Turkey in the Snow by Amy Lane ~ Audiobook

TurkeyintheSnowAUDLGTitle: Turkey in the Snow
Series: 2012 Dreamspinner Press Advent Calendar: Evergreen
Author: Amy Lane
Narrator: Gomez Pugh
Genre: Contemporary
Length: 2 hours and 32 minutes
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (9-15-14)
Heat Level: Mild
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Blurb: Since Hank Calder’s four-year-old niece, Josie, came to live with him, his life has been plenty dramatic, thank you, and the last thing he needs is a swishy, flaming twinkie to complicate things. But when Justin, the daycare worker at his gym, offers to do something incredibly nice for Hank—and for Josie—Hank is forced to reconsider.

Justin may be flamboyant in his speech and gestures, but his heart and kindness are as rock steady and dependable as anyone, even Hank, could ask for.

Can Hank trust in his dramatic “turkey in the snow” to offer his heart the joy he and Josie have never known?

Product Link(s): http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Turkey-in-the-Snow-Audiobook/B00NIYYLDW

http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5586

Reviewer: Tams

Review: Hank Calder is going through the motions, trying to raise his young niece after his sister left several months ago to “go to the store” and left him holding the bag. The strain of it all gets to him sometimes, and he uses his workouts at the gym as an escape. While Hank works off his issues, little Josie spends her time in the daycare center with Justin, a flaming twink that Hank went to high school with and never much cared for.

When Justin goes out of his way to help Hank and Josie both of them warm to him quickly, much to Hanks surprise. He didn’t think he could ever do a relationship with anyone again after his last disastrous one, nor did he ever imagine he would be attracted to someone as flamboyant as Justin. You know what they say though, Opposites often attract.

Amy Lane is the queen of angst and I loved how she managed to keep true to her roots and still deliver a well-rounded story in so few pages. The story flowed steady and I found myself at the end and ready to rewind and listen again. My only complaint would be the way Pugh read the character Justin. I realize he is written as a flamboyant, flaming twink, but still, it was a little overboard in my opinion. But overall the narration was good and Pugh did a fantastic job of making sure you knew when there was a change in character.

The perfect little story for Lane’s hard core fans, or if you are just looking for a Holiday themed story where the guys have to work a little bit for that happy ever after.

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

Mending Noel by Charlie Cochet

Charlie Cochet MendingNoelTitle: Mending Noel

Series: North Pole City 01

Author: Charlie Cochet

Genre: Humor, Fantasy, Christmas

Length: Short (64pgs)

ISNB: 978-1-62380-203-5

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (1st December 2012)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 ½ – 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: All is not sparkly snowflakes and sweet candy canes in North Pole City. Office workers Tim and Noel do nothing all day but antagonize each other—petty fighting that might be based on hatred… or a heated mutual attraction. It’s up to Jack Frost and his elf-friend Rudy to broach the hostilities and introduce some Christmas kisses, but is the Frost Prince up to the challenge of launching a new romance when someone’s trying to break his holiday spirit?

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3375

Also available with DSP Evergreen 2012 Collection:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3476&cPath=702

Review: Tim has had a bad day at work, his supervisor Noel is making his life hell and Tim is struggling to keep his elf cheer. Noel doesn’t understand why he is so hard on Tim, but when they both get caught in some trouble Jack Frost and Rain Dear Rudy steps in and Jack gives Noel advice, but will Noel and Tim be around long enough to enjoy it or will the Toy Soldiers and the Mouse Kings Hoodlum’s destroy what has just begun?

This is a very cute Christmas story with a touch of excitement in the way of danger and conspiracy. Tim doesn’t have a clue as to why Noel is so mean to him, all he knows is that they used to be friendly and then Noel turned mean. After another mean trick Tim is on his way home when he overhears something he shouldn’t and it leads to him and Noel being chased and threatened; now they have to help Jack Frost discover who is after him. Noel really hasn’t got a clue about why he is so mean to Tim but after a talk with Jack he begins to discover that he wants Tim to himself, but first they have to help Jack and Rudy to save themselves.

I thoroughly enjoyed this cute story, with Tim and Noel finally discovering what they feel for each other under the hostility. I loved the way that the North pole was set out with the different departments, but I also loved that Jack Frost and Rudy were shaking things up, but I loved Noel’s and Tim’s awkward relationship most of all. Noel turns into a mean schoolboy when Tim is around, always poking and prodding to get a reaction… the poor guy is broken and is jealous but finally opening up to Tim might just help mend him. These two characters are cute and loveable, although Noel is a bit of a grouch he does grow on you. Jack and Rudy’s part in this story was sweet and the ending for all of them was very happy.

I recommend this if you truly love Christmas capers, a nefarious plot, a true and abiding love, a newly found love, accepting each other and getting a very happy Christmas ending.

Aunt Dee Dee's Holiday Check

AuntDeeDeesHolidayCheck-LGTitle:  Aunt Dee Dee’s Holiday Check

Series:  2012 Dreamspinner Advent Calendar: Evergreen

Author:  Joel Skelton

Genre:  Holiday

Length:  Novella (65 pages)
Publisher:  Dreamspinner (December 1, 2012)
Heat Level:  Low
Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3 Hearts
Blurb: After his Aunt Dee Dee sends him a windfall, Ethan decides to bail on the family holiday drama and go on a college skiing trip instead. Then a reservation snafu lands him in the same room as Henry, another student on the trip, and Ethan stumbles onto a bonus present of another kind: one that could last through Christmas and beyond.
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3407

Or purchase the entire 2012 Dreamspinner Advent Calendar: Evergreen: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3476

Reviewer:   Cameron
Review:  This is a very sweet tale of loss of virginity. The two main characters were likeable, but the plot reminded me very much of an old fan-fic ploy which has been done to death. That having been said, the inner dialogues and soul-searching are excellently portrayed, and it is extremely well written.

The only reason I like it, rather than love it, is that it moves very slowly from the beginning (quite naturally in a courtship dance), then explodes into a sudden coupling, and, if you’ll pardon the ski analogy, heads downhill at breakneck speed to finish. The pacing was wrong. This might be a book I would recommend to someone who has never read M/M before, as it follows a very hetero pattern and the sex scenes are mild enough to give to a broad-minded elderly relative.

The character I love most is the one after whom the book is named, and who only appears in a telephone call. I truly hope that Ethan and Henry will take a vacation to Hawaii once they are an established relationship to go visit his crazy aunt and her girlfriend. Now, THAT, will be the one I will grab if it comes out.

Bless Us Every One by Gina A. Rogers

500x500_3183983_fileTitle:  Bless Us Every One

Series:  Evergreen Christmas Collection

Author:  Gina A. Rogers

Genre:  M/M Holiday

Length:  Short (38 pages)

Publisher:  Dreamspinner (December 1, 2012)

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥ 3+ Hearts

Blurb:  Edan has spent the past five years hiding in his home, living with the ghosts of his Christmases past and unable to allow for the possibility of a future. So when his vibrant and sexy neighbour, Tim, barges into his life with a stepladder and a plate of cookies, Edan finds himself living for the present. But can he let go of his bah humbug ways and accept this second chance as the gift it is

Product Link:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16176469-bless-us-every-one

Reviewer:  Cameron

Review:  This was an “opposites attract” story that was well-written and engaging. A refreshing depth of background and characterisation made up for it being yet another “two guys meet and you just know they are going to fall into bed/love somehow at the end” tale. It ends when they finally pluck up the courage to kiss. The yearning on Edan’s part was believable, and it made a nice change to have only one character’s point of view. I have no problem with it being entirely without sex, that makes a good change, too, sometimes.

The only reason that I have rated it “like” and not “love” is that the ending was totally predictable from the start, and it was just a tad too stereotypical of the Scrooge story. A redeeming feature would have been the torments that Edan had gone through in trying to hide his sexuality, if it hadn’t been glossed-over in a single conversation covering only two pages.  I’d recommend this as a heart-warming, sweet read for a cold evening.

 

Lord of Misrule by Alix Bekins

lordofmisrule-lgTitle: Lord of Misrule

Series:  Dreamspinner Press 2012 Advent Calendar ~ “Evergreen”

Author:  Alix Bekins

Genre:  Holiday/ contemporary

Length: Nap-sized dreams/ Short story

Publisher Dreamspinner Press (December 1, 2012)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb:   The Yule festival of Twelfth Night is a time when servants are the masters and vice versa, and tension and humor fill the air. Dan and his partner, Taj, have busy lives even without their duties as members of the Society for Creative Anachronism. When Taj is selected to coordinate the holiday activities and assigned the title Lord of Misrule, it encroaches on their time as a couple—until they negotiate their way to a happy holiday.

Product Link:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3383

Reviewer:  Cat

Review:  Taj and Dan are members of the Society of Creative Anachronism. They do medieval reenactments. It keeps them very busy along with their hectic work schedules. Twelfth Night is a time when servants are the masters and vice versa. They each have a surprise for the other planned for this night.

I’m going to have to say that this one lost me. It started out with a battle scene like its medieval and the two men are going at it like bunnies all the time. I am sure back then they wouldn’t be so open. Then it all of a sudden changes names and is present time. Then you find out it’s a society thing they do together. I just stayed lost and a bit confused. I had to look up lots of words (thank goodness for kindle fires dictionary). I had to reread a lot to see if I missed something’s. However, the story between Dan and Taj is very sweet and hot. I think it would have been a great story without the other part or if there was a bit more explanation or a smoother transition between the two stories.  All in all I liked the story.

I recommend this to anyone that likes, Lords and Ladies, Medieval reenactments, and hot mansex.

 

Betting on Snow by H. Lewis-Foster

16204081Title: Betting On Snow

Author: H. Lewis-Foster

Genre: Contemporary, Christmas

Length: Short (30pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (1st December 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Heart

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: On the advice of his best friend, recent unemployed graduate Paul bets there’ll be snow in London on Christmas Day. Four months later, he finds work as an au pair for newly widowed Ben and his two-year-old son. But as Christmas approaches, Paul finds himself looking to Ben for more than just a paycheck.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3373

Or purchase the entire Evergreen collection: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3476

Review: Paul has just graduated from University and on a tip from his friend, Steve, places a bet that it would snow in London on Christmas day. A few months later, Paul is desperate for work and takes a chance on an ad for a male au pair. Something he has no idea about, but he soon becomes close to his charge, George and the little boy’s father, Ben.

This is a cute story that has Christmas cheer and an au pair to lover storyline. Paul is a nice man who tries his luck at a job he hasn’t got a clue about, and he is in luck as Ben really needs the help for his two-year old son, George. Ben lost his partner eleven months before in an accident and although he loves George, Ben just isn’t the stay at home type and George has driven away all the female au pairs. Ben and Paul gradually become close and after Ben makes some painful admissions they end up in bed together.

This is a slow and gentle heart-warming story.  It isn’t rushed and the men get to know each other before jumping into bed. Both characters are well written and the storyline is good.  George is a sweet kid who gives the adults a run for their money. The bet doesn’t have a direct effect on the story, but it is a nice tweak for the ending and it is a very happy ending.

I recommend this to those who love Christmas love, a cute kid, a struggling father and a struggling graduate and a very happy Christmas ending.

The Christmas Snoop by Jean Wolfe

christmas-snoopTitle: The Christmas Snoop

Series: Dreamspinner 2012 Advent Calendar ~ Evergreen

Author: Jean Wolfe

Genre: Holiday,

Length: Short Story (22 pg)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 1st, 2012)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb: After going on a present hunt while his boyfriend, Matt, is in the office, James finds several things he didn’t expect, including photos of Matt in a Christmas jumper, an old teddy bear, and several letters to Santa Claus—one of which states that Matt doesn’t need anything for Christmas because he has James. It seems Matt has been a very good boy this year…

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3412&cPath=722

Review: Ah, sweet, funny and lighthearted Christmas Snoopintroduces us to James and Matt. James has a tradition established with his brothers, ever since they were young, that of present hunting. That always occurred at December 12th  when they had the house all for themselves.

This year is no different, except the fact that James is no longer a kid and he lives with Matt, his lovely, grouchy, not Christmas-y boyfriend, whom James adores. While Matt is at his office James starts his traditional Hunt, but there are no presents to be found. Instead, James discovers a few little things that show a completely different side of his boyfriend. A side no one, beside perhaps James, has really witnessed and that leaves him deeply emotional.

Poor Matt is in for a shock when he returns home and James literally throws himself into his arms, hugging him and kissing him like there’s no tomorrow.

This was quite a sweet and romantic story. I had a feeling things would go wrong what with all James’ snooping and prying into Matt’s things, but Matt took it all in stride and that was perhaps a hint to show how well-balanced their relationship is and how much love and trust is there between the two of them.

The Ghost of Mistletoe Lock by Amy Rae Durreson

TheGhostofMistletoeLockTitle: The Ghosts of Mistletoe Lock

Series: Dreamspinner Advent Calendar 2012 ~ Evergreen

Author: Amy Rae Durreson

Genre: Holiday, Ghosts/Spirits,

Length: Novella

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 1st, 2012)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: After lonely divorcé Isaac leaves his job as a banker to work as a conservationist on a country river, he gives up on finding the love he always wanted. Then he meets flirty jeweler Ryan and assumes Ryan’s out of his league, but Ryan’s just as lonely as Isaac. Ryan also has the housemates from hell, and when he storms out of the riotous Christmas party they forgot to warn him about, he soon finds himself lost in the snow.

Ryan passes out in front of the lock cottage where Isaac lives, and once Isaac brings him in from the cold, they finally have a chance to get to know each other. But when their insecurities get in the way, it’s up to the ghost of Mistletoe Lock to ensure they give love a chance.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3417&cPath=62_702

Review: Wow, the tune of “All I want for Christmas is You” kept me company through this read. How very strange.  This book is the first I’ve read that was so easy in the eye.  So easy to read and follow. so sensual bordering to romantic without being sappy. The melancholic sense turned so smoothly into a wonderful feeling of Christmas joy. Quite a story, I tell you that. It’s weird that it starts with a ghost’s point of view. No, scratch that, it’s brilliant. I couldn’t make up my mind, at the beginning, if it was indeed a Christmas story. But, soon enough I felt compelled to admit that if there ever was one, this is it. So vagueness aside, this is the story of two men, who each have their own pain and loneliness in their hearts.

Isaac is thirty-two years old, recently divorced and his dreams for a family shattered. Although he’s not terribly sad to have lost his wife, he’s tired of not being able to find someone to really share his life with. He settled with a woman and married her for the sake of having children, but his soul always hungered for that perfect dream where his love would be a man; a man like him, who would want a cozy life, a family and love.

Ryan is twenty-six; he spent his childhood from a foster house to another. Family he never had and of course that’s the one thing he literally craves. However, all his relationships backed away once he mentioned this one little thing. He knows he’s needy, how could he not be? Is it so wrong for him to want love and peace?

Through weird circumstances Ryan ends up soaked to the bone and passing out at Isaac’s front door in the middle of the night during a snowstorm. Isaac takes Ryan in, helps him get warm and the spark between them turns to flames. Being the strangers that they are though they stumble through words and instead of barging forth they almost separate in anger. And I say almost because here is the point where Emily (the ghost) makes her appearance once more and locks the two stubborn men in the house. The two of them will have to find a way to work things out in order to be let free and that is exactly what they’ll end doing.

Ok, I know. I can in no way match the feeling that you’ll encounter in the book. I just can’t tell you how this story will feel once you start reading it. The chemistry between the men is great, and I repeat myself it is so brilliantly written, so smooth, I loved it. Their lovemaking is the sweetest thing I’ve read, so very sensual and hot. It comes natural in the context and I wouldn’t have wanted this otherwise. And oh my God, I loved Emily, too. Although, she’s quite a sad story, it blends so well that I think of her as a main character as well. She’s the binding link, more like an angel.

I definitely recommend this book for your Holiday reading and I suggest you have Christmas songs playing low and a glass of wine close for the perfect night.

Wish List by J. J. Cassidy

wish-list-coverTitle: Wish List

Author: J.J. Cassidy

Genre: Contemporary, Christmas

Length: Short (61pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (1st December 2012)

Heat Level: Scorching

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: DJ Delaney has two days off, a refrigerator full of food, and a tree with a thousand lights. What he doesn’t have is someone to share it with. Berg Pederson is out of the Army and out of the closet, and he’s traveled clear across the country to spend the holidays with a former lover—until the guy’s wife answers the door. Now he’s stranded on Christmas Eve with no idea what to do next.

Then DJ comes home and finds Berg outside his duplex, looking lost. One look into pale blue eyes, and DJ is curious enough to offer the guy a warm place to wait while he calls a cab, and then, on impulse, offers to make him dinner. Berg isn’t sure why the tall cop seems to be into him, but he’s not going to argue. After all, it’s Christmas Eve, and miracles do happen.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3384

Or buy entire EVERGREEN collection: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3476

Review: Berg is fresh out of the army with one goal in mind… reuniting with his ex-lover Rob. But, he gets the surprise of his life when he finds there’s a wife.  Now, he is stranded in a city he doesn’t know and no one he can turn to until a neighbor takes pity on him. DJ is alone for the holidays and he doesn’t even have work to turn to. When he gets home, after his shift, he finds Berg looking dejected and DJ guesses what’s happened and offers Berg a place to get dry and plan his next move. But neither man counted on attraction and maybe they will both get what they really want for Christmas.

This is a really hot short that has a great mix of strength and vulnerability. Both Berg and DJ are used to being, and expected to be, strong men, but deep down inside they both need something slightly different. Both men are also pretty pathetic in the relationship department, DJ always choosing the wrong men and Berg just having quick sex. Together they seem to be what the other needs and with a few miss-starts they seem to hit their stride.

Both characters are well written for a short story and you get a very good feel for both of them, and you can’t help feeling by the end of the book that their chance meeting was the best thing that happened to either of them. The sex between them is smoking hot, really smoking and the connection between them is good. The ending is more of a beginning for them and I would love to see more from these guys in the future.

So, I recommend this if you want a hot Christmas story that isn’t too sappy or too mundane, that shows vulnerability and strength and two men starting something special… this book is definitely going in my hot sex fix pile ;-).

 

 

The Roommate by Teegan Loy

1009443Title: The Roommate

Author: Teegan Loy

Genre: Contemporary, Christmas

Length: Short (51pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (1st December 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Heart

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Ryan’s finally home after a long week of hiding in a hotel while his boyfriend’s parents visited. He isn’t happy that Jordan hasn’t told his parents he’s gay but believes Jordan when he promises to come out. When Jordan’s family ends up on their doorstep after a winter storm shuts down the airport, Jordan introduces Ryan as his roommate, leaving Ryan horrified and hurt. Jordan’s little sister notices and tells Ryan she’s going to ask Santa to make him happy… but does Ryan’s Christmas wish have any hope of coming true?

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3416

Or purchase the entire EVERGREEN collection: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3476

Review: Ryan is finally back home after a week of hiding out at a hotel.  He has big plans to celebrate his return home to his boyfriend, but disaster strikes and Ryan gets more and more frustrated as one thing after another threatens to ruin his Christmas plans. Jordan puts Ryan in a position he hates when a snow storm strands Jordan’s parents… and Jordan has to make a decision if he wants to make Ryan’s Christmas wish come true.

Ooookkkaaayyy.  Ryan, you have the patience of a saint. Jordan, you should be ashamed of yourself. This is one of those stories that you get pulled in both directions. On one hand you have Ryan, who loves his boyfriend so much that he moves out for a week, while Jordan moves in because Jordan isn’t out to his family and they are helping him move. But, you also have Jordan, who is terrified of how his family will react to him being gay, so he still hides it from them, even if it kills him to treat Ryan as just his roommate.

This was quite a funny story with Ryan’s comedy of errors as he tries valiantly to produce a romantic meal for his first night home so he can show Jordan how much he missed and loved him.  There was always something funny to break the tension and to ease the way. Ryan is a saint to do everything he did for Jordan, especially as Jordan didn’t have the courtesy to even ask Ryan if his taking over and doing what he was doing was even okay. The only thing that redeemed Jordan to me was that he didn’t try to back down when confronted with the truth, because I really don’t think he ever would have come out on his own.

I have to recommend this if you love awkward coming out stories, cooking disasters, loving relationships and finally a very happy Christmas with a very bright future.

 

On the Rocks by Ari McKay

Title: On ontherockslgThe Rocks

Author: Ari McKay

Genre: Contemporary, Christmas

Length: Short (73pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (1st December 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: For years, Mal has given Aidan a little piece of the world for special occasions in the form of unique rocks and fossils—until the year he gives Aidan a piece of the moon instead. Aidan has treasured every gift: in a world of impersonal relationships, they’re the one reminder he has that somebody out there cares about him for who he really is. Then through a twist of fate, their relationship goes beyond personal and into intimate, leaving Aidan shocked and set to run the other way. Despite his feelings for Mal, past experiences have convinced Aidan that he’s a failure at relationships, and he’s afraid to trust his heart. It just might take a Christmas miracle for Aidan to find the courage to love.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3420

Or purchase the entire EVERGREEN collection: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3476

Review: Mal and Aidan have been best friends for years, and Mal always gifts Aidan rocks and fossils with a story behind them. Aidan loves these gifts more than anything in the world and he cherishes his friendship with Mal too much to ever change it. A Halloween party changes all that though, when their relationship crosses the invisible lines and Aidan severs all contact, pushing Mal away before he completely destroys any feelings Mal might have for him.

This is quite a surprise as a Christmas story, because the beginning is long before Christmas and the ending just seems to coincide with Christmas. Aidan is used to everyone wanting mainly one thing from him… money. He has never been truly loved or wanted and has a string of failed relationships to prove it. Mal is his only real friend, but when they cross the line one night, Aidan believes that everything will change for the worse and decides to break everything off before it bites him in the ass. Mal has always loved Aidan, but he knew that the chances of anything more than friendship were low. But, one night with Aidan blows his mind and then Aidan cuts him from his life and Mal loses all hope.

This is a good story and I liked the characters Mal and Aidan. Their relationship is very special, but because of the emotional scars that Aidan carries, anything more than friends would be destroyed. I really liked that Aidan realized how much he missed Mal and that he finally realized how much help he really needed to heal. It was very sweet as he went out of his way to do something special for Mal and that finally they both got to the place where they can be equals.

I will recommend this to those who love emotionally crippled men, determined friends, a great friends to lovers story, some hot sex and a happy ending.

 

A Charming Idea by Alex Mar

CharmingIdea-LGTitle: A Charming Idea

Author: Alex Mar

Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy, Christmas

Length: Short (40pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (1st December 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Having fallen on hard times, London-based wizard Evan keeps his charms shop open on Christmas Eve. When he finally gets home, he finds his neighbor, Kian, languishing with a wound that hasn’t healed properly. He takes Kian in and they share the Christmas roast from their neighbor, Mrs. Halfpenny—neither suspecting the magic in the marinade that will make their holiday especially merry.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3422

Review: Evan has his own charm shop, because of poor trade he is staying in London and not returning to his family for Christmas and finds himself working on Christmas Eve. Finally getting home for the night he comes (trips up over) across his neighbor, Kian, injured in the hallway. Helping Kian takes a turn for the best when he shares his Christmas roast with Kian… as Mrs. Halfpenny added a little extra ingredient.

This is a very short story that has a lot of Christmas magic. Evan has always had an attraction to Kian, but because of Kian’s abrasive manner and standoffish attitude, Evan has avoided him as much as possible. Discovering Kian injured and unable to get to his own flat, Evan offers him help and with a little help from Mrs. Halfpenny’s cooking he discovers Kian isn’t as bad as he seems.

Evan and Kian lose their inhibitions after sampling Mrs. Halfpenny’s cooking. They both reveal more than they normally would have and they finally act on the attraction that they both feel. This is a cute story that is very hot and heavy in the later half. The first half gives us a build-up of both characters and we get a general idea about them. The passion that explodes between them is scorching hot and it is amazing that they had hidden it behind their outer shells. But, once the façade has been shattered, boy do they act the attraction between them.

I will recommend this to those who love charming magical stories, lowering inhibitions, explosive passion and a very happy magical Christmas.

 

 

A Gentleman's Agreement by J. Roman

GentlemansAgreementLGTitle: A Gentleman’s Agreement

Author: J. Roman

Genre: Regency, Christmas

Length: Novella (100pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (1st December 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Thomas Derrik is about to have the worst Christmas of his life. Three days before the holiday, he finds out the father he doesn’t get along with is arriving on Christmas Eve, his ex-lover and new brother-in-law will be staying at his estate until the New Year, and his beloved brother, Edmund, has died.

Luckily, Edmund’s last holiday scheme may well save Thomas’s Christmas: Henry Appleby, a young lord fresh from the Continent, has arranged to court Thomas. But the family tragedy and jealous exes may put an end to the romance before it begins.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3411

Or purchase the entire 2012 Advent EVERGREEN collection: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3476

Review: Thomas is facing a horrid Christmas. His brother has died, his lover married his sister and his father is heading home for the holidays. But, Edmund, his brother, had put a plan into action and it looks like Christmas just might be a merry one after all. Henry knew Edmund well and agreed to the plan along with Henry’s sister and Thomas’s father. Now, they just have to see if they can charm Thomas, but with a bitter ex on the grounds and Thomas being hurt once it just might take a miracle.

This is a wonderful regency romance with a twist to the happiness and a very broadminded father. Thomas is dreading Christmas, his father is coming home, he has just received news that his brother has died and his sister and her husband (his ex-lover) are staying over Christmas. But, when he meets Henry and his sister, things start to look up. And, they nearly get damn right happy, when he discovers his late brother’s plan. Henry is delighted when he meets Thomas. He can see his friend’s plan working well. But, when Thomas’s ex throws a spanner in the works, Henry decides to give Thomas a night he will never forget.

I really enjoyed this story. I have to admit to having a huge soft spot for Regency men and their clandestine relationships and this is a perfectly clandestine courtship. Thomas has been severely hurt in the past by a callous lover, but when Henry comes on the scene he shows Thomas of a new way to live and they just seem so well suited. I loved both these men and thought that Thomas was well rid of his ex-lover, Darrow. The storyline was great and I loved the twist and I especially loved Edmund’s plan. While I loved this story I am going to have to demand a story for Jonah and one for the other couple in this book… or maybe they could be combined *wink wink*.

I am recommending this to those who love Regency romances, great characters, passionate kisses, a jealous ex-lover, a miracle with a very interesting story and a very happy ending.

Eight Days by Cardeno C.

16162097Title: Eight Days

Author: Cardeno C.

Genre: Contemporary, Hanukah

Length: Novella (80pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (1st December 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Maccabe Fried and Josh Segal have nothing in common, but they’ve been friends forever. Maccabe is an athlete with dreams of playing professional baseball. Josh is a good student with dreams of being with Maccabe. Then both dreams come true.

Maccabe and Josh fall into a passionate long-distance romance, and after years of hiding from the world, Josh wants to bring their relationship into the open. When Maccabe refuses, Josh is faced with a tough decision: stay with the man he loves or live the life he deserves. Somebody’s bound to get hurt, but in the season of miracles, there’s always hope for a happy ending.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3372

Or purchase all the 2012 Advent Calendar Daily Delivery – Evergreen: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3338&cPath=62_702

Review: Maccabe and Josh are two different boys, one enjoys sports while the other prefers band and school but they are best friends and their families are close. Maccabe and Josh embark on a passionate relationship, but life gets in the way and when Josh has had enough and wants to come out to his family Maccabe isn’t supportive and Josh has to make a choice… stay buried in the closet so Maccabe’s sporting chances aren’t affected or being true to himself and maybe lose the man he loves.

This is a very sweet story that covers several years and is from Maccabe’s POV. Maccabe and Josh are best friends even though they are very different. When Maccabe realizes that his feelings for Josh have changed he pulls away. The next time they celebrate a family gathering, Maccabe acts on his attraction and it is the beginning of a passionate affair, but when Josh makes it known that he wants more Maccabe makes a mistake. Josh makes his choice which affects both of them and several years later when Maccabe learns the truth he sets out to bring Josh home where he belongs.

I loved the way that this story was spread over several years as these two families, the Fried’s and the Segal’s, celebrate Hanukah together, seeing not just the main characters but how they are each year with their families and the interaction between them all. Maccabe has one dream, to make it into Major League baseball and even though he cares deeply for Josh nothing is going to risk his chance. Josh wants Maccabe more than anything, but hiding is making him unhappy. Josh wants more, but Maccabe’s reaction tells him everything he needs to know. Misunderstandings and over-reactions are abound which makes an interesting story, but don’t miss the sister’s interactions, they are brilliant.

This isn’t a story where there is a bad guy or anyone taking advantage. It’s a story of two young men discovering what they want and of one young man missing what he is being told and how he reacts. Maccabe finds himself missing the obvious, until it suddenly hits him and his reaction makes up for him being clueless for so many years. Josh never expected what happened and his reaction to everything was completely understandable. I mean, damn, after two years the words “I’m not gay” must have been a smack in the face. Seeing these two men together is really sweet and we see some foreplay which is hot, but this is more about getting together, losing each other and then finally finding each other again.

I will recommend this to those who love sweet love, hopeless men, hot loving, hunting down love, tight-knit families and a very happy ever after.