As the entire world is impacted by COVID-19, a group of talented Canadian authors and authors with Canadian roots have come together to bring you short stories in multiple genres, each one surrounding essential workers.
All proceeds from this anthology will be donated to a Canadian charity that provides relief during the pandemic.
Join 30 True North authors and allow yourself to be captivated from a social distance.
Authors include:
Geri Glenn, C.A. King, Cameron Allie, V.J. Allison, Cassia Brightmore, AW Clarke, M. Jane Colette, Allison M. Cosgrove, Tricia Daniels, Carey Decevito, Gillian Jones, Andréa Joy, Jean Kelso, Bethany-Kris, JA Lafrance, C.J. Lazar, Sue Langford, K Logan, Leah Negron, Lorne Oliver, DD Prince, Jennifer Rose. Crystal StClair, P. Stormcrow, Kadian Tracey, Maria Vickers, J.M. Walker, Scarlett Wells, Tracy Willoughby
JA resides in Northern Ontario Canada, but is originally from Toronto, the captial of Ontario. She and her loving husband have three beautiful children. When she is not locked in her writing cave, she works with the board of education as a supply Educational Assistant. She loves watching hockey and soccer and enjoys talking to the many people she has made friends with through her craft. JA enjoys a good joke and sharing them. It is why she is seem more with a smile on her face then a frown.
When I discovered that my favourite writer DD Prince had writing a story for this anthology, I had to buy it. Also the reason why this anthology was writing and what they would do with the proceeds of it was an extra reason to buy it. In these difficult times, we have to help each other and say a big thank you to the people who did their jobs (and more) in these difficult circumstances!
Except for the writer DD Prince, all the writers in this anthology were new writers to me. There were several stories that I enjoyed very much and there were also a few stories that I couldn’t get into. (But that is the advantage of an anthology, there are stories enough that you will love and like.) Some stories were very short, some were a bit longer, some were steamy and others were not. ‘Together we stand’ was a lovely anthology and I really liked the diversity in the stories. The stories weren’t all about handsome doctors and cops but also about people in ‘regular’ jobs, like cashiers who worked in grocery stores.
Essentially broken by C.A. King (3 stars) It’s a story about a nurse with a special talent, who must make some tough decisions about which life to save and which not. It’s an emotional story.
Finding love amongst empty shelves by Tracey Willoughby (3 stars) A story about the ‘chase’ for toilet paper (something that was really real at some point during this epidemic). It was a short story about a woman in a wheelchair and a hot cop who both want the last toilet paper in the shop. It’s told from the woman POV’s.
Surrendering hearts by Kadian Tracey (3 stars) Kyle Henderson and Christine grew up in a small town. He always had a crush on her but she dejected him and broke his heart when they were young. Now, many years later Christine is back in town and taking care of Kyle’s grandmother. Can Kyle forgive Christine for what happened in the past and give her a second chance or is it too late? The story is told from both POV’s and it was good but it went all a bit too quick for me.
Essential love by K. Logan (3 stars) This is an older brother best friend story. McKenna has known Chris for many years and has had a crush on him for many years too but because of her friendship with his younger brother Andrew, they both have ignore their feelings for each other but there always comes a point in life where you cross the line. And with one kiss or two the line is crossed. Now they both have to decide if they want more or not! The story is told in both POV’s and it ends a bit in a cliffhanger. So you know that the writer will write more of this story. (I, personally, don’t really like that in my anthology. I want a ‘finished’ story but that is my personal opinion.)
COVID’s ARROW by V.J. Allison (5 stars) This is story is about is Vicki and Mason, two grocery store cashiers, who aren’t only colleagues but who became also friends. Sadly, because of the COVID virus they had to keep their social distance from each other, so no more movies nights for them. Vicki misses her friend but then during a lunch break that they spend together, Vicki discovers that Mason may want to share his bubble with her and maybe even more. It’s a sweet and cute story, told in Vicki’s POV.
Wait for me by J.M. Walker (4 stars) OMG!! This story ended with such a cliffhanger!!! I want to know more!!!! It’s about Clara and Ryder, who meet unexpectedly and they both feel an instant attraction. They go on a date, knowing that Ryder, who is in the military, has to leave in a couple of days. But still, they want to have one date before his leaving. Their date is fantastic and it ends very steamy. Both want more so they promise to see each other again but will they? This is a great story, I liked the characters very much, they were very open with each other. The story is told in both POV’s.
Cindy by Lorne Oliver I love romance in my stories. There wasn't any in this one.
Fighting for him by JA Lafrance It’s about Asha and handsome dr. Jamal. The story wasn’t for me, it didn’t hold my attention.
Ease me by AW Clarke (4 stars) This story is about Reagan who had a hard day at work and her fiancée Gavin, who has his own special way to spoil and distract her from her difficult workday. I really enjoyed this story, it was steamy and a bit kinky but still sweet. The story is told from Reagan POV’s.
Catching the lovebug by Jennifer Rose (3,5 stars) A nice story about finding love during quarantine in an unexpected way. Tessa and Ben are colleagues who are working on a project and because of the conditions of the quarantine, they decide to not only work together but live together for the duration of the lockdown. During this time, they grow closer to each other but they aren’t the only ones, Kyle, Ben’s friend who lives there too, also develop feelings for Tessa. Who will Tessa choose in the end? The story is told from Tessa’s POV.
Love beyond the flames by Tricia Daniels (5 stars) Rose is a firefighter who gets wounded during her job. She wakes up in the hospital, not remembering a thing, expect the handsome doctor Grant, who tried to reassure her when she was brought into the ER. During her stay in the hospital Grant is by her side, helping her when she remembers the tragedy that took place when she got hurt. But slowly she’s also remembering that she knows the handsome doctor. Sometimes life gives you a second chance. This was a bit of an emotional and sweet story. I enjoyed it very much. The story is told from Rose’s POV.
SOAKED BY by M. Jane Colette (3,5 stars) This story is about two women. Freddy is a plumber and Janet works in a store. Their first meeting doesn’t go well, you can even say that it went very bad. But when Janet has a problem at home, Freddy comes and help her, after that they meet again and both feel an attraction. It was a nice story, my first lesbian story too. You get both POV’s in this story.
Cohen by Andréa Joy (5 stars) This is again a sweet, short and good story. It’s about Cohen and Rhys who meet through a social media app and after a comment from Cohen on a video of Rhys, they start talking. And after one year of talking and phoning each other. They are finally meeting in ‘real’ life. Both are ready for their first date but then Cohen have to cancel their date because of her work. But Rhys won’t let this unexpected delay prevent him from seeing Cohen (he’s a navy soldier after all!). So he plans a surprise for Cohen for when her shift is done. The story is in both POV’s and I liked it very much.
Out of the blue by DD Prince (5 stars) This story is about Christina (Tina) a paramedic and Hunter Collins, the guy that she saved after he was in a terrible car accident. Playboy Hunter realises that he has gotten a second chance at life so he decides to change his playboy lifestyle and look for something more serious in life. He can’t forget the woman that saved his life so he decides to pursue her but Christina isn’t so easily charmed like all the other women in his life but then one drunken night changes everything. I really liked this story, it’s was interesting to see how Hunter went to convince Christine to give him a chance. To see him prove to her that he is a changed man, although he still has his own cocky way to persuade her. It was entertaining and a steamy novella. it’s told in both POV’s.
The last bus stop by P. Stormcrow (4 stars) Dani is a bus driver and Hiro owns a coffee shop. Both have had their eye on the other one but for different reasons they have never had a date. Now a mystery woman on Dani’s bus will give them the push that they both need but who is this elderly lady? This story was a bit special about regret, love and not waiting for taking a chance on love. It’s told in Dani’s POV.
Bullet to the heart by Sue Langford This story was about a doctor and her patient. I couldn’t get into it.
Make me beg by Cameron Allie (5 stars) This is about the couple Riley, a seamstress and Heath, a cop. Because of the situation and the fact that Heath’s job gives him a greater risk for getting sick, they decided that Riley and their young son will stay at her parents place for a while. But the couple misses each other very much. And both have special news to tell the other! This was a great story. It’s told from Riley’s POV. (Although I discovered after reading it, that this is a follow-up story on the couple. You don’t have to read the other book first to read this one. This story was perfectly fine as a standalone story too.)
Second chance by Gillian Jones (5 stars) Faith and Chance meet each other first when he gets hurt and he goes to the hospital for stitches. Nurse Faith helps him. Then they meet again when Faith needs repairs to her car and Chance is the mechanic who helps her then. From the beginning there is an attraction between them. It’s told in both POV’s and it is a great and steamy story.
The Valley by Bethany—Kris (3 stars) This story started really good and I got all in and then it was finished?! This made that I had very mixed feelings about it. I assume that it is the ‘beginning’ of a longer story? The story is told in Kissha’s POV. She left her hometown and never thought to get back to it. But six years later her sister needs her, so she’s back. She works as a night nurse in the hospital when she meets the man that broke her heart all those years ago.
Worth the wait by Scarlett Wells (4,5 stars) This is a sweet story about two neighbours Hannah and Alex who live next to each other but have never met. And then one night they meet on their balcony (where they can talk but where they can’t see each other) and they start talking to each other and sharing their past and their present with each. They do this during the long months of the quarantine. It’s a sweet and lovely story. It’s told from Hannah’s POV.
Quarantine love by Jean Kelso (3 stars) It’s about Celia who because of her autoimmune diseases has to stay home. Because the risks for her to become ill are too high. During this time, she meets Noah, who is staying with his aunt (a neighbour of Celia’s). He goes grocery shopping for her and keeps her company. The story is told from both POV’s.
No rest for the wicked by Carey Decevito (5 stars) This was again a sweet and nice story about two longtime friends Rett and Johanna. They have been friends for a long time but the last few years both have develop feelings for the other but out of fear for losing their friendship, they ignored those feelings but one night will chance everything. The story is told in both POV’s.
Save me! by Maria Vickers (4,5 stars) This is the story about Benji (a 27 year old student) and officer Lucas, who helps Benji when he gets himself in a difficult situation. This was a fun story! It’s told in both POV’s.
Misdirection by Cassia Brightmore (2,5 stars) She is the daughter of a mafia boss and he’s the mayor. There is a big attraction between them but both are hiding secrets. The story is told in both POV’s but the end wasn’t what I expected and hoped for.
Handcuffs & stethoscopes: Beat of my heart by Crystal St. Clair I couldn’t get into this story, it felt a bit confusing in the very beginning.
Just one night by Geri Glenn (5 stars) A steamy short story that I loved very much. It’s about a woman who spend all those months in quarantine with her husband and children. It were difficult months. But the conditions were better now and people have more freedom. So, this night she will go out, go to a bar and remember what it feels like to be a woman, to feel sexy again. And her wish comes true when she spends one night with a hot guy that she meets in the bar. The story is told from the woman’s POV.
3rd date face-off by C.J. Lazar (2,5 stars) This story is about Miranda who is on her third date with Roy who she met through a dating app. Both are keeping secrets from each other but this night, things go a bit wrong and secrets will be revealed. The story is told from Miranda’s POV.
We see you too by Allison M. Cosgrove (3 stars) A nice, short story about people doing their job and more in difficult situations. Like, Alyssa, a student who is temporarily working at a grocery store. No romance in this story. But a reminder to be kind to each other.
Checking out, mr. Right by Leah Negron (4 stars) Nicole works as a cashier in a grocery store, the last 7 weeks have been hard for her. There are less colleagues to help in the store and people are more angry and less friendly to her. But then one male customer stands up for her and then ask her out. Tom is a firefighter and the more that she gets to know him, the more she likes him. The story ends with a happy end (for now?). It was a lovely story, told in Nicole’s POV.
Ok so I as much as I'd love to individually review each book, that would just take forever. I will however say that I loved each and every short story in this anthology. They were all unique and exciting, I loved the wide variety of the types of stories included.
My review of Misdirection by Cassia Brightmore: In true Cassia fashion she hit one out of the park with this one. It was suspenseful, action packed and exciting. I was hooked immediately and couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next.....I however did not see that final standoff going down like that. Blew my mind!!
I'm writing my review based upon Out of the Blue by DD Prince for this anthology. I will get around to reading all these wonderful author's stories but haven't yet. I often get so frustrated with anthologies because I just want more of the stories and this one was no different, I do want an entire book!
Christina and Hunter meet under rather unusual circumstances, he has just died and she brings him back to life. How's that for a second chance? What does a rich, entitled playboy do when he gets a chance for round 2? He goes for the sweet girl who wants to make a difference in the world. She doesn't make it easy, and sometimes I wanted to grab her hair and say "STOP IT". But, Hunter had persistence and he also knew he needed to show her he had become a better man instead of trying to just tell her.
Part of this collection of short stories I became aware of it as I’m a fan of this particular author. Misdirection by Cassia Brightmore:
Ruling the criminal underworld is no easy job, threats are everywhere and rivals are always hiding in the shadows to take over. When her father does suddenly I’m an attack against the family business it’s soon taken over by the only remaining blood. Hiding in plain sight and delivering a whole new level of pain to right the wrongs of her fathers death she wears the weight of authority well. With an unknown challenging her can she balance her life before she became the boss with her new life? Can she really be a single parent, a woman who dates and the boss of a cine family?
He is the Mayor, in times of crisis he is who everyone looks up to and yet he wants the woman who makes him his coffee and is an enigma. Taking a leap of faith he gives her no opportunity to say no but can he show her who he really is?
Twists and turns and an ending that left me gasping this was a brilliant short story that had it all! A fantastic read set in our new world of a pandemic and all the dangers that holds whilst exploring the cut throat world of drugs, guns and power.
A fantastic five star not everyone is who they appear to be.
A copy of Misdirection, by Cassia Brightmore, was given to me early. A quick thrill ride about the life of a gangster’s daughter. Shea is a strong and independent woman with a beautiful daughter. Her world was changed one day and instinctively she took matters in her own hands. A slight misdirection has her world switched up again. It’s intense and intriguing, feelings ride on this one so it’s best to hang on.
Together We Stand is a collection of short stories from Authors who write in different genres. Some of them I'm familiar with but most are new to me, so I'm excited to get a taste of their writing.
I'm leaving short reviews for the stories I've read so far. The good thing about this collection of stories is that they're all different short little reads. Great to pick up and read with a quick coffee.
--------------------------------------------
C.A King - Essentially Broken - 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
WOW!! This one was unexpected and it definitely packed a punch. A story where actions have consequences no matter how good your intentions are. I'd love to read this as a full book.
Gillian Jones - Second Chance - 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I loved Faith and Chance their story was sweet and romantic fast paced and fun. It was also witty and had plenty of steam too, a great little read. I'm hoping we get more from these characters.
DD Prince - Out Of The Blue - 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I enjoyed this one, I liked Hunters determination to win over Christina even though I could understand her hesitation. Hunter was cocky but a good guy at heart. I loved the last line in the story, it made me smile.
Jennifer Rose - Catching The Lovebug - 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This one was a sweet little love story with unexpected little twist. Ben was stuffy and liked routine, Kyle was laid back and fun. Tessa has a tough time choosing between them when they both try to win her affections. She's a lucky girl that's for sure.
M. Jane Collette - Soaked - 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This one was a bit different it was funny and hot. A plumber falling for the girl in the hardware store. It wasn't what I expected but I'm curious to read more stories like this.
---------------------------------------
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of stories in this collection. I've loved what I've read so far, and I'm hoping to find a few more hidden gems.
My review is based on Misdirection by Cassia Brightmore. This was a quick read, but one that left a punch. It was surprising and exciting and I was on the edge of my seat the entire read. Within this short read, Cassia managed to build complex characters and crazy world that I want to learn more about and twists that I am still reeling from. I am so glad to get to read more from Cassia and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!
This is a set of short stories by several authors... I was given a ARC in exchange for a honest review. Misdirection by Cassia Brightmore is phenomenal!! I just love her writing.. I love the darkness she brings and she keeps you on the edge of your seat... and she has a way of pulling you into her stories.. Shea is total KickA$$ and I just loved Penny & Henry. I can’t wait for more of this story..
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.
As the entire world is impacted by COVID-19, a group of talented Canadian authors and authors with Canadian roots have come together to bring you short stories in multiple genres, each one surrounding essential workers. All proceeds from this anthology will be donated to a Canadian charity that provides relief during the pandemic.
This book is filled with thirty different authors and some of them I am sure are already your favorites. There is just not a way to review all the stories individually as this review would be way longer than anyone would ever care to even read. I must say though that I loved so many stories in this anthology and I was so happy to get to read and review it. I especially love the story by Gillian Jones. She never disappoints and I was so engrossed in her story that I never wanted it to end. This is a book that you do not want to miss as it has something in it for everyone.
Out of the Blue by D. D. Prince. I received this ARC book free in exchange for a review. The story was sweet and intriguing. I couldn't wait to see what happened on the next page. The story captured my attention from start to finish. I will be looking for more books by this author.
This review is for Misdirection by the amazing Cassia Brightmore. OMG!! Mystery, intrigue, sexual tension and off the charts chemistry are just a few things that await you with this story. Whoever said woman can't be feared in a position of power and be ruthless within that position haven't read this story. Shea and Atticus will blow your mind and steal your heart in this short story. Full of twists and turns and an ending you'll never see coming. Welcome to Glen Abbott, you might want to be locked and loaded!!
This was a great collection of short stories written by a number of Canadian authors. A couple of the authors were new to me (always good to meet new authors), but most for example JM Walker and Cassia Brightmore who happen to be some of my favorites were really really good. They left me wanting to scream for more!!! Always a pleasure to support my fellow Canadians
This is a set of short stories by several authors... I was given a ARC in exchange for a honest review. Misdirection by Cassia Brightmore is phenomenal!! I just love her writing.. I love the darkness she brings and she keeps you on the edge of your seat... and she has a way of pulling you into her stories.. Shea is total KickA$$ and I just loved Penny & Henry. I can’t wait for more of this story..
What an amazing collection! I am so excited to dive into these stories. I read Misdirection by Cassie Brightmore and was blown away! I forgot how this authors story's draw you in from page one and take you on an epic ride. I can't wait for a follow up to this story. Full review will come later.
The only story I have read so far is Misdirection by Cassia Brightmore. WOW!! Short but full of action and all the darkness I love from Cassia Brightmore. And that ending a jaw-dropping twist but this author LOVES to do that. Good story and I need MORE!!!
I read Out of the Blue by DD Prince. A sweet, sexy story that feels like a fully realized romance in a small package (but not with a small package). Highly recommend!
Essentially Broken by C.A. King is the first story in this anthology and the most amazing read I have read in a long time. though it is a very short story, it is very powerful and will leave you wanting more. I hope the rest of the anthology is just as great as this story.
This is a compilation of short stories by some of my favorite authors . It’s for charity and an awesome value for what you get . We all know the front line and essential workers have been even more taxed then before with the Covid virus sweeping the world . This is a thank you to them and they so deserve it . The stories are amazing and the only thing I hated was that they ended and I wanted more . Everyone should one click and pick this up ASAP!
I've read all the stories in the Anthology, and was not disappointed. Alot of new to me authors, which is always a good thing. Really enjoyed most of the stories and there are a few that are only the start to the actual story, and can not wait to read those. Definitely worth the one click!
Recently read Essentially Broken by C A King. A poignant but short account of how life can be so unfair no matter how good a person you are. Full of gripping imagery.
Well first things first. Welcome back Cassia!! I’ve been waiting a long time to read another wonderful, twisted, mind blowing book from her and she didn’t disappoint me.
Shea’s living in two different worlds. On one hand she’s a single mother to a beautiful daughter and works at the coffee shop. Then, on the other hand she’s had to takeover her dads business since he was gunned down. Shea never realized how much like her father she was until she had to step into his shoes. Shea finds the newly appointed Mayor attractive but knows that with the life she’s living it wouldn’t be safe to date him.
Atticus is the newly appointed Mayor. It hasn’t been easy though. He’s only in his 30’s so everybody’s questioning if he could do the job. Add onto the the world is going thru a pandemic called COVID-19 and everything’s upside down. The bright part of his day is when he gets his coffee from Shea.
Atticus always finds himself tongue tied when he’s around her. But, he manned up and got her to agree to go on a date with him.
Being this is a anthology all the stories are short/novella length. I’m not going to tell you much more other then Shea and Atticus went into this date as one person but their lives will never be the same afterwards.
Cassie, give me more!! I’m super glad you got your writing mojo back I’m praying you keep it. I do really, really wish this was a full length book though bc it’s harder for me to connect with the characters in short stories. But, in true Cassia fashion I was left with my jaw on the floor saying WTF?!
What a great idea for a book especially during this time of uncertainty and so much chaos in the world!
A group of Canadian authors has come together to each write a short story with all the proceeds going to a charity!!
I'll be honest I wasnt really sure how I would feel about an anthology but I'm a little more then half way through the book and It's amazing!!!
Second Chance by Gillian Jones has to be my fave story that I've read in it so far!! I loved Faith and Chance and have high hopes that perhaps maybe just maybe it will become more then a short story lol I loved the authors ability to make us see and feel the chemistry between these two so fast. It can't be an easy job knowing you have a limited canvas upon which to write and draw your readers in, and also make the story seem realistic. Faith is a nurse and Chance is a mechanic. He ends up at the hospital Faith works at after a minor accident at his shop. And in turn she ends up needing her car fixed and boy does he help her "fix" what she needs fixed haha.
I can't wait to finish reading this book! If you haven't read it yet what are you waiting for? Amazing authors, amazing stories and it helps out a great cause!!
JM Walker's story I received this book from the author for an honest review. I have always been interested in Ryder after meeting him in a Meadows book. I gotta say he did not disappoint. We knew he loved his sisters, family, and friends. We know he loves his country and serves proudly in the military. But getting to KNOW him was amazing even if this was a little tease before the real story happens. Clara was a great addition to the family we have all come to love. She fits in with the rest of the strong women in the families. Her love of The Dove Project and the women it serves plus the people who run it shows. She takes pride in what she will soon bring to the program herself after school. The duo is a perfect match in so many ways. They are both independent and strong people, but both are looking for someone to love them for who they are. Their date and morning following the date sets up for what will be a strong relationship. The ending chapter is setting the stage for all they will need to overcome to achieve all they both want in the future novel.
Over all this book was a really great choice of specific authors ! Giving you insight into each different personality, and individual stories. I really enjoyed Sue Langford’s “Bullet to the Heart”.... it is in a series of books... “Revenge series”. The characters really stood out, you could actually visualize the story ! I must admit that it’s not my typical type of read..... but, I may just have to start the series !! As I have been compelled to read more of this story !
The complete book full of wonderful stories is a really wonderful idea.... a big tease !!! Now I have to buy more books !
Loved these short stories! I was able to read them during my lunch break and I enjoyed every single one of them!!! The only author I'm familiar with is Gillian Jones but I'm so ecstatic to check out all the other author's!!
Chance and Faith were a match made in the ER. A bit of tape bonded them together a car bonnet cemented them.
I immediately felt the connection between these two. The flushes and bright smiles told it all. But the garage scene... phewwwww hot!! I would 100% get down and greasy with Chance!
Loved how bold Faith was with him, she saw she conquered! Lol
My only grumble is i would of loved their full story. I've totally fell for them. Great little steamy read. I've missed this author! Hopefully we'll get some more great stories off her soon! I'm off to enjoy some more of these stories and hopefully find some new authors to read!
Essentially Broken by C.A. King was the book I read. I believe C.A.King has written another beautiful story that will keep you guessing. No one believes in special powers, but some people do. No one thinks that lives can be saved, but in the end lives are saved. But in the end the lives saved costed a loved one to be let go. If you like books that will keep you guessing, heart racing and sad this is the one to read.