His For The Holidays

by L.B. Gregg, Harper Fox, Josh Lanyon

Hope brightens a bleak Edinburgh December. A man gets a second chance with his high-school crush. A decade-long game of cat and mouse comes to a passionate conclusion. And Santa Claus drives a red muscle car. Heat up your holidays with this collection of four festive tales from some of the top talent in the male/male genre.

The anthology includes: "Mistletoe at Midnight" by L. B. Gregg, "Nine Lights over Edinburgh" by Harper Fox, "I Heard Him Exclaim" by Z. A. Maxfield, and "Icecapade" by Josh Lanyon.

Genres: M M Romance, Anthologies, Romance, Holiday, Contemporary, Christmas, Audiobook

14 pages, Audible Audio

First published December 6, 2010

About the author

LB Gregg (Lisabea) writes fun, fast-paced contemporary male/male romances for a variety of publishers including Riptide, Samhain, and Carina Press. Her wildly successful Men of Smithfield books feature hot, hunky men looking for love in small town New England. Find more information about LB, The Men of Smithfield, and her fun series Romano and Albright at www.lbgregg.com.


You can also friend LB on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lb.gregg.1
Like her author page http://on.fb.me/216EIiF
Or follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lb.gregg/

Reviews

[Nick Pageant · Rating 3 out of 5]

BR with Mishy!

Nice collection of varied Christmas novellas. HO HO HO.

[Sun · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

So, I never knew this anthology existed and I’m kinda floored at the pure muscle in this book! I mean, you’ve got 4 of the very best M/M writers around contributing and just thinking about diving in made me excited! Plus, I’m totes in the holiday spirit so ya kinda can’t go wrong…ermm…can you?



“MISTLETOE AT MIDNIGHT” BY LB GREGG (3.5 stars)

I adored this story. It’s a long, lost flame story about 2 boys who met and fell in first love in high school until one leaves suddenly and without word. Years pass and then one Christmas, Owen, the one left, spends the holidays with his nutty family in a Vermont BNB and runs into Caleb, the one that got away.

The story is romantic and sweet. It’s a perfect feel-good holiday read stock full of the too-good-to-be-trues and the oh-how-convenients that only work when we’re feeling especially sappy and in the mood.

I was sidetracked by some of the weird sub-characters who threw me off the story. I could have done w/o the weird brother and the even-weirder ex-boyfriend. But, I guess it filled the story out a bit.

The book was written with LB Gregg’s typical quirky humor and fun banter. And it made me smile…



“NINE LIGHTS OVER EDINBURGH” BY HARPER FOX (3.5 stars)

True to form, even in a holiday book, Harper Fox has a very broken main character in a dark place. I do have to say that James McBride is not one of my favorite Fox MC’s. For most of the book, I did not find him sympathetic at all…and highly unlikable. I typically am able to find the softspot for her broken leads, but not so much for James. I almost gave up on the story.

But, then the Harper Fox magic took over. A fantastic love-you-and-wanna-take-care-of-you-so-much-it-hurts coupling takes over and once we meet Tobias, game over. I LOVE how her couples LOVE. Her love stories are always “all in” and she maintains that even in this short story.

All in all, started slow but picked up to a lovely place by the end.



“I HEARD HIM EXCLAIM” BY ZA MAXFIELD (3 stars)

Hmmmm…I think I found this story a bit…creepy?…even though I’m quite certain that wasn’t ZAM’s intent.
I mean, meeting at a gas station bathroom in the middle of nowhere? I guy who was overweight with a health scare, loses it all, and gets depressed about it because he can’t be a Santa Claus? And then these depressing story twists (an orphan thrown in the mix)? It was just all so…weird…?

When you have to put the kindle down and walk away a few times while reading…a short story…well, it doesn’t bode well.

I just didn’t get a lot of this story. The only part that did work was the budding relationship between Chandler and Steve. I thought they were sweet. Honestly, though, I could’ve done without this one.



“ICECAPADE” BY JOSH LANYON (3.5 stars)

heart anything Josh Lanyon writes. Ha. I get uber-aggro at the way he finishes some things…but, I heart the words…the WORDS!

This was a cool little story about jewel thieves, FBI agents, and years of longing. *sigh*. So so good.

I adore Noel and his life former and present. There’s a hope there that exists within him and I loved getting to know him even in this brief story.

I also adored Robert. There’s a sadness that exists within him that I believed only Noel’s hope could help heal.

The 2 of them were lovely together…counterparts to partners. And it was just cool, cool story.

[Bookwatcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good anthology, but unfortunately I didn't like all 4 stories
I don't know if it's fair to give 5 stars to an anthology with 2 amazing stories, and another 2 that I have trouble to finish it.


So, an overview vote would be 3 stars, but I prefer to give 1 to 5 to each story too.

Mistletoe at Midnight, by LB Gregg

Main characters: Owen (narrator) and Caleb Black.
I had a huge problem reading this book...all the flashbacks.
I'm not complain about the fact that there is this past and present moments, but the fact that was exaggerated. Some times I really get annoyed and tried to understand why there were necessary... but they weren't. That's the problem. I would give 5 stars because is very well written, and I like the main characters, but I don't think because Charles Dickens wrote a Christmas story with past/present/future all Christmas stories must be like that.
So, great story, and in my view only the first flashback was necessary, all the others no.

Nine Lights Over Edinburgh, by Harper Fox

Main characters: James (narrator) and Andrew.
Didn't finished this story. I tried, very hard, but couldn't finished.
And my reasons are very personal, and certainly a lot of reader will not think like me. So, my reasons are:
1) Andrew is a jerk. Hate him, and probably he will redeem himself... but I can't read a story were one of the main characters is a jerk in my opinion. ****Spoiler**** He did a blow job just to be more "friendly" in James opinion. I hate that, and hate Andrew (the blow-job was the first scene of the story).
2) Too much dark... this story was, up to the point I read too much depressing to a Christmas anthology. But I repeat, it's my personal opinion. When I read a Xmas anthology I want some drama, but not a father losing his daughter custody because he is an alcoholic.
3) The bisexual way of the narrator speak about his ex-wife. It's a M/M anthology, so if I found a bisexual character that has sweet (but not at all gay) thoughts about this ex wife I get annoyed. If he (at the time of the story) is out, why he has thoughts that let me the impression he still love his ex wife in a meet to take a coffee?

I Heard Him Exclaim, by ZA Maxfield

Main characters: Steve and Chandler (both will narrate)
I'm a big fan of ZA Maxfield, but it's not the name that will make me said it's the best story of this anthology, but the fact that it's perfect!
Funny, romantic, a little drama... that's what I call a perfect story in a Christmas anthology!
Love this story, is it's just that... PERFECT!
My applause to ZA Maxfield

Icecapade, by Josh Lanyon

Main characters: Noel (narrator) and Robert
Veeeeeeeeeeery good story, and amazing way to close with a gold key the book.
Like to the other 5 star story of this book there is little or nothing to say... it's just perfect, to a Christmas anthology and will leave a big smile on your face.

So, I would recommend this anthology, and regardless my personal motives to give less than 5 stars to 2 of the 4 stories this anthology deserve to be read. Lovely and it's something you will not regret, in my personal opinion, mainly because of the 2 last stories.

By the way, Merry Christmas!

[Bookreader87(Amanda) · Rating 2 out of 5]

All the narrators get 4 stars. They were all solid even if the stories were not.

This was definitely not my favorite holiday anthology.


Mistletoe at Midnight

3 Stars

A story about a second chance with first love. I liked it and thought it was cute.

Nine Lights Over Edinburgh

2 stars

I have to say this story was not very festive. In fact, McBride is an extremely unlikable character. The only saving grace was Tobias.

I Heard Him Exclaim

2.5 stars

A chance meeting that leads to an adorable romance.

Icecapade

2 stars

Noel an ex cat burglar is has a thing for FBI agent Robert Cuff. After one night together he can't seem to shake him. After quitting the business and keeping himself clean for 8 years an unexpected visitor arrives on his doorstep.

It was short and ok. Not big on the romance in this one.

[KatieMc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than I expected. Two stories featured rekindling of old flames and the other two were new found love. Perfect holiday rom com fare.

[Erth]

It's rare that all the stories stand up in an anthology, but here each author has something wonderful to contribute. Well worth exploring.

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology contains four stories that take place during the holidays, but the only one that fully integrates the season into the plot is the third.

I had a problem deciding how to rate the book as a whole, because I loved one of the stories and disliked another. As usual, I did the math (added all the individual ratings and calculated the average rating) but that resulted in 3 1/2 stars. Should I round it up or down? Well, I decided to round it up because there was only one story I didn't like.


Mistletoe at Midnight by L.B. Gregg (4 stars)

This was my first read by Ms. Gregg and I'm glad to say that I enjoyed it very much. The story is narrated by Owen and I'm not too keen on first-person narratives, but I liked Owen's "voice". He was an overall nice guy with a few shortcomings - like his unwillingness to let himself open up - and I felt myself drawn to him. I didn't connect with Caleb on the same level, though. I liked him - or what I got to see of him, I should say. The "problem" is, Owen's family was as interesting as Caleb and I'd dare to say they had as much screen page time as him. Owen's mother made me laugh and want to bang my head on the table at the same time, his father tugged at my heart and his brother was just crazy enough to be the best brother ever. I even liked Owen's ex-boyfriend Keith, which was refreshing considering how Romancelandia is full of despicable and hateful ex-lovers, LOL.

Besides the first-person narrative, I had a bit of a struggle with the way flashbacks were inserted into the story. I liked seeing how Owen and Caleb met and fell in love when they were in their late teens and coming to terms with their sexuality, but some of the flashbacks came out of nowhere and hit me right in the middle of a scene. All things considered, that was just a minor issue I had because I did like Ms. Gregg's writing and had a fun time reading this story. Oh, and I loved the Christmas gifts Owen and Caleb exchanged. Sweet!


Nine Lights Over Edinburg by Harper Fox (2 stars)

Phew, this was not a light read! The story had a dark tone and none of the characters was particularly nice. I didn't like McBride, I didn't get to know Toby well enough to either like or dislike him, and as a result, I didn't care about their relationship. I liked the action scenes, but I don't read romances for them.

The plot was too complex to fit the constraints of a novella, and that affected the development of McBride and Toby's romance. In fact, I felt that the focus of the story was McBride's downfall and recovery, and his relationship with Toby was just an afterthought. If I had to classify this story following the rules I know, I'd have to create a new genre: women's fiction with a male character as protagonist. As I'm not a fan of women's fiction and having a man as protagonist makes no difference to me, this story failed to grab me.


I Heard Him Exclaim by Z.A. Maxfield (3 stars)

First, let me say that I didn't get the title of this story. What did you hear him exclaim? Who are you? And who is him? Does that have anything to do with the story? (My confusion didn't affect my rating, of course. I'm just curious.)

I thought this was a very sweet Christmasy story, but it was also very unrealistic and I couldn't suspend my disbelief enough to enjoy it without frowning over Chandler's and Steve's foolishly trusting behavior. Chandler was neurotic about Poppy's safety, which was okay considering he was as insecure as only new parents can be, so how come he didn't think twice before accepting Steve's ride offer? Steve was a complete strange and you just don't climb into a strange's car like that, especially when there's a safe alternative available. Steve's safety wasn't in any danger when he offered Chandler and Poppy a ride, but I thought he pushed his luck when he invited them to stay at his house. On his defense, he knew Chandler better by then, but still.

All in all, this was an okay read, with some quirky but likable characters and a good amount of holiday cheer. There wasn't much conflict in the story, but that was fine because I wasn't expecting it. The HEA felt a bit forced at first, but a nice epilogue cemented it and made it okay. After all, all's well that ends well.


Icecapade by Josh Lanyon (5 stars)

I wish all short stories were like this. I adored Noel and Robert, the sexual tension between them was masterfully built and their HEA made me sigh like a ninny. This story was written in third person POV, but we only "see" what's in Noel's mind (and heart) and we never get Robert's POV. I was pleasantly surprised to see how well that worked, considering I'm not a fan of first-person narratives exactly because I feel there's something missing when I can't "read" all the characters' mind. In this story, not being privy to Robert's thoughts and feelings was essential - and that's all I can say without giving too much plot away.

This was my first read by Mr. Lanyon, but it won't be my last! I really enjoyed his writing style and I think he's made a great job depicting Noel and Robert. The only "complaint" I have is the absence of an epilogue. I had no doubts about Noel and Robert's HEA and liked the ending, but it left one loose end that could have been settled in a nice epilogue. All in all, that was only a minor issue and it was nowhere close to ruining this excellent read.


Note: I received this eARC from Carina Press via NetGalley. That had no influence on my review/rating.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listening to . . .


Mistletoe at Midnight by LB Gregg, read by Max Bellmore - 3.5 stars
I love this lost and found Christmas love story. Pretty traditional stuff full of warm and fuzzy feels. This is the first time I've heard Max Bellmore and I liked him a lot.

Nine Lights Over Edinburgh by Harper Fox, read by Jack LeFleur - 3 stars
This reminded me of a Jo Nesbo story with the addition of the MM romance of course. I absolutely love Jo Nesbo's work and the mood in this one was similar but not quite as riveting in the action/mystery department. The romance part hinted a little at desperation, but it was still a good story. I wouldn't call it a Christmas story though, it just happened to be set around Christmas time. I may have enjoyed it more if it weren't part of an anthology geared towards holiday romance. Jack LeFleur was the perfect narrator for this one. He did a great job with the accents so that they added to the story instead of being distracting which sometimes happens with an audiobook.

I Heard Him Exclaim by ZA Maxfield, read by Alec McKellen - 2.5 stars
Hmmmm - I liked the idea of this one more than I liked the story itself on the audio. The banter felt forced and what should have been humorous sounded awkward. The whole meeting and start of the relationship was a little creepy and I noticed it more on the audio than I did when I read it for some reason. They meet at a rest stop and then spend Christmas together. One of the MC's has custody of his niece for cripes sake and he's getting in a car with a stranger in the middle of nowhere because he has "Santa eyes", really? In RL that has red flags all over it. I can forgive some insta love/lust in my Christmas stories when characters throw some caution to the wind, tis the season and all that, but it bugs me when there is a kid involved and they still do it. Just doesn't sit well with me.


Icecapade by Josh Lanyon, read by Max Tatch - 4 stars
Really kind of a ridiculous and convenient premise to the story but the narrator sold it. I really like Max Tatch and he was prefect for this one.

[Bubbles Hunty Honest & Direct Opinions · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Story: Mistletoe at midnight by L.B Gregg 3.5 stars, was cute but the numerous and random flashbacks got boring and didn't add to the story, they got confusing and made me disengage from the story.

Second Story: Nine Lights Over Edinburgh by Harper; could not finish, never got into the story

Third Story: I heard him Exclaim by Z. A. Maxfield 5 stars. I loved the characters and their development. I loved Poptart the very adorable 5 year old girl. A great holiday story so cute with a very happy ending.

Forth Story: Icecapade by Josh Lanyon 5 stars. A really engaging story that I just loved

[Optimist ♰King's Wench♰]

Mistletoe at Midnight by LB Gregg, narrated by Max Bellmore - 3.5 stars

Sweet second chance romance. I think I enjoyed the meddling family and friends as much or more than I enjoyed Owen and Chad.

Max Bellmore is new to me but he did a good job differentiating all the people and bringing the emotion during the whole Dad thing. I'd give him a listen again.

Nine Lights Over Edinburgh by Harper Fox, narrated by Jack LeFleur- DNF

I can't get into this one.

I Heard Him Exclaim by ZA Maxfield, narrated by Alec McKellen


Icecapade by Josh Lanyon, narrated by Max Tatch

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t really like most of the stories, although the first one was quite good. So 3 stars it is.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

These were sooo good in a comfort read, everything-will-be-all-right-cause-great-stories-will-always-be-awesome way. It made the events of the past week, my tentative move to BookLikes, and the resulting malaise ease a little. I listened to the four stories while crocheting charity teddy bears(badly! poor kids!), doing spring cleaning around the house and trying to revive a garden overtaken by winter weeds and snails (I've been on school vacation) and I thoroughly enjoyed every. single. one.

Good, solid writing from all four authors but for me, when it comes to audio books, the narrator can make or break a story. All four narrators totally nailed it. The guy who read the Skinny Santa story (thanks Heather C),
I Heard Him Exclaim by Z.A. Maxfield, has a voice that can melt titanium. Yummy bear!Santa!
The guy who does the Lanyon story,Icecapade-I think it's Jack Le Fleur, it's not clearly labelled at Audible- gave off some seriously good vulnerable, achy-breaky voice-feels when called for.
So this is essentially a plug for the often neglected but highly appreciated narrators- Alex McKellan, Max Tatch, Max Bellmore and Jack Le Fleur. Fantastic job, guys!

Highly recommended.

[Kaje Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four well-written, different and heart-warming holiday stories from four of the top authors in the genre. Harper Fox's entry was darker than the rest, but solidly happy in its ending. Great characters are the order of the day here. The fact that there are even better stories out there by all these authors is a measure of how good these writers are, not a critique of this collection. (Do be aware that these stories are also available individually. I owned one already, but the collection was still well worth the purchase.)

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent collection of four m/m holiday romances. From LB Gregg's trademark madcap romp to Harper Fox's angst-filled tale of a detective inspector possibly beyond redemption, each story shines. Highly recommended and very satisfying read.

[Nikyta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistletoe at Midnight by L.B. Gregg - 4 stars - My review

This was a great, humorous story about lost love and second chances. Both main characters and secondary characters were amusing with a plot that is very entertaining. The only fault this story had was the flashbacks were a bit annoying. With each start of a flashback it didn't seem to fit with the story.

Nine Lights Over Edinburgh by Harper Fox - 3 stars - My review

This story starts off very rocky and is extremely dark. I wouldn't really consider it a Christmas story and at times is more depressing than giving of the warm and fuzzies. I had a lot of problems in the beginning because I felt like I had to work to understand what was going on. The writing style had too many words to pump up the beginning instead of letting it flow naturally. I wasn't liking it too much, however, eventually the writing evens out and became easier to read. From there I ended up loving the story but it was still a dark story. The romance does not come until the end but the tension between the characters felt very real.

I Heard Him Exclaim by Z.A. Maxfield - 5 stars - My review

My favorite story out of the anthology. This was exactly what I was looking for in a Christmas story because it revolves heavily around the holiday. The plot pulled me in right from the start with Steve losing his Christmas spirit now that he's lost a lot of weight and can't be a proper Santa and how Chandler was having doubts about parenting his dead brother's daughter. I enjoyed seeing these two heal each other and finding the answers to the unspoken questions they had.

Icecapade by Josh Lanyon - 4 stars - My review

A very entertaining story involving an ex-jewel thief turned writer, Noel, and a FBI agent, Robert. I enjoyed the storyline and the scenarios Noel and Robert went through. However, I felt like the ending was very rushed. One minute Robert was hating Noel and the next they are a couple. I also felt like Noel was a great character, completely fleshed out when Robert was almost hollow and is still quite a mystery.



Each story has its own appeal and they are all good in their own rights. Some more than others but in the end, this anthology was a nice read. It has both dark and light stories, lightly humorous and laugh out loud funny. It was a good anthology even with the bit of rockiness some of the stories had.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's time to spend a little time with the ghost of Christmas Past...

It's been 7 years since I first read these stories and I really enjoyed the stories contained within it. While I enjoyed some stories more than others for me listening to the audiobook was overall a 5 star experience and I really enjoyed this visit with the ghost of Christmas Reads Past...so much so that I'm thinking this might be the beginnings of a tradition...listening to Christmas stories on audiobook as I wrap Christmas presents...It's a fun way to spend a winter's afternoon.

[Vfields Don't touch my happy! · Rating 3 out of 5]

#1 - L. B.Gregg-The flashbacks were so numerous I almost gave up. Urgh!
#2 - That was a good solid short story but damn its was too heavy for holiday reading. Don’t get me wrong, I like my Harper Fox stories.they’re full of character development and always have a strong sense of place. It was just go damn Harvey for the holidays.
#3 - YES! Thank you, ZA Mansfield. This one was yummy and sweet and hot all at the same time. Perfect, no but I didn’t mind the kid, and a holiday feel was fun. Whew!
#4 - I figured it out...finally! Every time I read a Josh Lanyon book I’m not totally satisfied and I couldn’t put my finger on what it was. I think I know now. I think I just don’t like one or both of the protagonists. I want to know the character, I want to care about that character, I wanna peek on that character in future and know they’re safe. I’ve realized this author’s written only a handful of characters I really liked.
Hey but that’s just me.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology contains four stories all centered around finding love during the Christmas holiday. The stories share the Christmas theme but are quite different one from the other and all are very well written.


In Mistletoe at Midnight by L.B. Gregg we meet former high school sweethearts Owen and Caleb. When Owen walks into the inn where he's spending Christmas with his family he's shocked to see Caleb, the man who'd broken his heart fifteen years earlier. A fun but interfering family, an ex unexpectedly showing up and a snow storm that strands the protagonists together leads to secrets being revealed. This emotional story also is filled with humor and some sweet and sexy scenes. A wonderful story of second chances.

Nine Lights Over Edinburgh bt Harper Fox, the second story in the anthology, was very slow going for me for the first half but I was hooked on it by the end. James is a police detective who walks a thin line as he deals with his job, a drinking problem, his ex-wife and a young daughter. He's not a terribly sympathetic character, in fact at first I really didn't like him at all, and I almost gave up on the story. I'm so glad I didn't because as the story goes on his true character starts to shine through, it's almost like peeling an onion, as layer after layer is removed until the true man is revealed. Toby, the Israeli policeman that helps James and ultimately brings love and light to his life was a great foil for him. It's at times a very dark story but there is a well-deserved HEA for James.

I Heard Him Exclaim by Z.A. Maxfield is a sweet, humorous story. Steve is a former jolly 'Santa' who's no longer in the Christmas spirit since he had to lose weight, and therefore his Santa body, due to a heart condition. Since his family is majorly into the holiday season he decides to head to Las Vegas for some different kind of fun. Along the way he meets Chandler and his 5 year old niece. When they're stranded due to car problems Steve takes them back home with him. Chandler's a bit uptight since he's new at parenting and his niece was a cutie. Ms. Maxfield once again delivered a heartwarming, funny, sexy story. I liked the epilogue which showed them a bit later on in their relationship since the actual story takes place in just a couple of days.

The last story is Icecapade by Josh Lanyon and was very entertaining. Former thief Noel has never forgotten his one night of passion with Robert, an FBI agent. It's been a few years since then and Noel has retired and is now a well published author. When Robert unexpectedly shows up at his house Noel is excited to finally get the chance to deal with their one night together. But Robert's come to investigate a rash of new burglaries and Noel appears to be his main suspect. This very well written story was a great way to close out the anthology. I really enjoyed the storyline of the former thief and his lawman, there is great chemistry and sexual tension between them, the dialogue is quite witty and life on the farm, even rescuing llamas, has never been quite so sexy.

In all this was an amazingly well put together anthology. Four great stories from four great authors. Highly recommended.

[Camilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book, because I've read the blurp for one of the 4 short stories in it and wanted to read it, and thought with the titel, and it being Christmas, that what the hell.. Let me have all of them and give it a go..

And thank God for that! Such 4 very different stories, but all charming in their own way and full of love in all shapes and sizes..

Anywho..

I wrote a review for each short story as I read them, so I'll just post them here:


1. Mistletoe at Midnight By LB Gregg (4 stars * * * *)

What a cute love story to help you find your Christmas spirit..

I thought this was a funny and sweet short story about two guys that never stopped loving each other..

I really loved Owen and Caleb together, and with the awesomeness that is Owen's mother and brother, I thought this was a great read..


2. Nine Lights Over Edinburgh By Harper Fox (4 stars * * * * )

After having read 70% of this story, I wrote as an update that this was the least gayest m/m story I've read so far (and by God, I've read a lot.. Thanks Qhuay! ;) and after having finished it just now, I can safely say that its still the least gayest m/m story I've ever read..

That doesnt mean its the worst though.. Far from it actually..

This story is much more about a lost man, who finds himself at age 40 with nothing but a broken marriage, thoughts about the only love he's had at age 16... with another boy, and a daughter who's been kidnapped..

This story is about this man, James, finding and saving his daughter while coming to terms with the fact that he is gay, and that the man helping him with finding his daughter, could be the love of his life.. There are no "I love you's" or red roses and picnics here though.

This is NOT a lovey dovey story.. This is more a crime/mystery/Wow I'm Gay and I want you kind of story..

I loved it though.. Its very fast paced, and for a short story I thought we got to know James and Toby very well, and I definitely wouldnt mind reading a follow up, about these two alpha males and how they are living their lives now..


3. I Heard Him Exclaim By Z.A. Maxfield (3 stars * * *)

After the first couple of pages I was thinking that this definitely had the possibility to be a 'teary eyed' book.. And guess what..

It was!

I ended up with teary eyes at the end, because.. yeah well, because this is just a really sweet Christmas story about love and acceptence.. And because I'm such a girl and happy endings make me cry

I loved Steve, The skinny Santa, right from the start.. He was just so calm and.. right! He was just so right for Chandler.. Not to mention right for Poppy too.. This is not about drama or angst, its about trust and finding out that sometimes you need to let other people help you make the right decisions, and that it will all work out in the end..

I dont know what else to say. If you like a feel-good love story, this could definitely be for you..

Let me leave you with one of the best ways, I've read a kiss being described.. I actually read this line over and over again a couple of times, because it literally left me licking my lips..

"Simply kissing Chandler Tracey felt like flying and falling and landing on a soft cloud of hell, yes.

*Purrs*


4. Icecapade By Josh Lanyon (5 stars * * * * *)

Let me start out with what I didnt like about this story...

That it was sooo short! Yeah, thats the only bad thing about this little gem!

I LOVED it!

That game Noel and Robbie had going on with each other.. The game of give and take, to see who would give in first? Oh God, it was so well written, and beautifully dragged out (as dragged out as it can get in such a short story) that I, I swear to God, had a shiver, run through my body, when Robbie finally gave up and went for it.. Omg.. That was the best moment.. ever!

I could have read this story forever and a day I think..

[Fani *loves angst* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this is my first m-m book and I have to say, it's so much more than I expected from the genre. I especially loved the fact that most stories seem to emphasize the emotional rather than the sexual part of the heroes' relationship.

Mistletoe at Midnight - 4.5 stars
A sweet and tender but sometimes funny story about two men who started a relationship as teens, only to meet again unexpectendly 17 years later. The whole family of one of the heroes is in attendance at this rustic lodge, trying to bring them together again and many funny scenes, especially with the hero's mother, take place that had me laughing out loud sometimes. On the other hand, there were many emotional scenes too, especially of their past and how difficult it must have been for two boys to admit they're attracted to each other while in high school. I felt connected with the heroes, their heartaches, their desires and pretty much everything. This was my second favorite of the bunch.

Nine Lights Over Edinburg - 3.5 stars
This was the darker of the four stories and too much time was spent on the suspense rather than the romance. The hero is pretty much an alcoholic cop, whose life is shattered when he first meets a Mosad agent who saves his life and shorty after that, when his daughter gets kidnapped by a trafficing crime lord. There were a few things I thought were very unrealistic, like the lengths to which Tobias would go to help a man he's barely met and who was, pretty much, an alcoholic, without any obvious redeeming qualities. On the other hand, it felt difficult to put down and I did fall for the attraction that sprung so quickly between those two. So, while it had its weaknesses, I enjoyed it as a whole.

I Heard Him Exclaim - 2 stars
What can I say? I found the whole premise of this completely unrealistic and just couldn't get into it because of that. A man who's recently became the guardian of a 5 year-old girl, is scared to death of this responsibility and refuses to let her out of his eyes, agrees to get in the car and later spend Christmas with a man he's just met. I just couldn't buy it. And then, well, it felt for me as if Steve was too much what Chandler needed at that time; someone to lean on. Would Chandler fall for him in other circumstances or was their romance fueled by Chandler's need for someone strong he can depend on? I was never fully sure of that and so I couldn't warm up to them.

Icecapade - 5 stars
Dina's review of this story is what made me try the whole book and I'm glad for it! The story was as good as she said it would be and more. Noel has been a retired thief for years when Robert, an FBI agent with whom he's shared one hot night ten years ago, catches up with him. Noel, may have been a thief, but he's the sweetest, most loving one I've read about and hadn't he been gay and a figment of Lanyon's imagination to boot, I'd love to spend some 'quality' time with him:) Robert was cooler, a silent man, but that personna fitted with the story well and though he spoke little, I did feel his attraction and deep feelings for Noel. Being a man of the law, it mustn't be easy for him to admit he trully cared for the man he was supposed to catch, even to himself. A very emotional and engaging story, that I'd love to read again in the future.

[Anna D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistletoe at Midnight
3 stars
This was okay – in a good way. It’s not one I’d strongly recommend but I was happy to have read it. It was a little too contrived, like I was reading a Hallmark Holiday story. It was very sweet though. I didn’t fully love any of the characters…though I thought a few times how much I would rather read the story that was blooming between Ryan (Owen’s brother) and May (Caleb’s friend) – to me, that seemed like a more interesting romance than the MCs.

Nine Lights Over Edinburgh
2.5 stars
The set up of the McBride’s circumstances took a while (considering it is a short story) so there was a bit of a wait to get to the MCs meeting and to their romance. I didn’t particularly enjoy this part, but nevertheless I was fascinated with McBride. Given his age, experience, and the fact that he’s a veteran cop and father – he was a weak character. I got the impression that when Lowrie was taken away from him and he had to suppress who he was – his will and his fight was dampened along with his libido – until Leitner comes into the picture. McBride does become a stronger character, but still very much a follower. Leitner is the mysterious can-do-all man, though the way he is smitten with McBride was not very convincing..it made me wonder if there were rebound feelings there after losing his lover Avi not too long ago.

This was ok, it’s not much of a romance and the mystery part of it wasn’t interesting enough to make up for the lack of romance. I can’t say I can recommend it though I think the MCs have a lot of potential if they and the plot were a little more developed.

I Heard Him Exclaim
4 stars
Steve was written too perfectly and what he had to offer (his support, his family, even his idiosyncrasies) and the timing of when Steve met Chandler was much too coincidentally manufactured that it lost its relatability.. it was as if Chandler made a Christmas list to Santa and that list was delivered to Chandler by Santa “Steve” Clause himself.

Aside from the unrealistic nature of the plot, for some reason I really enjoyed it. It worked for me, though I can see how it might not for everyone. Unlike the first book in this collection, Mistletoe at Midnight, which also read like a Hallmark movie, I was happily swept away here with the MCs in their holiday spirit and I didn’t mind that the whole thing was like a Christmas miracle. However cheesy it all might have been I really liked it. I thought the attraction and passion between the MCs was sexy, I found Poppy adorable, and I was happy to see the easy ready-made-family HEA at the end.

Icecapade
4 stars
There's actually not much to say about this one. It was short, sweet, and charming. Everything was as it should be; a perfect holiday - feel good - story!


Wrote my reviews under the individual stories too.

[Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistletoe at Midnight -- 4 Stars

Caleb and Owen were each others first loves. Caleb was sent away when they were 17 and Caleb didn't say goodbye or let Owen know where he was. 15 years later, at a holiday retreat with his parents and brother, Owen is reunited with Caleb. Small world.

I kind of felt bad for Owen, too, because his mom is always trying to fix him up with someone. This Christmas gathering is no different and she invited someone from Owen''s more recent past. Can't imagine why that didn't turn out well...

I enjoyed this story quite a lot. Both Caleb and Owen needed to grow up before getting together for real. Now, with both of them on successful career paths and neither of them have really gotten over the other, maybe they have a chance.

Nine Lights Over Edinburgh -- 4.5 stars

This story doesn't have a lot of romance, but it still grabbed me right away and didn't let go. James and Toby were made for one another and what better mate for a cop than someone else whose job is dangerous.

Toby is (or was) Mossad and James a Detective Inspector, so both are very used to danger. Toby lost his last partner, and lover, on the job and he and James meet when Toby is on special assignment during the internal investigation of what went down on his last Mossad op.

James and Toby save each other in many ways and when they finally come together it is explosive. Very hot. And very sweet.

I Heard Him Exclaim -- 3 Stars

I thought this story was pretty cute and I got plenty of warm fuzzy from it. The overboard Santa thing, however, got to be more than a little much. I'm glad this wasn't a full length novel or I would not have been able to finish it.

That said, Chandler and Poppy trust Steve way too much way too fast. If it was just Chandler, I'd say go for it. But Chandler is also responsible for a 5 year old, so, I'd say he'd tone back the trust just a bit.

Like I said, it was a cute story, but not my favorite in this collection.

Icecapade -- 5 Stars

This is the second story by Josh Lanyon that I have read and it was just as good as the first. Icecapade was my favorite in this collection.

Noel and Robert had one night of passion 10 years ago. Unfortunately, they were on opposite sides of the law back then with Robert working for the FBI and Noel being a jewel thief. Now, however, Noel has gone the straight (career-wise, anyhow). He never really got over Robert, however, so he is surprised (and hopeful) to see Robert on his doorstep on Christmas Eve.

The story telling here was terrific. Robert and Noel play off each other wonderfully and I thought the pacing and wrap up was top notch. I can't wait to read more of Josh Lanyon's books.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never been a big fan of the holiday story, but these titles (while set at Christmas-time) really weren’t about the holidays. These stories, while technically m/m romance, offer a lot more of a novel feel, and “Nine Lights Over Edinburgh” kept me at the edge of my seat. The characters were mysterious, and far from perfect – and I loved that. “Mistletoe at Midnight” was my favorite title in the series; I really enjoyed Owen and Caleb, and Owen’s family cracked me up. I liked that Owen’s last boyfriend wasn’t a jerk, that he was human and had made bad choices, but that Owen realized he could move forward and find someone who was better for the “real” Owen. “I Heard Him Exclaim” was fun; it was a sweet romance, and they were each so lost that when they found each other it was like “ahh, how’d I live without you.” I felt their sexual chemistry, without feeling like it went too much towards smut – it struck the perfect chords. And the quirky family just lightened it all up, especially Poppy. “Icecapade” had the most sexual tension, in my opinion. Two high strung, independent men who have the hots for each other; they were constantly testing, trying to figure out whether to trust – and that just kept me turning the pages for more. They’ve been apart enough to figure out what they want, but neither knew how to go about it – typical men!

[orannia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this anthology. Yes, some novellas I enjoyed more than others. If I had to pick a favourite I think it would be Nine Lights Over Edinburgh (Harper Fox). That is the novella that lingers...has me asking questions...and wanting more. I'm still not sure I understand why Tobias helped James as he did - I didn't understand his motivation. Putting that aside, I loved their developing relationship, the wounded and flawed characters. And somehow...I can't see the novella ending where it did. I want...more! Doesn't everyone *grin* Will I be reading more Harper Fox? Definitely!

I think the weakest (and I'm using that terms losely as all four novellas in this anthology were very good) of the novellas for me was I Heard Him Exclaim (ZA Maxfield). Again, I didn't understand the motivation behind one of the character's actions...but unlike Nine Lights Over Edinburgh I couldn't get past it so easily.

[Heather C]

Mistletoe at Midnight by LB Gregg


Nine Lights Over Edinburgh by Harper Fox


I Heard Him Exclaim by Z.A. Maxfield ★★★★☆
Cute story!! It started off a little slow but I really enjoyed it. There was a lot of "cheek flushing" and "blushing" so that got a little annoying. The "Poptart" was cute even though I usually do not like children in the stories I read. I still don't understand why this title was chosen and I could never remember it, so this story will always be Skinny Santa in my memory.
Recommended.

Icecapade by Josh Lanyon ★★★★★
I read this last year and didn't write much of a review (shame on me). But I remember that I really liked it and had a few good laughs. I might reread this one someday.

[Lo-Lo · Rating 4 out of 5]

LB Gregg - 3.5 stars
Harper Fox - 4 stars
Z.A Maxfield - 2.5 stars
Josh Lanyon - 4.5 stars

Props to Harper Fox, LB Gregg and Josh Lanyon for melting my insides with the cuteness in these stories (yet at the same touching, heartfelt, a little sad). Unfortunately Maxfield's dragged on a little too much for my liking but, all in all, a superb Christmas feel-good anthology :)

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

Mistletoe at Midnight By LB Gregg ★★★★
Nine Lights Over Edinburgh By Harper Fox ★★★
I Heard Him Exclaim By Z.A. Maxfield ★★★
Icecapade By Josh Lanyon ★★★★

[Eleeze · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75*
Only listened to two stories but both were pretty good.-

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a fabulous 4.5 star holiday series of shorts. I really enjoyed this book bunches. I can see myself re-reading a number of these stories for the holidays every year.

Mistletoe at Midnight by L.B. Gregg ★★★★★

Adorably sweet Christmas happiness! This is a perfect short story to me. I loved both characters! Lost love found again, wonderful!

Owen McKenzie is on his way to his new home in snowy cold Vermont where he’s soon to start his new job as the town vet. He’s bought a house and everything. But while he may be excited about his move up from Boston he still has Christmas with the family to get through. Of course they’ve decided that the B&B in his new town is the perfect place to spend the holidays. Now if only his mother hasn’t planned a surprise date for him as well.

Caleb Black never expected to run into his high school flame at the B&B his best friend drug him to for the holidays. To find out he’s not only there for the week, but has in fact moved into town is stunning. Owen McKenzie is the man he’s never forgotten and the dream he’s dreamt for years. He hated that he was forced to leave town back then and never explained to Owen what happened. Maybe it’s time to right some old wrongs and see if there’s hope for a future.

I loved the stunned and overwhelmed feelings Owen was experiencing seeing the love of his life there in front of him. Especially as he had the results of his last failed relationship show up and splash cold water in his face with exactly what he’d been chasing all these years. This story was very complete and you could just feel the tension pulsing between these two. The want was just there. Owen’s embarrassing family cracked me up kept a short story from being too melodramatic. Such a perfectly concise and well crafted story about renewed love with a bit of holiday cheer. LOVED IT!

Nine Lights Over Edinburgh by Harper Fox ★★★★½

Well this was certainly dark for a Christmas story, but really well written and thoroughly engrossing. I dinged it have a star only because the romance is pretty secondary to the plot and very insta-love.

Detective Inspector James McBride is a cop through and through. He’s the lead detective on the Edinburgh streets and he’s all set to bust one of the biggest human trafficking rings one could imagine. Of course everything else around him is falling apart as his undercover work is beginning to show. He’s drinking heavily and escaping into the bottle more often than not, his ex-wife has noticed the strain and doesn’t want him to have their daughter on weekends or for Christmas anymore, and to top it all off his new section chief has taken it into her head to flex her power and pulled him off the case after he got made by a guy he’d busted in the past. Essentially his life is messed ten ways from Sunday. Now he’s expected to run a stupid op as the head of a security detail for the Israeli ambassador in a building that a child could break into.

Tobias Leitner is Mossad and yet due to his actions during his last assignment he’s been busted down to heading the ambassadors’ protection detail. Still he doesn’t regret attempting to save his partners’ life even if his commander’s countermand resulted in his partners’ death. Now he has to find a way to protect the ambassador in a building rife with easy entrances and hiding places. At least someone who isn’t an idiot heads the delegation from the police department. He sees all the same problems Toby does. Of course things still manage to go tits up on the detail, but what’s a few bullets between friends.

This story had so much dark gritty cop drama to it. I was happily shocked at how complete a story got fit into this short. You really got a feel for the world and the characters and their complicated lives very quickly. None of the characters here were one-dimensional except maybe the idiot section chief Lilah. But well we don’t like her anyway. There were a fair number of twists and turns to this plot and each time I thought the story would focus on one thing something else would get thrown in. Whether it be McBride’s twisted relationship with his old partner, his strained relationship with his ex-wife, his current case, his idiot boss, the ambassadors’ protection detail, his budding feelings for Toby, and of course the kidnapping it all blended together seamlessly.

There was just enough romance here to let it stay in the genre despite being very insta-love and throw away a lifetime of a career for a man you just met. Still it just added spice to the story and I didn’t hate it because I liked Toby a lot. I loved the fact that he was interested in someone as flawed as McBride and could see the potential in him because he’d struggled past similar flaws himself. Altogether this was a really interesting read and had some lovely depth to a short story.

I Heard Him Exclaim by Z.A. Maxfield ★★★★½

Now this is a Christmas story I’d expect. The overabundance of Christmas joy and slightly too perfect coincidences all makes for the sappy wonderful holiday story.

Steve Adams is usually the first person to jump into the Christmas spirit. He’s been playing Santa Claus for years all around town and has always looked and felt the part. This year though, he just can’t do it. After a health scare that resulted in a stint being put in his heart Steve’s had to completely revamp his lifestyle. And who wants a skinny Santa? So instead he’s escaping to Vegas. He’s going to run away to the city of sin and enjoy a few vices this year. It’s not that long of a drive.

Chandler Tracey is at his wits end. He’s a single gay man, he has no frame of reference for raising a child, yet that’s the situation he finds himself in now. After his brother and his wife were killed in a car accident leaving their five hear old daughter in his care Chandler’s life has done an abrupt 180. Now he’s on his way to his parents place for the holidays. Of course his car breaking down along the way and his niece Poppy insisting that the nice man in the pretty red car has to be Santa Claus doesn’t help.

First of all I want Steve’s family! That kind of big happy family is exactly what I grew up in (though not quite that large) and it makes me miss home more than ever. I wish I was closer to them all, especially since I’m one of the few people who lives out of state. ☹ Such an awesome support system and phenomenal family unit.

Steve and Chandler were just sooooo cute. Skinny Santa you still work! Promise! I loved that Chandler was finally able to take a breath and have a moment to relax in his new unlooked for fatherhood. His fears were very real and make complete sense. Steve was like a guiding light for him. Of course they’re just plain HOT together too! Poppy’s this adorable little angel that makes you smile whenever she speaks. I’m not usually a big fan of age gaps, but somehow these two work. Maybe it’s because Chandler may be younger but he’s not much of a twink and Steve still comes across as a young man with lots of energy despite the age difference. The scene with the kids outside the grocery store was so awesome! Santa on a skateboard, yes! Loved the candy bar game there as well.

All in all this is sugary sweet and well written. It hits all my sap-o-meters and lights up my heart with holiday cheer and good will towards your fellow man. And if said man happens to be a gorgeous hunk of yummy with an adorable piece of fluff tagging along behind, what can you do except rescue them from the side of the highway and bring them home with you.

Icecapade by Josh Lanyon ★★★½

This one is a case where I loved the idea of the characters but didn’t love the execution as much. I think I probably would have enjoyed this story more if it wasn’t paired with the other fantastic novels that are in this book. This was good, but not great. It felt like there was something missing because the other stories had so much complexity and depth not only to their characters, but also to their worlds.

Noel Snow spent much of his early adult years climbing in and out of windows and scaling walls and rooftops as one of the most notorious cat burglars around. He made a name for himself and a heck of a lot of money stealing from those who could afford to lose the pieces he claimed for his own. Now he’s retired and spent the last ten years living a quite life on his horse farm and writing a series of crime novels using his past capers as fodder for his plots. Plots that are also intricately entwined with the fictional version of his own personal nemesis from the FBI, a man he fell for years before even if he know their one night together was all he was likely to ever have.

Robert Cuffe spent years chasing Noel Snow even if he never could make anything stick on the expert thief. While he spent more years as a part of the FBI after Noel supposedly retired the job never had the same thrill as when Noel was active. Of course the yearly New Year’s Eve drunken phone calls from the man certainly never let him forget, nor do his books. Now he’s followed the man himself back to his farm and he’s going to confront him about his suspicions, who else could have accomplished this new series of diamond heists?

Frankly I adored Noel. He’s awesome. I love his bad boy background and yet his secret is so humbling. A man who has spent his life doing the things that Noel has, to have his body betray him like that has to be so difficult. It added so much to his man. I really felt like I got to know him and understood his decisions. He’s been in love with Robbie forever and is so sure that it will never amount to anything.

My problem is I never felt as strong of a connection to Robert. I felt like he was more of a sketch of an FBI agent and while I accepted his having fallen for Noel it’s more because Noel is so crazy about him than because I really felt like I understood Robert. In fact I feel like Mr. Lanyon’s attempts to make the questionable reasons for his appearance seem more valid actually detracted from really getting to know what Robert was really feeling. The best moment of the book was the two standing at the top of the crevasse when Robert discovers Noel’s injury and is holding him and he whispers in Noel’s ear. MMMMM HOT!

I think I would have liked this story more as a full-length novel. Something that gave me the time to get to know both these characters equally and would have let everything really develop between them. I love the concept and Noel caught my heart. I just wish I could have connected as strongly with Robert.

[Janna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fabulous anthology with four Christmas themed stories from four great authors. As a collection I would rate it with 5 stars, because each of the separate stories is worth the buy. Here's my take on each of them.


Mistletoe at Midnight
LB Gregg

5 out of 5 stars

This is a perfect holiday story! It has a fabulous love couple, some sort of Christmas miracle, an intriguing narrator's voice, this author's distinctive humor and an engaging plot.
Owen is the narrator of the story. He is a vet and he and his dog arrive late for the Christmas get-together of his family at an inn in Vermont. At arrival he discovers that his first love, Caleb, is also staying at the inn. And to make things even more complicated, his mother has invited his last ex-boyfriend, Keith, as well. Through short flashbacks Owen and Caleb's shared history is revealed and it's obvious that they are each other's 'one that got away'.
During the first part of the story, also a lot is revealed in the conversations, which are - in combination with Owen's thoughts on them - a delight to read. But so is the 'action' that follows. A constant factor throughout the story remains Owen's ability to make and phrase his observations that never fail to make me snort. A few examples:

“I had a type, and now everyone in the entryway knew it, including me. I was suddenly very glad to be blending in to the wallpaper.”

“His briefs lovingly cupped his crotch. I didn’t even pretend I wasn’t looking because, by God, he wasn’t as shriveled from the aftereffects of hypothermia as one might expect. He was gorgeous.”

“My mother clapped her hands and stood. Today’s holiday sweater was a fully decorated Christmas tree with tiny silver jingle bells and more blinking lights. She must wear a battery pack in her bra.”

Everything comes together nicely in the end and the happy ending is very satisfying. Not merely because of the great and hot smexing, but also due to the sweet exchange of Secret Santa gifts. This is a story that I've read in one breath and that I didn't want to finish so I could enjoy these heroes a bit longer.


Nine Lights over Edinburgh
Harper Fox

4.5 out of 5 stars

This author’s writing style is different from most authors’ I know of. It’s elaborate, descriptive - some will call it verbose - and expressive. I think you’ll love it or hate it. I happen to enjoy it once I surrender to it. Harper Fox’s writing has the ability to take me to the places she describes. In this story those are the dark alleys and obscure corners of the streets of Edinburgh. The colorful descriptions of the surroundings emphasize the main character’s gloomy and damaged soul. James is a detective inspector with the Scottish police, divorced since one year from his wife with whom he has a young daughter. He’s doing dangerous undercover work on his own, drinks too much and has to deal with a new, unkind Chief. She is trying to bring him down and five days before Christmas it appears she succeeded. James reluctantly agrees to do what she wants, a security job for the visiting Israeli ambassador. On that job he meets Toby, a Mossad agent to whom he feels instantly attracted. When Toby takes a bullet for him when things go awry their fate is sealed. After that a whole series of suspenseful events happen and Harper Fox makes us feel the drama, the attraction and the hope.
I loved the careful way the author portrayed her heroes and their blooming relationship. I loved how she made the hope for better times tangible. And I enjoyed her plotting inventiveness. But there’s one thing I found hard to grasp: that all these events happened in such a short period of time (five days). I’m not talking about instant love per se but more about the suspense elements. Like Toby leaving the hospital after one day after taking a bullet up the shoulder and subsequently skipping a night’s sleep and going into full action to take a kidnapper down. I mean, is he made of steel? Alas, this story needs a little suspension of disbelief I reckon. But other than that, I fully enjoyed this story, which was the least Christmas-spirited of the collection of four from the His for the Holidays anthology.

Favorite quote:

“From his position on the bench, struggling with his shoelaces, McBride could see parts of his colleagues seldom exposed in cultures that did not include a skirt in their national dress. He repressed a smile. It was enough to put a man off. And that would be grand, wouldn’t it—cure him, straighten him out and send him home to Libby with a hard-on.”

I Heard Him Exclaim
Z.A. Maxfield

4.5 out of 5 stars

In I Heard Him Exclaim we’re treated at Christmas in all its glory, with the commercial bells and whistles (and lights) to match. Main character Steve’s family is completely nuts when it comes to Christmas: they decorate their houses outrageously and they live for the festivities. Steve himself used to be equally nuts, and he liked to play the part of Santa, but not this year. He is not in the spirit because he is no longer filling out the Santa suite after a heart operation early that year. He decides to go to Las Vegas to escape the festivities, but on his way there he meets Chandler, who just inherited guardianship of his five-year-old niece, Poppy. The two of them can use Steve’s help after their car broke down and their holiday plans got canceled, so Steve decides to take them home. There he and Chandler work together to give Poppy a wonderful Christmas while they feel more and more attracted to each other.
I have to admit that I had a little trouble with getting the image of Steve as an old, wrinkly Santa out of my head after the first descriptions of his physical features. I’m not a big fan of the May-December theme where the age difference between the characters nears the parent-child gap. So, to make this story work for me, I had to make Steve a bit younger and more attractive in my head than the author probably had meant him to be. But apart from that, their love story was easy to enjoy. I loved Chandler and his feelings towards his niece and I found Steve’s observational skills regarding Chandler very engaging and sweet. And their smexy moments were certainly sizzling hot and entertaining in their variety. The author succeeded in conveying that Steve and Chandler are so right for each other, even if they only met a couple of days ago. Overall this was a well-written, enjoyable, festive love story with a touch of seriousness and a lot of smiles in it.

Favorite quote:

“[…] men came in two different flavors, and one of those flavors could fix cars. The other, the group to which he belonged, were utterly useless without a cup of coffee in one hand and a computer mouse in the other. He looked under the hood of the car and felt like the apes at the beginning.”

Icecapade
Josh Lanyon

4.75 out of 5 stars

I think I lost my heart to Noel! He’s one of those characters that I will remember for a long time. And his Robbie is one hell of a sexy opponent. This is such a loveable and memorable couple. And they play their parts wonderfully in an amusing, well-paced plot, which is nevertheless way too modest and short. I’m of the opinion that their relationship could’ve used a couple of (or rather a lot) more pages. I was just about getting settled into the story when it already ended… Icecapade is probably the shortest story in the His for the Holidays anthology which is to my regret.
Alas, the story that we did get though, was very satisfying. Noel is a former cat burglar and now a novelist living a quiet life with his horses. Robert Cuffe is the FBI agent who has been on his tail for years and with whom he spent a hot, memorable night nearly eleven years ago. They haven’t seen or spoken each other since then. Until now. Suddenly Robert rings Noel’s doorbell the day before Christmas, allegedly investigating a new series of burglaries even though Noel retired over a decade ago. The men spend some time together, talking about the past, Noel’s morals and more sexy things, meanwhile helping several of Noel’s neighbors out with their problems, like saving a baby llama from a crevice it fell into.
As with other books of Josh Lanyon I loved the narrator’s voice, this time in third person and from Noel’s point of view:

“What a day. He still hadn’t showered or shaved. No wonder Robert was keeping him at arm’s distance—and he hadn’t even started fooling around with llamas yet.”

“The cab smelled like llama and wet dog. At least, that’s what Noel hoped it smelled like. Hopefully his lack of grooming wasn’t catching up with him.”

This story had a few of those chuckle moments as well as some pretty sexy ones. Like the opening scene in which the actual sex scene already took place. Although we don’t even witness the actual smexing, I remember this scene as being sexy as hell. Later in the book we are invited into the bedroom at the right moment, thank goodness. I wouldn’t have wanted to miss that! This couple’s chemistry is hot, tangible and fabulously described and their developing relationship is unique and unforgettable thanks to the fetching plot it’s wrapped in.
~

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