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Wild In The Windy City: The Anthology Volume 3

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New Year's Eve on Navy Pier.

A sexy, breathless night.

Eighteen authors bring magic, steam, and romance to the Resolution Gala on Navy Pier this New Year’s Eve. Don’t miss the fireworks.

All proceeds from this anthology benefit Bernie's Book Bank (https://www.berniesbookbank.org/)

RELEASE DATE December 10, 2019

Look for a pre-order link later this Fall!

ANTHOLOGY AUTHORS:
Rachel Brookes
Audrey Carlan
L.M. Carr
L. A. Cotton
M.C. Decker
L.B. Dunbar
H.Q. Frost
Jenna Galicki
J.D. Hollyfield
Sapphire Knight
Bethany Lopez
K.I. Lynn
Jordan Marie
Leslie McAdam
S. Moose
M. Piper
Lisa Suzanne
Shantel Tessier

ebook

First published December 10, 2019

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About the author

Rachel Brookes

19 books1,346 followers
Rachel Brookes is from the east coast of Australia and writes angst ridden love stories with a pinch of craziness, a dash of drama, a cup of romance, and a bucketload of sexiness. With five novels currently published, she is constantly writing and getting ready to release her next hero and heroine into the world. An avid reader, Rachel can often be found with her kindle in her hand, and getting lost in a happily ever after. She has an unhealthy obsession with The Walking Dead, and social media, and loves hearing from readers at rachelbrookeswrites@gmail.com

You can find me online here:

Facebook -www.facebook.com/AuthorRachelBrookes
Twitter - www.twitter.com/rachelbrookes_
Instagram - www.instagram.com/AuthorRachelBrookes
Email - rachelbrookeswrites@gmail.com

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224 (66%)
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89 (26%)
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16 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,384 reviews202 followers
December 9, 2019




Roland's been in love with his best friend, J'Anique, for years. That's why it's distressing this New Year's Eve that he's trying to find the perfect hookup for her, and vice versa. It's their thing - finding each other the perfect hookup on New Year's Eve. But this year, Roland (and J'Anique??) is really not in the mood to find someone for his best friend, because she's already got the perfect mate - himself. Will he make his move? Is it possible J'Anique reciprocates his feelings?



This must just be a tease of Roland and J'Anique's story, because it can't possibly be all there is about these two interesting people. I want more. More of how they started, but mostly more of them as a couple. This is a wonderful introduction to what I hope will be a full length story.

ARC via L. Woods PR for an honest review.

Review/Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,081 reviews573 followers
Shelved as 'tbr-kindle'
December 9, 2019
I'm not going to mark the anthology as read nor am i going to rate it because I've only read Freckled by Leslie McAdam but if this story is an indication of the quality of the rest of the stories, I am super excited to read all of them very soon!!

Freckled by Leslie McAdam: 5 Oh, holy everything Stars
This woman managed to write a moment in time between to best friends taking the leap to more in a matter of just a few pages and make me a believer !! Well done!
Profile Image for Ola Adamska.
2,879 reviews23 followers
December 13, 2019
Frat House Confessions: NYE by Bethany Lopez
A little story, that was very sweet, full of Love, but as well as surprises. A Little sight of HEA for characters from book one in The Series.
What happened here will.matter in the book There? who knows?

Ruby by L.A. Cotton
I had not expected the things that had happened here! It will be full of sexy times And turns into the direction that events are going. I'm so excited to see more of those characters.
December 30, 2019
Only For Tonight by Rachel Brookes

For this being a short read it was enough to hook me and have me craving more. I loved Chase and Rory! Their attraction was clear right from the start. They share a one-night-stand, but it’s clear that their connection is so much more. The passion between Chase and Rory is just addicting. I. Need. More. I can’t wait for more of their story.
Profile Image for Elle Golden.
Author 4 books48 followers
December 5, 2019
Freckled by Leslie McAdam

It was such a wonderful short story. It was a one sitting read but it got me hooked. The characters were deep and their feelings were palpable.
It was beautifully written and in just a few pages, you can totally fell in love with both Roland and J'Anique.
They were so unique and vivid, so peculiar and full of life. I'm mesmerized with this author potential.
It doens't matter if it's a novel, a novella, a short story, you can bet you're gonna love whatever she writes and you're gonna keep the characters safe and warm in your heart.
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews441 followers
December 11, 2019
I read Champagne Wishes by Shantel Tessier which is apart of the "Wild in the Windy City. VOLUME 3: NEW YEAR'S EVE Edition. This is Treyton and Cali's story. How they met, their chemistry, their attraction and the push/pull is intense and intriguing. I enjoyed the characters, plot and swoon-worthy moments in this short story. I liked the secondary characters added to round out the story. The novella ends on a " to be continued " note so I hope that it is soon. Treyton and Cali's story needs to be added to because it's super steamy, intense and downright hawt!!! I am looking forward to more from this author with these new cast of characters.


My Rating: 4.5 stars *******
Profile Image for Love & Lavender Book Review.
484 reviews38 followers
December 11, 2019
Freckled by Leslie McAdam shows off Leslie’s writing that I’ve missed so much. The story of two best friends who’ve loved each other forever and will decide their fate at the Navy Pier on NYE.

Roland and J’Anique are unique characters that feel so much, so deep for each other but neither have been brave enough to voice their feelings. This NYE everything will change and taking the jump made me swoon! Leslie knows how to spin a romantic short story with the perfect amount of back story to deliver all the feels.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
7,585 reviews154 followers
December 9, 2019
Freckled by Leslie McAdam

Freckled digs it's claws deep into the heart. Roland and J'Anique are friends that take emotions on a heartwarming voyage into their world of something more. McAdams masterfully crafts a tale of friendship, acceptance and romance that will make you smile, even as it breaks your heart. With a positive message and witty banter, Freckled finds it's beauty in being less than perfect.
Profile Image for Ri.
5,090 reviews7 followers
December 23, 2019
As everyone knows, I am a sucker for anthologies. The downside of them is that I generally always want them to be more ad wish that the authors would continue them. Well, I am in luck with this particular anthology because most of them will be continuing in 2020. That makes me very happy considering that this collection of stories were all fantastic. There was something for everyone, from rockstar boyfriends, an unexpected pregnancy, MC, best friend's sister, reconnecting a spark in a very unusual way, to serendipitous soulmates. I am so thankful for one of my unicorn authors, Shantel Tessier, being a part of this compilation or I might have missed out on something amazing. I will come back and do reviews on all the stories after the holiday craziness is over. Looking at this titel I noticed that this is volume three and I am a little sad that I have missed the first two anthologies. I have to at least do a review for Shantel in the interim, considering she brought this to my attention.

Champagne Kisses was a great short story. I loved that the author created characters that truly were caught up in the magical moment of New Year's Eve. The way that Cali and Trayton met showed the magic of what so many people, myself included (but my exes all were as romantic as a wet sock in Antarctica), have wanted to feel and experience firsthand as the clock strikes midnight. Cali was a lucky girl because she definitely got those fireworks. I look forward to seeing where this author will go in the future with these two and hopefully with the secondary characters as well.
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,841 reviews1,440 followers
December 6, 2019
Review for Champagne Wishes by Shantel Tessier:

Champagne Wishes was a fun and sexy little tidbit novella Shantel Tessier gave us. It was sassy and delicious and very steamy. I can't wait for more Cali and Treyton after that mini cliffhanger. 4 stars! ~Ratula 
Profile Image for Kahea.
2,117 reviews118 followers
Read
December 10, 2019
~ Review is for Celebrity Dirt by J.D. Hollyfield ~

***4 Stars***

There may have only been two chapters in here, but they definitely packed a punch. I can already tell that I’ll be #teamlogan for most of the book, though this isn’t the say that I won’t be giving Addy love, because she definitely deserves it, but this woman is definitely going to try me, but I can’t wait to see how what she is about to go through changes her.

~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
Profile Image for Laura.
1,441 reviews16 followers
December 11, 2019
Frat House Confessions


From a fake relationship to a real HEA!! Ridge and Karrie went through the wringer and definitely deserve all the happiness coming to them. This short check in with them had family, drama, and fun. I can't wait until the next Frat House Confessions book!!
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
3,936 reviews39 followers
December 10, 2019
5 STARS FOR CHAMPAGNE WISHES BY SHANTEL TESSIER!! A fun short sexy story. It caught my attention from the first page until the last word. This story was not missing anything it felt like a full story.
Profile Image for Ri.
5,090 reviews7 followers
December 12, 2019
As everyone knows, I am a sucker for anthologies. The downside of them is that I generally always want them to be more ad wish that the authors would continue them. Well, I am in luck with this particular anthology because most of them will be continuing in 2020. That makes me very happy considering that this collection of stories were all fantastic. There was something for everyone, from rockstar boyfriends, an unexpected pregnancy, MC, best friend's sister, reconnecting a spark in a very unusual way, to serendipitous soulmates. I am so thankful for one of my unicorn authors, Shantel Tessier, being a part of this compilation or I might have missed out on something amazing. I will come back and do reviews on all the stories after the holiday craziness is over. Looking at this titel I noticed that this is volume three and I am a little sad that I have missed the first two anthologies. I have to at least do a review for Shantel in the interim, considering she brought this to my attention.

Champagne Kisses was a great short story. I loved that the author created characters that truly were caught up in the magical moment of New Year's Eve. The way that Cali and Trayton met showed the magic of what so many people, myself included (but my exes all were as romantic as a wet sock in Antarctica), have wanted to feel and experience firsthand as the clock strikes midnight. Cali was a lucky girl because she definitely got those fireworks. I look forward to seeing where this author will go in the future with these two and hopefully with the secondary characters as well.
Profile Image for Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase .
4,036 reviews159 followers
December 9, 2019
A perfect collection of New Year's Eve romances where you will find couples getting their spark back, rockstar boyfriends being introduced to parents, families starting over in the new year, connections that have been burning with an older brother's best friend and turbulence that leads to instant attraction.

A crash Course in Love by LM Carr - Lauren thinks the end is near when the plane she is traveling on hits turbulence. But the sexy seatmate next to her talks her off the ledge. But when this sexy man turns out to be so much more than just the man sitting next to her, Lauren rings in the New Year with a promise of a future. Totally adorable and a wonderful read.

Happy Blue Year by Lisa Suzanne - Such an adorable short story. Sierra is already beside herself when she is bringing her rock star boyfriend home to meet her parents, but Kane makes it even worse when he accidentally dyes his hair bright blue. Can straitlaced parents open their arms and their hearts to the man their daughter truly loves but looks like a smurf? Totally hysterical and simply a heartwarming read.
Profile Image for Book Maniac Forever.
951 reviews380 followers
December 11, 2019

ONLY FOR TONIGHT by RACHEL BROOKES
⭐️ 5 "Fireworks" Stars ⭐️
Only for Tonight was a really short read, but it was just enough to have me hooked. I was enticed from the start by the clear attraction and easy banter between Chase and Rory! Both are so confident and don’t shy away from their desire from each other. They share a sexy one-night-stand, but also an evident connection that is just more! I’m really intrigued about their pasts and how the rest of their story will unfold. I can’t wait for more of this couple that had me so amazed!

** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **
Profile Image for Hopelessly Addicted To Books .
3,472 reviews142 followers
December 10, 2019
Ruby by L.A. Cotton
We get another small insight into what is coming from the Black Hearts boys and seriously I cannot wait. I'm not going to tell you who Ruby is but she is going to shake things up for one band member I have a feeling trouble follows her around. A quick fun sexy novella that just leaves me panting for more.

Only For Tonight by Rachel Brookes
Rachel introduces us to Rory and Chase and OMG my kindle was on fire. Sexual chemistry is too tame to describe what these two have, if I was reading this on paper the pages would be on fire. I love a confident woman and Rory has it in spades. Chase is witty charming confident and sexy he just oozes sex appeal. They made no promises and only to have one night. I can't wait for their full length book to find out how they meet up again.

Freckled by Leslie Mcadam
This was a sweet romantic story where best friends Roland and J'Anique decide New Years is the time to confess exactly how they feel about each other. Even though this was a quick read I felt like I got to know them well and had a good understanding of their friendship. The love they had for each other was easy to see an feel. A short passionate love story.
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
1,942 reviews12 followers
November 21, 2019
I have read the following stories so far:

Lisa Suzanne
Happy Blue Year
I love Ms. Suzanne’s books. This is a short book that introduces us to one of the members of the My Favorite Band Group, Kane. I think Kane is the most mature of the group, and he is in love with Sierra. I loved the prank he pulled on Sierra even though it may have backfired on him. I also thought Sierra’s parents were nice even though they had money. It’s a good short book that I strongly encourage you to read. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.

Bethany Lopez
Frat House: NYE
I love this series. It has been hard for Karrie to adjust to Ridge having so much money that he doesn’t worry what he spends it on. I am glad to see that none of that has gone to Karrie’s head. She is still down to earth and keeps Ridges’s feet planted on the ground. I loved reading about where they went for New Year’s Eve. I was sorry to see that there was a bump in the road that night. But Karrie is so good helping Ridge feel loved and helping him through bad times. I strongly encourage you to read this novella, especially if you have been reading the series. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews441 followers
December 11, 2019
I read Champagne Wishes by Shantel Tessier which is apart of the "Wild in the Windy City. VOLUME 3: NEW YEAR'S EVE Edition. This is Treyton and Cali's story. How they met, their chemistry, their attraction and the push/pull is intense and intriguing. I enjoyed the characters, plot and swoon-worthy moments in this short story. I liked the secondary characters added to round out the story. The novella ends on a " to be continued " note so I hope that it is soon. Treyton and Cali's story needs to be added to because it's super steamy, intense and downright hawt!!! I am looking forward to more from this author with these new cast of characters.


My Rating: 4.5 stars *******
Profile Image for Athena D..
935 reviews60 followers
January 2, 2020
Review for Ruby by L.A. Cotton

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS

RUBY: A Black Hearts Still Beat short story is a captivating, albeit short read. We get a tease of Damon, one of the members of Black Hearts and his one hot night with his mystery red-headed girl, Ruby. This is a great introduction of what I'm sure is to come.

RUBY by L.A. Cotton is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
Profile Image for Melissa Crump.
587 reviews68 followers
November 12, 2019
That Night by K.I. Lynn - A chance encounter with hot chemistry and an evening that leads to unexpected surprises. A quick short read to get you hot.
Profile Image for Vfc.
1,512 reviews
Read
January 28, 2020
In progress:

Anthology:

L.B. Dunbar - Chase⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the second instalment to Jared and Lexi’s story.

Sixteen months ago...Jared and Lexi spent a night together, as she left, having a ‘profound’ impact on him, he tried chasing after her. Alas, she vanished with a note, ‘You’re the man that I’ve looked for. Come to me when you want to escape’.

Lexi initially invited a research partner out for drinks and texted the wrong number and got, Jared Kane, quiet, tattoo-covered, bass guitarist for Collision. Books were their connection.

The night he chased after her, overwhelmed by flashing cameras his bandmate inadvertently deleted their texting thread, neglecting to save her to his contacts.

During their sixteen months apart, he’s been on a quest to locate her. She never shared her surname or the name of the library (she’s a librarian), in a city of libraries, she’s been his holy grail.

Radio silent, she chastised herself, convinced she wasn’t the person he wanted.

‘She’s sassy, which I don’t recall from before, but I like it even though I normally don’t like that kind of back talk. She isn’t being coy or bossy or all-knowing, but curious with a pinch of disbelief’. Sorry, what in heaven’s name does “I normally don’t like that kind of back talk” mean, is he her father?

I’m a fan of this writer’s work and these two characters were endearing.


The first instalment is titled ‘Caught’ by L.B. Dunbar
-----------------------------------------------------

Sapphire Knight - A Vendetti Holiday

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K.I. Lynn - That Night

-----------------------------------------------------

Jordan Marie - Rayne


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Profile Image for Sheila Schoenauer.
891 reviews11 followers
December 10, 2019
I read a few stories in this anthology. Here are my reviews

~Freckled by Leslie McAdams~

This was a sweet short story about two best friends who have loved each other forever but never did anything about it. I liked the little snippet we got of J'Anique and Roland. But I also felt that it was difficult to really get a feel for these two. We only get about an hour of their time where I think a few more would have helped. I love shorts but they make me want more. This one was no different.

~Ruby by L.A. Cotton~

Another great introduction to L.A Cotton's new series Black Hearts Still Beat. In this short we get a bit of Damon and a girl he can't seem to get enough of. I want to love this but I also have to hate it. Why hate? Cause it's so not enough!!! It makes me wonder if we'll see more of these two. Will they get their HEA eventually? The only thing I'm saying is that I didn't see that one coming. This band is gonna kill me! Loved Ruby, loved getting to know Damon a bit more, loved seeing Rafe ache. Can't wait for more!! Thanks for this little tease!

~That Night by K.I. Lynn~

I need more!! Yes! So much more!

There are tons more amazing stories in this anthology. Some additions to past stories. Some the start of a few. I know there are a few in particular that I can't wait for more from. Great job ladies!

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.*
Profile Image for Ashley Estep The Art of Reading .
786 reviews37 followers
December 9, 2019
I read Champagne Wishes by Shantel Tessier. I loved Treyton and Cali, they were a quick, fun, steamy read. Both of their nights started terrible but ended fantastic and memorable for both! Tessier always has a way of booking me right from the start and this book was no different. I was left needing more, and wondering when she’ll be nice and give it to us.

Ruby by L.A. Cotton (read 12-8-19)

Damon Donnelley and all the members of Black Hearts Still beat get invited to a New Years Eve party for their record label. It’s just another boring party for him until he meets a hot, sexy, sassy woman with red hair. I need more of this book! Ruby maybe attracted to Damon, but is well aware of who he is. She knows the deal with guys like Damon. After some hot AF sex Ruby leaves without telling her his name. As she’s walking out Damon gets real familiar with who she is. And then it ends.

The small teaser in this anthology is not enough. I need to know what happens when Damon finds out who her brother is, and her brother finds her with Damon? Don’t know? Me either, since that’s Webern it ended. I can’t wait to read the rest of this book.
Profile Image for Jenny B.
1,278 reviews26 followers
November 29, 2019
While I have only been able to read 2am so far by M Piper I absolutely loved it and can't wait to read more of these stories.

Archer and Sadie's story was fantastic. It went way too quickly for a read but packed everything I loved into it -- forbidden brother's best friend, steam and feels. I loved Sadie's personality and felt her character was incredibly easy to relate to and become one with. Archer was just a delightful book boyfriend with making his presence known yet not being too overbearing. This story had the perfect background, some great angst, and some fantastic heat!!!
Profile Image for KDRBCK.
6,250 reviews43 followers
December 8, 2019
Wild In The Windy City: The Anthology Volume 3
contains novellas and short stories from following authors:
ANTHOLOGY AUTHORS:
Rachel Brookes
Audrey Carlan
L.M. Carr
L. A. Cotton
M.C. Decker
L.B. Dunbar
H.Q. Frost
Jenna Galicki
J.D. Hollyfield
Sapphire Knight
Bethany Lopez
K.I. Lynn
Jordan Marie
Leslie McAdam
S. Moose
M. Piper
Lisa Suzanne
Shantel Tessier
I review Freckled by Leslie Adams.
LA is one of my few one click authors and I simply love her writing and Freckled is no exception.
Freckled is Roland and J'Anique's story and I loved to connect with them so easily.
The writing is great and I loved the characters and the story.
5 stars.
Profile Image for Mary-berry.
197 reviews22 followers
Want to read
December 8, 2019
December 8th, 2019

Ruby (Black Hearts Still Beat #1.5) by L.A. Cotton: 5 'give me more, woman' stars

The only problem with this short story? It ended. It f*cking ended and I need more. You cannot do this to me, Lianne. Okay, you just did. But you can't leave me in this state where I crave more for longer than necessary. 😭 This little bonus to the Black Hearts Still Beat series was absolutely perfect, delicious, not insta lovish (is it even a word?) at all considering Red and Damon just met. Did I mention how these two are cute together? Their chemistry was palpable. Oh my sweet tooth, I'm babbling but yeah, I enjoyed Ruby to the last beat.
Profile Image for Cierra McCauley (Cierra's Corner).
804 reviews31 followers
December 9, 2019
Review for Champagne Wishes by Shantel Tessier. Ekk! This was a Short Sexy Romp that leaves you dying for more! I loved it and I hope there’s going to be a little more for these two characters that meet unexpectedly! I how how although it was a short piece, we get a beautiful, well put together story. Champagne Wishes was the perfect title! Whew! This little romp will give you a craving for Champagne and a hot, dirty, quick _*_ of your own! Tessier is hands down the queen of sexy! Definitely don’t pas this up! This quickie is one you DON’T want to miss! I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Anna Theurer (Anna's Bookshelf).
732 reviews55 followers
December 7, 2019
Review is for Champagne Wishes by Shantel Tessier.
This is an entertaining novella that pulled me in right from the first page. Cali opts to celebrate NYE with her friend in Chicago after she is ghosted by her boyfriend. Trey and his brother go to the same gala after being cheated on by his gold digging girlfriend. Sparks fly when Cali and Trey share a searing kiss at midnight. The chemistry between these two is palpable and I cannot wait to see what is next for this couple.

I read an early complimentary version of this book.
Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,356 reviews365 followers
December 9, 2019
Review for Champagne Wishes by Shantel Tessier

The author packed so much steam and scorching hot chemistry in this short story. Cali and Treyton set my kindle on fire. Both of them were dealing with disappointment from their partners on New Years Eve. So they decided to go on the wild adventure after meeting in the big gala in Chicago Navy Pier at midnight. Cali is a vixen who belongs to the rich society. Treyton is not so bad either. I will wait to see how their chemistry transforms into something deep.

Received ARC for Honest review from the author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews

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