Beneath the Layers by Caitlin Ricci, C.L. Mustafic, Elizabeth Coldwell, Sita Bethel, E.M. Hamill, Sydney Blackburn, C.A. Blocke, Asta Idonea, Nicki J. Markus Published by NineStar Press on April 17th 2017
Genres: mm romance
Pages: 165
Source: Goodreads
Goodreads
Eight stories of men who like a little satin and lace.
A Linebacker in Lace by Caitlin RicciThis ex-linebacker is impossible for his friend to resist.
Satin Secrets by CL MustaficSometimes secrets are better when they’re shared.
Backwards and in High Heels by Elizabeth ColdwellTonight he has the chance to live out his dream.
Angels in Delaware by Sita BethelWhen one finds two partners, it helps to dress for the occasion.
All That Entails by E.M. HamillA gender-fluid prince with a penchant for gowns finds his unlikely match in an arranged marriage.
After the Dance by Sydney BlackburnSometimes happily ever after requires a pretty frock.
A Secret Shared by C.A. BlockeOne sweet secret shared—and a spicy one returned.
Ruffle My Feathers by Asta IdoneaSometimes love can be found behind a feather boa.
*Beneath the Layers (ARC) was graciously provided to me by IndiGo for an honest review.*
“The Warm and Comforting Embrace of…Satin and Lace…”
Wow. *sitting here speechless* Well. Having just read my first Anthology, an Anthology filled with a whole lot of smooth and lustrous satin, frilly and detailed lace, a corset here and there, along with a light and feathery boa to round it all up, I don’t quite know what to say yet. And, that’s a first for me!
When I first saw the beautifully intricate cover for the book, Beneath the Layers, I immediately knew I wanted to read it. I knew what it would contain. A whole lot of testosterone interlaced with a ton of a different kind of beauty. A combination of which I find captivating, thought provoking, and, so heartwarming.
Beneath the Layers, is a book that contains many different kinds of stories, by different authors, all centered around a common theme. That being said, all of the stories are different. The writing is different in all of them. Some are better than others.
I enjoyed all of the characters, regardless of whether their stories had something..off..about them. Whether it be the writing, the confusing scene(s), or, the rushed ending, I saw the individual characters. Reading about them ultimately feeling a sense of serenity, and happiness, to be accepted by their peers and by various family members, regardless of their desires or who they felt they were on the inside, was truly breathtaking.
And…I have my favorites. Oh, yes I do! *heart flutters* These are the stories that had me going through a wide range of emotions throughout each of the stories. From immediate sadness, to shock, to disbelief, to utter joy, to tears pouring down my face, so much so that I needed a bottle of water to replenish my fluids immediately, kind of crying. The writing, in each, was excellent. The descriptive writing, used to draw and hold the reader in, was spot-on. I was able to really feel as if I was a part of each of the stories. I loved, loved reading about Billie and Oliver in Backwards and in High Heals, their love and devotion was incredible; my heart broke for Beau, Angel and Delaware in the story Angels in Delaware; and I had to restrain myself from reaching out and hugging my computer for Michael and Tommy in A Secret Shared.
As there are many good things about each story, there are some that still need a bit more tweaking. That being said, I still do wish and hope that readers will be able to see more of these characters, especially the ones highlighted, in full-length stories some time in the future.
It is always so nice to see a future that is bright and shinning, especially for all of the wonderful and captivating characters from the stories from the book, Beneath the Layers. Take some time and get to know them..I’m sure glad I did..:)
*star rating: 3 1/2
