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. 

Warmest Wishes Advent 2018: Week 2

It's Week 2 of the Warmest Wishes Advent Stories! This week we're featuring stories from Emjay Haze, Blue Jones, Daniel de Lorne, A.D. Ellis and Scudder James Jr.!

ICYMI: Week 1

Warren's Peace by Emjay Haze

The holidays are a time for second chances.

Warren Blessing lost his wife (two years ago), and his kids decide he’s been alone too long. They send him on a holiday singles cruise so he can meet someone new.

On the flight from Chicago to Miami, he sits next to an attractive man, but when the flight’s over, he doesn’t think he’ll see him again.

Fletcher Hammond is a professional mystery shopper for vacation destinations and travel. After a split from his unfaithful fiancé, he’s embarking on a singles cruise. He meets a lovely gentleman on the flight, whose conversation and cocktails help Fletcher through his fear of takeoffs, but he doesn’t expect to see him again.

As if by fate, a meeting in the ship’s dining room renews their mutual attraction. But can they build a relationship with distance and baggage working against them? Or will they part ways when they return to port?

R *A Reader Obsessed - 3 Hearts

Who can resist a second chance at love especially on a luxurious singles cruise no less?

Despite understandable doubts and fears on both Warren and Fletcher's parts, this was easy and simple, if not just a tad too fast in progression and a bit awkward in execution.

Still enjoyable because of course, Warren and Fletcher find their well deserved happiness with each other, having at their disposal excellent food and entertainment, room service and spa treatments, along with endless fun time in the hot tub that further spurs their growing feelings!

If only everyone could fall in love under such ministrations! Lucky bastards!!

Fantasy Living - 3 Hearts

Set on a cruise ship from Boxing Day to New Years Day, the flow of this story started off rocky for me, but eventually the writing smoothed out and the story flowed well. I enjoyed the plot line, and the relationship development. Warren and Fletcher had great chemistry and the vacation fling was beautiful. This was sweet and sexy, and I enjoyed most of the story.

But……

I’m disappointed to have to lower my rating due to bi-erasure. It’s not cool, and I get frustrated with this being added to a perfectly good storyline. It was completely unnecessary to even mention Warren’s sexuality. It added nothing to the story, and left a sour taste in my mouth. It doesn’t make a same-sex relationship more valid . So yeah….it upset me and took me out of a very lovely story.

I know this will be a memorable story, for both the good and the bad parts. *sigh*. Some readers don’t care, but I absolutely do.

Thank you to the publisher for providing a review copy. This has not influenced my opinion

Ann - 3 Hearts

This was a very cute and fluffy story with more mature characters, which frankly, is a nice change. The lack of any kind of conflict will keep the story from being too memorable for me, but reading it was still a Hallmark type holiday hug. Everyone was incredibly pleasant and Warren’s kids (adult level kids) were pretty invested in his love life (especially his daughter) which seemed a smidge weird, but whatever, everyone was happy and good for them. There was some opportunity for a little drama when Warren told his children that he’d met a man on the single’s cruise.. The revelation was glossed over, which is ideal obviously, but probably not super realistic. But I don’t come to a Christmas story for realism necessarily and Warren and Fletcher know how to take advantage of a high end cruise and a hot tub.

Sara - 2.5 Hearts

Boo. This one didn’t give me the warm fuzzy feeling of a holiday romance. I did like that Warren decided to explore the side of his bisexuality that he’d been missing being married to a woman for 20 years. He adored and loved his late wife and mother of his children but he admittedly missed the physical company of a man never feeling “sexually satisfied” by his wife. The meet cute with Fletcher was just that and the second meet cute was much more flirty. Things moved fast but I never got a good grasp on either man. I think all the details of the lavish cruise outweighed everything else and I got bored trying to find the romance. I did like what Fletcher did for a living and how understanding and accepting Warren’s kids were of him being with a man.

Trapped in the Valley of the Kings by Blue Jones

Rival archaeologists Will and Jude slept together a year ago, on the night of the Summer Solstice at a dig in Stonehenge. But they were both wearing masks, so Jude has no idea it was Will he slept with, and Will’s been harboring a powerful, one-sided crush ever since.

Now they’re in Egypt, competing to find the lost tomb of Queen Nefertiti. Jude falls through a crack in the cave floor, and when Will reluctantly climbs down to help him, they find themselves in Nefertiti’s tomb, surrounded by archaeological treasures—where they must spend Christmas stranded by a sandstorm.

Will a few sultry hours stripped almost bare from the heat and sharing a bottle of whiskey sort out who should get credit for the discovery—and the real reason for the tension between them?

R *A Reader Obsessed* - 4 Hearts

The things I'm most upset about this story is 1) it’s too short, 2) where’s my damn epilogue, and 3) why hasn’t this author written more?

This has an enemies to lovers vibe, a touch of hurt comfort, and plausible twisty feels to go with some smexy smex. Throw in a grumpy bear (no, not the animal), a bit of an age gap, and two men literally trapped by circumstance that forces them to confront their feelings and make some confessions all against the backdrop of a hot night in Egypt on Christmas Eve.

Highly enjoyable. I will be on the lookout for more form this author!

Ann - 3.5 Hearts

This was a fun and unique frenemies to lovers story. The mystery identity, that wasn’t so mysterious, added a twist I appreciated. I loved Will’s appreciation of Jude even though the unrequited love portion of his feelings led to fussiness. His fussiness wasn’t mean spirited though and it led to some amusing banter between he and Jude. Will was pretty clueless when Jude was flirting with him and while it was obvious to me how Jude felt, Will was a dumb bunny. Not that I could blame him, but it did make him all the more adorable and their coming together all the more sweet.It ends rather abruptly, but the HFN is pretty solid. I would love to read where they end up for Easter.

Fantasy Living - 3.5 Hearts

This was quick and dirty, literally. Lots of sand… and sweat.

Will and Jude had great chemistry and even though Will didn’t quite get the byplay, Jude was adorable and witty.

Something fun and different, I enjoyed the setting to this story. It left me feeling warm and fuzzy and hopeful for the next adventure between these two competitors in archeology.

I could read an entire novel based on these two and their healthy competition for world changing digs.

a review copy was provided or an honest opinion

Sara - 3.5 Hearts

This was super sweet and sexy. I liked both Will and Jude though Will could be a bit clueless when adorable Jude is flirting with him. The twist on unrequited love from a masked one night stand has these two at an advantage though Will thinks it’s only one sided. I smiled non-stop while reading this and really enjoyed how they spend their holidays and hope that everyone spent together from here on out, is as sexy and breathtaking as Christmas was. Oh and… whose tomb where they really in??

The Faller by Daniel de Lorne

Being caught with another man sends Charlie Young fleeing his family to the forests of southwestern Australia to scrape together steamer-passage to the big smoke of London. But life as a timber faller isn't easy and it’s made worse when the men he works with are brash, bigoted, and often brutal. All except Jack Tapper, who’s the kind of gentle giant that sets Charlie’s heart racing.

While the other men head into town for Christmas, it’s just Charlie and Jack and acres of forest. But trees tell no tales and a few days alone is the perfect opportunity to indulge a burgeoning passion. When the men return and find things not as they once were, Charlie and Jack have to make the hard decisions about whether to stay where they are or run for their lives.

R *A Reader Obsessed* - 4.5 Hearts

This short holiday historical packs a punch!

Charlie is scared, exhausted, and losing hope he’ll ever make enough money to escape his past.

It doesn't help that his coworkers put him on edge with neither a kind word or a helping hand. When left alone with the intimidating Jack over the holidays, Charlie just tries to keep his head down and off the guy’s radar. Thing is, Jack’s already noticed him.

Simply, a full of feels, angsty story with a large dose of hurt comfort going both ways and a gentle giant whom I absolutely adored. These two sweetly connect, and their newfound happiness is a hard fought, harrowing journey but a joy to witness! Read.

Ann - 3.5 Hearts

I was really anxious to read The Faller and appreciated the MC’s equally just a few pages in. While the story is from Charlie’s POV, Jack is the type of strong, silent character that always intrigues me. There’s understandable conflict and stress in this short story and I felt a little strung out while I was reading it. There’s just as much action and danger as there is love and romance and the author did a good job of balancing the two, but I did want a little bit more fuzzy love being that this was a Christmas story. I think the rather abrupt ending and HFN left me feeling that way. It’s probably way more realistic how it did end though, but I wanted, at the least, a plan for them so that I could picture it in my head. Which shows me that I was invested in their happiness which says a lot for Charlie and Jack.

Sara - 5 Hearts

Not sure if I can review this without rambling but I will try.

I loved this. I adore historicals and this is set in forests of 1912 Australia. I don’t know much about being a timber faller but my hopeless romantic heart knows a fantastic love story and this is it.

Charlie is doing what he can after being disowned by his family when they catch him kissing another boy. All he wants to do is earn enough money for a passage to London but timber falling is hard on Charlie and he struggles with the work. He also struggles with trying not to ogle the quiet giant and expert faller that is Jack Tapper. Jack, whose presence in the small camp occupies space and all of Charlie's fantasies but 1912 isn’t a time to be open about one's sexuality and with Charlie's history, he stays quiet. That is until the rest of the camp leave for the Christmas holiday and Charlie decides to stay behind to earn a bit more money, but Charlie isn’t as alone as he thought he would be.

[...] he was happy. The world outside could have ended, and he wouldn’t care.

This was so freaking good. It’s among my favorites from this years Advent stories and I fell hard and fast for Charlie and Jack. Jack, he slayed me with his yearning for Charlie and how much he will do to protect them. The gentle giant has a bit of roughness in him when it comes to getting physical with Charlie and I just adored the hell out of everything Jack Tapper is. Charlie is amazing himself, feeling like coward for being where he is when in fact Charlie is beyond brave he makes decisions that give the story enough angst and a beautiful pay off.

Some may think this ends on an HFN and not an HEA but for me, I know these two are enjoying their happily ever after living in a cabin they built with their own two hands, running their own camp that turns into a profitable business they later hand down to men such as themselves as they share cups of tea and read poetry that bruises to one another until death parts them. Yeah, Charlie and Jack totally have an HEA.

Holiday Island by A.D. Ellis

No peacocks were harmed in the making of this story.

Rafa’s nautical skills are less than stellar. He’d rather be a full-time artist, but he has a duty to the family business and a fear of standing up to his father and brother.

Carpenter Lucas is determined to rebuild his business after a lover’s betrayal nearly destroyed it. But he runs into a snag when he misses the last boat to the job site.

Rafa offers to take him, but Rafa isn’t much of a sailor.

When they end up on the wrong island, fears for survival gradually give way to an appreciation of the beauty around them—and each other. Rafa insists a holiday miracle will save them, and he teases Lucas for being a Scrooge.

In the end, Rafa’s miracle might come from the last place he expects: inside himself.

Ann - 2 Hearts

The idea of Holiday Island was a blurby dream but the execution was a little lacking for me overall. Rafa and Lucas had a serious case of insta love and that was the least problematic thing. I get the lust and the hope for a future, especially in a holiday short story. Both these guys needed an injection of romance in their lives and they were sappy as hell once they got together. It was really quite sweet and I liked them together very much even though that level of sweet isn’t really my thing.. But. But. When they started talking about starting businesses together and including the island they were on as part of it, my business brain couldn’t help but stomp the brakes hard. Boys, you know nothing about one another. Lucas, did you not learn from your last business venture?? Not to say that it’s going to happen again, but damn son, tread lightly. Also, you do not own this island, you can not do what you are planning, that’s just reality so I’m sorry, but I have zero confidence in either of your business acumens. Which doesn’t bode well for your futures and it made me not buy into any longevity here. Rant, complete. As for Rafa’s father and brother, that was some extreme BS and added a level of conflict that was OTT and unnecessary. It left me with a sour taste at the end and that was unfortunate.

Sara - 1.5 Hearts

Ugh. I hate to do this to a Christmas story but...ugh. There was zero connection for me to either Lucas or Rafa let alone the two men together. The writing was abrupt and the dialogue was so choppy that it was really hard to get into the story. I am a sucker for insta-love but this was even faster than that. Don’t get me started on Rafa’s family drama and then the possibilities of these two going into business on an island they don’t own with Lucas' past and just... nope. Sadly this didn’t work for me.

Boca Dreams by Scudder James Jr.

You can’t correct the past.

Or can you?

Stephen’s not proud of who he was back in boarding school—spoiled and a player. Now, at the holiday reunion ten years later, he has a chance to show his former classmates who he really is: out and proud, devoted to helping others, and partnered with Victor.

Stephen understands why Victor, who grew up in a poor and abusive household, hates the rich kids at the reunion, but his attitude is ruining everything. Luckily Stephen bumps into Aaron, a former grunge rocker who has also changed. Stephen never forgot their one steamy night together.

With the help of three very unusual personifications of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, can Stephen revisit his mistakes and find the happiness that’s eluded him?

Ann - 3 Hearts

Victor, you are a dick and I hate you. There, got that out of the way. I would have given this story another heart easily if it weren’t for Victor’s existence and if the time spent on him could have gone to the relationship development between Stephen and Aaron. Stephen could have gone to the fete after a breakup with Victor, leaving Victor to be an unfortunate footnote. In order for Stephen and Aaron to work (and I really wanted them to work) Victor had to be a caricature-type villain which really only made me question Stephen’s life choices. Basically I liked Aaron a lot and would have loved more page time with his character, and then he and Stephen together. I loved how they thought of one another after their one night “together”, even after all the years apart and I loved wallowing in their reconnection. Removing the bitter BS of Victor would have given me more wallowing time, and I would have appreciated that muchly.

Sara - Broken Heart

There isn’t anything I can find good about this book. Honestly. I don’t know what the author was going for but a fluffy Christmas read this was not. This was a messed up story with one rude and arrogant messed up Victor who should have been left off the page entirely or just briefly mentioned as Stephen’s ex-boyfriend or even the dude he was taking a break from. OMG! Why was Victor even included?

Had this been a reunion story of second chances and “what if’s” between Stephen and Aaron some 10 years later I could have bought it, even dealt with creepy assed Tony. But this? It was all sorts of nope for me.

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

Warmest Wishes Advent 2018: Week 1

Week 1 of Dreamspinner Press's annual Advent calendar has officially hit the clubhouse! This week we have stories by E.J. Russell, C.S. Poe, Asta Idonea, Ren Holly and Mere Rain! Join us in the weeks to follow as we review all 31 stories, The Unicorn Way. We Unicorns take the holiday spirit seriously and we're here to help you get into it!

An Everyday Hero by E.J. Russell

When Adam Tyler’s sister announced she was pregnant, Adam decided to move from Portland, Oregon, to Phoenix, Arizona, to fully embrace the uncle experience. However, he didn’t count on the move being delayed until three days before Christmas—and three days before his sister’s due date. And he definitely didn’t count on finding a scorpion in his bedroom. Cue the panicked calls to exterminators.

Garrett Strong doesn’t consider himself at all remarkable—his ex certainly didn’t think so—and Garrett’s pest-control business is circling the drain. Although Adam is his first new client in months, that isn’t the only reason Garrett goes above and beyond for him. He feels a real connection to the younger man and intends to do everything in his power to make sure Adam feels safe and welcome in Phoenix—venomous intruders notwithstanding.



Sara - 5 Hearts

Laugh out loud funny. Opposites attract. Crazy UST with amazing chemistry. Age gap. What’s not to love?

This was the perfect story to start off my journey through the 2018 Advent Event. When Adam moves from Oregon to Arizona to be close his sister, the only family he has left and to be there for the birth of his niece, he has no idea what he is getting himself into. Adam doesn’t realize that living in the desert includes more than a lack of green grass on every front lawn. The desert is home to creatures that find their way into your home whether you like it or not. When one of those creatures, a scorpion, finds its way into his home before his furniture even arrives, Adam starts searching online for anyone to come to his rescue and finds someone not only strong, but an everyday hero that saves the day.

I mean, scorpions? They’re only one step up from velociraptors.

I love that we get both Adam and Garrett's POV in this and it was great to get both first impressions as they happened. Both men are attracted but both men are respectful until Adam continues to flirt with Garrett and Garrett gives one hell of an eye fuck to a soaked Adam. Yup, these two don’t let the “I shouldn’t” line drawn in the desert landscape keep them from moving forward quickly.

What I love about these short stories is how much they can make you feel in a short time. I adored how Garrett took care of Adam’s needs immediately and not his carnal ones. Garrett is natural when it comes to taking care of others and Adam is as well, just in his own way. There are many comedic moments as well as ones that make your hand fly to your heart with a sigh. The play on the title is sugary sweet but appropriate and that ending left me giddy while wanting more.

Ann - 4.5 Hearts

Sweet and adorkable perfection! This has everything I want in my contemporary Christmas stories. The banter between Adam and Garrett was organically funny and being inside both their heads let me get to know both of these likable guys well for a short story. I appreciated them both separately and together and that’s how well fleshed out characters should read. An Everyday Hero had one of my favorite aspects of a romance, when both characters see themselves as just regular dudes but see each other as the most perfect beings on the planet. I just loved reading the appreciation they had for each other and how flattered they were at the attention they received in turn. It’s one of the most swoon worthy things to me and makes the MC’s very relatable and I’ll root for those kind of guys pretty hard. The only thing I could ask for is more, and I’m going to scout out more E.J. Russell books posty hasty.

That Turtle Story by C.S. Poe

Nor O’Brien spends his days in sunny Key West caring for and rehabilitating sea turtles. He doesn’t need anything else in life, expect maybe a significant other to cuddle with after a long day. But recent heartbreak has left Nor salty, and he’s not in the mood for anything, Christmas included.

Then Eugene Montgomery walks into Turtle R&R, claiming to have found a clutch of eggs in distress. Nor is smitten with the tourist at first sight, and at the suggestion of his screwball colleagues, indulges in some no-strings-attached fun. Nor and Eugene are quick to get along, happily enjoy each other’s company, and take in the island’s unique holiday pleasures together.

But Nor would never leave his turtles, not for any man. So when his rebound fling turns into strong romantic feelings for Eugene, it’ll take a Christmas miracle to keep the two together forever in Key West.

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2018 Advent Calendar "Warmest Wishes."

R *A Reader Obsessed* - 4 Hearts

It’s not surprising Nor is a bit grumpy this Christmas, as he’s newly single after a particularly bad breakup. He’s so not in the mood for any holiday cheer, but when handsome Eugene walks into the turtle rescue center where he works, Nor just might have to reconsider his resolutions.

Poe for sure delivered last year with New Game, Start, and I was not disappointed this time around either! Both Nor and Eugene each had their own endearing special charm, and I was tickled by their sweet, funny, and sexy interactions!!

My first advent read of the year is a total win, and I hope it predicts many more to come!!

Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review

Fantasy Living - 4 Hearts

Nor is adorable, but insecure and still upset about his ex not loving turtles as much as he does… and other stuff.

Eugene is really laid back and seems to be rolling with whatever Nor wants. He doesn’t seem to care, as long as he gets to hang out. Oh, and he appears to enjoy learning about turtles. Not a bad catch for Nor. But Nor doesn’t have a great track record with casual flings, so feelings start to get in the way of their relaxing time together and Nor ultimately has a moment.

This was squishy sweet with some jokes and a touch of angst.

Nor’s work colleague was a lot of fun with her outrageous remarks to embarrass him in front of dreamy Eugene. I enjoyed everything about this story from the setting to the characters, and the easy writing style.

Key West sounds like a great place to spend Christmas, and I’m totally sold on Nor and Eugene together.

Also, who doesn’t love turtles? I mean look at her!!!

Source: The Turtle Hospital

Sara - 5 Hearts

This was perfection! I can’t even ramble my redheaded butt off to tell you how adorable, funny, sexy and absolutely perfect this story was. Seriously. Poe can do romantic comedy like no other and she proves it here.

I loved Nor and his love for turles and his Veganism even if he took Cowboy Willy’s advice about the cheese. I love characters who have no filter and the dudes that find that endearing. Eugene, I mean come on! The physical was one thing, I’d be on that ice cream scenario with Nor, but when you find out what he does? Shut the front door and OMG! He’s everything a romantic lead should be and he finds everything Nor to be everything he wants. This was everything! You know? You KNOW?

Ack. I won’t get into the details of the story because I want you to read this and marinate in its perfection until your fingers are pruny. Got it.

Okay. I am going to go read this again because it’s worth it just to read Eugene’s compliments and Nor blurt out anything at all.

Ann- 4.5 Hearts

Who doesn’t love a man who loves animals? Another gem of a story in Week 1 of DSP’s 2018 Advent Calendar. I expect it with C.S. Poe and I always look forward to her contributions to these collections. The banter between Nor and Eugene, well, Nor and anyone really, was tops. He’s such a funny faux curmudgeon, which is the best kind of curmudgeon to be. I appreciated how the author took the miscommunication trope and used it for good in The Turtle Story. Nor owned his misguided idiocy brilliantly and I loved Eugene’s gentle patience with Nor’s nonsense. I really could feel his appreciation of Nor throughout the story and Nor needed that. The whole story is very sweet and funny, definitely an annual holiday reread.

Barbies and Beaches by Asta Idonea

For the first time ever, Shane is not looking forward to the annual Boxing Day barbecue at Matty’s house. He recently divorced, none of his friends know what to say to him now, and Shane is tired of the pity and awkwardness. Things take a turn, however, when he meets Matty’s English cousin. Neil is struggling with the Australian heat, having left the UK after a bad breakup. When Shane suggests the two of them head to a secluded beach to cool off, the growing intimacy between them might make both reassess their current situation.

Sara - 4 Hearts

When mending hearts leads to extreme heat and deserted beaches, the story can’t be bad!

I liked this one. Super sweet and short with Shane our resident Aussie on a stick who is fresh out of a divorce and sick of talking about it. He doesn’t want to attend the annual Boxing Day Bash at his friend Matty’s but he knows he will never hear the end of it so he plans to make an appearance and then leave. When Shane sees a stranger passed out on Matty’s couch he’s intrigued but doesn’t think much of it until later when he sees the bloke upright.

Neil is Matty’s cousin and aso fresh from a break up who needed time away from his home in England so he hits up his cousin but didn’t think he could literally melt from the summer heat in Australia. As Neil is trying to come to terms with where his life is headed and how hot the holiday is, he’s interrupted by Shane and invited for a swim to cool off.

These two were sweet. Of course both men think the other is straight so Shane’s first move was a bit WTF DUDE but it played out well. I liked how they went about this new attraction and how the story ended too. Neil and Shane will always have their anniversary of Barbies and Beaches.

Ann - 3 Hearts

The writing is smooth and top notch in Barbies and Beaches and I do love short stories, but this one had too much story packed in to too few pages. I felt like I was missing integral pieces that connected Shane and Neil in a forever way. 21 pages need to engage me in a focused moment, not a life changing event. I need those little nuggets of connection between two MC’s for me to be able to gel with them and that was the one piece that was missing for me. I still very much liked the MC’s and believed what I was told about their future, I just needed to see it a bit more organically to make the story more memorable.

Mosquitoes and Mistletoe by Ren Holly

After Andrew’s boyfriend dumps him just before Christmas, he decides to take a job far, far away from city life. It’s a dishwashing job on a remote island off the coast of Georgia. Expecting sunshine, palm trees, and some quality alone time, Andrew is surprised to find alligators, mosquitoes, rattlesnakes, and Garrett—a devilishly handsome naturalist. Andrew desperately tries to resist Garrett’s charm, because a twice-broken heart before Christmas is just not an option. Besides, Andrew’s new friend Anna might already have a thing for Garrett.

But where do Garrett’s interests lie, and will Andrew find out before he’s surprised by a visit from his ex?

Sara - 3 Hearts

This was a cute story with a lot of potential but it fell short for me. Despite there being Christmas Day in the story, it never felt like a holiday read.

I liked the idea of Andrew taking an escape plan to a remote eco island in Georgia after his butthead of an ex dumped him because he was a creep. Knowing from the blurb that Garrett would be the other MC I expected more from their first meeting and Andrews small flirting but tossing Anna in the mix crushing n Garrett made it awkward and not in a good way.

Garrett never once seems curious about Andrew in any way other than a friend and coworker so the whole thing with him Andrew felt really disconnected. I never had a chance to get to know either man and the moments of head hopping got confusing including the whole random appearance of a full POV from Garrett. There was a lot going on in the story that didn’t mesh with the page length and the

The story does get points for Andrew being a ginger and the visual of an eco friendly hotel without wifi or televisions.

Ann - 2 Hearts

I liked how Mosquitoes and Mistletoe started and I was on board with Andrew’s new gig and with Garrett’s friendliness. I was looking forward to reading about how these two would get together and all the shenanigans that would come with an island retreat. Events, characters and dialog started flying around randomly and I found myself disconnected from where the story started and I ended up losing interest in where it was going. I think it tried to be too much with too many people to flow well within a short story. Garrett went through absolutely zero angst for never having been with a man before so that felt rushed and the emotions weren’t explored nearly as much as they should have been. Andrew is coming off a bad breakup, so it would have been completely cool to focus on the two of them and skip the villainous ex, the baking, the lifesaving, the ping pong and all the other “stuff”. The “stuff” drowned out the possibility of any depth in their romance.

The Last Birthday Party by Mere Rain

Their favorite holiday is going away. Will it take their friendship with it?

Since 1989, the birthday of the Emperor of Japan has been celebrated on December 23rd. But this is the last year; the Emperor is abdicating, and next year there will be no holiday.

For twenty-year-old Akihito, the holiday has always been special. It’s his birthday, too, and a perfect excuse for spending the entire day celebrating across Tokyo with his life-long best friend, Kenji. But now that they will no longer get the day off and will soon face adult responsibilities, will they drift apart? Or if Akihito confesses the secret love he’s held in his heart for years, will their closeness be ruined? One thing is certain: nothing will be same by the end of the day.

Sara - 5 Hearts

Wow! Where did this author come from?

It’s rare these days that I get stunned by a story on the first page but with this one, I did. With one line: “He put one in his mouth and held it on his tongue, imagining he could taste the salt of Kenji’s palm lingering on the bean.” I can't explain the feeling but it made me pause, read it again and be sure to highlight it so I could share it.

This trope is one of my most favorites, the boy who has been in love with is BFF for years but is afraid to tell him until that time he can’t keep it inside any longer. With this, we have childhood friends Akihito and Kenji who are ready to celebrate Emperor of Japan’s birthday which happens to be Akihito’s birthday as well. The young men have always celebrated the day together, being off as a full holiday, but today is a bit melancholy as the Emperor is abdicating and the new Emperor's birthday won’t be celebrated the same day as Akihito’s, December 23rd. The loss of calendared coincidence makes Akihito feel that this special day spent with his best friend will be lost.

“[...] I wanted to get you something really special for twenty, but I couldn’t think of anything that seemed right. Nothing seemed like… enough. We’ll get something today, okay? I’ll give you anything you want.”

The friends start off the day to honor the Emperor and then decide to toast Akihito and their impending adulthood and Coming of Age day with a walkabout bar hop that leads to emotional speeches, chaste meaningful touches, confessions and firsts for the friends. I found myself holding my breath from the first time Akihito pretends the caring touch of his friend is more, to their reminiscent stories of their youth driven shenanigans, to Akihito finally listening to what Kenji is saying. These two pulled hard at my heart strings and though I finished the story, they haven’t let go.

This truly was a wonderful story that made me look up images as I read so I could see what Akihito and Kenji were seeing. I love where this left off and of course, being greedy, I wouldn’t mind more.

Ann - 4 Hearts

The Last Birthday Party is a total treat. I do love me some Christmas story overload, but even I have to admit it was refreshing to read a holiday story not about Christmas for a change. The author does a great job with setting a scene and I found myself stopping to Google locations, festivals, food and cocktails. I love reading a book and accidentally learning things, especially about other cultures. I finished this book both happy and hungry. I loved being in Akihito’s head and his love for his BFF, Kenji, read so real. It’s pretty obvious to the reader how Kenji feels, but the dawning realization to Akihito is the real star here. The ending felt a little rushed considering the beautiful buildup, but the outcome is still perfect and I would love to read what happens next for these two.

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

Group Review: A Deeper Blue (The Game #2) by S.E. Harmon

A year ago, Kelly Cannon couldn’t imagine he’d end up with his formerly straight best friend. It’s hard to believe he can finally kiss Blue any time he wants… as long as they’re in private. And there’s the rub. Despite Kelly’s promise to wait until Blue is ready to come out, he’s tired of sneaking around. The cracks in their relationship are starting to show, and there might not be enough spackle in the world to fix them.

Britton “Blue” Montgomery may not be the physics brainiac his boyfriend is, but he’s not stupid. He knows Kelly isn’t completely happy. But he’s not ready to be the poster boy for bisexuals and gays in the NFL. He just wants to keep his head down, play the game he loves, and go home to the man he adores. Is that too much to ask?

With the truth slowly coming to the surface, Blue must make a choice. If it means losing Kelly, there’s no decision to make…. He has to find enough courage to face the music and hope they’ll survive the fallout.

Man. Happily-ever-afters may not be just for Disney princesses, but they sure are a lot of work.

4.66666667 average

R *A Reader Obsessed* - 4 Hearts

Again, this shouldn't have worked but it did.

Most know I’ve become a tad avoidant of in-the-closet tropes because it just gives me too much anxiety, where instead of sitting back and enjoying some nice smexy fluff, I hide behind my hands as I turn page after page with trepidation, waiting for the proverbial bomb to go off. Yep.

I will say that Harmon brought to life Kelly and Blue’s legitimate fears, worries, issues, and hangups - all of which were very realistic, very understandable. Blue knows he can’t have his cake and eat it too, but that’s exactly what he’s doing and he can’t stop, he can’t help but be scared of the ramifications of him coming out. The focus would no longer be on the love of the game but on who he’s sleeping with, and Blue’s just not ready to change the world’s perception of him despite knowing this could ultimately drive Kelly away.

Kelly on the other hand, knows he has to be patient. Blue has to tell his truth on his own terms and for himself. Despite that, Kelly hesitates with fully making them secretly official (ie. moving in with Blue) because what if on the small chance, Blue wakes up and decides they’re not worth it? He’s just not ready to be that vulnerable.

These two struggle, and circular arguments abound. Literally, the entire book is them going back and forth dealing with their relationship - hiding, not hiding, being jealous, insecure, frustrated… So yes, this sort of thing would typically almost 100% guarantee ruin my enjoyment and yes, at times I was not a happy camper.

However, what Harmon does is deliver on the dynamic between Blue and Kelly that’s fun, funny, entertaining, and sweet and swoony in between all their relationship issues. She makes you realize, by making them realize that their love is worth it, that Blue and Kelly are meant to be, two puzzle pieces that only fit each other and life without one another is simply not worth living. Harmon doles this out in baby steps. Tiny little itty bitty baby steps. They get there eventually. I promise.

The journey was not all shits and giggles obviously, but the impact was a good one and the ending was simply wonderful. The smoking hot smex didn’t hurt either. Just saying. Unf.

Sara - 5 Shades of Blue Hearts

Honestly, I don't even know what to say about this book. I knew going in that it was going to be an angst ride because I mean, let's face it The Blueprint was, but now that Blue has decided that he wants to be with Kelly and the fact that Blue offered to come out at the end of the first book but Kelly basically told him not to... I had a feeling that this book was going to have its ups and downs and I was right.

So yeah, ups and downs it had but you know what? All of the ups totally outweigh the downs by a fuck ton. I never thought I would say this but Britton “Blue” Montgomery is now on my list of Swoony McSwoonsters when it comes to how he feels about Kelly. Good lord but that boy has some amazing lies when it comes to Kelly regardless of whether he says them out loud or just thinks them. Blue is head over feet in love with his best friend and since he’s figured out how to be with the man he loves, he needs to figure out how to spend the rest of his life with the man he loves.

I loved the hell out of this book. The happy feelings I got from Blue and Kelly in The Blueprint came back immediately when I picked this up, the first, second and third time I read it. Yup, you read that right. I’ve read this three times now and I am scared to go back and look at my notes and highlights because I might read it again. I can’t get enough of these two.

Blue and Kelly are finally together, totally in love and totally frustrating the hell out of me when the book starts. I love them together but the whole hiding Blue’s bisexuality and Kelly didn’t sit well for me and it doesn’t sit well for our new couple either. It sucks that they want to be together but after Blue offered to come out for Kelly and Kelly telling him not to, the subject is hung in the closet right beside their relationship. The hiding is a huge part of the story and all the growth Blue and Kelly go through makes every bit of angst worth it.

What is great about this book is you not only get one hell of a swoonly romance, you get major character growth of both MCs and get new supporting characters who surprise you and some that remain assholes like it was built into their DNA. You get the addition of a dog named Waffles who is a scene stealer and some gorgeous moments between these two with a few epic romantic gestures and supportive loved ones. I teared up a few times reading this and again, so worth it.

Blue, I love you and I love that you love Kelly. Just everything you do in this book from listening to speeches, to giving your own outside bathroom stalls, offering to pay for trespassers new phones to flowers, balloons, new suits and just standing up to anyone and anything that gets in the way of your one true love, makes me love the bones off you. Oh and you play one killer game of football.

Kelly, I would be stupid not to love you and I get you, I do. You are finally getting the life you want with the boy you have always loved and it’s pretty easy to push those you love away without realizing you’re doing it. You are so damn strong and Blue needs someone strong to hold him up when he falls and he’s fallen so hard for you, he needs your support and you give it. Over and over again even when he hurts your feelings and you want to walk away. Your love for Blue and how you have changed his life for the better drives this romance and you deserve every bit of happiness.

Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ - 5 Hearts

Blue and Kelly have left their scribbling all over each other's walls. Now an established couple but still with things that need to be ironed out between them, namely Blue's still being (mostly) in the closet, for them to get to where they both want to be. Never did I doubt their devotion. Both are committed to their relationship; they just have to work out the logistics.

From a sporting enthusiast's perspective, there were so many things that were, simply put, spot on. I'm not going to go into all of them because we'd be here for days, so I'll just say S.E. Harmon portrayed Blue in a way that resonated with me. Whether she's a sports fan or just a helluva researcher, I appreciated her depiction of him not just as Blue, other half of Kelly but as Britton Montgomery, Outlaws investment and corporation. Not just because it's true but because all of that extraneous stuff matters when it comes to the characterization and understanding of Blue. There's more at stake than his own personal interests if he comes out and Blue is not a selfish person.

I appreciated those details. They made sense to me.

As for the football in this installment, IT WAS GRRRRREEEAAATTTT!!! This is why I like sports romances. The team dynamics made me giggle and also roll my eyes at the douchey teammates, but that's team sports! Harmon struck a good balance between the footballing, romance and relationship development all of which combined to turn me into a grinning fool whilst reading this.

Before I start blathering on about how much I enjoyed the swoony-ness of their relationship, I want to mention how funny A Deeper Blue is. Harmon put her game face on with their internal dialogue and the banter between #Belly. Yeah, I shipped. Their comfort level shone in the dialogue. They've been best friends since forever which gives them that shorthand you can only achieve with someone who knows you as well as you know them. The one upping each other over the junk food made me snortle repeatedly. Seriously, who hides Doritos in a fireplace? People who need a Frito Lay disorder clinic STAT, that's who.

Their individuality shone in their internal dialogues. I never once got confused as to whose head I was in and kudos to Harmon for that.

They are opposites in virtually every way but they balance each other out spectacularly. Their easy comraderie and chemistry made it obvious how perfect they are for each other which did, at times, make it hard to read when they had to scurry back into the closet. A closet that gets increasingly confining mainly because they can't keep their hands off each and their propensity to make the moony-eyes at each other, something that's pretty obvious to anyone paying attention.

Blue's family, who we get to know much more about, played a significant role in this narrative. Not much of it was good either. Poor Blue. Thankfully Kelly's family is adorable so hopefully they will even out the dysfunction of Blue's in the future. Or they could just deploy Waffles to stink eye the Montgomerys. That dog would definitely do it for a cookie or twelve. But only for, like, a minute then she'd need a nap.

The ending was so... them. Funny and heartfelt and swoony all rolled up into a perfect little taquito. I wish it didn't have to be a thing for Blue, that coming out were passé because no one cared. But it is. Unfortunately. Still, my squishy marshmallow love tank was topped up with this ending and this book and I'm going to focus on that rather than the negative.

The only thing I disliked about this book were the words 'the end'. I do fervently hope that this isn't really the end. I've kind of gotten attached. Maybe a novella? A short story? A haiku? Something?

If you enjoy comedic and heartwarming sports romances this series is something you'll likely enjoy.

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

Group Review: Band Sinister by K.J. Charles

Sir Philip Rookwood is the disgrace of the county. He’s a rake and an atheist, and the rumours about his hellfire club, the Murder, can only be spoken in whispers. (Orgies. It’s orgies.)

Guy Frisby and his sister Amanda live in rural seclusion after a family scandal. But when Amanda breaks her leg in a riding accident, she’s forced to recuperate at Rookwood Hall, where Sir Philip is hosting the Murder.

Guy rushes to protect her, but the Murder aren’t what he expects. They’re educated, fascinating people, and the notorious Sir Philip turns out to be charming, kind—and dangerously attractive.

In this private space where anything goes, the longings Guy has stifled all his life are impossible to resist...and so is Philip. But all too soon the rural rumour mill threatens both Guy and Amanda. The innocent country gentleman has lost his heart to the bastard baronet—but does he dare lose his reputation too?

4.333 average!

Chelsea - 5 Hearts

Magical. Charles can do no wrong, seriously! Sweet, sexy, and beautifully romantic, this book had me doing nothing for a whole day until I'd completely devoured it.

I've never read a book by Georgette Heyer, but from what I hear people will be very excited to hear Band Sinister was inspired by Heyer’s writing. I obviously can't compare but all I know is every single character in this book was wonderfully crafted and that was KJ Charles and her alone (with the help of editors of course :-P). Once again the Charles writes amazing female characters and Amanda is one of my most favourite female characters ever! I would loooove to see a short story revolving around her love story.

Guy has not admitted his attraction to other men, therefore when Phillip starts revealing truths and demanding honesty, Guy finds his virginity in a somewhat shaky state.

“But, well. Would I like sodomy?”
“That is without a doubt the best question that has ever been asked . English was invented purely so that you could ask that.”

Let's just say I love a good deflowering and the build-up between Philip and Guy was superb. Slowly getting to know Phillip and his Murder was engaging and so much damn fun as well!!

The tension, ridiculously sexy climax and heart melting happily ever after has this book being an all time favourite and will definitely be reread many times in the future.

Adam - 4 Hearts

KJ Charles knocks it out of the park with another fun, sexy, and sweet MM historical romance.

Though they’re neighbours, Frisby siblings and Sir Philip Rookwood don’t mingle. A family scandal, and Sir Philip’s reputation, make any friendship impossible.

That is until Amanda Frisby ends up at recuperating at Rookwood Hall with a broken leg. Her brother, Guy, doesn’t leave Amanda’s side, intent on keeping her safe from Philip and his notorious friends.

But despite their mutual reservations, Guy and Philip can’t help but find each other captivating. In the midst of fields and trees, the country gentleman and the rake fall for each other.

Both have family histories that have made their interactions with society difficult. Philip’s response is a middle-finger to high society and all its expectations.

Guy, on the other hand, struggles between being the upstanding gentleman he’s expected to be, and the freer man he really wants to be. The kind of men Philip and his friends are.

The friends, by the way, were highly entertaining and added to the story.

Slowly, Philip brings Guy out of his uptight shell. What starts off as an uneasy truce becomes a tentative friendship, and then spills into something more.

I loved the progression of their relationship, and how both insisted on mutual respect and agreement before taking things further.

And they definitely set the sheets on fire once they got down to it!

The two actually communicate, which earned them bonus points from me.

And it was sweet to see how Guy and Philip filled the holes in each others’ lives. Both had people who meant to the world to them, Philip’s two childhood friends John and Corvin and Guy’s sister, but for each other they became the one that was just his own.

Overall, I really enjoyed ‘Band Sinister’. The MCs were well-rounded, the romance was sweet, the cast of characters was entertaining, and the HEA was beautiful. I’d love to read Corvin and John’s stories too!

Lost in a Book - 4ish Stars

Whoa! Anyone else have to reread the title page on this one just to make sure it was a KJC book? No murder? No angsty relational and/or time period peril? This is insanely lighthearted compared to her previous writes. It’s practically fit for teenage consumption if you throw a chastity belt on it. (Is that still a thing?) I couldn’t help comparing the feel of Band Sinister to her others and I think the Grinch KJ Charles’ heart has increased in size.

Ok, so I’m a huge fan of KJC whether we are chasing antacids with alcohol just to get through the angst/death or this spoon full of sugar featuring Sir Phillip Rookwood and Guy Frisby. The blurb does a great job setting the stage for this story so let's get this party started.

Rookwood and Frisby dislike each other greatly. It’s more of a my family has had awful interactions with yours and your family has ruined my family type dislike and not really between the two men. Unfortunately during that time period, past family shame is enough to cloud the rest of the generations. Much to Rookwood’s dismay, Frisby’s sister (Amanda) is injured on his property and will be recovering there for at least a fortnight. Guy is devastated about his sister’s injury and beside himself with the idea of staying in the same location as the Murder. Well, he is until the men of the house begin to seem actually human; kind, compassionate, sociable, and spirited.

Frisby becomes aware of Sir Phillip’s preferences and that sets off a sexual awakening long suppressed. Phillip is like a blood hound and is on the trail as soon as Frisby begins to question what he desires. The men get to know each other as Amanda heals and Phillip volunteers to teach Guy in all things pleasure.

There's some heat along the way with the MCs and the added spice of the other men in the house having the propensity to share. Throw in some family drama, town drama, a very lively Amanda, KJC’s trademark humor laced with snark, a HEA, and Band Sinister is an entertaining, low angst read. I have to mention that Amanda is a kick ass female character and I highly enjoyed when she was on page.

It took a bit of a time getting in the groove. Due to the slow start, I liked the second half more than the first. It was another enjoyable read by one of my favorite authors. I think I prefer the Tums and alcohol compared to the low angst sweetness but I can’t wait to read Corvin’s story and see him brought to his knees. I’ll definitely continue on if this is a series. Recommended.