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A review by kfriend
Heard It in a Love Song by Quirah Casey, Elouise East, S.A. Sommers, Isabel Lucero, Nicole Garcia, Brittany Hiester-Koons, Marie Sterling, Sirena Stokes, Abrianna Denae, Jarica James, Saffron Blu, Julie Anne Addicott, Leigh Kenzie, C.L. Matthews, Molly Storm, Helena Novak, Faith Ryan, T.L. Mayhew, Harlow Layne, Lynn Michaels, Sara Dobie Bauer, JJ Harper, Misty Walker, Michelle Brown, Len Webster, Ashlynn Mills, Amara Kent, Kamisa Cole, Gabrielle G., J.J. Riley, C.M. Radcliff, Ashley Lane, L.A. Marie
5.0
What a wonderful anthology- and for a very important cause! And a great opportunity to discover so many new authors- several of this amazing list has been on my TBR, so I’m glad I can finally read them and am even more inspired to dive into their full length works.
Every story in here was at least a 4 star or higher- the standout for me, though, was CL Matthews’ contribution- both because it is so innocent and sweet, but also because of the opportunity to meet a character who is special to me and another series, a character who sadly did not get a perfect, happy ending.
As a fan of the Here Lies series, I was intrigued and exuberant, but also dismayed to know that Cassie was going to tell us the story of Cass- who we know as the catalyst for the series, our heroine Colton’s brother. In the series, his story is one of tragedy and loss- he’s a hugely looming character, the most important person to Colton and the center of the entire story- but he’s a character we never get to meet, a character we never truly know.
So, it is bittersweet to meet him here, to feel the breath in his lungs and the sweet longings of his heart only to know his fate. If you’ve read the series’ first book, this short novella comes with a tinge of sadness, that sense of the loss that permeates the entire book. But, how easily I forget that Cassie is an emotional magician- and as bittersweet as this is, this story isn’t sad- it’s beautiful, it is joyful, and most importantly, it is optimistic.
Cass never got a true HEA, but Cass gives us the gift of giving him one at this moment in time. It is comforting to know that Cass had love, that despite all the darkness that surrounded his being, despite all the secrets and repression and pain of his life, that Cass had at least a moment of light, had safety. Of compassionate love and unconditional care. That Colt wasn’t the only one who cared. NO, he was someone’s center. So while my heart still breaks for him, Cassie heals it some with the story of Cass and Parris.
The story is short but it packs an emotional punch- it is tender, hopeful, sweet, and gentle….innocent, even- a total contrast to the world Cass comes from and the series that tells the aftermath of his story. And even if this story is short, it is poignant. To be fair, my attachment to Cass may contribute to that, but I think you’ll find the emotional resonance regardless. A message about how beautiful love can be- that love is love, no matter the shape or size. But even more, this is a hopeful and romantic commentary on chance….on fate. How fate can lead to real and genuine connection when you take a leap- how Nobody and No One can quickly be Somebody and Someone. My heart is warmed to know that Cass did have a Someone. And that is a beautiful notion- though it is not lost on me just how dangerous and hard it was for Cass and Parris to take that leap because others might not support their love... the very message of this anthology. And in part why you should read these stories- they deserve to be told. And the charity they support deserves our contributions.
Again, so many great reads in this anthology- in addition to Matthews’ I also really loved Harlow Layne’s- a sweet friends to lovers types story (and her first M/M, which you’d never guess) as well as the always impressive Misty Walker’s story.
Do yourself a favor and pick this up- let love of all kinds shine! And, you’ll know in doing so, you’re also supporting a great cause!
Every story in here was at least a 4 star or higher- the standout for me, though, was CL Matthews’ contribution- both because it is so innocent and sweet, but also because of the opportunity to meet a character who is special to me and another series, a character who sadly did not get a perfect, happy ending.
As a fan of the Here Lies series, I was intrigued and exuberant, but also dismayed to know that Cassie was going to tell us the story of Cass- who we know as the catalyst for the series, our heroine Colton’s brother. In the series, his story is one of tragedy and loss- he’s a hugely looming character, the most important person to Colton and the center of the entire story- but he’s a character we never get to meet, a character we never truly know.
So, it is bittersweet to meet him here, to feel the breath in his lungs and the sweet longings of his heart only to know his fate. If you’ve read the series’ first book, this short novella comes with a tinge of sadness, that sense of the loss that permeates the entire book. But, how easily I forget that Cassie is an emotional magician- and as bittersweet as this is, this story isn’t sad- it’s beautiful, it is joyful, and most importantly, it is optimistic.
Cass never got a true HEA, but Cass gives us the gift of giving him one at this moment in time. It is comforting to know that Cass had love, that despite all the darkness that surrounded his being, despite all the secrets and repression and pain of his life, that Cass had at least a moment of light, had safety. Of compassionate love and unconditional care. That Colt wasn’t the only one who cared. NO, he was someone’s center. So while my heart still breaks for him, Cassie heals it some with the story of Cass and Parris.
The story is short but it packs an emotional punch- it is tender, hopeful, sweet, and gentle….innocent, even- a total contrast to the world Cass comes from and the series that tells the aftermath of his story. And even if this story is short, it is poignant. To be fair, my attachment to Cass may contribute to that, but I think you’ll find the emotional resonance regardless. A message about how beautiful love can be- that love is love, no matter the shape or size. But even more, this is a hopeful and romantic commentary on chance….on fate. How fate can lead to real and genuine connection when you take a leap- how Nobody and No One can quickly be Somebody and Someone. My heart is warmed to know that Cass did have a Someone. And that is a beautiful notion- though it is not lost on me just how dangerous and hard it was for Cass and Parris to take that leap because others might not support their love... the very message of this anthology. And in part why you should read these stories- they deserve to be told. And the charity they support deserves our contributions.
Again, so many great reads in this anthology- in addition to Matthews’ I also really loved Harlow Layne’s- a sweet friends to lovers types story (and her first M/M, which you’d never guess) as well as the always impressive Misty Walker’s story.
Do yourself a favor and pick this up- let love of all kinds shine! And, you’ll know in doing so, you’re also supporting a great cause!