Delicious is a food based anthology covering a diverse set of couples and throuples in a beautiful way. I love this collection of foodie forward stories that showcases love in many different ways!
From the blurb:
Join a fabulous group of authors for a brand new charity anthology that’s sure to make you hungry!
We’re serving up hot dishes, lamington kisses, cheesecake roses, and plenty of delicious indulgences. Accompanied by a buffet of your favourites like best friends to lovers, meet cutes, second chances, small towns, enemies, hot bosses, long time crushes, plenty of spice, and melt-in-the-mouth sweetness.
With taco trucks, celebrity chefs, bakers, pizza shops, and plenty of treats, Delicious has seventeen brand new contemporary short stories for you to savour!
All proceeds will be donated to the LGBTQ+ charities Switchboard and akt.
Includes stories from:
Annabeth Albert, Beth Bolden, Jax Calder, Vawn Cassidy, Colette Davison, Lane Hayes, Becca Jackson, E.M. Lindsey, Katherine McIntyre, Mia Monroe, Shane K Morton, K.M. Neuhold, Charlie Novak, Becca Seymour, Sebastian Sharpe, Toby Wise, and Ariella Zoelle.
Molly Otto's review:
With most anthologies I tend to pick and choose which stories I want to read, yet this time I decided to try them all and do not regret this choice. A well-balanced anthology where each writer stuck true to their own writing style.
A HOT DISH: ANNABETH ALBERT
Percy wanted a new beginning after a messy divorce, leaving him weary of starting something new. Stu moved to town so he could co parent with his ex, to make all their lives easier. When a chance fire leads Percy in assisting his new neighbor, Stu brings a hot dish for his gratitude, beginning their new arrangement. Both are weary to begin something new, but when things deepen, it takes the courage to stand up for himself, for Percy to really see what is happening. For a short story it is well balanced and doesn't leave you frustrated from not having read their Mt. Hope universe, where this story takes place.
PIECE OF CAKE: BETH BOLDEN
Marcus has been in a rut that not only has affected his dating life but his restaurant as well. when he loses another pastry chef his sister recommends her friend Daniel to train the new pastry chef. Daniel left his home to be the best pastry chef he could be, returning home after a bad break up, and to assist his friend in their time of need. These two are not prepared for the chemistry that hits them. With their past however, both play it cautious before trying to pursue anything. The build up to something was fun to read, however that was the majority of the story where you don't actually see them as a couple, which i would have liked to see.
FEEDING THE GRUMP: JAX CALDER
David & Benji have been bickering neighbors since Benji inherited the land from his uncle. They are so different in so many ways, yet amongst the bickering their connection deepens. One mishap finding a lost lamb, forced David to see what really has been happening. Benji having seen it is thrilled to get his shot at something more. Mix in a cameo from PLAYING OFFSIDE characters makes for a fun well balanced short story.
DELICIOSULY COOKIE: VAWN CASSIDY
Cookie is staying in the Bay until his best friend Tyler sorts his affairs back home. Quinn as part of the Ainsley clan returns home to tell his family what he really has been doing while away at university. The two build a beautiful friendship in comfort and support. This short may be well written, however for me, it ends in a not brilliant way. It is the whisper of a promise for something more. I prefer anthology stories as separate whole stories that can be a part of another universe.
SWEET ON YOU: COLETTE DAVISON
Cam agreed to watch his kid brother, Elliot, when his father was away on business. With this responsibility comes the added bonus of becoming closer to Euan and his son Peter, who happens to be Elliot's mate. The kids rope the adults into baking for the school's fundraiser when sparks fly and they allow something more. Enjoyed the balance of heat as well as strong family values. The kids were a main driving force in the story, which should be the case I a single dad romance. A complete story from start to finish.
ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE & PIZZA: LANE HAYES
Mateo & his family have run the local pizzeria for generations. When Rob, a former teammate and man who got to live out his NFL dreams opens a bagel shop next door, tension flys. the two embark in the Great Pizza Bagel War, that leads to these two to actually see the other for who they are. Beautifully played tension with the main characters. What starts with animosity turns to a huge family of support and unconditional love.
CHEESECAKE ROSES: BECCA JACKSON
When Nate is injured playing banana ball, he feels his life is over. It was that one thing he was always good at. When his estranged uncles passes, he must go back to his estate to settle things and move on. Remy who partially owns the estate with Nate, sets his mind to show Nate what a magical place this is and together they could build something great. These two have a fun chemistry and was nice to see the BEAKER BROTHERS FARM from another perspective. Well balanced and didn't have you feeling something was missing if it were a full-length story instead of a short.
THE DEAF CHEF: EM LINDSEY
Rhett is an interpreter for the deaf school for one of the professors. One day he is sent to the Deaf Chef, a popular food truck on campus. Mellie is used to having customers not following his signs yet still gets irked when people step in to help the ignorant customers. These two start off of the wrong footing, yet the attraction is there. On their next encounter the animosity remains until Rhett steps in to help. When Mellie lowers his walls, he sees how amazing Rhett is. this story feels complete with a great balance of what we've come to know and love from EM.
OFFICE INDULGENCE: KATHERINE MCINTYRE
Henry has been receiving love notes and handmade chocolates from someone in his office and is set to figure out who it could be. In a mess of deduction skills and let's be honest in a beautifully ignorant way that causes the pieces to fall into play. The sweet man is all he's ever wanted yet doesn't believe he could have. In the true fashion of Kat, they wrote a perfect balance of heat and humor. And as a huge Declan fan, was great to see him at his top snarky glory with people he is truly comfortable with. Perfect short to go along with the Brannon Boys universe.
THE CHEF'S KISS: MIA MONROE
Des and Marco are celebrating Marcos's birthday and reminiscing of their lost third in a upscale restaurant in New Onyx where they know their Liam would have flourished. Liam is back in New Onyx hoping for a second chance with the two men he left behind to pursue his culinary dreams. In their time apart all three men know they still belong to one another. When their paths cross once again they don't waste the opportunity to reconnect. I love a reconnection story of three men who should never have been apart, yes, its short, yet it felt complete.
WHET YOUR APPETITE: SHANE E MORTON
Ryder & Martin have been best friends forever. When Martin comes for a visit, both men realize how much they mean to each other. What makes this read so dang magical is it's a best friend to lovers' story that I can completely relate to. Even when taking the next step, they stay true to their long lasting friendship. When you know it will be lasting and permanent. A truly beautiful story.
TACO DIRTY TO ME: KM NEUHOLD
Bas has had a crush on one of his regulars for a while now, to bad hes taken. When his brother gets sick, he jumps in his place, so the blind date isn't stood up. To his delight the blind date is Dylan and now is his shot at the man he adores. When Bas shows instead of Tony, he can't help but be taken aback. These two get their shot to see if they're over the counter translates to real life. I don't know how KM managed to still be her usual self in a short story, but here we are. That perfect mix of heat & humor tha we all have come to know and love from KM.
LOAF OF MY LIFE: CHARLIE NOVAK
Riley is a baker for a smaller bakery who goes to work early mornings. one day he spots a mystery man who intrigues him, yet he must continue with the day as always. Jace dealing with his insomnia induced walks is drawn to the lights of the bakery & the beautiful man inside. Over time he gets the courage to make contact, it does not go as planned. Luckily for him RIley has a good sense of humor. Slowly they build a beautiful bond of understanding and eventually love. A beautifully done slow burn in a short story. Didn't think that could work, and yet Charlie has done it beautifully.
RUMBLEDETHUMPS: SEBASTIAN SHARPE
A second chance is given to David & Kelly witht the passing of Davids grandfather. The wrongs of the past are corrected with this beautifully done short. Both men are able to see what went wrong and how this is their shot at fixing it and having the love they both lost. A breathtakingly beautiful short store of two mend once again finding each other.
LAMINGTON KISSES: BECCA SEYMOUR
A fun, quick read of two friends taking their shot at more. Keifer friend zoned Ste years ago and has regretted the choice since. Ste having once tried is afraid to take another chance. One fateful afternoon on a not so smooth boat ride, they both reach that point where they know it is their time. They have built a solid friendship that even if things don't go as planned, they will remain friends. A beautiful short that captures Beccas writing style in a condensed read.
A SLICE OF LIFE: TOBY WISE
Pete & Rodney have been best friends their entire lives. Rodney has been Petes biggest supporter in all decisions that lead him to be his true authentic self. One snowstorm wakes the pair up to see how truly and deeply they love one another. A perfect transition from best friends to more, with the added bonus of trans inclusion, and a found family of love and acceptance by all who visits Pete's Slice. Toby shows us he can write contemporary just as well as his paranormal low angst that we have come to know and love him for.
SWEET HEAT: ARIELLA ZOELLE
Niccolo is convinced to partake in SWEET HEAT to bring his audience more current. Adler has admired the chef from a young age and dying for his chance to meet and spar with the chef in real life. These two have a banter that not all could handle, that is the right mix and insult and praise. It is no wonder Niccolo agrees to have Adler prepare him a meal to show his real skills. Little does he know this meal will change everything. Adler shows he truly does understand the real man behind the facade. The right balance of heat & humor in a great short story.
Angel's review:
Hot Dish by Annabeth Albert is the first story this food themed anthology starts off with.
Stu and Percy's relationship starts off as a friends with benefits situation, neither man wants to commit to a relationship, especially Percy. But, gradually overtime, love has a way of sneaking up on you and that's exactly what happened here.
Piece of cake by Beth Bolden
I'm a big fan of Beth's writing especially her books that are centered around the food industry. I absolutely adored that Marco got his own story and his own happily ever after. I loved this story! And this one had sooo many yummy descriptions of various dishes, both savory and sweet. I love baking, and so I really loved Andrew's character. I liked how he stayed true to the restaurant's history but challenged himself and Marco to trying new things. Since this is a short story their relationship does progress fast but it felt natural, this was well written and a fantastic story!
Feeding The Grump by Jax Calder
This was such a lighthearted and fun story! I was smiling the whole time I was reading this, the writing was exceptional and I LOVED the playful banter and dialogue that David and Benji have with each other. They have an enemies to lovers vibe to them in the beginning but as you read further you'll discover that that's not quite accurate. I really liked David and Benji, they are the epitome of opposites attract while also finding common ground with each others interests and likes. These two bringing each other food in their own ways was so cute, David would bring Benji fresh fruit and vegetables, and Benji would then make either sweet or savory dishes to drop off at David's. So cute!
Here's a quote I really liked, "And I suddenly realize we’ve been speaking this language all along. In vegetables left on doorsteps and meals cooked just for me, in arguments that were really just excuses to stay in each other’s orbit."
Deliciously Cookie by Vawn Cassidy
I'm beginning to get the sense that all of these stories are going to be adorable in one way or another. I'm not super familiar with Vawn's writing, but I have to say I really liked this story. Cupcake's character is so vibrant, bubbly, confident and so kind and supportive. He's freely himself and I love that for him. This was a very cute, short story. I liked that we got so many moments of these two getting to know one another. Even though this was a short story a lot was packed into it which I really enjoyed and appreciated.
Sweet On You by Collette Davidson
This is a single dad, dad's best friend, and age gap romance. I thought this was a good story, the two boys scheming to bring the older men together was really cute. And reading about these two grown men have no idea how to make cupcakes was shocking! But, I am glad they both figured out how to make them together, that scene was very cute. And the ending was great!
All's Fair in love and Pizza by Lane Hayes
If you like enemies to lovers with intense chemistry that threatens to explode, then you're going to love Rob and Mateo's story. I really liked how their whole relationship started because of a Pizza bagel, it sort of gave off a rom-com feeling to it just with a bunch of angst mixed in.
Cheesecake Roses Becca Jackson
Oh my gosh I absolutely LOVED this one! At first I wasn't sure how I felt about Nate's character, he just seemed very brash and jaded. Upon reading further I began to understand what led to him being that way and I also got to see him change his behavior too. Remy absolutely stole the show in this story, he knows what he wants and is passionate about achieving it. These two men just fit together so well, even though they hadn't seen each other in years they effortlessly fit back into each others lives. Also, now I really want a cheesecake that's shaped like a flower...
The Deaf Chef by EM Lindsey
Mellie and Rhett's story will keep you on your toes and leave you guessing. I wasn't sure how these two were going to resolve their issues after the way they first met, but they resolved their issues beautifully! I always love when ASL and different representation are showcased so beautifully, and that was done exquisitely here. I liked how they sort of had an enemies to lovers vibe but still gave one another a fair chance. I'm also really curious about Otto, I hope he gets his own book in the future.
Office Indulgence by Kat McIntyre
Ahh!! This story has been my favorite so far! I love chocolate, so for Henry to have a secret admirer who's leaving behind chocolate treats and sweet notes? That's right up my alley! I wish someone would woo me with chocolate confections that's for sure. This story while short in length, was packed full of details and really showcased Henry and Jacob's relationship beautifully. These two men are absolutely adorable together, Henry being a bit clueless about certain things just made him more endearing, and Jacob is the calm, determined, and kind presence to balance everything else out. I love this story SO much!!
The Chef's Kiss by Mia Monroe
While there they discover the man that used to be the third in their relationship is the new chef at the restaurant and is back in town. I could see where the author wanted to go with this and I think others will really enjoy it. For me though it just felt like I was missing important details/moments.
Whet Your Appetite by Shane K. Morton
Ryder and Marti's story is an adorable and spicy friends to lovers romance. The way they stumbled through their conversation about how they felt for each other was a bit awkward (understandably so) but also really sweet. I liked that they took the time to have an important conversation before they engaged in any spicy times. A very cute friends to lovers story!
Taco dirty to me by KM Neuhold
Bas is the proud owner and chef of his own taco food truck, and for the past few weeks there's been a customer that he can't stop thinking about. 'Precious' aka Dylan has been a frequent customer of Bas's for quite some time now, he has had a crush on the flirty man who sneaks him extra tacos but never thought anything would come of it. Until a blind date ends up with him and Bas going on their very own date. This is good! I liked Bas and Dylan together, they are very cute with one another. The conversation they have on their date was wild! If my dog ended up barfing up what the dog in Dylan's story did, I would be horrified!
Loaf of my Life by Charlie Novak
The details describing all the steps and ingredients that goes into making croissants, various breads, and pain au chocolat was just fantastic! I love when an author really takes the time to provide loads of details about their MC's professions and that's exactly what took place here. So Charlie, kudos to you! Riley and Jace's story is truly incredible, I was so sad when it was over. I wanted more of Riley, Jace, and of the creations they came up with at Toasty's. Which is an adorable name for a bakery! Their relationship was beautiful and developed at a really nice pace. I adored how they danced around each other and got to know one another gradually overtime. It was really beautiful how they came together as a couple, and I really appreciated the Insomnia representation as well. It was really well done and well written.
Rumbledethump by Sebastian Sharpe
When David's grandpa passes away and the reading of the will is arranged, Kelly has been requested to be there... That's really where this story kicks off. I found this to be yet another well written story, and I really liked that there was such a special family dish that got passed on throughout the family. That was a special touch! I'm glad these two were able to come back together and I was cheering on David's deceased grandpa for sticking it to his parents. Those people are so mean and judgemental.
Lamington Kisses by Becca Seymour
I'm a sucker for the friends to lovers trope and that's exactly what Keifer and Ste's relationship ends up becoming. I also really liked the nod to Becca's other series, that was really cool to see that mentioned. It was like discovering an easter egg!
A Slice of Life by Toby Wise
I've said this before and I'll say it again, one thing you can guarantee with Toby's books is that they will make you smile. I know that when I read one of Toby's stories that I'm going to be happy whilst reading it because of knowing their writing style. They write cute, fluffy romance books that have lovable characters. And this was no different. This is such a sweet best friends to lovers romance, the way Rodney continuously shows up in many different ways to help and support Pete is just so thoughtful and kind. They have such great chemistry together that when they kissed I was cheering them on cause they just needed to be together, you know? The pizza shop was a nice place for these two to realize their feelings for each other.
Sweet Heat by Ariella Zoelle
Have you ever watched the Hot Ones show? Because if so you'll see the same parallels in this story with that show as I have! This was such a unique and creative concept and I absolutely loved how it was written. The two MC's have burning hot chemistry the whole time they are filming the show, the insults they throw back and forth are creating a buildup to the main event. I really enjoyed reading this story, the characters and romance wasn't the only thing that was well written. The amount of detail that went into describing each diabolical dessert was exceptional, I love watching cooking & baking shows, so to be able to have a similar experience but it be in a different format (reading it instead of watching) was really, really, neat! The dinner and dessert that Niccoló and Adler share after filming the show was a really nice way to simultaneously continue the story and a good place to end it too.
Piece of cake by Beth Bolden
I'm a big fan of Beth's writing especially her books that are centered around the food industry. I absolutely adored that Marco got his own story and his own happily ever after. I loved this story! And this one had sooo many yummy descriptions of various dishes, both savory and sweet. I love baking, and so I really loved Andrew's character. I liked how he stayed true to the restaurant's history but challenged himself and Marco to trying new things. Since this is a short story their relationship does progress fast but it felt natural, this was well written and a fantastic story!
Feeding The Grump by Jax Calder
This was such a lighthearted and fun story! I was smiling the whole time I was reading this, the writing was exceptional and I LOVED the playful banter and dialogue that David and Benji have with each other. They have an enemies to lovers vibe to them in the beginning but as you read further you'll discover that that's not quite accurate. I really liked David and Benji, they are the epitome of opposites attract while also finding common ground with each others interests and likes. These two bringing each other food in their own ways was so cute, David would bring Benji fresh fruit and vegetables, and Benji would then make either sweet or savory dishes to drop off at David's. So cute!
Here's a quote I really liked, "And I suddenly realize we’ve been speaking this language all along. In vegetables left on doorsteps and meals cooked just for me, in arguments that were really just excuses to stay in each other’s orbit."
Deliciously Cookie by Vawn Cassidy
I'm beginning to get the sense that all of these stories are going to be adorable in one way or another. I'm not super familiar with Vawn's writing, but I have to say I really liked this story. Cupcake's character is so vibrant, bubbly, confident and so kind and supportive. He's freely himself and I love that for him. This was a very cute, short story. I liked that we got so many moments of these two getting to know one another. Even though this was a short story a lot was packed into it which I really enjoyed and appreciated.
Sweet On You by Collette Davidson
This is a single dad, dad's best friend, and age gap romance. I thought this was a good story, the two boys scheming to bring the older men together was really cute. And reading about these two grown men have no idea how to make cupcakes was shocking! But, I am glad they both figured out how to make them together, that scene was very cute. And the ending was great!
All's Fair in love and Pizza by Lane Hayes
If you like enemies to lovers with intense chemistry that threatens to explode, then you're going to love Rob and Mateo's story. I really liked how their whole relationship started because of a Pizza bagel, it sort of gave off a rom-com feeling to it just with a bunch of angst mixed in.
Cheesecake Roses Becca Jackson
Oh my gosh I absolutely LOVED this one! At first I wasn't sure how I felt about Nate's character, he just seemed very brash and jaded. Upon reading further I began to understand what led to him being that way and I also got to see him change his behavior too. Remy absolutely stole the show in this story, he knows what he wants and is passionate about achieving it. These two men just fit together so well, even though they hadn't seen each other in years they effortlessly fit back into each others lives. Also, now I really want a cheesecake that's shaped like a flower...
The Deaf Chef by EM Lindsey
Mellie and Rhett's story will keep you on your toes and leave you guessing. I wasn't sure how these two were going to resolve their issues after the way they first met, but they resolved their issues beautifully! I always love when ASL and different representation are showcased so beautifully, and that was done exquisitely here. I liked how they sort of had an enemies to lovers vibe but still gave one another a fair chance. I'm also really curious about Otto, I hope he gets his own book in the future.
Office Indulgence by Kat McIntyre
Ahh!! This story has been my favorite so far! I love chocolate, so for Henry to have a secret admirer who's leaving behind chocolate treats and sweet notes? That's right up my alley! I wish someone would woo me with chocolate confections that's for sure. This story while short in length, was packed full of details and really showcased Henry and Jacob's relationship beautifully. These two men are absolutely adorable together, Henry being a bit clueless about certain things just made him more endearing, and Jacob is the calm, determined, and kind presence to balance everything else out. I love this story SO much!!
The Chef's Kiss by Mia Monroe
While there they discover the man that used to be the third in their relationship is the new chef at the restaurant and is back in town. I could see where the author wanted to go with this and I think others will really enjoy it. For me though it just felt like I was missing important details/moments.
Whet Your Appetite by Shane K. Morton
Ryder and Marti's story is an adorable and spicy friends to lovers romance. The way they stumbled through their conversation about how they felt for each other was a bit awkward (understandably so) but also really sweet. I liked that they took the time to have an important conversation before they engaged in any spicy times. A very cute friends to lovers story!
Taco dirty to me by KM Neuhold
Bas is the proud owner and chef of his own taco food truck, and for the past few weeks there's been a customer that he can't stop thinking about. 'Precious' aka Dylan has been a frequent customer of Bas's for quite some time now, he has had a crush on the flirty man who sneaks him extra tacos but never thought anything would come of it. Until a blind date ends up with him and Bas going on their very own date. This is good! I liked Bas and Dylan together, they are very cute with one another. The conversation they have on their date was wild! If my dog ended up barfing up what the dog in Dylan's story did, I would be horrified!
Loaf of my Life by Charlie Novak
The details describing all the steps and ingredients that goes into making croissants, various breads, and pain au chocolat was just fantastic! I love when an author really takes the time to provide loads of details about their MC's professions and that's exactly what took place here. So Charlie, kudos to you! Riley and Jace's story is truly incredible, I was so sad when it was over. I wanted more of Riley, Jace, and of the creations they came up with at Toasty's. Which is an adorable name for a bakery! Their relationship was beautiful and developed at a really nice pace. I adored how they danced around each other and got to know one another gradually overtime. It was really beautiful how they came together as a couple, and I really appreciated the Insomnia representation as well. It was really well done and well written.
Rumbledethump by Sebastian Sharpe
When David's grandpa passes away and the reading of the will is arranged, Kelly has been requested to be there... That's really where this story kicks off. I found this to be yet another well written story, and I really liked that there was such a special family dish that got passed on throughout the family. That was a special touch! I'm glad these two were able to come back together and I was cheering on David's deceased grandpa for sticking it to his parents. Those people are so mean and judgemental.
Lamington Kisses by Becca Seymour
I'm a sucker for the friends to lovers trope and that's exactly what Keifer and Ste's relationship ends up becoming. I also really liked the nod to Becca's other series, that was really cool to see that mentioned. It was like discovering an easter egg!
A Slice of Life by Toby Wise
I've said this before and I'll say it again, one thing you can guarantee with Toby's books is that they will make you smile. I know that when I read one of Toby's stories that I'm going to be happy whilst reading it because of knowing their writing style. They write cute, fluffy romance books that have lovable characters. And this was no different. This is such a sweet best friends to lovers romance, the way Rodney continuously shows up in many different ways to help and support Pete is just so thoughtful and kind. They have such great chemistry together that when they kissed I was cheering them on cause they just needed to be together, you know? The pizza shop was a nice place for these two to realize their feelings for each other.
Sweet Heat by Ariella Zoelle
Have you ever watched the Hot Ones show? Because if so you'll see the same parallels in this story with that show as I have! This was such a unique and creative concept and I absolutely loved how it was written. The two MC's have burning hot chemistry the whole time they are filming the show, the insults they throw back and forth are creating a buildup to the main event. I really enjoyed reading this story, the characters and romance wasn't the only thing that was well written. The amount of detail that went into describing each diabolical dessert was exceptional, I love watching cooking & baking shows, so to be able to have a similar experience but it be in a different format (reading it instead of watching) was really, really, neat! The dinner and dessert that Niccoló and Adler share after filming the show was a really nice way to simultaneously continue the story and a good place to end it too.
Delicious is currently available as an e-book and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription
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