Tag: LGBTGIA contemporary romance

Review: Holiday Crush: MM Small Town/Hockey Romance (The Elmwood Stories Book 3) by Lane Hayes

Rating: 4.5🌈

And it’s back to Elmwood, one of my favorite places to visit for charm and romance. Now it’s Ivan, of Rise and Grind coffee shop and the questionable latte art, and Court Henderson’s, late of a minor Charleston hockey league team, time for love and HEA.

Court’s come home after being cut from his minor league team. He’s a year away from his intended retirement date and he’s got no idea what he’s doing going forward. Lane Hayes is so excellent in getting into the muddled mindset of someone like Court, a player who has only known hockey, but hasn’t been able to leverage his talent to make the NHL so no one is calling now he’s been cut.

Ivan, co-owner of Rise and Grind, has had an 11 year old crush on the town’s golden boy, one that started in kindergarten.

Ivan, all clothed in black and shiny with Christmas spirit, is such a beautiful character. Vulnerable, introverted, yet brave enough to accept who he is and embrace his own style and identity. Hayes portrays him so vividly that his personality becomes an integral part of the town and force for those around him.

Court’s confusion and indecisiveness are believable, especially when he’s talking about his future and lack of planning to Ivan. When they’re slowly reconnecting and discovering how much they like each other’s company, it’s such a wonderful journey to share.

There are other side storylines that give depth and insight into the lives of the characters and Elmswood. These elements are just as interesting and often emotionally important as the main ones they support.

I really wanted a little piece of that Mighty Mites on ice practice chaos. So cute!

This is a heartwarming story, a holiday hockey romance full of the Christmas spirit and HEA joy. It’s one that I’m happy to recommend as well as the entire series. Can’t wait for the next one to come.

The Elmwood Stories:

✓ You, Again #1

✓ Next Season #2

✓ Holiday Crush #3

◦ Thin Ice #4 – tbd 2024

Buy Link:

Holiday Crush: MM Small Town/Hockey Romance (The Elmwood Stories Book 3)

Blurb:

The hockey has-been, the barista, and some holiday magic…

Court

Cut from the team, fired my agent…now what?

This can’t be it for me. Unfortunately, the phone isn’t ringing. My best bet is to head home for the holidays and regroup.

Problem: I don’t know what to do with myself. Helping out at the rink might be my ticket out of here, but nothing is happening fast enough. And then there’s Ivan. No, no, it’s not what you think. We went to school together. We’re acquaintance-friends…nothing more.

But you know, I like him. A lot. He’s funny and relentlessly upbeat. I’m a better person when I’m with him—the kind who volunteers to deck the halls and wrap garland on lampposts and—

Whoa. What’s happening here?

Ivan

I love the holidays! But running the coffee shop on my own during the busiest season of the year is going to be a challenge. And the sudden appearance of my former crush is all kinds of distracting.

See, I spent my formative years mooning over Court Henderson, our high school’s hockey phenom, even though he was out of my league. Thankfully, I grew up and left the silly remnants of my youth behind. Or did I?

Grown-up Court is full of surprises, and under his gruff yet extremely fine exterior, he’s a good soul with a huge heart. He’s charming, sweet, handsome, and— Uh-oh.

My crush is back. Just in time for the holidays…

Holiday Crush is an MM bisexual, small town romance featuring a renewed ancient crush, some mistletoe latte art, and a little seasonal magic.

• Publication date: December 10, 2023

• Print length: 190 pages

Review: Not So Silent Night (The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas Book 1) by Charlie Cochet

Rating: 4.5🌈

It took me a while to remember who all the couples were in Charlie Cochet’s Not So Silent Night, the first part of her The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas series. But once I jumped into the chaos that’s the found family of the Four Kings Security family and their partners/

husbands known as the Boyfriend Collective, including three dogs, it all quickly came back together. I soon remembered how much I enjoyed the couples and this wild, action packed romantic universe Cochet has created around them.

It’s Christmas and from the perspective of billionaire Colton as he surveys his home he shares with husband Ace, as the group tries to pull together the perfect holiday decorations. It’s obvious that something extra special is needed as it’s just not happening as he’d hoped.

It’s a quickly booked month long holiday to the perfect Christmas getaway, Winterhaven. Which means nothing will go off as anticipated to the delight of the reader and amazement of everyone else involved.

Winterhaven is a Christmas town in need of some miracles, some of which can be supplied by the newly arrived Four Kings security group and the Boyfriend Collective who set out to make things happy and bright!

This is a joyful and sexy read, full of the Christmas spirit, for Colton and Ace, and the other couples joining in the help each other and the town celebrate Christmas. It’s got dogs romping through snow, matchmaking, snappy dialogue, and sexy moments between couples. Just everything we need and love about the series.

I’m hurrying over to the next one to see how the rescue is going. This is a definite recommendation for fans of the series and holiday reading.

THE KINGS: A TREEMENDOUS CHRISTMAS

✓ Not So Silent Night #1

◦ Sleigh It Ain’t So #2

◦ Home for the Howlidays #3

◦ Rebel Without a Claus #4

Buy Link:

Not So Silent Night (The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas Book 1)

Blurb:

Escape to a Winter Wonderland with CEO and billionaire Colton Connolly as he embarks on a shenanigan-filled journey in search of the idyllic white Christmas he’s always craved. Inspired by the enchantment of his favorite holiday movies, Colton surprises his beloved husband and their found family with a trip to the captivating mountain town of Winterhaven.

However, beneath the twinkling lights, unexpected trouble awaits. A miscommunication leaves the town in dire straits, threatening to steal away the magic of Christmas. Determined to save the day, Colton rallies his family, ready to overcome any obstacle and ensure that Christmas in Winterhaven is nothing short of perfect.

Join Colton, Ace, and the Four Kings Security family as they embark on a quest to rescue Winterhaven from its frosty woes. Will they succeed in delivering the most unforgettable Christmas imaginable, or will this charming town lose its cherished festivities forever?

* This holiday series is a spin-off from the Four Kings Security Universe. It’s recommended that you read the Four Kings Security series, as well as The Kings: Wild Cards series before reading this series as these are established characters who have previously had their own books. The shenanigans begin with Love in Spades, Four Kings Security, Book 1 (Colton and Ace’s book).

Welcome to the Four Kings Security Universe! The current reading order for the universe is as follows:

FOUR KINGS SECURITY UNIVERSE

“STANDALONES

◦ Beware of Geeks Bearing Gifts-Standalone (Spencer and Quinn. Quinn is Ace and Lucky’s cousin.) Can be read any time before In the Cards.

FOUR KINGS SECURITY

✓ Love in Spades-Book 1 (Ace and Colton)

✓ Ante Up-Book 1.5 (Seth and Kit) Free short story

◦ Be Still My Heart-Book 2 (Red and Laz)

✓ Join the Club-Book 3 (Lucky and Mason)

✓ Diamond in the Rough-Book 4 (King and Leo)

◦ In the Cards-Book 4.5 (Spencer and Quinn’s wedding.)

◦ FOUR KINGS SECURITY Boxed Set includes all 4 main Four Kings Security novels: Love in Spades, Be Still My Heart, Join the Club, and Diamond in the Rough.

BLACK OPS: OPERATION ORION’S BELT

◦ Kept in the Dark-Book 1 (Standalone series can be read anytime)

THE KINGS: WILD CARDS

◦ Stacking the Deck-Book 1 (Jack and Fitz).

◦ Raising the Ante-Book 2 (Frank and Joshua)

◦ Sleight of Hand-Book 3 (Joker and Gio)

◦ THE KINGS: WILD CARDS BOXED SET Boxed Set includes all 3: The Kings: Wild Cards books: Stacking the Deck, Raising the Ante, Sleight of Hand, and bonus story In the Cards.

RUNAWAY GROOMS SERIES

◦ Aisle Be There

◦ To Have and Witthold

THE KINGS: ROYAL FLUSH

◦ Dealing Him In

◦ Calling His Bluff

THE KINGS: A TREEMENDOUS CHRISTMAS

✓ Not So Silent Night

✓ Sleigh It Ain’t So

◦ Home for the Howlidays

◦ Rebel Without a Claus

Review: Catered All the Way by Annabeth Albert

Rating: 4 🌈

Catered All the Way by Annabeth Albert is this author’s annual Christmas story and it’s a heartwarmer!

Albert writes to two of her strengths, the military and gaming community, which are combined in Atlas Orion and Zebediah Seasons. They are the reason to read this book.

The main characters are Atlas, a Navy SEAL support Chief , and Zeb, a gamer who’s a successful streamer and influencer, able to turn his passion into a business.

The location is Kringle’s Crossing, the same town from The Geek Who Saved Christmas, and centers around the Seasons family store and drama. Atlas is the best friend of Zeb’s older brother, Gabe, and was a fixture at the Seasons house growing up due to his parental dysfunction.

It’s a two person perspective, with a bi-awakening and a multiple plot lines about the struggling family and their dynamics . Some of these, like everyone’s love and concern for Gabe’s expectant wife are wonderful. We see everyone function as a loving unit. But other aspects that are just as important got a limited amount of attention to the detriment of the narrative imo. That happens when the story is jam packed with characters with issues and layered with multiple elements.

Atlas is a terrific character. With his family background and current status as in SEAL support, he was realistic. Especially since Albert let us have glimpses into his career, action on the job (great helicopter moments), that grounded him. We got some of that with Zeb, interacting with his fans, but no actual gaming.

Zeb’s complicated. For the character of Zeb, it’s his long time crush on the seemingly straight Atlas. Did Atlas actually know Zeb was gay? And Zeb has decided that this holiday season is the time to see if there’s anything in his crush on a straight Atlas.

One frustrating aspect of Zeb’s character is the disrespect he constantly takes from Gabe over his successful career and passion for gaming. He works at Seasons part time to help out not for the money but to assist his brother and his business. But the same man willing to take a chance on Atlas is a doormat for the verbal abuse his brother constantly gives him until the book is about finished.

The excuses the author writes for this aspect of their relationship, the acknowledgment and somewhat “apology “ from Gabe to Zeb is astonishingly shallow and takes a mere sentence or two. Then it’s a throwaway line about the brother needing to see a therapist about anxiety and it’s done. So two impactful elements dismissed with little real depth or resolution.

Luckily, the remaining storylines are carried out in the narrative to a fully balanced conclusion. The men actually talk about what and how they feel , then act accordingly. Zeb and Atlas work beautifully as a couple, their relationship and romance is the reason to read the book. Also because you enjoy the author and Christmas stories.

There’s also several discussions about grief and loss, as every character here is very much mourning the loss of the parents of Zeb and Gabe, that includes Atlas who saw them as stand-ins for his own neglectful family.

I don’t feel that this was as fabulous as The Geek Who Saved Christmas, it’s still a good holiday story. More due to the main characters and not some of the secondary elements which in this case took away from the story.

Adorable cover as always.

Buy Link:

Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com › Catered-…Catered All the Way: A MM Holiday Christmas Romance by Annabeth Albert

Blurb:

Tis the season for a hopeless crush on my older brother’s best friend…

This year will be different. I’m all grown up, my gaming channel is a huge success, and I finally have the confidence to make my move on Atlas Orion, the hottest chief in the navy.

However, I don’t intend for my smooth move to be covering Atlas in cranberry sauce. Not at all how I want to reintroduce myself to my new roomie and coworker. Atlas is in town to help save Seasons, my family’s historic holiday gift shop and event space. Seasons is booked solid with catered parties, so we need to avoid any more disasters.

Like my malfunctioning air mattress. We’re down to one bed, two dudes, and a whole lot of holiday-fling temptation. Atlas has never been with a guy, but I don’t have to do much persuading. And what better way to explore than a secret romp? No strings, and no one has to know.

The problem? With every passing week, I fall harder for Atlas, who’s far more than his drool-worthy muscles and heroic job. He’s kind, funny, makes me breakfast in bed, and each midnight snowball fight brings us that much closer to heartbreak.

Atlas can’t stay in Kringle’s Crossing forever, and I can’t imagine leaving the only place I’ve called home. Our feelings run deep, but is it a holiday illusion? Can we find our way to a lasting future?

CATERED ALL THE WAY is a brand-new, full-length holiday romance from the beloved author of THE GEEK WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS. Lovers of stand-alone swoon-worthy Christmas stories will fall for this geek + military pairing. Full of spicy first times, bisexual awakening, quirky small-town residents, and guest appearances from some fan-favorite characters, this only one bed, brother’s best friend romance is sure to find a place under many trees! Dual POV and the happiest of endings guaranteed.

• Publisher: (December 4, 2023)

• Publication date: December 4, 2023

• Print length: 250 pages

Review: Under the Mistle-tome (a Christmas Falls story) by Sammi Cee

Rating: 4.5🌈

Under the Mistle-tome by Sammi Cee is the third book I’ve read in the multi-author Christmas Falls series and it’s my favorite one so far.

A best friends to lovers story, here the best friend from childhood is returning to Christmas Falls after a long separation and with an adorable daughter in tow.

Trevor’s cold family life that he and his young daughter, Holly, are leaving behind is sharply contrasted with the warmth and joyful welcome that awaits them at the familiar bookstore run by Trey and his heart warming family. Cee makes that bookstore, Season’s Readings, with its fun kids story times run by Eddie, hustling crowds of book loving people, and general air of welcoming spirit a place of reality for the reader. It grounds us and all the characters immediately.

It’s a place where the men can start their own journey back together as Trevor’s adorable little Holly adjusts to her new home, stealing hearts and scenes left and right.

Through Holly, the reader gets to view Christmas Falls as we should see it! Christmas Falls parades, the magical world of the town spreads out before Trevor and Holly as she sees it for the first time and Trevor remembers why he loves it so and needed to return. And Trey, see his town again and appreciates how special it is again.

This entire story is just a reminder of the importance of the community and spirit of the holiday season, whether it’s a large town celebration or a family coming together, home again in heart and place. Such a joy to read in every aspect.

If I had a quibble, it was the quick resolution for the manner Trevor was treated, and his daughter was treated by his parents . There was a later disclosure about her behavior but it did nothing to assuage the lack of full support from his father or the lack of apologies from either for what was really long term damaging behavior. If this was going to be an important element, then it needs just as thorough and satisfying ending.

Otherwise, a fantastic holiday story, with beautifully rendered scenes and great characters. I love it.

Christmas Falls:

✓ Get Frosted by Amy Aislin

◦ Grinch Kisses by DJ Jamison

◦ Snowbody Loves Me by Jacki James

✓ Silent Knight by Beth Bolden

✓ Under the Mistle-tome by Sammi Cee

◦ Clausing a Scene by Casey Cox

◦ No Elfing Way by Hayden Hall

◦ Ready, Set, Glow by Rye Cox

◦ Scrooge You! by Brigham Vaughn

“Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/ M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.”

Buy Link:

Under The Mistle-tome

Blurb:

Hoping to give his young daughter, Holly, the joyful childhood he had, Trevor moves back to the one place he’s always considered home—Christmas Falls.

As happy as he is to be back in the festive atmosphere of the small charming town, it’s nothing compared to how excited he is to spend time with his best friend, Trey.

Taking over the family bookstore in the town he grew up in was all Trey had ever wanted. Until Trevor walked back into his life, proving his childhood crush had never completely faded.

And Trevor’s daughter? Well, the adorable girl quickly claims a piece of Trey’s heart.

With the help of a little holiday magic, these two men and one very determined little girl may get exactly what they need—a family.

Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.

• Publisher: (December 1, 2023)

• Publication date: December 1, 2023

• Print length: 188 pages

Review: Under the Mistle-tome (a Christmas Falls story) by Sammi Cee

Rating: 4.5🌈

Under the Mistle-tome by Sammi Cee is the third book I’ve read in the multi-author Christmas Falls series and it’s my favorite one so far.

A best friends to lovers story, here the best friend from childhood is returning to Christmas Falls after a long separation and with an adorable daughter in tow.

Trevor’s cold family life that he and his young daughter, Holly, are leaving behind is sharply contrasted with the warmth and joyful welcome that awaits them at the familiar bookstore run by Trey and his heart warming family. Cee makes that bookstore, Season’s Readings, with its fun kids story times run by Eddie, hustling crowds of book loving people, and general air of welcoming spirit a place of reality for the reader. It grounds us and all the characters immediately.

It’s a place where the men can start their own journey back together as Trevor’s adorable little Holly adjusts to her new home, stealing hearts and scenes left and right.

Through Holly, the reader gets to view Christmas Falls as we should see it! Christmas Falls parades, the magical world of the town spreads out before Trevor and Holly as she sees it for the first time and Trevor remembers why he loves it so and needed to return. And Trey, see his town again and appreciates how special it is again.

This entire story is just a reminder of the importance of the community and spirit of the holiday season, whether it’s a large town celebration or a family coming together, home again in heart and place. Such a joy to read in every aspect.

If I had a quibble, it was the quick resolution for the manner Trevor was treated, and his daughter was treated by his parents . There was a later disclosure about her behavior but it did nothing to assuage the lack of full support from his father or the lack of apologies from either for what was really long term damaging behavior. If this was going to be an important element, then it needs just as thorough and satisfying ending.

Otherwise, a fantastic holiday story, with beautifully rendered scenes and great characters. I love it.

Christmas Falls:

✓ Get Frosted by Amy Aislin

◦ Grinch Kisses by DJ Jamison

◦ Snowbody Loves Me by Jacki James

✓ Silent Knight by Beth Bolden

✓ Under the Mistle-tome by Sammi Cee

◦ Clausing a Scene by Casey Cox

◦ No Elfing Way by Hayden Hall

◦ Ready, Set, Glow by Rye Cox

◦ Scrooge You! by Brigham Vaughn

“Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/ M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.”

Buy Link:

Under The Mistle-tome

Blurb:

Hoping to give his young daughter, Holly, the joyful childhood he had, Trevor moves back to the one place he’s always considered home—Christmas Falls.

As happy as he is to be back in the festive atmosphere of the small charming town, it’s nothing compared to how excited he is to spend time with his best friend, Trey.

Taking over the family bookstore in the town he grew up in was all Trey had ever wanted. Until Trevor walked back into his life, proving his childhood crush had never completely faded.

And Trevor’s daughter? Well, the adorable girl quickly claims a piece of Trey’s heart.

With the help of a little holiday magic, these two men and one very determined little girl may get exactly what they need—a family.

Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.

• Publisher: (December 1, 2023)

• Publication date: December 1, 2023

• Print length: 188 pages

Review: Grinch Kisses (Christmas Falls #1 by D J Jamison

Rating: 4.5🌈

Griff is a character I met in previous books, largely Beth Bolden’s Silent Knight, where he’s everywhere trying to keep order for the Christmas festivities.

Now Jamison takes him and fleshes him out. We see a man with a failed marriage, teenage kids he never sees, who’s made his job his life and order a safety net for his loneliness.

It’s takes a sister, a fake boyfriend ploy, and a man with a tragic background, to get Griff out of his Grinch-like ways and into a relationship and new life. Same goes for Logan, the friend who agrees to the fake boyfriend deal for his bestie when she invites him home for the Christmas holiday. He’s a well defined character, his own foster background and loss of family coming through in moving glimpses.

The author has written several tough topics into the narrative. Loss of family, fear of abandonment, inability or fear to connect, trauma and loss. Whether it’s fear of what’s gone or what is there to have and can be lost. Again.

How each man is feeling about these important issues, the emotional state of mind is beautifully expressed in scenes, individually and of the men working together to overcome their fears.

The storytelling is so warmhearted and layered with the seasonality of the Christmas events and townspeople as they have their own impact on the growing relationship.

I love the story and definitely feel it’s a must read for anyone who enjoys holiday stories.

Christmas Falls:

✓ Get Frosted by Amy Aislin

✓ Grinch Kisses by DJ Jamison ❤️

◦ Snowbody Loves Me by Jacki James

✓ Silent Knight by Beth Bolden

✓ Under the Mistle-tome by Sammi Cee ❤️

◦ Clausing a Scene by Casey Cox

◦ No Elfing Way by Hayden Hall

◦ Ready, Set, Glow by Rye Cox

◦ Scrooge You! by Brigham Vaughn

“Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/ M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.”

Buy Link:

Grinch Kisses

Blurb:

I’m the grinch who saves Christmas …

Yep, you read that right. Every year I save Christmas–and Christmas Falls–by organizing a massive festival that sustains tourism for our little town.

But it turns out when Christmas is your life 24/7, the shine wears off the twinkly lights after a while. The holidays are a heck of a lot of work, and when I go home, I want peace and quiet, not fa-la-la’ing on my porch.

That all changes when my sister brings me an early Christmas gift. One I didn’t ask for. One that’s tall, broad, and handsome…

Suddenly this season got a whole lot brighter.

Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.

Review: Tied Over (Marshals Book 6) by Mary Calmes

Rating: 4.75 🌈

Honestly, a tried and true hero Mary Calmes story was just what I needed at the moment. And that’s what I get in the sixth installment in Calmes’ Marshals series, Tied Over.

I’m a long time fan of this universe which started with another series I no longer rec (publisher issues) and continues into the Marshals series, run by Sam Kage. So many great and familiar characters are staples throughout the storylines that each book feels like a homecoming.

That’s a plus for fans of the series but perhaps a drawback for readers new to the universe and couples. There’s so much built in knowledge and background that accompanies a book in this universe. Even with the details the author provides into their backstory, a reader is still missing out on much of the depth of relationships and past experiences of the Marshals that’s built even into the mere flyaway sentences. Doesn’t mean, don’t read it, that simply means go back and enjoy starting at the beginning.

Why? Because of getting to enjoy the thrill of the journey to love and happiness with the Marshal or usually Marshals that make up the couple of the novel.

That glorious Mary Calmes knight in shining armor character who everyone loves, who in this case is US Deputy Marshal Josiah Redeker, aka Jed. He’s the perfect example of why I read and love this author. He’s a typical Calmes hero. He saves the day every time. He saves small children from bad men, he takes down really evil people, he saves dogs, and most importantly, he saves his partner and love of his life from making a bad decision.

And Calmes has Jed do all this with heart stopping action, poignant scenes, moving moments, children so realistic and fragile is scary, and scenes just plain raw that you know you’re going to be rereading the book as soon as it’s finished.

And it’s not just Jed, it’s his partner US Deputy Marshal Bodhi Callahan, the other half of him. This is not the first time that the reader has met this couple if you’ve been following the series as they’ve appeared in other books.

They’ve been partners for years, in love for years, in a relationship that’s been personally rough for them at times, but always partners, even when assigned babysitting duties to other baby Marshals. Both characters are fully realized, with a deep sense of connection that the author makes the reader feel so invested in.

Calmes pulls us in immediately into various dramatic scenes, giving the readers the details on the law enforcement scenes and the personal lives of the main characters so once we enter, it’s one fast paced read to the emotional satisfying end.

I was thrilled at the way the story went and how the couple had grown back together and gotten the ending they deserved.

Just exactly what I needed as well. This is why I read Mary Calmes and will continue to make her a go to author.

Haven’t read this series? Check out the list below.

Marshals:

✓ All Kinds of Tied Down #1

✓ Fit To Be Tied #2

✓ Tied Up In Knots #3

✓ Twisted and Tied #4

✓ Balanced and Tied #5

✓ Tied Down #6

Buy Link:

Tied Over (Marshals Book 6)

Blurb:

Josiah Redeker has been tied up, tied down, and just plain tied to Bodhi Callahan since the younger marshal was paired with him five years ago. It was an easy slide from partners to best friends, and though Bodhi wanted more, Josiah thought Bodhi could do far better than him. That made for a bumpy ride, and, of course, the moment Josiah realized that trying to live without the man he loved more than anything was not something he could do, that was when Bodhi broke the big news that he was getting married. Adding to that nightmare, they got reassigned as partners because other people needed them more.

It’s a disaster all around, and all Josiah sees ahead of him is pain—and not only from getting shot.

But what he thinks he knows for sure isn’t exactly all there is. Turns out, he’s not the only one who’s missing his touchstone, and Bodhi might be fraying at the edges, coming undone. When two people have been tied together over and over for so long, it’s not so easy to get loose. And maybe neither wants to be free of the other, and that could be their future, as long as no one comes between them… with a gun.

• Publisher: (November 28, 2023)

• Publication date: November 28, 2023

• Print length: 258 pages

Review: The Holigay Hookup by Louisa Masters

Rating: 3🌈

A story in shared universe with the author’s Mr Romance of the Franklin U series collection, this holiday short features the uncles of Mr Romance’s young main couple.

I’m a solid fan of Masters and her ability to build great characters, relationships, and, indeed, imaginative worlds to throw them into.

But the short length here limits this to a cute story with characters and a relationship that’s one note, quickly built, instant love, with little of the author’s usual narrative charm and depth. There’s just too little page length.

It’s a meet, insult, meet again with great embarrassment. Apologies and into bed. Love and immediate commitment. Done. With family that you don’t have much time to get a feel for.

So if you’re interested in a quick holiday tale that’s a cute read. Pick it up, read, put down. Mainly because of the author. Interested? The Holigay Hookup by Louisa Masters is a short story for you.

Buy Link:

Blurb:

The hot guy at my new job is my nephew’s boyfriend’s uncle… and I just insulted his whole family…

Transferring to the California office is a great opportunity for me, and it gives me the chance to spend more time with my nephew, Liam. There’s no way to lose in this situation—especially when I meet Jim, who works in my office, is super-hot, and seems interested.

Except, for reasons I can’t explain, I might have complained about having to spend Thanksgiving with Liam’s boyfriend’s family, who are mega rich. I wasn’t expecting to turn up and discover that Jim’s nephew is dating mine… and that the family I called snobs is his.

Now I have to find a way to apologize and convince Jim to keep my secret. There’s no way I’ll risk damaging Liam’s relationship. Too bad there’s no chance he’ll still be interested in me… right?

A fun holiday romp with cameo appearances by Liam and Charlie from Mr. Romance.

Review: Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes by Eli Easton

Rating: 3🌈

Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes by Eli Easton is based loosely on one of this author’s favorite movies with comedic actors Steve Martin and John Candy, “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”.

Both have unexpected road trips at its core and new relationships that form as part of the plot.

Easton’s is a sweet instant love story that happens at Christmas during a road trip racing to escape a Hurricane bearing down on Florida and the east coast.

One man’s an engaged uptight medical businessman trying to get to his wedding, and the other’s a social worker trying to see a mother who’s sick to say goodbye. Both in New York City. Or there bouts.

The premise is cute and the characters are straight up Easton adorable. But the quickness of breakdown in Joe Blankenship’s life, from engaged overworked medical executive to “madly in love” running after the social worker who’s convinced him to give up everything.

It feels more like a mid life crisis than a real life romantic moment. It’s a hurricane. They run around a Six Flags type of theme park while fleeing it , smh! Then it’s crisis mode and pressed into relief and more crisis related events.

No relationship really but sex and high emotions that just don’t make me feel like this isn’t anything but intense events and pressure piled into each other. For me, the author didn’t make the connection between the two men viable past the hurricane.

If the author had made the relationship between the two men more realistic , then maybe leave out running around doing crazy stuff while a major hurricane’s impact on their car ride and the world around them. Make that clear and direct, because the events that happen just take the men and their trip out of any kind of realistic scenario until Easton decides to plunge them back in again.

It’s fun, it’s not. It’s a break, it’s a disaster. It’s a roller coaster of a narrative that has not a lot of substance.

Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes by Eli Easton is a cute Christmas story but not my favorite from this author. Read it because you’re a fan or you like holiday stories.

Buy Link:

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Planes-…Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes: A Christmas road trip romance

Blurb:

Joe knows where he is going in life. But one crazy road trip just might change everything.

Joe Blankenship knows where he’s going. He’s on track to marry the boss’s daughter and become heir apparent to a multi-million dollar medical supply business. The financial security he never had growing up is within his grasp along with a glitzy Manhattan lifestyle. All he has to do is get to New York by Christmas Eve for his engagement party.

Joe didn’t count on getting grounded in Florida thanks to a hurricane. He couldn’t have anticipated having to rent a broken-down car for the long drive north. And he certainly never foresaw being stuck with a passenger like Remy Guidry, a sweet-natured Cajun boy, social worker at a children’s home, and free spirit. Remy is the opposite of everything Joe has worked for. But he just might teach Joe, not only the spirit of Christmas, but what’s truly of value in life.

Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes is a Christmas road trip, forced proximity, opposites attract romance.

Buy Link:

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Planes-…Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes: A Christmas road trip romance

Blurb:

Joe knows where he is going in life. But one crazy road trip just might change everything.

Joe Blankenship knows where he’s going. He’s on track to marry the boss’s daughter and become heir apparent to a multi-million dollar medical supply business. The financial security he never had growing up is within his grasp along with a glitzy Manhattan lifestyle. All he has to do is get to New York by Christmas Eve for his engagement party.

Joe didn’t count on getting grounded in Florida thanks to a hurricane. He couldn’t have anticipated having to rent a broken-down car for the long drive north. And he certainly never foresaw being stuck with a passenger like Remy Guidry, a sweet-natured Cajun boy, social worker at a children’s home, and free spirit. Remy is the opposite of everything Joe has worked for. But he just might teach Joe, not only the spirit of Christmas, but what’s truly of value in life.

Planes, Trains, and Hurricanes is a Christmas road trip, forced proximity, opposites attract romance.

Review: Get Frosted (a Christmas Falls novel) by Amy Aislin

Rating: 4🌈

Get Frosted is a sweet Christmas romance with elements of small towns at Christmas, retired NHL players looking for a new start, home, and love.

This is a low angst story about a family that has two retired NHL players that have returned back home to Christmas Falls after their careers have ended. It’s the younger brother , Mik, who’s the main character, one who has had a long rivalry with/crush with his older brother’s best friend and NHL teammate, Rudy Snow.

This charts their relationship and Rudy’s indecision about staying in Christmas Falls, the longest stretch of stability in his life.

There are so many wonderful elements written into this book. Aislin’s scenes of Mik’s helping one of his young hockey players learn how to high stick properly highlights not only the author’s own knowledge of the game but her ability to bring this moment beautifully to life, making the shared love and passion for hockey, the teaching that’s etched into the ice, sticks and blades feel real and meaningful.

And there’s the decorations, from the Bigfoot collection to the icicles lighting of memory that mean so much to the men, town, and most likely many readers. The author writes that into the narrative in ways that are humorous, and poignant, much as this mixed feelings of this holiday tradition often brings us.

As the relationship develops and grows, we are able to develop a feeling about the town and characters, not just the couple. It turns into a sweet Christmas romance with a sense of humor and touches of small town pride that makes it a lovely read.

Christmas Falls:

✓ Get Frosted by Amy Aislin

◦ Grinch Kisses by DJ Jamison

◦ Snowbody Loves Me by Jacki James

◦ Silent Knight by Beth Bolden

◦ Under the Mistle-tome by Sammi Cee

◦ Clausing a Scene by Casey Cox

◦ No Elfing Way by Hayden Hall

◦ Ready, Set, Glow by Rye Cox

◦ Scrooge You! by Brigham Vaughn

“Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/ M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.”

— Get Frosted by Amy Aislin

Buy Link:

Get Frosted

Blurb:

For years, Mik has wanted nothing more than to put coal in Rudy Snow’s stocking.

As former pro hockey players, they’ve been rivals for years. It started in Mik’s rookie season, when a reporter pitted him against his older brother’s best friend. Rudy pushes Mik’s buttons like no one else, going out of his way to one-up him at every turn.

Now they’re both pub owners in a small town that takes Christmas to a level best seen in Hallmark movies, but not much else has changed. They’re still rivals, this time pitting gingerbread martinis against pomegranate sangria.

But when they’re forced to work together to plan a special holiday party, sparks ignite. Maybe it’s a bad idea to put coal in Rudy’s stocking after all. They both might just catch fire.

Then again, what better way is there to stay warm on a cold winter’s night?

Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.