A Free Dreamer Review: Love Blooms by Stephanie Hoyt

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Nico Hamurişi is the one and only son of Santa Claus. All his life, Nico has known he’s expected to fall in love and find lifelong commitment by the Christmas of his thirtieth year—like every other heir before him. But knowing and accepting are vastly different things, and as the final countdown begins, Nico has yet to embrace his fate. His once great enthusiasm for eventually becoming Santa has been dimmed by uncertainty over how the Santa Line will be affected when he marries a man.

With only a year left, will Nico have time to find love and commitment all while learning how magic will transform the family line to accommodate who he is and who he loves?

As much as I tend to avoid holiday stories on principle, I actually read two of them this year. “Love Blooms” sounded like an interesting take on the Santa Claus myth, so I decided to give it a try. And I’m glad I did because I actually quite liked it.

After reading the blurb, I was a bit worried there might be Mpreg in this story, a trope I really can’t stand. But I’m glad to say that none of the boys got pregnant. I won’t reveal how the “provide an heir” problem is solved, but magic does indeed find a way.

As I’d hoped, the take on the Santa Claus myth proved to be quite interesting. Being Austrian, I didn’t grow up with Santa Claus, so there were no childhood memories to be spoiled for me. I liked how Santa Claus wasn’t this immortal being that didn’t age, but rather a title to be passed from father to son. I also liked how every human being had a bit of magic in them, Nico just has a different kind of magic from others. Outside of the Santa line there isn’t a whole lot of world-building going on, but it was enough.

Nico made for an easily likable character. It wasn’t hard to relate to his conflict and understand the pressure he faces. When the love finally did bloom, it was beautiful to watch it unfold. It was quite cute and fluffy, but still on a tolerable for me.

I did have a few minor niggles. Nico’s story gets a lot of on page time and I understand that his story is probably more interesting than that of his love interest, but a bit more about the other guy would have been nice anyway. Especially the reveal of his magic was very anticlimactic. And I think the story of how he decided to spend the rest of his life with the future Santa Claus would have been an interesting one to read as well.

All in all, “Love Blooms” is one of the better holiday stories out there. Yes, it’s cute and fluffy, but not extremely so. There’s real, believable conflict and struggle and an interesting take on the Santa Claus myth. I think this makes a great holiday read that lets you relax and sink into a happy place, without being over the top. I was pleasantly surprised.

The cover by Natasha Snow is really pretty. It just looks so magical and just really fits the story.

Sales Links: NineStar Press | Amazon

Book details:

ebook, 225 pages

Published December 10th 2018 by NineStar Press

Holiday Release Blitz for Home For Christmas (A Texas Story) by RJ Scott (excerpt and giveaway)

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Length: 45,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Meredith Russell

Texas Series

Book #1 – The Heart of Texas – Amazon US | Amazon UK
Book #2 – Texas Winter – Amazon US | Amazon UK
Book #3 – Texas Heat – Amazon US | Amazon UK
Book #4 – Texas Family – Amazon US | Amazon UK
Book #5 – Texas Christmas – Amazon US | Amazon UK
Book #6 – Texas Fall – Amazon US | Amazon UK
Book #7 – Texas Wedding – Amazon US | Amazon UK
Book #8 – Texas Gift – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

Can Connor show River a real family Christmas?

When Connor finds River on the roof of the campus admin building, he doesn’t know what to do. His friend is drunk, and shouting into a snowstorm, a bottle of vodka in his hand. The easy part is getting River down; the hard part is insisting River comes home with Connor for Christmas.

River doesn’t have a family, or any place outside of college that he calls home. Not that it matters to him; he’s happy being alone for Christmas in his budget motel, watching reruns of Elf. Only, Connor keeps telling wildly improbable stories of the perfect family celebrations at his parents’ ranch in Texas, and it’s wearing River down. He didn’t ask to be kidnapped. He didn’t want to fall in love with the entire Campbell-Hayes family. But he does.

From one Christmas to the next. This is Connor’s year to rescue River, and himself, for them both to mess things up, make things right, fall in lust and finally, for Connor to show the man he loves what being part of a family can mean.

Excerpt

Chapter 1

Connor skidded to a stop.

The cold December wind whipped around his face, ice and snow knifing into his skin, and at first, he couldn’t make sense of what he was seeing.

Maybe he should have stopped, called 911, shouted for help, but it could’ve been too late, so he’d acted on instinct alone. He’d taken the four flights of stairs at a run, reaching the roof and throwing the door open. His lungs burned from the freezing air and his voice had gone. What now?

Why was River on the roof in nothing but jeans and a T-shirt, clearly drunk? Why was he standing on the ledge, his feet spread, his arms wide, and a bottle of vodka in his hand?

When the girl from his floor told him she’d seen River go up to the roof, he thought she’d meant something else. He often went up there to read or watch life go by. But not in a snow storm.

He didn’t expect to see River standing on the ledge in the snow.

Don’t scare him. He’ll stumble and fall. He might jump.

A gust of air slapped Connor. River swayed to the left but righted himself with the casual grace of a gymnast. River wouldn’t fall by accident. Hell, Connor had seen him balance on one hand on a diving board, perfectly still, before falling gracefully and accurately with spins and pikes into the water below. He’d never seen River falter.

“River?” Connor asked, only an inch from grabbing River’s shirt and holding him tight. He saw River tense, but he didn’t wobble in surprise or slip and fall to the ground.

“I canbalance. Look at me.” River sounded so damn proud of himself.

Connor took a small step forward, finally being able to hold River’s shirt, hoping to hell that would be enough to stop River from falling.

“Come down, buddy.”

River lifted the bottle over his head, sloshing alcohol over his hair, his tongue flicking out to catch any that ran over his face.

“Fuck,” he shouted.

Connor tugged at him, not knowing what else to do. “Come back,” he said, loud enough that River actually looked at him.

“Leave me alone,” he said.

“I’m not leaving you on the roof,” Connor snapped and got a better hold of River, hooking a finger into his belt. River wasn’t a big guy, a diver’s body, no more than five ten and a buck sixty soaking wet, but if he fell, would Connor be able to hold him long enough to save him?

River pulled against Connor’s grip, and for a second the world stopped turning as Connor had to use his entire body weight to keep him upright. Something about the action must have scared River. He cursed and rocked backward, but he still wouldn’t come down.

“Come down,” Connor pleaded. “You’re scaring me.”

“You think you gotta save me? Huh?” River threw his arms wide again, more alcohol sloshing over the top of the bottle. “I don’t need saving.”

“I want you to come down.” Connor tried for calm. What was he doing? He should have called the cops immediately when he spotted River. Or firefighters, negotiators? Or whoever the hell should’ve been here. He’d seen things like this on the television, the mediator knowing all the right things to say and do, standing by River and connecting him to his family or childhood or his faith. All Connor knew was that he needed to pull River down, use the only thing he had going for him; the fact that he was bigger and stronger.

“I like it up here!” River explained with another wide gesture. He wobbled a little but righted himself immediately.

“Come down, Riv.”

“Saint Connor tries to save everyone,” River shouted, ending with a hysterical laugh. He was clearly losing control of himself, and even if Connor did have the words to talk him down, he thought maybe he’d just yank River back onto the concrete roof of the building and worry about injuries later.

But River wasn’t finished. “Even if they don’t need saving!”

“River!”

“Who the hell cares if I can balance, huh?”

“I care,” Connor shouted back. This was so out of character.

“Yeah, right, telling me what Christmas and family is like for you, making me see it in my head, and then leaving me here alone.”

“River, please.” Connor tugged him, but River wouldn’t move back.

“Leaving me here, alone, because that’s all anyone ever does. They fuck off, leave me, and what happens when college is over, huh? What happens when I lose that?” He lifted one clenched fist to the sky. “Fuck you!”

Connor had never heard River curse like this, and he was done with holding on to him. So evaluating where they would end up if they fell backward and not caring how much it hurt, he yanked, hard. River tumbled with him, arms flailing and the vodka bottle slipping from his grasp and falling into the tub of snow-covered plants on the roof patio. The two of them fell onto the roof, Connor using his body to cushion River’s descent, getting his arms full of an icy cold man, the breath forced from his lungs when they hit the ground.

Connor enveloped him in his arms and locked his hands in place, fighting a frozen, wet, drunk River. He wouldn’t get free. Connor had his pappa’s height, a rancher’s build, and he was a solid anchor in the wind and snow. There was no point in River fighting, and somehow he must have realized he couldn’t get free and went still in Connor’s arms.

All Connor could think was that he’d wanted River back in his arms for a long time now, but he’d expected soft lighting and mood music, not driving winds and snow.

“What the hell are you doing?” Connor demanded.

“Let me the fuck go.”

“Jesus, are you trying to kill yourself?”

River attempted to wriggle free. Connor’s grip didn’t falter in his hold. With his arms securely around River, he shuffled them back so they were protected by the low wall. He wanted to get them back inside, but he wasn’t ready to let River go yet, and the door was at least ten feet away. What if River wriggled free and ran for the ledge? The idea of River on the ground, twisted in death, blood… Connor didn’t want to think about it. He opened his coat, one-handed, and then pulled River closer, trying to get as much of the material to go over him, attempting to keep them both warm. River’s skin was like ice. How long had he been standing up there?

“What were you doing?” he demanded, but River didn’t reply, only burrowed deeper into Connor’s hold. This was stupid. He needed to get them off the roof, or he needed help. His phone was in the car. The campus was emptying for Christmas. It was ten a.m., snowing. What the hell was he going to do now?

“I have no one,” River muttered, then laughed and buried his face deeper.

“What do you mean? Talk to me, River.”

“No.”

“We need to get inside.”

How the hell do I get River inside?

He imagined struggling with River’s weight, trying to get him down four flights of stairs and across to his room. Maybe if he could just get him to the car, with its heated seats and the warm air blower and the coffee in a flask that Connor had made for the start of his journey back to Dallas. Then he could call someone, the cops or a doctor? That seemed like a plan, a focus. He scrambled to his feet, bringing River with him, and stumbled inside. As soon as the door shut, warmth hit them, prickling at his exposed skin, and he moved toward the radiator, still gripping River’s belt. He let go of him long enough to remove his jacket and place it around the shivering man’s shoulders.

River buried himself in the coat, and Connor went into disaster assessment mode. He’d seen hypothermia back home at the D, and it wasn’t pretty. He remembered his pappa saying there were signs to look for, and when Jack spoke, Connor always listened. He pulled up the facts he could remember. Did River have hypothermia? His teeth weren’t chattering, and he wasn’t talking at all, so it wasn’t obvious if he was slurring. Then, even if he did talk and his speech was slurry, how could Connor tell how much vodka he’d drunk? Connor tried to remember the symptoms. The college hospital wasn’t far away. He could drive there, and they would help.

Why the hell did I leave my phone in the damned car?

“It’s okay. I’m okay.”

“No, you’re not.”

“You can go,” River said dully. He wriggled closer to the radiator.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“But you are,” River murmured. “You kissed me, you got me off, and now you’re leaving today.” Then he hid his face in his hands. “Shit, shit, shit.”

Wait. Was this about what happened at the thanksgiving party?

Is this my fault?

Connor didn’t usually drink that much, but he’d had one beer too many at the party, to the point where he had all the courage he needed to wait for River to come out of the bathroom.

“Can I kiss you?” he’d asked, and River had stared at him, stone-cold sober and narrow-eyed.

But then, holy shit, River had pushed him back into the nearest bedroom, shut the door, and the kiss had turned into something more, hands tangled in hair, the two of them kissing and rutting against each other until they were coming in their jeans. Really unromantic. Nothing more than getting off, and River had left before Connor could even get his breath back. Not the best of outcomes. Then River had ignored him. Not returning texts, no more study sessions in the library, and he’d even missed the last lecture of the semester.

All of that told Connor on thing: River wasn’t interested in anything more with him. But that didn’t mean they weren’t still friends. They sat in silence for a few minutes, River’s face still buried in his hands, and he was clearly crying.

What the hell should I do now?

USA Today bestselling author RJ Scott writes stories with a heart of romance, a troubled road to reach happiness, and most importantly, a happily ever after.

RJ Scott is the author of over one hundred romance books, writing emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, millionaire, princes, and the men who get mixed up in their lives. RJ is known for writing books that always end with a happy ever after. She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn’t with family either reading or writing.

The last time she had a week’s break from writing she didn’t like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a bottle of wine she couldn’t defeat.

She’s always thrilled to hear from readers, bloggers and other writers. Please contact via the links below:

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A Caryn Advent Calendar Review: The Faller by Daniel de Lorne

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

A historical set in Australia – why haven’t I read one of these before? I have to admit that’s what caught me about the blurb on this one, and I loved the term “faller” instead of the North American “lumberjack” that I am used to. The author did a great job of making me feel like I was right there in the jarrah forests, with men hewing railway sleepers from the mighty trees with only muscle and axe, living in primitive and dangerous conditions to support the booming timber industry.

The story starts with Charlie Young, skinny, short, and, yes, young, in the forest trying valiantly, and mostly failing, to cut railway sleepers with 4 other experienced fallers. Working the forest was potentially a lucrative job, but the fallers got paid by the piece, so Charlie was in very real danger of running out of money and starving. The best faller in the group was big, strong Jack Tapper, able to turn out perfect sleepers at a rate 2-3 times faster than the others. Jack kept to himself, but his size, reputation, and mere presence intimidated all the men in the camp, and especially Charlie.

Even though Jack was exactly the sort of man that Charlie was most attracted to.

When all the men but Charlie and Jack went in to the town for a four day holiday around Christmas, Charlie found that Jack felt the same way he did, and knowing their time together alone was short, they made the best of it. But the hyper-masculine nature of the timber industry in 1912 Australia was not a safe place at all to be gay, and hiding their connection proved to be a lot harder than Charlie thought it would be…

As is usual with short stories, I wanted more – more time to build the background, more time for the men to learn about each other and fall in love, and more time to develop the conflict that would give interest to the story. But even in the constraints of a short story, I thought there was too much of Charlie’s inner monologue going on, which made the story move slowly. The conflict and danger toward the end of the book was certainly very real – I don’t think the word homophobia could come close to adequately describing what could happen to a gay man in this setting – but somehow seemed superficial, and the resolution and ending seemed a bit too easy and abrupt. Charlie’s immature decisions were consistent with his character, but I think the author made the bad guys a little too villainous, and it felt over the top. Jack, on the other hand, was beautifully portrayed, with just the right amount of description and dialogue. The historical details were really well done and clearly well researched though, and for me that made up for a lot of the areas I didn’t like. Overall, I really enjoyed this, and I will look for more form this author.

Cover art by L.C. Chase doesn’t do justice to the historical aspects of the story, but the lumberjack is spot on.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 1st edition, 46 pages
Published December 1st 2018 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN 139781644050453
Edition Language English

A MelanieM Release Day Review: Christmas Kitsch by Amy Lane

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Sometimes the best Christmas gift is knowing what you really want.

Rusty Baker is a rich, entitled, oblivious jock, and he might have stayed that way if he hadn’t become friends with out-and-proud Oliver Campbell from the wrong side of the tracks. When Oliver kisses him goodbye before Rusty leaves for college, Rusty is forced to rethink everything he knows about himself.

But nothing can help Rusty survive a semester at Stanford, and he returns home for Thanksgiving break clinging to the one thing he knows to be true: Oliver is the best thing that’s ever happened to him.

Rusty’s parents disagree, and Rusty finds himself homeless for the holidays. But with Oliver’s love and the help of Oliver’s amazing family, Rusty realizes that failing college doesn’t mean he can’t pass real life with flying rainbow colors.

Nobody can built characters quite like Amy Lane and put them into situations that then quietly begin to tear the reader’s heart apart, piece by tiny little piece. Rusty Baker is one such character, improbbly so. On the exterior, he’s would appear to have everything to succeed in life. He’s rich, a jock, with a father who is determined to see him into a great school and going places. That’s the exterior.

It takes meeting Oliver, not rich not a jock, to reveal the real Rusty Baker. The gentle, insecure, and gay person Rusty is. There’s also more that becomes readily apparent to Oliver as he tutors Rusty through his classes in high school. Rusty has a learning disability that never goes named here but is perfectly spelled out in the way he “feels” when he get overwhelmed by his classes, projects, or professors. God, how you feel for him.

Throughout the story, and as you can imagine Rusty’s life, the damage done to him hasn’t been delivered through physical blows, damning smacks to the body, but in deadly featherlight cuts to the heart and psyche. It’s been his father, his mother supporting the patriarch, behind the worst of them. Amy Lane, like a surgeon of phrases, uses her words to slice through Rusty and our hearts over and over at unexpected times, leaving all of us shattered.

I was not prepared for how much this book would hurt.

But for all the wounds, there is the healing balm of Oliver, Oliver’s Dad and his family, Rusty’s sister, and even Rusty’s college roommate who encircle this damaged young man, help him to heal, build him a new foundation of family, support, and love.

Oddly, enough I think of Oliver and Rusty snuggling with Peanut as one of my favorite scenes. All happy and content, perfect Christmas. For me, even with all the Amy Lane tears that fell, this was a holiday story to remember. And treasure.

It’s one I highly recommend.

Cover Artist: Alexandria Corza. Not a fan of this cover. There is so much more the artist could have pulled from. Indistinguishable from any other couple. Nothing special that separates it out for this story.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, Second Edition, 200 pages
Expected publication: December 7th 2018 by Dreamspinner Press LLC (first published December 7th 2013)
ASINB07JGXPM71
Edition Language English
Characters Oliver Campbell, Russell “Rusty” Calvin Baker setting California (United States)
El Dorado, California (United States)

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review : Summerfield’s Angel (The Christmas Angel #2) by Kim Fielding

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

After the hard winter of 1888 ended Alby Boyle’s work as a Nebraska ranch hand, he returned to New York City in search of his long-lost family. His mother and brothers are nowhere to be found, however… and it no longer feels like home. His prospects seem as dim as the nighttime alleys. When Alby pauses to admire an angel ornament in a department store window’s Christmas display, he meets Xeno Varnham-Summerfield. Wealthy, handsome, and enthusiastic, Xeno brings Alby some temporary cheer. But for Alby to achieve his dreams of love and a real home, well, that may take a bit of holiday magic.

I liked this installment in the Christmas Angel series, but it took a bit of time to get Alby’s story established and the setup for a romance in place. Add to that, I believe the level of my enjoyment was negatively influenced by a midnight cowboy in a long ago movie I watched in my younger years, one which left me sad and depressed. This story evoked those feelings early on, especially when Alby arrived at the place where he grew up. Add to that the fact that he was already down on his luck in a big scary place like New York City, and the sad cowboy just made me so depressed I had a hard time moving forward at the beginning of the book.

But, the creative imagination of Kim Fielding saved the day when the angel began to show her influence, and when Alby met Xeno for the first, second, and third time, it was evident the angel was involved and my spirits lifted. Later, the angel’s interference is otherworldly and it’s obvious the two men needed each other in more ways than one. Xeno was a fabulous character whose father allowed him to exercise his creative skills and really seemed to care for the dynamic young man. Evidence of that shows toward the end when Mr. Summerfield provides the perfect opportunity for Alby and Xeno to have their HEA.

I love the concept of this series and this angel seems destined to bring together some truly deserving young men. I’d definitely recommend this book to MM romance lovers, despite my own personal baggage that affected my enjoyment. I am looking forward to finding out what else the angel has in store for readers this year.

The cover by Meredith Russell depicts a close-up of man dressed as a cowboy standing in front of a department store. This is Alby and the store represents Summerfield’s where the angel sits on a tree in the window. This cover couldn’t be better for this story.

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book Details:

ebook, 1st edition
Published December 2nd 2018
ISBN 139780463800386
Edition Language English
Series The Christmas Angel #2 setting New York City, New York (United States)

The Christmas Angel Series

Christmas Angel – Eli Easton – Amazon US | Amazon UK
The Magician’s Angel – Jordan L. Hawk – Amazon US | Amazon UK
Christmas Homecoming – L.A. Witt – Amazon US | Amazon UK
A Soldier’s Wish – N.R. Walker – Amazon US | Amazon UK
Shrewd Angel – Anyta Sunday – Amazon US | Amazon UK
Christmas Prince – RJ Scott- Amazon US | Amazon UK

A Stella Advent Calendar Review: Mosquitoes and Mistletoe by Ren Holly

RATING 4 out of 5 stars

After Andrew’s boyfriend dumps him just before Christmas, he decides to take a job far, far away from city life. It’s a dishwashing job on a remote island off the coast of Georgia. Expecting sunshine, palm trees, and some quality alone time, Andrew is surprised to find alligators, mosquitoes, rattlesnakes, and Garrett—a devilishly handsome naturalist. Andrew desperately tries to resist Garrett’s charm, because a twice-broken heart before Christmas is just not an option. Besides Andrew’s new friend Anna might already have a thing for Garrett.

But where do Garrett’s interests lie, and will Andrew find out before he’s surprised by a visit from his ex?

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2018 Advent Calendar “Warmest Wishes.”

I have to say I was nicely surprised by this novellas, the love story between Andrew and Garrett caught my interest from the beginning. There was never a dull moment, the scenes were all well done and it was clear the romance was growing. I adored Andrew, and his passion for baking was a bonus, but I was conquered by his strength and honesty. Both him and Garrett were positive and open persons. I saw their hearts and the attraction they felt.

Mosquitoes and Mistletoe has been the first title I read by Ren Holly and I liked it a lot, the writing style was great, the reading flew easily and it was a joy to follow these two young men into a new adventure. A very cute story.

The cover art by L.C. Chase is not a favorite of mine, although it fits the plot, I don’t like it so much, I’m not even sure why.

SALE LINKS Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

BOOK DETAILS

Kindle Edition, 1st Edition, 64 pages

Published December 1st 2018 by Dreamspinner Press

ASIN B07L1ZJ7NZ

Edition Language English

A Lucy Review: Christmas Angel (The Christmas Angel #1) by Eli Easton

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

When John Trent, a dedicated member of the new Bow Street Runners, finds an exquisite carved angel floating in the Thames, he can’t stop thinking about it. He tracks down its creator, a sad and quiet young sculptor. But neither the angel nor the sculptor is done with John just yet. The blasted angel refuses to leave him be, behaving not at all like an inanimate object should.

Alec Allston is resigned to the fact that his love will ever be a river that flows out and never flows in. All he wanted to do was create a special gift so that a small part of himself could be with his unattainable and noble beloved, always. But when the gift keeps showing back up at his shop in the hands of a windblown and rugged thief-taker, Alec will need to reconsider his conviction that love is destined to remain an aethereal ideal.

A holiday historical with non-noble main characters? Sign me up! This is a lovely story of how low you can feel when the one you’ve poured your heart and soul into isn’t worth what you give and how hope can make all the difference. When Alec has become so heartsick over the rejection of William, his love, he can think of only ending the pain permanently. “I loved someone…With every part of my being, every beat of my heart, purely and completely. And now…” He swallowed. “Now he’s gotten engaged.” It is only by the words of a beautiful woman that he reconsiders what he is about to do and is grateful for it later. A sculptor, he creates a beautiful Christmas Angel as a farewell gift to William in her likeness, only to have it returned to him by John Trent, who fished it out of the Thames. To have such a gift tossed away like garbage is just too much.

Trent is a Bow Street Runner, honest and wanting to make a difference to those who suffer as his family did. He lives in the most amazing boarding house with people who understand being different than society. I want, so dearly want, Mr. Stockbridge to have a story and have some happiness.

When the angel is sold and yet Trent finds it again, Alec decides she was meant for Trent. This is how the wooing of Alec by Trent begins and it is so sweet. Trent takes him for walks, brings him food and basically treats him as though he were precious. I loved that and Alec deserved that. The comparison to William comes later and made me laugh. “In fact, he’d never seemed more foppish to Alec, more a…a gilded turd.” As with so many entitled people, William only wants something if someone else wants it more.

Both main characters were interesting and worth connecting to. I felt the descriptions of the period, including powdered wigs, sodomy trials and the very strict social parameters with the ever present threat of death for who you love were detailed and rich. I want to know all about Trent’s friends at the boarding house. Mr Stockbridge….

Cover Art: Meredith Russell. I love this cover. Perfect for the story and period.

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

Book Details:

ebook
Published December 2nd 2018
Edition Language English
Series The Christmas Angel #1 setting England

The Christmas Angel Series

Summerfield’s Angel – Kim Fielding – Amazon US | Amazon UK

The Magician’s Angel – Jordan L. Hawk – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Christmas Homecoming – L.A. Witt – Amazon US | Amazon UK

A Soldier’s Wish – N.R. Walker – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Shrewd Angel – Anyta Sunday – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Christmas Prince – RJ Scott- Amazon US | Amazon UK

Holiday Review Tour and Giveaway for Christmas Angel (The Christmas Angel #1) by Eli Easton

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

Length: 25,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Meredith Russell

The Christmas Angel Series

Summerfield’s Angel – Kim Fielding – Amazon US | Amazon UK

The Magician’s Angel – Jordan L. Hawk – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Christmas Homecoming – L.A. Witt – Amazon US | Amazon UK

A Soldier’s Wish – N.R. Walker – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Shrewd Angel – Anyta Sunday – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Christmas Prince – RJ Scott- Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

This book is one of seven stories which can all be read and enjoyed in any order.

The Christmas Angel Series

In 1750, a master woodcarver poured all his unrequited love, passion, and longing into his masterpiece—a gorgeous Christmas angel for his beloved’s tree. When the man he loved tossed the angel away without a second thought, a miracle happened. The angel was found by another who brought the woodcarver True Love.Since then, the angel has been passed down, sold, lost and found, but its magic remains. Read the romances inspired by (and perhaps nudged along by) the Christmas angel through the years. Whether it’s 1700s England (Eli Easton’s Christmas Angel), the 1880’s New York (Kim Fielding’s Summerfield’s Angel), the turn-of-the-century (Jordan L. Hawk’s Magician’s Angel), World War II (L.A. Witt’s Christmas Homecoming), Vietnam-era (N.R. Walker’s Soldier’s Wish), the 1990’s (Anyta Sunday’s Shrewd Angel), or 2018 (RJ Scott’s Christmas Prince), the Christmas angel has a way of landing on the trees of lonely men who need its blessing for a very Merry Christmas and forever HEA.

Dec 2 – Valerie Ullmer, Boulevard des Passions, Xtreme Delusions, Sexy Erotic Xciting, Open Skye, OMGReads, Gay Book Reviews, We Three Queens, The Secret Ko, Lelyana’s Reviews, Rainbow Book Reviews, My Fiction Nook, Dec 4 – Mirrigold, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Cupcakes And Bookshelves, Two Chicks Obsessed, Dec 6 – Drops Of Ink, Making It Happen, Wicked Reads, Dec 8 – Momma Says: To Read or Not To Read, Lillian Francis, Dec 10 – Padme’s Library, Dec 14 – Megan’s Media Melange, Bayou Book Junkie, MM Good Book Reviews, Dec 17 – Bonkers About Books, Book Corner Reviews, Amy’s MM Romance Reviews

Read Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words review here. We highly recommend it.

About Eli

Having been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, a game designer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a fan fiction writer, and organic farmer, Eli has been a m/m romance author since 2013. She has over 30 books published.

Eli has loved romance since her teens and she particular admires writers who can combine literary merit, genuine humor, melting hotness, and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, bulldogs, cows, a cat, and lots of groundhogs.

In romance, Eli is best known for her Christmas stories because she’s a total Christmas sap. These include “Blame it on the Mistletoe”, “Unwrapping Hank” and “Merry Christmas, Mr. Miggles”. Her “Howl at the Moon” series of paranormal romances featuring the town of Mad Creek and its dog shifters has been popular with readers. And her series of Amish-themed romances, Men of Lancaster County, has won genre awards.

In 2018 Eli hopes to do more of the same, assuming they reschedule the apocalypse.

Her website is www.elieaston.com
You can email her at eli@elieaston.com

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A MelanieM Review: Neutral Zone (Harrisburg Railers #7) by R.J. Scott and V.L. Locey

Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5

Tennant Rowe has it all, a boyfriend he adores, a loving family, and a career on the rise. He’s sure of his place in the world, and the future can only get brighter. Then one night, in a flash of skates and sticks, life changes forever. Getting back on the ice is Ten’s priority, and experts tell him that it’s just a matter of time.

Jared watches his lover fall in more ways than one, and when tragedy strikes, even the strongest of relationships are tested. Ten is strong, but Jared has to be stronger to help the man who holds his heart. Only, he has to admit that maybe it isn’t just him who can make Ten whole again.

Jared and Ten’s love is forever, but the rocky path to the romantic Christmas Jared had planned may be hard to travel.

Neutral Zone is truly a Christmas gift from the authors to the readers and fans of this couple and series. I don’t really consider this heartwarming novella a standalone story because too much of its foundation, the emotional history and romance rests in the novels that precede it. No, this is that small package left under the tree, glittering ribbons, that you didn’t expect but fills your heart with warmth and joy and holiday spirit.

For most readers of this series (and fans) we have been with this couple since the first story, Changing Lines. We are now at book seven and so much has happened in their lives. Through the wonderful talents of RJ Scott and VL Locey, the readers have been pulled into their lives and that of the fictional Hockey team, the Harrisburg Railers so deeply that they have become real. Each battle won, and lost, all the angst, the romance…we’ve made it ours.

So the events of the past story have been shattering. Now RJ Scott and VL Locey give us and this special couple that Christmas touch. A short story layered over with hope, glittering with warmth and love, and combining the best of the season with what we love about Ten and Jared in 90 pages. Perfect? No, perhaps I would have lingered a little longer around the tree, taken in all that occurred just might more…

But love it? Yes I do. Neutral Zone was just what I and this couple needed. Happy Holidays.

Cover art: Meredith Russell. I just think this is perfect. Want one for myself.

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | KOBO | iTunes | Barnes & Noble

Book Details:

ebook, 1st edition, 90 pages
Published November 25th 2018 by Love Lane Books Ltd
ISBN 139781785641404
Edition Language English
Series Harrisburg Railers #7

Harrisburg Railers Series

Book #1 – Changing Lines – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #2 – First Season – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #3 – Deep Edge – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #4 – Poke Check – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #5 – Last Defense – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #6 – Goal Line – Amazon US | Amazon UK

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Santa Daddy by Keira Andrews

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

From the blurb: Hunter Adams is hopelessly adrift after college. He’s still a virgin, can’t find a real job, and has no clue what to do with his life. In desperation, he returns to his humiliating old job as an elf at the Santa’s Village in his hometown’s dying mall. The Santa on the job is an unexpectedly sexy lumberjack, twice Hunter’s size and age. He makes Hunter feel very naughty—too bad he’s grumpy and intimidating.

Years after the tragic death of his partner, Nick Spini has his beagle and long, hard days on his Christmas tree farm. That’s plenty. But he can’t refuse a loyal friend’s plea for help and finds himself filling in as Santa at the local mall. Despite Nick’s attempt to stay aloof, the beautiful, anxious young man playing elf brings out his long-dormant daddy instincts. When a surprise blizzard traps them alone in Nick’s isolated forest home, their attraction burns even brighter. Will they surrender to the sizzling connection between them and find the release and comfort they crave?

That blurb says it all and it called my name. Wait, the title called my name and the blurb sealed the deal. And then the story? Couldn’t put it down. I absolutely loved, loved, loved it.

The characters were real people, the scenarios believable, Nick’s background heartbreaking, Hunter’s background frustrating, and the dynamic between the two was sexy, fun, and heartwarming. Like older men? Like grieving widowers ready to get back to a new relationship? Like young virgin twinks down on their luck but with a heart of gold? Like Daddy kink? Spanking? A fast-paced story with plenty of hair-raising adventures? Mall Santas with cute sexy elves who barely fit in their outfits? There’s so much packed in so few pages here. It’s just amazing and wonderful and made my day. I’m going to read this again on Christmas Eve. So far, it’s my favorite of the holiday season, and I very highly recommend it.

The cover by Dar Albert depicts a hot man in a Santa hat and nothing else—that we can see above the waist. Certainly attention-getting, this fits the story perfectly.

Buy Links:

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2rbXRFC

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2PbYFUA

Book Details:

ebook, 130 pages
Published November 29th 2018 by KA Books
ISBN 139781988260402
Edition Language English
setting Canada

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