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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
**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!
This is going to be an ever evolving review as I make my way through all the stories in this book. So far there are a few standouts that I absolutely loved and made me want to go read all the books by these authors.
Dork Lord by Damon Suede – 5 Stars
I loved Josh, an RA that keeps swooping into Tarquin’s life when he needs someone or saving. I want someone like Josh in my life. He’s smart, funny, and thoughtful. Much more than the person Tarquin had been so focused on. Tarquin and Josh have a genuine connection, share interests and the surprise with Josh towards the end just made their chemistry and connection hotter – at least to me.
The Top Shelf – Hailey Turner
This one hit all the right spots. In familiar fashion, there's a fledgling CIA officer getting settled in his new home and needs someone tall enough to reach the top shelf for him. There was a connection between the characters that made it fun to see them get together. It turned out even better that out leading men bumped into each other at work soon after.
The Date by Annabeth Albert – 4 Stars
I love everything by Annabeth Albert. This was no different. It was fun seeing the connection between the two men. They started out as friends and over a series of chats and meetings, that chemistry continued to build into romance. Honestly, they were romancing each other the whole time and I wanted a full length story.
The Yarn Wrangler – Charlie Cochet – I expected much more.
The Book! By Aimee Nicole Walker – 4 Stars
Oh my god, I had so much second-hand embarrassment at the beginning of this story, but it is seriously the best ‘how did you meet?’ story ever. The bargain that grew to be more than a bargain. My emotions were all over the place and I loved every minute of it. The chemistry between them is intense and *fans self* it’s so good.
Dork Lord by Damon Suede – 5 Stars
I loved Josh, an RA that keeps swooping into Tarquin’s life when he needs someone or saving. I want someone like Josh in my life. He’s smart, funny, and thoughtful. Much more than the person Tarquin had been so focused on. Tarquin and Josh have a genuine connection, share interests and the surprise with Josh towards the end just made their chemistry and connection hotter – at least to me.
The Top Shelf – Hailey Turner
This one hit all the right spots. In familiar fashion, there's a fledgling CIA officer getting settled in his new home and needs someone tall enough to reach the top shelf for him. There was a connection between the characters that made it fun to see them get together. It turned out even better that out leading men bumped into each other at work soon after.
The Date by Annabeth Albert – 4 Stars
I love everything by Annabeth Albert. This was no different. It was fun seeing the connection between the two men. They started out as friends and over a series of chats and meetings, that chemistry continued to build into romance. Honestly, they were romancing each other the whole time and I wanted a full length story.
The Yarn Wrangler – Charlie Cochet – I expected much more.
The Book! By Aimee Nicole Walker – 4 Stars
Oh my god, I had so much second-hand embarrassment at the beginning of this story, but it is seriously the best ‘how did you meet?’ story ever. The bargain that grew to be more than a bargain. My emotions were all over the place and I loved every minute of it. The chemistry between them is intense and *fans self* it’s so good.
Overall I am happy I bought this as it is for a good cause but man did I not like a single story in here. There were a few that I would give 2 stars which is why my overall rating is 2 stars but this was a slog to get through. Something that should have taken me a few days at most ended up taking nearly two whole months to complete. I’m upset. I would do an individual review for each story but they would all end up saying the same thing. The characters were unbelievable and most of the dialogue and sex scenes I found a bit cringe.
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.
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
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.
Single parent puts in an ad looking for someone to help build a treehouse for his kids. Awwww. Seriously how cute is that. So much better than an eggplant pic! Lucy Lennox brings cuteness overload to The Treehouse. Lennox then mixes in geekiness, tool belts, and dogs. My heart could not stand the romance and awkwardness of this fab rom-com.
I love The Date by Annabeth Albert. There is not one part of this story that I do not love. Xavier is finishing his tour in the Marines and answers an ad for a platonic Valentine’s Day dinner with Damien. While he is still deployed the two become pen pals. Then meet for a coffee when he returns home to ensure that there will be no awkwardness for the non-sexual “just friends” date. Well if you have not guessed it by now, romance has already started to bloom in their hearts before they even physically meet. I just fell in love with these two guys. Plus their non-Valentine’s date, man if I could have just one non-date like that I would be happy. (laugh)
May Archer writes one catastrophe after another in the rom-com The Vase. Love in the style of every “hate at first sight...but oh look at the body...nope I hate him...oh yeah definitely hate him...BUT check out that butt!” (laugh) This is a wonderfully funny story that manages to get a little frisky too. A lot can happen in a day - even love.
Stories by: Eden Finley, Aimee Nicole Walker, Annabeth Albert, Charlie Cochet, Damon Suede, Hailey Turner, K.M. Neuhold, Layla Reyne, Lily Morton, Lucy Lennox, Mary Calmes, May Archer, Nora Phoenix, Emma Alcott, Susan Hawke, and Sloane Kennedy.
I love The Date by Annabeth Albert. There is not one part of this story that I do not love. Xavier is finishing his tour in the Marines and answers an ad for a platonic Valentine’s Day dinner with Damien. While he is still deployed the two become pen pals. Then meet for a coffee when he returns home to ensure that there will be no awkwardness for the non-sexual “just friends” date. Well if you have not guessed it by now, romance has already started to bloom in their hearts before they even physically meet. I just fell in love with these two guys. Plus their non-Valentine’s date, man if I could have just one non-date like that I would be happy. (laugh)
May Archer writes one catastrophe after another in the rom-com The Vase. Love in the style of every “hate at first sight...but oh look at the body...nope I hate him...oh yeah definitely hate him...BUT check out that butt!” (laugh) This is a wonderfully funny story that manages to get a little frisky too. A lot can happen in a day - even love.
Stories by: Eden Finley, Aimee Nicole Walker, Annabeth Albert, Charlie Cochet, Damon Suede, Hailey Turner, K.M. Neuhold, Layla Reyne, Lily Morton, Lucy Lennox, Mary Calmes, May Archer, Nora Phoenix, Emma Alcott, Susan Hawke, and Sloane Kennedy.
Had a lot of fun reading this anthology. Lots of amazing stories from my favourite authors and a few authors I've never read before.
The Closet part 1&2 by Eden Finley 5 stars
Loved this! David and Kable are adorable!
This is just a beginning and I hope the author continues the story. It's a story of self discovery. Also loved Adam!
Warning: homophobia
The book by Aimee Nichole Walker 4 stars
Gideon and Evan are very cute! It's a common trope but very nicely executed! Insecure MC becoming confident with the help of other MC.
The date by Annabeth Albert 5 stars
Damien and Xavier are super hot together. Short,funny and sexy read! Loved the story!!
The yarn wrangler by Charlie Cochet 4 stars
I think this was somewhat different than her previous book but still very funny. Simon and Liam are good together and Bonner did get on my nerves in the beginning. Also is it really possible to have that much yarn?
Dork lord by Damon Suede 2 stars
It was very weird. Maybe it's the writing style? I just couldn't connect.
The top shelf by Hailey Turner 5 stars
Cute and very sexy story with an HEA on the horizon. Loved it!!
The Closet part 1&2 by Eden Finley 5 stars
Loved this! David and Kable are adorable!
This is just a beginning and I hope the author continues the story. It's a story of self discovery. Also loved Adam!
Warning: homophobia
The book by Aimee Nichole Walker 4 stars
Gideon and Evan are very cute! It's a common trope but very nicely executed! Insecure MC becoming confident with the help of other MC.
The date by Annabeth Albert 5 stars
Damien and Xavier are super hot together. Short,funny and sexy read! Loved the story!!
The yarn wrangler by Charlie Cochet 4 stars
I think this was somewhat different than her previous book but still very funny. Simon and Liam are good together and Bonner did get on my nerves in the beginning. Also is it really possible to have that much yarn?
Dork lord by Damon Suede 2 stars
It was very weird. Maybe it's the writing style? I just couldn't connect.
The top shelf by Hailey Turner 5 stars
Cute and very sexy story with an HEA on the horizon. Loved it!!
Most of these stories we're amazing but there were also a few I didn't click with.