Blog Tour: More Than Christmas (Michigan Seasons #1) by Lane Swift

Welcome Lane Swift to the stable as she promotes More Than Christmas (Michigan Seasons #1)!

Title: More Than Christmas

Author: Lane Swift

Series: Michigan Seasons #1

Release Date: December 10th 2016

Genre: MM Romance, Holiday

BLURB

Keeping life simple can be a complicated business. 

High-flying young British executive, Nick Harris, knows exactly what he wants out of his two-year American assignment—a bigger salary, a promotion and some no-strings fun. How convenient then, that his gorgeous hunk of a next door neighbour, Dale Hepburn, is friendly, single and bisexual? 

But Dale has had his fill of casual and he’s holding out for love that will last. Knowing that Nick’s stay in America is temporary, he welcomes him into his life as a friend; they train together in his garage gym, hang out and watch television, and dress up for the neighbourhood kids at Halloween. 

Then the first snow falls, and with Christmas approaching and temperatures plummeting, Nick finds he increasingly yearns for the warmth of Dale’s arms—only he’s worried that pushing Dale for more heat in their relationship will land him outside in the cold. 

Nick’s long-term future in America may not be certain, but if he wants a future with Dale, he must find a way to persuade him they can be more than Christmas. 

A heartwarming romance with a satisfying HFN 
~32,000 words 

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

EXCERPT

The weather was still warm. I stretched, scratched, and ambled downstairs in my boxers. Sleepy-eyed, and stiff-necked from too many hours in the car, I shuffled into the kitchen, heading straight for the kettle. I hadn’t shut the blinds across the patio doors the night before, and through them I had a crystal-clear view. The lawnmower I’d heard was in my garden, and Dale was pushing it.

He hadn’t seen me. He was almost at the back fence, about to turn. I could have gone upstairs and put on some clothes before I introduced myself, but I’m not shy, and this was my turf, so to speak. After scrubbing my face with my hands, I slid open the patio door, walked onto the deck and, hands on hips, waited for Dale to notice me.

The second he did, the buzz of the lawnmower withered and died, along with his fierce expression of concentration. His jaw dropped. He looked away, and lifted his hand, like he was trying to shield his eyes from the sight of me in my undies. He seemed so shocked, that I looked down to see if my dick was hanging out. (It has been known to happen, once or twice; though that’s another story.)

‘I didn’t think you were home,’ he said to the back of his hand. ‘I knocked but there was no answer.’

‘I got back late last night. I was knackered—must have slept through it.’

The temperature was cooler than it looked from inside the house. My nipples tightened. But that was the chill air, and had nothing to do with Dale in a white T-shirt tight enough that I could see the outline of his nipples and the shape of his pecs through the fabric.

‘Sorry,’ he said. ‘Did I wake you?’

‘Nah.’ He already looked guilty and embarrassed enough; to add to it would have been cruel. ‘Can I get you a drink?’

‘Ah, yeah. Sure.’ Dale clutched at the back of his neck and his ample bicep bulged. He had quite a grip. ‘I’ll have whatever you’re having.’

‘That would be tea. With milk.’

For a moment, it looked like the beginnings of a smile played at the corners of his mouth. I wasn’t sure. His face was still partially turned away from me.

‘If you have ice,’ he said, ‘I’ll take mine cold, no milk. Two sugars.’

He must have known I had ice. The refrigerator he’d installed in the kitchen had a water and ice dispenser. I must have really flustered him. Who’d have guessed my five-foot-nine of fairly average could be that disarming?

About the Author

Lane Swift is a fiction writer, mainly of contemporary romance, sometimes featuring a mild dash of paranormal.

She lives in Hampshire, England, between the sea and the South Downs, with her husband, two children, and two guinea pigs. She can often be found running the roads and trails in her local area, or at her beach hut, imbibing coffee and dreaming up happy-ever-afters for her heroes and heroines.

Over the years, she’s worked as a waitress, a lab technician, a science teacher, and a telecommunications consultant. She’s also played rugby, climbed one mountain, and run one marathon, but has never managed to learn how to whistle.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Review: Ibiza on Ice by Gillian St. Kevern

Tired of being ridiculed as the man dumped in favour of an ugly Christmas sweater, Aston is determined to get revenge--by having his dream vacation at Ibiza's hottest clubs! He's even planned a social media campaign to make sure his ex, Dan, knows exactly what he's missing.

When a snowstorm strikes, and Aston's media campaign takes off before he does, he finds himself propositioned by his unwelcome roommate Mike: trade vacations, or Mike will out Aston as a fake. Desperate to save his reputation, Aston finds himself in Finland--and falling hard for a man with a sweater almost as terrible as Dan's. Worse, Laaksonen cares as little about impressing people as Aston cares about being nice. Aston knows he has too much self-respect to fall for a man so hazardous to his reputation. But the long Polar Night poses the ultimate test to his Ibiza club dreams...

Another fun Christmas tale by Gillian St. Kevern. Aston is the Sweater-Ex from The Ugliest Sweater and is planning his revenge vacation. He’s suitably shallow, but not fake, and he is determined to show the entire world, and Dan, that Dan made a mistake, and Aston is fine living it up surrounded by hot men in Ibiza. Only he ends up in Finland instead, with a guy whose sweater is almost as hideous as Dan’s.


I really enjoyed this. Aston was a great character. Shallow, yes, but definitely complex, and had a personality that seemed to shine during a challenge.


Cross country skiing is not something he ever thought he would do, because he’s been working for months in the gym to show off his awesome body, but he seemed to roll with it and enjoy the ride.


The relationship development was great. I really enjoyed Laaksenon. I thought his quiet amusement was just what Aston needed to be around while he licked his wounds from the horrible media storm that surrounded his break up.


The plot worked well, and gave a different take on the Christmas to New Year’s period. I appreciated the different landscape, and the direction the story went.


I would definitely read more about all the characters in the two christmas stories written in this world. I found them all delightful and different. We get to see what’s happening with Dan and Jake as well, so it feels like a full circle story.


This isn’t focused around Christmas as much as the previous story, but the feel of it very much around festivities (or avoiding them).

Find on Goodreads!

Review: The Next Competitor by Keira Andrews

If he risks his heart, can he keep his head in the game?

To win gold, figure skater Alex Grady must train harder than the competition morning, noon, and night. He’s obsessed with mastering another quadruple jump, and due to the lack of filter between his mouth and brain, doesn’t have a lot of friends. As for a boyfriend, forget it. So what if he’s still a virgin at twenty? The Olympics are only every four years—everything else can wait. Relationships are messy and complicated anyway, and he has zero room in his life for romance.

So it’s ridiculous when Alex finds himself checking out his boring new training mate Matt Savelli. Calm, collected “Captain Cardboard” is a nice guy, but even if Alex had time to date, Matt’s so not his type. Yet beneath Matt’s wholesome surface, there’s a dirty, sexy man who awakens a desire Alex has never experienced and can’t deny…

Note: This gay romance from Keira Andrews features opposites attracting, new adult angst, sexual discovery, and of course a happy ending.

This new version has been extensively rewritten, updated, and expanded into a new adult romance with explict on-page sex.

Sometimes you just catch an edge.

There is a lot to like about this story especially if you're a fan of competitive figure skating. It's clear Keira Andrews is from the amount of technical knowledge held within these pages.

There are a lot of things about competitive figure skating that are very subjective and many fans of the sport take issue with; Keira Andrews addresses those issues diplomatically. The amount of effort, time, money and sheer intestinal fortitude it takes to make a champion is also detailed well in an engaging way.

The Next Competitor is told from and centers around Alex Grady. Alex's focus on becoming an Olympic gold medalist is myopic and borders on obsessive. I didn't really like him, though he's not a wholly unsympathetic character. As far as his characterization goes it's actually quite good and remains consistent throughout with his insecurities plaguing him and, more often than not causing friction between him and those in his life. There were things that I sprang off the page immediately about him and his character that as this story unfolded snowballed. I think that's the thing that I liked the least about this story, that an opportunity was missed to show how a sports psychologist could've helped him get a handle on his anxieties.

His relationship with Matt helps to a certain extent, but I found the love conquers all tactic a bit trite. Initially I thought their relationship was moving to Kinksville and thought that might bring some... grounding but, alas, it stayed vanilla. A cautionary warning for the jizz averse-these two are cum junkies. There is snowballing and... generally they just like the jizz, each others, their own. I bet if they could get one of those fountain things...

I am just saying.

Admittedly, I had to suspend disbelief at much of the sex since Alex is a virgin when they meet, but who am I to question the edifying power of gay porn? Just put your jizz goggles on and go with the flow.

Their relationship is mostly opposites attract with a smattering of enemies to lovers. How they went from "enemies" to lovers happened very quickly and I found myself missing the potential fireworks of a true enemies to lovers story. Read: hate sex. Alex and Matt are (sort of) rivals but Matt is more a pairs skater and after his partner is hurt along with some prodding Matt decides to skate solo, though he's really no threat to the top skaters. What it does is give them more opportunities to train together, get to know each other and develop their relationship.

Matt is such a likable character. He's very even-keeled, earnest and just...nice. He, unlike Alex, has a balanced approach to skating, but he's got some closet-like familial issues to contend with that cause problems in their relationship. 

However, the story isn't overly angsty or heavy. The competitions kept the pace steady and I even learned a few things! The secondary characters like Mrs. C and Kenny added to the story and made Alex more sympathetic. 

The ending is what sticks with me, though. I liked the simplicity of it it while simultaneously finding it too easy, if that even makes sense? 

Nevertheless, I think fans of Keira Andrews and sports romances will enjoy this book.

A review copy was provided by the author.

Find out more on Goodreads.

Review: Holly & Hockey Boots by V.L. Locey

Minor league goalie Adam Seiger is a nice guy. He’s kind, cute, and a little quirky (but show me a goalie who isn’t) and he loves to interact with fans. During a meet and greet after a game Adam meets Cason Reyes, a hard-working young man with stunning amber eyes and a smile as sweet as a candy cane. Desperate to see Cason again, Adam does something more than a little naughty.

To add insult to the egg nog, it appears that one little white lie may end Adam’s chance of having a merry Christmas with a new boyfriend. Will he end up with nothing but a lump of coal in his stocking, instead of the man who owns his heart?

This little story came along and grabbed me by the Jizzmas nuggets and never let go. That’s all actually a good thing because this story was adorable. What made it so was all down to the main character, one Adam Seiger, a minor league goalie with dreams of someday playing for the Leafs. Any hockey fan worth their salt knows that goalies have a reputation for being very . . . shall we say . . .special, quirky, unique, crazy-pants. Adam fits into the quirky and unique stereotype perfectly and in the most adorable way. He’s now on my list of all-time favorite characters.

Honestly, I could read a story just about Adam cruising along in his daily life, just being Adam. His inner voice and the paths his brain takes are amuse me to no end. After a game one night at a meet and greet, he meets and hardcore lusts after after, Cason Reyes. He tells a little white lie in hopes of seeing Cason again and the little white lie spirals into a shit storm, as white lies tend to do and Adam is worried about the truth ruining the any chance he might have with Cason.

The white lie moves the plot along, Adam has bouts of guilt and angst (that were still freakin’ adorable) and Cason was a little rough on him. He had good reason, given his past, but it’s an HEA Jizzmas story so everything works out in the end with warm fuzzies and hearts that grow three sizes. While Adam made the story as great as it was, the supporting characters, especially his roommate Rob, added to Adam’s personality in spades. I’d love to read anything Rob was a part of too. He and Adam’s relationship was a highlight throughout and what made the rating start and stay high from beginning to end.

Holly & Hockey Boots is a winner for me this Jizzmas season, it’s got the most memorable of characters, enough conflict to keep it interesting but not heavy, the best of best friends, and dirty talk! Did I mention the dirty talk? I don’t think that I did and shame on me for being remiss in mentioning that little pearl of yumminess. Soooooo, there’s dirty talk . . . and it’s awesome. Cason may not have been as strong of a character in my mind as most of the others, but he made up for it in the end as soon as he opened that dirty little mouth of his. Good job Cason, Adam and I enjoyed it muchly.

For more information on Holly & Hockey Boots, check it out on Goodreads.

**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**

Blog Tour + Giveaway: A Bond of Truth (Sensual Truths #2) by K.C. Wells

Celebrate the release of A Bond of Truth with K.C. Wells and Signal Boost Promotions! See today's blitz stop and don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY where you could win the first 2 eBooks in the Sensual Bonds series, A Bond of Three & A Bond of Truth!

A Bond Of Truth (Sensual Bonds #2) 

 K.C. Wells

Author: K.C. Wells

Length: 99,000 words

Cover: Garrett Leigh

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Dreamspinner

Series

A Bond of Three (Sensual Bonds #1) 

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Dreamspinner 

Blurb

It is twenty years since the Bond of Three returned to Teruna. The kingdom of Kandor, once Teruna’s enemy, seeks help and sends its finest warrior, Dainon, on a diplomatic mission. A solitary man since his wife and child died, Dainon is unable to explain why an encounter with a young man on a beach rocks his world to its core.

Prince Arrio of Teruna has always been attracted to men but has never acted on it—until he meets Dainon. Headstrong Arrio goes after what he wants, despite his fathers’ advice. But when Prince Kei arrives unexpectedly, Arrio finds himself drawn to both men. Is history repeating itself?

Prince Kei has his first taste of freedom, and is shocked when the visions that have plagued him since childhood become reality. The three men embark on a voyage of discovery. No one has foreseen the day, however, when the arrival of a stranger threatens to destroy their bond.

Author Bio

Born and raised in the north-west of England, K.C. WELLS always loved writing. Words were important. Full stop. However, when childhood gave way to adulthood, the writing ceased, as life got in the way. K.C. discovered erotic fiction in 2009, when the purchase of a ménage storyline led to the startling discovery that reading about men in love was damn hot. In 2012, arriving at a really low point in life led to the desperate need to do something creative. An even bigger discovery waited in the wings—writing about men in love was even hotter….

K.C. now writes full-time and is loving every minute of her new career. The laptop still has no idea of what hit it… it only knows that it wants a rest, please. And it now has to get used to the idea that where K.C goes, it goes.

And as for those men in love that she writes about? The list of stories just waiting to be written is getting longer… and longer….

K.C. loves to hear from readers.
E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: http://www.kcwellsworld.com

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Audiobook Review: Chevalier (Romanus #2) by Mary Calmes

Fireman Mason James thought finding out he is a Romanus—a rare class of gargoyle—would be the surprise of a lifetime, but he’s proven wrong when he discovers he is the son of a comte and goji nobility. But his newly discovered family doesn’t think his gargoyle lover, Luc, is good enough for a goji of Mason’s stature—how could a warrior ever be? But despite the Moreaus’ uncertainty and elitism, they are Mason’s only chance to unravel the mystery behind his mother’s death, find a solution for the class divide that might separate him from Luc, and discover what it truly means to be a Romanus.

Listening Length: 3 hours and 37 minutes
Narrator: Greg Tremblay

You know what enhances a Calmesian experience?

Greg Tremblay reading Calmes in your ear!

It's a team that just works!

Like toast and butter...

Margarine (or a substitute for you healthy types)

Like peanut butter and jelly...

Not that one you perv (who are we kidding?)

Chevalier is a sequel I never thought would ever happen! The novella starts months after Romanus ends. Mason and Luc are going strong, still in love and still haven't moved in together.

Oh, what's an Calmes alpha to do?

I found myself smiling when Luc alpha-ed and let Mason see the inevitable. And just when I got excited, Calmes threw a loop in the form of gargoyle history! We meet Mason's long lost family, discover his origins, find there is more than the chasse in Kentucky. There's a ruling class and you won't believe who is on top.

The gargoyle world Calmes created isn't one I expected. It wasn't as paranormal heavy. It was more mythology and history based, a history/ slightly urban fantasy web weaved. The mystery of what exactly a Romanus is and what a Romanus does carried the plot while we meet Mason's birth family, the Moreaus. (Who I find to be deplorable) Mason and Luc's bond gets tested BUT it only gets stronger because their love is 100% and won't change for anything or anyone.

The Moreaus believe in class differences (i.e. Luc is nothing more than a warrior and should never be with a Romanus) The same argument from book #1. The lengths the Moreaus, and gargoyles who think like them, went to keep the classes different and treated Luc differently was pathetic. But Mary Calmes combats that with Romanus powers. (When we find out what a Romanus is, it's classic Mary Calmes hero)

Here the narration and story were evenly matched. I think my favorite parts were listening to Tremblay read Calmes dialogue, which can get a little ho-hum. Just because it really reads every day life. I mean, how many times can we read about normal domestic squabbles without getting a little bored. Tremblay has a way of breathing life, drawing me in.

Maybe making me feel like I'm the neighbor listening into Mason and Luc argue about moving in together.

Or a spectator to their passionate making up over the silliest of fights.

And Tremblay's accents were everything. As per usual. (Loved his gargoyles)

Did I have gripes? Minor ones - the final 'test' made no sense and was a little easy. Also, if the Moreaus had all the cash and power, how was it they just found Mason? And even after finding him, the father's reaction...it was a little false.

The good most certainly outweighed my minor quibbles. Mason and Luc lit up the pages with their chemistry. And it wasn't sex-a-palooza either! (Granted, we get more sex scenes than book #1, it doesn't start until way later as the mystery unfolds) I loved learning the history (I'm a history nerd, I'll confess) And the ending of this novella let me more satisfied with the couple and their standing in the world. They're definitely equals, stronger and ready to face whatever heads their way.

Yummy!! Calmes cracky goodness!

Ahhh!! MC + GT = a happy PBJ me!

Find on Dreamspinner Press or Goodreads!

Blog Tour + Giveaway: The Wrong Kind of Angel by Ruby Moone

Welcome author Ruby Moone, along with Signal Boost Promotions, for the The Wrong Kind of Angel Blog Tour! Check out the info about the historical Christmas romance below and enter the giveaway for a chance to win a $15 Amazon or ARe gift card!!

The Wrong Kind Of Angel - Ruby Moone

Author: Ruby Moone

Length: 22,280 words

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | AllRomance

Blurb

A reluctant angel, three not terribly wise men, two gorgeous men on a starlit chase to find a child ... It can only be Christmas.

It’s Christmas 1817 and Captain Charles Farrington has accepted that he is destined to live alone. That is, until Christmas Eve, when a startlingly handsome man crashes into his home and his life.

Harry Valentine is a man on the run. A man with secrets. He hasn’t time to fall for the angel who rescued him and, in any case, he knows that once Charlie realises the truth about him, there will be no future for them.

Harry’s warmth makes Charles face up to the demons in his past and shows him that he can have a family. All he has to do is persuade Harry to stay. But Charlie knows that, despite whatever Harry says, he’s the wrong kind of angel for happy endings.

Author Bio

My name is Ruby Moone and I love books. All kinds of books. My particular weakness is for romance, and that can be any kind, but I am particularly fond of historical and paranormal. I decided to write m/m romance after reading some fantastic books and falling in love with the genre. The day job takes up a lot of my time, but every other spare moment finds me writing or reading. I live in the North West of England with my husband who thinks that I live in two worlds. The real world and the world in my head…he probably has a point.

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Sunday Funday Christmas: 2016 Advent Calendar - Bah Humbug | Week 3

The Santicorning is but a week away but we're only halfway through the Christmas season here at BMBR! We unicorns are a gluttonous bunch. This week we're featuring Colton Aalto, Geneva Vand, Meg Harding, E.F. Mulder and Ginger Streusel.

Missed a week? Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5
| Week 6

Born December 25, Noel Beebe is tired of having his birthday overshadowed by all things Christmas. While looking for love on social media, he comes across a prospective new beau just in time to celebrate the Big 3-0, someone who encourages him to take back his day and say thumbs down to Christmas! On a trip to the Big Apple, Noel does just that, flipping off the Rockefeller Center tree and demanding his coffee in a nondecorative paper cup as a fun birthday prank. His act of defiance is caught on video and soon goes viral, leading to a backlash all over the Twitterverse, Internet, and TV. Suddenly what Noel thought would be his best birthday—and even Christmas—yet is shaping up to be his worst. Can his family and his potential boyfriend prove to the world that Noel isn’t the Scrooge he’s been labeled?




Fantasy Living - 3 Hearts

Noel is feeling down after his online ‘friend’, whom he hoped to become his lover, disappeared in August without a word. Feeling pessimistic about his chances at love, and with his upcoming 30th birthday, he takes part in a #MyBirthdaySucksBecause on Twitter ™ …. His birthday is on Christmas Day. Responding to Ethan, who’s #BirthdaySucksBecause his birthday is Jan 29 so he’s only 6 years old, they start to tweet at each other, and decide to meet up.

After a day of Christmas bashing pranks, posted on Twitter ™, Noel ends up on Social Media being slammed for being an Anti-Christmas jerk and is in the news as the anti-Christ, un-American, and un-Patriotic. What more could go wrong this year? Really.

This started off strong. I enjoyed Noel, and thought he was an endearing character. A little on the chubby side, his insecurities are apparent, and he’s feeling rather desperate because of his age. With the media storm surrounding his pranks, and the #ChristmasHatesYouToo trending, we find out more about how much he doesn’t hate christmas, and how generous and community minded he is. The fact that everything is going wrong, makes him more endearing as he tries to weather the storm of infamy in a way that is light-hearted and doesn’t increase his frustration with his 30th year of life.

Where it fell down for me was Chapter Four. It sort of turned into corny christmas fluff, only slightly saved by the outrageous comic relief. I know this is supposed to be uplifting, and probably ridiculously funny but I cringed and rolled my eyes more than I laughed. The twist was a little out of the blue, and I needed to revisit that, because what?!!

That just might be the #IHateChristmas that is my life right now.

In the end I still loved Noel, and I still wanted him to have his HEA but that was more about him than the plot.

This will probably appeal to those who love Christmas, and maybe those whose Birthday is on December 25. The writing is solid, and the character development was pretty good.

Sara - 3 Hearts

Noel is a Christmas baby, born on the 25th of December and really hates the fact. Ask anyone who is born during December and you will usually get the same response my oldest son, who is born on December 8th will say; it sucks. It’s just your birthday should be special but having it as the same day we celebrate one of the world's biggest holidays, really does have to suck.

Noel though, he isn’t just about loathing his birthday, he’s looking for something with someone and after being burned by Bart whom he met online, he is wary of meeting someone through social media again but when a #hashtag about birthdays and names sucking, he meets Ethan and Hung, but it’s Ethan who decides to help him hate Christmas and celebrate his birthday instead.

When Ethan comes to town and talks Noel into doing a list of things against Christmas, his stunt at Rockefeller Center is recorded and sent out to the internet…

I always thought going viral would be kind of cool. I guess there’s good reason the phrase conjures images of a communicable disease.

With all viral videos, folks have strong opinions and the majority is pretty pissed at Noel. He has no way to get his side of the story heard until Hung shows up at his door, announcing he is there with an online paper to help set the record straight but things get out of hand and go downhill for poor Noel.

I liked the story, it wasn’t what I was expecting and man I hated Ethan so I am happy what I originally wanted for Noel, happened. It just felt as if something was missing or there was too much going on or, I don’t know. It was cute but not my favorite of the event.

Find out more about #ChristmasHatesYouToo on Goodreads & Dreamspinner Press.

One snowy evening, a car wreck in front of his toy store triggers terrible memories for Jake. Suddenly, he is in the midst of another winter storm—and another accident, one that not everyone walked away from. When he returns to the present, Jake is on the ground, being watched over by a guardian angel in the form of a kind man named Eli. Eli is no stranger to panic attacks and PTSD, and he’s happy to help Jake get home—where the weather forces him to remain for the night. For Jake, it could be the first step toward a life free from fear and loneliness.








Sara - 3.5 Hearts

A very sweet and low angst story about toy store owner Jake Riley who lost his lover and sister in a terrible car crash during the Christmas holiday. When Jake is closing up one night and a car accident happens in front of him, he is triggered and awakes to a handsome angel helping him out of his panic.

It was very sweet how Eli finds Jake and how he helps him. It was an unlikely meet cute but one that provides a lovely starting point to a budding romance. The dancing in the snow was super swoony but really, Jake finding someone like Eli who is patient and understanding from the beginning makes it a sweet holiday read that made me smile.

Ann - 4.5 Hearts

Guardian Angels pushed all my Jizzmas buttons ; a small town, a quiet toy store owner with a past and a young man who comes along at just the right time. Plus, there’s flirty banter that’s just the right side of sweet. Great Christmas stories that have a root in a tragic past have to balance the sadness just so, or the events will weigh down the HEA I expect from these gems. I need just enough to crack open my cold dead heart so I can let in all the love. Guardian Angels was just that story for me. Jake was a really likable character and while he technically fits the Bah Humbug role, it’s for good reason and it’s not like he’s anti-Christmas at all, it’s just a really tough time for him. Eli comes in at just the right moment like a knight in shining armor, but with charm, humor and a gentle touch. The pace they moved forward read perfectly and I bought into their relationship from start to finish. This is another one that I need to see turned into a movie, it would be perfect!

Find out more about Guardian Angels on Goodreads & Dreamspinner Press.

Two hundred years ago on Christmas Eve, William Mashinter was frozen in time, cursed by his wife to roam the world on his own, waiting for the love of his life to find him. The love of his life, whom she killed. Time hasn’t healed this wound, and William is tired of the happy holiday and the constant reminders of a love that’s been taken from him. But then the impossible happens, and maybe… maybe he can get a new Christmas perspective.

Brady Gallagher has lived three different lives, always aware of the first and most important, yet unable to find the man who will fill in the missing pieces and let him know he’s not crazy. He encounters him at a work event, of all places, but is he willing to throw everything else to the wind and embrace the miracle laid out before him?



SheReadsALot - 3-3.5 Hearts (Sliding Scale)

Out of all the Jizzmas tales from this anthology--I'll admit I didn't look through them all for fear of turning into gingerbread--this was the one I wanted to read hard. That cover, the author and that blurb?

Buuuuuuuuuuuuut...after reading, I'm not feeling the magic. And once again, it's nothing to do with the Santa Semen. In fact, the Christmas aspect in Cursed Miracles could be considered a throwaway for as much as it really mattered. Had nothing to do with the central plot which was long lost lovers.

Two hundred years ago in Britain, childhood friends turned lovers Lords William Mashinter and Brady Gallagher go through trials to hide their love. On Christmas, the love is tested ultimately where one is frozen in time cursed to walk the earth, the other is killed, cursed to be reborn and remembering his past life, yearning for what he can't have. We jump to present day after the curse and that's where the unease starts for me. (I'm ignoring the modern feel of the historical part)

Present day starts off a little cheesy with 'frozen' lover working in an office, being forced to wear a candy cane tie. Minor issue but I could do without the slice of silly. And when the grand reunion happens, I was expecting thunder and lightning...something. Two hundred years of yearning for this man, your soul mate and it read a little anticlimactic. What happened to the person who cursed them? Why wouldn't William keep tabs on them? Who is she? What is she? What's the purpose of cursing? All these unanswered questions I have.

Was the reunion worth the read? I guess. But the epilogue was too long I would have rather than focus be put into the reunion or building the tension prior to William and Brady's reunion. I can't rate this high than 3 Hearts because I've read 2 variations of a past life plot that left an impression--one recently that was bombastic compared to Cursed Miracles. I think it might be why I was underwhelmed. I can't help wishing maybe this was a little longer and stronger in places.

Overall, the story is readable.

Boy meets boy, says he loves him. He's taken away and he travels the earth cursed looking until he stops. And he ends up where he least expects him. Oh and the sprinklings of Christmas jizz. *shrugs* The meld of past and present wasn't as smooth for me.

Chelsea - 4.5 Hearts

I really really enjoyed this story, it absolutely sucked me in!

William and Brady are completely in love, but in the 1800’s. When Williams wife curses them to a life apart but spent searching for each other (for reasons not really explained), they spend the next 200 feeling lost and empty.

I adored Brady and William's relationship.I felt their love, connection and pain on every page. Their relationship build up and then reunion was well written.

Also this had two full sex scenes, which I've one to discover is hard to find in these stories.

I was a bit confused by the curses to begin with and how it was the best possible punishment but it makes more sense as the story progresses.

This might not have been the most fledged out story ever written but it had everything I wanted in a Christmas story.

I was stuck to the pages and actually felt the connection between these two, that alone deserves a good rating, but add in some sex and I'm sold!

Sara - 5 Hearts

I am admitting it, I have a major crush on Meg Harding. Honestly, her writing is what I love. Her romances fill up my hopeless romantic heart until it’s overflowing and goodness, she nailed this one.
So we know the theme is turning the Bah Humbug into one of Christmas cheer and there is no one more deserving to lose his Humbug than William. You see, William is from Victorian times, the times when men took lovers and were IN love with other men but were forced to marry and keep their “Unnatural Love” secret. For William, this love has been his best friend Brady for over 10 years but when William is forced to marry and his new wife is a literal witch, she condemns William to live without his love and soul mate while she forces Brady to live life after life remembering the love of William. Good lord.

I have been through so much trying to get back to you.

In my marriage, really since the day we moved in together, my husband and I have been apart for only 1 week. That is it that is the longest we have been apart so to think of being so deeply in love but separated from your love for TWO HUNDRED YEARS just killed me.

But when William is forced to go to his work holiday party and he sees familiar auburn curls and hears a voice that goes to his soul, I was prepared for some angst and some serious reunion sex. Cause remember… TWO HUNDRED YEARS!

Holy Holly this was good. I knew from the blurb it would pull at my heartstrings but it pulled them so tight I was bound and so ready to be a part of Brady and William being together again. The epilogue is so so so perfect and wonderful and just yeah. This was good and I have a mad crush on Ms. Meg.

Find out more about Cursed Miracles on Goodreads & Dreamspinner Press.

Alec Ryder’s arrest in Aspen, early on the morning of December twenty-fifth, is the latest disaster in his series of unhappy Christmases. He’s dreaded the holiday since being subjected to endless church services as a child. Being kicked out on Christmas Day after he came out to his parents, followed by an improbable series of yearly yuletide trips to the emergency room, haven’t made his Christmases any merrier. But getting busted for prostitution is the worst catastrophe; it means Alec’s dream of a college degree is gone, replaced by the specter of jail time.

Just when Alec thinks things can’t get worse, Hayden Adler shows up to interrogate him. Hayden is a glamorous attorney who also happens to be Alec’s college roommate’s cousin. Alec’s had a crush on Hayden for years, but whatever miniscule chance Alec might’ve had is now history—just like the life he’s been trying to build for himself.

But things aren’t quite what they seem. In a long line of miserable Christmases, Alec will never forget this one, although not for the reasons he suspects.

Fantasy Living - 3.5 Hearts

This was a sweet little Christmas story. Alec is a rent boy who is nearing the end of his college degree and is considering how to get out of the escort business. When he is taken in by the Attorney General’s office and put in a padded room, he’s sure this is the end of everything he has been building. Until Hayden, his crush, steps through the doors, and his life takes an interesting turn.

I’d say this is a pretty simple story, centred around Christmas, but really doesn’t have much to do with it. Alec is pretty despondent toward Christmas, as it has never really been anything good for him. This Christmas isn’t shaping up much better for him either, but he isn’t surprised.

Told in the first person from Alec’s point of view, he is still naive about a lot of the law, so of course he’d freak out and spill his guts to the man he’s been pining for, even if he is a Prosecutor now and could do a lot of damage.

The writing was solid, and the plot was clear. This is short, so it’s hard to rate, but I did enjoy it. I thought Alec’s character was well fleshed out. Hayden’s character was more limited, due to it being about Alec (and short), but the image is there. If the story was longer, I would have needed more depth, and some areas explained in more detail.

I would have liked getting to know Hayden. While Alec has been crushing on him for a while, I can’t really tell why. Sure, he’s smart, and successful (and apparently very hot), but the connection isn’t explained, other than Hayden’s cousin, Landon, really wanting it for his college roommate, Alec.

I felt a bit too much focus was put on how hot Hayden thought Alec was, which was off-putting. Yeah, it’s great to hear, but shallow. Given Alec’s past and current profession, that’s not really endearing. I’m not talking about the ‘personality’ but they don’t seem to know very much about each other. I would have enjoyed more ‘getting to know him’ time.

I’d recommend this for a Christmas themed story that’s a little different to all the sparkly, miracle induced stories out there. It is not based around faith, and there is very little in terms of gushy family celebration, or outrageous decorations.

Chelsea - 2.5 Hearts

This was kind of an average story for me, there were parts I enjoyed but the way this was written frustrated me.

So we start off on Christmas morning and Alec is getting arrested in the hotel lobby after finishing up with a client. He’s taken to a nondescript building and an empty room by a bunch of guys in black suits. It was completely stupid how he was thinking, ‘this isn’t what the police normally do’ for so long, I couldn't help being concerned for his mental well-being. Anyway, while he’s being held he thinks back on his life and what got him to this point and that includes a harbouring crush he’s had on his best friends cousin, Hayden. I really don’t enjoy it when we hear about the main characters growing love in the past tense, retrospective type of way. I find I lose some of the connection to the relationship. Also another massive flaw is a glossed over first time *insert angry face*.

So the best aspect was the rent boy theme. I love rent boys and this story is essentially all about being a rent boy. Everything is told in past tense but we hear about some sordid rent boy shenanigans which is fun! Although... he does describe some incidents that are pretty horrific which haven't seemed to have an affect on him at all. He doesn’t seem to have any feelings, positive or negative about being a rentboy which I found odd. The story did kept my interest enough to read it in one sitting though, so that has to get some points.

There’s not a lot of Christmas stuff and not much build up to Hayden and Alec’s relationship, but the story as a whole was enjoyable enough to keep my interested.

Sara - 3 Hearts

Alec’s had a string of terrible Christmases. From being kicked out by his uber religious family when he came out to them Christmas morning, to spending the next few Christmases in the hospital after being jumped and in a car accident to now, being arrested as a “person of interest “on the night he is considering ending his rent boy career. Christmas is not all holly and laughter for Alec.

But getting arrested and being a rent boy has its advantages when you can help the AG and FBI with a case and well, getting interrogated by your BFF’s hot older cousin you’ve been crushing on forever doesn’t hurt either.

The story was sad to begin with, Alec’s life has not been easy but when Hayden enters the picture you get a man who is open and honest and crushing on Alec just as hard. It took a bit to settle into but this was a different sort of tale but ending with all the happy the holiday is supposed to bring

SheReadsALot - 2.5 Hearts (barely)

Whelp, they all can't be winners.

Alec is a college attending rent boy. He's had a rough childhood and when he came out on Christmas, his life got rougher. He was homeless. Hooking provided a means to an end, where he can provide for himself and pay his way through college. I can't knock the hustle. Where the story goes off the Christmas track, is maybe around the point where a rent boy who can't read obvious signals from his crush. His older lawyer works for the Colorado Attorney General crush and cousin of Alec's best friend and dorm mate, Hayden.

The story is hella shallow, the plot is just as deep. A plus in this story's side is that the Christmas jizz is not heavy. But I can't keep stretching reality to make peace with this story. There's a big time investigation...for why? And the entire stripping thing...not needed. Or the info dumps on top of over-explanations. (ex. Why would a Colorado resident need to explain to another Colorado resident--pot is free? We won't even get into it being an older law enforcement type explaining to a college student) Hayden was cool with Alec's profession. I think that's awesome...however the reason why he likes him is because of his hotness?

(Refer to the gif above)

There wasn't any on page sex, so no worries for shallow bedroom escapades. I kinda wished the story kept to the promising crush, left the international case and just focus on the guy's obvious feelings without making the rentboy angle be this big thing that it turned out not to be.

The story telling skills were not for me. And it had nothing to do with the Santa Jizz. It was just quality.

Had promise...got lost in the vast info dumps.

Find out more about All I Want for Christmas... Is No Christmas on Goodreads & Dreamspinner Press

Retail workers and evil never get a day off, and traveling printer salesman Kale Green is no exception. He might look like a Jolly Green Giant, but he can be a real Grinch. Working on the holidays can dampen anyone’s spirits, and on top of that, a sleepy Georgia town has it out for Kale and his car. From fender-benders to flat tires, Kale and his trusty company car Bessie suffer through it all.

While everyone else enjoys holiday parties, Kale drives down south to demo printers. Business is good, but on Christmas Eve, the weather turns bad. A few patches of ice put an end to Kale’s Christmas plans—a night alone with his video games. While Kale waits for the police, his only consolation is the company of fellow driver Wes Armstrong. As festive as a Christmas tree and as jolly as Kris Kringle, Wes proves unexpectedly charming. Kale never thought he’d crash right into a crush.


Sara - 3.5 Hearts

A light hearted story with a trip down memory road with Kale Green as he drives home to celebrate Christmas Eve with his boyfriend Wes. It was cute to see how Kale views the holiday and how the spirit crashed into him the year before to change it all. Yup, crashed as in Wes, the handsome ginger of the lumber sexual but mechanic profession persuasion, crashed into Kale one dark and icy night which lead to them sharing space, heat, food and conversation until the police arrived.

Besides, a boyfriend wasn’t like a college couch—you couldn’t pick one up off the side of the road.

We get the meet cute and then we get the next time Kale comes into town, this time with a flat and how he tries to flirt with Wes only to have it end with them only exchanging business cards. Three is always a lucky number and they men finally connect and we get the rest of the story with them a year later.

Ann - 3.5 Hearts

First of all, I have to say, the author’s name makes me want holiday comfort snacks. The story hit me the same. It’s a sweet read that gave me a ‘regular guy’ MC and those are the ones I always root for their HEA the hardest. Kale is a printer salesman (super, duper regular guy right there) and he’s stuck on the road during the holidays. What seems to be unlucky car luck turns out to be the best thing that ever happened to him when he meets Wes, the local ginger lumbersexual mechanic. It’s basically the definition of a meet-cute and I loved reading Kale’s perspective, it read “real” and I appreciated how the author kept him true to his character even when he got hit with he feels. I would have loved a little more Wes, the story is pretty much all from Kale’s perspective, but it still left me in a happy place.

Cupcake - 3.5 Hearts

Kale Green: Not jolly or green!

Kale’s supposedly a Grinch but car trouble on Christmas Eve will make anyone fussy, ammiright? And his company car, Bessie, is either in on fixing Kale up with a AAA wizard or just plain ole unreliable. I'm not sure which but I'd be looking to trade Bessie in. Wes Armstrong is described as a lumberjack type but I didn’t read anything about facial hair so I’m guessing he’s a big un in flannel. I’m fine with either and Wes reads like good people and a ginger so...

This story wasn’t over the top with the Santa Jizz but there is a dash of sentimentality. I also liked the flashback angle of how they met and how their relationship has progressed up to the current Christmas Eve. Just the right amount of seasonal charm and a feel good holiday treat from Ginger Streusel. Seriously, how can you not be warmed by that name alone?

Lorix - 3.5 Hearts

Awwwwwww. This was a cutie patootie story. A case of right place, right time and bingo, a little Christmas romance starts to spark. Told in the present day, with flashbacks to how they met, Kale and Wes's romance warmed the cockles of my heart. It was sweet rather than raunchy and that was just what the Christmas doctor ordered for this gal. An enjoyable addition to the Bah! Humbug calendar.

Find out more about Crashing the Party on Goodreads & Dreamspinner Press.

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

For all the Grinches out there just hold out one more week without rushing a caroler. 

Or not.