Can a campy train wreck make a straitlaced grinch love Christmas?
RAF officer Alfie Spears isn’t crazy about Christmas, even though he’s spearheading his unit’s Christmas charity drive, which is taking place at the Hawthorne Community Arts Center. Christmas is definitely not his favorite time of year, but since his father was once a student at the school that occupied Hawthorne House before the arts center, he’s willing to give it a go. Stepping away from his usual duties might be just what he needs to decide whether to continue on in the military or join civilian life.
It was all supposed to be calm and low-key, but then Blaine Hawthorne happened….
Blaine Hawthorne has really stuffed it all up. One outstandingly horrific mistake in the interior design business he ran with a friend caused the entire company to tank. Now he’s hiding out at Hawthorne House for the holidays because he’s convinced his ex-business-partner is out for revenge.
The last thing he expected was to jump enthusiastically into the new project of assisting Alfie and jingling his bells….
Blaine is as determined to get Alfie to like Christmas as Alfie is to get Blaine to face his problems. But will their holiday fling be over once the presents are unwrapped or will they ring in a new year and a new life together?
USA Today Bestselling author Merry Farmer lives in suburban Philadelphia with her two cats, Justine and Peter. She has been writing since she was ten years old and realized she didn't have to wait for the teacher to assign a creative writing project to write something. It was the best day of her life. Her books have reached the top of Amazon's charts, and have been named finalists for several prestigious awards, including the RONE Award for indie romance.
RAF officer Alfie Spears doesn’t like Christmas, even though he’s spearheading his unit’s Christmas charity drive, which is taking place at the Hawthorne Community Arts Centre. Blaine Hawthorne has really messed up. One outstandingly horrific mistake in the interior design business he ran with partner Dave could mean the business folds & Blaine could be prosecuted. Now he’s hiding out at Hawthorne House for the holidays avoiding his ex-business-partner. What a fun, laugh out loud entertaining book, yes there are serious moments & Blaine & Alfie each carry a whole load of baggage but from their first meeting they are meant to be together. Talk about opposites attract, I loved them both but Blain is priceless & so very endearing from thinking he has to buy designer baubles to being like a kid in the sweetshop in Asda. Alfie has a way with everyone from his senior officer to the kids from the homes. I loved how they fell for each other & devoured this brilliant story in a sitting I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
If you love opposites attract, military hero, drama, Christmas parties, and children this is the book for you. Alfie is such a great hero defending and caring for Blaine with his drama. They are a great couple. The steamy parts are spread throughout the book perfectly. This is a great book to read next to a fire just relaxing over the weekend. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
It's the perfect time for you to read Decorated: The Art of Love by Merry Farmer
This Christmas-time story is the ideal book to cuddle up with a cup of tea and read this time of year. Set in England with a main character who is in the RAF, or Royal Air Force, for those of us not super up to date with all things British, and another who is a flamboyant interior designer, this opposites attract Christmas story is a super quick, super sweet read perfect for the holiday enjoyment your heart needs this time of year.
Blaine & Alfie
Blaine is a creative, eccentric, and very down on himself interior designer, who runs, er, ran, a successful business with business partner Dave until recently it all came crashing down. Burning down, is a better way to put it. After he leaves a client's house, a circuit shorts and the whole house burns down, leaving him and his business up in the air. He's convinced he'll be sued into tomorrow and at the beginning of the story he's hiding out from Dave at his familial house the Hawthorne House, something that this Yank pictures as right out of Downton Abby with its country charm and old-money polish.
Alife is a soon-to-be-retired cargo plane/logistics expert who flew cargo planes in Afghanistan and carries some emotional trauma back home with him. He's looking forward to civilian life but is totally unsure of his plans for post-military life. He is, however, looking forward to being out and able to mingle, because apparently even in modern times it can be iffy to be out and proud in the military in England. As one of his last acts as a military man, he's helping to coordinate a toy drive for local children's houses and partnering with Hawthorne House.
Hawthorne House
Hawthorne House is a community arts center now, but it was once a school, and before that, it was the ancestral home of the old-money Hawthornes, Earls of Felcort (I have no idea what that means). The house is old old, the original building was built pre-1700 in the middle of a British civil war I also know nothing about. There are some definite gaps in my understanding of British history and it's not the goal of this story to educate but I still found the back story of the Hawthornes really interesting and plausible in a contemporary setting. I am sure there are a bunch of houses just like the Hawthorne house in real life peppering the English countryside.
Artsy Family
The Hawthornes are all artists these days, and a lot of them are queer, except for Blaine's twin brother who is /gasp/ an accountant. This bit cracked me up and I cannot wait to read about him in his story if he gets one.
Blaine has Low Self-Esteem
For someone from old money, poor Blaine has a very low regard for himself, and that has shown itself in his choice of lovers, from what he tells Alfie. He's used to being thoroughly disposed of once a date is done with him, and it's so sweet when he realizes that Alfie is not like the other men who have used him and spit him out.
Alfie is a GOOD GUY
Ok y'all I really like how good Alfie is with both Blaine and the kids. It almost seems too good to be true but I do really hope there are men out there like Alfie who are good at managing and boosting the confidence and self esteem of good guys like Blaine.
This story is low angst and totally sweet and I really think it's perfect for the holiday season. Read it now and you'll feel the same!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Seemingly lost and disaster queen changes straitlaced grinch who hates Christmas
Decorated is one of a series of wonderful books by Merry Farmer that are connected to a long-standing English aristocratic family which has converted their estate into an arts school and family compound. The other books have been delightful to read as romances enhance the quality of life for the Hawthorne Community Arts Center, and we are enchanted by the gift to the community, along with the community's appreciation for the arts.
In this installment, Alfie Spears is a Royal Air Force non-commissioned officer who, after the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, suffers from nightmares about a young girl he rescued. He is nearing the end of his enlistment and is offered a chance at a commission officer position. However, a temporary assignment to represent the RAF in soliciting toys for children from foster homes and orphanages in the area leads him to work with Blaine Hawthorne, one of a set of twins. Blaine describes himself as a total disaster, displaying this in his assumptions about the end of his design career because a house burned down while he was responsible for an installation. He blames himself for neglecting to pay the company's insurance.
While hiding from his business partner, whom he fears will serve him with papers for his role in the incident, Blaine guides Alfie in what needs to be done for the toy collection and the big party where they will be distributed. Their work involves shopping at both high-end and budget stores. As they work together, Alfie gets to know Blaine much better, witnessing his breakdowns as well as his caring side—especially Blaine's desire to help Alfie overcome his anti-Christmas feelings. This perspective stems from the early deaths of his parents and his belief that Christmas shouldn't be celebrated without family.
The romance deepens as Alfie becomes the strong one who calms Blaine and helps him focus on the task at hand, guiding him in dealing with his business partner.
It's a charming story with rich character development typical of Merry Farmer, filled with delightful interactions with the children, which ignite the desire in both Blaine and Alfie to express their wish for a future together with children.
The story reads quickly, as Ms. Farmer's writing is easy to follow—neither stilted nor overly simplistic. It's a joy to appreciate her attention to detail in their evolving romance and the psychological reflections of Blaine.
Currently, there are two more books in the series that I have yet to read, and I plan to pick them up very soon.
RAF officer Alfie Spears is close to finishing his enlistment. As an NCO cargo plane pilot during the panicked withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, he witnessed the heartbreak of as many desperate women and children left behind as he was able to cram into his plane. This affected him greatly and he chose to finish the last year of his tour hack in England at a desk job in logistics. Alfie wasn’t a huge fan of Christmas either, growing up as an only child with just a mother for support. But he was good at logistics and had volunteered to organize the RAF’s toy drive and combined party at the Hawthorne Center. Now a community center focused on the arts, The old manor house had once been a school his father attended. Having died when Alfie was six, this allowed him to peek into his father’s life. Running from his soon-to-be-ex-business partner, Blaine Hawthorne is a hot mess. An interior decorator, he had just caused an accident that destroyed his client’s house, and he can’t file for the insurance he forgot to pay the premiums on. When he sees his Ex walk through the door of Hawthorne House, he turns and runs at full speed into a brick wall made of muscle, Alfie Spears. Blaine does not give Alfie a chance at anything as he ducks and dodges Dave while dragging Alfie with him. Blaine is just too much, too gay, too flamboyant, too unconsolable, too talkative, and especially too good at picking bad hookups. Alfie has made it through years of service as a tall, very muscular, serious, straight military ideal, hiding the whole time that he has been gay since very young. And Alfie is ready to jump in with both feet with Blaine. As Alfie and Blaine grow closer to setting up the party, Blaine is amazed how good Alfie is with the children. Blaine’s Superior Officer offers him a chance to stay in with a promotion and a commission and a posting in Cyrus. The offer is everything Alfie ever wanted from the military but now there is Blaine and the children to think of as well as a possible job offer to work with them. Decorated is a short novella as most holiday stories are. But it finishes with an HEA and is sincerely sweet
Decorated is the third book in the ‘Art of Love’ series involving the Hawthorne family. It stars Alfie Spears, RAF officer, and Blaine Hawthorne, interior designer. This is told in third person from both Alfie and Blaine’s pov.
The blurb gives info on the basic plot. Alfie isn’t a fan of Christmas, but he volunteered to head the toy drive at Hawthorne House while he figures out what he wants to do before he permentally retires from the RAF. While at Hawthorne House, he literally runs into Blaine, or rather Blaine runs into him. This book isn’t as emotionally fraught as the first two books, so the relationship develops more quickly. That works, since the plot revolves around the holidays and it’s lighter in tone. The drama comes with a problem revolving around Blaine, his business partner, and how Blaine is hiding from said partner who is trying to find him.
The author did a good job creating distinct characters and keeping their voices unique throughout the story. Alfie was steady, dependable, and confident. He just hadn’t figured out yet what direction he wanted his life to go in since he applied to leave the RAF. Blaine on the other hand was the opposite. Blaine first showed up in the second book with his twin brother. Blaine is creative, high-strung, over-dramatic, and flamboyant. He also has low self-esteem because his previous boyfriends and hookups only saw him as a plaything. Blaine wants to find someone who will accept him for who he is, but he can’t believe that Alfie is that person. Alfie enjoys Blaine exactly the way he is. I loved how in the end, Alfie does end up loving Christmas indirectly. He falls in love with Blaine, and Blaine is the personification of Christmas. Bright, exciting, joyous, and dressed in holiday clothes, because Blaine loves Christmas.
Decorated was a fluffy and fast holiday read. I recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a relaxing read with great characters. I give this book, 4 Stars.
I received an ARC from the author and am giving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Book three in Merry Farmer’s series The Art of Love is “Decorated”. This novella highlights the romance of interior decorator Blaine Hawthorne and the man he is attracted to, Corporal Alfie Spears. This short Christmas themed read has sugar, lots of spice, and everything nice. Blaine and Alfie are definitely opposites. Blaine is zany, rather loud, and presents being gay to the world. He tends to be self deprecating and hasn’t had much success dating or with his love life. Hawthorne House is collecting toys and hosting a Christmas party for children. RAF Corporal Alfie Spears is representing the military’s participation in the event, which means he is working with Blaine, who is decking out Hawthorne House for his favorite holiday and the event. Since Alfie is in the military, his presentation to the world is opposite that of Blaine. He is quiet and low key, he doesn’t have family to speak of, and, shockingly to Blaine, Alfie is not a fan of the Christmas season. When they meet, Blaine and Alfie are instantly attracted to one another. I liked both of these characters. I appreciated the fact that Alfie liked Blaine the way he was and Alfie felt protective of Blaine and his feelings. These two characters were real and well written. The plot was well done, this story fit into the Art of Love world, the center being Hawthorne House and the creative Hawthorne family. Merry Farmer knows how to pack a lot into a novella to make a satisfying read when the last page is turned. “Decorated” is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone contemporary romance. This is an m/m open door romance. Definitely recommended. I’m looking forward to the next installment of the series starring Blaine’s twin brother Baxter, surprisingly he is an accountant!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Here's Merry Farmer's "Decorated." It's the third novel in her new series, The Art of Love.
["Can a campy train wreck make a straitlaced grinch love Christmas?
RAF officer Alfie Spears isn’t crazy about Christmas, even though he’s spearheading his unit’s Christmas charity drive, which is taking place at the Hawthorne Community Arts Center. Christmas is definitely not his favorite time of year, but since his father was once a student at the school that occupied Hawthorne House before the arts center, he’s willing to give it a go. Stepping away from his usual duties might be just what he needs to decide whether to continue on in the military or join civilian life.
It was all supposed to be calm and low-key, but then Blaine Hawthorne happened….
Blaine Hawthorne has really stuffed it all up. One outstandingly horrific mistake in the interior design business he ran with a friend caused the entire company to tank. Now he’s hiding out at Hawthorne House for the holidays because he’s convinced his ex-business-partner is out for revenge.
The last thing he expected was to jump enthusiastically into the new project of assisting Alfie and jingling his bells….
Blaine is as determined to get Alfie to like Christmas as Alfie is to get Blaine to face his problems. But will their holiday fling be over once the presents are unwrapped or will they ring in a new year and a new life together?"]
Alfie got it exactly correct when he called Blaine "an adorable train wreck." He's a blur of rainbow colors and anxiety, a beautiful hot mess. It's a good think that Alfie is professionally trained in handling tense situations. ;)
These two were adorable as hell. It was fast as hell, but call it fate (and the Christmas spirit). They just clicked.
Alfie wasn’t a fan of Christmas, but he was nearing the end of his time in RAF, and his assignment was to plan a holiday toy drive at the small Hawthorne Community Arts Center. This was his assignment, and he would be a good soldier to do his job, and then what? When he was no longer part of the military, he didn’t know what he would do with his life, but after what he experienced, he didn’t feel like continuing this career was best for him. It was time to change things.
Blaine was an eccentric mess hiding at his cousin’s art center, hoping to avoid his business partner because he knew he was going to be sued for what happened at his last client’s house. While there, he was asked to decorate for the toy drive. It was a good distraction. He didn’t expect Corporal Alfie Spears to be involved with the process.
They are very opposite, but maybe they could fit together, or maybe it's a train wreck.
OPINION: This is the third book in this series. These two men are so very different but fit together well. There is a holiday vibe, but I wouldn’t call it a Christmas book. I got to know each MC well, and I understood their dynamic. Several bits were funny since Blaine is a hot mess, but wonderful. I enjoyed the whole thing, which offered a slow burn, but they got there. The way they worked with each other was great. You are left with many questions about the future, so be prepared, but there is an HFN. There are a couple of spice scenes, but this isn't the book for you if that is what you are looking for. Generally, it’s low angst and fun. You don’t see much from the previous couples or family in this story; it mainly focuses on the handsome soldier and quirky interior decorator. If you have read the other two, read this one. It’s a quick, easy read and can be read alone, but I think it works better with the other stories.
This is a delightful Christmas novella featuring more members of the Hawthorne family of Hawthorne House. When Alfie Spears of the RAF arrives to arrange a party at the house for a RAF toy drive, he inadvertently becomes a shield for Blaine Hawthorne as he hides out from his business partner Davey. Thus begins a flirtation with very obviously gay Blaine taken with the big RAF guy, and the feeling appears mutual. As the two work on preparations for the party, the more Alfie learns about Blaine, the more enchanted he is with this mercurial man. The development of the relationship isn’t smooth, but it definitely grows as the days march by to the party.
Very realistic, relatable, and engaging characters move through the world of the old mansion, now an art school, with descriptions that help bring the different worlds within the building to life. Alfie and Blaine may seem like opposites in so many ways, but they are perfect for each other. Even though this isn’t a Daddy/little book, the interactions between Alfie and Blaine reminded me of that dynamic, Alfie providing the calm support and expectations of Blaine and Blaine needing that steadying influence to get him back on track when he spirals. I find Blaine to be especially entertaining in the book, someone I would like to know.
This is a fun short addition to the Art of Love series, and I look forward to more in the series, and maybe a chance to see Alfie and Blaine again passing through future books. A fun holiday read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alfie wants a quiet, uncomplicated Christmas while running his RAF unit’s charity drive at the Hawthorne Arts Centre — but that plan derails the moment Blaine Hawthorne bursts into his life. Blaine is hiding out after a spectacular business disaster, convinced his ex‑partner is out for revenge, and the last thing he expects is to get tangled up with a grumpy Christmas‑hater. Their fling grows as Blaine tries to make Alfie love the holidays and Alfie pushes Blaine to face his mess. The real question is whether their spark will fade once the decorations come down, or if this Christmas might be the start of something lasting.
I loved this story with Blaine’s delightful chaos and Alfie’s steady, grounded presence that makes them an unexpectedly perfect match. Blaine storms into every scene like a glitter‑covered hurricane, while Alfie brings the calm, practical steadiness of someone who’s spent years holding everything together. Watching these two energies collide — and then slowly click into place — is half the joy of the story. Their dynamic proves that sometimes the best relationships grow from contrast: Blaine needs someone who won’t flinch at his whirlwind, and Alfie needs someone who can shake him out of his rigid control. Together, they balanced each other beautifully, turning a holiday fling into something warmer, deeper, and full of promise. This was a charming, festive romance where chaos meets calm and somehow creates the perfect fit. This was an MM story with mature content.
4.5 stars This is a really enjoyable book, but it was over too soon! There are a lot of laughs, some serious moments, sexy times, opposites attract, nearly instant love, and a sweet HEA. Blaine is definitely dramatic, he is flamboyant and over the top, highly emotional, and tends to act before he thinks - thus creating many laughs found in the book. Blaine is also full of negative thoughts about himself, he believes he isn't worth sticking around for - thoughts put there from exes - and that so many things are his fault. Alfie has a very commanding presence, he has a calm and calming personna, and is very good with kids. It takes no time at all for Alfie to see the negativity within Blaine, and when someone else is putting Blaine down, he doesn't like it at all. Alfie also realizes quickly that due to Blaine's personality, Blaine tends to spin out of control when there is conflict. They have amazing chemistry, Alfie is the calming, rational force that balances Blaine's chaotic nature, and they have much more in common than they expected, so it isn't a surprise when love is felt quickly by both of them. This book is a great addition to the series that I am enjoying. So many colourful characters and intriguing situations to be found within Hawthorne House. I would recommend this book as well as this series.
This is my honest, unbiased opinion. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Holiday Cheer Meter: 3/5 (Where 1 is as Christmassy as 'Die Hard' and 5 is more like 'Elf')
3rd person, past tense, dual PoV Alfie Spears, Corporal in the RAF Blaine Hawthorne, co-owner of an interior design/decor company
I enjoy Merry Farmer and can count on her to give me a quick, light, fun, cute story when I need one. This is no exception and I loved the way the title fit the story. It is the only book in The Art of Love series that I have read (so far!) and it stood alone well. There is some character crossover, but nothing that ruined the story or felt shoehorned in. There was even an appearance by a character (Leland) I read about in a Valentine's anthology they contributed to last year - Candy Hearts.
I'm an absolute sucker for a chaotic whirlwind blowing into the life of a straight-laced character who is helplessly caught up in them. It's my favourite iteration of the opposites attract trope so I lapped this up and went back for seconds. I also loved how Alfie as a stead-fast logistics guy isn't fazed a bit, understanding Blaine in a way he seemingly has never had before. Their banter and chemistry was great, but I couldn't get enough of Alfie showing up for Blaine and demonstrating that he isn't too much, he's worthy of love and that he doesn't have to make himself small with the right person. Alfie's struggle to find direction in his life as he transitions to civilian life after a decade in service adds a nice depth and tension to the story. I was delighted with how things played out.
This is the third book in The Art of Love series. Each book is a standalone read. I really enjoyed this book. It is a sweet and warm holiday story. This is the story of RAF officer Alfie Spears and Blaine Hawthorne. Alfie is trying to decide if he should retire or sign up for another five years. While he loves being in the military, he is tired of having to hide his true self. And the baggage that comes along with working in war torn areas. Alfie is not a big fan of Christmas. Despite that, he’s spearheading his unit’s Christmas charity drive. When he arrives to coordinate the donation, he is run into by Blaine. Blaine is owns an interior design business. He has accidentally burned down a clients house and is currently hiding from his business partner. He is also a huge fan of Christmas and the holiday season. This is their story. I really enjoyed the book. It is written well and is easy to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a clever book that hitches up another member of the Hawthorne family, this time it’s Blaine who meets Alfie as they get Hawthorne house ready for a party to finish up a charity drive. As usual with Merry Farmer there is obviously a lot of research gone into her writing this book, which is one of the things that I enjoy about her writing. She is also very good at not dumping EVERY interesting bit of information that she finds into the story. Interestingly enough I was just talking about this very thing with a friend just a few days ago and we both agreed that it’s the sign of an experienced writer to only put into a book things that will enhance the tale. Alfie is very much the alpha hero in this book, but I still can’t help finding Blaine a more interesting character mostly because I am so much like him. I can’t choose one thing I like about Ms. Farmer’s writing because she is just such a great writer overall and I have loved every book that I have read of her’s, from all of the names she writes under.
This third entry in Farmer’s Art of Love series featuring the Hawthorne family focuses on Christmas! Cpl. Alfie Spears is on his way out of the RAF, after serving in Afghanistan. He doesn’t like Christmas, though he’s volunteered to organize his department’s toy drive, with a celebration at the end at the Hawthorne Community Arts Center. He’s grumpy to Blaine Hawthorne’s sunshine.
Blaine is hiding out in a flat at the Arts Center, fearing retribution from his business partner for a fire that burned down the house of one of their interior design clients. A member of the Hawthorne family, Blaine loves Christmas, though he tends to be a little ADHD and over-the-top in his vision and expectations.
I enjoyed the byplay between Alfie and Blaine, especially when they get away from the Arts Center to shop for supplies. It’s a lovely story with a satisfying ending, perfect for the holidays.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Merry Farmer’s Decorated is a charming and festive addition to The Art of Love series. While I found the first two books slightly stronger overall, this novella still captured my heart with its unique blend of humor, vulnerability, and holiday magic.
Alfie and Blaine are a delightful pair—Alfie, the no-nonsense RAF officer, and Blaine, the campy, chaotic Christmas enthusiast, create a perfect "opposites attract" dynamic. Their chemistry is palpable, and the way Blaine slowly melts Alfie’s grinchy exterior is both hilarious and heartwarming.
This story is a whirlwind of Christmas cheer, self-discovery, and second chances, making it an uplifting read for the holiday season. The novella’s shorter format doesn’t detract from the depth of emotion or the satisfying ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An Absolute Blast! This story was just what I needed right now and I am so happy that I was able to read it - and laugh and laugh some more. Yes, there were a few serious moments but the funny ones are the ones I remember. Isn't it great when two men who are opposites in nature and personality become aware that they are attracted to each other and that they also get along? I think it is wonderful! And so it was with Alfie and Blaine! They have given us a fabulous story which I loved and enjoyed from beginning to end. I have finished reading an early copy of this book and voluntarily leave my review of it above.
This is a highly entertaining story of Blaine and Alfie. Blaine is a cousin to the Blackthorne siblings and is very flamboyant in his dress. He is avoiding his business partner due to a fire on their last job. Blaine is decorating for the Blackthorne House and RAF Christmas party for local children's homes. Alfie is very close to retiring out of the RAF and is doing the toy drive for he party. Alfie is a calming influence on Blaine and their HEA is a must-read as is all the other Blackthorne House stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Opposite attract Alfie is leaving the RAF after long years of service. He is tasked with the organisation of a toy drive for charity in collaboration with the Hawthorne Community Art Centre. There, he literally bumps into Blaine, who is in panic because he thinks he has jeopardised his livelihood due to a fire caused by his negligence. Blaine is everything Alfie thinks he is not: brilliant, glamorous, extrovert, out… Well, Alfie is too, but it is still frown upon in military circles. Alfie is not The Grinch, but he doesn’t love Christmas. Can Blaine convince him of the contrary? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Blaine and Alfie’s story. Blaine is an interior decorator who thinks he caused a housefire and has been hiding from his business partner ever since it happened. Alfie is in the RAF he is on his way out, and he has a decision to make whether to be a commissioned officer or not. Then he meets Blaine and he is everything that he is attracted to. This was a really fun and upbeat story and I loved all the antics that Blaine got up to, and then had his soldier to give him a happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A very cute, lighthearted holiday read about a Alfie, a RAF pilot hosting a toy drive, and Blaine, an interior designer and Hawthorne family member. Blaine is just darling, but a bit of an awkward mess - he hasn't had the greatest luck having relationships and has some self-esteem issues. Alfie is trying to decide whether or not to rescind his decision to leave the RAF. After he meets Blaine, though, all kinds of things begin to crytalize for him as they spend so much time together decorating the Hawthorne House. I very much enjoyed this sweet story with a bit of spice - this is my kind of holiday read!
I received a complimentary copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the other two books in the series, especially book 1, Thrown. And I thought Book 3 was gonna be with Nick the in law, but surprise, the author threw in this lovely mark darcy but make it RAF, McHottie. And dude, the cover model, HAWT!!
What made this a five star read was the way Merry went about giving Blaine a refreshed POV on what it’s like to be loved by someone who was not a jerk and just wanted to use Blaine for a quickie. I loved their first time together, and although it was spicy, it was also so so sweet.
I loved Blaine and Alfie! A great example of a story about opposites attracted to each other. Blaine is a hot mess and Alfie is the calming factor for him. It’s so sweet and they’re adorable together.
I really liked Alfie’s words to Blaine:
“That shirt is as mad as a box of frogs, but it suits you perfectly. It’s you.”
“You are who you are, and I happen to really like who you are. Don’t you dare go changing your eccentricity to fit something you think I might want. I want you just as you are.”.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lovely! Alfie, is on his last two weeks of military duty when he volunteers to handle the toy drive. He is pondering what to do with the rest of his life once his enlistment ends. Blaine, is an out and proud Hawthorne cousin. He is a feisty happy man. Their story is a happy, open relaxing holiday story of discovery, friendship, openness and being true to yourself. The Hawthorne clan is a hoot. Delicious cover art! Alfie and Blaine are absolutely likeable men, Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was pretty much thinking like Blaine...I wouldn't have thought Alfie would be interested in Blaine. Blaine was very flamboyant while Alfie comes off very reserved. So I would call this romance kind of opposites attract. It was a very lovely holiday romance...short but sweet. Alfie is definitely the needed guiding force to Blaine zaniness. Hopefully since their story was short, they will be mentioned some in the upcoming books.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alfie is going to retire from the RAF and doing the charity toy run for the children at Hawthorne community arts center. Blaine was hiding out from his business partner thinking that his partner and the client whose house burned. Blaine and Alfie started doing things together and Alfie turn down his promotion because it would make him leave Blaine. He thought that he maybe wanted to do something with children.
Blaine and Alfie stole my heart. This story is well written and the author has written a dynamic that had me gribging and smiling throughout. I love how Alfie lifted Blaine up and how Alfie was the right person at the right time for him. My only wish; maybe a second book or a cameo in Bax his book a little further in time to see what happened with them both. The title was well chosen.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Holidays at Hawthorne House Baxter is hiding out at Hawthorne House after a interior decorating job gone awry. Alfie is in charge of the RAF’s contribution to the toy drive and Christmas party that Hawthorne Community Arts Center is hosting. The two seem so opposite, but in this case, the attraction is immediate. I really enjoyed this holiday romp - Baxter was fantastic chaos, while Alfie was the perfect mix of cool and caring. A wonderful Christmas read.