the family restaurant while her father recovers. Brianna Kerns is the pastry chef at the restaurant and has been involved with Hadley’s brother, Brad, since the tenth grade. However, Hadley has had a crush on Brianna for as long as she can remember. The novella tells the story of how Hadley and Brianna eventually become a couple. The characters exuded chemistry and the forbidden family part of this story added to the dynamic.

4 stars overall for the three novellas

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I liked all three of these stories. The authors wrote wonderful characters and relationships. I was disappointed that there were no physical descriptions of the MC's in Her Brother's Girlfriend. It was a good story, but I like to visualize the character's eye and hair color and the like. I will keep an eye out for other books by these authors.

Book Review: All For Her: Forbidden Romance Novellas
All For Her, a collection of forbidden romance novellas by Gun Brooke, J.J. Hale, and Aurora Rey, offers a tantalizing exploration of love that defies boundaries and expectations. Each story delves into its own unique premise, blending longing, angst, and the courage it takes to follow one's heart—even when the stakes are high. The anthology is a captivating journey for readers who enjoy high-stakes romance and the thrill of breaking taboos.

1. "Her Boss's Wife" by Gun Brooke
Gun Brooke's Her Boss's Wife sets the tone for the collection with a steamy yet emotionally charged story. January Wild is stuck in the crossfire of her boss’s tumultuous divorce while nursing a forbidden attraction to her boss’s wife. Brooke masterfully crafts the push-pull dynamic between January and the enigmatic wife, offering readers a slow-burn romance that teeters on the edge of desire and danger.

Strengths:
Brooke excels in building tension and chemistry, with January’s internal conflict and the ethical challenges adding depth to the story. The romantic payoff is immensely satisfying, as it balances risk and vulnerability.
Weaknesses:
The brevity of the novella leaves some secondary characters, like the boss, feeling underdeveloped. A longer format could have provided a richer backstory.
2. "Her Therapist's Daughter" by J.J. Hale
J.J. Hale’s contribution brings a thought-provoking twist to the forbidden romance trope. Freya’s journey of self-discovery leads her to an unexpected connection with her therapist’s daughter, a premise rife with tension and serendipity. Hale’s writing is introspective and heartfelt, delving into themes of identity and personal growth while weaving a tender romance.

Strengths:
This novella stands out for its nuanced portrayal of Freya’s self-discovery and the layered dynamics between the characters. The dual perspective—seeing the relationship through the eyes of both Freya and her lover—adds depth to the emotional stakes.
Weaknesses:
Some readers may feel uneasy about the therapist-patient dynamic, even though the romance occurs outside of therapy sessions. While the narrative addresses this, it could benefit from a bit more exploration of the ethical boundaries.
3. "Her Brother’s Girlfriend" by Aurora Rey
Aurora Rey delivers a heartfelt tale of unrequited love and second chances with Her Brother’s Girlfriend. Hadley Devine is a compelling protagonist, navigating the complexities of working alongside Brianna, the woman she’s secretly loved for years. This story is rich in emotion, with a strong focus on familial bonds and the struggle between loyalty and desire.

Strengths:
Rey excels at portraying small-town charm and the complexities of family dynamics. The tension between Hadley and Brianna is palpable, and their shared history adds depth to the romance. The kitchen setting serves as a perfect metaphor for simmering emotions ready to boil over.
Weaknesses:
The resolution feels slightly rushed, with Brianna’s motivations and decision to pursue Hadley deserving more exploration.
Overall Themes and Strengths
Exploration of Boundaries: Each novella tackles a different form of forbidden love, offering a diverse range of relationships and conflicts. From workplace dynamics to family entanglements, the stories explore how love can flourish in the most unexpected—and often inconvenient—places.
Queer Representation: The collection is a celebration of sapphic love, highlighting the complexities and beauty of LGBTQ+ relationships in varied contexts.
Emotional Depth: Despite their shorter length, these novellas pack an emotional punch, combining steamy romance with heartfelt storytelling.
Critiques
While the anthology shines in its ability to draw readers into forbidden romances, the novella format occasionally leaves certain storylines underdeveloped. A longer word count might have allowed for more nuanced exploration of secondary characters and the societal implications of the forbidden relationships.

Final Thoughts
All For Her is a bold and passionate collection that embraces the complexities of forbidden love. Each novella offers a distinct flavor, ensuring there’s something for every fan of romance. Whether you’re drawn to workplace drama, journeys of self-discovery, or the heartache of unrequited love, this anthology delivers with intensity and heart.

Rating: 4/5
A steamy, emotional read perfect for fans of forbidden love and unapologetic romance.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book!!

What a good book!! This one had me hooked from page one! I could t put it down. I loved the writing style of this book. I lived the characters and they had great chemistry.