The Holiday Fail

Doves of Destiny #3

by Rye Cox

I've never had a wingman before, so it's not my fault I fell in love with him...right?

Levi Huxley
I love my life. Taking care of our B&B alongside my dads fuels my soul, but I can't help wishing I had someone special too. It doesn't help that I'm attracted to men twice my age who all seem to think I'm not worth their time. Then our new chef offers to be my wingman and show me the ropes to dating. He’s straight and my age, and shouldn’t be my type. So, what's the meaning of the damn butterflies in my stomach whenever he's around?

Andy Morris
Working in a small B&B in some middle of nowhere town isn't the most glamorous, but I'll be in charge of my very own kitchen. Wintertown is just a pit stop to gain some experience before I leave for gander pastors. But then there's Levi. Smart-mouthed, caring, and so much fun to be around that I sometimes forget I'm supposed to help him find a boyfriend. So why do I get so angry when I see him acting all flirty with those other men? Talk about a wingman fail.

The Holiday Fail is a wingman-to-lovers MM romance between a B&B owner and his new chef. It features bi awakening, fake dates, lots of snuggles, and realizing what's right for you might not be what you've been looking for. It is the third book of the Doves of Destiny series and can be read as a standalone but is more enjoyable read as a series.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Holiday, M M Romance, LGBT, Queer

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 26, 2024

About the author

Be sure to follow to stay updated on latest release: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rye-cox

Rye is an M/M Romance author who is a romantic at heart. She believes that love conquers all, and that's why her stories are guaranteed to always have an HEA. When she's not writing, she escapes to the world of books or daydreams about becoming a future cat lady.

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andy & Levi
Rating: 3.8⭐

- Bi-awakening
- Fake Dates
- Wingman Gone Wrong
- Head Chef/B&B Owner
- Insecurities
- Small Town
- Strangers to Friends to Lovers

This was a sweet holiday romance where the man lacking confidence in himself meets the man who has it in spades. These two have an interesting first meeting that leads to Levi being highly embarrassed and Andy chuckling like a loon. As these two become friends and get to know each other, it's abundantly clear that Levi has a crush on Andy and that Andy may not be as straight as he thought. Andy is determined to make Levi see himself the way he truly is and have him understand that he deserves a better man than the ones he was chasing. Andy may have come to town with specific goals in mind to further his career as a chef, but he ends up finding so much more in the process of helping Levi.

Content Warnings (may contain spoilers):
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Explicit language
- Mentions of parental substance abuse (off-page)
- Mentions of parental neglect (past, off-page)
- Intoxication to the point of passing out (on-page)

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

Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheat: No
OM/OW Drama: Levi almost has a hookup at the club but doesn't go through with it.
Ages: 25 & 25

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook. Library. This was unexpectedly well plotted and paced for a short novella. Sweet, spicy, short.

[SJ]

DNF 26%

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

**4.5**
Another fabulous read from Rye Cox. Levi and Andy want different things from life/relationships but being in such close quarters (living and working together) has them getting closer than either, but Andy especially, thought.
Andy wants recognition for the food he cooks, his name followed by Michelin stars, but to gain experience, he's come to Wintertown to build up the restaurant in the B&B that Levi's parents own and he helps to run. They initially meet under funny circumstances without knowing who the other is, and then have to live and work together as Andy settles into small town life and running his own kitchen.
Andy fits well into the B&B and the small community but is determined that he wants the big city life and recognition for his cooking. Levi wants the HEA in his small town that believes in love and the perfect person is out there for him. There is a good mix of fun and heated moments but there is a little bit of awkwardness and hesitation as Andy has only thought of himself as straight. So a plan to just keep things simple and fun while he's in town sounds like a good plan, but we all know how pesky those things called feelings are.
It's a heartwarming small town romance that is initially touch and go but really brings the best out of both men as they grow closer in a slow burn, opposites attract story that has the feels slowly developing throughout the book.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Holiday Fail by Rye Cox is the third book in her Doves of Destiny series. It is the story of two men, each looking for something that will prove their worth, and they find what they need in each other. Andy Morris grew up with absent parents who never really cared about him. He worked hard all his life, starting as a busboy and working his way up to becoming a chef, but everyone still didn’t think he had it in him to make it. He got his break by becoming the chef at the Fated Encounters B&B in Wintertown. He had big plans on how to make the restaurant there the best place in town to eat so he could eventually move back to New York City and claim his place as a renowned chef. His first night there he went to Dove’s Pub and found a drunk man moaning over his fate that he couldn’t pick up the silver fox he was attracted to and that no one ever wanted a lasting relationship with him. He passed out and Andy couldn’t leave him there so he took him back to his room at the B&B hoping that things would be better for him when he woke up. The man was Levi Huxley, one of the owners of the B&B with his fathers, and he was greatly embarrassed when he came to and met Andy. He worked hard doing various jobs around the inn including giving tours, fixing things up, and doing the mundane tasks each B&B needed done as one day he would take it over from his fathers. He seemed to always find the wrong men to date as they only wanted one thing from him and never saw past that to see the real person he was. Andy saw this and wanted to help him so he agreed to be his wingman for dates, even going on a fake date with him to see what he was like. But while Andy thought he was straight he was finding himself more and more attracted to Levi to the point they kissed but then he ran away. This infuriated Levi so he invited him to go with his friends to the larger town an hour away to help him find someone to be with. It was then that Andy realized his true feelings and said he would like to really date Andy which led to some experimentation and then to some hot love scenes. The only problem was that Andy was still planning to leave to go back to NYC in 6 months and Levi had to come to terms with that. Meanwhile Andy presented his plans for the restaurant at the B&B and they became a big hit, gaining him the attention for his good food that he wanted and needed. It was then that he had to make a decision on whether or not to stay with Levi or move on and in the end it was simple. I really enjoyed this story. Both men had had hardship in their lives but in different ways. Andy never felt good enough in what he was doing even though he worked very hard. Levi couldn’t find the right relationship where he was truly seen and wanted for more than one night. Together they learned about each other and were able to provide what they needed to fall in love. Levi’s parents and friends were also important as they helped them realize what they meant to each other. The people staying at the B&B were fun and I loved the story behind the doves of destiny that Wintertown was crazy about and that they were everywhere. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories about men who have been beaten down but are able to pick themselves up, find what they really need in a relationship, and fall in love, all within the background of a small town B&B.

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Holiday Fail" by Rye Cox is a masterclass in the slow-burn romance trope, centered on the cozy, high-stakes environment of a family-run B&B. Levi Huxley, a man whose life is defined by his devotion to his family business, finds his world upended by the arrival of Andy Morris, a talented chef with a wanderlust spirit. The narrative excels by subverting the traditional "wingman" dynamic; what begins as a calculated effort to boost Levi’s dating life through mentorship quickly devolves into a messy, heartfelt exploration of identity and desire. The tension is palpable, rooted in the irony that Andy is tasked with helping Levi attract other men while he himself struggles with an unacknowledged, simmering jealousy.

The character development is where this novel truly shines. Levi is defined by his vulnerability and his longing for a connection that transcends his small-town life, yet his asset is his unwavering kindness, which is constantly tested by his tendency to settle for men who don't see his true worth. Andy, conversely, presents as the confident, career-driven newcomer, but his flaw lies in his fear of roots; he views Wintertown as a temporary vessel, yet his emotional investment in Levi reveals a deeper, more permanent need for belonging. Their intimate moments are written with a raw, sensory focus that emphasizes the transition from platonic proximity to physical discovery, highlighting the confusion of Andy’s bi-awakening and the relief of Levi finally being truly seen.

Themes of belonging and self-discovery permeate the narrative, particularly through the lens of the "found family" dynamic within the B&B. The setting itself acts as a character, with the holidays heightening the pressure to find companionship, forcing the protagonists to confront the difference between what they think they want and what they actually need. The subplots involving the B&B’s daily operations and the secondary characters—specifically Levi’s fathers—provide a grounded foundation for the romance, illustrating how the expectations of those we love can both support and hinder our personal growth. The inevitable plot twist regarding Andy’s departure plans serves as the ultimate catalyst, forcing both men to reconcile their professional ambitions with their burgeoning love. If you enjoyed the small-town charm and emotional depth of this book, I highly recommend checking out "The Layover" by Roe Horvat or "The Remaking of Corbin Wale" by Roan Parrish for similarly tender and character-driven narratives.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up to 5

This was an enjoyable holiday romance set in the little town of Wintertown, home to the Doves of Destiny. Andy is a chef, newly arrived in town to take over the kitchen at a local B&B, all as part of his plan to work for a glowing recommendation so he can return to New York City to work in a Michelin Star restaurant as a stepping stone to a reputation and Michelin restaurant of his own. On his first night in town he meets an attractive man, quite drunk, who first falls into his lap, then falls asleep. Not willing to leave him like that in the bar, he takes him back to his room at the B&B to sleep it off. The next day he is surprised to learn his rescue was none other than Leo, the son of his employers. Things are a bit tense at first, especially since they will be living together while Andy is in town, but eventually they manage to get along.

Andy is straight, Leo is gay, and Andy finds himself noticing things about Leo that he has never noticed about a guy before. Things get even more complicated when Andy offers to be his wingman as Leo tries to find someone to build a longterm relationship with, then offers “dates” to show Leo how a relationship rather than just a hookup would go. Needless to say, this just complicates matters more as feelings and jealousy develop.
Both characters are very relatable and likable, the relationship develops naturally despite both having reservations about getting involved since Andy’s stay has a deadline, and Andy finds himself getting more involved in community life and in expanding the B&Bs restaurant. There is fun banter between the two, lots of longing looks, some hanky-panky in the kitchen, pumpkin carving and lots of delicious food as the two work their way to a HEA. Cameos from some Christmas Falls folk and characters from previous Wintertown books make it seem like visits from old friends. Lots of holiday cheer in an entertaining book for the season.

I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored this story, it was so cute and pure.

Andy is a chef who has been working his way up the ranks in NYC for years, but he's looking for more to add to his resumé. Running his own kitchen and creating his own menu at the little B&B in WinterTown is the perfect addition to his resumé. Little did he know that what he originally thought would only be a 6 month job, ended up turning into more than he ever expected.

Levi runs the B&B with his dad's, he takes guests on tours, cleans rooms, waits tables, and much, much more. He puts on a happy-go-lucky front but he's struggling with constantly getting rejected by men he's dated. When Andy offers to give him dating advice he takes him up on it, but little did he know he'd end up liking the man.

I loved this small town romance story! I am a foodie at heart, I love baking and cooking. So whenever a book has an MC who's a chef or a baker I get really excited. Rye did a wonderful job writing about Andy's profession, in addition to describing the meals he was making in a delectable way. Andy and Levi had some angst to work through before they got together but I loved that hint of a slow burn! What I love the most in romance stories is when the MC's actually gets to know one another and spend time together outside of the bedroom. And that was featured in this book which automatically made it even better in my mind.

Felix making an appearance was amazing, I loved that he had a cameo, a long with Christmas Falls being mentioned. The aspect of the doves was interesting, they were a big part of the story and the small town's history. It was cool that Rye created all of that, along with the wonderful characters.

All in all, a terrific story!!!

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet holiday tale. Andy, a rising NYC chef, takes a short six month stint as head chef at the Wintertown B&B. It's a good resume filler and part of his plan to become a Michelin rated chef. Relationships take second place to his life plans. Levi assists his dads in running the family B&B. He loves the small town life and the plan is to take over when the dads want to retire. He would love a silver fox to call his own.
Opposites. Levi is gay, Andy is straight. They meet cute. Kind of. A very drunk Levi falls into Andy's lap and cries himself to sleep. Andy ends up taking him to his room at the B&B. The next morning is awkward.
This is a small town, opposites attract, bi awakening story. Add in the slow burn as the two get to know each other. And then the sizzle when they do get together. There's a nod to Cox's characters from Ready, Set, Glow! Any book that brings in Bruce & Felix deserves .... five... or ten... stars.
The ending is as expected. But it's a sweet journey to get there.
I received an advanced copy and this is my review.
1/5/2025
This third book in the Doves of Destiny series was a fun read, And that's not just because he included my favorite couple from Christmas Falls (Season 1), Bruce and Felix. From their not so meet cute ,a very drunk Levi falls into Andy's lap and cries himself to sleep to their realization that this wasn't just a fling, Levi and Andy just fit.
The audio version takes the story to new heights. Zachary Zaba has such a smooth voice and gives the characters laid back personalities. Listening, I found this less a city boy/country boy and more a fated mates tale. All under the watchful eyes of Wintertown's Doves of Destiny. This was a sweet romance, something Ms. Cox excels at.
Everything about this audiobook made it easy to rate it five stars. The story and worldbuilding is excellent. The audio pacing an absolute delight. The friend group in Wintertown have found their HEAs. But maybe there are more. Or maybe the B&B will be doing so well. that Levi and Andy can come visit Christmas Falls and the Milton Falls Tree Farm for Season three.
I received an advanced audiobook from the author and this is my grateful review.

[LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm absolutely sure that I've read every Rye Cox book to be read. I love her writing contemporary and paranormal.

We met Levi and his Dads in the first book The Holiday Disaster. Wintertown is super small and Levi's family owns a bed and breakfast there called Fated Encounters. Andy is their new chef. He's determined to make something of himself and running his own kitchen is the way do it. Levi is a disaster at relationships. Is it him or just the guys he's choosing? He's grown up on the story of the Doves of Destiny and now he just wants his happily ever after. Neither bargained on the other or what the Doves had in mind for them.

The Holiday Fail really hit the spot for me. Maybe it's the holiday season, maybe it's the absolute swoon worthiness of the story. I just really really adore Levi and Andy. Andy grew up rough, he has this mindset that if he has to prove himself somehow. Why? Who does he have to prove himself to? He has so many great ideas and Wintertown grows on him, the people grow on him. I think that may be why I love this book and series. It's a small town and people look after each other. They make lasting friendships. My favorite part in the book may not have been the falling in love part, although that was a big part of it, it was the community. It was the caring about others. I feel like sometimes the world can be so mean. I loved that I sank into a story about kindness and caring and love especially now at the holidays. Thank you Rye for giving me a happy feel good story that I already can't wait to reread.

[Brianne McCallum · Rating 5 out of 5]

M/M
Boss (technically bosses son)/employee
Temp 6 month job contract
Woke up drunk/one bed meeting
GFY

Audio review

Story = 5 stars
Narration = 5 stars

This can be read as a standalone. I read Ready, Set, Glow awhile ago prior to this series and I loved Levi since then. His book did not disappoint.

I loved this story and listened to it in one listen. It was so obvious that they liked each other from the start but Levi claimed he only dated silver Daddies and Andy said he was striaght. Plus Andy didn't want to date his bosses son and was planning to move to the city in 6 months and was focused strictly on gaining restaurant experience so he could apply for jobs at 5 star locations. So he offered to be Levis wingman to find him his perfect match. Levi was a sweet character and I loved how protective and jealous Andy got. They were perfect for each other and had great chemisty.

A sweet, angst free, well written story. Despite it being short it didn't feel rushed at all. The relationship development was perfect. I absolutely loved the extra sweet ending. It was the perfect holiday read and there was a little bit of steam that felt like the perfect amount for this story. This was my favorite in the series even though I loved book 1 alot too.

I continued to love this cute little town and all it's residents and it was so nice seeing cameos from the previous characters. Even the couple from book 2 despite the fact that I didn't love that book like the first one and this one. Not sure if there will be more books in this series but I totally don't want to leave this world.

Fantastic narration. Zachary Zaba has become one of my absolute favorite narrator.

[Susan Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holiday Fail by Rye Cox is an endearing holiday story with just enough spice to keep it from being boring. Andy is a chef trying to make a name for himself so he takes on the job of running his own kitchen at a small town B&B. He is so driven he tells himself he doesn’t have time to date, but Fate has a way of changing the best-laid plans. Andy’s comeuppance is Levi, the son of the B&B’s owners.On a twist on the only one bed trope, Andy has to stay in Levi’s spare room as there is nothing else available in the tourist town, especially not at the B&B. Propinquity works its usual wonders on two people who have no intention of getting involved. It was fun to see Wintertown through the eyes of a newbie and a life-long resident and to meet several lovely, supportive people there. It took a while for me to understand the fail in the book title was not a big mistake but rather a fail as in a foster fail, where the fosterer winds up adopting the pet. This is an adept title since the whole town welcomes Andy in a significant manner toward the end of the book. This is not a spoiler since part of the trope of someone from the big city moving to a small town is the acceptance by the townspeople, making them part of the community. I received a free advance reader’s copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Doves of Destiny series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone read. This is the story of Levi Huxley and Andy Morris. Levi is a bubbly ray of sunshine. He works at the family B&B and will one day inherit it all. He also has a propensity for "silver foxes". Unfortunately, it never works out. While out one night drowning his sorrows over being dumped again, both Levi and Andy meet. Neither knows who the other is but Andy looks after our inebriated Levi. They meet again on Andy's first day at work. Andy is a chef who has left the big city to come be the head chef at Levi's family B&B. It is a chance to run his own kitchen and build up the reputation of the restaurant. Andy wants his cooking and hard work to be recognized. He plans to return to the big city and moving up in his career after this 6 month job is up. Andy is focused on his work. This is their story. The book is very well written and easy to read. There is warm from the small town locals that adds to the charm and ambiance of the story. I really enjoyed this book.

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

[abookwithacupoftea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet, heart warming, holiday story.
Andy is a chef from NYC, with big ambitions and a necessity to prove himself to himself and to the world. He goes to Wintertown, only for 6 months, as the B&B offers him to run this own kitchen and that would be a great asset on his curriculum,
Levi, who is from Wintertown, is the son of the owner of the B&B, works there and plan to manage the B&B one day. He is a sunny man, looking for love and a stable relationship, attracted to silver foxes, but has had very bad luck.
Andy will live with Levi during his contract, and after a kind of inconfortable first meeting, they start to get along, and Andy will help Levi to improve his dating technique. After a couple of fake dates, they both realise that it won't be so easy, as they are attracted to each other, which is strange as Andy is straight, and not very convenient as they both want different things in life.
I loved both characters, they are very sweet, and I enjoyed the building of their relationship. I also liked the a mention of the Christmas Fall series.

I got an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Megan McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andy & Levi
I cannot believe I hadn't made the connection with Henry, Peter & Levi from Finding Home. I'd read it earlier this month, and I knew that I'd recognized the Doves of Destiny but it didn't totally click until I finished The Holiday Fail.
I loved the instant friendship that Andy & Levi develop, it's very easy and natural. Andy's feelings processed from there, but while he spent some time worrying about it, it came from a place of worry for Levi, and not for the shift in his own sexuality. He'd never wanted to hurt Levi's feelings because at the time things changed for him, he was still planning to go back to New York.

Levi is such a sweet and outgoing man. He does so much for his family's business, and rarely complains. He loves what he does, and he loves his town and community. When Andy comes into his life, he initially enjoys having a new friend, but as he gets to know Andy, he can see how much closer they could get. He loved all of Andy's ideas about expanding and updating things at the B&B, and loved how much fun they were having with their planning. It was fun to watch the subtle changes to their relationship once Andy accepted that his feelings for Levi and the town itself would never let him leave it all behind. It took Levi some time to accept Andy's truth, knowing and understanding that Andy was unlike any other man that he had known before.

I loved the additional cameos of Felix & Bruce from Ready, Set, Glow! They were only around for a short bit, but Felix always brings that little bit of extra pep with him that makes everyone around him smile, including his grump. ❤️

I loved reading The Holiday Fail! Although I wouldn't have personally called it a fail, but I can see how Andy's intention to stay only 6 months and then staying could be considered a kind of fail. I enjoyed every little bit of story and growth in this book, and I know it's definitely one I can add to my growing list of holiday favorite reads.

I received an advance copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

Audiobook Update:
Narrated by Zachary Zaba
I always love another book narrated by Zachary. Every one of his narrations are memorable, especially if it's for a book I've already read separately. He really helps bring the characters to life from what I remember most about the reading itself.
I also love that this is not the first narration from Zachary that I've enjoyed for a book by Rye Cox. Each one was distinct and special enough to be very memorable for me("The Firedancer", "Ready, Set, Glow!" and this one).

I received an authorized copy of this story/audiobook and am volunteering my honest review.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful holiday love story!

This book is amazing and I loved it! Andy has come to Wintertown to work at Fated Encounters B&B as their chef. He wants to do big things in New York and feels running the kitchen here will help give him the boost he needs. Levi is the son of the owners and is quite the character. Their first meeting is very amusing and I love how it played out! The two work and live together and at first they are just friends. But a vow to help Levi find the right man for him will lead Andy to finding out things about himself he never knew. The two grow closer and at first it looks like Andy will still make his way to New York when his 6 month contract is up. But the Doves of Destiny isn’t ready to let these two part and it will lead them to a very wonderful happily ever after surrounded by friends and family.

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[GreenwingReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Andy and Levi's story!

Levi has a great example in his dads' relationship of what romance should be, but he has struggled to find that happiness for himself. Rejected again and again by the older men he is drawn to, he is starting to wonder if he'll ever get his HEA.

Andy is an up-and-coming chef with big goals. When he comes to the B&B as their head chef with the purpose of padding his resume, he expects to only be there for half a year or so before moving on to bigger and better things.

Andy and Levi are close in age and strike up a friendship. Andy offers to help Levi with his love life, but as the two spend more time together and get to know one another, feelings begin to deepen and change. Andy starts to realize that bigger and better might not be the NYC kitchen he dreamed of, but rather a forever kind of love in a small town.

This was a sweet, friends-to-lovers romance with some fun cameos and all the cozy winter holiday vibes.

[Jerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice. Andy is a chef from NYC. He’s driven to become recognized as such, to prove himself to the world. A short stint in Wintertown is a means to an end, a notch in his resume. He knows exactly what he wants and the path he needs to take to get it. He won’t be happy until he does.
Levi wants a silver fox of his own. No matter how many times he tries, none of them stick, though. He believes there’s something wrong with him to make him not worth keeping. He has the B&B his father’s own and throws himself into it.
Mix the two together until well blended. You have a chef that realizes he doesn’t need that penthouse to be happy, and a business owner that realizes he was looking in the wrong place all along.
Really nice story, with a mention of the Christmas Fall series, too. Highly recommend.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful addition to the small-town Doves of Destiny series, featuring Levi and Andy. Confident and sunny Levi runs the local bed and breakfast with his dads, but beneath his cheerful exterior, he is searching for Mr. Right and has struggled to find success in love.
Andy is a talented chef who comes to work at the B&B. Having worked his way up from the bottom and overcoming a childhood of neglect, Andy's upbringing contrasts sharply with Levi's happy childhood. When Andy volunteers to help Levi find a boyfriend by engaging in fake dating to identify where they often go wrong, things take an unexpected turn. This charming and fun bi-awakening story is filled with great characters and an engaging storyline, with a wonderful ending. I loved every bit of it and highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Siân PJsAndBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

🕊 Thoughts 🕊
Thank you, Rye for my copy of The Holiday Fail. This is the 3rd Doves of Destiny novel & I'm so pleased that I took the times to read the earlier books. Though not necessary it definitely added to my enjoyment.

This book features Levi, who is bubbly but very unlikely in love. And Andy who moves from New York as a stepping stone for his career. This book was a slowburn with awakening, how both men felt about themselves was sad but I loved how they built each other up as they found their HEA.

Things I ❤️
🕊 Awakening
🕊 Strangers ➡️ Wingman ➡️ Lovers
🕊 Chef
🕊 Bed & Breakfast
🕊 Epilogue
🕊 Dual POV

Levi makes Andy watch The Addams Family movie (1991) because everyone needs to see it in their lifetime. What book do you think everyone should read?

[Jennifer Laber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favorite holiday book to date! I thoroughly adored both MCs. Andy was gregarious snd charismatic. You couldn’t help but be pulled into his circle, just as everyone he encountered in the book. It was easy to see how Levi so quickly became enamored with him, despite his not being a silver fox (yet.) And Levi… he had you rooting for him immediately upon meeting him. How someone hadn’t snatched this sweetheart up was completely beyond me.

This was my first book set in Wintertown, but it will certainly not be my last. The background of the town, as well as the family, friends, and townsfolk were all perfect in developing ambiance and side stories I want to dive into.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read! Andy is on a six month contract in Wintertown to build his resume running his own kitchen at the B&B and doesn’t have time for anything else. Levi is helping his dad’s running the B&B and is such a bubbly happy go lucky guy that everyone loves. He has a specific type and Andy is definitely not it but fate kind of throws these guys together and they both learn new things about themselves. I loved watching their unlikely relationship grow. My heart went out to both of them! This was a really sweet story that I really enjoyed! So many great characters and a wonderful storyline! Highly recommend! This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andy brings an inebriated Levi to his B&B to sleep it off. Levi wakes up thinking the worst but Andy lets him know it was nothing. When Andy starts his B&B chef job, he finds out Levi is the owner's son and one of his new bosses, one he has to live with. It's the classic friends to lovers with a bi-awakening added to this Holiday story. Andy never seemed uncomfortable with any of this though supposedly straight. Levi wants desperately for a forever guy though Andy is only there six months. It's a Rye Cox book so, of course, it does. I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Antonella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I start by writing that Andy and Levi have now joined the group of fictional characters who have a special place in my heart.
I now have a soft spot for both of them. Andy got me from the first chapter, when he took care of Levi the first night he met him, and afterwards as well.
I loved the way the story starts, goes on, and ends. Levi deserved someone just like Andy to boost his confidence, and give him the love he always dreamed of.
I loved Jim and Austin too, Levi’s friends, always there to cheer him up, and Levi’s dads, who are really in love with each other.
A really sweet story, perfect for the holiday season.

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Holiday Fail - Recipe for Love

‘I had never considered a man’s body to be sexy, but it seemed Levi was set on proving every single one of my preconceived ideas wrong. In fact, I believed the word sexy was created just for Levi.’

Rye Cox’s Doves of Destiny series continues with book three, The Holiday Fail.

We, as previous readers, are gifted the chance to see happily in love characters we have met before while Andy figures out his future just may be with the adorable Levi!

A happily ever after mm romance that will have you feeling all the feels!

[Cæsar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning!!!

I think that was my first contact with the writer and I was hooked by Rye Cox's style!!
The story was so gripping, I devoured this book and I'n still hungry fot more, sad that it was so short, loved the characters, everything was perfectly balanced, congratulations!!!!

Zachary Zaba was superb in his performance, marvellous voice and impressive acting, fully committed, great technique in making different voices!!! High praises to him!!!

7⭐️

Cæsar

[Diane Knutzen · Rating 1 out of 5]

No. Just no. I did not like this book at all.

There are so many books out there with this trope and I have read quite a few of them. Unfortunately, this book did not stand out. This book made the trope feel like it had been drug behind a car. It just was not done good enough to stand out against all the other books with this trope.

I really did not like the characters. I just couldn’t find myself caring about them.

I did not enjoy the romance. It was a bit underdeveloped.

The writing style was quite boring and did not capture my attention.

Overall, I just did not like this book.

[Lisa Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great end to the Doves of Destiny series, although I wish the series wasn't over. I was happy to see Levi get his HEA, and he and Andy were so perfect together. It was great to see other couples from the series as well, althoigh this can definitely be read as a standalone. I'm excited to see what Rye has for us next!

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

[Traci S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
This was wonderful all the way through. The setting was so charming and really captured a wonderful sense of community. I especially liked seeing Andy grow to love Wintertown. The couple, is pretty romantic together and the steam really captured a sense of intimacy, that was so good! I also have an affinity for romances B&Bs for some reason, so I loved the time spent at Fated Encounters. This was really lovely!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jeanine Beaulieu St Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this is a great book,,,Andy is a chef but he also wants to prove he can run his own kitchens he goes out to the local watering hole for a beer but also meets up with someone that needs help ,,,,the next day he gets to meet the son of the owners his name is Levi and he is same guy from the night before,,so they decide to help each other but feeling are caught and they have to figure out what else to do,,,I read this book for this author for my honest opinion