Teaching Ben by Shae Connor
Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: February 20
Cover Artist: Bree Archer
Hi all! I’m happy to be here with the cover reveal for my next novel, Teaching Ben. Part of the Dreamspun Desires line, Teaching Ben releases on February 20. The covers for the books in this line are built on a standard template—like many category romance lines—but Dreamspinner’s cover artists work wonders within those boundaries. I was thrilled with the cover that Bree Archer came up with for Teaching Ben, which is the story of a former military college student and the teaching assistant for one of his classes. It’s set at a fictional college in Savannah, Georgia.
And now… the cover!
Gorgeous, right??
Now here’s all the info you need to preorder Teaching Ben for yourself!
Blurb
Learning to love means a study in patience.
Fresh out of the military, Ben Cooper is ready for a new start. He’s away from his domineering father, making his own choices… and out of the closet. On his first day of college, he meets David Powell, who’s just the kind of gorgeous man Ben’s dreamed of. Too bad he’s the teaching assistant—which makes him off-limits in Ben’s eyes.
David is Ben’s age, but his life has taken a different path. He’s close with his family, who helped him deal with personal struggles after he came out. And while he’s staying away from any hint of scandal, Ben’s a kind of temptation he hasn’t faced in years. If only they’d met on more equal footing.
As the semester progresses and their lives become more entwined, keeping their relationship platonic becomes more difficult. They just have to hold out until the end of the semester….
Shae Connor lives in Atlanta, where she’s a lackadaisical government worker for a living and writes sweet-hot romance under the cover of night. She’s been making things up for as long as she can remember, but it took her a while to figure out that maybe she should try writing them down.
A member of the Romance Writers of America, Shae was first published in 2010. She’s released a long list of short stories, novellas, and novels, and has won two Rainbow Awards for Best LGBT Anthology/Collection, for her novella bundle Hands On in 2017 and for the baseball-themed anthology Playing Ball in 2014. Her novel Unfortunate Son was a 2015 Rainbow Award finalist for Best Gay Erotic Romance.
Shae is part Jersey, part Irish, and all Southern, which explains why she never shuts up. When she’s not chained to her laptop, she enjoys cooking, traveling, watching baseball, reading voraciously, giving and receiving hugs, and wearing tiaras. She also volunteers as director and editor of the Dragon Con on-site publication, the Daily Dragon.
Darwin Michaels is living his dreams in the Mile High City. While Denver offers the perfect job, scrumptious dining, and whirlwind dating options, Darwin is losing hope he’ll find the right man to spark his interest for more than a one-night stand—until he sets eyes on Cody Russell.
Cody has just accomplished his life’s goal—get the hell out of Kansas. In one fell swoop, he lands a job at Hamburger Mary’s and gets a newfound family and the chance to be with other gay people! All that’s missing is someone special. But when Darwin shows his interest, Cody is sure it’s too good to be true. After all, what can Darwin possibly see in the high school dropout serving him nachos?
As Darwin falls in love, Cody struggles to realize his worth. When his past threatens the fragile life he is building, Cody spirals into a moment of dark desperation. But Darwin is determined to show Cody that love and family and home are there for him… will Cody accept what is offered?
Well guys, I really liked this story! It had some characteristics that I tend to when reading an MM, since as: not slow paced, good characters, involving plot… So basically this one would be a killer, right? Well, for the most part yes, but then it was a little rushed sometimes and also in the end there were things missing. I guess it was a HFN story, but I was so expecting a HEA in this one.
I liked the characters complexity and loved to see them growing in an out of the relationship. I also liked the supporting characters and I can’t wait to see their own stories.
The narrative was truly well done. Dominic Carlos did an amazing work giving life to the characters and transporting me to this novella’s world in no time.
If you are looking for a fast paced, interesting, fluid and low angst story, I recommend this one.
Have a good reading and happy 2018 for all!
Cover artist: Angsty G. Love the bright cover, its perfect!
Sequel to Tropical Depression
Stormy Weather: Book Three
Galen and Shane are back in the final installment of the Stormy Weather series, and a tempest of epic proportions is brewing. Once they couldn’t get enough of each other, but now Galen’s long hours are driving a wedge between him and Shane. Lonely and starved for his lover’s attention, bartender Shane falls in with a new crowd that doesn’t have his best interests at heart, and Galen struggles with a workload he can’t manage and an unscrupulous partner who wants to eliminate Shane. He can barely keep his head above water, let alone chart a course home to Shane.
While they’re floundering and trying to hold their relationship together, a hurricane heads for the Florida coast—and they’re directly in the path of the storm. It’s a crisis that will either finally break them apart or remind them how much they stand to lose if they don’t hold on to each other.
Also included is the free novella Bartender Rescue
I’ve loved all three stories about Galen and Shane by B.A. Tortuga but I think that the final one, Hurricane, has to be my favorite. In Hurricane, B.A. Tortuga achieves a balance in the narrative here that I sometimes found missing in the previous stories. In Rainand Whiskey (Stormy Weather, #1) and Tropical Depression (Stormy Weather, #2), each of those novels sometimes felt heavy on the sex and sometimes light on the exposition, no matter how much I loved the hot and heavy between Shane and his man.
In Hurricane, it feels balanced. We feel the stressed out, pushed to the limit relationship dynamics of Galen and Shane broken up intermittently by hot sex scenes. Which interestingly enough only highly how badly the men are doing together. As misunderstanding and just plain ol’ blindness on Galen’s part is tearing them apart, a Hurricane is bearing down on their home, their sanctuary together. It’s a great analogy by the author as it’s where the romance and love started. Their home, bait shack, Goober the basset hound and new friend, even including Vic the alligator…all threatened by outside forces.
We see both sides, Galen’s and Shane’s, and the forces working to pull them apart. All the wonderful elements that have made these men and the location ring true are now as deep seated in Tortuga’s narrative and an ol’ Cypress tree in the swamp. The language, the colloquialisms, they are all in place laying Stormy Weather with authenticity. But it’s the men at the heart of this trilogy (plus new story) that will make you remember them. It’s their love for each other, and their ability to fight for it, even through a hurricane.
I did think the “vacation” element tarried a little too long…I wanted the boys back where they belonged, in their swamp with their dogs and water. I thought the free last mini story was interesting. I was nice to see familiar faces again and see that certain other people too got a chance at love. But I could have happily left them at the end of Hurricane, hoping that Galen and Shane had learned their lessons and settled in for the long run.
Cover Artist: Alexandria Corza. It’s pretty enough but that torso idea is clearly oversued. I wish the shack and maybe even Vic had made an appearance.
So Long 2017! Hello 2018! It’s Our Final 2017 Best of Lists.
suze294
My 5* reads from this year
The Executive Office series, Tal Bauer
Sins of the cities series, KJ Charles
Forever Haunt (Jimmy McSwain 5), Adam Carpenter
This Fire Inside, Jordan Nasser
What It Looks Like, Matthew J Metzger
Wolfsong, TJ Klune
Priddys Tale, Harper Fox
Bitter Legacy, Dal Maclean
Switched, NR Walker
The Definitive Albert J Sterne, Julie Bozza
Reaping Fate, AJ Rose
From Ana:
My Bests: Best Mystery: Kill Game by Cordelia Kingsbridge and Risky Behavior by LA Witt & Cari Z Best Audiobook: Femme by Marshall Thornton Best Cover:Antisocial by Heidi Cullinan Best Contemporary (this is hard to choose, so many good ones): Becoming Kerry by Lynn Kelling, The Impossible Boy by Anna Martin, Off the Ice by Avon Gale and Piper Vaugh, Manic Pixie Dream Boy by KA Merikan and Disease by Hans M Hirshchi Best Dark Theme: Backdoor Politics by CL Mustafic
Amy:
Favorite On-Going Series in 2017
Hexworld by Jordan L. Hawk
Aberrant Magic by Lyn Gala
Offbeat Crimes by Angel Martinez
Bad Behavior by L.A. Witt and Cari Z
Rainbow Cove by Annabeth Albert
Scoring Chances by Avon Gale
and more from Didi:
I’m adding two more lists of mine here, for PNR and May/December (or Age-Gap as one MC’s not into his December yet 😉 ).
Best Paranormal Romance:
– Spectred Isle by KJ Charles
– Hexslayer by Jordan L. Hawk
– Undertow by Jordan L. Hawk
– The Well by Marie Sexton
– Fraud Twice Felt by JT Hall
Best May/December Romance:
– Off the Ice by Avon Gale & Piper Vaughn
– Spun! by JL Merrow
– Trust the Chaser by Annabelle Albert
– Risky Behavior by LA Witt & Cari Z (I cheated, it’s more age-gap than May/December, I think)
– Permanent Ink by Avon Gale & Piper Vaughn
Best of Lists from STRW
More from Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Reviewers:
From Lila:
Looking back on my shelves, The Best of 2017 (according to me) are:
Here are my lists, many and long as I warned everyone. What a year and I still mourn the books I hesitatingly left off. These are listed in absolutely no particular order excerpt that I was scrambling to look at my notes and books kept popping up here and there….
♥︎Best Contemporary Fiction with Romance
Ghost (Executioners #1) by J.M Dabney Joker (Executioners #2) by J.M Dabney Watermelon Kisses by Freddy Mackay There’s This Guy by Rhys Ford Shelter the Sea (The Roosevelt, #2) by Heidi Cullinan Antisocial by Heidi Cullinan Switched by NR Walker Late in the Day (The Vault #2) by Mary Calmes
Micah Johnson Goes West (Get Out #2) by Sean Kennedy House of Cards (Porthkennack #4)by Garrett Leigh Foxglove Copse (Porthkennack #5) by Alex Beecroft Fair Chance (All’s Fair #3) by Josh Lanyon Hawaiian Orchid (The Hawaiians 2) by Meg Amor Snowblind by Eli Easton Who We Are by Nicola Haken Fishy Riotby Lindsey Black Rhino Ash by Lindsey Black Bonfires by Amy Lane Catch and Release (The Release, #3) by B.A. Tortuga
The Stark Divide (Liminal Sky #1) by J. Scott Coatsworth Sūnder (Darksoul #1) by Lexi Ander The Jackal’s House (Lancaster’s Luck #2) by Anna Butler – steampunk
♥︎Best of Fantasy:
His Mossy Boy (Being(s) in Love#8) by R. Cooper Dim Sum Asylum by Rhys Ford The Heart of the Lost Star by Megan Derr Ravens (Inheritance #3) by Amelia Faulkner
♥︎Best Supernatural/Paranormal:
Bitten by Design (Regent’s Park Pack #2) by Annabelle Jacobs Skim Blood and Savage Verse (Offbeat Crimes #3) by Angel Martinez (actually all the books in this series)
♥︎Best Series:
Aisling Trilogy by Carole Cummings (high fantasy) The Hawaiians by Meg Amor (contemporary romance) Offbeat Crimes by Angel Martinez (humor, fantasy, supernatural) Nicky and Noah Mysteries by Joe Cosentino (high camp, high humor, mystery) Inheritance by Amelia Faulkner (fantasy, supernatural) The Kingdom Series (Vol 1 & 2) by RJ Scott (fantasy) Rainbow Cove by Annabeth Albert #gaymers by Annabeth Albert Being(s) in Loveby R. Cooper The Release series by BA Tortuga The Sin Binby Dahlia Donovan (contemporary) The Yakuza Pathseries by Amy Tasukada (contemporary fiction) violent, bloody, brilliant, not romance)
♥︎Great Series Ending:
Sanctuary Series by RJ Scott Texas Series by RJ Scott Mahu by Neil S. Plakcy All’s Fair by Josh Lanyon Werecatseries by Andrew J. Peters Holiday with the Bellskis by Astrid Amara End Street Detectives by RJ Scott (supernatural)
♥︎Holiday Series ~ special mention:Holidays with the Bellskis Series by Astrid Amara (final story just out)
Carol of the Bellskis (Bellskis, #1) by Astrid Amara
Miracle of the Bellskis (Bellskis, #2) by Astrid Amara Wedding Bellskis (Holidays with the Bellskis, #3) byAstrid Amara
♥︎Best Covers:
A Destiny of Dragons (Tales From Verania) by TJ Klune, Artist Paul Richmond Red Fish, Dead Fish (Fish Out of Water#2) by Amy Lane, Artist: Reese Dante
Sunset at Pencarrow (World of Love) by Lou Sylvre and Anne Barwell, Artist: Reese Dante An Island in the Starsby Susan Laine, Artist: Anna Sikorska Antisocial by Heidi Cullinan, Cover art by Natsukoworks, Cover design by Kanaxa Designs. The Lure of Port Stephen by Sydney Blackburn, Artist Natasha Snow Manny Get Your Guy (The Mannies #2) by Amy Lane, Artist: Paul Richmond Comes a Horseman (Echoes Rising #3) by Anne Barwell, Artist: Reese Dante A New Way to Dance by Sean Michael, Artist: Anne Squires The Glamour Thieves by Don Allmon, Artist: Simone
Conned By Jana Denardo, Artist: Melody Pond Sūnder (Darksoul #1) by Lexi Ander, Artist:Kirby Crow The Blacksmith Prince by Beryll & Osiris Brackhaus, Artist: Lady Tiferet Foxglove Copse (Porthkennack #5) by Alex Beecroft, Artist: G.D. Leigh
♥︎
Well those are my choices and I’m sure I’ve even left a quite of few out. How did all of your lists come out? Did you all find some new books to add to your TBR lists on everyone’s Best of Lists? Winner Announcements to come next week as they would get lost and we need to have something to look forward to!
Have a Safe and Happy New Year! See you all in 2018! Happy Reading from Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words to all of you!
This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
Sunday, December 31- Happy New Eve’s:
So Long 2017! Hello 2018! It’s Our Final 2017 Best of Lists.
This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.
A Stella Advent Release Day Review: Eugene and the Box of Nailsby Jaime Samms
Monday, January 1:
Book Blitz: Blackwelder 2164 by Christopher D. J
BLITZ The Calling by MD Neu
RIPTIDE TOUR Reckless Behavior by LA Witt and Cari Z
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Operation Green Card by GB Gordon
A Kai Audiobook Review: Nachos & Hash by Brandon Witt and Dominic Carlos (Narrator)
A MelanieM Review: Hurricane by BA Tortuga
Tuesday, January 2:
Cover Reveal for Shae Connor’s Teaching Ben
DSP Promo K.A. Mitchell
RIPTIDE TOUR On Solid Ground by Quinn Anderson
Tour: A Different Light by Morningstar Ashley
A MelanieM Release Day Review: Prelude to Love by Anne Barwell
A MelanieM Review: Bound by Thorns (Dragon Soul #3) by Sean Michael
Wednesday, January 3:
Blog Tour *Won’t Feel A Thing by C.F. White
Release Blitz – Bonnie Dee – The Fortune Hunter
DSP Dreamspun Promo Anne Barwell
A VVivacious Review: OBSESSION by Theophilia St. Claire
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Outside the Lines by Anna Zabo
A MelanieM Review: Wait For Me by Kris Jacen
Thursday, January 4:
Release Blitz & Review Tour Request – Sam Burns – Blackbird In The Reeds
Sin and Saint by J.M. Dabney RDB, Tour
A MelanieM Release Day Review: Sin and Saint by J.M. Dabney
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Reckless Behavior by LA Witt and Cari Z
A Stella Review: The Best Gift by Shawn Lane
An Alisa Review Wolf’s Kiss by Siryn Sueng
Friday, January 5:
Dreamspinner Promo: Alix Bekins and Connie Bailey, authors of Song and Key
Release Blitz – Vows Box Set – Addison Albright
RELEASE BLITZ Felix and the Prince by Lucy Lennox
A MelanieM Audiobook Review: Smitty’s Sheriff by Cardeno C
A Stella Pre Release Review: When the Devil Wants In by Cate Ashwood and JH Knight
An Alisa Prerelease Review: Forever With You By Londra Laine
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2017 Advent Calendar collection Stocking Stuffers.
Every time it seems like things are looking up for Eugene Kraft, disaster hits. Bankruptcy, a bigoted sibling, and a back-breaking accident have all left him with little money and less faith in the universe.
His last-ditch effort at peace is the small lakeside property where he is building a tiny house from recycled materials. If he can get it livable before the cold sets in, maybe he’ll be okay. Hopefully Cullen, the foreman on the construction site next door, won’t notice Eugene pilfering discarded materials from his dumpster.
When Cullen stops by to talk to Eugene, he’s sure the gig is up—but all Cullen wants is a date. Can two things go right in Eugene’s life? At first it seems possible. Projects on Eugene’s house are getting completed by what he dubs “construction elves” while he’s off site. But like Eugene predicted, his good fortune can’t last, and soon he has a tough choice to make: give up his home… or the man of his dreams.
This short story in the DSP Advent Calendar was a joy to read. I already read something else by Jaime Samms so I jumped at the chance of reviewing this new title. It was a lovely surprise and very sweet, just how I wanted it to be. I found the blurb interesting and I adored how the author deliver the romance. Well done!
I particularly liked how the relationship between Cullen and Eugene developed, how the first strongly tried to show Eugene how good they could be together, how he supported him in his choices. I felt pretty satisfied from what I knew about the MCs and it warmed my heart to see they get their HEA.
I want to recommend it, this well written short will definelly put you in the Christmas spirit and in a good mood.
The cover art by L.C. Chase fits the story, I like it.
Ray seems like the perfect boyfriend—he’s gorgeous, incredibly romantic, and has a mechanical suit he invented to become the dastardly MantaRay. For Alec, who also spends his nights making life difficult for do-gooders everywhere, it’s a match made in supervillain heaven. Except that Ray is a bit too into the hit soap opera All My Werewolves. When tempers flare during what’s supposed to be a quiet night out, Alec nearly ruins everything over a stupid bet with an alien gorilla.
Desperate to prove his feelings to Ray, and with Christmas fast approaching, Alec decides the fastest way to Ray’s heart is to embrace the thing that threatens to divide them—a certain werewolf show with a certain actor who Ray admires. A simple kidnapping promises to do the trick, only fur (and fandom) fly when Alec’s romantic gesture leads to a very hairy situation. Can Alec prove to Ray how much their relationship means to him, or will his plans be ruined by the werewolf before Christmas?
The Werewolf Before Christmas is a very different type of story. Definitely not one that I read often. I had to start it twice because I had no idea what was I reading but I need to accept that it is a well-crafted short. After the reader gets to know the characters, the world, and the main plot, it’s easy to follow the action.
Perhaps a bit too easy. Especially when Alec sets to find his present. I liked the initial chase and all the little quirks and pop references but he gets what he’s looking for too quickly for all the planning and angst that went into it.
The author’s creativity is superb and the reason I’m rating this story four stars. Not one of my favorites but worth reading if you are looking for something completely different this Holiday season.
The cover by Paul Richmond is the same as the rest of the 2017 Advent Collection.
The hardest thing a rebel can do isn’t standing up for something — it’s standing up for himself.
Life takes delight in stabbing Gus Scott in the back when he least expects it. After years of running from his past, present and the dismal future every social worker predicted for him, Karma delivers the one thing Gus could never—would never—turn his back on; a son from a one-night stand he’d had after a devastating break-up three years ago.
Returning to San Francisco and to 415 Ink, his family’s tattoo shop, gave him the perfect shelter to battle his personal demons and get himself together… until the firefighter who’d broken him walked back into Gus’s life.
For Rey Montenegro, tattoo artist Gus Scott was an elusive brass ring, a glittering prize he hadn’t the strength or flexibility to hold onto. Severing his relationship with the mercurial tattoo artist hurt but Gus hadn’t wanted the kind of domestic life Rey craved, leaving Rey with an aching chasm in his soul.
When Gus’s life and world starts to unravel, Rey helps him pick up the pieces, and Gus wonders if that forever Rey wants is more than just a dream.
415 Ink: Rebel launches the start of another series by Rhys Ford in stunning style. A second chance at love story, full of wounded, life-damaged men in search of love and HEA, 415 Ink: Rebel is exactly why I eagerly await each new release by this author. It’s full of people whose lives are easy to fall into, in this case Gus Scott, a wandering tattoo artist returning home after a two and a half year absence with startling news. Due to one nightmarish breakup and a drunken night years ago, he’s just now learned he’s a father. Something a gay man is astonished to hear. And he wants to be a part of his son’s life.
As with most of Rhys Ford’s characters, there’s layers upon layers to Gus Scott and the men he calls family, a group of men tattooed, laden with their own issues, including a past history with Gus burdened with pain and misunderstandings. To say he’s returning home to a mixed welcome is understated.
As the story unfolds and Gus reveals the news behind his return from his travels, Ford weaves the reader into the emotional fabric of these men and their universe. We feel Gus’ pain when he finds out he’s a father, his desire to be a part of Chris’ life, the history that led up to Chris’ existence, all mired in one bad decision and breakup that’s casting reverberations still. It’s nigh to impossible to remain unmoved by this story, especially when all involved want what’s best for Chris. No “nasty mom or mother’s parents” to be found here. Instead it’s a refreshing change of responsible adults working together in the best interests of a child.
Yes, this is an emotional journey and not just for Gus and Rey, but for all in the house as they also work to help provide support for Gus and Chris. Due to Rhys Ford’s superb characters, vivid scenes, and dramatic narrative, I not only felt a part of their lives but believed in them absolutely.
What do you get with a Rhys Ford story? Men to love, broken hearts in need of mending, extended families giving support, and more romance and angst to overflow any tale….all that and more superbly done. I’ll leave you with this…
“I’m sorry I wasn’t what you wanted me to be, but you know what? You weren’t what I needed either, even if you were all I wanted.”
Sigh. Now to wait for the next in the series. Until then, pick up 415 Ink: Rebel by Rhys Ford. I highly recommend it.
Cover Artist: Reece Notley. Another great cover by Reece Notley. That’s exactly my idea of Gus.
Reclusive medieval scholar, Edgar Royal, has a crush. On a guy. Not a big deal, except that said guy, Walter Chase, is a famous online gamer who has no idea Edgar even exists. Edgar has harbored these feelings for nearly a year, and when Walter announces on Twitter that he’ll be visiting New York City as a guest at the GamerOn convention, Edgar decides he’ll be one of the thousands of fans who responds to the message.
He definitely doesn’t expect to be singled out by the humble, gorgeous, out-and-proud heartthrob. And when it comes to dealing with people, Edgar’s skills are pretty nonexistent. Even with Walter giving all the right signals, Edgar lacks the courage do anything about the mutual attraction growing through their online courtship. He’s always been better with the written word, so maybe the perfect Christmas gift will say what he cannot. But if Edgar can’t get the present to Walter before the convention ends, he may miss out on the boyfriend of a lifetime.
I enjoy stories about gamer nerds so combining that with a holiday theme is a definite draw. C.S. Poe gets the gaming aspects spot on while creating a sweet romance for Edgar and Walter, two gamers looking for love at a convention in NYC.
New Game, Start by C.S. Poe has lovely characters, a great setting (NYC and a gamer convention), and an easy flow to her story that sweeps you into the life of Edgar Royal, medieval scholar and reclusive gamer. Not once did Edgar ever come across as anything less than authentic. You believe in Edgar, crossed signals, his lack of self worth…and wish that everything will go Edgar’s way when he actually meets up with his hero, Walter. Walter too is a terrific character and the combination works in every way as the geeky courtship builds towards a relationship.
I loved the feel of this story, it’s a lovely, quiet romp to the end and definitely one I recommend.
Cover art by Paul Richmond is the series Stocking Stuffer cover, full of humor and good cheer.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2017 Advent Calendar collection Stocking Stuffers.
ebook, 38 pages
Published December 1st 2017 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781640803145
Edition Language English
setting New York City, New York (United States)
Ever since ghostwriter Jason Burke ended up in loco parentis for his orphaned niece, Mallory, he’s been trying. He goes to parent/teacher events, and he makes packed lunches, so he definitely didn’t mean to forget about Christmas. He just hasn’t celebrated it since he left home under a cloud years ago.
Put on the spot, Jason makes the snap decision to take Mallory to see where he and her father spent their Christmases as kids. The last thing he expects is to run into Tommy, his ex—ex-best friend, ex-boyfriend—who is still living in town… and working as a sheriff’s deputy.
It’s hard to avoid someone in a small town—and maybe Jason doesn’t want to. He got Mallory a Christmas, and maybe now it’s time to get himself a Christmas boyfriend. But first, he owes Tommy some explanations.
Sweet, somewhat poignant, and full of romance and hope for the future,Ghostwriter of Christmas Past by TA Moore contains so many elements that makes a wonderful holiday story. Add in second chance at love, a recently orphaned child, and the “bestest present ever” and it becomes one I not only loved reading but absolutely recommend.
Tommy and Jason reconnect in their hometown after a decade or so has passed. Sweethearts as teenagers, it ended when Jason left without a word to Tommy, leaving a wound and puzzle that exists to the present day. Jason has returned with his orphaned niece in hand to show her where her he and her father lived and to give her some “Christmas” and snow.
Moore’s writing pulls us into these characters and their lives quickly through the poignancy of the situation and the sadness of the little 10 year old, Mal. She’s grieving the loss of her parents, unsettled by the new guardianship of an uncle she barely knows, and acting out in exactly the way you’d think a little child in this situation would. Especially when confronted by the reality of Jason and her father’s hometown.
With Mal at the center, Jason and Tommy (Tom as he insists on being called) start the process of reconnecting with each other, talking about the past, seeing if the sparks between them mean it’s more than attraction coming back to life. It never feels like instant anything but more like two people who really do belong together, meeting again when the time is right.
I liked the ending. It’s not a HEA, more a HFN which I feel is in line with the story. It’s full of hope and exactly the right tone, considering all the decisions that still have to be made. Anything more would have felt false. Plus maybe next Christmas T.A. Moore will revisit this small family group and give us an update. That I’d surely love!
Until then add Ghostwriter of Christmas Past by TA Moore to your holiday reading pile. It’s exactly what Santa might have ordered.
Cover Artist: Alexandria Corza. I love this cover. Exactly right and stands out to grab your attention.
This story was very much what I’ve come to enjoy about CJane Elliot’s work.There is angst, but it’s believable, the characters are appealing guys that I’d love to meet myself, they exist in a world complete with good friends who are essential to the story, and they have real jobs and real world concerns.I like this type of contemporary so much better than billionaires and spies…
Brad is in his early 40s, and has been feeling for some time that his life doesn’t really have much meaning or direction, and he feels a “pervasive sense of weariness”.He is a successful lawyer, but winning the big cases doesn’t bring him joy anymore, and certainly doesn’t make him feel that he is making a difference in the world.As Christmas comes around, he is reminded again that he doesn’t have the partner he had hoped and planned for at this time of his life when he was young.
Michael had done some videography of Brad’s depositions, and though he is just Brad’s type, Brad didn’t pursue anything because the case was ongoing, and because Michael seems very young, and Brad doesn’t feel right with that type of age gap.Fortunately for Brad, Michael is persistent, so when the case is over, he asks Brad out.Brad surprises himself by accepting, and is introduced to Michael’s world of unconventional, bohemian friends.Michael is outgoing, impulsive, and wears his heart on his sleeve, and he admires Brad in many ways from their time with the case, but then they also find they both share a love of music and singing.Music is a part of Brad that he’s put aside to fit in with the other lawyers in the firm, and finding someone to share it with, especially someone like Michael who is so joyful, is a revelation.Despite his misgivings about the age gap, Brad is utterly charmed, and starts finding ways to spend time with Michael.
The angst comes in when Michael’s friends start questioning what he hopes to get out of this relationship, and whether he is even serious about it.Michael LOVES the holiday season, and despite his friends’ blasé attitude, he celebrates with gusto.And that always includes falling in love, because isn’t that a thing to do at Christmas?His friends think this is just Michael’s usual holiday crush, and they are persuasive enough that he starts to doubt himself as well.
So this is a story of how two very likeable guys learn to step outside their comfort zones, and find not only love, but new meaning in life.I thoroughly enjoyed this story!One warning though – this is a very politically slanted book.And though I might agree with the politics to an extent, I’m not sure that I really wanted to read about them in my spare time.What started out as introducing a liberal alternative to Brad’s life turned into a full on diatribe against the presidency, the congress, and Republicans in general, and the ranting was really turning me off.I took off half a star for that, but decided that fortunately, the rest of the story was good enough that I could just skip over those parts…
Cover art by Paul Richmond. The Cover is the series cover, cute and cheery but not really relating to the individual stories.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 