Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Candy Hearts: An LGBTQIA2S+ Charity Anthology Volume 1 (Part 3)

AUTHORS:  Linden Bell, ‘Nathan Burgoine, Nic Starr, Rain Carrington,
Riley Long, Stella Rainbow, Susan Scott Shelley, Toby Wise, Victoria Gillilan

PUSLISHER:  self-published

LENGTH:  1179

RELEASE DATE:  February 1, 2024

BLURB:

What’s sweeter than a low angst queer romance at Valentine’s Day? How about sixteen of them brought together in one anthology to help support a good cause?

Each novella in the Candy Hearts Anthology is overflowing with red-hot romance and all the good feels. And this time around, every story has a secret—a secret admirer.

The Candy Hearts Anthology will be available for a limited time, and all proceeds will benefit the Transgender Law Center and the National Center for Transgender Equality.

Participating authors in this inaugural volume are:
Becca Seymour
Beck Grey
Bix Barrow
Chantal Mer
D.K. Sutton
Finn Dixon
Lee Blair
Linden Bell
‘Nathan Burgoine
Nic Starr
Rain Carrington
Riley Long
Stella Rainbow
Susan Scott Shelley
Toby Wise
Victoria Gillilan

REVIEW:

Valentine’s Dave by ‘Nathan Burgoine – 4.75 stars

I’m a big fan of this author 🙂   This story did not disappoint – BFF/roommate to lovers.  Dave and Asher just need a little help to see what was right in front of them all along 🙂

Sweet Serendipity by Nic Starr – 4.5 stars

Super sweet brother’s best friend story.  Derek and Ryan go from friends to lovers and it’s a really lovely story.

The Tip Jar by Rain Carrington – 4.25 stars

This one is a real secret admirer story of a coffee shop owner and EMT.  Loved the notes in the tip jar 😉

Love Unplugged by Riley Long – 4.25 stars

This one is a bandmates to lovers story.  There is angst about how the band will be affected.  Normally not my jam but I enjoyed this one.

Betty’s Books and Biscuits by Stella Rainbow – 4 stars

This is the paranormal one of the bunch with Vamps and Weres oh my!  intriguing 🙂

Heart of the Batter by Susan Scott Shelley – 4 stars

This one is the lone Poly story.  Not my favorite but still enjoyable.

A Healer’s Gift by Toby Wise – 4 stars

This one has some fantasy elements of magic and I enjoyed it.

Yours Truly by Victoria Gillilan – 4 stars

Friends to lovers again with Ryan and Evan who are best friends and firefighters (always a plus 😉 ).  A little bit more angsty than the others, but still a good story.

Overall, this is a really good anthology and totally worth the price – especially since the proceeds go to charity.  There is something for everyone here.  Sweet, sexy, funny, fantasy, paranormal, contemporary, best friends to lovers, brother’s best friend, mutual pining, secret admirers that really delivery.  Some are from my favorite authors and some are authors I hadn’t read before and I’m looking forward to reading more from them.   Recommended.

RATING: 

BUY LINKS:

Amazon