Category: M/M Book Reviews

Review: He’s Behind You (Treading the Boatds #3) by Rebecca Cohen

Rating: 4🌈⛄️

Rebecca Cohen has a new holiday romance out in He’s Behind You, third story in her Treading the Boards series about a local amateur dramatic society, the Sarky Players.

It’s an absolutely entertaining series and this one is no exception. The story takes place around the holidays and our main characters get pulled into the Sarky Players and it’s panto this season, Aladdin, by two different paths.

Dr. Craig Rosen is a cellular researcher for work and an well known Warhammer gamer in his off time. His romances have left him with a bruised heart and a poor self image, reinforced by his sad history. It’s his associate who drags him off to an audition and a new start in his romantic life.

Jason is a lawyer, divorced father to two older children, and just coming out as gay, a sexuality he’s actually inwardly known about himself for years. Now after some trying emotional times with his ex wife who he likes and respects and his kids, he’s ready to experience what’s he’s missed all these years. But his way. He wants someone to connect with, a man who’s company he enjoys and well, all the sex too.

He’s also a ex Sarky Player coming back to rejoin the ranks.

Hmmmm.

There’s a terrific meeting between them. Lots of adult communication, a great family on Jason’s side to enjoy and a lovely romance.

As a gamer I wish that Jason’s attitude towards Warhammer had undergone more of a change. While it wasn’t quite as judgmental as it started out, he never gave Craig or his son’s passion the respect it deserves. That was probably a realistic character flaw but it made me like him a bit less as a father and partner.

Overall, this was a sweet, HFN holiday romance and I really enjoyed seeing characters from the previous books so involved within this play and story again.

I would have loved to have been in the audience for this one!

Happy Holidays! Here’s another sweet romance to add to your holiday reading list.

Treading the Boards series:

✓ Overly Dramatic #1

✓ Summer Season #2

✓ He’s Behind You #3

https://www.goodreads.com › showHe’s Behind You (Treading the Boards Book 3) by Rebecca Cohen – Goodreads

Synopsis:

A Treading the Boards Novella

Craig Rosen thinks he’s pretty happy with his quiet geeky life working in a lab in London and playing Warhammer. But one of his colleagues has other ideas and drags Craig along to an audition at the amateur dramatic society, the Sarky Players, for their Christmas pantomime, Aladdin. Meeting Jason Carter makes Craig think that maybe he’s not as content as he thought.

Jason Carter accepted he’s gay a little later in life than most, but now with an ex-wife and in his late thirties, he’s ready to embrace who he really is. He can’t believe his luck when he meets Craig, and the cute younger man’s patience and gentleness make him the perfect guy to help Jason navigate his new life.

While there’s no denying the attraction between them, it’s not just Jason’s insecurities that might upset their best performance. Craig is convinced that someone as confident as Jason, a corporate lawyer who looks sexy in a suit, could never settle for a man like him. Together they will need to re-write the script to give themselves the happy ending they deserve

Review: No-Strings Noel by Annabelle Jacobs

Rating: 3🌈⛄️

No-Strings Noel by Annabelle Jacobs is a nice Christmas romance. The characters and storylines are sweet and there is little to no angst to the plot or obstacles to the relationship.

For me, I’d hoped for something a little more substantial, like not having to refer to my notes to remember characters names because after reading this story it was simply gone from memory.

The premise of a man (turns out two) recently out of a unworkable relationship going on a holiday and finding love is a great trope. I always look forward to see how each author puts their own spin on it. While there were some unusual elements here, none of them really gelled for me in this story, including the couple.

It starts off with the location being a family oriented park with housing , read tons of kids and kid focused activities/rides. Huge playgrounds, pools, indoor courts for badminton etc. Everything an active family could want. But a couple of young gay singles? Hmmmm ok… possibilities.

However, it sort of turns dudly ( yes I mean dudly… made that up from so dull and deadly) because of the personalities involved and the sheer lack of energy i felt coming from the dynamics between them. No chemistry, at least that’s my pov.

Henry , admittedly unhappy about his breakup, is a bit of a pill. Even after trying for a better attitude, his character never quite recovers. He stays an apologetic (on the inside) insecure man. Henry delayed college because he wanted to work for the money to pay for it so he wasn’t bogged down by students debt. Now he’s getting a later start. Instead of the author making us or me connect to him by infusing him with pride for his achievements at his age and determination, she left him a bit of a needy mess. So I stayed firmly outside any emotional attachment to him.

The other didn’t fare that much better. Dom is also coming off a broken relationship. One he says he’s from be with. Hint, he’s not. But this is a guy who, who unlike Henry, comes to this place on purpose. He’s ready to settle down, wants the ring and kids, dog and white fence or it’s British equivalent. He’s got his house already. He’s next level with an eye on relationship goals and stability. Day one and Dom’s holding hands and had a schedule. And thinking he really likes Henry.

Ok… my thoughts were.. Henry why aren’t you running…away…yikes!

Nope they are a couple for the entire holiday.

And I felt nothing for either of them.

Only when they reconnect afterwards did I become more involved. But, it was not ever a relationship I was invested in nor were these men.

For me, the author never made me believe in their relationship, romance, or even potential HEA, especially that epilogue.

If you are the type to read every Holiday story that’s released this season, here’s another for you! Or if you’re a fan of this author, you might want to pick this up. If you’re new to Annabelle Jacobs, check out her shelf, she has plenty of books I’d recommend.

Happy Holidays!

Synopsis:

A week of no-strings fun in a winter wonderland setting. No consequences, no expectations, no hurt feelings. Right?

Henry:

Finding his boyfriend in a compromising position leaves him with a week off work and no holiday to go on.
A night of vodka, ice cream, and his sister’s sympathetic ear is the only way to deal with it.
It’s also how he finds himself on holiday alone a few weeks later, at an English holiday village in the countryside, surrounded by Christmas cheer and happy families.

He’s expecting a week of relaxing days and early nights, doing his own thing, and taking some time for himself. And hopefully finding some festive spirit along the way, because it’s sorely lacking at the moment.

What he’s not expecting is Dom.


Dom:

Coming to somewhere so familiar soothes his broken heart after yet another failed attempt at finding someone to settle down with. He’s ready. They never are.

Seeing a lost-looking stranger on the first day of his holiday triggers his protective instincts, so he steps in to give him some helpful advice.
Who knew that advice would mean they end up spending the day and then the whole week together? But he figures a holiday fling is exactly what he needs to get through this slump: no expectations, no misunderstandings, no heartbreak.
Or that was the plan.
He knows Henry wants more, but he doesn’t trust himself where his heart’s concerned.
He doesn’t trust Henry not to break it.

A Christmas MM romance featuring a meet-cute, a sexy holiday fling, a meddling but awesome sister, a teeny bit of angst, and a festive HEA.

https://www.goodreads.com › showA No-Strings Noel by Annabelle Jacobs – Goodreads

Review: Merry Measure by Lily Morton

Rating: 5🌈⛄️plus!

Right off the bat let me tell you if the rating system went higher, say to 10 or 15 stars, I’d still want to give this book more.

I almost, I say almost, had to stop reading this because I was given strict instructions not to put any undue pressure on one eye atm but I couldn’t help it! I was collapsed sideways in helpless laughter! Roaring even!

I’d stop. Gather myself up. Read on, and then Bam! Arlo has said or flailed or something has happened during a trip to Amsterdam and I’m overcome once more, tears pouring out of my eyes! Tears of uncontrollable laughter!

It stayed that way through the many group outings , the inner doubts and outside stumbling towards a new beginning between two men who have known each other most their lives.

Lily Morton has written, for me at least, a perfect holiday romance. Surrounded by a city as charming as the men themselves and the company they’ve traveled with, Morton has delivered that most elusive of gifts, a Christmas love affair so grounded in the reality of being human hat we never forget these men have their flaws in their layered personalities. But the author elevates her story by folding in the magic of historic Amsterdam at Christmas as Arlo and Jack discover love amidst the canals, museums, and all the other picturesque sights around them. If you haven’t been to Amsterdam, this will make you want to travel there.

But if the setting is magnificent, it’s the people we care greatly about. All the elements are so thoughtfully crafted. The dialogue is outstanding . The characters are so well done I never stopped thinking of them as anything but someone I could have the chance of meeting. How I would dearly love to.

And the storyline is such , including a ending that’s perfection, that I’ve put Merry Measure at the very top of my to be rec’d list.

Sometime in the early hours I woke up giggling madly thinking once more about this couple and story.

Mr. Whiffles indeed!

It’s definitely on my to be re-read list too.

This has become a new favorite comfort and holiday read instantaneously!

I’m sure it will become yours as well.

Make sure you are curled up, put all liquids out of reach… just in case of heavy guffaws! Just saying! And enjoy my absolute favorite of the season!

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/56053974

Synopsis:

Arlo Wright’s introduction to his sexuality came when he saw his older brother’s best friend, Jack Cooper, in his sweaty football kit. Unfortunately, he didn’t have long to enjoy the revelation because he promptly knocked himself out on a table.
Relations between them have never really moved on from that auspicious beginning. Arlo is still clumsy, and Jack is still as handsome and unobtainable as ever.

However, things look like they’re starting to change when Arlo finds himself sharing a room with Jack while on holiday in Amsterdam at Christmas. Will the festive spirit finally move them towards each other, or is Arlo just banging his head against a wall this time?

From bestselling author, Lily Morton comes a warm romantic comedy set in chilly Amsterdam.

Review: All Souls Near & Nigh (Soulbound #2) by Hailey Turner

Rating: 5 🌈

All Souls Near & Nigh, the second in Hailey Turner’s outstanding urban fantasy series, is everything a second book in a series should be. It moves the overall series arc forward while capturing our attention and, at times taking our breath away, with the plot for this novel.

It includes all the major characters we expect and want to see while introducing new and what I anticipate to be important players/beings going forward.

And it wraps up this story’s plot while setting the characters and readers firmly on the path to the journey into the next book and arc storylines.

Hailey Turner accomplishes all that in a novel that’s highly packed with tough emotional scenes, amazing magical action, some very complex mythological god relationships, as well as much painful, personal dynamics between Jono and Patrick.

At times this will not be an easy book to read. There is an on page sexual assault for a major character. As this has the definite possibility of being a trigger for some people, I commend the author for putting a warning about this scene at the beginning of the book where it can’t be missed. I won’t lie. It’s hard to read.

And it’s ramifications for the character emotionally and those around that character are done with respect and sensitivity, as well as in keeping with that person’s personality.

Here , the ordeals, the trauma, the past, it weighs upon each person or being. It’s not sloughed off but given it’s very real impact. That translates into a realism for these characters and the events they encounter.

In fact, the people and beings are now fully embedded in my heart that after I finish a story, I’m full of “what if’s…” so engaged is my imagination.

I also find myself looking up various gods I’m unfamiliar with and their religion/history. That’s another huge plus.

Patrick and Jono have a difficult developing relationship and dynamic that’s gripping because it’s as fraught with peril as it is with hope. Always a sharp dagger edge away from absolute disaster it’s also the first real relationship Patrick has ever had. Something that makes the reader fear for them both even more.

Increased hope, great fear, unbearable pain and loss in the past, present and coming future. All laid out in an incredibly , increasingly complex plot. All surrounding characters we care more and more for.

What a book and series.

I have other novels to read but all I want to do is curl up and read right through to the end.

I’ll let you know if temptation wins out.

In the meantime, definitely read this but only after book 1. They need to be read in the order they were written.

Great writing, outstanding characters. Highly recommended!

Don’t forget about the warning.

Soulbound series:

✓ A Ferry of Bones & Gold #1

✓ All Souls Near & Nigh #2

◦ A Crown of Iron & Silver #3

◦ A Vigil in the Mourning #4

◦ On the Wings of War #5

◦ An Echo in the Sorrow #6

◦ A Veiled & Hallowed Eve #7

Synopsis:

You can’t bargain with death if you’ve already sold your soul.

Special Agent Patrick Collins has been reassigned by the Supernatural Operations Agency to New York City. Navigating his new relationship with Jonothon de Vere, the werewolf he’s now soulbound to, is nothing compared to dealing with territorial disputes between the vampires and werecreatures who call the five boroughs home. But the delicate treaties that have kept the preternatural world in check are fraying at the edges, and the fallout is spilling into the mundane world.

Manhattan’s club scene is overrun with the vampire drug known as shine and the subways have become a dumping ground for bodies. When the dead are revealed as missing werecreatures, Patrick and Jono find themselves entangled in pack politics twisted by vampire machinations.

Learning to trust each other comes with problems for both of them, and the gods with a stake in Patrick’s soul debt aren’t finished with him yet. Bound by promises they can’t break, Patrick and Jono must find a way to survive a threat that takes no prisoners and is stalking them relentlessly through the city streets.

Old and new betrayals are coming home to roost but the truth—buried in blood—is more poisonous than the lies being spun. Trying to outrun death is a nightmare—one Patrick may never wake up from.

All Souls Near & Nigh is a 104k word m/m urban fantasy with a gay romantic subplot and a HFN ending. It is a direct sequel to A Ferry of Bones & Gold, and reading the first book in the series would be helpful in enjoying this one. Please see the disclaimer at the beginning of the book for content some readers may find triggering.

https://www.goodreads.com › showAll Souls Near & Nigh (Soulbound, #2) by Hailey Turner – Goodreads

Review: A Ferry of Bones & Gold (Soulbound #1) by Hailey Turner

Rating: 5🌈

I absolutely love it when I stumble across a book by a new author and become a fan of the writer as well as a reader highly invested in a series and characters after only finishing book one.

That’s what occurred after Hailey Turner’s A Ferry of Bones & Gold got it’s narrative hooks into me. Once I found myself absolutely engaged with the lives of Patrick Collins, Jono, and all the rest of the beings fighting against the Dominion Sect , I was full on part of that universe and fight as well.

Turner has a terrific way with dialogue and descriptions that makes these people. beings, crackle with life, energy, vibrancy or in the case of the vampire s, chilling magnetic power, that flies off the pages.

And the sense of urgency, and suspense is incredible when it comes to the battles and chases. Whether it’s mundane or magical. From great fight scenes to the devastation left behind, the author brings a sense of authenticity to her writing that makes us believe!

The plots here are many and varied. Also as convoluted as the famous Labyrinth of Crete, which is perfect because on top of werecreatures, vampires, elves, dragons and such, the story’s man elements include the gods of various mythologies. Albeit vary much alive.

The first book deals primarily with Greek although the Egyptian Ra and Norse gods are mentioned.

Here they are quite the meddling group, and the layers (as well as god pantheon politics) flow through the story.

That’s a lot to pack into a story and this book holds that weight easily. Along side a beginning relationship with Patrick with a were, and a small group of beings as he starts to find himself a unofficial “team” and circle of friends.

However, the author also allows a continual thread of loss, death, isolation, to run faintly through. It’s in Patrick’s history, and the reader is aware is most likely in the fighting still to come.

A sobering awareness that never leaves, giving this story a severity and somber note you hear over the laughter.

I appreciate that and wonder how this extremely complicated relationship and many layered arc storylines will play out.

I can’t wait to read on and find out.

What an amazing start.

Highly recommend this story and author.

Soulbound series:

✓ A Ferry of Bones & Gold #1

◦ All Souls Near & Nigh #2

◦ A Crown of Iron & Silver #3

◦ A Vigil in the Mourning #4

◦ On the Wings of War #5

◦ An Echo in the Sorrow #6

◦ A Veiled & Hallowed Eve #7

Synopsis:

When the gods come calling, you don’t get to say no.

Patrick Collins is three years into a career as a special agent for the Supernatural Operations Agency when the gods come calling to collect a soul debt he owes them. An immortal has gone missing in New York City and bodies are showing up in the wake of demon-led ritual killings that Patrick recognizes all too easily from his nightmares.

Unable to walk away, Patrick finds himself once again facing off against mercenary magic users belonging to the Dominion Sect. Standing his ground alone has never been a winning option in Patrick’s experience, but it’s been years since he’s had a partner he could trust.

Looking for allies in all the wrong places, Patrick discovers the Dominion Sect’s next target is the same werewolf the Fates themselves have thrown into his path. Patrick has been inexplicably attracted to the man from their first meeting, but desire has no place in war. That doesn’t stop Patrick from wanting what he shouldn’t have. Jonothon de Vere is gorgeous, dangerous, and nothing but trouble—to the case, to the fight against every hell, and ultimately, to Patrick’s heart and soul.

In the end, all debts must be paid, and Patrick can only do what he does best—cheat death.

A Ferry of Bones & Gold is a 115k word m/m urban fantasy with a gay romantic subplot and a HFN ending

https://www.goodreads.com › showA Ferry of Bones & Gold (Soulbound, #1) by Hailey Turner – Goodreads

Review: The Cuckoo’s Call by Lily Morton

Rating: 5 🌈

I’m not sure why this sat a few days on my shelf before I got to it because it has to be one of my favorite romances yet this year.

Lily Morton really ticked every box for me here on contemporary romances and then further with not one but two love letters to Majorca and Venice. These settings are clearly places the author is familiar with and loves. And it shows in each warmly described location and all the finely etched details. The lagoons of Venice, history, the twisty roads and beaches along with local foods… all folded in with a memorable, heartwarming romance.

That Prologue! Honestly. Starting a story with a prologue almost guaranteed to make you sniffle ! Blink and you are already invested 100 percent in Wren Robert’s story, why he’s fog bound at that airport. And bereft.

Then comes the story.

And what a fantastic, romantic, grand story it is.

I laughed, cried, laughed some more… sighed a lot. And was ultimately thrilled at the ending.

Lily Morton gives us a spectacular cast of characters here.

Wren Morton, the Cuckoo of the title. The foster child forever being deposited in someone else’s “nest”, but who grew up without self pity, self-sufficient, kind, and with a love for learning. How I fell deeply in love with this character.

Mateo Rossi, extremely wealthy hotelier, bored, multidimensional. Of an ancient Venice family as well as one in Majorca. A man of divided hearts. Watching Mateo interact with Wren, changing as he reveals more of his real self? Amazing.

While the story is told mostly from Wren’s perspective, every now and then we get Mateo’s pov, just when it’s needed. To see Wren outside of how he sees himself. I grew to anticipate those!

The other characters like Mateo’s mother and grandfather are people that are so well developed that I felt I just didn’t get enough of them. Same about Alfie and a certain glass artist.

I really hope to see a sequel to this story.

The Cuckoo’s Call by Lily Morton is such a remarkable romance that I felt 5 stars wasn’t nearly enough.

I’m highly recommending it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Synopsis:

Can a summer romance last forever?

Wren Roberts thought he’d found his fairy tale when he met Mateo Rossi on holiday in Majorca. The wealthy and successful older man swept him off his feet, and before he knew it, he’d thrown caution to the wind and was living in Mateo’s waterside apartment in Venice. It’s a far cry from his harsh upbringing and crummy flat in London.

But as the summer turns to autumn, cracks begin to show. Mateo’s family aren’t welcoming, and there doesn’t seem to be a place for Wren in Mateo’s world. He could have coped with all of that, but Mateo himself seems like a different person away from the sunshine island.

Should Wren have been more cautious in riding off into the sunset when he wasn’t sure what lay over the horizon?

From bestselling author Lily Morton comes a romance about two men who find that sometimes happily ever after doesn’t end there.

https://www.goodreads.com › showThe Cuckoo’s Call by Lily Morton – Goodreads

Review: Hot as Heller (Aster Valley #3) by Lucy Lennox

The man asked me to valet his damn car

Rating: 3.5 🌈

Hot as Heller by Lucy Lennox is a new release I happened to grab up as it’s tag line caught my attention.

Of course, it’s a middle book in a series. But I found this time that really didn’t make a difference for me understanding the characters or for getting a feel of place and community. Lennox does a good job of laying out her foundation universe. It’s folded into this story so well that it includes enough of all preceding storylines and history that the reader doesn’t feel lost when past events or people are mentioned.

Also each book represents a different couple so while minor threads appear from previous novels, each story can stand somewhat alone, with a support cast you can become familiar with if this is your first book. Or one you already know because you’ve read their stories. Either way, it works.

I enjoyed this story and felt that one of the elements was excellently on topic , especially given the timing. I’m talking about the current tragedy on the now shut down movie set of “Rust”, and the intense and much needed movie industry discussions going on about safety, stunts .and overall actor/support control.

I wonder if the author knew how on point and current this aspect of the story would be.

It was excellently written and the suspense almost made the romance take a backseat for me. It did have the effect of making me care about a character I was having trouble connecting with.

That would be Finn Heller, the child actor who’s the lead in this action movie being filmed in Aster Valley. Finn is/was a very problematic character for me. Most doormat personalities are. For the majority of this book , Finn let’s everyone make decisions for him. Whether to go to a bar when he doesn’t want to. He says no and goes anyway. He says no and does it anyway. For everything.

While the author is doing her best to explain his actions, that very personality is turning into white noise for me. Not good when he’s half of a main romance.

Better is Sheriff Declan Stone. Recently of LA’s PD, a corruption scandal involving his partner and just sick of Hollywood and its denizens, he’s relocated to small town Aster Valley for a saner, better lifestyle.

I liked this character immediately. He comes across as realistic, competent. At home in his skill set and person. He’s, in short, believable and someone we can connect with.

Which begs the question as to why he’s attaching himself to a doormat, however attractive. Finn does find himself undergoing a sea change before the story ends but I still found him not as fascinating a person. Oh well.

What I did fall in love with? The small town community of Aster Valley. I need dispatcher Penny to finish filling me in on the romance drama between Charlene Candy, her ex wife Clara Corn ( yep you see that coming), and her new love Clara’s brother. Plus there’s that thing with Colman and his wildlife…

Never a dull , funny , or just small town human moments. This book and the Sheriffs time of full of them. Those made it for me

The town, it’s people, the secondary romances, as well as other interesting , warm-hearted aspects to Aster Valley pulled me in and engaged my imagination to make me want to explore the rest of the series.

This has so many different terrific elements that I can definitely recommend it as a contemporary romance people will enjoy.

Aster Valley Series:

◦ Winter Waites #0.5

◦ Right as Raine #1

◦ Sweet as Honey #2

✓ Hot as Heller #3

◦ Thick as Thieves #4 – coming 2022

Synopsis:

The man asked me to valet his damn car.

Look, I left LA for a reason. I’ve had my fill of big Hollywood stars and their even bigger egos. I want something genuine. Something real. And it doesn’t get any realer than being the new sheriff of Aster Valley, Colorado.

That is, until entitled Finn Heller appears on the scene, handing me the keys to his convertible like I’m his personal servant.

The former child star and wannabe action hero is the hottest thing I’ve ever seen. He’s also a snarky party animal with legions of adoring fans and attitude for days.

Or so I thought.

The longer the film crew stays in town, the more I begin to wonder if Finn is hiding his true self, one that’s as beautiful inside as out. He’s a star alright, but the kind that shines bright enough to light up the night sky… the kind I want to make a wish on.

A wish Finn will find a way to make things work with me, even if it means his next role is my very own leading man.

https://www.goodreads.com › showHot as Heller (Aster Valley, #3) by Lucy Lennox | Goodreads

◦

Review: Bigger Than Us by B.A. Tortuga and Jodi Payne

Rating: 4 🌈⛄️

Artist Daniel McCaverty and businessman Mitchell Brown were both close friends of Adam who has just died of cancer. His Will has irrecoverably changed both mens lives forever, leaving them intertwined with those of two young children, one a baby. Two men, two children, and one house . That’s equals a family…

Bigger Than Us is among the latest of what authors Jodi Payne and B.A. Tortuga are calling their “shoe stories “ and I call their cowboys n kids books.

They have cowboys, a city boy, kids, a second chance at love, and a major drama/trauma that pulls the two men together to form a family.

Here , as it’s been in several stories, it’s been a death by cancer of a guardian or parent, that lets the men step in and take charge.

I liked both characters of Dan and Mitch, both very different from each other. Dan for me was more fascinating and his background and history raised a lot of questions that were never satisfactorily answered. I think if I had gotten more of Dan’s past, it would have raised the rating higher. Because I felt we were going to get his background then the authors never came back to it. Too bad. He’s a compelling personality.

Dan and Mitch’s love story also comes about quickly. But they acknowledge the fast pace, communicate their doubts and questions about their situation, the kids, their relationship, everything that’s been fast tracked… just as adults should. And that element, the ability for the men to voice their own issues with everything that happened so fast actually makes the reader happier and ok with the love and warmth occurring on the pages in front of us.

The kids? Priceless. Act and talk like kids. Especially Vicki who’s hurting and acting up because she’s scared and mad and little. And wants her Dad back. Your heart will ache for her.

This story runs through Thanksgiving and ends at Christmas so for me it’s a holiday story. Sweet, sad, heartwarming, and loving.

I enjoyed it, especially the ending even if it stopped a bit abruptly. Still happy.

Side note. What is going on in Burlington, Vermont? Did I miss the heart eyes text for Burlington where it’s now the romance destination ?

Anyway, add this to your holiday TBR pile. You will absolutely enjoy it.

Bigger Than Us

Synopsis:

When Daniel McCaverty gets the call that his best friend and mentor up in Vermont has cancer, he expects to have plenty of time to go help. He never expects that Adam will be gone before he gets there, or that he will suddenly be in charge of Adam’s two small children. He’s a loner, an artist, and a wanderer. What’s he supposed to do now?

Mitchell Brown is a white-collar kind of guy. Organized. Careful. He has a plan in place for Adam’s kids long before Daniel arrives, and is shocked when Daniel is given custody. But for Vicky and Emory, he’s willing to put his hurt and confusion aside to help Daniel figure things out, to make the whole situation work.

Daniel and Mitch have to deal with a tidal wave of grief while getting one kid started in school, and keeping up with their work. But they’re going to have to figure out their unexpected attraction to each other if they’re going to build something together that’s bigger than either one of them alone

Review: Cosy & Chill by Jackie Keswick

Rating: 5🌈⛄️

Cosy & Chill by Jackie Keswick really conveys so much of what I really think is authentic when it comes to the holidays. It’s never just that glitteringly happy, fun filled holiday. full of congenial family gatherings and mountains of gifts. No, there’s also the elements of melancholy, feelings of bitterness, loneliness, exclusion, family dysfunction, and outright pain and loss.

Yes, what the holidays can and does mean to people runs the emotional spectrum depending upon the person and their history. Judy Garland’s “Have Yourself A Merry Christmas” anyone?

Keswick brings us into Cosy & Chill as one being, a Fae, experiences the pain of betrayal, and extreme loss. She’s now trapped in the human realm by a theft of her amulet, her key home. Her anguish, loss, her rage is bone deep and as her search becomes ever fruitless… we connect deeply with her grief and loss of hope.

That’s just the beginning of this outstanding tale of renewed heart, new paths, personal growth, and learning how to reach for your dreams. While finding love and friends along the way.

Done through knitting and making ice cream! Oh, and a hunt for a silver amulet!

All the characters here are so remarkable. Whether it’s the Fae Roisen determinedly searching for her amulet through a mysterious clue, drawn to a house by magic, Finn Wooten, with his Cosy Etsy knitting store or Leo Wetherall of Chill organic ice creams, these beings and people come alive through their struggles and all the obstacles, small to large, past and present, they must overcome.

Really Keswick’s storytelling will captivate you!

Both Finn and Leo each had a wonderful supportive grandmother in their past as well as dysfunctional families. How badly dysfunctional varied. Each man’s past is rolled out and dealt with slowly as their relationship progresses and it gets closer to many important dates for all involved.

I found myself forgetting my own lists, things I really need to get to, as I sank into this tale of discovery, self determination, courage, hope, love, and, of course, Holiday spirit….in a Fae sort of way.

As the author put The End to this story I couldn’t help but hope that next Christmas Keswick sees us making a return to a certain shop on High Street, Number 13 to be exact. And all who live overtop and within.

I’d love to catch up with them. You will be enchanted and wish for that too!

Cosy & Chill by Jackie Keswick goes to my top five holiday reads this year. I’m highly recommending you out it in your own stocking and your TBR pile!

What a joy!

Synopsis:

Knitting. Ice Cream. And a Matchmaking Fae.

Quiet, industrious Finn dreams of his own knitting store. He needs Leo’s enthusiasm to make him reach for what he wants.

Cheerful, adventurous Leo sells artisan ice cream but shies away from fulfilling his grandmother’s last wish. He needs Finn’s love and support to put his past to rest for good.

Add a Saxon treasure, a fae stranded in the human world, and an empty store with very unusual rental terms – and falling in love is not the only challenge Finn and Leo have to face.

Making a dream come true takes work. But there’s magic in dreams if Finn and Leo can hold on tight.

***

Tags: I’m only here for socks and ice cream. Sometimes you just click with another guy even if you’re opposites. I look at you and know what I’ll be knitting. How to share a house with someone you’ve just met. Utensils don’t sparkle, right? Grandmas rock. Making a deal with a burglar. Roisin is a decorating wiz and Finn worries about antique furniture. If you don’t talk to me, I can’t help you. Finding treasure at inopportune moments. And yes, there’s a happy ending

https://www.goodreads.com › showCosy & Chill by Jackie Keswick – Goodreads

Review: Yours, Forever After by Beth Bolden

Rating: 4.5 🌈

I love a good fantasy fairytale romance and Yours, Forever After by Beth Bolden definitely fits that category.

It has young royalty fleeing great evil that wants their blood. It has a Prince who will lose his kingdom if he doesn’t get help. And it has magic.

Those are the basics that Bolden uses to build a grand emotional journey for two men towards a HEA for themselves and two kingdoms. And perhaps one magical being.

It contains anger, loss, betrayal, issues with communication, and all the usual barriers that occur with new relationships under stress. Also sword fighting , cause fairy tale!

It’s main characters under go personal growth and change into men determined to make their commitment to each other and their people work.

I was connected to Gray from his perilous flight away from his castle as a young boy and then to Rory as his true nature slowly reveals itself to Gray as they tackle obstacles together. They figure out how to communicate.. eventually. As the story and their pursuit of justice., for themselves, and to rid their lands of the evil battling against them, everything about their roles and their relationship feels real.

I love them so much . And was delighted with the promise of a continuation of their story with a sequel to come.

It’s a novel I’ll eagerly await.

Until then, if you like fantasy romance and fairytales, this is a story you’re to enjoy. Well written, terrific plots and characters I love. I’m definitely recommending it.

Synopsis:

Fifteen years ago, Prince Graham of Ardglass barely escaped from the ancestral castle with his young life. Rescued by a magical creature and spirited off to a faraway valley, he grew into a strong, capable man—never shirking his duties on the farm, but forever bitter over his father’s betrayal. But just when he has finally come to terms with being lost and staying lost, a visitor arrives in his valley and changes everything.

After a lifetime spent lost in his beloved books, Prince Emory awakens to find his villainous aunt working to usurp the throne of Fontaine. When she sends him on a dangerous quest, he’s certain the journey is a trap, but he’s not willing to accept defeat without a fight.

But a fight is something Rory is unprepared and untrained for, until he’s saved by a handsome, unassuming farmhand and his snooty, smug, and surprisingly talkative unicorn.

Yours, Forever After now includes an epilogue novella, completing Gray and Rory’s magical quest for true love.

https://www.goodreads.com › showYours, Forever After by Beth Bolden – Goodreads