What's sweeter than a low angst queer romance at Valentine's Day? How about sixteen of them brought together in one anthology to help support a good cause?
Each novella in the Candy Hearts Anthology is overflowing with red-hot romance and all the good feels. And this time around, every story has a secret—a secret admirer.
The Candy Hearts Anthology will be available for a limited time, and all proceeds will benefit the Transgender Law Center and the National Center for Transgender Equality.
Participating authors in this inaugural volume are:
Becca Seymour
Beck Grey
Bix Barrow
Chantal Mer
D.K. Sutton
Finn Dixon
Lee Blair
Linden Bell
'Nathan Burgoine
Nic Starr
Rain Carrington
Riley Long
Stella Rainbow
Susan Scott Shelley
Toby Wise
Victoria Gillilan
Cupcake Crushes by Becca Seymour
Getting myself in a pickle is not how I want to start any relationship. But there’s something about Finnegan that has me acting out and doing even the craziest of things. All I want is a chance to break free from being friend-zoned.
Swindling my way into his dating profile doesn’t go as planned, especially when I end up giving him advice on how to win over the guy he’s got a crush on.
Talk about a kick to the gut.
But this is Finnegan, a sexy-as-sin nurse and the best guy I know. What that means is I’ll be anything he needs me to be, even if it ends up with me confused about why we talk about cupcakes and green peens in the questionable dating advice I give him.
Subgenre: Contemporary
Tropes: Friends-to-lovers, pining, secret identity
Bee Mine, Valentine by Beck Grey
Gus
Being an elementary school teacher means crafting goes with the territory, especially around major holidays. I’m nothing if not dedicated to my students. Which means I’m knee deep in construction paper and glue sticks the week leading up to Valentine’s Day. Unfortunately, that leaves very little time to flirt with my new, totally gorgeous neighbor, Jeremy. Okay, except when my dog, Chip, escapes into Jeremy’s yard. Repeatedly. I swear I’m not leaving the gate open on purpose.
Jeremy
When I finally move out of an apartment and into my own house, I’m pretty sure things can’t get any more perfect. I’m back in my hometown, I have a new job at the local college, and I get to work with my very best friend. Then I meet Chip, the cute dog next door, and his equally adorable owner, Gus, and I don’t think I’m imagining the chemistry between us. But it’s difficult to be sure because our conversations have been so brief. When anonymous Valentine trinkets start appearing on my porch, is it too much to hope that my secret admirer is Gus?
Bee Mine, Valentine is a no-angst M/M contemporary LGBTQ romance about a man, his dog, and holiday decor. No bees were hurt in the writing of this story.
Subgenre: Contemporary
Tropes: Neighbors-to-lovers, secret identity
Voices Harry by Bix Barrow
A bubbly audio narrator finally meets his crochet-influencer crush. If only he’d used his real voice…
Talk about a tangled web. Look, it wasn’t my fault – I wasn’t expecting to run into Mitchell.
Okay, I was totally hoping to run into Mitchell, I just wasn’t prepared for it.
He was sooo gorgeous, and he was right there in front of me. And while I’m great behind a mic, in real life, well, my brain got all spun up and I spoke in my character’s voice. My character’s high-pitched, squeaky voice. And when Mitchell asked for my name, I kind of told him the character’s name instead….
[face palm of the century]
I’m shocked Mitchell wants to date me, squeaky voice and all. I have to tell him the truth before things get even knottier.
You think that’d be simple, but every time I try to tell him who I really am, my plan unravels. And the more I get to know the sweet man behind the videos, the more I’m hooked.
But what if I tell Mitchell and he thinks I’m just spinning yarns?
Voices Harry is a low-angst comedy of errors featuring a secret identity, a fanboying cat, meddling friends, inappropriate crochet projects, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after.
Subgenre: Contemporary
Tropes: Secret identity, humor, pets/animals
When We're Together by Chantal Mer
Robbie Lira isn’t the typical college freshman. At thirty-seven years old, he’s finally getting his life together, but every time Emerson, the cute guy in his psychology class, talks to him, he falls apart, tripping, dropping things, and unable to form a complete sentence.
The first time Emerson Silver saw Robbie, he was smitten. The only problem, Robbie becomes anxious anytime Em even looks in his direction. After months of patronizing the restaurant Robbie works at and no closer than getting anything more than stuttered responses to his Saturday breakfast order, Emerson is at a loss of how to engage the captivating man.
The more Emerson learns about Robbie, the desire to care for him only grows stronger, even if he has to do so anonymously. After a surprise confession, Emerson and Robbie open up to each other. But will secrets crush their new relationship before it begins?
Subgenre: Contemporary
Tropes: Age gap, classmates
Inconveniently Yours by D.K. Sutton
Remi
Being forced to participate in Valentine’s Day and its disturbing practices of obligatory gift giving and forced cheer has me wanting to stab someone.
And by someone, I mean my secret admirer.
My obsession with you has made my life a living nightmare. And a little more interesting.
This has to stop. That’s the only reason I enlist the aid of journalist Jules Woodbury. He’s irritatingly charming, undeniably gorgeous, and thankfully straight. After my last failed relationship, I’m done with guys. Finding this stalker is my sole focus.
But as Valentine’s Day draws near, resisting Jules and this thing between us becomes increasingly difficult. And since the letters and gifts suggest my secret admirer knows me—gets me—I find myself caught in a triangle between the man I really want and the one who wants me.
Jules
Remi doesn’t remember me which stings a little since I’m hopelessly in love with him. Still, I manage to keep my obsession hidden. Until Remi requests help finding his secret admirer. A person sending him love letters and gifts…
My love letters. My gifts.
As we work together to solve this mystery, I get to know the real Remi and fall even harder. His dark clothes and prickly attitude hide a vulnerability he rarely shows. I hate deceiving him, but if he discovers I’ve been lying to him, he’ll never forgive me.
It’s a race to find Remi’s secret admirer before Valentine’s Day. Before his secret admirer sends the last gift. The final letter.
The one that reveals my name.
Subgenre: Contemporary
Tropes: Secret obsession, opposites attract, pining, humor, mystery, hate to love you, Austenesque love notes, anti-valentines.
Swim Crush by Finn Dixon
Mike Ramsey has three things on his mind: swimming, not failing out of college, and figuring out who has a crush on him. After a secret admirer reveals his attraction, any and every guy who pays Mike attention becomes a suspect.
Could it be the professor that asked him for workout advice? Or his best friend and teammate that is way too comfortable being naked around him? Even the overeager highschooler visiting campus for a friendly swim meet seems like a possibility…unfortunately.
If Mike has any hope of identifying his secret crush and possibly losing his virginity, he’ll have to put his detective skills to work.
Subgenre: Contemporary
Tropes: Secret identity, college, sports, friends to lovers
Love is in the Ear by Lee Blair
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
I’ve got a crush on Calvin,
Oh, god, what if he knew?
Seriously though, on a scale of one to yikes, how ridiculous is it that I’ve been crushing on him for two years? We’re friends, and I don’t expect it to go anywhere. What do a former childhood actor and a dahlia farmer have in common, anyway?
Except I left the Hollywood life for the slower pace of Dahlia Springs. And Calvin treats me like he sees me, Oscar, the small-town baker, not the star of a cult classic show. It doesn’t hurt that he’s gorgeous and he has a voice like my favorite naughty audio narrator. Just being around him addles my brain.
But when Calvin’s on-again-off-again ex comes sniffing around, I have to decide whether to make my move or accept that Cupid never aimed his arrow at us.
Subgenre: Contemporary
Tropes: Second chance at first love, audio p0rn, date auction
It's All You by Linden Bell
When your secret admirer is hiding in plain sight.
Gavin
I’ve been in love with my childhood best friend since forever. But he’s straight and married and lives halfway across the country, so all I can do is try to get on with my life. Until he shows up on my doorstep one day, jobless and newly divorced.
Beau
My life has fallen apart and there’s only one place in the world I want to be: with my best friend. But Gavin’s being all weird and cagey and I’m suddenly feeling things I shouldn’t be feeling.
I came to him because he’s safe and familiar, and now we’re standing on the cusp of something new and terrifying. We’ll always be best friends, but do we have the courage to be more?
It’s All You is a friends to lovers, bi-awakening, low angst MM romance between a workaholic who’s harbored a secret love for years and his oblivious childhood best friend who is trying to piece his life back together. Expect couch cuddles, stumbling on ice skates, a packed subway car, and a kiss cam mishap. It’s All You is the prequel to the Mars Fitness series and can be read as a stand-alone.
Subgenre: Contemporary
Tropes: Best friends-to-lovers, bi-awakening, unrequited love, jock, recovering from divorce
Valentine's Dave by ’Nathan Burgoine
To say Dave’s last three Valentine’s Days haven’t worked out would be understating—the coffee incident, the secretly married guy, thebarfer—but this year, he’s convinced a hunky silver-fox veterinarian will break his disastrous streak.
With the aid of Asher, Dave’s best friend and roommate, as well as the Village’s “Secret Admirer” charity Valentine’s Day messages, the two aim to craft a perfect romantic result one red notecard at a time.
Everything seems to be coming up Cupid, at least until Dave’s silver-fox crush sees Asher helping Dave draft the messages and decides Asher is the secret admirer behind the notecards. Is Valentine’s Day offering up a fourth disaster for Dave’s streak, or is this a chance at setting up two hearts who should be together after all?
Subgenre: Contemporary
Tropes: Friends-to-lovers, pen pals/secret identity
Sweet Serendipity by Nic Starr
Best friend’s brothers are supposed to be off-limits…
Derek
When Nathan asks me to keep an eye on his brother, of course, I say yes. However, Nathan probably wouldn’t have asked if he knew I’ve fallen head over heels for Ryan. Now Ryan’s back in town, and spending time with him has only reinforced my feelings. He makes me want more out of life. He makes me want to take a chance. But what if telling him how I feel destroys our friendship?
Ryan
I’ve had a crush on Derek for years, but he’s way out of my league. Derek is older, he’s successful, and he has his shit together. There’s no doubt we have chemistry as proven by an unexpected encounter—my blood sizzles just thinking about it—but he could have anyone. What would he see in me?
Thank goodness for Valentine’s Day, a heartfelt letter, and a little girl who recognises love when she sees it.
Sweet Serendipity is a sweet and sexy low angst story featuring a brother’s best friend, opposites attract, and an age gap, with a Valentine’s Day happily ever.
Subgenre: Contemporary
Tropes: Age gap, brother’s best friend, unrequited love
The Tip Jar by Rain Carrington
Blake Copperton had a great life in the mountains where the snow was his only foe. Each morning, he shoveled for an hour to escape his driveway, making it to town where he owned the small town’s only coffee shop.
One day, he receives a sweet note in the tip jar, and that starts his heart to long for the one thing he wanted to complete his mostly idyllic life.
Who is the mystery man, leaving the notes? Find out in this sweet and fun short!
Subgenre: Contemporary
Love Unplugged by Riley Long
How long have I been in love with Leo? I can’t remember a time the sexy, dark-eyed bassist in my band wasn’t haunting my every thought. As Ember Riot embarks on our first tour, I decide to make my feelings known. I have no idea if Leo is into guys, but I have to find out.
It started with playful secret admirer notes.
To my delight, Leo is receptive.
I got bold.
And that was my downfall.
Slipping the final note into place, I’m caught in the act. Will my revealed identity be the beginning of something beautiful between Leo and I? Or will his rejection end our friendship and tear the band apart?
Subgenre: Contemporary
Tropes: Friends-to-lovers, unrequited love, secret identity, musicians
Betty's Books and Biscuits by Stella Rainbow
A shapeshifting book shop owner with social anxiety. A lost human who only feels safe at the bookshop.
Bettino
I love being a shapeshifter, but I hate the stigma attached to my kind. After a lifetime of hiding myself, I can no longer talk to strangers in my true form. I prefer hiding behind the form of an old woman named Betty.
But then my mate walks into my bookshop, and everything changes.
Anson
Years after being disowned, I’m still not completely back on my feet. Living in a shitty apartment and overworking myself to keep a roof over my head, Betty’s bookstore is my only source of comfort and safety.
But then Betty hands me a love letter written by a man I’d never met, and everything changes.
Betty’s Books and Biscuits is a low-angst paranormal MM romance featuring a human with a blue-collar job, a shapeshifter used to hiding his true self, love letters, text messages, and lots of sweet moments.
While the story is set in Stella Rainbow’s fictional town of Mistvale, it can be read as a complete standalone.
Subgenre: Paranormal
Tropes: Secret identity, cozy bookshop, texting, down-on-his-luck MC, shapeshifter MC, small town
Heart of the Batter by Susan Scott Shelley
Five months after an injury ended his pro football career, retired linebacker Hart Hoffman is finding his way, both in his new career as a baker and in a life that no longer revolves around football. And he’s secretly crushing on two of his coworkers. Life is good—until his impulsive gift to one of them is misunderstood… and drags Hart into a complicated dilemma.
Toby Walker spends his days helping customers select tasty treats. Sunny and enthusiastic, he’s worked hard to rebuild his life after a difficult year. Receiving a bouquet of flowers in the midst of the worst week ever, he’s flattered and excited by the thought of having a secret admirer. Romance has been on the back burner, but this brings his protected heart to life.
Max Doleman never expected to be working at a bakery, but he loves his job, all the free cake, and the friends he’s made there. Learning he misinterpreted the intention behind the gift, he feels responsible to fix things. He’s interested in both Hart and Toby, and when Hart admits to feelings for Tobyand Max, Max proposes they team up to make the fictional admirer a reality. A win-win for everyone, if all goes to plan.
As gifts are sent and received and the countdown to Valentine’s Day is on, the trio discovers a connection that runs deeper than attraction. But is it enough for Cupid’s arrow to strike them all?
Subgenre: Contemporary
Tropes: Coworkers-to-lovers, friends-to-lovers, MMM, bakery
A Healer's Gift by Toby Wise
When Colt is injured during a job, his friends bring him to Desmond’s clinic. Colt has first hand experience why someone should fear magic, which is why he’s completely blindsided when he develops feelings for the healer. Desmond is like no one he’s ever met before and he can’t help but feel himself drawn towards the other man. Thankfully, Desmond seems to feel the same way despite Colt’s grumpy exterior.
A Healer’s Gift is a low angst fantasy story featuring a grumpy archer, a sunshiny magical healer, a secret admirer, magic, and of course a happily ever after.
Subgenre: Fantasy
Tropes: Hurt/comfort, magic, secret admirer, mutual pining, found family
Yours Truly by Victoria Gillian
What happens when a question of concern leads to all of the answers? Evan has been getting gifts from a Secret Admirer for months now. When a coworker comes to him worried about someone getting into his locker, more questions come up and only one person has the answers. Is Evan ready to hear them?
Subgenre: Contemporary
Becca Seymour is the #1 gay romance best seller of the True-Blue series. Known for “steamy and endearing” and “emotionally profound love stories” (InD’tale Magazine) her books have been nominated for multiple RONE Awards.
Becca lives and breathes all things book related. Usually with at least three books being read and two WiPs being written at the same time, Becca’s life is merrily hectic. She tends to do nothing by halves so happily seeks the craziness and busyness life offers.
Living on her small property in Queensland with her human family as well as her animal family of cows, chooks, and dogs, Becca appreciates the beauty of the world around her and is a believer that love truly is love.
Beck Grey is a non-binary writer of sweet, sexy, LGBTQ happily ever afters. Why? Because everyone deserves all the happy! They live in the Northeastern United States with their two adorable dogs. Weekdays are spent working their day job, but nights and weekends are devoted to writing stories involving hot characters, favorite tropes, and happy endings. Any additional time includes reading, laughing with friends, drinking red wine, and playing D&D. If there’s cake involved at any point, it’s a win!
Bix Barrow writes steamy and humorous contemporary MM/MMM romance with light suspense and cute animals. Accompanying her on her writing exploits are her two dogs and six cats. An avid traveler, Bix has started to view her expeditions as interviews for her future home. Born and raised in Texas, she is eager to move somewhere with fewer politicians, hurricanes and flooding.
Chantal Mer never set out to write books. Yet here she is, and she’s having a blast. Happily ever afters for everyone makes her heart sing.
When she’s not writing, Chantal can be found walking her adorable dog, going to musical theater with her daughter, observing the night sky with her husband and his telescope, and learning about the latest advances in video games with her son. Give her a book and a glass of wine and she’s in her happy place. Chantal lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband, two teens, her sweet pup, Miss Toffee and her big orange tabby, Simba.
D.K. Sutton is a full-time writer and part-time social worker. She uses these superpowers to create flawed characters you can’t help but love. As an introvert, she has always been a little awkward (and a lot geeky). Turns out, those are handy traits for an author. She writes low angst that simmers with a slow burn and a lot of humor thrown in. Her series include: Not So University, The Sloan Brothers, and Trials of Love. Her Christmas books are mostly standalones full of heart and humor. She also writes YA LGBTQ+ romance under the pen name Addison Lloyd. All her books have a HEA.
Finn Dixon made a childhood dream come true and has worked in the zoological field since 2006. He’s taken care of everything from alligators to zebras, but his favorites will always be rhinos. Thus far, his MM romances have focused on contemporary stories that include jocks (and jockstraps), but fantasy, paranormal, and historical have been observed in the crystal ball of Finn’s future.
In his spare time, he likes watching gay films and shows with happy endings (giggity), playing Disney Dreamlight Valley, re-watching Jurassic Park and Clue, and traveling when he can afford it. If you’d like to keep up with the latest Finn Dixon has to offer, check him out on Instagram or FinnDixonWriting.com. You can also join the beasties in his private Facebook group, Finn Dixon’s MMenagerie.
Lee is a queer M/M author and screenwriter from Oregon. She’s constantly amused by the antics of her two ginger cats, considers daydreaming about future trips to Scotland a part-time job, and is obsessed with Schitt’s Creek to an alarming degree. She also hosts a podcast called the Low Angst Library—a show for lovers of low angst queer romance.
Linden Bell writes contemporary MM romance that heats you up and makes you smile. Her books are low angst, feel good reads with no third-act breakups!
’Nathan Burgoine’s previous holiday-themed novellas include “Handmade Holidays,” “Faux Ho Ho,” “Village Fool,” and “Felix Navidad,” and he’s pleased to be adding Valentine’s Day alongside Christmas and April Fools’ Day. Hallowe’en is likely to be next, so feel free to pick out a costume.
A former bookseller, sheet-metal worker, and queer outreach coordinator, ’Nathan managed to fall in love and marry Daniel. Their own pet journey ended with Husky rescues, which are definitely “furever.” They live in Ottawa, Canada, where socialized health care and gay marriage have yet to cause the sky to cave in.
Nic Starr lives in Australia where she tries to squeeze as much into her busy life as possible. Balancing the demands of a corporate career with raising a family and writing can be challenging but she wouldn't give it up for the world.
Always a reader, the lure of m/m romance was strong and she devoured hundreds of wonderful m/m romance books before eventually realising she had some stories of her own that needed to be told!
When not writing or reading, she loves to spend time with her family-an understanding husband and two beautiful daughters-and is often found indulging in her love of cooking and planning her dream home in the country.
You can find Nic on Facebook, Twitter and her blog. She'd love it if you stopped by to say hi.
A writer of love, sexiness and often kink, Rain enjoys creating inclusive worlds filled with found families. Whether it’s paranormal or contemporary, Rain is a sucker for happy endings, though getting to them is sometimes fraught with challenges.
She lives in Colorado, where a lot of her books take place, embracing her love of mountains and of mountain men. She has adult kids, fur babies and even critters she cares for like the squirrels and birds that flock to her backdoor feeders.
Find her book on her website, raincarrington.com and at most booksellers!
Riley Long is a spouse and parent living a quiet life in Virginia, with their husband, son, and one goofy pit bull. They pass their evenings writing, reading, and watching bad television (or not so bad television). For fun, Riley participates in NaNoWriMo, GISH, and reads with their book club, the BAMFs. They like things with silly acronyms. The craziest thing Riley has ever done involves whipped cream and hugs. Riley writes sweet and sexy romance, with a special place in their heart for bi awakenings.
Stella Rainbow is the pen name of a twenty something woman from India. Her heart is too full of rainbow colored stories to be limited by the lack of awareness in her home country.
Stella spends her days cuddling up with her cat, typing out new stories, daydreaming and reading all the books she can get her hands on.
She loves talking to her readers and other book lovers, so don't hesitate in contacting her on any of her socials or emailing her at authorstellarainbow@gmail.com.
USA TODAY bestselling author Susan Scott Shelley writes romance with heat and heart that celebrates love without limits. Enormous mugs of coffee and tea make her happy, as does reading romance novels and binging episodes of her favorite British TV shows. Susan also works as a professional voiceover artist, and while she’s definitely a city girl, she likes being out in nature as often as possible. A fan of mythology, word games, and hockey, she lives in Philadelphia with her husband and has yet to meet a plant she hasn’t wanted to take home.
Toby Wise is a stay at home parent who hails from a tiny town in Wisconsin. Contrary to popular Wisconsin stereotypes, he’s not a cheese-head who enjoys beer but rather an introvert who spends all his time on the internet, drinking coffee, spending time with his kid, and cooing about his adorable cat, Pikachu.
In April of 2019, A Collection of Strays was born after the world of fanfiction drew him back into his love of writing. Now he’s writing all things omegaverse and paranormal as long as it includes silly moments and found family.
Victoria Gillilan has been writing for years but only recently felt ready to share her work where love wins all of the races and Happily Ever After is the goal. As a relatively new author, she looks forward to sharing her men with the world. When she’s not writing or driving her twin crazy, she spends time with her family.
Becca Seymour
Beck Grey
WEBSITE / NEWSLETTER / KOBO
AUDIBLE / AUDIOBOOKS / CHIRP
Bix Barrow
EMAIL: bixbarrow@gmail.com
Chantal Mer
Finn Dixon
EMAIL: finndixonwriting@gmail.com
Lee Blair
FB GROUP / TIKTOK / SMASHWORDS
EMAIL: lee@leeblairbooks.com
Linden Bell
'Nathan Burgoine
AUDIBLE / AUDIOBOOKS / CHIRP
GOOGLE PLAY / INSTAGRAM / B&N
Nic Starr
Rain Carrington
NEWSLETTER / KOBO / AUDIBLE
SMASHWORDS / BOOKBUB / B&N
Riley Long
EMAIL: writerrileylong@gmail.com
Stella Rainbow
⏳👀Will be available 2/1-3/31👀⏳
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