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Heart2Heart Charity Anthologies
Heart2Heart: A Charity Anthology, Volume 8
Once upon a time, a bunch of authors wondered… could Heart2Heart, the dating and community app trusted by queer singles around the world, help find the perfect temporary Plus One?
Whether it’s to protect your ‘assets’ at a fundraising gala, attend an ex’s wedding, share a tantric yoga class, walk the dog, or stand by your side at a funeral, sometimes you just need the right person at the right time, and H2H is here to help make it happen.
As always, all proceeds from this anthology will benefit LGBTQ+ charities to ensure that love in all its incarnations will be celebrated and protected every single day of the year!
Stories included in this collection are:
Date with the Dogcle, by Becca Seymour
Mistakenly Yours, by Briar Prescott
A Hot Date with Death, by C. Rochelle
The Hazard and The Hitman, by Cambria Hebert
For a Chance at Butterflies, by Charlie Novak
Rhodes, by Crea Reitan
Light Me Up, by EM Denning
Catch Me Again, by Emmy Sanders
To Break the Ice, by Fae Quin
Scoring a Sweet Thing, by Jodi Oliver
Lavender and Lace, by Kate Hawthorne
Telling the Bees, by Lily Morton
Encore, by Marley Valentine
I Know the Way Home, by Riley Nash
Whether it’s to protect your ‘assets’ at a fundraising gala, attend an ex’s wedding, share a tantric yoga class, walk the dog, or stand by your side at a funeral, sometimes you just need the right person at the right time, and H2H is here to help make it happen.
As always, all proceeds from this anthology will benefit LGBTQ+ charities to ensure that love in all its incarnations will be celebrated and protected every single day of the year!
Stories included in this collection are:
Date with the Dogcle, by Becca Seymour
Mistakenly Yours, by Briar Prescott
A Hot Date with Death, by C. Rochelle
The Hazard and The Hitman, by Cambria Hebert
For a Chance at Butterflies, by Charlie Novak
Rhodes, by Crea Reitan
Light Me Up, by EM Denning
Catch Me Again, by Emmy Sanders
To Break the Ice, by Fae Quin
Scoring a Sweet Thing, by Jodi Oliver
Lavender and Lace, by Kate Hawthorne
Telling the Bees, by Lily Morton
Encore, by Marley Valentine
I Know the Way Home, by Riley Nash
784 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2025
374 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
C. Rochelle
36 books1,676 followersLaugh, Cry & Clench Your Thighs!
Stay connected by joining my Clubhouse of Smut on Patreon, my Little Sinners FB Group, subscribing to my newsletter, and lovingly st@lking me in all the places: https://c-rochelle.com/
C. Rochelle here! I’m a naughty but sweet, introverted, Aquarius weirdo who believes a sharp sense of humor is the sexiest trait, loves shaking my booty to Prince, and have never met a cheese I didn’t like. Oh, and I write spicy Paranormal/Sci-Fi/Monster Why Choose + MM, MFF & MMF romance with dark, naughty humor and a #loveislove mentality.
Stay connected by joining my Clubhouse of Smut on Patreon, my Little Sinners FB Group, subscribing to my newsletter, and lovingly st@lking me in all the places: https://c-rochelle.com/
C. Rochelle here! I’m a naughty but sweet, introverted, Aquarius weirdo who believes a sharp sense of humor is the sexiest trait, loves shaking my booty to Prince, and have never met a cheese I didn’t like. Oh, and I write spicy Paranormal/Sci-Fi/Monster Why Choose + MM, MFF & MMF romance with dark, naughty humor and a #loveislove mentality.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
December 28, 2025
I can't believe this anthology is on its 8th iteration, it's very impressive! I hope each one has raised a ton of cash for charity 💜
Mistakenly Yours, by Briar Prescott it's always such a delight to read anything by Briar Prescott! This short is simultaneously ridiculous and adorable and I am loving it! 5 stars.
A Hot Date with Death, by C. Rochelle DNF. Super weird and unpleasant, from the strange obsession with pretending one MC was a vampire to hooking up after a funeral. Way too much going on for me to get into the story. 1.5 stars.
The Hazard and The Hitman, by Cambria Hebert I was really really enjoying this (Hazard 😍😍😍 best nickname ever) until we got to the very medically unadvisable part and then it was difficult for me to get past that. Authors, please stop making your characters hook up immediately post hospitalization. All medical professionals will thank you 🙏🏻 3.5 stars.
For a Chance at Butterflies, by Charlie Novak Adorable 🥰 Really engaging right away but as soon as the Big Moment happened they became quite dull as a couple. 3 stars.
Catch Me Again, by Emmy Sanders My first Emmy Sanders book and after the success of her books this year I had really high expectations. DNF. 2 stars.
Telling the Bees, by Lily Morton 5 stars for making me feel like I read a full length book worth of character building somehow packed into a novella. Charming as always. 1 additional star for Lily's trademark sandblasted beams. If the house renovation doesn't involve sandblasted beams it's not a Lily Morton book.
Encore, by Marley Valentine the first chapter didn't grab me. DNF. I didn't read enough to leave a star rating.
I Know the Way Home, by Riley Nash I finished this one in the same way you slow to look at a car crash on your way past. The writing was quite good, but the characters were not, and the plot had so many holes it was a marvel. 2 stars.
I removed the ones I won't be reading, either because the author is on my "Nope" list or due to disinterest.
Mistakenly Yours, by Briar Prescott it's always such a delight to read anything by Briar Prescott! This short is simultaneously ridiculous and adorable and I am loving it! 5 stars.
A Hot Date with Death, by C. Rochelle DNF. Super weird and unpleasant, from the strange obsession with pretending one MC was a vampire to hooking up after a funeral. Way too much going on for me to get into the story. 1.5 stars.
The Hazard and The Hitman, by Cambria Hebert I was really really enjoying this (Hazard 😍😍😍 best nickname ever) until we got to the very medically unadvisable part and then it was difficult for me to get past that. Authors, please stop making your characters hook up immediately post hospitalization. All medical professionals will thank you 🙏🏻 3.5 stars.
For a Chance at Butterflies, by Charlie Novak Adorable 🥰 Really engaging right away but as soon as the Big Moment happened they became quite dull as a couple. 3 stars.
Catch Me Again, by Emmy Sanders My first Emmy Sanders book and after the success of her books this year I had really high expectations. DNF. 2 stars.
Telling the Bees, by Lily Morton 5 stars for making me feel like I read a full length book worth of character building somehow packed into a novella. Charming as always. 1 additional star for Lily's trademark sandblasted beams. If the house renovation doesn't involve sandblasted beams it's not a Lily Morton book.
Encore, by Marley Valentine the first chapter didn't grab me. DNF. I didn't read enough to leave a star rating.
I Know the Way Home, by Riley Nash I finished this one in the same way you slow to look at a car crash on your way past. The writing was quite good, but the characters were not, and the plot had so many holes it was a marvel. 2 stars.
I removed the ones I won't be reading, either because the author is on my "Nope" list or due to disinterest.
November 8, 2025
Overall Rating: 4
Date With The Dogcle - Becca Seymour (4)
Angus and Callum were adorable. Loved the dog dates, the humour was great, and there was a really nice balance between getting to know the characters, the relationship development, and the spicy scenes.
Mistakenly Yours - Briar Prescott (4)
This was really cute. Loved the mistaken identity and how once it was cleared up, Eli and Raf were inseparable. I would have liked to see Eli meeting Raf's brother Levi again though!
A Hot Date With Death - C Rochelle (4)
An unusual mix of morbidness, kink, obsession, instalove, and wholesomeness.... Totally here for it though! Josh was actually super interesting all-round, and Shay was a cute but sassy brat. Really enjoyable read.
The Hazard & The Hitman - Cambria Hebert (4)
Unhinged but fun! Haz was a walking disaster but I thought him using the app to get a fake boyfriend so he could get out of the hospital was both hilarious and sad. Kieran was his complete opposite - competent, dark and moody, and weirdly possessive of a stranger. They're getting a full length story but I kinda liked it being short and sweet...
For A Chance At Butterflies - Charlie Novak (4)
Adorable as always! I wanted to hug Jules so hard and simultaneously cause injury to Darius and Philip!! Tai was perfect for Jules and their relationship just felt like a warm hug.
Rhodes - Crea Reitan (4)
Van Doren is my favourite of Crea's series and I loved Rhodes and his murder puppies as soon as they showed up, so I'm super happy he finally got a story! Bennett is just the right amount of unhinged to fit in perfectly with Rhodes and his crazy family too. I can't wait to re-read this when it gets expanded!
Light Me Up - EM Denning (3)
Super short and we don't really find much out about either MC other than their jobs and the reason for using the app.
Catch Me Again - Emmy Sanders (3)
Not my favourite! I have a social battery that drains faster than Usain Bolt runs, so personalities like Lian's really exhaust me - even reading fictional characters! I thought they were cute together but it was just a bit much for me. I did sympathise with the allergic reaction though, the same thing happened to me when I had vegetable paella that actually had mussels in it 😂
To Break The Ice - Fae Quin (4)
Cute bi-awakening with older MCs. I liked the revenge angle but it never actually materialised. It was actually really sweet. The chaos gremlin in me kinda wanted that revenge drama though!
Scoring A Sweet Thing - Jodi Oliver (4)
Super sweet! This story is about Bailey and Remi who were also featured in Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders. I thought Remi was peak golden retriever energy even though I'm actually not a fan of marshmallows in my hot chocolate! I would love to be friends with Bailey though, introverts are the best.
Lavender & Lace - Kate Hawthorne (4)
Super short and instalove but I really enjoyed this! Loved all the lavender too, I'm always searching for lavender scents!
Telling The Bees - Lily Morton (4)
Swoony and entertaining, as always! I love Lily's books set in Devon, it's my favourite place to go and now I just need someone to sweep me off my feet and move me to their idyllic beach view house 😂
Encore - Marley Valentine (3)
I hate flashbacks, even more when it's such a short story! I couldn't get into this one at all.
I Know The Way Home - Riley Nash (3)
This was totally different in tone to every other story, which I really wasn't expecting! I think I needed to know more / have maybe a couple more chapters because it felt too quick to really settle into the story?!
Date With The Dogcle - Becca Seymour (4)
Angus and Callum were adorable. Loved the dog dates, the humour was great, and there was a really nice balance between getting to know the characters, the relationship development, and the spicy scenes.
Mistakenly Yours - Briar Prescott (4)
This was really cute. Loved the mistaken identity and how once it was cleared up, Eli and Raf were inseparable. I would have liked to see Eli meeting Raf's brother Levi again though!
A Hot Date With Death - C Rochelle (4)
An unusual mix of morbidness, kink, obsession, instalove, and wholesomeness.... Totally here for it though! Josh was actually super interesting all-round, and Shay was a cute but sassy brat. Really enjoyable read.
The Hazard & The Hitman - Cambria Hebert (4)
Unhinged but fun! Haz was a walking disaster but I thought him using the app to get a fake boyfriend so he could get out of the hospital was both hilarious and sad. Kieran was his complete opposite - competent, dark and moody, and weirdly possessive of a stranger. They're getting a full length story but I kinda liked it being short and sweet...
For A Chance At Butterflies - Charlie Novak (4)
Adorable as always! I wanted to hug Jules so hard and simultaneously cause injury to Darius and Philip!! Tai was perfect for Jules and their relationship just felt like a warm hug.
Rhodes - Crea Reitan (4)
Van Doren is my favourite of Crea's series and I loved Rhodes and his murder puppies as soon as they showed up, so I'm super happy he finally got a story! Bennett is just the right amount of unhinged to fit in perfectly with Rhodes and his crazy family too. I can't wait to re-read this when it gets expanded!
Light Me Up - EM Denning (3)
Super short and we don't really find much out about either MC other than their jobs and the reason for using the app.
Catch Me Again - Emmy Sanders (3)
Not my favourite! I have a social battery that drains faster than Usain Bolt runs, so personalities like Lian's really exhaust me - even reading fictional characters! I thought they were cute together but it was just a bit much for me. I did sympathise with the allergic reaction though, the same thing happened to me when I had vegetable paella that actually had mussels in it 😂
To Break The Ice - Fae Quin (4)
Cute bi-awakening with older MCs. I liked the revenge angle but it never actually materialised. It was actually really sweet. The chaos gremlin in me kinda wanted that revenge drama though!
Scoring A Sweet Thing - Jodi Oliver (4)
Super sweet! This story is about Bailey and Remi who were also featured in Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders. I thought Remi was peak golden retriever energy even though I'm actually not a fan of marshmallows in my hot chocolate! I would love to be friends with Bailey though, introverts are the best.
Lavender & Lace - Kate Hawthorne (4)
Super short and instalove but I really enjoyed this! Loved all the lavender too, I'm always searching for lavender scents!
Telling The Bees - Lily Morton (4)
Swoony and entertaining, as always! I love Lily's books set in Devon, it's my favourite place to go and now I just need someone to sweep me off my feet and move me to their idyllic beach view house 😂
Encore - Marley Valentine (3)
I hate flashbacks, even more when it's such a short story! I couldn't get into this one at all.
I Know The Way Home - Riley Nash (3)
This was totally different in tone to every other story, which I really wasn't expecting! I think I needed to know more / have maybe a couple more chapters because it felt too quick to really settle into the story?!
November 3, 2025
I will update this as I read more and more stories!
Anthology prompt: do you have a special event coming up? use the dating app Heart2Heart to find a Plus One!
Title: Lavender and Lace by Kate Hawthorne
Blurb: Reginald inherits a lot of money and he needs a date to go house hunting.
My thoughts: This was such a cute story focused on the first day of the characters knowing each other. This one was such so my jam. I loved how it showed the awkward feelings of meeting someone new and getting to know them and how things are a little nerve racking at first.
———
Title: Telling The Bees by Lily Morton
Blurb: Georgie’s childhood best friend and first crush offers to be his date for the wedding of Georgie’s ex.
My thoughts: What. A. Story. The pining. The banter. The humour. The connection. Just wow. Everything in this story was developed in such a marvelous way and I was hanging on to every word. Everything was portrayed so well that I could feel every feeling the characters were feeling and it made for a wonderful reading experience.
———
Title: For A Chance At Butterflies by Charlie Novak
Blurb: Jules ex left him for one of his friends and they are both very mean to him. So he puts out an ad for a date that would be willing to defend him and keep him company during a night out with them.
My thoughts: Jules was battered and bruised and his self esteem was very low from years of being told that he isn’t good enough and I loved seeing him stand up for himself through the story and I loved how his guy was fiercly protective of him and telling him how lovely he is every 5 seconds. This was such a cute and heartwarming story and it had me grining the entire time I was reading it.
———
Title: I Know The Way Home by Riley Nash
Blurb: Reed is waiting for a big medical diagnosis and he puts out an ad to find someone to role play dating for a day and sit at the doctor’s office with him and hold his hand as he waits for his diagnosis.
My thoughts:
This story just made me ache in all of the right ways. The way the mcs getting to know each other and spend cute moments together was so well entwined with their worries of having to split after the one day they would get to spend. This story just tugged on all of my heart strings. It was a tender, painful and full of so much hope little morcel of the characters lives and i loved reading it.
———
Title: Encore by Marley Valentine
Blurb: Louis and Sterling had a one night stand a month ago and really clicked. Sterling puts out an ad for someone to come with him to see his favourite band in concert and unknowingly, Louis replies to it.
My thoughts:
I just adored the dynamic in this one. The anxious older man and the confident younger man that liked to dominate him, in a way that makes him feel and taken care off. the were a perfect match for each other and i loved how in tune with each other they were. The way their power exchange was explored was just so lovely and sweet.
———
Anthology prompt: do you have a special event coming up? use the dating app Heart2Heart to find a Plus One!
Title: Lavender and Lace by Kate Hawthorne
Blurb: Reginald inherits a lot of money and he needs a date to go house hunting.
My thoughts: This was such a cute story focused on the first day of the characters knowing each other. This one was such so my jam. I loved how it showed the awkward feelings of meeting someone new and getting to know them and how things are a little nerve racking at first.
———
Title: Telling The Bees by Lily Morton
Blurb: Georgie’s childhood best friend and first crush offers to be his date for the wedding of Georgie’s ex.
My thoughts: What. A. Story. The pining. The banter. The humour. The connection. Just wow. Everything in this story was developed in such a marvelous way and I was hanging on to every word. Everything was portrayed so well that I could feel every feeling the characters were feeling and it made for a wonderful reading experience.
———
Title: For A Chance At Butterflies by Charlie Novak
Blurb: Jules ex left him for one of his friends and they are both very mean to him. So he puts out an ad for a date that would be willing to defend him and keep him company during a night out with them.
My thoughts: Jules was battered and bruised and his self esteem was very low from years of being told that he isn’t good enough and I loved seeing him stand up for himself through the story and I loved how his guy was fiercly protective of him and telling him how lovely he is every 5 seconds. This was such a cute and heartwarming story and it had me grining the entire time I was reading it.
———
Title: I Know The Way Home by Riley Nash
Blurb: Reed is waiting for a big medical diagnosis and he puts out an ad to find someone to role play dating for a day and sit at the doctor’s office with him and hold his hand as he waits for his diagnosis.
My thoughts:
This story just made me ache in all of the right ways. The way the mcs getting to know each other and spend cute moments together was so well entwined with their worries of having to split after the one day they would get to spend. This story just tugged on all of my heart strings. It was a tender, painful and full of so much hope little morcel of the characters lives and i loved reading it.
———
Title: Encore by Marley Valentine
Blurb: Louis and Sterling had a one night stand a month ago and really clicked. Sterling puts out an ad for someone to come with him to see his favourite band in concert and unknowingly, Louis replies to it.
My thoughts:
I just adored the dynamic in this one. The anxious older man and the confident younger man that liked to dominate him, in a way that makes him feel and taken care off. the were a perfect match for each other and i loved how in tune with each other they were. The way their power exchange was explored was just so lovely and sweet.
———
October 26, 2025
I really enjoy the Heart2Heart Anthologies. They usually include some of my favorite authors and I also get to discover authors that are new to me as well. My reviews and rating are for my top three stories:
Mistakenly Yours by Briar Prescott
Mistakenly Yours is a short MM romance story about Elias and Raf. This story begins with an awkward meet-cute and then surprisingly becomes a case of mistaken identity. I can’t believe Eli’s mom and sister were pretending to be him on the Hearts2Hearts app. Eli and Raf were both such great guys. They were so sweet together and just perfect for each other. I was entertained by their story and I definitely would enjoy getting more of Eli and Raf.
Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders
Catch Me Again is a short MM romance story about Lian and Foster. After Liam’s boyfriend breaks up with him, he puts an ad on the Heart2Heart app looking for someone to join him on his two week cruise. Foster joins Lian on the cruise, and these two have quite the vacation together. Lian had me smiling and laughing. He was very clumsy but thank goodness he had Foster to catch him every time. Foster was afraid of large bodies of water, and I just loved how Lian was so understanding and supportive. These two were sweet together and I really enjoyed their story.
Scoring A Sweet Thing by Jodi Oliver
Scoring A Sweet Thing by Jodi Oliver is a short MM romance story about Remington and Bailey. Remington is a professional athlete and Bailey is a tattoo artist. Remington needs a plus one to be his fake date to a work event, so he puts an ad on the Hearts2Hearts app. Bailey’s best friend is going on a cruise for two weeks, so he convinces Bailey to get on the H2H app so he actually gets out of the house besides for work. Remi and Bailey match and meet up before the event. It was cute seeing them get to know each other. Remi is adorable and has a sunshine personality while Bailey is an introvert and comes off grumpy. What I loved so much about this story was how they made each other feel. Bailey tells Remi he is incredible and not to ever change, and Remi looks at Bailey like he has hung the moon. They were so incredibly sweet together and I really enjoyed their story.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
Mistakenly Yours by Briar Prescott
Mistakenly Yours is a short MM romance story about Elias and Raf. This story begins with an awkward meet-cute and then surprisingly becomes a case of mistaken identity. I can’t believe Eli’s mom and sister were pretending to be him on the Hearts2Hearts app. Eli and Raf were both such great guys. They were so sweet together and just perfect for each other. I was entertained by their story and I definitely would enjoy getting more of Eli and Raf.
Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders
Catch Me Again is a short MM romance story about Lian and Foster. After Liam’s boyfriend breaks up with him, he puts an ad on the Heart2Heart app looking for someone to join him on his two week cruise. Foster joins Lian on the cruise, and these two have quite the vacation together. Lian had me smiling and laughing. He was very clumsy but thank goodness he had Foster to catch him every time. Foster was afraid of large bodies of water, and I just loved how Lian was so understanding and supportive. These two were sweet together and I really enjoyed their story.
Scoring A Sweet Thing by Jodi Oliver
Scoring A Sweet Thing by Jodi Oliver is a short MM romance story about Remington and Bailey. Remington is a professional athlete and Bailey is a tattoo artist. Remington needs a plus one to be his fake date to a work event, so he puts an ad on the Hearts2Hearts app. Bailey’s best friend is going on a cruise for two weeks, so he convinces Bailey to get on the H2H app so he actually gets out of the house besides for work. Remi and Bailey match and meet up before the event. It was cute seeing them get to know each other. Remi is adorable and has a sunshine personality while Bailey is an introvert and comes off grumpy. What I loved so much about this story was how they made each other feel. Bailey tells Remi he is incredible and not to ever change, and Remi looks at Bailey like he has hung the moon. They were so incredibly sweet together and I really enjoyed their story.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
October 17, 2025
*𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦*
The Heart2Heart Anthologies are forever my favorite! 😍😍
𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 — 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: blind date gone wrong, mistaken identity, size difference, instalove
I loved Eli and Raf’s meet meet-disaster so much, and their story was just so dang cute!
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 — 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗸
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: opposites attract, friends to lovers, slow burn
Jules was such a sweetie, and his friend (& his ex) did him so dirty! I loved that he met Tai and how easily they hit it off, because Jules really needed someone in his corner.
𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗠𝗲 𝗨𝗽 — 𝗘𝗠 𝗗𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: blind date, sort of
Poor Theo’s fear of the dark lead to him finding the perfect person for him! I loved how sweet Hamish was about Theo’s fear, but their chemistry just wasn’t that palpable to me. Super sweet & steamy story though!
𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 — 𝗘𝗺𝗺𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: age gap (5 years), only one bed
Lian is a mess and a half but I loved him so much. He and Foster could not be more different, but they honestly balanced each other out so well—with Lian helping Foster face his fears, and Foster saving Lian from one disaster or another.
𝗧𝗼 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗰𝗲 — 𝗙𝗮𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗻
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: small town, older MCs, bi awakening, opposites attract
I, too, can be somewhat of a Petty Patty, so I was 100% on board with Iven wanting to one up his ex girlfriend by pairing up with Maddox. I loved how Iven was so clueless about his attraction to Maddox, and then how easily he was like 'screw what anyone' thinks when Maddox suggested people would assume they were a couple. Despite how different Iven and Maddox are from one another, they fit so well and their story had my cheeks hurting from how much I smiled.
𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗲𝘀 — 𝗟𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗻
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: childhood friends to lovers, ‘it’s always been you’
This was unBEElievably adorable! Sweet as honey 😜 Zeke was seriously such a sweetheart—a love a man who pines, ok?!
The Heart2Heart Anthologies are forever my favorite! 😍😍
𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 — 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: blind date gone wrong, mistaken identity, size difference, instalove
I loved Eli and Raf’s meet meet-disaster so much, and their story was just so dang cute!
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 — 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗸
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: opposites attract, friends to lovers, slow burn
Jules was such a sweetie, and his friend (& his ex) did him so dirty! I loved that he met Tai and how easily they hit it off, because Jules really needed someone in his corner.
𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗠𝗲 𝗨𝗽 — 𝗘𝗠 𝗗𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: blind date, sort of
Poor Theo’s fear of the dark lead to him finding the perfect person for him! I loved how sweet Hamish was about Theo’s fear, but their chemistry just wasn’t that palpable to me. Super sweet & steamy story though!
𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 — 𝗘𝗺𝗺𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: age gap (5 years), only one bed
Lian is a mess and a half but I loved him so much. He and Foster could not be more different, but they honestly balanced each other out so well—with Lian helping Foster face his fears, and Foster saving Lian from one disaster or another.
𝗧𝗼 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗰𝗲 — 𝗙𝗮𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗻
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: small town, older MCs, bi awakening, opposites attract
I, too, can be somewhat of a Petty Patty, so I was 100% on board with Iven wanting to one up his ex girlfriend by pairing up with Maddox. I loved how Iven was so clueless about his attraction to Maddox, and then how easily he was like 'screw what anyone' thinks when Maddox suggested people would assume they were a couple. Despite how different Iven and Maddox are from one another, they fit so well and their story had my cheeks hurting from how much I smiled.
𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗲𝘀 — 𝗟𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗻
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: childhood friends to lovers, ‘it’s always been you’
This was unBEElievably adorable! Sweet as honey 😜 Zeke was seriously such a sweetheart—a love a man who pines, ok?!
October 22, 2025
I always love the H2H anthologies, both because they're a fun way to discover new authors for me to check out, but also because they always deliver wonderful, bite-sized stories that never fail to make me swoon. This one is no different. For the purpose of this review, I selected 4 stories. Let's go over them, shall we?
🌈Mistakenly Yours by Briar Prescott🌈
From a seemingly super awkward meet-cute to a clever case of mistaken identity, followed by serious swoons, this story was incredibly lovely. It's my first time reading something by Briar, and what a wonderful introduction it was! I loved how sweet Raf was and theo's awkward rambling would've been funny if it wasn't so relatable, hah. Such a sweet, wonderful story! Definitely will bump Briar's books up on my TBR.
🌈Light Me Up by EM Denning🌈
In true E.M. Denning fashion, this story is sweet and spicy. I haven't come a cross a book by her that I haven't adored and this story is no different. Theo and Hamish captured my heart and I adored every second of this. Would I have liked more? Yes, but then, I always do. Super lovely!
🌈Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders🌈
Ohh, Emmy Sanders. She has a way with words that never fails to amaze me. Catch Me Again was a beautiful, funny, romantic story about Foster and Lian. Foster is incredibly sweet and Lian... Well, he's just a big ball of chaotic sunshine/golden retriever energy. He's also endearingly clumsy. Luckily, he found the perfect person to catch him every time he trips over his own feet. I adored these two so very much.
🌈Telling The Bees by Lily Morton🌈
Something about Lily’s writing always feels like coming home. Just makes me want to let out a happy sigh. Like arriving at the beach when it’s just a tad too chilly for others to be interested in it so it’s just me and the endless ocean and the smell of it on the breeze, sat in the cold sand, wrapped in a blanket. This story was no different. Sweet, swoony, and with Lily's trademark snark. Beautiful!
In short, definitely make sure to grab this H2H volume 8 when it's released!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🌈Mistakenly Yours by Briar Prescott🌈
From a seemingly super awkward meet-cute to a clever case of mistaken identity, followed by serious swoons, this story was incredibly lovely. It's my first time reading something by Briar, and what a wonderful introduction it was! I loved how sweet Raf was and theo's awkward rambling would've been funny if it wasn't so relatable, hah. Such a sweet, wonderful story! Definitely will bump Briar's books up on my TBR.
🌈Light Me Up by EM Denning🌈
In true E.M. Denning fashion, this story is sweet and spicy. I haven't come a cross a book by her that I haven't adored and this story is no different. Theo and Hamish captured my heart and I adored every second of this. Would I have liked more? Yes, but then, I always do. Super lovely!
🌈Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders🌈
Ohh, Emmy Sanders. She has a way with words that never fails to amaze me. Catch Me Again was a beautiful, funny, romantic story about Foster and Lian. Foster is incredibly sweet and Lian... Well, he's just a big ball of chaotic sunshine/golden retriever energy. He's also endearingly clumsy. Luckily, he found the perfect person to catch him every time he trips over his own feet. I adored these two so very much.
🌈Telling The Bees by Lily Morton🌈
Something about Lily’s writing always feels like coming home. Just makes me want to let out a happy sigh. Like arriving at the beach when it’s just a tad too chilly for others to be interested in it so it’s just me and the endless ocean and the smell of it on the breeze, sat in the cold sand, wrapped in a blanket. This story was no different. Sweet, swoony, and with Lily's trademark snark. Beautiful!
In short, definitely make sure to grab this H2H volume 8 when it's released!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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January 15, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ A Hot Date with Death by C. Rochelle.
I love C. Rochelle's books. She's always the perfect mix of drama, sweetness and spice. It just doesn't get old for me. Also, props for taking grief and death, admittedly uncomfy subjects, and making them fit perfectly in this romance story.
Also, also... is there character art of these two? Cause I need to see it!
I love C. Rochelle's books. She's always the perfect mix of drama, sweetness and spice. It just doesn't get old for me. Also, props for taking grief and death, admittedly uncomfy subjects, and making them fit perfectly in this romance story.
Also, also... is there character art of these two? Cause I need to see it!
November 1, 2025
Thanks to GRR Tours for the ARC
3.8 stars
Please note most of the stories were excellent and I rated accordingly, the low average is due to one 2 star that unfortunately pulled down the average.
I was so incredibly excited to read this, with a line up of authors I love and ones I'm excited to try.
Dating the Dogcle by Becca Seymour-- 3.5 stars
This got off to a great start and I loved the premise but it seemed to lose its way a bit. It was very short, maybe a bit too simple, and felt unfinished. I think it would have really benefited from an epilogue.
Mistakenly Yours by Briar Prescott-- 4.5 stars
This was super sweet and I very much enjoyed it. Brought a new meaning to forced proximity, and overall it was a lot of fun.
Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders-- 4.5 stars
I've read the Love on a Cruise Ship premise a few times, and this was a great example. Lian was adorable and really leapt off the page, and this was great fun to read. I would have appreciated a few more details and another sex scene, but it was very cute.
Falling for A Sweet Thing by Jodi Oliver-- 4.5 stars
This was a surprise hit for me right out of the gate. Jodi Oliver is new to me, but I really loved it. Excellent himbo rep and made me laugh a bunch of times.
Rhodes by Crea Reitan-- 2 stars
I'd heard a lot about this author and was interested in see what all the fuss was about. Unfortunately, this didn't work for me. It didn't even fulfil the brief, as this was not a romance. This was two guys that liked having sex way more than they liked each other, and both of them seemed to have more affection for the dogs than their supposed other half.
Telling the Bees-- 4 stars
This was a Lily Morton story, and hers nearly always work for me. This was sweet and fun but ultimately forgettable.
I Know The Way Home by Riley Nash-- 4 stars
This was cute but not as tragic as I felt it should have been? I connected better to Cannon than Reed. Maybe would have been better expanded into a longer format.
3.8 stars
Please note most of the stories were excellent and I rated accordingly, the low average is due to one 2 star that unfortunately pulled down the average.
I was so incredibly excited to read this, with a line up of authors I love and ones I'm excited to try.
Dating the Dogcle by Becca Seymour-- 3.5 stars
This got off to a great start and I loved the premise but it seemed to lose its way a bit. It was very short, maybe a bit too simple, and felt unfinished. I think it would have really benefited from an epilogue.
Mistakenly Yours by Briar Prescott-- 4.5 stars
This was super sweet and I very much enjoyed it. Brought a new meaning to forced proximity, and overall it was a lot of fun.
Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders-- 4.5 stars
I've read the Love on a Cruise Ship premise a few times, and this was a great example. Lian was adorable and really leapt off the page, and this was great fun to read. I would have appreciated a few more details and another sex scene, but it was very cute.
Falling for A Sweet Thing by Jodi Oliver-- 4.5 stars
This was a surprise hit for me right out of the gate. Jodi Oliver is new to me, but I really loved it. Excellent himbo rep and made me laugh a bunch of times.
Rhodes by Crea Reitan-- 2 stars
I'd heard a lot about this author and was interested in see what all the fuss was about. Unfortunately, this didn't work for me. It didn't even fulfil the brief, as this was not a romance. This was two guys that liked having sex way more than they liked each other, and both of them seemed to have more affection for the dogs than their supposed other half.
Telling the Bees-- 4 stars
This was a Lily Morton story, and hers nearly always work for me. This was sweet and fun but ultimately forgettable.
I Know The Way Home by Riley Nash-- 4 stars
This was cute but not as tragic as I felt it should have been? I connected better to Cannon than Reed. Maybe would have been better expanded into a longer format.
October 18, 2025
*Updating as I read*
• Date with the Doggle by Becca Seymour - 4⭐️
Angus, the sweetest lumberjack man there is out there finds himself needing help with walking his sister’s 4 dogs. Enters Calum, happy to help this dream of a man.
You can expect: all the warm fluff, kinda of insta love, cute dates and sweet sexy times.
• Mistakenly yours by Briar Prescott - 5⭐️
Elias finds himself having to tell a blind date that he’s been talking to his sister and mom all this time, not him. But when he faces Raf, he instantly recognizes the man his ex cheating on with. And then, of course, they find themselves trap in an elevator.
You can expect: lot of laughter, wrong assumptions, insta attraction and the sweetest of ending.
• Hot date with death by C. Rochelle - 3⭐️
Josh replies to an odd add asking for a date with death, and finds himself looking after Shay for his sister’s funeral. But these two soon learn that they complete each other quite perfectly.
You can expect: pleasure Dom, lots of taking care of the other, dancing in heals and a touch of kink.
• The Hazard and the hit man by Cambria Hebert - 2,5⭐️
When Haz ends up on the hospital, he posts an add looking for someone to come pick him up. He ends up with Kieran who seems to quickly believe that Haz belongs to him.
What to expect: possessiveness, hurt/comfort and a Happy For Now.
The author will be expending the story in 2026.
• For a Chance at Butterflies by Charlie Novak - 3,5⭐️
Jules has terrible friends and that’s a fact. So when they all but force him to perform at a gallery opening, he looks for someone to come with and show some support. And so Tai comes to the rescue and help Jules realise he deserves so much more.
What to expect: cute dates, a lovely cat, a touch of mental health rep and a sweet HEA.
• Light me up by EM Denning - 3,5⭐️
Theo is afraid of the dark and books a haunted tour to try and get over it. When his friends can’t come with him, he looks for someone on the app and ends up meeting Hamish. Sweet, lovely Hamish is everything he never knew he needed right now!
What to expect: positive sex talk, gentle giant and ghost’s stories.
• Catch me again by Emmy Sanders - 4⭐️
Lian gets dumped just before a cruise, so he posts an add to look for someone wanting to grasp a free ticket and go with him. Enter Foster, trying to fight his fear of open waters.
You can expect: lots of funny moments, only one bed, lot of falling (in every sense of the word) and a very sweet hea!
• Date with the Doggle by Becca Seymour - 4⭐️
Angus, the sweetest lumberjack man there is out there finds himself needing help with walking his sister’s 4 dogs. Enters Calum, happy to help this dream of a man.
You can expect: all the warm fluff, kinda of insta love, cute dates and sweet sexy times.
• Mistakenly yours by Briar Prescott - 5⭐️
Elias finds himself having to tell a blind date that he’s been talking to his sister and mom all this time, not him. But when he faces Raf, he instantly recognizes the man his ex cheating on with. And then, of course, they find themselves trap in an elevator.
You can expect: lot of laughter, wrong assumptions, insta attraction and the sweetest of ending.
• Hot date with death by C. Rochelle - 3⭐️
Josh replies to an odd add asking for a date with death, and finds himself looking after Shay for his sister’s funeral. But these two soon learn that they complete each other quite perfectly.
You can expect: pleasure Dom, lots of taking care of the other, dancing in heals and a touch of kink.
• The Hazard and the hit man by Cambria Hebert - 2,5⭐️
When Haz ends up on the hospital, he posts an add looking for someone to come pick him up. He ends up with Kieran who seems to quickly believe that Haz belongs to him.
What to expect: possessiveness, hurt/comfort and a Happy For Now.
The author will be expending the story in 2026.
• For a Chance at Butterflies by Charlie Novak - 3,5⭐️
Jules has terrible friends and that’s a fact. So when they all but force him to perform at a gallery opening, he looks for someone to come with and show some support. And so Tai comes to the rescue and help Jules realise he deserves so much more.
What to expect: cute dates, a lovely cat, a touch of mental health rep and a sweet HEA.
• Light me up by EM Denning - 3,5⭐️
Theo is afraid of the dark and books a haunted tour to try and get over it. When his friends can’t come with him, he looks for someone on the app and ends up meeting Hamish. Sweet, lovely Hamish is everything he never knew he needed right now!
What to expect: positive sex talk, gentle giant and ghost’s stories.
• Catch me again by Emmy Sanders - 4⭐️
Lian gets dumped just before a cruise, so he posts an add to look for someone wanting to grasp a free ticket and go with him. Enter Foster, trying to fight his fear of open waters.
You can expect: lots of funny moments, only one bed, lot of falling (in every sense of the word) and a very sweet hea!
November 9, 2025
A Hot Date with Death by C. Rochelle Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders
To Break the Ice by Fae Quin
To Break the Ice by Fae Quin
Read
December 29, 2025I only read the Briar Prescott one out of this because she’s one of my absolute favourite authors and ofc I loved it!
Her banter and character are always incredible and I loved this story!
Her banter and character are always incredible and I loved this story!
November 14, 2025
This anthology has so many amazing authors! Hoping to get through all of the stories.
Mistakenly Yours - Briar Prescott
5 Stars
Love Elias & Raf's story. Had a great twist to the story as Briar's books always do. Highly suggest everyone read this!
Encore - Marley Valentine
5 Stars
I’m all in with Louis & Sterling! They met randomly and had a one night stand. Fate stepped in and brought them back together. I’m really hoping they get their own book!
Mistakenly Yours - Briar Prescott
5 Stars
Love Elias & Raf's story. Had a great twist to the story as Briar's books always do. Highly suggest everyone read this!
Encore - Marley Valentine
5 Stars
I’m all in with Louis & Sterling! They met randomly and had a one night stand. Fate stepped in and brought them back together. I’m really hoping they get their own book!
November 8, 2025
5 Heart2Heart Stars
⭐
ARC Read: 26/10/2025
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you GRRfor this gift. 🥰
3rd Story - A Hot Date With Death by C. Rochelle
—5 Eau de Behemoth Vampire Stars ⭐️— 5 🌶—
Shane Avery & Joshua Taylor
Dual POV - 1st Person
MM Short Adult romance
A Date With Death
Fake Boyfriend
Size Difference
Sunshine x Doberman
Dark Humor
painter x pole dancer
"Sir, I may need you to nibble on me..."
Caretaking
big brat energy x calm & Pacient
Lingerie
Edging
Pleasure Dom
Breeding kink
Aftercare
Edgar Allan Poe Coffee Mug
Fangs Obsession
Crow Pet-Wife
Found Family
Insomnia & Loneliness
Insecurities
Grief
HFN
9th Story - To Break the Ice by Fae Quin
—5 Grunts Stars ⭐️— 5 🌶—
Iven Broomhaur & Maddox Fuller
Dual POV - 1st Person
MM Short Adult Winter Romance
Small Town
Size Difference
Opposites Attract
Craftsman x Bookshop Keeper
Ice Sculpting As A Love Language
First Times
Lots Of Begging
Pillow Princess Awakening
Rimming
Edging
Thick Belly x Soft Belly
Gentle Giant
Man Of Few Words x Chatterbox
Revenge On The Ex
Fresh Break-Up
Home-Cooked Meals
"Old Man Yaoi"
Nosy Townies
Bisexual Awakening
HEA
10th Story - Scoring a Sweet Thing by Jodi Oliver
—5 Marshmallow Stars ⭐️— 4 🌶—
Remington x Bailey
Dual POV - 1st Person
Contents:
MM Sports Adult Romance
Emergency Date
Fake Boyfriend
Tattoo Artist x Hockey Player
Opposites Attract
Insta Love
Black Cat x Golden Retriver
Marshmallows Obsession
Possessiveness
"Humping Saves Lives"
Butt Plug
"This ass is officially mine"
Piercings & Tattoos
Weird Goalie Antics
Himbo x introvert
Fanny Pack
Amazings BFFs
Handsy Grannies
Fundraising Gala
2x Can't Stop Thinking Of You
Pansexual Rep
HEA
14th Story - I Know The Way Home by Riley Nash
—5 Blueberry Cheese Stars ⭐️— 4 🌶—
Reed x Cannon
Dual POV - 1st Person
MM Small Town Adult Romance
Trans M x Cis M
Strangers To Lovers
Insta-Connection
Opposites Attract
Age Gap
Druken Texting
Pretend Boyfriend
High School Teacher x Craftsman
Lots Of Flirting
Soft Sweet Intimacy
D/S Dynamic
Younger Bossy Top x Older Touch-Starved Sub
Heart Wrenching Kisses
First Times
Whimpering Mess
Worshipping
Piercings
Cute Date
Golden Retriever Cuddles
Recently Unemployed
"Please stay"
Trans Rep
Depression
Dysphoria
Hurt/Comfort
HEA
As always, all proceeds from this anthology will benefit LGBTQ+ charities to ensure that love in all its incarnations will be celebrated and protected every single day of the year!
- Stories Included In This Collection Are:
Date with the Dogcle, by Becca Seymour
Mistakenly Yours, by Briar Prescott
A Hot Date with Death, by C. Rochelle
The Hazard and The Hitman, by Cambria Hebert
For a Chance at Butterflies, by Charlie Novak
Rhodes, by Crea Reitan
Light Me Up, by EM Denning
Catch Me Again, by Emmy Sanders
To Break the Ice, by Fae Quin
Scoring a Sweet Thing, by Jodi Oliver
Lavender and Lace, by Kate Hawthorne
Telling the Bees, by Lily Morton
Encore, by Marley Valentine
I Know the Way Home, by Riley Nash
Hope this review was helpful.
Click Here For:⤵️
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lionelle.sw...
-Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
-StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/.../40a......
-Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/33324...
-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BkJ...
Socials: https://linktr.ee/lionelle.swithens
ARC Read: 26/10/2025
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you GRRfor this gift. 🥰
3rd Story - A Hot Date With Death by C. Rochelle
—5 Eau de Behemoth Vampire Stars ⭐️— 5 🌶—
Shane Avery & Joshua Taylor
Dual POV - 1st Person
MM Short Adult romance
A Date With Death
Fake Boyfriend
Size Difference
Sunshine x Doberman
Dark Humor
painter x pole dancer
"Sir, I may need you to nibble on me..."
Caretaking
big brat energy x calm & Pacient
Lingerie
Edging
Pleasure Dom
Breeding kink
Aftercare
Edgar Allan Poe Coffee Mug
Fangs Obsession
Crow Pet-Wife
Found Family
Insomnia & Loneliness
Insecurities
Grief
HFN
9th Story - To Break the Ice by Fae Quin
—5 Grunts Stars ⭐️— 5 🌶—
Iven Broomhaur & Maddox Fuller
Dual POV - 1st Person
MM Short Adult Winter Romance
Small Town
Size Difference
Opposites Attract
Craftsman x Bookshop Keeper
Ice Sculpting As A Love Language
First Times
Lots Of Begging
Pillow Princess Awakening
Rimming
Edging
Thick Belly x Soft Belly
Gentle Giant
Man Of Few Words x Chatterbox
Revenge On The Ex
Fresh Break-Up
Home-Cooked Meals
"Old Man Yaoi"
Nosy Townies
Bisexual Awakening
HEA
10th Story - Scoring a Sweet Thing by Jodi Oliver
—5 Marshmallow Stars ⭐️— 4 🌶—
Remington x Bailey
Dual POV - 1st Person
Contents:
MM Sports Adult Romance
Emergency Date
Fake Boyfriend
Tattoo Artist x Hockey Player
Opposites Attract
Insta Love
Black Cat x Golden Retriver
Marshmallows Obsession
Possessiveness
"Humping Saves Lives"
Butt Plug
"This ass is officially mine"
Piercings & Tattoos
Weird Goalie Antics
Himbo x introvert
Fanny Pack
Amazings BFFs
Handsy Grannies
Fundraising Gala
2x Can't Stop Thinking Of You
Pansexual Rep
HEA
14th Story - I Know The Way Home by Riley Nash
—5 Blueberry Cheese Stars ⭐️— 4 🌶—
Reed x Cannon
Dual POV - 1st Person
MM Small Town Adult Romance
Trans M x Cis M
Strangers To Lovers
Insta-Connection
Opposites Attract
Age Gap
Druken Texting
Pretend Boyfriend
High School Teacher x Craftsman
Lots Of Flirting
Soft Sweet Intimacy
D/S Dynamic
Younger Bossy Top x Older Touch-Starved Sub
Heart Wrenching Kisses
First Times
Whimpering Mess
Worshipping
Piercings
Cute Date
Golden Retriever Cuddles
Recently Unemployed
"Please stay"
Trans Rep
Depression
Dysphoria
Hurt/Comfort
HEA
As always, all proceeds from this anthology will benefit LGBTQ+ charities to ensure that love in all its incarnations will be celebrated and protected every single day of the year!
- Stories Included In This Collection Are:
Date with the Dogcle, by Becca Seymour
Mistakenly Yours, by Briar Prescott
A Hot Date with Death, by C. Rochelle
The Hazard and The Hitman, by Cambria Hebert
For a Chance at Butterflies, by Charlie Novak
Rhodes, by Crea Reitan
Light Me Up, by EM Denning
Catch Me Again, by Emmy Sanders
To Break the Ice, by Fae Quin
Scoring a Sweet Thing, by Jodi Oliver
Lavender and Lace, by Kate Hawthorne
Telling the Bees, by Lily Morton
Encore, by Marley Valentine
I Know the Way Home, by Riley Nash
Hope this review was helpful.
Click Here For:⤵️
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lionelle.sw...
-Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
-StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/.../40a......
-Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/33324...
-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BkJ...
Socials: https://linktr.ee/lionelle.swithens
December 15, 2025
The theme of all the stories is a dating app and all the ways you can find Mr. Right. I've read quite a few anthologies over the past couple years, and I have to say, this is one of the more solid collections I've read in a while. I didn't DNF a single one, and nothing under 3 stars. Really impressed. Well-edited too! Yay!
Date with the Dogcle by Becca Seymour - 4 stars
It was cute, fluffy. I liked the dialogue, and the characters had good chemistry. It didn’t entirely hook me though, and it almost felt like their insecurities were pretty easily overcome. It worked well as a short story, though.
Mistakenly Yours by Briar Prescott - 4.5 stars
I really loved the setup with this one. Loved the awkward rambling and the golden retriever energy. I do with it was just a little longer to fill in some family vibes outside of their relationship.
A Hot Date with Death by C. Rochelle - 4 stars
After reading the chaotic content warning, I wasn't really sure what to expect. In the end, I quite liked it. I didn't quite get the full grief of having a sister die (especially the way she did), but I loved the chemistry between the characters. Especially smitten by the Daddy Dom consent king.
The Hazard and the Hitman by Cambria Hebert - 4.5 stars
I looooved the reluctant possessiveness, but yeah, I'm gonna need that full story now. Because you can't just throw in that he's an assassin and then not tell us how that plays out in their future relationship. I can bet it'll get a lot harder to protect his sweet hazard.
For a Chance at Butterflies by Charlie Novak - 4 stars
Fake date, strangers to friends to lovers. After being bullied into performing violin for an event by a so-called friend, Jules finds himself a fake date on an app. I thought the whole story was quite tender, with plenty of patience and solid communication, as Tai draws Jules out of his trauma.
Rhodes by Crea Reitan - 3.5 stars
This one surprised me for a few reasons. One, it's dark. Like, moralistic serial killer without guilt dark. It's got some fake date, but with lots of real sex as a bonus. There were a few issues that really stuck out, hence the rating, but I didn't hate it.
Light Me Up by EM Denning - 3.5 stars
This was a cute blind date of sorts, set up by a best friend through the app. I found it hard to feel the chemistry between the couple at first, though, because there wasn't much in the way of dialogue or interactions between them while they went on their haunted walking tour. Really liked the ending.
Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders - 5 stars
This was super cute, two strangers going on a cruise together. One is a total klutz full of sunshiney optimism, the other has a phobia of water and an allergy to seafood. Maybe a cruise wasn't the best choice, but they really balance each other out in the best ways. Made me laugh for sure, and their chemistry was great.
To Break the Ice by Fae Quin - 4 stars
Bi-awakening. A man looking for a little "revenge" on his ex-gf after his ego gets bruised, by winning the ice-sculpting contest, and he enlists the help of the gay man who wins every year. The story itself is pretty slow, but I really enjoyed the character development and the chemistry that built between them. And the sex scene was very, very thorough... like three chapters. :P
Scoring a Sweet Thing by Jodi Oliver - 3.5 stars
This one is sickly sweet, between a pro hockey goalie and a tattoo artist. It's got some grumpy/sunshine vibes. I loved that it was coordinated with the story Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders, with cameos of each other's characters. Very fun.
Lavender and Lace by Kate Hawthorne - 3 stars
Opposites attract in this story of a workaholic lawyer and the pink-haired stranger he connected through the app with. The lawyer had inherited millions and needed an unbiased opinion for house hunting. While I liked the characters themselves, there was no resolution to show how the workaholic will learn to balance life, which left it feeling a little too open-ended for my taste.
Telling the Bees by Lily Morton - 4 stars
I really loved that for this one, the interaction through the app was a total failure but still led to their HEA. It was old friends to lovers, a bit of a post gay awakening, plus rural farm vibes.
Encore by Marley Valentine - 3 stars
Age-gap, OCD/stimming, and maybe some power dynamic? This one was hard to rate. On the one hand, I really liked these characters as a couple, but for some reason, instead of showing us the date they're on, it jumped back in time halfway through to show their first one-night stand. While I didn't mind either half on their own, to have them placed this way threw me off a little.
I Know the Way Home by Riley Nash - 4 stars
Trans rep, age-gap, fake dating sorta? I really liked the writing style and the chemistry between the characters, but there were a couple technical points that stopped me from rating it any higher.
Date with the Dogcle by Becca Seymour - 4 stars
It was cute, fluffy. I liked the dialogue, and the characters had good chemistry. It didn’t entirely hook me though, and it almost felt like their insecurities were pretty easily overcome. It worked well as a short story, though.
Mistakenly Yours by Briar Prescott - 4.5 stars
I really loved the setup with this one. Loved the awkward rambling and the golden retriever energy. I do with it was just a little longer to fill in some family vibes outside of their relationship.
A Hot Date with Death by C. Rochelle - 4 stars
After reading the chaotic content warning, I wasn't really sure what to expect. In the end, I quite liked it. I didn't quite get the full grief of having a sister die (especially the way she did), but I loved the chemistry between the characters. Especially smitten by the Daddy Dom consent king.
The Hazard and the Hitman by Cambria Hebert - 4.5 stars
I looooved the reluctant possessiveness, but yeah, I'm gonna need that full story now. Because you can't just throw in that he's an assassin and then not tell us how that plays out in their future relationship. I can bet it'll get a lot harder to protect his sweet hazard.
For a Chance at Butterflies by Charlie Novak - 4 stars
Fake date, strangers to friends to lovers. After being bullied into performing violin for an event by a so-called friend, Jules finds himself a fake date on an app. I thought the whole story was quite tender, with plenty of patience and solid communication, as Tai draws Jules out of his trauma.
Rhodes by Crea Reitan - 3.5 stars
This one surprised me for a few reasons. One, it's dark. Like, moralistic serial killer without guilt dark. It's got some fake date, but with lots of real sex as a bonus. There were a few issues that really stuck out, hence the rating, but I didn't hate it.
Light Me Up by EM Denning - 3.5 stars
This was a cute blind date of sorts, set up by a best friend through the app. I found it hard to feel the chemistry between the couple at first, though, because there wasn't much in the way of dialogue or interactions between them while they went on their haunted walking tour. Really liked the ending.
Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders - 5 stars
This was super cute, two strangers going on a cruise together. One is a total klutz full of sunshiney optimism, the other has a phobia of water and an allergy to seafood. Maybe a cruise wasn't the best choice, but they really balance each other out in the best ways. Made me laugh for sure, and their chemistry was great.
To Break the Ice by Fae Quin - 4 stars
Bi-awakening. A man looking for a little "revenge" on his ex-gf after his ego gets bruised, by winning the ice-sculpting contest, and he enlists the help of the gay man who wins every year. The story itself is pretty slow, but I really enjoyed the character development and the chemistry that built between them. And the sex scene was very, very thorough... like three chapters. :P
Scoring a Sweet Thing by Jodi Oliver - 3.5 stars
This one is sickly sweet, between a pro hockey goalie and a tattoo artist. It's got some grumpy/sunshine vibes. I loved that it was coordinated with the story Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders, with cameos of each other's characters. Very fun.
Lavender and Lace by Kate Hawthorne - 3 stars
Opposites attract in this story of a workaholic lawyer and the pink-haired stranger he connected through the app with. The lawyer had inherited millions and needed an unbiased opinion for house hunting. While I liked the characters themselves, there was no resolution to show how the workaholic will learn to balance life, which left it feeling a little too open-ended for my taste.
Telling the Bees by Lily Morton - 4 stars
I really loved that for this one, the interaction through the app was a total failure but still led to their HEA. It was old friends to lovers, a bit of a post gay awakening, plus rural farm vibes.
Encore by Marley Valentine - 3 stars
Age-gap, OCD/stimming, and maybe some power dynamic? This one was hard to rate. On the one hand, I really liked these characters as a couple, but for some reason, instead of showing us the date they're on, it jumped back in time halfway through to show their first one-night stand. While I didn't mind either half on their own, to have them placed this way threw me off a little.
I Know the Way Home by Riley Nash - 4 stars
Trans rep, age-gap, fake dating sorta? I really liked the writing style and the chemistry between the characters, but there were a couple technical points that stopped me from rating it any higher.
October 29, 2025
Rhodes - Crea Reitan
Aw please, this was the cutest little dark romance story.
I was surprised to see her Crea Reitan's name here- well, it *is* my first time reading a H2H anthology so I didn't know what I was getting into. But boy, did I love seeing more of the Van Doren family! This story was not festive *at all* and there is murder happening in it but don't we love it? Oh yes we do.
Now: I adored both characters. And Bennett? He's a menace- well, in bed anyway. I loved their dynamic, loved how silly Bennett's songs were and how layered Rhodes was, even though the story was only a few chapters long.
It was short, it was sweet, it was full of puppies, sex and murder and it's all that mattered. I loved it.
To Break The Ice - Fae Quin
PLEASE, Maddox was the sweetest!
Oh this one was festive for sure. Perfect to read with a hot chocolate and some marshmallows under your softest blanket- I should know, because that's exactly how I read it.
They were *adorable*. Iven was hilarious: a chatterbox, always rambling and never knowing when to stop talking- and Maddox was his complete opposite. Quiet, calm. A gentle giant of very few words but with a very big heart. I was so pleased with easy their relationship evolved: sweet, with Iven doing everything and anything to get Maddox's attention *without* even realizing he was actually Bisexual. It was truly endearing. And, well, funny.
Ugh- the story kept going from humorous to tooth-achingly sweet. The two men were just so, so cute together... They just fit, as if they were the personification of "opposites attract."
I did Alpha read for this one, and it was just as good now as it was then. Fae cannot miss!
I recieved a free copy of this book and this is my honest review
Aw please, this was the cutest little dark romance story.
I was surprised to see her Crea Reitan's name here- well, it *is* my first time reading a H2H anthology so I didn't know what I was getting into. But boy, did I love seeing more of the Van Doren family! This story was not festive *at all* and there is murder happening in it but don't we love it? Oh yes we do.
Now: I adored both characters. And Bennett? He's a menace- well, in bed anyway. I loved their dynamic, loved how silly Bennett's songs were and how layered Rhodes was, even though the story was only a few chapters long.
It was short, it was sweet, it was full of puppies, sex and murder and it's all that mattered. I loved it.
To Break The Ice - Fae Quin
PLEASE, Maddox was the sweetest!
Oh this one was festive for sure. Perfect to read with a hot chocolate and some marshmallows under your softest blanket- I should know, because that's exactly how I read it.
They were *adorable*. Iven was hilarious: a chatterbox, always rambling and never knowing when to stop talking- and Maddox was his complete opposite. Quiet, calm. A gentle giant of very few words but with a very big heart. I was so pleased with easy their relationship evolved: sweet, with Iven doing everything and anything to get Maddox's attention *without* even realizing he was actually Bisexual. It was truly endearing. And, well, funny.
Ugh- the story kept going from humorous to tooth-achingly sweet. The two men were just so, so cute together... They just fit, as if they were the personification of "opposites attract."
I did Alpha read for this one, and it was just as good now as it was then. Fae cannot miss!
I recieved a free copy of this book and this is my honest review
November 21, 2025
I only read two stories in this anthology but both were very cute and sweet.
- Mistakenly Yours by Briar Prescott (4 stars)
This one had one of the most unique "meet-(not-so)cute" that I've ever read. This was cute, had great banter (as is par for Briar Prescott) and honestly I would love a longer version of it one day.
- Telling the Bees by Lily Morton (4 stars)
I love Lily Morton for a low-angst good time. This was childhood best friends who reconnect with "the one that got away". Just very sweet.
I'll probably check out a few other stories and update as I read more.
- Mistakenly Yours by Briar Prescott (4 stars)
This one had one of the most unique "meet-(not-so)cute" that I've ever read. This was cute, had great banter (as is par for Briar Prescott) and honestly I would love a longer version of it one day.
- Telling the Bees by Lily Morton (4 stars)
I love Lily Morton for a low-angst good time. This was childhood best friends who reconnect with "the one that got away". Just very sweet.
I'll probably check out a few other stories and update as I read more.
November 18, 2025
The premise for using a dating app to make a connection is flimsy at best for some these stories 😂 BUT very good most of the time!
("The Hazard and the Hitman" didn't make a lick of sense. "Rhodes" was insane, but in a fun completely bat shit crazy way.)
Lovely little stories that I'll go back to reread I expect.
("The Hazard and the Hitman" didn't make a lick of sense. "Rhodes" was insane, but in a fun completely bat shit crazy way.)
Lovely little stories that I'll go back to reread I expect.
November 3, 2025
Overall a great collection. As with all anthologies, I enjoyed some more than others. Here are my thoughts on a few of them.
Date with the Dogcle by Becca Seymour
This was so adorable. Angus was such an easy to love character and Callum was the perfect blend of easy going and emotionally…highly strung (not sure how to word that. He jumps to worried conclusions about a few things). The whole thing was short and sweet and I’d definitely have read an entire novel about these two.
Mistakenly Yours by Briar Prescott
While the beginning to this one was a little fraught, I quickly found myself settling into it. The twist wasn’t very twisty but still ultimately enjoyable. Raf was such a cinnamon roll. The jump from tension to HEA was quick but in such a short form there’s not much help for it. Will be checking out more by this author.
Hot date with death by C. Rochelle
I enjoyed this one way more than I should have. The content warnings had me worried, but in the end I just loved the whole thing. Josh’s whole personality was a joy. Shay, while a brat, grew on me pretty quickly, too. The relationship between them was excellent but I also loved how the outside influences/plot really made an impact on the story rather than just being window dressing. Short form stories are hard for me–I want to fall into a world, you know? But this one was masterfully done. As I’ve said with other stories in this anthology—I would definitely have read a full length novel of these two.
The Hazard and the Hitman by Cambria Hebert
Ha! This one *will* be an actual novel next year! Huzzah!
Ahem. So yeah, I enjoyed this one. Was it cheesy and over the top? Absolutely. But that’s part of what I loved about it. Haz was such a mess. Watching Kieran take care of him was pure joy.
Rhodes by Crea Reitan
The way I grinned when I saw that this was related to the Van Doren series probably made me look completely unhinged but I’m not even sorry. This story was a delight. I wish it could have been longer and had more of a conclusiony conclusion (I can’t make that make more sense without spoilers, sorry). But I’m definitely happy to have read it.
Light Me Up by EM Denning
Very short. Very sweet. Again, wish I could have gotten an entire novel of these two (no surprise as I was already a fan of the author).
Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders
Oh my goodness. The way I cackled while reading this. So good. Definitely one of my favorites of the collection. Lian is sunshine personified and I adore him.
Scoring a Sweet Thing by Jodi Oliver
I really liked how this one tied in to Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders. Having two stories that referenced each other like that really did the heavy lifting of making the anthology more cohesive to me rather than just being a thematic collection. Also, who doesn’t love a golden retriever MC like Remi? He was an absolute joy.
Telling the Bees by Lily Morton
So cute. Low angst and sweet as can be (hahaha sweet! bee!). I definitely enjoyed this one.
Date with the Dogcle by Becca Seymour
This was so adorable. Angus was such an easy to love character and Callum was the perfect blend of easy going and emotionally…highly strung (not sure how to word that. He jumps to worried conclusions about a few things). The whole thing was short and sweet and I’d definitely have read an entire novel about these two.
Mistakenly Yours by Briar Prescott
While the beginning to this one was a little fraught, I quickly found myself settling into it. The twist wasn’t very twisty but still ultimately enjoyable. Raf was such a cinnamon roll. The jump from tension to HEA was quick but in such a short form there’s not much help for it. Will be checking out more by this author.
Hot date with death by C. Rochelle
I enjoyed this one way more than I should have. The content warnings had me worried, but in the end I just loved the whole thing. Josh’s whole personality was a joy. Shay, while a brat, grew on me pretty quickly, too. The relationship between them was excellent but I also loved how the outside influences/plot really made an impact on the story rather than just being window dressing. Short form stories are hard for me–I want to fall into a world, you know? But this one was masterfully done. As I’ve said with other stories in this anthology—I would definitely have read a full length novel of these two.
The Hazard and the Hitman by Cambria Hebert
Ha! This one *will* be an actual novel next year! Huzzah!
Ahem. So yeah, I enjoyed this one. Was it cheesy and over the top? Absolutely. But that’s part of what I loved about it. Haz was such a mess. Watching Kieran take care of him was pure joy.
Rhodes by Crea Reitan
The way I grinned when I saw that this was related to the Van Doren series probably made me look completely unhinged but I’m not even sorry. This story was a delight. I wish it could have been longer and had more of a conclusiony conclusion (I can’t make that make more sense without spoilers, sorry). But I’m definitely happy to have read it.
Light Me Up by EM Denning
Very short. Very sweet. Again, wish I could have gotten an entire novel of these two (no surprise as I was already a fan of the author).
Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders
Oh my goodness. The way I cackled while reading this. So good. Definitely one of my favorites of the collection. Lian is sunshine personified and I adore him.
Scoring a Sweet Thing by Jodi Oliver
I really liked how this one tied in to Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders. Having two stories that referenced each other like that really did the heavy lifting of making the anthology more cohesive to me rather than just being a thematic collection. Also, who doesn’t love a golden retriever MC like Remi? He was an absolute joy.
Telling the Bees by Lily Morton
So cute. Low angst and sweet as can be (hahaha sweet! bee!). I definitely enjoyed this one.
November 3, 2025
A Hot Date With Death by C. Rochelle
A riveting, macabre, and witty story about what happens when you accidentally get what you’ve always deserved.
When Josh sees the request for a plus 1 to a “date with death” on a dating app he feels he’s the perfect man for the job. Little does he know, he’s exactly right.
This was one of the most intensely unique and gripping novellas I’ve read in a long time. Both Josh and Shay were nuanced and dynamic characters— quirky and charming. From their flirty teasing (big brat energy!) to their off the charts chemistry I was more than invested! Laugh out loud humor, sizzling spice (that dirty talk though), and satisfying boundary setting made this absolutely brilliant.
In the end it was about feeling safe and cared for, of finally being seen. It was a story of the indescribable and cataclysmic impact of serendipity.
What you get:
•Dating App +1 Request
•”A Date with Death”
•Lenore the Crow
•Hurt/Comfort
•Witty Banter
•Pleasure Dom
•Big brat energy
•”Good Boy”
•”Short Stack”
•“Sweet Thing”
•Dirty Talk
I Know The Way Home by Riley Nash
A stunningly beautiful and viscerally emotional look at grief and hope.
When his life is in shambles Cannon sees a +1 request on a dating app that catches his eye. One day, pretending to be in love, culminating in being the +1 to a doctor appointment.
But when Reed and Cannon meet the carefully crafted rules established immediately begin to unfurl… leaving only passion, yearning, and a dangerous hope in their wake.
The characters were layered and lovable, the chemistry palpable, the cloying sadness a living breathing thing.
One day. One day that changed their lives forever. And a true pleasure to have experienced it.
What you’ll get:
•Dating App +1 Request
•Teacher/Artisan Wood & Metal Worker
•Hurt/Comfort
•Pretending to be boyfriends for a day
•Age-Gap
•Hints at Power Play
•Trans MC
A riveting, macabre, and witty story about what happens when you accidentally get what you’ve always deserved.
When Josh sees the request for a plus 1 to a “date with death” on a dating app he feels he’s the perfect man for the job. Little does he know, he’s exactly right.
This was one of the most intensely unique and gripping novellas I’ve read in a long time. Both Josh and Shay were nuanced and dynamic characters— quirky and charming. From their flirty teasing (big brat energy!) to their off the charts chemistry I was more than invested! Laugh out loud humor, sizzling spice (that dirty talk though), and satisfying boundary setting made this absolutely brilliant.
In the end it was about feeling safe and cared for, of finally being seen. It was a story of the indescribable and cataclysmic impact of serendipity.
What you get:
•Dating App +1 Request
•”A Date with Death”
•Lenore the Crow
•Hurt/Comfort
•Witty Banter
•Pleasure Dom
•Big brat energy
•”Good Boy”
•”Short Stack”
•“Sweet Thing”
•Dirty Talk
I Know The Way Home by Riley Nash
A stunningly beautiful and viscerally emotional look at grief and hope.
When his life is in shambles Cannon sees a +1 request on a dating app that catches his eye. One day, pretending to be in love, culminating in being the +1 to a doctor appointment.
But when Reed and Cannon meet the carefully crafted rules established immediately begin to unfurl… leaving only passion, yearning, and a dangerous hope in their wake.
The characters were layered and lovable, the chemistry palpable, the cloying sadness a living breathing thing.
One day. One day that changed their lives forever. And a true pleasure to have experienced it.
What you’ll get:
•Dating App +1 Request
•Teacher/Artisan Wood & Metal Worker
•Hurt/Comfort
•Pretending to be boyfriends for a day
•Age-Gap
•Hints at Power Play
•Trans MC
November 7, 2025
What happens when some of my FAVORITE authors are all participating in a charity anthology?
🪄MAGIC! 🪄
That is what happens!!
Since this anthology is THICK I only had time to read 3 stories. I read Mistakenly Yours by Briar Prescott, Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders and Scoring A Sweet Thing by Jodi Oliver (Emmy and Jodi share characters in their books!
Let’s review!
Mistakenly Yours
Super cute! Elias went through a crappy breakup. Now he thinks he’s just getting dinner but SURPRISE, it’s a blind date turned into a case of mistaken identity. Elias and Raf were made for each other. They were super cute as they got to get to know each other. Briar always hits with her banter and spice. You know if Briar writes it I’ll be reading it!
Catch Me Again
Super Swoony! Lian also went through a crappy breakup. Turns out he had a cruise for two vacation fully paid for. Inset Foster. Someone looking to face his fear of the water. So obviously these two are a match made in heaven right from the start. Imagine being stuck on a boat and all that forced proximity. 🤭🤭🤭 Lian was super sweet trying to keep Foster safe and they just ate it all up.
Scoring A Sweet Thing
Super funny! Remington and Bailey! This time we get almost fake dating. Remington needs help from grannies touching his butt at an auction so to get out of it he needs to bring a date. Insert Bailey (best friends with Lian from above!) who needs something to do while his friend is off on a cruise. These two were so adorable. ALSO! My prompt was used and I loved it so much. It’s not everyday you KNOW you named that character.
This is just the beginning for me. I can’t wait to check out the rest of the stories.
Which ones have you read? Which one should I read next?
🪄MAGIC! 🪄
That is what happens!!
Since this anthology is THICK I only had time to read 3 stories. I read Mistakenly Yours by Briar Prescott, Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders and Scoring A Sweet Thing by Jodi Oliver (Emmy and Jodi share characters in their books!
Let’s review!
Mistakenly Yours
Super cute! Elias went through a crappy breakup. Now he thinks he’s just getting dinner but SURPRISE, it’s a blind date turned into a case of mistaken identity. Elias and Raf were made for each other. They were super cute as they got to get to know each other. Briar always hits with her banter and spice. You know if Briar writes it I’ll be reading it!
Catch Me Again
Super Swoony! Lian also went through a crappy breakup. Turns out he had a cruise for two vacation fully paid for. Inset Foster. Someone looking to face his fear of the water. So obviously these two are a match made in heaven right from the start. Imagine being stuck on a boat and all that forced proximity. 🤭🤭🤭 Lian was super sweet trying to keep Foster safe and they just ate it all up.
Scoring A Sweet Thing
Super funny! Remington and Bailey! This time we get almost fake dating. Remington needs help from grannies touching his butt at an auction so to get out of it he needs to bring a date. Insert Bailey (best friends with Lian from above!) who needs something to do while his friend is off on a cruise. These two were so adorable. ALSO! My prompt was used and I loved it so much. It’s not everyday you KNOW you named that character.
This is just the beginning for me. I can’t wait to check out the rest of the stories.
Which ones have you read? Which one should I read next?
November 4, 2025
I have been stoked for this LGBTQIA+ charity Anthology, simply because it’s packed with authors I am familiar with and whose stories I love! So far, it has lived up to my hype!
“A Hot Date With Death” by C. Rochelle
Oh gosh! I adored this story! Equal parts sexy and sweet! It has everything I have come to love about a C Rochelle story packed into a hearty novella! I think this was one of the longer ones in the book, but I enjoyed it from start to finish. Josh was a sexy behemoth vampire of Shay’s dreams. And Shay was the sassy caked up good boy that Josh didn’t know he needed! The circumstances surrounding their meet cute were certainly unconventional. I adored the protector and sassy kitten vibes, the family drama, the heart, and the feathered family member so much! Honestly, just read it. All my nonsensical raving will make sense… lol 😍😍😍 not paranormal, but kinky and full of heart and good boundaries.
“I Know The Way Home” by Riley Nash
Ughhhhhh sweeettttttt. Listen. I can’t. I loveddddd the golden retriever, both the literal golden retriever as well as the golden retriever vibes Cannon gives! The dynamic of Cannon being a sunshine boi in control meets the timid inexperience and reluctant hopefulness of Reed was just such an achingly sweet story. The melancholy gave a real sunshine after the rain vibe to the story and made me want to curl into a blanket burrito and squeal! I don’t know if a single word of that made any actual sense, but you should read it so you can come into my DMs about it and we can squeal TOGETHER. 😍😍😍
I cannot waiitttttt to read more!!! As a matter of fact, I am opening up “To Break The Ice” by Fae Quin RIGHT NOW.
“A Hot Date With Death” by C. Rochelle
Oh gosh! I adored this story! Equal parts sexy and sweet! It has everything I have come to love about a C Rochelle story packed into a hearty novella! I think this was one of the longer ones in the book, but I enjoyed it from start to finish. Josh was a sexy behemoth vampire of Shay’s dreams. And Shay was the sassy caked up good boy that Josh didn’t know he needed! The circumstances surrounding their meet cute were certainly unconventional. I adored the protector and sassy kitten vibes, the family drama, the heart, and the feathered family member so much! Honestly, just read it. All my nonsensical raving will make sense… lol 😍😍😍 not paranormal, but kinky and full of heart and good boundaries.
“I Know The Way Home” by Riley Nash
Ughhhhhh sweeettttttt. Listen. I can’t. I loveddddd the golden retriever, both the literal golden retriever as well as the golden retriever vibes Cannon gives! The dynamic of Cannon being a sunshine boi in control meets the timid inexperience and reluctant hopefulness of Reed was just such an achingly sweet story. The melancholy gave a real sunshine after the rain vibe to the story and made me want to curl into a blanket burrito and squeal! I don’t know if a single word of that made any actual sense, but you should read it so you can come into my DMs about it and we can squeal TOGETHER. 😍😍😍
I cannot waiitttttt to read more!!! As a matter of fact, I am opening up “To Break The Ice” by Fae Quin RIGHT NOW.
November 4, 2025
My review doesn't refer to the whole book
Mistakenly Yours by Briar Prescott - 5 stars
Elias, a pediatric surgeon in the making, comes home and finds his boyfriend of three years, Chris, cheating on him with a very handsome man. After 6 months, he hasn't dated anyone else yet because his insecurities have prevented him from taking a chance with another person.
His sister downloads the app Heart2Heart and sets him up with a blind date. When Elias arrives at the restaurant, the man in front of him is the one Chris has cheated on him with.
Elias and Raf are ridiculously adorable, Elias rambles a lot while Raf is completely smitten, they gave me a lot of sweet vibes. Their first time together was just perfect, I really loved that they didn't waste time and lived their relationship without fears.
The epilogue is set 6 months into the future and I loved it.
I would have liked to see Elias meeting Levi (no spoiling who he is), I hope the author will consider expanding this novella.
Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders - 5 stars
Oh gosh, Lian is so flippin' cute! I adored his story so very much!
Lian has been dumped by his boyfriend but, since he always sees the bright side of things, he decides he's going to their cruise to Alaska anyway. So he posts an ad on the app Heart2Heart, looking for a traveling companion.
Foster answers to the ad and they sail together. Since the first moment they met, Foster finds himself smitten by Lian: he's so open, lovely, honest, also a kind of walking disaster, but luckily Foster is always there to catch him. Lian is also very protective and sweet towards Foster.
I adored everything about these too, especially all the tenderness. Hopefully the author will let us see them again in one of her next books.
Scoring A Sweet Thing by Jodi Oliver - 4.5 stars
This novella was so freaking sweet and I adored it.
Remi and Bailey's story has the golden retriever/black cat vibes: Remi is wonderfully pure and nice while Bailey is always grumpy and reserved and yet, they fit beautifully. I adored that there wasn't any awkwardness between them, that Remi could be his authentic self without being labeled as weird. I also loved that Bailey made an effort to get out of his comfort zone to be with Remi, not only at the gala, but also at the game.
I wouldn't have minded to see a bit more possessiveness from Bailey, because Remi clearly loved it when he claimed him in front of the ass grabbing grandmas.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Mistakenly Yours by Briar Prescott - 5 stars
Elias, a pediatric surgeon in the making, comes home and finds his boyfriend of three years, Chris, cheating on him with a very handsome man. After 6 months, he hasn't dated anyone else yet because his insecurities have prevented him from taking a chance with another person.
His sister downloads the app Heart2Heart and sets him up with a blind date. When Elias arrives at the restaurant, the man in front of him is the one Chris has cheated on him with.
Elias and Raf are ridiculously adorable, Elias rambles a lot while Raf is completely smitten, they gave me a lot of sweet vibes. Their first time together was just perfect, I really loved that they didn't waste time and lived their relationship without fears.
The epilogue is set 6 months into the future and I loved it.
I would have liked to see Elias meeting Levi (no spoiling who he is), I hope the author will consider expanding this novella.
Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders - 5 stars
Oh gosh, Lian is so flippin' cute! I adored his story so very much!
Lian has been dumped by his boyfriend but, since he always sees the bright side of things, he decides he's going to their cruise to Alaska anyway. So he posts an ad on the app Heart2Heart, looking for a traveling companion.
Foster answers to the ad and they sail together. Since the first moment they met, Foster finds himself smitten by Lian: he's so open, lovely, honest, also a kind of walking disaster, but luckily Foster is always there to catch him. Lian is also very protective and sweet towards Foster.
I adored everything about these too, especially all the tenderness. Hopefully the author will let us see them again in one of her next books.
Scoring A Sweet Thing by Jodi Oliver - 4.5 stars
This novella was so freaking sweet and I adored it.
Remi and Bailey's story has the golden retriever/black cat vibes: Remi is wonderfully pure and nice while Bailey is always grumpy and reserved and yet, they fit beautifully. I adored that there wasn't any awkwardness between them, that Remi could be his authentic self without being labeled as weird. I also loved that Bailey made an effort to get out of his comfort zone to be with Remi, not only at the gala, but also at the game.
I wouldn't have minded to see a bit more possessiveness from Bailey, because Remi clearly loved it when he claimed him in front of the ass grabbing grandmas.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
November 6, 2025
I loved this anthology! There were so many good stories in this one!! Some authors I was familiar with while some, like Charlie Nova, were brand new to me. I enjoyed every story in the book but my top 2 were Mistakenly Yours by Briar Prescott and Scoring a Sweet Thing by Jodi Oliver.
Mistakenly Yours- I loved these characters! It was a sweet and fun story! I’m so glad they got trapped in that elevator together!
Scoring a Sweet Thing- Jodi Oliver was one of the authors I was most familiar with so I was super excited to read this one and it didn’t disappoint! This grumpy/sunshine fake dating story was my fave! Remi was so lovable and is the perfect complement to Bailey! The only thing. I didn’t like about this story was that it was only a novella! I could read an entire book on these 2!
Mistakenly Yours- I loved these characters! It was a sweet and fun story! I’m so glad they got trapped in that elevator together!
Scoring a Sweet Thing- Jodi Oliver was one of the authors I was most familiar with so I was super excited to read this one and it didn’t disappoint! This grumpy/sunshine fake dating story was my fave! Remi was so lovable and is the perfect complement to Bailey! The only thing. I didn’t like about this story was that it was only a novella! I could read an entire book on these 2!
December 13, 2025
Overall 3.96 ⭐️. I’m incredibly impressed with this antho. Don’t think I’ve had one where I liked so many of the stories. Definitely recommend.
Date with the Dogcle by Becca Seymour
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mistakenly Yours by Briar Prescott
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
A Hot Date with Death by C Rochelle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Hazard and the Hitman by Cambria Hebert
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For a Chance at Butterflies by Charlie Novak
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rhodes by Crea Reitan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Light Me Up by EM Denning
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
To Break the Ice by Fae Quin
DNF
Scoring a Sweet Thing by Jodi Oliver
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lavender and Lace by Kate Hawthorne
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Telling the Bees by Lily Morton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Encore by Marley Valentine
⭐️⭐️.5
I Know the Way Home by Riley Nash
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Date with the Dogcle by Becca Seymour
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mistakenly Yours by Briar Prescott
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
A Hot Date with Death by C Rochelle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Hazard and the Hitman by Cambria Hebert
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For a Chance at Butterflies by Charlie Novak
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rhodes by Crea Reitan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Light Me Up by EM Denning
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Catch Me Again by Emmy Sanders
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
To Break the Ice by Fae Quin
DNF
Scoring a Sweet Thing by Jodi Oliver
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lavender and Lace by Kate Hawthorne
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Telling the Bees by Lily Morton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Encore by Marley Valentine
⭐️⭐️.5
I Know the Way Home by Riley Nash
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
November 9, 2025
I’m focusing this review on Lily Morton and Jodi Oliver’s books for now
I’ll update as I read more of the shorts.
Jodi Oliver hitting us with her brilliant and chaotic himbos again!
Loved these two. It was funny and quirky and silly.
Lily Morton is totally on point. There’s a certain brand of humour Lily uses in her writing that I adore. There’s very dry humour she writes into every story. I adore it and I adored these characters.
So sweet and sassy
I’ll update as I read more of the shorts.
Jodi Oliver hitting us with her brilliant and chaotic himbos again!
Loved these two. It was funny and quirky and silly.
Lily Morton is totally on point. There’s a certain brand of humour Lily uses in her writing that I adore. There’s very dry humour she writes into every story. I adore it and I adored these characters.
So sweet and sassy
December 14, 2025
if you read no other shorties in this anthology you must read:
catch me again by emmy sanders &
scoring a sweet thing by jodi oliver
these two stories are connected by besties lian & bailey and I absolutely need a crossover of lian & remi hanging out lol.
i would also read a longer version of light me up by em denning. more hamish please.
catch me again by emmy sanders &
scoring a sweet thing by jodi oliver
these two stories are connected by besties lian & bailey and I absolutely need a crossover of lian & remi hanging out lol.
i would also read a longer version of light me up by em denning. more hamish please.
November 1, 2025
I really enjoyed some of the stories in this anthology!
They were adorable but Scoring a Sweet Thing was definitely my favourite. Remi and his marshmallow obsession, paired with his chaotic energy had me cackling. And Bailey’s such a sweetheart😭
They were adorable but Scoring a Sweet Thing was definitely my favourite. Remi and his marshmallow obsession, paired with his chaotic energy had me cackling. And Bailey’s such a sweetheart😭
November 25, 2025
this was so good 10/10 😍🥰🏳️🌈
January 1, 2026
The overall rating is only for A Hot Date with Death by C. Rochelle.
This was a fantastic little story. Josh and Shay were adorable with their pinning for each other. I loved how Josh took care of Shay and helped him set boundaries with his family. Also how obsessed he was with him and made him a space for his work! I just loved this whole story.
I would totally read more contemporary from Rochelle if they decided to write it.
TW: death of a sibling from suicide; grief; death of parents mentioned; toxic parent;
This was a fantastic little story. Josh and Shay were adorable with their pinning for each other. I loved how Josh took care of Shay and helped him set boundaries with his family. Also how obsessed he was with him and made him a space for his work! I just loved this whole story.
I would totally read more contemporary from Rochelle if they decided to write it.
TW: death of a sibling from suicide; grief; death of parents mentioned; toxic parent;
November 17, 2025
Heart2Heart was a mixed bag for me. I really enjoyed the variety of interesting books woven into the story — those little literary touches were fun and definitely caught my attention. And there were plenty of moments I genuinely liked.
But at the same time, a few parts just didn’t click with me. Some storylines or characters didn’t fully land, and I found myself drifting here and there. Not a bad read by any means, just not one that fully grabbed me.
Overall: a solid, enjoyable book with several bright spots, even if it wasn’t totally my thing.
But at the same time, a few parts just didn’t click with me. Some storylines or characters didn’t fully land, and I found myself drifting here and there. Not a bad read by any means, just not one that fully grabbed me.
Overall: a solid, enjoyable book with several bright spots, even if it wasn’t totally my thing.
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