When Was the Last Time by Kelly Jensen

Title: When Was the Last Time?
Series: N/A
Author: Kelly Jensen
Genre: Daydreams/ Contemporary/ Holiday
Length: 42 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press Feb 12, 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Blurb: Paul Summerfield is stunned by the gentle reminder it has been over a year since he and his partner, Evan Akkerman, have made love. He vows to take Evan out for Valentine’s Day. Dinner and sex. Lots of sex. There’s only one catch—he’s supposed to be in San Francisco that week cataloging the art collection of an important new client. No problem, he’ll just change his schedule and cut his trip short by a day.

In San Francisco, Paul struggles with regrets and the fear his love is slipping away from him. Every call to Evan seems only to prove the distance between them is increasing. All this, and a key piece of his client’s catalog is caught up in customs. To keep their Valentine’s date, Paul will have to choose between the career he’s built over fifteen years and the man he’s loved for just as long.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-044-6

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7416

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Evan lets Paul know one morning that it’s been a year since they have made love. Paul knows that Evan never complains, and since he brought this matter up it weighed heavy on him.

Paul promises to make it up to Evan on Valentine’s Day by taking him out for dinner, a pleasant walk and making love afterwards. What Paul didn’t expect was to be stuck in San Francisco, waiting on customs so he could finish a job. When little things begin to click Paul gets nervous that he may be losing the one thing more important than his work.

Paul has to choose his lifetime of building up his reputation and career or the love of the man he has spent as much time with.

When Was The Last Time is a very heartfelt story. It makes you think about your own relationship and things we take for granted. I really liked both characters a lot. The story is a character-based one with lots of growth, a bit of suspense as we wait to see how this plays out and a sweet romance.

I was torn between low and moderate on the heat rating but chose moderate though there is only one hot sex scene because of the length of the book.

If you like short and sweet romance, with a good character driven the plot, Valentine’ Day stories and some mild/ moderate man-sex, I think you will like this one!

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Love and the Exorcism by Melanie Hansen

Title: Love and the Exorcism
Series: N/A
Author: Melanie Hansen
Genre: Contemporary/Holiday
Length: 47 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 11th 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Blurb: Tom Hannity is not boring, despite what his ex-boyfriend says. He loves his circle of family and friends and finds peace in the beauty of flower arranging. Still stinging from his recent breakup, Tom attends an Anti-Valentine’s Day “Ex-orcism,” hoping for some fun and forgetfulness.

Mario Tellez is tired of party boys, and he’s had his eye on Tom for a while. When they run into each other at the Ex-orcism, sparks fly, until an accidentally overheard conversation drives Tom to do something he normally doesn’t do.

What should have been a hot and fun night turns into Tom and Mario seeing each other at their absolute worst, although surprisingly, it brings out the best in them, too. Navigating around the toxic people in their lives isn’t easy, and after a small series of bumps in the road, they finally come around full circle… to Valentine’s Day and laying old demons to rest.

ISBN:9781634770439

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7402

Reviewer: Aerin

Review: You know an author is talented and worth reading when they manage to capture the essence of the main characters in a short story… and this is very short, people, not more than 3 or 4 chapters. But despite the fact that this book was length-challenged, I felt like I connected with the characters and got to know them pretty well.

Tom and Mario meet at an anti-Valentine’s Day party, and the chemistry between them can’t be ignored. What’s supposed to be a steamy one night stand turns into something totally different when different circumstances leads the two men to see each other at their worst and care for each other the best they can. The sexual tension made me expect a steamy, crazy sex filled night, but that’s not what I got, and that was fine with me.

The characters and their story seem very realistic. The series of events and reactions are well executed and believable. Tom and Mario grow apart and find their way back together, they have challenges that are easy solved by communication, and their HEA is nicely done.

Great short story!

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Conversation Hearts by Avon Gale

Title: Conversation Hearts
Series: N/A
Author: Avon Gale
Genre: Daydreams/ Contemporary/ Holiday
Length: 31 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (Feb 10 21016)
Heat Level: explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Blurb: It’s Valentine’s Day, and grad student—and male escort—Levi Barron expects to spend his evening with a client who’s paying him for his services in bed… not an assassin who needs to borrow the view from his hotel room in the morning.

With nothing to do but endure the company of his unwanted guest, Levi and the assassin, Sinjin, spend some time bonding over HGTV, minibar beverages, Flannery O’Connor short stories, terrible Valentine’s candy, and the necessity of lying about their jobs.

Their evening takes an unexpected turn when they decide to indulge in their mutual attraction, and in the morning Levi doesn’t know if he’s spent the night with a hired killer or a hydraulic engineer with a very specific fantasy. Either way, the two have enough chemistry—in and out of bed—that Levi isn’t sure one night with Sinjin will be enough.

And a message left in candy suggests the feeling is mutual.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-042-2

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7401

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Levi is a male escort that seems to have been stood up. He decides to use the amenities of the room to study when a man dressed in black comes in. The man appears to be an assassin.
SinJin didn’t think the room he entered for a job was empty. Instead, he found a sex, smart male escort. His job isn’t till morning, so he spends the night with Levi watching HGTV, raiding the mini bar, and talking.

I’m not really sure how I feel about this book. The story was good, but it felt off. First of all, Levi was much too calm and second it’s unbelievable an assassin would leave a witness alive.

On the other hand, if you think of it as one of his client’s fantasy, it is hot.

The overall story is good, the characters interesting, the sex is scorching. So, if you like male escorts, assassins, fun romance and scorching hot man-sex, this is for you.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Love at Roades End by Kris T. Bethke

Title: Love at Roades End
Series: NA
Author: Kris T. Bethke
Genre: Daydreams/ Contemporary/ Holiday
Length: 32 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (Feb 9th, 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Blurb: Sean Newvine is looking forward to his weekend at Roades End Inn so he can review his stay there for inclusion on his travel website. What he never expects is for the owner, Hunter Roades, to capture his attention from the very start.

The only problem is Hunter thinks Sean’s been sent by his brother on a blind date so that Hunter doesn’t have to spend Valentine’s Day alone. Once the awkward misunderstanding is resolved, Sean is charmed by Hunter’s formality and hospitality. And when they have a chance to really talk, sparks fly.

A passion-filled night has them both wanting more, but Hunter pulls away knowing Sean doesn’t live in town and the distance might be more than they can overcome.

Sean and Hunter must figure out if they can make it work for longer than one night, or if their chance at love will end at Roades End Inn before it can begin.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-041-5

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7399

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Sean is enjoying his perk of a free weekend in a B&B for the travel blog he works for. It is a beautiful place, and so is the owner.
Hunter is embarrassed at his outburst, assuming the cute guy coming in was sent by his brother as a Valentine’s Day gift.

The two men hit it off well, but can their attraction last more than the weekend?

I really liked this story. I loved the descriptions of the hotel, the town and the way the relationship went with Hunter and Sean. The story is well-written and cute.

If you like a short story that is romantic, descriptive and sweet this one is for you!

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Table for One by Ava Hayden

Title: Table for One
Series: N/A
Author: Ava Hayden
Genre: Contemporary/Holiday Novella
Length: 31 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (8 Feb 2016)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Blurb: Nick DiGiaccomo waits tables at Fortissimo, an exclusive restaurant in Oilton, Alberta. He loathes drama, particularly the kind that makes its appearance on Valentine’s Day.

This Valentine’s Day is especially bitter. Eight months ago Nick’s heart was broken when his lover walked away without a word over a misunderstanding. Too proud to call, Nick’s heard nothing from him since. But on this, the most romantic day of the year, he keeps his feelings well-hidden and his professional smile firmly in place.
That is, until he sees his ex-lover, Mark Mishimoto, at a table for two in his section—and his Valentine’s Day goes from bad to downright horrible.

To make matters worse, a winter storm descends, hours earlier than forecast. When the restaurant closes, Nick finds himself stuck downtown in the middle of a blizzard with no way to get home and nowhere to go. Mark lives conveniently close by, and he’s offering up his couch.

Nick could use a place to lay his head—but is it worth risking his heart?

ISBN: 978-1-63477-040-8

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7397

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is a nice, short and shiny story for a bit of Valentine’s romance, coupled with a smidgen of sarcasm and wit to the whole day. To be honest the blurb is more than descriptive about what happens in the short story – I think that it could be a lot shorter considering the story itself is only 31 pages.

As for the story itself, this is about waiter Nick. He’s stuck working on Valentine’s Day, although he really does hate that kind of public display of romance. On top of that, his ex, Mark, who had left without a word after a misunderstanding, turns up at the restaurant sitting at the table for two he had booked. This is really a sweet story. There are a couple of flash backs and a hint towards the future at the end.

The plot is simple, if you haven’t figured out what Mark is doing after reading the blurb you’ll figure it out a couple of pages in. That being said, the simplicity is a good thing because that means we can get a bit more in-depth about how things are between Nick and Mark.

A wonderful Valentine’s/winter romance, if anything I want to know more about Nick and Mark’s relationship.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Not Every Time by Alexa Milne

Title: Not Every Time
Series: N/A
Author: Alexa Milne
Genre: Contemporary/Holiday Short
Length: 43 pages
Publisher: Pride Publishing (December 15, 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.75 Hearts
Blurb: What would you give up for love?

Raziel Slade and Jack Hastings have been best friends since Raz saved Jack’s life twelve years ago. Jack has spent years searching for the perfect woman with the help of his wingman, Raz, the man he thinks of as his guardian angel. At a company Christmas party, the world Jack thought he knew turns on its axis, and feelings he didn’t know he had punch him right between the eyes. Can Jack learn to see his friend in an entirely different way?

Openly gay, Raz loves his best friend and has given up more than Jack will ever know to be with him, but he’s never dared to tell Jack how he truly feels, or to reveal his true identity. For twelve years, he has waited in the wings.

Now, with Jack’s sudden epiphany, can these two best friends work out if they have a future together?

ISBN: 978-1-78430-892-6

Product Link: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/not-every-time

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: A sweet romance between two best friends Jack and Raz one of which is straight.

I really liked how these two seemed well matched though I would have preferred more to the story.

It was a little weird reading how Jack sees Raz dancing with someone else and realizes he could lose Raz.

Sweet and cute story.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Xander by Ana Raine

Title: Xander
Series: Peppermint Twist, #10
Author: Ana Raine
Genre: Fantasy / Holiday
Length: Short (39 Pages)
Publisher: Changeling Press (December 12th 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts
Blurb: His whole life, Xander’s known just who and exactly what he wants. As Santa’s oldest son, he’s next in line to inherit the family business. And that’s the only way he’s ever going to leave the North Pole.

Walter’s got the best job ever — creating and testing adult toys. But that job’s not near as much fun without a partner to share his passion with.

Will Xander choose what he’s always wanted — to get out and see the world — or can he and Walter find their own Christmas magic right here at home?

ISBN: 07218-02326

Product Link: http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=2326

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: There is something very kinky about these Christmas stories. I have never laughed as hard as I do reading them. There is so much humor in them that will have you laughing your ass off.

Now who would want to leave the North Pole and Santa? Santa’s oldest son, Xander that is. He wants to go out and explore.

However Walter might just change his mind, maybe. Walter has the best job and probably the funniest. He makes sex toys and boy can he use them. These two just come together and might just melt the pole.

It is a funny little story and very cute. It is so damn sweet, well let’s say you might need this special little dentist to help you out. I had a fun time reading it. I wished that it was longer though, because it just gives you a taste. I had a blast with it and would recommend it to everyone.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Love Come True by Shaye Evans

Hawaiian Vacation Sunset Concept, Two Beach Chairs at Sunset

Title: Love Come True
Series: A Touch of Love
Author: Shaye Evans
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short (35 pages)
Publisher: Dark Hollow Press (February 13th, 2015)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Blurb: Australian country boy Dean West grew up on a farm and as a result, he’s never had a Valentine. He hates secluded land and craves the freedom he has dreamed of – surfing and living on the coast – ever since his first visit at age eleven on one of his parent’s rare getaway holidays.

When his parents decide to holiday on the North Coast again, Dean decides to make the most of it by making some of his dreams, albeit temporarily, come true. First, he takes a dawn run along the beach and that’s where he meets Riley, a pro surfer who he feels instantly drawn to.

Sharing their mutual love of surfing, Dean and Riley begin to explore the attraction between them, but what will happen when the trip is cut short and Dean has to go home early? Will he spend another Valentine’s Day alone and unhappy, or will another one of his dreams come true?

ISBN: 978-1-942176-63-3

Product Link: http://www.darkhollowspress.com/#!love-come-true/c3fs

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is a short and sweet story of an Aussie country boy who longs for the surf and just about everything else the coast has to offer.

Dean is an eighteen year old from country Victoria and absolutely adores the fact he is on holiday at the beach with his parents. Doesn’t quite so adore the fact it’s only for a couple of days. Add in the fact that he has yet to come out to his parents… he’s got a complicated life. One day on the beach he meets Riley, he’s a young up and coming surfer and the two just click.

For the length that this story is, it is quite a good and enjoyable story. Part of me wishes there could be more words devoted to these guys because I couldn’t say that their attraction was smouldering or sizzling, it was definitely cute and has a lot of room for potential.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Second Bite of the Cherry by Louise Lyons

Title: Second Bite of the Cherry
Series: Celebrate! 2014 Advent Calendar
Author: Louise Lyons
Genre: Contemporary/Holiday
Length: Short (28 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 1, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: When Daniel Berrisford reluctantly agrees to accompany his best friend Kate to the New Year’s Eve celebrations in London, he doesn’t expect to enjoy himself. Daniel is pleasantly surprised to see his first boyfriend, James Allison, among the merrymakers. The pair hasn’t seen each other for four years, but as they talk and midnight approaches, it becomes clear the spark between them is still there.

The New Year is a time for new beginnings, and for Daniel and James, it might be the time to give love another chance.

ISBN: 978-1-63216-765-1

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5868

Reviewer: York

Review: I don’t think I have ever read a story with so few pages pack so much punch. It’s no secret that if faced with the choice of a 40-page novella or a 400-page novel with no time constraints, I will choose the novel every time. However, the novellas are growing on me and this is a perfect example of why. Second Bite takes you from heartbreak to the promise of lifelong love from 0 to 60 in 28 pages flat.

I can certainly understand Daniel’s reluctance to open his heart again and I appreciate his best friend, Kate’s determination to enjoy the ringing in of the New Year despite her very recent break-up. When she uses her “bestie wiles” to get him out of the house, you can’t help but shout out “You go, girl!”

The plotline may be a bit of a holiday cliché but, Miss Lyons writes it so well with a perfect blend of humor, lust, and the promise of a better year ahead that you don’t even realize the oft-used scenario.

Letter from Christmas Past by Jae Ashley, 2nd edition

Title: Letter from Christmas Past (2nd Edition)
Series: N/A
Author: Jae Ashley
Genre: Paranormal/Holiday
Length: Short (35 pages)
Publisher: Jae Ashley (December 10th, 2014)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: As a year passes and the holidays approach, Marcus discovers he’s not as ready to move forward and embrace life again as he’d thought. Ian hates to see Marcus hurting and hopes with all his heart that a letter from the past will pave the way for the future of passion and joy that he knows is possible for the two of them.

And, sometimes, reawakening love in a guarded heart takes a Christmas miracle.

Note: This book is a re-release, but has never before been released on Amazon. It has been re-edited. The author and title are the same.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Letter-Christmas-Past-Jae-Ashley-ebook/dp/B00QVYWA5M

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is a sweet and poignant short story. I can’t believe how much emotions have been packed into only 35 pages! I started off feeling a bit down by the story and then suddenly we delve into a rather hot sex scene. This could have been bad, but the tone suited the story and characters so well.

Central to the story is the coming to terms with a character that died off page – Marcus’s partner and Ian’s best friend.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Snowman with Benefits by Marshall Thornton

Title: Snowman with Benefits
Series: N/A
Author: Marshall Thornton
Genre: Fantasy/Holiday
Length: Short (38 pages)
Publisher: Marshall Thornton (November 8th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts
Blurb: Desperate to win a neighbourhood snowman contest, Trey pulls out all the stops. He and his boyfriend, Landon, work all morning to make a snowman along the lines of Michelangelo’s David.

Unfortunately, all does not go well, and the two break up over Trey’s relentless perfectionism. Struggling to take a nap that afternoon, Trey is awakened by the sound of someone in his house. He goes downstairs to find the snowman has come to life – and he’s horny!

ASIN: B00PEVL1J4

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Snowman-With-Benefits-Marshall-Thornton-ebook/dp/B00PEVL1J4

Reviewer: Prime

Review: This is really a quirky story and more than anything, I would have liked it to be longer. A fairly unique concept, this was a really enjoyable read, which had me laughing, though. I was also somewhat concerned for the characters in some places as well.

I love the sarcasm of Snowman David. I can’t help but feel sorry Landon, Trey’s boyfriend, because he has to put up with a lot. For people who don’t like perfectionist characters, Trey is going to be unlikable. But I suspect Trey is meant to be OCD, or some similar obsessive disorder, which would account for his behaviour and competitive nature.

Looking beyond this, I find him to be a vulnerable character. However, in the end this is a tale of hope.

This was immensely enjoyable.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

The Perfect Stranger by B.J. Sheppard

*Title was free on Amazon at time of posting*

Title: The Perfect Stranger
Series: N/A
Author: BJ Sheppard
Genre: Contemporary/Holiday
Length: Short (30 pages)
Publisher: B.J. Sheppard (December 17th, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Blurb: On a snowy Christmas Eve, Cal finds himself stranded in a local bar, nothing but the chatty barman and the merriment of others to keep him company. As the door to the bar opens, blown in by a gust of winter breeze, Cal finds himself locked onto the handsome man who enters. With the Christmas cheer surrounding them, Cal lets his walls down enough to give into the lure of the perfect stranger.
ISBN: 9781311907684
Product Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/502883
Reviewer: Prime
Review: I have to admit, I was prepared not to like this one, particularly Cal. I’ve read numerous similar shorts and it’s always the same, someone in a committed relationship hooks up with a “stranger” and I’m prepared not to like either character, regardless of the fact they have some pretty hot sex (. All this despite the fact, in the back of my mind, I’m pretty sure I know what’s coming.

The problem with this type of story is that the very end is usually the make or break. Here, which I loved, is that with the twist we are told a very sweet story and the ending is nothing but wonderful. The ending made me sigh in relief and happiness and stop thinking about how much I don’t want to like either character.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

The Holiday Spirit by Moon Lightwood

Title: The Holiday Spirit
Series: N/A
Author: Moon Lightwood
Genre: Contemporary/Holiday
Length: Short (10 pages)
Publisher: Moon Lightwood (December 7th, 2014)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
Blurb: Wyatt is feeling quite lonely since his boyfriend, Tim, is away on a business trip–that is, until Santa appears in his living room. With his adrenaline pumping and his libido obviously working overtime, Santa gives Wyatt a bad boy present he won’t soon forget.

Product Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/499728

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Short, sharp and shiny. With a story this length, it’s either about the sex or about the romance, and in this case, the story was definitely about the sex. There isn’t really a lot of plot, but the set up is basically, what we read in the blurb.

A hot and steamy encounter will satisfy in between Christmas errands.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

A Night Never Forgotten by SJD Peterson

Title: A Night Never Forgotten
Author: SJD Peterson
Series: Celebrate! 2014 Advent Calendar
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Short (29 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 1st 2014)
Heat Level: Mild
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: After a one night whirlwind romance, Braylon returns to Toronto on the first of December every year in the hopes of seeing the man of his dreams again. Instead, Braylon meets a strange man who tells him Christmas is a magical time, and one never knows what unexpected gifts he’ll receive.

Braylon takes a chance and makes a Christmas wish, but instead of getting what he wants, he contracts an infection leaving him dependent on dialysis and unable to make the journey the following year. But the stranger just might be right; an unexpected gift may be the miracle Braylon needs most of all.

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2014 Advent Calendar package “Celebrate!”

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5861&cPath=62_1243

Reviewer: Tams

Review: Braylon returns to Toronto every year at the first of December in the hope of finding the man that he shared a passionate night there with several years prior. But this December his ailing health prohibits him making the annual trip. Over the next year, Braylon recovers from a kidney transplant and begins to live his life again, including taking his trip to Toronto in December.

Will a strange twist of fate finally bring him and Ross back together, or will Braylon resign the encounter as a one-night stand that just wasn’t meant to be?

A short, heartwarming story that shows the true power of circumstance and coincidence. There was a lot of content for so few pages as well. You really get a sense of how badly Braylon wants to reconnect with Ross. And the twist at the end left me surprised and smiling. Definitely a must read for my fellow hopeless romantics.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

A Called to Mate Christmas by Lynn Tyler

Title: A Called To Mate Christmas
Author: Lynn Tyler
Series: Pack Mates, #2.5
Genre: Shifter Romance
Length: Short (17 pages)
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books (December 15th 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: Quinn’s thrilled Declan’s being so romantic during the Christmas season and he’s determined to do something just as awesome for his mate. But Declan seems to have his own plans.

Curl up and enjoy a bit of holiday spirit in Lynn Tyler’s A Called to Mate Christmas, a special addition to her paranormal romance series, Pack Mates.

Quinn has been blessed with a very romantic mate. Twelve days before Christmas, the gifts start pouring in, some sweet, some spicy. But now the book and video game he’d purchased for Declan seem pale in comparison.

All it takes is a visit to an online adult store and a little help from Cullen to arrange for the best gift Quinn can give Declan.

Content Notes: Hot, Anal Intercourse, D/s Elements, Light BDSM, Paranormal, Shifters, Contemporary, GLBT, M/M

Product Link: http://www.lsbooks.com/a-called-to-mate-christmas-p976.php

Reviewer: Tams

Review: With Christmas fast approaching, Quinn worries that his gifts for his mate, Declan, won’t express his love for him. So he talks One of Declan’s betas into helping him set the perfect gift in motion. Now he just has to convince Declan that he is sincere, and that he truly wants what he is offering him.

Short, Sexy and Steamy… the perfect complement to this amazing shifter series. Declan and Quinn are definitely hopeless romantics and they cannot get enough of each other, cannot seem to be able to touch each other quite enough. Quinn hopes to give Declan the ultimate gift, to prove to his mate that he trusts him implicitly, now if only Declan will cooperate.

There was so much emotion conveyed in so few pages I was just blown away. But then, Tyler’s shifter stories are also emotionally driven. This is a must read series, I would say you could even start with this short story and make sure you can bond with the characters, then go back and start from the beginning.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

From All of Us to All of You by Ofelia Gränd

Title: From All of Us to All of You
Series: Boughs of Evergreen: A Holiday Anthology (Volume 1)
Author: Ofelia Gränd
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short (28 pages)
Publisher: Beaten Track Publishing (December 1st, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts
Blurb: Simon hates the Holidays. It’s the same every year – awaiting the dreaded Christmas Eve, when his father gets drunk, while the family fake Christmas spirit and strain to hear the TV over Dad’s snoring. This year, Simon’s sister is celebrating Christmas elsewhere, leaving him to deal with their parents on his own.

But there’s a glimmer of hope.

A work colleague introduces Simon to her son Hannes at the Lucia Day celebrations, the trouble being that Simon mistakenly believes it’s a blind date, and as if that isn’t embarrassing enough, Hannes wants them to be friends, and Simon’s starting to see signals that aren’t there. He’s beginning to wonder if he’ll make it through Christmas with his sanity intact.

ISBN: 9781909192898

Product Link: http://www.beatentrackpublishing.com/?ref=boughsofevergreen

Reviewer: Prime

Review: Reading this book sparked memories of going to a church masses and being in Catholic primary and high school productions as either actor or musician. This is all about family and love and just general celebration, it’s difficult not to like this short story because again, this makes me think of my family at Christmas and Easter. Even if Simon’s family is nothing like mine.

This is certainly a different type of Christmas story: it is set around Santa Lucia and Christmas in Sweden. There is no one feeling lonely amongst their hordes of relatives and presents and happiness.
Instead, Simon isn’t particularly happy when it comes to his parents and really has an intense dislike for Christmas since he’s never had a happy Christmas. He lives in his small hometown, with an average job and everyone knows everyone else’s secrets. Simon is introduced to Hannes, by Hannes’s mother who Simon happens to work with.

Both Simon and Hannes are adorable and sweet. Hannes seems to have something Simon needs and vice versa, they just need to get their act together.

This isn’t a rushed insta-love, but a subtle story that just happens to coincide with Christmas.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Pretty Sally Couldn't Marry Albert by Jefferson Parrish

Title: Pretty Sally Couldn’t Marry Albert

Series: A Valentine Rainbow

Author: Jefferson Parrish

Genre: Contemporary, Holiday

Length: Short (45 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 8^th 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb: Recovering from a stroke, Albert struggles to help his sister deal with her husband’s death and the demands of single parenthood. Everyone puts on a brave face, but the family is overwhelmed and left with a hole in their hearts. The discovery of a stash of old valentines makes Albert nostalgic for the sunny days spent with his childhood friend, Harry. Albert’s nephew, Kyle, decides to find the long-lost Harry only to discover life hasn’t been kind to Harry either.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4677

Review: Albert is recovering from a stroke. His family tries to get him to try to get better faster but he refuses. He has in home-helpers and has to deal with strangers and his seventeen-year-old nephew helping him with basic needs such as using the bathroom. He has never been married or hasn’t really dated much. He considers himself asexual since sex has never been a big deal for him. Now nearing fifty, he is alone. One day his sister makes him open a box their mother had left them when she passed away. It contains all his valentines from when he was in school and many memories.

Wow! I am a new fan of Jefferson Parrish. This was another of those pleasant surprises. The title did not woo me in but I am so glad I read this story.

It’s a beautiful story that is unique that Albert was Asexual. He never acted on his feelings thinking sex was important to a relationship. Unhappy little girls with hurt feelings on Valentine’s Day brings us back to the day when it was required you swap with the entire class not just a few chose friends. I remember those days and I do agree it should be that way now. The girls eager to read their uncles valentines and ask so many questions and the meddling Seventeen-year-old nephew were so cute and funny. I loved the cryptic messages in the valentines and the flashbacks to Albert’s youth.

This story has nothing to do with a pretty girl wanting to marry Albert. Grab a copy to see what Pretty Sally Couldn’t Marry Albert really meant. You won’t be disappointed

If you love a sweet story of family, broken men, stroke patients, recovery, cryptic messages, Valentine’s Day and need a great short story to make you smile this one is it!

A Boyfriend for Christmas by Iyana Jenna

Title: A Boyfriend for Christmas

Series: N/A

Author: Iyana Jenna

Length: Short (23 Pages)

Publisher: Leap of Faith Publishing (November 16^th, 2013)

Heat Rating: Low

Heart Level: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: Cold, injured, and afraid his ex-boyfriend will come find him, Oliver chooses instead to run away from the hospital and hide in his cabin on Christmas Day. Little does he know that Santa Claus and the Big Boss will drop a surprise for him through his fireplace. The surprise’s name is Derek.

Product Link:http://www.amazon.com/A-Boyfriend-Christmas-Iyana-Jenna-ebook/dp/B00GR0D6IA

Review: This is a very cute story, that I absolutely fell in love with.

Oliver had been abused and just wanted to get away. He was scared of everything, so when he awoke to a burglar he was scared out of his mind. Derek had been sent to him by the big boss and he knew he wanted Oliver. Derek was kind, gentle, and very loving. It is a cute and adorable little story line, that I wished had been a lot more. This story is just so sweet and tender that you can’t help but think of reading it every Holiday. Which is what I intend to do, to put it on my Christmas Eve story time. It is a story that would stick with you.

The only problem I found was that it was too short and missed many parts that would make it a great story. I wished that it had done more background on both Oliver and Derek. Then put a little more action into it.

Time for Christmas by Liam Grey

Title: Time for Christmas

Series: All I want, Torquere Press Holiday Sips

Author: Liam Grey

Genre: Holiday

Length: Short (18 pages)

Publisher: Torquere Press (December 4^th, 2013)

Product link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_108&products_id=4087

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: When your partner works a late shift for the holiday, and there’s nothing waiting at home except the damn Christmas tree, why not stay at the office yourself? Tim doesn’t care much for the holiday anyway, and there’s always more paperwork. A push out the door, a pot of stew, and a little holiday magic lets these two lovers find time for Christmas.

Reviewer: Pammie

Review: A Torquere Press Christmas short

This is a short, intriguing, and enjoyable Christmas read.

Tim appears to be something of a Christmas Grinch to start with when we meet him in his office. However, that changes when he gets home, and gets things ready for his absent lover. But just who is Chris, with the short, white hair and beard, who works so hard the night of Christmas Eve?

The lovers reconnect on Christmas morning, with promises and affirmations of love. At Tim’s request, they go to see the sunrise together, and then head for a favoured diner where they can sit and enjoy both the sunrise, and each other’s company.

If you like short, romantic, Christmas reads, this is for you.

A Very Demony Christmas by Nancy M. Griffis

Title: A Very Demony Christmas

Series: All I Want

Author: Nancy M Griffis

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Length: Short (29 pages)

Publisher: Torquere Press (December 4^th 2013)

Heat Level: Mild

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: Damian and Laurent had danced around their attraction for years while fighting evil and saving the innocent. Stopping a demon from killing a homeless pregnant girl just before Christmas sets them on a path to stopping a hybrid demon from coming to power and maybe, finally, finding a way to be together in their crazy, dangerous lives.

Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_108&products_id=4084

Reviewer: Tams

Review: Laurent is an 800-year-old immortal demon killer. He spends most of his time killing hunting down then killing vampires and demons to protect the innocent. The rest of his time is spent pining over his human partner, Damian. Two years ago Laurent saved Damian during a fight, and the two have been fighting off evil and their mutual attraction ever since. With Christmas, approaching Laurent has a special gift in mind for Damian, if they survive the recent high-level demon they’re tracking.

I do hope that this is just a synopsis of better things to come. I completely loved the premise, and for so few pages, the core of the story was explained well. I only got a make out session in the end, and I want more for these two characters. An Immortal and a Human demon hunting pair that become lovers is fascinating to me, I pray this becomes a full novel at least.

If you’re looking for something short and slightly sexy with a paranormal twist for the Holiday, this is perfect.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews*

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com

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