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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
Never enjoyed an anthology as much as this one
This anthology had some of the most amazing short stories I've read in a long time. Absolutely beautiful writing with fantastic characters and a ton of fun storylines. I was always so sad when each one ended but would get pulled right back in by the next. Amazing work and love how many new-to-me authors I've discovered.
This anthology had some of the most amazing short stories I've read in a long time. Absolutely beautiful writing with fantastic characters and a ton of fun storylines. I was always so sad when each one ended but would get pulled right back in by the next. Amazing work and love how many new-to-me authors I've discovered.
After the slight disappointment with the second volume of this charity fund-raising anthology, I have to say I was apprehensive going into this one.
But, it's an absolute triumph and, imho, even better than the brilliant first volume in the series. Sixteen top-quality short stories which, while they only really concentrate on the initial "meet/cute" part of the romances, still manage to give the reader a fully fleshed out story full of feels.
My favourites were those by:
Lily Morton (who else), although she surprised me with an incandescently hot opening sentence and a truly sweet romance between two very different men. I believe she plans to expand a bit and release the story later and I can't wait to find out more about Simeon and Ziggy.
May Archer who gave me a really interesting pairing of complete opposites who find out that actually home might be found in the most unlikely of settings.
Piper Scott writing as Emma Alcott This one really was just a gorgeous romance between two men who really didn't fit into the stereotypes their appearances had made them inhabit. Utterly sweet, quietly steamy, also has an extended sort of epilogue with them still being uber happy.
Layla ReyneWe get Greg's story, Miller's best friend from [b:Dine with Me|44662241|Dine with Me|Layla Reyne|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1559404673l/44662241._SY75_.jpg|69309930] and it's everything I'd hoped it would be and bonus points for the drinks recipes!
I've picked these as highlights but it's fair to say I enjoyed every single story in this anthology this time round, there wasn't one I felt was left hanging or hadn't been developed enough. There's pretty much something for everyone here with friends to lovers, bisexual awakenings, opposites attract, fake boyfriends and the rest.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this brilliant fund-raiser, especially Leslie Copeland for all the author wrangling.
But, it's an absolute triumph and, imho, even better than the brilliant first volume in the series. Sixteen top-quality short stories which, while they only really concentrate on the initial "meet/cute" part of the romances, still manage to give the reader a fully fleshed out story full of feels.
My favourites were those by:
Lily Morton (who else), although she surprised me with an incandescently hot opening sentence and a truly sweet romance between two very different men. I believe she plans to expand a bit and release the story later and I can't wait to find out more about Simeon and Ziggy.
May Archer who gave me a really interesting pairing of complete opposites who find out that actually home might be found in the most unlikely of settings.
Piper Scott writing as Emma Alcott This one really was just a gorgeous romance between two men who really didn't fit into the stereotypes their appearances had made them inhabit. Utterly sweet, quietly steamy, also has an extended sort of epilogue with them still being uber happy.
Layla ReyneWe get Greg's story, Miller's best friend from [b:Dine with Me|44662241|Dine with Me|Layla Reyne|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1559404673l/44662241._SY75_.jpg|69309930] and it's everything I'd hoped it would be and bonus points for the drinks recipes!
I've picked these as highlights but it's fair to say I enjoyed every single story in this anthology this time round, there wasn't one I felt was left hanging or hadn't been developed enough. There's pretty much something for everyone here with friends to lovers, bisexual awakenings, opposites attract, fake boyfriends and the rest.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this brilliant fund-raiser, especially Leslie Copeland for all the author wrangling.
This was okay, some weren't great and others were adorable. To be perfectly honest with you, for some reason I liked the closet one whose two halves are at the beginning and at the end. I feel like it encompassed the theme of the compilation the best. Overall, anthologies are fun because you get to kind of try a buffet of authors all at once. At the same time though, when you wish you had more time to spend with a character, there isn't enough to really sink yourself into it. 3 stars with everything rounded together.
4/5 overall, not as good as the first volume, better than the second. My favorites were Sloane Kennedy's, Layla Reyne's, and May Archer's. And as usual my tags are longer than the review.
The Closet part 1 by Eden Finley
white collar, drag queens
The Book by Aimee Nicole Walker
4/5
Cincinnati, Ohio
The Date by Annabeth Albert
4/5
Valentine’s Day; Portland, Ore.; Military (Marine); I/M (African American/White); Journalist
The Yarn Wrangler by Charlie Cochet
3/5
Too short for much chemistry building, and one of the MCs is with someone else for at least half the story. Literally, the other guy is in the house with them.
Queens, NY; Teachers
Dork Lord by Damon Suede
3/5
Tarquin was frustratingly TSTL at points and the college athlete bro-talk got irritating
College; Athlete (Swimmer); Geeks; Authors (Fantasy)
The Top Shelf by Hailey Turner
4/5
Washington, DC; CIA
The Family Reunion by K.M. Neuhold
2/5
Barely a HFN, family conflicts left hanging, only chemistry was in the bedroom (but it was good bedroom chemistry)
Miami; University Student
The Last Drop by Layla Reyne
4.5/5
Great food, great chemistry, great view of NOLA
New Orleans, LA; Chef/Bartender
The Dog Walker by Lily Morton
3.5/5
It was good because it was Lily Morton, but I'm not sure I liked the format. Starts with them as an established couple and then there are some flashbacks to them meeting. The rest of the story is Sim trying to get Ziggy to stay.
Cornwall (Polzeath); Age Gap (Ziggy 25, Sim 44); Wealthy
The Treehouse by Lucy Lennox
4/5
Most romantic so far, might have been my favorite if there was a little more conflict. The connection seemed a little too "perfect".
Georgia (Mount Ellery); Farmers (Rabbit farm); Enemies to Lovers (sorta, they aren't enemies long and it's kinda one-sided more Opposites Attract really)
The Restoration by Mary Calmes
DNR
Did not appeal: established couple
The Vase by May Archer
4/5
Vermont; Enemies to Lovers; Lawyer; Blue Collar (Handyman/Contractor)
The Helping Hand by Nora Phoenix
2.5
Maryland; Photographer (Nature); Writer (Science Fiction)
The Dream Machine by Piper Scott, writing as Emma Alcott
DNR
Didn't appeal
North Dakota; Scientists
The Wedding Date by Susan Hawke
4/5
Loosely related to the Lovestrong series, funny but only one hot public sex scene
Cats; Graphic Artist
The Wrong Guy by Sloane Kennedy
4/5
Loved it, but would love to see an extended version with a coming out, ranch life, etc.
Western; Wyoming; Ranch (Cattle); Bisexual; Friends to Lovers; Same sex first time
The Closet, part 2 by Eden Finley
3/5
The Closet part 1 by Eden Finley
white collar, drag queens
The Book by Aimee Nicole Walker
4/5
Cincinnati, Ohio
The Date by Annabeth Albert
4/5
Valentine’s Day; Portland, Ore.; Military (Marine); I/M (African American/White); Journalist
The Yarn Wrangler by Charlie Cochet
3/5
Too short for much chemistry building, and one of the MCs is with someone else for at least half the story. Literally, the other guy is in the house with them.
Queens, NY; Teachers
Dork Lord by Damon Suede
3/5
Tarquin was frustratingly TSTL at points and the college athlete bro-talk got irritating
College; Athlete (Swimmer); Geeks; Authors (Fantasy)
The Top Shelf by Hailey Turner
4/5
Washington, DC; CIA
The Family Reunion by K.M. Neuhold
2/5
Barely a HFN, family conflicts left hanging, only chemistry was in the bedroom (but it was good bedroom chemistry)
Miami; University Student
The Last Drop by Layla Reyne
4.5/5
Great food, great chemistry, great view of NOLA
New Orleans, LA; Chef/Bartender
The Dog Walker by Lily Morton
3.5/5
It was good because it was Lily Morton, but I'm not sure I liked the format. Starts with them as an established couple and then there are some flashbacks to them meeting. The rest of the story is Sim trying to get Ziggy to stay.
Cornwall (Polzeath); Age Gap (Ziggy 25, Sim 44); Wealthy
The Treehouse by Lucy Lennox
4/5
Most romantic so far, might have been my favorite if there was a little more conflict. The connection seemed a little too "perfect"
Spoiler
man falls in love with his best friend/surrogate's brother, uniting the familyGeorgia (Mount Ellery); Farmers (Rabbit farm); Enemies to Lovers (sorta, they aren't enemies long and it's kinda one-sided more Opposites Attract really)
The Restoration by Mary Calmes
DNR
Did not appeal: established couple
The Vase by May Archer
4/5
Vermont; Enemies to Lovers; Lawyer; Blue Collar (Handyman/Contractor)
The Helping Hand by Nora Phoenix
2.5
Maryland; Photographer (Nature); Writer (Science Fiction)
The Dream Machine by Piper Scott, writing as Emma Alcott
DNR
Didn't appeal
North Dakota; Scientists
The Wedding Date by Susan Hawke
4/5
Loosely related to the Lovestrong series, funny but only one hot public sex scene
Cats; Graphic Artist
The Wrong Guy by Sloane Kennedy
4/5
Loved it, but would love to see an extended version with a coming out, ranch life, etc.
Western; Wyoming; Ranch (Cattle); Bisexual; Friends to Lovers; Same sex first time
The Closet, part 2 by Eden Finley
3/5
Incredible
Fall in love with not one put lots of couples in the anthology! I don’t think I could pin point my favourite, I have to say I liked all these shorts, they each are original and captivating right from the start. I wish they were more then shorts. I’ve read almost all these authors before so I know how good they are and the ones I haven’t I’m definitely a new fan! This was an Amazing collection and I can’t wait for the next Heart2Heart anthology!
Fall in love with not one put lots of couples in the anthology! I don’t think I could pin point my favourite, I have to say I liked all these shorts, they each are original and captivating right from the start. I wish they were more then shorts. I’ve read almost all these authors before so I know how good they are and the ones I haven’t I’m definitely a new fan! This was an Amazing collection and I can’t wait for the next Heart2Heart anthology!
**All proceeds from this collection will go to the authors’ favorite LGBTQ charities, to ensure that love in all its forms will be celebrated and protected every single day of the year!**
This was such a good collection of stories. My only complaint is that I wanted full length books for many of them!
I don't read short stories often but I wanted to read it this because it had stories from several of my favorite authors, plus the proceeds are going towards a good cause. I also figured it would give me the opportunity to sample some writers I hadn't tried yet. This was a good idea but possibly an expensive one as I've now found several new authors I want to read. Oops!
I'm not going to write a review of all the stories. That would take ages. Instead I'm just going to mention the ones I extra loved or liked and, if I feel like it, a little something about the story or why I liked it.
In the order they appeared in the book:
Eden Finley, "The Closet." Eden Finley is a one click author for me so of course I liked this. Very sweet story about a guy discovering drag.
Aimee Nicole Walker, "The Book." I have tried one of this author's books before and couldn't get into it. I had no such problems with this one. Sweet and sexy. Loved it!
Annabeth Albert, "The Date." Annabeth Albert wrote a series I really enjoyed, (Out of Uniform) so I was pretty confident I would like this one. I did! Flirting through email and delicious food descriptions. I wanted more!
Charlie Cochet, "The Yarn Wrangler." A new to me author, this was adorable and fun. It also made me realize my own yarn stash was pretty manageable.
K.M. Neuhold, "The Family Reunion." One of my favorites of the collection. A perfect mix of fun, feels and heat! I really wished this one was longer.
Lily Morton, "The Dog Walker." Lily brings us a short story which, of course, connects to her universe of characters. Was there any doubt I would love it? Not for me. Simeon, from [b:Milo|43971325|Milo (Finding Home, #2)|Lily Morton|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1549960921l/43971325._SY75_.jpg|68263282], gets his happy ending here and I cheered for him!
Lucy Lennox, "The Treehouse." I'd only read one Lucy Lennox book before this. Now I for sure need to read more!
Mary Calmes, "The Restoration." A new to me author, this ended up being one of my favorites in the collection. I am going to read more Mary Calmes books ASAP.
May Archer, "The Vase." Another new to me author, I enjoyed this one. I will be reading more May Archer books soon!
This was such a good collection of stories. My only complaint is that I wanted full length books for many of them!
I don't read short stories often but I wanted to read it this because it had stories from several of my favorite authors, plus the proceeds are going towards a good cause. I also figured it would give me the opportunity to sample some writers I hadn't tried yet. This was a good idea but possibly an expensive one as I've now found several new authors I want to read. Oops!
I'm not going to write a review of all the stories. That would take ages. Instead I'm just going to mention the ones I extra loved or liked and, if I feel like it, a little something about the story or why I liked it.
In the order they appeared in the book:
Eden Finley, "The Closet." Eden Finley is a one click author for me so of course I liked this. Very sweet story about a guy discovering drag.
Aimee Nicole Walker, "The Book." I have tried one of this author's books before and couldn't get into it. I had no such problems with this one. Sweet and sexy. Loved it!
Annabeth Albert, "The Date." Annabeth Albert wrote a series I really enjoyed, (Out of Uniform) so I was pretty confident I would like this one. I did! Flirting through email and delicious food descriptions. I wanted more!
Charlie Cochet, "The Yarn Wrangler." A new to me author, this was adorable and fun. It also made me realize my own yarn stash was pretty manageable.
K.M. Neuhold, "The Family Reunion." One of my favorites of the collection. A perfect mix of fun, feels and heat! I really wished this one was longer.
Lily Morton, "The Dog Walker." Lily brings us a short story which, of course, connects to her universe of characters. Was there any doubt I would love it? Not for me. Simeon, from [b:Milo|43971325|Milo (Finding Home, #2)|Lily Morton|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1549960921l/43971325._SY75_.jpg|68263282], gets his happy ending here and I cheered for him!
Lucy Lennox, "The Treehouse." I'd only read one Lucy Lennox book before this. Now I for sure need to read more!
Mary Calmes, "The Restoration." A new to me author, this ended up being one of my favorites in the collection. I am going to read more Mary Calmes books ASAP.
May Archer, "The Vase." Another new to me author, I enjoyed this one. I will be reading more May Archer books soon!
Incredible
Fall in love with not one put lots of couples in the anthology! I don’t think I could pin point my favourite, I have to say I liked all these shorts, they each are original and captivating right from the start. I wish they were more then shorts. I’ve read almost all these authors before so I know how good they are and the ones I haven’t I’m definitely a new fan! This was an Amazing collection and I can’t wait for the next Heart2Heart anthology!
Fall in love with not one put lots of couples in the anthology! I don’t think I could pin point my favourite, I have to say I liked all these shorts, they each are original and captivating right from the start. I wish they were more then shorts. I’ve read almost all these authors before so I know how good they are and the ones I haven’t I’m definitely a new fan! This was an Amazing collection and I can’t wait for the next Heart2Heart anthology!
I didn’t read each story – I’m not familiar with each author and just read those I am familiar with. I may go back at some point and read those I missed as anthologies can be a good way to get a taste of an author’s work but aren’t always a fair way to judge what they can do.
The Date - Annabeth Albert – 4 Stars
Marine and a shy, awkward, nerdy foodie meet for a surprise dinner date for a food blog. This is predictable but cute.
Dork Lord – Damon Suede – DNF
I tried this one but couldn’t get past the cheesy inner dialog of character…gave up about 25% in after highlighting too much stuff that made me cringe. Not for me but other folks have loved it…
The Family Reunion – K.M. Neuhold – 4 Stars
I loved both the characters in this one and their opposite outlooks on life. Roman living life to its fullest and Lawrence studying all the time and never living. There’s a bit of heaviness with Roman’s family baggage but it’s mended quickly. My only complaint is the abrupt ending.
The Last Drop – Layla Reyne – 3.5 Stars
For those of you that have read Ms. Reyne’s Dine With Me (DWM), you’ll have a bit of a spoiler for this one as the main characters are Greg (Miller’s best friend, who makes an appearance) and Tony. Greg is a side character in DWM and we know the outcome of his meeting Tony from that book. This is a prequel to that story. There is a lot about food and drinks in this book too…just like dine with me. It’s cute and there is a lot of passion between Greg and Tony. Thankfully this is a novella, so we get to the passion quickly.
The Dog Walker – Lily Morton – 4.5 Stars
This is a May to December romance; heavy on the feels and true to a couple other books I’ve read by Ms. Morton chock full of family drama and sadness. Both characters are surprisingly complex and perfect for each other. I would love to read a full version of this story!
Those are all the stories I read. There’s definitely someone for everyone, this is only available for a limited time and it’s for charity. You have no excuse not to get it today!
The Date - Annabeth Albert – 4 Stars
Marine and a shy, awkward, nerdy foodie meet for a surprise dinner date for a food blog. This is predictable but cute.
Dork Lord – Damon Suede – DNF
I tried this one but couldn’t get past the cheesy inner dialog of character…gave up about 25% in after highlighting too much stuff that made me cringe. Not for me but other folks have loved it…
The Family Reunion – K.M. Neuhold – 4 Stars
I loved both the characters in this one and their opposite outlooks on life. Roman living life to its fullest and Lawrence studying all the time and never living. There’s a bit of heaviness with Roman’s family baggage but it’s mended quickly. My only complaint is the abrupt ending.
The Last Drop – Layla Reyne – 3.5 Stars
For those of you that have read Ms. Reyne’s Dine With Me (DWM), you’ll have a bit of a spoiler for this one as the main characters are Greg (Miller’s best friend, who makes an appearance) and Tony. Greg is a side character in DWM and we know the outcome of his meeting Tony from that book. This is a prequel to that story. There is a lot about food and drinks in this book too…just like dine with me. It’s cute and there is a lot of passion between Greg and Tony. Thankfully this is a novella, so we get to the passion quickly.
The Dog Walker – Lily Morton – 4.5 Stars
This is a May to December romance; heavy on the feels and true to a couple other books I’ve read by Ms. Morton chock full of family drama and sadness. Both characters are surprisingly complex and perfect for each other. I would love to read a full version of this story!
Those are all the stories I read. There’s definitely someone for everyone, this is only available for a limited time and it’s for charity. You have no excuse not to get it today!
Read a few stories by authors I do like and sampled a few more. Nothing really bowled me over. I don’t think anthologies are for me.
#1 The Closet, part 1, Eden Finley Read 3 stars
#2 The Book, Aimee Nicole Walker Read 3 stars
#3 The Date, Annabeth Albert Read 4 Stars
#4 The Yarn Wrangler, Charlie Cochet Read 3 stars
#5 Dork Lord, Damon Suede DNF 1 star
#6 The Top Shelf, Hailey Turner Read 3 stars
#7 The Family Reunion, K.M. Neuhold Read 2 stars
#8 The Last Drop, Layla Reyne Read 3 stars
#9 The Dog Walker, Lily Morton Read 3 stars
#10 The Treehouse, Lucy Lennox Read 5 stars
#11 The Restoration, Mary Calmes Read 5 stars
#12 The Vase, May Archer Read 3 stars
#13 The Helping Hand, Nora Phoenix Read 3 stars
#14 The Dream Machine, Piper Scott Read 2 stars
#15 The Wedding Date, Susan Hawke Read 3 stars
#16 The Wrong Guy, Sloane Kennedy DNF 1 star
#17 The Closet, part 2, Eden Finley Read 3 stars
#2 The Book, Aimee Nicole Walker Read 3 stars
#3 The Date, Annabeth Albert Read 4 Stars
#4 The Yarn Wrangler, Charlie Cochet Read 3 stars
#5 Dork Lord, Damon Suede DNF 1 star
#6 The Top Shelf, Hailey Turner Read 3 stars
#7 The Family Reunion, K.M. Neuhold Read 2 stars
#8 The Last Drop, Layla Reyne Read 3 stars
#9 The Dog Walker, Lily Morton Read 3 stars
#10 The Treehouse, Lucy Lennox Read 5 stars
#11 The Restoration, Mary Calmes Read 5 stars
#12 The Vase, May Archer Read 3 stars
#13 The Helping Hand, Nora Phoenix Read 3 stars
#14 The Dream Machine, Piper Scott Read 2 stars
#15 The Wedding Date, Susan Hawke Read 3 stars
#16 The Wrong Guy, Sloane Kennedy DNF 1 star
#17 The Closet, part 2, Eden Finley Read 3 stars