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So Over the Holidays #5
Spring Breakup
After a painful breakup, Tyler needs a vacation. He joins friends on their spring break getaway to Alaska, but the trip doesn’t go to plan. Snow, mud, and an avalanche conspire to trap him in a romantic cabin alone with Dean Humphries. Tyler needs time to lick his wounds, and Dean is nothing but an inconvenient temptation.
To protect his heart, Dean masks his feelings behind charm and indifference, but Tyler Vlachos easily sneaks past his defenses. It isn’t the avalanche that knocks Dean for a loop. It’s the brilliant and heartbroken Tyler.
Stranded together, undeniable chemistry thaws the ice between them. But Tyler, who has trust issues a mile wide, and Dean, who hates letting people in, must break down the barriers around their hearts or leave their love behind in Alaska.
Spring Breakup is a low-angst, steamy, male/male romance novella with plenty of Alaskan charm, a nerd/artist pairing, forced proximity, and naughty vacation shenanigans.
To protect his heart, Dean masks his feelings behind charm and indifference, but Tyler Vlachos easily sneaks past his defenses. It isn’t the avalanche that knocks Dean for a loop. It’s the brilliant and heartbroken Tyler.
Stranded together, undeniable chemistry thaws the ice between them. But Tyler, who has trust issues a mile wide, and Dean, who hates letting people in, must break down the barriers around their hearts or leave their love behind in Alaska.
Spring Breakup is a low-angst, steamy, male/male romance novella with plenty of Alaskan charm, a nerd/artist pairing, forced proximity, and naughty vacation shenanigans.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2023
7 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Erin McLellan
15 books207 followersErin McLellan writes contemporary romances that are sweet, super sexy, and emotional. She lives in Alaska with her family. She is a lover of chocolate, camping, hiking, antiquing, gardening, Dr Pepper, and reality TV.
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April 6, 2023DNF @ 59%
May 7, 2023
Erin McLellan's So Over the Holidays books are criminally underrated (and underserved by their covers, I think, though I know cover stuff is complicated). This entire series is made up of compulsively-readable, well-characterized shots of novella-length joy that are wonderfully kinky and queer, written across a variety of pairings.
What I love the most about these books is that there's no wasted space. There isn't a lot of time for plot, so the author doesn't shoehorn a lot of external events or complications. In the case of Spring Breakup, we have the story of two men who are invited by their mutual friends on an Alaskan vacation, end up snowed in alone together (or, technically, avalanched in together), make a no-feelings sex pact, and end up having feelings.
The internal conflicts are a pretty standard ones. Tyler and Dean are both just off breakups: Dean has long been afraid to really open up and show his emotions in a relationship; Tyler, on the other hand, is VERY open and emotional, to the point that he's worried about being too much. Both men use their recent breakups as a chance to "course correct" on what they think they've been doing wrong in relationships (who among us, etc etc). Tyler leans really hard into protecting himself and closing off, just as Dean starts to wonder what it would look like to finally just let himself be open and vulnerable with someone. I loved watching how both of them struggled not just against their surface incompatibility with each other, but also with the incompatibilites between how they see themselves and how they want to be seen.
Another thing McLellan always does super well is carry those internal emotional struggles into the writing of sex scenes. I loved how Tyler's fear of being "difficult" - and Dean's love of a "difficult" partner - translated so specifically into power dynamics they enjoyed in the bedroom, always with a lot of talk and consent. And these books are all unremittingly sex-positive in a way that just feels *joyful* to me. I was especially happy to see Rosie and Leo (from possibly my favorite McLellan book, Bottle Rocket) still happily together in their unconventional, long-distance, sexually open relationship.
Anyway, I could go on and on, but in the spirit of this book which is short and sweet and really doesn't try to say or do more than it needs to, I'm just going to say that if you're looking for a couple hours of rompy sex-positivity underpinned by actual feelings and character development, you could do a LOT worse than this little gem.
What I love the most about these books is that there's no wasted space. There isn't a lot of time for plot, so the author doesn't shoehorn a lot of external events or complications. In the case of Spring Breakup, we have the story of two men who are invited by their mutual friends on an Alaskan vacation, end up snowed in alone together (or, technically, avalanched in together), make a no-feelings sex pact, and end up having feelings.
The internal conflicts are a pretty standard ones. Tyler and Dean are both just off breakups: Dean has long been afraid to really open up and show his emotions in a relationship; Tyler, on the other hand, is VERY open and emotional, to the point that he's worried about being too much. Both men use their recent breakups as a chance to "course correct" on what they think they've been doing wrong in relationships (who among us, etc etc). Tyler leans really hard into protecting himself and closing off, just as Dean starts to wonder what it would look like to finally just let himself be open and vulnerable with someone. I loved watching how both of them struggled not just against their surface incompatibility with each other, but also with the incompatibilites between how they see themselves and how they want to be seen.
Another thing McLellan always does super well is carry those internal emotional struggles into the writing of sex scenes. I loved how Tyler's fear of being "difficult" - and Dean's love of a "difficult" partner - translated so specifically into power dynamics they enjoyed in the bedroom, always with a lot of talk and consent. And these books are all unremittingly sex-positive in a way that just feels *joyful* to me. I was especially happy to see Rosie and Leo (from possibly my favorite McLellan book, Bottle Rocket) still happily together in their unconventional, long-distance, sexually open relationship.
Anyway, I could go on and on, but in the spirit of this book which is short and sweet and really doesn't try to say or do more than it needs to, I'm just going to say that if you're looking for a couple hours of rompy sex-positivity underpinned by actual feelings and character development, you could do a LOT worse than this little gem.
April 8, 2023
I’m so happy Erin McLellan is back with another installment in this series! It is such a joy to be in this world again, especially since my faves Leo and Rosie play a big role. They invite Dean and Tyler, both fresh off of breakups, to go to Alaska over spring break. Dean has no interest in any matchmaking attempts with Tyler, especially not when he’d been planning on playing with Leo and Rosie like usual. (And they do. And it’s hot.) But when an avalanche strands Rosie and Leo in town and Tyler and Dean have the cabin all to themselves, what else are they going to do?
Dean might be more sexually experienced but he’s rather emotionally repressed and acts like he doesn’t have feelings. Tyler, however, overthinks everything and leads with his feelings. He needs Dean’s help to get out of his whirring brain and oh my did I enjoy watching Dean do that. Both men have felt shunted to the side by others, for extremely different reasons. I loved watching them fall for each other no matter how much they initially resisted it. Tyler and Dean have such a fun, bantery dynamic and great chemistry to boot. This was incredibly hot.
Was the ending rushed? Could there have been more character development? Yes and yes. But I did not care. This was a delicious swoony, horny treat of a novella. I also loved the bonus scene in the author’s newsletter. I will keep reading this series for as long as McLellan comes up with holidays.
Characters: Tyler is a 32 year old gay white teacher and Jeopardy champion. (I wondered if he might be coded as neurodiverse.) Dean is a 33 year old white art instructor. (I feel like I remember Dean identifying as pansexual previously in the series but he doesn’t use a label here.) This is set in Silverbrite Springs, AK.
Content notes: anxiety, avalanche (no injuries), ex-boyfriend stole money, on page sex, D/s, rough sex, MMM and MMF menages, breath play, orgasm control, bondage, voyeurism, edging, rimming, sex toys, masturbation, alcohol, ableist language
Dean might be more sexually experienced but he’s rather emotionally repressed and acts like he doesn’t have feelings. Tyler, however, overthinks everything and leads with his feelings. He needs Dean’s help to get out of his whirring brain and oh my did I enjoy watching Dean do that. Both men have felt shunted to the side by others, for extremely different reasons. I loved watching them fall for each other no matter how much they initially resisted it. Tyler and Dean have such a fun, bantery dynamic and great chemistry to boot. This was incredibly hot.
Was the ending rushed? Could there have been more character development? Yes and yes. But I did not care. This was a delicious swoony, horny treat of a novella. I also loved the bonus scene in the author’s newsletter. I will keep reading this series for as long as McLellan comes up with holidays.
Characters: Tyler is a 32 year old gay white teacher and Jeopardy champion. (I wondered if he might be coded as neurodiverse.) Dean is a 33 year old white art instructor. (I feel like I remember Dean identifying as pansexual previously in the series but he doesn’t use a label here.) This is set in Silverbrite Springs, AK.
Content notes: anxiety, avalanche (no injuries), ex-boyfriend stole money, on page sex, D/s, rough sex, MMM and MMF menages, breath play, orgasm control, bondage, voyeurism, edging, rimming, sex toys, masturbation, alcohol, ableist language
April 8, 2023
Having read all of the other books in this series, I knew I wanted to read this one.
Slight spoilers ahead
Ok so in here we have Dean, an art teacher who just broke up with his long term boyfriend, who also has sex with his best friend and the girlfriend of the best friend. Dean does not do feelings. He keeps it all surface level. He is asked to go on a spring break vacation with his friends and is excited as he figures that they would all have sex while there.
Also on this trip is Tyler. He just dumped his partner and was so in need of friends. His best friend (who does not know she is his best friend) invites him on the same Alaskan vacation. For the first time, he decides to just go, with no planning it all out.
I am going to be honest, I felt that the first 80% of the book was just really hot sex scenes. You have a MMF scene with Dean and the couple, then hot sex scenes with Dean and Tyler, and then the hot scene with Dean, Tyler, and Sarge. I snorted when I read that epilogue mention. But what I did not feel was the connection between Dean and Tyler. I mean, there was more feelings between Dean, Leo (the bff) and his girlfriend then between the main mcs.
But once Tyler word vomited it all out, then it was there. The ending was wonderful. I loved that part, I just wish it was like that the whole way through.
Also, while most people who know me, know that I love poly, I was not expecting the mmf scene and I hated the way they were purposely misleading Tyler. He was not a kid, you could just say that yall all hook up, ffs. I think a brief mention of MMF/poly scenes would have been nice in the blurb. Because when I see sexytime shenanigans, I expect that to be between whomever the mcs are, it doesn't matter if its one or twenty, unless poly is mentioned.
Slight spoilers ahead
Ok so in here we have Dean, an art teacher who just broke up with his long term boyfriend, who also has sex with his best friend and the girlfriend of the best friend. Dean does not do feelings. He keeps it all surface level. He is asked to go on a spring break vacation with his friends and is excited as he figures that they would all have sex while there.
Also on this trip is Tyler. He just dumped his partner and was so in need of friends. His best friend (who does not know she is his best friend) invites him on the same Alaskan vacation. For the first time, he decides to just go, with no planning it all out.
I am going to be honest, I felt that the first 80% of the book was just really hot sex scenes. You have a MMF scene with Dean and the couple, then hot sex scenes with Dean and Tyler, and then the hot scene with Dean, Tyler, and Sarge. I snorted when I read that epilogue mention. But what I did not feel was the connection between Dean and Tyler. I mean, there was more feelings between Dean, Leo (the bff) and his girlfriend then between the main mcs.
But once Tyler word vomited it all out, then it was there. The ending was wonderful. I loved that part, I just wish it was like that the whole way through.
Also, while most people who know me, know that I love poly, I was not expecting the mmf scene and I hated the way they were purposely misleading Tyler. He was not a kid, you could just say that yall all hook up, ffs. I think a brief mention of MMF/poly scenes would have been nice in the blurb. Because when I see sexytime shenanigans, I expect that to be between whomever the mcs are, it doesn't matter if its one or twenty, unless poly is mentioned.
July 3, 2023
Two recently single men connect during a friend vacation to Alaska, both finding the other irritatingly sexy and not wanting to start anything that could seem as a rebound, until an avalanche strands them from their friends so why not have a little fling after all? but oh yeah, all the feeeeelings.
as per usual, Erin McLellan knocks the novella romance out of the park with the sheer amount of heat, humor, and ennui I've come to find in this fantastic series. Exploring the multitude of ways one can have an HEA is what she does best!
Bonus points for the 3some on the fainting couch AND the aurora borealis, two favs of mine!
Content notes: Tyler Vlachos is a white, cis man, and a school teacher. Dean Humprhies is a white, cis man, and art teacher. bad exes//breakups discussed, sex toys used, ethical non-monogamy and group sex
as per usual, Erin McLellan knocks the novella romance out of the park with the sheer amount of heat, humor, and ennui I've come to find in this fantastic series. Exploring the multitude of ways one can have an HEA is what she does best!
Bonus points for the 3some on the fainting couch AND the aurora borealis, two favs of mine!
Content notes: Tyler Vlachos is a white, cis man, and a school teacher. Dean Humprhies is a white, cis man, and art teacher. bad exes//breakups discussed, sex toys used, ethical non-monogamy and group sex
April 7, 2023
Not the right book for me. I rarely read books with threesomes but I have read a handful that I still enjoyed. I think the difference is that I like it when all involved have an emotional connection that makes the physical more of an even exchange. This book was not that - at all. The 2 sets of threesomes were a couple and an add on person. I did not care for it. And it wasn’t expressed in the summary to expect more than 2 partners. I would not have chosen to read it if it had been more clear.
Dean and Tyler were ok as characters- at first I couldn’t get connected to them but I liked them pretty well by the end. Something was just missing in the writing for me to make me fall in love with them - it was just a bit rough around the edges. I don’t know how else to describe it.
Not a bad book, just not for me. I do not plan read any others in this series.
Dean and Tyler were ok as characters- at first I couldn’t get connected to them but I liked them pretty well by the end. Something was just missing in the writing for me to make me fall in love with them - it was just a bit rough around the edges. I don’t know how else to describe it.
Not a bad book, just not for me. I do not plan read any others in this series.
April 23, 2025
Omg. Precious doesn't even begin to cover this. This was so cute, my only gripe is I wish it was longer!!!
Tyler laughed his sweet, surprised laugh and sat down next to Dean. Tyler examined the drawing. All the inadequacies of Dean’s life piled up in his throat.
“This is good,” Tyler said.
“It’s decent. I mean, you’re beautiful.” Dean analyzed his work, already seeing mistakes and things he’d have to fix. “But this”—he tapped the paper—“pales in comparison to reality. I like your glasses, by the way.”
Both Dean and Tyler are post-break ups and they both are feelings it differently. Tyler doesn't trust his own judgement as he can't believe he picked the perfect on paper person for him but was still betrayed. Dean feels nothing post break up because he has walls miles high that keeps him from ever fully getting close to anyone.
Both characters had perceptions of each other that were not quite right so it was very cool to see them realize what the other is really like. There were surprising tender moments, which were a great contrast to the roughness of most of their intimate moments. I loved how Dean was endeared with Tyler's rambling and his fun facts and how he was so all in. I loved Tyler's realization of how open Dean had been with him the whole time and not wanting to be the recipient of Dean's cold mask was was prompted him to acknowledge his own feelings.
I just thought these two were super cute together and I loved their progression of being weary strangers to a whole lot more.
other tropes: forced proximity, snowed in, lite bedroom dynamics
Tyler laughed his sweet, surprised laugh and sat down next to Dean. Tyler examined the drawing. All the inadequacies of Dean’s life piled up in his throat.
“This is good,” Tyler said.
“It’s decent. I mean, you’re beautiful.” Dean analyzed his work, already seeing mistakes and things he’d have to fix. “But this”—he tapped the paper—“pales in comparison to reality. I like your glasses, by the way.”
Both Dean and Tyler are post-break ups and they both are feelings it differently. Tyler doesn't trust his own judgement as he can't believe he picked the perfect on paper person for him but was still betrayed. Dean feels nothing post break up because he has walls miles high that keeps him from ever fully getting close to anyone.
Both characters had perceptions of each other that were not quite right so it was very cool to see them realize what the other is really like. There were surprising tender moments, which were a great contrast to the roughness of most of their intimate moments. I loved how Dean was endeared with Tyler's rambling and his fun facts and how he was so all in. I loved Tyler's realization of how open Dean had been with him the whole time and not wanting to be the recipient of Dean's cold mask was was prompted him to acknowledge his own feelings.
I just thought these two were super cute together and I loved their progression of being weary strangers to a whole lot more.
other tropes: forced proximity, snowed in, lite bedroom dynamics
June 25, 2023
I rarely ask for more in the way of plot and asking for it in an erotic romance seems especially silly, but I could have used with a bit more actual story.
April 11, 2023
DNF at 19%
Not
My
Cup
Of
Tea
Note : if you're not into an F in your MM book, don't read this book.
Not
My
Cup
Of
Tea
Note : if you're not into an F in your MM book, don't read this book.
April 5, 2023
4.5 stars, rounding up.
Even though I've read and loved all the previous books in this series, I kinda wasn't convinced it was going to have enough room to do what it was promising, but never fear! I totally teared up near the end.
We're thrown right into it, with everyone on the plane headed to an Alaskan Spring Break vacation. Bit of an odd choice, but even odder is that our MCs only agreed to come a week or so before the trip. When I saw it was Leo and Rosie who were on the trip, I did wonder how this would play out.
Musings about content warnings:
Overall, I thought the sex scenes were quite varied and inventive, while still giving us insight into the characters and how their feelings are developing. I also liked how they weren't technically snowed in, but they were separated from their friends, and Tyler was kind of spooked by the slush flow avalanche and doesn't really want to go out and about, so Dean suggests using the time more . . . productively.
This is an opposites attract story with two very specific characters. An earnest nerdy teacher whose trust has been violated by his latest ex-boyfriend, and a somewhat unsentimental art teacher, who doesn't want to be called an artist no matter how much he is constantly drawing. They both have very determined ideas about themselves, but the other sees them very differently, and in the end it is the cynical one with walls around his heart who falls ridiculously fast. I definitely need to get the bonus story about
Anyhow, McLellan can keep writing these novellas forever, I will happily read many more of these.
I received a copy from Gay Romance Reviews for review, and I'm always grateful to get an early look at books that were already on my TBR.
Even though I've read and loved all the previous books in this series, I kinda wasn't convinced it was going to have enough room to do what it was promising, but never fear! I totally teared up near the end.
We're thrown right into it, with everyone on the plane headed to an Alaskan Spring Break vacation. Bit of an odd choice, but even odder is that our MCs only agreed to come a week or so before the trip. When I saw it was Leo and Rosie who were on the trip, I did wonder how this would play out.
Musings about content warnings:
Overall, I thought the sex scenes were quite varied and inventive, while still giving us insight into the characters and how their feelings are developing. I also liked how they weren't technically snowed in, but they were separated from their friends, and Tyler was kind of spooked by the slush flow avalanche and doesn't really want to go out and about, so Dean suggests using the time more . . . productively.
This is an opposites attract story with two very specific characters. An earnest nerdy teacher whose trust has been violated by his latest ex-boyfriend, and a somewhat unsentimental art teacher, who doesn't want to be called an artist no matter how much he is constantly drawing. They both have very determined ideas about themselves, but the other sees them very differently, and in the end it is the cynical one with walls around his heart who falls ridiculously fast. I definitely need to get the bonus story about
Anyhow, McLellan can keep writing these novellas forever, I will happily read many more of these.
I received a copy from Gay Romance Reviews for review, and I'm always grateful to get an early look at books that were already on my TBR.
September 29, 2023
Mannnnn, I missed Erin McLellan. She is just so great at what she does. I loved the push and pull between Dean and Tyler—their dynamic was so *interesting*, which only made it all the hotter. And like always, the emotional depth just kind of sneaks up on you in the best way, a way that takes skill to pull off. I don’t know if this is the last novella in the So Over the Holidays series, but it was a perfect ending to it if it is. (Although I would always, always take more of this series.)
June 27, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Spring Breakup is the fifth book in Erin McLellan’s So Over the Holidays series. The series includes a mix of pairings and character sexualities and, while the characters do crossover between books, the two I have read stand alone just fine. The first three books feature the Holiday siblings and I really liked Candy Hearts, which focuses on Rosie’s brother. I’m not really sure why I only have jumped in and out of this series, but I can tell you I regret it now, as I have really loved the two I’ve read (not to mention that Leo and Rosie’s story, Bottle Rocket, seems like it is scorching). This story is that perfect balance of super sexy, erotic, and fun, but also with enough plot and character development to give it some weight.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Spring Breakup is the fifth book in Erin McLellan’s So Over the Holidays series. The series includes a mix of pairings and character sexualities and, while the characters do crossover between books, the two I have read stand alone just fine. The first three books feature the Holiday siblings and I really liked Candy Hearts, which focuses on Rosie’s brother. I’m not really sure why I only have jumped in and out of this series, but I can tell you I regret it now, as I have really loved the two I’ve read (not to mention that Leo and Rosie’s story, Bottle Rocket, seems like it is scorching). This story is that perfect balance of super sexy, erotic, and fun, but also with enough plot and character development to give it some weight.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
April 5, 2023
This series never fails to have me smiling through the entire story! I’ve been looking forward to seeing Dean’s happily ever after since Bottlerocket and it was certainly worth the wait. Despite being short and sweet, Tyler and Dean’s story is full of undeniable chemistry and beautiful exploration. I’ll always recommend this series to anyone and I’m so happy with the new addition to it!
Also, if you loved Rosie and Leo’s story, you’ll absolutely adore them here!
Also, if you loved Rosie and Leo’s story, you’ll absolutely adore them here!
June 9, 2023
4.5 stars. If you have a chance, read the bonus scene as well. It's very sweet and gives you a peek at their relationship in the real world.
March 24, 2024
Very cute, as always. Not as good as the New Years romance, but I'm bias. Tempted to read more even though those holidays aren't currently taking place. Smut was beautiful.
April 4, 2023
Great series!
I adore this series. High heat, high emotions, and super sex positive. I’ve missed this author and glad for a new release. :)
I adore this series. High heat, high emotions, and super sex positive. I’ve missed this author and glad for a new release. :)
April 4, 2023
I like to be warned.
26% we get a description of Tyler witnessing Dean eat out his friend Rosie in a threesome with Rosies BF Leo. Ick
Tyler and Dean also have a tiresome with Sarg.
Look, I like to be warned about these things and I very very rarely read poly books. I'm annoyed this wasn't made clear.
26% we get a description of Tyler witnessing Dean eat out his friend Rosie in a threesome with Rosies BF Leo. Ick
Tyler and Dean also have a tiresome with Sarg.
Look, I like to be warned about these things and I very very rarely read poly books. I'm annoyed this wasn't made clear.
April 13, 2023
This story was quite a pleasant surprise for me. I hadn't read any of the other books in this series but I had read and enjoyed some of McLellan's other work, so I decided to take a chance on this novella and I'm glad I did. I enjoyed the main characters of Tyler and Dean quite a bit and felt that their sexual chemistry was off the charts -at first they were quite brusque with one another but once they got past that their encounters were quite hot and off the charts sexy.
The supporting characters were quite interesting, including Rosie and Leo, and a set of Alaskan triplets, especially Sarge. One surprising character, though, ended up being Alaska itself. McLellan did a great job of making the setting an integral part of the story, imbuing it with a sense of wildness much like the land itself. There were a couple of encounters that surprised me that some readers might not be OK with, including a MMF tryst and an MMM encounter including Dean and Tyler. I thought it was refreshing, and it seemed pretty honest for today's generation, but others may not find it their cup of tea.
All in all, quite enjoyable and refreshing. McLellan has a light, breezy style that works for this type of story, being somewhat lower angst and high chemistry. And even though it is part of a series I was able to follow the story without any problems. I did enjoy it enough, however, that I plan on eventually reading the other stories in the series. Sigh...it seems that my TBR is never going to get whittled down.
The supporting characters were quite interesting, including Rosie and Leo, and a set of Alaskan triplets, especially Sarge. One surprising character, though, ended up being Alaska itself. McLellan did a great job of making the setting an integral part of the story, imbuing it with a sense of wildness much like the land itself. There were a couple of encounters that surprised me that some readers might not be OK with, including a MMF tryst and an MMM encounter including Dean and Tyler. I thought it was refreshing, and it seemed pretty honest for today's generation, but others may not find it their cup of tea.
All in all, quite enjoyable and refreshing. McLellan has a light, breezy style that works for this type of story, being somewhat lower angst and high chemistry. And even though it is part of a series I was able to follow the story without any problems. I did enjoy it enough, however, that I plan on eventually reading the other stories in the series. Sigh...it seems that my TBR is never going to get whittled down.
May 2, 2023
Spring Breakup is a fun, fast read — kind of like a spring-break fling. Although in this case, the fling becomes so much more.
If, like me, mentions of spring break make you think of college-aged shenanigans, you’ll need to adjust your expectations. The characters in this 159-page novella are all adults in their 30s, though that doesn’t rule out some sex-capades whilst on vacation. Tyler is fresh off a painful breakup, and Dean is fresh off a breakup, as well, though his is more ho-hum. Invited to join their couple friends in a cabin in Alaska, the two are forced together in what Dean immediately suspects is a set-up. He’s not interested in that — he expected time with his friends (both in and out of the bedroom, as he is their occasional third). When an avalanche separates the party, Dean and Tyler are left to their own devices in a remote cabin. As they explore their attraction to each other, they come to realize there may be something more between them than just great chemistry. But can they move beyond the scars of breakups past to find a future together?
This was a great novella — steamy and snarky, it was the perfect length for in between longer reads. I loved Dean, especially as he struggled with opening up to Tyler, and I loved how Tyler embraced all sides of himself with Dean. While this is a romance between Dean and Tyler, there is some openness to their sexual relationship, both before and after they get together. This was my first read from this author, but it won’t be my last, and while this is book 5 in the So Over the Holidays series, it can easily be read as a standalone.
If, like me, mentions of spring break make you think of college-aged shenanigans, you’ll need to adjust your expectations. The characters in this 159-page novella are all adults in their 30s, though that doesn’t rule out some sex-capades whilst on vacation. Tyler is fresh off a painful breakup, and Dean is fresh off a breakup, as well, though his is more ho-hum. Invited to join their couple friends in a cabin in Alaska, the two are forced together in what Dean immediately suspects is a set-up. He’s not interested in that — he expected time with his friends (both in and out of the bedroom, as he is their occasional third). When an avalanche separates the party, Dean and Tyler are left to their own devices in a remote cabin. As they explore their attraction to each other, they come to realize there may be something more between them than just great chemistry. But can they move beyond the scars of breakups past to find a future together?
This was a great novella — steamy and snarky, it was the perfect length for in between longer reads. I loved Dean, especially as he struggled with opening up to Tyler, and I loved how Tyler embraced all sides of himself with Dean. While this is a romance between Dean and Tyler, there is some openness to their sexual relationship, both before and after they get together. This was my first read from this author, but it won’t be my last, and while this is book 5 in the So Over the Holidays series, it can easily be read as a standalone.
April 5, 2023
In any number of ways, this is a love story that celebrates rough edges: those of the protagonists, Dean and Tyler, who each have baggage and insecurities and who manage, ultimately, to share and even celebrate those things with each other, and those of the setting, Alaska, which is both beautiful and dangerous, inspiring and inconvenient, a little bit of hell and a kind of uniquely spikey paradise. There are gorgeous landscapes and some really awful mud. Plus, you know, a landslide. An aggressive (but majestic) moose. In some ways, the setting steals the show, but in others, it's fully Dean and Tyler’s stage. I started out with all the patience in the world for Tyler, who’s spent a whole lifetime being told he isn’t quite what people want, and while he definitely tried that patience at times (his cerebralism is at times really, really good at fostering self-absorption, and he uses, without meaning to, Dean in ways that were hard to watch) he’s ultimately, I think, one of my favorite characters, as is Dean, who has much more talent, courage, and compassion than he gives himself credit for. There’s plenty of chemistry and lots of emotion here, and ultimately I found this to be a story with both heat and heart– well worth a read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
April 13, 2023
Erin McLellan's So Over the Holidays series has been a fun one, and I enjoyed the heck out of the first four books. When I heard she had a new novella coming, I knew I had to read it. Spring Breakup is a forced proximity romance features two main characters who haven't had the best of luck when it comes to relationships. Tyler Vlachos and Dean Humphries don't seem to have a whole lot in common other than both failing miserably in the love department. They find themselves stuck together when an avalanche separates them from their friends, and neither one is thrilled at the prospect. However, maybe some alone time with nowhere else to go could turn out to be the key to them becoming closer.
This was an enjoyable read with lots of lighthearted moments and a pinch of angst. It took a bit for me to warm up to both Tyler and Dean, especially since Tyler seemed to be hyper-focused on not liking Dean, and Dean wasn't exactly all that open, choosing instead to keep things on a surface level. Once those walls were down, however, I got to know them better, and the dynamics of their relationship proved to be as interesting as the tidbits about who they were and the things they were hesitant to share. Overall, Spring Breakup turned out to be an entertaining read and gets four stars.
This was an enjoyable read with lots of lighthearted moments and a pinch of angst. It took a bit for me to warm up to both Tyler and Dean, especially since Tyler seemed to be hyper-focused on not liking Dean, and Dean wasn't exactly all that open, choosing instead to keep things on a surface level. Once those walls were down, however, I got to know them better, and the dynamics of their relationship proved to be as interesting as the tidbits about who they were and the things they were hesitant to share. Overall, Spring Breakup turned out to be an entertaining read and gets four stars.
April 13, 2023
Both Tyler and Dean are tagging along with their good friends Rosie and Leo to Alaska during spring break. They are both dealing with a recently ended relationship but each has a different reaction to their newly "single again" state. Tyler is sad and his emotions are right there for all to see. Dean realizes that his relationships tend to be surface level, but he does it to protect himself. Both men have insecurities but go about dealing with them differently. They are aware of one another, and it is not until Rosie and Leo are trapped away from them by an avalanche that they have time with one another and come to realize that they are feeling more with one another than they have felt with other people. But Tyler is still vulnerable and he is having a hard time believing that this could be the start of something real. These two free at the right time and there is close proximity that helps them realize that spring breakup is just the time when they can come together and have something neither has had before.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2023
I enjoyed this novella a lot. Like the others in this series, it is a high heat romance, and it retains the theme of a short fling of sex only, no feelings, begire of course the feelings hit!
Dean and Tyler, the two protagonists, will be familiar to those who've read Bottle Rocket, and Rosie and Leo have a big part here too. But it works fine as a standalone.
I adored Dean, I found him utterly charming and very easy to root for. Tyler's overthinking and grumpiness was perhaps a little harder to appreciate immediately (perhaps due to my oversimilarity with these traits!), but I liked the dynamics between them.
I especially appreciated the twist on the 'only one bed' trope (we *could* be only in one bed but instead we'll be in separate beds thinking of sharing the one).
Overall a very fun, low angst enjoyable read, just what I needed.
*I received a free ARC and I have chosen to leave a review*
Dean and Tyler, the two protagonists, will be familiar to those who've read Bottle Rocket, and Rosie and Leo have a big part here too. But it works fine as a standalone.
I adored Dean, I found him utterly charming and very easy to root for. Tyler's overthinking and grumpiness was perhaps a little harder to appreciate immediately (perhaps due to my oversimilarity with these traits!), but I liked the dynamics between them.
I especially appreciated the twist on the 'only one bed' trope (we *could* be only in one bed but instead we'll be in separate beds thinking of sharing the one).
Overall a very fun, low angst enjoyable read, just what I needed.
*I received a free ARC and I have chosen to leave a review*
April 12, 2023
Spring Breakup is a spicy novella with lovable characters and a ton of heat. Tyler and Dean accompany two of their best friends on a trip to Alaska. Both are dealing with fresh breakups but in different ways. Dean prefers to keep his relationships close to the surface and doesn’t let himself feel too deeply, while Tyler overthinks everything and is a bundle of nerves. After being separated from their friends and trapped together, they decide to give in to their chemistry for some no-strings-attached fun. They’re smoking hot together, and I love how well they complement one another. Tyler breaks through all of Dean’s defenses, and he has to work to convince Tyler that his feelings go beyond their physical connection. I adore Tyler, and it’s really gratifying to see him learn to trust his own instincts. Their banter is sharp and sexy, and McLellan made me feel so much for both of them in a short amount of time. I wish it was longer. It’s a really fun story!
April 4, 2023
Erin continues her series of incredibly sex positive stories with Spring Breakup. We get the story of Dean, a shallow himbo who really is so much more, and Tyler, trivia champion dealing with a recent breakup. Somehow they agree to go to Alaska on Spring Break (no they are not college students, they are teachers) with friends who may or may not have planned to throw them together. Rose and Leo can see they are so much more than they let themselves be. An avalanche, oops, forced proximity. And smexy times ensue. Erin gives just the right balance of those smexy times (hot!) and romance for a short read with it never feeling rushed or forced. Tyler and Dean learn to be true to themselves, to be bold in communicating and to be brave enough to fall in love. Newsletter extra...perfection!
April 11, 2023
3.5⭐️
Loved the Alaskan setting, it was really beautifully descriptive. I liked a lot of things about this book. First, it has a fun sense of humor which made it a pretty light and engaging read. I also liked both Tyler and Dean, who are well developed, quirky and have excellent chemistry. Also for a short read it has a good mix of heat, humor and a bit of emotion. It did drag a little for me, especially the first half of the book. And, I didn’t think the threesomes were particularly interesting or well developed. I did like this couple and the author has a really unique and skilled writing style, so I am definitely interested in reading more.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Loved the Alaskan setting, it was really beautifully descriptive. I liked a lot of things about this book. First, it has a fun sense of humor which made it a pretty light and engaging read. I also liked both Tyler and Dean, who are well developed, quirky and have excellent chemistry. Also for a short read it has a good mix of heat, humor and a bit of emotion. It did drag a little for me, especially the first half of the book. And, I didn’t think the threesomes were particularly interesting or well developed. I did like this couple and the author has a really unique and skilled writing style, so I am definitely interested in reading more.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
April 10, 2023
A sweet read of two men who are forced together. Both main characters, Tyler and Dean, have their own issues. Tyler trusts no one and a recent break up results in him needing a vacation; Dean does not do attachments, relationships, or feelings. Yet the connect and are perfect for one another. Will admit little more steam than story development in first part of book so hang in there and you will get to the fun part. Also be prepared for characters engaging in many relationships. It was fun to watch both men with their relationship issues overcome those to find their HEA. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
January 9, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Basic data:
- Contemporary MM erotic romance novella
- 3rd person, 1 timeline
- Part of a series of standalone books
Tropes/hooks:
- Snowed in
- Forced proximity with one bed included
- No strings attached
- Sharing is caring
- LGBT representation
- Set in Alaska
My opinion:
This is an extremely sexy romance between two men which also has depth and character development (as much as a novella length allows). Tyler is kind of a knowledge nerd, a good and proper guy. Dean is more of a free spirit. They both are recovering from a breakup and their banter and tension are very delicious.
Basic data:
- Contemporary MM erotic romance novella
- 3rd person, 1 timeline
- Part of a series of standalone books
Tropes/hooks:
- Snowed in
- Forced proximity with one bed included
- No strings attached
- Sharing is caring
- LGBT representation
- Set in Alaska
My opinion:
This is an extremely sexy romance between two men which also has depth and character development (as much as a novella length allows). Tyler is kind of a knowledge nerd, a good and proper guy. Dean is more of a free spirit. They both are recovering from a breakup and their banter and tension are very delicious.
April 22, 2023
This book was like a mental and emotional roller coaster. One minute the MC’s were antagonizing each other and arguing and the next, they were talking about limits on their intimacy. The MC’s had amazing chemistry, although it started off as a way to scratch an itch, you could tell that they started to develop feelings and that they were genuine emotions. I enjoyed getting to know the characters. It was not as steamy as I prefer my MM romance, but it was still a really good book to read.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 23, 2023
Erin McLellan’s Spring Breakup (So Over the Holidays #5/KU) is a sweet, emotional, sexy hot, short read. I adored Tyler and Dean and how they came to be!! I am a big fan Erin's writing. If you aren’t familiar with Erin, she writes MM, MF and a little in between. FYI, there are 2 poly scenes in this book…One is a VERY brief MMF scene that is barely a few lines with very little description that takes place BEFORE the MM MC’s get together and the other is with the MM MC’s and a third that was hot!
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