I'm not anywhere near done reading this anthology, but I wanted to get it in front of your eyes ASAP, since it's only available for a limited time...
From the blurb:
What's sweeter than a low-angst queer romance at Valentine's Day? How about twenty-one of them in one anthology to help support a good cause?
Each novella in Candy Hearts, volume 3, is overflowing with red-hot romance and all the good feels. This volume is full of “meet-uglies” and bad first impressions. What’s more satisfying than a happily ever after that started on the wrong foot?
The Candy Hearts LGBTQIA2S+ anthology will be available for a limited time, and all proceeds will benefit the Rainbow Railroad.
The participating authors in this volume are:
A.D. Ellis
BA Tortuga
Becca Seymour
Beck Grey
Bix Barrow
BL Jones
Chantal Mer
D.C. Emerson
David Gray
D.K. Sutton
E.M. Denning
EJ Stoll
Ellie Ash
Essie Sloane
Evie McGlynn
Madalyn George
Merry Farmer
Minerva Howe
Riley Long
Stella Rainbow
Susan Scott Shelley
Vinni George
Angel's review:
As there are a bunch of lovely stories in this love packed anthology, I'm going to only be writing mini reviews on the stories that stood out to me the most. Not to say that any were bad, I just am only writing reviews for the ones that I really enjoyed.
Always This by Becca Seymour was so adorable! Ant, Eli, Henry, and Eli's niblings were absolutely precious together! I loved how they prioritized communication and took the time to truly listen to one another. I also adore how Eli was there for Ant and Eli when Owen came back into town with no hesitation.
Alexander and the Meet Cute by David Gray, was well, cute! I loved the idea of a love potion gone wrong, and I thought the way this author wrote about it was fun and interesting.
Hiding Fare by DC Emerson
This was has been my absolute favorite so far! I'm so excited for DC's new foray into the paranormal world and this short story has made me even more excited!! The characters are dynamic, unique, and something I have come to admire and respect about DC's writing, is how much diverse representation they pack into their books. For instance, in this book, Koda is an Alpha bear shifter who's A gender, and uses they/them pronouns. And while not explicitly said, Hollis and Jae seem like they have a QPR of sorts, they are very close and so open with their love for each other. I adored all of the characters in this book, and I am SO excited to see what's to come in this new series!
As there are a bunch of lovely stories in this love packed anthology, I'm going to only be writing mini reviews on the stories that stood out to me the most. Not to say that any were bad, I just am only writing reviews for the ones that I really enjoyed.
Always This by Becca Seymour was so adorable! Ant, Eli, Henry, and Eli's niblings were absolutely precious together! I loved how they prioritized communication and took the time to truly listen to one another. I also adore how Eli was there for Ant and Eli when Owen came back into town with no hesitation.
Alexander and the Meet Cute by David Gray, was well, cute! I loved the idea of a love potion gone wrong, and I thought the way this author wrote about it was fun and interesting.
Hiding Fare by DC Emerson
This was has been my absolute favorite so far! I'm so excited for DC's new foray into the paranormal world and this short story has made me even more excited!! The characters are dynamic, unique, and something I have come to admire and respect about DC's writing, is how much diverse representation they pack into their books. For instance, in this book, Koda is an Alpha bear shifter who's A gender, and uses they/them pronouns. And while not explicitly said, Hollis and Jae seem like they have a QPR of sorts, they are very close and so open with their love for each other. I adored all of the characters in this book, and I am SO excited to see what's to come in this new series!
Heather's Review:
I normally read anthologies in order, but since I got this one a little late, I surfed through and read four of my one click authors so that I could make sure to post this in a timely manner - I'm going back to read more and savour these low angst sweet treats, but let me whet your appetite to grab your own copy of Candy Hearts, volume 3!
First up, I read Tent Poles and Tackle Boxes by A.D. Ellis because I've been following her Haven Grove series and this book slides into that universe! No prior reading is necessary, but if you have read the other books, you'll know several of the side characters and their stories. I loved this story because it was a besties to lovers, second chance, coming home romance with an only one bed twist... chef's kiss.
I then skipped ahead to Beck Grey's offering - Mugs and Kisses - which gives us a ridiculous meet un-cute, a redemption arc and a first date mug making session, that of course required a further date to paint... you also get an amazing bestie, lots of caffeine and more!
Grounded from E.M. Denning is another only one bed scenario - this time with two strangers and a little kink... I love how they find common ground chatting in their hotel room and realize they have even more to share... I love how this chance encounter turns into an insta-love situation, but with so much communication!
Finally, for this review, I skipped ahead to Merry Farmer's The Weekend Boyfriend, which brings us another sort of meet un-cute, an annoying ex and lots of reasons for the MCs to spend time with each other in a short period of time. I love how they go from pretend boyfriends to so much more in one weekend, turning adversity into sweetness, and giving the reader a swoon-worthy story.
I chose to read all contemporary stories, but there's something for everyone, including several fun sounding PNR & omegaverse stories and so much more! I've loved all of the iterations of Candy Hearts stories and Candy Hearts, volume 3 is definitely right up there with the first two as a must buy! If you've read it, what was your go-to author's story to read first?
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