Reviews

Heart2Heart Anthology, Volume 3 by Leslie Copeland

kara_hildebrand's review against another edition

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5.0

The Treehouse is a short, fun, hot story by the talented Lucy Lennox. I'm a huge fan of Lucy's and her fantastic writing and characters. What starts out as a classified ad in the Heart2Heart app, ends in the best night of Harvey's life. The perfect man, the intimacy, the sex. Then two years later another ad to help build a treehouse brings Harvey face to face with his one nigh stand, Bryn. The sparks and longing are still there. It's unexpected but the answer to both their dreams. The years didn't diminish the intense attraction and now that they have another chance, they aren't letting each other get away again. I loved this story! It was short, but it had the right amount of emotion, humor, sexiness and family that we expect from Lucy! I'm hoping to see more from Harvey and Bryn!

"Hello. My name is Bryn Hughes. Nice to meet your handsome fucking face."

The Date by Annabeth Albert is a short story full of fun, food and sexiness. Damien needs a date for a Valentine's Day dinner so he posts an add in the Heart2Heart app. He's a foodie and just wants someone to eat, enjoy and laugh with. Xavier is marine who's deployed, but going home soon, and comes across the ad. He's intrigued by Damien and after a few messages, he can't wait to meet him. Damien is excited for his date, but he's nervous. He didn't expect to be this attracted to Xavier. As the night goes on, the chemistry gets stronger. What can one little taste hurt? One night with Damien isn't enough for Xavier, but he needs to convince Damien he wants more and more. I loved these two men! Opposites, but they just click. They are fun and open and honest and I loved every word!

"What I really want to do is kiss you, preferably behind a closed door and not right here on a busy sidewalk. Although, I am tempted. Man, am I tempted."

The Wrong Guy is a short, emotional, sexy story from one of my favorite authors, Sloane Kennedy. Jackson and Travis are best friends and work on a ranch together. Travis likes women. Period. Until he gets a glimpse of Jackson all wet and soapy. Now he's not sure of anything. But when he finds out Jackson posted an ad in the Heart2Heart app looking for a man he met, he knows he's not going to allow that to happen. Jackson is his and he's not going to lose him. Jackson doesn't know what's going on with Travis, but he needs to stop having feelings for his best friend and move on. Then Travis kisses him and everything changes. Travis wants more. Jackson wants Travis. I loved this story! Best friends to lovers and sexy cowboys. Yes, please!

"I need you."
"Travis."
"I don't know what's happening to men, but I know it's real."

xanthe87's review against another edition

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5.0

I am only about 25% in and I love the premise that the authors are giving this Heart2Heart anthology. Having a classified's section makes it so fun with the messages that are posted up, whether it's needing help with DIY, company to an event or saying you've noticed someone.
Eden Finley starts and finishes the book with a lovely story of a young man who's long lost uncle passed away and he finds himself with two rooms full of his uncle's persona - wigs, dresses, makeup, shoes. A quick message on the board brings someone who knows their stuff and maybe even help Kable understand this different world. It's short, sweet and fun but brings to light a whole new world of possibilities to Kable.
Annabeth Albert's story brings a man deployed but due home soon and someone looking for a Valentine's meal companion together. The chance to chat whilst apart helps them connect and attraction shines through upon their meeting. I love the warm feelings that Annabeth gives in her writing, bringing these two men together who may be completely different in their daily lives but are a perfect fit.
Charlie Cochet's story is unsurprisingly filled with fun, cheek and adorable men. An ad for help needed to pack up yarn leads Simon to Liam's door. The best first meeting ever with Liam wrapped in yarn, there is literally that much in the house! Simon is having current relationship issues and even though this is a short story, everything works so well together. There's no animosity, just a quick connection, understanding for all men involved and a sweet new romance develops.
Hailey Turner brings together a vertically challenged young man who has been pranked by his best friend and his very tall savior who comes to get the case of beer from the top shelf in his new apartment. There is heat, fun and sass as Alex and Max come together. I love how easy it is for the two of them as they just click, both happy to go with the flow and have some fun even when they start to feel more than they would have ever thought for a reply to a classifieds ad.
Cannot recommend this third anthology enough! I cannot wait to work my way through the rest of the book and see what else these amazing group of authors have in store for the readers.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

mom2pcnl's review against another edition

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5.0

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.

cadiva's review against another edition

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5.0

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.


poplora's review

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3.0

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.

ctsquirrel's review

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4.0

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"
Spoilerman falls in love with his best friend/surrogate's brother, uniting the family
.
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

feistyredhead82's review

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5.0

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!

leslie_kent's review against another edition

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4.0

**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!


feistyredhead82's review against another edition

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5.0

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!

bfdbookblog's review

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4.0

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!