Silver Linings

Collier's Creek Christmas #4

by Nic Starr

This Christmas they'll get the most precious gift of all...

Cam

The holiday season is my favorite time of the year, but this year feels different. Greg and I have built a life together and now we’re ready for the next step—a family of our own. But when our plans for a surrogate seem unattainable, I start to wonder if the universe is telling us it’s not meant to be. It breaks my heart to think we might not have the child of our dreams. Still, when the snow starts to fall and Christmas comes to Collier’s Creek, I can't shake the feeling that something wonderful is just around the corner.

Greg

I’ve always been the realist in our relationship. After everything we've been through—my accident, Cam’s mom’s illness, the way life seems to keep throwing curveballs—maybe it’s a sign that we’re not supposed to have kids. But seeing the look in Cam’s eyes, his unshakable belief that we’ll be fathers one way or another, gives me hope. I’m not going to give up. I’m going to keep believing that having a family is just a matter of time.

Silver Linings, a heartwarming holiday romance, filled with love and hope and the sweetest gift of all.

Celebrate the holidays with the men of Collier’s Creek, where magic fills the air and irresistible romances are the highlight of the festive season. Six low-angst romances, each filled with heartwarming moments and swoon-worthy romance.

Genres: Christmas, M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT

156 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2024

About the author

Nic Starr lives in Australia where she tries to squeeze as much into her busy life as possible. Balancing the demands of a corporate career with raising a family and writing can be challenging but she wouldn’t give it up for the world.

Always a reader, the lure of m/m romance was strong and she devoured hundreds of wonderful m/m romance books before eventually realising she had some stories of her own that needed to be told!

When not writing or reading, she loves to spend time with her family–an understanding husband and two beautiful daughters–and is often found indulging in her love of cooking and planning her dream home in the country.

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Reviews

[Lisa Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful story in the multi-author series Collier's Creek. This book takes a different turn from most romances by being about an established couple dealing with the highs and lows of life while trying to start their family. Grab a few tissues for the happy tears that you're sure to have while reading.

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.

[Kandice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was a little confusing. It read like a extended epilogue. There wasn't a lot to the plot. Declarations of love after "all they went through" (that we don't get to read about), some house reno, sex and mentions of wanting to start a family. I went back to make sure this wasn't the couple from the author's original Collier's Creek but its not. It wasn't bad just a lot of telling rather than showing and repetition.

[Toddles · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm coming to learn that I'm not a fan of existing relationship Romances unless there is a lot of drama to fight through.

This was ok. it wasn't my favorite because of the plot. not because of the relationship. It was nice that the author put a spotlight on the plot line that she did as its an important topic for our community, it was just the execution I think.

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

And the Christmas ARCs have started!!! Here's Nic Starr's "Silver Linings." It's a part of the multi-author series, Collier's Creek Christmas.
["This Christmas they'll get the most precious gift of all...

Cam
The holiday season is my favorite time of the year, but this year feels different. Greg and I have built a life together and now we’re ready for the next step—a family of our own. But when our plans for a surrogate seem unattainable, I start to wonder if the universe is telling us it’s not meant to be. It breaks my heart to think we might not have the child of our dreams. Still, when the snow starts to fall and Christmas comes to Collier’s Creek, I can't shake the feeling that something wonderful is just around the corner.

Greg
I’ve always been the realist in our relationship. After everything we've been through—my accident, Cam’s mom’s illness, the way life seems to keep throwing curveballs—maybe it’s a sign that we’re not supposed to have kids. But seeing the look in Cam’s eyes, his unshakable belief that we’ll be fathers one way or another, gives me hope. I’m not going to give up. I’m going to keep believing that having a family is just a matter of time."]

I'll be honest, I wasn't too sure about this one going in. There's plot, but romance wasn't the major driving influence. And I didn't want to read a book about a happy couple that might end up almost breaking up. However, I am so happy to report that I was wrong, on many accounts.

There was sooooo much love and support and dedication and devotion and fluff in this book. It shone off the page like Christmas lights. Their love wasn't easy, as we saw through a few minor flashbacks, but they fought for it and it's stronger because of it. And, like life, things aren't always smooth or easy, but they stood by each other and supported each other every day, even through the hard ones.

And now I have to read the rest of this series... And the OG series...

#booksprout #arcs #arcteammember
#silverlinings #nicstarr #collierscreekchristmas #collierscreekchristmasseries #collierscreek #collierscreekseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this story of Cam and Greg’s journey toward fatherhood to be an interesting look at the impact of those desires and the ups and downs of the thoughts and everyday reality of the challenges of that choice for a gay couple, especially.
Both are ready to think of starting a family, and begin looking at options available to them. Surrogacy would be their first choice, but there are challenges with that option. Fostering and adoption are also viable alternatives, although maybe not the favorite option. There is a lot about their thoughts, individually and together, but I would have liked to see more about the processes that would be needed to achieve any of the options. For me, their desire to have a child was real, but I think it would have been more interesting as the reader to go through the information gathering with them and see what they actually would have to do to be successful for each alternative. There was a very short section about medical testing and results, but so much of the book was on their everyday lives and the renovations of their home rather than what they did to actively pursue the idea of having a child to love (other than talking about their desires), I was not sure where it was going much of the time. That being said, it painted a picture of two men, very in love, having survived challenges in their relationship, now ready to grow that love by increasing their family.
The book did a great job creating the world of Collier’s Creek at Christmas time, an ideal place to raise children with a strong sense of community and an emphasis on family. It is definitely a Hallmark moment kind of place.
Even without more specific information on how they got to the point at the end of the book with their new family, it was a good slice of everyday life for Greg and Cam in their small, family friendly town, and a nice lead in to the holiday season.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ramsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Standalone
- established couple
- small town

This was definitely different since right from the start we have two MCs who are already in an established relationship.

I'm honest when I say I liked that quite a bit.
So often we see MCs fall in love but then the book ends shortly after that and we never know what happens to them in the future.
Now we do, at least with Greg and Cameron, our two MCs.

And even if we are not there when they get together we get to know a lot of their life up until now. Understandably not everything and in too great details but the important things I'd say. Some of them were heart breaking but knowing all is better now made it less sorrowful for me.

They both felt real in a way book characters not always do. Because here we have two people still very much in love years later even if they have their misunderstandings, fights and real life struggles. We can practical experience them navigating through life and harder times with love and devotion to each other as well as a healthy dose of communication.

Wonderful and supporting side characters enriched the storyline.
The flow and pacing of the story was just right in my opinion and the writing style was pleasant.
I did not miss anything and was well entertained.

I found this a heart warming, entertaining and beautiful story that showed me a healthy and positive relationship with a lot of happy moments.

[VersaiVex_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silver linings is a great quick read full of fluffy, sweet love and an existing couple just wanting to start their own family.
These two are sweeter then any dessert you can order. Cam and Greg are a beautifully married couple that makes your heart feel warm during the winter season for sure. But their past hurt and complications come back to mess with them on their journey to expand their family.
This is book 4 out of 6 for the Colliers Creed Christmas series, so I might be missing some character and town context. But I'd loved to read more about this adorable couple. They have gone through a lot of trials and they always seem to come out stronger for it.
Add in the Holiday, small town and found family trope and you have a great story all around.
I really enjoyed this story and really felt for the couple as they really struggled to continue their family. The author went through a lot of different methods for the couple to create their family and the couple did well navigating disappointment and the hope they felt.
Overall, I'd start at the beginning of the series to get more town context, but you can totally read just this book and still get around alright.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Collier’s Creek, and I’m a huge fan of this author’s books, so was very happy to be able to another by her in this series. One of the highlights of the story is the family vibe of the friendships and how everyone rallies around to help Greg and Cam’s dream become a reality. I also loved seeing Geraldine and Barkasaurus Rex again – a visit to Collier’s Creek wouldn’t be complete without them.

Small town settings are a favourite genre, and I wish this one was real. Collier’s Creek has a lovely cozy vibe about it, and even more so at Christmas. I love its community and how characters wander in and out of other people’s stories, which helps with its sense of reality. I chuckled at the cheeky reference to another favourite small town series – nicely done.

Greg and Cam’s story is heartfelt, and real. I loved that despite all the stress and disappointment, their love for each other never falters, and is never in doubt.

The peek into their future makes for a satisfying conclusion to this feel-good story.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The holiday season is Cam's favourite time of the year, but this year feels different. Greg and he have built a life together and now they're ready for the next step - a family of their own. But when their plans for a surrogate seem unattainable, he starts to wonder if the universe is telling them it’s not meant to be. Greg has always been the realist in their relationship. After everything they've been through - his accident, Cam’s mom’s illness, the way life seems to keep throwing curveballs - maybe it’s a sign that they're not supposed to have kids. But seeing the look in Cam’s eyes, his unshakable belief that they'll be fathers one way or another, gives him hope.

This was a really heart warming story of Cam's and Greg's stable relationship and their belief that they were perfect to give love to a child. There were lots of big emotions in this story around their relationship and their belief and need for a child. You will definitely shed a tear or two reading this festive story. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Linings by Nic Starr is a tender, heartfelt holiday romance that beautifully captures the spirit of hope, love, and new beginnings. Cam and Greg’s journey is both emotional and uplifting as they navigate their dreams of building a family while facing the uncertainties life throws their way.

The story is steeped in the magic of the Christmas season, making Collier’s Creek feel like the perfect backdrop for their struggles and triumphs. Cam’s optimism paired with Greg’s grounded realism creates a touching dynamic, and their deep love for each other shines through on every page. The challenges they face add depth, but the story remains low-angst and full of warmth—a true comfort read.

With its blend of holiday cheer and heartfelt romance, Silver Linings is a lovely reminder that even in life’s toughest moments, there’s always hope for something beautiful. It’s the perfect book to curl up with during the festive season!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

A real change to read about an established couple

Cam and Greg have a stable, happy marriage and are completely in love. The only thing missing is the sound of children's laughter.
It was so nice to read about a happy couple who'd weathered storms and were looking to start a family. I loved them together but I would have liked to have seen more of their efforts to start their longed-for family. We were pretty much just told the different avenues open to them and how difficult it was, and then in the epilogue, we were treated to a small glimpse into their very happy future. There was far more scenes about their house renovations and lots of sex scenes too, none of which I minded but I didn't understand why they took page space away from their quest for kids.
There was also many mentions of Greg's accident with absolutely no details at all, and I didn't understand why bother to include it only to keep what actually happened and the aftermath a secret from readers.
It was nice to see Felix and Kit again, as well as Will and Colton too.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the Collier’s Creek Christmas series, set in the shared Collier’s Creek series, with books by various authors. This book reads well as a stand alone, with just enough background information on characters to understand. Cam and Greg were high school sweethearts, though they separated at some point to “sow their wild oats,” which Cam views as the one big mistake they’ve made. They’ve both had pain in their past, and are now looking forward to/dreaming of a family of their own.

This book gave me the feeling of cozy comfort – like visiting old friends where the conversation just picks up where you all left off, as if you’ve not been apart for weeks/months/years. There’s a particularly sweet scene in Cam’s coffee shop where they’re developing the seasonal drink flavors that leads to dancing… and more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nic Starr's contribution to the Collier Creek Christmas series is about an established couple, Cam and Greg. We get tiny glimpses into the before story, which was rather nice. They're at a point in their lives where everything is good. Their relationship is super sweet, random phone calls during their workdays, holding hands. They're ready to start a family. Of course, at only twenty six years old, they're a little young for it. And maybe trying to redo the two major rooms, kitchen and bath, might not be the absolute best time, but....
Surrogacy, fostering, adoption, you're going to need to keep the tissue box near you for some of it. Cam and Greg have a very nice sizzle. The worldbuilding is good. Their friends are supportive. Characters from the earlier Collier series pop in.
It's a short work, so a quick read. Mostly fun with some Christmas magic thrown in. A little emotional.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Give Up . . .

This is about a stable couple who are now ready to start a family. Cam is optimistic, but finding a surrogate doesn’t seem possible. Does that mean they should stop trying? Despite his doubts, with Christmas so close and the snow falling, he senses something special will come to them if they just keep hope in their hearts.

Greg also has been considering all the roadblocks to their having a child. But Cam’s outlook and never-ending hope is inspiring Greg too. They may need to wait a bit longer, but they can’t give up this important part of their wonderful relationship. Will there be a miracle on the way? Will they let their disappointment pull them even closer together to work toward their dream of a child? And will the entire community come together to let them know they are cheering them on? Could fostering, opening their hearts and home to a child in need, be another path to finding the child who needs the love they both are so willing to share?

[Marion · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is part of the multi-author Collier’s Creek Christmas series. It is nice to be back in Collier's Creek again. This is the story of Cam and Greg. They are already in an established relationship and very much in love. Cam owns the popular local coffee shop. Greg is a financial consultant who has a thriving business as well. Working from home, Greg is also able to slowly pick away at the much needed renovations for the house. The only dream left to fulfill is having a family. This story focuses on that journey. This book is like putting a comfy sweater. It leaves you warm and relaxed. The only thing that took me out of the story was the numerous references to Greg's accident without actually explaining what really happened. Other than that I enjoyed this book.

I received a complimentary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laora · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I enjoyed most about this book was how realsitic live was presented against a backdrop of the end of year holiday celebrations Characters who have ups and downs. An mm relation that is established, loving but also needs the work for it to be done to keep it that way. I absolutely applaud the author that there is acknowledgement that this is a romance hence the fatherhood wish is fulfilled. I do also like that Greg and Cam choose to worknon more than one road to attain the family they so wished and worked for. An extra mention to both bonusscenes that exolain how both Tommy anf Genna came to be part of their family. My one point of critic sometimes the book felt a bit repetative emotion wise: all the gratitude, frustration etc, but then again I giess you would truelybfeel like that in a long process like a wish for a child or children.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

SILVER LININGS - NIC STARR

This is part of the Colliers Creek Christmas series, but we met these characters in Blue Skies when Cam had his friend take care of his coffee shop while him and Greg went on their delayed honeymoon.

This heartwarming story shares what true love and Christmas miracles are about. Cam and Greg were childhood friends who found love and their HEA and even going through challenging things from parents to their own lives, and they get through it together. Now they want to finally start working on having kids. There are different options they have to consider and some heartbreak thrown in, but in the end, they are blessed with having family that loves them and wants to help them have their hearts desire.

Nic Starr writes wonderful characters and if you have not taken time to read her books, add her to your list immediately.

[Heather Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

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This was a sweet addition to the Collier’s Creek Christmas series. Established, completely loved-up couple Cam and Greg are searching for a special gift this Christmas.

They’ve been through a lot, and there is much more going on at the moment, but even amidst it all, they know they want to start a family. That brings its own stressors, and as long as they remember to love and support each other, they’ll make it through.

Set in the town of Collier’s Chreek amongst its love of Christmas and some amazing friends and family, they’ll be surrounded by love when they need it most.

[Lillian Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very gentle romance of an established couple. There's no relationship angst that puts a strain on the relationship. In fact Greg and Cam were nothing but supportive whenever one or the other (normally Cam) had a meltdown.
I felt that the journey towards surrogacy should have been more prominent, it seemed more time was spent on house renovations and the coffee shop, which reduced the impact of surrogacy storyline.
Another issue for me, although YMMV, was Greg's accident. An indeterminate period of time ago Greg was in a life threatening accident, it is mentioned or alluded to at least 9 times but as readers we are never given the details: what happened, whose fault was it, what were his injuries, his recovery, long term effects. We're not given any of this information, so the accident is just this vague thing with impact or consequence.
Overall a sweet low angst read.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was very cozy and I think that was because of the established couple. Cam and Greg are married, together since high school. They are renovating their home and looking into options to start their family. The story, to me, was a tad light and mostly Cam and Greg admiring each other and saying their I love yous. It also took place over the holiday season and I swear Cam was obsessed with needing to start their family right now. I felt they should have had more deep conversations about it and if they could afford it, etc. It also felt like maybe it was a 2nd book in a series about these two MCs as I felt major things happened and were roughly discussed but never addresses head on. For instance, what was this accident Greg was in? Why did he have to go through physical rehab? I need more information.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very low key, practically drama free😶

This story of Greg and Cam's firmly established and happy relationship is sweet, but a bit too low-key for me.

Some things that bothered me:

I understood Greg's emotion when he hit a wall in his pursuit of fatherhood and a family, but did not get why he did not even consider what was to me the most obvious alternative. And the author keeps alluding to Greg's terrible accident in the past without elaborating. If it's not worth giving a bit of detail then why mention it at all? I read this with all characters being new to me and I wanted that bit of background.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Established couple, slice of life, holiday romance

Cam and Greg are a married couple.
They really love each other.
They've had their share of rough moments but thankfully their love for each other and support from friends and family has helped them work through the tough times.
Now they're ready for the next step, building a family.
It gets hard at times and while they go through some disappointments, they also realize just how lucky they are to have each other along with plenty of support and that they'll figure out how to have a family.
I loved all the small, intimate moments of a relationship that we got to see plus all the family and friends supporting them.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can feel the love from everyone in this story. Greg and Cam, are in a very good place. They are as much in love as ever. Their businesses are doing well. The home renovations are chugging along and they are both on the same page and ready to start a family. Life, seems to want to challenge our men and they start doubting their goals. They meet the challenges head on as a loving supportive couple with a strong group of supportive, family and friends. The author handles the biggest challenge of starting a family with great sensitivity and keeps us on the edge of our seats. Nicely constructed, great cover art. nicely paced flow. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brie_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received an ARC for this cute novella. What caught my attention immediately was that it’s about an already established couple. Cam and Greg are happily married and working on a home renovation and this Christmas they decide they want to start a family.

Reasons I Recommend:

1) Adorably cute with real life struggles

2) A happy marriage with realistic fights and important discussions and

3) Fluffy, Christmas-y, and fun.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

#briereads #brierecommends #2024goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads #reviewedoninstagram #bookworm #lovetoread #idratherbereading #mmromance #advancedreaderscopy #silverlinings #nicstarr @nic_starr_author

[Rebecca Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cam and Greg have been married for a while and been trying to add more to their family. Things are not the greatest and Greg just about gives up hope but Cam still has plenty for the both and they keep trying despite their challenges. They enjoy their holidays together with family and friends and don’t let the challenges ruin their holidays. They have their ups and downs but always stick by each other and then a miracle happens, someone close to them offers to be their surrogate and they get the best Christmas gift ever. This book was so sweet, full of love and laughter with a little bit of heartbreak. It was such a good read and I can’t wait to read more. ❤️😀

[Tanya Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick little novella about Cam and Greg. The last couple of years have been rough. Greg had a serious accident and he had to learn to walk again. While on their planned year-long trip traveling the world, it was cut short when Cam's mother had a major MS Set back. They're still loved up, and renovating their kitchen and main bath AT THE SAME TIME, they are suckers for punishment. Next on the horizon is starting a family. For a couple of mid-twenty somethings, they sure are ambitious with a great backup support group.

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect little Christmas book with all the sweet romance.
A Foggy Basin series novel with Cameron and Greg’s beautiful story.
Cam and Greg are married and now hope’n for their next step in their journeys together to start a family together with a child but its not easy as they find out.

Cam is the owner of CCs coffee shop whilst Greg was a financial planner in between his renovation projects and his surprises for Cam. A great story with all the emotions as they try to find a way to be a family. Both characters are great together in this story and I especially loved the ending of this, no spoilers.

This is a gorgeous sweet story for the Foggy Basin community with a perfect ending. Some characters are featured from other books of this series popping into scenes.


*I received an Advance reader copy via Booksprout and this is my voluntary review
Also reviewed on mmbookwormreviews.com

[Tanya Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick little novella about Cam and Greg. The last couple of years have been rough. Greg had a serious accident and he had to learn to walk again. While on their planned year-long trip traveling the world, it was cut short when Cam's mother had a major MS Set back. They're still loved up, and renovating their kitchen and main bath AT THE SAME TIME, they are suckers for punishment. Next on the horizon is starting a family. For a couple of mid-twenty somethings, they sure are ambitious with a great backup support group.

[K-Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Cam and Greg. Since this is a shorter holiday story about an established couple, I really appreciated the back story of what Cam and Greg had been through and all the while supporting each other. Greg needing to learn to walk again after an accident was heartbreaking to hear about. Now they want a child of their own to love and nurture. This little novella brought the magic of the holiday but more importantly the magic of family.

[Jennifer Laber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cam and Greg were the best! I haven’t read many books where the MCs were already together forever, and I wasn’t sure I’d connect with their story. But I was pleasantly surprised to feel all the love flow. It was refreshing to enjoy their journey without the typical drama, and have the conflict be different. Loved all the side characters so much, especially sister Madi. This is my first introduction to Collier’s Creek; excuse me while I go down the rabbit hole…