One Bright Star

Dark Horse #3.1

by Kate Sherwood

It's Christmas time. Time for family, celebration, and anxiety. The new baby is a blessing in Jeff, Evan and Dan's lives, but he's also one more thing to worry about. Jeff isn't sure society will accept their nontraditional family, Evan isn't sure what he has to offer the baby, and Dan... well, Dan's Dan. He's got PLENTY to worry about.

Genres: M M Romance, Menage, Contemporary, M M M, Romance, Holiday, Short Stories

48 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 21, 2012

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Review posted November 6, 2013

"Keep the crying down below a scream," Anna said. She smiled at Jeff. "We gave you brandy. Rubbed it on your gums. Probably not acceptable these days, but, damn, it shut you up."
"We're not giving the child liquor," Jeff said, his hand wrapping protectively around RJ's head. Then he squinted at his mother, judging her honesty. "You got me drunk to shut me up?"
"Not drunk," she scoffed (…)

"What do you think? Do you, Robert Justin Wheeler, take these lunatics to be your daddies? Do you? Do you?"
"Da!" RJ said enthusiastically. "Da, Da!"
"Don't get all worked up, Evan," Dan said quickly. "The books say he'll just use nonsense syllables, and Da is an easy one to start with. He's not really saying 'dad.'"

"But nothing," he repeated, "Nothing to do with you. Absolutely. It's just…" He turned toward Jeff and said, "I want us to wear the rings."

"You weren't wrong about the rings. But you weren't right, either. When you said the rings don't matter, compared to RJ? I don't think that was right. Because the rings are us…not the three of us, as separate people; the three of us together, the way we're going to raise RJ. And you guys…you maybe don't know so well, but trust me…parents matter. Parents are important, and being parents is our biggest, hardest job, and wearing rings to remind us that we love each other and are committed to each other and are raising RJ together…that matters."

I don't need to review One Bright Star. Suffice it to say that I was happy to meet Dan, Evan and Jeff again. RJ the toddler (no spoiler, read the blurb) was a sweet extra, the icing on the cake. Seriously, seeing and feeling their love for each other gives me the warm fuzzies. Sweet. Oh, yes, One Bright Star is a nice and shiny little read.
Reading this short novella is incentive to look forward to a tranquil and reflective time that's called Christmas. A time that you should spend with your family and loved ones.

Recommended read. In fact, I'd recommend you to read the entire series. :)


*************************************************

You can download it for free:
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/prod...

I bought it via amazon.de. I don't begrudge the author her money and I'm willing to pay for a great series.
http://www.amazon.de/One-Bright-Star-...


http://baba.booklikes.com

[Amina · Rating 3 out of 5]

✰ 2.75 stars ✰

“Dan looked down at his ring, and smiled. “Shiny,” he whispered to RJ, and the baby chortled in happy agreement.”

Ugh, be still my heart, there's only so much cuteness I can bear. 🥰

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ It's funny how I was ​actually​ in kind of agreement with Jeff's over-reaching concerns over how it would be difficult for RJ to explain how he had not one, not two, but three fathers in his life, as he grew up.​ 🥺 How he didn't want to put his future in danger, simply because of the strange, wonderful partnership they’d found for themselves, no matter if it was such a unique, but special one.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ And I ​actually​ hurt for Evan, when he presented them with his gift, knowing all too well of the pretense they've set up and how difficult it was to convince Dan to move in permanently into his family home, so they could work to build a loving and happy home for RJ - together, and yet, feeling that he couldn't do anything till they were all in agreement.​ ❤️‍🩹

“I couldn’t have done it without you guys... And RJ… I need you for him, too.”

Want you for him.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I ​also actually​ enjoyed seeing the doting sides of each of them with RJ - how smitten and affectionate they were with this baby that brought them even closer - one that they were determined to love and protect and cherish - even if Dan was his only true blood relative, the love overflowing from every family member was palpable that it made my heart go dokidoki, knowing the pains and struggles it was for him to be a part of their lives.​ 🫂

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ But I actually was a bit peeved that despite how everyone's best intentions was to leave the family of four alone on Christmas, so they could have a chance to start their own traditions together, somehow, everyone from Tat to Chris to Robyn, ended up having to rearrange their plans and return home, which was actually what made Christmas even more special.​ 🤷🏻‍♀️

“Parents are important, and being parents is our biggest, hardest job, and wearing rings to remind us that we love each other and are committed to each other and are raising RJ together… that matters.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ​However, it was ​ actually​ Dan's breakthrough with his nephew, summoning the courage to bring the details of his epiphany out of the shadows, the onslaught babble of a confession of his emotions and doubts to the men he loved that moved me so. 🥹​ Each truth, each promise, each defiant declaration of proving that their love should not matter to anyone - that their display of commitment is not one to hide, but to take pride in the next stage of their lives - new and unusual. But right.​ 🤍🤍

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ To have RJ believe in a world where a love like theirs can be celebrated in the light and not stay in the dark. His overflowing admission of affection, the way the three of them held on together in front of those they loved - stealing Chris' thunder... 🤧​ A warmth spread over me as I read those words, that even knowing it was such a struggle for Dan to even get those words out, was enough to stir a little something in my heart at how much-needed this was​ for them to be brave and happy taking the right step forward in their lives​ with their One Bright Star guiding them home. 🌟

[Mandy*reads obsessively* · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I have to say that I am very thankful to Kate Sherwood for writing The Dark Horse series and having so many free shorts to help complete the story.
This one ties up a few things left open in the last novel, decisions on living arrangements, decisions on showing/acknowledging their relationship more openly and of course baby RJ plays a huge role now.
There is a real family now, with many, many people included in the family, Anna, Chris, Ryan, Robyn, Tat and even Owen and Tyler ( and I'm sure I've left some out).
The whole baby thing might have been a bit too much sugar for me, but I was happy for all of them and so glad it all worked out.

[Kaje Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a completely emotional rating - I love this Dark Horse series and these three guys, and in this free short story we get everyone's POV, and many beloved secondary characters coming together for the holiday. It was sweet and lovely and a little poignant and made my throat catch, and I give it 5 stars. This is not to be read until you've read all the three novels and the other short stories, so I'll spoiler the rest and just say, "Thank you, Kate Sherwood, for another lovely, and free, moment with the guys I've come to adore."

This story opens at Robbie/RJ's first Christmas with his three dads. Dan is healed and well again, and the baby is 9 months old and the light of everyone's eyes. There is no big drama or angst, just a lot of love and a little worry. We get Jeff at his most protective, willing to sacrifice his own happiness beyond the bounds of reason for two men and one small child. We get Evan, with his big heart and open enthusiasm and desire to make life perfect for everyone he loves. And we get Dan, battered, uncertain, clinging to the last shreds of his need to protect himself from loving too much, accepting too much. There are some truly beautiful moments for them, and joy and family with several secondary characters we've come to care for. A sweet, welcome breath of Christmas spirit.

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really nice to see the three men at their best for a change. Again, the short free stories seem to have the best communication between the men.

The addition of the baby to the family is finally forcing them to make some decisions that they have been skirting. It was great to see Evan and Dan acting like adults and the three men finally openly discussing their future.

Seeing Ryan and Chris was a surprise, since their relationship status was very vague in the last book, but I found the short time Robyn was there to be quite annoying. Other than that, I was happy with this a finale to the series, leaving the men moving forward as a solid family unit.

[Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful ending for a great series! I'm very happy to have the opportunity to meet Dan, Evan and Jeff, and all the other characters!

They have a sweet love story and I am very sad that I have to say goodbye!

[Cory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sniff, Sniff....that's me boo hooing because there are no more books for me to read about Dan, Evan, and Jeff.

It's Christmas in this final installment and it was just really sweet and a great way to end everything. I've always loved Dan, and I always liked Jeff, but Evan had to grow on me. After reading this I can't imagine those three not being together. What a wonderful happy ending! :)

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Horse Series is one of my favorites and I love Dan, Evan and Jeff dearly. To see them again in this short story was awesome. Their interaction with baby RJ is so lovely and heartmelting, I wasn't able to stop grinning.
W00t! Chris and Ryan are a couple. Finally! They are so cute together.

I would love to see all of them again in a future installment. Will I get the chance to read Dark Horse #4?

[♥ Rebecca ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This works great as an epilogue to the series. I guess if you wanna read one short, this would be the one to pick. It shows everyone together for Christmas about a year later. The baby is now 9 months old and we see Chris and his new HEA and Dan and Evan and Jeff and how they have decided to create their own HEA. ❤️

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an adorable final instalment to the Dark Horse series.



This story is about Dan, Evan and Jeff getting ready to celebrate Christmas...



with their new little guy, RJ...



We also get to see some of our favorite characters, including Chris and Ryan, whom I love. And some more exciting developments... for everyone.

“I promise to love you both, with all my heart,” Evan said, and he slipped the ring onto his finger. “I promise to fight for you both,” Jeff said, then added, “And to fight for us, as well.” He stared at his hands as he slid the ring into place. Dan had no idea what to say. “I promise to do my best. I promise to never stop trying.” he wasn’t sure if he was talking to Jeff and Evan, or to RJ. Hell, maybe he was partly talking to himself. And always, of course, talking partly to Justin. "

It was funny and sweet and intimate and touching and just so much LOVE.

Great read. I'd recommend to read the entire Dark Horse series to everyone who loves M/M as much as I do. :)

[Alvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I was going to leave the series on a cute happy note...but NO!!!

I'm almost getting emotional right now with all the happenings from this novella.

Man, if you are a Dark Horse fan you have to read this!!! (Or if you are a big Chris fan like me)

One more short to go...

I'll miss these guys! <3

[BevS · Rating 5 out of 5]

That's it. The end of the series, and what a blast it's been!! This little novella was great, it tied up lots of loose ends, had a few surprises and rounded everything off really well. 5 stars and a huge , thank you to Kate Sherwood for writing it and my lovely Tina once again for recommending it. Wonderful.

[Sadonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine my surprise today when I head over the ARe to see what new books could possible be there and a NEW Dark Horse story comes up! YEA KATE!!!! Thanks for this lovely look into RJ's first Christmas with Dan and Evan and Jeff. LOVE LOVE LOVE these guys. And of course the rest of the gang is there too along with a lovely surprise from Chris.

Can't get enough of this series. Seeing this holiday story today was just perfect. And free to boot!

Thanks Kate for helping to make it a Happy Thanksgiving today. You rock!

[Katharina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely and completely adored this. It was funny, emotional, and a little bit crazy, exactly how Dan, Evan, Jeff, R.J., Tat, Anna, Robyn, Chris, and Ryan are. And I loved it. There's no drama or anything, but it still feels fundamental because it shows what a great family all of them are forging here.

Thanks so much for all these free treats, Kate Sherwood!!!

[Shadow Jubilee · Rating 2 out of 5]

You know the most horrible thing about short stories that fall in between series or afterwards? Sometimes you realize how self-indulgent the author is to have released them. So, while I was happy to have new material to read of this series, as opposed to rereading which I had been doing last week, it was too sappy for me to enjoy.

[Awilk -never sleeps- · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a heartwarming little story, featuring Dan, Evan and Jeff. I am amazed at how attached I have become to these characters.

This was a sweet Christmas story, and I will re-read again in December when I always look for a few seasonal reads.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Such a sweet and fitting ending. Christmas with family and the start of new traditions. This made me smile throughout.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A happy Christmas! Loved this little story.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so thrilled that the author decided to give me a look-see into Dan, Evan, and Jeff's world, now that they have a baby. Because of these books, and all of the accompanying novellas, I truly feel like these characters are family, and after the explosive ending to book three, I just needed to see some happiness. Oh, yeah, and some daddying!

It's Christmas and RJ is nine months old now. Dan is still second and triple-guessing every decision he makes, but he wouldn't be Dan if he didn't. It looks like the guys have finally decided to just give in and all move into Evan's house. It appears that houses that nice aren't a dime a dozen, so they haven't found anything they like better.

A wonderful story that I loved! I loved everything about it, and all that was said. You'll need to read it to know what I'm talking about.

[Molli B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ugh, it kills me to rate this a 3, because I love all the other stories in this series (I've only read the Dan/Jeff/Evan stuff so far). And I was so excited to read it after finishing book 3, but mehhhh.

I don't know what the problem was--was she not into it when she wrote it? Was she rushed? I have no idea. But I felt totally disconnected from the characters, and these big, huge topics got almost no attention or were rushed right over. It was fun to read about that stuff, and I liked the end well enough, but stuff really wasn't given the attention it deserved. :(

Really, my enjoyment was probably more like a 2.5 on the "it was ok/liked it" scale, but it's not a bad story. Just weak compared to the others.

[Wax · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, it's my own fault for reading this out of order, but honestly after finishing Dark Horse, I questioned whether I would continue with the series. So I set myself up for not knowing exactly what is happening in this story as it occurs after the third book. Though there are a lot of spoilers for books 2 and 3, it might have made me more interested in giving them a go. I got to see the three MCs settled into a mostly comfortable life with each other and the baby!. Knowing that they got there may help me get through the undoubted angst of books 2 & 3.

[Arch Bala · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably the most “agreeable” part of the whole series. This was the only part of the series where Dan isn’t overly dramatic and Evan doesn’t look like the third wheel at all (which needs a lot of manipulation unfortunately)…still though, this series needs to rest and I’m glad that it went out with this wonderful little novella.

[Anke · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good - love this series :) Can't get enough of them!

ETA: after reading it the second time I have to change my rating to 3.5 stars

[Marlobo ♥ epilogues · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars.

[Ula'ndi Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice little cherry on top. I loved it

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!!! Dan, Evan and Jeff are new dads and it's RJ's first Christmas. Another must read in the Dark Horse series. Lots of wonderful new developments happening in this sweet little novella!

[DanDann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I lied... this is my favorite of the shorts...
Or... well... one of them. Whatever. I loved it. It's just oozing with affection (and humor) and I really needed that for them after everything they've been through. They aren't perfect, but the love that glues them together is so central in this chapter that we can know they will all be okay. Like I've said before, so many other roms are about 'great sex therefore we're in love'. In Dark Horse, they recognized that sex was the least of their worries and not the end all be all for a solid foundation. They worked, hard, to bring the other pieces into line. And thanks to Sherwood allowing us to see more and more glimpses along their stories, we can actually see the evidence of that hard work.

Whatever... I love it.

That's all....

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good beyond hilarious! I could've hi lighted the entire book! I wish it could've been 100-200 pages more!
I highly recommend this series. Happy reading!

[Ellie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, hopeful Christmas story with beloved characters. A lovely addition to this wonderful series.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

It’s always great to catch-up with these guys.