Review: DSP Advent: Homemade for the Holidays Week 4

Choosing the right gift for that special someone can be the most daunting part of the holidays. In a sea of mass-produced items, why buy when you can DIY? The end-of-the-year festivities are the best time for crafts, whether they’re made from yarn, paper, flour, or even code. And with some love and luck, these special presents might inspire a romance that lasts an evening… or a lifetime. Nothing makes the season merry and bright like a gift handmade from the heart, and to bring smiles to the faces of the ones they care about, these guys are willing to get creative.









Week 4 is here My Lovelies!



A Peace Offering by R.L. Merrill 

Dover Billings has sold his handcrafted wares at the Dickens Fair in San Francisco for over twenty years. He's not as outgoing as the other artisans at this yearly Victorian celebration and prefers to observe the festivities from the shadows. That is until a new corset maker moves into the booth next door and unsettles his carefully constructed life. Landry Malcolm is handsome, well-dressed, and the life of the party… one Dover wants no part of. Too bad he's attracted to his confident younger rival.

Landry desperately wishes to get through to the beautiful artist next door, but every move he makes seems to be the wrong one...until a drunken kiss seems to break through Dover's serious demeanor. Miscommunications seem to plague any attempts to find common ground, leaving Landry wondering what—if anything—he can do to make things right. Will a custom-made peace offering open the door to friendship, cooperation… and maybe more?


R *A Reader Obsessed* - 4 Hearts! 

Oh this was a good one!

Slight enemies, Dover and Landry seem to step on each other’s toes over and over as they cross paths repeatedly within their small artsy renaissance community. Landry desperately wants to make an impression, and Dover just wants to avoid intimacy all together.

It’s awkward and tentative with a one step forward with two steps back progression. Dover and Landry just can’t seem to connect and they fight with each other and themselves over whether or not they should pursue or just back off.

What I really enjoyed about this is that the MC’s are not cookie cutter stereotypes of the grumpy antisocial nerd vs the charismatic extroverted player. These two have layers, and I was constantly pleasantly surprised to see them slowly revealed in ways I didn’t expect.

Overall, impressive writing with natural realistic progression, this really was one of those rare holiday shorts that never felt rushed nor left out anything crucial (except the erotic details - darn!). Regardless, a hard earned, well deserved happy ending where a bit of perseverance and a willingness to take a chance pays off in all the ways!

Ann - 4 Hearts

This tale had all the elements of old-timey Christmas pageantry that I would love to have a taste of. The author did a great job of creating a visual treat and considering both Dover and Landry are artists, that element was a character in itself that added to my enjoyment of A Peace Offering.

Dover and Landry have an opposites attract / not-really-enemies to lovers thing going on. I liked where it was going even if Dover came across as a real dick to Landry more than once. Thankfully we got Dover’s POV as well and I really appreciate when an author does that with a particularly prickly character. Especially in a short story. The ending of the story and the beginning of the relationship don’t feel rushed then, because we’ve had the benefit of insight into Dover, in reality, being a bit of a smitten kitten over Landry.

The two of them were a real treat once Dover opened up and all that sweet chemistry got to pour out towards Landry who deserved it muchly by that point.


Piecing Together His Life by Jon Keys 

Real estate broker Colin Romu has been estranged from his family for many years, but an unfinished quilt bequeathed in his mother’s will might help him make peace. Seeking solitude, Colin heads for his isolated cabin in upstate New York, but a sudden blizzard lands him in a ditch instead. Fortunately local EMT Mason Doyle is on hand with a rescue and a place to stay until the storm blows over. As they contemplate Colin’s mother’s last gift, they realize their lives entwine in ways they never imagined.

Ann - 3 Hearts

The setup for Piecing Together His Life was really great. An inherited unfinished quilt, some family drama, a somewhat reclusive artist, a cabin in the woods; all great stuff. Colin and Mason were both likeable characters and obviously very attracted to one another. I liked where the story was going and was completely onboard.

I got a little lost with the two main plot points along the way. I was told about them, but they didn’t feel like they were explored enough or maybe they were just too big for a short story. Mason had basically zero confidence in his artisitic skills and has just kind of given up on pursuing art as a profession. His family is all for that and I guess I just didn’t get it. The big why was never really explained beyond they just weren’t fans of the idea. Colin was cut off from his family even though his mother left him the quilt and apparently still loved him. I guess. His family sounded pretty terrible actually and I didn’t understand the point. She could have just left him the quilt without all the drama and it would have felt more sweetly sentimental instead of a little meh.

I loved how it turned out though. It was a Very Christmas Happy Ending (all capitalized), the kind that gives you hope for the MC’s for a forever kind of happiness, not just with each other but with all kinds of possibilities for their futures.


Purls of Wisdom by Morgan James

Yarn shop owner and ex-soldier Noah Miller never looks forward to the Christmas season. At least this year the break coincides with Hanukkah. But before his vacation, he has to survive the December rush. 

When virgin knitter Finley Mason comes into the store desperate for yarn, needles, and lessons so he can win a bet against Hazel, a woman who must be his wife, Noah agrees to help him despite his better judgment—he usually hates teaching. 

As the deadline to finish his roommate’s scarf looms, Finley falls in love with the reclusive shopkeeper, and he tries his best to woo Noah with all the magic of New York City at Christmastime. Noah could easily be swept away—if only Finley wasn’t straight and taken….

R *A Reader Obsessed* - 3.5 Hearts!

Understated with dashes of quirk, I appreciated this nice holiday short!

Noah is a lot grumpy and perhaps that’s due to his experience in the military. Now that he’s home and owns a yarn shop, such a pleasant environment has not lessened his gruff side much. Despite the many unwelcoming signals Noah thinks he’s putting out, customer Finley is completely oblivious as he desperately begs Noah for help in teaching him to knit.

Surprisingly, Noah is unable to say no to Finley, and a nice slow burn starts as these two get to know each other under the excuse of being teacher and student. Finley is super earnest and happy go lucky - his infectious cheer inevitably rubbing off on Noah. Both wish things would progress further, but there’s just one teeny tiny misunderstanding.

Again, sweet and heartwarming as Noah comes out of his shell for all the right reasons, guaranteeing that he and Finely get a fabulous holiday together!

Ann - 4 Hearts

On paper Noah shouldn’t have been as swoon worthy as he was, but damn if he didn’t convince me to swoon along the way. Sure he’s a fine specimen of a male, but his grumpiness should have been off putting but turns out, it wasn’t. Especially in the face of the force of nature that is Finley.

Sure the story is pushed along by the misunderstanding, and the only reason that wasn’t annoying was because it was a short story, so it didn’t go on for too long, and because Finley has a friend in Hazel who is smarter than both Finley and Mason and makes sure the two of them get their shit together.

Noah is saved by the fact that we get his insight so I knew he was falling hard for Finley and my absolute favorite thing was the banter between the two of them. They had chemistry for days and I was there for it with every conversation.

Finley is just too sweetly earnest to ignore for long and his gift to Noah was sincerely adorable. I’ll be adding this one to my Christmas reread list.


Rainbows in Sea Glass by Kim Katil

Kyle has loved James, his best friend’s older brother, for as long as he can remember. Unfortunately James is a player, and Kyle has no desire to be his latest conquest. When James suddenly turns the full weight of his charm on him, Kyle flees to Cape May Point to collect sea glass and Cape May diamonds to make a St. Nicholas Day present for his aunt.

James has always taken Kyle’s presence for granted and he’s shocked to find how integral Kyle is to his life and future happiness. Braving his family’s well-meaning attempts to help and a sudden winter storm, James heads to the shore to convince Kyle that the most precious thing they’ll find on the beach is each other


R *A Reader Obsessed* - 3 Hearts!

Bonus points for favorite trope of falling for your best friend's brother!!

As per the blurb, Kyle has been in love with James for as long as he can remember, but he knows that he would never survive being a fleeting hookup. When a night of dancing makes Kyle realize he needs to distance himself from James and the potential messy situation, James too, has his own revelation.

What ensues is a bit of sappy wooing but it was enjoyable sappy wooing. Beware again the out of nowhere random BDSM element dropped in the bedroom (perhaps along with the homemaking theme, a little bondgae was also a possible option for advent authors this year) but I digress.

Again, this features a beloved trope, warm family vibes, and an inevitable cuddly HEA!

Ann - 3 Hearts

Being in love with the best friends brother is a trope made of gold. Rainbows in Sea Glass took it and cranked it up to 11. While everything was a little too perfect, a little too sweet and a little too shiny, that didn’t mean I didn’t eat it up. The author did a really good job of throwing in enough flash back moments to make sure we knew how important Kyle was to James and his family.

I really appreciated the unique setting and the use of the crafts that brought Kyle and James together (finally). Being a west coaster I wasn’t familiar with the setting and some of the treausres Kyle worked into his present for his aunt. So I did some googling and that always is a fun rabbit hole and any story that makes me google is a winner.


Riding the Hammer Lane by Cassie Decker

It’s long-haul trucker Eddie’s first Christmas away from home, and he picks up the CB radio in search of friendly voice. He doesn’t expect to reconnect with his old instructor—and brief but passionate fling—Colton. Eddie realizes the scarf he’s been knitting symbolizes the love and longing he’s been trying to deny. When fate brings them back together on a lonely, snowy stretch of Iowa highway, will they grab hold of their second chance and acknowledge the love woven tightly between them?

Ann - 2.5 Hearts

I liked the idea of Riding the Hammer Lane, I liked what I knew of the characters, but the problem was, I didn’t really get to know much. Having only one POV made it a little tougher to buy into how into one another these guys were.

Eddie was obviously a good guy and Colton was, well, Colton was there and I felt that I was told about their connection much more so than anything I actually saw. Which was kind of a bummer considering the unique premise. I think the action in the middle was a little big and not exactly necessary. I would have loved to have those pages filled with Eddie and Colton reconnecting. I wanted to be there for that ride
.

The Santa Project by Elinor Gray

Working at the Craft Emporium keeps Adam Martinez busy during the holiday season he absolutely hates. Enter elementary schoolteacher David Okoye, who can’t get enough of Christmas or craft supplies. David is cute, wholesome, and Adam can’t deny a little bit of a crush.

Making the holidays special for his students is only part of the reason David makes excuses to go to the Craft Emporium. He also holds a torch for Adam. He takes it as a personal challenge to show Adam how to enjoy the holidays when he asks Adam to teach him to knit. David promises the holidays can be wonderful when shared with the right people, but how can they share them when David is going home to his family and Adam will be left all alone?

Ann - 4.5 Hearts 

Ok, this story is a snack and a half. The author really managed to fit a lot of connection between David and Adam into a short story. I also felt like I got plenty of backstory for each of them, so that their reactions, issues and conversations read organically.

And David? David is super emotionally mature and what is up with that? He’s just perfect for Adam and the way he handled Adam’s dislike of the holidays and the understanding he showed was above and beyond what I expected. His profession as an elementary school teacher shines through, but in a way that was kind and not at all condescending. Adam recognized it too and it spoke to the appreciation they had for one another.

Their dates were quite sweet and exactly what I wanted to read for them. The bit of drama at the end made sense and was short lived, thankfully, because a sad Adam made me sad. The resolution was executed perfectly for the two of them and gave confidence in an HEA.

Also, steamy hot. Very steamy hot. A lot of the Christmas short stories fade to black when it comes to the physical, but not this one, no sireeee bob. Thank you Elinor, that was some good stuff.

**copies of the Advent stories were provided for honest reviews**

Sunday Funday Christmas: 2017 Advent Calendar | Stocking Stuffers - Week 3

How's your yuletide coming along? Been wrapping your white elephant presents in good cheer, caroling in a sleigh and jingling your bells? Or are you gathering kindling to start the mother of all fires with the sole purpose of committing Santacide while swilling hot buttered rum? Either way we've got you covered! So let's get our jingle on this last week before the jolly fat man breaks into your house and eats your food.

ICYMI: Week 1 | Week 2

Poison Marked by T.J. Nichols

Kill his lover or disobey his king and instigate civil war?

As the feared court poison master, Nikko is sworn to do as his king bids. As the lover of the king’s nephew, Lord Rodas, Nikko must hide his affection or risk being labeled a traitor and punished. A former thief who clawed his way into the palace from the filthy streets, Nikko longs to be deserving of Rodas’s love.

A respected war hero, Rodas is in a delicate political situation. He is not the kingdom’s natural heir, though many support his claim over the wastrel, Prince Fortin. The last thing Rodas wants is war. His highest ambition is for Nikko to openly wear the jewels he’s bestowed on him as a public declaration of their love.

Neither man is prepared for the king to order Nikko to poison Rodas during the solstice feast or for the deadly intrigue they’re plunged into, which exposes their affair and rocks the foundations of the kingdom.

R *A Reader Obsessed* - 4 Hearts

A historical setting is typically not my usual jam these days, but this had just enough nostalgia and certain plot details in the blurb to catch my attention.

Nikko is the Poison Master, there solely to protect the king and carry out his orders. He’s caught between a rock and a hard place since he’s also the secret lover of the people's favorite - Rodas, the king’s nephew - who often shines brightly next to the smarmy prince who’s next in line to inherit the throne. Not only do Nikko and Rodas have a sharp difference in social rank separating them, their relationship can definitely be interpreted as a conflict of interest - or worse, treason - should their affair ever be discovered.

Jealousy, paranoia, honor, and loyalty are strong themes that run throughout this short story that never felt rushed. Poor Nikko must weigh his duty to the king and his love for Rodas. As multiple agendas converge, Nikko only hopes his vast knowledge can prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

This isn’t overtly smexy unfortunately, but the political intrigue and suspense, along with the deep romantic feels, made me one very satisfied reader, especially as these two men get their well deserved happy ending! Yay!

Ann - 4.5 Hearts

Damn, that was good!

I loved the world the author built and would read a full length version of this story in a heartbeat. This tale is set around the celebration of the Winter Solstice and I liked reading a different take on the holiday season through this fantastical historical.

Rados is chivalry personified and his devotion to Nikko is obvious in everything he does and every thought Nikko has. They never actually talk about future and feelings, it’s not an option for them and their stations in life and putting words to the impossible, out loud, is too much for Nikko to bear. The story is told from his perspective so we don’t get as much insight into Rados’s thoughts, but the author is so good at showing rather than telling I just knew Rados cherished Nikko through Nikko’s thoughts, memories and the little moments the two had. And the bit of mystery that stayed around Rados added to the magic of the environment the author built.

Nikko’s profession was fascinating. He was an outcast, he was revered, he was feared and he was respected (mostly from the fear). He was incredibly loyal, much like Rados, and their devotion to the crown drove the story making it believable and heartbreaking at the same time.

There’s political machinations afoot and no one can be trusted on the night of the solstice. Nikko is put into an impossible situation and the thought of harming Rados is unimaginable to him. The action was stressful, in a great way, I liked reading about Nikko in his environment and his take charge moment showed his strength and why he and Rados are such a perfect fit.

Poison Marked is a quick read, too quick, because I didn’t want it to be over. I’ll be rereading it and I really hope the author gives some thought to expanding on Rados and Nikko’s story, because this is one Peach that would LOVE for that to be a thing.

Chelsea - 4.5 Hearts

This was incredible! The type of story I compare all novellas too, there was amazing world building, in depth characters and a relationship that I cared about. I didn't want to put this book down.

This book is set in a historical time of kings, knight's and poison makers. Nikko is a kid from the slums who stumbled across the opportunity to be trained as a poison maker and now finds himself in the king's service. He also happens to be having a secret affair with the king's war-hero nephew, Rodas.

There is so much I could say about this book, but I need to keep this review relatively short. It captivated me from the beginning and kept me glued until the end. The world building was spectacular, even some novels aren't as in depth as this story. I loved the tension and all the forbidden love involved in this secret affair! So yummy!

There's not much ‘Christmas’ here, but when I love the story as much as this, I can let the lack of Jizzmas slide. I'd say this ended on a HFN, but a really good one... like a mix of HEA and HFN. Definitely read this one, even if it's not Christmas!

NeRdyWYRM - 4 Hearts

Star-Crossed Intrigues

I usually measure a short story by whether or not it could translate well to a full-length novel. In other words, did the author manage to flesh out the characters and the world enough that it makes me want more.

In this case, the answer is an emphatic, "Yes!"

I liked the characters even if I vehemently disliked the world they lived in and the pressures it put on their hearts. I believed they had a connection, that they loved each other, and that, given a chance, they'd be together forever. Poor saps.

I had a couple of niggles about the pacing. There was a lot of angst-xiety in the middle of this one that I wouldn't say was unnecessary per se, but given the length, it may have rushed the resolution and the ending a bit.

Stinking short stories. When they're good, I wish there was more. When they're bad, I wanna launch something flammable through a window ... like a Molotov cocktail. Shhh! I get passionate about bad books.

Thankfully, this one didn't turn me into a maniacal pyro-vandal. I really liked it. I was surprised that I liked it—I have a well-documented dislike for short stories—but occasionally one comes along that floats my boat. I enjoyed this one; I really, really did.

Short and sweet, dark and twisted star-crossed intrigue. It was a good read for a cold day. Give it a shot.

Sara - 5 Hearts

Holy mother effing swoon! This was so so SO GOOD. Nichols had one of my favorite stories last year and the trend continues with this.

They’d been sneaking around for three years. For a time it was exciting. Now it rasped over Nikko’s skin like a rough blade. He wanted more.He couldn’t have more.Especially not with a man of royal blood

Told from the POV of Nikko, the Kings Poison Maker, opens the story as he watches his lover and the king's nephew Rodas engage in a planned fight with his cousin. As the fight goes on and Rodas lets his cousin win, we get how Nikko sees Rodas. We know Nikko and Rodas have been together for three years and done whatever they can do keep their relationship secret while staying together. Nikko is an orphan turned Poison Maker and Rodas is of noble blood so them together, ain’t going to happen.

I LOVED these two. I love that we got moments between them of chivalry, pure intimacy and ultimate swoonage. The way Rodas and Nikko feel about one another is evident even with the absence of three words being exchanged. The theme between them of Winter Solstice adds a fresh feeling to the normal holiday story and I love that this pivotal moment in their lives and love comes along with the holiday.

This book had me on edge as Nikko decides to not disobey the king but not poison his lover and the man he loves. It has me holding my breath as Rodas declares his fate and it had me wanting to throttle the king as well as his slimy son. It has me sighing as Nikko tries every which way to bend every situation to carry out the king’s order but to keep Rodas alive. I was filled with angst toward the last pages but the author gave me the most wonderful ending that all I could do was sigh.

This book has stellar world building and character depth in such few pages it has me so hooked on these two, I’m wondering if there will be more planned. You know, like a series? *grins*

The Probability of Mistletoe by E.J. Russell

When software engineer Keith Trainor decides to start his own company, he knows exactly who he wants as his partner: Parker Mulvaney, his best friend from high school. But in the ten years since graduation, their contact has dwindled to nothing, and it’s all Keith’s fault. If he hadn’t tried to kiss Parker under the mistletoe at the winter formal their senior year, Parker wouldn’t have bolted. At their ten-year reunion, Keith intends to do everything in his geeky power to make amends.

Parker should have known that scheduling the reunion the day before Christmas Eve was a recipe for a headache of monster proportions. But when Keith sends a text that he’ll be attending, the evening doesn’t look so bleak. Can an unnecessary makeover, a nostalgic breakfast, an abortive shopping trip, and a whole lot of mistletoe culminate in a long-overdue first kiss?

Ann - 4 Hearts

I do so love a second chance romance and the story of Parker and Keith getting the possibility of another shot at the one that got away was simply adorable. The author’s humor translated well to both characters and I chuckled when I read their inner thoughts. The boys were opposites in many ways when they met, but they had a shared love of enough things to have a strong connection and complement one another at the same time. The flashbacks to their teenage years were so sweet and I loved reading about their growing attraction as they both figured things out slowly but surely. Parker made a sacrifice his teenage brain thought was right and the two lost their connection over the next ten years. Keith comes back to town for the high school reunion and to make Parker an offer he hopes Parker can’t refuse. There was a little bit of manufactured drama that I didn’t need, but it didn’t have too much page time so that was good for me. They made perfect use of their second chance though and picked up where they left off and then some. Even though they were just starting out again, and in a big way, their history gave me all the confidence they’d get their HEA.

Sara - 4 Hearts

What do we have here? Opposites attract, the one that got away, second chance romance with best friends from high school? Seriously? What’s not to love about this story?

Ack. I can’t even get my fingers to type what I want to say because this was adorable. I loved friends to lovers stories and Keith and Parker were best friends all through high school. But Parker made a decision for both their lives while standing under mistletoe when Keith tried to get out of the friend zone and now ten years later, the boy are back and they aren’t making mistakes again.

I adored both men in this story and was thankful to get POV’s from both of them. I like that Parker lived with the regret of not kissing Keith that night but that he feels he did the right thing by his best friend even if it’s made them lose touch over the last ten years. I fell for Keith and his uber geek ways but how he wanted to do everything he could to get Parker as his business and life partner. It was so freaking cute to see them at breakfast, not shopping for Christmas gifts and the party at Parker’s family house.

That end was great. The kiss gave ME butterflies and I hope the probability of mistletoe is always one hundred percent with Keith and Parker.

A Timely Gift by Kris T. Bethke

Sometimes the right gift can be life-changing….

On the solstice, Rory’s grandfather gives him a pocket watch that he claims will have Rory’s life sorted and his problems solved by Christmas. Rory starts out skeptical, but when he reconnects with an ex he never thought he’d see again, he has to admit there might be some holiday magic working after all.

Deacon’s life is in shambles, and he’s returned to Syracuse for a fresh start. Running into Rory again feels like much more than a coincidence, and neither of them can deny the passion between them is still smoldering. With the watch behaving oddly at just the right moments, Rory and Deacon might receive the gift of a lifetime—if they’re willing to accept it.

R *A Reader Obsessed* - 3.5 Hearts

My second Bethke in a matter of weeks, and I was not disappointed.

Apparently Rory’s grandfather thinks it’s time he settle down, and what better way to ensure that but to give him a meddling pocket watch that helps him snag his long lost ex.

Though they parted on good terms 13 years ago, Rory and Deacon’s whirlwind romance way back when was a very heady time and looked upon with great fondness. Now that Deacon has returned to town, Christmas is the perfect excuse to show the holiday spirit since he has no one to spend it with.

These two reconnect - quickly and sexily. If they need a few nudges from a possessed watch, then so be it. This was very feel good and it went down the hatch with nary a niggle! Enjoy!

Ann - 4 Hearts

This was an absolute just right second chance romance.

Rory and Deacon are meant to be together and I appreciated how the author gave them a past without a plethora of drama. Sometimes life just happens and two young men who are absolutely connected are just not connected at the right time. And that’s OK. There doesn’t need to be some major wrong that needs to be righted, they just needed time. Opportunities were taken advantage of and life moved forward. But, since this is Christmas, a second chance romance and since Rory and Deacon are meant to be together, the reconnection happened. There is an air of supernatural faith to the story that gives it a magical holiday feel that’s subtle enough to chalk up to coincidence, but why would you want to?

NeRdyWYRM - 4 Hearts

Pleasantly Unfeigned

I won't say much about this one just because it should be allowed to speak for itself. This was a perfect holiday short. There's a little poignance, tantalizing chemistry, a little whimsy, a little mysticism, a dash of fate and a whole lotta love wrapped up into this short little nugget.

All the ephemeral things I enjoy about the holidays are present here. The emphasis is all on family, friends, and knowing when to get out of your own way to hold onto a good thing when it's smacking you in the face.

Even better, there's a hot tidbit lovingly squeezed into the middle of this story that makes it just that much more believable. Chemistry, feels, a little hot sex, and luuurrrve. What more do you need?

This story was very well-written. It felt smooth, natural and it flowed well. Pacing a short story must be hard to do with any finesse because many shorts fall short in that department. But not this one. Not today.

I believed what the characters were serving up. They were realistic in their recollections of their first go-round in the "relationship" department. No rose colored glasses or revisionist history. Just a sense of mutual, if distant, fondness that a 3 month fling would bring if two people were emotionally and sexually compatible but young and going their separate ways.

There wasn't any years-long pining or showy breakup, no angsty drama or family shenanigans that contributed to their paths diverging. It all came across as an entirely-possible-in-real-life scenario. The fact that there wasn't any of the usual nonsense made it that much easier to buy into the feels without attributing it all to nostalgia.

Now I'm rambling. So I'll wrap it up. I loved this short. In many ways it embodies all the good things about the holidays. It's got that "feel" to it. Add in all the other pluses I mentioned and this is a no brainer. Read it. And enjoy.

Sara - 4 Hearts

A second chance romance fueled by a fated pocket watch at Christmas? Shut up and take my money!

First I have to say that I loved Rory’s Grandda and chuckled when he called Rory a daft idiot when Rory questioned him. His Grandda loves Rory and only wants the best for him so on the night of the Winter Solstice, he gives Rory an old pocket watch that will help him sort out his life.

Rory isn’t one to believe in fate but the watch is gorgeous and a family heirloom so he accepts the gift and goes about working his shift at the Animal Clinic as a vet tech. When his shift ends he decides to grab a quick coffee and is met by his past in the form of his college boyfriend Deacon.

These two were so damn adorable from the get go I couldn't read this fast enough. I loved that they remembered so much about one another even after 13 years apart when Deacon left to fulfill his career dream of playing piano with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. It was a bittersweet goodbye but they’d only been together a few short months and Rory is a good guy and would never stand in Deacon’s way. But now, Deacon is back and Rory is single and the damn watch is loud enough to make both men pause to really see what’s in front of them.

This had everything a holiday romance should have in it including a comedic pet in the form of an African Grey who can mimic all sorts of sounds and um, moans, family that loves when Rory is happy and easily accepts Deacon into the fold. This story has the offering of two men who were parted by circumstance to have fate step in to bring them together in hopes for a future that time will stand still for, or at least a watch that will keep time as they grow old together.

Christmas Grace by C.L. Miles

Christmas has been a lonely time of year for Aaron since losing his family fifteen years ago. But now he’s seeing Craig, and though Aaron is sure they belong together, both have been hurt in the past, so they’re taking things slowly. So far, Craig has been supportive of Aaron’s struggles with anxiety—struggles that cost Aaron relationships in the past.

On Christmas Eve, Aaron is closing his bookshop when Craig surprises him with a specially planned evening. Will this be the night they take that final step and deepen their physical relationship? Aaron hopes so, but things aren’t that simple. Craig has been keeping a secret…. Can Aaron take his place as part of a family again and accept the love he’s missed for so long—or will he find that some deceptions are too big to be forgiven, even with the help of some Christmas grace?

Ann - 2 Hearts

Well, this one . . . happened.

Honestly, if the shenanigans would have happened even slightly differently, this would have been so much better. So Craig has been keeping a secret from his boyfriend Aaron. They’ve been dating for 9 months and Aaron has never been to Craig’s apartment. The secret was a secret that didn’t have to be, so the drama felt manufactured rather than sincere and in a short story that just doesn’t work. Without being tooooo spoilery . . . Craig could have told Aaron the truth and just not introduced the secret someone to him until they were more solid. That would be completely fair. Aaron also suffers from anxiety, so the secrecy was unintentionally cruel and Aaron’s reaction was extreme and then his recovery was FAST, too much emotional whiplash to be terribly believable. Once the resolution happened all the happy family was thrown together so quickly it made the secret seem even more pointless.

Sara - 2.5 Hearts

I really liked the idea of this story but it didn’t work for me.

I liked bookish bookstore owner Aaron, how the author portrayed his anxiety and how he dealt with it in the beginning. As someone who suffers from Anxiety, the lengths that Craig went to so he would be prepared IF Aaron had a panic attack was endearing. I really liked these two as a couple and while the blurb hinted at them moving forward in their sexual relationship, I was fine with where they were.

When we’re told Craig has been keeping a secret and Aaron hadn’t been to his place even once in the 9 months they had been dating, I already knew what the secret was. I don’t like how it was handled though. Without spoiling it, Craig could have been upfront about the secret but kept Aaron from it until he was secure in their relationship and its future.

That being said. The reveal, Aaron's reaction to it, his guilty AT his reaction and the way everything was swept under the rug then tied with a bright bow of resolution didn’t sit well with me. The sex, I could have done without it because it felt forced after the secret being told and not authentic to the story. I think had the not gone all the way and maybe enjoyed the holiday without it and their new status, it could have gone better. But. It didn’t.

An Unexpected Sanctuary by Cassie Decker

An aggressive super-flu pandemic wipes out a majority of the population over the course of one Christmas holiday—and brings Tobin and Kyle together. For almost a year, they’ve been trekking across the country from Colorado toward a sanctuary in upstate New York. Kyle’s survival skills have kept them alive, and Tobin wants to repay the man he loves with a very special gift of his own making. He sneaks off in search of the last few pieces… only to get himself and Kyle kidnapped by a desperate stranger. With their journey to New York on hold—possibly indefinitely—they’ll need to accept that home isn’t always defined by a place as much as the person you’re with.

R *A Reader Obsessed* - 3 Hearts

Who doesn’t like to see some well deserved happiness during the apocalypse?

Tobin and Kyle have understandably had a shit year on the move after a pandemic flu decimated most of the human population. They need a reprieve in the worst way and when they find a deserted town, they think this is a perfect place for to find some time to rest and recoup.

Their short lived luck runs out quickly when they’re captured by a stranger, or does it?

This really was too short, but the feels between Tobin and Kyle were of course sweet and tender. A nice romantic holiday quickie with a Walking Dead feel minus the zombies.

Ann - 4 Hearts

Who would have thought an apocalyptic- level disaster based story could be so damn sweet? I certainly didn’t and I was certainly wrong. Tobin and Kyle are one another’s method of survival and the author did a great job of showing their connection well in a minimal amount of time. The story was from Tobin’s POV, but I easily saw Kyle’s dedication in their interactions. Kyle had the most practical survival skills, but Tobin brought his own strengths to the relationship and Kyle loved him so much for it. Even though the setting is pretty bleak, I never felt a sense of hopelessness while reading, in fact, just the opposite and I would owe that all to the MC’s. Even at the point where “shit got real” I had faith in Kyle and Tobin. The detour the two took made for an even more hopeful ending than what their original goal was and the end felt all kinds of Christmassy. Kyle has a beautiful way with words too and when he shared his feelings with Tobin when they exchanged their homemade gifts I swooned pretty hard.

Sara - 5 Hearts

What is it about an apocalypse story at Christmas that screams ROMANCE at me? I don’t know but it worked here and this could possibly be my most favorite read of the 2017 Advent Calendar.

When a super-flu pandemic takes out the majority of the country, it takes our narrator and survivor Tobin Abernathy a week to venture out for supplies when he is rescued from a group of thugs by Kyle Morris. From that moment the two young men are inseparable for the next year with Kyle’s survival skills and their need to find a rumored sanctuary in New York fueling their cross country trek.

I really REALLY want to write a crap load about a book that is less than 50 pages but I won’t. I am going to say that this was amazing. With the pandemic taking place right before Christmas it leaves the world stuck in this tinseled and decorated land of holiday spirit with broken promises. Totally fitting for an apocalypse story right? It gives this eerie feeling as Kyle and Tobin make their journey walking 20+ miles a day until they reach New York.

A rest taken in an Ohio town in a fully decorated B&B gives the young men a chance to catch their breath, get a little intimacy and for Tobin to get the last piece he needs for Kyle’s Christmas present. But fate takes a turn when they are kidnapped by a burly man and taken to a barn type building that is more than what it seems.

This story has the right amount of tension and angst in the beginning with Tobin being a wonderful narrator letting us know the situation fully. He’s scared but in love and really wants to give something to Kyle who he feels has kept them alive this past year with Tobin just mildly bobbing along. But it’s what this unwanted opportunity in Ohio that will show them both that sanctuary is in the heart of those you love and who love you.

Their sanctuary is an unexpected gift, a Christmas miracle if you will, that provided a wonderfully romantic story and I would really love to see these boys every Christmas to know how they are doing.

ARCs were provided by the publisher in exchange for honest reviews.

Sunday Funday Christmas: 2016 Advent Calendar - Bah Humbug | Week 4

We unicorns would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas! Hopefully we can provide a respite from wrapping paper towers, box forts, Christmas feasts, frolicking and football with some Jolly Christmas Cheer. Today we have Felicitas Ivey, Cassie Decker, Emma Keene, Jon Keys and Yolande Kleinn!

ICYMI: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5
| Week 6

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.


Fantasy Living - 3.5 Hearts

This was lovely. Kobbie was pretty laid back character, which I appreciated. He took the invasion of his house pretty well, and managed to get something out of it (besides eye-candy, Wytt). The story flowed well. I liked the writing style. The characters were all enjoyable. Franzi was a sweetheart underneath all her rockstar selfishness.

Kobbie was definitely the most likeable character in this story. He made this a much less dramatic story than it could have been. Quaint and homey is very appealing in a christmas tale.

A sweet holiday story, focusing on reconnecting with family, even when said family is high maintenance, and self absorbed.


Sara - 2 Hearts

This was super sweet but it needed more. I liked Kobbi and his small town loving home making ways all while being the big brother to his pop star younger sister. The food was amazing as I love to cook and feel holidays should all have traditions including food. But while there were small bits of attraction between Wytt and Kobbi I never felt the pull or chemistry I was looking for in a holiday romance. The lack of chemistry and the oddly abrupt ending didn't do it for me.

Find out more about And to All a Good Night on Goodreads & Dreamspinner Press.

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.


Fantasy Living - 3 Hearts

This was definitely a quicky. If you enjoy cowboys, and barn trysts, this is the story for you.

It was difficult to get to know these characters because of how short the story was, but I did get the basic feel for them. Wyatt appeared to be quite laid back, and easy going. Brady seemed to be a little high strung, but it was understandable with what he had been dealing with. I think if this was longer, Brady would have evolved into someone likeable.

The outline worked well. These characters definitely had potential. The writing was good, and the plot was tight.

The story ended a little abruptly for me. I think another scene would have rounded it out nicely, but it still held some Christmas feel to it.


Ann - 3 Hearts

I enjoyed this porn with a side of feels. Two cowboys are roping together on the rodeo circuit competing for a purse that means everything to the very intense Brady and Wyatt has fallen in love with him and wants more than anything to get Brady’s attention. The story is Wyatt lusting, the two of them competing and Brady being tortured and deep. It turns out Brady has a really good reason to be so focused on winning and Wyatt is more of a distraction than he can handle. The distraction leads to a seriously hawt rodeo blowie (the kind with lots of eye contact and whatnot), revelations and a Christmas miracle. It may not be realistic, but it fit right in the vein with the Hallmark level of drama and feelings with some hotness thrown in to keep me focused.

Sara - 3 Hearts

Hot cowboys learning the ropes to a new possibilities & having both a successful career and each others. Brady was stoic with reason and Wyatt believes in Christmas miracles and riding stallions. The story was short but not lacking in the sexy at all, it was pretty much PWP with a small side of plot.

Find out more about Driven to Distraction on Goodreads & Dreamspinner Press.

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?




Lori - 4 Perfectly Iced Hearts

It can be difficult to show a long, slow burn in a short story, but Emma Keene managed it in Resolutions. When Logan makes a vow one Christmas eve, his work colleague is not going to let him get away with not following through. Even if it does take him pretty much a year to get his arse in gear!

I love how we see the relationship between Logan and, baker, Ryan develop into friendship and beyond, as I said this can be a difficult feat in a short story, but I feel it works really well here.
This story gave me the warm and fuzzies and quite frankly that's all I want out of a short seasonal story! Delicious!

Ann - 3.5 Hearts

Resolutions had one of my favorite kinds of characters; a confident businessman, he’s a little grumpy on the surface, but underneath when someone catches his eye and his heart, he turns all shy and sappy. That’s Logan to a “T”. He’s got a major crush on the sweet baker Ryan who he sees all the time and ends up catering his office’s holiday party. The story is told over the course of two holidays worth of parties because poor Logan missed his chance the first time as Ryan just leaves him feeling all kinds of jelly brained. He makes a drunken resolution out loud to his very awesome assistant and she doesn’t let him wuss out on the potential for an HEA because his confidence has left the building again.

A disaster of circumstance gives Logan a second chance at getting close to Ryan and there was just enough light misunderstanding to keep the story from being too easy. The author did a good job of tying the whole holiday season together by including New Years and fresh starts in with the Christmas and gingerbread. I really liked the balance of these guys together, they were sweet and how Ryan gave Logan the confidence to get in touch with all his feels and just be more for Ryan was just right. I’m always a sucker for a story with a baker, because food, and Ryan was a deliciously adorable character, so between the two of them I was a happy reader.

Chelsea - 4 Hearts

Awww that was so sweet!

This ended up being a very simple story about a grumpy, scowling man crushing after a sweet, happy baker. It was kind of perfect for what it was.

I really enjoyed Logan’s grumpiness, it wasn’t overdone and it seemed to fit in with his personality, just as Ryan wasn’t an elf incarnate, he was just a sweet guy who liked Christmas. They complimented each other really well.

I liked the connection between Ryan and Logan and their awkward dance around each other. Yes, Logan is a complete idiot for not seeing that Ryan was interested, but it wasn’t annoying enough to hinder the story.

This was short enough not to be to sappy or boring and it was long enough to actually develop some chemistry between the characters. It was fun and sweet enough to leave me with some fuzzies.

Sara - 3.5 Hearts

This was short and sticky sweet!

Logan hates Christmas but when he meets Ryan at his company party, he makes resolution in front of his assistant Ann to Ask Ryan out. Logan is one hell of a procrastination master and it takes him almost a year to grow some holly balls and do the deed. Through a few misunderstandings he wastes more time but it all comes out pretty and perfect in the end. Ryan and his gingerbread building was fun and the little flirting between Ryan and Logan was adorable and made the end all sorts of swoony.

Find out more about Resolutions on Goodreads & Dreamspinner Press

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.




Breann - 4 Hearts

Noah is a Grumpy-corn. He's home for Christmas, but doesn't have much of the Christmas spirit. He's just a serious kind of dude. His sister brings a friend, Riley, home to share the holidays with their family. They noticed each other right away and couldn't stop noticing.

This was a really sweet story with a great couple that fit nicely together. I loved Riley's acceptance of Noah. Nobody tried to change anyone or force any Christmas spirit. Just acceptance and love. A very heartwarming read.

Ann - 4 Hearts

For what, on paper, should be an unsympathetic character in Noah, I sure did get feels for him. I liked the spin on the Bah Humbug theme with Simple After All. Noah didn’t have any past tragedies or real dislike for the holiday season, he’s just naturally a serious guy who’s not comfortable with large groups of people regardless of who they are. In the beginning he kind of comes across as a bit dickish, but he really isn’t and the author did a good job of showing his true personality to the reader without just telling me what he’s like. It helped that he had an amazing family that pushed him past his comfort zone a bit to make sure he’s home for the holidays, but also respect his more stoic nature.

Noah’s sister brings her friend Riley home for Christmas and Riley is just a really good guy. And wouldn’t you know, he’s got a serious ‘thing’ for quiet and slightly curmudgeonly men. There’s a decent amount of slow burn for a short story and the pace worked really well and didn’t feel at all rushed for two guys who are polar opposites. The story didn’t end with any kind of miraculous personality change for Noah so that he ends up loving the crazy that comes with the holidays and I was glad. He stayed true to his nature with the addition of a quiet contentment that came with meeting and falling in love with Riley.


Sara - 3.5 Hearts

A week shouldn’t have been enough time to fall for someone he’d never met before…

Daww! This was adorable!

Look, I know I am the ginger of Jizzmas love but I can’t help it. The season makes me all sorts of happy but this was truly sweet.

Someone once asked me what I love about reading romance and I told them I loved the moment where the gruff dude realizes he’s mush inside and gives into love. Le Sigh. That is exactly what this story was with grumpy Noah finding sweet Riley at his family's house for the holidays. Riley is like Noah getting a Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle without even asking for it. It was like the universe knew what he wanted and delivered. I adored Noah’s family and the use of the small library and that end was adorbs!

Find out more about Simple After All on Goodreads & Dreamspinner Press.

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.

Fantasy Living - 4 Hearts

I really enjoyed this story for the most part. There was some questionable content, especially since there was an existing relationship in the beginning. I would like to point out that the MC’s did not cheat, but there is cheating in this story.

Usually I’m not really that impressed by cheating as a plot device but this story seemed to work around it well. The focus stayed on the main characters, Keith and Austin, and built their friendship first, so it didn’t feel grimy or forced.

I really liked Austin. He was a sweetheart who deserved all the happiness he could get. Keith was in that stagnant stage of a relationship where neither was trying, and everything just floated along through resentment and self-doubt. It’s difficult to support someone who is in that stage of a relationship because of the introspective nature of the couple. Austin handled being supportive really well.

As a christmas story, this was a bit different. The focus wasn’t about christmas spirit, or cheer, it just happened to be set over the holiday season. That didn’t take anything away from my enjoyment (as a Christmas Grinch, how could it?!), and I’m glad these two managed to make the most of a crappy holiday.

For something a little less focused on Christmas, and more on relationship building, this is a welcome relief from the sunny, shiny, holiday glitter.



Lori - 3.5 Frozen Hearts

Two's company, three's a crowd in this short story. Three's a crowd because Keith's boyfriend, Shawn, is a wanker of the highest order. Where Keith could be seen as a bit of a doormat, I actually like the fact that he is trying his best to be the good guy, the nice guy. He doesn't deserve Shawn and totally deserves Austin - our other MC, who is a genuinely nice bloke.

This is just a sweet story of the nice guy winning in the end, and call me a sap but, I kinda like nice guy wins stories. Don't get me wrong, there is some nice steamy moments in this story too, but it is the kindness wins message that I really loved. What? It's that time of year, all right?

Chelsea - 2 Hearts

I think it's worse when you start off liking a book and then it turns into a massive disappointment, compared to when it's not enjoyable for the whole story. Exhibit A.

I had such high hopes for this story and for Keith and Austin's chemistry. Unfortunately it was not to be and this may become slightly ranty. Sorry in advance.

We start off when Austin is helping Keith when Keith's car has a flat and has been iced in. Austin and Keith work in the same mall and seen each other around but hardly know each other. Keith even had to try and remember his name at the beginning. I liked both of them immediately and their apparent ease around each other.

Then we meet Shawn, Keith's boyfriend for the past 10ish years (since college and Keith is now 30) and Shawn is such an asshole I thought we’d discover some abuse towards Keith, but no, Keith is trying to fix the relationship and doesn’t even see that Shawn is a total wank.

The next day Keith discovers Shawn is a total asshole and is surprised by the revelation, then he gets into some trouble and Austin comes to the rescue. And this is where the story totally lost me. After knowing each other on a first name basis and some very mild flirting for three days, they decide it's totally normal to sleep naked next to each other and then proceed to ‘subtly’ feel each other up in the morning. Then at the end of that day (still only three to four days after remembering Austin's name and one whole day after a 10 year relationship, that Keith initially thought was ok, ending), Keith and Austin are talking about commitments to each other and the probability of Keith moving in with Austin.

Argh this had such hope and the slow burn and chemistry building between Austin and Keith was great to begin with and then it was totally ruined buy rushed relationships and shallow character development.

Sorry, but this wasn’t for me. I’m sure that won’t be the case for everyone.

Sara - 3.5 Hearts

I liked this and for one simple reason, attraction. We often get the perfect men with perfect abs and the perfect thing to say in romance so it was a nice change to get not one but two men who see themselves on the non-attractive side for different reasons and yet each, think the other is hot and sexy.

I felt sorry for Keith and yeah, his asshole boyfriend was a totally douchenugget of rotten coal and yeah Keith should have left sooner before it all went telenovela but life doesn’t come with instructions and sometimes, things happen.

I adored Austin and his crush on the bookstore working, coffee loving Keith. It was lovely to get his POV as well to see how he felt about Keith and I loved him sticking up for him at dinner. Keith deserves more and the two times ice brings he and Austin together really were sweet.
Sure, the story moves fast but the men had enough chemistry that I liked it and I hope they give the newlywed neighbors a lot more to “payback” in the future.

Find out more about Iced on Goodreads & Dreamspinner Press.

***Review copies were provided by the publisher.***

Merry Christmas Everyone, if you celebrate otherwise have a spectacular Sunday!