Review: DSP Advent: Homemade for the Holidays Week 1

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.

Tis the season once again and I, for one, am a happy, happy unicorn! We'll be posting reviews weekly of Advent stories and while this week is a bit behind (I'd like to know who's idea it was to make Thanksgiving a week late this year, I really hate when that happens), but December is here and it's time to let the love of the Christmas short story flow.

The Carpenter's Prince by Jayce Ellis

Sean Edwards would do anything for his nephew, including designing the props for a children’s version of the Nutcracker. He’s ready for the long nights and weekends in the workshop—they’re part of the job, especially given the short notice. The insanely sexy head ballerino is completely unexpected, however.

All principal danseur Keni Jackson wants is to surpass last year’s performance, blow people’s socks off, and cement his place in the studio. The last thing he needs is something to shatter his carefully held control—like a cuddly carpenter who favors jazz over Tchaikovsky.

Sean and Keni are drawn to each other, but not everyone is a fan of their relationship. When Keni’s position is threatened, they have to decide whether to walk away for good, or if what they’ve found is worth fighting for.

Ann - 3.5 Hearts

Sean makes this story for me. You know how, when you read about a character, and you fall for them in all the ways within the first bit of page time? That’s Sean. I mostly was down with whatever happened as long as my Sean got his happy ending. And he did, but there was a bit of minor manufactured drama that got in the way a bit.

That little nugget of a plot point didn’t make me super happy, but there had to be some sort of speed bump on the road to the HEA, and as far as speed bumps go it wasn’t terrible, but stilllllllll, Sean was unnecessarily sad and I did not like that one bit. Of course there was another MC, his name is Keni and he’s a dancer and he’s good and all, but he was onboard, albeit reluctantly, with the nonsense that hurt Sean, so that didn’t endear me to him a whole lot. Sean likes him so very much though and Keni does feel the same for Sean, but I need Keni to grovel some more and make sure Sean knows how amazing he is on the daily. In my head that all happens even after the story was done and they got their HEAs.


Christmas Ghosts by Jenn Moffatt

Dealing with the unexpected loss of his mother isn’t how carpenter Steve Browning planned to spend his Christmas. Hoping her costume jewelry can bring some happiness to others, he takes it to the local community theater, where he runs into his first love, Troy Baxter.

Troy’s trying to help his sister put on a gender-fluid version of A Christmas Carol, but no one on the cast or crew knows which end of a hammer to hold let alone use a power tool. Then a face from the past brings a present-day miracle… one that could lead to the happy future they both thought they gave up back in high school.

Ann - 2.5 Hearts

Christmas Ghosts had good bones to it, but the story never fully coalesced for me. There was a lot of info and relationships to get background on in a short period of time. I think because it was a second chance kind of romance, I needed to feel the love Steve and Troy had before and how it evolved and worked in the present. I was told about the love before, but I was told a lot of things and so I never had a sense of their connection and how it could have held together and rekindle over the years.

I liked Steve and I liked Troy and I wanted to feel moved by them, but there were too many distractions in the form of siblings and grief in a short story to give the guys the page time they needed to become fully fleshed out characters and in turn a romance worthy of a second chance.


Crochet My Heart by Carol Pedroso

Accountant Tristan plans to make a ton of crochet items for his local LGBT charity to sell at their holiday fair. His only problem? He can’t crochet.

Fortunately the community center offers a class, and it’s taught by Charlie, who is gorgeous and sexy and seems interested. At first. Can grandmotherly fellow classmate Ivy guide the clueless men to each other, or will it take something more serious to help them see the possibilities?

Ann - 3.5 Hearts

This story is just adorable. It has all the elements for a warm and fluffy Christmas story and the author delivered the fuzzy love very well. Tristan and Charlie have a super sweet homespun meet-cute and their banter was enough to feel the chemistry between them as they spent more time together. Tristan’s good intentions to the LGBTQ center he volunteers with have him overextended and needing Charlie’s help to meet his goal to provide handmade crocheted treasures for the holiday craft sale. So, already you know he’s a good guy. Charlie is also a good guy and so I couldn’t help but want to read about them getting their happy on.

There was some outside drama that provided the bit of bitter with all the sweet and the secondary characters kept Charlie in line when he veered off track in a moment of stupidity. Instead of being annoyed by the stupid, it actually made Charlie seem a bit more real because people do dumb things when they are falling in love and he redeemed himself quickly and in the end heroically.


An Elf to Myself by Emy Calirel

The last thing Wilhelm expects to find at Michaels, three days before Christmas and in search of a gift to make for his niece, is one of Santa’s elves—a cute one with a wicked, inappropriate sense of humor and a kinky streak. Alabastair may have been kicked out of Santa’s village, but he’s still a Christmas expert. And he’s determined to give Wilhelm and his family the best holiday he can.

With only two days to turn the Grinch’s house into a Christmassy wonderland, they have a lot on their plate. Among the glitter and the cheer, Wilhelm and Alabastair might find more than just the holiday’s magic. But will it be enough to keep Alabastair in Wilhelm’s bed and life when the North Pole calls him back?

Ann - 4 Hearts

I don’t know how, but the author made me suspend all my disbelief and by into elves as quickly as Wilhelm did. I should have been wanting more backstory and worldbuilding, I mean it’s an elf hanging out in Michael’s and he’s pretty open relatively quickly about who and what he is. But no, I was all “meh, it’s cool, these dudes obviously dig each other, let’s roll with it”. And roll with it, I did. 

I think it worked partially because the elves in question weren’t super magical, etc. They were, for the most part, regular people who just happened to work in the North Pole. I was fine with the modern twist the author put on Santa’s story, so I could pretty much forget about that and just wallow in the pepperminty sweet goodness that was Alabastair and Wilhelm. They both fell pretty hard and fast, but they had enough snark and attitude in their banter to balance the sweetness a bit and make their relationship seem possible for the long haul.


Evan Versus the Sharlotka by Chrissy Munder

Rumpled tech support Evan Carmichael has a crush on pristine programming supervisor Gavriil Cottan. The whole company knows it. Except Gavriil. As a closet romantic, Evan dreams of declaring his feelings with a grand gesture, something out of the movies he loves.

The company holiday potluck luncheon gives Evan a perfect opportunity. He finds out Gavriil’s favorite dessert and is determined to make an apple sharlotka just like Gavriil’s mother used to make. The only problem is, Evan is a disaster in the kitchen. Can he master the mystery of the sharlotka and the intricacies of the springform pan in time to both woo and wow Gavriil?

Ann - 4.5 Hearts

I look forward to Chrissy Munder’s stories every year. They are always amongst my favorites and she always writes characters I fall hard for. Evan is right up there as a guy I rooted for from page 1. He’s an everyman that can’t seem to catch a break and his mom is his biggest cheerleader. On paper, he may not seem like a romantic leading man type MC, but heeee isssssssss.

The story is told from Evan’s perspective and being inside his head is a little sad at times, but he’s forever hopeful. His crush on his co-worker Gavriil is so swoony as told from Evan’s view. While I didn’t get to know Gavriil well, he still felt fully fleshed out and I could completely understand why Evan was smitten. The author does a great job of making the time the MC’s spend together count and their conversations are the perfect vehicle to make the romance progress.

Evan’s attempts at baking Gavriil’s favorite dessert for the office Christmas luncheon was freaking adorable and about the sweetest thing I’ve read in a long time. Gavriil’s reaction made it even better and that had to be one of the most satisfying endings to a short story ever.


The Fairy Shop by Tara Lain

When Nate Hawthorne meets Asher Dane, the huge, tattooed hunk is the personification of Nate’s dreams. But Nate knows there’s no future, because Asher is also the personification of his beloved five-year-old daughter Delly’s nightmares. She’s frightened of big men. Things turn around for both of them, however, when Delly goes Christmas shopping at the Fairy Shop and begins her quest for a wand that will make her brave. Neither of them guesses that the Fairy Shop will be the source of far more than Delly’s courage. On Christmas Eve, under the influence of a very unusual fairy, Nate’s life will change forever.

Ann - 4 Hearts

The Fairy Shop is total Tara Lain reading candy for the holidays and I enjoyed every sweet little nibble. The author knows how to write super fluffy love stories that balance with a bit of drama to give a Lifetime feel that’s easy to dive into and get lost in. There’s a lot of story packed into this one, but everything seemed to balance out in the end.

Delly, Nate’s daughter really read like a little kid at first, but her vocabulary changed towards the end that made her seem like a little adult at times which was a little off putting, but not too bad that I was drawn out of the story.

The secondary characters added to the depth of The Fairy Shop and the only thing I would have liked, was more of Asher’s story. I don’t think that could have really been a thing in this case since it’s a short story and I know Asher’s story would be pretty involved. I really liked him though and while there wasn’t anything missing for him, I just wanted more because the author made me like and respect him so much.

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

Warmest Wishes Advent 2018: Week 4

It's Week 4 of the Warmest Wishes Advent Stories! This week we're featuring stories from Elliot Joyce, Chrissy Munder, Cassie Decker, August Li and Ward Maia!

ICYMI: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3

Make a Circle by Elliot Joyce

Pagan punk musician Lucas is fully prepared to spend this Yule with the rest of the band and his beautiful bass guitar when Oliver, his boyfriend of almost a year, asks if he wants to join the rest of the Han family for their annual winter celebration. It comes as a shock since Ollie has gone to great lengths to keep the two apart, and Lucas always assumed he was the reason. Since they’re planning to be together long-term, Lucas can't say no to meeting Ollie’s parents, but he better brush up on his manners and his Mandarin because this is going to be a holiday season like no other—and it has some surprises in store for both of them.

Ann - 4 Hearts

I liked this short story quite a lot. There was much to learn about a culture different from my own and about transgender identity. The author managed to convey a lot organically by showing rather than telling and I was hooked on Lucas and Oliver before I even knew which direction the story was headed. The Han family dynamics were . . . pretty standard actually. Overall they were loving and open with a few assholes mixed in for normality and generational differences that are to be expected.

Lucas’ stress about meeting Oliver’s family was what I thought the story was going to be focused on, but when the shift happened and Oliver’s relationship with his own family moved to center stage, the story took on a depth I really appreciated reading. An immediate family may be accepting, but getting together over the holidays with the extended family adds stress that made me understand why Oliver was apprehensive. Not that anyone in the family was cruel by any means, but every little act of misgendering is a disrespectful dig that attempts to erode Oliver’s confidence. Oliver had wanted to protect Lucas, but Lucas ended up being the strength and comfort that Oliver deserved. The two of them are perfect together and I loved the little family that they were together.

A Holiday Tradition by Chrissy Munder

Paul Carpenter has his life all planned out. Or at least his father does. The right school, the right degree, the right job. Paul is on track, until a bus accident has him sitting out a coveted internship, babysitting, or being babysat, by a grandfather he barely remembers during his holiday stay in a Florida RV park. His father’s reasoning? How much temptation can Paul find around a bunch of senior citizens playing bingo? There’ll be nothing to distract him from his studies.

It’s hard to muster his holiday spirit when Paul is used to snow and cold, not sun, surf, and plastic flamingos in Santa hats. But then Paul meets Kevin Lombardo, who offers to show him some new holiday traditions. Suddenly Paul’s fast track hits a curve.

Ann - 4 Hearts

D’awwwwwwww

Every year I look forward to Chrissy Munder’s holiday stories and A Holiday Tradition was yet another annual treat. I felt for Paul and the pressure he was under to make his father proud and the broken leg he suffered on a return trip from an art showing ends up being a blessing in disguise. It gets him off the fast track to unhappiness and while he doesn’t see it for awhile, or I should say, he doesn’t see it until he sees Kevin, it’s still a blessing.

The road trip to Florida with Paul’s maternal grandfather is actually adorable and the QV park with all the snowbirds is the perfect place for Paul to convalesce and write the paper he hates writing. He becomes friends with the park owner, dreamy Kevin, and Kevin is a welcome distraction. The flirting, banter and friendship the two share is my absolute favorite thing in this story and something the author excels at. It’s why I look forward to her stories every year. The relationship they built up made me believe in an HEA for them with every fiber of my holiday loving heart.

His father sends him on a roadtrip to Florida with his maternal grandfather and since Paul’s mother passed years ago, his father has done his best in the way he knows how to do it. It’s not what makes Paul happy, but he loves his dad and so he does the college path his father has laid out for him. Paul’s passion isn’t finance, but he’s practical enough to know that his art isn’t going to

Cupcake - 4 Hearts

My kind of Christmas fluff!

I gotta be honest, this story was virtually assured raining hearts on it, over it and above it from me when I read that ole Grandpa Louie has a Mt. Dew addiction, obsession let's just call it a hearty appreciation for the neon green nectar of the gods and call it a day, shall we? Cuz I can relate.

Nothing says 🎶 Christmas Time is Herrrreeee 🎶 like unapologetically horny grandpa Doing The Dew with the promise of pinochle and shuffleboard on the horizon which is bearing down on you at a whopping 45 mph in an RV that doesn't quite fit your full leg cast, now, does it?

See, I really couldn't have asked for much more out of my Christmas fluff onaccounta it being heartwarming without being schmaltzy and all but also because it was funny and didn't take itself too seriously.

Paul and Kevin slow burn into their romance and it was angst free and unfussy with good relationship development that had me rooting for them early on. They are good together and, I believe, good for each other which is always a win in my romance book.

Another win is "A Holiday Tradition" isn't overly reliant on the miracle of Christmas thing and the geriatrics are a hoot. They're enjoying their golden years to the fullest. Walkers be damned!

Munder made the ending realistic rather than going all hearts and flowers which I appreciated. In so doing, I was even more convinced of their longevity, though I wouldn't mind catching up with them were the author so inclined to write more about them in the future.

Great holiday fun is in store for you in this uplifting little story!

Once in a Lifetime by Cassie Decker

All his life, astrophysicist Peter has dreamed of seeing the comet that last appeared on his birthday—and won’t be seen for another thirty-eight years. Since it could be his only chance, he travels to New Zealand. But his dream might be quashed after all when his rental car breaks down on the way to the observatory. He doesn’t even have a place to stay.

Fortunately a New Zealand native with a heart of gold offers assistance. But is kindness the only thing drawing the two men together?

Ann - 3.5 Hearts

Once in a Lifetime is short, sweet and hopeful. The romance didn’t really have enough page time to develop, but what I did get I enjoyed. The reason Peter travels to New Zealand is sentimental and said a lot about who he is as a person. I could see why Rangi was enamored of him so quickly. After the two spend some time together with Rangi’s family it was easy to see why Peter felt the same way towards Rangi. Being a fly on the wall with Rangi and his family’s holiday preparations was some lovely insight into Maori culture and tradition. It was a treat for me and something Peter needed as well. The declarations happened rather abruptly, yet still sweetly and there wasn’t quite enough there for me to picture an HEA, but there was definitely material there for an HFN.

Rangi can’t leave Peter stranded so close to Christmas, and his family has plenty of room—and love—to share. While Rangi is attracted to Peter, he’s seen too many of his friends get their hearts broken by tourists. Will they manage to see the comet on its decades-long journey across the sky… and take advantage of a rare opportunity that might never come again?

R *A Reader Obsessed* - 3 Hearts

A holiday trip is actually a long journey for Peter to fulfill a promise he made to his dad and himself. He’s traveled across the globe to New Zealand to witness a comet he’s prepared his whole life for. It seems however, that fate has several obstacles in store for Peter, but luckily they also have thrown in Rangi, a friendly Maori local, to help him out and to possibly lend perspective to Peter’s life.

Way too short, this could’ve been great had there been more to it, as this story barely scratches the surface. The sweet and hopeful HFN left me wanting which I suppose is a testament to the setup and the disappointment of not having more.

Colina de Lavanda by August Li

Lord protector of whores, thieves, sorcerers, and deviants.

Owning a parcel of land the railroad needs to cross means Edward gets to run the border town around the station as he sees fit. What starts as a place to indulge his varied appetites becomes a haven to society’s castoffs, and if Edward encourages legends about its founder to flourish, well, he’s not so much a liar as a man who wants to protect all the cultures living in peace. Being mayor means folks might ignore his vices, but they also expect him to fix what goes wrong.

When a crushing heat wave and drought threaten not only the town’s diverse holiday celebrations but its very existence, Edward must turn to the one man he’d rather french kiss a timber rattler than face—the icily elegant Cantonese mage Edward walked out on but never stopped loving.

Ann - 4.5 Hearts

The blurb is quite clear about what to expect with Colina de Lavanda, yet I was still surprised about where the story went and the journey it took to get there. It was completely unique take on a holiday story and I loved that about it so much! The author pulled together many cultures, some fantasy and some magic along the way and the different genres played together very nicely and flowed easily.

Edward is a very flawed hero and that’s what I appreciated about him. He was an accidental good guy which tells you he’s a quality dude at his core. He may not get to the goodness on a straight and narrow path, but he’ll get there. His biggest regret was letting the love of his life, Shu go for his own selfish reasons. It takes his beloved town falling apart for them to come back together and Edward has to do some legit groveling and learning in order to earn Shu back. The magic kept me hooked and Edwards redemption in Shu’s eyes was a holiday present in itself.

R *A Reader Obsessed* - 3.5 Hearts

My second Li book and I will say, this author brings to the table intriguing world building and colorful characters!

Edward is the venerable mayor of a small town known to offer peace and acceptance for those who typically don’t belong. However, an unseasonably terribly hot winter that’s only getting worse, can mean doom for the burgeoning community. Something definitely unnatural is afoot, and Edward must ask ex lover Shu for help, bringing to the fore past hurts and lingering regrets. What they ultimately discover is pretty horrific but the situation allows Edward to realize his mistakes and ask for forgiveness and acceptance.

Bridge an old western theme with lots of magic plus some legend and lore and you’ve got quite the entertaining holiday historical. This was unique and sexy with a sweet second chance at love!

Cupcake - 4 Hearts

This is my first experience with this author and they really know how to create an atmosphere. In just a few pages this little desert town of Colina de Lavanda took shape as did the people in it through an interesting mélange of fantasy, historical and romance. The blending of cultures and the spirit of acceptance that pervades this town embodies the spirit of Christmas which is what made this read a rewarding experience.

Summer Santa by Ward Maia

Sam is a journalist struggling with the recent transfer to his magazine’s Brazilian office. He doesn’t speak the language and isn’t all that familiar with the customs. It also isn’t easy to make friends when you’re the new guy. Then there’s James, his friendly and gorgeous coworker, who is so out of Sam’s league, he knows he doesn’t stand any chance with the handsome Brazilian.

Just as Sam is preparing to spend Christmas away from his family, an unexpected surprise spins his lonely holiday plans around. Another unforeseen gift is James’s offer to show Sam some of the city’s holiday traditions. With his significant low self-esteem, Sam doesn’t know what to make of James’s offer and apparent interest. Can some last-minute decorations and an impromptu meal make Sam’s apartment feel more homely?

Ann - 3.5 Hearts

Sam thinks he’s going to be spending Christmas alone in a new city where he doesn’t speak the language and he’s resigned himself to the idea. He’s not thrilled but he’s convinced himself that he’s going to run with this new job opportunity even if the timing was not ideal. One perk of the new job is the ability to ogle his dreamy co-worker James. Sam is convinced James is out of his league, he gets tongue tied when they interact and it’s really pretty charming. You know what was really charming though? When it became obvious that James was truly interested in Sam and James could be just as insecure when it came to putting himself out there with Sam.

The unexpected arrival of Sam’s entire family throws Sam off his routine and it works perfectly since he’s already off kilter from James attention and the new job. It’s good for Sam to be just a bit off center, it keeps him from overthinking and missing out on any James-centered activities. Sam’s family is great and this read like a true holiday story regardless of the weather. I totally bought the HEA for Sam and James, it was hopeful and real and gave me all the warm fuzzies.

Maybe everything could come together in a wonderful way—if Sam can find the courage and confidence to accept all James wants to give.

Review copies were provided by the publisher in exchange for honest opinions.

From the clubhouse to your house, wherever you are, Merry Christmas from The Unicorn Mafia. 

Sunday Funday Christmas: 2017 Advent Calendar | Stocking Stuffers - Week 4

This week's Stocking Stuffers include gems from Deanna Wadsworth, C.M. Taylor, Jessica Payseur, Kasper Quill & Chrissy Munder


ICYMI: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3

Welcome Home, Soldier by Deanna Wadsworth

Clay and Daniel fell in love as enlisted men during Desert Shield, but Don’t Ask Don’t Tell meant they had to keep it secret. After Clay’s convoy was ambushed, PTSD changed him, and their relationship ended in a horrible fight on Christmas Eve.

Twenty-five years later, they’ve reconnected on Facebook, and Clay finds out Daniel will be alone on Christmas Eve. Impulsively, he sets out for Daniel’s hometown of Gilead, Ohio—where Daniel is now the mayor—to surprise him with a visit. But a blizzard strikes and Clay wrecks his car. All hope of seeing Daniel is lost—until a mysterious old man named Nick offers Clay a ride.

The weight of past wounds and the scars of war might make their reunion awkward, but Clay is willing to take the risk to win back his lost love. Despite a lifetime of disappointing holidays, Clay hopes that this soldier is finally coming home for Christmas.

Ann - 4 Hearts

I love second chance romance stories and Welcome Home Soldier is the definition in Christmas form. It’s the story of two men who fall in love for the first time at the wrong time. They are in the military during the DADT era and their entire relationship is hidden away taking advantage of stolen moments at every opportunity. I was so impressed with how the author had these two mature characters communicate when they meet again, with thanks to impulse and a kindly white bearded truck driver. Clay and Daniel went through an ugly breakup, and given the environment they lived in and their experiences, it’s no wonder. They weren’t able to be what the other needed at that point in their young lives, they needed to fight their demons and accept themselves before they could be together in a way that would last. Reading a story with actual communication can be so refreshing and it made me believe in an HEA for these guys.

Trading Tridents by C.M. Taylor

DecemberCon 2017. John Perlan, aka YouTuber “SmileyNibor,” has come to the con for one reason and one reason only: to see his idol, actor Derek Kitow. And since Derek has announced he’ll be dressed as the original Aquaman, Perlan decides to come as the Aquaman reboot. It helps that he already has the beard and the bod to make a convincing Momoaman.

But when Derek Kitow makes his entrance, he recognizes Perlan from his tiny YouTube channel and wants him onstage! Has Kitow been following him online? Could SmileyNibor’s hero also be a fan? And what exactly does Kitow have in mind by inviting Perlan to meet him after the panel?

R *A Reader Obsessed* - 3 Hearts

I’ve got to say that the fangirl in me really liked many a thing in this shortie, but for full disclosure I was a bit surprised by the bdsm elements that seemed to come out of nowhere.

Per the blurb, John is stoked to be attending the DecemberCon because his movie star crush Derek, will be there. In response to Derek announcing he’ll be dressed up as classic Aquaman, John thinks his Jason Momoa physique is the perfect counterpart to display the new movie version. He doesn’t expect Derek to already know who he is, and John is quite shocked when he realizes the actor wants a more personal meet and greet. *wink*

What ensues is a hot kinky interlude, as well as some comic book lore theorization. This was… unexpected but sexy. Overall, I enjoyed it despite my preconceived geeky notions of what this was going to be.

Ann - 3 Hearts

While this story really has nothing to do with the winter holidays except for the time of year, it’s still pretty darn cute. The author worked some great geeky humor into John, the Aquaman fanboy. His love for star Derek Kitow is something pretty much everyone can relate to and his story is the ultimate fantasy come to life for anyone who has ever had a ridiculous crush on the unattainable. I would have liked some holiday aspect in there just because that’s what I came to the DSP Advent party for, but that being said, I would like to read more by this author as I really like the writing style and the charm the author has.

All Creatures Great and Small by Kasper Quill

Growing up an orphan meant Charlie never celebrated Christmas. He’s committed to making sure his newly adopted cat, Max, doesn’t miss out like he did. Unfortunately, he discovers that giving Max the perfect Christmas might be easier said than done—and not without risk.

Charlie’s landlord, successful and wealthy real estate developer Aemon Scotfield, is charmed by the gorgeous redhead and his shameless alley cat. He finds himself compelled to help orchestrate a memorable celebration for Max—and Charlie—despite the mishaps that seem to just keep coming. As difficult as it will be to pull off the perfect holiday, the real challenge might be walking away when it’s over.

R *A Reader Obsessed* - 2.5 Hearts

Um… this was cute with plenty of animal/pet shenanigans but for me personally, there was very little character, relationship, or romantic development as things went from point A to B with hardly an explanation.

However, one gets the gist of some hurt comfort as Aemon indulges Charlie who’s never had a true Christmas that he can remember. The spirit of the holidays still permeates this throughout, ultimately leaving one feeling warm and fuzzy in all the right ways.

Annika - 3 Hearts

A sweet and fun read. And if you are an animal fan, this is the book for you.

I didn't like the insta-love part of the story. I never really felt that there was a connection between Charlie (not Charles) and Aemon. Their relationship came out of the blue to me. As did the changes with Charlie. At the beginning he was so set in his ways he didn't even try new things to eat. And after nearly running Max over he changes at the spot. Sorry, I didn't buy that. If this would've been a longer novel, over a longer time sure I can see it, but not how it stands now.

Charlie was adorkable, trying so hard, yet never having a clue. One of my favourite moments was when he "watered" the tree.

Ann - 4.5 Hearts

The Christmas Spirit is alive and well in All Creatures Great and Small. I will squee for days over this story. For days I tell you! It’s freakin’ adorable with just enough snarky humor to keep it from being toooo sweet. Charlie is the most amazing little shitshow you’ll ever meet. He was orphaned at a young age and bounced around foster homes until he aged out. He’s put himself through school and landed himself a good job in IT. He’s never really done Christmas since his parents passed and when he adopts a shitshow of an alley cat, Max, his dream is to give Max the Christmas Charlie himself never had.

“Max deserved a tree. After all, it was our first Christmas as a family.”

Now Max is a cat, so by nature he really gives zero fucks, but Charlie is so excited to have his own little family now he goes all out. Poor Charlie has no clue what he’s really doing, but he tries so very hard and thankfully he gets a meet cute with his very posh landlord who is smitten with the awesomeness that is Charlie and who knows a thing or two about Christmas. The two of them have a real connection that was quick but it was too delicious to bitch about such things because I loved every little nugget the author tossed my way. Bonus points for wonderful secondary characters, knowing Charlie had a support system like he had warmed my cockles. I hope the author writes more soon, I need more Charlie and Aemon type characters in my life.

Sara - 5 Hearts

A ginger who rescues all the unwanted animals? Um… *looks in the mirror then at rescue dogs in my lap* This book was perfect for me.

I loved Charlie though is back story hurt my heat. I love his outlook on life and how he live his life as an adult. This book is funny and it made me smile more than a few times. I am not going to get into the plot of it because the blurb tells you what you need to know and this is short enough to read on ones lunch break but OMG this was adorable.

When Charlie crashes his bike because of a mangled cat what does he do? Why, what anyone else do and take it home. But when Charlie is helped by a gorgeous McHottie who Charlie thinks of as an angel turns out to be a sacred Amen of his own and this story stole my heart. The level of animals in this is outstanding and I want a Jackie of my own. Why do I imagine her voice like Jackée Harry?

Aemon and Charlie are so sweet and earnest. I love opposites attracting and Aemon sure did have some good lines for such a short story. He’s caught up in the magic of Charlie and wants to give Charlie a wonderful Christmas just as Charlie wants to give Max, the cat one.

With so many laugh out loud moments and a few major swoony ones too makes this is a perfect holiday read. I hope the author continues writing because I am intrigued and want more.

Wreck the Halls by Jessica Payseur

Business has been good at Paul’s Café in Madison, Wisconsin—until a few months before Christmas. When Nick opens Nick’s Restaurant next door, Paul watches his customers leave for cheaper food and an owner who smiles more. With his livelihood at stake, Paul lashes out, trying to drive away Nick’s customers, but Nick won’t go easy, and escalating sabotage threatens to ruin the holidays for both of them.

Paul thinks all he wants for Christmas is to see Nick’s Restaurant go under, but the more he tries to drive Nick away, the less he’s sure he wants him to go. Nick is everything Paul secretly craves, but by the time he realizes Nick is all he really wants for the holidays, he might have ruined any chance for them to get together. And there might not be a present in the world that can fix that.

Ann - 2 Hearts

I do love me a chef story and I do love me an MC who can be on the grumpy side, and while I got my chefs (well, restaurant owners) the grump was too much for me. Paul wasn’t happy that a restaurant opened right next door his actions were over the top. He was pissed for 90% of the story and that was the only thing I knew about him. He had no depth beyond his anger. I actually liked Nick at the beginning but he kept one upping the vindictive shenanigans and I just couldn’t get with his getting off on making Paul mad so I lost my love for him pretty quickly. If they had had even a few moments of connection here and there I might have been able to believe the ending, but holy cats these guys went from visceral hatred (at least from Paul) to comingling forever so fast I had literary whiplash. If I’m to believe in an HEA for these two, I would have to see a lot of couples therapy in their future.

The Last Gift by Chrissy Munder

College student Nick Reed works late shift at a convenience store and dreams of graduation, a job he can be proud of, and finding the man of his dreams.

But the man of his dreams is about to find him.

A change in his lab hours forces Nick to swap shifts with a coworker. But no one prepared Nick for Mr. 5:25—Aaron Hampton—a beefy blond who’s Nick’s perfect guy, but professionally and socially out of Nick's reach. Soon Aaron becomes the highlight of Nick's workday, and when the overly focused lawyer needs Nick's help with holiday gifts, Nick is eager to spend time with Aaron.

They become friends, share book recommendations, and are surprised to find themselves at the same charity run. But is that all? When Aaron learns Nick is heading back to his old shift, will he find the courage to ask for one last, very special gift?

R *A Reader Obsessed* - 3 Hearts

Nick is seriously crushing on one of the early morning customers where he works, and he can hardly concentrate on anything else. Despite what initially looks like them being completely incompatible, it’s quickly made clear that he and Aaron are able to connect on many other levels.

However, the clock is a ticking, and though it’s the worst time in Nick’s life to even contemplate a relationship, he can’t help but hope. What he doesn’t realize is that his and Aaron’s magical meeting time might not have been solely left to chance.

This is low angst, with a kiss at the end - a feel good story showing how the holidays can be just the needed impetus to find and grab onto love.

Ann - 4 Hearts

I absolutely love Chrissy Munder’s stories, especially her holiday offerings. The Last Gift was as adorable as I expected and she really packed a lot of connection into a short story. The concentration stayed on the two MC’s and I liked them both so much, so the focused page time was much appreciated.Aaron may have been the more established of the two in his professional life, but Nick was able to hold his own despite his age and lack of experience. The story is told from Nick’s perspective and while he may have not have seen all the signs (or thought they were too good to be true) the author did a great job of showing Aaron’s interest to the reader so they story stays angst free which is perfect for the holidays. The ending is just delicious and I swooned in Aaron’s direction pretty hard along with Nick.

Chelsea - 4 Hearts

Oh I liked that. I liked that alot. All the fluffy sweetest a short Christmas story needs!
Nick has developed a crush on one of his customers at the convenience store he works at. His crush, Aaron, is probably the sweetest guy ever! I adored this pairing, Nick was funny and came across as a rather normal college student while Aaron was totally adorable!

They had a nice steady development from infatuation to friendship then something more hopeful and of course this ended in the best way, with a kiss.

So cute!

Review copies were provided by the publisher.

Merry Christmas from the Unicorn Mafia!