Love Is Always Write: Volume Two by Belinda McBride

Love Is Always Write: Volume Two Reviews

• 
  Exina

  The stories in Love is Always Write anthology celebrate love, sex and romance between men. They are a product of the Love Is Always Write promotion sponsored by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group and they are free.
  
  The Goodreads M/M Romance Group invited members to choose a photo and pen a letter or story prompt asking for a short M/M romance story inspired by the image; authors from the group were encouraged to select a letter or story prompt and write an original tale.
  
  From this volume, I've read three stories:
  
  Close Encounters by Xara X. Xanakas - 2.5 stars
  
  My review.
  
  Coming Home by Ellen Holiday & Stella Harris - 3.5 stars
  
  My review.
  
  Crocodylus Acutus by J. Rocci - 3.5 stars
  
  My review.
• 
  Marie

  All in all a great selection of stories. There is something for everyone.
  
  BLOOD RAINE – Belinda McBride (fantasy/sword & sorcery)
  - DNR
  
  BRINGING HOME BABY BIRD – Megan Reddaway
  (contemporary/culinary/bartenders)
  - Read ★★★★
  
  BY DESIGN – Kate Islay (contemporary/office romance)
  - Read ★★★★★
  
  CALL ME BURT – Elin Austen (contemporary/humorous)
  - Read ★★★½
  
  CHIVALRY – Ravon Silvius (historical/ knights)
  - DNR
  
  CLOSE ENCOUNTERS – Xara X. Xanakas (sci-fi/post-apocalyptic)
  - DNR
  
  COMING HOME – Ellen Holiday and Stella Harris (contemporary/blue collar)
  - Read ★★★★
  
  A COMPETITIVE EDGE – Adara O’Hare (contemporary/college athletes)
  - Read ★★★★½
  
  CONSTABLE OF DISTURBIA – Darcy Abriel (dark fantasy/scientist)
  - DNR
  
  CORY’S PRIDE – Amanda Corlies (contemporary/hurt/comfort)
  - Read ★★★★
  
  CROCODYLUS ACUTUS – J. Rocci (contemporary/shifter)
  - DNR
  
  THE DANGERS OF FAIRY COMPACTS – Katey Hawthorne (fantasy/cleric)
  - DNR
  
  DARKEST BEFORE DAWN – Gabbo de la Parra (sci-fi/post-apocalyptic)
  - DNR
  
  DEFINING RICO – Sassy Lane (contemporary/humorous)
  - Read ★★★★
• 
  JenMcJ

  I think there is something for everyone in this volume, but if by some weird chance there isn't, hold on, there are 11 in total. If you like the m/m genre many of these books will be keepers.
  
  Fair disclosure, as one of the M/M Romance Group moderators, I could be considered biased, however, these stories, as a whole, do rate a 5 star rating in my opinion.
• 
  Sandra

  
  Blood Raine by Belinda McBride (fantasy/sword & sorcery)
  
  
  Bringing Home Baby Bird by Megan Reddaway (contemporary/culinary/bartenders)
  
  
  By Design by Kate Islay (contemporary/office romance) -
  
  
  Call Me Burt by Elin Austen (contemporary/humorous) 2 stars - Huh. This was OK, but it felt like it could have been a lot better. The dog talking could have been funny, except it wasn't really. And while I wanted the guys to get together, it felt kind of out of nowhere. And Jackson's all worried trying to figure out if Jet is gay, then Evan winks at Jackson and Jet asks if he knows him and Jackson says "sort of." Really? How about "he's my ex"! Then at least he'll know you're gay. And there was a lot of unnecessary information. Like who the hell is Sorento and what the hell does that have to with anything? Too much for a short story. Anyway, right when it was getting good... it ended.
  
  
  Chivalry by Ravon Silvius (historical/ knights)
  
  
  Close Encounters by Xara X. Xanakas (sci-fi/post-apocalyptic) 4 stars - Wow, not sure what to say. This was really funny but also really hot, and the way she worked the whole set-up around the picture was perfect. Loved the futuristic porno setting, and it was a cool twist to have Vin be from our century so we could relate to him and get some funny culture clashes. The guys obviously had a connection, my only complaint is that they could have displayed a little more of an emotional connection during the sex to proceed Jali's proclamation that they could be mates. It ended with a cute HFN but if extended this could easily make a great full-length with an awesome HEA!
  
  
  Coming Home by Ellen Holiday (contemporary/blue collar)
  
  
  A Competitive Edge by Adara O’Hare (contemporary/college athletes) 3 stars - OK in the interest of honestly, I read the second half of this first. I kinda just wanted to skip to the good stuff, and it was definitely good. But I was interested in the characters and how they got there so I went back and read the beginning. I did enjoy it, the only thing is they could have made Heath a little less of a dick. I know he was going through stuff, but besides those nice three days before the semester started, what motivation was there for Fleur to feel the way he did? I dunno, although their little convo at the end did help.
  
  
  Constable of Disturbia by Darcy Abriel (dark fantasy/scientist) -
  
  
  Cory's Pride by Amanda Corlies (contemporary/hurt/comfort)
  
  
  Crocodylus Acutus by J. Rocci (contemporary/shifter) 3 stars - Cute and funny short story with a HFN ending, would have liked if it went a little longer though. It was Grady and Craig's klutzy and chaos filled first meeting, although I thought they would at least explain why the other croc's were acting so strange.
  
  
  The Dangers of Fairy Compacts by Katey Hawthorne (fantasy/cleric) 3.5 stars - First of all, kudos for the perfectly matched story to fit that beautiful picture, great job Ms. Hawthorne. This was a fun and light read. It certainly could have been longer and shown us more of Aeron's world in faerie, including what went on with his father and the compact at the end. But it wasn't necessary. This made it short and sweet, and more about Aeron and Tam than anything else. Looks like she turned this into a trilogy, next one is
  Life as a Fairy Thrall!
  
  
  Darkest Before Dawn - The Masked Man Serenade by Gabbo De La Parra (sci-fi/post-apocalyptic)
  
  
  Defining Rico by sassy lane (contemporary/humorous)
• 
  Shelley Chastagner

  A great free way to encounter new authors! Over all this anthology is well worth reading.
  
  Blood Raine by Belinda McBride
  4 stars
  I was pleasantly surprised by this short story. The story line was well done and the characters held depth. The ending was open enough that it could easily be continued and I truly hope the author does so. I liked the struggle for forgiveness and reconciliation between Arick and Sai. I was excited to see them finally come together.
  Adult read
  
  Bringing Home Baby Bird by Megan Reddaway
  4 stars
  I enjoyed the story of Jules and Mark. Jules rule of "no relationships with coworkers" was ridiculous. He had every aspect of a relationship with Mark except for the physical part. Jules frustrated me with his inaction toward Mark's anger and departure. I was impressed with Mark. His immediate appearance when he was needed. His willingness to set aside his own pain for Jules and Nicole. This could be an amazing full length book if the story was fleshed out. I would love to see beyond the two of them reconciling and into the future with Nicole.
  Adult read
  
  By Design by Kate Islay
  4 stars
  This little book has so much potential. The characters are intriguing and I wanted to know so much more about them. This felt like more of an introduction that a complete story, but I enjoyed it all the same.
  Adult read
  
  Call Me Burt by Elin Austen
  4 stars
  Sweet and funny. The inner dialogue of Burt turned out to be a humorous addition to the story.
  Adult read
  
  Chivalry by Ravon Silvius
  4 stars
  I didn’t expect to like this one as much as I did. The internal struggle for Kent feels honest. The push and pull in his own heart and mind between what is deemed “right” by the Knight’s code and the church and what he desires. His need to protect Seth from himself is edged with desperation. The conclusion, while sweet, leaves many things unresolved.
  Adult read
  
  Close Encounters by Xara X Xanakas
  3 stars
  Some decent banter between Vin and Jali. The ending left me wishing for just a bit more time with these two to see where things went after their contracts where completed.
  Adult read
  
  Coming Home by Ellen Holiday & Stella Harris
  3 stars
  Nice short story. I would have liked to know a lot more about what Bryan and Marcus where thinking and feeling. What made them want Tony to join their family unit? It would have made the story a lot stronger in my opinion. Still, quite enjoyable.
  Adult read
  
  
  A Competitive Edge by Adara O’Hare
  4 stars
  Nicely done! I liked Fleury's kind heart and complete acceptance of who he is. Heath's vacillation from sweet to jerk felt a bit like whiplash at times. A follow up book would be great. I really would like to know more of their future together. I'd love to see Drew's wedding with Fleury in a tux, Heath on his arm and dreams of their own HEA.
  Adult read
  
  Constable of Disturbia by Adara O’Hare
  4 stars
  A bit dark with a steampunk feal. Sam was really the focus of the story and I loved getting into his head. What a deep desperate struggle he is living through. The epilogue give a bit of light and hope to the story.
  Adult read
  
  Cory’s Pride by Amanda Corlies
  4 stars
  TJ is a bit up tight. He wants to be perfect at his new job and comes across as cold. I liked that Cory is still willing to give him a chance. I really wanted to know about some of the side characters; especially Ben and Pierre. The possible books from this short story would be welcomed.
  Adult read
  
  Crocudylus Acutus by J. Rocci
  4 stars
  I loved the idea of a were-croc. I came across this fun little read as a free read and was intrigued enough to give it a go. Even though it was super short at about 23 pages, it was worth reading for the wonderful humor and characters.
  Adult read
  
  Dangers of Fairy Compacts by Katey Hawthorne
  3 stars
  This is a very likable short story. The characters are interesting as well as the concept.
  Adult read
  
  Darkest Before Dawn by Gabbo de la Parra
  4 stars
  Very well done short at about 23 pages. The characters are intriguing and the writing style draws you in immediately. The book Another Dawn on Planet X follows Alaric and Sule along with new characters.
  Adult read
  
  Defining Rico by Sassy Lane
  4 stars
  There is a lot of possibility with this short story. I really liked the characters and wanted to know a lot more about each one of them. The story line jumped around a bit and left me wishing for it to be more fleshed out.
  Adult read.
  
• 
  Bubbles Hunty Honest & Direct Opinions

  DNR = Did Not Read
  DNF = Did Not Finish

  
  
  Blood Raine by
  Belinda McBride - DNF
  My Review
  
  
  Bringing Home Baby Bird by
  Megan Reddaway - DNR
  
  
  By Design
  Kate Islay - 2 Stars
  My Review
  
  
  Call Me Burt by
  Elin Austen - 3 Stars
  My Review
  
  
  Chivalry by
  Ravon Silvius - DNR
  
  
  Close Encounters by
  Xara X. Xanakas - DNR
  
  
  Coming Home by
  Ellen Holiday - DNR
  
  
  A Competitive Edge
  Adara O’Hare - 2 Stars
  My Review
  
  
  Constable of Disturbia by
  Darcy Abriel - DNR
  
  
  Cory's Pride by
  Amanda Corlies - 2 Stars
  My Review
  
  
  Crocodylus Acutus by
  J. Rocci - 4 Stars
  My Review
  
  
  The Dangers of Fairy Compacts by
  Katey Hawthorne - DNR
  
  
  Darkest Before Dawn - The Masked Man Serenade by
  Gabbo De La Parra - DNR
  
  
  Defining Rico by
  sassy lane - 2 Stars
  My Review
• 
  Tamara

  
  Blood Raine – Belinda McBride
  
  Bringing Home Baby Bird – Megan Reddaway
  
  By Design – Kate Islay
  
  Call Me Burt – Elin Austen
  
  Chivalry – Ravon Silvius
  
  Close Encounters – Xara X. Xanakas
  
  Coming Home – Ellen Holiday and Stella Harris
  
  A Competitive Edge – Adara O’Hare
  
  Constable of Disturbia – Darcy Abriel
  
  Cory's Pride – Amanda Corlies
  
  Crocodylus Acutus – J. Rocci
  
  The Dangers of Fairy Compacts – Katey Hawthorne
  
  Darkest Before Dawn - The Masked Man Serenade – Gabbo de la Parra
  
  Defining Rico – Sassy Lane
• 
  Kitten Blue

  BLOOD RAINE – Belinda McBride
  
  BRINGING HOME BABY BIRD – Megan Reddaway
  
  BY DESIGN – Kate Islay 3 STARS
  
  CALL ME BURT – Elin Austen
  
  CHIVALRY – Ravon Silvius
  
  CLOSE ENCOUNTERS – Xara X. Xanakas
  
  COMING HOME – Ellen Holiday and Stella Harris
  
  A COMPETITIVE EDGE – Adara O’Hare
  
  CONSTABLE OF DISTURBIA – Darcy Abriel
  
  CORY’S PRIDE – Amanda Corlies
  
  CROCODYLUS ACUTUS – J. Rocci 5 STARS
  
  Aw, so much cute! Check this: 'Well, "new friend" might be stretching it. More like acquaintance? They'd totally made eye contact. Granted, Craig was a crocodile at the time, so it might not count.'
  
  THE DANGERS OF FAIRY COMPACTS – Katey Hawthorne
  
  DARKEST BEFORE DAWN – Gabbo de la Parra
  
  DEFINING RICO – Sassy Lane 1 STAR
• 
  SueM

  Okay, I admit I am somewhat biased towards this Anthology, given that I am one of the five-man (woman?) team who produced this collection of 11 Anthologies on behalf of the M/M Romance Group. But I do think there is something for everyone in each Volume, so while each individual story may not be a five-star read for you, there will be at least one that will reach out to you. Throw in the fact that all these wonderful authors donated their time and talent for the members of the M/M Romance Group in the group's Love Is Always Write event, I can't help but rate it 5 stars
  
• 
  Shaz

  As one of the group who worked on editing and proofing these stories and helped put the anthologies together I might be considered biased, but these anthologies are definitely worthy of the 5 star rating.
• 
  Adara

  Assume that the rating is for the stories other than my own, because I enjoyed Blood Raine and The Dangers of Fairy Compacts and Close Encounters and...
  
  I haven't read all of the stories yet. I'm working on them all.
• 
  Lisa

  Short stories by a number of different m/m authors across a wide range of genres, topics, places and events all based on a photograph and a readers letter - brilliant premise to start a story. Enjoyable read.
• 
  Katy Beth Mckee

  Look for reviews under individual stories.
• 
  Helma

  Bisserl viel paranormales Zeugs - da mich das nicht reizt, habe ich einiges überflogen. Den Rest fand ich aber ganz ok.
• 
  CB

  Lots of fun stories. I read this over a couple months so I am not able to write reviews for each one but I do remember enjoying them all.