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Tinsel & Tools: A Small-Town MM Holiday Romance
Cole Maddox isn’t looking for romance. After a painful betrayal ends his marriage, he returns to his small hometown to work alongside his dad and keep his life simple. He knows his way around every tool in the box, but nothing prepares him for the writer from New York who tempts him with things he never imagined.
Gavin Price used to believe in love stories. Now he’s grieving the loss of his parents, staring at a blank page, and wondering if he’ll ever write again. Inheriting a rundown inn in snowy New England feels like one more burden, until the straight handyman renovating it helps him find inspiration.
As their connection deepens, Gavin’s work begins to blur the line between fiction and reality. The story he’s writing could expose the secret relationship they’ve tried to keep hidden, and Cole isn’t sure if risking his heart is worth it when privacy is no longer certain.
Under the glow of twinkling lights and tinsel, a small-town handyman and a big city author might just discover that the best stories aren’t the ones you plan, but the ones that linger long after the last page.
Tinsel & Tools is a holiday MM romance full of opposites attract tension, forced proximity, blue-collar heat, and a bi-awakening that turns a season of repair into a season of love.
Gavin Price used to believe in love stories. Now he’s grieving the loss of his parents, staring at a blank page, and wondering if he’ll ever write again. Inheriting a rundown inn in snowy New England feels like one more burden, until the straight handyman renovating it helps him find inspiration.
As their connection deepens, Gavin’s work begins to blur the line between fiction and reality. The story he’s writing could expose the secret relationship they’ve tried to keep hidden, and Cole isn’t sure if risking his heart is worth it when privacy is no longer certain.
Under the glow of twinkling lights and tinsel, a small-town handyman and a big city author might just discover that the best stories aren’t the ones you plan, but the ones that linger long after the last page.
Tinsel & Tools is a holiday MM romance full of opposites attract tension, forced proximity, blue-collar heat, and a bi-awakening that turns a season of repair into a season of love.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2025
73 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Knight
78 books3,018 followersKimberly Knight is a USA Today Bestselling author who lives in the Central Valley of California with her loving husband, who is a great research assistant, and young daughter, who keeps Kimberly on her toes. Kimberly writes in a variety of genres, including romantic suspense, contemporary romance, erotic romance, and paranormal romance. Her books will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and fall in love before she throws you curve balls you never see coming.
When Kimberly isn’t writing, you can find her watching her favorite reality TV shows, including cooking competitions, binge-watching true crime documentaries, and going to San Francisco Giants games. She’s also a two-time desmoid tumor/cancer fighter, which has made her stronger and an inspiration to her fans.
When Kimberly isn’t writing, you can find her watching her favorite reality TV shows, including cooking competitions, binge-watching true crime documentaries, and going to San Francisco Giants games. She’s also a two-time desmoid tumor/cancer fighter, which has made her stronger and an inspiration to her fans.
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December 14, 2025
RATING 4.5 STARS
Tinsel & Tools is a MM, holiday romance by the wonderful co-author team, Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams.
Cole Maddox thought he had it all in Boston, a wife he loved, a fancy job as an electrician working on large commercial buildings, and a nice home. Until it all crumbled around him. Boston no longer felt like home so he went back to his small, hometown, Brookhaven, New Hampshire, where his family still lived. He joined his dad in his business, Maddox’s Repair & Restore.
Gavin Price lives in New York with his roommate and best friend, Allie. He is an author of gay romance books. But after losing his parents several months ago, the words have left him. He stares at a blank computer day after day. When he receives a call from a lawyer in Brookhaven, letting him know that he has inherited a Bed and Breakfast, Cedar Falls Inn, he thinks this might be what he needs to get his creative side flowing again, a change of scenery. So he and Allie make the trip not knowing what they are in store for. What they find is what was once a beautiful Inn but has not been kept up. Now he has to decide, do I sell, or do I restore it in hopes that this could be a future income.
When Cole and his father are recommended for the job, and they all meet, Gavin decides he wants to keep the Inn. As he and Cole get to know each other, they find a comfort between them, someone easy to talk to. Cole is straight, Gavin is not. But when chemistry is involved, none of that matters. Getting to know Cole has inspired Gavin to write again. His own growing feelings opening up the flood gate to all the words. But Cole is just getting used to his attraction to a man for the first time ever. Does he want his private romantic details in a book for the world to see?
This was such a sweet book. And also very steamy. These two authors don’t hold back on the smexy times. I loved these two but I always worry when a relationship is kept a secret. The ending, though, was adorable. It’s a quick read that left me with a happy heart.
Tinsel & Tools is a MM, holiday romance by the wonderful co-author team, Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams.
Cole Maddox thought he had it all in Boston, a wife he loved, a fancy job as an electrician working on large commercial buildings, and a nice home. Until it all crumbled around him. Boston no longer felt like home so he went back to his small, hometown, Brookhaven, New Hampshire, where his family still lived. He joined his dad in his business, Maddox’s Repair & Restore.
Gavin Price lives in New York with his roommate and best friend, Allie. He is an author of gay romance books. But after losing his parents several months ago, the words have left him. He stares at a blank computer day after day. When he receives a call from a lawyer in Brookhaven, letting him know that he has inherited a Bed and Breakfast, Cedar Falls Inn, he thinks this might be what he needs to get his creative side flowing again, a change of scenery. So he and Allie make the trip not knowing what they are in store for. What they find is what was once a beautiful Inn but has not been kept up. Now he has to decide, do I sell, or do I restore it in hopes that this could be a future income.
When Cole and his father are recommended for the job, and they all meet, Gavin decides he wants to keep the Inn. As he and Cole get to know each other, they find a comfort between them, someone easy to talk to. Cole is straight, Gavin is not. But when chemistry is involved, none of that matters. Getting to know Cole has inspired Gavin to write again. His own growing feelings opening up the flood gate to all the words. But Cole is just getting used to his attraction to a man for the first time ever. Does he want his private romantic details in a book for the world to see?
This was such a sweet book. And also very steamy. These two authors don’t hold back on the smexy times. I loved these two but I always worry when a relationship is kept a secret. The ending, though, was adorable. It’s a quick read that left me with a happy heart.
November 23, 2025
2+
Przeczytałam, wynudziłam się, dłużyło mi się okrutnie, do jutra pewnie zapomnę.
Przeczytałam, wynudziłam się, dłużyło mi się okrutnie, do jutra pewnie zapomnę.
November 9, 2025
really enjoyed this
quick read and so sweet
quick read and so sweet
October 31, 2025
Arc Review
Cole Maddox is happily married to his wife, Whitney or so he thinks. He finds her in a comprising position with her boss. That is when he knows his marriage is over.
Gavin Price unexpectedly inherits an eight bedroom B & B called Cedar Falls Inn in Brookhaven when his grandfather dies and leaves it in his will.
In need of a lot of renovation at the Inn, Gavin asks for advice in the local coffee shop. Jack and Cole Maddox are recommended to do the work. When Gavin sees Cole his hearts races just a little faster. Could he be worth sticking around in Brookhaven for?
Cole has only ever thought himself as straight, so why is he thinking about Gavin in situations that make him hot under the collar?
Cole does the neighbourly thing when Gavin has not hot water, he invited him to shower at his. In the same house and having a long dry spell, Cole finds himself kissing Gavin and enjoying it. Maybe Cole is not as straight as he once thought.
This swoonworthy Christmas tale from Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams was just the sweet book I didn’t know I needed.
It is gorgeous from start to finish, as an anything these two write together.
Cole Maddox is happily married to his wife, Whitney or so he thinks. He finds her in a comprising position with her boss. That is when he knows his marriage is over.
Gavin Price unexpectedly inherits an eight bedroom B & B called Cedar Falls Inn in Brookhaven when his grandfather dies and leaves it in his will.
In need of a lot of renovation at the Inn, Gavin asks for advice in the local coffee shop. Jack and Cole Maddox are recommended to do the work. When Gavin sees Cole his hearts races just a little faster. Could he be worth sticking around in Brookhaven for?
Cole has only ever thought himself as straight, so why is he thinking about Gavin in situations that make him hot under the collar?
Cole does the neighbourly thing when Gavin has not hot water, he invited him to shower at his. In the same house and having a long dry spell, Cole finds himself kissing Gavin and enjoying it. Maybe Cole is not as straight as he once thought.
This swoonworthy Christmas tale from Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams was just the sweet book I didn’t know I needed.
It is gorgeous from start to finish, as an anything these two write together.
November 5, 2025
This was cute! I liked that Gavin was a writer and that we got little glimpses of his book and Gavin and Cole coming together was fun to see. The cute movie night, tree decorating and trips to The Tap were a good time. Their dynamic was sweet and I enjoyed the small town vibes. The more they hung out the clearer it was they were into each other. The chemistry was great and their back and forth was also fun. This was a cute read with many nosy side characters!
💚ARC REVIEW❤️
💚ARC REVIEW❤️
dnf
November 10, 2025Almost to 30% and all that's happened is everyone trying to set up Cole with someone or talking about how all the ladies are fawning over him. 🥱
November 3, 2025
If you’re looking for the perfect small town, holiday, hallmark movie-esque, mm romance, look no further! This book was sweet and so so spicy! Cole and Gavin had instant chemistry and a relationship formed quickly. It was so easy to fall in love with these characters and their heartfelt moments. This was a quick and easy, low angst read that can’t help but put you in a festive mood!
November 2, 2025
Best day ever!!! I no longer need to turn on my TV for the perfect Christmas romance. I no longer need to wait for the Christmas season to find hope, love and acceptance. I simply have to open Tinsel & Tools and escape into the perfect holiday romance.
Gavin has lots his parents. Gavin has lost his ability to write romance novels. When he inherits a Bed & Breakfast in the small town of Brookhaven, from a grandfather he never met, it has possible romance written all over it. Going in search of the possibilbities at Cedar Falls Inn, during the hoiday season, had me wishing for a roaring fire and hot chocolate. He just has to restore everything in the Inn in order to have the fire.
I wanted to drool right along with Gavin as he watched Cole, the handyman, repair the Inn. He checks off all of the construction hunkiness desires. When Gavin needs a tour of the town, there is no one better to show him around than Cole. After all he comes from the town of Brookhaven, only returning after catching his wife is a compromising position. His family and friends all say he needs to get out, but I don't think Gavin is who they were thinking of.
Tinsel & Tools is a wonderful opposites attract romance that found me giggling and swooning in equal measure. I couldn't wait to see if and when Cole would fall for Gavin's charm. I was thrilled to see what would develop and how Cole would deal with everything. By everything, I mean a same sex romance that would be completed unexpected by everyone in town. Gotta say Cole has some shockingly wonderful moves.
Cole reminded me that the season brings family together. Cole learned very quickly that family acceptance is the best gift. I wanted to sit alongside Gavin at the dinner table and feel all the love. It isn't often that I close a story still feeling all of the joy, but Tinsel and Tools has left me with all the feels.
Gavin has lots his parents. Gavin has lost his ability to write romance novels. When he inherits a Bed & Breakfast in the small town of Brookhaven, from a grandfather he never met, it has possible romance written all over it. Going in search of the possibilbities at Cedar Falls Inn, during the hoiday season, had me wishing for a roaring fire and hot chocolate. He just has to restore everything in the Inn in order to have the fire.
I wanted to drool right along with Gavin as he watched Cole, the handyman, repair the Inn. He checks off all of the construction hunkiness desires. When Gavin needs a tour of the town, there is no one better to show him around than Cole. After all he comes from the town of Brookhaven, only returning after catching his wife is a compromising position. His family and friends all say he needs to get out, but I don't think Gavin is who they were thinking of.
Tinsel & Tools is a wonderful opposites attract romance that found me giggling and swooning in equal measure. I couldn't wait to see if and when Cole would fall for Gavin's charm. I was thrilled to see what would develop and how Cole would deal with everything. By everything, I mean a same sex romance that would be completed unexpected by everyone in town. Gotta say Cole has some shockingly wonderful moves.
Cole reminded me that the season brings family together. Cole learned very quickly that family acceptance is the best gift. I wanted to sit alongside Gavin at the dinner table and feel all the love. It isn't often that I close a story still feeling all of the joy, but Tinsel and Tools has left me with all the feels.
November 10, 2025
Rating: Loved it
What an absolutely adorable Christmas novella! It delivers every warm, snuggly vibe you’d hope for in a holiday read.
Cole returns to his hometown to help his dad with renovation work after the end of his marriage. What begins as a quick breather turns into a permanent move. Still grieving his parents and wrestling with writer’s block, he stumbles into a rundown B&B and decides to bring his incredible best friend along to figure out whether it’s worth keeping or selling.
Cole can’t quite make sense of the immediate connection he feels with Gavin, but the two of them enjoy exploring it. Cole knows what he wants, but everything is brand-new territory for Gavin. Since it’s a novella, Cole’s emotional journey moves a bit quickly—he’s essentially rolling with the punches instead of diving into what the connection truly means. Gavin, meanwhile, finds himself writing their story, and suddenly the words are flowing. Of course, that story complicates things and threatens what they’re building, sending them straight into a third-act breakup. Thankfully, their phenomenal best friend swoops in to set everything right.
One-click here: https://books2read.com/u/mZDeWy
Why you need to one-click this book:
🌈 MM Romance
💡 Bi-Awakening
🎄 Holiday Romance
🏘️ Small-Town Romance
🔥 Opposites Attract
🛠️ Blue Collar x Romance Author
🏨 Forced Proximity
“ɪ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴡʜʏ ɪ ᴅɪᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ.”
“𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼?”
“ɪ’ᴠᴇ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴋɪꜱꜱᴇᴅ ᴀ ɢᴜʏ ʙᴇꜰᴏʀᴇ.”
“𝗟𝘂𝗰𝗸𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗴𝘂𝘆𝘀.”
Thank you, @kimberlyknight.rachellynadams and @theauthor.agency for this ARC!
What an absolutely adorable Christmas novella! It delivers every warm, snuggly vibe you’d hope for in a holiday read.
Cole returns to his hometown to help his dad with renovation work after the end of his marriage. What begins as a quick breather turns into a permanent move. Still grieving his parents and wrestling with writer’s block, he stumbles into a rundown B&B and decides to bring his incredible best friend along to figure out whether it’s worth keeping or selling.
Cole can’t quite make sense of the immediate connection he feels with Gavin, but the two of them enjoy exploring it. Cole knows what he wants, but everything is brand-new territory for Gavin. Since it’s a novella, Cole’s emotional journey moves a bit quickly—he’s essentially rolling with the punches instead of diving into what the connection truly means. Gavin, meanwhile, finds himself writing their story, and suddenly the words are flowing. Of course, that story complicates things and threatens what they’re building, sending them straight into a third-act breakup. Thankfully, their phenomenal best friend swoops in to set everything right.
One-click here: https://books2read.com/u/mZDeWy
Why you need to one-click this book:
🌈 MM Romance
💡 Bi-Awakening
🎄 Holiday Romance
🏘️ Small-Town Romance
🔥 Opposites Attract
🛠️ Blue Collar x Romance Author
🏨 Forced Proximity
“ɪ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴡʜʏ ɪ ᴅɪᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ.”
“𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼?”
“ɪ’ᴠᴇ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴋɪꜱꜱᴇᴅ ᴀ ɢᴜʏ ʙᴇꜰᴏʀᴇ.”
“𝗟𝘂𝗰𝗸𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗴𝘂𝘆𝘀.”
Thank you, @kimberlyknight.rachellynadams and @theauthor.agency for this ARC!
October 29, 2025
So far, this one is my favorite holiday romance read of this year.
The story delivers all the best parts of small-town charm; think cozy winter nights, local gossip, and a handful of nosy but well-meaning neighbors. Every page radiates that close-knit, friends-and-family vibe you can only find in the best festive romances.
What I loved most was how naturally the romance and chemistry blossomed between the main characters. The authors does a great job making their relationship feel both believable and swoon-worthy, which had me hooked from the start. It’s so easy to root for them and get invested in every flirty banter or heartfelt moment.
The festive atmosphere is a standout feature in this story, weaving together several elements that make the romance feel extra special. The setting includes a run-down B&B undergoing renovations, which creates plenty of opportunities for the characters to work together, bond, and share lighthearted moments. This not only serves as a unique backdrop but also adds a cozy sense of community and anticipation as everyone prepares for the holidays.
All in all, this book is the total holiday package if you want something warm, uplifting, and just a little bit spicy.
The story delivers all the best parts of small-town charm; think cozy winter nights, local gossip, and a handful of nosy but well-meaning neighbors. Every page radiates that close-knit, friends-and-family vibe you can only find in the best festive romances.
What I loved most was how naturally the romance and chemistry blossomed between the main characters. The authors does a great job making their relationship feel both believable and swoon-worthy, which had me hooked from the start. It’s so easy to root for them and get invested in every flirty banter or heartfelt moment.
The festive atmosphere is a standout feature in this story, weaving together several elements that make the romance feel extra special. The setting includes a run-down B&B undergoing renovations, which creates plenty of opportunities for the characters to work together, bond, and share lighthearted moments. This not only serves as a unique backdrop but also adds a cozy sense of community and anticipation as everyone prepares for the holidays.
All in all, this book is the total holiday package if you want something warm, uplifting, and just a little bit spicy.
October 28, 2025
Love Finds You When You Least Expect It
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
ARC Review:
Tinsel and Tools by Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams is a cozy, heartfelt holiday MM romance that blends small-town warmth with the emotional depth of rediscovery.
Cole Maddox has sworn off love after his marriage ends in betrayal, returning home to work alongside his dad and rebuild his life in peace. But when big-city author Gavin Price moves in next door—grieving, blocked, and ready to renovate both his inherited inn and his heart—Cole’s carefully ordered world starts to shift.
I loved the emotional honesty in Cole’s internal struggle—his confusion, hesitation, and eventual acceptance of falling for a man after years of only being with women felt real and deeply human. The chemistry between Cole and Gavin builds beautifully, tender yet charged, and the snowy New England backdrop gives everything that warm Hallmark-with-heat glow.
A highlight for me was the side characters, Ryan Dalton and Allie, whose connection adds charm and layers to the small-town dynamic.
If you love stories about finding new beginnings, self-discovery, and love that sneaks up when you least expect it, Tinsel and Tools delivers the perfect dose of holiday heart.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
ARC Review:
Tinsel and Tools by Kimberly Knight and Rachel Lyn Adams is a cozy, heartfelt holiday MM romance that blends small-town warmth with the emotional depth of rediscovery.
Cole Maddox has sworn off love after his marriage ends in betrayal, returning home to work alongside his dad and rebuild his life in peace. But when big-city author Gavin Price moves in next door—grieving, blocked, and ready to renovate both his inherited inn and his heart—Cole’s carefully ordered world starts to shift.
I loved the emotional honesty in Cole’s internal struggle—his confusion, hesitation, and eventual acceptance of falling for a man after years of only being with women felt real and deeply human. The chemistry between Cole and Gavin builds beautifully, tender yet charged, and the snowy New England backdrop gives everything that warm Hallmark-with-heat glow.
A highlight for me was the side characters, Ryan Dalton and Allie, whose connection adds charm and layers to the small-town dynamic.
If you love stories about finding new beginnings, self-discovery, and love that sneaks up when you least expect it, Tinsel and Tools delivers the perfect dose of holiday heart.
November 1, 2025
4.25⭐️
After catching his wife in bed with his boss, Cole returns to his hometown of Brookehaven. It's there that he meets Gavin, a writer struggling to find his muse following the deaths of both his parents. Gavin has also inherited an inn from a grandfather he never met.
But encouraged by his best friend, Allie, Gavin decides to visit the small town and take a look at the inn, though he never expected it to be so rundown. However, after a conversation with Cole and more encouragement from Allie, Gavin agrees to undertake renovations, leaving Cole in charge.
And as the renovations progress, Brookehaven and Cole awaken something in Gavin: the words begin to flow, and he and Cole start to click on a deeper level. Their chemistry dazzles, leading to a romance that feels both believable and swoon-worthy.
And with small-town charm, close-knit friendships, and festive vibes. Tinsel & Tools was an uplifting, engaging, and enjoyable read. That had me completely charmed throughout!
My thanks to The Author Agency for the opportunity to read an early copy of Tinsel & Tools. 🎅
After catching his wife in bed with his boss, Cole returns to his hometown of Brookehaven. It's there that he meets Gavin, a writer struggling to find his muse following the deaths of both his parents. Gavin has also inherited an inn from a grandfather he never met.
But encouraged by his best friend, Allie, Gavin decides to visit the small town and take a look at the inn, though he never expected it to be so rundown. However, after a conversation with Cole and more encouragement from Allie, Gavin agrees to undertake renovations, leaving Cole in charge.
And as the renovations progress, Brookehaven and Cole awaken something in Gavin: the words begin to flow, and he and Cole start to click on a deeper level. Their chemistry dazzles, leading to a romance that feels both believable and swoon-worthy.
And with small-town charm, close-knit friendships, and festive vibes. Tinsel & Tools was an uplifting, engaging, and enjoyable read. That had me completely charmed throughout!
My thanks to The Author Agency for the opportunity to read an early copy of Tinsel & Tools. 🎅
November 1, 2025
✨ Author x Blue Collar Worker
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Bi-Awakening
✨ Small Town Charm
✨ Holiday Romance
✨ Opposites Attract
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥 & 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 was such a warm, feel-good read that completely charmed me. I adored Cole and Gavin’s story, a perfect blend of opposites attract and bi-awakening that felt so natural and genuine. Their connection unfolds with such ease; every moment between them radiates comfort, chemistry, and that deep “these two just belong together” energy.
The cozy New Hampshire small-town setting adds the perfect touch of charm, and the story isn’t overly angsty, just enough emotional turmoil to keep you fully invested while still leaving you smiling. And when Cole takes Gavin home for Christmas? 𝙋𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨. I loved the friends, the family dynamics, and the overall heartwarming vibe of it all.
If you’re looking for a low-drama, high-heart story that feels like a mug of cocoa by the fire, Tinsel & Tools is the one.
Special thanks to the authors and The Author Agency for the gifted copy 💕
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Bi-Awakening
✨ Small Town Charm
✨ Holiday Romance
✨ Opposites Attract
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥 & 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 was such a warm, feel-good read that completely charmed me. I adored Cole and Gavin’s story, a perfect blend of opposites attract and bi-awakening that felt so natural and genuine. Their connection unfolds with such ease; every moment between them radiates comfort, chemistry, and that deep “these two just belong together” energy.
The cozy New Hampshire small-town setting adds the perfect touch of charm, and the story isn’t overly angsty, just enough emotional turmoil to keep you fully invested while still leaving you smiling. And when Cole takes Gavin home for Christmas? 𝙋𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨. I loved the friends, the family dynamics, and the overall heartwarming vibe of it all.
If you’re looking for a low-drama, high-heart story that feels like a mug of cocoa by the fire, Tinsel & Tools is the one.
Special thanks to the authors and The Author Agency for the gifted copy 💕
November 4, 2025
4.5 Stars
After discovering his wife’s affair with his boss, Cole returns to his hometown of Brookehaven seeking peace and a fresh start.
There, he meets Gavin—a writer grieving his parents and struggling to find inspiration.
When Gavin unexpectedly inherits a rundown inn, his friend Allie encourages him to restore it.
A chance meeting with Cole sparks motivation—and something more much more!
As they work side by side to breathe new life into the inn, both men find healing, purpose, and the courage to open their hearts—a tender, story about second chances, and love growing in unexpected places.
After discovering his wife’s affair with his boss, Cole returns to his hometown of Brookehaven seeking peace and a fresh start.
There, he meets Gavin—a writer grieving his parents and struggling to find inspiration.
When Gavin unexpectedly inherits a rundown inn, his friend Allie encourages him to restore it.
A chance meeting with Cole sparks motivation—and something more much more!
As they work side by side to breathe new life into the inn, both men find healing, purpose, and the courage to open their hearts—a tender, story about second chances, and love growing in unexpected places.
November 4, 2025
Gavin and Cole.
Cole moves back home. Gavin ends up in the same town with a B & B that needs to be fixed up. This small town holiday novella has a SMIDGE of bi-awakening in it. I say smidge because it is explored a little bit but it felt like they just kind of went with it? I hope that makes sense. Anyway, this novella was adorable! & I loved every little stolen moment between Cole and Gavin.
I really hope that Gavin's best friend gets a book... I'm looking at you Kim. :)
Thank you to The Author Agency and the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Cole moves back home. Gavin ends up in the same town with a B & B that needs to be fixed up. This small town holiday novella has a SMIDGE of bi-awakening in it. I say smidge because it is explored a little bit but it felt like they just kind of went with it? I hope that makes sense. Anyway, this novella was adorable! & I loved every little stolen moment between Cole and Gavin.
I really hope that Gavin's best friend gets a book... I'm looking at you Kim. :)
Thank you to The Author Agency and the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2025
This is such a cute holiday novella with cozy winter nights, nosy neighbors and small town gossip. I really liked the chemistry between Cole and Gavin. Their romance felt real and it made me very invested in their story. Of course there needs to be some hiccups before the HEA but if you want a sweet, romantic holiday novella with some spice, this is the one for you.
Thank you for the arc. My review is honest and voluntary.
Thank you for the arc. My review is honest and voluntary.
November 4, 2025
Handyman Cole is a man who lost the belief in love thanks to his ex wife. He moved back to his hometown to get away from her and her betrayal. Gavin is a romance writer and he has lost his words. A breakup and losing his parents have him with a loss of words. When he inherits his grandfather’s inn, he decides to renovate it. He wants a fresh start and to see if he can find his words again. Little does he know, he finds his muse and his HEA with the man renovating the Inn and his life.
October 24, 2025
Gavin and Cole are brilliant! Cole finds his wife with her boss and goes back to his home town. Gavin is trying to find his muse, but his creativity is blocked because he’s mourning the loss of his parents, his bestie tells him to get away and try to reclaim his ability to write, he finds out he’s been left a B &B and he falls for Cole, this is such a beautiful story, I love it so much. I highly recommend you reading this book and I give it 5 stars 🌟
October 28, 2025
This is SOO sweet and cute! Also it was so quick!! Next thing I knew I finished it!
Cole and Gavin’s story is so beautiful and I love that they each gave each other something!
Cole sworn off relationships after catching his ex wife with her boss, so he moves back home, and around the same time Gavin realizes he inherited an inn. When Gavin needs help renovating the inn Cole is the first person he hires to help! Their story is so cute and perfect holiday read!!
Super grateful to the author agency for this ARC!!
Cole and Gavin’s story is so beautiful and I love that they each gave each other something!
Cole sworn off relationships after catching his ex wife with her boss, so he moves back home, and around the same time Gavin realizes he inherited an inn. When Gavin needs help renovating the inn Cole is the first person he hires to help! Their story is so cute and perfect holiday read!!
Super grateful to the author agency for this ARC!!
November 2, 2025
This was adorable. A really lovely holiday read with two incredibly likeable MMCs, two great best friends and a lovely small town backdrop.
It was an easy, low angst read that while having some spice, was just so sweet. Perfect to get me into the Christmas spirit.
I’ve read a couple of books by these two authors and they’re always a nice treat.
If you’re looking for small town, holiday romance, this is a great choice.
It was an easy, low angst read that while having some spice, was just so sweet. Perfect to get me into the Christmas spirit.
I’ve read a couple of books by these two authors and they’re always a nice treat.
If you’re looking for small town, holiday romance, this is a great choice.
October 27, 2025
Everything you want in a sweet holiday romance. Hot, straight(or so we think) recently divorced handyman and a lonely, gay writer who inherits a b&b from a forgotten relative meet and fall in love quickly. Cole and Gavin are insta love at it's finest. Gavin can't keep his eyes off of Gavin and Cole find himself dreaming about doing things with Gavin. There's a sassy, but helpful best friend and a short third act breakup, and we get through the holidays happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2025
I loved Cole and Gavin! Gavin inherits an inn from his estranged grandfather and meets Cole when he hires him to help fix it up. It was such a sweet but spicy story. I loved the whole town Kimberly and Rachel created and would love more from this world! It was the perfect small town holiday romance!
November 2, 2025
First of all I absolutely love reading Kimberly and Rachel’s books. This book was so cute. I love me a good cutesy, lovey book like this one.
Cole and Gavin was perfect. They got along great and connected easily. They had great chemistry.
If you like to read cute Christmasy books then this one is for you. You will not be disappointed.
Cole and Gavin was perfect. They got along great and connected easily. They had great chemistry.
If you like to read cute Christmasy books then this one is for you. You will not be disappointed.
November 4, 2025
This is my favorite story by these authors that I have read. Love small town romances and all the drama and closeness small towns bring.
November 7, 2025
This was so adorable! It was the perfect balance of small town vibes, Christmas cheer, and spice. 💚
November 23, 2025
Cute quick Holiday read. I loved both of the main characters and their low angst story even with the sprinkle of "panic" mixed in. Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶
November 28, 2025
Rating: 4/5 🌟
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Cole and Gavin
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Cole and Gavin
October 27, 2025
What a cute book. A wonderful quick holiday romance. Idk about you but I love me a good Hallmark Christmas movie... and what could make that even better you ask? A queer Hallmark Christmas movie 🥰 and this book had all the fixings.
I love Christmas time and I cant wait for all the Christmas books 😍
I love Christmas time and I cant wait for all the Christmas books 😍
October 31, 2025
ARC Review:
Omg! The book was sooooo gooood! I loved every second of it! the spice level was oh so mouth watering. I loved reading this book. highly recommended 💙
Omg! The book was sooooo gooood! I loved every second of it! the spice level was oh so mouth watering. I loved reading this book. highly recommended 💙
November 4, 2025
I just finished Tinsel & Tool by Kimberly Knight and let me tell you… this was the cutest low-angst holiday romance ever. Cozy vibes? Check. Soft MMCs? Double check. Holiday magic? Absolutely. 🎄✨
Cole and Gavin were EVERYTHING. Like, their energy?? Gentle, sweet, just the right amount of flirty and wholesome. And can we talk about Cole’s bi-awakening?? I loved that it wasn’t full of panic or identity crisis — he just let himself feel and lean into his connection with Gavin. Refreshing, validating, and honestly so beautiful to see.
And the side characters?! Literal chef’s kiss. 👨🍳💋
If you’re in the mood for a cute holiday MM romance that’s adorable without all the drama — add this to your TBR immediately
Cole and Gavin were EVERYTHING. Like, their energy?? Gentle, sweet, just the right amount of flirty and wholesome. And can we talk about Cole’s bi-awakening?? I loved that it wasn’t full of panic or identity crisis — he just let himself feel and lean into his connection with Gavin. Refreshing, validating, and honestly so beautiful to see.
And the side characters?! Literal chef’s kiss. 👨🍳💋
If you’re in the mood for a cute holiday MM romance that’s adorable without all the drama — add this to your TBR immediately
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