Review: No Business Like Snow Business (Christmas Falls, Season 2) by J.A. Rock & Lisa Henry

Rating: 5🌈

There are some authors and stories I just savor. I read them slowly, joyfully anticipating the next chapters and narrative twists that the writers have planned for the characters and storylines. I’m so engaged in this world and the lives unfolding here that I’m often lost , scene by scene, moment by moment. Doesn’t matter whether it’s a heartrending scene or as in the fabulous novel, No Business Like Snow Business (Christmas Falls, Season 2) by J.A. Rock & Lisa Henry, a romantic holiday journey of self discovery and family. All in that amazing small town of Christmas Falls.

Yes, I’m an absolute fan of J.A. Rock & Lisa Henry, they are auto reads of mine. And this contemporary romance just is one more example why.

We’ve met Harvey Novak, head of the Christmas Falls Historical Museum, before in previous novels. But here, Harvey shines and becomes one of the most beloved characters in the town. A lover of the town, of Christmas and history, and of mysteries, Harvey is the perfect person to turn to when Sterling van Ruyven comes to town, old photograph in hand, with a family mystery to solve. And maybe to find himself as well.

Sterling, wealthy, out of his element, determined, is a character who undergoes such tremendous growth. It’s a journey the reader takes with him, as Christmas Falls and Harvey, take him in hand, show him the kindness and warmth and love he’s been missing. Just thinking about it makes me want to go read the story all over again.

It’s the various residents we’ve already met, the places so familiar, the streets decked out for the Festival, and the spirit with which the people there look after Sterling, and Harvey.

There will always be favorites in the Christmas Falls series, both of them. But this is in my very top.

Highly recommended. A must holiday read.

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

No Business Like Snow Business

Blurb

Harvey Novak loves living in Christmas Falls. He loves his job running the Festival Museum too, except when it means he has to deal with his ex, who’s putting together the town’s newest tourist brochures. There are a lot of things Harvey is willing to do for Christmas Falls, but playing nice with the guy who cheated on him isn’t one of them.

When a real-life Christmas mystery falls into Harvey’s lap, it offers the perfect distraction. And the guy with the mystery is pretty distracting too.

Sterling van Ruyven has come to Christmas Falls to look for his long-lost uncle, and enlists Harvey’s help to track him down. It’s all business—if there’s an extra van Ruyven heir out there somewhere, Sterling needs to know about it. He isn’t expecting to actually enjoy spending time in this ridiculous Christmas-themed town with the cute guy from the museum.

Their fun flirtation turns into a holiday fling, but that’s all it can ever be. Harvey’s heart belongs in Christmas Falls, and Sterling hasn’t found his yet. But maybe Christmas is the time for miracles after all.

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.

Publication date: December 3, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 202 pages

Review: The Christmas Keeper (Laurel Holidays Book 6) by V.L. Locey

Rating: 5🌈

V. L. Locey’s Laurel Holidays novels are a must read for me , and this season’s release has to be my absolute favorite of all. The Christmas Keeper, Laurel Holidays Book 6, just resonates with me on multiple levels.

All the heartwarming Locey elements are here and elevated. From the realistic, beautifully crafted small Pennsylvania town and community, as well as the wonderfully layered characters and holiday traditions. Locey weaves all these elements together to create a truly heartfelt romance that makes you feel so much a part of the season and the lives of a town and couple that you forget all are fictional.

Brann Argraves, a man whose previous relationship has soured him on romance and the holidays, is returning home from his sister’s wedding, when he helps a man in need at the small airport near home.

Brann is a perfectly realized character, from his wounded personality with raised shields to the well drawn family who are concerned about him. Every detail of his life fits, his great realistic rescue geese, his small sparse cabin , bare of most usual personal touches expected from someone that’s well settled and happy. It all speaks to the character Locey has built and who will evolve over the course of the story. The excellent attention to character building continues with Kenan Gardet, a busker singer in a small airport , with a history of substance abuse, who’s trying to chart a new path for his life. Kenan is a moving character, but his equal is Brann in surprisingly strong depths of personality traits and support in terms of narrative foundation . In short, they work as believably wounded people finding their way towards recovery and each other. During the holidays, Kenan’s Jewish traditions and those of of Breann’s he’s rediscovering, which will bring them closer together.

Honestly, The Christmas Keeper (Laurel Holidays Book 6) by V.L. Locey will be on re-read, and not only for the holidays, it’s just that comfort story that you embrace.

And one I’m highly recommending, no matter what or if any holiday you celebrate.

Laurel Holidays series:

The Easter Redemption

The Christmas Extra

The Christmas Oaks #1

The Christmas Pundit #2

The Christmas Tenor #3

The Christmas Rescue #4

The Christmas Keeper #6

Buy link

vllocey.comhttp://vllocey.com › the-christmas-…The Christmas Keeper (Laurel Holidays #6)

Blurb

A grumpy pub owner is about to have his chilly heart warmed by a down-on-his-luck country singer.

Brann Argraves has never left the charming village of Whiteham before nor does he wish to. As the owner of the Whiteham Taphouse, he is content to spend his life serving drafts of beer to the locals, shooting darts with his buddies, and shutting himself away in his cabin for the duration of the holidays. Who needs all that ho-ho-ho, any who? His sister, on the other hand, not only yanked him out of his happy yet somewhat solitary bubble, but she’s also reveling in it. Planning a winter wedding was plain foolish, Brann feels, as is making people fly to some frozen wasteland in Canada to tie the knot. Now, he’s never been happier to return home after the wedding and get back to his bar, his darts, and his little home on the outskirts of town.

Landing at a wintry airport smack dab in the middle of a nasty snow squall, Brann and his weary fellow flyers are entertained by a handsome, rumpled man busking outside the airport. There’s something almost magical about the man’s dark, sad gaze as well as his angelic vocals. Perhaps it’s the residual merry-merry of his sister’s nuptials, or maybe he recognizes a lonely kindred soul, but Brann steps way out of his comfort zone when he offers the man a warm place to sleep above his bar. Kenan Gardet settles into the pub with ease and Southern grace. The down-and-out singer quickly proves himself an asset to Brann’s business as a good barkeep and as a nightly draw on stage. What he didn’t expect was Kenan capturing his heart one plaintive song and gentle kiss at a time.

The Christmas Keeper is a standalone grumpy/sunshine, hurt/comfort, insta-love, gay Christmas romance with a bah-humbug bar owner, a recovering country crooner, a small town tavern chock full of unique townsfolk, two geese who are not feeling the Christmas spirit, a gingerbread house bake-off, and a sweet as plum pudding happy ending.

Content warning: This story has references to past substance abuse.

Publication date: November 30, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 186 pages

Review: Once Upon A Mistletoe Kiss (Once Upon a Holiday story) by Sammi Cee

Rating: 4🌈

Once Upon A Mistletoe Kiss by Sammi Cee is another story in the Christmas series, Once Upon a Holiday, a 8-novel multi author holiday offering.

Cee’s story is low angst, sweet, full of found family and holiday romance, wrapped up in about 95 pages.

Grumpy work from home IT guy gets new neighbors, divorced dad with adorable kids, great ex wife, and cute dog. A reluctant relationship develops between them and it turns into a happy family, finally at Christmas.

The connection to all the books in this series is The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library, a library or bookstore ,depending on the book , on wheels owned by Jane and Cybil, two old ladies in love. It’s a brief element here. Didn’t need it except that’s it’s part of the series theme.

Cee’s got a lovely story and warmhearted ending. A win for the season.

Cover design by Kelly York

Once Upon a Holiday series – 8 books:

Once Upon a Second Chance by Davidson King

Once Upon A Mistletoe Kiss by Sammi Cee

Once Upon a Holiday Vacation by Annabella Michaels

Once Upon a Lullaby Lane by K York

Once Upon a Christmas Con by Skylar M Cates

Once Upon A Christmas Song by Mary Calmes

Once Upon a Yuletide Romance by RJ Peterson

Once Upon A Goth Dog Solstice by R L Merrill

Buy link

Once Upon A Mistletoe Kiss

Blurb

There’s no place like home for the holidays…

Especially if you hate them and want to pretend they don’t exist.

When the older man moves in next door with his two loud children and irritating pets, I ignore them. I don’t want my life to change.

Except it does. Between him and his kids, someone’s always knocking on my door needing something.

Or wanting to share delicious baked goods or a meal. I don’t need nice neighbors. I don’t want people in my space—especially ones with small, dirty fingers and a million questions.

But there’s something about his smile. The twinkle in his eyes and his merry laugh when it comes to all things festive…

He’s making me wish and dream and hope for holiday magic and mistletoe kisses. He’s making me believe in family.

Once Upon A Mistletoe Kiss is a part of the multi-author series Once Upon a Holiday Story. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library, a library on wheels owned by two old ladies in love.

Publication date: November 19, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 95 pages

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

Review: Once Upon a Second Chance (Once Upon a Holiday Story Book 1) by Davidson King

Rating: 4.5🌈

Once Upon a Holiday Story is a new multi author holiday series that has some of my favorite writers as contributors. It starts out with a warmhearted story, Once Upon a Second Chance by Davidson King, a lovely age gap small town Christmas tale of two lonely people finding love at a time both had given up on love.

Daniel Laverton lives alone, with the exception of his cat, in Everlasting Springs, a town founded by his family and whose care and responsibility for Daniel still shoulders with love. He’s grown up there and doesn’t intend to ever leave. That has come at a cost.

But in this lovely emotional holiday story, it also brings him and a desperate young man together in a time of crisis and seasonal change.

The younger man is Aaron Darwin, someone familiar with loss and survival. A snowy night brings him to Everlasting Springs, Daniel, and a new journey ahead.

This is a gentle story, with no high angst but the reality of how a person’s life changes quickly. For worse and for the better. The men feel grounded in their circumstances, their lives and the world around them. The community there has the distinct small town feel and the story wraps up in a believable, satisfying way.

I wasn’t sure until I read the description but the connection between all the books will be a traveling library, owned by a older pair of women, clearly in love, The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library. I would have liked a little more information about them in this story.

I think this idea as a theme and a connective element is so interesting and look forward to see how each author introduces it in their stories.

If you’re a fan of this author and holiday novels, this is a great book to dive into! Check it out and the entire series listed below.

Great covers, every single one.

Cover design by: Sleepy Fox Studio

Once Upon a Holiday series – 8 books:

Once Upon a Second Chance by Davidson King

Once Upon A Mistletoe Kiss by Sammi Cee

Once Upon a Holiday Vacation by Annabella Michaels

Once Upon a Lullaby Lane by K York

Once Upon a Christmas Con by Skylar M Cates

Once Upon A Christmas Song by Mary Calmes

Once Upon a Yuletide Romance by RJ Peterson

Once Upon A Goth Dog Solstice by R L Merrill

Buy link

Once Upon a Second Chance (Once Upon a Holiday Story Book 1)

Blurb

Can two men weighed down by their pasts find a future with each other?

Daniel Laverton is a wealthy man who was born into privilege. His family helped build Everlasting Springs, and he spends his days ensuring it prospers. The town is in his veins, the love he has for it keeping him there, happily. In his big house on the top of a hill he resides—just him, his cat, and his past. With middle age knocking at his door and the holidays approaching, loneliness is creeping in.

Aaron Darwin is used to struggling. He lives a moment at a time, traveling in his not-so-trusty car, going from place to place and looking for work. When a huge storm looms, Aaron’s luck goes from bad to worse and his vehicle decides to die. With no shelter, very little money, and a town ahead that is closing down, Aaron has no idea how he will get through this impending disaster.

Perhaps it’s the jingle bells in the air or his own solitude, but there’s no way Daniel can leave the man stranded. When he takes a reluctant Aaron in to hunker down and ride out the storm, the two get more than they bargained for. It is easy for them to see all the reasons they shouldn’t work and overlook all the ways they do, but it is holiday season in Everlasting Springs, a time for miracles and second chances. A time for two lonely men to realize they’ve already received the best gift for Christmas: each other.

Once Upon a Second Chance is a part of the multi-author series Once Upon a Holiday Story. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Hook’s Book Nook Traveling Library, a library on wheels owned by two old ladies in love.

Publication date: November 15, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 136 pages

Review: Flake It Til You Make It (Christmas Falls 2 ) by Beth Bolden

Rating: 5🌈

How I live for the Morettis! Doesn’t matter what series or circumstances Bolden is putting them in on their way to a HEA, it’s a culinary Italian fabulous journey.

Christmas Falls that imaginary small town that’s all things Christmas is now getting the Bolden touch again in it’s second season as a Moretti has moved to town!

This story was everything. I’m a huge fan of Bolden’s, her ability to create real life stories and relatable characters, pulling the reader into their relationships and circumstances. But here? It’s a holiday story, where we get familiar characters, heartwarming themes, a wonderful romance,mouthwatering food (wanted that lasagna so bad), and the fabulous Moretti clan. Be still my heart!

Rocco Moretti has moved to Christmas Falls to carve out his own niche in the Moretti family of chefs and restaurateurs. He’s bought out a longtime favorite coffee shop, Jolly Java, to make his own and settle down. But things go wrong almost immediately.

Bolden sets up a faked boyfriend story during the holidays but with a twist when the Deputy Mayor Taylor Hall, needs a boyfriend for his interview and Rocco needs helps winning the town back after a goat cheese fiasco. Let a lovely heartwarming romance and relationship between these wonderful men begin. With the town fully invested.

This romance and the development of the men’s relationship made my night. It’s a holiday hug and a cosy evening reading with the drink of choice.

Highly recommended any time of the year but especially at Christmas.Don’t miss out on the recipe at the end.

Christmas Falls, Season 2:

The Snuggle is Real by DJ Jamison Flake It til You Make It by Beth Bolden ❤️

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

Flake It Til You Make It

Blurb

It’s beginning to taste a lot like Christmas . . .

When Rocco Moretti gets the chance to buy a coffee shop in a small Illinois town, it feels like a miracle. And in true Christmas Falls tradition, Jolly Java is a holiday-flavored one.

He sets up shop and starts experimenting with recipes. The only problem? His changes go over like a piece of coal on Christmas morning. Instead of serving up cups of holiday cheer, he’s getting a solid “bah humbug” vibe from the town.

He needs another miracle, stat.

Enter Deputy Mayor Taylor Hall.

With the town’s city manager retiring, Taylor is looking to make a leadership move, but his dream is melting because the city council still sees him as an outsider. He needs to prove he’s in Christmas Falls to stay, and what better way than by getting a boyfriend?

Even a fake one.

Rocco needs the town’s acceptance, so why not date the deputy mayor? Faking it till they make it will be a means to an end. That’s all.

But sharing the holiday season wins over more than the town’s hearts. With each date, each mistletoe kiss, and every steamy night in front of the fire, it wins over theirs as well.

Come Christmas morning, there’s really only one miracle Rocco wants under his tree.

For the love they’ve been faking to become real.

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 15, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 307 pages

Review: Ice Around the Edges by Mary Calmes

Rating: 3🌈

Ice Around the Edges by Mary Calmes is a perfect example of how a story written years ago (December 2010) and re-released just doesn’t hold up in present times. At least not without making some major changes and narrative length.

I’m a fan of Calmes and her characters but this storyline is full of elements that demonstrate how certain aspects of a relationship has changed over time. Things now that raise flags and are considered warning signs for a person weren’t really well known fourteen years ago. Or elements that would have factored into contemporary romances.

The basic story is that this couple broke up because one of them, the one who had the most money and wealthiest family heard his father and grandfather arguing over his “friend” saying he wasn’t good enough. So without further information or arguments on their behalf, the rich son , Dixon Bain, immediately broke up with the other man Evan Kano, and never saw him again. Years pass.

Evan goes on to live a full and eventful life. Gets shot, ends up hospitalized. He’s handling it well and responsibly. But out of nowhere comes Dixon, steamrolling Evan with plans for Evan to immediately leave Chicago, his apartment, go to NYC, etc. After no contact with Dixon in years. What follows is a prime example of what’s now termed “love bombing “.

Doesn’t leave when asked. Hides in a room. Brings his mother with him to make excuses while the person is fragile in a hospital bed. Honestly, more flags.

There’s some honesty here but very little. The story itself is only 62 pages.

Had Calmes rewritten it, extended the narrative to include time for these men to explore who they had become after all this time? Give the men and readers a chance to see and relate with the story and men as they reconnect as adults with new experiences and maturity. That would have given this the missing depth and relevance that it’s lacking.

Instead the story we or they got here is the one from 2010. There was a lot of potential to update this but it didn’t happen.

Read it because it’s by Calmes and you just read everything of hers.

Buy Link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › …Ice Around the Edges – Kindle edition by Calmes, Mary. Romance …

Blurb

Evan Kano’s life is on an even keel until the night he’s shot at the homeless shelter where he works. The resulting turmoil is not caused by a bullet but by a blast from the past: Evan’s first lover has returned to visit him in the hospital and deliver some big news.

Ten years ago, Dixon Bain walked out of Evan’s life because he thought his family didn’t approve of him having a male lover. But Dixon has discovered that what he thought he knew could not be further from the truth, and now he’s returned to claim the only man he’s ever loved… if he can melt the ice around the edges of Evan’s still-wounded heart.

2nd edition, previously published December 2010.

Publication date: October 25, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 62 pages

Review: Newly Tied (Marshals Book 7) by Mary Calmes

Rating: 4.5🌈

I have loved this series for a long time and was so happy to see another story and couple added to this expanding law enforcement community and universe. According to the author, this is just the beginning of the journey for Del and Lang in terms of books which is appropriate because the beginning of their partnership and romantic relationship is exactly what Calmes delivers here.

We enter as relocated Texan, Delroy “Del” McCabe, begins a new chapter of his life. Del’s in Chicago as one of a group of law enforcement officers on probation as they hoping for the permanent assignment as US federal Marshals. They’re on probation and training under the office of Sam Kage, the deputy chief of the Northern District of Illinois, basically head of all the Marshals in the area.

Another member of that group is a local Chicago officer, Langston “Lang” Ross, a man whose family and roots run deep and whose connection with Del is instantly apparent and solid.

Calmes delivers an emotional journey of friendship, and emotional connection as Del and Lang go from action packed case to case, exploring their own experiences as relationships as regards to their careers and each other.

Of course, other Marshals and their partners and families are also involved in this journey and story, a wonderful aspect of the series and Calmes’ writing that sees crossover characters.

Other elements of the story include Lang’s discovery of his bisexuality or pansexuality because of his love for Del. Del’s recognition and acceptance of the need for therapy for the parental abuse he suffered during his childhood, and Lang’s support for his own PTSD issues. It’s sensitively written and folded realistically into their characters and storylines.

I love Calmes’ novels and her characters tend to be heroes. Right now I needed to read this. And I definitely want to read more about this couple and their relationship going forward.

Highly recommended.

Marshals series to date:

🔹All Kinds Of Tied Down #1

🔹Fit To Be Tied #2

🔹Tied Up In Knots #3

🔹Twisted and Tied #4 – Miro Jones and Ian Doyle (1 through 4)

🔹Balanced and Tied #5 – Eli Kohn and Celso Harrington, ballet dancer

🔹Tied Over #6 – Josiah Redeker and Bodhi Callahan

🔹Newly Tied #7 – Delroy “Del” McCabe and Langston “Lang” Ross

Covers by Reese Dante

Buy link

Newly Tied (Marshals Book 7)

Blurb

For the last six months, Deputy US Marshal Delroy McCabe has been secretly pining for his partner, Langston Ross. He’s kept his desires to himself because he wants to do a good job and prove himself at work. More importantly, if Lang were to find out his true feelings, maybe the person he cares for the most might walk away.

Between the understanding and support Lang gives him, as well as time with his family, Del can’t afford to slip up. But then, why does his partner and best friend care who Del sleeps with? Why, if given a choice, would Lang prefer to do anything with him? Maybe Del’s been missing something important, and perhaps Lang’s not the only one who’s not seeing what’s right in front of him.

Because sometimes the strongest ties are the ones that bind our hearts.

Publication date: November 4, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 246 pages

Review: Winnie Takes Paris (Love and Travels #2) by Lane Hayes

Rating: 5🌈

I just love this and fell deeply under the spell of Winnie Rodriquez as he conquered not only Paris but his wonderful, brilliant professor, Dr. Alistair Creighton.

One of the many things I appreciate about this novel is the absolute joy I can see the author took in writing this. It’s everywhere, in every aspect of the book. The places that Winnie and Alistair travel to and visit while in Paris are all museums, shops, and special spaces that Hayes herself has been and the affection and love shines in her descriptions. Her views of Paris and the surrounding areas mirror Winnie’s in so many ways in the wonderful outlook and appreciation.

I can also see the creativity and passion for this story in the outright hilarity of the conversations, dialogue’s between Winnie and Alistair as they learn about each other, that joyful and deeply rooted in how special each is.

These characters are beautifully real, aware, vividly written, gorgeous characters. I couldn’t look away from the pages and their journey into a relationship and love. And Paris was a stunning background for them to discover that they were perfect for each other and fit together.

I could see both Winnie and Alistair so clearly, their personalities and clothes were as finely detailed as everything else.

My one quibble is I wanted more. One book isn’t nearly enough for this couple who’s spread across multiple countries. I would love to see them together again in books to come.

Highly recommended, along with Raine’s story.

Love and Travels :

Falling for Raine #1

Winnie Takes Paris #2

Buy link

Winnie Takes Paris

Blurb

The fabulous stylist, the absentminded professor, and a Parisian adventure…

Winnie

Someone once said, when life gets you down and you’re feeling blue, brush yourself off and go to Paris!

Okay, maybe that was me.

Hey, I don’t regret taking an oddball assignment to assist a British professor abroad. I could use a break from my life as an aspiring hair and style guru in LA. The only worrisome snag is that the professor is determined to do everything on his own.

Not acceptable. I’m here to help the impossibly smart geek with mismatched socks who just happens to be my best friend’s boss.

No, I don’t know nothing about history, but I’m nothing if not resourceful. What could go wrong?

Alistair

I’ve been called an absent-minded professor more than once. I don’t mind at all. My work is important and living on a diet of biscuits and tea while delving into ancient civilizations doesn’t seem so terrible. But Paris calls. And somehow, I have a new temporary assistant.

Winnie is a technicolor, whirlwind American with a wicked laugh and the subtlety of a steamroller. He’s brash and ridiculous and…funny, warm, lovely, and—

Oh no. This can’t be happening. I swore I’d never fall for anyone again.

Winnie can take Paris, but he can’t take my heart.

Or can he?

Lane Hayes

November 7, 2024

220

pages

Review: Just Bromantically Invested (Accidental Love, #4) by Saxon James

Rating: 3.5🌈

Saxon James Accidental Love series is drawing to an end, with the penultimate book, Just Bromantically Invested. As one by one the “lost boys” of Big Bertha are finding their partners and HEA, it’s time for Madden and Penn to get their own story.

Madden, with his free wheeling approach to life, aversion to clothes, and large heart, has been a challenging character for me to connect with. For some reason I just haven’t found him as interesting as the others. This book does help give Madden the depth of character and background into why the nudity is so important to him that’s been lacking.

James’ narrative has a number of other elements to bring to the table. It’s got a best friends to lovers relationship with one of them discovering that he’s not exactly straight but bisexual. I’m not sure the author makes the full argument for this quick turnaround on Penn’s behalf. They may have been friends but based on the behavior seen Penn’s clueless mostly so it feels more importantly based on the needs of the plot line. They work together fluidly as friends, lovers not so much.

But probably because the romance needs more exploration as the other aspects of their lives and struggles that need so much clarification. That house dynamics is a mess, Madden’s inability to separate himself from the others to see a separate role for others is an issue that continues past that ending. And has an impact on the rest of the characters, especially Penn.

I do love the support and communication that finally comes when Madden is able to convey what he needs going forward, including explaining why being naked is so important as a major part of that.

Penn , anxiety prone and introvert that he is, however, is the one that is repeatedly given the reduced role here. In Madden’s head, Penn comes in after his relationships with his found brothers/family members of Big Bertha. Even at the end, that feeling that Penn is not as much of an embedded player in Madden’s life as he is in Penn’s seems clear.

So it left me tentatively connected to both and actually feeling irritated by the continuing drama with Xander, who’s still refusing help. Xander has the last book and that’s the wrap. Should be interesting.

I enjoyed the earlier stories better than I have the recent ones . I look forward to seeing how James closes out the series.

Accidental Love:

The Husband Hoax #1
Not Dating Material #2
The Revenge Agenda #3
Just Bromantically Invested #4
Not Catching Love #5 – Jan 30,2025

Buy link

Just Bromantically Invested (Accidental Love Book 4)

Blurb

Madden

My best friend is uptight, gorgeous, the greatest person I know … and I might be a smidge in love with him. Just a small amount. Barely worth the mention.

Which is a stupid choice on my part when the guy is straight.

Starting a landscaping company with him was the perfect mix of doing what I love and an excuse to spend time with him, only it hasn’t completely taken off yet and now he’s telling me he’s lonely.

Lonely.

Apparently having one friend in your life isn’t enough.

So I’m determined to help him find love. With someone other than me. Maybe if I can pull that off, it’ll mean my heart will finally get the message and move on.

Or finish breaking into a hundred pieces.

Same thing, right?

Penn

Being besties with an overenthusiastic, gold-hearted, nudist of a man is a challenge sometimes. Madden makes everything sunshine when he’s around.

The problem is that he hasn’t been around as much lately. We work together, sure, but he’s got his roommates and I have … no one. Just him. So I feel the distance acutely.

My one reassurance is that we have work tying us together, but when an old client calls with a proposition for us, it feels like our once solid friendship is unraveling fast.

He wants Madden to help him open a nudist resort, and if Madden’s doing that, he won’t be working with me.

I’m trying not to panic over the thought of losing him, which is a typical, common best friend reaction. Nothing out of the ordinary.

And neither is the way my body has been reacting to him lately.

Everything is totally, completely normal between us.

While there’s still an us at all.

Publisher: May Books (October 17, 2024)
Publication date: October 17, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 268 pages

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