Love Unlocked by Claire Davis

Love Unlocked Reviews

• 
  Debbie McGowan

  Editor's Review.
  
  Now, this will look like I'm giving my own book five stars, but bear with me, because there are seven stories in this anthology, and mine is but one of them.
  
  Love Unlocked is the third anthology published by Beaten Track, and the wonderful thing is that all three are distinctly different. In fact, Love Unlocked is nothing like any other anthology I've read, because the stories, whilst all are themed around the 'love lock bridge', are truly unique. The only commonalities are that all are same-sex romances, and all involve a 'love lock'.
  
  I want to give due credit here, because the idea and inspiration for Love Unlocked came from Caraway Carter (The Scarlet Lock), and when we pitched it to our authors, we wanted to give them as much creative freedom as possible. It was a bit like a problem-solving game.
  
  You're in a room. On the floor, there is a padlock and key. You are alone.
  
  Your mission: use the padlock to find your happy-ever-after.
  
  The result:
  
  * * * * *
  
  
  The Trap by Claire Davis and Al Stewart
  This is another incredible love story from Claire Davis and Al Stewart - if you've read and enjoyed their others, I'm confident you'll love The Trap. Sal is the embodiment of all us creative types. Go in there, desperate to impress, create something that potentially will impress, watch creation break, fall apart... Then there's Matthew, a man with the world at his fingertips, and an empty soul. This story is both about art, and it is art. The characters are unpredictable, slightly battered, and prepared to risk everything for the singular pursuit of...love? Art? Perhaps they are one and the same.
  
  
  Writer's Lock by Victoria Milne
  I've never been to Paris...until Victoria Milne took me on this beautiful virtual tour of the City of Love, as seen through the eyes of our intrepid would-be novelist Phil, under the wing of the rather lovely Laurent. He's a musician...need I say more? What I really loved about this story is that there was no shortcut to the happy ending, and the journey taken by the characters is both an individual and a joint one. There is no 'kiss and make it all better'. Phil and Laurent face their own challenges, and it makes the ending all the more real and worthwhile.
  
  
  Locked in the Moment by Dawn Sister
  So there I was, setting up the story for editing, thinking 'fantasy, trolls, fairies...hmph'. I've read two of Dawn Sister's stories and adored them both, but I was worried about the whole fantasy aspect, because contemporary, realist fiction is my thing. Then I started reading, I knew I was on to a winner, because there was that incident with the goats, you know. And Sol the troll, well, he's quite possibly the most loveable, real troll in the world. I was sold. Like Dawn's other stories, Locked in the Moment is down-to-earth and hilarious, yet with many tender moments that may well see you shedding a tear or two.
  
  
  The Weekend by J P Walker
  I was sitting at the bar with Nat, or it felt like I was. We were drunk and both thinking 'oh, this place is awful, and I'm so drunk. I wanna go home...' But then this hot hippie chick saunters over and Nat's all 'actually, I'll just have one more with this lovely woman with the skirts and bangles and...' Then there was Nat's mate whose hen weekend it was - Sammy. She was even drunker than Nat, but as the story unfolds it turns out she's a lot of fun and a great mate who comes to Nat's rescue when that moment occasions - the one that might just bring about the happy ending.
  
  
  The Scarlet Lock by Caraway Carter
  This story is nothing like anything I've ever read before, and I love it. It begins with Brandon's Parisian fling, which is described in wonderfully poetic detail (no graphic sex scenes). From there, we are offered a series of snapshots of Brandon's life over the next few years, through letters mostly left around Paris and addressed to whoever might pick them up. Some are heartrending, some are amusing, all are penned with a passion that takes the reader on Brandon's journey from the moment he falls in love until he finds his happy-ever-after.
  
  
  He Melted Us by Ofelia Gränd
  Oh Delron. You crazy, crazy man. I actually wrote in one of my edit comments to the author that I hoped Delron fell into the Seine. At times, I'd have gladly pushed him. And that clock! I'm with Phillipe all the way. That poor man has so much patience! So anyway, this is a 'typical' Ofelia Gränd story, and I mean that truly as a compliment. The characters are not endearing, yet in the end I feel for them. I want to see them happy, and I have much respect for Ofelia's talent for getting me to want Del to find his happy ending rather than shove him off the Pont des Arts!
  
  
  Chain of Secrets by Debbie McGowan
  This is my story, so no rating from me. Chain of Secrets is a fully stand-alone story, but it's also part of the world of Hiding Behind The Couch, which is, essentially, a literary soap opera about nine friends, two of whom are Josh and George. What I've tried to do in Chain of Secrets is zoom in on them within the bigger picture; readers of the series may recall some of the moments, but zooming in expands those moments and adds finer detail. Or that's the idea. I'll leave you to judge for yourself. :)
  
  * * * * *
  
  If it's not clear by now, I love this anthology. Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to do the job I do. Love Unlocked, and the lovely authors whose stories come together to make it, are the perfect reminder.
• 
  Grammar*Kitten

  In the interest of fairness, I would like to disclose that I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher for my reading pleasure - not even for review. However, after reading and enjoying these stories so much, I feel it only fair to leave an honest review as a thank you to the authors, for pouring so much heart and effort into these fabulous stories. To all of you - I am sure that everyone else will be as enchanted with your efforts as I am.
  
  Now on with the review. As a whole, this anthology just shines. It's a long one, but the stories themselves vary somewhere between just under 10k and over 40k, so there's definitely something in here for everyone, at every time. Plus it only took me a day to read, so there's inspiration for you. I couldn't put it down. Waiting for dinner in the oven? Flick to a short one. A nice evening curled up with a glass (read several) of wine? Take on Dawn Sister's magical contribution - you won't regret a single moment.
  
  
  
  The Trap by Claire Davis and Al Stewart
  
  The Trap is madness incarnate. It's written in that chaotic but lyrical way that this duo have mastered, dragging the reader along in a flurry of demented lustful thoughts. Artist Sal passes an exam to study under his idol, the aloof and mysterious Matthew Picard. With this in mind, it would be easy to jump to cliches that we're all familiar with, but Davis and Stewart deftly write of broken characters, lost and alone in worlds they are struggling to cope with for different reasons, their love locked away. They eloquently portray what I would call the 'Pisces' of the artist - the over-emotional, dramatic, the utterly devoted and demented. This is short-ish read that does not disappoint; it has great pace and develops its characters in a way that makes you really feel for them.
  
  
  
  Writer's Lock by Victoria Milne
  
  Writer's Lock is an absolute delight. For what can be better than a relatively new author writing about the struggles of an aspiring writer penning his first novel? They do say that it's best to write what you know... Which is exactly the advice given to protagonist Phil by Laurent, when he discovers the man sitting at a table in his cafe has come to the city of love to write a romance novel. Laurent vows to help inspire Phil, who knows nothing of real-life love, though troubled events in his past threaten it all. These characters jump off the page at the reader; Phil's enthusiasm and despair at his writing, the turmoil that the revelation of Laurent's past brings him. Indeed the conflict in Laurent is also heart-wrenching, and it's lovely to see these two characters dance across the page. They move quickly but surely, as does the pace of the story, and will surely bring a smile to other readers' faces as they did mine.
  
  
  
  Locked in the Moment by Dawn Sister
  
  This is the story of the anthology, for me. This is a magical and enchanting tale - both literally and figuratively - that had me absolutely enamoured with the idea, the characters, the humorous moments that made me snort or giggle. Dawn Sister cleverly takes a classic idea - the under-bridge-dwelling troll from the Billy Goats Gruff, and transports it to modern day Paris, where he lives under love-lock bridge. But living under those clanging metal dangly things isn't much fun, and when Sol wakes up from his hibernation, to the consternation of Lucien, the fairy watching over him, he casts a spell to make them disappear. I won't say much more than this causes great consternation in the fae world, and the two are tasked with finding and repairing unlocked loves. But what they discover along the way - while Sol maintains he troll-y grumpiness, to my amusement - is wrapped in well-written meaning and 'feels'. It's bloody delightful. Marvellous. I can't quite recommend it enough. I shall go and recommend it more, elsewhere.
  
  
  
  The Weekend by J.P. Walker
  
  The Weekend is a short and sweet tale of Nat, a single lady trapped on a hen-do of straight women oggling strippers. This is a fast paced but sweet story that teaches taking chances is a good way to change your life. A chance encounter with beautiful bohemian Morgan changes her experience of the city of love, and J.P. Walker cleverly and succinctly weaves a healthy amount of tenderness and emotion into her story - it's just long enough, just sweet enough and a delightful quick read.
  
  
  
  The Scarlet Lock by Caraway Carter
  
  I wasn't entirely sure what to make of The Scarlet Lock. There is no doubt that it's a beautifully worded little story, and the plight of the protagonist, Brandon, is agonising. For when a chance encounter in a Parisian cafe leads him to a week-long fling with the love of his life, it can never end well. This story is creatively expressed mostly through letters from our protagonist to the people of Paris, though some are to friends and his lost love. It is clever and touching, and although you can tell Brandon is doing okay, it's cleverly written to show there is always something lacking. It's nice to see that taking chances doesn't destroy him though, and his letters telling people to live in the moment are wonderful to read, and perhaps good advice we should all take on board.
  
  
  
  He Melted Us by Ofelia Grand
  
  Ofelia Grand's offering to the anthology is delightful in its madness. Del believes that the lock he and Phillipe placed on love-lock bridge is all that holds their relationship together, and when it is stolen, he embarks on a series of increasingly crazy schemes to try and find the lock and, in his mind, save their relationships. Grand has cleverly written a story of opposites that attract, because Phil sees no issue with the lock's disappearance, while it is everything to Del. While Del believes he is trying to save their love, Phil is driven to the brink of it breaking. This is a wonderful little story of contradictions, and whilst sad in places, it definitely made me smile. A very clever little offering.
  
  
  
  Chain of Secrets by Debbie McGowan
  My not-so-secret-anymore favourite. Everyone who reads my reviews knows I am an absolutely fanatical fan of Debbie McGowan's books. Even more so, of her 'circle' (
  Hiding Behind The Couch) books. This offering for this anthology combines both, and stands apart from the others in that it is set in the UK, using the principle of love-lock bridge, as opposed to being there in the city of love. But that isn't an issue for our protagonists, the much-loved Josh and George, as we see their love develop over decades. Don't let it fool you - there is a padlock involved, in the most unexpected of places, but for the most fitting of reasons. An absolute delight to read, and a fitting ending for an anthology crammed full of emotion, feelings and love.
  
  In conclusion, there will always be some stories we enjoy more than others. I could list them in order of enjoyment, but the important thing is I enjoyed them all - I think that this is the best Valentine's anthology I've ever read, and I'm not a Valentine-type person. This book is all about taking chances, and I think it's definitely worth taking a chance on.
• 
  Dante Love Fisher

  I won this! Kind of. Thank you to Debbie McGowan!
• 
  A.M. Leibowitz

  This anthology has a little something for everyone who is in the mood for love. There’s a good variety of stories. I initially chose to read it for the three authors with whom I was familiar, but I was pleased to discover new-to-me authors I’d like to read more from. I’ll review each story individually (with a rating) and then give an overall rating.
  
  The Trap by Claire Davis and Al Stewart
  
  What a fantastic introduction to the anthology. I’m partial to genre fiction with literary leanings, and this story delivers on all counts. It’s intense, sexy, and thought-provoking. Both Sal and Matthew represent different angles on the classic “tortured artist” trope, yet neither of them feels like a cliche. I love the way the narrative strings readers along as Sal works on his epic sculpture. I was hooked from the first page, and I read it in one sitting because I simply had to know what was going to happen.
  
  The whole story is hot and sensual, drawn out in the manner of a passionate encounter and with a crescendo and resolution to match. I loved the underlying themes around the meanings of love and lust and what happens in the aftermath when the heart-pounding climax is over. It’s the perfect read for people who enjoy a highly intellectual erotic romance. For an all-around outstanding story, raw passion, and deep thoughts, 5 stars.
  
  Writer’s Lock by Victoria Milne
  
  Another favorite story, this one is quite different from the first. It has more sweet than heat, with some emotional moments that hit a few tender points. I loved the slowly unfolding friendship and love between Phil and Laurent. It was particularly easy to connect with Phil’s search for inspiration and the way his real life and fictional world intertwine.
  
  This is a very well-written story with likable characters. Phil and Laurent don’t change a whole lot as people, but they do change in how they see love and each other. It’s a hopeful story, full of promise they’ll find what they need and get their happy-ever-after. While it’s a fairly standard romance, there are enough fresh elements to keep it from feeling bland or recycled. It’s a cozy read perfect for a quiet afternoon and a cup of tea. For tenderness, warmth, and heart, 4.5 stars.
  
  Locked in the Moment by Dawn Sister
  
  This story was a stretch for me. I’m not generally a fan of first person present tense, and it took me a while before I felt less jarred by it. I simply didn’t end up feeling a whole lot of connection with the characters or the story at first. However, I love the concept of a romance between a troll and a fairy; it’s a clever take on a few gay tropes, but both of them smash the stereotypes. The idea of being paired up to fix the troll’s mistake is fun, and the banter between them is witty and often hilarious. It did feel like it dragged a bit at points and rushed at others, and given the story’s resolution, I couldn’t figure out why some of the events were necessary. Despite that, it was still a good read. It’s probably best enjoyed by people who like fantasy and fairy tales. For an original concept, smart dialog, and a sweet surprise at the end, 4 stars.
  
  The Weekend by J P Walker
  
  I am always delighted to find a great f/f story, since lgbtq+ romance is so heavily populated by m/m. This story was everything I needed. I loved the playful beginning of Nat and Morgan’s relationship. Even though it starts with a weekend fling, I like the way it’s handled. Although Nat does think of Morgan often, and compares other potential lovers to her, we don’t get a melodramatic ten years of Nat spiraling into attempts to recreate her Paris experience. Instead, she learns something about herself and her previous partner.
  
  The romantic “chase” scene at the end borders on cliche, but in the context of the anthology and given how excellently it’s written, it makes perfect sense and provides a satisfying conclusion. For women I’d want to know personally, a fun take on the one night stand, and a big romantic finish, 4.5 stars.
  
  The Scarlet Lock by Caraway Carter
  
  When I see a story tagged as bisexual, I’m immediately on high alert. I love seeing bi-identified characters, but I’ve also learned to be wary. What I thought was good in this story is that Hubert is unquestionably bi and doesn’t identify himself based on who he’s in a relationship with. On the down side, his bisexuality felt more like a plot device than an integral part of who he is, as evidenced by the “one last fling” trope (i.e., he can’t really be satisfied with a woman/has to prove his bisexuality through sex with men). I ended up thinking he was kind of a jerk. In fact, none of the characters are especially likable, to the point I wondered if that’s how we’re supposed to feel.
  
  What I did love were the letters. Those were full of the emotions and consequences the narrative lacked. I might even have liked if the whole thing had been told through the letters. Believe it or not, I did really enjoy the story, despite my misgivings. It’s well-written, and there are some difficult things touched on in the story. I’d have loved something longer where we could more fully explore the long-term fallout of the events. For taking a chance with a bi character, a box full of love letters to the world, and the courage to talk about hard topics, 4 stars.
  
  He Melted Us by Ofelia Gränd
  
  I have mixed feelings about this one as well. I loved the first part. It’s well-written and full of humor which is simultaneously a bit over the top and yet sharp-witted. The incident with the Sharpie is possibly one of the best things I’ve read in a long, long time—I laughed so hard at Delron’s oddities I was afraid I might wake the whole household. I was caught off-guard, however, by the way the cleverness fizzles and simply becomes drama after Delron and Phillipe blow up. I’m all for seeing a relationship over the course of a long period of time, but I’m not convinced this was the format to do it. I didn’t dislike it; I just wish it would have resolved sooner or differently or that it had stuck to the humor. For witty laughs, a fresh look at the lovers’ misunderstanding, and a keen way with words, 4 stars.
  
  Chain of Secrets by Debbie McGowan
  
  I’m not ashamed to admit this was probably the biggest factor in choosing to review the anthology. Josh is just about my favorite character ever and the closest thing I have to a literary soul mate, so you’re not going to get an exactly unbiased review here. I’ve been reading about these characters for the better part of a year in order to catch up, and I’m invested in their lives and loves. But no matter how much I adore them all, I really do read these stories for Josh.
  
  I first “met” him in Ruminations and was drawn to his combination of innocence and acute observation of the world. It’s highly entertaining to see little-kid Josh demonstrating that skill set right from the beginning, including his deep, almost intellectual love for his friends while simultaneously and consistently underestimating himself in his relationships. There are a lot of spoilers in this story for the entire series, so I can’t be specific about all the little details I cherished or the individual sentences which reminded me why I fell so hard for Josh in the first place. I suppose the only thing I can say is that it’s beginning-to-end pitch perfect and answers a bit of my lingering curiosity. For many sighs of amusement, exasperation, and finally happiness, 5 stars. (And Josh gets 5 all to himself just because.)
  
  Overall
  
  For a great concept, a wide range of styles, and exceptional writing, the anthology gets 5 stars.
• 
  C.E. Case

  This anthology is so fantastic I would give it six stars if I could. The first story, "The Trap (Claire Davis and Al Stewart)", is breathtaking. Beautiful and maddeningly deep and all about art--if you have no appreciation for "modern art" this will truly change your mind.
  
  I was sure that a collection of stories about the Love Lock Bridge would all be the same. But this anthology is lovingly curated and almost every experience is unique.
  
  There's "Writer's Lock," by Victoria Milne, which starts sort of cliched and then boom! an elevated story about loving Paris and loving a man.
  
  Then there's "The Weekend (J P Walker)" the lesbian offering of the book, which offers a sweet and alluring balance to the whole.
  
  It then ends with the exquisite torture and too-many-feels of "The Scarlet Lock," about an affair of despair and longing that transforms into a sort of holistic, open love for humanity.
  
  See? So much. There are a couple of stories I skimmed, unable to quite match up to the untamed beauty of the rest, but that's easy enough to cope with. There were no stories that felt unworthy. This anthology left me feeling inspired. Try the sample and see if your heart melts, too.
  
  Five Stars
  
  ~ C. E. Case
  
  I was provided this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated, coerced, or flattered into an opinion.
• 
  Elisa Rolle

  2016 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Love Unlocked
  Brilliant collection of stories by some very talented writers, each story a diverse take on love, lost and reborn. A real page turner.
• 
  Jenn (not Lily)

  average for all 7 stories: 3.93
  
  The Trap by Claire Davis and Al Stewart
  interesting, a little strange, very well written -- 3.5 stars
  
  Writer's Lock by Victoria Milne
  very sweet, a little sad, and I LOVED the bookshop (of course!) -- 4 stars
  
  Locked in the Moment by Dawn Sister
  WONDERFUL! 5 stars
  
  The Weekend by J P Walker
  love this just as much as I've loved her other stories -- 4.5 stars
  
  The Scarlet Lock by Caraway Carter
  well, I loved the letters Brandon left. And I liked how the story ended...just the beginning kind of turned me off the story for most of it -- 3 stars
  
  He Melted Us by Ofelia Gränd
  I loved how different the two points of view were, unlike so many dual POV stories -- 4 stars
  
  Chain of Secrets by Debbie McGowan
  I still don't understand what happened to Josh's hands...but this seems to be a typical thing for me and this author, since I feel like I'm missing something almost always -- 3.5 stars
• 
  Tailtiu

  
  The Trap by Claire Davis and Al Stewart
  
  Writer's Lock by Victoria Milne
  
  Locked in the Moment by Dawn Sister
  
  The Weekend by J.P. Walker
  
  The Scarlet Lock by Caraway Carter
  
  He Melted Us by Ofelia Gränd
  
  Chain of Secrets by Debbie McGowan