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Dust of Snow
alternate cover edition of ASIN B00OXIT2W2
'Tis the season. Greg's nights are silent and his bells don't jingle. This time last year his boyfriend broke up with him, and he's determined to get through these holidays with only minor bruising. So what if he lives with a cat and his best friend is his mother? Peace and quiet: that's life how he likes it. Nothing is going to blindside him this year, no sir. Especially not a rogue secret Santa.
'Tis the season. Greg's nights are silent and his bells don't jingle. This time last year his boyfriend broke up with him, and he's determined to get through these holidays with only minor bruising. So what if he lives with a cat and his best friend is his mother? Peace and quiet: that's life how he likes it. Nothing is going to blindside him this year, no sir. Especially not a rogue secret Santa.
159 pages, ebook
First published December 9, 2014
67 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Indra Vaughn
21 books211 followersAfter living in Michigan, USA for seven wonderful years, Indra Vaughn returned back to her Belgian roots. There she will continue to consume herbal tea, do yoga wherever the mat fits, and devour books while single parenting a little boy and working as a nurse.
The stories of boys and their unrequited love will no doubt keep finding their way onto the page--and hopefully into readers hands--even if it takes a little more time.
And if she gleefully posts pictures of snow-free streets in winter, you'll have to forgive her. Those Michigan blizzards won't be forgotten in a hurry.
The stories of boys and their unrequited love will no doubt keep finding their way onto the page--and hopefully into readers hands--even if it takes a little more time.
And if she gleefully posts pictures of snow-free streets in winter, you'll have to forgive her. Those Michigan blizzards won't be forgotten in a hurry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
October 23, 2015
Re-read June 19th
I must have been drunk when I read this the first time. Or really really happy. I can't believe I gave it 5 stars. I'm more leaning towards 3.5 stars.
This book is filled with events that make you think something will happen, but it never does.
- Why is it such a big deal that Greg has stomach problems at the start of this book, but never mentioned again?
- The boss seemed like a love interest, multiple times, but apparently wasn't.
- Ash suffers from these strange headaches that give him nightmares, why was that even in there?
I actually never really liked Ash this second time around. And Greg was pretty annoying.
Well, 3.5 stars it is.
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I adoooored this book. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. A great holiday read!
We have sweet, awkward, funny Greg. And the new guy at the office, Ashley.
We have a cat named Curly.
A bitter ex.
A suddenly lesbian mother.
And lots of sweet, romantic times.
Need I say more?
I must have been drunk when I read this the first time. Or really really happy. I can't believe I gave it 5 stars. I'm more leaning towards 3.5 stars.
This book is filled with events that make you think something will happen, but it never does.
- Why is it such a big deal that Greg has stomach problems at the start of this book, but never mentioned again?
- The boss seemed like a love interest, multiple times, but apparently wasn't.
- Ash suffers from these strange headaches that give him nightmares, why was that even in there?
I actually never really liked Ash this second time around. And Greg was pretty annoying.
Well, 3.5 stars it is.
---------
I adoooored this book. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. A great holiday read!
We have sweet, awkward, funny Greg. And the new guy at the office, Ashley.
We have a cat named Curly.
A bitter ex.
A suddenly lesbian mother.
And lots of sweet, romantic times.
Need I say more?
September 12, 2016
3.5 stars.
Fun Christmas story about Greg and his search for love. There's some good sex, a cat-napping, and lots of snow. I'm deducting 1.5 stars because the story does drag at times. (I think Mishy said it better in her review, there seems to be a lot of "extra" stuff in here that I wanted to skim over.) All in all a very nice holiday read.
P.S. What is up with the cover? Me no likey.
Fun Christmas story about Greg and his search for love. There's some good sex, a cat-napping, and lots of snow. I'm deducting 1.5 stars because the story does drag at times. (I think Mishy said it better in her review, there seems to be a lot of "extra" stuff in here that I wanted to skim over.) All in all a very nice holiday read.
P.S. What is up with the cover? Me no likey.
December 6, 2014
3.5 stars
The cat on the cover threw me, and I kept thinking this was a kitty shifter book or something. But it's not.
It's a mostly low-angst, contemporary holiday story about two colleagues becoming friends and falling in love.
Gregory narrates the story in the first person. He's deeply insecure, kind of a push-over, and very prickly. Once we meet Gregory's ex-boyfriend, we get it, but it still didn't make Gregory likable.
Ashley, the other MC, felt slightly one-dimensional. He treated Greg like spun gold, and I was never sure why since Gregory spends the first half of the book being standoffish and complaining about the snow.
There were too many side plots woven in here: Greg's mom and her new girlfriend; Ash's family drama with the homophobic ex-brother-in-law; Greg's ex-boyfriend turned stalker; and, weirdest of all, Greg's boss Carl and the odd moment at the Christmas party that was never explored or mentioned after.
I liked Carl as a secondary character, but I think he was better served as the abrupt but kind French boss vs.
So, yeah, I had issues, BUT I still found the story to be very readable. Gregory's mom was lots of fun. Ash was lickable, and Gregory grew on me.
I loved it when Gregory and Ash went ice skating. They shared some tender and some truly blazing moments. They trusted each other.
Winter was ever-present: Gregory is always freezing, and Ash likes to keep him warm. The book begins and ends at Christmas.
Plus, that scene on the kitchen table? Yeah, totally worth the price of the book.
The cat on the cover threw me, and I kept thinking this was a kitty shifter book or something. But it's not.
It's a mostly low-angst, contemporary holiday story about two colleagues becoming friends and falling in love.
Gregory narrates the story in the first person. He's deeply insecure, kind of a push-over, and very prickly. Once we meet Gregory's ex-boyfriend, we get it, but it still didn't make Gregory likable.
Ashley, the other MC, felt slightly one-dimensional. He treated Greg like spun gold, and I was never sure why since Gregory spends the first half of the book being standoffish and complaining about the snow.
There were too many side plots woven in here: Greg's mom and her new girlfriend; Ash's family drama with the homophobic ex-brother-in-law; Greg's ex-boyfriend turned stalker; and, weirdest of all, Greg's boss Carl and the odd moment at the Christmas party that was never explored or mentioned after.
I liked Carl as a secondary character, but I think he was better served as the abrupt but kind French boss vs.
So, yeah, I had issues, BUT I still found the story to be very readable. Gregory's mom was lots of fun. Ash was lickable, and Gregory grew on me.
I loved it when Gregory and Ash went ice skating. They shared some tender and some truly blazing moments. They trusted each other.
Winter was ever-present: Gregory is always freezing, and Ash likes to keep him warm. The book begins and ends at Christmas.
Plus, that scene on the kitchen table? Yeah, totally worth the price of the book.
December 11, 2014
I was delighted by this charming Christmas themed love story, but went into it with the wrong impression of what I was going to read. It confused me and sapped of bit of fun out of the story, so I thought I'd give those of you reading this who had not read it and plan on reading it a few tips to help you enjoy it to it's fullest:
Gregory Peck is your MC right off the bat. He lives alone with his grumpy cat Curlywirly and is the personal assistant to a handsome French man at a successful company somewhere in the midwest. (It's COLD where Greg lives and he HATE's winter.) He was dumped around Christmas time a year ago and is feeling the Christmas blues when someone starts leaving him unexpected, romantic and personal secret Santa gifts at his office. There are several possibilities as to who these Santa's could be, so be sure to pay attention and try not to let the author throw you off the trail. That's where I lost track of the story and zeroed in on one preferred match for Greg. I was wrong and it took some new head space to get to the new couple's HEA.
This is NOT a short little "Secret Santa" book. It is a full, fleshed out story of a sad and lonely man who has been beaten down by life and love and people he has trusted. There is some awesome hurt/comfort (sexual!) and some great secondary characters too. The book even ended with one of those epilogues that made my heart sing and my eyes water. (LOVE THAT!!!)
So, go in knowing this isn't a short, cute, casual story, and don't lock yourself into a hero for Greg too soon. It's a great book about two sweet souls finding and understanding one another and falling in love. And that's what it's all about for me. *dreamy sigh*
Absolutely recommended for a M/M romance reader!
This is a prediction I made before I finished the book. I will leave it here, just for fun.
I'm at 65% and this isn't a spoiler, only a prediction, but read at your own risk.
December 3, 2014
4,5 stars
Loved it! <3 <3 <3
I fell in love with Indra Vaughn’s brilliant storytelling with The House on Hancock Hill, a truly awesome book! Her writing style is warm and amazing, and Dust of Snow is definitely another winner, I loved it!
Since his lover David left him last Christmas Greg (his full name is Gregory Peck btw :D) lives a relatively lonely life, his only company is Curlywurly, his large and extremely lazy Norwegian Forest cat. His love life is non existent.
For years Greg has a crush on his boss Carl, a wet French dream with an erotic accent, every time Carl starts to roll the R Greg is a goner. How is the saying? You can take the man out of France…but you can’t take France out of the man...
All Greg wants is to get through his first Christmas holidays all alone in one piece but a ‘rogue’ secret Santa thwarts his plans, and there’s a shit load of snow in front of his house, and Greg is always so freaking cold… And there is Ashley Montgomery, the new sales manager…
Indra has taken two gorgeous, endearing and complex characters and woven a story around them that has made me smile over and over again. Greg and Ash are just too cute together, their kisses alone made me tingle all over. I really adored them, loved the sexual and emotional dynamic between them.
The humour is great, the romance is wonderful sappy, and the sex scenes are hot without being over the top. Dust of Snow is just a feel good story, one of those you read with a smile on your face and a twinkle in your eyes. I really enjoyed it, didn’t put it down once.
There was one scene at the end of the book that reduces me to a puddle of goo. Have you ever done an indoor picnic? Loved the idea!
Thank you Indra, for creating such a wonderful, sappy christmas story. I would love (and I’m sure I’m not the only one) to read a follow-up story, maybe Carl’s? He never told Greg he wasn’t gay, right? Just saying… :)
December 22, 2014
3-3.5 STARS
“Dust of Snow” is a holiday story about Greg a shy, insecure guy who doesn’t have many friends or a social life. He lives with his Norwegian cat, Curly and his best friends is his mother. He works a as PA for Carl, a French guy. He’s attracted to Carl, but he doesn't know for sure if Carl is gay or not. It’s been a year since David, Greg ex left him. He feels lonely, but he’s determined to get through these holidays with only minor bruising.
Things get interesting at work for Greg, when someone starts leaving him presents. He doesn’t know who his secret admirer is, especially when everyone seems to want a piece of him.
This was an enjoyable read, but unfortunately not what I expected. It was sweet, low in angst and a very little drama. I liked both Greg and Ashley. They were good together and I enjoyed how their relationship progressed. At times it was a little rushed and this for one reason – there so much going on in this book. There are too many side plots. So I would have liked the author to be fixed more on Greg and Ash’s relationship than Ash’s family drama or Greg’s mother new relationship. However, the sex scenes between them were great. I liked the side characters, especially Greg’s mother. She was the shit. She was funny and a very enjoyable character.
Overall, a nice holiday story!
“Dust of Snow” is a holiday story about Greg a shy, insecure guy who doesn’t have many friends or a social life. He lives with his Norwegian cat, Curly and his best friends is his mother. He works a as PA for Carl, a French guy. He’s attracted to Carl, but he doesn't know for sure if Carl is gay or not. It’s been a year since David, Greg ex left him. He feels lonely, but he’s determined to get through these holidays with only minor bruising.
Things get interesting at work for Greg, when someone starts leaving him presents. He doesn’t know who his secret admirer is, especially when everyone seems to want a piece of him.
This was an enjoyable read, but unfortunately not what I expected. It was sweet, low in angst and a very little drama. I liked both Greg and Ashley. They were good together and I enjoyed how their relationship progressed. At times it was a little rushed and this for one reason – there so much going on in this book. There are too many side plots. So I would have liked the author to be fixed more on Greg and Ash’s relationship than Ash’s family drama or Greg’s mother new relationship. However, the sex scenes between them were great. I liked the side characters, especially Greg’s mother. She was the shit. She was funny and a very enjoyable character.
Overall, a nice holiday story!
January 19, 2015
BR with friends!
A sappy slow burn feel-good holiday romance, about Greg founding love…
Greg and Ash relationship, they were great together and I loved watching their relationship unfold, but would have liked more if the author wrote more on Greg and Ash’s relationship, and leave some side-issue, overall was a very nice read learning to love two men who deserve a happy ending.
December 25, 2014
4 Secret Santa stars
BR here
Review to come...
BR here
Review to come...
December 15, 2014
Cute with a bit of depth. Greg had a little Jory going on. It seems everyone wanted him in some sort of way.
December 11, 2014
3.5 stars
To be honest, when I first read the blurb, I thought it was going to be a novella length story. You know, the idea of having a Secret Santa and the discovery of who was responsible for the presents. I was quite surprised when I received the file and it was over 200 pages on my Kindle calculation (it was actually 57k words!). Why would the discovery of a Secret Santa need over 50k?!
Well, I guess because the story was more than just the blurb ....
To me, this is a personal journey of Greg – complete name: Gregory Peck (yes, it is!) – who starts the story as a young guy lacking confidence about his own appeal and to that extent, his own self-worth. Oh, Greg knows that he is a good P.A. for his French boss, but aside from that, he doesn’t think that he is worth the presents coming from his Secret Santa. He is confused why someone would him attractive.
I blamed his manipulative bastard of an ex...
Greg’s ex definitely clipped his wings; Greg doesn’t really socialize outside his office. Even if his colleagues liked him, Greg thinks that the presents mean someone is making fun of him, and he doesn’t like it. That’s how he sees himself. He protects himself in his own safe shell. It was quite endearing to read, because I so wanted him to find his strength again.
The romance is a bit of a tease in the beginning. There are two people that seem to have attention towards Greg. I had a good time figuring out who was Greg’s secret admirer. Although, at one point I was so worried that this would be a love triangle of sorts! But it didn’t really happened, pheww!!
Unfortunately, I thought that after Greg discovered the real identity of the admirer, the romance became, well, a bit too sappy for my taste. There were some smutty moments, and for me, it was like focusing on sex rather than the romance. This is my personal hang-up, of course, I’ve never been a fan of sex scenes over romance … so I’m sure it might not be the same issue with other people.
There is a plot involving the ex who is giving Greg all kinds of problems which serves as the drama in this story. Urgh, the ex deserves some hard punches!! He’s a total jerk!! And another sweet plot about Greg’s mother who finds a new love ... in a woman’s arms. Yep, Greg’s mom realizes that she’s currently a lesbian *smile*.
This is the first Indra Vaughn’s story for me. I think the writing is good. Greg is a character that definitely wins my heart. If you’re in a mood for MM Christmas romance – and hey December is just around the corner! – I think this can be an option for you.
The ARC is provided by the author for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
To be honest, when I first read the blurb, I thought it was going to be a novella length story. You know, the idea of having a Secret Santa and the discovery of who was responsible for the presents. I was quite surprised when I received the file and it was over 200 pages on my Kindle calculation (it was actually 57k words!). Why would the discovery of a Secret Santa need over 50k?!
Well, I guess because the story was more than just the blurb ....
To me, this is a personal journey of Greg – complete name: Gregory Peck (yes, it is!) – who starts the story as a young guy lacking confidence about his own appeal and to that extent, his own self-worth. Oh, Greg knows that he is a good P.A. for his French boss, but aside from that, he doesn’t think that he is worth the presents coming from his Secret Santa. He is confused why someone would him attractive.
I blamed his manipulative bastard of an ex...
Greg’s ex definitely clipped his wings; Greg doesn’t really socialize outside his office. Even if his colleagues liked him, Greg thinks that the presents mean someone is making fun of him, and he doesn’t like it. That’s how he sees himself. He protects himself in his own safe shell. It was quite endearing to read, because I so wanted him to find his strength again.
The romance is a bit of a tease in the beginning. There are two people that seem to have attention towards Greg. I had a good time figuring out who was Greg’s secret admirer. Although, at one point I was so worried that this would be a love triangle of sorts! But it didn’t really happened, pheww!!
Unfortunately, I thought that after Greg discovered the real identity of the admirer, the romance became, well, a bit too sappy for my taste. There were some smutty moments, and for me, it was like focusing on sex rather than the romance. This is my personal hang-up, of course, I’ve never been a fan of sex scenes over romance … so I’m sure it might not be the same issue with other people.
There is a plot involving the ex who is giving Greg all kinds of problems which serves as the drama in this story. Urgh, the ex deserves some hard punches!! He’s a total jerk!! And another sweet plot about Greg’s mother who finds a new love ... in a woman’s arms. Yep, Greg’s mom realizes that she’s currently a lesbian *smile*.
This is the first Indra Vaughn’s story for me. I think the writing is good. Greg is a character that definitely wins my heart. If you’re in a mood for MM Christmas romance – and hey December is just around the corner! – I think this can be an option for you.
The ARC is provided by the author for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
December 22, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this.
It captivated me right from the start, and I think this is down to Gregory who I seriously rooted for after only a couple of pages. (We get his POV only.)
Gregory is gorgeous and doesn’t really know it (supposedly a young Robert Redford look-alike – and yes, I googled and swooned a teeny bit!) and very efficient at his job as a PA. Privately though he’s still suffering from the poisonous relationship he had with his now ex-boyfriend. Trusting himself, finding a new start and more self-belief is what this romance is about.
I liked how the author keeps Greg’s secret admirer a mystery for quite a wee while. Of course, the contenders are a bit obvious, but it’s not all like I thought it might be.
Ash comes across as a genuinely good guy, who has his own problems to battle. I loved that these guys talk to each other. They are honest with each other and discuss their problems.
While I did enjoy the relationship development here, I did have niggles with certain slightly OTT elements of the plot (like the vengeful ex, the CIA dad and the suddenly gay mum) all of which together seem a bit much for one story.
Still, this was good fun!
It captivated me right from the start, and I think this is down to Gregory who I seriously rooted for after only a couple of pages. (We get his POV only.)
Gregory is gorgeous and doesn’t really know it (supposedly a young Robert Redford look-alike – and yes, I googled and swooned a teeny bit!) and very efficient at his job as a PA. Privately though he’s still suffering from the poisonous relationship he had with his now ex-boyfriend. Trusting himself, finding a new start and more self-belief is what this romance is about.
I liked how the author keeps Greg’s secret admirer a mystery for quite a wee while. Of course, the contenders are a bit obvious, but it’s not all like I thought it might be.
Ash comes across as a genuinely good guy, who has his own problems to battle. I loved that these guys talk to each other. They are honest with each other and discuss their problems.
While I did enjoy the relationship development here, I did have niggles with certain slightly OTT elements of the plot (like the vengeful ex, the CIA dad and the suddenly gay mum) all of which together seem a bit much for one story.
Still, this was good fun!
December 10, 2014
I loved this Christmas time story. Gregory Peck (yet he looks like a young Robert Redford) is basically having a pretty crappy time of it. With a sexy French boss, a secret admirer, a bastard ex and an electrical outage life is....complicated. In the way all good Christmas stories do, this rounded off a crappy year with a yummy new romance. It was just the kind of book I was in the mood for. If Christmas 24 is your favourite channel through December, then i'm pretty sure you'll love this book. :)
April 24, 2016
Such a good Christmas story... Left me all mushy and sorts...
Luuved Greg. Hated what he had to go through because of his sick ex-boyfriend!! It made him so unsecure that he thought he wasn't worth anything. And then came Ash, sweet Ashley who showed Greg he deserved to be loved..
Sigh
Highly Recommended!!
December 25, 2014
Another sweet Christmas BR
Lovely story! Review to come!
Lovely story! Review to come!
December 22, 2016
3 justitas... No me terminan de convencer algunas cosas.
November 23, 2014
I was lucky enough to edit this book, and it's so charming and sweet. You know how sometimes you just feel like a tender, touching romance with a generous helping of sap that makes you smile from ear to ear? Dust of Snow is the book for you. With the holidays coming, this is the perfect feel-good Christmas romance.
Greg is a character I rooted for right away. He's a bit of a sad sack when the book starts, and I think most of us can relate to being lonely and lacking self-esteem at some point in our lives. Ash is a terrific foil for him, and their chemistry is smokin' hot, but also heartwarming. I love stories with UST and a slow burn, and this book delivers. At one point while editing I did a control-F search on the word "kiss" to see how much longer I had to wait -- even though I love waiting! When I'm really eager for MCs to hook up, the author has done her job.
Dust of Snow is a lovely holiday treat that's perfect to snuggle up with on a cold winter's night.
Greg is a character I rooted for right away. He's a bit of a sad sack when the book starts, and I think most of us can relate to being lonely and lacking self-esteem at some point in our lives. Ash is a terrific foil for him, and their chemistry is smokin' hot, but also heartwarming. I love stories with UST and a slow burn, and this book delivers. At one point while editing I did a control-F search on the word "kiss" to see how much longer I had to wait -- even though I love waiting! When I'm really eager for MCs to hook up, the author has done her job.
Dust of Snow is a lovely holiday treat that's perfect to snuggle up with on a cold winter's night.
December 27, 2022
Czy ta książka była odkrywcza? Nie.
Czy była inna, z jakimś nietypowym zwrotem? Nieeee...
Czy wyróżniała się czymś? Nie za bardzo 😉
Czy lubię romanse biurowe i kolesi w garniturach? Eeee.... nie. FM mnie z tego skutecznie wyleczyło 😜
Czy dobrze mi się czytało? Zarąbiście i błyskawicznie 😁 Dziękuję, czwóreczka 😁
Czy była inna, z jakimś nietypowym zwrotem? Nieeee...
Czy wyróżniała się czymś? Nie za bardzo 😉
Czy lubię romanse biurowe i kolesi w garniturach? Eeee.... nie. FM mnie z tego skutecznie wyleczyło 😜
Czy dobrze mi się czytało? Zarąbiście i błyskawicznie 😁 Dziękuję, czwóreczka 😁
January 22, 2015
This is a sweet, fun holiday story about a guy who has decided he's meant to be alone. After breaking up with his boyfriend a year ago, Greg figures relationships are not for him. He's settling in to get through the holidays with his cat, his job and a weekly dinner with his mother. But then Secret Santa gifts begin appearing at work, sweet and thoughtful and sometimes uncomfortable.
He wonders who's behind them, how they seem to both know him well and yet at times send the wrong gift for his comfort. His sexy older boss Carl is oddly more friendly toward him, his co-workers are caught up in holiday spirit, especially Ashley the new sales manager. Greg bounces between hope, irritation, and loneliness.
There's a bit of a mystery here, about who the Secret Santa is, and just what the people in Greg's life want to tell him. A couple of threads feel a bit dangled still at the end. But the story as a whole was fun, especially for a history-of-nasty-ex-lover book, which can be a very OTT trope. There was a lot going on with all the people in Greg's life, but I kind of liked having a less simple plot line.
This book managed to avoid excess melodrama that I was afraid was coming, and delivers an interesting read with some varied secondary characters and a feel-good holiday romance.
He wonders who's behind them, how they seem to both know him well and yet at times send the wrong gift for his comfort. His sexy older boss Carl is oddly more friendly toward him, his co-workers are caught up in holiday spirit, especially Ashley the new sales manager. Greg bounces between hope, irritation, and loneliness.
There's a bit of a mystery here, about who the Secret Santa is, and just what the people in Greg's life want to tell him. A couple of threads feel a bit dangled still at the end. But the story as a whole was fun, especially for a history-of-nasty-ex-lover book, which can be a very OTT trope. There was a lot going on with all the people in Greg's life, but I kind of liked having a less simple plot line.
This book managed to avoid excess melodrama that I was afraid was coming, and delivers an interesting read with some varied secondary characters and a feel-good holiday romance.
January 8, 2021
D'awwww, this was lovely.
I was slightly confused at first, wondering who the charming Secret Santa was.
I was also slightly confused with the sexy French boss, wondering where he fit into everything.
I really enjoyed finding out.
Greg was great. His ex, not so much. But his new co-worker was divine.
So romantic!
A fairly new-to-me author that I'm going to have to check out more of her work!
I was slightly confused at first, wondering who the charming Secret Santa was.
I was also slightly confused with the sexy French boss, wondering where he fit into everything.
I really enjoyed finding out.
Greg was great. His ex, not so much. But his new co-worker was divine.
So romantic!
A fairly new-to-me author that I'm going to have to check out more of her work!
November 29, 2014
I absolutely loved this holiday story! I think my favorite thing about it was the length. It was only halfway over when most Christmas stories would stop. I adored the main characters and hope for a sequel where side character Carl gets the man he deserves!
December 23, 2014
I thought this was cute and sweet. Greg was a fantastic character and I absolutely adored him. This was sweet and hot and a little tough at moments, but there was humor and just a good little read. I would recommend.
December 22, 2014
To have a secret admirer must be flattering for anyone but for Greg this comes in the form of a secret Santa.
Loved the whole idea of this book.Greg receives presents on his desk at work and has no idea from who they could be. But rather than get all joyful and happy, he is rather suspicious at first and thinks there must be an ulterior motive. This was the thing with Greg for me, someone who’s a workaholic but socially very lonely and awkward. I loved his French boss who always showed his genuine concern for Greg and his lack of a social life. He only really has his mother to visit once a week. My if everyone had a boss like Greg’s the whole world would be a lot happier for sure.
It doesn't take long before Mr Secret Santa is revealed and first of all Greg tries not to believe that anything could really come of it. But before he knows for sure who the secret Santa is he starts to feel drawn to his colleague at work who has been admiring him from afar I guess for a while now. So everything looks set for a romantic Christmas with a new love in his life. I mean what could get more seasonal than have someone to cuddle up to on a cold winter’s night.
I always find that Christmas is a time where for some reason extremes seem to happen. the Christmas before the ex walks out on Greg which is heart-breaking in itself, but then Christmas and now here he is one year later attracted to someone. But things never go that smoothly and the ex who left him last Christmas turns up wanting to get back together. I could quite possibly understand his apprehension in getting involved again after being disappointed and alone for one year. At this point Wham’s evergreen Christmas song lyrics started to buzz around in my head, yes you know them,
“Last Christmas I gave you my heart, but the very next day you gave it away. This year to save me from tears, I’m going to give it to someone special….lalala”
As soon as we meet the ex though then a lot of things fall into place about Greg. For all his self-sufficiency on the outside I would say he has a number of confidence issues and is always second guessing himself. However, this manifests itself for others on the outside and appearing maybe to others to be aloof and a little nettlesome. We soon get to realise that these issues are hang-ups left over from his previous relationship where his ex was actually abusive. A very toxic relationship in which Greg wasn’t physically abused but most definitely psychologically which left him with very low esteem. I just wanted to reach out to him and comfort him. For me all his prickliness disappeared and he endeared himself as a character for sure. I guess whether the abuse is physical or psychological the one is really no better than the other. So yes, even men can get abused in a relationship which gave Greg for me a wonderful fragile quality and I just wanted to reach out my hand to help him.
The ex turning up obviously complicates things between him and Greg and there were moments where I was seriously concerned that Greg might falter and return, I just so wanted him to realise how bad his ex had been for him. But thank goodness this didn’t happen and through the strength he found in the new relationship could stand up to the ex now and realise that what he now has is so much better. I could just feel the love and respect that Ashley has for Greg as it also manifested itself in his concern and worry, if not over protectiveness and a little jealous of the ex. I loved the way that Greg and Ashley complemented each other. Ashley also had his issues but together you could just feel how good they are for each other. Ashley's family were just so normal and loving when Greg met them I felt he had almost been adopted by them from the word go. Sharing their son’s joy of finding someone to love felt like the normal family love everyone should have. Put a Christmas dinner background to this and I was humming White Christmas to myself while reading.
Another character that worked well for me was Greg’s mum. LOVED her! Outspoken and independent, a mother who treats her son as an equal adult but still the caring mum. She drops a bombshell on Greg halfway through the story that had me smiling, giggling and laughing for the rest of the book whenever she appeared.
I enjoyed this book immensely from beginning to end. Greg is a complicated but well rounded character that once you understand where he is coming from grows on you more and more. Ashley is just everyone’s Christmas dream; again not entirely flawless, just human like the rest of us, but the ideal, romantic Christmas present for sure. Full of Christmas atmosphere, office parties, love, goodwill, not forgetting the cat Curlywurly and above all snow! Lots of it. An enjoyable holiday read from beginning to end.
Loved the whole idea of this book.Greg receives presents on his desk at work and has no idea from who they could be. But rather than get all joyful and happy, he is rather suspicious at first and thinks there must be an ulterior motive. This was the thing with Greg for me, someone who’s a workaholic but socially very lonely and awkward. I loved his French boss who always showed his genuine concern for Greg and his lack of a social life. He only really has his mother to visit once a week. My if everyone had a boss like Greg’s the whole world would be a lot happier for sure.
It doesn't take long before Mr Secret Santa is revealed and first of all Greg tries not to believe that anything could really come of it. But before he knows for sure who the secret Santa is he starts to feel drawn to his colleague at work who has been admiring him from afar I guess for a while now. So everything looks set for a romantic Christmas with a new love in his life. I mean what could get more seasonal than have someone to cuddle up to on a cold winter’s night.
I always find that Christmas is a time where for some reason extremes seem to happen. the Christmas before the ex walks out on Greg which is heart-breaking in itself, but then Christmas and now here he is one year later attracted to someone. But things never go that smoothly and the ex who left him last Christmas turns up wanting to get back together. I could quite possibly understand his apprehension in getting involved again after being disappointed and alone for one year. At this point Wham’s evergreen Christmas song lyrics started to buzz around in my head, yes you know them,
“Last Christmas I gave you my heart, but the very next day you gave it away. This year to save me from tears, I’m going to give it to someone special….lalala”
As soon as we meet the ex though then a lot of things fall into place about Greg. For all his self-sufficiency on the outside I would say he has a number of confidence issues and is always second guessing himself. However, this manifests itself for others on the outside and appearing maybe to others to be aloof and a little nettlesome. We soon get to realise that these issues are hang-ups left over from his previous relationship where his ex was actually abusive. A very toxic relationship in which Greg wasn’t physically abused but most definitely psychologically which left him with very low esteem. I just wanted to reach out to him and comfort him. For me all his prickliness disappeared and he endeared himself as a character for sure. I guess whether the abuse is physical or psychological the one is really no better than the other. So yes, even men can get abused in a relationship which gave Greg for me a wonderful fragile quality and I just wanted to reach out my hand to help him.
The ex turning up obviously complicates things between him and Greg and there were moments where I was seriously concerned that Greg might falter and return, I just so wanted him to realise how bad his ex had been for him. But thank goodness this didn’t happen and through the strength he found in the new relationship could stand up to the ex now and realise that what he now has is so much better. I could just feel the love and respect that Ashley has for Greg as it also manifested itself in his concern and worry, if not over protectiveness and a little jealous of the ex. I loved the way that Greg and Ashley complemented each other. Ashley also had his issues but together you could just feel how good they are for each other. Ashley's family were just so normal and loving when Greg met them I felt he had almost been adopted by them from the word go. Sharing their son’s joy of finding someone to love felt like the normal family love everyone should have. Put a Christmas dinner background to this and I was humming White Christmas to myself while reading.
Another character that worked well for me was Greg’s mum. LOVED her! Outspoken and independent, a mother who treats her son as an equal adult but still the caring mum. She drops a bombshell on Greg halfway through the story that had me smiling, giggling and laughing for the rest of the book whenever she appeared.
I enjoyed this book immensely from beginning to end. Greg is a complicated but well rounded character that once you understand where he is coming from grows on you more and more. Ashley is just everyone’s Christmas dream; again not entirely flawless, just human like the rest of us, but the ideal, romantic Christmas present for sure. Full of Christmas atmosphere, office parties, love, goodwill, not forgetting the cat Curlywurly and above all snow! Lots of it. An enjoyable holiday read from beginning to end.
maybe
December 3, 2018Freebie at the zon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Dust-Snow-In...
December 12, 2014
For some reason, when this review request came my way, the blurb really caught my attention:
'T is the season. Greg's nights are silent and his bells don't jingle. This time last year his boyfriend broke up with him, and he's determined to get through these holidays with only minor bruising. So what if he lives with a cat and his best friend is his mother? Peace and quiet: that's life how he likes it. Nothing is going to blindside him this year, no sir. Especially not a rogue secret Santa.
Maybe it was "his bells don't jingle," that drew me in. Whatever it was, I'm so glad I tried this one. I was not familiar with this author, but I'm definitely going to keep her on my radar. Greg is about a year out of a relationship, and feeling lonely and not over his feelings for his ex yet..
I'd never begged for anyone not to leave me in my life. But as I watched the snow fall through the window, I felt like I was right back where I'd been when David left me last winter just before Christmas.
I sighed, my stomach churning. How long would it take before I'd get over it?
Not having a lot of friends, he has dinner with his mom once a week and well...that is about it. He is the personal assistant for the big boss at his office and performs his job really well. I have to admit - at first I thought his boss was going to be the other hero. He was described in detail and Greg was definitely attracted to him, and we get hints his boss is attracted to him too. But his boss is not the hero. And let me say quick that I kind of wish his boss had not played so much of a role in the first half of the book. It took away from the romance with the right guy and it just didn't fit in the story well.
But getting that out of the way, we meet hero number two - Ashley Montgomery. Ashley also works at the same company as Greg and there is much blushing and bashfulness on his end. These two live near each other and with all the snow and Ashley's car problems, Greg starts to drive Ashley to work and they start spending time together. After a while, a romance builds between them. It's really sweet and I'm glad the author took her time in letting their romance develop. We learn that Greg's previous boyfriend emotionally abused him. Sucked all of his self-esteem out of him and left him with zero confidence in the relationship department. Before a romance begins with Ashley, Greg starts to find random, anonymous gifts on his desk. A coffee one morning, a certificate for a massage the next morning. Instead of finding this romantic, Greg thinks someone is playing a practical joke on him. His self-esteem is too low to think anyone would want to do something nice for him.
But really, why on earth would someone be sending me thoughtful gifts? It didn't make any sense. An elaborate joke was the most likely scenario. Did people here think I was pathetic and lonely? With my ties and my cuff links and lack of social life? Possibly. No, actually, more like probably. I couldn't really blame them, although it made my chest feel hollow.
I like characters like this. Greg's doubts about himself and his sweet nature were so endearing. He didn't pity himself - he just had trouble finding himself again. The author did a nice job with him.
Ashley starts to give Greg confidence. They laugh together, they hang out and they start to love each other. Ashley has his own family drama, and the author gives us a peek into his family home, just enough to keep me engaged and not too much that it overtakes the story. I really like how the issues his family has were portrayed. While I honestly thought Ashley was a creepy stalker to start the book (sorry author!) he turns out to be a great guy. Greg and Ashley had great chemistry together.
'T is the season. Greg's nights are silent and his bells don't jingle. This time last year his boyfriend broke up with him, and he's determined to get through these holidays with only minor bruising. So what if he lives with a cat and his best friend is his mother? Peace and quiet: that's life how he likes it. Nothing is going to blindside him this year, no sir. Especially not a rogue secret Santa.
Maybe it was "his bells don't jingle," that drew me in. Whatever it was, I'm so glad I tried this one. I was not familiar with this author, but I'm definitely going to keep her on my radar. Greg is about a year out of a relationship, and feeling lonely and not over his feelings for his ex yet..
I'd never begged for anyone not to leave me in my life. But as I watched the snow fall through the window, I felt like I was right back where I'd been when David left me last winter just before Christmas.
I sighed, my stomach churning. How long would it take before I'd get over it?
Not having a lot of friends, he has dinner with his mom once a week and well...that is about it. He is the personal assistant for the big boss at his office and performs his job really well. I have to admit - at first I thought his boss was going to be the other hero. He was described in detail and Greg was definitely attracted to him, and we get hints his boss is attracted to him too. But his boss is not the hero. And let me say quick that I kind of wish his boss had not played so much of a role in the first half of the book. It took away from the romance with the right guy and it just didn't fit in the story well.
But getting that out of the way, we meet hero number two - Ashley Montgomery. Ashley also works at the same company as Greg and there is much blushing and bashfulness on his end. These two live near each other and with all the snow and Ashley's car problems, Greg starts to drive Ashley to work and they start spending time together. After a while, a romance builds between them. It's really sweet and I'm glad the author took her time in letting their romance develop. We learn that Greg's previous boyfriend emotionally abused him. Sucked all of his self-esteem out of him and left him with zero confidence in the relationship department. Before a romance begins with Ashley, Greg starts to find random, anonymous gifts on his desk. A coffee one morning, a certificate for a massage the next morning. Instead of finding this romantic, Greg thinks someone is playing a practical joke on him. His self-esteem is too low to think anyone would want to do something nice for him.
But really, why on earth would someone be sending me thoughtful gifts? It didn't make any sense. An elaborate joke was the most likely scenario. Did people here think I was pathetic and lonely? With my ties and my cuff links and lack of social life? Possibly. No, actually, more like probably. I couldn't really blame them, although it made my chest feel hollow.
I like characters like this. Greg's doubts about himself and his sweet nature were so endearing. He didn't pity himself - he just had trouble finding himself again. The author did a nice job with him.
Ashley starts to give Greg confidence. They laugh together, they hang out and they start to love each other. Ashley has his own family drama, and the author gives us a peek into his family home, just enough to keep me engaged and not too much that it overtakes the story. I really like how the issues his family has were portrayed. While I honestly thought Ashley was a creepy stalker to start the book (sorry author!) he turns out to be a great guy. Greg and Ashley had great chemistry together.
December 9, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
Dust of Snow is the first book I’ve read of Indra Vaughn’s and I absolutely loved it. As it’s no secret that I absolutely adore Christmas stories, it took me all of two seconds to decide on this one after reading the blurb, and I’m glad I did. From beginning to end, I was engrossed in Gregory’s life and his need to be loved, whether he realized it or not, and his journey of healing, which he certainly did not realize. This is more than a Christmas story, though it has all the heartwarming, aww moments that make it a must read holiday story for me. It’s a story of finding love when least expected, in the midst of chaos. It’s an unexpected journey of healing.
Gregory is a workaholic to the point that he pops antacids daily to relieve the work-related tummy stress. He’s so focused on his job that he doesn’t see the things going on around him, namely the man pining for him from the corner office. Okay, admittedly, I am not certain that Ashley’s office is a corner office, but you get my drift. Gregory is also so busy pining over the man he considered his long lost love, which he doesn’t realize until too late the mental emotional abuse he suffered at the man’s hand. All of this is resolved with the entry of Ashley into his life. Ashley gives Gregory someone to care about and to take care of. He gives Gregory a reason to find his confidence again. Gregory doesn’t change for Ashley—don’t get me wrong. He rediscovers the man he’s always been with Ashley’s help. Their pairing is a lovely friends-to-lovers relationship full of light-heartedness and jealousy with a hint of admiration. It’s adorable from the very beginning.
Read Crissy’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
Dust of Snow is the first book I’ve read of Indra Vaughn’s and I absolutely loved it. As it’s no secret that I absolutely adore Christmas stories, it took me all of two seconds to decide on this one after reading the blurb, and I’m glad I did. From beginning to end, I was engrossed in Gregory’s life and his need to be loved, whether he realized it or not, and his journey of healing, which he certainly did not realize. This is more than a Christmas story, though it has all the heartwarming, aww moments that make it a must read holiday story for me. It’s a story of finding love when least expected, in the midst of chaos. It’s an unexpected journey of healing.
Gregory is a workaholic to the point that he pops antacids daily to relieve the work-related tummy stress. He’s so focused on his job that he doesn’t see the things going on around him, namely the man pining for him from the corner office. Okay, admittedly, I am not certain that Ashley’s office is a corner office, but you get my drift. Gregory is also so busy pining over the man he considered his long lost love, which he doesn’t realize until too late the mental emotional abuse he suffered at the man’s hand. All of this is resolved with the entry of Ashley into his life. Ashley gives Gregory someone to care about and to take care of. He gives Gregory a reason to find his confidence again. Gregory doesn’t change for Ashley—don’t get me wrong. He rediscovers the man he’s always been with Ashley’s help. Their pairing is a lovely friends-to-lovers relationship full of light-heartedness and jealousy with a hint of admiration. It’s adorable from the very beginning.
Read Crissy’s review in its entirety here.
March 15, 2016
This was a cute read. It was not my favourite Christmas read but it was a sweet one.
One of the comments I made after I'd finished reading was:
"I really liked the start and then it started to turn into a bit of a cliché. Everyone wants the quiet guy who thinks he isn't worth the effort blah blah blah. And I don't really get the whole Carl thing. Why was it even a thing?"
So yeah, that.
I really don't understand what Carl's role was in the whole thing. I honestly don't think he added anything to the story.
Greg and Ashley were super cute and when it was just them I really enjoyed it.
Also sympathised with Greg on his hatred of the cold.
December 7, 2019
2014 seems to be the year for squee-worthy holiday romances! This was my first Indra Vaughn and I was very pleasantly surprised. Greg was an awesome guy and his love interest was pretty freaking great too! I was frustrated for the first 15% or so when I wasn't sure who the "secret santa" was (I've got to make sure I'm rooting for the right guy!), but that resolved quite quickly.
February 27, 2015
I would have liked this a lot more if there hadn't been so much going on. The boss thing that went nowhere, the nutty ex, nightmares, bad self-esteem, suddenly gay mom, sister's homophobic violent ex, just a lot going on for a sweet holiday romance. Plus, I thought Ashley was just too perfect, even if we didn't really learn anything about him, other than that he had nightmares and headaches (something else that never really went anywhere and could have been left out of the story)
Also, I REALLY expected SOMETHING to come from Gregory's stomach issues, what with the way he always had heartburn and was always crunching on antacids.
Also, I REALLY expected SOMETHING to come from Gregory's stomach issues, what with the way he always had heartburn and was always crunching on antacids.
November 25, 2015
3.5 stars
It was a cute story. Not my favorite but not bad either.
I was a bit puzzled at first because it seems like everyone is a potential love interest for Greg.
I wasn't sure about Greg's feelings for Ashley when they started to get closer because he had so much the hots for his boss Carl and after one kiss with Ash it all changed so fast. A bit too fast for me.
In the end though I was very happy for Greg and Ashley. They seem to be meant for each other.
It was a cute story. Not my favorite but not bad either.
I was a bit puzzled at first because it seems like everyone is a potential love interest for Greg.
I wasn't sure about Greg's feelings for Ashley when they started to get closer because he had so much the hots for his boss Carl and after one kiss with Ash it all changed so fast. A bit too fast for me.
In the end though I was very happy for Greg and Ashley. They seem to be meant for each other.
February 19, 2021
I’ve read this author before but never her solo work. This is a mm contemporary story set in Christmas/ snow time. Main characters are Gregory and Ashley. Their love starts as a secret admirer and wonderful presents left on Greg’s work desk. Great honest writing and I loved the story. I’ll be reading more from this author.
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