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Special Delivery #2.5
The Twelve Days of Randy
Sometimes the grandest stunt is the simplest one.
Randy and Ethan are ready to enjoy their first Christmas at home together, but of course, Crabtree can't resist the chance to cause trouble. When the gangster ropes Randy into wily holiday antics, Ethan feels left out in the cold. But when Herod’s new owner discovers his husband only plays at being an imp to hide a Christmas spirit bigger and tackier than Las Vegas, Ethan vows to find a way to have his cake and eat it too. Especially if Randy’s the one jumping out of the middle.
Warning: This short contains naughty elf costumes, chronic one-upmanship, and surprise guests.
Randy and Ethan are ready to enjoy their first Christmas at home together, but of course, Crabtree can't resist the chance to cause trouble. When the gangster ropes Randy into wily holiday antics, Ethan feels left out in the cold. But when Herod’s new owner discovers his husband only plays at being an imp to hide a Christmas spirit bigger and tackier than Las Vegas, Ethan vows to find a way to have his cake and eat it too. Especially if Randy’s the one jumping out of the middle.
Warning: This short contains naughty elf costumes, chronic one-upmanship, and surprise guests.
46 pages, ebook
Published January 1, 2010
35 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Cullinan
51 books2,866 followersAuthor of over thirty novels, Midwest-native Heidi Cullinan writes positive-outcome romances for LGBT characters struggling against insurmountable odds because they believe there’s no such thing as too much happy ever after. Heidi’s books have been recommended by Library Journal, USA Today, RT Magazine, and Publishers Weekly. When Heidi isn’t writing, they enjoy gaming, reading manga, manhua, and danmei, playing with cats, and watching too much anime.
Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.
Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
December 31, 2017
3.5 Stars. Randy!!!! Damn, I love this guy! This was a kinda kinky Vegas Christmas short. You truly must read the pre ious book to truly appreciate Randy. This version had some edits from the previous edition.
I was hoping for more fun times, but we did get a nice foursome with Ethan, Randy, Sam, and Mitch. Also a threesome with Lance the bartender in Ethan’s office. Here’s where I had a problem...they took pictures and filmed some of it on Lance’s phone. Really??!!!! Not very smart there Ethan, casino boss man.
I enjoyed it, just not as much as I did the full length books in this series-which are kinky as all get up!!!!! This was a bit more fluffy, just like Christmas ;)
I was hoping for more fun times, but we did get a nice foursome with Ethan, Randy, Sam, and Mitch. Also a threesome with Lance the bartender in Ethan’s office. Here’s where I had a problem...they took pictures and filmed some of it on Lance’s phone. Really??!!!! Not very smart there Ethan, casino boss man.
I enjoyed it, just not as much as I did the full length books in this series-which are kinky as all get up!!!!! This was a bit more fluffy, just like Christmas ;)
July 5, 2016
I think I'll stop with this series!!! Craptree is getting on my nerves. Causing trouble all the time with Ethan and Randy. I don't like it. :(
I'll add a naughty elf picture instead. There's that...
December 15, 2017
This is a review for the 2nd edition of this shortish novella, which was expanded prior to re-release.
I read this for the first time quite a while back, shortly after reading Double Blind, because I simply had to know how Randy and Ethan would handle their first Christmas in Vegas together.
Ethan now owns and runs the Herod Casino, and Randy still works the floor, and bakes cookies. They both miss spending time with Mitch and Sam, and are preparing for the Christmas shenanigans at the casino.
In previous years, pre-Ethan, Randy used to be the life of the party, the highlight of the entertainment, which, if you've read Double Blind, you'll know, served basically to hide his longing for something permanent, someone that was his alone.
Ethan hasn't got that memo. He's still hung up on the fact that all the tales around the Christmas shenanigans of years prior kind of involved Crabtree a lot, and it doesn't help his jealousy that a) Crabtree still hangs around the casino all the time, and b) Crabtree and Randy did the dirty quite a few times before Ethan even came to Vegas. Of which Crabtree only happily reminds him every chance he gets.
So Ethan is struggling - on one hand he wants Randy to feel free to do as he pleases, and on the other hand, he doesn't want to let Crabtree fuck with his peace of mind.
The story is both kinky fun and emotionally tugging on your heart strings. You can't help but feel for Ethan's struggles, even though you know that his jealousy is unfounded. And Randy, heart of gold Randy, is unwilling to risk the amazing relationship he's built with Ethan and thus becomes almost a pawn in the power play between Ethan and Crabtree.
You can feel the wave building and you know it'll crash and drown them both, but then... well, you read this for yourself.
There's a scene toward the very end - gah. I had tears in my eyes, even the second time around, even when I knew what was coming, because, damn, this author just delivers the goods in such a beautiful way.
I have a real soft spot for Randy. While he and Ethan aren't my favorite couple from this series (that honor goes to Mitch and Sam), Randy is my favorite character. There are layers upon layers to him, and only a very select few ever get to see the real him, the boy who was kicked out at home for being gay, who climbed his way out of the gutter by the skin of his teeth, who learned to hide his pain behind an easy smile and a lot of snark - that boy just wants to be loved and wanted and belong to Ethan.
Anyway, before I turn you off with my gushing about Randy - read this book. It fits neatly between book 2 and 3, as intended, and gives us a good look at their happy ever after.
** I received a free copy of this book from its author upon re-release in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. **
I read this for the first time quite a while back, shortly after reading Double Blind, because I simply had to know how Randy and Ethan would handle their first Christmas in Vegas together.
Ethan now owns and runs the Herod Casino, and Randy still works the floor, and bakes cookies. They both miss spending time with Mitch and Sam, and are preparing for the Christmas shenanigans at the casino.
In previous years, pre-Ethan, Randy used to be the life of the party, the highlight of the entertainment, which, if you've read Double Blind, you'll know, served basically to hide his longing for something permanent, someone that was his alone.
Ethan hasn't got that memo. He's still hung up on the fact that all the tales around the Christmas shenanigans of years prior kind of involved Crabtree a lot, and it doesn't help his jealousy that a) Crabtree still hangs around the casino all the time, and b) Crabtree and Randy did the dirty quite a few times before Ethan even came to Vegas. Of which Crabtree only happily reminds him every chance he gets.
So Ethan is struggling - on one hand he wants Randy to feel free to do as he pleases, and on the other hand, he doesn't want to let Crabtree fuck with his peace of mind.
The story is both kinky fun and emotionally tugging on your heart strings. You can't help but feel for Ethan's struggles, even though you know that his jealousy is unfounded. And Randy, heart of gold Randy, is unwilling to risk the amazing relationship he's built with Ethan and thus becomes almost a pawn in the power play between Ethan and Crabtree.
You can feel the wave building and you know it'll crash and drown them both, but then... well, you read this for yourself.
There's a scene toward the very end - gah. I had tears in my eyes, even the second time around, even when I knew what was coming, because, damn, this author just delivers the goods in such a beautiful way.
I have a real soft spot for Randy. While he and Ethan aren't my favorite couple from this series (that honor goes to Mitch and Sam), Randy is my favorite character. There are layers upon layers to him, and only a very select few ever get to see the real him, the boy who was kicked out at home for being gay, who climbed his way out of the gutter by the skin of his teeth, who learned to hide his pain behind an easy smile and a lot of snark - that boy just wants to be loved and wanted and belong to Ethan.
Anyway, before I turn you off with my gushing about Randy - read this book. It fits neatly between book 2 and 3, as intended, and gives us a good look at their happy ever after.
** I received a free copy of this book from its author upon re-release in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. **
December 15, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
So Heidi Cullinan’s story Special Delivery is one of my all time favorite books and I have read it a million times. I am also a huge fan of the series as a whole, so I was thrilled to learn Cullinan has taken two of her formerly free, super short stories set in this world and turned them into longer novellas. Cullinan has also re-released all three of the main series novels, so now these former shorts have a more solid place within the series. In the case of Twelve Days of Randy, the story fits after Double Blind and takes place about a year later. I read the story when it was a short freebie, and I think Cullinan does a great job of expanding the story here.
This story has the guys clearly happily in love. I really love the tenderness that Ethan brings out in Randy. Or perhaps more accurately, the way that Randy feels comfortable showing that tenderness and vulnerability with Ethan because he feels so much love and trust. The only hitch is that Crabtree is stirring things up, provoking Ethan by constantly reminding him about his past with Randy. The reality is that it isn’t really about Randy. Randy and Ethan have a fairly open relationship, they hook up with other people, and Ethan isn’t jealous of any of Randy’s other sexual adventures. But something about Crabtree just makes Ethan nuts and the two get into a power play that is making Ethan miserable. For his part, Randy is caught not knowing quite how to help or whether he should stay out of it.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
So Heidi Cullinan’s story Special Delivery is one of my all time favorite books and I have read it a million times. I am also a huge fan of the series as a whole, so I was thrilled to learn Cullinan has taken two of her formerly free, super short stories set in this world and turned them into longer novellas. Cullinan has also re-released all three of the main series novels, so now these former shorts have a more solid place within the series. In the case of Twelve Days of Randy, the story fits after Double Blind and takes place about a year later. I read the story when it was a short freebie, and I think Cullinan does a great job of expanding the story here.
This story has the guys clearly happily in love. I really love the tenderness that Ethan brings out in Randy. Or perhaps more accurately, the way that Randy feels comfortable showing that tenderness and vulnerability with Ethan because he feels so much love and trust. The only hitch is that Crabtree is stirring things up, provoking Ethan by constantly reminding him about his past with Randy. The reality is that it isn’t really about Randy. Randy and Ethan have a fairly open relationship, they hook up with other people, and Ethan isn’t jealous of any of Randy’s other sexual adventures. But something about Crabtree just makes Ethan nuts and the two get into a power play that is making Ethan miserable. For his part, Randy is caught not knowing quite how to help or whether he should stay out of it.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
March 5, 2014
This was so much fun. How could it not be with this bunch of boys? I loved seeing Randy and Ethan so settled in their lives but there always has to be that one to make the boys...crabby. Yeah, I am talking about you Crabtree! I kinda like you but enough already.
Randy and Ethan were perfect. They were so sweet and sexy just how I like them. Ethan's present was TO DIE FOR and he knows his man oh so well. That end? *swoon* Gah. Loved it.
Great follow up to Double Blind and a great way to catch up with the boys.
Randy and Ethan were perfect. They were so sweet and sexy just how I like them. Ethan's present was TO DIE FOR and he knows his man oh so well. That end? *swoon* Gah. Loved it.
Great follow up to Double Blind and a great way to catch up with the boys.
November 7, 2024
HOT HOT HAWWWT!
A Randy and Ethan short story. It was cute and it gave a great ending to Double Blind.
Ethan the high roller *sighs happily*
Randy covered in cake *hyperventilating*
Wish we could get more of these two.
A Randy and Ethan short story. It was cute and it gave a great ending to Double Blind.
Ethan the high roller *sighs happily*
Randy covered in cake *hyperventilating*
Wish we could get more of these two.
March 11, 2014
3.5 rounded up because it's Randy and Ethan!
I love these guys, and Sam and Mitch. I wasn't so happy about the off page sex, though...
I love these guys, and Sam and Mitch. I wasn't so happy about the off page sex, though...
September 12, 2014
WELL...
You guys know I love Randy. So... There!
You guys know I love Randy. So... There!
April 28, 2015
Cute little story. I always like glimpses of the Special Delivery guys.
December 10, 2017
It’s been many years since I read the original, free short edition of this story on the author’s website. I loved it then so when the opportunity came to explore an expanded version, I was all but jumping for joy. I’ve never made a secret of the fact that Randy is my favorite character of the series and probably is in my top twenty most favorite characters of all time. There’s something so delicious about the way he plays with people’s minds and how every once in a while he lets his guard down, and something vulnerable and sweet shines through. I knew after reading the description that this story was going to be intense - mainly because all the ones that involve Randy are - but also because the holidays can bring on a lot of stress, and Ethan and Randy have never had an easy relationship. Factor in Randy’s history of Christmas parties at the casino AND Crabtree, and well… it could be a recipe for disaster.
“Why didn’t you just tell me you want to have Christmas together too? Why did you look all strange when I brought it up? Or is it that you don’t want to with me?” Ethan frowned, shook his head, and plowed ahead before Randy could answer. “No. You do want to have a big, sappy Christmas with me. So why aren’t you asking for it? Why, when I suggested it, did you pinch me and get all weird?”
Randy tipped his head at Ethan and smiled sheepishly. “Because I’m an idiot?”
Every time Ethan thinks he’s got a handle on his husband, something happens to show him a new facet of Randy. You know the saying, “he’s like an onion...”, well that definitely explains Randy to a T. I had almost as much fun watching them as Ethan and Randy did decorating their house for the holidays. They bought more decorations and since Ethan had never had a yard and always thought the yard decorations were the most fun… well, as Randy said, “They’ll peer through their curtains and say, ‘Look at that house, those queers with their yard full of shit. Will you just look at them?’” Randy laughed. “And all the kids will make their parents drive by over and over. God, I can’t wait.”
Oh boy. It didn’t take Crabtree long to get involved in everything and pissing Ethan off even more than usual. So after some serious thinking, and a little retrospection, Ethan comes up with the twelve days of Randy, as promotion for the casino and as a way to get involved in the fun he missed all the years before he met his husband. Of course, it’s not until Ethan brings Sam and Mitch for the holidays, and spends some time reflecting on why Crabtree bothers him so much, that Ethan is able to truly see that the man Randy is with him, is only for Ethan. Period. Nobody else has ever seen that Randy and Ethan realizes the easiest way to one-up Crabtree at his own game.
As much as I loved the first edition, this expanded edition is so much better! There’s depth to the story along with even more of the debauchery these characters are known for. Thank you, Heidi, for revisiting this little gem.
“Why didn’t you just tell me you want to have Christmas together too? Why did you look all strange when I brought it up? Or is it that you don’t want to with me?” Ethan frowned, shook his head, and plowed ahead before Randy could answer. “No. You do want to have a big, sappy Christmas with me. So why aren’t you asking for it? Why, when I suggested it, did you pinch me and get all weird?”
Randy tipped his head at Ethan and smiled sheepishly. “Because I’m an idiot?”
Every time Ethan thinks he’s got a handle on his husband, something happens to show him a new facet of Randy. You know the saying, “he’s like an onion...”, well that definitely explains Randy to a T. I had almost as much fun watching them as Ethan and Randy did decorating their house for the holidays. They bought more decorations and since Ethan had never had a yard and always thought the yard decorations were the most fun… well, as Randy said, “They’ll peer through their curtains and say, ‘Look at that house, those queers with their yard full of shit. Will you just look at them?’” Randy laughed. “And all the kids will make their parents drive by over and over. God, I can’t wait.”
Oh boy. It didn’t take Crabtree long to get involved in everything and pissing Ethan off even more than usual. So after some serious thinking, and a little retrospection, Ethan comes up with the twelve days of Randy, as promotion for the casino and as a way to get involved in the fun he missed all the years before he met his husband. Of course, it’s not until Ethan brings Sam and Mitch for the holidays, and spends some time reflecting on why Crabtree bothers him so much, that Ethan is able to truly see that the man Randy is with him, is only for Ethan. Period. Nobody else has ever seen that Randy and Ethan realizes the easiest way to one-up Crabtree at his own game.
As much as I loved the first edition, this expanded edition is so much better! There’s depth to the story along with even more of the debauchery these characters are known for. Thank you, Heidi, for revisiting this little gem.
December 5, 2012
4 stars (re-rated upon second reading)
I loved Special Delivery and Double Blind so am happy to re-visit this short about Randy and Ethan. Ethan is still running the casino with supervision by Crabtree, Randy’s ex lover. Ethan and Randy have been married for a year and it’s their first Xmas together in Vegas and they want to do it up right. And so what if Crabtree still tries to find ways to come between them?
Randy’s ‘twelve days’ are a tradition of raunchy stunts that he puts on at the casino on each day before Christmas. And Crabtree loves them -- it’s lewd and fun debauchery and hugely popular with the staff and guests. This year though, Randy is not so keen as the stunts make Ethan feel uncomfortable and exacerbate his jealousy over Randy’s past with Crabtree. Crabtree, of course, still likes to wreak havoc -- he’s insisting on continuing Randy’s 12-day tradition which will culminate with a test at the Christmas party. Randy loves Ethan and in the end they manage to make everyone happy AND turn the tables on Crabtree. For a short read we get a lot of story about Ethan and Randy’s life together and how they work things out. You’ll have to read the first two books to get this one but they’re all highly recommended.
I loved Special Delivery and Double Blind so am happy to re-visit this short about Randy and Ethan. Ethan is still running the casino with supervision by Crabtree, Randy’s ex lover. Ethan and Randy have been married for a year and it’s their first Xmas together in Vegas and they want to do it up right. And so what if Crabtree still tries to find ways to come between them?
Randy’s ‘twelve days’ are a tradition of raunchy stunts that he puts on at the casino on each day before Christmas. And Crabtree loves them -- it’s lewd and fun debauchery and hugely popular with the staff and guests. This year though, Randy is not so keen as the stunts make Ethan feel uncomfortable and exacerbate his jealousy over Randy’s past with Crabtree. Crabtree, of course, still likes to wreak havoc -- he’s insisting on continuing Randy’s 12-day tradition which will culminate with a test at the Christmas party. Randy loves Ethan and in the end they manage to make everyone happy AND turn the tables on Crabtree. For a short read we get a lot of story about Ethan and Randy’s life together and how they work things out. You’ll have to read the first two books to get this one but they’re all highly recommended.
February 8, 2012
Aww...what a great short story about Randy and Ethan spending their first Christmas together in Vegas. Crabtree instigates trouble and instantly adds stress to their lives and feeds Ethan's insecurities, which really are not many, except for where Crabtree is concerned.
Of course, all ends well with Randy and Ethan, and it is great to catch another glimpse of them. Sam and Mitch show up as well, and I really just love the four of these guys together. It's completely unconventional, but for them, it works. Adding an "aawwww" factor to the story is the glimpse we get of Randy and Ethan decorating the house and their yard for Christmas. I was grinning throughout that whole part...it was just too sweet.
A short but sweet feel good story. I hope we get more of these fellas in the future!
Of course, all ends well with Randy and Ethan, and it is great to catch another glimpse of them. Sam and Mitch show up as well, and I really just love the four of these guys together. It's completely unconventional, but for them, it works. Adding an "aawwww" factor to the story is the glimpse we get of Randy and Ethan decorating the house and their yard for Christmas. I was grinning throughout that whole part...it was just too sweet.
A short but sweet feel good story. I hope we get more of these fellas in the future!
October 24, 2014
3.5 Stars
Christmas has never been my favorite holiday. In fact, my feelings about it kind of mirror Randy's at about day 6 of his shenanigans. None the less, this was a short and highly entertaining read.
Crabtree just can't help himself when it comes to needling Ethan in regard to Randy. Crabtree is the only person that Randy has slept with in the past that Ethan feels any jealousy toward and Crabtree loves to poke at him about it. And, not really helping, is that in years past, Randy was pretty much the entertainment at the company Christmas party, so there are expectations there.
Oh, some of the antics in this story just made me laugh. And sometimes cringe. Oh, Randy.
Definitely enjoyable and recommended for fans of this series.
Christmas has never been my favorite holiday. In fact, my feelings about it kind of mirror Randy's at about day 6 of his shenanigans. None the less, this was a short and highly entertaining read.
Crabtree just can't help himself when it comes to needling Ethan in regard to Randy. Crabtree is the only person that Randy has slept with in the past that Ethan feels any jealousy toward and Crabtree loves to poke at him about it. And, not really helping, is that in years past, Randy was pretty much the entertainment at the company Christmas party, so there are expectations there.
Oh, some of the antics in this story just made me laugh. And sometimes cringe. Oh, Randy.
Definitely enjoyable and recommended for fans of this series.
September 2, 2017
This was a cure follow up to Double Blind, Book 2 of the Special Delivery series.
While I always liked Ethan, Randy was a tough sell for me, especially in book 1. He's needy, obnoxious and self-indulgent. However, my resistance began to break down when I saw that he was also insecure, sensitive and loving. In this enjoyable short, we get a peek into Ethan and Randy's life around the holidays, with the story picking up about a year after book 2 ended. As always, it's fun to catch up with MCs that we became intimately acquainted with in their full length novels.
This MUST be read after books 1 & 2 in the Special Delivery series. If you haven't read book 1, you should get right on that. As much as I enjoy Ethan and Randy, Mitch and Sam will always have my heart.
While I always liked Ethan, Randy was a tough sell for me, especially in book 1. He's needy, obnoxious and self-indulgent. However, my resistance began to break down when I saw that he was also insecure, sensitive and loving. In this enjoyable short, we get a peek into Ethan and Randy's life around the holidays, with the story picking up about a year after book 2 ended. As always, it's fun to catch up with MCs that we became intimately acquainted with in their full length novels.
This MUST be read after books 1 & 2 in the Special Delivery series. If you haven't read book 1, you should get right on that. As much as I enjoy Ethan and Randy, Mitch and Sam will always have my heart.
December 5, 2012
I probably need the context from Book #2 to understand all the nuances here, but this was good, very good.
Nice tug o' war with Randy in the middle, or is it? I don't envy Ethan's position here, and as much as we might hate it jealousy isn't something we can control--in fact, it's the exact opposite and why it's such a pisser. Crabtree has smacked down a challenge that Ethan can't ignore and Randy is the tasty bone they're fighting over. Trouble is everyone knows the outcome before it starts even if they can't acknowledge it.
Interesting perspective on Christmas especially in one of the least traditional places in existence--Las Vegas.
Nice tug o' war with Randy in the middle, or is it? I don't envy Ethan's position here, and as much as we might hate it jealousy isn't something we can control--in fact, it's the exact opposite and why it's such a pisser. Crabtree has smacked down a challenge that Ethan can't ignore and Randy is the tasty bone they're fighting over. Trouble is everyone knows the outcome before it starts even if they can't acknowledge it.
Interesting perspective on Christmas especially in one of the least traditional places in existence--Las Vegas.
December 14, 2014
3.5 stars
Short, sweet, and little bit raunchy follow-up to Randy/Ethan's story that takes place approximately a year after the end of book 2. Randy's used to public displays of Christmas smexy; Ethan is still jealous over Randy's past relationship with Crabtree. The kissing scene at the end was awesome. And it's free! Thanks, Heidi.
Short, sweet, and little bit raunchy follow-up to Randy/Ethan's story that takes place approximately a year after the end of book 2. Randy's used to public displays of Christmas smexy; Ethan is still jealous over Randy's past relationship with Crabtree. The kissing scene at the end was awesome. And it's free! Thanks, Heidi.
July 2, 2011
Never will I tire of reading about Randy/Ethan and Mitch/Sam...love them, and love this story. I wish Heidi would write a follow-up story/novella about the further adventures of this gang...
Miss all four of these boys and really miss Randy's POV.
good cause, too :)
Miss all four of these boys and really miss Randy's POV.
good cause, too :)
Read
March 2, 2018I think I really needed to read book 2 to fully understand some things in this story but I was able to muddle along and figure most things out fairly well. It was a cute short read with a bit of personal angst with 1 MC.
January 16, 2011
Very good holiday m/m romance about Ethan and Randy trying to get the Christmas celebration they want.
March 9, 2014
Review to come
March 5, 2014
seriously. I. LOVE. Randy & Ethan. that is all.
March 6, 2014
I can't get enough of Randy and Ethan together. <3
December 21, 2014
Anything that gives us extra insight into Randy is a good thing imo. Wish we'd 'seen' the cake part from Randy's pov though...
September 5, 2016
Cute little short. :)
December 4, 2016
3.5 stars
May 30, 2018
Rounded up from 1 ½ stars because it’s only fair and I don’t know what I was thinking.
Actually, I know exactly what I was thinking. I was thinking that the Special Delivery series is far from my favorite, but Double Blind was pretty good and I do like Ethan and Randy. I thought it would be nice to spend a nice to spend a cozy, schmaltzy holiday with the boys – just the 3 of us – since the last time we were together there wasn’t enough actual Ethan/Randy time since those other 2 kept getting under foot.
Things start off OK – Ethan and Randy are preparing to celebrate their first Christmas together in Vegas, because last year at this time they were on their honeymoon on a private island in the Caribbean (their wedding present from Crabtree – That Jerk!!! – sarcasm intended). Unfortunately, instead of enjoying his time with Randy, Ethan decides to engage in some Parable of the Cards bullshit with Crabtree because…. he just can’t help himself. So again, instead of enjoying the season like Randy and I wanted – going to the big casinos, looking at the lights, going to the fountains – having a lovely, Christmas-y, romantic, private time (just the 3 of us!) – we have to get caught up in some crazy power struggle between Ethan and Crabtree over Randy that somehow involves forcing Randy into 12 days of “bawdy stunts” at Herods because…..because I’m not sure why. Because Randy “used to” do this before he met Ethan and Ethan wasn’t involved but Crabtree was? Because Ethan has to make Crabtree see that Randy is choosing him (even though to be honest Crabtree basically handpicked Ethan for Randy and then threw him at him). Because Ethan is playing against himself and Crabtree (that benevolent, crazy-like-a-fox, Santa gangster – that I don’t ever again want to picture Randy getting kinky with) gave Ethan a final gift in forcing him to face his fears and in doing so get over his own inadequacy so he and Randy can move forward with their lives.
And as if that wasn't enough convoluted bullshit to muck up our quiet holiday – in his infinite wisdom, Ethan gets the grand idea that things will be even better if he invites the Tedsoe-Kellers!!!! I hate those people! Okay, hate is a strong word – I seriously dislike those party crashers – they always show up where they're least wanted (at least by me – I didn’t even want them in their own book); Randy and Ethan are gracious and pretend to be happy to see them – although Ethan invited them – so I don’t know about him.
One more book in the Special Delivery series – me and OCD will complete the set. I just know those Tedsoe-Kellers are going to muck that one up too. Seriously, those people do not have lives of their own!
Actually, I know exactly what I was thinking. I was thinking that the Special Delivery series is far from my favorite, but Double Blind was pretty good and I do like Ethan and Randy. I thought it would be nice to spend a nice to spend a cozy, schmaltzy holiday with the boys – just the 3 of us – since the last time we were together there wasn’t enough actual Ethan/Randy time since those other 2 kept getting under foot.
Things start off OK – Ethan and Randy are preparing to celebrate their first Christmas together in Vegas, because last year at this time they were on their honeymoon on a private island in the Caribbean (their wedding present from Crabtree – That Jerk!!! – sarcasm intended). Unfortunately, instead of enjoying his time with Randy, Ethan decides to engage in some Parable of the Cards bullshit with Crabtree because…. he just can’t help himself. So again, instead of enjoying the season like Randy and I wanted – going to the big casinos, looking at the lights, going to the fountains – having a lovely, Christmas-y, romantic, private time (just the 3 of us!) – we have to get caught up in some crazy power struggle between Ethan and Crabtree over Randy that somehow involves forcing Randy into 12 days of “bawdy stunts” at Herods because…..because I’m not sure why. Because Randy “used to” do this before he met Ethan and Ethan wasn’t involved but Crabtree was? Because Ethan has to make Crabtree see that Randy is choosing him (even though to be honest Crabtree basically handpicked Ethan for Randy and then threw him at him). Because Ethan is playing against himself and Crabtree (that benevolent, crazy-like-a-fox, Santa gangster – that I don’t ever again want to picture Randy getting kinky with) gave Ethan a final gift in forcing him to face his fears and in doing so get over his own inadequacy so he and Randy can move forward with their lives.
And as if that wasn't enough convoluted bullshit to muck up our quiet holiday – in his infinite wisdom, Ethan gets the grand idea that things will be even better if he invites the Tedsoe-Kellers!!!! I hate those people! Okay, hate is a strong word – I seriously dislike those party crashers – they always show up where they're least wanted (at least by me – I didn’t even want them in their own book); Randy and Ethan are gracious and pretend to be happy to see them – although Ethan invited them – so I don’t know about him.
One more book in the Special Delivery series – me and OCD will complete the set. I just know those Tedsoe-Kellers are going to muck that one up too. Seriously, those people do not have lives of their own!
March 6, 2016
3.6 Stars
Seemed superfluous - not like PWP (cause there WAS NO real sexytime scenes), but fun and flirty I guess. Definitely cemented the relationship between Ethan and Randy; I never felt like Slick needed to compete with Crabtree for the love of Ace, but I guess he did. I liked that it kinda put some governors on the amount of extraneous sex Randy would be getting, if nothing else.
Which is the one real criticism I have. Not so much the kinky extra partner fun...but just one particular partner mentioned: The "new bartender." No name. No problem. Except. Well, Randy brought the guy back to Ethan's office where I'm sure they had a great time with Ethan watching and loving every minute. Only, no. That's not cool. Because Ethan is THE BOSS. The minute I saw the part about the slightly less than innocent back rub getting frisky, it just screamed "SEXUAL HARASSMENT LAWSUIT WAITING TO HAPPEN." Plus, I don't know. Not even giving him a name was just - ugh. Didn't sit right and I know it's my wide interpretation of "consent" making me uncomfortable. Impersonal, no detail (legitimate complaint for this), no dialogue...if I didn't think better of Randy (and Ethan) it would be relatively easy to read that and not be sure he wasn't sort of pressured into it. Whatever. It's hard to put into words, but sex with the boss, or the boss's husband, should just never be a throw-away escapade. I need to know it was 100% consensual.
God, I hope that guy was a good bartender 'cause they sure can't fire him now.
Anyway, I didn't get my wish (Sam fisting Mitch) but there is still one more book. Maybe this go round? I did peek and there's some serious warnings in that summary so, who knows? (Also, "warnings" like those are really just great big flashing neon arrows saying to me "kinky shit like this is what you know you want to read." I can't be the only one that thinks that...)
Seemed superfluous - not like PWP (cause there WAS NO real sexytime scenes), but fun and flirty I guess. Definitely cemented the relationship between Ethan and Randy; I never felt like Slick needed to compete with Crabtree for the love of Ace, but I guess he did. I liked that it kinda put some governors on the amount of extraneous sex Randy would be getting, if nothing else.
Which is the one real criticism I have. Not so much the kinky extra partner fun...but just one particular partner mentioned: The "new bartender." No name. No problem. Except. Well, Randy brought the guy back to Ethan's office where I'm sure they had a great time with Ethan watching and loving every minute. Only, no. That's not cool. Because Ethan is THE BOSS. The minute I saw the part about the slightly less than innocent back rub getting frisky, it just screamed "SEXUAL HARASSMENT LAWSUIT WAITING TO HAPPEN." Plus, I don't know. Not even giving him a name was just - ugh. Didn't sit right and I know it's my wide interpretation of "consent" making me uncomfortable. Impersonal, no detail (legitimate complaint for this), no dialogue...if I didn't think better of Randy (and Ethan) it would be relatively easy to read that and not be sure he wasn't sort of pressured into it. Whatever. It's hard to put into words, but sex with the boss, or the boss's husband, should just never be a throw-away escapade. I need to know it was 100% consensual.
God, I hope that guy was a good bartender 'cause they sure can't fire him now.
Anyway, I didn't get my wish (Sam fisting Mitch) but there is still one more book. Maybe this go round? I did peek and there's some serious warnings in that summary so, who knows? (Also, "warnings" like those are really just great big flashing neon arrows saying to me "kinky shit like this is what you know you want to read." I can't be the only one that thinks that...)
December 3, 2014
I liked it. It's wasn't great like the rest of the series, mainly because I couldn't figure out Crabtree's angle when it came to Randy when he insisted that Ethan not allow Randy to back out of The 12 Days of Randy. In the past, there was only one day during the Christmas Party where Randy was the center of attention, playing the perverted Santa Claus, if you will, that ended in sex (more often than not) between Randy & Crabtree, and sometimes other employees. So I was perplexed. Did he do it to push Ethan & Randy closer, to show Randy that he didn't need to do that role anymore? Or did he insist because he wanted to have a legit reason to put his hands on Randy again, like in the past. Whatever the reason, it turned into a pissing contest between Ethan & Crabtree, with Ethan winning in the end (which was a bit of a let down) and Crabtree walking away so it was never revealed who won and who lost. I'm just glad Randy realized he didn't like acting that way anymore and he much rather be at home celebrating a traditional Christmas with Ethan, Mitch & Sam, than reveling in *debauchery* at the Casino in front of everyone, like in the past.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2016
Ugh. I finally started liking Randy, and then this.
I'm not going to lie, I came here for the kink. I was hoping for some of the Randy/Ethan connection I missed in Double Blind with a little (or A LOT if I'm being honest) foursome action thrown in. There was plenty of hijinks but it was way, way OTT.
In what universe is it okay to fraternise with employees and in front of the clientele? This is a casino, not a brothel! Ethan and Randy treat the staff like a dating pool, and all I see are the potential lawsuits. That's a hard no from me.
Mitch and Sam make a welcome appearance but are ultimately wasted. Moreover, a plotline is introduced where they're experiencing financially troubles but it doesn't get resolved or even properly addressed. This is what happens when too much is crammed into a short story.
P.S. Too much fucking Crabtree!
I'm not going to lie, I came here for the kink. I was hoping for some of the Randy/Ethan connection I missed in Double Blind with a little (or A LOT if I'm being honest) foursome action thrown in. There was plenty of hijinks but it was way, way OTT.
In what universe is it okay to fraternise with employees and in front of the clientele? This is a casino, not a brothel! Ethan and Randy treat the staff like a dating pool, and all I see are the potential lawsuits. That's a hard no from me.
Mitch and Sam make a welcome appearance but are ultimately wasted. Moreover, a plotline is introduced where they're experiencing financially troubles but it doesn't get resolved or even properly addressed. This is what happens when too much is crammed into a short story.
P.S. Too much fucking Crabtree!
December 14, 2017
This one was a disappointment.
The writing is good. The characters were flat. The plot was ridiculous. Crabtree is ridiculous and the most useless cardboard character Heidi has ever written.
Randy was a disappointment. He is becoming more and more the character that the series needs here and there for the plot to flow the way the writer wants it to go than the character that he started out to be and that I loved.
Randy on the 1st book had potential, and on the 1.5 book he was perfect. On the second book he turned more meh but he had his happy ending. Here he was even more meh and completely random without reason.
Ethan was as bland as he could be. He just uses suits and gets spinned around by Crabtree and panics and that's it.
Sam is turning into an annoying teenager the more he appears on the series and I loved him on the first book.
Mitch is a rigid guy as big as a closet.
So... Yeah, disappointing book.
The writing is good. The characters were flat. The plot was ridiculous. Crabtree is ridiculous and the most useless cardboard character Heidi has ever written.
Randy was a disappointment. He is becoming more and more the character that the series needs here and there for the plot to flow the way the writer wants it to go than the character that he started out to be and that I loved.
Randy on the 1st book had potential, and on the 1.5 book he was perfect. On the second book he turned more meh but he had his happy ending. Here he was even more meh and completely random without reason.
Ethan was as bland as he could be. He just uses suits and gets spinned around by Crabtree and panics and that's it.
Sam is turning into an annoying teenager the more he appears on the series and I loved him on the first book.
Mitch is a rigid guy as big as a closet.
So... Yeah, disappointing book.
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