A Lucy Review: Stocking Stuffers: A Holiday Themed Romantic M/M Anthology

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Fix Me Up by H.Q. Kingsley

Nettles Small and Ian Montgomery were best friends once upon a time…

Nettles Small has retreated to his old family cabin, isolated in the woods for the peace and quiet he needs to write his dissertation. He expects a full two weeks of absolutely no disruptions as he buries himself in research and lab experiments. But when an outdoor experiment goes haywire and his equipment explodes across the mountain, knocking an unsanctioned snowboarder off his board, his plans quickly change.

Ian Montgomery is on his way to the winter olympics. he’s trained his ass off for years and finally made it. But on his way to shred down one of his secret slopes, Ian is unexpectedly knocked off his board by an unknown object and the person who rushes to nurse him back to his feet is someone he had never expected to see again.

This is the story of former friends, Nettles and Ian, who meet up accidentally on a snowy mountain. Nettles, a scientist, is at his family’s cabin to perform experiments in order to write his dissertation. When one experiment goes awry it ends up knocking Ian, out on the mountain training for the Olympic snowboarding even, out for the count. “In my panic, I forgot one of the most fundamental things about chemicals under pressure. They tended to explore.” Nettles feels guilty, even though it was an accident, and he not only drags an unconscious Ian back to the cabin but gives him first add and takes care of him. For his trouble, Ian is rude and obnoxious, even accusing Nettles of doing it on purpose. They don’t ever really say why the two former best friends hate each other now. It is mentioned they just grew apart but at one point “I hadn’t seen the guy in like seven or eight years, not since high school graduation when he’d bored us all to tears with his valedictorian speech.

I had a little trouble with this one because Ian just did not grow on me. They end up falling into bed but I couldn’t think why Nettles would want to.

Just a heads up on this story – it isn’t as long as you’d think because there are at least four excerpts at the end for other stories in this series. I was a bit disappointed because I felt more needed to be written to explain the jump to love.

Jingle My Bells by Meredith Spies

Rowan

Less than two weeks till the winter solstice and somehow it’s my fault the witches have misplaced their damned bells. If they weren’t such jerks about demon-borns being part of the Grand Council and their plans, maybe they wouldn’t need to use the stupid things anyway. But until they’re ready to admit that without us, there’d be no them, I guess they’re out of luck. It’s just dirty pool to send Whitaker Frost, scion of the Frost witch clan and sexiest man alive ohmygods to my shop when I’ve been accused of hiding those damned bells and endangering the witches’ annual winter solstice ritual to maintain their powers.

Whitaker

No matter what Rowan thinks, I haven’t forgotten our encounter at the summer solstice, and I know for a fact he hasn’t. The way he looks at me when he sees me in his shop just before the winter solstice is enough to set me on fire without the help of any of his demon magic. I don’t blame him for being hesitant with me—I am a witch, after all, and witches have been doing their damnedest for centuries to keep demon-born out of magical communities and gatherings. I wish he’d understand that I not only want him in the council, but in my bed, my life…

This paranormal story of witches vs demon-born was not my favorite. The prejudice against the demon born (Rowan) was so blatant that I wanted him to lose control and blast them all. There is a mystery of missing bells that the witch clans desperately need to keep their powers and Rowan and Whitaker act on their attraction while figuring it all out. I also wondered by Whitaker just let Rowan be so abused at the meetings. I mean, these people were Nasty, with a capital N. The story of how witches came about was creative and clever.

Jake’s Heart for Christmas by Angelo Diaz

Two online friends meeting up for an unforgettable Christmas vacation.

After facing some trouble back home, Declan was more than eager to spend Christmas with his online best friend, Jake, in his hometown of Winterwood. It was everything he’d hoped it would be. The town was friendly, Jake was a ray of sunshine, and the spirit of Christmas was in every corner. What he didn’t expect was the growing connection between him and Jake. The more time Declan spent with Jake, the more the line between friendship and something more started to blur. Maybe the trip to Winterwood was exactly what Declan needed to find himself again.

Now, all he wanted for Christmas was to win over Jake’s heart.

Jake and Declan have been messaging, phoning and video chatting for over a year but they are just now meeting face to face for the first time. Jake has invited Declan to spend Christmas at his cabin when it becomes apparent Declan’sfor the holiday were to spend it “…curled up in his bedroom.” Declan has just been dumped by his cheating girlfriend and betrayed by his friends. Since the two have been planning to meet, this seemed like a good time so Declan makes the trip to Winterwood, Alaska. This is a small town where everyone knows everyone else’s business (like Jake’s crush on the mountain of a bartender, Bruce) and they go out of their way to make Declan feel welcome and to make sure he knows they think he’s handsome. It’s just what Declan needs.

Jake’s best friend, Cassidy, is awesome and perfect. Jake has thoughts of setting Cassidy up with Declan but this isn’t the way it’s going to go. Declan is loving Winterwood and I have to admit, I want a cinnamon roll wrapped apple pie because that sounds amazing.

I didn’t see this as a gay for you but as a finally realizing who you are. And I loved that, as much as I loved Cassidy watching out for Jake.

I want to know how Declan’s friends stole the business from him. It is mentioned but never really explained.

This is a really cute, sweet friends to lovers story and probably my favorite of the anthology. I loved Jake’s attitude towards Declan being a virgin and that Declan knows absolutely that he can trust Jake. Also that Declan has never seen snow before!

One thing that irked me, and it’s just a me thing. “I beamed with my signature charming smile.” Jake, it’s annoying when you yourself decide it’s a charming smile!

Rebel Without A Clause by Denise Wells

I’m the guy who never brings a date to a holiday party. But meeting someone at one is a different story, apparently. The bartender I undressed with my eyes? Whose touch ignited a fire in my soul when his fingers brushed against mine? He’s the one I’m prepared to break all my own rules for.

Let’s call out Jeanette. She is so ridiculous. “Once you’re with a real woman, such as myself, you won’t feel the need to experiment any longer.” What? Kris is at a Coleman party, his family-owned company, and he has to be saved from the oblivious or obnoxious Jeanette by his sister, Kelly. I was happy to see how wonderful Kelly and Nick’s BFF Sarah areas I don’t like when all the women in a story are portrayed as witches. But I digress.

Kris meets the man of his dreams (or maybe fantasies), Nick, working as a bartender at the party. Unfortunately, he has to do his duty handing out employee bonuses and by the time he returns the bartender is gone. Kris is then again accosted by the disgusting Jeanette. “Kissing me. With tongue and saliva. Bile rises in my throat. It would serve her right if I threw up in her throat.” She is awful.

As fate would have it, when Nick finally sees Kris again, He is dressed in a sort of porny elf costume, helping out at the Coleman Santa Village. Nick is an actor but so far hasn’t found much in the way of work, hence the elf. When Kris ends up standing in as Santa, the two get a chance to know each other.

The story is sweet with a lovely epilogue. I had questions, such as what work does Nick end up doing since the whole “he has money and I don’t” was such an issue, but it’s complete as it is.

All Wrapped Up by Megs Pritchard

Crispin Jones had known Roan virtually his whole life, but when his disastrous marriage ended, he began to see Roan in a new light. He wasn’t simply his friend anymore. His feelings had changed to something more.

Christmas was approaching and Crispin had decided that it was the time to tell Roan the truth. The office party seemed the perfect opportunity. Would Roan accept his declarations of love, or would Crispin’s admission ruin years of friendship between them?

How terrifying is it to suddenly realize how important someone is to you but live with the fear it will destroy the best friendship you’ve ever had? That is where Crispin is now. He and Roan have been friends since kindergarten. Both are now divorced from their wives, Roan amicably, Crispin not. Crispin has come to realize that no matter how it ends, he has to be come clean and let Roan know how he feels. “He couldn’t continue hiding the truth, watching Roan move on to another woman. Having to smile and be friendly when he saw them together. IT would break something inside him.”

Roan is a little oblivious but he is a good person. He loves his two-year-old daughter, Veronica, dearly and wants only the best for his ex-wife. “We broke up because it wasn’t working. That doesn’t mean I don’t want her to be happy because I do. She’s a great person and a fantastic mom.” That is who Crispin has fallen for.

I felt so badly for Crispin after he tells Roan how he feels but I also felt for Roan because this is coming out of nowhere at a party where he’s been after a woman, Erica, forever and Crispin knows it. I questioned Crispin’s thinking on having the conversation at the party but also understood he just couldn’t wait any longer. Later, he himself knows it wasn’t the ideal place. “He should have approached him somewhere else, not dumped it on him and at a party where Roan was hoping to chat up Erica.”

I liked this one a lot. Friends to lovers is a favorite of mine, and the fact that Roan doesn’t immediately “yes, I love your guts” made it seem more real. It takes a mind shift, sometimes a big one, to go from a friend to a lover, not to mention never realizing you might be bi. Both of these guys deserve happiness and I am positive they will continue to have it with each other. And Crispin’s inner voice is the best. “Great. My life is falling apart and there’s a spider in my room.”

A Christmas Wish by JP Sayle

Can Christmas wishes come true?

Roman Austin is shy, more than a little geeky, and thinks he’s overweight. Past experience has taught him that he’s better off with his nose buried in a book. Until the boy who left town years ago returns.

Donavan’s return makes Roman face what he’s avoided for years, himself. With each new revelation, can Roman see what is right in front of him? Will past secrets and a meddling brother stop Roman from finding love with the one man he never knew wanted him?

A Christmas Wish is a standalone sweet gay romance, a small-town friendship, and a guaranteed HFN

First off, Roman made me sad in how he sees himself. His brother, Gabriel, is cute. As for Roman? “Me, I resembled one of the farmers’ cows.” He believes his hair is plain, his eyes washed out and his body too heavy. “Having a gay brother who was outgoing and pretty meany any chance I had with the gay population dwindled to zero.”

Even odder is the fact that Donovan, a teenager when he moved away, had crushed on Roman before he and his family moved away. Now he’s returned, having not seen Roman in eleven years, and wants Roman. Umm, you don’t even know him! “Did my Roman have a boyfriend?” He’s not yours, you haven’t seen him in eleven years! Donovan moved to Hollywood with his family and ended up being a successful stuntman. You’d think he came back for Roman but in reality, he was done doing stunts after an accident claimed the life of his friend, so he quit. I would have liked it better if all the “pining for Roman” had caused him to reach out or at least come back because of Roman, not just because he’s done in Hollywood.

This really is insta-love, which in holiday stories I am okay with. And it is HFN, not HEA, so that made a bit more sense. The one thing I questioned was Roman’s whole idea that he’s overweight when he isn’t. Gabriel is a supportive, awesome brother and that was lovely to read.

One Room at the Inn by Colette Davison

Travel photographer, Ellis, is driving home for Christmas, but a freak snowstorm forces him to seek refuge in the Holiday Inn. He doesn’t expect to meet his two best friends from high school there, or to end up having to share a room with them.

Although eight years apart has changed them all, Ellis realizes he still has strong feelings for fit footballer, Zev, and loveable geek, PK. A game of Never Have I Ever and a bottle of Applejack bourbon leads to revelations about their feelings for one another.

Can anything be the same for these three men after an unexpected night of passion?

I skipped this one, as I am not a fan of MMM.

Until After Christmas by Alie Nolan

Henry isn’t a fan of Christmas and usually spends the holiday alone, wallowing in self-pity. Until he gets drunk with his adorable, awkward co-worker at the office Christmas party and somehow finds himself with Christmas plans for the first time in years.

Callum is tired of his family setting him up with random strangers at Christmas, so when Henry offers to pretend to be his boyfriend for the holiday, it seems like he’s found the perfect solution… until real feelings get mixed up into their fake relationship.

Pretend boyfriends – a favorite trope! Callum’s family is just the best and the way they support each other, and then Henry, made me happy. We won’t even discuss Henry’s family, who rejected him. But as happens, fake boyfriends turn into real and in this case it was wonderful.

We do have to address the cover art. A pretty colored cover with two men dressed for winter, snow falling. The problem? There is a Photoshop nightmare happening with a giant arm stretching around the man in front, supposedly of the man in back but it’s really not well done and is so bizarre!

Sales Links:

Amazon: http://bit.ly/StockingStuffersKK

Apple Books: http://bit.ly/AppleStockingStuffers

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/BNStockingStuffers

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 728 pages

Published December 1st 2019

ASIN B0816Y974H

A Stella Review: Christmas Riches by H.L. Day

RATING 4 out of 5 stars

Opposites might attract. But does that include age?

Christmas comes early for Aiden Malone in the form of a seductive blue-eyed stranger down on his knees. But a shock revelation about his new ‘friend’ has him running for the hills and cursing his stupidity before the night is out.

Tom’s not prepared to give up that easily. He may be rich, where Aiden’s poor. Innocent in a way that Aiden isn’t. And on the wrong side of twenty. But he’s old enough to know what he wants. And that’s Aiden. He just needs to persuade the older man to look past his hang-ups about age and wealth.

Lust and prejudice pull Aiden in opposite directions, severely testing his willpower. As Tom’s layers begin to peel away, Aiden discovers the younger man’s life of privilege may not be all it seems. If Aiden gives in, they could have the sweetest Christmas that either of them has ever tasted.

But Tom’s about to shatter their joy with a surprise announcement. Decisions need to be made on both sides. It’s down to Aiden, though, to stay strong and decide whose happiness is more important. His? Or Tom’s? Because they can’t have it both ways.

It’s possible their relationship won’t even last as long as it takes for the snow to melt.

I honestly wasn’t liking this new release at first, I wasn’t quite sure why at the time, I just wasn’t enjoying the story. Maybe I didn’t like the first encounter between the characters, maybe I didn’t like them at all. Still I went on with the reading and I have to say my stubbornness was well rewarded, as Tom was in trying to convince Aiden they were made for each other. Later I learnt to like both of them, I saw how lonely Tom’s life was, how unbelievable his parents were. He was only eighteen and he had gone through so much. I felt his desire to be part of something, to be loved and to love. There were so many differences between the two men, so many years, so many money. And then things changed, I realized how mature Tom actually was, I fell for him deeply when I saw him make hard choices, cause he was so sure of his love and his future with Aiden.

I ended up loving Christmas Riches a lot, the ending part was beautiful, the author couldn’t have written a better epilogue, it was perfect, so sweet. I liked the writing style too, the book was easy to read and the characters well done, I think I will look for more stories from H.L. Day, I’m curious to know what else the author delivered.

The cover art by is cute, I like the colors.

SALE LINKS Amazon

BOOK DETAILS

ebook, 157 pages

Published November 15th 2019

Edition Language English

An Alisa Review: Hearts of Magic (Chevalier Book 3) by Kay Doherty

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

A moment of quiet was all Theran was looking for. He was not looking to be nearly decimated when he stumbled across a sorcerer near the pack’s hunting grounds. He’s certainly not looking for his mate when the pack congregates at Elysium for a meeting, but that’s exactly what Theran finds when he runs into the sorcerer a second time.

Colby has been the bartender at Elysium for a year, and he’s been relatively happy. He hides his paranormal identity well, flirting for tips while using sarcasm to keep others away. When he first saw the wolf in the forest, he was stunned. Learning the wolf he’s been dreaming about is real is only compounded by learning the wolf is his mate.

With the Sorcerer’s Enclave now interested in the Chevalier Pack, Colby attempts to protect Theran by kidnapping him, which only results in a deeper involvement with the pack. Despite managing the Enclave, dealing with increasing threats from the McBane Pack, and forging new alliances, Theran and Colby are determined to find their happy ever after.

This pack continues to get more and more interesting. I hate that all they want to do is be happy and they keep getting attacked from all sides. Colby just adds another layer of power to their group.

I liked Colby and Theran though I hurt for Theran when Colby would assume his reactions would be the same as his exes. Theran is powerful but he is such a sweetheart to his mate and his friends. It was hard to see how Colby grew up and how he continues to be treated but it was uplifting when he found the one person he could belong to unconditionally. And the epilogue sure threw a wrench in, man oh man am I now looking forward to the next book. Things are about to get interesting.

I really like the cover art by Natasha Snow and visual of Colby and even though it’s similar in style to the other books it just seems to pop more.

Sales Links: Nine Star Press | Amazon | B&N

Book Details:

ebook, 40,100 words

Published: July 29, 2019 by Nine Star Press

ISBN: 978-1-951057-85-5

Edition Language: English

Series: Chevalier #3

A MelanieM Audio Review: Mr. Frosty Pants (Home for the Holidays #1) by Leta Blake and John Solo (Narrator)

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Frosty former friends get a steamy second chance in this Christmas gay romance!

Can true love warm his frozen heart?

When Casey Stevens went away to college four years ago, he ghosted on his straight best friend, Joel Vreeland. He hoped time and distance would lessen the unrequited affection he felt, but all it did was make him miss Joel more. Home for the holidays, Casey hopes they might find a way to be friends again. But Joel’s frosty reception reminds Casey of just how hard he had to fight to be Joel’s friend in the first place. It’s going to take a Christmas miracle to get past that cool façade again.

Joel isn’t as straight as Casey believes, and his years of pining for Casey have left him hurting and alone, caring for his abusive father and struggling to get by. Unable to trust anyone except his rescue dog—and with no reason to believe Casey is interested in him for more than a holiday fling—Joel’s icy heart might shatter before it can thaw.

Can Casey and Joel’s love overcome mistrust, parental rejection, class differences, and four long years apart?

Mr. Frosty Pants is a stand-alone, Christmas gay romance by Leta Blake featuring a virgin hero, childhood friends-to-lovers, second chance romance, and romantically steamy scenes.

Mr. Frosty Pants (Home for the Holidays #1) by Leta Blake is one of those stories that got better for me in the audio format. I have to admit that I like my holiday stories to either be unusual in content (i.e., Nordic mythology, twists on Christmas fantasy, etc), or heartwarming contemporary stories. For me, the holidays aren’t really the time for angst, angst, and yes, more angst which is how this read for me for one character when I dived into it in eBook form. I liked it but didn’t enjoy it if you know what i mean.

Then came the opportunity to revisit the story in its new audio format and as I have found in the past, this can sometimes present the book in a new light for me. And it did for Mr. Frosty Pants because John Solo did such an excellent job of bringing Leta Blake’s layered characters to life. He gave them a voice that made Joel Vreeland’s angst filled struggles realistic and connectable, I “saw” Joel more this time around, I felt for him more this time around, and somehow, maybe my frame of mind has changed, what had felt unrelenting, now became believable and heartbreaking.

Same goes for Casey Stevens and his nouveau riche family with their high expectations and overbearing ways. I understood Casey and his battles better this time around. John Solo’s choice of voices for all the family members highlighting the strained family dynamics so well that it elevates Leta Blake’s narrative and characters, just as it should. A great partnership in every way.

Mr. Frosty Pants has it share of interesting side characters that I wanted to get to know better and a location that felt real as well. This author’s touches are everywhere that I have come to expect from her writing! That includes a heartwarming ending, perfect for the holidays. Oh, and there is a sweetheart of a dog too.

If you love audiobooks and Christmas stories, put Mr. Frosty Pants (Home for the Holidays #1) by Leta Blake and John Solo (Narrator) on your list of books to listen to. I thoroughly enjoyed it and think you will too.

Cover art is adorable and perfect for the characters for the story.

Sales Links: Amazon | Audible

Audio Book Details:

Audible Audio, 11 pages
Published November 11th 2019 by Leta Blake Books (first published November 7th 2018)
ASINB08176KCZM
Edition Language English
Series Home for the Holidays #1
setting Tennessee (United States)

A MelanieM Review : The Christmas Oaks (Laurel Holidays #1) by V.L. Locey

Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5

Can the magic of Christmas, and the soft voice of a man who has seen too much, show Bryan a future where anything is possible?

Bryan Graham is shocked to find he’s inherited a hunting cabin in north-central Pennsylvania. From his grandfather of all people; a stubborn man who went out of his way to make Bryan’s childhood miserable. He’d vowed never to go back to the small, rural community of Kutter’s Summit, not that he didn’t have fond memories of the place. It’s just that he’d rather be celebrating a quiet Christmas back in Nashville with his cat and his contracts.

A couple of weeks of hunting, cleaning, and handyman work, and he can hopefully put the place up for sale and move on with his life. He never expected to find his childhood friend Parson Greer living in the cabin. Parson is no longer a boy, but a handsome, wary man consumed by the demons of a faraway desert war. When a rekindled friendship shifts into something deeper, Bryan finds himself lost in emotions that a workaholic like him has never made time to experience before.

Such a heartwarming story! The Christmas Oaks (Laurel Holidays #1) by V.L. Locey has all the elements you look for in a holiday story. Family reconnecting, a and a homecoming. A rediscovery and re evaluation that takes place, both of self, of a place, and even of his past. It has two damaged men, each traumatized by their pasts who come together to heal and recover at Christmas and find love.

Locey, who lives in Pennsylvania, gives us a wonderful feel for the small town and local landscape, including wildlife. It’s all done with a loving eye and vivid descriptions. Nashville suffers by comparison which was probably purposeful. I thought both characters of Bryan Graham and Parson Greer well crafted and believable, from the dark circles under Bryan’s eyes and sallow skin from too little sleep and too much work to the PTSD that Parson’s suffered from. Another fine portrait emerged in that of Bryan’s overwhelmed sister, in her double wide and single parenthood. Man, those scenes felt so true to life that your heart bleeds for her.

The romance comes about a little too easily given what each man is currently dealing with but Locey still makes a strong argument for their love and relationship. This is Christmas after all, even with dealing with complexities and strong minded men with difficult pasts. It’s a HFN but I can’t wait to see what’s next in store for this series. This is such a wonderful start! And a great addition to any Christmas or Holiday reading list. I absolutely recommend it.

Cover Design: Designs By Sloan is lovely and works for both characters.

Book Details:

ebook
Published December 4th 2019
Edition Language English
Series Laurel Holidays #1

An Alisa Review: A Timely Gift by Kris T. Bethke

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Sometimes the right gift can be life-changing …

On the solstice, Rory’s grandfather gives him a pocket watch he claims will have Rory’s life sorted and his problems solved by Christmas. Rory starts out skeptical, but when he reconnects with an ex he never thought he’d see again, he has to admit there might be some holiday magic at work after all.

Deacon’s life is in shambles, and he’s returned to Syracuse for a fresh start. Running into Rory again feels like much more than a coincidence, and neither of them can deny the passion between them is still smoldering. With the watch behaving oddly at just the right moments, Rory and Deacon might receive the gift of a lifetime … if they’re willing to accept it.

This was a cute second chance at love for Rory and Deacon. I liked that they held no hard feelings about their previous separation but were open to at least having friendship with each other even if it became more and was nice and open-ended. Now, I do have to say the blurb makes it sound like if Rory doesn’t find love by Christmas he never will and at no point in the story was that even brought up or thought and that just feels like false advertising of the story.

The cover art by Written Ink Designs is nice and works well for the story.

Sales Links: JMS Books | Amazon | B&N

Book Details:

ebook, 12,999 words

Published: November 2, 2019 by JMS Books

ISBN: 9781646561896

Edition Language: English

Don’t MIss Out on the Release Blitz with Excerpt for Sleigh Duty by L.M. Brown

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Sleigh Duty

Author: L.M. Brown

Publisher: Self Published

Cover Artist: Studioenp

Release Date: December 7, 2019

Genre/s: Paranormal / Shifter M/M Romance

Themes: Family ties, Christmas

Heat Rating: 1 flame out of 5

Length: 13 974 words/ 44 pages

It is a standalone story.

Add on Goodreads

Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Can a reindeer shifter find love this Christmas?

Blurb

Being called upon to pull Santa’s sleigh is an honour for any reindeer shifter, but for Dashiel the timing couldn’t be worse.

Stuart was looking forward to his Christmas Eve date with Dashiel, only to have him cancel at the last minute. He puts his disappointment aside and instead focuses on making his younger brother’s Christmas as wonderful as it can be, despite the loss of their parents the previous winter.

While flying over his home town, Dashiel spots a young boy on the streets, and he knows he has to help. When the young runaway turns out to be his date’s little brother, he brings him on board the sleigh, determined to see him safely home to Stuart.

Can a reindeer shifter pull Santa’s sleigh, reunite two brothers, and find love this Christmas?

Excerpt

“Dashiel, you’re up next,” the elf in charge of fittings called. “Get your hooves moving, you’re holding everyone up.”

Dashiel wondered who had first depicted Santa’s elves as cheerful little toy makers. He had yet to see one smile. They seemed even more miserable than he was right now. Of course, he hadn’t met many, and it was the most stressful time of year for them. Not to mention they hadn’t seen daylight in three months. That would make him grumpy too. Still, there was no need for them to prod him in the rear quite so hard to get him moving.

The next few hours were spent being trained in how to respond to the reins. Dashiel didn’t mind learning how to pull the sleigh, he just wished they could leave off the bells until they were in the air. The constant jingling was driving him up the wall.

Then came the flying lessons. Yuri must have seen Dumbo recently, because he was giving them a loud rendition of the song about elephants flying, but substituting reindeer instead. Apparently teasing the first timers like Dashiel was the highlight of his night. There were three shifters who had never been summoned before, Dashiel being the youngest of the trio.

The first time Dashiel’s hooves left the ground he almost panicked. Thoughts of flying off into space nearly had him hyperventilating, even though the others assured him that no matter how hard he tried, he would never even reach the height of a plane.

Finally, they were as prepared as they could be. Dashiel took his place beside Fred. Yuri and wife were in front of them, the couple taking the lead.

Everyone went quiet when Santa arrived. He was just as Dashiel had pictured him, though he had never seen him in person. Unlike the couple in front of him, Dashiel’s parents had never been summoned on the same night, so he had never been brought to the North Pole with them.

As they took off into the sky, Dashiel glanced below and saw how large the toy factory truly was. It was so much more than a single building. There was an entire village, with every house decorated for Christmas.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” he said to Fred.

“I’ll take your word for it,” Fred replied.

“You’re not scared of heights are you?”

“I’ll be fine as long as I don’t look down.”

Dashiel snorted. “I’d rather look down at the ground, than at Yuri’s arse all night.”

“I heard that,” Yuri replied. “I’ll have you know, my arse is the envy of reindeer the world over.”

Dashiel couldn’t laugh properly in his reindeer form, but he was starting to feel the Christmas spirit now. Chances were, he would be required to do sleigh duty again in the coming years, but there were those who were only summoned once in their life, and since he didn’t know if he would be called again, he intended to make the most of tonight.

About the Author

L.M. Brown is an English writer of gay romances. She believes mermen live in the undiscovered areas of the ocean. She believes life exists on other planets. She believes in fairy tales, magic, and dreams. Most of all, she believes in love.

When L.M. Brown isn’t bribing her fur babies for control of the laptop, she can usually be found with her nose in a book.

Social Media Links

Blog/Website | Facebook Page | Facebook Group

Follow the tour and check out the other blog posts here

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Review Tour and Giveaway for The Christmas Oaks (Laurel Holidays #1) by V.L. Locey

Cover Design: Designs By Sloan

Blurb

Can the magic of Christmas, and the soft voice of a man who has seen too much, show Bryan a future where anything is possible?

Bryan Graham is shocked to find he’s inherited a hunting cabin in north-central Pennsylvania. From his grandfather of all people; a stubborn man who went out of his way to make Bryan’s childhood miserable. He’d vowed never to go back to the small, rural community of Kutter’s Summit, not that he didn’t have fond memories of the place. It’s just that he’d rather be celebrating a quiet Christmas back in Nashville with his cat and his contracts.

Read Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words review here. We love it!

USA Today Bestselling Author V.L. Locey – Penning LGBT hockey romance that skates into sinful pleasures.

V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, yoga, belly laughs, walking, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, Torchwood and Dr. Who, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.) She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, a pair of geese, far too many chickens, and two steers.

When not writing spicy romances, she enjoys spending her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in one hand and a steamy romance novel in the other.