Hey guys! Thank you all so much for taking part in our giveaway over December to celebrate the release of the Bah Humbug advent collection from Dreamspinner Press.
So after much cursing of the scissors, the stupid pen running out, having to send the youngest to buy some more pins and my really crappy aim (the Christmas tree was a casualty, as was the floor, the picture rail, the wall and my foot) I have finally got the winners!
4th Prize Winner ($25 DSP Credit)
Cia Nordwell
3rd Prize Winner ($25 DSP Credit)
jamesescol
2nd Prize Winner ($50 DSP Credit)
Jillian Too
1st Prize Winner ($100 DSP Credit)
Purple Reader
I am doing a special bonus $10 DSP Credit to tanja for being the only commenter to get Brandon Witt’s question correct 😉
Cia Nordwell, jamesescol, Jillian Too, Purple Reader & tanja if you could contact me (Pixie) at mmgoodbookreviews@live.com with the email you use for your Dreamspinner account I’ll get your accounts credited with your winnings.
Congratulations to the winners and thank you everyone (authors and readers) for taking part <3
Blurb: Wade Turner takes a drunk Jaxxon home after work hoping to get laid. What he gets instead is news that the world as they know it is ending—superbugs are sweeping the nation, leaving high death tolls in their wake, and the president has been assassinated. In this new storm of chaos everyone is referring to as the Apocalypse, Wade decides their chances are better if they stick together.
But when Jaxxon’s ex dies in a hurricane and his daughter goes missing, Wade watches the man he loves slip into despair. Desperate to save his relationship, Wade leaves in the middle of the night on a dangerous journey to save Jaxxon’s daughter—a child he’s not sure is even still alive. If he can put this family back together, maybe there will still be something worth celebrating in the aftermath of the Apocalypse.
Review: When I first started reading this story, I wasn’t too sure if I was going to even like it a little. Jaxxon is not my idea of a good man let alone boyfriend. His wife and daughter left for Florida to start over, and Jaxxon just gets drunk. Then a superbug hits and many die around them every single day. Then the news comes that his wife and her family are dead, and he has no idea where his daughter is. Wade however is a different matter; he is in love with Jaxxon but can see what is going to happen. So he leaves in search of Jaxxon’s daughter, and if you want to know the rest you have to read the book.
I can’t say that I liked this book, but it was interesting. It wasn’t a Christmas story but it does have a happy ending. When I first started reading it, I was thinking that it was just thrown in because there really isn’t anything celebrating the holiday. Even the cover was depressing. However the ending was better than I thought it would be. I just hate to admit that this was not a story for me.
Blurb: Federal park ranger Carter Williams dislikes kids almost as much as he dislikes Christmas. He chose his career to escape human contact, not embrace it. And no matter how much his husband Owen tries to sway his opinion, Carter is a grump who would rather ignore the holiday. Owen’s efforts are put on hold, however, when they get a call about six missing foster kids lost in the park.
Christmas Eve takes a turn for the worse when Owen injures himself rescuing the children. Stranded in a snowstorm until dawn, Carter has to keep Owen awake and healthy while simultaneously watching six runaways. What he thinks is a nightmare come to life is actually a beautiful gift in disguise—the kids transform the ranger station into a Christmas wonderland. And before it’s all said and done, they might transform Carter’s heart as well—if he can keep his bah humbug attitude in check.
Review: This story is more cute and tender then funny as hell, although it is that also. Carter and his husband are Federal park rangers. Whereas his husband is into the holidays and kids, Carter hates them. That is until this Christmas… and well you have just got to read it.
I was definitely not ready for this one, but damn it was cute. I especially liked the kids and well you will see. You cannot really go into detail about these stories without giving them away. I got a kick out of it and definitely would read it next Christmas. It is a very quirky and fun story.
Blurb: For years, Ethan and Toby have said they’ll never marry, despite Ethan’s secret wishes. So leaving sunny California for snowy Minnesota to witness his sister’s vow renewal is not how he wants to spend his Christmas Eve. It’s the second time she’ll say “I do” in less than a year, when Ethan saying those words to Toby even once is hopeless.
In the run-up to the ceremony, Toby seems to avoid Ethan, and doubts grow in his absence. Ethan can’t help noticing Toby spends more time with Ethan’s family than with him. Little does Ethan know, Toby has desires of his own. But if Toby doesn’t find a way to reveal them, Ethan could leave for home without him.
Review: Ethan and Toby have been together for quite some time now. The problem is every time they are asked when they are going to get married, well Toby says never. Ethan always agrees but deep down, in his heart he wants it. However it would seem while they are at his family’s home, that Toby might just want something different. To find out what it is, you must read this story.
It is a really cute little story that will rock your world. I always did love surprises and little twist to my stories. Posy worked it perfectly and I can say that this was one of my favorite Christmas stories to date. It just goes to show that sometimes Christmas miracles do happen.
InFarm Fresh, book one of Posy’s Naked Organics series, what’s the best way to describe Kaleidoscope Gardens, where Jude, Hudson, Charlie, and Leo live?
(Just leave a comment with the answers on this post)
Blurb: Other than working the front desk of a gay bathhouse in Denver, Brian McKay is a bit of a recluse. At the best of times, his social life consists of work, role-playing games at a local toyshop, and making YouTube videos with his Teddy Bear hamsters. The arrival of the holidays—with the annoying music, Christmas shopping, and all the reminders of how he disappointed his father—just reinforces his reclusive nature.
When James Olsen, a gorgeous daddy bear who frequents the bathhouse, notices him, Brian is at a loss. He’s not proud of his own bear status or his struggle with weight. The idea that James has interest in him beyond an easy hookup is more than Brian can fathom. But with a little bit of holiday magic, James might help Brian learn to accept Christmas again—and himself.
Review: Brian had never had a Christmas he enjoyed until he met the man of his dreams. James was the man Brian wanted, but never thought he could have. It looks to me like he just might have received the perfect Christmas present ever.
I have to admit that I was not as happy about all the sex in this story, which is strange. However I was just looking for something really cheesy I suppose. I did however really like these characters. They just came off perfect to me and I would love to read more about them. This was a very cute little story that was a lot of fun to read. I love how much humor is in these little stories, and how much story there actually is in them.
Blurb: Dumped by his ex on Christmas Eve two years ago, Oxford Street department store manager Richard Barrett now hates the holidays. Things go from bad to worse when the store’s usual Santa is too ill to reprise his role and the firm sends cocky but handsome Blaine Ryder to take his place. The attraction between the two is clear, but Blaine is an incorrigible player who reminds Richard of his ex. His idea of a relationship is a quick roll in the hay, and his advances have Richard running for the hills. It might take some special intervention for both of them to realize they can change enough to have a chance at a holiday romance.
Review: Have you been naughty or nice, why not come sit on Santa’s lap and let him tell you a story. Blaine a sexy and quirky actor, playing Santa has the hots for the store manager Richard. Now let’s see if Richards will sit on Santa’s lap once and for all.
This was a very cute little story that was a lot of fun to read. I love how much humor is in these little stories, and how much story there actually is in them. I got a kick out of reading this and can guarantee that this will be read many Christmas over.
Blurb: For dueling radio hosts Deke and Dudley, the battle over Christmas starts the day after Thanksgiving. Deke hates the whole season. Dudley is a yuletide overachiever. They put their debate to a vote, inviting audience members to weigh in. The loser must go on a blind date of the winner’s choosing. Dudley decides he wouldn’t mind taking the loss, if his blind date, picked by Deke, turns out to be Deke himself. As Christmas gets closer, not only does that fantasy seem unlikely, but everything that can go wrong for Dudley does, including malfunctioning decorations, rancid cookies, and a lost pile of hundreds of handwritten Christmas cards. Just days before Santa’s arrival, Dudley’s about to throw in the red and green towel and join all the haters. It’ll take a miracle to change his mind….
Review: When I first got this book, I wasn’t really sure about it. Here you have two guys who have the hots for each other, but they are so different in many ways. Deke hates the holidays and Dudley loves them. However it works perfectly with their jobs. You guessed it, Deke plays the grump and Dudley loves the holidays. However this year there is a bet going on, and the looser has to go on a blind date. A blind date that the winner picks out. Wouldn’t be so bad if it was with each other, but you will have to read the story to find out what happens next.
This is a cute and funny little story that will knock your socks off. I had a blast reading this and wouldn’t mind doing so again. These two are perfect for each other, however if I was Dudley, I would have kicked Deke’s butt around the corner. I had a lot of fun reading this and would definitely be checking out the rest of this author’s books out.
Blurb: Ray Fine would like to forget Hanukkah even exists. The holiday holds too many sad memories for the young widower. When he’s paired with new convert Josiah Wilson in a year-long welcoming program at his synagogue, he doesn’t know how he’ll get through eight days of celebration, let alone twelve months of guidance.
Josiah has enough on his plate—school, conversion, the holiday concert season—without becoming someone’s shoulder to cry on. But when he discovers there’s more to his new synagogue buddy’s sadness than a case of the “Hanukkah Blues,” he sets out to show Ray how much there is to live for.
The first blizzard of the season has other plans, though, and Hanukkah might be a lost cause if Ray and Josiah can’t plow through the snow—and their differences. Determined not to lose Ray to his own darkness, Josiah plans to teach him a lesson about the real Miracle of Light—and love.
Review: Ray had lost his partner two years ago and seems to have lost his spirit along the way. He was told by the Rabi that it was his turn to help a new convert. It turns out that Josiah might just be the one to help him.
Now I hate to admit that this one didn’t rock for me. I also hate to admit that anything religious very rarely does for me. I don’t get into them like I should, however it is a really cute story that will brighten your day.
Blurb: Rex Devious (Dr. Devious to meddlesome do-gooders everywhere) can go toe-to-toe with superheroes without blinking an eye. So picking out a Christmas present for his new boyfriend should be no problem. After all, he and Sanjay seem perfect for each other. But with a terrible track record for finding gifts that won’t scare his potential partners away, Rex is paralyzed with insecurity. Until, of course, he decides to change tactics. Instead of having to pick out that perfect present, why not just destroy Christmas altogether? If his nemeses (or his conscience) can’t stop him first, he might just become the Supervillain who stole Christmas.
Review: Rex is a strange character that is one thing I do know. He has a sexy boyfriend who he wants to impress, but as a supervillain he is about to bark down a road he has not gone down. If you want the details then you have got to read the story, trust me you will get a good laugh.
At first I wasn’t really sure about this story, but then I took the theme that the authors of this very strange calendar advent and went with it. It was a quirky story that was an absolute blast to read. I spent most of the time laughing my ass off. For such a short story there is definitely a lot more to bite into.
I got a big kick out of reading it and put it on my all-time Christmas reading list for future holidays.
Charles Payseur
“How the Supervillain Stole Christmas” is a tale of superheroes and villains, which has been something of a passion of mine for a long time. I just can’t help being charmed by the tropes of superheroing, and I love how over-the-top it can be, with giant death lasers and earthquake machines and alien menaces. My main disappointment has always been the lack of representation and, when present, how truly awful a lot of main stream superhero works have been about LGBTQ+ portrayals and storylines. So I decided to start writing my own (hopefully) cute stories that feature characters I could identify with and plots that are just as ridiculous as the best stories to come out of the 60s and 70s. In “How the Supervillain Stole Christmas” Rex Devious is a villain with no luck with relationships. Specifically, he sucks at picking out Christmas gifts. There is no quicker way to scare away a romantic partner than getting them something… inappropriate for Christmas. Like a gun that makes plants sentient. Or a Canadian province. Which is a shame, because Rex just got into a relationship he’s desperate not to screw up and Christmas is just around the corner. Which means, of course, that it’s time to stop Christmas from coming, somehow…
My question is: Gorillord is a giant, talking gorilla who is also a supervillain (naturally), and he’s mentioned in my latest release, “How the Supervillain Stole Christmas.” In the story we learn that when planning a child’s birthday party, inviting a supervillain as a special guest is rarely a good idea, as Gorillord decides to unionize the household pets into demanding more pets and better food.. But which other of my published stories has featured this ecologically-minded menace?
(Just leave a comment with the answers on this post)
Blurb: Being rich has its advantages, but it is also rife with suffocating pressures and family telling Chandler Buckingham how to live his life. When his assistant offers to help him escape the mounting obligations of the holiday season by running away to Hawaii, Chandler jumps at the chance. Only to find nothing is quite as he’d expected.
Micah Keolu has lived in Hawaii all his life. He has to work two jobs and has little time for a social life, but his loving family and the island beauty around him have given him a heart as big as the ocean. And then one day he rescues a man trapped in an elevator in the building where Micah lives and works maintenance.
The unexpected happens as they find themselves drawn together, only to learn there is more to each other than meets the eye. Can two men from very different worlds find a way to enrich each other’s lives? Maybe the magic of the holidays just might bring them lasting joy!
Review: These two authors have given us a treat tonight. I have been reading quite a bit of stories for this calendar this past week and was getting use to the short stories that were offered. They were cute but way too short to get more than just a taste, however B.G. Thomas and Noah Willoughby have given us a novella that will brighten your days and make you smile.
Chandler is a very wealthy young man who doesn’t appreciate the smaller things in life. His mother is pushing him to take more interest in their company but also wants him to be with a woman. So after pushing him, his assistant makes him an offer he can’t refuse. A way out for the holidays. He just hadn’t expected it to be in such a small apartment in Hawaii. He was supposed to be hiding from his family but he just hadn’t expected it to be so drab. Stuck in an elevator however gives him the best gift. It gives him a sexy maintenance man.
Micah has lived his whole life in Hawaii, never even seen the rest of the United States. He has a heart of gold and his heart is standing right in front of him. Now for the whole story you are just going to have to read this cute story. It will brighten your day, trust me.
I have enjoyed reading this story and can guarantee that it will become a favorite among the holidays for me. It shows a man who has everything, that he is indeed missing something perfect. That Christmas is not for receiving but for giving. I had a blast reading this and I can guarantee that you will too.
So my friend Noah Willoughby and I were talking and I was telling him I wanted to come up with something different for my holiday story this year. I’d done Santa magic and grumble monkeys and department store elves and bear parties…. And also we’d been talking about how Christmas is a little bit different on the islands. And BING! I knew what I wanted to write about. And what better way than with a guy who lives there!
“Mele Kalikimaka” is what we came up with. And here to help put you in the magick holiday spirit are some trivia questions about the native Hawaiian language!
How do you say “hello” in Hawaiian?
A) Mahi Mahi B) Aloha C) Ukulele
How do you say “love” in Hawaiian?
A) Kalikimaka B) Kamana wanna lei u C) Aloha
How do you say “peace” in Hawaiian?
A) Aloha B) Ohana C) Mahalo
Bonus Question!
What does Aloha mean?
A) Hello B) Love C) Peace D) A lot of wonderful things!
And we hope you will find a lot of wonderful holiday feelings in our story! Answer the questions and you might be the one to win!
(Just leave a comment with the answers on this post)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (21st December 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥ 4 hearts
Blurb: Keith Walker, a mall bookstore employee, is struggling to get through another miserable holiday season while trying to preserve a crumbling long-term relationship. One of his few comforts is his morning coffee made by a good-looking, younger barista. Austin Novak felt an attraction when Keith started frequenting the coffee shop, but he doesn’t think the older man has any interest in him or his graphic novel collection.
A Christmas week snowstorm buries the city and locks Keith’s car into its parking spot. Keith decides to show Austin his gratitude for helping free the car from the ice with a dinner invitation. The meal becomes complicated when Austin meets Keith’s boyfriend, Shawn, and things go downhill from there when Shawn announces he’s heading to Cancún with his coworkers. Keith is caught between keeping his boyfriend happy and keeping his job. But Keith might not need a plane ticket to find the happiness that’s been missing from his life.
Review: Keith Walker is NOT a fan of Christmas, and he’s in a relationship where his Boyfriend has a negative look on everything to do with Keith. The only thing that makes Keith’s days bearable, is getting his coffee and seeing Austin. His coffee Barista.
Leaving work early one day to go home, completely changes Keith’s life in a way that he never expected. This is the first story from this author and I absolutely love this short story. I however felt like thumping Keith’s boyfriend for the emotional abuse that he gave Keith.
Blurb: Noah Fiore, contracts attorney and dedicated curmudgeon, spends every Christmas with his family on the shore of Lake Superior. It’s practically tradition for his sister to invite a tragic tagalong to the festivities. But this year Kara’s guest is no pity case. Riley Coto is a friend, and his warmth and charm quickly win over the Fiore family.
When Riley overhears Noah complaining about Kara’s habit of bringing home strays for the holidays, he feels more than a little out of place. But Riley finds himself drawn to Noah. Something tells him there’s more to the man than the bad attitude he shows the world. With Christmas coming fast, Riley is falling for Noah, and there’s nothing simple about that.
Review: Noah loves his family and spends time with them, even when he hates too. That sounds a bit off, but once you get to know Noah, you will find out that he is pretty much a loner in life. He will drop anything when his family needs him to, but he could also be happy sitting by himself. That is until Riley shows up for the holidays. If you want to know more, read the book.
This is a cute little story that has a lot of depth to it which is surprising since the story is short. I had a lot of fun with it, and Riley was a dream come true. I love how it was written and the meaning behind it.
Amazing Christmas story that is going on my always read before Christmas list.
Blurb: Last Christmas, Tyler Lang accidentally accepted David Griffith’s invitation for dinner. Yes, it was an accident. See, hipster (don’t call him that!) Tyler doesn’t date guys, and even if he did, he certainly doesn’t date jocks. A rude and hasty exit right when the date was getting good left things awkward between them.
David Griffith isn’t really a jock. Well, he’s a former athlete who loves sports, but “jock” has a certain connotation that doesn’t quite fit the intelligent, hardworking store owner. A jock wouldn’t have given Tyler Lang the time of day. But even after that little, ahem, stunt with the fire escape, David can’t stop thinking about the hipster a year later. Which would be fine if fate didn’t keep butting her nose into their business, making it impossible for the jock and the hipster to avoid each other this Christmas.
A hilarious holiday romp, set to the music of the Winter Sounds.
Review: In this sequel to Bowl Full of Cherries Tyler Lang learns not to judge a book by its cover, sometimes there is more there than meets the eye. A year ago Tyler accepts a date with David. But leaves via the fire escape shortly after arriving and explaining he is not interested. Now a year later the two meet again via his twin Rell and a party. What follows is a heart-warming tale of learning about one’s self and a whole lot of drama as the two progress the ups and downs of a relationship.
This story is actually about two couples. Tyler and David, and Rell and Crowley from the first book. Well written with some funny scenes that had me laughing. As well as some soul searching on Tyler’s part as to what he really wants. The side characters were a hoot and added an extra layer to the book.
I enjoyed reading about Tyler and his eye opening moments as he struggles with his feelings for David. David is consistent in his feelings for Tyler as waits Tyler out. This is a really good emotional read that grabs at the heart strings.
Blurb: As an advertising executive, it’s Logan’s job to sell people holiday cheer, and he’s good at what he does. But deep down, Logan hates everything about Christmas, so he worries that his crush on the hot baker who loves the holidays is a recipe for disaster.
Last year, Logan saw Ryan at a holiday party Ryan was catering, and the attraction was instant. In a drunken moment, Logan made it his New Year’s Resolution to ask the pastry chef out. But another year has slipped away, time is running out, and Logan’s assistant demands he collect on his resolution. Can Logan find the confidence that usually comes so easily to him? And if he does, will Ryan have any interest in spending the holidays with a man who doesn’t share his enthusiasm for the season?
Review: As a foster kid, Logan hadn’t had much of a holiday spirit. Then as an advertising executive, he had to sell the holidays for his clients. To the point he had started to hate Christmas. Then he ran into Ryan, and things just might change. However if you want to see just how much, you must read this book.
New Year’s resolutions must be a kick to survive, but for these two men, well let’s just say it is going to be a surprise. I got a kick out of reading this and was glad that they got their happily ever after. This is a pretty good Calendar to get interested in. What is better than two sexy men in love.
Blurb: Cowboys Wyatt and Brady are competing in a team roping event in Missoula, Montana’s annual Christmas Eve rodeo. Christmas is Wyatt’s favorite time of year and nothing is going to dampen his holiday spirit, not even his surly, no-nonsense roping partner. They’ve only been riding together for a week, but Wyatt has already secretly fallen head-over-boot-heels for Brady, though it’s painfully obvious Brady only has eyes for the rodeo’s grand prize purse.
When Brady is distracted during a crucial moment in the night’s first roping run and nearly disqualifies them, Wyatt is almost certain he is going to be another of Brady’s many rejected partners. Will Wyatt and Brady be able to sort out their differences and work together to win the grand prize? Maybe if Wyatt can show Brady that Christmas really is a time for miracles.
Review: This is a very cute story about two men who are roping partners and are attracted to each other. However it would seem Brady has more on his mind then Christmas, but for you to find out you have to read the story.
It is a very cute little story that has one hell of a happy ending. I got a kick out of it, but I have to say that it was not what I had expected it to be. It did show a little bit of Christmas miracles happening. I could see myself reading this more than once, however it would make for a better long story then it does a short one.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (17th December 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: Kobbi Aackers was excited to have a traditional family Christmas with his younger sister Franzi, a famous rock star. But instead of the peaceful holiday he had planned, she’s turning it into a televised musical extravaganza, in a desperate bid for publicity.
Kobbi can adapt, especially since the show’s host Wytt Kanard is easy on the eyes and easy to work with, even if he doesn’t believe in Christmas at all. Wytt is alternatively amused and horrified at the simplicity that is Kobbi’s life and the enthusiasm he has for the holiday, all while taking care of his houseful of unexpected guests.
Maybe Kobbi can convince the cynical Wytt that Christmas isn’t an event to be managed, but something special to be shared. Maybe he can muster the courage to confess his attraction and offer Wytt a surprise present.
Review:And To All A Good Night is a wonderfully fun Christmas story – especially for those that like reality TV and celebrities – by Felicitas Ivey. This is the second book I’ve read by Felicitas Ivey, and that had been a Christmas story from 2 years ago. Looking back, I loved that story probably as much as I loved and enjoyed this book. This is a very tidy written and edited short story. It was just so easy to get into the characters and feel the sparks of attraction and emotion between them.
The story follows Kobbi, whose younger half-sister, Franzi, is a massive rock star, just as their father had been. When Franzi turns up to his home in the middle of nowhere (not literally, but it is isolated) with a film crew and a signed contract for a Christmas special. Kobbi has no choice but to open up his house to visitors. The bonus for Kobbi is that special’s director, Wytt, sparks his interest in more ways than one. I particularly liked that Kobbi and his sister Franzi also get an ending, as well as Kobbi and Wytt.
Blurb: Retail workers and evil never get a day off, and traveling printer salesman Kale Green is no exception. He might look like a Jolly Green Giant, but he can be a real Grinch. Working on the holidays can dampen anyone’s spirits, and on top of that, a sleepy Georgia town has it out for Kale and his car. From fender-benders to flat tires, Kale and his trusty company car Bessie suffer through it all.
While everyone else enjoys holiday parties, Kale drives down south to demo printers. Business is good, but on Christmas Eve, the weather turns bad. A few patches of ice put an end to Kale’s Christmas plans—a night alone with his video games. While Kale waits for the police, his only consolation is the company of fellow driver Wes Armstrong. As festive as a Christmas tree and as jolly as Kris Kringle, Wes proves unexpectedly charming. Kale never thought he’d crash right into a crush.
Review: Kale works on Christmas, so for him his spirits are a bit down. Not to mention he seems to always end up in a fender bender somehow. However Wes just might change his mind, but for you to know you have to read it.
When it comes to short stories it is a bit hard not to give the story away. I thought this one was cute, if not a bit rambled to me. I had a bit of trouble following it, but it was still a fun little story for the holidays.
Blurb: Two hundred years ago on Christmas Eve, William Mashinter was frozen in time, cursed by his wife to roam the world on his own, waiting for the love of his life to find him. The love of his life, whom she killed. Time hasn’t healed this wound, and William is tired of the happy holiday and the constant reminders of a love that’s been taken from him. But then the impossible happens, and maybe… maybe he can get a new Christmas perspective.
Brady Gallagher has lived three different lives, always aware of the first and most important, yet unable to find the man who will fill in the missing pieces and let him know he’s not crazy. He encounters him at a work event, of all places, but is he willing to throw everything else to the wind and embrace the miracle laid out before him?
Review: Back in a time when it was never allowed two men loved each other deeply. Time when marriages were arranged and William was forced to marry a woman. A woman with a secret that would destroy the two men. For two hundred years he was forced to roam the world waiting for the man he loved to find him. Want to know more, read the book.
I have always gotten a kick out of Meg’s stories and this one was no different. I do hope that she turns this one into a longer story with more details and fun times though. I hope that the evil witch got what she deserved in the end. I had fun reading this and can guarantee that you will too.
Blurb: One snowy evening, a car wreck in front of his toy store triggers terrible memories for Jake. Suddenly, he is in the midst of another winter storm—and another accident, one that not everyone walked away from. When he returns to the present, Jake is on the ground, being watched over by a guardian angel in the form of a kind man named Eli. Eli is no stranger to panic attacks and PTSD, and he’s happy to help Jake get home—where the weather forces him to remain for the night. For Jake, it could be the first step toward a life free from fear and loneliness.
Review: Jake had lost the man he loved as well as his little sister to a horrible car accident during a storm. Now time has passed, but his memories have not left him. When another accident happens in front of him, he is thrown back into the past. However his future is looking right at him. To figure out that jumbled mess, you really need to read this story. I think you will get a kick out of Eli.
This was a very sweet story about a second chance at love. I would say that Santa has given him the present of his life. I really did like this story quite a bit. For such a short story it has a lot of meat to it. I enjoyed it so much that it will probably be a Christmas thing for me to read it more than once.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (12th December 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts
Blurb: Born December 25, Noel Beebe is tired of having his birthday overshadowed by all things Christmas. While looking for love on social media, he comes across a prospective new beau just in time to celebrate the Big 3-0, someone who encourages him to take back his day and say thumbs down to Christmas! On a trip to the Big Apple, Noel does just that, flipping off the Rockefeller Center tree and demanding his coffee in a nondecorative paper cup as a fun birthday prank. His act of defiance is caught on video and soon goes viral, leading to a backlash all over the Twitterverse, Internet, and TV. Suddenly what Noel thought would be his best birthday—and even Christmas—yet is shaping up to be his worst. Can his family and his potential boyfriend prove to the world that Noel isn’t the Scrooge he’s been labeled?
Review: Ok, this one is really a hard one to talk about. I mean, I liked the story well enough, but I can’t say that the characters or the plot well and truly grabbed me and dragged me.
#ChristmasHatesYouToo is about a guy, Noel, who hates Christmas because he was born on Christmas Day. I can understand that, I hate sharing family birthday celebrations with people whose birthday are the day before and day after me. Evidently, with the name Noel, he also has parents with a sick sense of humor.
For me getting a handle on the characters that Noel mentions – the main ones being guys he met via Twitter – was a bit difficult. I found that I had to concentrate on the words to make sure I got everyone straight in my head – it was especially necessary with the twist at the end. After doing a certain action that goes viral and has so many people hating on Noel, he relies on his family and his new love interest to help him through.
For people that dislike insta-love, this book is definitely a no go. I don’t mind insta-love myself and even I had some difficulty in swallowing how things unfold. I think mostly because I didn’t feel a particularly strong spark between Noel and his love interest (I’m purposely not naming names as there are more than one possible boyfriend for him). In fact, I can’t say that there was much of a spark with the other guy either. But no matter, I still think that this is a nice, quick story to pass a half hour or so.
In Quadruple Flip, (which I co-wrote with David Connor) what traditional fast food meal did Tom Alan and Erika share with their family for Christmas while living in Japan?
(Just leave a comment with the answer on this post)
Title: The 12 Days of Hipster
