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Briefs: Collection
This package just got even bigger! Now with 3 additional stories: "It could be you", "Hearts" and "Bird Meets Cage".
Slow burn romance that quickens the heart. From sweet & light-hearted to raw and emotional - this collection contains eight contemporary gay romance novellas previously published individually between 2013 and 2016.
Sweet & Light-Hearted:
“Noticed Me Yet?”
Who is this Mr. X that Jacob keeps writing to? And how can he be falling for him?
“DJ Dangerfield”
Who is this DJ Dangerfield in Real Life? And will Justin like him in the flesh as much as on the air?
“Get It”
Why does unrequited love leave you blind as a bat to other things?
“500 Kisses”
Are 500 kisses all it takes to steal a heart?
“The Douglas Fir”
Can Jason find that magic gift to win his neighbor’s heart?
"It Could Be You"
What is worst - having won 15 million quid but not being able to find the bloody ticket, or the unrequited love you have for your roommate?
Raw & Emotional:
"Hearts"
Is it possible two dead hearts can see life again?
"Bird Meets Cage"
He was everything I wasn’t. He was the first man I ever loved, and he left without me ever telling him that the way he looked at me broke my heart.
Slow burn romance that quickens the heart. From sweet & light-hearted to raw and emotional - this collection contains eight contemporary gay romance novellas previously published individually between 2013 and 2016.
Sweet & Light-Hearted:
“Noticed Me Yet?”
Who is this Mr. X that Jacob keeps writing to? And how can he be falling for him?
“DJ Dangerfield”
Who is this DJ Dangerfield in Real Life? And will Justin like him in the flesh as much as on the air?
“Get It”
Why does unrequited love leave you blind as a bat to other things?
“500 Kisses”
Are 500 kisses all it takes to steal a heart?
“The Douglas Fir”
Can Jason find that magic gift to win his neighbor’s heart?
"It Could Be You"
What is worst - having won 15 million quid but not being able to find the bloody ticket, or the unrequited love you have for your roommate?
Raw & Emotional:
"Hearts"
Is it possible two dead hearts can see life again?
"Bird Meets Cage"
He was everything I wasn’t. He was the first man I ever loved, and he left without me ever telling him that the way he looked at me broke my heart.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2017
41 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Anyta Sunday
111 books2,736 followersSpecialising in slow-burn romances where emotions reign, intimacy lingers, and chemistry sizzles—stories that leave you holding your breath and cheering for love, with just a splash of spice to sweeten the journey.
Check out my website:
Contact: http://www.anytasunday.com/?page_id=386
Für deutsche Leser:
http://www.anytasunday.de/
In italiano:
http://www.anytasunday.it/
Check out my website:
Contact: http://www.anytasunday.com/?page_id=386
Für deutsche Leser:
http://www.anytasunday.de/
In italiano:
http://www.anytasunday.it/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 12, 2018
Note
: I haven't reviewed all the novellas, but 500 Kisses was the only one I cared about, so *wails*
Notice me yet : ★ 1/2
Ha, damn. This one was way too short and underdeveloped for me to care about the ending. Nice and fun, I guess, but nothing special and the ending made me cringe a little bit. Oops.
500 Kisses : ★★★★
*giggles* SO GOOD *giggles* I just... smiled so big, ya know? Dylan and Chris' banter delighted me and they were so freaking adorable? Second-chance/best friends romances are perfect for novellas in my opinion as it makes the connection easier and faster. Also can I just say that best friends to enemies to lovers is THE BEST TROPE?? I totally cheered at these two HEA.
Notice me yet : ★ 1/2
Ha, damn. This one was way too short and underdeveloped for me to care about the ending. Nice and fun, I guess, but nothing special and the ending made me cringe a little bit. Oops.
500 Kisses : ★★★★
*giggles* SO GOOD *giggles* I just... smiled so big, ya know? Dylan and Chris' banter delighted me and they were so freaking adorable? Second-chance/best friends romances are perfect for novellas in my opinion as it makes the connection easier and faster. Also can I just say that best friends to enemies to lovers is THE BEST TROPE?? I totally cheered at these two HEA.
November 21, 2018
Marking as read, as I've read all of the shorts that comprise this compilation.
Plus, I *really* don't like seeing unread stories on my Anyta Sunday book list, like I still have even more of hers left to read! ;- )
Plus, I *really* don't like seeing unread stories on my Anyta Sunday book list, like I still have even more of hers left to read! ;- )
Want to read
September 6, 2019Kindle Freebie 9/5/19! Sooooo many great stories for FREE!!!
April 4, 2017
Esta colección de relatos es fantástica, son todos adorables, no decepciona ninguno.
Muy recomendable.
Mi favorito: Noticed me yet?
Muy recomendable.
Mi favorito: Noticed me yet?
Want to read
November 21, 2018FREEBIE at the zon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Briefs-Roman...
Want to read
September 7, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/7/2019)! 🎁
March 21, 2020
Es complicado calificar este conjunto de historias de forma global, algunas me han parecido maravillosas, pero otras no demasiado; algunas por saberme a poco y otras por no acabarme de convencer (por ejemplo, la historia del árbol...).
En general, son historias frescas y ágiles con el estilo de la autora, con parejas bonitas.
En general, son historias frescas y ágiles con el estilo de la autora, con parejas bonitas.
Want to read
September 10, 2017Noticed Me Yet? ~ 2 Stars
This story didn't really do it for me, but that may be entirely my own fault (expectations versus reality).
DJ Dangerfield ~ 4 Stars
This story was a totally cute slow burn romance with a side of self-discovery.
Get It ~ 3 Stars
500 Kisses to Steal a Heart ~ 3.5 Stars
Anyta Sunday's 500 Kisses to Steal a Heart was adorable. But of course it's a adorable, people! Anyta Sunday always brings the cute in a big way.
I adored the summer camp setting; I could practically smell the spider dogs and burnt marshmallows and the sunscreen. I also loved the direction that she took this prompt - the childhood friends to enemies to lovers / second chance at love tropes are some of my all-time favs! But the strongest aspect of the story - at least in my humble opinion - was the boys' rich, complicated history. It was full of friendship and love and misunderstandings and confusion and bad decisions rooted in the fear of the "what if" and compounded by hurt so deep it I'm sure it felt insurmountable. In other words, Dylan and Chris's relationship was both messy and realistic and exactly the kind that I want to read about.
I found myself desperately rooting for these boys to get a spectacular Fourth of July fireworks-worthy HEA. They deserved it, right?! However, when their happily ever after moment came, it felt slightly clunky to me. Like... I can't help but feel that there was just a couple of sentences that I needed in there somewhere between the "your kisses mean nothing" and "I love yous" that would have truly wiped the slate clean and given me the emotional catharsis I was looking for.
But giving credit where credit is due, that epilogue was heart-meltingly sweet. Like, that epilogue would have made Nicholas Sparks weep into his buckets of money. It was LOVELY and left my heart feeling full and happy.
*Originally reviewed as part of the DRitC "Loves Landscapes" event.
The Douglas Fir - TBR
It Could Be You ~ 3 Stars
Hearts ~ 4 Stars
Bird Meets Cage ~ 5 Stars
That was a beautiful, bittersweet tale.
This story didn't really do it for me, but that may be entirely my own fault (expectations versus reality).
DJ Dangerfield ~ 4 Stars
This story was a totally cute slow burn romance with a side of self-discovery.
Get It ~ 3 Stars
500 Kisses to Steal a Heart ~ 3.5 Stars
Anyta Sunday's 500 Kisses to Steal a Heart was adorable. But of course it's a adorable, people! Anyta Sunday always brings the cute in a big way.
I adored the summer camp setting; I could practically smell the spider dogs and burnt marshmallows and the sunscreen. I also loved the direction that she took this prompt - the childhood friends to enemies to lovers / second chance at love tropes are some of my all-time favs! But the strongest aspect of the story - at least in my humble opinion - was the boys' rich, complicated history. It was full of friendship and love and misunderstandings and confusion and bad decisions rooted in the fear of the "what if" and compounded by hurt so deep it I'm sure it felt insurmountable. In other words, Dylan and Chris's relationship was both messy and realistic and exactly the kind that I want to read about.
I found myself desperately rooting for these boys to get a spectacular Fourth of July fireworks-worthy HEA. They deserved it, right?! However, when their happily ever after moment came, it felt slightly clunky to me. Like... I can't help but feel that there was just a couple of sentences that I needed in there somewhere between the "your kisses mean nothing" and "I love yous" that would have truly wiped the slate clean and given me the emotional catharsis I was looking for.
But giving credit where credit is due, that epilogue was heart-meltingly sweet. Like, that epilogue would have made Nicholas Sparks weep into his buckets of money. It was LOVELY and left my heart feeling full and happy.
*Originally reviewed as part of the DRitC "Loves Landscapes" event.
The Douglas Fir - TBR
It Could Be You ~ 3 Stars
Hearts ~ 4 Stars
Bird Meets Cage ~ 5 Stars
That was a beautiful, bittersweet tale.
February 1, 2018
“Noticed Me Yet?” - 4.25 stars
“DJ Dangerfield” - 3.5 stars
“Get It” - 3.5 stars
“500 Kisses” - 3 stars
“The Douglas Fir” - 2 stars
"It Could Be You" - 4- stars
"Hearts" - 3 stars
"Bird Meets Cage" - 4 stars
December 25, 2018
Perfect collection with a bit of everything, but always full of Anyta's trademarks: humor, slow-burn romances, and incredible friendships.
My favorite novella: DJ Dangerfield
Least favorite story: It could be you
My favorite novella: DJ Dangerfield
Least favorite story: It could be you
November 21, 2018
Noticed Me Yet? 3.5 stars.
DJ Dangerfield 3 stars.
Get It 3 stars.
500 Kisses 2 stars.
The Douglas Fir 2.5 stars.
It Could Be You 3 stars.
Hearts 3.5 stars
Bird Meets Cage 3 stars.
DJ Dangerfield 3 stars.
Get It 3 stars.
500 Kisses 2 stars.
The Douglas Fir 2.5 stars.
It Could Be You 3 stars.
Hearts 3.5 stars
Bird Meets Cage 3 stars.
March 3, 2018
All in all, this was an enjoyable collection of short stories (: Some I had already known, some I was very pleased to get to know. Thank you for the treat, Anyta.
February 16, 2021
More detailed reviews left on each individual novella's page.
Noticed Me Yet? 2 stars
DJ Dangerfield: 2 stars
Get It: 3 stars
500 Kisses: 3 stars
The Douglas Fir: 4 stars
It Could Be You: 3 stars
Hearts: 4 stars
Bird Meets Cage: 3.5 stars
Noticed Me Yet? 2 stars
DJ Dangerfield: 2 stars
Get It: 3 stars
500 Kisses: 3 stars
The Douglas Fir: 4 stars
It Could Be You: 3 stars
Hearts: 4 stars
Bird Meets Cage: 3.5 stars
November 13, 2021
Lovely reads!
Story #1
A thrilling read!
Who is this Mr. X that he keeps writing to?
And how can he be falling for him?
A little mystery read of finding Mr X...a cool and refreshing idea of a story.
I suspected who it might be and I am grinning like a fool because I was right. (Gosh, I prayed it was him and I'm so filled with glee it was!).
It was a fun and highly entertaining read.
Full of mystery, letters, attraction and slow burn.
Perfect for readers of contemporary romances.
Story #2
A cute read!
Who is this DJ Dangerfield in Real Life?
And will he like him in the flesh as much as on the air?
Romantic and so much cuteness! Been wanting to read a short, romantic and lovely novella and this little book exceeded my expectations!
Full of secrets, trust, love, friends, discoveries and finding yourself.
Perfect for readers of contemporary romances.
Story #3
A lovely read!
Why does unrequited love leave you blind as a bat to other things?
A slow burn. God, how I wanted to scream at him and say the love of your life is in front of you, just open your eyes and SEE!
Out of all the stories in this collection, this is my second favourite read.
Full of slow burn, oblivion, friendship and love.
Perfect for readers of contemporary romances.
Story #4
A sweet read!
If you don’t like someone, you just don’t like them...
End of story...
No amount of kissing will change that...
Aww..this novella is just too sweet and romantic. Man, I really need more of this couple. I loved how everything turned out in the end.
If I could, I would give this novella 10 stars! It was such a pleasure reading this. I really love this author's books. I'm so glad I discovered her a couple years back!
Full of kisses, attraction, friendship and romance.
Perfect for readers of contemporary romances.
Story #5
A magical read!
If only that Dave guy would stop getting in the way...
What a short, magical read! Loved the ending - before I even read the book, I hoped for these two people to end up together and they did!
Lovely writing. Great short story. Fantastic characters.
Full of friendship, magic, gifts, Christmas, truths, family, an unexpected gift and love.
Perfect for readers of contemporary romances.
Story #6
A fantastic read!
What is worst - having won 15 million quid but not being able to find the bloody ticket, or the unrequited love you have for your roommate?
Aww...this short story was the perfect friends to lovers story. It was phenomenal. I only wished it was longer.
Full of winning lotto tickets, friends and unrequited love.
Perfect for readers of contemporary romances.
Story #7
An interesting read!
Is it possible two dead hearts can see life again?
Slowly but surely they started healing their own hearts and each other. It was amazing to witness - so touching and magical.
A rather heartbreaking and magical read all packed in one!
Full of pain, emotion, heartbreak, second chances and healing.
Perfect for readers of contemporary romances.
Story #8
A magical read!
He was the first man he ever loved...
And he left without ever telling him that the way he looked at him broke his heart...
This book punches you right in the feels. But in the end, it heals you.
I was glad this book was short because, boy, I don't think I could have handled it of it were longer.
This book is my favourite in this whole collection of stories. My first favourite.
Full of loneliness, hope, circus, longing, cage,s love and home.
Perfect for readers of contemporary romances.
Story #1
A thrilling read!
Who is this Mr. X that he keeps writing to?
And how can he be falling for him?
A little mystery read of finding Mr X...a cool and refreshing idea of a story.
I suspected who it might be and I am grinning like a fool because I was right. (Gosh, I prayed it was him and I'm so filled with glee it was!).
It was a fun and highly entertaining read.
Full of mystery, letters, attraction and slow burn.
Perfect for readers of contemporary romances.
Story #2
A cute read!
Who is this DJ Dangerfield in Real Life?
And will he like him in the flesh as much as on the air?
Romantic and so much cuteness! Been wanting to read a short, romantic and lovely novella and this little book exceeded my expectations!
Full of secrets, trust, love, friends, discoveries and finding yourself.
Perfect for readers of contemporary romances.
Story #3
A lovely read!
Why does unrequited love leave you blind as a bat to other things?
A slow burn. God, how I wanted to scream at him and say the love of your life is in front of you, just open your eyes and SEE!
Out of all the stories in this collection, this is my second favourite read.
Full of slow burn, oblivion, friendship and love.
Perfect for readers of contemporary romances.
Story #4
A sweet read!
If you don’t like someone, you just don’t like them...
End of story...
No amount of kissing will change that...
Aww..this novella is just too sweet and romantic. Man, I really need more of this couple. I loved how everything turned out in the end.
If I could, I would give this novella 10 stars! It was such a pleasure reading this. I really love this author's books. I'm so glad I discovered her a couple years back!
Full of kisses, attraction, friendship and romance.
Perfect for readers of contemporary romances.
Story #5
A magical read!
If only that Dave guy would stop getting in the way...
What a short, magical read! Loved the ending - before I even read the book, I hoped for these two people to end up together and they did!
Lovely writing. Great short story. Fantastic characters.
Full of friendship, magic, gifts, Christmas, truths, family, an unexpected gift and love.
Perfect for readers of contemporary romances.
Story #6
A fantastic read!
What is worst - having won 15 million quid but not being able to find the bloody ticket, or the unrequited love you have for your roommate?
Aww...this short story was the perfect friends to lovers story. It was phenomenal. I only wished it was longer.
Full of winning lotto tickets, friends and unrequited love.
Perfect for readers of contemporary romances.
Story #7
An interesting read!
Is it possible two dead hearts can see life again?
Slowly but surely they started healing their own hearts and each other. It was amazing to witness - so touching and magical.
A rather heartbreaking and magical read all packed in one!
Full of pain, emotion, heartbreak, second chances and healing.
Perfect for readers of contemporary romances.
Story #8
A magical read!
He was the first man he ever loved...
And he left without ever telling him that the way he looked at him broke his heart...
This book punches you right in the feels. But in the end, it heals you.
I was glad this book was short because, boy, I don't think I could have handled it of it were longer.
This book is my favourite in this whole collection of stories. My first favourite.
Full of loneliness, hope, circus, longing, cage,s love and home.
Perfect for readers of contemporary romances.
December 20, 2017
I've read a lot of Anyta Sunday's books this year, and I have loved all of them. When I won Briefs collection, I was exited to dive in. I wasn't disappointed - naturally in an anthology, there's going to be hits and misses, but overall the anthology was brilliant. It started with four five star stories, then a few three star stories before finishing off with a four star story. It is a brilliant collection and some of the stories I absolutely loved. Forth to mention are especially Noticed Me Yet?, DJ Dangerfield, and Get It.
I highly recommend this for Anyta Sunday fans, and why not for everyone else too, because Sunday's writing is superb.
Here's some thoughts on the individual stories:
Noticed Me Yet? - 5 stars
Jacob's looking for a new flatmate when he gets into writing notice board messages to mysterious Mr X, who's one of the three choices to be his flatmate; Mr Philosophy, Mr Shy Guy and Mr Hunk. The story is absolutely hilarious, sweet, cute, and true Anyta Sunday story in every sense. Just brilliant. It's entertaining and I got so invested in the mystery who Mr X really is. I could have read a whole novel about this, it was that good!
DJ Dangerfield - 5 stars
This had a little bit mystery guy element too; Justin has been calling late night radio program and debating about bands and music with the DJ there for a better part of the year. Now they set to meet in real life, but it doesn't go as smoothly as Justin thought it would. There was lighthearted banter and sweetness, and it was so funny. I definitely fell for the characters and their story.
Get It - 5 stars
It's all about unrequited love - Benny wants Heath, who gives mixed signals, and Benny's friend James pines for him but Benny is blind for it. It was all adorable and cute, and James's is the best, he's such devoted friend and witty and caring. Benny was adorable in his blindness and everything else.
500 Kisses - 5 stars
This was first one that was out of the university setting as Dylan and Chris were in their late twenties. Dylan runs a summer camp and Chris is his ex-best friend and neighbour, who doesn't really get on with anyone. They get roped into a challenge: it's a myth that 500 kisses is all that it takes to steal a heart. The story is full of snark, banter, and enemies to lovers trope with funny and brilliant scenes. It was a captivating story which I couldn't stop reading.
The Douglas Fir - 3 stars
This was another case of unrequited love - both Jase and Dave had a crush on Noah, who was Jase's neighbour and straight. Jase isn't a fan of Dave as he sees Dave as a competition, and Jase does ridiculously sweet thing for Noah in hopes that maybe he'll like him back. The story was sweet in places and a bit funny - especially the bits where Jase's brother Scott was. However, the story was also melancholy and had a bit too much angst for my liking. The plot wasn't as captivating as the previous stories and the characters weren't as engaging as most of other Sunday's characters.
It Could Be You - 3 stars
The story is about Ted, who misplaced a winning lottery ticket, and who avoids the topic of his best mate and roommate Jensen's leaving like plague, because he doesn't want to loose him. It's a sweet story, but way too short as it was a lot shorter than the other stories in this collection. Because of the shortness, there isn't enough time to get to know and really care about the characters, which made the story less memorable than the others. Otherwise the story is good, I liked the British setting and Ted and Jensen.
Hearts - 3 stars
The story is about heartbreak and how to survive a dead heart, and more importantly, is it possible to mend a broken heart? Daniel has to find out, because his partner left him and he has to follow how the same thing happens to his new neighbour, Toby. The story is pure angst with a hopeful twist, and while it is good, it didn't stand out. I was also in mood for lighter stuff, so maybe I read the story in the wrong time.
Bird Meets Cage - 4 stars
This is another of the more melancholy stories. It's also historical, first part set in the summer of 1949, when the circus was in town and Nathan met Stardust and Danny. Nathan falls for Stardust, but Stardust thinks he's a free bird and Nathan's a cage. Nathan's heart is broken when he strikes a friendship with a clown Danny, who was left behind by the circus. The second part sets twelve years later, when the circus is back in town and Nathan gets a chance to confront Stardust and let go of all the hurt. The story is good and engaging. Not my favourite of the collection, but a solid story.
I highly recommend this for Anyta Sunday fans, and why not for everyone else too, because Sunday's writing is superb.
Here's some thoughts on the individual stories:
Noticed Me Yet? - 5 stars
Jacob's looking for a new flatmate when he gets into writing notice board messages to mysterious Mr X, who's one of the three choices to be his flatmate; Mr Philosophy, Mr Shy Guy and Mr Hunk. The story is absolutely hilarious, sweet, cute, and true Anyta Sunday story in every sense. Just brilliant. It's entertaining and I got so invested in the mystery who Mr X really is. I could have read a whole novel about this, it was that good!
DJ Dangerfield - 5 stars
This had a little bit mystery guy element too; Justin has been calling late night radio program and debating about bands and music with the DJ there for a better part of the year. Now they set to meet in real life, but it doesn't go as smoothly as Justin thought it would. There was lighthearted banter and sweetness, and it was so funny. I definitely fell for the characters and their story.
Get It - 5 stars
It's all about unrequited love - Benny wants Heath, who gives mixed signals, and Benny's friend James pines for him but Benny is blind for it. It was all adorable and cute, and James's is the best, he's such devoted friend and witty and caring. Benny was adorable in his blindness and everything else.
500 Kisses - 5 stars
This was first one that was out of the university setting as Dylan and Chris were in their late twenties. Dylan runs a summer camp and Chris is his ex-best friend and neighbour, who doesn't really get on with anyone. They get roped into a challenge: it's a myth that 500 kisses is all that it takes to steal a heart. The story is full of snark, banter, and enemies to lovers trope with funny and brilliant scenes. It was a captivating story which I couldn't stop reading.
The Douglas Fir - 3 stars
This was another case of unrequited love - both Jase and Dave had a crush on Noah, who was Jase's neighbour and straight. Jase isn't a fan of Dave as he sees Dave as a competition, and Jase does ridiculously sweet thing for Noah in hopes that maybe he'll like him back. The story was sweet in places and a bit funny - especially the bits where Jase's brother Scott was. However, the story was also melancholy and had a bit too much angst for my liking. The plot wasn't as captivating as the previous stories and the characters weren't as engaging as most of other Sunday's characters.
It Could Be You - 3 stars
The story is about Ted, who misplaced a winning lottery ticket, and who avoids the topic of his best mate and roommate Jensen's leaving like plague, because he doesn't want to loose him. It's a sweet story, but way too short as it was a lot shorter than the other stories in this collection. Because of the shortness, there isn't enough time to get to know and really care about the characters, which made the story less memorable than the others. Otherwise the story is good, I liked the British setting and Ted and Jensen.
Hearts - 3 stars
The story is about heartbreak and how to survive a dead heart, and more importantly, is it possible to mend a broken heart? Daniel has to find out, because his partner left him and he has to follow how the same thing happens to his new neighbour, Toby. The story is pure angst with a hopeful twist, and while it is good, it didn't stand out. I was also in mood for lighter stuff, so maybe I read the story in the wrong time.
Bird Meets Cage - 4 stars
This is another of the more melancholy stories. It's also historical, first part set in the summer of 1949, when the circus was in town and Nathan met Stardust and Danny. Nathan falls for Stardust, but Stardust thinks he's a free bird and Nathan's a cage. Nathan's heart is broken when he strikes a friendship with a clown Danny, who was left behind by the circus. The second part sets twelve years later, when the circus is back in town and Nathan gets a chance to confront Stardust and let go of all the hurt. The story is good and engaging. Not my favourite of the collection, but a solid story.
March 8, 2019
This is only a review of the first five stories, that I read ages ago and (thankfully) wrote a little paragraph review for. (Except for 'It Could Be You' because I remember nothing about the story so it's getting 2 stars because I don't think I much cared for it.) I've decided to go ahead and put this review up now because it has been so long since I put this book down 'temporarily' and because the remaining two books are billed as 'Raw and Emotional' and that's soo not something I have any interest in reading. (Besides, they honestly don't sound very good to me.)
Noticed Me Yet?
All kinds of sweet. I do have a few minor complaints, but nothing that ruined my enjoyment of this story. Jacob is looking for a new housemate and he has three guys vying for the space, an ex that won't leave him alone, and a mysterious 'Mr. X' that's leaving him messages on the school boards and that he's falling in love with. I will admit, Jacob may have said he didn't have a preference, but I sure did and I was so happy to find out that my favorite of the three guys was out mysterious 'Mr. X'.
*****
DJ Dangerfield
Nice enough, and I so like the idea behind it - falling in love with someone you only know as a disc jockey - but the story just feels a little off. I think it's because the main character has a girlfriend at the start of the story and … I just don't care for that. Especially because she's a good person, and not a villain or anything like that - and the story just made me a little uncomfortable.
***
Get It
Unrequited love between best friends might be my favorite romance trope and this was just beautiful and heart wrenching. Although, it's also a very forgettable story.
****
500 Kisses
While I do like certain aspects of this story - the fact that they kiss a lot before anything else happens tops the list, and I also like the summer camp background and, even the fact that they were childhood best friends was…surprisingly well done - the whole inciting incident was so stupid. I mean here's two adults that - ostensibly hate each other - and they make a bet whether or not a person can fall in love after 500 kisses. Yup, these two 'adults' made that bet. I mean, the story wouldn't/couldn't have happened otherwise - and had to be filled with a lot of feelings between the two that had never been dealt with. That's quite possibly the silliest basis for a plot - even romance - that I've ever read and it kind of sapped any real enjoyment I'd have gotten from this story.
**
The Douglas Fir
While I really liked the couple, that's about all I liked from this story. I mean, the red herring was…obvious from the start and, really, too much focus was on him over the endgame couple. Because of that, the romance building felt abrupt. The payoff at the end…well, let's put it this way, I liked the couple more BEFORE they got together than I did after. (I I think if we'd been in the head of the other love interest, the story would have been better, but it also would have drastically changed it.)
***
Average Rating: 3.16 rounded down to 3 stars.
Noticed Me Yet?
All kinds of sweet. I do have a few minor complaints, but nothing that ruined my enjoyment of this story. Jacob is looking for a new housemate and he has three guys vying for the space, an ex that won't leave him alone, and a mysterious 'Mr. X' that's leaving him messages on the school boards and that he's falling in love with. I will admit, Jacob may have said he didn't have a preference, but I sure did and I was so happy to find out that my favorite of the three guys was out mysterious 'Mr. X'.
*****
DJ Dangerfield
Nice enough, and I so like the idea behind it - falling in love with someone you only know as a disc jockey - but the story just feels a little off. I think it's because the main character has a girlfriend at the start of the story and … I just don't care for that. Especially because she's a good person, and not a villain or anything like that - and the story just made me a little uncomfortable.
***
Get It
Unrequited love between best friends might be my favorite romance trope and this was just beautiful and heart wrenching. Although, it's also a very forgettable story.
****
500 Kisses
While I do like certain aspects of this story - the fact that they kiss a lot before anything else happens tops the list, and I also like the summer camp background and, even the fact that they were childhood best friends was…surprisingly well done - the whole inciting incident was so stupid. I mean here's two adults that - ostensibly hate each other - and they make a bet whether or not a person can fall in love after 500 kisses. Yup, these two 'adults' made that bet. I mean, the story wouldn't/couldn't have happened otherwise - and had to be filled with a lot of feelings between the two that had never been dealt with. That's quite possibly the silliest basis for a plot - even romance - that I've ever read and it kind of sapped any real enjoyment I'd have gotten from this story.
**
The Douglas Fir
While I really liked the couple, that's about all I liked from this story. I mean, the red herring was…obvious from the start and, really, too much focus was on him over the endgame couple. Because of that, the romance building felt abrupt. The payoff at the end…well, let's put it this way, I liked the couple more BEFORE they got together than I did after. (I I think if we'd been in the head of the other love interest, the story would have been better, but it also would have drastically changed it.)
***
Average Rating: 3.16 rounded down to 3 stars.
March 21, 2018
Noticed me yet?
3,5 stars. It was fine but a bit too corny and I didn't really get attached to any character.
DJ Dangerfield:
4,5 stars. Very beautiful story that took its time and led me to fall in love with both of the MCs. Really really sweet.
Get It:
3,5 stars. James was a sweetheart but Ben was infuriating. I know he was oblivious but must of the time he sounded very callous and selfish.
500 Kisses:
4,25 stars. This one was beautiful, and painful, and hot. Really liked it.
The Douglas Fir:
3,75 stars. I hated the kid brother, looked like everytime the brat opened his mouth he ruined his brother's life, and he didn't seem apologetic at all. But I liked the twist in this story a lot, I was really hoping it would turn out this way. I just wish the big gesture had been made for someone more deserving...
It Could Be You:
3,5 stars. This one was really too short to really leave an impression, I didn't know enough about the MCs to care about them. It was a nice enough story, but too generic for my taste.
Hearts:
3,5 stars. A bit too predictable and underdevelopped for my taste, but sweet and poetic.
Birds meet Cage:
TBR, not in the good headspace for this kind of story right now.
3,5 stars. It was fine but a bit too corny and I didn't really get attached to any character.
DJ Dangerfield:
4,5 stars. Very beautiful story that took its time and led me to fall in love with both of the MCs. Really really sweet.
Get It:
3,5 stars. James was a sweetheart but Ben was infuriating. I know he was oblivious but must of the time he sounded very callous and selfish.
500 Kisses:
4,25 stars. This one was beautiful, and painful, and hot. Really liked it.
The Douglas Fir:
3,75 stars. I hated the kid brother, looked like everytime the brat opened his mouth he ruined his brother's life, and he didn't seem apologetic at all. But I liked the twist in this story a lot, I was really hoping it would turn out this way. I just wish the big gesture had been made for someone more deserving...
It Could Be You:
3,5 stars. This one was really too short to really leave an impression, I didn't know enough about the MCs to care about them. It was a nice enough story, but too generic for my taste.
Hearts:
3,5 stars. A bit too predictable and underdevelopped for my taste, but sweet and poetic.
Birds meet Cage:
TBR, not in the good headspace for this kind of story right now.
November 27, 2018
A charming set of mm romance stories. I read most of them previously but read them again in this collection.
“Noticed Me Yet?”
A guy falls in love with another via a series of exchanged written notes. The delicious mystery is that he doesn't know the identity of his correspondent.
Typos: less for fewer, hoards for hordes, it's for its, comma for semicolon.
“DJ Dangerfield”
Another guy doesn't know the identity of his crush. It's also surprising him because he didn't know he was attracted to men.
Typos: repeated word "I should probably should take them off."
“Get It”
One friend is in love with another, but the object of his affection is oblivious.
Typo: tick for tic.
“500 Kisses”
Two childhood friends and neighbors had a falling out years ago, but a crisis brings them together.
Typo: 'every day' written as one word.
“The Douglas Fir”
Gay man has a crush on his straight neighbor. I felt it went on a little too long.
Typo: it's for its.
"It Could Be You"
A gay man loses a winning lottery ticket and dreads losing his straight friend on whom he has a crush.
"Hearts"
Two gay male couples drift apart in an apparently cursed town.
"Bird Meets Cage"
A youth has a crush on an older circus performer.
“Noticed Me Yet?”
A guy falls in love with another via a series of exchanged written notes. The delicious mystery is that he doesn't know the identity of his correspondent.
Typos: less for fewer, hoards for hordes, it's for its, comma for semicolon.
“DJ Dangerfield”
Another guy doesn't know the identity of his crush. It's also surprising him because he didn't know he was attracted to men.
Typos: repeated word "I should probably should take them off."
“Get It”
One friend is in love with another, but the object of his affection is oblivious.
Typo: tick for tic.
“500 Kisses”
Two childhood friends and neighbors had a falling out years ago, but a crisis brings them together.
Typo: 'every day' written as one word.
“The Douglas Fir”
Gay man has a crush on his straight neighbor. I felt it went on a little too long.
Typo: it's for its.
"It Could Be You"
A gay man loses a winning lottery ticket and dreads losing his straight friend on whom he has a crush.
"Hearts"
Two gay male couples drift apart in an apparently cursed town.
"Bird Meets Cage"
A youth has a crush on an older circus performer.
June 25, 2017
Thank you to the author for the free collection of eight short stories originally published separately from 2013 to 2016. Six are 'sweet and lighthearted', two are 'raw and emotional'.
There are no duds in this collection, but my personal favourites were "Noticed Me Yet" which was a bit like an updated version of an epistolatory novel and "The Douglas Fir".
If there is a theme here it is that we do not always see what may be obvious to others; that we may be denying ourselves happiness by not reaching out; that by holding back part of ourselves we may cause hurt; and that it is NEVER too late.
These stories are funny and tender, full of longing and hopefulness.
Highly recommended.
There are no duds in this collection, but my personal favourites were "Noticed Me Yet" which was a bit like an updated version of an epistolatory novel and "The Douglas Fir".
If there is a theme here it is that we do not always see what may be obvious to others; that we may be denying ourselves happiness by not reaching out; that by holding back part of ourselves we may cause hurt; and that it is NEVER too late.
These stories are funny and tender, full of longing and hopefulness.
Highly recommended.
November 29, 2020
Slow burn novellas?!?!
I didn’t even realize that was possible but somehow here we are. Each story felt complete in their own ways. Each story was about a different couple and they didn’t noticeably overlap? This author is notorious for giving slight cameos to other stories/characters, so I wouldn’t be surprised to find that these books did have commonalities and I just missed it.
I didn’t even realize that was possible but somehow here we are. Each story felt complete in their own ways. Each story was about a different couple and they didn’t noticeably overlap? This author is notorious for giving slight cameos to other stories/characters, so I wouldn’t be surprised to find that these books did have commonalities and I just missed it.
April 9, 2018
Noticed Me Yet? - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
DJ Dangerfield - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Get It - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
500 Kisses - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
The Douglas Fir - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
It Could Be You - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 - wish this was longer
Hearts - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bird Meets Cage - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Those last 2 were my favorite. OMG the angst... it hurts.. but it feels so good..
DJ Dangerfield - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Get It - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
500 Kisses - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
The Douglas Fir - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
It Could Be You - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 - wish this was longer
Hearts - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bird Meets Cage - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Those last 2 were my favorite. OMG the angst... it hurts.. but it feels so good..
May 15, 2017
Some really great stories in this collection
I think the first two were my favorites, but I enjoyed all of the short stories in this collection. Sweet, angsty, sexy, sometimes funny - definitely recommended.
I think the first two were my favorites, but I enjoyed all of the short stories in this collection. Sweet, angsty, sexy, sometimes funny - definitely recommended.
May 23, 2017
THANKS ANYTA FOR THE FREEBIE! amazing gift for all your readers.
September 5, 2017
“Noticed Me Yet?”- 5 stars
“DJ Dangerfield”- 5 stars
“Get It”- 5 stars
“500 Kisses”- 5 stars
“The Douglas Fir”- 5 stars
"It Could Be You"- 4 stars
"Hearts"- 4.5 stars
"Bird Meets Cage"- 5 stars
“DJ Dangerfield”- 5 stars
“Get It”- 5 stars
“500 Kisses”- 5 stars
“The Douglas Fir”- 5 stars
"It Could Be You"- 4 stars
"Hearts"- 4.5 stars
"Bird Meets Cage"- 5 stars
September 25, 2017
Some excellent short stories.
In case you are wondering which one was my favorite: Bird Meets Cage.
In case you are wondering which one was my favorite: Bird Meets Cage.
May 21, 2018
It's not that any of these were bad, but they weren't at all memorable. I could probably only give a decent summary of two of them because the others left no impression whatsoever.
July 2, 2018
Anyta Sunday is my new queen.
I loved the most of the stories.
I loved the most of the stories.
November 26, 2018
One of my favorite short story collections for sure!
November 26, 2018
Some were good, some were not as good and some were meh.
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