What an incredible emotional journey it was to read this anthology. A real roller coaster. Because, let me tell you, it has something for everyone, and overall, it's a delight for both those of us who like to read queer stories and those who just like to read good stories.

When I say that there is something for everyone, I mean that we find some that range from dark and with a high level of anguish, with taboo or forbidden themes, to others that are simply light and sweet. Some are a little more romantic than others, all of them have steamy, really hot moments, and even some with those fun banters that are enjoyed so much.

The common point of all? All issues are treated with respect, with care, knowing that none of the situations that the characters in each story go through should be taken lightly, be it because it is a sexual self-discovery, a very hard trauma, infidelity, religion , a long-awaited transition or simply a strong emotion.

Each one of these authors gives us a different experience with each story, and surely some will be liked more than others, and besides, for those of us who are followers of them, meet again with some of the MCs that we have already met in other of their stories, it is a double pleasure.

So, for me, it is highly recommended, one of those books that are a MUST READ. And even more, the fact of knowing that by reading it, you are collaborating with a good cause. That should simply be the most important thing of all.

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Although I wrote the review for the complete anthology, there are some stories within it that I want to dedicate a few words to, because I had the pleasure of reading them a few days before as part of their teams:

One of them is All We Are by Jessie Walker (this one is within the SHILOHVERSE, along with The Lost Boys duet and LBL).
To say that I was waiting for this novel is an understatement. I was dying to read it!!!

As always, reading about how my long lost boys Way and Will slowly build their relationship, getting those glimpses of their life, how they gradually overcome the obstacles that appear throughout their relationship. How Way slowly blossoms, losing his fear and growing closer to his true self, learning to trust himself, and trust Way and the feelings that unite them, is something wonderful. I don't think I'll ever get tired of reading about them, no matter how painful it is, because I know that in the end, together they can handle everything and everyone.

Not to mention that in this novella, we finally get a glimpse of what Mase and Jeremy's story is going to be. And from now on, we know that if Will & Way's story was painful, theirs will perhaps hurt even more. But it's going to be worth it. If Jessie knows how to do something, it is to make the story that she gives us full of emotions and feelings, she does not skimp on anything, but in the end, what will prevail will be the love between the characters.

So, after enjoying this novel enormously, I look forward to the next one even more, although I know that Every Breath After is still a long way to go.

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Another is Off Sides by Andi Jaxon and it is inside the world of the Darby U Hockey Boys series (Hidden Scars is book 1) and tells the story of Nick and Joey, two athletes who play for the same university, although different sports.

They meet one night at a club and they have an incredible hot hook up, but Joey runs away before they can even talk about seeing each other again. His surprise is great when the next day he not only realizes that Nick goes to the same university, but that they both live in the same dorms. Inevitably, they hook up again and the chemistry, the connection between them is undeniable. Nick comes to understand Joey's needs on a level that no one has ever been able to, making Joey, despite the short time they've known each other, feel safe with him and able to be himself. And as the days go by, the intensity of their connection deepens. Neither of them are out, (although Nick doesn't really care if he knows or not but Joey is somewhat afraid of being rejected) but they are willing to move on and explore the relationship they are building.

A short story, it really would have been great to read a whole book of them, but nothing is missing. In just a few pages, Andi manages to describe a whole world of emotions. And it's a pleasure to be reunited with Paul and Brandon (who will have their own book shortly, as well as a brief appearance of Preston from Hidden Scars)

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And then we have Riley Nash's Becoming Light. This one touches on a really sensitive topic such as being transgender. I am not an expert on this subject, on the contrary, I know and understand very little, but when you read a story that despite being brief, manages to make you feel what its protagonists feel, in a sensitive and respectful way, that alone makes it worth reading.

Kota is transgender. He meets Jamie, the dad of his best friend, a few years ago, when he was still Dakota and having a hard time. In the brief moments they share, Jamie provides him with unexpected but much-needed support. It's what gave him the strength to move on and accept himself. And he left an impression on Kota that stayed with him until they met again.

Jamie is a serious man, and although he is a workaholic, he does his best to be there when his daughter needs him. And it is because of this that when Kota has his surgery and Jamie's daughter and bf can't be there, it is Jamie who looks for him at the hospital and helps him recover. In those few days, the attraction between them ends up being impossible to deny, and their relationship begins. But Jamie is not the man Kota had known, he has changed, his whole life seems to be turned upside down, he has lost his longtime support, his best friend and business partner and he is still grieving. And this time it's Kota who gives him the support and understanding he once received from Jamie, enveloping him in his own light.

A beautiful story, which despite being brief, fills you with hope and love.

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And finally we have Lost & Found by T. Ashleigh. Such a sweet and lovable story.

After Owen shared a kiss at a college party with one of his best friends, he felt confused.

Years later, and he is still as lost as that night, unable to define his sexuality. On the one hand, he finds some men attractive, on the other, none attract him enough to act on that attraction, until he meets the one who would be his personal assistant at his company.

Lance is a free spirit, happy, sure of himself and his sexuality. He's been attracted to Owen from day one, but he's not only his boss, but he seems to be pretty straight, or doesn't he? And he's already been burned once by someone who was in the closet and wasn't willing to go through the same thing, but soon, he discovers that not everything is as it seems.

He helps Owen get to know himself and gain the confidence to stand on his feet and find that part of himself that seemed lost.
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I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.