We need a Valentine story for Valentine, do we not? Champagne Kisses by J.R. Loveless is one of those short sweet contemporary stories that are too romantic for my comfort – it’s the big gestures! I’m fine with everyday romance, it’s when it goes beyond that I want to run into hiding LOL. But, it’s Valentine so it’s a day for big gestures.

Sam and Dean have been dating for six months, but Sam still feels like Dean is prioritising his career over their relationship. On Valentine, Dean has to work, and Sam is moping because of it.

When the owner of the bookstore he’s working in tells Sam to close up early, he does, and when he walks outside a limo is waiting for him. It’s a really cute scene when the driver tries to convince Sam to get in.

The night doesn’t turn out at all as Sam first had through – Dean isn’t working, instead, he has prepared a big surprise for him. It’s adorable, so if someone has given you some Valentine chocolate (why don’t I have Valentine chocolate? Or any chocolate) pour yourself a cup of coffee and soak up the sweetness.

Champagne Kisses is a 9k long contemporary story.

books2read.com/ChampagneKisses

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Their date cancelled on the most romantic day of the year, Sam Evans feels betrayed by Dean, who often puts work before their relationship. Brooding about his lover’s lack of commitment toward him, he leaves work early only to be stunned by what awaits him outside the door.

Aww, I really adore All I See by Nell Iris. Nell has a knack for writing short stories – probably has a knack for writing longer stories too, but I’ve only read short ones so far LOL.

Theo Mower and Kieran O’Riordan have been a couple for five years, but they’ve hidden it for everyone since Kieran’s family isn’t the accepting kind. Theo knew that going into the relationship, and he doesn’t doubt Kieran’s love for him for a second, but attending Kieran’s brother’s wedding makes him realise he wants to be able to stand in front of friends and family with his lover by his side too.

Seeking out a quiet spot to get his emotions in check, Theo is surprised when Kieran comes to find him and stands way too close for being out in public. Turns out Theo isn’t the only one affected by the wedding.

I loved this so much, and not only because Theo bakes when he’s stressed – all sane people do…or at least I do. The connection between Kieran and Theo is strong, the love undeniable, but, sadly, love doesn’t conquer everything no matter how much we wish it would.

Kieran has to make a choice. Will he risk his relationship with his parents and possibly his career to be able to hold his lover’s hand in public? Both of them know the O’Riordans won’t accept Theo into the family.

Openly gay, overly sensitive, cries-too-much-for-his-own-good Theodore Mower, with mannerisms that are too swishy, a voice that’s too soft, and a giggle that’s too loud and bubbly. I’m only tolerated by Mr. and Mrs. O’Riordan because Seamus and I have been best friends since we were kids, and by the time people realized I wasn’t going to outgrow the swish, it was too late to do anything about our friendship. But even if the O’Riordans would be okay with Kieran being gay—which they wouldn’t—they would never accept me as his partner.

Heartbreaking, but full of hope!

books2read.com/AllISee

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Theo and Kieran have been together for five years. They’re very happy … behind closed doors. Theo accepted from the start that Kieran isn’t out to his conservative parents and has a lot to lose if they find out about his sexuality.

But a moment of sadness at a wedding changes things. Theo is faced with a decision: live the rest of his life in secret … or break it off with Kieran.

Or is there a third alternative?

JMS Books has this series called Hot Flash, that’s stories between 2-5k. I found Invisible by Iyana Jenna on my phone and it’s a Hot Flash. It’s not very old, was published in June 2019, so I must’ve grabbed it pretty recently, but I can’t really remember doing so. It doesn’t matter – I had it, and I’ve read it.

It’s my first Iyana Jenna story. She mostly writes sweet romances, so don’t expect a lot of grunting and grinding – don’t expect any, because Invisible isn’t that kind of story.

Daniel Matthews sees a young man approaching a hot dog stand, handing over his last bill with shaking hands. The young man gets his hot dog, but as he walks away, he collides with a group of bullies and falls to the ground. The hot dog is knocked out of his hands and the group laughs as they walk away.

Daniel is furious and rushes over to help the young man and ends up taking him out for some pizza.

This is a cute hurt-comfort story about a man helping the homeless and a young man accepting the help…if a bit reluctantly at first.

It’s short, 3.5k, so there isn’t much room to play on. I liked the story, and I understand the need for a time jump to get to the epilogue, but I wished we could’ve ‘seen’ the development on-page.

books2read.com/InvisibleJenna

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Daniel Matthews lost someone dear in the past. When he sees a young man lose his fast food dinner to a couple of bullies, he ends up buying both of them a meal. To his surprise, Liam reminds Daniel a lot of his brother, gone too soon. But the feelings Liam rouses in Daniel are definitely not the same.

Daniel offers to take him home, but Liam lies about which house is his has no home. He has nothing. Or had … until Daniel.