Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Heart2Heart: A Contemporary Charity Anthology (Collection) Volume 7
AUTHORS: Hayden All, Jackie North, Jacelynn Drake,
K.C. Wells, Kelly Fox, Leslie McAdam
PUSLISHER: self-published
LENGTH: 698 Pages
RELEASE DATE: February 2, 2024
BLURB:
Once upon a time SIX YEARS AGO, the Heart2Heart app made its first batch of incredibly unlikely (but oh-so-perfect) love matches. So a fresh, new group of your favorite authors wondered… what happens when the world’s most perceptive dating software gets an upgrade, just in time for Valentine’s Day?
Will the porcelain teacup collector, the shy rugby player, and the bank robber with a heart of gold find their perfect matches? Only fate (and C.U.P.I.D) know.
As always, all proceeds from this anthology will benefit LGBTQ+ charities to ensure that love in all its incarnations will be celebrated and protected every single day of the year!
Stories included in this collection are:
Among Friends, by Annabeth Albert
A New Thrill, by Avril Ashton
Brie Mine, by Charlie Novak
When CUPID Strikes, by Cora Rose
Mixed Signals, by E.M. Lindsey
August’s Thief, by Fearne Hill
Skating After You, by Hayden Hall
Wings of Love, Jackie North
Love in Bloom, by Jocelynn Drake
The Shape of the Heart’s Desire, K.C. Wells
Meat Cute, by Kelly Fox
Mixed Motives, by Leslie McAdam
REVIEW:
Skating After You by Hayden Hall – 4.25 hearts
This opposites attract romance between two college students who have a chance meeting and then an unexpected blind date is both sweet and scorching hot. Phoenix is a hockey player who is always late. Jaxon is a former figure skater who has turned to ice ballet. Their date at an ice rink is the spark that really lights the flame. They don’t want the date to end 😉 Their chemistry is off the charts and so the date leads to more.
It’s a very hot and sexy romance for two guys who haven’t had much luck in love.
Wings of Love Jackie North – 4.25 hearts
Daxel is a cowboy who works on two different ranches – one in summer and another in winter. His last relationship didn’t end very well and his mother wants him to get back out there so signs him up for a dating app and a blind date. He doesn’t really expect anything but wants to make his om happy. Eugene is a clock repairman who has recently come out to his family and been cut off by both family and church. This is his first date with a man and he’s a bit overwhelmed. Despite not expecting anything, it seems that Daxel likes him enough to ask for a second date.
Daxel finds being with Eugene easy. Eugene is still a bit nervous but as they get to know each other, he really likes Daxel. Their first kiss is just lovely. This is a lyrically written beautiful romance between two men who discover that they really like being together. I enjoyed this short story immensely.
Love in Bloom by Jocelynn Drake – 4.25 hearts
Kaylan has been signed up for a blind date by his boss who wants him to be happy. Arden is getting back out there after his breakup six months before. Kaylan goes into the date just wanting to get out of it. But they decide to spend some time together anyway detailing while should not date. Well you know how that turns out 😉 The date goes on for more than one day!
This was as fun, funny and engaging story with two very memorable characters who despite their initial misgivings end up in a really good place. When they discover a shared love of Anime and BL, well the whole day takes a different turn. I laughed out loud several times and but also enjoyed the tender moments and the realization that these two fit together in unexpected ways.
The Shape of the Heart’s Desire by K.C. Wells – 4.25 hearts
This story is a of a former teacher and former student who are matched by the CUPID app for a blind date. The former student, Paisley has changed to much that initially Ethan, his former teacher and now romance writer doesn’t recognize him. Paisley tries to call it off, but Ethan wants to give it a go. They have fun with the pottery class and go to coffee where Ethan finally recognizes his former student 🙂
They go on another date and share what’s happened in the intervening years. Some of what’s happened to Paisley is hard. Ethan is just happy that Paisley is now in a good place. They enjoy each other’s company and Paisley slowly reveals his real self. They just really seem to fit.
This is a tender and at times sad story that ends up with a blind date to a real love. Hot and sweet and sexy.
Meat Cute by Kelly Fox – 4.25 stars
This story about a rugby player, Rhys, with a stutter and a deaf chef, Severin, who is out of power for his CI starts off with one of the worst first meetings ever. Luckily their second date goes a LOT better 😉 This is a hot and sexy story between two guys who surprisingly match up well. There are some funny moments and some sweet and tender moments as are the usual for this writer. I thoroughly enjoyed their romance!
Mixed Motives by Leslie McAdam – 4.25 stars
This story starts off with an almost-bang? Henry has been cheated on and his plan for revenge is a doozy! It doesn’t pan out, but when his cheating ex’s father, Keane, shows up as his blind date from the CUPID app? Well maybe there is a chance that things might turn out differently.
This is an adorable story of revenge gone right! It was sweet and hot and sexy and I loved it. I haven’t read a lot of this author’s work, but I’ll be fixing that 🙂
RATING: 
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