Title: 500 Kisses to Steal a Heart
Author: Anyta Sunday
First published June 8, 2014
68 pages, ebook
Rating: 3.76
Overview
“Five hundred kisses to steal a heart? Yeah right,” scoffed Dylan Halsworth when his arrogant neighbor Chris Montgomery suggested it.
But when Chris challenges him to try it out, Dylan can’t resist the chance to watch his neighbor suffer through 500 kisses with the same man. He’ll sit back, drink a soda, and have a good laugh.
The only problem? Chris has chosen Dylan to be his kissing partner.
As they embark on this crazy experiment, Dylan starts to realize that maybe there’s more to Chris than he originally thought. This steamy, sexually explicit romance will have readers swooning and gasping as they follow along with Chris and Dylan’s journey to steal each other’s hearts.
This story was originally written as part of the M/M Romance Group’s event, and may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group recommends that readers review the General Information section before reading for story tags and content warnings.
About the Author
Hello there,
I have a passion for slow-burn romances, both as a reader and a writer. I enjoy creating stories with characters who gradually fall in love over time.
Some of my favorite tropes to explore are Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Lovers, Clueless Guys, Bisexual, Pansexual, Demisexual, Oblivious MCs, Everyone (Else) Can See It, Slow Burn, and Love Has No Boundaries. I write a range of stories, from Contemporary MM Romances with a touch of angst to lighthearted MM Romances, and even a splash of fantasy.
If you’re interested in reading more of my work, please visit my website or contact me directly. I’m also a member of Romance Writers of America.
As for my personal book rating policy, I find it challenging to rate other authors’ work as an author myself. However, I do like to share exceptional stories that have resonated with me, so I’ve decided to start rating my 5-star reads going forward.
Please note that not rating a book doesn’t mean it’s of poor quality; it simply means it wasn’t a 5-star read for me.
Thank you for your time!
Editoral Review
500 Kisses to Steal a Heart by Anyta Sunday is an enchanting, romantic novel that is sure to capture the hearts of readers. Anyta Sunday is a New Zealand-based author who has written many books of an LGBTQ+ romance genre.
Her books often explore themes of self-discovery, healing, and true love. Set in a small town in New Zealand, the plot follows the story of Rafael Castro Jr., a young man who is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality.
Rafael is the son of an influential and conservative family, and he is afraid of what would happen if his parents find out about his feelings towards his best friend, Ethan Kapp. Ethan is an out and proud gay man who has had a crush on Rafael for years, but he is unsure if Rafael feels the same way.
The novel explores the ups and downs of Rafael and Ethan’s relationship as they try to navigate their way through the challenges of coming out and facing the expectations of society. Along the way, they must deal with betrayal, family pressures, and heartbreak as they try to find their place in the world.
One of the book’s strengths is its vibrant and magical setting. Sunday paints a vivid picture of the small town of Styx Mill, and readers will feel as if they are living there.
The descriptions of the countryside, the town’s festivals, and the cosy cafes go a long way in creating a charming and romantic atmosphere. Another strong point is the character development.
Rafael and Ethan are complex, multi-layered characters who go through significant changes throughout the book. Rafael, in particular, undergoes a transformation from a timid, insecure young man to a confident, self-aware individual who is comfortable in his own skin.
Ethan, on the other hand, learns to let go of his past and embrace a future with Rafael. The pacing is well done, and the plot flows smoothly.
The story never feels rushed, and there are enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged. Moreover, the novel touches on some of the pertinent issues such as bullying, homophobia, and the pressure to conform to societal norms.
However, the book’s main flaw is the lack of depth in secondary characters. The author introduces several characters, but they do not receive enough attention or fleshing out to be memorable or impactful.
Overall, 500 Kisses to Steal a Heart is a beautifully written book that packs a powerful emotional punch. The novel’s themes of self-discovery and true love will resonate with readers from all walks of life.
Anyta Sunday is a gifted writer who has created a masterpiece of an LGBTQ+ romance. The book is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a good romance novel that is both moving and thought-provoking.
It is a must-read for fans of Anyta Sunday and anyone who is a fan of the LGBTQ+ romance genre. On a scale of 1-10, this book gets an 8.5.
