How We Began

by Edie Danford (Editor), Delphine Dryden, Vanessa North

How does love begin?

A glance, a gesture, an unexpected offer of help from a stranger…or from a good friend. A smile across a counter at a coffee shop or video store. A secret revealed in a song from another place and time. Or in a love ballad crooned at a high school dance.

In this anthology of never-before-published sweet LGBTQ+ stories, six authors explore the beginnings of love between young and new adult couples. All proceeds will support The Trevor Project's work with crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth.

Genres: Anthologies, M M Romance, Romance, Young Adult, Short Stories, Contemporary, New Adult

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 9, 2015

Reviews

[Julio Genao · Rating 4 out of 5]

all proceeds from the sale of this book benefit the trevor project, which supports LGBTQ youth in crisis.

***NOW AVAILABLE!!! MAKES A GREAT HOLIDAY GIFT!!! YOU SHOULD TOTALLY BUY ONE OR TWO!!! OR SIX!!! JUST SAYING!!!***

i'll be reviewing these as i read them; stay tuned.

TruNorth, by Alexis Hall.

excesses in voice and lapses in copy editing and proofing proved extremely distracting, while obvious parallels to current pop-culture touchstones were sometimes as unintentionally funny as they were effective at defining the focus of the story.

and yet despite this indifferent execution i found myself occasionally both entranced and moved by a carousel of memorable side-characters, sliding in and out of the narrative like clever stage props, to leave their mark on what turns out to be—in the main—a lovely story.

for instance, the culture of the cabaret, while almost carelessly rendered, nonetheless so strongly reminded me of the doomed love affair in baz lurmann's moulin rouge that i arrived at this story’s ending already singing the wistful chorus of rufus wainwright’s version of complainte de la butte:

the stairway up to la butte
can make the wretched sigh

while windmill wings of the moulin
shelter you and i

imperfect, like my singing voice. but simultaneously bleak and lovely, like my memories of that film. two stars.


Unexpected Dragons, by Delphine Dryden.

...yikes. at least hall's slapdash story had a plot, even if it was dangerously close to I Stalk Because I Care.

this one is a series of lectures that were so crushingly dull i fell asleep on three separate occasions trying to read it.

no plot. nothing happens. just, you know, conversations, and then The End.

the fourth time i treated it like assigned reading, grimly working my way through a number of after-school specials that appeared to be chiefly concerned with whether this dragon shifter teen would be allowed to be an accountant in his dragon-shifter village of dragon-shifter warriors and dragon-shifter croftsmen and whatnot.

[idek, i never got why they were all there or who they were supposedly there to guard or what; i was just too thrilled to have gotten through it at all on the fourth try to bother with picking obvious nits.]

but man, this one was brutal.

i mean, the overriding message here was literally 'yes, you can be a dragon-shifter accountant! follow your heart!'

which.

like.

...wut?

dragons have long been famed for their ability to value gems and precious metals, but tax planning—that's the stuff, amirite?

meanwhile, in the land of stories that make actual sense, you got every teenager in the history of ever like OMG I DON'T WANT TO BE AN ACCOUNTANT WHY CAN'T I JUST BE A DRAGON? one star.


A Song For Sweater-Boy, by Vanessa North.

you know a short story is good when your pleasure in it is only matched by your desperate unhappiness when it ends.

every scene hinges on an achingly familiar dynamic i remember from my own terribly awkward and tempestuous youth, and to see these things written so deftly and with such compassion was to feel as if i'd been given the warmest hug.

written with respect, too.

vanessa north never makes the mistake of pretending a teenager is unaware of sex, or of how sex can be fun, or an exploration, or a promise of love. and because these characters are in this way authentic—real to me—they feel as much like bits of myself as they feel like my friends.

i'm not autistic. and i'm not a bisexual goth with a tongue-piercing, nervously licking his lips.

but reading this story made me forget i wasn't—and for a few glorious pages i was living in the skin of those two boys and of my former self as intensely as i live in this old bag of bones now. five stars.

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

All proceeds from the sale of this anthology go to support the Trevor Project, an organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth.

THREE BIG CHEERS to these authors for dedicating their time and talent to help such an important cause.

This is a young adult, with an emphasis on the YOUNG, collection of stories that range in length from approximately 600 to 1,200 locations. There is no steam in this book, and I do mean ZERO. Most of the MCs are under 18, so this is understandable.

Unexpected Dragons by Delphine Dryden (~1.5~) is a dragon shifter fantasy. I couldn't get into this one at all. I really just want to copy Julio's entire review here, but I'll refrain and just quote from it:

this one is a series of lectures that were so crushingly dull i fell asleep on three separate occasions trying to read it.

no plot. nothing happens.

TruNorth by Alexis Hall (~2~) : dystopian rockstar story featuring a trans character. I'll quote Ele's review:

We also get a glimpse in the world of a boy band. What looks all shiny and dreamy on the outside can be pretty destructive to a young person's heart and spirit.

I found the ending to be abrupt, although I realize the purpose was to show that when you're young, the present and the decisions you make matter ....

Big DITTO on the ending; everything was moving along and then ... lights off. I also couldn't connect with the MCs in this one.

Extinction Level Events by Geonn Cannon (~2~) : contemporary F/F story (not really a romance) about coming out and being true to yourself; sweet, easy, but kind of dull.

I would have given this one 3 stars had it not been for the ending where Cassandra essentially blows off any possibility of a relationship with Evelyn.

A Taste of Coffee and Cream by Amy Jo Cousins (~3~) : contemporary story with a trans MC about daring to live as your authentic self and letting others in.

The present-tense third-person POV was distracting and jarring. I also had a hard time relating to Jude because I found her quite unlikable. She wasn't welcome as a girl at home and hid her true self. But when Owen is kind and tries to help over and over, she lashes out at him. There is the beginning of a romance in the last couple pages.

First in Line by Annabeth Albert (~3.5~) : contemporary coming out story about a college freshman who escapes his conservative family but is too scared to live as an out gay man on campus; first-person POV.

I liked the budding romance between Ethaniel and Nesto. Nesto is a great character, so friendly and outgoing. I also loved Ethaniel's roommate, Will.

Sadly, this felt like the beginning of a story. I wanted to know more about these two and how Ethaniel will deal with his family. I would so read a full-length version of this story. I am a HUGE fan of this author!

A Song for Sweater-boy by Vanessa North (~4.5~) : the standout of the collection! Lovely story about Jamie, who is on the autism spectrum, and Ash, a musician with a pierced tongue (this is rather important to Jamie).

Jamie and Ash are high school seniors and become friends when they start to knit together. Ash is on probation and required to participate in the prison outreach program Jamie and his aunt run. I loved Jamie's aunt!

Jamie's idiosyncrasies are portrayed with sensitivity and honesty. Ash is perfect for Jamie, accepting and kind and open. I just wanted him to hurry up and break up with his girlfriend already.

So many FEELS in this one and an epilogue to boot!

Don't pay too much attention to my ratings. The collection is worth the small $3.99 price tag for Vanessa's story alone, and you may like the other stories more than I did.

What matters is the cause!

[Vanessa North]

***5/9/2016 --How We Began is ON SALE for 99 cents!***
https://www.amazon.com/How-We-Began-A...

11/9/2015
It's release day for How We Began! I was thrilled to be asked to participate in such a special project, for such a wonderful cause.

My contribution to this collection is a YA M/M novella called "A Song for Sweater-boy," and this is the mini-blurb:

Ash Cooper has made a mess—an angry prank turned into a criminal mischief charge and now he’s on probation. Jamie Allen has a talent for pattern recognition, but he’s not so great with people—how can someone as well-liked as Ash Cooper not have all the answers? An unlikely friendship springs up between them as they navigate senior year, a probation sentence, and—oh god—homecoming.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!

I was so very lucky as to receive an ARC for this charity anthology of YA short stories. All proceeds will support The Trevor Project's work with crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth.

I think that's enough reason to buy this book—and I will, too, once it's out on Nov 9—but it's also a great opportunity to read a book by an author you already love or maybe by one you weren't so sure if you should buy a whole novel from. Well, this is the exact case for me, and I'm looking very much forward to reading all of these.





This really is a lovely collection of shorts for a very good cause. I loved how different and diverse these stories were. There are two stories with a transgender character and one with a lesbian. Some of these are very romantic, some focus more on the identity and development of the character.

I reviewed each story and gave a separate rating. For the official rating I used the intersection and rounded up because I just love the concept of this anthology.





TruNorth by Alexis Hall

How could I possibly feel any other way—it's Alexis, you all—but this contribution to the anthology was so wonderful and lovely that this collection is already worth it for me.

But I’m not very good at that stuff. Words, I mean. Music’s easier. It just slips into people. Gets straight to what matters without anything in the way.

Because I think he's very good with that stuff. Words, I mean. They slip just into me, straight to what matters without anything in the way.


TruNorth is about identity, about being lost under all the expectations and about finding yourself. And while probably all of us were never world-famous, super rich, and a part of a boyband, the struggle that our protagonist Noah goes through is just as easily ours.

Who am I? Who do I want to be? These are questions that we all had and often still have, and I think that is the reason why many of us adults still enjoy reading stories about Young Adults, because we still remember this crucial time and because we might still struggle with figuring it out.


What I really, really absolutely loved is that Noah is not a cool, self-assured boy, and that he often doesn't know what to say or what to do, but that he, that such a person, can make it. He found his way and made the right decisions. He now knows more about himself and about who he wants to be and what he wants to do, and I loved that so much, because he is just an everybody. He stands for me and for everyone.

And what I think was just as great is that Noah gives other people the possibility to be themselves, too, and that he can fall in love with a person, and not a label or a concept.


This story really touched me. It was actually quite sad in the beginning because Noah felt so lost to me, but even then it was really still lovely. As the story proceeds, we see him grow and build a connection and figure things out, and there's this beautiful romance. *sigh*


A great plus for me is that TruNorth takes place in New Berlin, and I feel that this was most fitting, because it is a place where you can be yourself. It felt very authentic.


I loved this. So much.

*** 5 stars ***


Unexpected Dragons by Delphine Dryden

Okay. So.

This one didn't really work so well for me. Main reason being that I didn't understand where the protagonist was coming from, why he was so insecure and where all his weird thoughts had their origin.
I could, of course, come up with reasons, but it isn't explained and I couldn't figure it out from what we are shown, either. And, well, that was, um, annoying.

The message (yes, I'm choosing this word on purpose, because, boom, it's in your face) is that it's important to be who you're meant to be, disregarding any appearances or assumptions, even when they are coming from within yourself.

Then... It kinda pains me to say this, because I usually can't be contained in my enthusiasm, but the dragons here were, um, plain. Yeah. I mean, how? Plain does not equal dragons in my experience so far, and sure, let's tear down all stereotypes and such, but... So, this didn't win me over.

Another personal niggle is that nudity and sexuality were kinda shown as unnatural. It was just in the small things like mentioning the embarrassing state of his morning erection (Seriously, what the heck is embarrassing about it? And he didn't even have company.), and clothes—or lack thereof—were kinda such an issue that it was constantly present. You know, shifting from one form to the other and, boom, no clothes, so we need to prepare for the clothes, and then change into and out of clothes, and clothes are just really important because nekkid.

I'm sorry. I didn't get along with this story.

*** 1.5 stars ***

ETA: I realised that I had read another short story by the author in another anthology and that I hadn't finished it. It seems I don't get along with this author's writing, or at least not with her shorts.


A Song for Sweater-boy by Vanessa North

Sweeeeeet :) *sigh*

Another great contribution to this anthology.

Since I found my husband while still being in school, I can always relate to such stories really well, and I love reading about it. About the strong connection that is built. About the future that is planned. About the all-consuming feelz.

What makes this story stand out is the absolutely fantastic depiction of the autism of one of the protagonist's. It reads like Vanessa knows what she's talking about.

Also: This is like porn for knitters :D

I would have liked less switches in POV. It was great to get to know both boys but it was also distracting. I think I would have preferred to read only Jamie's POV or at least less constant changes.

So, this was lovely and sweet and romantic and funny and drama-free, and I believe these two are great together and will make it work, because they've already shown us how within these pages.

I'll check out more books by Vanessa, I think :)

*** 4 stars ***


A Taste of Coffee and Cream by Amy Jo Cousins

I don't know exactly why but I had a hard time connecting to the story.

The reason might be the third person present tense narration, although I have read first person present tense that I really loved. To be honest, this would be the first time that such a reason stood between me and enjoying a book. So this might be complete nonsense.

The reason might be that I didn't get a hang on the characters. I'm not sure the story was told in the right format. Reasons, motivations, issues remain shallow or guesswork. There wasn't enough time or page space to get to know Jude, her old and new family, her friends.

The reason might be the pacing. Parts seemed repetitive to me, others happened too fast. I also wasn't sure whether there would be any romance or not.


I liked Owen. He was very sweet and kind.

I liked how Jude's struggle with not being able to be herself was portrayed.


I'm not sure about a rating, to be honest. This story wasn't bad but I didn't really like it, either.

*** 2.5 stars ***


First in Line by Annabeth Albert

This was nice and sweet.

Ethaniel was such an awkward and shy guy, full of insecurities and fears. It made total sense with his familial and country background that he had a hard time coming to terms with being at college. Culture shock seems really fitting here.

As a snapshot of Ethaniel's new life and, moreover, new beginning, the story worked quite well. Nonetheless, it remains a bit superficial and easy.

*** 3.5 stars ***


Extinction Level Events by Geonn Cannon

Oh, I really loved how this was a happy coming-out-of-the-closet story. I mean the fear was real, but it was just lovely to see how positively this all went. It's good to have those stories, too!!

I think this was really well written and the short story format worked really good, too. I wasn't entirely pulled into it, though.

*** 3.5 stars ***





Recommended. I hope you'll give this a try :)

[Ele · Rating 4 out of 5]

"All of the proceeds from this volume will benefit The Trevor Project, the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young people ages thirteen to twenty-four."

The cause alone is more than enough to buy this book. And if you 're a YA lover, all the better.

Each story is different and unique, and explores the beginning of a relationship. I particularly liked the authors' notes before each story, that explain to the reader his/her purpose of writing it.

TruNorth , by Alexis Hall
*3 stars*

This is a sad but hopeful story that touches on many sensitive topics, some of them common, some of them not so much. It is about gender identity, about society's insistence to put a label on you and about the pressure to fulfill other people's expectations.

We also get a glimpse in the world of a boy band. What looks all shiny and dreamy on the outside, can be pretty destructive to a young person's heart and spirit.

I found the ending to be abrupt, although I realise the purpose was to show that when you 're young, the present and the decisions you make matter, they 're not just a means to an end. I think the story fulfilled this purpose.

Unexpected Dragons , by Delphine Dryden
*2 stars*

I can't put my finger on why I didn't like this one. It was sweet and the dragons were kind of cute.

I think it's because A)I couldn't connect with the MC and B)I felt that parts of this story, the ones that had a message to convey, were written like a fairy tale that was meant to teach a little kid something. I don't know if that makes any sense, but this is how the writing seemed to me.

A Song for Sweater Boy , by Vanessa North
*5+ stars*

This was my favorite story of the anthology, for many reasons.

First and foremost, because of the accurate portrayal of the autistic protagonist. Vanessa knows what she's talking about. Jaimie (aka Sweater boy) stole my heart.

Second, because I loved Ash, an honest to God bisexual MC, who was incredibly well sketched. Bisexuals are not unicorns.

Third, the two of them might be schoolmates, but they get to know each other better through a prison-knitting program. How cool is this? They become friends and eventually boyfriends.

The dual POV worked great. In a few pages we got to know both Jaimie and Ash pretty well. And there is an epilogue too! I'd love to see more of them in the future, but if I don't, I feel perfectly satisfied with this epilogue.

There is knitting, romance, the sweetest kisses and a special song written for Sweater Boy. But most importantly, there is this message:

"Nobody has it all together. Not the kid with perfect grades or the one whose band is about to go viral on YouTube any minute now. They’re all in the mess too.[...]

Your mess is part of what makes you special."

A Taste of Coffee and Cream , by Amy Jo Cousins.
*4 stars*

Except for the final scene, this is not a romantic story. BUT it is the best story with a transgender character I 've ever read, so 4 stars for this.

Although I'm not a fan of it, I found the third-person, present tense narration to be a brilliant choice. I felt that the author "forced" me to take a step back and watch Jude closely. Experience her day to day battles, her trips to another city that allowed her to be who she really is, her struggles and the feeling of not belonging in your own family.

There is resolution and the story ends on a very hopeful note. Weather it is realistic, I genuinly don't know (it definately isn't where I live). But I really hope with all my heart that it is.


First in line , by Annabeth Albert
*4 stars*

This was lovely. A pretty light story about the transition from life at home to life in college. If you like Annabeth Albert's writing style, you 'll like this one too.

It is mostly a coming out story, which is easier for some than for others. I liked the opposites-attract theme, the shy and reserved Etheniel and the out and proud Nesto.

It is set in Cathia College for those of you that have read the Campus Cravings anthology, and some characters from the author's story, Winning Bracket, make an appearance.

Extinction Level Events , by Geonn Cannon
*3.5 stars*

This was a very sweet F/F story. It is about Cassandra's decision to come out to her family and best friend before leaving for college. It lacked in the romance department but I liked that everything went well.

There are stories where everything works out in the end and there is acceptance and love. This is one of them.

I do recommend this anthology. Even if you don't like YA. Even if you 're not a fan of all the authors and even if you don't plan on reading all stories. Because the cause is everything!

Buy this book.

*Also posted on Gay Book Reviews. ARC kindly provided from the publisher.*

[.Lili. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm normally not a big anthology reader I'm always hesitant to read them because I'm afraid the length of the stories will be too short leaving wanting more. This one I wanted to read for two reasons:

1. 100% of the proceeds will support The Trevor Project. A group that works with youth in crisis and suicide prevention.
2. The authors involved with the project.

I'll be honest, not all of the stories worked for me so I will only focus on the ones that did.

TruNorth by Alexis Hall
Beautiful writing. The author managed to pull us into their world. It's about finding yourself and your place in life. It was very nicely written.

A Taste of Coffee and Cream by Amy Jo Cousins
Although I did struggle a bit with the writing style Jude's journey swept me away. Amy Jo Cousins managed to make her pain real and it made me want to hug her and tell her it would get better. And Owen and his mother- I just loved them.

First In Line by Annabeth Albert
It was a nice easy read- Just wished it could've been longer so the story would've been a bit more developed.

The star of this anthology for me was:

Vanessa North's A Song for Sweater-boy
This story was absolutely wonderful. Vanessa North did a fantastic job depicting Jamie's autism. I just loved the way she developed Jamie and Ash's relationship. I found myself moved by their love and loyalty to each other and their loved ones. It was an exquisite short story that really managed to move me. Amazing writing.

I am going to rate this 5 Stars. It's for a great cause and I love that it was geared towards a YA audience. Our youth need our love, support, and understanding- to know that there are people in their corner and all these stories do just that.

**ARC was kindly provided by the authors for an honest review.**
**This review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.**

[BWT · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll admit, not all the stories are super-fantastic, mostly they're sweet, or cute, and there are definitely a couple of standouts...BUT the CAUSE is great. The cause is totally worth it - because 100% of the proceeds of this anthology go to The Trevor Project's work with crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth. BUY THIS BOOK!

**************************************

TruNorth by Alexis Hall

He’s the nice one. Everybody’s third or fourth favourite. His name is Noah and his job is to be young and free, wild but not too wild, exciting but safe. He has everything he’s ever wanted, and he’s beginning to think it sucks.
When TruNorth play New Berlin, he follows his bandmate Callum (the quiet one, the one the shy girls go for) into the old city. To a club where everything is possible and everything is true.

Set in a distant future, this short tale centers on Noah who won a place in a boy band on a televised (like a Britain's got Talent type) show and has basically had his life stripped from him. When he follows his band-mate to an underground privacy club he finds out more than he ever knew about the boy who's been next to him for years, and himself.
2 stars

Unexpected Dragons by Delphine Dryden

If Zev could wish his way into his dragon form, he would already be flying with the rest of his training group. But now it's high summer, and fear is taking over. If he hasn't made the change by now...maybe he'll never be a dragon.

Zev doesn't want to leave the village on the crag, leave his family and the rest of the dragon kin. He doesn't want to go down to the grasslands where the non-kin live—flat landers, earthbound. He worries his friend Rook may be headed that way. So how can Rook seem so calm about it?

But once Zev does change, a new dilemma greets him. Even staying in the village may mean a life he didn't bargain for. If only he could borrow a little of Rook's patient wisdom--reach out and take it from his slender hands, his petal-soft lips. If only Zev could unfurl his new wings and follow Rook up and up and up, into the blinding brilliance of a summer sky.

I just had a lot of fun with this shifter story. I found myself really hoping for more of Zev and Rook's story.
3 stars

A Song for Sweater-boy by Vanessa North

Ash Cooper has made a mess—an angry prank turned into a criminal mischief charge and now he’s on probation. Jamie Allen has a talent for pattern recognition, but he’s not so great with people—how can someone as well-liked as Ash Cooper not have all the answers? An unlikely friendship springs up between them as they navigate senior year, a probation sentence, and—oh

Vanessa North's story was a winner for me. Cute and totally enjoyable. The way Jamie's autism is handled was pretty brilliant, and I loved Ash and Mel!
5 stars

The Taste of Coffee and Cream by Amy Jo Cousins

Jude lives for Saturdays, when she can hop a bus and escape to wander the streets of a town where no one knows her, reveling in the freedom to be her true self. She isn’t interested in making friends, but some people become friends whether you invite them to or not.

Owen works the counter at the coffee shop where Jude changes clothes and she thinks maybe he knows things she usually keeps hidden. When he reveals her secret to someone else, Jude will have to decide if she can hang onto enough trust to let her take the biggest risk of all…

Sweet.
3 stars

First in Line by Annabeth Albert

When new Cathia College freshman, Ethaniel Rhodes arrives on campus, he’s determined to finally be true to himself, but getting the courage to follow through with his plan proves harder than he thought. Unexpected allies, new friends, and an intriguing upperclassman all complicate his first days on campus. Ultimately, however, only Ethaniel can decide whether the time is right to take a leap of faith.

This was good. I found myself holding my breath at odd times until I finally let out a sigh of relief when I got my HFN at the end.
3 stars

Extinction Level Events by Geonn Cannon

Recent high-school graduate Cassandra Keane is leaving the town she's known her whole life and heading to college. Before she goes, she has a list of things she has to do that includes a difficult conversation with her best friend. As her time runs out, Cassandra learns there are some things you can't plan, and other things you can miss even if they're right under your nose.

This was the F/F story in the group. It had heart and was sweet.

Bottom Line: The stories are good, some are even great, but the cause? The cause is fantastic. 5 Stars for the cause. All proceeds going to support The Trevor Project's work with crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth means one thing - BUY THIS BOOK!!

Advanced Review Copy generously provided by Pink Kayak Press in exchange for an honest review.

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to receive an ARC for my honest review... Honestly, if you buy want to buy a book right now, this is the one. The proceeds are going to The Trevor Project, a national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth.

How We Began is a book filled with stories. These are the kind of stories that make the world go around. These are the kind of stories that teens all over the world need. These stories tell truths, build hope, expand hearts, share fears, and give love... so much love. I don't want to rate each story individually, but I'll tell you a little bit about how I felt for each.

In TruNorth, I cried all these cleansing tears that you get when the world feels new and right. It's a beautiful story about Noah and Callum, each facing hard decisions. Each finding that making those decisions are easier when you have someone to help hold you up and support you. Each finding strength in themselves that they maybe never knew they had. Both of them finding these things together, making them stronger, happier, and filled with hope at a new life. My heart was so full.

In Unexpected Dragons, my spirit was lifted after reading this. I was soaring so high. It was like flying in the sky with wings I never knew I had. This story is not just about two individuals from a different land, it's also about a community that's so cool, I closed my eyes and wished it real. And yes... there are dragons. Dragons of all kinds, shapes, sizes, colors, and abilities. When the time comes, and Zev makes his change, everything in this story explodes into this wondrous tale that's so incredible. Zev and Rook's story is simply beautiful.

A Song for Sweater-boy, if I had to choose one, is probably my favorite story of the bunch. My heart, how much love fits inside of it? When Ash Cooper meets Jamie Allen, both lives change. A friendship grows into something marvelous. That friendship then takes off into something else. Something more. Something beautiful. This story had me in tears and laughter. I smiled so much my cheeks hurt the next day. It’s a story about two boys, so different from each other, finding love and acceptance. Living their life the way they want, and seeking adventure.Thinking about it long after, it still brings happy tears to my eyes.

The Taste of Coffee and Cream is a story of hope. My heart broke over and over reading this one. Jude is full of so much courage, it’s inspiring. Her difficulty in trusting is understandable, so when she does let Owen in, it’s incredible. The hope and happiness I felt for her by the end was enormous.

In First in Line, Ethaniel is off to college and taking a step away from a family life he’s not comfortable in. He’s worked very hard to get the grades, save the money, and secure his spot at Cathia College, a place where he hopes to join the GSA, meet new people, and finally find the support and meet friends that will appreciate him for who he is. I love Ethaniel, his roommate, and the every wonderful Nesto Reyes.

Extinction Level Events tells a story of big changes in Cassandra Keane’s life. She’s graduated high-school, she’s moving to a new state, and is determined to go not only being honest to herself, but honest to her family and best friend. She’s got this list, you see. Cassandra will follow it and get things checked off that are difficult, just as soon as she gets up the nerve. Little does she know, her family who are wonderfully supportive and always have been, her best friend who’s equally supportive and always there for her won’t let her down. This story has an easy flow to it that comforts you.

I'll never really be able to express the warmth my heart felt at reading all of these. They each touched a part of my soul, and I'll never forget them. I can not stress strongly enough how important these stories are, how important they will be to kids out there who need them. Shoot, not just kids. Anyone can read these and take from them something they need. Love. Hope. Acceptance. I strongly recommend this book to everyone. Thank you to the authors who put so much effort into writing stories like these. Stories that make a difference.

[Meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

So far I've only had the pleasure of reading two stories in this sweet anthology, but I hope to read the rest soon enough.

I was initially drawn to this anthology for two reasons:
1) the earnings go to a good cause; and
2) Annabeth Albert has written yet another N/A story set at Cathia College (like all the stories in the enjoyable Campus Cravings: Higher Learning MM Boxed Set).

Albert's current offering, First in Line , was yet another easy and sweet read to add to her collection.

But it was Vanessa North's A Song for Sweeter-boy that really won me over. This story was absolute perfection. I adored the quirky characters and the way in which North was able to make this story both witty and original, while also providing some serious emotional depth within it's limited page count.

Even if I never get around to exploring the other offerings within, this anthology was worth the one-click for these two stories alone.

[Laxmama · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were two stories i really enjoyed ALEXIS HALL's I absolutely LOVED.

5⭐️ for TruNorth by Alexis Hall. ❤️❤️❤️ This story melted my heart, so beautifully worded, It was unique. Noah was so confused, and aimless at the beginning of the story. Watching him develop through the story is increadible, the writing is memorizing.

4⭐️A Song for Sweater-boy by Vanessa North

This was a sweet high school story, I liked both the M/C's, their interactions, the challenges they faced and they way it was handled. Enjoyable, sweet and touching story.

[♣ Irish Smurfétté ♣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Buddy-Reviewage on Prism Book Alliance®

Yup, my co-reviewer Q and I decided to do this one together, in that I read three stories they read three stories LOL

Tru North by Alexis Hall 3.5*

This story is told in first person and starts out rather dour and dry, almost like reading an itemized list of the things taking up Noah’s life and what it’s become over the last few years. It culminates in Noah feeling lost, separated from himself. He feels alone even when surrounded by thousands. I understand that feeling. The way this is portrayed, though, made it difficult to connect with Noah.

Then we have Callum. Aisling. To the world she’s usually Callum. For herself, she’s Aisling, and Noah gets to see her. She’s intriguing, and intelligent, and is trying hard to go after what she wants because she knows how she feels. I would have loved the story from her point of view. We all know we need and want more stories like hers. As soon as she started talking, I perked up and wanted to hear everything, all of her dreams, fears, and demands on life.

The writing is typical Hall, meaning beautiful, with rare patches of overdone or underperforming. I love this:

We’re still sort of in costume from Eldorado – I’m wearing the hat and Aisling’s got glitter in her hair and all down her arms – but maybe all they see is a pretty girl and a lucky guy.

I hope so.

It’s how I feel.

Lovely. And honest. And it feels right. And this marks the point where the story really gets moving. This story’s a good one but dragged initially before getting to the heart. It held great potential that is partially realized and is the beginning of a beautiful, perfect idea.

Unexpected Dragons by Delphine Dryden 4*

I have to say, this author made it easy for me to connect with Zev, our young teen on the cusp of his first shift into his dragon form. His awkwardness, the way his thoughts pinball all over the place, and is easily embarrassed self all convey his struggle to grow up and become the dragon he’s meant to be.

The world building is well done, painting a relatively clear picture of the physical surroundings and rules that govern this universe. The same can be said for the supporting characters.

I was left with some questions, and a couple of story points remained unresolved. Also, italics were overly employed. Teen readers are smart enough to understand where the emphasis should be placed without that “help” and it was sometime a distraction.

I like this author’s writing style, everything rolling along without any major hiccups. She does a good job in communicating a slice of a young teen’s life, especially that time when evenly stuck between childhood and adult existence.

Tears prickled up before Zev could stop them – his other form might not cry, but this one could and did. I don’t deserve the welcome. But he had changed, hadn’t he? He was kin. And he might not be an adult of the village yet, but he could never be a child again.

Most importantly, the author tells any teen reading this story that there are many good ways to express yourself, that just because you don’t feel confident using a particular type doesn’t mean you’ll feel the same when trying another. Keep trying until you find what works for you.

I enjoyed this one. :)

A Song for Sweater-boy by Vanessa North

Rating and review removed.

[Shira Glassman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute collection of LGBT YA; I give all of the stories four stars except for the first two which earned the collection my five star rating, "TruNorth", an exquisitely beautiful, subtly futuristic teen trans f/cis m romance with a musical theme and a happy ending, and "Unexpected Dragons", cis m/m fluffy high fantasy set in a village where reaching puberty means learning to shapeshift into one's dragon form and what happens when it comes late or at an inconvenient time (the metaphor is strong with this one, Master Yoda.)

The other stories all have happy endings, too -- there's one f/f, one other trans f/cis m story, and more cis m/m, mostly on the theme of kids moving from the end of high school to the beginning of college while navigating queer life and queer love. I like the way "First in Line" tells you about the MC's conservative parents being difficult in the past, off-screen, rather than making you experience it with him--instead, we watch him overcome one hurdle after another as he finds a new community.

They're all solid reads, but even if they'd been my cat falling asleep on the keyboard it's worth buying the collection for those first two. Seriously, "TruNorth" is going up there with my top short story recs.

[Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

I bought this anthology mainly to support the cause - all proceeds are going to support The Trevor Project's work- and ended up being very pleasantly surprised.

This anthology is all about first love. But it's also about growing up, coming out, being brave, and trying to become the person you were meant to be. So many of these characters and their stories really touched my heart.

If you enjoy LGBT y/a fiction AND want to support a great cause, I strongly encourage you to buy this anthology!

My ratings by story:
TruNorth (Alexis Hall) - 4 stars
Unexpected Dragons (Delphine Dryden) - 3.75 stars
A Song for Sweater-boy (Vanessa North) - 4.5 stars
The Taste of Coffee and Cream (Amy Jo Cousins) - 4.25 stars
First in Line (Annabeth Albert) - 4 stars
Extinction Level Events - 3.75 stars

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

See status updates for thoughts on individual stories.

[BevS · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best anthologies I've read, and all for a very good cause (although **mini rant coming up**, isn't it about time we did something like this here in the UK...and Europe for that matter?? The situation is obviously no better over this side of the pond and needs addressing...just saying)...mini rant over. 5 stars overall from me.

Alexis' story Futuristic transgender story featuring boy band TruNorth, their slimy git of a manager (an extremely thinly veiled rip off of Simon Cowell - eek!!) and the trials and tribulations of balancing fame and the imaginary, manufactured for TV you with the REAL live you. Really good. 5 stars.

Delphine's story Dragon shifter tale, and I hate to say I'm not really into shifter stories unless they have THIRDS agents in them (waggles eyebrows), so I did skip this one I'm afraid. Sorry.

Vanessa's story Gay YA featuring autistic Jamie and bi-sexual Ash. Absolutely loved it. Completely and utterly fell into the huge puddle of gooey deliciousness engendered by this story. Everything about it...the secondary characters (especially Aunt Mel), the knitting...just superb!! Sweater Boy, I love you... SEQUEL PLEASE MADAME AUTHOR!! 15 stars.

Amy Jo's story Gentle transgender story featuring Jude, Owen and TJ. Jude's parents were a pair of a**holes, but I would love to see a follow up story for TJ. 4 stars.

Annabeth's story Gay YA story featuring Ethaniel, the parents that couldn't be bothered to help him go to college and knew nothing about his being gay, and how anxious he got getting used to saying the words 'I'm gay' out loud and fearing the consequences. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

Geonn's story Have to admit I'd never heard of this author, but I liked the way he writes and has no trouble using words like halcyon and entrenched, so I'll definitely be looking for more from him. Nice little lesbian YA story featuring Cassie and Natalie. 4 stars.

All in all, a really well put together anthology with a couple of stand out stories as far as I'm concerned.

[Elena · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

All proceeds will support The Trevor Project's work with crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth.

This above and the fact that Alexis Hall is one of the authors were the main reasons I bought this anthology.
I didn’t realize until I started the third story that ALL the stories in it would be YA, which isn’t a genre I particularly like. You’d think I’d get a clue sooner, given the blurb clearly states “six authors explore the beginnings of love between young and new adult couples”, but I bought this book more than a year ago and I didn’t reread the blurb before starting it.
As a result, I read the first three stories, which I liked a lot, then started the fourth and found that I didn’t much care to keep going. I took a look at the remaining two and they didn’t sound interesting either.
So my rating is for the first three stories and the good cause. I think those who like YA more than I do would probably enjoy the other stories too.

[Kasia Bacon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by KASIA BB
(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review)


This seems to be the year of anthologies for me. I reached for this particular collection, attracted – like a bee to a honeypot – by some of the participating authors. In addition, it is a charity anthology, published in support of the Trevor Project’s important work with crisis intervention and suicide prevention amongst troubled LGBTQ+ young people.

Only after having offered to review this compilation did I learn it was described as Young Adult genre wise and sweet regarding its content. I initially shuddered at the combination, because typically I don’t read either. I find the style of YA fiction often irksome, infantile and naïve, while any literary saccharine overload is guaranteed to have me breaking out in hives and sarcasm. I prefer my books just like my chocolate – dark, disturbingly bitter, mature-tasting and damn intense.

Luckily, this read didn’t result in either an episode of hyperglycaemia nor a stroke (of cynicism.) Shockingly, I actually enjoyed it.

This anthology contains six tales – a couple of trans stories, a few M/M ones and one of F/F variety. They all focus on how relationships between young people blossom during difficult, transitional moments of their lives.


TruNorth by Alexis Hall *5*

This piece defies categorisation. It’s not just a regular M/M story. Interestingly, it features at least two gender fluid characters. The setting is not completely contemporary either. There are little glimpses of futuristic elements, which really add to the atmosphere. Furthermore, I don’t see it entirely as a Young Adult story. To my mind, it has more of a New Adult feel.

TruNorth is about a “nice” boy with a guitar. Except in truth, he’s not really that nice and his guitar was taken away. It is also a story about another boy, who doesn’t feel like a boy at all. The author depicts being trapped within the harsh, unforgiving and suffocating world, where everything is choreographed, staged, rehearsed and photoshopped. This tale is about having to carefully hide one’s true nature, feeling lonely, alienated and unable to control anything, thus slowly losing one’s identity and becoming an empty shell. However, it’s equally about finally rediscovering yourself, regaining autonomy and making tough choices, encouraged by the motivation of love.

This story struck me as – even uttering these words in my mind makes my imaginary tongue bleed – simply endearing, delightful and sparklingly sanguine. And Lord help me, I loved it.

The strength of it lies primarily in the characters. Hall’s ability to sketch a complete character with just a few taps of the keyboard is admirable. If there were ever to be any follow-ups, I’d jump at the chance to read more about Benedict or Ernst – two side-characters who got under my skin.

On top of everything, Hall does sexy and seductive rather well. Swift, almost chaste touches, fleeting brushes of the lips, lingering glances – it’s about what’s withheld rather than what’s exposed. Reticent, reserved, exquisite. So hot.


Unexpected Dragons by Delphine Dryden *4*

Recently I saw this meme somewhere: Always be yourself. Unless you can be a dragon. What if one could be both?

An interesting fantasy setting never fails to capture my attention. Throw in some dragons and we’re almost there. Therefore, it’s hardly surprising that I liked this perfectly charming coming of age story, starring dragon shifters. The story also features teenage crushes, insecurities and anxieties. I found the concept of the first shift as the equivalent of an initiation ceremony, accepting the individual as kin and a member of the community, rather clever. In my view, the execution was sufficient and the two main characters, especially Rook, very likable.

However, this enjoyable story was probably intended for a young reader. My complaint, as an adult, is that the moral of the story, so to speak, could have been delivered with a tad more finesse, rather than being shoved in my face somewhat crudely. And the moral, ladies and gentlemen, is – your appearance doesn’t determine who you are. There’s no point in denying one’s true nature – you should be who you are, do what you are good at and what you love. An appealing message conveyed nicely by a pleasant story.


A Song for Sweater-boy by Vanessa North *5*

This is an M/M contemporary high school story. I loved this brilliantly written romantic piece from start to finish.

What an amazing pair of main characters. They carry this entire story effortlessly with their sheer personalities all through their adorable journey from fellow students to friends and, eventually, boyfriends.

The dual POV worked fine for me. However, it was Jamie, the boy somewhere on the autistic spectrum, who completely stole my heart. He’s written in a raw, authentic and believable manner, betraying the author’s first-hand experience with what she’s depicting.

This story is stuffed with pure emotions, similar to the way a good pizza’s crust is stuffed with cheese. And it is – precisely like a pizza – both comforting and moreish. Mid-read I must have temporarily lost my gritty edge, because I happened to have a brief teary moment. A few humorous lines thrown here and there nicely counterbalance the emo feel.

This story illustrates that fear and mistakes are a part of life, and that being imperfect doesn’t make us less special or less deserving. What else is there to say (apart from: Can I have a sequel, please?) The title is fitting, the message beautiful, the story moving and the ending uplifting.


The Taste of Coffee and Cream by Amy Jo Cousins *4*

This is yet another story featuring a transgender character. A very good read – touching, poignant, with slightly darker undertones lurking in the background. Not an incredibly romantic tale overall, although I found the final scene fondly tender.

I got a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach at the mention of the abuse and bullying, which caused the teen heroine to adopt a guarded, distrustful and jumpy demeanour. She lives in a state of constant vigilance, veiled with fear and insecurity. Unable to receive acceptance, compassion, kindness and affection from her own family, she’s lucky enough to find them elsewhere. One cannot help but think about hundreds of young people out there in the real life, not quite as fortunate, and it’s heart wrenching.

I personally thought it was a clever choice to apply a third-person narrative in this particular story. It seems to me, that first-person would come across as too emotionally available. In my view, this neutral filter was needed here to express emotions of someone who is in the process of coming out of hiding, and is just finding herself and her own voice.

Lastly, I wouldn’t mind finding out more about TJ, a very intriguing side-character with a complicated past.


First in Line by Annabeth Albert *3*

This is an M/M contemporary story set around college orientation week. It portrays coming-out dilemma, and related issues young people often struggle with during that difficult process, such as fear of rejection or inability to fully embrace themselves.

I admit this story didn’t resonate hugely with me. It’s perfectly agreeable, the two characters are nicely drawn and I can’t fault the writing. Perhaps the setting proved slightly too “all American” to me. Maybe it was simply too sweet and naïve for my blackened heart and twisted tastes. I found it a little flat and bland – lacking depth or something more substantial lurking underneath. There’s not much of a plot as such here and that made the story a little static – I perceived it merely as a snapshot captured at a particular time. In my view, this piece is probably better suited for a younger reader.


Extinction Level Events by Geonn Cannon *2.5*

Similarly, this F/F story is also a coming-out tale. A positively happy one, depicting a lovely, supportive family and a good, caring friend. The key points of this story focus on transition, new beginning, internal strength and courage. The courage to be yourself and let others see it.

Again, I didn’t quite connect with this story, although it isn’t badly written. There is not much really going on in terms of romance. For me, the most interesting part was the teenage infatuation with a straight friend. The main character, Cassandra, was in my mind slightly annoying and definitely not the sharpest tool in the shed. I couldn’t force myself to like her. I’m afraid I remained unmoved and a little bored. To be fair, I’m not really into F/F, so that could constitute a factor. I’m sure many people will find this piece sweet and entertaining.

Aw, young love is the greatest of enablers. Just like the sugar and caffeine laden energy drinks, it gives you wings. It supplies the determination to act, motivation to persevere and confidence to conquer the fears.

My initial concerns regarding this collection proved to be unfounded. Fine, it had me rolling my eyes a little on occasion, but a sudden urge to remove my brain with a rusty spoon never came. This anthology was slightly uneven and I definitely had favourites (and the Oscars go… to Alexis and Vanessa.) However, it turned out to be an enjoyable and refreshing read overall. In addition, I reward some extra brownie points for a satisfyingly diverse and inclusive content. It certainly deserves a firm rating of 4 out of 5 from me.

[Mónica BQ]

Removing review and rating because of reasons.


This book has both what I resent and what I love in YA.
I find it incredibly difficult to review. I feel like I have very little to say about the individual stories but a lot of thoughts on the overview of the anthology.

The thing is that most of the authors made a mistake that I have very little patience with. Teenagers are not stupid. And a lot of authors, in their intention (I hope) of being too careful and keeping things PG commit the sin of making teens seem naive at best or idiots at worst. And trust me, most teens are neither.

It is of course OK to protect innocence and to be innocent. It is of course COMPLETELY POSSIBLE to be an older teen and inexperienced. It is of course a thing that happens, that teens grow up sheltered. But sometimes I feel like some authors either have forgotten what it was to be one, or worse, they refuse to acknowledge what being one was. I often feel this discomfort towards books filled with hypocritical PURITANISM that seems so common in mainstream YA. I am quite baffled and annoyed when authors write teens that apparently haven’t discovered their dicks or their clits until they are almost legal adults. Or until they meet the one which is such a horrific narrative I won't even get into it or I'll explode in rage. And yes, I am a prolific romance reader. I see my own conundrum.

So, to start this review I will sing all the praises to Vanessa North.

A Song for Sweater-boy
Vanessa North
This story basically makes my previous point for me. MC1 is experienced, openly bisexual, very sure about what he wants his future to be and yet he is ALL teenager. He is confused with friendship and sexual attraction and the border between the two, he is having major angst about the way to go with his parents and their own adult life and what's expected of him, he inadvertently hurts someone important to him and he is totally pining for MC2 the way only teenagers do. Then we have MC2, a kid on the autistic spectrum, in the closet mostly for fear of bullying, a bit sheltered, a bit lonely, more close to his family members than to school friends and completely inexperienced. And yet, he is neither stupid nor naive. He is even on page SAYING SO. He is absolutely aware of his social shortcomings, he tries to be in complete control of his surroundings because of them. He knows he is irrevocably attracted to his school mate. He is knowledgeable. He finds strength in his own autistic "weirdness" while working with the inmates and his aunt.
This absolute true rendition of teenagers is exactly what I mean when I say that the rest of the authors of this anthology are selling teens short. They are underestimating them BIG TIME.
And all of this, without even mentioning how absolutely enjoyable the story was. Vanessa North even gave a link to show some of the knitting mentioned in the story, check it out. And honestly, buy the anthology just for this story. It's worth it.

TruNorth
Alexis Hall
Alexis Hall, as ever, is an incredibly accomplished writer. One of my absolute top favourites in contemporary and most definitely a super huge terrific one in paranormal and fantasy for me.
But this started reading a bit too much One Direction fanfiction for me. I mean, the name of the bands (One Direction/ TruNorth); the lyrics (Baby you light up my world like nobody else/ You’d know how your smile lights up my world); the guru (Simon Cowell/ Simon Glyde); the names (Zayn/ Rayan).
I’m still debating whether the whole thing was a dig at popular culture or a homage of sorts.
In my ever increasing eye-rolls I got too distracted from the story. The transgendered character member of a boy-band could have been an amazing story had I not been so caught up in the pop cult references and the total INSTA LOVE. I also could have done without the future-like story. It was too much packed in a short story.

Unexpected Dragons
Delphine Dryder
I have to say I was somewhat turned off by this author’s opening letter. Like I mentioned previously this thing adult people seem to have to find that their teen or tween either isn't interested in erotic romances or worse isn't something they think is on their radar… then dude… I am not expecting good things from your story. And thus, I loose a lot of my confidence in your writing.
Having saaaid that… DRAGONS ARE MY LOVE…. SHIFTER-DRAGONS???? MY LIFE...
And Dryder managed to make them the most BORING THING EVER.

The Taste of Coffee and Cream
Amy Jo Cousins
I've said it before and I'll say it again: AJC is not for me. I find a LOT of faults with her writing. Her depiction of Other races is absolutely deplorable. She was a one-time-hit for me. Off Campus was great and from there on it went downhill for me. She has been praised for her portrayal of queer relationships by actual gay men and that's commendable.
I just can't with her. I can't.
It is one of my most absolute convictions that while reading, it is the author's job to keep me entertained, to keep me engaged. And when writing a difficult MC, an unlikable one, a different from the norm one it is the author's job to make me understand them. I am not reading a "YA romance anthology" for there to be homework for me and to feel like I'm reading a textbook description of "alienated trans teen".
Like a reviewer just recently said in a review of a different book:

The hallmark of any brilliant novel is the ability to make the reader empathize for the characters in the book.

First In Line
Annabeth Albert
Cute. Sweet. Nothing special. Nothing brilliant. Nothing outstanding.
And then of course it committed the capital sin of sins:
Man, I loved the colour of his lips... They made me hungry in a weird sort of way I didn't fully understand
No. Just fucking no.
Unless you are in the ace spectrum you do not get to your first year of college and not fucking now when your dick is hard for someone else. You do not get to be 18 without having been aroused. I don't fucking care if you lived in Bodunk, USA. It doesn't matter how lonely or solitary you were, that DOES NOT MAKE TEENS UNAWARE OF THEIR OWN AROUSAL. IT DOES NOT MAKE THEM STRANGERS TO THEIR DICK. THEY HAVE MASTURBATED. THEY DO UNDERSTAND WHEN THEY ARE ATTRACTED TO SOMEONE ELSE.

Extinction Level Events
Geonn Cannon
I think this was the story that could have redeemed the anthology for me, but by the time I got to the last one in the book I was just about done. I was bored. I was too distracted and I skimmed half of it. I may come back to it later and I'll definitely give Cannon another chance. This was F/F and I was hoping it would capture my attention completely. But alas... The "How We Began" part of the story was barely even a footnote.

This last review leads me to the conclusion of the anthology. Which is that with the exception of the Vanessa North story, this read more middle grade than YA. And that I found that in general the stories where much more "It Gets Better" than they were "How We Began". Again, with the exception of VN's story, the stories are zero love or romantic ones, and lean more towards coming of age (if you stay in the mind of an 11 year old). And that was disappointing. While the message that there comes a time when you make your own family and that these families that we choose are important, is a powerful one, it was not what was sold to me.

[Veronica of V's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally written for Joyfully Jay Reviews and can be accessed here: http://joyfullyjay.com/2015/12/review...

This anthology is a series of coming out/coming of age short stories and novellas that all center around finding that first someone special. They range from futuristic fiction to fantasy to contemporary, and the characters are part of the diverse spectrum of humanity, that also happen to be LGBTQI. Because this book is geared toward teens, the stories are all written about teens and have teen-levels of heat. So, essentially none. Which is FINE, IMHO. Proceeds from the sale of this anthology will be donated to The Trevor Project that aims to provide crisis intervention and counseling to reduce suicide in LGBTQI-identifying teens.


TruNorth by Alexis Hall
This is a futuristic tale of two members of a world famous boyband, TruNorth, coming to terms with who they are and whom they love. It’s told from the perspective of 17-year-old Noah. Along with four other boys, Noah was selected to join this power band and has been touring for two years. He’s got an attraction for one of his band mates, Callum, but has never acted on it. His sexuality is something that needs to be managed by the handlers of their band. They are willing to let Noah have a discreet arrangement with a hanger-on, if he wants.

Well, Noah doesn’t want. He follows Callum one night after a show in New Berlin—right out past the checkpoints and off the grid into Old Berlin. He’s overwhelmed by the place he finds himself, an all male cabaret, featuring cross-dressing entertainers. What flips his lid, however, is Aisling one of the revue performers. Through their meeting in this unlikely spot, Noah and Aisling are able to find a truth about each other.

I really enjoyed the futuristic elements of this one: the mods people had and the elements of setting—mobile amphitheaters and glass-walled hotels—and the new age drugs and how it all boils down to the same things that we value now: love, autonomy, being true to one’s self. Noah and Aisling have some difficult choices to make, and it would be easy—and lucrative—for them to go along with the script that’s been written for them. The way this plays out is impetuous and teen and excellent. Noah has such a true heart, and his awakening is more a rebirth than an acknowledgement, which is felt real, and similar to Aisling’s experience. I liked them bunches and wanted them to strive for a real life together.

Unexpected Dragons by Delphine Dryden
This is a dragon-shifter fantasy featuring two 14-year old boys who aren’t living up to the potential others place on them. Zev is the son of two prominent dragon shifters, his father is a gold-counter and his mother is the battle chief of their clan. Zev is agonizing over the lack of shifting happening in his life, knowing that he’ll be ejected from the clan if he doesn’t make his first shift by the end of summer. He also fears that his good friend, Rook, son of the clan leader, will not change either. He’s so torn over this, he has a stress shift in the midst of a clan gathering, and it’s humiliating. Rook has to talk Zev back into being a human before Zev burns the place down. While Zev struggles with his new status being the biggest dragon in the clan, he’s faced with choices he doesn’t like, like people he trusts telling him he should be a warrior, when he doesn’t want to go into battle. Plus, Rook! Will he ever shift?

This is a bit message heavy, but I liked the primary message of being true to one’s self. Zev’s parents are awesome. They want his happiness above all things and have no expectations that he’ll follow his mother’s path into battle, even though his dragon form is far bigger and stronger than hers. Zev’s burgeoning romance with Rook is also sweet. They are a good support system for each other. The author notes that she wished to create a world where there was no stigma for same-sex love, and also a book her young kids could read. I think she hit the mark. I liked the sweetness and also the uncertainty of both Rook and Zev. They are 14 and act like it. They don’t pretend to know the answers and seek the approval/counsel of their peers and elders before making their decisions. It was a very affirming story.

A Song For Sweater-Boy by Vanessa North
This is a contemporary YA romance between two high school seniors: a closeted high-functioning autistic genius, Jamie, and Ash, the out-bisexual goth musician. Jamie has loving parents who work, a lot. His primary caregiver is his aunt, Melissa, who runs a knitting store and assists in prison outreach, teaching knitting to inmates. Jamie, the “sweater boy” has been at her side since birth, essentially. Ash is a student in Jamie’s school, and they meet because Ash was arrested for criminal mischief and is serving his probation by assisting Mel and Jamie with the prison outreach.

Ash doesn’t want to go to college; he wants to tour with his band. He spends all his time working on his music, and (often) making out with his newest boyfriend/girlfriend. He’s currently dating Abbie, but he’s finding that tender-hearted and intelligent Jamie is a balm to his spirit. It’s not easy, though, because Jamie’s in the closet, and has enough trouble making it through the day without the pressure of a relationship.

This one is so tender and sweet. Ash is able to soothe Jamie when he most needs it, and Jamie gives Ash his kindness, and believes in him—which is so important for Ash. He’s struggling with not having support of either of his divorced parents regarding his music. This one has the usual high school angst and bullies, and one aspect is handled more than the other, but the story shines in it’s simplicity.

The Taste of Coffee and Cream by Amy Jo Cousins
Jude is a transitioning teen, living in a home that is opposed to anything irregular. Her phone calls, internet use, and texts are monitored, and her schedule is rigorously maintained, except for Saturdays when she can ride the bus into a nearby town and hang out at the library. The first thing Jude does when she gets off the bus is head to a safe place to don her pretty clothes and hair extensions. Owen, the goth skater-boy who works the café that Jude uses for her transformations, is friendly and kind. He introduces Jude to his mother, a social worker who may be able to help Jude find a safe path to transition. And, maybe more…

This is a short read and packs some intense scenes. Jude’s father is a war veteran and unhappy with his effeminate son—to the point of some levels of abuse. There is a definite control vibe throughout, and the terror Jude feels in her home is real. She can’t reveal her true self, and feels that the growth of biologic parts with which she cannot associate is killing the person she is meant to be. I liked how Owen was so persistent and recognizes Jude for who she is without judgment. Their budding relationship is very tender, and his assistance in her transition and stability cannot be downplayed. I liked TJ, Jude’s only other friend—an out, gay black homeless teen. He’s fantastic, and, like Jude, I hope he finds real shelter soon. Jude’s angst and anxiety regarding the real issues of her world were clearly translated and engaging.

First in Line by Annabeth Albert
This is a New Adult M/M coming out story, featuring Ethaniel, a brilliant, closeted farm boy and his first days on a college campus. Ethaniel hails from a small, western Nebraska town. He’s spent his teen years helping out on his family’s alpaca farm, and he’d like nothing more than to never return. He chose to accept a full scholarship to Cathia University in upstate NY because it has a great astrophyics program, and a strong GSA. Ethaniel has known he’s gay since he was in junior high but has never spoken the words aloud, because, where he is from, your folks ship you off to conversion therapy if you admit such heresy.

Ethaniel’s first two days of school are a culture shock of the first order; he’s overwhelmed by both population and free choice. He makes friends with his girl-crazy roommate, Will, and his out-gay hallway mate, an attractive and outgoing Filipino boy named Nesto. Despite it being the first item on his “getting into the campus scene” list, Ethaniel struggles to admit his sexuality. At first.

I really liked Ethaniel, and sympathized with his plight. He’s sure this is a safe space, but is he ever truly safe? Would Will hate him if he admits he’s gay? Will Nesto like him if he can’t come out? And coming straight off the farm into a dorm that��s more populated than his whole county is a huge transition that is well-described. This is a great start to what I expect will be another story down the road; one I’d like to read.

Extinction Level Events by Geonn Cannon
Cassandra is leaving her northern Washington state home to attend design school in Savannah, Georgia, but, before she goes, she’s going to check off the most important items from her to-do list. First, confess her attraction for her best friend, Natalie. Or, maybe that should be last.

This is a short read that is a F/F coming out story. Cassandra’s sure her attraction has never been suspected, but she’s, well, not right about that. While Natalie is not unaware, it doesn’t make anything different. I think I liked how Natalie handled that confession, even if she was desperately blunt. Cassandra has a whole new world opening up to her, hence the “extinction” theme, and the story ends on a positive note.


This whole anthology is built with stories that have strong messages of acceptance and love, even if that is not always coming from the families of the characters involved. I really enjoyed the letters of encouragement written by the authors featured here, and—like they do—I truly hope that these stories find readers who enjoy them, and kids who can experience a positive representation of themselves in literature.

[Hot Stuff for Cool People · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of this book to read- this in no way affects the honesty of my review.

I was so excited for this book‐ a ton of great authors, writing YA (I love YA) and all of it for an excellent charity? It sounded perfect. But I was a little nervous, too. Shorter stories are… tricky. Some authors do them exceptionally well, but a lot, even authors who can write the most amazing novels, seem to… have a hard time with shorter stuff. Short stuff is difficult. And a lot of the time short stories, even by the best authors, are just… not much fun. So I kind of held my breath when I started reading this.

The first story in the book is Alexis Hall’s TruNorth, and I figured it would be good, because I know he writes short stuff as well as he writes long stuff. And it was. I mean, it was beyond good‐ it was incredible and beautiful and I kind of just wanted to wrap the words around me and live in that story, it was so gorgeous. I was totally in love with this story. It was just amazing… and I figured there was no way all the rest of the stories in the book could stand up to that.

But they did.

I’ve read a lot of anthologies, a lot of truly great ones, and there’s always stories I don’t like, stuff I end up skimming or just don’t enjoy. You’re bound to find something that just isn’t your cup of tea, when there are so many authors writing. But that never happened here. I loved every single story. I couldn’t believe it. Each time I started a new story, I figured that it must be the one I wouldn’t like, because there had to be at least one. Had to be. But there wasn’t. This was easily the best collection of stories I’ve ever, ever read.

I think there’s a few reasons for that. First, these are amazing authors. I’ve read most of them before, and they’re talented and awesome. Like I said, though, that doesn’t always translate to writing shorts. But it does here. It’s obvious that so much care was taken, writing these stories, that so much affection and dedication went into them. You can see it, and it makes the stories so fantastic. The characters are all real and alive, and you care about them right away. The situations are realistic and dramatic and fun and honest. The relationships are so believable. The settings (fantasy, dystopian, modern) are rich. And the writing is lovely.

I also loved how sweet these stories were. Maybe it’s because they’re written for a (mainly) YA audience… but I’m not sure. I’ve read a lot of YA that never comes close to this sweetness. But the love and caring and simple affection the characters showed for each other was just so touching. It was so refreshing to read about people who just… accepted each other and cared about each other in this really honest, tender way. It was never sappy, just sweet and wonderful.

And I loved how the authors seemed to have so much respect for their teen characters. So often in YA, even in the best YA, I feel like the authors are still acting as adults 'should’ act, kind of looking down, even a little, at their characters. Treating them as kids who aren’t fully capable of making choices or doing things for themselves. But that never happens here. These authors seemed to trust their characters, and they treated them as people who were fully capable of determining what they wanted, what the right choices were for them. Yes, there were adults to guide them (or misguide them) in most of the stories, but the authors still give them the freedom to choose for themselves‐ you want to be a musician? Don’t want to be a musician? Want to go to college, or not? Want to date this particular person? Want to have a crazy career choice, or a mundane one? All awesome. Whatever you want. Yeah, you might make mistakes, but that’s what happens. It’s your life‐ you make the choice. And all that respect for these characters was so obvious.

I loved that.

And I loved how different all the characters were and how the stories showed so many different kinds of people‐ gay and lesbian and bi and transgender (and it was definitely awesome to see so much of the LGBTQ spectrum represented,) but also kids who thought differently, who wanted different things, who lived different lives, who were dealing with so many different issues. So many places for readers to relate to characters, but also so much opportunity for readers to invest in situations and ideas they might never have encountered before.

And it was all so realistic. I think one of the authors said they wanted to write something like a fairy tale, something that was comforting and presented the idea that everything could, in fact, work out, even when it seems like it can’t. (I totally paraphrased all of that and probably got a lot of it wrong‐ those are my words, but that was, uh, close to the gist of it.) And these stories do that. They did feel fairy tale‐like. They offer this idea that life can be good and good things can happen, even if you feel like everything is wrong, like you’ll never fit in, or be accepted, or be loved, or find your path. I think it’s so, so very important to tell kids (and adults) that. But at the same time, it needs to be realistic in order to be effective… and these stories were all realistic. I believed, wholeheartedly, that they could happen.

I wished the teen me had been able to read this‐ not because I think adults will enjoy this less than teenagers (I couldn’t have loved it more, and I’m an adult) but because it will be such a comforting, wonderful thing for teens to have, when they need a boost, or a place to belong, or just something… positive, without being preachy or sappy or false.

Were there some stories I liked better than others? Yes. But I really did like them all. Were there a few places where I thought things could have been written or handled better? Yes. But those places were so minor and so few. Overall, this was just… stunning. Beautiful. Touching. Sweet. Warm. Something that I just want to read over and over again. I loved it.

(I also want to mention, because I feel it's important- the fact that this is a book for charity didn't influence how much I honestly enjoyed it, either. I mean, it's a great charity, and I'd probably say you should just buy the book no matter, but I'd have loved this book just as much even if it wasn't for charity at all. The fact that it is just makes it even better.)

This review, and others, can also be found on Hot Stuff for Cool People.

[Molli B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.36 stars (averaged rating).

I don't remember the last time I read an anthology and genuinely enjoyed every story in it, but I did with this one. I thought they were all very good, very worthwhile contributions. I'll also say that I didn't absolutely adore any of them either, but I will happily take six 4.0–4.5-star reads over two 5-stars and four 2-stars. Also, it's really hard to beat the cause (The Trevor Project) (even if AJC mentioned "It Gets Better"... Attention to detail is an excellent thing).

I marked the book as both YA and NA because there are stories that take place in high school and some that take place in college. Steam-wise, they're all on the YA level, but when you're talking about people starting college, you're in NA territory. The book also has a little bit of almost everything, sexuality-wise (as I think it should for a book supporting this cause), including a couple of transgender characters (no asexuality, though; I wouldn’t have minded seeing that tackled in a young-adult setting). And I also really love the diversity of the authors.

My combined rating is 4.36 stars for a very solid 4-star read.

My reviews are in the order in which I read the stories.

"Extinction Level Events" - Geonn Cannon - 4.25 stars [F/F YA]
I'm not at all familiar with Geonn Cannon, so I started there—why not? This is a sweet F/F tale about a girl who's getting ready to go to college. In preparation, she's made a list of things she needs to do before she leaves town for the other side of the country (e.g., have a yard sale, donate what doesn't sell), and on that list is tell her best friend (her years-long crush) and her parents that she's gay. The story doesn't go at all where I expected, and I really liked that; it's nice to be (pleasantly) surprised sometimes. It's a happy, hopeful story, and it left me smiling (and a little bit teary).

I’ll definitely be checking out more of Geonn’s work.

"First in Line" - Annabeth Albert - 4.5 stars [M/M YA/NA]
Annabeth Albert's stuff has been hit or miss for me, but I enjoyed this almost as much as "Waiting for Clark," which was one of my very faves from this summer’s Love Is an Open Road event. Ethaniel, from a ranch in the middle of nowhere, has just arrived at Cathia, a huge college, where he plans to really be himself for the first time. But he's overwhelmed by everything, from his roommate (and his roommate's parents) to the GSA to the cute guy he meets on his first day. This isn't a very long story, but we're given enough to see that Ethaniel is going to settle into his world just fine.

I would read more about these guys in a heartbeat!! I'm hoping she makes it into a little series.

P.S. I like that she worked in some characters from other stories, including Mackey from "Resilient Heart," which is the first Annabeth Albert I read, and Ollie and Edwin from "Winning Bracket," which was the second.

"The Taste of Coffee and Cream" - Amy Jo Cousins - 4.25 stars [Transgender M/F YA]
I'm getting now that "sweep and hopeful" is a theme with this anthology :) This one is about a girl trying to keep hold of her self and not lose it in the face of disapproving parents and overwhelming loneliness. I think Amy Jo Cousins did a great job with Jude's mindset and voice, making her and her unease and struggle feel very real and relatable, even for people who aren’t in exactly the same situation. I'd say the romance aspect of this is almost incidental; the story is much more focused on Jude just getting to a good place, although the length is such that there's no one theme that overwhelms the story. Strong addition to the anthology.

“A Song for Sweater-boy” - Vanessa North - N/A [M/M YA]

“TruNorth” - Alexis Hall - 4.45 stars [Transgender M/F YA]
I’d say that this isn’t quite Alexis Hall’s usual fare. This was a mild (very mild) disappointment for me, but for people who don’t usually love his stuff, maybe you’ll enjoy this more than the others you’ve tried. :) His writing is usually so melodic, and I found this to be kind of...normal? Which doesn’t mean bad; it just means different.

The story itself takes place in an alternate near-world with just enough scifi-type details to make it obvious it wasn’t quite our world, but not enough details for the setting/place to overwhelm the story or overshadow the characters. I’d also say this one veers from the “sweet” theme of the previous four—and while I absolutely enjoyed those, I didn’t mind this one having a bit of a different tone. I love how Noah was barely thrown out of step by Aisling—this is really a lovely story of falling in love with a person, regardless of their (or your own) gender or sexuality.

P.S. This really needed someone giving it an eagle eye for formatting issues. There were lots of tiny problems that someone doing a final review should have caught.

“Unexpected Dragons” - Delphine Dryden - 4.5 stars [M/M YA]
Maybe my favorite story of the book. It was really fun! Dragon shifters! What an interesting (and effective) metaphor for growing up and coming out. I think this story, too, didn’t have the same “sweet” element as the first four. Maybe because the characters were so young—14 or 15. Romance was a different sort of thing for them. This story is very much about just being who you are, regardless of what you think the expectations are for you. While many of the other stories focused on found families and how blood is not necessarily thicker than water, this one featured a very strong parent-kid relationship, with both the mother and father present and engaged and wonderful. So, that aspect was sweet. :)

I’d definitely read more that takes place in this world with these characters. Lots of worldbuilding for such a short story. This is my first Delphine Dryden, but I’ll be going to check out her other stuff to see if she has any other M/M—the writing was very good. Engaging and interesting. Definite thumbs up!

---

Thanks to these authors for contributing to such a wonderful cause!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Originally posted at For What It's Worth on 11/19/15

Overview of the anthology as a whole: This was one of the better anthologies I’ve read. There isn’t a bad story in the group and I was pleasantly surprised at the variety in both genre - sci-fi-ish future, dragons!, contemporary, YA, NA - and with the LGBTQ spectrum. This isn’t just M/M. There are Transgender, Lesbian, Bi, Gay and even Autism Spectrum stories and characters. I do hope we see more of this.

Most of the stories are YA, while a few take place in college or just heading to college but the heat level is low – steamy kisses at the most. There are no HEA’s or even HFN – this is “how they began”, not the full story - but all end happy with a future left wide open with potential.

Now on to each individual story:

TruNorth by Alexis Hall

He’s the nice one. Everybody’s third or fourth favourite. His name is Noah and his job is to be young and free, wild but not too wild, exciting but safe. He has everything he’s ever wanted, and he’s beginning to think it sucks.

When TruNorth play New Berlin, he follows his bandmate Callum (the quiet one, the one the shy girls go for) into the old city. To a club where everything is possible and everything is true.

My thoughts: As a member of the boy band TruNorth, Noah should be living the dream. Rich and famous yet every move is monitored to maintain each members carefully choreographed media image. Think One Direction in a slightly sci-fi near future.

Noah is collapsing under the weight of not being able to be his true self and finds surprising freedom and solace after following his band mate, Callum, to a club one night while touring in New Berlin. Noah’s reality is turned upside down and set free that night in this sweet romance that dares the boys to break free and be true to themselves.

Unexpected Dragons by Delphine Dryden

If Zev could wish his way into his dragon form, he would already be flying with the rest of his training group. But now it's high summer, and fear is taking over. If he hasn't made the change by now...maybe he'll never be a dragon.

Zev doesn't want to leave the village on the crag, leave his family and the rest of the dragon kin. He doesn't want to go down to the grasslands where the non-kin live—flat landers, earthbound. He worries his friend Rook may be headed that way. So how can Rook seem so calm about it?

But once Zev does change, a new dilemma greets him. Even staying in the village may mean a life he didn't bargain for. If only he could borrow a little of Rook's patient wisdom--reach out and take it from his slender hands, his petal-soft lips. If only Zev could unfurl his new wings and follow Rook up and up and up, into the blinding brilliance of a summer sky.

My thoughts: Um….dragons. Need I say more? This would make an awesome series! It also does a great job of exploring themes of gender stereotypes and expectations.

A Song for Sweater-boy by Vanessa North

Ash Cooper has made a mess—an angry prank turned into a criminal mischief charge and now he’s on probation. Jamie Allen has a talent for pattern recognition, but he’s not so great with people—how can someone as well-liked as Ash Cooper not have all the answers? An unlikely friendship springs up between them as they navigate senior year, a probation sentence, and—oh

My thoughts: This was my favorite of the group. It had a very Simon vs. the Homo Saipan Agenda vibe. Ash and Jamie were so damn sweet I thought I might die of cuteness overload. Not to say there weren’t complications or that it wasn’t a bumpy road but…omgthecuteness

North is a new author to me, I had read several of the others before, but I will be checking out her books immediately!

The Taste of Coffee and Cream by Amy Jo Cousins

Jude lives for Saturdays, when she can hop a bus and escape to wander the streets of a town where no one knows her, reveling in the freedom to be her true self. She isn’t interested in making friends, but some people become friends whether you invite them to or not.

Owen works the counter at the coffee shop where Jude changes clothes and she thinks maybe he knows things she usually keeps hidden. When he reveals her secret to someone else, Jude will have to decide if she can hang onto enough trust to let her take the biggest risk of all…

My thoughts: This was the most intense story of the anthology. It was told in 3rd person so I felt a little removed from Jude at first but then you fall into and realize it’s perfect for her story. Jude’s life is sad and fraught with danger but then she’s given a lifeline and hope from people who care enough to make the effort. Beautiful ending.

First in Line by Annabeth Albert

When new Cathia College freshman, Ethaniel Rhodes arrives on campus, he’s determined to finally be true to himself, but getting the courage to follow through with his plan proves harder than he thought. Unexpected allies, new friends, and an intriguing upperclassman all complicate his first days on campus. Ultimately, however, only Ethaniel can decide whether the time is right to take a leap of faith.

My thoughts: Another nice romance from Albert – a favorite M/M author of mine. I felt like I’ve read this particular type of story before but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment.

Extinction Level Events by Geonn Cannon

Recent high-school graduate Cassandra Keane is leaving the town she's known her whole life and heading to college. Before she goes, she has a list of things she has to do that includes a difficult conversation with her best friend. As her time runs out, Cassandra learns there are some things you can't plan, and other things you can miss even if they're right under your nose.

My thoughts: This one started a little ho hum for me – I thought it was going to go in a particular way but then the author threw in a nice twist that made the story so much more real. Nicely done!

All proceeds go to The Trevor Project - https://www.kintera.org/AutoGen/Simpl...

Full review coming soon.

[Trader (RedHotBlueReads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

TruNorth by Alexis Hall is the story of a TV-created boy band. The members are molded and shaped by their handlers, until two of them decide they've had enough and want to be true to themselves. That creates havoc with their career and they have to make a huge decision. There’s a definite futuristic feel to this story, and I loved the tone and voice to this sweet love story. It had a definite lyrical quality that fit the music theme of the story. Nicely done. I will be looking forward to more from this author.

In Unexpected Dragons by Delphine Dryden, sexual orientation wasn’t really the main theme of this story. To me it was more about accepting differences in each other, and not being too hard on yourself when you make mistakes, which is a great message for the young adult age group. And the fact this was a dragon-shifter story made it even more fun to read.

A Song for Sweater-boy by Vanessa North is about the budding relationship between two students, one on the autism spectrum and the other identifying as bisexual. It’s an unlikely story and I’m not sure I believed it all, but what I adored about this was how this author portrayed others interacting with Jamie, the autistic young man who knits to handle overwhelming situations. He’s not treated any differently because of his autism, and I thought that was really a great part of this story.

The Taste of Coffee and Cream by Amy Jo Cousins is a wonderful transgender story where a boy identifies as a girl, and struggles with living freely and openly. There's a serious struggle here with her ultra conservative family, forcing her to travel outside of her hometown to just "be". After another in their community comes out and ends up in conversion therapy, she's petrified of what might happen to her if she comes out. But a friend comes to the rescue and provides a glimmer of light and the ability to live as she feels. It's the contrast between acceptance and non-acceptance that struck me in this story, and how much courage it took this young adult to live as she needed to. This was one of my favorites in this anthology.

First in Line by Annabeth Albert is another story that illustrates the deep emotions and fears involved in coming out. Ethaniel Rhodes has moved away to college with the hopes of living his life honestly. His goals are simple, to live life honestly and to come out to his classmates and others, but it's a lot harder than he thinks to let go of the fears he's brought with him from his conservative home. But it's all worth it in the end, as he find the courage and lets go with a little help from his roommate and a friend down the hall.

Extinction Level Events by Geonn Cannon is the story of a young woman who has known she's gay for years but has kept it secret. Now that she's leaving for college, she wants to let her family and best friend know who she is. This coming out story is really a joy.

All of the stories in this anthology are so very well done. Finding and accepting who you are is such an important part of the young adult time of life, and these stories illustrate nicely the challenges and the joys that come with being true to yourself, and I absolutely loved that about the entire content of this anthology.

Recommended.

ARC provided for review.

[Christina's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I love that this anthology goes to The Trevor Project which is such a great cause. Thank you to all the authors for writing such beautiful stories and to everyone involved in making this happen.

The second thing I loved about this anthology is the little blurb before each story from the author letting us know their inspiration behind the story; a background. Gave each short story a better understanding.

All this being said....

How We Began are short stories of the beginning of relationships with young adults. Young adults trying not only to figure themselves out as they know they are different from society's "norm", but someone else.

TruNorth by Alexis hall follows the members of a boy band created from a TV competition. One member is gay but can't show his true self while another is hiding something even more "scandelous" and when brought to the producers attention creates havoc through out the band. Alexis, as always, does a wonderful job bringing the feelings of the main characters to the forefront of the story.

Unexpected Dragons by Delphine Dryden was the only story that portrayed a society that didn't care whom you chose to love. Same sex or different. It is a dragon shifter story that was such a delight to read. This is fantasy in really more ways than just being a shifter book, but the whole acceptance by everyone mentality.

A Song for Sweater-boy by Vanessa North brings to the story two different taboos. One of the main characters has autism while the other identifies as bisexual. What bonds these two together is knitting. Which I thought was fabulous.

The Taste of Coffee and Cream by Amy Jo Cousins is a transgender book where a boy identifies as a girl. His family would never accept this so he spends his weekends in a different town being the true person he wants to be until a friend's mom comes to her rescue.

First in Line by Annabeth Albert follows Ethaniel Rhodes as he moves away for his freshman year of college. He comes from a conservative family and never let anyone back home know he was gay. He wants to be his true self in college. However, letting go of who he was at home is a lot harder even with thousands of miles between home and school.

Extinction Level Events by Geonn Cannon tells the story of a young woman who has known she's gay for years but hasn't told anyone. Before she leaves for college she wants her parents and best friend to know.

Each story is extremely emotional and beautifully written. Made me want more. Lots, lots more!!

*I received an ARC of this anthology for review but it didn't it didn't persuade my review*

[Izzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75* overall

Note: This is a Charity Anthology - Raising Money For The Trevor Project - It Has Been Beautifully Edited by Edie Danford. As A Charity Project There Is No Independent Proofing.

Tru North by Alexis Hall

There are so many things to like in this story of boy band Tru North. Of course it is about a fictional version of One Direction, but the author has been very clever. He gives us enough that we can see, sometimes comic, similarities whilst never over stepping the mark into parody. This is a very sweet story but dystopian vision of the future, where we still haven't learned how truly sad and manufactured shows like X Factor are. We even meet 'Simeon Glyde' a truly slippery representation of Simon Cowell. Considering this is a short story the detail of this future is scary in its accurate probability. Noah is a very disenchanted, unhappy, pop star living as a concept rather than a true person. An unexpected visit to Old Berlin changes his life once again as he discovers a secret and love.

Having mentioned clever...I have to send my appreciation for iGlass, it exists in a different form in real life, but what a great brand name. Alexis' band name 'Trunorth' also gets a mention, connections abound plus ultimately, the message here is be tru' to yourself.

(A more comprehensive review will hopefully appear on All About Romance www.likesbooks.com)

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

This anthology is a series of coming out/coming of age short stories and novellas that all center around finding that first someone special. They range from futuristic fiction to fantasy to contemporary, and the characters are part of the diverse spectrum of humanity, that also happen to be LGBTQI. Because this book is geared toward teens, the stories are all written about teens and have teen-levels of heat. So, essentially none. Which is FINE, IMHO. Proceeds from the sale of this anthology will be donated to The Trevor Project that aims to provide crisis intervention and counseling to reduce suicide in LGBTQI-identifying teens.

This whole anthology is built with stories that have strong messages of acceptance and love, even if that is not always coming from the families of the characters involved. I really enjoyed the letters of encouragement written by the authors featured here, and—like they do—I truly hope that these stories find readers who enjoy them, and kids who can experience a positive representation of themselves in literature.

Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.">here.

[Lotta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this anthology. Most of the short stories were really nice and the proceeds go to a good cause! I especially loved TruNorth, A Song for Sweater-Boy and The Taste of Coffee and Cream.

[Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Didn't read the dragon or FF story but liked what I read.

[Renée Dahlia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been slowly making my way through this anthology. As with many anthologies, some stories were great, and others good.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

As is usual for an anthology, it's a mixed bag--there are two awesome stories, four pretty good stories, and one that really didn't work for me at all. I bought this because of the Alexis Hall story and it was worth it--that story was full of wonderful atmosphere and humour and a lovely use of language, and it was a bit barren and bleak at the same time. It's quite well done. My other favourite was Vanessa North's story, which was delightful and sweet and awkward and triumphant. Also very well done. This was worth it for those two stories alone.