While "Under the Boardwalk" is not one of the best collections out there, it's still a decent collection of stories. My biggest complaint with the book, as a whole, is the combination of historical and modern stories. While I, personally, enjoy both types, I know a lot of romance readers have definite preferences one way or the other. Also, it's more difficult to create a distinctive yet satisfying and smooth collection of stories set in different periods.
I bought this collection for Howard's entry, and the story itself contains many of the elements I enjoy in Howard's work. However, the story was almost too short, and a bit unsatisfying, and I really wanted to know more about the characters and their romance.
Dawson's "Castaway" is a decent entry, with appealing characters and a believable romance. There were some funny moments. My major complaint is that it seemed more a contemporary romance than an historical one.
Hunter's "Ruined" was my favorite of the bunch. I loved the hero and heroine, and enjoyed Hunter's writing style. I can't wait to check out more of her work!
Jarrett's "Buried Treasure" was, I think, the weakest of the bunch. I couldn't get into the characters and didn't really enjoy the romantic plot. However, I must disclaim that the American colonial period isn't a period I typically enjoy reading about.
Stewart's "Swept Away" was another solid addition, with good characters and a decent romance. I appreciated the emotional depth provided by Jeremy's facing of his past, and the sunburn provided a few chuckles.
All in all, this is a solid addition to the compilation genre.
The weakest was "Buried Treasure" by Miranda Jarrett. About two men competing for the same woman, and one a pirate.
Really enjoyed "Swept Away" about a PI chasing a woman he loves. But in order to keep on her trail, he must go home to a town full of bad memories.
I am not big on westerns, but Geralyn Dawson's "Castaway" was very good. In 1883 Texas, Drew Coryell lives alone on an island. He peace is shattered when his ex-wife arrives, needing a big favour. She wants his help in tracing a precious heirloom, but finds love the second time around even more precious.
Odd mix of contemporaries and historicals, but still very nice collection.
Under the Boardwalk
New York Times bestselling author Linda Howard lures a sheriff into a scorching murder mystery -- and into the arms of a lover from the heart of the South: the wet and wild bayou. Geralyn Dawson traces a precious heirloom -- and heats up a past marriage -- on a a secluded Texas island. Jillian Hunter sparks romance off the English coast, when a London beauty in distress is rescued by the very man who could ruin her reputation. Miranda Jarrett ships a rogue pirate back to shore to rekindle a summertime romance. But did his sweetheart wait for him? Mariah Stewart crosses a successful oceanside chef with the man of her dreams -- a P.I. with secrets of his own -- at a vacation spot packed with memories for them both.