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One Pulse
Stories drive life. Sometimes life is good; sometimes life is bad. But it’s the nature of our community that in the aftermath of an act of hatred, we respond with love. Because darkness cannot exist in the presence of light. Cruelty cannot stand against compassion. Negativity will never overcome hope.
To show our support for those affected by the Orlando shooting, our authors, editors, artists, and staff have volunteered their talents to create this anthology. All proceeds will be donated to LGBT organizations in central Florida. Join us as we celebrate the triumph of love over every obstacle.
Jon Keys—A Single Night
Alicia Nordwell—About Best Friends & Boyfriends
Mickie B. Ashling—Adíos
M.T. Aspen —Asking for Trouble
M.A. Church—Chasing Tyme
Caitlin Ricci—Coming Out
George Seaton—Cucurrucucú
Jayce Ellis—Dance
Bree Cariad—Everyday Miracles
Chrissy Munder—Everything I Need
Ellis Carrington—For the First Time
Felicitas Ivey—Get Me to the Church Town Hall on Time
John Amory—Happy Pride
Grace R. Duncan—Hope
John Goode—Let Them Eat Cake
J. C. Long—Magical Boys Just Wanna Have Fun
Elizabeth Noble—Magicicada
Renee Stevens—More Than a Pact
Troy Storm—One Big Happy… Bunch
Connie Bailey—One Heart at a Time
Dev Bentham—Perfection
Andrea Speed—Pride
Laura Lascarso—Pull
Lila Leigh Hunter—Raffled Kiss
Emery C. Walters—Ranch Dressing
C.C. Dado—Read My Lips
Sera Kane—The Stag's Bane
KC Burn—The Tithe
Vicktor Alexander—The Wooing of the Marqués de Sierra de Outes
Edmond Manning—They Danced
To show our support for those affected by the Orlando shooting, our authors, editors, artists, and staff have volunteered their talents to create this anthology. All proceeds will be donated to LGBT organizations in central Florida. Join us as we celebrate the triumph of love over every obstacle.
Jon Keys—A Single Night
Alicia Nordwell—About Best Friends & Boyfriends
Mickie B. Ashling—Adíos
M.T. Aspen —Asking for Trouble
M.A. Church—Chasing Tyme
Caitlin Ricci—Coming Out
George Seaton—Cucurrucucú
Jayce Ellis—Dance
Bree Cariad—Everyday Miracles
Chrissy Munder—Everything I Need
Ellis Carrington—For the First Time
Felicitas Ivey—Get Me to the Church Town Hall on Time
John Amory—Happy Pride
Grace R. Duncan—Hope
John Goode—Let Them Eat Cake
J. C. Long—Magical Boys Just Wanna Have Fun
Elizabeth Noble—Magicicada
Renee Stevens—More Than a Pact
Troy Storm—One Big Happy… Bunch
Connie Bailey—One Heart at a Time
Dev Bentham—Perfection
Andrea Speed—Pride
Laura Lascarso—Pull
Lila Leigh Hunter—Raffled Kiss
Emery C. Walters—Ranch Dressing
C.C. Dado—Read My Lips
Sera Kane—The Stag's Bane
KC Burn—The Tithe
Vicktor Alexander—The Wooing of the Marqués de Sierra de Outes
Edmond Manning—They Danced
574 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2016
5 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Connie Bailey
50 books38 followersConnie Bailey is a Luddite who can’t live without her computer. She’s an acrophobic who loves to fly, a fault-finding pessimist who, nonetheless, is always surprised when something bad happens, and an antisocialite who loves her friends like family. She’s held a number of jobs in many disparate arenas to put food on the table, but writing is the occupation that feeds her soul.
Connie lives with her ultralight designer husband at a small grass-strip airfield halfway between Disney World and Busch Gardens. Logic and reality have had little to do with her life, and she likes it that way.
Connie lives with her ultralight designer husband at a small grass-strip airfield halfway between Disney World and Busch Gardens. Logic and reality have had little to do with her life, and she likes it that way.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 19 reviews
December 2, 2016
Group Review
Pride 4 Hearts by Andrea Speed
I’ve never read a single thing from the Infected universe and despite the author’s warning I forged ahead and read this sweet little story. Because I’m a rebel like that. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and was able to keep up reasonably well. Pride takes place during a Pride parade in Seattle and I believe all the main characters make appearances.
I felt pretty confident that I was going to like Holden based on an interview he did on the blog but when he rolled up wearing a unicorn tee then uttered those words… I was a firmly ensconced on #TeamHolden. His gin infused wisdom, sly musical references and mirrored sunglasses made me chuckle more than once. Roan and Hottie McHotface aka Dylan also hold enough appeal for me to give the series a whirl.
The banter between all the characters was scathingly humorous while still conveying the import of their connection to one another and the subtext was heartfelt. This story is not only sweet but worthwhile.
Pull 3.5 Hearts by Laura Lascarso
This is my first experience with this author; she has a way with words. This story packs an emotional punch with two high school age boys spending a day together. One is closeted, one is not. Hiro clearly has a painful past that perhaps he’s trying to move past or perhaps this is a one day pass to see how the other half lives and to partially deflower the hot football player.
Hiro and Berlin have some chemistry and there is a certain amount of teen angst embedded in this story but it’s really just a snapshot in time between them. We get but a glimpse of them through a revolving door and are left to make our own assumptions regarding their future which gives it an ethereal quality. I’d be interested to see what she could do with a full length novel or even a novella.
Curcurrucucú 5 Hearts by George Seaton
I’m going to echo Ann’s thoughts on this one. I’m glad I just randomly chose it as this was my first experience with this author and he has a sophisticated style of writing that drew me in. I found myself affected by this story more than I had anticipated. It's unusal for me to invest in characters as much as I did these in a story of this length but I did. I will definitely be reading something else by this author in the future.
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
Pride 4 Hearts by Andrea Speed
“Be yourself. We are all beautiful motherfucking unicorns!”
I’ve never read a single thing from the Infected universe and despite the author’s warning I forged ahead and read this sweet little story. Because I’m a rebel like that. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and was able to keep up reasonably well. Pride takes place during a Pride parade in Seattle and I believe all the main characters make appearances.
I felt pretty confident that I was going to like Holden based on an interview he did on the blog but when he rolled up wearing a unicorn tee then uttered those words… I was a firmly ensconced on #TeamHolden. His gin infused wisdom, sly musical references and mirrored sunglasses made me chuckle more than once. Roan and Hottie McHotface aka Dylan also hold enough appeal for me to give the series a whirl.
The banter between all the characters was scathingly humorous while still conveying the import of their connection to one another and the subtext was heartfelt. This story is not only sweet but worthwhile.
Pull 3.5 Hearts by Laura Lascarso
This is my first experience with this author; she has a way with words. This story packs an emotional punch with two high school age boys spending a day together. One is closeted, one is not. Hiro clearly has a painful past that perhaps he’s trying to move past or perhaps this is a one day pass to see how the other half lives and to partially deflower the hot football player.
Hiro and Berlin have some chemistry and there is a certain amount of teen angst embedded in this story but it’s really just a snapshot in time between them. We get but a glimpse of them through a revolving door and are left to make our own assumptions regarding their future which gives it an ethereal quality. I’d be interested to see what she could do with a full length novel or even a novella.
Curcurrucucú 5 Hearts by George Seaton
I’m going to echo Ann’s thoughts on this one. I’m glad I just randomly chose it as this was my first experience with this author and he has a sophisticated style of writing that drew me in. I found myself affected by this story more than I had anticipated. It's unusal for me to invest in characters as much as I did these in a story of this length but I did. I will definitely be reading something else by this author in the future.
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
Read
November 28, 2016For the First Time 4.5 ♥’s
By Ellis Carrington
This is my most favorite trope in romance ever! The unrequited love of best friends and this one just turned me into a puddle of goo.
If I hadn’t grown up right next door to Wyatt, I’d be invisible. The kids I tutor pretend they don’t know me outside study hours. Everyone but him.
Wyatt and Gary have been next door neighbors and best friends for years. Wyatt is the jock with girls waiting to be on his arm and Gary is the smart boy that goes unnoticed by everyone but his best friend. The thing is though Gary has the hots for his BFF and before they head off to college, he asks for a room assignment – NOT with Wyatt – which totally pisses Wyatt off. Gary can’t deal being roommates and seeing Wyatt go off with girl after girl while he’s is serious want of his best friends D so he figures if he puts space between them, he’ll get over it. Right? UGHHHHH! I loved this so much, it’s super sweet with how they deal with the UST between them and it helped that the boys were named after my favorite bromance ala John Hughes and Weird Science!
I hope college is an amazing time for these boys!
* * * * * *
About Best Friends & Boyfriends 4.5 ♥’s
By Alicia Nordwell
Another best friends to lovers story that didn’t’ disappoint. This one has the added bonus of the boys having a small but still decent enough age gap that things and feelings have been put on hold until everyone is legal. Legal and well aware that the feelings Cory has for Elliott are not one sided.
Waiting for Cory to turn eighteen might have killed Elliot, but all good relationships started with a friendship. They didn’t have to stumble through first-date conversations because they already knew everything there was to know about each other.
I love that the boys meet and bond over being on the receiving end of a jerk and the way they became blood brothers. I adore that Elliott has made is his life’s mission to make sure Cory is always protected and revenged when harmed. I loved that we got both boys POV’s and how Elliott is determined to get Cory to finally SEE what he wants and who he wants. Le Sigh. Friends to lovers just gives me all the right feels and this story did not disappoint at all.
* * * * * *
A Single Night 4 ♥’s
By Jon Keys
This had a slow and slightly sad feeling to it. The story begins with Logan and Devon making dinner for guests. We get the details of their home, the sweet and flirty banter between the established couple and yet, there is something underlying that sets the tone for the story.
“We’re still here and together. The other crap doesn’t matter.”
“I almost lost you.”
“Why did we live? Are we supposed to make things better? We need to enjoy whatever time we have.”
From the beginning, we know something has happened to Devon to make Logan worry more than the average spouse. We learn Devon has a stressful job but it isn’t until the men decide to clean up before their guests arrive that we, well… we know. We know part of what Devon is dealing with but not the how of it and that is where my heart began to hurt and I wasn’t sure if this was a story I wanted to read… but those are the ones we must read, right?
…the sight would dredge up memories of that night until they overwhelmed him. If anyone had earned the right to feel sorry for himself, it was Devon and not him.
A Single Night is a short tale of treasuring those you love and not losing sight of that love to anger or regret. It’s about trying to stay true to your relationship when things have changed physically and the moments where you both let go of the past and remember the love, passion and trust between you. It’s a bittersweet story with a lighthearted ending that I am happy I stuck with.
* * * * * *
Adíos 4 ♥’s
by Mickie B. Ashling
This story was a bit tough. We meet Joaquin Gallegos as he is in some sort of limbo after dying. He’s learned there is a limited measure of time to right the wrongs he committed while alive and his ex-wife and son are at the top of his list. But, there is a catch to how he “communicates” with them and knowing that Joaquin was, in his own words “a Homophobe and Asshole” even to his gay son, had me wondering how this story would go and could it possibly end on the positive.
Judging by the pitying looks they’re sending my way, it’s a given they know. I’m a misguided jerk who alienated his only son for being gay.
I am not sure what to think about this one. I mean, giving us Joaquin’s journal from the time he learns his son is gay and reading his honest thoughts were hard, and yet maybe more par for the course than the average person realizes? I don’t know I just know the journals were a story unto themselves and at times maddening while utterly heartbreaking for both father and son.
I wish I had seen things more clearly, though. It’s as if my right brain was telling me one thing, but my left was running the show. How different things would have been if I’d cracked a door open.
This was written in a unique way and I admit to getting teary eyed at the end. Regrets suck and once you’re dead, you don’t have the option to say what you could have to let it be known how you truly felt. It’s the now that matters and swallowing your pride when it comes to those you love. Shit is hard but people truly can see things differently given time. Man… this was just, tough and I am still not sure how to review it.
* * * * * *
More Than a Pact 4 ♥’s
By Renee Stevens
I know miscommunication is the bane of some romance reader’s existence but for me, I love the holy hell out of it. It creates drama and angst that brings out gut-wrenching honestly and usually pretty hot sex to follow. Yup, miscommunicating and I are best buds.
Yay for this one! Here we have the story of Mac and Paul, best friends who had a drunken one night together but both decided they were too young to commit. When another drunken night of emotional vomit happens, they concur they are too young to be in a relationship BUT that when they are 35 and IF they are BOTH still SINGLE, they try make it as a couple.
When Mac calls Paul on this 35th birthday and reminds him of their pact, they men open up and finally start talking. They start talking and start making up for a lot of lost opportunities in more ways than one.
The pact we made—about when we were both thirty-five. If we were both still single…. I thought I’d dreamed it.”
“Nope, no dream. We’re both thirty-five. We’re both still single. Here I am.”
I eat stories like this as if they were candy. Red Vines in particular since those are my favorite. They are also super sweet with the honestly pouring out of the men as they declare how long and hard they’ve wanted one another. Sure, wasted time sucks but making up for that time can be totes emotional and hella sexy.
Group review with more stories on the blog...
February 6, 2017
I read Every other story
Overall of the 15 stories I read I had 6- 5 meows: 5- 4 meows and 4- 3 meows There is a little of something for everyone no matter what you like to read. It I s also for a very good cause, so go grab your copy now!
A single Night- John Keys 5 Meows.
This story is about Logan and Devon. They experience a tragic loss three years ago when Devon lost a leg and Devon’s sister lost her fiancé. It’s a sweet angsty story of loss and moving on.
This is a sweet story tough it had no real plot just the three of them dealing with the tragedy still and some sex. It was a good story.
Alicia Nordwell—About Best Friends & Boyfriends
Adios - Mickey B Ashling 4 meows 4 Purrs
Joaquin Gallegos was a lawyer for the cartel. He pushed out his son for being gay and in a relationship with an older actor, Ricky. Joaquin is now deceased and has 72 hours to make peace so he can move on. He left his son a journal on his laptop and can only hope His son can believe what he reads and forgive him even if it is too late.
M.T. Aspen —Asking for Trouble
M.A. Church—Chasing Tyme 4 Meows
It’s Alex and Dayton’s anniversary and Dayton has a big surprise for Alex. It also pushes some of Alex’s insecurities.
I love M. A. Church and have to admit I was hoping for shifters, but this is a sweet, very hot story of two men building trust and love.
Caitlin Ricci—Coming Out
George Seaton—Cucurrucucú 5 Meows
Don’t even ask me to try to pronounce this title!
Harley is a young college man working his summers teaching poor ethnic children to swim. He meets David a very young man with a glass eye that changes his life.
George Seaton writes some very poignant stories. This one didn’t disappoint. I’d love to see this in a full book. It’s a bit sad so be sure to have a box of tissue handy.
Jayce Ellis—Dance
Bree Cariad—Everyday Miracles 5 Meows
Reverend Jonathan Neiland has been trying to get a LGBT shelter up for four years. The City Council keeps finding hoops for him to jump. He has now been through them all. The house is ready, inspected and he has over 30 kids living in tents on the grounds to keep them safe. Now all he needs is a miracle to get it passed through the council.
When he meets Court Brecker, though he doesn’t quite understand the life of Gay people and is conflicted, he sees children in need of a place off the streets, and decides to help. But can he sway at least two more members?
This was a beautiful, charming story and while not a romance, showed lots of love and that we should give up on miracles. I would have loved a romance and this in a full book. I would have loved to see more of Jonathan and Court!
Chrissy Munder—Everything I Need
Ellis Carrington—For the First Time- 4 Meows
Gary and Wyatt are preparing to go away to college. They have been friends forever and have planned on sharing a room until Gary decides he feels too much for Wyatt and can’t bear to see him bringing in girls for sex. Without telling Wyatt he has changes his plans and gets an apartment over his uncle’s shop. Wyatt had plans of his own and it didn’t include losing Gary.
This is a really sweet story of two young men, a friends to lovers story and a big misunderstanding. I loved it!
Felicitas Ivey—Get Me to the Church Town Hall on Time
John Amory—Happy Pride- 3 Meows
New Hope is gearing up for their first Pride Parade after gay marriage equality was past. The main character and his husband are at a drag show. The descriptions of the darg show and hostess are awesome. It felt like I was there watching. I liked the love expressed between the characters. My main issue was there was t a real story. We are watching the show, preparing for tomorrow’s parade and then it ends. I would have liked more story.
Grace R. Duncan—Hope
John Goode—Let Them Eat Cake 5 Meows
Matt and Tyler are getting married. They thought their small town was coming around. The minister they wanted had agreed to marry them then it all falls apart. The flower shop refuses them.., The minister could lose his job…and everything goes haywire will they be able to have the wedding they always dreamed of?
Let them eat cake is a fun, sweet romantic story, I would love to have this in a novella or novel!
J. C. Long—Magical Boys Just Wanna Have Fun
Elizabeth Noble—Magicicada 5 Meows
Russ was born with a fascination for cicadas. His dad has a photo album with pictures of them both as he grows up with each brood. It's as if they sing for him when he is happy and get quieter as he is sad. As he gets older he draws them as little wizards with magic wands and when he gets older makes the game he always dreamt of. But life isn't always easy and perfect.
Magicicada is a beautiful story of life as a young boy grows to be a man. It shows the ups and downs of life. I absolutely loved the writing style, the characters, and the story.
There are lots of great stories in this anthology and I highly recommend this one!
Renee Stevens—More Than a Pact
Troy Storm—One Big Happy… Bunch 4 Meows 4 purrs
Jason hires a helper in his florist shop. He is immediately attracted to Remmy but he doesn’t want to hurt his partner of many years Manny. Having a sort of open marriage, Manny agrees to let Jason act on his attraction to Remmy, but Remmy had started seeing someone and wanted to bring him in as well so all four of them began having a group thing.
This is a story of a different relationship and shows us that no matter how many people involved it’s love that counts. It is a hot, story.
Connie Bailey—One Heart at a Time
Dev Bentham—Perfection 5
Kevin has been through a friendly divorce and lives in a small town working with his father. He gets his daughter in the summer and enrolls her in a summer program. He has had a fantasy about the Ty since he met him. the man seems perfect. His wife meddles when they are at a meeting to coordinate the town’s first Pride. Things go well with Kevin and Ty until Kevin finds out that Ty isn’t as perfect as he seems.
This is a very heartfelt story. I nearly cried for poor Ty and wanted to beat the snot out of Kevin. I came around though and I loved this sotry.
Andrea Speed—Pride
Laura Lascarso—Pull 3
Hiroku is a bit nervous when Berlin invites him to his house to shoot. Berlin had saved him from some bullies that were Berlin’s friends.
Ok this one I had some issues with. The first the story picked up after the blurb, so it was like it was from a book or another story. I was a bit lost. I also can’t see Hiroku going to Berlin’s house after his friends attacked him.
Having said that the story was ok once you got into what was going on.
Lila Leigh Hunter—Raffled Kiss
Emery C. Walters—Ranch Dressing 3 meows
This was another story the blurb gave me one idea but it was another story entirely. I was expecting a transgender story or something on that line. The story was kinda funny. I did like the banter between the two men.
C.C. Dado—Read My Lips
Sera Kane—The Stag's Bane 4 Meows
Again this one you really needed to read the blurb. I did love the paranormal aspect and it was very hot and sexy. You have to like paranormal to understand some of it, it’s very otherworldly. I thought it was pretty good.
KC Burn—The Tithe
Vicktor Alexander—The Wooing of the Marqués de Sierra de Outes 3 Meows.
This story has a prologue that is essential. It explains the world this is set in and how things work there since it is from a series. I am glad the author did that. However I was still very confused at the usage of male and female.
The story was ok If you could understand the terms and keep your head straight. I think this is for the otherworld fans.
Overall of the 15 stories I read I had 6- 5 meows: 5- 4 meows and 4- 3 meows There is a little of something for everyone no matter what you like to read. It I s also for a very good cause, so go grab your copy now!
A single Night- John Keys 5 Meows.
This story is about Logan and Devon. They experience a tragic loss three years ago when Devon lost a leg and Devon’s sister lost her fiancé. It’s a sweet angsty story of loss and moving on.
This is a sweet story tough it had no real plot just the three of them dealing with the tragedy still and some sex. It was a good story.
Alicia Nordwell—About Best Friends & Boyfriends
Adios - Mickey B Ashling 4 meows 4 Purrs
Joaquin Gallegos was a lawyer for the cartel. He pushed out his son for being gay and in a relationship with an older actor, Ricky. Joaquin is now deceased and has 72 hours to make peace so he can move on. He left his son a journal on his laptop and can only hope His son can believe what he reads and forgive him even if it is too late.
M.T. Aspen —Asking for Trouble
M.A. Church—Chasing Tyme 4 Meows
It’s Alex and Dayton’s anniversary and Dayton has a big surprise for Alex. It also pushes some of Alex’s insecurities.
I love M. A. Church and have to admit I was hoping for shifters, but this is a sweet, very hot story of two men building trust and love.
Caitlin Ricci—Coming Out
George Seaton—Cucurrucucú 5 Meows
Don’t even ask me to try to pronounce this title!
Harley is a young college man working his summers teaching poor ethnic children to swim. He meets David a very young man with a glass eye that changes his life.
George Seaton writes some very poignant stories. This one didn’t disappoint. I’d love to see this in a full book. It’s a bit sad so be sure to have a box of tissue handy.
Jayce Ellis—Dance
Bree Cariad—Everyday Miracles 5 Meows
Reverend Jonathan Neiland has been trying to get a LGBT shelter up for four years. The City Council keeps finding hoops for him to jump. He has now been through them all. The house is ready, inspected and he has over 30 kids living in tents on the grounds to keep them safe. Now all he needs is a miracle to get it passed through the council.
When he meets Court Brecker, though he doesn’t quite understand the life of Gay people and is conflicted, he sees children in need of a place off the streets, and decides to help. But can he sway at least two more members?
This was a beautiful, charming story and while not a romance, showed lots of love and that we should give up on miracles. I would have loved a romance and this in a full book. I would have loved to see more of Jonathan and Court!
Chrissy Munder—Everything I Need
Ellis Carrington—For the First Time- 4 Meows
Gary and Wyatt are preparing to go away to college. They have been friends forever and have planned on sharing a room until Gary decides he feels too much for Wyatt and can’t bear to see him bringing in girls for sex. Without telling Wyatt he has changes his plans and gets an apartment over his uncle’s shop. Wyatt had plans of his own and it didn’t include losing Gary.
This is a really sweet story of two young men, a friends to lovers story and a big misunderstanding. I loved it!
Felicitas Ivey—Get Me to the Church Town Hall on Time
John Amory—Happy Pride- 3 Meows
New Hope is gearing up for their first Pride Parade after gay marriage equality was past. The main character and his husband are at a drag show. The descriptions of the darg show and hostess are awesome. It felt like I was there watching. I liked the love expressed between the characters. My main issue was there was t a real story. We are watching the show, preparing for tomorrow’s parade and then it ends. I would have liked more story.
Grace R. Duncan—Hope
John Goode—Let Them Eat Cake 5 Meows
Matt and Tyler are getting married. They thought their small town was coming around. The minister they wanted had agreed to marry them then it all falls apart. The flower shop refuses them.., The minister could lose his job…and everything goes haywire will they be able to have the wedding they always dreamed of?
Let them eat cake is a fun, sweet romantic story, I would love to have this in a novella or novel!
J. C. Long—Magical Boys Just Wanna Have Fun
Elizabeth Noble—Magicicada 5 Meows
Russ was born with a fascination for cicadas. His dad has a photo album with pictures of them both as he grows up with each brood. It's as if they sing for him when he is happy and get quieter as he is sad. As he gets older he draws them as little wizards with magic wands and when he gets older makes the game he always dreamt of. But life isn't always easy and perfect.
Magicicada is a beautiful story of life as a young boy grows to be a man. It shows the ups and downs of life. I absolutely loved the writing style, the characters, and the story.
There are lots of great stories in this anthology and I highly recommend this one!
Renee Stevens—More Than a Pact
Troy Storm—One Big Happy… Bunch 4 Meows 4 purrs
Jason hires a helper in his florist shop. He is immediately attracted to Remmy but he doesn’t want to hurt his partner of many years Manny. Having a sort of open marriage, Manny agrees to let Jason act on his attraction to Remmy, but Remmy had started seeing someone and wanted to bring him in as well so all four of them began having a group thing.
This is a story of a different relationship and shows us that no matter how many people involved it’s love that counts. It is a hot, story.
Connie Bailey—One Heart at a Time
Dev Bentham—Perfection 5
Kevin has been through a friendly divorce and lives in a small town working with his father. He gets his daughter in the summer and enrolls her in a summer program. He has had a fantasy about the Ty since he met him. the man seems perfect. His wife meddles when they are at a meeting to coordinate the town’s first Pride. Things go well with Kevin and Ty until Kevin finds out that Ty isn’t as perfect as he seems.
This is a very heartfelt story. I nearly cried for poor Ty and wanted to beat the snot out of Kevin. I came around though and I loved this sotry.
Andrea Speed—Pride
Laura Lascarso—Pull 3
Hiroku is a bit nervous when Berlin invites him to his house to shoot. Berlin had saved him from some bullies that were Berlin’s friends.
Ok this one I had some issues with. The first the story picked up after the blurb, so it was like it was from a book or another story. I was a bit lost. I also can’t see Hiroku going to Berlin’s house after his friends attacked him.
Having said that the story was ok once you got into what was going on.
Lila Leigh Hunter—Raffled Kiss
Emery C. Walters—Ranch Dressing 3 meows
This was another story the blurb gave me one idea but it was another story entirely. I was expecting a transgender story or something on that line. The story was kinda funny. I did like the banter between the two men.
C.C. Dado—Read My Lips
Sera Kane—The Stag's Bane 4 Meows
Again this one you really needed to read the blurb. I did love the paranormal aspect and it was very hot and sexy. You have to like paranormal to understand some of it, it’s very otherworldly. I thought it was pretty good.
KC Burn—The Tithe
Vicktor Alexander—The Wooing of the Marqués de Sierra de Outes 3 Meows.
This story has a prologue that is essential. It explains the world this is set in and how things work there since it is from a series. I am glad the author did that. However I was still very confused at the usage of male and female.
The story was ok If you could understand the terms and keep your head straight. I think this is for the otherworld fans.
July 19, 2017
I bought this, and any other charity books I could find, last year after the Pulse tragedy. But I didn't read any of them. I figured I'd wait until some time had gone by and it would be easier.
Well, if this was easier, it's a really good thing I didn't try reading this last year.
It's a great collection of stories for a really great cause. I like anthologies, and this is a good one, even if it did still make me cry.
Well, if this was easier, it's a really good thing I didn't try reading this last year.
It's a great collection of stories for a really great cause. I like anthologies, and this is a good one, even if it did still make me cry.
November 28, 2016
Group Review over at BMBR
Everything I Need by Chrissy Munder – 4 Hearts
The strength in this author’s writing is in her consistently well fleshed out characters and Everything I Need is no exception. In all my readings, that seems to be the downfall of many short stories in that the balance between current events and character history isn’t there, so one of the two ends up falling short. But then you find an author who gets the balance right and the story works perfectly.
Everything I Need is the story of two men, Michael and Joshua as they plan their wedding. Michael comes from a large close knit family with a lot of traditions. Michael’s family loves both men dearly and it was obvious in the few on page interactions and the way the men spoke about family, especially Michael’s mom. Joshua is estranged from his family, his family’s religious fundamentals don’t accept Joshua so Michael’s family is the only he has. That’s a lot of backstory to have to convey, but Chrissy Munder lets it all flow organically through conversations and references so the characters get the depth they deserve.
The two are met with some unexpected homophobia and while it should have added to the tension they already felt that comes with wedding planning, the strength of their characters came through and put things in perspective for them right when they needed it. Michael’s family defended them strongly and circumstances put them back in connection with the bigots and while the resolution was pretty quick without a lot of drama (it is a short story after all) it still worked for Michael and Joshua. They kept their humor, dignity and love throughout and I could completely believe and HEA for these guys. Also, I would LOVE to go to their wedding, there are going to be lots of happy tears at that one for sure.
Cucurrucucu by George Seaton – 5 Hearts
I’m really not going to be able to do George Seaton’s words justice. When I read a story of his I highlight a lot because he’s got a true gift for writing poignant sentences. The kind of sentences that you read, then stop, read again, let them sink in and then go, “Holy Hell, that means a lot of seriously important things”. Yeah, so like I said, I can’t do his words justice. BUT, I can encourage and recommend Cucurrucucu to you.
While Cucurrucucu was written as part of the One Pulse anthology to support the victims of the horrific shooting in Orlando I also couldn’t help but find it so incredibly relevant to our current state of days as well. It’s a powerful read for difficult times and I found it gave some perspective and hope.
It’s not a traditional MM romance, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t subtly romantic and all about love and acceptance in its many forms.
Hope by Grace Duncan – 3.5 Hearts
I’ve been on a shifter kick lately and I couldn’t miss out on reading this one. The author did a great job of weaving the themes of acceptance and progress into shifter politics. She also managed to pack a lot into a short story and keeping it on point with the characters and the end message.
The strength is in the MC’s, Miguel and Luis. They are destined mates who haven’t bonded yet out of fear of their pack’s rejection. And rightly so, as all the packs they know of have no tolerance for their union. I could feel the tension in the two of them as they traveled from pack to pack looking for acceptance and a home. The individuals they met overall had no problem with the two of them together and the issues they ran into came from a few individuals at the top and the fear trickled down through the ranks. Pretty accurate portrayal I felt.
The guys get there HEA though and the wrap up was neat and pretty easy. But, considering what they’d been through, it made me happy for them and their future.
Everything I Need by Chrissy Munder – 4 Hearts
The strength in this author’s writing is in her consistently well fleshed out characters and Everything I Need is no exception. In all my readings, that seems to be the downfall of many short stories in that the balance between current events and character history isn’t there, so one of the two ends up falling short. But then you find an author who gets the balance right and the story works perfectly.
Everything I Need is the story of two men, Michael and Joshua as they plan their wedding. Michael comes from a large close knit family with a lot of traditions. Michael’s family loves both men dearly and it was obvious in the few on page interactions and the way the men spoke about family, especially Michael’s mom. Joshua is estranged from his family, his family’s religious fundamentals don’t accept Joshua so Michael’s family is the only he has. That’s a lot of backstory to have to convey, but Chrissy Munder lets it all flow organically through conversations and references so the characters get the depth they deserve.
The two are met with some unexpected homophobia and while it should have added to the tension they already felt that comes with wedding planning, the strength of their characters came through and put things in perspective for them right when they needed it. Michael’s family defended them strongly and circumstances put them back in connection with the bigots and while the resolution was pretty quick without a lot of drama (it is a short story after all) it still worked for Michael and Joshua. They kept their humor, dignity and love throughout and I could completely believe and HEA for these guys. Also, I would LOVE to go to their wedding, there are going to be lots of happy tears at that one for sure.
Cucurrucucu by George Seaton – 5 Hearts
I’m really not going to be able to do George Seaton’s words justice. When I read a story of his I highlight a lot because he’s got a true gift for writing poignant sentences. The kind of sentences that you read, then stop, read again, let them sink in and then go, “Holy Hell, that means a lot of seriously important things”. Yeah, so like I said, I can’t do his words justice. BUT, I can encourage and recommend Cucurrucucu to you.
While Cucurrucucu was written as part of the One Pulse anthology to support the victims of the horrific shooting in Orlando I also couldn’t help but find it so incredibly relevant to our current state of days as well. It’s a powerful read for difficult times and I found it gave some perspective and hope.
It’s not a traditional MM romance, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t subtly romantic and all about love and acceptance in its many forms.
Hope by Grace Duncan – 3.5 Hearts
I’ve been on a shifter kick lately and I couldn’t miss out on reading this one. The author did a great job of weaving the themes of acceptance and progress into shifter politics. She also managed to pack a lot into a short story and keeping it on point with the characters and the end message.
The strength is in the MC’s, Miguel and Luis. They are destined mates who haven’t bonded yet out of fear of their pack’s rejection. And rightly so, as all the packs they know of have no tolerance for their union. I could feel the tension in the two of them as they traveled from pack to pack looking for acceptance and a home. The individuals they met overall had no problem with the two of them together and the issues they ran into came from a few individuals at the top and the fear trickled down through the ranks. Pretty accurate portrayal I felt.
The guys get there HEA though and the wrap up was neat and pretty easy. But, considering what they’d been through, it made me happy for them and their future.
September 28, 2016
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
Raffled Kiss
Daniel has been at sea for the last eight months. It's his first deployment and the first time he's been away from his husband, Ford. Not everyone on the ship see his marriage as a good thing. The first kiss off the boat is being raffled off and Daniel's friend's and family think it would be an amazing thing if that kiss was between Daniel and Ford.
Raffled Kiss is a fun feel good little read!
Raffled Kiss
Daniel has been at sea for the last eight months. It's his first deployment and the first time he's been away from his husband, Ford. Not everyone on the ship see his marriage as a good thing. The first kiss off the boat is being raffled off and Daniel's friend's and family think it would be an amazing thing if that kiss was between Daniel and Ford.
Raffled Kiss is a fun feel good little read!
my-books
September 20, 2016
Raffled Kiss
is now available as part of the One Pulse Anthology. All proceeds will be donated to LGBT organizations in central Florida.
Blurb
Just like his sister, dad, and granddaddy before him, Daniel Matthews married his high school sweetheart and joined the Navy. That he had the choice to marry a man after the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was a slight difference. Being apart from his husband more often than not might be a given, but winning the First Kiss raffle was a prank gone right.
Since they met during freshman year, Ford Jennings knew his future husband’s dreams—to join the military and serve his country. Waiting pier side with a cameraman capturing his every move might be a requirement, but the chance to show others that love triumphs over any obstacle is an opportunity of a lifetime.
You can read more about Daniel and Ford in the free short story The Glass Ornament.
Blurb
Just like his sister, dad, and granddaddy before him, Daniel Matthews married his high school sweetheart and joined the Navy. That he had the choice to marry a man after the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was a slight difference. Being apart from his husband more often than not might be a given, but winning the First Kiss raffle was a prank gone right.
Since they met during freshman year, Ford Jennings knew his future husband’s dreams—to join the military and serve his country. Waiting pier side with a cameraman capturing his every move might be a requirement, but the chance to show others that love triumphs over any obstacle is an opportunity of a lifetime.
You can read more about Daniel and Ford in the free short story The Glass Ornament.
Read
September 20, 2016from author Grace R. Duncan:
Hope, a Forbes Mates story, part of the One Pulse anthology.
Blurb:
Miguel Garcia and Luis Rodriguez have been best friends all their lives. For the last year, they’ve been hiding the fact that they’re also destined mates. When Luis’s family finds out, they kick him out. Miguel’s family would keep them…except their alpha has been known to be downright violent against gay wolves.
With the help of Miguel’s mother, they set out to find a pack that will accept them. They run into more that a few obstacles before they end up in Denver, at the national wolf headquarters, meeting the alpha prime. They’re stunned to find, not only offers to join more than one pack, but that their struggle can shine light on a bigger problem–and make things better for LGBT wolves across the country.
Hope, a Forbes Mates story, part of the One Pulse anthology.
Blurb:
Miguel Garcia and Luis Rodriguez have been best friends all their lives. For the last year, they’ve been hiding the fact that they’re also destined mates. When Luis’s family finds out, they kick him out. Miguel’s family would keep them…except their alpha has been known to be downright violent against gay wolves.
With the help of Miguel’s mother, they set out to find a pack that will accept them. They run into more that a few obstacles before they end up in Denver, at the national wolf headquarters, meeting the alpha prime. They’re stunned to find, not only offers to join more than one pack, but that their struggle can shine light on a bigger problem–and make things better for LGBT wolves across the country.
September 6, 2019
Jon Keys - A Single Night 2.8*
Alicia Nordwell - About Best Friends & Boyfriends 3*
Mickie B. Ashling - Adíos 3.4*
M.T. Aspen - Asking for Trouble 3.3*
M.A. Church - Chasing Tyme 2.5*
Caitlin Ricci - Coming Out 3*
George Seaton - Cucurrucucú 4*
Jayce Ellis - Dance 3.2*
Bree Cariad - Everyday Miracles 3.4*
Chrissy Munder - Everything I Need 3.3*
Ellis Carrington - For the First Time 2.9*
Felicitas Ivey - Get Me to the Church Town Hall on Time 2.5*
John Amory - Happy Pride 2.4*
Grace R. Duncan - Hope 3*
John Goode - Let Them Eat Cake 3.5*
J. C. Long - Magical Boys Just Wanna Have Fun 2.5*
Elizabeth Noble - Magicicada 2*
Renee Stevens - More Than a Pact 3*
Troy Storm - One Big Happy... Bunch 3*
Connie Bailey - One Heart at a Time 3*
Dev Bentham - Perfection 3*
Andrea Speed - Pride 2.2*
Laura Lascarso - Pull 2.4*
Lila Leigh Hunter - Raffled Kiss 2.5*
Emery C. Walters - Ranch Dressing 3*
C.C. Dado - Read My Lips 3*
Sera Kane - The Stag's Bane 3.5*
KC Burn - The Tithe 3.5*
Vicktor Alexander - The Wooing of the Marqués de Sierra de Outes 2.4*
Edmond Manning - They Danced 3.5*
Alicia Nordwell - About Best Friends & Boyfriends 3*
Mickie B. Ashling - Adíos 3.4*
M.T. Aspen - Asking for Trouble 3.3*
M.A. Church - Chasing Tyme 2.5*
Caitlin Ricci - Coming Out 3*
George Seaton - Cucurrucucú 4*
Jayce Ellis - Dance 3.2*
Bree Cariad - Everyday Miracles 3.4*
Chrissy Munder - Everything I Need 3.3*
Ellis Carrington - For the First Time 2.9*
Felicitas Ivey - Get Me to the Church Town Hall on Time 2.5*
John Amory - Happy Pride 2.4*
Grace R. Duncan - Hope 3*
John Goode - Let Them Eat Cake 3.5*
J. C. Long - Magical Boys Just Wanna Have Fun 2.5*
Elizabeth Noble - Magicicada 2*
Renee Stevens - More Than a Pact 3*
Troy Storm - One Big Happy... Bunch 3*
Connie Bailey - One Heart at a Time 3*
Dev Bentham - Perfection 3*
Andrea Speed - Pride 2.2*
Laura Lascarso - Pull 2.4*
Lila Leigh Hunter - Raffled Kiss 2.5*
Emery C. Walters - Ranch Dressing 3*
C.C. Dado - Read My Lips 3*
Sera Kane - The Stag's Bane 3.5*
KC Burn - The Tithe 3.5*
Vicktor Alexander - The Wooing of the Marqués de Sierra de Outes 2.4*
Edmond Manning - They Danced 3.5*
November 4, 2017
As with any Anthology written by different Authors, I found most stories to be fantastic, some were okay. It is worth reading since there are so many different writing styles and I'm sure most readers will be quite satisfied with most of the stories within. Some stories are very short but you'll come to realize, in the end, that they are well written and don't need to be extended. The few words are enough to tell a well organized story. I really recommend this book and congratulate and thank the authors who gave their time into collaborating into writing this book for the proceeds to be donated to the different LGBTQ organizations in Florida. Also, a huge thanks to Dreamspinner Press for putting this anthology together. Well done!
May 10, 2018
So 30 stories, all relatively short and quick to read so perfect for dipping into when time is short!
Most are contemporary, with historical, shifter and AU and sci fi thrown in too. And lots of gender identies too.
There were weddings, friends reunited, unrequited loves, road trips, finding family, holidays, foursomes, tolerance, bigots, sailors, drag queens, closets, pride parades and many more! Most are standalone shorts with only a few linked to existing series.
I enjoyed most and really enjoyed a handful - my favourite being a story of love through the ages told by cicada broods, who knew!!
On average the stories came out at 3* but bumping up because of the cause and the ones I really liked.
Most are contemporary, with historical, shifter and AU and sci fi thrown in too. And lots of gender identies too.
There were weddings, friends reunited, unrequited loves, road trips, finding family, holidays, foursomes, tolerance, bigots, sailors, drag queens, closets, pride parades and many more! Most are standalone shorts with only a few linked to existing series.
I enjoyed most and really enjoyed a handful - my favourite being a story of love through the ages told by cicada broods, who knew!!
On average the stories came out at 3* but bumping up because of the cause and the ones I really liked.
December 4, 2017
2017 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: One Pulse Anthology: Read My Lips C.C. Dado
1) I really enjoyed reading this awesome collection of stories by various talented authors.
2) This is a great collection of stories in support of the anthology. They all were fast-paced with great character development. The writing styles differed from each other but the editing was spot on. My version didn't have table contents so I hope it's in the published version.
1) I really enjoyed reading this awesome collection of stories by various talented authors.
2) This is a great collection of stories in support of the anthology. They all were fast-paced with great character development. The writing styles differed from each other but the editing was spot on. My version didn't have table contents so I hope it's in the published version.
September 17, 2018
Great stories to remind us of love. Gone but not forgotten (Orlando shooting)
October 27, 2018
A great collection of stories. A large variety of genre. While all weren't my cup of tea they were all well written. It was a wonderful read for a worthy cause.
October 1, 2016
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is an anthology full of stories of very different styles. I have read only a few, but was impressed by the diversity and uniqueness of each tale. My star rating is for the story which we are reviewing at WRRT, although it would be valid for other stories that I read as well.
Raffled Kiss
In this short well crafted tale we get a really good sense of these two men and what a prolonged period apart means to them. I loved the idea that finally a man in the services could be honest and open about his sexuality, and that he deserved his moment of fame just as much as any other sailor. Ford, the husband left at home is so nervous of what a PDA does to Daniel's career, yet once they finally meet, it is perfect.
Happy story with a strong message; a good read.
I will add further reviews in future days
This is an anthology full of stories of very different styles. I have read only a few, but was impressed by the diversity and uniqueness of each tale. My star rating is for the story which we are reviewing at WRRT, although it would be valid for other stories that I read as well.
Raffled Kiss
In this short well crafted tale we get a really good sense of these two men and what a prolonged period apart means to them. I loved the idea that finally a man in the services could be honest and open about his sexuality, and that he deserved his moment of fame just as much as any other sailor. Ford, the husband left at home is so nervous of what a PDA does to Daniel's career, yet once they finally meet, it is perfect.
Happy story with a strong message; a good read.
I will add further reviews in future days
January 2, 2017
Originally posted at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
Since the shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando on June 12, 2016, people worldwide have donated a total of more than 23 million dollars to the OneOrlando Fund set up to benefit the victims and their families. It seems like a lot of money, but between the number of people affected, and the severity of their injuries – mental and physical – that money will be exhausted fairly soon. Also, after the initial outcry and horror that such a thing could have happened, and for such a reason, the shooting has faded out of the headlines. But for those who were directly affected, and for all people in the LGBTQ spectrum, the shooting is still at the forefront of their thoughts, and fears, and worries. So I was very pleased to see Dreamspinner Press put out this anthology to raise money for various LGBT organizations in central Florida, and I jumped at the chance to review it. Dreamspinner also has another anthology coming out in time for the 2016 holiday season, that will also benefit the same charities.
At first, I planned to do a short review on each story individually, but at a total of 31 stories (and almost 200,000 words) that just wasn't possible. The stories are written by a combination of well known and lesser known authors from Dreamspinner's ranks, and run the gamut of genres. There are contemporary, fantasy, paranormal, historical, and sci-fi works. Most are romances, but some are not. Most are M/M pairings, but there was also one F/F and one M/M/M/M. Some stories were extremely good, some less so, but there was only one that I had to DNF. My favorite was The Tithe by K.C. Burn, which was one of the fully original stories, but there were several that were in the various universes created by the authors in other published works (like Edmond Manning's They Danced which tells another tale of the Lost and Founds, which would not have made much sense to me if I hadn't read one of them first). The stories ranged from1 star to 5 star ratings, and overall the anthology really is more of a 3 star read, but I give it an extra star because of the generosity of the authors and the other people from Dreamspinner involved in putting it together. I looked at the call for submissions, and they were due only a month after the shooting itself, which is an incredibly short period of time to write something really good, so I actually expect the next anthology to be even better.
I also hope that there will be a little more detail of which organizations the money will be going towards in the next anthology. Overall, I do recommend this collection, especially for those who like to read shorter stories. I plan on buying the next anthology when it's available.
Since the shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando on June 12, 2016, people worldwide have donated a total of more than 23 million dollars to the OneOrlando Fund set up to benefit the victims and their families. It seems like a lot of money, but between the number of people affected, and the severity of their injuries – mental and physical – that money will be exhausted fairly soon. Also, after the initial outcry and horror that such a thing could have happened, and for such a reason, the shooting has faded out of the headlines. But for those who were directly affected, and for all people in the LGBTQ spectrum, the shooting is still at the forefront of their thoughts, and fears, and worries. So I was very pleased to see Dreamspinner Press put out this anthology to raise money for various LGBT organizations in central Florida, and I jumped at the chance to review it. Dreamspinner also has another anthology coming out in time for the 2016 holiday season, that will also benefit the same charities.
At first, I planned to do a short review on each story individually, but at a total of 31 stories (and almost 200,000 words) that just wasn't possible. The stories are written by a combination of well known and lesser known authors from Dreamspinner's ranks, and run the gamut of genres. There are contemporary, fantasy, paranormal, historical, and sci-fi works. Most are romances, but some are not. Most are M/M pairings, but there was also one F/F and one M/M/M/M. Some stories were extremely good, some less so, but there was only one that I had to DNF. My favorite was The Tithe by K.C. Burn, which was one of the fully original stories, but there were several that were in the various universes created by the authors in other published works (like Edmond Manning's They Danced which tells another tale of the Lost and Founds, which would not have made much sense to me if I hadn't read one of them first). The stories ranged from1 star to 5 star ratings, and overall the anthology really is more of a 3 star read, but I give it an extra star because of the generosity of the authors and the other people from Dreamspinner involved in putting it together. I looked at the call for submissions, and they were due only a month after the shooting itself, which is an incredibly short period of time to write something really good, so I actually expect the next anthology to be even better.
I also hope that there will be a little more detail of which organizations the money will be going towards in the next anthology. Overall, I do recommend this collection, especially for those who like to read shorter stories. I plan on buying the next anthology when it's available.
October 1, 2016
Review to be posted.
April 3, 2017
Please see Divine Magazine for my full review of each individual story - https://www.divinemagazine.biz/book-r...
~
Cover – Very nice!
Would I read it again – Some stories, yes.
Genre – LGBT, Contemporary, New Adult, Shapeshifters, Pulse
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
When I first agreed to read this, I was unable to start right away. The Pulse shooting was still a very emotional thing for me and I was unprepared for how that would effect me when I began. I don't think it helped that the first story centered around a shooting in a club. Perhaps if it had eased me in with one of the non-tragic stories that came later, I'd have been able to read and review this immediately.
However, after finally getting round to taking the plunge, I was initially disappointed. The first few stories didn't go well and, to be quite honest, the amount of time it takes to stop after each story, write my review, fill in all the info and then get back to reading makes it feel like it takes forever to get through. There is an overwhelming volume of stories – 30 in total – and some are so short that you don't get to feel 'comfortably settles' in the story before it ends and you move on. Most of the lesser rated stories I've read could have benefited from more time to expand upon the issues I had.
There is also a very mixed bag of storytellers and stories, with some well experienced DSP authors and some that I haven't heard of or read before.
I didn't read five stories, in total. This is because there is one FF, which I don't feel qualified to review since it's not a genre I read, while the others were due to being linked stories for series I haven't read yet. However, for the series that I do plan to read in the future, I'll come back and read the shorts then.
For now, I've taken an average of the stars I've given the stories I did read and used that to rate the entire anthology.
~
OVERALL
There were a lot of authors in this anthology that I'd never read or heard of before. There were a few that I'll definitely be keeping an eye on from now on, thanks to their moving, sweet and funny stories within this anthology.
I have to admit that I probably wouldn't have managed beyond the first story – with the club shooting – if it wasn't for the fact that I was reviewing this. It's the reason it took me so long to actually sit down and delve in. Once I got past that, very few of the stories relate to Pulse and it allowed me to feel less emotionally raw and settle a little more comfortably into the anthology. I'm also not sure if it was a suggested theme or not, but there are a whole lot of stories in here all about Pride parades, but we never get to see one in action.
I do think that there are just too many stories. It's quite exhausting even thinking about sitting down to read thirty short stories, but to actually do it requires either a lot of picking up and putting down or a whole lot of dedication put into the time spent reading. I easily spent nearly two days reading this with only short breaks for my eyes in between.
What kind of disappoints me is the lack of diversity. Though I don't normally read FF or trans stories, they were both seriously under-represented here. There was one FF story, but no trans or any of the other facets of sexuality. It was all gay, with the occasional bi. It's a shame that more effort wasn't taken to make it more inclusive of lesbian, transgender, demi, pan or even ace sexualities. I had hoped that, with thirty stories overall, there would be a little more equality amongst the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.
The anthology claims to “celebrate the triumph of love over every obstacle” however there is no real theme here, to link the stories. In previous DSP anthologies, the theme helped orientate a world or setting for all the stories, making it a more natural to flow from one to the other. This one, however, varies so much that a dedicated 'theme' would really have helped the flow from one story to the next.
However, there are some true gems in here. Two stories made me cry, there was some humour, joy, celebration and grieving. Covering a whole host of emotions, the anthology took me on a rollercoaster ride and left me, overall, satisfied.
~
MY FAVOURITES
Most romantic: Chasing Tyme, by M.A. Church
Best self-discovery: Cucurrucucú, by George Seaton
Bite-My-Lip Good: Dance, by Jayce Ellis
Most heartwarming: Everyday Miracles, by Bree Cariad
Beautiful but disturbing: The Tithe, by KC Burn
~
Cover – Very nice!
Would I read it again – Some stories, yes.
Genre – LGBT, Contemporary, New Adult, Shapeshifters, Pulse
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
When I first agreed to read this, I was unable to start right away. The Pulse shooting was still a very emotional thing for me and I was unprepared for how that would effect me when I began. I don't think it helped that the first story centered around a shooting in a club. Perhaps if it had eased me in with one of the non-tragic stories that came later, I'd have been able to read and review this immediately.
However, after finally getting round to taking the plunge, I was initially disappointed. The first few stories didn't go well and, to be quite honest, the amount of time it takes to stop after each story, write my review, fill in all the info and then get back to reading makes it feel like it takes forever to get through. There is an overwhelming volume of stories – 30 in total – and some are so short that you don't get to feel 'comfortably settles' in the story before it ends and you move on. Most of the lesser rated stories I've read could have benefited from more time to expand upon the issues I had.
There is also a very mixed bag of storytellers and stories, with some well experienced DSP authors and some that I haven't heard of or read before.
I didn't read five stories, in total. This is because there is one FF, which I don't feel qualified to review since it's not a genre I read, while the others were due to being linked stories for series I haven't read yet. However, for the series that I do plan to read in the future, I'll come back and read the shorts then.
For now, I've taken an average of the stars I've given the stories I did read and used that to rate the entire anthology.
~
OVERALL
There were a lot of authors in this anthology that I'd never read or heard of before. There were a few that I'll definitely be keeping an eye on from now on, thanks to their moving, sweet and funny stories within this anthology.
I have to admit that I probably wouldn't have managed beyond the first story – with the club shooting – if it wasn't for the fact that I was reviewing this. It's the reason it took me so long to actually sit down and delve in. Once I got past that, very few of the stories relate to Pulse and it allowed me to feel less emotionally raw and settle a little more comfortably into the anthology. I'm also not sure if it was a suggested theme or not, but there are a whole lot of stories in here all about Pride parades, but we never get to see one in action.
I do think that there are just too many stories. It's quite exhausting even thinking about sitting down to read thirty short stories, but to actually do it requires either a lot of picking up and putting down or a whole lot of dedication put into the time spent reading. I easily spent nearly two days reading this with only short breaks for my eyes in between.
What kind of disappoints me is the lack of diversity. Though I don't normally read FF or trans stories, they were both seriously under-represented here. There was one FF story, but no trans or any of the other facets of sexuality. It was all gay, with the occasional bi. It's a shame that more effort wasn't taken to make it more inclusive of lesbian, transgender, demi, pan or even ace sexualities. I had hoped that, with thirty stories overall, there would be a little more equality amongst the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.
The anthology claims to “celebrate the triumph of love over every obstacle” however there is no real theme here, to link the stories. In previous DSP anthologies, the theme helped orientate a world or setting for all the stories, making it a more natural to flow from one to the other. This one, however, varies so much that a dedicated 'theme' would really have helped the flow from one story to the next.
However, there are some true gems in here. Two stories made me cry, there was some humour, joy, celebration and grieving. Covering a whole host of emotions, the anthology took me on a rollercoaster ride and left me, overall, satisfied.
~
MY FAVOURITES
Most romantic: Chasing Tyme, by M.A. Church
Best self-discovery: Cucurrucucú, by George Seaton
Bite-My-Lip Good: Dance, by Jayce Ellis
Most heartwarming: Everyday Miracles, by Bree Cariad
Beautiful but disturbing: The Tithe, by KC Burn
Displaying 1 - 18 of 19 reviews