Review: The Snuggle is Real (Christmas Falls Season 2) by DJ Jamison

Rating: 4.5🌈

Tis’ the season for holiday stories and series and I’ve dived into Season 2 of a holiday favorite, Christmas Falls.

Christmas Falls, that small town in Illinois whose residents lives for all things Christmas. It’s alive in every aspect of the town’s culture, from the names on its streets to the shops to the festivals it’s renowned for.

Through each book, different authors have been building a sense of community and connected relationships. Shops and couples from prior stories pop up in current books and romances under development.

DJ Jamison’s couple starts with Mason of the Holiday Hope Foundation (coat drive, angel tree, raising awareness of the needs of the community). He’s a good man, still finding his way into the community and with the Foundation, as he’s given new funding and support for expansion. And it’s Christmas.

Into his path comes a man in need of help in every way possible. Ford has lost his job, is barely coping when his ex-wife’s lawyer calls unexpectedly, asking him to come pick up Charlie his young stepdaughter . His ex wife is going to rehab and Charlie needs a guardian and a safe place to stay.

An adorable child at Christmas, a proud overwhelmed man who loves his kid deeply even if she’s not his biological child, a foster dog even, and a magical town. And a giving heart in a man who lives to help others.

Yes, definitely a heartwarming, holiday story that I absolutely loved. Even the ex-wife wasn’t a terrible person but one of a layered personality who loved a child she couldn’t care for.

There are a few quibbles but this is a terrific story and one I definitely enjoyed. Add it to your holiday reading list!

And check out all the books in the Christmas Falls series, both 1 and 2.

❄️Christmas Falls, Season 2:

The Snuggle is Real by DJ Jamison ❤️

Flake It til You Make It by Beth Bolden ❤️

12 Dates of Christmas by Brigham Vaughn Here Comes Santa Paws by Lee Blair Under the Mistle-Foe by Rye Cox Christmas Beau by Amy Aislin No Business Like Snow Business by J.A. Rock & Lisa Henry Frost Impressions by Kelly Fox

Promise Yule Be Mine by Rhys Everly Mingle All The Way by Hayden Hall

❄️Christmas Falls, Season 1:

Grinch Kisses by DJ Jamison Snowbody Loves You by Jacki James Get Frosted by Amy Aislin

Silent Knight by Beth Bolden

Under the Mistle-Tome by Sammi Cee

Clausing a Scene by Casey Cox

No Elf-ing Way by Hayden Hall

Ready, Set, Glow! by Rye Cox

Scrooge You! By Brigham Vaughn

Buy link

The Snuggle is Real

Description:

I never saw this Christmas gift coming…

When my ex-wife lands in rehab, I get a surprise for the holidays. A 7-year-old girl who’s got no place to go. I love my former stepdaughter like she’s my own, but I have no idea how to give her everything she needs.

In a holiday-crazed town like Christmas Falls, it seems inevitable I’ll let her down.

Unless I finally let go of my pride and accept help from the new director of the Holiday Hope Foundation. Mason West is eager to lend support however he can. And when I let him, he goes above and beyond.

For Charlie’s sake. Not mine. Even if I maybe, kind of, wish that it was for me.

I’ve never been into men before, but Mason is so sweet, so giving, so…perfectly sized to snuggle in against my holiday sweater. Maybe if I can figure out what all this means, I can gain more than a daughter for the holidays.

Maybe I can keep the gift I’ve always wanted most—a family of my own.

Christmas Falls: Season 2 revisits a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie. It’s a multi-author M/M romance series.

Publication date: November 12, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 262 pages

Check Out the Exclusive Excerpt for the Blog Post and Giveaway for Wranging A Groom (Marital Bliss #2) by DJ Jamison

Exclusive Excerpt

In this excerpt, Wyatt turns the tables on Diego–who’s mainly taken the lead in their interactions–and pushed him to accept more intimacy than makes him comfortable. It’s a turning point for Diego, who has to face emotions he’s been avoiding.

***

“I want to make love to you.”

Diego didn’t answer verbally, though his heart skipped erratically in response. This wasn’t how this was supposed to go. Wyatt was supposed to tease him a little, exert his dominance, and they’d both enjoy it.

“Tell me I can,” Wyatt said.

Diego swallowed hard. “Wyatt…”

“You said I could have you however I wanted,” he reminded Diego. “This is what I want.”

Diego’s eyes met Wyatt’s, and he saw everything there. The longing, the love, the fear of losing him. He couldn’t bear to look for long, so he closed his eyes and nodded. “Okay.”

“Say it,” Wyatt said, his voice holding the hint of demand.

“You can … make love to me,” Diego said, aware that his voice was thready with uncertainty. This was uncharted territory. He’d had a lot of sex with Wyatt, and he’d always known, deep down, it was more than sex between them. But this was labeling it, deliberately announcing its purpose, and he didn’t know how to feel about that.

“Good,” Wyatt said before kissing his way down Diego’s chest to his cock. When his familiar velvety tongue licked over Diego’s cock, he relaxed a fraction. Wyatt could call it whatever he liked, this was nothing they hadn’t done before.

Wyatt sucked him, winding him up but keeping him far from the edge as he pressed fingers into Diego and prepped him efficiently. As he slowly coaxed Diego to relax and take his fingers, then pressed them expertly to his prostate inside, Diego realized that Wyatt must top more often than he’d expected. The man knew what he was doing.

The cool, wet sensation of lube touched his skin as Wyatt worked it inside. Diego had no idea when or where he’d gotten it, though he’d packed plenty for the trip. Soon, Wyatt’s fingers glided in with ease, and Diego wanted more.

“Wyatt,” he said, surprised to hear the strain in his own voice.

“I know,” Wyatt said. “I’ve got you.”

And he did. He read Diego’s body perfectly as he withdrew his fingers and positioned his now-sheathed cock. Diego gripped his thighs, pulling back his legs as Wyatt pushed inside him.

He didn’t even feel the burn, only the satisfying fullness of Wyatt inside him at last. Diego had always been versatile, though he didn’t often offer to bottom for men. That required more trust than he usually had to give. But he had an excess of trust for Wyatt, he realized, even as he struggled with that notion.

Diego felt a frisson of fear mingle with the rising sexual tension priming his body. Wyatt thrust smoothly, confidently inside him, perfectly comfortable in this role even though it differed so much from their usual pattern. But it was his intense gaze, zeroed in on Diego’s face each time he opened his eyes, that really undid him.

How can I give this up?

His heart thundered and his cock jerked as Wyatt hit his prostate. He groaned with each thrust, unable to control his vocal cords and not liking how vulnerable he felt. He couldn’t hide from Wyatt, not like this.

He and Wyatt were intrinsically connected. Even when they were apart, Wyatt had been a huge part of his life, if only through his resentment. And he’d come to realize, after spending time with Wyatt and so easily clicking with him once more that his grudge had only ever been a coping mechanism — a way to deal with the gaping wound left by Wyatt’s absence from his life.

And for that he could only blame himself. He’d torn them apart. He had refused to listen to Wyatt’s explanations or apologies.

“You with me?” Wyatt murmured, and Diego’s eyes refocused on the perfectly imperfect man above him.

“Yes,” he managed to say.

“You’re gorgeous like this. Your face is so expressive.”

“Fuck,” Diego said, grimacing.

Wyatt laughed lightly, his voice reverberating through them both. “I like seeing you.”

Diego knew he meant more than the arch of his eyebrows or the curve of his cheek. Wyatt liked seeing into him. To that knot of emotions that Diego kept a stranglehold on. He could feel the knot loosening, untangling, but he was afraid to let it unravel entirely. He didn’t know if he could handle it. Didn’t know if Wyatt could, though he seemed better equipped at dealing with his feelings.

He clutched at Wyatt’s ass. “Make me come.”

“As you wish,” Wyatt teased, increasing his thrusts with incredible accuracy, his thick cock battering Diego’s prostate. Diego’s breath caught in his throat, his ass tightening around Wyatt’s girth. This was better. He could hide inside the pleasure. Grasping his dick, he stroked it urgently.

His focus narrowed to the fullness inside him and the feel of his hand on his cock, tugging, squeezing, until the pleasure was too much and the coiled tension in his body suddenly released like the snap of a rubber band.

Diego came, back arching, harsh cry breaking from his lips for only Wyatt and nature to hear. The stars twinkled above in a dark blanket, or maybe he was just seeing stars from the intensity of the orgasm sweeping through him. He came harder than he had in a long time. He came with Wyatt inside him, on top of him, around him. Holding him close, filling him up.

It felt like home, being held like that, and it scared the shit out of him.

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link – Exclusive to Amazon and Available to Borrow with Kindle Unlimited

Length: 85,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Garrett Leigh @ Black Jazz Design

Marital Bliss Series

Book #1 – Surprise Groom – Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Blurb

Can two men keep a childhood promise for marital bliss?

Wyatt is overwhelmed after his grandfather dies, leaving him to take over the cattle ranch. The Triple J is floundering, vandals are targeting him, and his first and only love is finally within reach–and still holding a grudge. Wyatt has wanted to marry Diego since they made a childhood pact, but Diego isn’t back for their second chance.

When a funeral calls Diego back to Texas, he comes face-to-face with the cowboy who broke his heart. Resentment has burned inside him for years, but his anger wavers as he realizes just how much Wyatt is struggling to keep his head above water. The man he once loved is lonely and burdened, and Diego feels compelled to help him rediscover the strong, capable rancher he knows him to be.Hostility gives way to passion, then friendship as they fall into a rhythm of work and sex. Wyatt has renewed hope he might wrangle the man he wants to be his groom. But Diego has a life waiting for him one thousand miles away, and love may not be enough to prevent history from repeating itself.

Wrangling a Groom is Book 2 of the Marital Bliss series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Author Bio

DJ Jamison is the author of more than a dozen m/m romances, including the Ashe Sentinel series and the Hearts and Health series. She writes a variety of queer characters, from gay to bisexual to asexual, with a focus on telling love stories that are more about common ground than lust at first sight. DJ grew up in the Midwest in a working-class family, and those influences can be found in her writing through characters coping with real-life problems: money troubles, workplace drama, family conflicts and, of course, falling in love. DJ spent more than a decade in the newspaper industry before chasing her first dream to write fiction. She spent a lifetime reading before that, and continues to avidly devour her fellow authors’ books each night. She lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, two fish and, regrettably, one snake.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Hosted By Signal Boost Promotions

Release Blitz for Surprise Groom (Marital Bliss #1) by DJ Jamison (excerpt and giveaway)

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link – Exclusive to Amazon and Available to Borrow with Kindle Unlimited

Length: 89,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Garrett Leigh @ Black Jazz Design

Blurb

Can two men fake their way to marital bliss?

Caleb Taylor is shocked to learn his family could lose Bliss Island Resort — their home and livelihood — unless he makes use of a clause to marry the child of investor Louis Chastain. Sofia Chastain is more like a sister than a love interest, and Caleb isn’t ready to sign over his future. But Sofia has a brother, and Caleb has a plan …

Julien Chastain was disowned at fifteen and has made a life as a go-go dancer in Miami, but he lives paycheck to paycheck. When his childhood friend proposes an outlandish marriage contract, he thinks he’s crazy. But it’s a chance at a future that’s tough to pass up.

Caleb and Julien must present themselves as an authentic couple for the legal loophole to work, but the lines between “fake” and “real” keep shifting as they navigate intimacy, public scrutiny, and sabotage.

Love isn’t part of the plan, but plans change. If they can outsmart Julien’s father and prove their love is worth more than a transaction, they just might find a true happily-ever-after.

Excerpt

“Should we kiss?” Caleb asked.

Julien gave him an arch look. “My answer to that question is always yes.”

Caleb chuckled awkwardly. “For the selfie, I meant.”

“Mm-hmm.” Julien managed to make skeptical sound sexy.

“Okay, shut up and put your lips on mine,” Caleb said.

“Oh, baby. Your dirty talk is off the charts.”

Caleb laughed. “Stop, I’m trying—”

Julien caught his mouth mid-word, shifting toward him as their lips clung. The feeling it evoked caught Caleb off-guard. They’d been joking around like friends, but the kiss didn’t feel friendly. It wasn’t erotic. No tongues plunging deep. But it was sweet. He had no idea kissing another man could feel that way.

In contrast to his soft lips, Julien’s hard chest pressed against Caleb’s shoulder. His right arm was behind Caleb, fingers brushing his neck, and his left hand slid down to just over Caleb’s upper chest. Their position was a little awkward, Caleb’s neck craned to the left, and he had his right arm outstretched for the selfie.

The kiss wasn’t getting his entire focus as he fumbled with the phone in his hand. Even with his attention divided, even with the very un-sexy circumstances of why they were doing this, the kiss felt real. Just as real as any he’d shared with a girlfriend. Maybe even more so. Julien had been the most important person in his life once. He couldn’t say the same for any of his short-lived girlfriends.

It took only seconds to break through Caleb’s self-delusion. His surety he wasn’t into men that way. He liked Julien’s lips on his.

Julien shifted, then slipped, and they were ripped apart by gravity as he nearly faceplanted in Caleb’s lap.

“Whoa!” Caleb said, catching Julien’s shoulder with one hand. “Trying for second base already? Or is that third? Not sure with guys.”

“I slipped! I had my arm braced behind you, and the pillow moved, or—”

“Suuure,” Caleb said. “I bet you say that to all the guys, huh?”

Julien pushed himself upright, his hand leaving a brand of warmth on Caleb’s thigh, before he pulled away. Grabbing the pillow behind his head, he smacked Caleb in the head. “Asshole.”

When Caleb finally stopped laughing, he noticed Julien didn’t look amused.

“I was kidding. I’m sure you’re much smoother when you’re actually trying to put the moves on someone.”

Julien flipped him off. “That picture better be worth it.”

Author Bio

DJ Jamison is the author of more than a dozen m/m romances, including the Ashe Sentinel series and the Hearts and Health series. She writes a variety of queer characters, from gay to bisexual to asexual, with a focus on telling love stories that are more about common ground than lust at first sight. DJ grew up in the Midwest in a working-class family, and those influences can be found in her writing through characters coping with real-life problems: money troubles, workplace drama, family conflicts and, of course, falling in love. DJ spent more than a decade in the newspaper industry before chasing her first dream to write fiction. She spent a lifetime reading before that, and continues to avidly devour her fellow authors’ books each night. She lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, two fish and, regrettably, one snake.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Hosted By Signal Boost Promotions

Release Blitz and Giveaway for My Anti-Valentine Collection by DJ Jamison

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK – Exclusive to Amazon and Available to Borrow with Kindle Unlimited

Cover Design: Garrett Leigh @ Black Jazz Design

Blurb

My Anti-Valentine: Jaded by relationships gone wrong, Bret throws an anti-Valentine’s Day party to celebrate being single and burn his ex-boyfriends’ belongings. Bret’s low interest in sex has destroyed every relationship he’s had and tarnished his view of romance, but a cute blond guy at the party who says all the wrong things inspires him to hope for more.

My Anti-Boyfriend: Brad has everyone fooled. He’s the casual, sexy friend. The fun-time guy who sleeps around. Except not really. There’s one man who holds his heart: his best friend — with benefits — Riley. Too bad Riley has no interest in a relationship, and as far as Brad can tell, never will. But once Brad acknowledges his feelings for Riley, he can’t continue to ignore them. Riley’s days of having his cake and eating it too are over. Then again, maybe Brad is tasty enough to keep a man satisfied.

My Anti-Marriage: Love has never been a good bet for Chris, so going on a Vegas wedding trip for his friends is bittersweet. Especially when Ant, the last man to break his trust, is suddenly along for the ride. Which explains why Chris wakes up in his hotel room with the mother of all hangovers. Not so much why Ant is in his bed … or worse, wearing a matching wedding band.

EXCERPT FROM MY ANTI-VALENTINE

Bret pointed an accusing finger. “No couples! This is anti-Valentine’s Day. You can take your cards and your candies and your flowers and go to one of the bajillion places celebrating loooove tonight.”

“Ew, no,” Darla said with a laugh. “Harry is my cousin, not my boyfriend. I wouldn’t break your rules, anti-love guru!”

Bret did love the name Harry, mostly when applied to a boy wizard with a lightning bolt scar on his forehead. He gave Harry another onceover, noticing his sky-blue eyes and perfect cheekbones. Nope. Still didn’t like him, especially the frown that was twisting his features.

“Someone must have done a number on you,” he said.

Bret bristled. “Why do you say that?”

“I mean, to be this bitter about Valentine’s Day? It’s hard to imagine you really hate the commercialism of the holiday that much. I bet if you had a girlfriend it would be a different story.”

Bret rolled his eyes. “It really wouldn’t. Romance is a manufactured concept, you realize that, right? You might love someone, but if you do, you should appreciate them every day, not once a year with the most predictable gifts ever. That’s without even getting into the origins of Valentine’s and how very un-romantic it actually is.”

Darla grabbed a drink from the counter and swatted Bret’s butt playfully. “I’m going to leave you boys to it. If you get over your romance phobia, Harry’s on the market, and he hasn’t landed a nice guy in ages, so he’s pretty much a sure thing.”

“Darla!” Harry shouted after her, his cheeks turning bright red. “What the hell? Jesus, that’s not how I usually …”

“What?” Bret asked, feeling uncomfortable.

He’d thought he was engaging in friendly debate with a straight guy, only to discover he’d been bantering with someone cute, available, and gay. And that wasn’t at all the point of this party.

“Um, you know. Tell people I’m gay, or that I’m available. I definitely try not to go the ‘I’m so desperate I’ll take anyone route,’ but Darla seems to have taken care of that for me.”

He cracked a smile. It was crooked, a smidge embarrassed, and way too charming for Bret’s well-being.

“I’m not interested,” Bret said stiffly. “This is an anti—”

“I know!” Harry said, holding up his hands. “I’m not actually desperate.”

Bret stopped short, frowning. Was Harry implying he’d have to be desperate to like Bret? Ouch. He wasn’t Abercrombie and Fitch material like Harry, but he didn’t think he was that bad.

“That came out wrong,” Harry rushed to say. “You’re cute in that nerdy hipster way.”

“Unbelievable,” Bret muttered under his breath.

“I mean it,” Harry said, misunderstanding the reason for Bret’s shutdown. “I would totally do you.”

Bret avoided his gaze. “Thanks, but no thanks.”

He made a quick exit from the kitchen, more than ready to get the real party started now that everyone had arrived.

“Hey, who wants to burn some shit?” he called out, grinning when a round of cheers went up.

EXCERPT FROM MY ANTI-BOYFRIEND

Brad had everyone fooled.

He wore his sexuality like a disguise. The short shorts, making his ass look fine and flashing perfectly tanned skin 12 months a year? The mesh shirts, the halter tops, the extra-tight T-shirts that showed his lithe form and nipple rings? Yeah. It was all the equivalent of his bat ears, cape and tights.

Well, tights worked for every disguise. But that wasn’t the point, he reminded himself. It’s just that tights can be so distracting, and Brad — like a playful kitten — could be easily distracted by shiny objects or balls of … well, not yarn. More like balls of Riley.

Too bad he couldn’t fool himself.

Brad watched Riley grinding on another slender guy with platinum blond hair and sultry lips on the dance floor of Club Ozone. A guy who wasn’t him. And his heart panged.

Fucking panged.

He threw back another shot to drown that feeling ASAP and flashed a grin at the two guys at the table with him.

He’d come out with his regular circle of friends. For the past few years, he’d met up with Riley, Chris and Harry for a few drinks before they each went out to pick up a man. Then Harry met Bret, his boyfriend of a little more than a year now, and he gave up their regular nights out.

Tonight, he and his boyfriend were both there, having been guilted to attend, so Brad had to put on a cheerful face. Just one more element of his disguise.

“You guys ready to get your dance on?”

Harry looked at Bret, and his boyfriend shrugged. Bret was a real cutie, and he could crack up a whole room at a board game night or house party, but put him around a bunch of sweaty, half-naked men and he went quiet.

“Maybe in a few,” Harry said with a smile.

He leaned in and kissed Bret’s cheek. Gag. Who needed that kind of affection, right?

Pang.
Brad jumped up. “Okay, party poopers. Catch you on the other side!”

He stormed onto the dance floor, ready to burn away his sudden onset of melancholy. A good adrenaline rush and an erection rubbing against his ass would take care of him in short order. After all, why should he care that Riley was sexing up his next conquest on the dance floor? That’s what he did. That’s what they both did.

They agreed years ago that hearts and flowers were not for them. They were friends, wingmen and occasional fuck buddies.

But that was all.

EXCERPT FROM MY ANTI-MARRIAGE

“We’ll take off the rings. Problem solved.”

“No, problem not solved. We’re still married.” Chris’s breathing sped up. “We have to undo it!”

Ant guided him to the bed and pushed him down on the edge. Squeezing his shoulders, he met Chris’s eye.

“Come on now. Maybe this isn’t what it looks like.”

Chris laughed harshly. “I know that line is like your bread and butter as a player, but it’s always what it fucking looks like. Why the fuck else would we be wearing wedding rings?”

“I don’t know,” Ant growled.

“Do you remember last night?”

“Some,” he said grudgingly. “I remember hitting every casino we passed on the strip and taking a few shots at each one. You were hell-bent on checking out wedding venues for Brad and Riley. Maybe we took that too far, huh?” Ant smiled wryly. “What about you?”

“Not much after you found me at the fountain,” Chris admitted. “You were playing the responsible sober guy card with me, trying to get me to go to dinner. So, how the hell did we end up here?”

“My guess? You were totally unreasonable,” Ant said.

Chris huffed. “Sure, it’s my fault. I made you follow me around like a muscled-up bodyguard.”

Ant rolled his eyes. They were getting off-track. “So, we both have a few memory gaps,” he said, massively understating the issue. “I’m sure I’ll remember eventually. Or you will.”

Chris sighed. “What now? Everyone’s waiting on us downstairs.”

Ant shook his head. “Brunch first. Try to act normal. No one has to know. Divorce can wait for dessert.”

“Annulment,” Chris corrected. “Annulment makes it like it never happened, right? I want that one.”

Author Bio

DJ Jamison is the author of more than a dozen m/m romances, including the Ashe Sentinel series and the Hearts and Health series. She writes a variety of queer characters, from gay to bisexual to asexual, with a focus on telling love stories that are more about common ground than lust at first sight. DJ grew up in the Midwest in a working-class family, and those influences can be found in her writing through characters coping with real-life problems: money troubles, workplace drama, family conflicts and, of course, falling in love. DJ spent more than a decade in the newspaper industry before chasing her first dream to write fiction. She spent a lifetime reading before that, and continues to avidly devour her fellow authors’ books each night. She lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, two fish and, regrettably, one snake.

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Hosted By Signal Boost Promotions

A Lucy Review : All I Want Is You by DJ Jamison

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

One kiss under the mistletoe destroyed a friendship. Will another Christmas kiss remake it into something better?

Eli hasn’t been home since he left at eighteen with a heart aching from his best friend’s rejection and his father’s intolerance. But when his father reaches out, Eli figures it’s time to make peace with his family. He doesn’t expect to come face-to-face with Turner too — or to learn that the straight friend he’d foolishly loved is actually bisexual — but once the shock wears off, he knows exactly what he wants for Christmas.

Turner’s life isn’t everything he’d once planned, but he’s happy to be the shoulder his loved ones lean on. They keep him busy, which is just as well since none of his dates have really clicked. He hasn’t been able to connect with anyone the way he did with his former best friend. When Eli shows up for the holidays after years away, Turner doesn’t know what hit him. But he knows one thing: This time, he wants to give Eli a reason to stay.

I was super excited about this book because two of my favorite things, second chances and holidays, were here. Eli and Turner have been best friends since they were little, Eli navigating the close-mindedness of their small town of Juniper, Oregon and Turner standing by him. Until a kiss under the mistletoe shows Eli Turner wants no part of him and it changes their friendship. They limp along for a while but eventually Eli’s unrequited love is too much and he unfriends Turner. Eli’s dad, the Coach, was homophobic and nasty so when Eli leaves for college he’s done with Juniper and he doesn’t return. For eight years, at least, when he finds out he’s losing his job right before the holidays and with some encouragement from his co-worker, Barb, decides to give the family a chance.

Much has changed since Eli left – Coach had knee surgery and is looking old, Turner’s father died and now Turner’s family and Eli’s family are even closer and celebrate the holiday together, with Turner taking care of Eli’s parents. It’s a little difficult because while Coach does seem to love his son, he is set in some old fashioned views and Eli has a hard time forgiving the terrible things Coach said to him.

On the other hand, I felt like Turner’s actions, while not horrible, were so glossed over and forgiven that they might not even have occurred. Turner is the shoulder everyone leans on now, so he’s not a bad person. Everything, including lying, was such a nonevent that it was irritating and made the story less interesting.

Eli’s mom is great. While she wasn’t able to keep Eli home the first time, she proves time and again that she loves him, accepts him and isn’t just a shadow in the kitchen. When she admits on Christmas day that she writes fan fiction, “ I even write M/M pairings. That means male/male” I wanted to hug her. Go Mom!

This is a sweet story that didn’t quite live up to its potential for me.

Cover design by Jay Aheer @ Simply Defined Art shows Turner and Eli in front of a Christmas tree, shirtless and snuggling. Cute and fits the theme.

Sales Links: Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 161 pages
Published November 29th 2018
ASINB07KVDG1VZsettingOregon (United States)

New Holiday Release Blitz for All I Want Is You by DJ Jamison (excerpt and giveaway)

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK – Exclusive to Amazon and Available to Borrow with Kindle Unlimited

Cover Design: Jay Aheer

Length: 161 pages

Blurb

One kiss under the mistletoe destroyed a friendship. Will another Christmas kiss remake it into something better?

Eli hasn’t been home since he left at eighteen with a heart aching from his best friend’s rejection and his father’s intolerance. But when his father reaches out, Eli figures it’s time to make peace with his family. He doesn’t expect to come face-to-face with Turner too — or to learn that the straight friend he’d foolishly loved is actually bisexual — but once the shock wears off, he knows exactly what he wants for Christmas.

Turner’s life isn’t everything he’d once planned, but he’s happy to be the shoulder his loved ones lean on. They keep him busy, which is just as well since none of his dates have really clicked. He hasn’t been able to connect with anyone the way he did with his former best friend. When Eli shows up for the holidays after years away, Turner doesn’t know what hit him. But he knows one thing: This time, he wants to give Eli a reason to stay.

All I Want Is You is a friends to lovers, second-chance romance with an HEA.

Excerpt

Turner kissed him, and Eli’s heart exploded into a frantic pace. Turner’s lips were on his, finally. And all his anger, all his disappointment washed away on a wave of endorphins.

This felt right. It was as if he’d been holding his breath for eight years, and he could finally exhale.

But it was over too soon. Eli hadn’t gotten a taste of Turner’s tongue, the kiss quick and chaste. He hadn’t gotten to run his fingers through his hair. Hadn’t put his hands on him at all.

Nothing but their lips had touched, and it was the single, best kiss of his life.

“I’d like us to be friends again, real friends,” Turner said. “Even after you leave again for California.”

Oh, right. Eli would be leaving. Turner would be staying. Nothing had changed.

His racing heart slowed. Grew heavy. Thudded hollowly.

“Friends,” he repeated.

“I know you’re not staying long,” Turner added. “So, it’s just a kiss. Between friends.”

“A friendly kiss,” Eli said.

Turner chuckled. “Yeah.”

“Okay,” Eli said.

And yet he sensed something more between the lines of Turner’s spoken words. Honesty, yes, but also yearning. Could it be possible that Turner wanted him as much as he’d always wanted Turner?

There was only one way to find out.

Eli wrapped a hand around the back of Turner’s neck, tugged him close, and kissed him hard. If he was only getting one kiss, he was going to make it count. He was going to kiss the daylights out of Turner and decide for himself how much Turner Williams wanted Elijah Harp.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Hosted By Signal Boost Promotions

A Caryn Review: Surprise Delivery (Hearts & Health #5) by DJ Jamison

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

This is the 5^th book in the Hearts and Health series, and I am so invested in it now! Once again, it is a stand-alone that does have cameos of characters in the earlier books, and I appreciated the look forward to Paul and Zane, who had previously been my least favorite couple in the series. I don’t know how long the author can continue the series before she runs out of gay men in Ashe’s medical community, but I am hoping that a few more will move into town so the series can keep going!

Eric Holtz is the administrator of the hospital where many of the characters work. In the previous books, he was introduced as a workaholic who was a little cool and distant, but still a good guy. He’d been lonely after his long term partner left him a few years ago, due in great part to the tremendous number of hours he put in at the hospital. He recognized that his job didn’t really give him much satisfaction any longer, but he didn’t know what else to do with his life and just continued on with it.

When his 16 year old niece showed up unexpectedly on his doorstep and announced that she was pregnant and needed his help, he didn’t even hesitate before he agreed, even though her parents had cut him out of Olivia’s life long ago because of his sexuality. Her presence made him realize how empty his house and his life had been, and he started looking forward to the change she and her “peanut” would bring to his existence. It was all good until Olivia told him who she’d chosen to be her obstetrician.

Dr. Caspar Rollins worked at the hospital for several years, and Eric had a crush on him from the beginning – a crush that “turned Eric into a blushing, wide-eyed idiot” to the point that he went out of his way to avoid Caspar. When Eric accompanied Olivia to her first appointment (which led to some amusing and understandably awkward assumptions before their relationship was clarified) Caspar decided that breaking down Eric’s aloof facade was going to be his next challenge. Caspar was all about challenges and excitement, but not about commitment.

While I did enjoy the contrast between the two men – Eric older, more settled and focussed on finding a serious relationship, Caspar younger and looking for thrills and challenges – the connection sometimes felt a little bit forced. Caspar was endlessly analyzing his thoughts about his first boyfriend, and the guilt that kept him from moving forward, and it felt overdone to me. I thought with all that scrutiny he should have come to his epiphanies a lot earlier than he actually did. Eric was more believable and consistent, and though I thought more than once that he gave Caspar too many chances, it was clear that was just his natural generosity and not an attempt to drag the story out artificially. I was also dissatisfied with the outcome of Olivia’s situation, but I think that was just a matter of personal preference rather than any defect in the story itself. Eric’s final career decision, however, was perfect.

Although I did not like this book as much as some of the others in the series, I am still looking forward to the next one, as well as rereading them.

Cover art by Lucas Soltow features models that fit well with the character descriptions, although I would not have expected Eric to be hotter than Caspar….

Sales Links: Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 1 edition, 222 pages
Published March 22nd 2018 by DJ Jamison
Original Title Surprise Delivery
ASINB07BJ9CWVD
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesHearts and Health #5

Release Blitz – Room For Recovery (Hearts & Health #4) by DJ Jamison (excerpt and giveaway)

Universal Buy Link

Length: 77,000 words approx.

Hearts & Health Series

Volume 1 Books 1-3 – Universal Buy Link

Blurb

Beau James isn’t out, but he’s not fooling anyone. When he’s cornered by two bullies, he’s rescued by none other than the broody Wade Ritter, who he’s crushed on from afar. Despite their family connection, Wade has resisted all of Beau’s attempts at friendship — until now. His protective streak gives Beau an opportunity to get past Wade’s prickly exterior.

Wade considers Beau to be a quasi-cousin. He’s been careful to keep Beau in that box because he is too tempting to a gay boy determined to remain in the closet after his coming out went all wrong. But when Wade sees bullies harassing Beau, he offers to help. Little does he know this small crack in the walls around his heart is the opening Beau needs to move in and change Wade’s life.

After years off the rails, Wade realizes there’s room for recovery. If he can face hard truths about his sexuality and love himself, he might be able to love Beau too.

Room for Recovery is part of the Hearts and Health series. It contains cameo appearances by other characters in the series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Excerpt

Beau James was trashed. Eyes glazed, words slurred, inhibitions gone, full-on trashed.

He balanced on the orange-and-brown plaid couch in Barry Gleason’s basement, a cup of beer sloshing in one hand as he tried to dance to rap blaring through Barry’s speakers. Tried to dance, as in, couldn’t dance to save his life. It was painful to watch — Beau thrust his slender hips completely off-beat — but it was also hard to look away.

It was hot in the small room with so many bodies crowding in, and Beau’s curly hair was frizzing into a halo around his flushed face. A halo for the angel, Wade thought sarcastically. A sheen of sweat made Beau look as if he were glowing. Or maybe that was the huge smile on his face, beaming his care-free, drunken joy to everyone in the room.

Even Wade wasn’t immune.

That smile did squirrely things to Wade’s insides. It always had, which was why he worked so hard to make that smile disappear when they were together.

He’d known Beau was gay from the moment they met three years before. With puppy dog eyes full of adoration, Beau’s crush on Wade hadn’t been subtle. Wade tried to keep his distance — because annoying or not, Beau was cute — but that was easier said than done when their families were intertwined. Wade saw Beau for Sunday dinners with the James family, for Thanksgiving and Christmas and birthdays in between.

And now, as the drunken star of Barry Gleason’s party.

Barry’s parents let kids drink, so long as none of them drove, so his house was the go-to party spot. Wade didn’t often come to these parties, but Anna had dragged him out and promptly disappeared to gossip with her friends on the cheerleading squad. He tried not to feel too relieved about that. He wasn’t in the mood to have an armful of girlfriend.

Glancing around, he noticed a couple of guys holding up phones, taking pictures or videos. Beau was going to be embarrassed come Monday morning.

“Take it off,” someone called.

“Strip show!”

Beau laughed and fluttered his eyelashes. “I don’t get naked with a guy before the second date!”

“Knew he was gay,” Jeremy Krantz said. “Fucking gross.”

Wade was afraid things might get ugly if Beau didn’t get home soon. He had perfected the art of avoiding Beau, so he searched the room for someone who might know him. Beau mostly hung with the same two friends. Wade scanned the room and spotted Beau’s friend, Nathan something, near the television, where a video game was under way.

Nathan was tall, with dark, messy hair and skinny as a skeleton. Wade mostly remembered because of his height-to-weight ratio. Taller even than Wade, he towered over Beau when they stood side-by-side. Usually a cute, freckled blond girl stood between them, but he didn’t see her.

Nathan held a game controller, and Wade realized he was one of the players. Two others were seated in gamer chairs low to the ground.

“Dude!” a familiar voice said. “I didn’t know you could do that!”

Wade wasn’t surprised to see Shane tucked away in the gamer’s corner. His best friend was addicted to video games. He was more surprised to see Anna in the other chair, fumbling with a remote.

“How do you fire? I forgot which button to hit.”

Shane leaned over and nudged her index finger onto the A button. His hand lingered on hers a fraction longer than necessary, and Wade narrowed his eyes. Was his best friend trying to make a move on his girlfriend?

He wasn’t jealous, exactly. He’d been relieved not to have Anna all over him tonight. It was more the principle of the matter. He shelved his irritation for the moment and turned to Beau’s friend.

“Hey, man, uh … you hang with Beau, right? You’re Nathan?”

The guy was focused on the game, and it took him a minute to respond.

“I go by Nate.” He spared a look at Wade, then did a double-take. “Why?”

There was a hint of suspicion to his voice that made Wade wonder what Beau had said about him.

“Uh, well, Beau’s pretty smashed.”

Nathan hit the pause button, and Anna protested loudly, before she noticed Wade standing there. She smiled brightly and jumped up.

“Hey, you. I thought I’d lost you to a love affair with the wall.”

Wade rolled his eyes. She thought she was funny. She was, which was part of her appeal. If only the rest of her appealed to him. Try as he might, he couldn’t get excited about the thought of the make-out session they’d have before he dropped her off at home later.

“Beau’s wasted?” Nate said, sounding incredulous. He turned, taking in the room, and his eyes popped wide. “Holy crap!”

He rushed off, and Wade watched him intercept a guy trying to hand Beau yet another beer. There was laughter and boo’s as Nate coaxed Beau off the sofa and led him toward the door. Wade couldn’t hear their words, but he could tell Nate was pissed as he flipped off someone and pulled a stumbling Beau out the door.

Disaster averted.

Anna wrapped a hand around his bicep and leaned close. “I’m done playing games. You want to get out of here?”

Wade cut a glance to Shane, who stared at the television, despite the game still sitting on pause. He seemed to be avoiding watching them together, and Wade felt a fleeting sense of guilt. He knew, even before he saw them together tonight, that Shane was into Anna. But Shane had the hots for everyone. Wade didn’t take it seriously. Now, he wondered.

“You want to come out for a burger, Shane?” he asked.

“I can’t drive,” Shane said. “I drank too much.”

“I’ll drive. We can get your car tomorrow.”

“Okay.” Shane unfolded himself from the chair. “If you’re sure I’m not going to be in the way?”

“Come with us,” Anna said easily enough, which was another reason Wade liked her. She was easy-going and genuinely a nice person. “It’ll be fun. Wade’s pretty to look at, but he’s not much of a conversationalist.”

“Fuck you say?” Wade said, though he wasn’t really offended. When she looked as if she was about to apologize, he added, “I’m not pretty.”

Anna and Shane busted up laughing, and Wade headed for the door.

Before they got in the car, Shane pulled him aside. “You’re sure I’m not a third wheel? You could just take me home.”

“Would you stop? I’m pretty sure we both like you enough to hang out for a burger before we tear off our clothes.”

Shane rolled his eyes. “Thanks so much for your patience.”

“No problem. What are friends for?” Wade joked.

But for all their playful banter, Wade was beginning to think that if there was a third wheel in their little trio, it might actually be him.

About The Author

DJ Jamison worked in newsrooms for more than 10 years, which helped tremendously when she began her series centered on The Ashe Sentinel, a fictional small-town newspaper in Kansas. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, two sons and three glow-in-the-dark fish.

Facebook Author Page
FB group
Mailing list!
Follow me on Twitter
Find me on Goodreads
Check out my Book Bub profile!

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Hosted By Signal Boost Promotions

Release Blitz Tour for DJ Jamison’s Yours For The Holiday (excerpt and giveaway)

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Length: 50,000 words approx.

Blurb

Fresh off a break-up, Remy is in no mood to share a room with his brother’s best friend during a holiday stay at home. Jason Hendricks has always treated him like a little brother to tease and taunt, all the more embarrassing because Remy has secretly crushed on the jerk since puberty. But when Jason confides he’s bisexual, Remy realizes the crush he loves to hate could be the perfect rebound.

Jason has always found Remy appealing. He didn’t handle his attraction well when he was younger, but now Remy’s a grown man and Jason’s no longer afraid of his feelings. Some playful flirtation sounds like a great way to spend Thanksgiving break, but he’s not prepared for Remy’s newfound sex appeal or his decision to make Jason his rebound fling. Jason doesn’t want to risk fallout with a family that’s always been there for him, but he’s not sure he can resist.

When the two part ways, they don’t plan to stay in touch, but soon they’re texting, trading sexy pictures and helping each other cope with family drama. Remy agrees to be his for the holiday, continuing their secret fling over Christmas, but Jason knows that won’t be enough. He’ll have to find the courage to be open and honest with his best friend — and the whole Wells family — if he wants a chance at love in the new year.

This approximately 50,000 word novel is a brother’s best friend, enemies to lovers romance that comes with a satisfying HEA!

Excerpt

“Hey,” Jason said quietly. The bed dipped as he sat down on the edge of the mattress. “You okay?”

“Oh, so you’re done avoiding me?” Remy said, hating the bitter edge to his words. He swallowed hard, trying to gain control over his emotions, so he didn’t make a fool of himself yet again.

“I’m sorry,” Jason said. He sounded sorry. Truly regretful.

Remy pushed up, struggling into a seated position against the headboard. If they were going to have this talk, he wanted to look Jason in the eye.

Swallowing hard, Remy forced out words that had been nagging at him all day. “I’m sorry too. I got carried away. I didn’t mean to pressure you—”

“God no, Remy,” Jason interrupted. “No, no. It wasn’t like that.”

Jason’s hand hovered in the air. Remy watched Jason hesitate before resting his big palm over Remy’s thigh. The blankets formed a barrier between them, but the point of contact burned as if he could feel the warmth spilling from Jason’s hand.

“Then I’m confused,” Remy said.

“I, uh, find you very sexy,” Jason said, voice tinged with embarrassment. It would be charming if it weren’t for the heavy topic of conversation. “But I need the Wells family. I don’t talk about my parents much, but—”

“I know it’s not great,” Remy said. “Dad filled me in on what happened last summer with your mom.”

“Yeah,” Jason said. “So, basically, I’m terrified of fucking everything up. If I go there with you, I might hurt you. And if your parents or Derek find out, I’m not sure what they’d do. It’s just … messy.”

“It doesn’t have to be,” Remy said. “It’s just some fun. No strings needed. And as for going there with me, don’t you think the cat’s already out of the bag? You’ve had your hand on my dick.”

Jason glanced at Remy’s crotch, unable to resist teasing him. “Cat’s out of the bag? And here I thought pussy only referred to—”

Remy slapped his hand over Jason’s mouth. “Don’t say it!”

Jason chuckled, his warm breath gusting over Remy’s palm. Remy shivered as their eyes locked and held. When the wet tip of Jason’s tongue licked a stripe over his hand, he couldn’t hold back a small moan.

“Fuck you, JJ,” he muttered, pulling his hand back. “If you’re going to say no, don’t fucking tease me.”

“I’m not saying no,” Jason said roughly. “I probably should, but I can’t say no to you again. Not one more fucking time.”

Author Bio

DJ Jamison is a contemporary M/M romance author with more than a dozen titles to her name. She writes a variety of queer characters, from gay to bisexual to asexual, with a focus on telling love stories that are more about common ground than lust at first sight. She grew up the literal embodiment of a red-headed stepchild in a working-class family in Kansas. Determined to build a successful career, she earned a degree in journalism and worked in newsrooms for more than ten years before pursuing her dream to write fiction. DJ is married with two sons, two glow-in-the-dark fish, and regrettably, one snake.

.

DJís Newsletter: www.tinyurl.com/djandcompany
DJís FB group: www.facebook.com/groups/djandcompany
DJís FB page: www.facebook.com/djjamison
Book Bub: /www.bookbub.com/authors/dj-jamison
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/DJ_Jamison

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Hosted By Signal Boost Promotions

Release Blitz: Urgent Care (Hearts & Health #3) by DJ Jamison (excerpt and giveaway)

Buy Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2p85yZO

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2pAdy9v

Length: 61,500 words

Hearts And Health Series

Heart Trouble (Book #1) Amazon US | Amazon UK
Bedside Manner (Book #2) Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

Nursing student Xavier James is shocked to run into the first man to ever break his heart while at a gay club. His ex is sexier than ever, but Xavier is not going down that road again … only, when they end up working together at an urgent-care clinic, his willpower will be tested.

Trent Cavendish made a huge mistake at age 18 when he walked away from his first love. Twelve years later, Trent is rattled when his friend suddenly dies. He takes a hard look at his life, realizing how empty it has become. Determined to re-evaluate his priorities and make amends, he returns to his hometown to win Xavier’s forgiveness and maybe even his heart.

Times have changed. Instead of the sweet but tame boyfriend he left behind, he finds a smoking hot man dressed in bits of lace and silk. Trent’s good intentions turn to lust, and love isn’t far behind. But Xavier is wary. The villain of his memories is proving to be a decent guy, but has he really changed or is Xavier just a new goal to chase?

Excerpt

Xavier wore a pair of tight white shorts that practically glowed against his skin tone and an electric blue sleeveless top that showcased his muscles. He added just a touch of make-up, nothing too over-the-top, and his hair was unrestrained for once, spilling to his shoulders and brushing bared skin.

The expressions coming his way, a mix of confused and aroused, made Xavier grin.

His soft feminine touches emphasized his natural masculinity, and people weren’t always sure what to make of him.

He stopped at the bar to order a drink. In the mirror overhead, he watched a man approach. He was tall, lean and casually sexy in jeans and a T-shirt that hugged his thighs and chest in all the right ways. He had dark hair, which had always been Xavier’s type. He kind of looked like Xavier’s roommate at first glance, which was a bit weird, but Zane was a sexy fucker. No denying that.

This is promising. I might even get 8 hours’ sleep tonight unless he’s a total beast in the sack.

Xavier looked down as the man neared, not wanting to seem too eager. He felt the warmth of another body behind him and the press of a hand against his back. Slowly, the stranger’s hand slid up his spine to the nape of his neck, sending tingles through him.

This was one presumptuous fucker, but it was hot.

A breath whispered against his ear. “You are a goddamned treasure, you know that?”

Xavier couldn’t help it. He snorted a laugh. “You lay it on thick.”

The man gripped his hair, tugging Xavier’s head back. “I just go after what I want, and I don’t apologize for it.”

The words should have been sexy. But Xavier’s head tilted back, his gaze slid over, and he saw the face of the guy manhandling him.

“You sure don’t,” he said flatly.

Trent Cavendish’s expression froze. He looked stunned, an expression Xavier hadn’t seen in more than a decade. He hadn’t seen any expression on the man’s face since he left so many years ago.

His surprise faded quickly, replaced with lust as his eyes scanned Xavier’s body.

“Fuck, baby,” Trent whispered, his voice rough.

Fuck was right. Just his luck he’d reel in his ex-boyfriend from high school. The one who’d torn out his heart and stomped on it — and insulted his family and his principles while he was at it.

This excerpt was edited for length and does not match the content of the book exactly.

Author Bio

DJ Jamison worked in newsrooms for more than 10 years, which helped tremendously when she began her series centered on The Ashe Sentinel, a fictional small-town newspaper in Kansas. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, two sons and three glow-in-the-dark fish.

Facebook Author Page

FB group
Mailing list!
Follow me on Twitter
Find me on Goodreads
Check out my Book Bub profile!