Review: NineStar Press 2017 Holiday Series by Various Authors - Pt. 2

Joshua just wants to be alone. Happy holidays be damned; the last place he wants to be is at a New Year’s Eve party surrounded by overly jolly friends. After a breakup with his boyfriend, Clay, he’s having a hard time watching other people be merry when all he wants is to drown himself in booze.
If it wasn’t for a promise to two dear friends, he’d have been home on his couch watching the least festive thing possible. Instead, he’s got to deal with flamboyant Desi flirting up a storm with him. Only Desi has a past too, and his own pain, as well as a bit of unsolicited advice for Joshua that could turn his bleak night into a bright future.
5 Hearts
Sometimes it's impossible to see what is in front of our noses. This short story is a reminder to not take our loved ones for granted, even if our intentions are good. 

Joshua is a hard worker, too hard really, but it isn't until Clay leaves him that he realises his priorities may be a little skewed. A celebration, a party is the last place he wants to be, but a promise is a promise and he's not a complete arsehole!

Desi seems like an unlikely ally, but he has the benefit of hindsight to share with Joshua. He may get right on Joshua's wick, but under the mask is a whole lot of pain and an unlikely unlikely source of wisdom.

This was a story that makes the reader question their priorities and reconsider their actions. Told through the hope of a new year and new start, I found this a delightful read.

Agent Azzerare and the black market criminal known as Vulpe meet once a year every holiday season to collaborate on certain secret missions. Azzerare is less than enthusiastic when Management first suggests it; Vulpe is amoral, self-serving, and criminally inclined—everything Azzerare stands against. But as the years pass and the missions continue, Azzerare sees a new side of Vulpe: someone loyal, clever, and willing to risk his life to save Azzerare’s. Azzerare must decide how he feels about his partner—and if it’s love, he has to ask himself whether he’s willing to risk his career to pursue it, because an emotionally compromised agent is a dead one in Management’s eyes.
5 Hearts

"If you're dead when I get back, I'll kill you myself."

A secret agent/sniper story may not seem the most Christmassy theme around but this is one of my favourite seasonal short stories.

I liked, no I loved, the chemistry between Azzerare and Vulpe. The dynamic between them was second to none. It sparked and was witty and I adored it.

This story was just the right amount of different. Set over a series of Christmas and New Years days, it slowly built up the extraordinary relationship between the two protags. 

This managed to be different and it really has been a favourite read of mine.

Ty Hallahan was on a mission: make it home in time for Christmas—or suffer his Irish Catholic mother’s wrath. But thanks to a series of misadventures, his simple four-hour flight has turned into a two-day ordeal. And just as he has almost reached his destination, Ty is stuck once again—and on Christmas Eve, no less.
But maybe Santa has something up his sleeve for Ty? Wandering through the airport terminal, Ty runs into the man he has secretly loved for years. Once Ty’s professor, Dr. Ernesto Goncalves—Dr. G for short—is also stuck for the holidays, and Ty determines to make the most of their time together.
4 Hearts
Sometimes Christmas wishes do come true - maybe just not in the when and where one expected!
The chance encounter in this story is as ephemeral as a snowflake but after a run of bad luck that leads to a night neither Ty or Dr G could have foretold, this story sure did make me smile. It doesn't always have to be the big all; the big everything. Sometimes it can be just for right now, for this moment in time. The connection between the two characters was strong and bright, I liked the slight awkwardness their past relationship to each other (student/teacher) dictated as they moved into newer territory. A lovely story that approached Christmas romance in a slightly different way. Recommended.

Attending his daughter’s holiday dance recital should be easy for pro hockey player Patrick Barnes. Showing up in a tutu, however, wasn’t exactly part of the plan. And yet the holidays get even more interesting when he bumps into Lee, the man he let get away years ago.
Ballet instructor Lee can’t believe who just walked into his studio. He also can’t believe how quickly the flare of attraction between he and Patrick resurfaces, despite the years that have gone by since they last spoke.
Once upon a time, they let opportunities get away. Is it possible they’ll now have the chance to pursue the spark that has come back to life after just one conversation?
Holidays are a time for giving, and neither Patrick nor Lee are about to take this particular gift for granted.
4 Hearts
A lovely tale of love refound. 

Years have passed since Patrick and Lee missed their opportunity for love. You know the story, wrong time, wrong place. The chance of love slips by, missed due to circumstance and decision. Now though the time is right, and thanks to Patrick's darling daughter a second chance is available.

This story really epitomises the 'things happen for a reason' train of thought. Left to fate, Patrick and Lee certainly gained more than they missed - even though the journey was longer.

I loved this story, I really did. The dynamics between the characters really spark it to life. Jordan was fabulous, she didn't care that her dad was bi and (as is often the case) she could set a good example for many adults out there.

A definite bonus to my Christmas reading.

Working on Christmas Eve—no fun. Working a double shift on Christmas Eve? Even less fun. But working a double shift on Christmas Eve in a hotel with two guests? For Jason Martin, it was a recipe for a long, dull holiday. But then a power outage at the local airport sends a bus filled with people to Jason’s hotel. Alone, Jason not only has to attend to his guests, he has to save Christmas for a group of weary and grouchy travelers. Happily, one of the guests, a Mr. Marino, steps in to lend Jason a hand. Mr. Marino is helpful, handsome, and running right to the top of Jason’s Christmas wish list. But Jason has sworn off hotel hook-ups. And Mr. Marino will be heading out of town the next day, Christmas day. Is it worth getting involved with someone who is only staying for one night?
5 Hearts
Room at the Inn portrays the spirit of family at Christmas time and how important it is, even when stuck far away from home. Jason is a fabulous employee who really puts his guests' needs first. Dedicated to his job he deals ably with an unexpected coachload of people descending on the hotel. 

It is Jason who is the heart of this story, who creates the spirit of family I mentioned before. It becomes a home for 24 hours, not a hotel. Mr Marino though, well there is more to him than meets the eye. Whilst at first he seemed like just another guest, albeit one who knows the system and can pitch in to help Jason, there is definitely more to him than meets the eye.

Sure, it was whimsical at times - but I liked that about it. The Hallmark feel of everyone pitching in. This was a gorgeous story with a wonderful feeling of Christmas giving and loving about it. Totally recommended by me.

Reviews: A Holiday to Remember Collection by Various Authors

Life hasn't been easy for Amir since he fled Iran after a brutal imprisonment. The trauma experienced at the hands of the guards left a dark spot on his soul. The one constant in his life since relocating to Chicago has been his lover—now husband—Esmail, whose steadfast love and support has soothed his wounded heart.
​But this Shab-e Yalda, Amir wants to be the one giving his husband something special, because even after the darkest nights, the sun will rise again.




5 Hearts
It's easy to get caught up in the spirit of the season and forget about other's suffering. Bright lights and parties, traditions and festivities - in many religions December is about celebrations. When you're far from home, wracked by panic attacks in a strange land that promised freedom it can be hard. 
Amir can't escape the atrocities of what happened to him and his now husband in their homeland of Iran. Used to a place devoid of tolerance it is hard to accept he is now somewhere where he is safer, he is trying though. Each day he faces new challenges and Esmail is there to help him through the dark days.
This story tells us about one night when Amir wants to bring some of the happier memories of his homeland to his new home. Celebrating Shab-e Yalda is important to him and it may be a struggle but with Esmail by his side he knows he can do it.
A lovely story of hope after horror. I loved Amir and Esmail (especially Amir). I loved the dynamics of their relationship, how they worked together to make a new future for themselves. A beautiful story for this holiday season.

Mel finally gets to go home for Christmas. In his absence, his hometown has changed, and Carlos, his best friend’s little brother, is all grown up and interested in a relationship. But Carlos has his work cut out for him since Mel's having trouble seeing past the little brother part and his big brother, Aldo's determined to keep them apart.







4 Hearts
This story has it all; friends to lovers, home for the holidays, family, and a cold Minnesota Christmas! A cute read that left me warm and mushy all over - exactly how I want to feel after reading about Christmastime romance. 
I love friends to lovers, even if the friend needs to open his eyes and see what is standing before him. Oh and big brother keeps getting in the way! The cutest of Christmas reads.

It's Christmastime and the snow is falling. Restoring an old Victorian manor has been keeping contractor Brett Hawkins busy. The project's meant to be complete by Christmas, but there's no way he can get it done in time, especially with the big day right around the corner.

Meanwhile, his beloved Manuel Aguilar is grappling with depression, and he's consumed by guilt that it's kept him from putting up the decorations. But his biggest concern is that he may be ruining the holiday for Brett. As Manny struggles, unable to recognize his own courage in every small gain, Brett has a surprise that may help break depression's hold.

5 Hearts
The soul of Christmas is family and home, and is the heart of all Brett's hardwork. Manuel suffers depression and all it entails.
This story struck a chord with me because I know what it is to be caught in the grip of depression; the exhaustion and guilt. Kassandra Lea wrote a story which I understood from the heart; yet, despite the subject of depression being a key component of it, the story exuded warmth and hope and I loved it. It's great to read about depression as is and not just as a result of a big trauma. A beautiful story that warmed my heart.

The public library's computer geek, aka Travis, is content skirting the edges of social interaction. He's fully committed to being a boring, twenty-something IT guy who likes his office more than people, a guy someone like Connor would never fall for. Connor, who works on the library floor as a page, is outgoing, social, and charming and everything else that stands for "fun."

An interaction between the two at the library on Christmas Eve has Travis accidentally mentioning that he failed to find this year's hottest toy for his nephew. Immediately, Connor goes on a quick hunt online, and finds one. The only problem is that the Craigslist seller is hours away and Travis is sure spending hours in a car with quirky, handsome Connor can only end badly.

4 Hearts
You can get anything on Craigslist, right? But what if it's a killer at the other end of the line? 
This was an amusing little story that had me chuckling into my eggnog! Christmas is for geeks too you know! A geek, a dude, a road-trip, Christmas and a possible killer - what more could you want from a Christmas story, I ask you? This is a delightfully quirky read for the holiday season.

Nick is not looking forward to his second Christmas without Sammi, his gorgeous ex-fiancee. She left him on New Year’s Eve, a week after their engagement, and he still doesn’t know why.

A chance meeting whilst out Christmas shopping reveals that Sammi is now Sam, a transgender man. As the reasons behind their break-up become clearer, Nick cannot make sense of his new feelings. He is shocked by the deep attraction he still has to Sam, and what that says about himself.

It will take Nick's straight-talking family, and Sam’s guiding hand, to help him discover that gender is no barrier to love.

5 Hearts
This story is about love lost and love re-found and it really warmed the cockles of my heart. (No, I don't know what the cockles of my heart are either, but you know what I mean). 
Love is all about the person in this story. Nick loves Sam and it's as simple as that for him. He doesn't care if Sam is now presenting as male, after all he's still the same Sam inside just a truer version of himself. 
A beautiful story of acceptance and love set in the holiday season. A truly enjoyable read.

Balancing holidays between two families can make cheerful celebrations into chores. Carson Benedetti's mom has overscheduled the Christmas holidays and she's more than insistent that boyfriend Tynan Harris come into the family fold. There's so much to do Tynan can't find time to bring Carson over to his own family and he feels like they are being left in the dust.

​After dating for nine months, and with their relationship becoming more serious, Tynan's patience is sorely tested by the multitude of Benedetti family traditions keeping them busy. Tynan needs to figure out how to find some breathing room, split their time more fairly, and make Christmas more than just tradition by rote.

4 Hearts
Mothers, hey! Mother-in-law jokes are a staple of British humour so I understood the heart of this story. As a mum myself, as much as I wanted to dislike Carson's mum, I couldn't. I don't like how she emotionally manipulated Carson, but there's a tiny bit of me that completely gets it! I dread the days my kids are elsewhere for Christmas! 
This story strikes at the heart of an oft familiar struggle at Christmas, how to split the time between families. Well written, with a touch of comedy, this story addresses the issue and resolves it with a happy Christmas for all.

Derrek is dealing with the recent, unexpected death of his mother. He’s been alone for five year since his husband Will died, and he’s ready to find someone new and to start living again. Ryan lost his partner, David, in an auto accident, and is dating Alex, who doesn’t treat him right.

Derrek can’t figure out why Ryan won’t see what’s right in front of his face. Why does Ryan come to him to talk about all his hopes, dreams, and fears, then go home to Alex?

If Derrek can figure that out, they might just have a shot.

5 Hearts
Grief is sometimes hidden under the carpet at this time of year. We don't want to think about those suffering lose and bereavement at a time when family and love is the heart of the the celebrations - but it can't be ignored; many people are suffering. J. Scott Coatsworth tackles this subject head on, letting a friendship finally bloom into the more that it's supposed to be. 
One of my favourite holiday reads, this book was written with understanding and depth - and a friends-to-more storyline! Truly enjoyable.

Review copies were provided.

Review: The Perfect Match by Matt Burlingame

Leaving his life in New York City behind, 33 year old Ira Hughes has moved back into his childhood home to help care for his ailing father. His overbearing mother quickly guilts him into looking after her interests in the family curio shop. That means dealing with her business partner Colton McCabe, the bully who made Ira's teen years a living hell. Ira is now forced to confront painful memories from his past. As he watches his father fight for his life, and his relationship with his mother become even more strained, he begins to find unexpected comfort in his time with Colton. Could it be that Colton is not the high school horror he used to be? Is the bane of his youth now becoming the love of his life?

Oh yay, oh yay - my first foray into Christmas cheer for the year and it was a winner! 

I'm am a Christmas story junkie. I devour them by the Kindle load (other e-readers are available) and they get me nicely in the mood for the festive season! There is a certain comfort to a Christmas story that I adore as much as my pyjamas and a nice cuppa - and this book ticked all the boxes.

Ira is the kind of good-guy character I love. Selfless but not a push over; hardworking but not a dweeb... he is just right for a seasonal story. At times I wondered at his relationship with his mum, for a clever lady she seemed rather ignorant and, well, rather nasty if I'm honest. I admired Ira for the way he dealt with her - she was very unlikable a lot of the time. Mostly I liked how he gave Colton a chance despite their formative years.

Colton was lucky. He got to move on with his life despite his bullying ways during high school. I like how the author managed to help the reader understand the bully without giving him a free pass. Colton had moved on from the teenager he once was. Understandably it was hard for Ira to completely understand this, or to trust this but he gave Colton a chance. Colton was trying to make ammends, he was trying to be a better person and I genuinely like how this was portrayed.

This is a great feel-good story about Christmas and giving. It's about help and forgiveness... but it isn't about being a pushover or accepting excuses. I really enjoyed this and if, like me, you like all things festive I'd definitely add this to your reading pile

A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
For more information see Goodreads.