Book Reviews

Book Blurb

With time comes healing, but Orlando and the LGBT community are still recovering from last June’s tragedy. To show our ongoing support for those affected by the Orlando shooting, our authors, editors, artists, and staff have volunteered their talents to create this second benefit anthology. All proceeds will be donated to LGBT organizations in central Florida. Join us as we reaffirm that no matter the obstacle, love always wins.

Book Review

A touching show of support for Orlando and the LGBT community in the face of the 2016 nightclub shooting. The authors, editors, artists, and staff of Dreamspinner Press volunteered their talents to create this second benefit anthology, all proceeds of which will be donated to LGBT organizations in central Florida.

Abstract Heart by Lucie Archer, reviewed by Serena Yates
Two shy men trying to work up the courage to talk to each other could be a total disaster. And with Nick being about as afraid of opening his mouth as Kris, I wasn’t very hopeful it would ever work. But then they get a little help – it seems like all their friends “conspire” in the end – and suddenly what was awkward and seemed impossible turned into cute and full of possibilities.

Nick may work in an advertising agency, but he is one of the number crunchers in the basement, as he puts it. He has very little self-confidence and as for asking a man out, even for coffee? That is a major obstacle for him. He’s had his eye on Kris for a while, but just can’t work up his courage to talk to him. Kris is a graduate art student and equally shy, although he has had to overcome his “hermit tendencies” for when he volunteers at the museum as a tour guide. I think the only reason he manages it is because he can pretty much stick to a script – and small talk is not required. These two guys are insanely cute, and I could feel for both of them as they struggled to conquer their demons.

If you like shy men who come out of their shells, if you want to find out which of them manages to break the ice, and if you’re looking for a sweet read, then you will probably like this short story.

Cats and Christmas Trees: Trouble Waiting to Happen by M.A. Church, reviewed by Christy Duke
'Fur, Fangs, and Felines' is one of my favorite series by this author, so the opportunity to read a short story involving three of my favorite guys, PLUS be involved (in a small way) with such an incredible anthology, was a win-win for me. The urge to see what Tal, Dolf, and Kirk were up to was practically impossible to ignore.

I easily emphasized with Kirk wanting to have a tree, presents, even a party with friends, and though the cats worship Bast, once Dolf gets the information out of Kirk as to why he’s been sad and down, it doesn’t take Kirk's mates too long to get the ball rolling. I would've given anything to have been in their home when the three men were decorating the tree. All those shiny, glittery ornaments bobbing, twirling, and swaying on the tree? I bet Dolf and Tal were drooling. Kirk certainly gets to enjoy the fun later when his mates shift and play with the tree!

Such a lovely and funny holiday story. It's a miracle that Dolf and Tal didn't knock the tree over but Kirk knows his men well, and the best way to distract them. I could picture these three curled up on the rug in front of the fire, warm and content.

A Chance for Hope by Deja Black, reviewed by Serena Yates
This story broke my heart. It is a realistic portrait of a black man called Paul, who lost his Jewish husband in the Orlando massacre. Freelance writer, Brad, is the one who gets involved in Paul’s life after witnessing the funeral and the way Paul’s husband’s family rejects him. It was interesting to watch how Brad goes from “just writing” about one of the victims’ loved ones to feeling the need to somehow help. It’s a need many probably feel after a tragedy like that, but Brad goes through with it and I admired that.

Paul’s pain is palpable. The loss of a man he shared his life with for fourteen years and has been married to for ten hits him hard. Getting back to the “land of the living” is tough, but with an understanding boss and some acquaintances from his regular coffee shop helping a little, Paul at least manages to survive – sort of. Brad watches him for two months, even though all he wanted initially was to understand Paul well enough to be able to write the profile his magazine is looking for. But there is something that pulls him toward Paul, so he ends up deciding to try to become his friend. Paul doesn’t have many of those, and as weird as it is for him to talk to a total stranger, Paul does feel the need to discuss his husband, what happened, and eventually, his life.

If you like stories that gently go from sad and depressing to sweet and just a little hopeful, and if you prefer the real sadness and despair of those left behind not to be glossed over in any way, then you will probably like this respectfully written short story about second chances. I adored it!
 
Changing Things by Nicole Dennis, reviewed by Serena Yates
Anyone who loves their pets will be able to sympathize with Seth in this story – he adores his two rescue cats, but his boyfriend, Ryan is allergic to them. So far Seth hasn’t had to make a decision between the two and he swore never to give up his cats for “a fling”, yet Ryan is becoming so much more. And Ryan has put up with the discomfort of the occasional asthma attack and never asked Seth to decide between them. But then Ryan gets an attack severe enough so he ends up in hospital, and Seth knows he’ll have to make the decision he never wanted to make.

Seth’s heartache is real – how are you supposed to decide between your lover and the pets you raised from when they were kittens? Between that and the worry about Ryan being in the hospital, Seth has his hands full. Luckily he also has a set of amazing friends and they help him not just by supporting him and helping him decide how much he really loves Ryan, but they are there to offer a solution! If you have read ‘Treasure Trail’ you’ll recognize Derrick, the pub owner, and pirate “impersonator”/tour guide Chris, if not, the story stands very well on its own.

If you like stories about emotional dilemmas, if pets are close to your heart, and if you’re looking for an emotional read with a happy ending, then you will probably like this short story.

Especially in Orlando by Troy Storm, reviewed by Christy Duke
I fell for Dalton immediately. A big, sweet hunk of a man, with a great big heart who can't stand to see people get hurt. In the course of a moving job, Dalton feels sorry for the gentleman whose younger, twinky, obvious ex-lover bitches and screams while Dalton and his co-worker load up the man's belongings and move him to a new place, leaving the other man sitting morosely on the curb.

Dalton can’t help himself. He ends up going back over to check and ensure that George was alright. Dalton is honest and admits he is attracted to George, and George is equally upfront in mentioning his embarrassment at thinking a young man could be what he needs, particularly as George can’t keep his eyes off the hot mover who shows up. One thing leads to another and it turns out that Dalton and George have a powerful attraction and sometimes rebounds work wonderfully.

I have to admit to being completely shocked by the ending. In a really good way. This may be my first time reading anything by Troy Storm, but based on the hilarity and overall wackiness, it won't be my last. An exceptionally funny and sexy holiday story!

Free to Love by Kris T. Bethke, reviewed by Serena Yates
‘Free to Love’ shows what it is like to hide who you are because your family and the people where you work would not accept that you’re gay. Shane has done this for years, and he is afraid that he’ll lose Henry, the man he loves. But when “the worst” happens, Shane is finally able to find out how it feels to be “free to love” the man he has fallen for.

Fear can be a debilitating emotion, and Shane has been living with it ever since he realized that he is gay. His parents are more than bigoted, and he doesn’t want to risk alienating them, even though he doesn’t like them all that much – they’ve already kicked out his sister for dating a black man. But logic does not enter these kinds of situations, so Shane is stuck. His emotions and thoughts are very realistic, as are his surprise and eventual relief when he is found out – and while he loses some people, what he gains is worth so much more to him.

A thoughtful story about the reality of hiding who you are from those who should be closest to you, fear, and hope that, sometimes, it does get better.
 
Happily Ever After, After All by L.A. Merrill, reviewed by Serena Yates
This is a hilarious take on Rapunzel, with a princess who wants to marry a princess, ends up in a tower, chases away all the traditional princes who try to rescue her, and doesn’t even consider rescue until a group of women come by who take pity on her hopeless situation. From the description of lonely tower life, to the trouble Aubergine has with her unruly, ever-growing hair, to the discussions of potential modes of rescue by the ladies of the academy, this tale had me smiling.

Aubergine has been in the tower for over ten years, and isn’t even sure she’ll be able to cope once she escapes. Her father certainly won’t be any help, he was the one to put her in there, after all. So she can’t go back to being a princess. Then there is the problem of magic being illegal, unless the king uses it, but magic is pretty much the only way she can get out. There is even an evil witch who will get in the way if Aubergine isn’t careful. She and Miss Persimmon, the teacher in charge of the group of ladies who discover Aubergine, come up with a way to deal with the issues – and I enjoyed every minute of it.

If you like different takes of existing fairy tales, if you believe princesses should be allowed to marry anyone they like, and if you’re looking for a fun read with lots of humor, a magical touch, and a sweet romance, then you should give this shot story a go. I, for one, really enjoyed reading it.
 
The Importance of Pride by Ravon Silvius, reviewed by Christy Duke
Patrick has recently moved to a small, rural, midwestern town after inheriting his great uncle Marty's home and accepting a position as a professor of history at the local college. This is the kind of small town where he could be fired from his position if they found out he is gay. So Patrick stays to himself and works on cleaning out the detritus in his new home.

It is in a pile of his uncle's papers that Patrick begins to find the man he has always wanted to be. Patrick starts to recognize the importance of being out, of fighting for his rights, of making a stand and not backing down. The importance of Pride. The words of his uncle ring in his head when he presents his research proposal to the history department chair: researching the history of LGBT individuals in this small midwestern area. Patrick is surprised when his idea is accepted so quickly but it doesn’t take him long to ask out his fellow professor and begin to write his own history.

A fabulous reminder of all the people who have fought so hard throughout history for equal rights and treatment.

The Insomniac Sommelier by Julie Lynn Hayes, reviewed by Serena Yates
Insomnia can be caused by many different things – anxiety and stress are high on the list – and from the moment I started to read Kirk’s story, it was clear to me that his anxiety levels were through the roof. Between not being happy working at the family restaurant and having been bullied by his older brother for years, Kirk has more than enough reasons to worry. There is only one problem: while he can see that he is unhappy and that his family’s ignoring and emotionally mistreating him, he won’t admit that they are the cause or that the only way out is to leave.

Kirk has dreams – he is an assistant sommelier now with his older brother as his boss, but he loves to cook as well and dreams of owning his own restaurant one day. He’s got the experience, has even helped out his sister in the diner she owns, but he can’t find the courage to take that final step. Then he meets Ashley and everything changes. Well, not right away, but being able to sleep when Ashley is next to him is the beginning of Kirk opening his eyes and seeing the truth.

If you like stories with main characters who are unwilling to see the truth of their situation until someone else makes them realize what’s going on, if you want to see a stubborn, slightly arrogant man come to his senses, and if you’re looking for a gentle romance that focuses on emotions more than the physical, then give this story a try.
 
Looking for George by David C. Dawson, reviewed by Serena Yates
As short as it is sweet, this is a story about a star-struck middle-aged married woman who chases the dream of meeting a Hollywood celebrity. After running into him while working as a cleaner at a London hotel, her crush grows to epic proportions, and she loses sight of all reasonable behavior. Her friends, and even her husband of forty-one years all enable her and it takes a significant shock for her to come to her senses.

If you like stories about the erroneous paths crushes can make even the most sensible people take, then this one is for you.
 
Love Over Lotto by Jude Dunn, reviewed by Serena Yates
Craig and Tom in this story are a good example of what can happen when money is tight – with Craig trying to make money from his painting and Tom desperately holding on to a job he hates, tensions are high from the start. But then Craig decides to take a risk with their rainy-day money, Tom loses his job, and chaos ensues.

Both men are pretty average guys but then things begin to change and their love is put to the test. And while winning the lottery based on one try may not be realistic, what happens next and how Craig almost loses it all based on inexperience has probably happened more than once. Both men have a lot to learn about really trusting their partner and relying on the fact that he can do what they themselves may not be able to. It’s a great life lesson.

If you like modern-day fairy tales where unimaginable wealth suddenly becomes a reality, if you want to see how two very different men deal with the sudden riches, and if you’re looking for a read that might just have you biting your nails and yelling at Craig to be careful about whom he trusts, then you will probably like this short story.

More Than His Scars by Jana Denardo, reviewed by Serena Yates
While this sounds like a story from an existing series, it stands well on its own. With a focus on dealing with loss, and the role love plays in people coming to terms with their fate, ‘More than His Scars’ is a perfect fit for this anthology.

Aaron may have lost an arm, but he has been able to pick up his life pretty well. His lover and friends have clearly played a role as well, but Aaron has done most of the work. I loved that they all banded together to “distract” him from the anniversary of his loss, and the scenes in the amusement park were hilarious!

If you like main characters who are deeply in love and help each other through thick and thin, then give this story a try.

Overcoming Fear by Grace R. Duncan, reviewed by Christy Duke
I love a good post-apocalyptic story and Duncan and Mark's story is definitely good. It's been four years since the pandemic and humanity seems to have disappeared as violence has become the norm. All the worst aspects of humankind have come front and center, so existing in this new world is a daily battle.

Duncan and Mark meet in a pharmacy looking for supplies. Mark lost just about everyone he knew and loved, so it takes Duncan awhile to reassure Mark that he isn't going anywhere. They settle in a log cabin by what must have once been a vacation area for boaters, fishermen, and hunters. They are able to feed themselves and since Mark is a nurse, sometimes visitors appear for help.

A truly beautiful short story that emphasizes the importance of love, no matter what the circumstances, and not letting your fears overcome you so much that you forget to live.
 
Prevailing Zzz's by Tray Ellis, reviewed by Serena Yates
A sweet short story about the evils of snoring and what it can do to relationships if you’re not careful. With Win already an insomniac and Greg an incurable snorer, no matter what he tries, the only thing both men know is that they love each other. This is the story of how they figure out if it is enough for them to make a go of it as a couple.

If you like stories about lovers who need to overcome annoying practical issues, and if you’re looking for a read with lots of love, doubts, and creative solutions, then you will probably like this tale.
 
Pushing Back Oblivion by Alicia Nordwell, reviewed by Serena Yates
“In sickness and in health” may be a much-used formula when two people promise to share their lives, but in some cases they become a necessary guideline to staying sane while dealing with health problems nobody should ever have to face.

Cohen broke my heart. He is so courageous, fighting every inch of the way, and with an invisible enemy like a brain tumor that is no easy feat. He goes through more than one surgery and with memories and desperation coloring his narration, this is a moving piece of writing. The love between Cohen and his partner, Jamie, shines through everything they deal with, and it gave everything a sheen of hope I desperately wanted – for their sakes as well as my own!

If you’re ready for a somewhat harrowing account of how a loving couple deals with a severe health issue, go for it. I think this story is as realistic as it is hopeful.
 
Reluctant Valentine by Xenia Melzer, reviewed by Serena Yates
Eccentric writer meets determined handyman would be a good summary of this highly entertaining short piece about opposites attract. More than that – they firmly ignite the pages with the heat generated between these two seemingly incompatible guys.

Dean writes romance as a hobby – thrillers are his real source of income -  and a looming deadline is close to defeating him. Then Morgan, hired by Dean’s meddling sister to fix some issues in Dean’s somewhat dilapidated house, shows up and Dean’s life is thrown into disarray. He is not used to someone else in his space. Morgan and his amazing physique distract him. And to top it all off – inspiration begins to blossom when the infuriatingly irreverent handyman neither gives in nor gives up.

But nothing is as easy as it looks, and it may take a while for Morgan to discover some of Dean’s secrets, but they are almost enough to separate them before a deeper trust can develop. This touch of suspense had me really worried for a while, but in the end, it only made the story better.

If you’re looking for a highly entertaining, very funny, and super sexy story, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Taking a Chance by Renee Stevens, reviewed by Serena Yates
Long distance relationships are notorious for not working – and Toby has decided to stop trying by moving to London to be with his lover, Toby on a more permanent basis. But leaving behind his family is not easy. I especially loved how his older brother, Jason, showed him his love. Brotherly affection can be really beautiful, and Jason nailed it!

If you like stories about new beginnings, if characters who take a risk to be with the one they love are your thing, and if you’re looking for short and sweet, ‘Taking a Chance’ might just be to your liking.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Anthology/17 short stories, 330 pages/114762 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	12-December-2016
Price	$6.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/love-wins-7898-b