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Drag Me Home Again: A January to Remember in Sleighbell Springs
When the past returns, will they finally sashay toward forever?
In the town of Sleighbell Springs, Vermont, Mason Beckett—better known on stage as the glorious May North—has built a life full of sequins, community, and drag magic at his beloved bar, Sleigh Queen. But beneath the bold makeup and sparkling costumes lies the heart of a man who never quite stopped loving the boy who left him behind.
When Miles Dalton, Mason’s first everything, returns to town after more than twenty years away, old sparks reignite. After running off to college and letting life get in the way, Miles is here for good this time, determined to rebuild his life. To reclaim the one person who shaped his heart forever, and make up for the hurt he caused when he walked away.
As January rolls in and the slow season settles over town, these two men must face the past to embrace the future. But will May and Miles dare to give their love a second chance under the twinkling lights of Sleighbell Springs?
Drag Me Home Again is a Later-in-Life Second Chance MM Romance set in the shared world of Sleighbell Springs
In the town of Sleighbell Springs, Vermont, Mason Beckett—better known on stage as the glorious May North—has built a life full of sequins, community, and drag magic at his beloved bar, Sleigh Queen. But beneath the bold makeup and sparkling costumes lies the heart of a man who never quite stopped loving the boy who left him behind.
When Miles Dalton, Mason’s first everything, returns to town after more than twenty years away, old sparks reignite. After running off to college and letting life get in the way, Miles is here for good this time, determined to rebuild his life. To reclaim the one person who shaped his heart forever, and make up for the hurt he caused when he walked away.
As January rolls in and the slow season settles over town, these two men must face the past to embrace the future. But will May and Miles dare to give their love a second chance under the twinkling lights of Sleighbell Springs?
Drag Me Home Again is a Later-in-Life Second Chance MM Romance set in the shared world of Sleighbell Springs
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2026
7 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 17, 2026
It's been very warm with almost no snowfall in my neck of the woods this season, disturbingly so since I live in the Rocky Mountains. I was craving some winter spirit, and stories set in year-round Christmas towns never get old.
In some ways this book delivered: festive small town, second-chances, mature MCs (40s), a real-life gingerbread house, and drag queens galore (a couple drag kings too!).
Unfortunately, the romance fell flat. There was no real explanation as to why Miles left town and didn't return for 25 years. He couldn't have called? Texted? He had no clue as to what his former crush, Mason (aka May), was up to. Social media is a thing, so there was no accounting for the ignorance.
There was also no conflict. May welcomed Miles with open arms, no hesitation, no questions.
There was an excess of telling at the expense of showing, and what dialogue there was felt overly structured. This was one of those books where instead of sinking into the story, I was overly aware of the writing, as if it were an unwelcome guest lurking in the corner.
It was awkward enough that I skimmed bits and pieces. Bummer.
In some ways this book delivered: festive small town, second-chances, mature MCs (40s), a real-life gingerbread house, and drag queens galore (a couple drag kings too!).
Unfortunately, the romance fell flat. There was no real explanation as to why Miles left town and didn't return for 25 years. He couldn't have called? Texted? He had no clue as to what his former crush, Mason (aka May), was up to. Social media is a thing, so there was no accounting for the ignorance.
There was also no conflict. May welcomed Miles with open arms, no hesitation, no questions.
There was an excess of telling at the expense of showing, and what dialogue there was felt overly structured. This was one of those books where instead of sinking into the story, I was overly aware of the writing, as if it were an unwelcome guest lurking in the corner.
It was awkward enough that I skimmed bits and pieces. Bummer.
January 15, 2026
This is the first book in the Sleighbell Spring Series and it was absolutely magnificent.
Sleighbell Springs is a shared universe with various authors in the romance genre.
I love this story so much. It’s so cute, lighthearted, romantic AF, drag queens a plenty, and a beautiful second chance romance story.
May and Miles are the best MM couple. Find me a better duo?!
There are wonderful side characters who keep the story funny, cozy, and lighthearted. I hope we see some of them in other books in this series.
Miles is labeled as a lumberjack and does lots of manual labor. He has fallen so hard for May/Mason. Miles, cokes back to Sleighbell Springs to see if there’s a chance at what he left behind.
The stuff this bear says has me swooning. I want this man. He is so in love and has grown into his queerness. Don’t get me wrong. He has a lot to learn, but thankfully May helps him.
The author does such a wonderful job of expressing what it’s like growing up gay or queer in a small town. The desire to leave because you’re searching for something.
The way Drag is used in the story to strengthen one’s queerness and confidence is just so beautifully done. The purpose of drag and why someone performs is shown with deep understanding.
This is a Christmas town after all so some of the decorations will have you giggling, but also wanting to live there.
Go check out this book and this series.
Sleighbell Springs is a shared universe with various authors in the romance genre.
I love this story so much. It’s so cute, lighthearted, romantic AF, drag queens a plenty, and a beautiful second chance romance story.
May and Miles are the best MM couple. Find me a better duo?!
There are wonderful side characters who keep the story funny, cozy, and lighthearted. I hope we see some of them in other books in this series.
Miles is labeled as a lumberjack and does lots of manual labor. He has fallen so hard for May/Mason. Miles, cokes back to Sleighbell Springs to see if there’s a chance at what he left behind.
The stuff this bear says has me swooning. I want this man. He is so in love and has grown into his queerness. Don’t get me wrong. He has a lot to learn, but thankfully May helps him.
The author does such a wonderful job of expressing what it’s like growing up gay or queer in a small town. The desire to leave because you’re searching for something.
The way Drag is used in the story to strengthen one’s queerness and confidence is just so beautifully done. The purpose of drag and why someone performs is shown with deep understanding.
This is a Christmas town after all so some of the decorations will have you giggling, but also wanting to live there.
Go check out this book and this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2026
This novella was soooo cute! I loved the queer hallmark vibes, this was the perfect palette cleanser!
Mason, also known as May North, stayed in the small town Sleighbell Springs, taking over the family dive bar and made it into a wildly successful drag bar. The only thing missing is the love of his life, the one who left him behind.
Miles who is Masons ‘the one who got away’ has returned to town after many years away. Miles has always felt something was missing and moving back to Sleighbell Springs seems to be the right move. He’s never forgotten the one he left behind.
Can Miles build the trust back with Mason? Do they still have the spark?
I really enjoyed this cute, spicy and cozy read!
Mason, also known as May North, stayed in the small town Sleighbell Springs, taking over the family dive bar and made it into a wildly successful drag bar. The only thing missing is the love of his life, the one who left him behind.
Miles who is Masons ‘the one who got away’ has returned to town after many years away. Miles has always felt something was missing and moving back to Sleighbell Springs seems to be the right move. He’s never forgotten the one he left behind.
Can Miles build the trust back with Mason? Do they still have the spark?
I really enjoyed this cute, spicy and cozy read!
January 26, 2026
Oh fer cuuuuute!!!!
This was so cute, so steamy, so heart-eye-emoji!!! The characters were so well done and the back ground characters were sweet and exciting!! I can't wait for the rest of the series!!
This was so cute, so steamy, so heart-eye-emoji!!! The characters were so well done and the back ground characters were sweet and exciting!! I can't wait for the rest of the series!!
January 12, 2026
ARC review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
* queer love story
* second chance romance
* mature main characters
* Christmas themed small town
* handyman X drag queen
* found family
* gingerbread cottage
* glitter beard
* drag queen Grinch number
* grand gesture
Miles left Sleighbell Springs over 20 years ago to find himself, but he left the most important piece of himself behind when he walked away from Masen. Masen, now May North, picked up the pieces and runs a hugely successful drag bar. When Miles returns, sparks fly. Can they last and give these two the happy ending we all deserve?
This was laugh out loud funny, but so deeply emotional for me! I empathized so much with May - being left behind to pick himself up and build something new and strong. The reunion and forgiveness arc between these two characters is so true, full of the maturity of people who acknowledge mistakes, accept responsibility and are aware of how much they’ve changed - and who they are NOW.
Found family and quirky side characters run strong (these are two of my favorite things in stories!). It goes beyond the drag bar employees and into the whole town, including the B&B where Miles lands. Who among us does not want to live in a gingerbread cottage with piped white paint icing and gumdrop decor?!? All the needs is a dog.
The drag queens and kings and go go boys do not disappoint. With names like Dee Pression and Patti O’Furniture, you can’t go wrong! I’m also now desperate to see a Grinch-themed drag performance and I really hope they add a drag brunch. I will come cook the eggs.
I’ll leave you with this line - “You’re playing with fire,” he growls against my lips. “I am the fire,” I whisper back”. Their love IS a fire, and it burns fierce and steady and true.
I would 100% visit Sleighbell Springs. I can’t wait to come again next month for the next story in this shared world series!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
* queer love story
* second chance romance
* mature main characters
* Christmas themed small town
* handyman X drag queen
* found family
* gingerbread cottage
* glitter beard
* drag queen Grinch number
* grand gesture
Miles left Sleighbell Springs over 20 years ago to find himself, but he left the most important piece of himself behind when he walked away from Masen. Masen, now May North, picked up the pieces and runs a hugely successful drag bar. When Miles returns, sparks fly. Can they last and give these two the happy ending we all deserve?
This was laugh out loud funny, but so deeply emotional for me! I empathized so much with May - being left behind to pick himself up and build something new and strong. The reunion and forgiveness arc between these two characters is so true, full of the maturity of people who acknowledge mistakes, accept responsibility and are aware of how much they’ve changed - and who they are NOW.
Found family and quirky side characters run strong (these are two of my favorite things in stories!). It goes beyond the drag bar employees and into the whole town, including the B&B where Miles lands. Who among us does not want to live in a gingerbread cottage with piped white paint icing and gumdrop decor?!? All the needs is a dog.
The drag queens and kings and go go boys do not disappoint. With names like Dee Pression and Patti O’Furniture, you can’t go wrong! I’m also now desperate to see a Grinch-themed drag performance and I really hope they add a drag brunch. I will come cook the eggs.
I’ll leave you with this line - “You’re playing with fire,” he growls against my lips. “I am the fire,” I whisper back”. Their love IS a fire, and it burns fierce and steady and true.
I would 100% visit Sleighbell Springs. I can’t wait to come again next month for the next story in this shared world series!
January 19, 2026
The vibes in this book were immaculate and I devoured it for it's glittery queer chaos and themed small town quaintness.
The first in a multi author series set in the Vermont town of Sleighbell Springs, I am excited to visit the town again. It's got a fun cast of supporting characters, the charm of a themed small town but queer-friendly, and is cool enough to support regular drag shows at the main watering hole.
However I did struggle with a few not-insignificant things. The main conflict was swept away as if nothing. MCs May and Miles were together in high school and then Miles just takes off for TWENTY-FIVE WHOLE YEARS without a peep. He returns and basically walks right into May's open arms with barely any on page "where ya been?" conversation. Really?! And overall this book was very much in want of a better edit - with multiple repeated paragraphs and continuity issues, like the pronoun check-in that never occurred. This may not bug every reader and some things may have been cleaned up between the ARC and the final, but it kept taking me out of the story.
I enjoyed the characters enough that I'd say, don't think about the details too much and just enjoy the drag shows and gingerbread house! Drag Me Home Again is on KU so it will cost you nothing but time. I do look forward to retuning to Sleighbell Springs - there will be a new queer romance by a collection of authors released every month over the next two years!!!
Thank you to the author for an eARC. All opinions are my own.
The first in a multi author series set in the Vermont town of Sleighbell Springs, I am excited to visit the town again. It's got a fun cast of supporting characters, the charm of a themed small town but queer-friendly, and is cool enough to support regular drag shows at the main watering hole.
However I did struggle with a few not-insignificant things. The main conflict was swept away as if nothing. MCs May and Miles were together in high school and then Miles just takes off for TWENTY-FIVE WHOLE YEARS without a peep. He returns and basically walks right into May's open arms with barely any on page "where ya been?" conversation. Really?! And overall this book was very much in want of a better edit - with multiple repeated paragraphs and continuity issues, like the pronoun check-in that never occurred. This may not bug every reader and some things may have been cleaned up between the ARC and the final, but it kept taking me out of the story.
I enjoyed the characters enough that I'd say, don't think about the details too much and just enjoy the drag shows and gingerbread house! Drag Me Home Again is on KU so it will cost you nothing but time. I do look forward to retuning to Sleighbell Springs - there will be a new queer romance by a collection of authors released every month over the next two years!!!
Thank you to the author for an eARC. All opinions are my own.
January 12, 2026
Drag Me Home Again is an emotional juggernaut of an introduction to Sleighbell Springs. I was laughing through the first two pages. I definitely want a miniature disco moose with an I Love Lucy wig. The characters are both real & completely over the top as any good drag queen/king should be. By chapter 3 I was in tears from the raw emotion between Mason & Miles. There's plenty of tension, sexual & emotional, as they navigate what it means to take a second chance with your first love. That chance may mean some incredibly hot scenes in various closets, lounges, & couches. J.E. Joyce does a great job of creating an atmosphere that has tension without a crazy third act break up. The end of the book is a spectacle & I wanted to be there in the midst of it, hollering & cheering with the rest of the characters. If you've ever been in love & lost it, you'll see yourself in this story. It shows once again that found family can be the best family.
January 15, 2026
This was an absolute joy. Set in a charming Vermont town where it's always holiday cheer, this second-chance romance with the majority of events set between an adorable B&B and the most fun bar, is full on Hallmark vibes but with queer joy. Miles is heading back to Sleighbell Springs after many years away, and still in love with the man he left behind. Mason has remained in Sleighbell, taking over his uncle's bar, and now known primarily as May - leading an epic drag show most nights. The whole cast of characters is fantastic and I can't wait to see more of them in the rest of the series.
Read
January 21, 2026It's a very cozy and sweet book, I really liked the setting in a small town that's super LGBTQ+ friendly. I fpund really unique that May is a drag queen, I'd never read about that profession before!
The only thing I felt was missing was that the main conflict wasn't explored as much as I would have liked. The main couple was separated for 25 years, and Miles just came back as if nothing had happened, I don't know, it felt like everything happened too quickly and was just glossed over.
Thanks to the author for the free Arc
The only thing I felt was missing was that the main conflict wasn't explored as much as I would have liked. The main couple was separated for 25 years, and Miles just came back as if nothing had happened, I don't know, it felt like everything happened too quickly and was just glossed over.
Thanks to the author for the free Arc
January 25, 2026
If Hallmark was in the business of MM Christmas town love stories dressed up in drag this would be it. It was a relentlessly cute read, just spicy enough, and no third act break up— just the thing when you want an escape from ::gestures at the world right now:: all of this. I will most definitely be seeking out more of JE Joyce’s stories
I was sent a copy of this via BookFunnel by the author in exchange for a review.
I was sent a copy of this via BookFunnel by the author in exchange for a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2026
Miles and May had the absolute perfect second chance romance with all the queer joy and love in a small town! I loved this book so much! This story felt like a warm hug with a pop of glittery fun that I needed!
Thank you to the author for my ARC ebook! All thoughts are my own.
Thank you to the author for my ARC ebook! All thoughts are my own.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews