Tag Team Review: The Holiday List (The Script Club #4) by Lane Hayes

The Mars maestro, the single dad, and a wish list…

Chet

Boy, am I lucky! Finding a living situation with a houseful of passionate scientists just before the holidays is ideal in every possible way. As the newest member of the Script Club, I feel it’s important to step up and tackle the to-do list my friends would prefer to avoid. Item one, address the tutoring request from the neighborhood-hottie-slash-single-dad on the next block. I’ve got this!

Or do I?

Handsome, older, sporty gentlemen intimidate me. And Mr. McSwoony doesn’t like the holidays. This may be a daunting task.

Sam

What do you do when a new neighbor shows up on your doorstep with cookies and a wacky plan to spread holiday cheer? I don’t need cheer, but I could use help with some of the experiments my son wants to try. I know football, not science. Hopefully, I can talk Chet into a mutually beneficial trade. The only snag is that I’m seriously attracted to my local Mars expert. He’s unintentionally charming…in the very best way.

Don’t quote me, but maybe this holiday elf with thick glasses and a mile-long list might be exactly what I need.

The Holiday List is an MM bisexual, geek/jock romance with a holiday twist featuring a lovable scientist and a single dad who’s probably on the naughty list!

averaged!

R *A Reader Obsessed* - 4.5 Hearts

Though the shortest in the series thus far and grounded a bit more in reality, this was no less fun, funny, sexy with some extra kid cuteness and a big oomph of feels that really nailed this as my favorite so far!

Take new roomie Chet of the nerdy Script Club who is the bestest kind of people pleaser. He loves to help out just because he’s that sort of person. When the other guys bring to his notice that single dad Sam called for some assistance with his son who’s all things science, Chet puts on his neighborly hat and goes over there to see what he can do. What he finds is that Sam is physically hampered by a hurt shoulder and while he’s on medical leave from being a professional football referee, Sam wants to make the most of his time off as he’s usually away for work this time of the year. There’s just one little snag - Sam pretty much hates the holidays. This philosophy lights a fire under Chet, who doesn't hesitate to bring some holiday cheer to Sam’s life and has a foolproof plan and plenty of to-do lists to brighten and loosen things up!

So, if you’re in the mood for an age gap romance featuring a well intentioned NASA scientist and a slightly gruff grumpy dad who only wants the best for his kid, then come on over! As Chet brings it with all the wintery goodness, Sam soon realizes that disengaging and leaving the fun stuff to others is only inhibiting him from truly enjoying what life has to offer, including love! This light romantic comedy brought tears to my eyes, and if one can make this cold heart feel, then it’s pretty much an automatic winner!

Again, sooooo easy breezy sweet and steamy this latest installment still delivered the laughs, the grins, and major gooey feels, all with that wonderful Christmas vibe that is the extra sprinkles on top of an already inevitable happy ending! Enjoy!

Fantasy Living - 3.5 Hearts

Look at me, writing a review after two years of being MIA. A true Christmas Miracle…

It’s been a while since I wanted to read anything Christmas related given the last two years have challenged the idea of Holiday Spirit and Celebration on a level I never expected to experience (I should have, but that’s pondering for another day). What better way to reclaim the spirit and get in the mood than a Festive story. I definitely relate to Chet, and the rest of my household are a bunch of Sams’, throwing shade about my need to decorate, but secretly they love it.

Speaking of love, Chet and Sam were adorable in their courtship and I enjoyed the overall story between them. As I haven’t read any of the past books, I’m not 100% sure if I’ve missed any deep character development for Chet or his neighbour but I felt that I followed along pretty well.

I wasn’t sold on the third act but I guess every book has to have one. If there had been a more mature conversation or a clearer indication of what was going on then I may have bought into it a bit more, but in its current form it threw me off when it arrived.

That aside, I still thought this was a sweet holiday read and it served its purpose of kicking off my Holiday cheer. If only I could find myself in the same scenario as Chet, where I could decorate other people’s houses once I’ve finished my own.

Readers of low angst romance between a Sports guy and a Scientist will enjoy this one.

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Review: A No-Strings Noel by Annabelle Jacobs

A week of no-strings fun in a winter wonderland setting. No consequences, no expectations, no hurt feelings. Right?

Henry:
Finding his boyfriend in a compromising position leaves him with a week off work and no holiday to go on. A night of vodka, ice cream, and his sister’s sympathetic ear is the only way to deal with it. It’s also how he finds himself on holiday alone a few weeks later, at an English holiday village in the countryside, surrounded by Christmas cheer and happy families.

He’s expecting a week of relaxing days and early nights, doing his own thing, and taking some time for himself. And hopefully finding some festive spirit along the way, because it’s sorely lacking at the moment.

What he’s not expecting is Dom.

Dom:
Coming to somewhere so familiar soothes his broken heart after yet another failed attempt at finding someone to settle down with. He’s ready. They never are.

Seeing a lost-looking stranger on the first day of his holiday triggers his protective instincts, so he steps in to give him some helpful advice. Who knew that advice would mean they end up spending the day and then the whole week together? But he figures a holiday fling is exactly what he needs to get through this slump: no expectations, no misunderstandings, no heartbreak.

Or that was the plan. He knows Henry wants more, but he doesn’t trust himself where his heart’s concerned. He doesn’t trust Henry not to break it.

A Christmas MM romance featuring a meet-cute, a sexy holiday fling, a meddling but awesome sister, a teeny bit of angst, and a festive HEA.

After finding his boyfriend in bed with another man, Henry decides to spend a week at a holiday village in the countryside.

Distraction comes in the form of burly experienced holiday village-goer Dom, who’s getting over his own recent breakup.

The two men agree to a week of no-strings fun, both in and outside of the bedroom. It’s a simple arrangement with some Christmas cheer.

I really liked the set-up of Dom and Henry’s relationship. It felt natural and believable. I liked how despite the two being strangers, Dom immediately tried to make Henry feel welcome, and how Henry felt at ease with him.

The obvious sexual tension also didn’t hurt. A holiday fling should bring the heat, even if it’s winter, after all!

I did wonder at one point whether the two had jumped into feelings a bit too quickly after their recent breakups. But I suppose that can’t be helped when you’re spending everyday (and night) together in your own little bubble of outdoor activities and bedroom shenanigans. And when the connection is just undeniable.

Their week together at the holiday park was cute, with sweet moments and lots of holiday fun. ‘Charming’ would be the word to describe them.

Where things went off the rails for me was the second half. So many misunderstandings and miscommunications, and much of it because they were texting.

Was it realistic for today’s world? Yes, probably. But was it also incredibly frustrating to read? Very much so.

But I wanted one of them to just smarten up and call the other. They could have avoided a lot of heartache, and it may have allowed for more page time to see the two together in the “real world” outside of the holiday park.

The epilogue was very sweet, though it felt a bit tacked on after a rushed happy ending.

Overall, while the first half of the book was quite enjoyable, the second half didn’t deliver on the holiday feels. Your mileage may vary!

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Release Blitz + Giveaway: A No-Strings Noel by Annabelle Jacobs

 

Author Annabelle Jacobs and Signal Boost Promotions host today's release blitz for sexy holiday fling romance, A No-Strings Noel! Learn more and enter in the giveaway!

ALL BUYS LINKS

Cover Design: Natasha Snow

Length: 54,000 words approx.

A week of no-strings fun in a winter wonderland setting. No consequences, no expectations, no hurt feelings. Right?

Henry:

Finding his boyfriend in a compromising position leaves him with a week off work and no holiday to go on.
A night of vodka, ice cream, and his sister’s sympathetic ear is the only way to deal with it.
It’s also how he finds himself on holiday alone a few weeks later, at an English holiday village in the countryside, surrounded by Christmas cheer and happy families.

He’s expecting a week of relaxing days and early nights, doing his own thing, and taking some time for himself. And hopefully finding some festive spirit along the way, because it’s sorely lacking at the moment.

What he’s not expecting is Dom.

Dom:

Coming to somewhere so familiar soothes his broken heart after yet another failed attempt at finding someone to settle down with. He’s ready. They never are.

Seeing a lost-looking stranger on the first day of his holiday triggers his protective instincts, so he steps in to give him some helpful advice.
Who knew that advice would mean they end up spending the day and then the whole week together? But he figures a holiday fling is exactly what he needs to get through this slump: no expectations, no misunderstandings, no heartbreak.
Or that was the plan.
He knows Henry wants more, but he doesn’t trust himself where his heart’s concerned.
He doesn’t trust Henry not to break it.

A Christmas MM romance featuring a meet-cute, a sexy holiday fling, a meddling but awesome sister, a teeny bit of angst, and a festive HEA.

Annabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with three rowdy children, and two cats. An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They're usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.

Twitter – https://twitter.com/AJacobs_fiction
Website – www.annabellejacobs.com
Email – ajacobsfiction@gmail.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ajacobsfiction 

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Release Blitz + Giveaway: Charles: Learning to Love by Con Riley

Join author Con Riley and Signal Book Promotions as they celebrate new release, Charles: Learning to Love! Find out more about the new contemporary series and enter the giveaway!

ALL BUY LINKS

Cover Design: Natasha Snow

Length: 344 pages

Blurb

Opposites attract in this low-angst romance filled with British snark and humour.

Life should be a breeze for a playboy like Charles Heppel. As the third son of an earl, he lives for the moment, partying and playing. Settling down isn’t for him. Not when London is full of beautiful men who he hasn’t one-and-done yet.

To escape his family’s nagging, Charles applies for a temp job that matches his playful skill set. A role in a Cornish classroom could be his until the summer, if Charles meets two conditions: he must move in with the headmaster’s best friend, and teach him to be happy.

Living with Hugo should be awkward. Charles is a free spirit, but Hugo’s a man of faith, with morals. A man who almost took holy orders before disaster changed his direction. Only far from being a chore, Charles finds that making Hugo happy soon becomes his passion.

Together, they share physical and emotional first times. Ones that change Charles, touching his soul. He wants Hugo for longer than they have left, but learning to love with his heart, not just his body, will take a leap of faith from Charles — in himself as well as Hugo.

New from Con Riley, Charles: Learning to Love is the first novel in a series based at Glynn Harber, a very special boarding school set in England’s glorious Cornwall.

♥ This shared-world series starts with Charles and Hugo, but each book follows a different couple in their own standalone novel, with a fulfilling happily ever after. Want to hear more from Charles? He stole the show in His Haven. ♥

CON RILEY lives on the wild and wonderful Welsh coast, with her head in the clouds and her feet in the ocean.

Injury curtailed her enjoyment of outdoor pursuits, so writing fiction now fills her free time. Love, loss, and redemption shape her romance stories, and her characters are flawed in ways that make them live and breathe.

When not people-watching or reading, she spends time staring at the sea from her kitchen window. If you see her, don’t disturb her — she’s probably thinking up new plots.

FACEBOOK GROUP: facebook.com/groups/458421868222590
TWITTER: twitter.com/con_riley
INSTA: instagram.com/con_riley
BOOKBUB: bookbub.com/authors/con-riley
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: amazon.com/Con-Riley/e/B00F8GT35O

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Guest Review: Always (Single Dads #4) R.J. Scott

Lives change in an instant, but with family found and forever love, there is always hope.

Impetuously putting his life on the line, Adam saved a child trapped in a car wreck and suffered career-ending injuries. Living with chronic pain, and at his lowest moments, he had friends who wouldn't let him give up, a family who had his back, and even though his future was different from what he'd always planned, he at least had hope. When Cameron and Finn land on his doorstep, he never dreamed that he would fall in love with the small family or that maybe he'd get to be a hero again.

Cameron goes from being a devoted husband to a single dad overnight. With his neatly planned future in ruins, he will do anything to make a new life for his son, even if it means moving to the other side of the country. Renting a room from Adam is the first step in making a home for him and Finn, but falling for the former firefighter was never part of the plan.

The shadows from Cameron's past might take a long time to touch this fragile future, but will he have to face the consequences alone when they do? Or will there always be hope?

Reviewer: Shee Reader

I have loved all the previous books in the series, and this one was no different. Adam did appear in the earlier books as part of the friendship group, but we didn’t see much of him. He is a charming character and his very relatable tale of living with chronic pain was done well.

Cameron has had the world pulled out from beneath him and he is trying with everything he has to get himself and Finn safe. They have travelled so far and land on Adam’s doorstep as they have a mutual friend who sponsored his flight to safety. The attraction is immediate, but neither man sees his own value or feels that he has anything to offer the other. Falling in love wasn’t what either of them planned, but that is what happened! The beauty and purity of seeing both Cameron and Finn fall for Adam, is joyous.

As for low-angst sweet love stores goes, this one is a peach. The writing is sharp and witty with fun and joy a plenty.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Guest Review: Unashamedly Us (Offbeat Shifters #4) by Colette Davison

Charlie taught me I deserved to be loved. Will I be brave enough to claim him as mine?

Temporarily separated while Charlie is on tour, my love for him grows. He is my future—or he will be, once we’ve made our relationship public.

Charlie has been patient—probably too patient—while I’ve been struggling to get over my fear that history will repeat itself. An unforgiving media destroyed my career, I don’t want the same thing to happen to the man I love.

Telling the world is one of many obstacles we have to navigate. The only thing I’m sure of is that we’ll find our way together.

Reviewer: Shee Reader

I previously reviewed book 3 in the series, and it took me a while to get on board with the guys and their relationship. This book starts with the men in a relationship but keeping it secret from everyone as Austin wasn’t happy to face the expected furore. I felt so bad for Charlie in this scenario, and really appreciated the work of the security team to get Austin in to secretly visit Charlie on tour, involving shifting and hiding in a backpack!

Austin and Charlie had really grown on me from the start of their story, and seeing them struggle with claiming each other, the family falling out and subsequent debate about carrying a baby was so touching and heartfelt that I was ready to go to war for Austin and Charlie.

There is conflict and character development, but it is relatively low angst. I do love a happy shifter book with a charming HEA that was just right for these two guys.

The writing was good and emotive without being too heavy.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Up in Smoke (Hotshots #4) by Annabeth Albert

Three Men and a Baby meets Backdraft with explosive chemistry and heartfelt feels.

Freewheeling smoke jumper Brandt Wilder thrives on adrenaline. He’s never met a parachute he can’t repair or a dangerous situation he couldn’t wrangle his way out of. He’s popular and fun-loving and not at all looking to settle down or form lasting relationships. It’s a lifestyle that’s served him well…right up until the day he finds a baby on his doorstep.

Shane Travis is used to putting his country music career—and his own happiness—on hold after his sister rolls through his life. Like last spring when she convinced him to try skydiving for his birthday—and she walked away with the hot parachute instructor.

Now he gets to deliver the piece of news that will upend Brandt’s carefree life: he very well might be a dad.

Shane’s niece is safe in Brandt’s strong, capable hands, but too many questions remain unanswered. Co-parenting while they sort it out leads to late-night talks, and soul-bearing confessions lead to a most inconvenient attraction. Still, Shane can’t leave this makeshift family behind—even if it means playing house with the one man he can’t resist.

Heartwarming and sweet.

Brandt and Shane first meet on a skydiving excursion. There are sparks between them, but nothing comes of it.

In fact, things go in an entirely different direction. Mainly, an unexpected niece on Shane’s doorstep - who also happens to be Brandt’s daughter.

Yeah it’s a bit of an odd situation, but hey families can be weird!

Also, kudos to the author for portraying the mother, Shelley, in a compassionate light. Things happen, and sometimes the hardest decision can be the right one.

From the get-go, I adored how devoted Shane and Brandt were to little Jewel. They did what needed to be done, even if it all happened very suddenly.

This is definitely a very baby-centric story. A lot of the interactions and page-time revolve around how the two men adjust to coparenting. So beware if that’s not your jam!

That’s not to say that the romance plays second fiddle - Shane and Brandt’s connection and pull towards one another is the big elephant in the room. And the two find it harder and harder to resist.

When they finally give in, sparks fly! A+ for experimenting and being open to new things.

And on top of that, the two men just clicked. They were mature and communicated openly, and they were willing to make space in their lives for each other and for Jewel.

This isn’t an overly angsty or drama-filled read. Some major life events happen, but overall it’s a fairly low-key book. I liked the easy pace.

The story did drag a bit in the second half, but then I think it was just because of my personal preferences. Shane’s music career storyline just wasn’t particularly interesting for me.

However, the HEA and epilogue were lovely. Everything was tied together perfectly with a bow on top.

If you’re looking for an easily enjoyable romance about two men and their unexpected baby, give ‘Up in Smoke’ a try!

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Guest Review: All Screwed Up by Beth Bolden & Brittany Cournoyer

Griffin Caldwell can’t wait to make a fresh start: new job, new town, new house. He’s even realized the lifelong dream of owning his own home. Except when he arrives, nothing is what he expected, and Griffin’s celebration turns from triumphant to terrible.

Not only is his “cute bungalow” a derelict heap, it needs major remodeling work to be livable. And it turns out there’s only one person in town who’s even willing to commit to the project.

The first time David Webber talks to Griffin about his disaster zone of a house, he’d like nothing better than to hang up the phone. But he’s stuck. All his grumpy behavior has gotten him is a whole stack of bad reviews online and no clients.

From the moment they collide over a busted toilet, sparks and snark fly. The only thing that might be hotter than their mutual animosity is their intense chemistry.

Neither of them wants to admit it at first but as the project evolves and their lives intertwine, maybe what they’re working on isn’t just a house. It might even be proof that a caring partnership can build a strong, long-lasting foundation--and an even fiercer love.

Reviewer: Shee Reader

Griffin is embarking on his first independent adventure as an adult. He took the chance to buy a house he’d never seen, and then discovered why that was just the kind of thing people recommend you *don’t* ever do. Griffin is a complete sweetheart who works at a pet supply store and wants his first home to be his haven. Sadly, he has neither the skills to work on it himself, nor a brilliant contractor until David Webber realised he had to do something huge to save his dad’s construction company.

David is opinionated and inflexible, and his belligerent attitude is not given to customer service, but no-one else will touch Griffin’s money pit, and David can’t secure work from anywhere else thanks to honest (and damning) online reviews.

It’s not exactly a meet-cute, but the fire and spark are definitely present and the scene is set for a wonderful transformation of Griffin’s home, and David’s business. Plus, a cheeky best friend, supportive parents and a happily ever after that was divine! I adored the prickly David and sweet Griffin, the kittens and charming, funny dialogue. This book was a joy!

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Blog Tour: By the Numbers (Love Logic #3) by KM Neuhold

 

Author KM Neuhold and Vibrant Promotions host today's tour stop for By the Numbers (Love Logic #3)! Read more about the roommate to lovers romance today!

By the Numbers

Love Logic Series

KM Neuhold 

Release Date: 01.22.21

M/M Romance

Two hot roommates, minus clothes, plus a drawer full of debauchery, and a WHOLE lot of tension. You don’t have to be a math genius to figure out the sum of that equation.

They say I’m a super genius, but would a super genius make the outrageously stupid mistake of falling for his roommate? 

Out of all the men in the world, I had to go and develop a crush on the one who’s already in love with his best friend. 

But when Theo tells me he found my drawer of toys, the only logical thing to do is to offer some no-strings fun.  

I’ve read enough romance novels to know this can’t possibly end well, but I can’t seem to stop myself from falling for Theo. 

The only question is… 

Will he be there to catch me?

*By the Numbers is a low-angst roommates to lovers to HEA story with plenty of heat and lots of swoony moments. It’s the third book in the Love Logic series but can be read as a stand alone.

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/ByTheNumbers

Excerpt

“Oh my god, he’s coming over again. Go, go, go.” Alex giggles drunkenly, shoving me toward the makeshift dance floor where the crowd is thick enough that we can lose the guy. I laugh right along with him, tripping over my own feet before Alex grabs onto my shirt to keep me from toppling over.

“Maybe we should just do it. If he’s this motivated, he’ll probably be fantastic in bed,” I joke, and Alex snorts a laugh.

“Fine, but I call top,” he plays along, giving me a sloppy smile when I stop him from leaving the dance floor by grabbing the back of his shirt and pulling him to me. 

“Really?” Color me intrigued. I put my arms around him, and we start to sway to the fast, rhythmic beat of the music. 

“You assumed I strictly bottomed?” He tsks at me, shaking his head and draping his arms around my neck. His movements are fluid and entrancing as he grinds his body against mine. 

Since Alex was sneaking sips from my drinks, I just kept ordering, which may have been a bad move because I lost track of how much either of us have had to drink about an hour ago, and then ordered several more. His cheeks are pink from the alcohol, his hair no longer having a manufactured look, instead now truly messy after he’s run his fingers through it too many times. 

“You had a lot of dildos,” I reason, my body heating and my cock hardening at the memory of his drawer full of toys. 

“I also have a lot of jerk-off sleeves,” he points out. The music is loud, but the guy dancing next to us looks over with interest. I shoot him a fuck off look. I already have my hands full keeping Threesome Guy off of Alex. Not that it’s my business who he has sex with. 

My jaw clenches involuntarily, swamped by the same jealousy I felt when he stepped out of his bedroom earlier, clearly dressed to score some ass tonight. 

“You’re mad I’m not a strict bottom?” he asks, misinterpreting my expression. 

I’m not sure if it’s the booze or the fact that I’ve been replaying our kiss over and over for days, but I shamelessly slide my hands down and grab his ass. If Alex minds, he certainly isn’t showing it, grinding against me harder, the stiff ridge of his cock pressed against my thigh. 

“Nope, I can’t say I’m mad about that,” I answer honestly. 

“What about you?” He leans in, his lips brushing against my earlobe. “Do you only like to get dicked down by big, dragony knots, or do you give the dicking from time to time?”

I bite back a groan. Guys who look as cute as he does in little science pun t-shirts should not be allowed to have such filthy mouths. 

“It depends.”

“Oh? Well, if we throw caution to the wind and let Mr. Threesome take us back to his no doubt luxurious, leather appointed apartment tonight, what’s your preference?” 

The alcohol is definitely going to my head, that’s the only explanation for my behavior, kneading Alex’s ass cheeks in my hands and dragging my nose along the smooth curve of his jaw. 

My cock throbs desperately against him, and I can’t for the life of me remember why I’ve spent the past few days thinking that taking him up on his offer would be a bad idea. 

Before I can answer his question or do what I’m really contemplating and kiss him again, someone knocks into me from behind, sending me stumbling, the two of us nearly crashing down onto the hard floor before we catch ourselves, the moment shattered. 

                                           

Author K.M.Neuhold is a complete romance junkie, a total sap in every way. She started her journey as an author in new adult, MF romance, but after a chance reading of an MM book she was completely hooked on everything about lovely- and sometimes damaged- men finding their Happily Ever After together. She has a strong passion for writing characters with a lot of heart and soul, and a bit of humor as well. And she fully admits that her OCD tendencies of making sure every side character has a full backstory will likely always lead to every book having a spin-off or series. When she's not writing she's a lion tamer, an astronaut, and a superhero...just kidding, she's likely watching Netflix and snuggling with her husky while her amazing husband brings her coffee.

 linktr.ee/KMNeuhold

                                     

Review: Out in Winter (Out in College #8) by Lane Hayes

The grad student, the jock, and some winter fun…

Drew

My new job at the bistro is fun. The owners are good guys, and the staff is made up primarily of boisterous water polo players. I know nothing about the sport except there’s a Speedo involved, and Liam likes to wear his everywhere. Yes…Liam—the chatty, handsome, utterly charming waiter I can’t seem to stop thinking about. Ugh. Note to self—do not fall for another younger man.

Liam

Getting Drew to notice me hasn’t been easy. He’s a little intense, and he knows how to keep his distance. Something tells me he’s not immune—he’s just stubborn. Maybe a weekend of bonding on the ski slopes will win him over. And if I can get him to come out in winter, I might be able to convince him that we have a chance at something special.

Short, sweet, and sexy.

I was looking for a good opposites-attract romance, and ‘Out in Winter’ delivered! Liam and Drew couldn’t be more different.

Drew is serious, reserved, and very careful in everything he does. Liam is loud, outgoing, and goes with the flow.

Despite those differences, the two are very attracted to each other, which makes working together at the bistro a bit tricky at times. Not that either of them admits it or lets on to the other.

That is until an offer of a lift ends in a deep conversation and a hot makeout session. After that, there’s no turning back!

I really liked that along with the undeniable physical attraction, Drew and Liam’s relationship also had the emotional connection from the get-go. That the two were so comfortable sharing their secrets with each other, and made time and space for one another.

That easy connection carries their budding relationship from the restaurant to the ski slopes. Their dates during the quick getaway were adorable.

And not to mention very sexy! These two really brought the heat, and were so in-tune with each other’s needs.

Something that I wasn’t a fan of - that age was ever part of the discussion, at least on Drew’s end. Five years is nothing, and both men were still in their twenties.

It should have been a non-issue. And it seemed to feed Drew’s general cautious approach about relationships, which is the main stumbling block.

Luckily, that didn’t last too long! It takes them a bit of time to voice it, but both Liam and Drew are on the same page and want the same thing.

Though I think the time after their return from the ski trip could have been more fleshed out to show rather than just tell how the two had fallen for each other, it was obvious that they were head over heels in love.

The epilogue really sealed the deal, and didn’t leave any doubt that Drew and Liam are forever for each other.

If you’re looking for a low-angst and easy to read MM romance, I’d recommend Out in Winter!

A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Review: A Christmas Break by Annabelle Jacobs

Christmas is a time for giving, not lusting after your brother’s best mate.

Finn has never had the Christmas of his dreams, and this year isn’t shaping up to be much better. Then he rents his spare room out to Jasper, and life begins to look up.

Laid-back Jasper is nothing like Finn expects. He’s hot, sweet, and easy to talk to. Finn could easily fall for him. But, he’s his brother’s best friend. He’s off limits, and Finn would never break that sacred rule…right?

Jasper has carried a torch for his best mate’s brother for years. Living with him sparks an old flame to light, and the more time they spend together, the brighter it burns. Finn is gorgeous and kind. He’s everything Jasper has ever wanted.

But he’s also scarred by old wounds and reluctant to let his guard down again. Friendship blooms, and for a short while, it’s enough. But the fire between them is undeniable. Finn can fight it as much as he likes.

He won’t win.

Garnering automatic points, this entails one of my favorite tropes - falling for your best friend’s brother!

This starts out with Finn, who has just gotten out of a bad relationship. He’s understandably emotionally battered and needs help paying the rent on his new place. When his brother Cole, suggests bff Jasper, Finn’s not too sure that’s such a great idea.

Of course, the attraction is immediate. Of course, these two hit it off quickly despite both being hesitant to rock the boat by acting on their lusty feelings. However, as always, close quarters make it very hard to resist the comfort and camaraderie they find in each other as time goes on.

Beware Finn putting up all sorts of excuses - the age difference (which is a mere 5 years), the unequal footing as he’s Jasper’s landlord, not to mention he’s still rebounding from his ex boyfriend. Jasper for sure wants to play and wouldn’t mind more, but he has his own life to patch up in terms of his fractured family dynamics and deciding on what he wants to be when he grows up.

Thankfully, this is easy reading. There’s hardly any angst, and I so appreciated that brother Cole, was not a jerk about them possibly getting together as is often seen in this particular trope. Jacobs excels at the storytelling with spot on UST and the smexy was nothing to sneeze at.

Guest Review: Soothe Me, Daddy (Daddy #2) by Elouise East

Soothing his boy is a pleasure in more ways than one...

Henley knows what he wants from a relationship: to be taken care of by a Daddy. He’s under no illusions that he can be a handful. When he starts a new job, his gaze is taken to a prime specimen. Maybe Henley could persuade him to be his Daddy…

Isaac is worn out from the clubs, the scenes, the boys who say they want a Daddy then change their minds. When he’s given the responsibility of training the most obedient guy he’s ever met, Isaac is hooked. But does the guy even know what a boy is, despite acting like one?

They are powerless to stop their relationship. They compliment each other so well.

Is Isaac the right Daddy for Henley, and is Henley the right boy for Isaac?

Reviewer: Shee Reader

Isaac is looking for his very own boy, but as of yet, his search has turned up nothing but disappointment. At work, he gets a new assistant to train for a month or so before he is out on his own. Henley is perfect for the job, works hard and gives Isaac such a thrill by being obedient and so easy to train, but had Henley even heard of Daddy and Boy relationships, let alone want one?

Henley is searching for his daddy to take care of him and give each other what they need. Isaac at work looks perfect from the outside, he cares for all his staff and is good at his job so when an opportunity opens up to be trained by Isaac, Henley jumps at the chance, but can he convince Isaac to be his daddy.

This book has the sweetest set-up premise and two main characters that really just need to get over themselves and their reservations and make each other happy!

It is only 40,000 words or so, so it is a quick fix, if you need a little something sweet and a little bit kinky on your kindle.

I found the situation in a retail company felt clumsy at first , but maybe that was just because I’m not very familiar with that kind of work, but once we got into the characters and they were working together, the cuteness was realised, and the naughty escapades at work showed they were perfect for each other.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.