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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Unlike its paranormal counterpart, which took me about a week to finish, this contemporary anthology took me about 11 months. By saying that, I don’t mean to imply that the anthology wasn’t enjoyable—just that the process was very slow going. Unlike the paranormal anthology, I found the stories here to be slightly more enjoyable. After some initial disappointment with the few stories at the beginning, I thought that overall, the stories were pretty satisfying, which is reflected in my higher ratings as well.
Among Friends by Annabeth Albert (2,5 stars)
Tennessee goes on a blind date set up by the CUPID algorithm on the Heart2Heart app, only to be unceremoniously dropped off in front of a hospital ER entrance by his inconsiderate match—a muscle jock with a souped-up Hummer. There, he runs into his childhood best friend, Tate, whom he lost contact with after being taken by DHS and placed in foster care. Tate is overjoyed to reconnect with Tennessee and rekindle their friendship.
Unfortunately, I found this to be a disappointing read, as this author was one I had counted on to deliver a satisfying short story in this anthology. Instead, I found the progression of the story uninteresting, with little to no chemistry between Tennessee and Tate.
Themes: dual POV, dating app/blind date, injury, childhood best friends, friends to lovers
A New Thrill by Avril Ashton (2 stars)
Jameson, a filthy rich guy who moonlights as a bank robber to chase a thrill, is obsessed with getting back together with his ex, Paxton, who also happens to be a bank teller at Jameson's latest heist. When Pax finds out Jameson's secret, he breaks up with him. However, six months later, when Pax signs up for a blind date on a dating app, his date turns out to be Jameson himself, pretending to be somebody else.
Among Friends by Annabeth Albert (2,5 stars)
Tennessee goes on a blind date set up by the CUPID algorithm on the Heart2Heart app, only to be unceremoniously dropped off in front of a hospital ER entrance by his inconsiderate match—a muscle jock with a souped-up Hummer. There, he runs into his childhood best friend, Tate, whom he lost contact with after being taken by DHS and placed in foster care. Tate is overjoyed to reconnect with Tennessee and rekindle their friendship.
Unfortunately, I found this to be a disappointing read, as this author was one I had counted on to deliver a satisfying short story in this anthology. Instead, I found the progression of the story uninteresting, with little to no chemistry between Tennessee and Tate.
Themes: dual POV, dating app/blind date, injury, childhood best friends, friends to lovers
A New Thrill by Avril Ashton (2 stars)
Jameson, a filthy rich guy who moonlights as a bank robber to chase a thrill, is obsessed with getting back together with his ex, Paxton, who also happens to be a bank teller at Jameson's latest heist. When Pax finds out Jameson's secret, he breaks up with him. However, six months later, when Pax signs up for a blind date on a dating app, his date turns out to be Jameson himself, pretending to be somebody else.
This read like a toxic relationship, the way Jameson spoke to Pax, with all the stalking, catfishing, and love bombing. I didn’t really like either of the main characters, nor was I invested in their relationship. I couldn’t wait to get to the last chapter and ended up skipping the one with the sex, as it was too much for me and my level of interest was zero.
Themes: dual POV, dating app/blind date, second chance, rich/regular, characters of color
Brie Mine by Charlie Novak (3 stars)
Benny is a co-owner of a cheese shop who can't stop spying on the cute guy who recently opened a new record store across the street. When Benny's brother signs him up for the Heart2Heart dating app, the app matches Benny with Sage, a guy who shares similar interests and with whom Benny feels an instant connection. A chance meeting with the record store owner reveals him to be Sage—the same guy Benny has been talking to on the app. After that, things between them heat up, and it’s pretty much smooth sailing for the two of them.
Themes: dual POV, dating app/blind date, second chance, rich/regular, characters of color
Brie Mine by Charlie Novak (3 stars)
Benny is a co-owner of a cheese shop who can't stop spying on the cute guy who recently opened a new record store across the street. When Benny's brother signs him up for the Heart2Heart dating app, the app matches Benny with Sage, a guy who shares similar interests and with whom Benny feels an instant connection. A chance meeting with the record store owner reveals him to be Sage—the same guy Benny has been talking to on the app. After that, things between them heat up, and it’s pretty much smooth sailing for the two of them.
Benny and Sage's story is basically how I wish dating apps worked in real life. I see a cute guy on the street, and then I open a dating app and match with the same guy. Unfortunately, this is not how dating apps work in my experience, and even matching with someone hardly ever amounts to anything. I found the story uncomplicated—something I could easily imagine happening in real life—but I also didn’t think it made for a particularly exciting read.
Themes: dual POV, dating app, small town
When CUPID Strikes by Cora Rose (4 stars)
Araschd is a librarian who, thanks to the CUPID algorithm on the Heart2Heart app , gets matched with someone for a blind date on Valentine's Day. However, when he shows up at a random doctor's office for the date, it seems to be a mistake. Alastair, the man who arrives, is a hotshot lawyer who isn’t even gay. Still, despite the initial confusion, Alastair seems like a nice guy. He takes Araschd to a dinner at an expensive French restaurant, and the two have a great time together. Alastair, who can't stop thinking about Araschd, tracks him down at the library, and the two start hanging out.
Themes: dual POV, dating app, small town
When CUPID Strikes by Cora Rose (4 stars)
Araschd is a librarian who, thanks to the CUPID algorithm on the Heart2Heart app , gets matched with someone for a blind date on Valentine's Day. However, when he shows up at a random doctor's office for the date, it seems to be a mistake. Alastair, the man who arrives, is a hotshot lawyer who isn’t even gay. Still, despite the initial confusion, Alastair seems like a nice guy. He takes Araschd to a dinner at an expensive French restaurant, and the two have a great time together. Alastair, who can't stop thinking about Araschd, tracks him down at the library, and the two start hanging out.
I really enjoyed this story about two people from different backgrounds making an unlikely connection and falling for each other.
Themes: dual POV, dating app/blind date, opposites attract, bisexual awakening
Mixed Signals by E.M. Lindsey (4 stars)
Phoenix, or Nix for short, is a lonely autistic guy who has never had any luck with dating. Feeling somewhat pressured by his well-intentioned older brother, he signs up for the Heart2Heart app and gets matched for a blind date on Valentine's Day by the CUPID. Unfortunately, his blind date turns out to be a controlling asshole. But just before things can take a turn for the worse, Nix is saved by Maddox, a kind stranger who notices how uncomfortable Nix's date is making him feel. Maddox, who got stood up by his own blind date because of his disability (one of his legs can’t bear his weight, and he has to use crutches or a wheelchair), asks Nix out for dinner, and the two of them connect over their mutual geeky interests.
I thought this was another enjoyable story with two likable main characters finding the exact right person for them, thanks to CUPID working in mysterious ways.
Themes: dual POV, dating app/blind date, neurodivergent character, character with a disability
August’s Thief by Fearne Hill (4 stars)
This was the outlier story in the anthology, the one that didn’t quite follow the usual Heart2Heart app scenario. Instead, it reimagines CUPID as a bot to whom you confide your deepest fears and desires, only to see them fulfilled.
August is a rich guy with a slightly disfigured face who has hardly had any luck with dating apps so far. He tells CUPID his heart's desires, and almost immediately after he spills all his deepest wishes, the app presents him with his perfect match and a location: a police station. Dawson, his perfect match, is a young man who can't get a regular job because he has to care for his disabled brother. He’s had multiple run-ins with the police due to his shoplifting. August finds himself charmed by Dawson and, in a very "Cinderfella" twist (minus the wicked stepmother and stepsisters), he sweeps Dawson off his feet by helping him solve all his and his brother's problems.
Themes: dual POV, dating app/blind date, rich/poor, cinderfella
Skating After You by Hayden Hall (2,5 stars)
Jaxon is a former figure skater who, after some disappointments, decides to switch to ice ballet. Phoenix is a hockey player (playing for the Arctic Titans, of course). The two guys attend the same university, and after a "missed connection" at the local mall, they're matched by the CUPID on the Heart2Heart app. The two go on a blind date, discover that despite their differences, they have a lot in common, and continue the date at Jaxon's place.
Themes: dual POV, dating app/blind date, rich/poor, cinderfella
Skating After You by Hayden Hall (2,5 stars)
Jaxon is a former figure skater who, after some disappointments, decides to switch to ice ballet. Phoenix is a hockey player (playing for the Arctic Titans, of course). The two guys attend the same university, and after a "missed connection" at the local mall, they're matched by the CUPID on the Heart2Heart app. The two go on a blind date, discover that despite their differences, they have a lot in common, and continue the date at Jaxon's place.
This story didn’t work for me at all. I didn’t really understand Jaxon’s issues—it felt like the author tried to add some unnecessary obstacles to what was essentially a straightforward blind date between two cute guys. Then came possibly the longest sex scene ever, which felt so tedious and unnatural that I couldn’t bring myself to read through it. I think this author's work just might not be my cup of tea.
Themes: dual POV, dating app/blind date, figure skater/hockey player, university
Wings of Love by Jackie North (3,5 stars)
Daxel is a cowboy who, at the advice of his mother, signs up to be matched with a random date onthe Heart2Heart app as a way of getting over his ex-boyfriend. Eugene is a clock repairman from a neighboring town who, after recently coming out to his parents, was disowned by both them and their church. Neither man is expecting much from their date, but their first date leads to a second date and a kiss, and the second date leads to a third date—and many more to follow—as they discover they are well-suited to each other.
Themes: dual POV, dating app/blind date, figure skater/hockey player, university
Wings of Love by Jackie North (3,5 stars)
Daxel is a cowboy who, at the advice of his mother, signs up to be matched with a random date onthe Heart2Heart app as a way of getting over his ex-boyfriend. Eugene is a clock repairman from a neighboring town who, after recently coming out to his parents, was disowned by both them and their church. Neither man is expecting much from their date, but their first date leads to a second date and a kiss, and the second date leads to a third date—and many more to follow—as they discover they are well-suited to each other.
This was lovely and poetic, quiet and hopeful. I’ve struggled with some of this author’s works in the past, but this short story really worked for me.
Themes: dual POV, dating app/blind date, cowboy/clock repairman, opposites attract, inexperience
Love in Bloom by Jocelynn Drake (2,5 stars)
Kaylan and Arden are both good-looking, charming guys, matched for a blind date by the Heart2Heart app and Kaylan’s meddling boss. However, Kaylan isn’t interested in dating anyone, so he plans to show up and ditch Arden instead of actually going on the date. But Arden talks him into spending time together, and they go to a botanical garden where they both think about kissing each other. After many missed opportunities, they finally kiss in front of Arden’s ex, which felt completely unnecessary and cheapened the whole moment. Kaylan’s actions were inconsistent with what he claimed he wanted, and that was another thing that bothered me about this story.
This story lost me with its completely unfamiliar Cincinnati setting and the heavy focus on BL anime, which I'm also unfamiliar with. There wasn’t anything I could point to as being wrong with the story, but I just wasn’t feeling it at all.
Themes: dual POV, dating app/blind date, matchmaking
The Shape of the Heart’s Desire by K.C. Wells (3,5 stars)
Ethan is a former English teacher turned gay romance author in his forties who hasn’t had much luck with dating. So, when he takes a chance and chooses the blind date option on the Heart2Heart app, he’s surprised to learn his date will take place at a pottery class. He certainly doesn’t expect to meet a cute, younger goth guy named Paisley, who turns out to be one of his former students.
Themes: dual POV, dating app/blind date, cowboy/clock repairman, opposites attract, inexperience
Love in Bloom by Jocelynn Drake (2,5 stars)
Kaylan and Arden are both good-looking, charming guys, matched for a blind date by the Heart2Heart app and Kaylan’s meddling boss. However, Kaylan isn’t interested in dating anyone, so he plans to show up and ditch Arden instead of actually going on the date. But Arden talks him into spending time together, and they go to a botanical garden where they both think about kissing each other. After many missed opportunities, they finally kiss in front of Arden’s ex, which felt completely unnecessary and cheapened the whole moment. Kaylan’s actions were inconsistent with what he claimed he wanted, and that was another thing that bothered me about this story.
This story lost me with its completely unfamiliar Cincinnati setting and the heavy focus on BL anime, which I'm also unfamiliar with. There wasn’t anything I could point to as being wrong with the story, but I just wasn’t feeling it at all.
Themes: dual POV, dating app/blind date, matchmaking
The Shape of the Heart’s Desire by K.C. Wells (3,5 stars)
Ethan is a former English teacher turned gay romance author in his forties who hasn’t had much luck with dating. So, when he takes a chance and chooses the blind date option on the Heart2Heart app, he’s surprised to learn his date will take place at a pottery class. He certainly doesn’t expect to meet a cute, younger goth guy named Paisley, who turns out to be one of his former students.
This was an easy, straightforward romance story without any angst. Neither Ethan nor Paisley, who used to have a crush on Ethan, has any issues with their past relationship or the age difference between them. There’s a brief moment where Paisley worries if Ethan will be like the guys he’s dated before—unable to accept what’s underneath his clothes. I thought this was a strange fear since it was lingerie , but of course, it turns out Ethan likes Paisley just the way he is, and they live happily ever after.
Themes: dual POV, dating app/blind date, former teacher/student, age difference
Meat Cute by Kelly Fox (5 stars)
Rhys is the captain of the newly formed Austin rugby team, who gets talked into signing up for a Valentine’s blind date arranged by CUPID by his roommate and best friend. Sev, who happens to be Rhys’s date, is a chef who became deaf after a bout of meningitis in his young adult years. The two are supposed to meet in the meat aisle at Whole Foods, but Rhys is running late, and Sev’s cochlear implant battery malfunctions. Rhys has a stutter that becomes more prominent when he’s nervous, and Sev essentially insults him to his face. Things go off the rails quickly after that, and Rhys ends up leaving Sev right where he found him. Sev later apologizes, and they agree on a second date, which goes much better than the first. The attraction between them is sizzling, the sex is amazing, and it’s pretty much smooth sailing after that.
Themes: dual POV, dating app/blind date, former teacher/student, age difference
Meat Cute by Kelly Fox (5 stars)
Rhys is the captain of the newly formed Austin rugby team, who gets talked into signing up for a Valentine’s blind date arranged by CUPID by his roommate and best friend. Sev, who happens to be Rhys’s date, is a chef who became deaf after a bout of meningitis in his young adult years. The two are supposed to meet in the meat aisle at Whole Foods, but Rhys is running late, and Sev’s cochlear implant battery malfunctions. Rhys has a stutter that becomes more prominent when he’s nervous, and Sev essentially insults him to his face. Things go off the rails quickly after that, and Rhys ends up leaving Sev right where he found him. Sev later apologizes, and they agree on a second date, which goes much better than the first. The attraction between them is sizzling, the sex is amazing, and it’s pretty much smooth sailing after that.
This story was both heartwarming and slightly kinky. Even though everything was a little too perfect to be entirely realistic, I enjoyed it immensely and couldn’t get enough of both the main and secondary characters.
Theme: dual POV, dating app/blind date, rugby player/chef, character with a speech impediment, hard of hearing character, nipple play
Mixed Motives, by Leslie McAdam (4 stars)
After finding out that Kerrigan, his now ex-boyfriend, cheated on him, Henry ends up on his ex’s father’s doorstep, intent on seducing him and getting his revenge. Despite the mutual attraction between the two, Keane, the man in question, has no choice but to turn Henry down gently. Still, Keane can't help but feel lonely, so he signs up for a blind date set up by CUPID. Of course, his perfect match turns out to be Henry. This time, considering the algorithm matched them as compatible, Keane decides to give Henry a chance after all. As the two find themselves perfectly suited for each other, the only thing left to do is announce their relationship to Kerrigan.
Theme: dual POV, dating app/blind date, rugby player/chef, character with a speech impediment, hard of hearing character, nipple play
Mixed Motives, by Leslie McAdam (4 stars)
After finding out that Kerrigan, his now ex-boyfriend, cheated on him, Henry ends up on his ex’s father’s doorstep, intent on seducing him and getting his revenge. Despite the mutual attraction between the two, Keane, the man in question, has no choice but to turn Henry down gently. Still, Keane can't help but feel lonely, so he signs up for a blind date set up by CUPID. Of course, his perfect match turns out to be Henry. This time, considering the algorithm matched them as compatible, Keane decides to give Henry a chance after all. As the two find themselves perfectly suited for each other, the only thing left to do is announce their relationship to Kerrigan.
The first half of the opening line and the plot itself were so similar to His Dad Will Do by Anna Kensing that I had to double-check to make sure this wasn’t the same story that I had already read. This story was 100 pages shorter, and despite the addition of the Heart2Heart dating app, it essentially read the same. Despite the lack of originality, I still found it enjoyable.
Themes: dual POV, ex boyfriend's father, age difference, dating app/blind date, secret relationship
Themes: dual POV, ex boyfriend's father, age difference, dating app/blind date, secret relationship
medium-paced
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
My review doesn't refer to the whole book
Skating After You by Hayden Hall - 5 stars
This novella is set on the Arctic Titans Of Northwood U universe.
Phoenix is Asher's roommate and teammate, and he's a very nice guy: Jaxon is also a student in Northwood U, he used to be a figure skater, but he lost the passion for that so now he's dedicated to ice ballett, less competitive but still very beautiful and fulfilling.
Phoenix and Jaxon have the sweetest meet cute on the escalator at the mall, when Phoenix takes the escalator the wrong way because he's late for a game. He stops when he sees Jaxon and starts talking to him but he needs to get to the game so they don't have the time to exchange more that a few words.
Two days later they're still thinking about each other and unexpectedly they are matched by Cupid app.
This story was very romantic and I loved it: Phoenix little by little ... every wall Jaxon built around him, he's surprisingly sweet, attentive, he says all the right words, he gave him the cutest gift and Jaxon is so enthralled by him that, after skating and dancing on the ice together, he decides to take a chance and they go back to Jaxon's room where they have the most tender, hot, intense sex. Their connection is almost magical.
The story ends with a HFN and I hope the author will let us know more about them in the next books of the series.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
Mixed Signals by E.M. Lindsey - 5 stars
Story set in the The Beginning of Always world.
Phoenix, a lovely 27 years old autistic guy, is pushed by his brother Piper to sign up on the Cupid app to find a date.
He goes to said date and discovers that the guy is a jerk and a liar who's only interested in hooking up.
Next to Phoenix table there is Maddox, a vet student about to graduate who lost the use of a leg because of an accident. Maddox's date stood him up just in time for Madds to help Nix getting rid of his own bad date.
They spent the night together chatting and getting to know each other an when they arrive at Nix' place, they're already completely enthralled.
For the first time Nix feels safe with someone who's not his big brother: he and Madds have a lot in common and Maddox doesn't mind that Phoenix is on the spectrum.
I really loved that he felt a protective instinct towards Phoenix since the first time he laid eyes on him.
I hope we'll see both of them in the next book of the series, Sugar.
Mixed Motives by Leslie McAdam - 3 stars
3 stars
This was a nice age gap story with a forbidden element, since Henry, 22 years old, starts a relationship with Keane, 42 years old, who's his ex boyfriend Kerrigan's father.
Keane is an accomplished businessman, while Henry is struggling a little in managing a B&B he suddenly inherited from his aunt.
Their relationship is well blanced and they are good together.
I just think everything is resolved too easily, especially with Kerrigan.
I loved Noah and August's (from Oblivious, IOU book 3) little appearance.
Skating After You by Hayden Hall - 5 stars
This novella is set on the Arctic Titans Of Northwood U universe.
Phoenix is Asher's roommate and teammate, and he's a very nice guy: Jaxon is also a student in Northwood U, he used to be a figure skater, but he lost the passion for that so now he's dedicated to ice ballett, less competitive but still very beautiful and fulfilling.
Phoenix and Jaxon have the sweetest meet cute on the escalator at the mall, when Phoenix takes the escalator the wrong way because he's late for a game. He stops when he sees Jaxon and starts talking to him but he needs to get to the game so they don't have the time to exchange more that a few words.
Two days later they're still thinking about each other and unexpectedly they are matched by Cupid app.
This story was very romantic and I loved it: Phoenix little by little ... every wall Jaxon built around him, he's surprisingly sweet, attentive, he says all the right words, he gave him the cutest gift and Jaxon is so enthralled by him that, after skating and dancing on the ice together, he decides to take a chance and they go back to Jaxon's room where they have the most tender, hot, intense sex. Their connection is almost magical.
The story ends with a HFN and I hope the author will let us know more about them in the next books of the series.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
Mixed Signals by E.M. Lindsey - 5 stars
Story set in the The Beginning of Always world.
Phoenix, a lovely 27 years old autistic guy, is pushed by his brother Piper to sign up on the Cupid app to find a date.
He goes to said date and discovers that the guy is a jerk and a liar who's only interested in hooking up.
Next to Phoenix table there is Maddox, a vet student about to graduate who lost the use of a leg because of an accident. Maddox's date stood him up just in time for Madds to help Nix getting rid of his own bad date.
They spent the night together chatting and getting to know each other an when they arrive at Nix' place, they're already completely enthralled.
For the first time Nix feels safe with someone who's not his big brother: he and Madds have a lot in common and Maddox doesn't mind that Phoenix is on the spectrum.
I really loved that he felt a protective instinct towards Phoenix since the first time he laid eyes on him.
I hope we'll see both of them in the next book of the series, Sugar.
Mixed Motives by Leslie McAdam - 3 stars
3 stars
This was a nice age gap story with a forbidden element, since Henry, 22 years old, starts a relationship with Keane, 42 years old, who's his ex boyfriend Kerrigan's father.
Keane is an accomplished businessman, while Henry is struggling a little in managing a B&B he suddenly inherited from his aunt.
Their relationship is well blanced and they are good together.
I just think everything is resolved too easily, especially with Kerrigan.
I loved Noah and August's (from Oblivious, IOU book 3) little appearance.
I decided instead of forcing myself to read every short like I usually do, I read the authors I haven’t shelved. Some authors in here you couldn’t pay me to read again (Cora Rose, Jackie North, EM Lindsey, & Leslie McAdam) but some of the others can still put out some decent stuff.
Alas. Most of it is as still just mediocre. *sad trombone* But there were a few standouts.
As a few other reviews mentioned, the “theme” seems to be authors just sorta doing their own thing when it comes to the app? It’s really bizarre.
Among Freinds- Annabeth Albert
3⭐️ Cute but I don’t know why intimacy with this author is always so painfully awkward and not in an endearing way.
A New Thrill- Avril Ashton-
3⭐️ I’ve never read this author and I’m giving them 3 stars for writing something I’ve never read before. That being said, something made me feel uncomfortable in the relationship. I dunno.
Brie Mine- Charlie Novak- 2⭐️
Meh. It was ok. Really over this author’s love of internal dialogue.
August’s Thief- Fearne Hill
4–ish ⭐️ I almost DNF’d near the beginning because the writing was not for me. But I stuck it out and I’m glad I did. This was quirky and different and the author went in a totally different direction with the app thing (seriously so weird). But I ended up enjoying their story.
Skating After You- Hayden Hall
3.5 ⭐️ This was actually pretty cute considering my first and only read of this author years ago was not good. Other than some writing issues, it was a solid short.
Love in Bloom- Jocelynn Drake- 2⭐️
Too many inconvenient moment interruptions which I hate. First kiss totally ruined by it being during meeting the ex and trying to make him jealous. How cliche. Drake is a better writer than that. You know a short is drab when it can’t hold my attention. Didn’t really feel anything for them at all.
The Shape of Heart’s Desire- KC Wells
4⭐️ This was actually pretty cute
Meat Cute- Kelly Fox- 4⭐️ One of the cutest fucking shorts ever. I want morrrrre.
Alas. Most of it is as still just mediocre. *sad trombone* But there were a few standouts.
As a few other reviews mentioned, the “theme” seems to be authors just sorta doing their own thing when it comes to the app? It’s really bizarre.
Among Freinds- Annabeth Albert
3⭐️ Cute but I don’t know why intimacy with this author is always so painfully awkward and not in an endearing way.
A New Thrill- Avril Ashton-
3⭐️ I’ve never read this author and I’m giving them 3 stars for writing something I’ve never read before. That being said, something made me feel uncomfortable in the relationship. I dunno.
Brie Mine- Charlie Novak- 2⭐️
Meh. It was ok. Really over this author’s love of internal dialogue.
August’s Thief- Fearne Hill
4–ish ⭐️ I almost DNF’d near the beginning because the writing was not for me. But I stuck it out and I’m glad I did. This was quirky and different and the author went in a totally different direction with the app thing (seriously so weird). But I ended up enjoying their story.
Skating After You- Hayden Hall
3.5 ⭐️ This was actually pretty cute considering my first and only read of this author years ago was not good. Other than some writing issues, it was a solid short.
Love in Bloom- Jocelynn Drake- 2⭐️
Too many inconvenient moment interruptions which I hate. First kiss totally ruined by it being during meeting the ex and trying to make him jealous. How cliche. Drake is a better writer than that. You know a short is drab when it can’t hold my attention. Didn’t really feel anything for them at all.
The Shape of Heart’s Desire- KC Wells
4⭐️ This was actually pretty cute
Meat Cute- Kelly Fox- 4⭐️ One of the cutest fucking shorts ever. I want morrrrre.
3 stars overall from the eight stories I read. I had three DNFs and one where I didn't even bother because I've never enjoyed that author before.
What bothers me across both versions of Volume 7 is the inconsistency in how the app works. If everyone was working from the same prompt for the same app, how was the interpretation of how the app worked so different? There was no cohesion to tie the stories together and it frustrated me. Surely you all agree how the app functions, otherwise it may as well just be an individual novella from each author and not an anthology....
****************
Among Friends - Annabeth Albert (3.5)
Cute best friends to lovers, reunited after fifteen years apart. It was a nice story but it's hard to form an opinion when you aren't really getting to know the characters in a short story. The story also has a time jump of one year from the end of their first date so you don't get to see any relationship development either.
A New Thrill - Avril Ashton (DNF)
Got to the second page of chapter 2 and I feel like half the word count so far has been the names Pax and Jameson! Nothing is happening except their names being repeated - this is a clear example of why 3rd person POV isn't my preference.
Brie Mine - Charlie Novak (4)
Loved this! So English
What bothers me across both versions of Volume 7 is the inconsistency in how the app works. If everyone was working from the same prompt for the same app, how was the interpretation of how the app worked so different? There was no cohesion to tie the stories together and it frustrated me. Surely you all agree how the app functions, otherwise it may as well just be an individual novella from each author and not an anthology....
****************
Among Friends - Annabeth Albert (3.5)
Cute best friends to lovers, reunited after fifteen years apart. It was a nice story but it's hard to form an opinion when you aren't really getting to know the characters in a short story. The story also has a time jump of one year from the end of their first date so you don't get to see any relationship development either.
A New Thrill - Avril Ashton (DNF)
Got to the second page of chapter 2 and I feel like half the word count so far has been the names Pax and Jameson! Nothing is happening except their names being repeated - this is a clear example of why 3rd person POV isn't my preference.
Brie Mine - Charlie Novak (4)
Loved this! So English
As with most anthologies, some stories were better than others. My biggest complaint is how short they all were, around 60 pages. I remembered them being a bit longer in past years, 100-ish pages. It's hard to develop a relationship in such a short page count. Great reading for bouts of insomnia.
Only read the ones by Cora Rose, Charlie Novak and Leslie McAdam
SKATING AFTER YOU - Hayden Hall
Jaxon loved performing on ice. He gave up figure skating to do ice ballet and he was good at what he did but there left very little time for dating. His friend suggested using CUPID a app that will set you up with someone based on your profile answers. Jaxon didn't know what he was expecting but being set up with the sexy stranger who was late and going the wrong way on the escalator the other day was not it.
Phoenix wasn't meeting the right quality guys when he was out and filling out the questionnaire for CUPID seemed fun. He was clueless when trying to read the signs guys give off so signing up for a blind date seemed like a great way to meet someone. Walking into the ice skating rink and seeing the guy that smelled so good from the escalator was completely unexpected and fantastic in ways he couldn't describe. Finding out he also loved to be on the ice was almost perfect.
I loved this quick sweet read. Jaxon and Phoenix had so much chemistry and just made me want more from them! Even though it's set in the Artic Titans world you don't need to read anything that comes before it. But I always love a quick read when I don't have a ton of time to commit to a full story. I can't wait to read more in this anthology!
Jaxon loved performing on ice. He gave up figure skating to do ice ballet and he was good at what he did but there left very little time for dating. His friend suggested using CUPID a app that will set you up with someone based on your profile answers. Jaxon didn't know what he was expecting but being set up with the sexy stranger who was late and going the wrong way on the escalator the other day was not it.
Phoenix wasn't meeting the right quality guys when he was out and filling out the questionnaire for CUPID seemed fun. He was clueless when trying to read the signs guys give off so signing up for a blind date seemed like a great way to meet someone. Walking into the ice skating rink and seeing the guy that smelled so good from the escalator was completely unexpected and fantastic in ways he couldn't describe. Finding out he also loved to be on the ice was almost perfect.
I loved this quick sweet read. Jaxon and Phoenix had so much chemistry and just made me want more from them! Even though it's set in the Artic Titans world you don't need to read anything that comes before it. But I always love a quick read when I don't have a ton of time to commit to a full story. I can't wait to read more in this anthology!