Ever since Troy inherited the family roller skating rink, he's been struggling to keep it successful, both for his own sake and in memory of his parents. But on the eve of a loan that will allow him to revitalize the aging rink, his relationship with his boyfriend, Zane, is struggling. It's time for him to prove to Zane once and for all that he's The Best Thing on Eight Wheels, and their relationship comes first. Then, Ish, an archaeologist, and Kabal, a cop, live in different times and on different worlds, but a couple of times a year they can steal some small measure of time together, and their love only continues to grow despite the long silences. So it's with eager joy Ish journeys to meet his lover for A Time Traveler's Valentine, at least until Kabal announces that the nature of their relationship is about to change, forever. Nolan isn't expecting more than a normal date, so when his boyfriend, Sean, goes all out with an open bar and mysterious plans, he's intrigued. Turns out it's Tattoo Day—the anniversary of Sean's tattoo in honor of their relationship—and Sean has big plans to make the day forever memorable.
Jeremy and Bobby have a relationship that is stressed to the max. Working opposite schedules, the two barely have a chance to kiss hello and goodbye as they drop off to sleep or rush out to work. When their days off finally sync up, the two long-time lovers will spend Nights Burned Up in Flame as they reignite their romance and rediscover each others' hot spots. Thomas has the hots for fellow dog owner, Anton, but he's Dogged by insecurity, and outing himself to acknowledge his feelings seems like too big a risk. At least until Anton invites him out for coffee, where their bond has a chance to grow. As their dogs Biscuit and Muffin play, Thomas is ready to put himself on the line in the hopes that his friendship with Anton could be so much more. Finally, Phillip, CEO of the company BookTrader, may be openly gay, but he's also not above donating himself to a bachelor auction in the name of a good cause. But when he puts himself on the auction block, the person who seizes the moment is the last one Phillip expects. When the gavel drops, Phillip is Sold! in more ways than one.
The Best Thing on Eight Wheels by D.K. Jernigan and K. Piet 3.5 ♥s
Well, that was darn cute.
This was set at a roller rink, so that title? Ugh. So cute.
I always enjoy stories about established couples and this was really no exception. Even though we didn't get to see the beginnings of Zane and Troy's relationship, I still felt all the feels between them. This was all about Troy's set up and proposal to his boyfriend so it was adorable, sweet and just romantic.
A Time Traveler's Valentine by Blaine D. Arden 3 ♥s
Hm. I'm still trying to figure out what actually happened in this short story. I know there was a cop and an archeologist. I also know that there was time travel involved and they could only see each other every once in a while. On scheduled days? I'm not completely clear.
Even so, I still liked the relationship that Ish and Kabal shared and the pure joy they shared when they were together.
Tattoo Day by Raven de Hart 3.5 ♥s
D'awwww! Another cute one to add to this little anthology. Nolan is instructed by his boyfriend to meet him at a bar, which is only the first of his 'instructions'. Basically, Sean has some shenanigans planned for Nolan that just get cuter and cuter by the second.
Nights Burned Up in Flames by Emily Moreton 1.5 ♥s
I didn't get the point of this story.
Jeremy and Bobby are overworked and stressed and they barely get time to see each other. They finally find the time one night and (I guess) they have a little BDSM action together. Which is fine, more than fine, great even! I love BDSM! But it was weird. Bobby had some different reactions than what I would have suspected and I just didn't understand why. Why did he react that way to his boyfriend? I have no idea.
Then it was over. *shrugs*
Dogged by D.K. Jernigan 3.5 ♥s
This was a bunch of fluffy, sticky sweetness.
Thomas and Anton have been meeting on Friday nights to walk their dogs together. Never mind that their dogs are named Muffin and Biscuit. It only added to the cuteness. Anyway, Thomas always looks forward to their Friday meets because he's got the hots for the cute pet owner. One thing leads to another and they end up having a very sweet Valentine's Day together.
Sold! by Erik Moore 3.5 ♥s
Auctions and secret admirers made for a fun short story.
Although predictable, I enjoyed the way the auction played out and how Philip got a man he didn't even know he wanted. This was definitely the hottest story in the bunch and, yeah, is probably why it was my favorite.
As with any anthology, some were better than others. All were cute and romantic and perfect for Valentine's Day.
A copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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Awesome review, B! Some of those stories sound like my kind of story.
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