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linda_1410's review
3.0
Overall rating: 3.2 stars over 5 stories; one story unrated
Office Romance by Tamara Allen - 2 stars
Wow, I never thought I'd say this about one of Ms. Allen's works, but this was boring. It reminded me far too much of The Only Gold, a far superior piece, and made me wish I was reading that instead. There was zero chemistry between the MCs, since there was way too much focus on the office part of this office romance, so much so that the romance comes out of nowhere and feels more like it's fulfilling the required m/m scene than because it developed authentically. The ending was a little too fairy tale happy given the financial hardships of the time period.
Introducing Mr. Winterbourne, by Joanna Chambers - 4 stars
This was fun. Yes, this all happens in a day and usually that annoys me, but it doesn't here. I didn't see it as insta-love, not even really insta-like, since Winterbourne and Freeman had to get over their preconceptions of each other before they could start getting along. It was fun seeing them realize they're not so different after all.
The Ruin of Gabriel Ashleigh, by KJ Charles - No rating
Mostly skimmed this one. Is strip poker sexy? IDK. Ashleigh's an idiot who doesn't know when to stop gambling. Webster's an alpha brute. Ms. Charles can write, but her stories and her characters just don't seem to click with me.
Unfair in Love and War, by Kaje Harper - 4 stars
This was a complex story, a little predictable, but thoughtful, as all of Ms. Harper's stories are. Stefan is a Swiss immigrant at the height of WWII and everyone in town thinks he's a Nazi spy. Warren has a bad leg from having polio as a child and is unable to fight in the war. I don't recall reading any of Harper's stories where the MCs jump to having sex so quickly, so that threw me, but this was far from insta-love and more friends with benefits that develops into something more. The conflict again was predictable but it was handled with care and they weren't given easy solutions.
Carousel, by Jordan L. Hawk - 4 stars
So I totally got this just for this story, because I wanted to read all the Whyborne & Griffin novels and shorts in order. :D I don't think I've ever been on a carousel, and now I don't want to be on one ever. This had great creep factor, and I really like that so far both of the shorts that supplement this series have been from Griffin's POV. It gives us extra insight into his character and allows us to see Whyborne as Griffin sees him. Really enjoyed this one.
Deliverance, by Aleksandr Voinov - 2 stars
I felt like I was missing something on this one. Maybe that's because this is part of a larger universe and I haven't read that story. It felt like a gap-filler or an epilogue. It would probably read better if you've read the other story first, since the little tidbits of background information would then make sense. I also didn't really feel like I got to know the characters very well.
Office Romance by Tamara Allen - 2 stars
Wow, I never thought I'd say this about one of Ms. Allen's works, but this was boring. It reminded me far too much of The Only Gold, a far superior piece, and made me wish I was reading that instead. There was zero chemistry between the MCs, since there was way too much focus on the office part of this office romance, so much so that the romance comes out of nowhere and feels more like it's fulfilling the required m/m scene than because it developed authentically. The ending was a little too fairy tale happy given the financial hardships of the time period.
Introducing Mr. Winterbourne, by Joanna Chambers - 4 stars
This was fun. Yes, this all happens in a day and usually that annoys me, but it doesn't here. I didn't see it as insta-love, not even really insta-like, since Winterbourne and Freeman had to get over their preconceptions of each other before they could start getting along. It was fun seeing them realize they're not so different after all.
The Ruin of Gabriel Ashleigh, by KJ Charles - No rating
Mostly skimmed this one. Is strip poker sexy? IDK. Ashleigh's an idiot who doesn't know when to stop gambling. Webster's an alpha brute. Ms. Charles can write, but her stories and her characters just don't seem to click with me.
Unfair in Love and War, by Kaje Harper - 4 stars
This was a complex story, a little predictable, but thoughtful, as all of Ms. Harper's stories are. Stefan is a Swiss immigrant at the height of WWII and everyone in town thinks he's a Nazi spy. Warren has a bad leg from having polio as a child and is unable to fight in the war. I don't recall reading any of Harper's stories where the MCs jump to having sex so quickly, so that threw me, but this was far from insta-love and more friends with benefits that develops into something more. The conflict again was predictable but it was handled with care and they weren't given easy solutions.
Carousel, by Jordan L. Hawk - 4 stars
So I totally got this just for this story, because I wanted to read all the Whyborne & Griffin novels and shorts in order. :D I don't think I've ever been on a carousel, and now I don't want to be on one ever. This had great creep factor, and I really like that so far both of the shorts that supplement this series have been from Griffin's POV. It gives us extra insight into his character and allows us to see Whyborne as Griffin sees him. Really enjoyed this one.
Deliverance, by Aleksandr Voinov - 2 stars
I felt like I was missing something on this one. Maybe that's because this is part of a larger universe and I haven't read that story. It felt like a gap-filler or an epilogue. It would probably read better if you've read the other story first, since the little tidbits of background information would then make sense. I also didn't really feel like I got to know the characters very well.
teresab78's review
5.0
4.5 Stars over all - great anthology with some of my favourite authors and a few new to me!!
Office Romance by Tamara Allen 4
Sweet story set in 1921 about two young former soldiers now working in the accounting department at an English company. I got a good sense of location and time period. This story has no sex but some sweet kisses.
Introducing Mr. Winterbourne by Joanna Chambers 4.5
That was lovely! I loved the setting, I loved the characters. I loved the chemistry and the love scene was steamy. I already had Ms. Chambers’ Enlightenment series on my TBR and this short story has bumped that up my reading list!
The Ruin of Gabriel Ashleigh by KJ Charles 4.5
Delicious! I loved the enemies to lovers theme and the interlude was hot! I would love to see more of this pair.
Unfair In Love and War by Kaje Harper 4.5
Imperfect characters finding love unexpectedly makes for a nice read. I liked the historic details as well as how these two gently grew.
Carousel by Jordan L Hawk 5
Great addition to the Whybourne and Griffin series, I loved seeing things from Griffin’s perspective. Suitable creepy for one of their adventures, it still had tender moments between the two.
Deliverance by Aleksandr Voinov 4.5
Set in during the Crusade, Deliverance tells a brief story of a Templar knight reluctantly reuniting with a lost love. I really liked the feel of the words and felt for William’s dilemma. William is first introduced in The Lion of Kent, which I have not read, but will be sure to do so.
Office Romance by Tamara Allen 4
Sweet story set in 1921 about two young former soldiers now working in the accounting department at an English company. I got a good sense of location and time period. This story has no sex but some sweet kisses.
Introducing Mr. Winterbourne by Joanna Chambers 4.5
That was lovely! I loved the setting, I loved the characters. I loved the chemistry and the love scene was steamy. I already had Ms. Chambers’ Enlightenment series on my TBR and this short story has bumped that up my reading list!
The Ruin of Gabriel Ashleigh by KJ Charles 4.5
Delicious! I loved the enemies to lovers theme and the interlude was hot! I would love to see more of this pair.
Unfair In Love and War by Kaje Harper 4.5
Imperfect characters finding love unexpectedly makes for a nice read. I liked the historic details as well as how these two gently grew.
Carousel by Jordan L Hawk 5
Great addition to the Whybourne and Griffin series, I loved seeing things from Griffin’s perspective. Suitable creepy for one of their adventures, it still had tender moments between the two.
Deliverance by Aleksandr Voinov 4.5
Set in during the Crusade, Deliverance tells a brief story of a Templar knight reluctantly reuniting with a lost love. I really liked the feel of the words and felt for William’s dilemma. William is first introduced in The Lion of Kent, which I have not read, but will be sure to do so.
marlobo's review
4.0
OFFICE ROMANCE by Tamara Allen - 3 stars
As always, Allen is a little dense for me but this was really enjoyable.
INTRODUCING MR. WINTERBOURNE by Joanna Chambers - 3.5 stars
This story gave me a strong Amanda Quick vibe and she's a favorite of mine. Very nice!
THE RUIN OF GABRIEL ASHLEIGH by KJ Charles - 4,5 stars rounded up
Captivating. Maybe I don't find roots enough to justify their mutual infatuation but the sexual tension is amazing and the sex itself is totally off the charts.
UNFAIR IN LOVE AND WAR by Kaje Harper - 4,5 stars.
A difficult content to approach for me; I needed a bit of re-reading and time to digest it and to appreciate it. Oh yes, it displays attitudes (regarding the concept of patriotism) that I don't like very much but they're perfectly consistent with the time and place. Realistic, romantic, moving and compassionate, this story is stunning.
CAROUSEL by Jordan L Hawk - skipped
I DNF the first book in the Series, so I think that to put this story aside is the best.
DELIVERANCE by Aleksandr Voinov - 3 stars
I enjoyed this more than its prequel, [b:The Lion of Kent|8532632|The Lion of Kent|Aleksandr Voinov|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1280954777s/8532632.jpg|13399856]
lizzy_22's review
4.0
Read this mainly for the K J Charles short which was scorching hot *sigh*
Did also enjoy the others, they are from new to me m/m authors and a great introduction to style!
Did also enjoy the others, they are from new to me m/m authors and a great introduction to style!
suflet's review
5.0
Great anthology
I really enjoyed reading this anthology. I in particular came for KJ Charles's and Joanna Chambers' and ended up enjoying all of them.
I really enjoyed reading this anthology. I in particular came for KJ Charles's and Joanna Chambers' and ended up enjoying all of them.
katieanne4's review
surprisingly, these were all quite good! how often does that happen?
misssusan's review
3.0
first short story of the collection of the year; let's go
office romance by tamara allen or the one where i had flashbacks to multiple tech and management classes where i have felt the need to expound on why scientific management is the worst. spoiler y'all: it's the worst. however this romance is quite nice! post-wwi (or ii? it wasn't too clear tbh) romance where two office workers are pitted against each other to demonstrate greater productivity for the privilege of keeping their job. 4 stars
introducing mr. winterbourne by joanna chambers the one where our hero just really wants to be an estate manager. life's tough for an upper crust younger son whose dad is firmly on the 'work is for commoners' bandwagon.
i feel like i sound like i'm mocking lysander here but i'm really not, i liked him a lot. his love interest was pretty good too, new money mill owner who is gritting his teeth through spending time with the deeply classist english upper crust for his brother's sake. one of the things i enjoyed about their romance is it really felt like they liked each other, like if you scrubbed out the sexual attraction they'd still make good friends. 4 stars
the ruin of gabriel ashleigh by kj charles this is actually the story i borrowed this collection for. enemies to lovers set-up; gabriel bets all his ownings on a game with family enemy, francis webster, and loses horribly. goes to see him after with ~sexy results~. not bad but i'm glad i read it first, the prior stories are better and i always prefer an upheel keel on short story collections. 3.5 stars
unfair in love and war by kaje harper wwii era romance. warren burch's moved back home with his mother. he can't serve due to a shortened leg and he's just lost his job. upon moving in he sees a group of kids vandalizing his swiss neighbour's doorway with a swastika and introduces himself, romance and an exploration of prejudice ensue. i was liking this a lot until. 3 stars
carousel by jordan l. hawke historical paranormal; whybourne and griffin solve the mystery of a boy who's disappeared in the middle of the night under strange circumstances. a very creepy carousel is involved. apparently whybourne and griffin are characters from an ongoing series, i suspect i might have liked the story better if i'd read the series first. 2.5 stars
deliverance by aleksandr voinov cards on the table: i'm not inclined to favour crusade stories that uncritically go with the good christians versus heathens narrative but this also just wasn't very good. 1.5 stars
pretty good anthology overall; the only story i actually disliked was the last one. i might give tamara allen or joanna chambers a go if my library has their books, they made a strong showing here. 3 stars
office romance by tamara allen or the one where i had flashbacks to multiple tech and management classes where i have felt the need to expound on why scientific management is the worst. spoiler y'all: it's the worst. however this romance is quite nice! post-wwi (or ii? it wasn't too clear tbh) romance where two office workers are pitted against each other to demonstrate greater productivity for the privilege of keeping their job. 4 stars
introducing mr. winterbourne by joanna chambers the one where our hero just really wants to be an estate manager. life's tough for an upper crust younger son whose dad is firmly on the 'work is for commoners' bandwagon.
i feel like i sound like i'm mocking lysander here but i'm really not, i liked him a lot. his love interest was pretty good too, new money mill owner who is gritting his teeth through spending time with the deeply classist english upper crust for his brother's sake. one of the things i enjoyed about their romance is it really felt like they liked each other, like if you scrubbed out the sexual attraction they'd still make good friends. 4 stars
the ruin of gabriel ashleigh by kj charles this is actually the story i borrowed this collection for. enemies to lovers set-up; gabriel bets all his ownings on a game with family enemy, francis webster, and loses horribly. goes to see him after with ~sexy results~. not bad but i'm glad i read it first, the prior stories are better and i always prefer an upheel keel on short story collections. 3.5 stars
unfair in love and war by kaje harper wwii era romance. warren burch's moved back home with his mother. he can't serve due to a shortened leg and he's just lost his job. upon moving in he sees a group of kids vandalizing his swiss neighbour's doorway with a swastika and introduces himself, romance and an exploration of prejudice ensue. i was liking this a lot until
Spoiler
the surprise ex-nazi twist. why you gotta do me like that kaje harper. especially in a short story where you don't have the time to develop it in a way that might wash the bad taste of the concept out of my mouthcarousel by jordan l. hawke historical paranormal; whybourne and griffin solve the mystery of a boy who's disappeared in the middle of the night under strange circumstances. a very creepy carousel is involved. apparently whybourne and griffin are characters from an ongoing series, i suspect i might have liked the story better if i'd read the series first. 2.5 stars
deliverance by aleksandr voinov cards on the table: i'm not inclined to favour crusade stories that uncritically go with the good christians versus heathens narrative but this also just wasn't very good. 1.5 stars
pretty good anthology overall; the only story i actually disliked was the last one. i might give tamara allen or joanna chambers a go if my library has their books, they made a strong showing here. 3 stars
bee26's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
leelah's review
4.0
4.25 stars ( I have no idea how to rate anthology fairly, so I used arithmetic mean :| )
I have the worst reader-attitude when it comes to anthologies. You see, anthologies are great because you can get a taste of someone's else work, someone who would never cross your mind other way. But me? Nope. When it comes to anthologies I tend to do the same thing I do with chocolate box.
The Chocolate Box Approach means I will immediately gobble noisette ones because they are my favorite, then maybe I'll try dark chocolate with orange peels or whatever. And I will never try others.
And yes, this is what I do: I buy anthologies because I want to read one, maybe two stories and I never get back to check others. Never. I have several books worth of unread stories in various anthologies. Told ya, I am the worst.
Well, I couldn't do my usual TCB here, since this selection of authors is amazing. I read and loved their work in the past- every one of them. To use the same visual, this anthology for me was:
Introductions are often overlooked in reviews, but I have to mention Forward by [a:Alex Beecroft|1289325|Alex Beecroft|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1217096274p2/1289325.jpg] since author shares a very personal reasons for writing and brings attention to importance of queer historical fiction for reasons that honestly never crossed my mind before, but became so obvious once I read it. It also has my favorite quote in entire anthology:
I am part of the curve in the waterfall that existed before I did and will endure long after my particular little droplet has passed.
Beautiful.
Office Romance by Tamara Allen - 4.5 stars
If you read Tamara Allen before, then you know what you can expect. Once again she delivers beautiful story, rich in setting with many details. Her writing is kind of quiet- not-on-first-ball thing, but so clever; I feel like if I don't give it my 100% attention I will lose some subtle, great piece of beautiful use of words, so I tend to read her when I'm not tired or distracted.Same here: This story is set shortly after World War I ended, at the peak of deflationary recession. Forest and Casey both got back from the war and now they are desperately trying to hang on their job, but only one can stay and they have two weeks to prove to their employer why they should be the one. So, all this makes a very bleak background and we are always aware of harsh times they live in, but their rivalry and lengths they go also brings something funny and romance they share something sweet into it. I liked it very much.
Introducing Mr. Winterbourne by Joanna Chambers- 3 stars
Obviously, historical romance is genre Joanna Chambers is comfortable in. My first thought was "Oh, she is like a fish in the sea here!" And, maybe this was my reason for lower grade. Here is the thing: if you are not reading HR at all, you will like this very much. But if have Milan, Balogh, Duran, Dare etc. backlists behind you, it's just meh. It's squeaky clean, firmly inside determined boundaries,usual trope story for genre. I mention it here, since her style of writing queer hr reminds me the most of mf hr. I needed something more... unusual. ;)
The Ruin of Gabriel Ashleigh by KJ Charles - 4,5 stars
The laugh and tingle points go to KJ Charles. :D
Super sexy and funny story.
Dear KJ Charles, you write the best dirty talking lords.
Thank you.
Unfair in Love and War by Kaje Harper - 5 stars
Ok, this one got me by surprise. It's definitely the most emotional in anthology.
Warren Burch was unfit to serve his country in the war since he had polio, so he's limping. The war has already taken his brother and he wants to be closer to his mother. But when he moves to her house he becomes intrigued with their first-door neighbor. Stefan is beautiful, but he has a hard time finding friends and fitting in town. Apparently,at the sunset of World War II, the only thing worse than being gay, is having a blond hair, blue eyes and german accent.
I can't say enough of good things about this story. Characterization is rich, the conflict is real and stakes are high. I don't want to spoil it much, but it's just one of those stories where two lost people find each other and find themselves; where every sex scene seems more like joining of souls than joining of bodies.. it's just beautiful, ok?
Carousel by Jordan L Hawk - 4 stars
Told from Griffin's pov. It has really creepy carousel that brought some Silent Hill memories. :\ I love these boys. It's a great treat to keep us happy 'till [b:Bloodline|23202149|Bloodline (Whyborne & Griffin, #5)|Jordan L. Hawk|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1411765436s/23202149.jpg|42445593] is out. ;)
Deliverance by Aleksandr Voinov - 4.5 stars
Whether you'll like this or not depends of whether you read this or/and the prequel before.
In mm hr genre, medievals are rarer than condom in yaoi. And when you find a good one, you never forget it.
I loved William Raven in [b:The Lion of Kent|8532632|The Lion of Kent|Aleksandr Voinov|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1280954777s/8532632.jpg|13399856], but William broken apart, shattered, unhinged and stripped to his true feelings is my favorite.
God, I forgot how damn good and meticulously researched this was... (I actually looked up those Templar rites; Guy had an argument there). I am so glad for that little note about the follow-up at the end. I hope to see this.
The way this anthology come to be and authors who participated is great on itself, but cherry on the top is the fact that buying this you also support a great cause.
To everyone involved in project: You did a great job. :)
Too everyone else: Read it, definitely worth your time.