Blurb: Every Christmas, child chorister Jonah Lennox used to meet Callum Noakes at Aylminster cathedral when Callum’s mother came to sell roasted chestnuts at the market. After years of friendship, an argument separates them, apparently forever. Putting away the memories of his lost friend, Jonah left the cathedral and moved on with his life.
When Jonah returns to the cathedral after ten years away, the market in the cathedral brings back memories—and Callum, who has made a life for himself as a woodturner. Upon meeting again, attraction pulls them together, and the holiday may inspire their old friendship to mature into new romance.
Review: I really liked this story. I love how friendships from the past can turn into romance and love of your lifetime later. They do say friendship should be the foundation of romance, which I agree as I am married to one of my best friends. J
I loved the flash backs to their childhood. Really gave great insights to the things they did and went through when younger. Heartbreaking at their last meeting when young though. How ever, they were there for each other…anchors if you see what I mean. J
Blurb: Paris Cullier arrives at the Ames Peach Farm to begin a job as housekeeper. His new boss, Wyatt Ames, is tall, handsome, and just the sweetest guy Paris has ever met. Wyatt’s parents recently died in an accident and left the farm for Wyatt to manage. But it isn’t until he meets Wyatt’s two-year-old, motherless son, Jeff, that Paris realizes he has been sent to the farm for a reason… to help Wyatt make a proper home for his son. Paris has always wanted a family, and for once in his life, he prayed his Christmas wish would come true.
Review: If you’re looking for a feel good, low-angst, sugary sweet Holiday story, this is it!
In fact, Paris is so sweet and perfect he’s left me feeling inadequate! I think this story should be in the fantasy category, because I personally don’t know anyone who keeps house, cooks, entertains, does accounting, and childcare quite as perfect as Paris does. (Well, and keeps a smile and plenty of energy while doing it!)
A cute Christmas story about a sweet subby orphan finding his Christmas wish!
Blurb: Myles and Ed were broadsided on their way to get married and the accident left Myles burned and scarred. For Ed, Myles was his soul mate and the accident had done nothing to change that. For Myles, it had changed everything and he disappeared.
Faced with a perfunctory verbal Dear John from Myles’s father and told to move on, Ed did the only thing he could–searched frantically for the man he loved.
Two days before Christmas, Ed finds himself on the road to his last hope, an address to a remote cabin high in the Adirondack Mountains. But will Myles be there and, more importantly, will Ed be able to convince him that together is where they belong?
Part of the Silver Holiday Wishes Themed Stories 🙂
Review: Two days shy of Christmas Ed sets out on a road trip that could prove to be just another wild goose chase. You see he and his fiancé were in a car accident almost a year ago, en route to their wedding. Myles was injured and disfigured in the crash and disappeared soon after, leaving Ed heartbroken and determined to find him. Ed has followed one lead after another in a desperate attempt to find Myles, perhaps this lead that is sending him to the Adirondack Mountains in a snow storm will finally bring the almost newlyweds back together.
This was a cute and endearing Holiday read. I loved the moral of the story, that Ed loved Myles regardless of what kind of wrapping the package was in. Very fitting for the season! If you’re looking for something fun with a soul mate aspect and just a touch of heavy petting, this just might be the novella for you.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews*
Blurb: Stoly tells his lover, Ramsay, that not only is he an alien, but he wants to undergo a ceremony that will give the couple everlasting life. It sounds like a no-brainer, but Ramsay only has until Christmas to decide.
Ramsay Worthington faces a life-changing decision, one without precedent. One choice means he can be with his lover, Stoly, forever–as in immortality. Not the vampire stuff, it’s not supernatural–it’s extraterrestrial. When Ramsay looks back over their life together, at what they share and mean to each other, maybe making the decision won’t be as hard as he originally thought.
Stoly Chevnka reaches maturity and needs to undergo a ritual, by December 25, 2013 that will make him immortal or allow him to live a human life span. He’s made his choice–as far as he’s concerned, whichever way his lover Ramsay goes is where Stoly will go. Either way, it’s going to be the best Christmas ever–the two belong together, no matter what.
Review: This is a very interesting, unique and sweet story. I loved that it’s about aliens but not using big words and is set in the present world. I think it’s a good place to start to slowly break into the Sci-fi world if you’re not into the out there names and worlds. I found it a sweet romance that was fun to read.
Ramsay and Stoly have been together for several years and have a very good relationship, and then Stoly tells Ramsay he is an alien and has to go through a rite to choose eternity or live as a mortal. Stoly knows his choice is whatever Ramsay wants and hopes it includes him.
This story skips around a bit as it starts out in the present then regresses a couple of months back to when Stoly dropped the news. The switch was pretty smooth, though I found a few things where the viewpoint jumps from one character to the other had a few repetitions. I also would have loved more background on both of these guys. I’d love a full book instead of just a short story.
However, I loved the emotions that both men were enduring and the loving sweetness of the story. I couldn’t put it down once I started.
I highly recommend this if you like a loving, committed relationship, difficult decisions, aliens and sensual sweet man-sex.
Blurb: Jess Venable and Damon Oliver are proud parents of five-year-old, Madison. When they find out another child has told her that Santa isn’t real, Damon and Jess set out to prove to her he is.
Damon Oliver can hardly believe what he’s hearing when his five-year-old daughter, Madison, tells him another child has said there is no such thing as Santa Claus. Believing no child should have their belief stolen from them, Damon enlists the help of his husband, Jess Venable, to show her that Santa is indeed real.
Review: This was a very enjoyable Christmas story. I truly loved the story. It was told with a cute little twist. It was both humorous, with a bit of seriousness added in.
Jess and Damon would do anything for their family. Even going as far to show their daughter that Santa is indeed real. Damon is so adorable and loving that you would fall in love with him right from the start. Jess is a bit of a character, kind of a joker it would seem. The sex between them is, of course, behind locked doors and full of love and tenderness.
I sat down and read this story, wishing that I had a family like this; one that has so much love and such a caring atmosphere that you can’t help but want to read this every Christmas.
Blurb: The sequel to the Amber Allure best-seller Raindrops and Roses…
When Drew and Michael first met, they spent every minute of their free time together, making love, dreaming, planning, and generally behaving like they lived on their own private planet. Now, almost three months later, they’re still together, but only just. Michael’s been gradually distancing himself from Drew and he’s not returning Drew’s calls. They’re supposed to be spending Christmas with Michael’s family, so Drew forces a meeting. If Michael has met someone else, he wants to know, and he wants to know now.
Will the holiday turn into a disaster, or will the men have a happy Christmas ending? NOTE: This story is part of the London Calling series.
Review: When stubborn pride gets in the way of true romance…I just get irritated.
Not only does Michael start this nonsense once, be reverts to it after Drew takes steps to help make them a more permanent couple, and reduce some financial stress by finding an apartment that he hopes both can share. Pride gets in the way, but I understand that when to very independent men are trying to adapt to what it means to be in a partnership with each other.
Relationships involve give and take, compromise, but will each be able to make a compromise? I think it’s very important to read the first book in this series, Raindrops and Roses, otherwise you won’t’ get much out of it.
I was entertained enough to want to read the rest of the series, and can’t wait to find out some more about the supporting characters!
Blurb: Two years ago, Joe Blake lost his secret lover, firefighter Bryce Marshall. Grieving, Joe left his job as a fireman and paramedic to become the spokes model for undergarment company Escalade. They lured him into the limelight and drove him deeper into the closet. Modeling doesn’t provide fulfillment; Joe wants privacy and to feel useful again. A holiday at his mountain cabin outside Denver is the perfect escape. The last thing he anticipated, or wanted, was sharing his retreat with another man.
Last Christmas, actor Errol Lockhart discovered boyfriend Carson had stolen a play. Carson accused Errol and then blackballed him in the theater community. Some Christmas that was. Now Errol has to take whatever work he can to survive. Delivering a singing telegram during a blizzard isn’t wise, but it pays double and rent is overdue. He’s got dreams, not of a white Christmas, but of getting a shot at Hollywood. He’s determined to make it, if he survives this storm.
As Joe and Errol ride out the blizzard, more than marshmallows get toasty in front of the fire. When Errol discovers Joe’s identity, he’s sure he’s found his way in, his big break. But Joe won’t sacrifice Errol to the Hollywood sharks. Unless they can forge a compromise, they’re going to wake from their midwinter night’s dream to lumps of coal in their stockings.
Review: I can’t think of anything better than to be trapped in a cozy winter cabin with a hot underwear model who also happens to be a great paramedic, especially if it were I freezing to death in a snow bank.
There’s plenty of sexual tension, and steamy possibilities, though when the two do finally give in to their sexual attraction there seems to be a step missing, possibly, because this is a shorter story/novella format. The two MC’s have a huge back-story that never quite gets revealed, and would have led to stronger character development. Near the end of the story, I did feel the emotional punch. However, with the way Joe seems to brush Errol off in front of their rescue team. That truly did hurt!
The best part of the book was that feeling of total blanket isolation where the two of them got to forget their lives for a while, play in the snow, eat by the fire, and explore each other’s bodies. The elements of a lover’s ghost nudging things along was also sort of magical.
The story format was too short for the bits the author tried to fit in, would have been stronger as a more developed story, but as a small Christmas treat, I was entertained.
Blurb: Best friends Scott and Marco meet on a rooftop on Christmas Eve, each temporarily escaping from his difficult home life. With no gift to share, Marco instead promises to someday rescue Scott and take him to Alaska. As the years pass, they meet—first by design, then by chance—on occasional Christmas Eves, only to find life growing increasingly difficult. They treasure the few moments they have together, but will they ever reach Alaska?
Review: I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book and throughout it, I kept wondering will these two ever catch a break? I had a heavy heart through almost this whole book…happy when they were able to reconnect, but sad when years went by without any contact at all.
However, I NEVER gave up hope and I was thrilled by the time I got to the end of this story. Not a fuzzy, heart thumping story as there is no sex, but there is an enduring love that was awesome to witness.
Blurb: Clint Barker wants to take his relationship with boyfriend Joshua Cash to the next level, and that means meeting Josh’s family at Christmas. Clint is sure he can deal with anything, even though Josh has expressed reservations that his big, loud hillbilly family might be too overwhelming for an introvert like Clint to handle.
Josh loves his family, but the only other time he brought a boyfriend home to meet them, the guy didn’t last through dinner. Clint means everything to him, and though he knows his family means well, Josh is worried their nosiness and sheer overwhelming presence will drive Clint away.
Between having to fix an illegal still, getting treed by a wild hog, and barely avoiding a bar fight between rednecks and bikers, the holiday doesn’t get off to an auspicious start. Then at the traditional Christmas Eve Hootenanny, Josh and Clint argue, and Clint later turns up missing. Will this spell the end of their relationship, or will a newborn in a stable work a little Christmas miracle for them both?
Review: Meet the family? Ouch! That is very overwhelming for nearly all people, but when a family is consisted by 500 people (yes, you heard right) then overwhelming takes a whole new meaning. So how do you take your relationship with the man you love to the next level if you can’t survive a couple of days with his family? Not easy to do that either, what with bikers itching for a fights and wild boars running you up trees, illegal stills needing fixing and a huge family running after you with the oddest questions ever. Add to that the only child fact and Josh fears his lover Clint will start screaming and running away from him without looking back.
Funny enough this story is light-hearted and brings the element of fun on the mountains. Though I do come from a medium/large family myself, I could not imagine of having one hundred plus cousins. Those numbers were huge, colossal, freaking vast. Thus, the entire read became a bit ludicrous for me. In addition the characters were a bit flat and way too sweet for me, everything flowing effortlessly, their personality shinny and sparkly. By the time Clint needed that time out and breath of fresh air I thought he was a freaking Saint. The intense moment when he vanishes somehow didn’t quite make it, as it should, a bit of the tension being lost there in the lines. And as for their lovemaking, yup, sweet like honey.
But then again, one might think that’s exactly what you’d want to read for holidays. Yes, this is a fast, funny, and enjoyable Christmas story with a very romantic ending, and if you love this type then I’d definitely recommend this one to you.
p.s.
It’s so weird reading about stills being illegal when I’ve grown up around them making “moonshine” every year and having parties at the still as a tradition. We call it raki here and we make it from grapes, in Creta, almost every house has one for themselves. *sigh*
Blurb: Alan Randall Liebowitz is a man stuck in a pattern: right before the holidays his current significant other goes walkabout, leaving him alone … again.
Jacques Lambert is an up and comer chef with a bright future. Until his partner with benefits runs off, leaving him bankrupt and relying on the kindness of his family.
The local college holds night cooking classes, for seniors mostly. Jack’s sister talks him into applying for a teaching spot. Alan’s neighbor talks him into expanding his horizons.
When a lonesome foodie meets the chef of his dreams, more than the scallops are flambéed.
Review: This is a Christmas story that combines two broken-hearted men who’ve both been betrayed by love but who both have a love of food, one a foodie, the other a Chef. It’s clearly a match made in heaven.
Alan is a very realistic and likable character. We all know Alan, especially the Alan who’s booting his horrible lover from his life and wrecking his apartment in the interim. We also know Jack, the man who’s been hurt and is lying in the corner like a whipped dog licking his wounds and looking at the entire world like it’s out to get him. Then …
There’s the meeting, the insta-attraction, the flirtation, the trip home, the deserted soup and of course the huge internal crisis resulting in a run worthy of Usain Bolt’s world record. This, of course, is followed by the literal and metaphorical slap on the head and the realization that love at first sight is very much real. There is grovelling, hot sex and what do you think? Exactly, the happily ever after – it’s Christmas and miracles are very very real.
Publisher: Silvia Violet (November 30th, 2013) First published December 2012 by Silver Publishing
Heat: Moderate
Heart: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Reviewer: Eli/Mandingo
Blurb: Discovering his boyfriend’s affair with a co-worker wrecks Eli’s holiday plans. With his parents on a cruise and his brother and sister out of town, he’s on his own. His mother insists he escape to her friend’s mountain cabin. Eli reluctantly agrees, but he takes off unprepared and ends up driving into the worst snowstorm the area has seen in years.
He survives the trip, but he’s stuck with no logs for the woodstove and little food. Fortunately, he gets the number for Mac’s Wood Delivery. Mac doesn’t mind riding to the rescue, and his deep, sultry voice has Eli eagerly anticipating the delivery. Is Mac the little bit of Christmas cheer Eli has been needing?
This book was previously released by another publisher.
Review: A delightful little story about a brokenhearted man who embarks upon a trip to make his parents happy and ends up finding some happiness himself. Eli does not expect to go to the back of beyond and find a handsome gay neighbour only too happy to come and service not only providing him with logs for his fireplace, but also his own personal log (erhem!).
But Mac is a true neighbour and he wants Eli to enjoy Christmas so he makes sure to bring Christmas with him when he comes to visit for Christmas day. What ensues is a great day and perhaps a great start to a new phase in Eli’s life, if he’s willing to make some minor adjustments.
This story is all about how life can take you to some unexpected places when you least expect it, but it’s up to each person to see the gifts they are being given and to take advantage of those gifts when they appear in these unlikely places. And, what better time to receive great gifts than at Christmas? A cute and cuddly Christmas tale.
Blurb: On Christmas Eve, nearly ten years ago, Jacob, a third year med student had his heart completely broken by Luke.
All this time on, after a string of failed relationships and a career that hasn’t exactly soared Jacob has worked hard on himself and is now ready to return to the ER where, as a junior doctor, he struggled. Shy and sensitive, Jacob had trouble asserting himself in such a demanding role but he’s determined to show his peers how much that has all changed. He just never expected Luke to be on the interview panel and, given that Luke’s supposedly straight, Jacob assumes that he hasn’t got the job. It is Luke who rings him to tell him he has, and it is Luke who is entirely capable of again breaking Jacob’s heart, yet it is Jacob who stays strong.
Ten years on, he likes himself now and isn’t about to be used again. With Christmas, fast approaching things are particularly tense between them and there are some heated exchanges. Luke tells Jacob he has issues with Jacob dating and flirting with fellow colleagues. Luke has issues, period, Jacob tells him. Maybe it’s time for Luke to sort out his own life.Preferably in time for Christmas…
Review: What would the m/m genre be without broken, misunderstood, hiding in closets and men full of fear? Well this story brings all these together. Jacob is the broken one, unable to move past the love of his life who broke his heart ten years ago, despite being in a relationship with the perfect man. Luke is the afraid, hiding in the closet, refusing to admit his feelings, misunderstood man. Both these men try to unsuccessfully to navigate their feelings while working with each other. And when Jacob takes a stand it, all comes to a head.
Jacob vows to move on and Luke must make a decision if he’s to be happy and be with Jacob despite what his past and his life tell him he should do. When Luke does take action, it has disastrous results and he must turn to Jacob and his family for help. Jacob, knowing that he’ll never really be over Luke, steps in to help the one man he will always love. The true miracle of Christmas is when the improbable happens or when you get your heart’s desire. This is the culmination of this story. What started ten years before and ended amidst fear and misunderstanding now comes full circle when both men are better prepared to handle their relationship and any subsequent fallout. A story about true love, that rings very warm and very true. Great little read.
Blurb: Senior Financial Analyst, Taylor Williams survived the embezzling scare at his firm, Peterton Financial, with the help of the gorgeous new Regional Manager, Phillip Daniels. Although Phillip suspected Taylor at first, their undeniable chemistry soon cut through those unfounded suspicions.
Now the two of them have embarked on a passionate sexual relationship during the holiday break. Holidays should be relaxing, stress free, but when you throw in ex-boyfriends, snowstorms and bears, things get a little messy, and you might need to be a hard-ass just to get through them.
Review: This book begins where its predecessor ends. Taylor and Phillip have just begun their relationship and are now going away on vacation. There is a clear indication that Phillip is clearly invested in the relationship, but Taylor is still afraid of being too open with Phillip because the relationship is so new. Phillip doesn’t want to rock the boat and his issues from the prequel bleed into this book. As such, he keeps some information about his former boyfriend secret and this leads to an argument, a walkout and then an accident.
Phillip and Taylor end up stranded in the snow and they must rely on each other to survive despite a very annoying bear who’s trying to make life difficult for everyone. Fortunately, Taylor and Phillip have hardy outdoorsy friends who will rescue them and take them back to civilization where they can work on their communication skills, which will help to improve their relationship.
Once the high-octane struggle to survive ends, the men once again settle into seeing where their relationship will head. I’d be curious to follow-up with these boys on Valentine’s Day to see what sixty days of a relationship has done with them.
Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (December 20th, 2013) Available now for early download.
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Reviewer: Cat
Blurb: This is book thirty in the Cattle Valley series; see the full series listing here
Making room for two children in a busy household won’t be easy, but leave it to Nate, Ryan and Rio to do it with plenty of laughter and tears along the way.
At the age of eighteen, Nate Gills was forced out of his family for being gay. With hush money in his pocket and anger in his heart, Nate fled Washington DC for Chicago to start a new life. Although he eventually found love with two wonderful men, he buried his feelings of abandonment behind a façade of confidence.
When a horrific accident takes the lives of his younger brother and sister-in-law, Nate is forced to revisit the emotions he’d worked so hard to bury. In a twist of fate, Nate is named guardian of a niece and nephew he’s never met, putting him into direct conflict with the father who shunned him so many years earlier.
Will the threesome who have spent years enjoying sexual pleasure whenever and wherever the mood struck, be able to adjust to having two children in the house? Or will they lose their relationship along the way?
Review: This is book 30 in this series. Trust me this is my first one, and it stood alone perfectly. But, I sure do want to read them all. I just have to figure how to find the time since if they are like this one, you won’t want to put the book down once you start. Then you will want to read the next one. So, perhaps a week of reading vacation is in order.
Nate gets word that his brother and sister-in-law both die in a plane crash and that his sister-in-law has named him as guardian of their kids and estate. This opens some old wounds that Nate had let fester over and buried. Being in a three-man relationship with two very different types of lovers can they survive bringing two young children into the fold and can Nate deal with the reopening of old wounds at the same time?
Oh wow, is this book awesome! I loved all the characters, main and supporting and can’t wait to get hold of this entire series to learn more about each of them. I found Nate, Rio and Ryan extremely intriguing and the small hints of their past made me really want to read the rest of these books. But for now, I will focus on the present with these men.
I found this one of the best three men ménages I’ve read in a while. It doesn’t seem to focus on one person, yet it doesn’t seem overly easy, and shows a twinge of jealousy and real emotions. They have been together long enough to know each other’s quirks and needs. They break off into pairs and make love; not always just the three, they change positions, and they do things alone, all of this made it feel more real for me.
I liked how it did cover all three men’s viewpoints and didn’t feel too jumpy and it showed the kids feelings and emotions also. I did think the kids accepted things a bit too easily, but Hannah not being super accepting helped there. I also liked that Ryan voiced his opinions and fears to Rio that he really didn’t want kids, but he wanted to try to make their relationship work. I loved the realism and realistic feelings, while still very sexy and hot. Speaking of hot, some of these sex scenes you need a fire extinguisher they are so hot, yet very tasteful. Kudos to the author for that!
I can’t think of a thing I didn’t like or would want different. This is definitely my kind of book, loving, heartfelt, emotional, yet real enough to be believable and extremely hot and sexy and tasteful.
I recommend this if you like long series, different characters, cowboys (yippee), mayors, sheriffs, (ah, men in uniforms) children, loving relationships, ménage and very hot sensual tasteful mansex.
Blurb: Friends of Norris Mason and Danny Falk said their relationship was guaranteed to last. But lack of communication and individual insecurities broke them apart, and their love affair ended with Danny seeking employment in Japan. Now its two years later, Danny is back in town, Norris hasn’t let go of his love for Danny, and their friends are determined to see them happy again—together. A bit of Christmas matchmaking may encourage a new start for Norris and Danny… if they’re willing to take a chance.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2013 Advent Calendar package “Heartwarming.”
Review: I’m a sentimental sap, full stop. Oh, I’m so ridiculously mellow and grinning like a fool with this little Christmas story.
Norris has been wrapped up in memories of a love lost for two and a half years. He’s still working, living, and enjoying his friends but the empty feeling his lover left after he left is still there, now during the Holidays more so than ever. This time though when he joins the Christmas party at his friend’s house Norris is faced with a shocking surprise.
Danny has returned back in town and is not only under the same roof, breathing the same air as Norris is, he actually chases him down asking for another chance.
So normally, I’d say yeah a bunch of crap – excuse my language – an ex is an ex and should very well stay so, but damn, did I want this silly, sappy, sentimental story to end the way it ended. From the very first line I liked the tone this story is written. I loved every freaking little detail of the scenery. The house it takes place, the over-the-top Christmas decorations, the dammit fish – oh that brought up a round of laughter from me – the ex that comes out of the blue and the shock our main character experiences. The sentimental emotions that struck you out of nowhere as if you’re a hopeless romantic, and the fact that it’s so in the spirit of the holidays that you simply can’t help but be jolly and joyful and hopeful and want everybody happy.
All right, somebody stop me. What I’m trying to say is, I loved this story; it was nice paced, full with only the necessary details to make it interesting for you, it was actually quite engaging and had a way to suck you in, and very romantic. Strongly recommended for fans of the genre.
Blurb: Sometimes it takes losing everything to find what you really need.
When Judah went to prison for insider trading, he lost everything he thought was important: his business, his money, his power. But when he gets out, homelessness strips him of the one thing he has left: his self-respect. When another homeless man saves him from a beating, he begins to learn to rely on the goodness of those around him.
For Toby, life on the streets has become familiar. Comfortable. So comfortable he wonders if he’s given up on changing his life for the better. Then comes Judah. Formerly rich, newly homeless, all his pride and attitude gone along with his material possessions. Helping Judah feels good. Their unexpected connection—physical and beyond—feels even better.
Their shared situation nurtures a growing closeness that blossoms into something deeper. But when change comes knocking, it will take all their strength to keep fear and insecurity from tearing them apart.
Review: Even though this book is about homelessness, it is a feel good story. The homeless aspects seem to be portrayed through rose-colored glasses. The real aspects of homelessness, illness, injury, arrest, hypothermia, crime, seem to be missing. There is one instance of near mugging, other than that, the homeless characters always seem to find some sort of shelter, safety and fairly regular food and hygiene facilities.
But this is written to be a Christmas story, so I do understand and appreciate the warm and fuzzy for that purpose. Long the Mile does open eyes to how easily one can become homeless, and does the job of giving the homeless an identity when we so often overlook or dehumanize homeless people. There is also an interesting dynamic written regarding finding one’s purpose again, picking up the pieces, and starting over after hitting rock bottom, and realizing we must each find it for ourselves, not depends on others to do it for us. We see this specifically in regards to the relationship between Toby and Judah; it was a difficult choice, a hard path, but in the end …well…you’ll just have to read the end!
A worthwhile read that sheds light on a very real and growing social issue.
Blurb: As a homosexual Pagan, Ethan is the ultimate odd-man-out in his Presbyterian family. While his parents and siblings are supportive enough, his other relatives all but despise him and his lifestyle.
Years after starting again in a new state with his boyfriend Caleb, Ethan is invited back home to spend the holidays with his family. Knowing this could end in disaster, but hoping for a new beginning, Ethan and Caleb accept the invitation. Things get off to a rough start, but nothing prepares them for the fiasco at Christmas dinner…
Review: Ethan is loved by most of his family, but like many families, there are some bad seeds. Caleb loves Ethan and wants the best for his boyfriend. Christmas with his family has the normal good times and bad times.
This story is pretty sweet, but with all good stories, there is a bit of pain and anger added in. It was told really good but a bit short. The characters are sweet and enduring. You can’t help but fall in love with both of them, and wish that their lives were easier. You want to just smack those around them that are full of hatred and bigotry. If you love short stories with two tender-hearted characters and a touch of trouble added in then you would like this story.
I just couldn’t get into it. I love stories that have a bit more added in, more passion and love then this one had.
Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing (December 27th, 2013) Available for Early Download
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Lisa
Blurb: Can Blaise coming back to Montana turn Owen’s blue Christmas into a warm, shared Christmas of white?
Owen never thought he’d see the all-too tempting veterinary intern from the previous summer again, until his brother drops the bombshell that not only is Blaise returning, but also he’ll need to stay in Owen’s house again until he gets settled. He’s the bachelor uncle in their ranching family, and if people know what that means, no one talks about it. He can’t be gay, no matter what happened in the barn last time Blaise was here…
Blaise made the life-changing decision to relocate to Montana for many reasons but with one clear goal in mind—to convince Owen of what they could share if he would only let Blaise in. He’s prepared himself for a long siege, but with the help of his scheming best friend, Owen’s brother, a donkey and a lot of snow, an early Christmas present might just be in store for them both.
Review: I wish this story were a bit longer, because it was really good. Well written and the story seem to just flow along.
Blaise fell in love with Owen and had decided to make the jump and relocate to Montana to be near him. Owen wasn’t sure what he felt for Blaise, but he knew he wanted him. He just had to get over his problem of not wanting anyone to know he wanted to be with a man. The sex between them was hot but very tender. Blaise was tender and had a big heart who wanted Owen. You can’t help but fall for these two.
The way the story was written, you could just tell from the very beginning that it would be a great read. It had such a serious tone to it with just a bit of humor. What really made it close to being perfect was the white Christmas idea.
To have the snow falling down, with a fire roaring in the fireplace sipping on hot chocolate and reading this story is the perfect idea.
Blurb: Dan accepts an interesting new job, only to discover after he moves that he’s the only Jewish gay man in a small Midwestern town. On the first night of Hanukkah, he’s a bit homesick and very lonely. Then the mailman delivers a box containing his menorah to the wrong house.
Chris sees that misdirected package as an excuse to knock on his attractive new neighbor’s door. He doesn’t know a thing about Judaism, but he’s willing to learn, especially if it means becoming better acquainted with Dan.
Eager for company, Dan explains the meaning of the menorah and introduces Chris to less traditional amusements like a game of strip dreidel. Soon they are celebrating long into the nights with sweet, sexy fun. As Dan and Chris light a new flame each night, what started as a playful fling deepens into passion that promises to outlast the eight days of the holiday.
Review: Don’t you think it is amazing when the post office’s messes up deliveries? Especially when you end up getting your heart’s delight.
Dan is a cutie who has his sights on his neighbor Chris. When Chris brings over his mail, that was delivered to the wrong address, he was all for showing his thanks. The sex is amazing between them and the love is building fast. They are such a cute couple and you can’t help but give them their wishes. Chris does everything he can to learn about Dan’s religion and that makes Dan even love him more.
This story mixes love, religion, and happiness all in one. It was told with such humor that made me laugh throughout with just a hint of seriousness. It made an enjoyable read even better. I sat down on the couch, tucked in by a blanket with soft music in the background and read the story completely through without taking a break. It made it even more real like to me. I could see these two men making a house into a home. Making a couple into a family.
I would probably make this a favorite read every holiday. I enjoyed the story so much that I even told my mother to check it out.
Blurb: Jeremy Walsh is a high school senior who’s got big plans for his future — namely, to perform at Carnegie Hall. But before he can get there, he needs to secure the solo in his renowned high school choir’s Christmas concert and get into college. Everything seems to be on track until a cute new student, Zach Brooks, shows up, and ruins all of Jeremy’s plans by snatching the solo out from under him. With his college auditions looming and the Christmas concert fast approaching, Jeremy has more on his plate than he can handle. Can the magic of the Christmas season bring Jeremy and Zach together?
Review: Ah, a Young Adult title from Prizm Press and one I enjoyed a lot I must say. In a slightly short space, as this story rounds up just forty-two pages, the author manages to give us a nice Christmas themed little drama. Yes, of course, there is some drama, the characters are teenagers in their senior year at high school, and there is a little bit of fighting over a solo there. But I’m rushing ahead; let me introduce you to these lovely characters first.
Jeremy; he has a dream and it starts with winning his solo for his High School’s Christmas concert, it follows by winning the audition for his college of preference, wooing everybody in his way, and ends with him performing at Carnegie Hall. If only Zach didn’t existed.
Zach; new kid in school, joins the coir to earn some new friends but ends up with people hating him. Yes, he’s talented and has a voice to blow your mind, but he ends up getting the solo and stealing the beginning of Jeremy’s dreams.
Amber, Jeremy’s best friend, a member of the choir, and also tried for the solo. She has a mouth that has no boundaries and a mind to tell things as they are, so you can imagine her role here.
Hunty, also known as Mr. Hunt; he’s the choirs director and a big influence for young students, especially gay students.
So what happens when you’ve been eyeing your target for three years and a newbie snatches it up right out of your hand? What happens when said newbie is a lonely kid in a new place and very fun to hang out with? What happens when despite you wanting to hate said newbie you just can’t and end up being good friends? Serious questions all of them, but the biggest of them all is: What happens when he gives you your first kiss and then vanishes on you?
Teenage drama at its prime, yet somehow I loved every single line. I thought it would be angsty and overbearing, thankfully I was wrong because in this short story you have a good growth of characters that are fairly depicted and manage to transport you a bit back in the times you were their age too. There also is a subtle romance brewing here that runs a bit on the background and even as things end in a happy note and with Christmassy feelings of generosity and wonders, you’re left to wonder how things will pan out for this duo in the future.
I enjoyed this read. It was a bit different from the others I’ve read that are holiday-themed and I must say it was quite invigorating. And it also made me hit YouTube and listen to some nice songs. Just the same I wish to read more of this couple in the future, so there dear author, make it happen.
Title: Gaudete
