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Sleigh Bells Ring
Tyler Galloway wasn’t ready to leave the Marine Corps but his body had other ideas. Medical discharge was never in his plans, but with time to kill until he finds his next path in life, Tyler heads to the small town of Hickory Hollow to deliver a sleigh to his old Marine buddy. The last thing he expects is to be charmed by the town and its inhabitants, especially the handsome owner of Wayfair Ranch.
Harris Emery thought he left his hometown in the rearview, but when he learned what his father was doing, he raced back. Now he runs the ranch as an equine sanctuary, with guest cabins and sleigh rides to appease the tourists and supplement his income. Harris still has feelings about Hickory Hollow, but it’s a different place than the one he grew up in.
Tyler and Harris hit it off right from the start, and with Tyler taking some much-needed R and R, he’ll be around for a while. Neither man intends for their time together to last forever. But the more they get to know each other, in and out of bed, the more they are reluctant to say goodbye. It could just be the holiday magic, the step outside of reality. But with Christmas and New Year’s looming, the men need to make a choice. Walking away from each other might be the smarter choice. But if they take the leap and try to make their love last past the holiday season, they might just get the happily ever after they never saw coming.
Harris Emery thought he left his hometown in the rearview, but when he learned what his father was doing, he raced back. Now he runs the ranch as an equine sanctuary, with guest cabins and sleigh rides to appease the tourists and supplement his income. Harris still has feelings about Hickory Hollow, but it’s a different place than the one he grew up in.
Tyler and Harris hit it off right from the start, and with Tyler taking some much-needed R and R, he’ll be around for a while. Neither man intends for their time together to last forever. But the more they get to know each other, in and out of bed, the more they are reluctant to say goodbye. It could just be the holiday magic, the step outside of reality. But with Christmas and New Year’s looming, the men need to make a choice. Walking away from each other might be the smarter choice. But if they take the leap and try to make their love last past the holiday season, they might just get the happily ever after they never saw coming.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2025
About the author
Kris T. Bethke
64 books63 followersKris T. Bethke has been a voracious reader for pretty much her entire life and has been writing stories for nearly as long. An avid and prolific daydreamer, she always has a story in her head. She spends most of her free time reading, writing, or knitting/crocheting her latest project. Her biggest desire is to find a way to accomplish all three tasks at one time. A classic muscle car will always turn her head and weekend naps are one of her greatest guilty pleasures. She lives in a converted attic with an aquarium full of tropical fish and the voices in her head. She’ll tell you she thinks that’s a pretty good deal.
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January 13, 2026
Sleigh Bells Ring is the second book in the Hickory Hollow series by Kris T. Bethke. I loved the first book in this series, Home for the Hawley Daze. So of course, I wanted to read this one to meet Barrett’s best friend and also the man he was serving with before he left the Marines, Tyler.
Tyler Galloway has been a Marine for seventeen years. He had no plans to leave. Until his body had other ideas. At thirty five years old, he was diagnosed with insulin dependent diabetes. So he was out, and had no idea what he was going to do next. He had been staying with his parents for the last few months, getting used to his new normal, how to live with diabetes. He was just delivering his dad’s sleigh to Hickory Hollow, to his friend, Barrett and his boyfriend, Morgan (from the first book.) He instantly fell in love with the adorable little town. And when he met the man who owned a horse sanctuary just outside of town, he decided maybe he’d stick around for a couple of weeks, so he can experience their winter festival and maybe get to know this man that has caught his interest!
Harris Emery grew up in Hickory Hollow but those weren’t good memories. He left as soon as he could, never planning to return. But when he learned his father was abusing the horses on the ranch, he did come back and bought the ranch from his father, turning it into a sanctuary. Harris is a bit of an introvert, or maybe he still has some ill feelings about how the town never seemed to realize what was going on in his home when he was growing up. But now, running the ranch and helping the animals, is everything to him. I have to mention, here, that I adored his dog, Cheddar. He was so cute.
To say there were sparks when Tyler and Harris first met would be an understatement. And, when they connect for the first time, they both know that once will never be enough. So they decide to just enjoy each other while Tyler is in town. But the more time they spend together, the more they just seem to fit. When the New Year is approaching, along with the time Tyler is supposed to leave, they need to make a decision. Is what they have enough to keep Tyler there? Is what they have enough to build a life on? Or was it just a holiday fling?
I loved the ranch and the animals they took care of there. There were a couple of things that happened that I thought was going to lead to more which would have added a bit of suspense but the author didn’t go that way. This was just a sweet, steamy holiday romance. Neither of these men were looking for someone but I think both realized pretty quickly that they had something special. There is no third act break up which I also appreciate.
Tyler Galloway has been a Marine for seventeen years. He had no plans to leave. Until his body had other ideas. At thirty five years old, he was diagnosed with insulin dependent diabetes. So he was out, and had no idea what he was going to do next. He had been staying with his parents for the last few months, getting used to his new normal, how to live with diabetes. He was just delivering his dad’s sleigh to Hickory Hollow, to his friend, Barrett and his boyfriend, Morgan (from the first book.) He instantly fell in love with the adorable little town. And when he met the man who owned a horse sanctuary just outside of town, he decided maybe he’d stick around for a couple of weeks, so he can experience their winter festival and maybe get to know this man that has caught his interest!
Harris Emery grew up in Hickory Hollow but those weren’t good memories. He left as soon as he could, never planning to return. But when he learned his father was abusing the horses on the ranch, he did come back and bought the ranch from his father, turning it into a sanctuary. Harris is a bit of an introvert, or maybe he still has some ill feelings about how the town never seemed to realize what was going on in his home when he was growing up. But now, running the ranch and helping the animals, is everything to him. I have to mention, here, that I adored his dog, Cheddar. He was so cute.
To say there were sparks when Tyler and Harris first met would be an understatement. And, when they connect for the first time, they both know that once will never be enough. So they decide to just enjoy each other while Tyler is in town. But the more time they spend together, the more they just seem to fit. When the New Year is approaching, along with the time Tyler is supposed to leave, they need to make a decision. Is what they have enough to keep Tyler there? Is what they have enough to build a life on? Or was it just a holiday fling?
I loved the ranch and the animals they took care of there. There were a couple of things that happened that I thought was going to lead to more which would have added a bit of suspense but the author didn’t go that way. This was just a sweet, steamy holiday romance. Neither of these men were looking for someone but I think both realized pretty quickly that they had something special. There is no third act break up which I also appreciate.
December 7, 2025
ARC Review
*mild spoilers ahead*
We stay in Hickory Hollow for Sleigh Bell Rings, book two of this holiday series. It’s been a year since the events of Hawley Daze.
This time, we follow Tyler, a medically discharged Marine we met in book one when he helped his former officer get a sleigh for the winter holiday. A year later, Tyler is lending the same sleigh again, delivering it personally this time to get away from his caring but overbearing parents. That’s where he meets Harris, the owner of the place where the sleigh is headed. Harris has his own parental issues, having grown up with an abusive father, and now he’s trying to keep his ranch, the place his father almost ruined, alive.
Just like in the first novella, Tyler and Harris’s attraction is fast. They both find an easy, no-strings, casual situationship with a convenient expiration date. Or at least, that’s what they think at first. Deep down, both are lonely, starved for touch and care, and they end up falling for each other so quickly that they’re living together a couple of weeks after meeting. It’s still supposed to be temporary, but eventually they realize they belong together. As quickly as Barret did in book one, Tyler decides to make Hickory Hollow his home.
I love how the book deals with the disease that caused Tyler’s discharge (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults) and how it affects his everyday life and the way he interacts with the people who care about him.
The small town found family vibe is just as strong here as in the first book. We get to see and know more about all the same side characters, we see Morgan and Barret a year into their relationship, still super in love, uncle Arlo being the amazing guy we met before, and Tyler’s parents, who made a cameo in book one when they were the ones delivering the sleigh, realizing they need to let their son live his life and trust he can take care of his health without them hovering, even if it’s their way of showing love.
Also, Cheddar the dog and the zebras, it’s all super endearing.
I can’t wait to see who we get in the next books. I’m really intrigued by Carrington, the yarn store owner and his neighbor Barret and their combative relationship, ranch workers Ben and Cade, even bad boy Lenny. There’s a lot of potential, and I’d love to come back to Hickory Hollow for future holidays.
*mild spoilers ahead*
We stay in Hickory Hollow for Sleigh Bell Rings, book two of this holiday series. It’s been a year since the events of Hawley Daze.
This time, we follow Tyler, a medically discharged Marine we met in book one when he helped his former officer get a sleigh for the winter holiday. A year later, Tyler is lending the same sleigh again, delivering it personally this time to get away from his caring but overbearing parents. That’s where he meets Harris, the owner of the place where the sleigh is headed. Harris has his own parental issues, having grown up with an abusive father, and now he’s trying to keep his ranch, the place his father almost ruined, alive.
Just like in the first novella, Tyler and Harris’s attraction is fast. They both find an easy, no-strings, casual situationship with a convenient expiration date. Or at least, that’s what they think at first. Deep down, both are lonely, starved for touch and care, and they end up falling for each other so quickly that they’re living together a couple of weeks after meeting. It’s still supposed to be temporary, but eventually they realize they belong together. As quickly as Barret did in book one, Tyler decides to make Hickory Hollow his home.
I love how the book deals with the disease that caused Tyler’s discharge (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults) and how it affects his everyday life and the way he interacts with the people who care about him.
The small town found family vibe is just as strong here as in the first book. We get to see and know more about all the same side characters, we see Morgan and Barret a year into their relationship, still super in love, uncle Arlo being the amazing guy we met before, and Tyler’s parents, who made a cameo in book one when they were the ones delivering the sleigh, realizing they need to let their son live his life and trust he can take care of his health without them hovering, even if it’s their way of showing love.
Also, Cheddar the dog and the zebras, it’s all super endearing.
I can’t wait to see who we get in the next books. I’m really intrigued by Carrington, the yarn store owner and his neighbor Barret and their combative relationship, ranch workers Ben and Cade, even bad boy Lenny. There’s a lot of potential, and I’d love to come back to Hickory Hollow for future holidays.
December 26, 2025
I absolutely loved and adored this book! I didn't think I could love this series any more than I did when I read Barrett and Morgan's book but I stand corrected! This book is about Tyler, a medically discharged marine, and Harris, the owner of an animal sanctuary. Both single and not expecting much until they happen to meet. Tyler isn't from Hickory Hollow but he served with Barrett and came to town to deliver his family's sleigh for the Winter Festival the town puts on largely thanks to Morgan,Barrett's boyfriend, who is head of putting events big and small together and Barrett who is now his assistant. Tyler reluctantly had to leave the Marines because of LADA. An autoimmune disease type of diabetes he developed while serving because of a stomach bug that killed his pancreas. Now he has to find a new path and feels a bit lost. But then he gets to this small town and loves it. He's charmed by it and at Barrett's suggestion he decides to stay until after the holidays. This is how he get to meet Harris. Harris doesn't have the best memories of his childhood in Hickory Hollow and wasn't sad to leave it especially because he felt like an outsider mostly due to his dad and being emotionally abused and broken down by him. But he came back and took over his dad's land and made it his own. He keeps to himself and sticks to work but then he meets Tyler and they both feel an instant attraction. After a hot encounter and getting to know each other more that attraction becomes a pull and a connection neither can deny. Although Tyler had plans to leave they decide to give it their all and enjoy every moment they have together until their thoughts start to take over and suddenly they can't help but think about the future and if there's a possibility they can be more than short lived. I loved how they opened up and the progression of their relationship. It may have been fast but it was real and raw and everything good. The way Harris took care of Tyler and checked in about how he was feeling and about his diabetes yet wasn't overbearing and trusted him to keep track of himself. And in turn Tyler was a safe space for Harris. He never pushed but he challenged him and made sure he knew he was there and that he wasn't alone. They were hot, swoony, romantic and I loved their banter. I'm SO excited for the next books in the series! I NEED a Carrington and Elliot book! I'm for sure going to have to find and read every book this author has out. Give it a read! You won't regret it.
January 2, 2026
Cute holiday moments abound in this charming small-town romance!
Tyler isn't supposed to stay in town long. He's just dropping off his father's sleigh so Hickory Hollow can use it for their holiday celebrations and visiting his old Marine friend (see book one in this series for more!). However, reeling from his own abrupt discharge from the military, he decides to stick around to reset and figure out what comes next. Meeting the sexy animal sanctuary owner is just icing on the cake of his unexpected holiday vacation. Harris, who is too busy running his sanctuary to interact with his childhood town much, has mixed feelings about ending up back where he grew up. However, meeting Tyler and offering to help show him around lets him see what has changed and rediscover the magic of Hickory Hollow.
This is a cute and sweet (with some spice) holiday romance with some heart thrown in. Tyler has LADA, a rare form of diabetes where your immune system attacks the pancreas and essentially gives you type 1 diabetes at any age. Since he had to be discharged from the military after this happens, he's both learning to live his new reality (along with his family and friends) and also trying to figure out the next step in his life. Despite being a short book, Tyler's journey is handled very well, and his condition is dealt with well in the book. And I also liked Harris getting to see his hometown through new eyes again, since his past with his abusive father clouded his memories of the place and made him feel a bit like an outsider.
I am definitely enjoying this small town the author created, and am intrigued with the idea of more books to come!
Tyler isn't supposed to stay in town long. He's just dropping off his father's sleigh so Hickory Hollow can use it for their holiday celebrations and visiting his old Marine friend (see book one in this series for more!). However, reeling from his own abrupt discharge from the military, he decides to stick around to reset and figure out what comes next. Meeting the sexy animal sanctuary owner is just icing on the cake of his unexpected holiday vacation. Harris, who is too busy running his sanctuary to interact with his childhood town much, has mixed feelings about ending up back where he grew up. However, meeting Tyler and offering to help show him around lets him see what has changed and rediscover the magic of Hickory Hollow.
This is a cute and sweet (with some spice) holiday romance with some heart thrown in. Tyler has LADA, a rare form of diabetes where your immune system attacks the pancreas and essentially gives you type 1 diabetes at any age. Since he had to be discharged from the military after this happens, he's both learning to live his new reality (along with his family and friends) and also trying to figure out the next step in his life. Despite being a short book, Tyler's journey is handled very well, and his condition is dealt with well in the book. And I also liked Harris getting to see his hometown through new eyes again, since his past with his abusive father clouded his memories of the place and made him feel a bit like an outsider.
I am definitely enjoying this small town the author created, and am intrigued with the idea of more books to come!
December 10, 2025
I loved this return to Hickory Hollow. This time, we meet Tyler, who had a cameo in the form of a phone call in the first book, but is in town this year to hand deliver the sleigh his parents are lending the town for the Winter Market. Tyler has been medically discharged from the Marines and is feeling adrift - his life for almost two decades was military service, and figuring out his next step is challenging. Add to that learning how to manage a recently diagnosed autoimmune disease, and Ty is all out of sorts. But his former Gunny (Barrett from Book 1) offers him a lifeline and a place to stay for a few weeks. It's while he's helping Morgan and Barrett set up for the market that he meets Harris.
Their attraction is instantaneous, and they have their first physical interaction within minutes of meeting each other. It's just that fast, but it doesn't feel dirty or too quick. What I loved most was how Harris didn't treat Tyler like he was fragile or incapable because of his illness. He just wanted to know how to handle it and what to do in an emergency.
This book is a fast-burn, instalove romance, but there are some heavy topics that get discussed (suicidal ideation, parental and animal abuse). All of them are handled beautifully. If you love small town romance with ranchers and Marines, read this series. I can't wait for the next installment and I really hope it's Carrington and Elliot!
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
Their attraction is instantaneous, and they have their first physical interaction within minutes of meeting each other. It's just that fast, but it doesn't feel dirty or too quick. What I loved most was how Harris didn't treat Tyler like he was fragile or incapable because of his illness. He just wanted to know how to handle it and what to do in an emergency.
This book is a fast-burn, instalove romance, but there are some heavy topics that get discussed (suicidal ideation, parental and animal abuse). All of them are handled beautifully. If you love small town romance with ranchers and Marines, read this series. I can't wait for the next installment and I really hope it's Carrington and Elliot!
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
December 11, 2025
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Awwww Sleigh Bells Ring was tons of snuggly cuteness with a bit of weight to it, and I really really enjoyed it!
I mean come on, the owner of an equine rescue and his sweet dog, AND a medically discharged marine navigating life with autoimmune diabetes!? Say less. Tyler and Harris were both so vulnerable at times, and I loved that they'd connected on a deeper level because of their complicated pasts and the pains they'd carried forward from those life-changing times.
Their falling in love was a bit insta but very r o m a n t i c, with snowy sleigh rides, pretty starlit date nights, and getting dressed up to slow-dance at THE holiday charity ball of the season. I loved how Harris' concern and compassion allowed Tyler to share his health challenges and his emotional vulnerabilities surrounding them. And Tyler's awareness of Harris' bandwidth for socializing, and basically anything non-ranch related, was another example of the kinds of wholesome, sensitive-to-each-other partnerships this series has been winning me over with!
Hickory Hollow has been charming so far and I've been having the best time with it! This was yet another installment of Kris T. Bethke's special blend of holiday sweetness and sexy loving, and I cannot wait to see where things go next for the babes who call Hickory Hollow their home because I'm sure it will be a swoony ride that'll bring me joy!
Awwww Sleigh Bells Ring was tons of snuggly cuteness with a bit of weight to it, and I really really enjoyed it!
I mean come on, the owner of an equine rescue and his sweet dog, AND a medically discharged marine navigating life with autoimmune diabetes!? Say less. Tyler and Harris were both so vulnerable at times, and I loved that they'd connected on a deeper level because of their complicated pasts and the pains they'd carried forward from those life-changing times.
Their falling in love was a bit insta but very r o m a n t i c, with snowy sleigh rides, pretty starlit date nights, and getting dressed up to slow-dance at THE holiday charity ball of the season. I loved how Harris' concern and compassion allowed Tyler to share his health challenges and his emotional vulnerabilities surrounding them. And Tyler's awareness of Harris' bandwidth for socializing, and basically anything non-ranch related, was another example of the kinds of wholesome, sensitive-to-each-other partnerships this series has been winning me over with!
Hickory Hollow has been charming so far and I've been having the best time with it! This was yet another installment of Kris T. Bethke's special blend of holiday sweetness and sexy loving, and I cannot wait to see where things go next for the babes who call Hickory Hollow their home because I'm sure it will be a swoony ride that'll bring me joy!
December 25, 2025
Medically discharged Marine finds a new home
First and foremost I want to acknowledge that this book does Diabetes absolutely right. This author seems to have or know someone who has the autoimmune disease. I hate how wrong it is usually portrayed and this was done absolutely correctly and beautifully. I am LADA myself and I loved the accuracy of everything from treatments, technology, terminology, and even the side effects.
Now on to these two amazing men. We met Tyler briefly in book one with the sleigh and he comes to town again to bring the sleigh but also to just spend some time away. His parents are all over him since his diagnosis and he needs time to decompress and just be normal. When he suddenly needs to go drop off something for Morgan at the equine rescue he meets Harris.
Harris has a rough upbringing but as soon as he was able he removed his father from the farm and opened the equine rescue and added the cabin rentals to help offset costs. He has such a beautiful heart.
These two connect quickly and its just supposed to be fun till the new year....yeah well that didn't work last time and not this time either. These two quickly fall into a comfortable schedule. They have the most wonderful wintery dates. The town festivities, the sleigh rides, the Christmas tree, the winter ball....I'd fall in love too.
First and foremost I want to acknowledge that this book does Diabetes absolutely right. This author seems to have or know someone who has the autoimmune disease. I hate how wrong it is usually portrayed and this was done absolutely correctly and beautifully. I am LADA myself and I loved the accuracy of everything from treatments, technology, terminology, and even the side effects.
Now on to these two amazing men. We met Tyler briefly in book one with the sleigh and he comes to town again to bring the sleigh but also to just spend some time away. His parents are all over him since his diagnosis and he needs time to decompress and just be normal. When he suddenly needs to go drop off something for Morgan at the equine rescue he meets Harris.
Harris has a rough upbringing but as soon as he was able he removed his father from the farm and opened the equine rescue and added the cabin rentals to help offset costs. He has such a beautiful heart.
These two connect quickly and its just supposed to be fun till the new year....yeah well that didn't work last time and not this time either. These two quickly fall into a comfortable schedule. They have the most wonderful wintery dates. The town festivities, the sleigh rides, the Christmas tree, the winter ball....I'd fall in love too.
Read
January 9, 2026Excellent disability rep with Tyler coping with chronic illness in form of insulin dependent diabetes.
Unfortunately the rest of the story didn't have the same charm as the first book. And despite all the Christmas things happening it just didn’t feel Christmasy enough. I'd thought the horse sanctuary would play a larger part in the plot but it didn't which seems a waste. Honestly the author seemed more interested in writing oral fixation, submissive-lite sex scenes that didn't fit the vibe of the rest of the story, the series, or the cover. If they're your jam then this might be for you, me, I started skimming, then skipping completely.
* Christmas
* ex-Marine (medical discharge)
* insulin dependent diabetes
* horse sanctuary
* does this make Harris a rancher
* Harris is about Barrett's age which means he's pushing 40.
* Tyler had 17 years in the service. So he's at least 35.
* They both feel younger.
* High heat
* oral fixation
* Tyler is submissive-lite
* Yay for more Morgan and Barrett.
* What was the point of the rude staff member? I thought he'd be part of the plot but he wasn't. In fact he was forgotten until he was mentioned right at the end of the book. Is he getting a story?
* Still curious about plant guy and wool guy.
Favourite characters: Cheddar, the dog, and his zebra pals.
Unfortunately the rest of the story didn't have the same charm as the first book. And despite all the Christmas things happening it just didn’t feel Christmasy enough. I'd thought the horse sanctuary would play a larger part in the plot but it didn't which seems a waste. Honestly the author seemed more interested in writing oral fixation, submissive-lite sex scenes that didn't fit the vibe of the rest of the story, the series, or the cover. If they're your jam then this might be for you, me, I started skimming, then skipping completely.
* Christmas
* ex-Marine (medical discharge)
* insulin dependent diabetes
* horse sanctuary
* does this make Harris a rancher
* Harris is about Barrett's age which means he's pushing 40.
* Tyler had 17 years in the service. So he's at least 35.
* They both feel younger.
* High heat
* oral fixation
* Tyler is submissive-lite
* Yay for more Morgan and Barrett.
* What was the point of the rude staff member? I thought he'd be part of the plot but he wasn't. In fact he was forgotten until he was mentioned right at the end of the book. Is he getting a story?
* Still curious about plant guy and wool guy.
Favourite characters: Cheddar, the dog, and his zebra pals.
December 25, 2025
This is the second book in the Hickory Hollow series and I enjoyed it just as much as the first one. This is the story of Tyler Galloway and Harris Emery. We were briefly introduced to these two characters in the first book. Tyler is a newly released Marine who is adrift due to his medical release. He is also coming to terms with how to safely and happily live with an recently diagnosed autoimmune disease. When he delivers his family's sleigh for the Winter Market, it gives him a chance to meet up and visit with his former Gunnery Sgt, Barrett. Harris grew up around town and had a difficult time living with his mean and abusive father. He came back and bought his father out to start his own Equine Rescue. The two meet at the Winter Market. There is an instant attraction between the two of them. This is their story. The book is written well and easy to read. I received a complimentary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow. I like how they respected each other. This is a cozy small town romance. I enjoyed the book and look forward to more by this author.
December 19, 2025
I want to start by saying that I loved how the author highlighted what its like living with diabetes, from the hassle of fighting with tecnology and tests, to having to manage what you eat and when, and also showing how sometimes it sneaks up on you. It was very real and VERY relatable so I give massive kudos to the author for writing what they did.
I thought there was a lot of good in this story, I loved where this story took place at, I'm a sucker for small town romances. And I also loved that there was such a big focus on rescuing animals, specifically horses and Zebras! That was so cool!
The reason why I didn't give this story a higher rating is because while there were things I enjoyed, I just didn't feel much of a connection between the MC's. The writing itself felt a little clunky and jumbled at times which threw me out of the story, but having said that, please give this story a chance! I do think there are a lot of good things within these pages, I just didn't love it, but you could!
I thought there was a lot of good in this story, I loved where this story took place at, I'm a sucker for small town romances. And I also loved that there was such a big focus on rescuing animals, specifically horses and Zebras! That was so cool!
The reason why I didn't give this story a higher rating is because while there were things I enjoyed, I just didn't feel much of a connection between the MC's. The writing itself felt a little clunky and jumbled at times which threw me out of the story, but having said that, please give this story a chance! I do think there are a lot of good things within these pages, I just didn't love it, but you could!
December 29, 2025
4.25 stars
“Sleigh Bells Ring” by Kris T. Bethke is the second book in the ‘Hickory Hollow” holiday series. This book features Tyler, a medically discharged marine, who meets Harris, who’s laboring to make his equine sanctuary the place he’s always dreamed of even as he struggles to right his father’s wrongs.
This gay adult contemporary holiday romance takes place a year after the events depicted in “Home for the Hawley-Daze” and centers on another charismatic couple. One can’t help but ache for Tyler’s upheaval since he feels betrayed by his body, and the antics of the various denizens of Harris’s ranch kept me smiling, so that was a nice balance of angst and entertainment. I love the way this author immediately draws me into the story with appealing characters I become invested in, and this story was an excellent sequel. There are wonderful cameos by the couple from the first story, and the seasonal elements make this a delightful Christmas tale, but I hope to see more of these folks in additional stories.
A copy of this title was provided for review
“Sleigh Bells Ring” by Kris T. Bethke is the second book in the ‘Hickory Hollow” holiday series. This book features Tyler, a medically discharged marine, who meets Harris, who’s laboring to make his equine sanctuary the place he’s always dreamed of even as he struggles to right his father’s wrongs.
This gay adult contemporary holiday romance takes place a year after the events depicted in “Home for the Hawley-Daze” and centers on another charismatic couple. One can’t help but ache for Tyler’s upheaval since he feels betrayed by his body, and the antics of the various denizens of Harris’s ranch kept me smiling, so that was a nice balance of angst and entertainment. I love the way this author immediately draws me into the story with appealing characters I become invested in, and this story was an excellent sequel. There are wonderful cameos by the couple from the first story, and the seasonal elements make this a delightful Christmas tale, but I hope to see more of these folks in additional stories.
A copy of this title was provided for review
January 4, 2026
This is a sweet-with-heat love story about two men who bring pain and reserve to the table and come away whole and open to love. Harris Emery runs an equine sanctuary and is a bit of a recluse. Tyler Galloway, a medically-discharged former Marine, arrives in Hickory Hollow to deliver the sleigh his parents have rented to the town for their Winter Festival. Their attraction is immediate, and the chemistry between them is undeniable. It's a fast-paced story in terms of their connection, and they fall for each other after only a few weeks. However, this insta-lust/love is forgivable in the spirit of the season, and also because the writer has included a character with a chronic illness that he manages well, and that he allows his eventual partner to help him with. They build trust between them when they talk to each other about things they balk at discussing with people they know well, including Tyler's parents. The way Harris accepts and handles Tyler's illness becomes one of the strengths of their relationship.
December 8, 2025
I love a small town romance and book two is this series fills my heart. I want to live in Hickory Hollow with these quirky people. We first meet Tyler in book one of this series and he gets his story in this one. Having been medical discharged from the Marines, he heads to Hickory Hollow to deliver a slight to old marine friend. Planning to only be there temporary, he did not plan to meet Harris, the equine sanctuary owner who loves his quirky town. These two have instant connection, each only expecting to have a no strings relationship that will end soon, but slowly hearts get involved and leaving becomes hard. I love how both men have family issues so they create their own family. A wonderful read.
December 18, 2025
I want to thank Gay Romance Reviews for this copy. This is my honest review.
This is a sweet and cozy Christmas story. I enjoyed it though not as much as the first book. Tyler brings his dad’s sleigh to Hickory Hollow for the Christmas festival. This is a year after the previous story where we met Morgan and Barrett and had briefly met Tyler.
The plot is pretty much just Tyler deciding to stay to try a little time away from his well meaning and loving but overbearing parents. He meets Harris and instantly they feel a connection. It’s definitely instalust and instalove but it’s warm and wonderful.
If you’re looking for a book that’s like a cup of hot cocoa in front of a roaring fire, this is the one for you!
This is a sweet and cozy Christmas story. I enjoyed it though not as much as the first book. Tyler brings his dad’s sleigh to Hickory Hollow for the Christmas festival. This is a year after the previous story where we met Morgan and Barrett and had briefly met Tyler.
The plot is pretty much just Tyler deciding to stay to try a little time away from his well meaning and loving but overbearing parents. He meets Harris and instantly they feel a connection. It’s definitely instalust and instalove but it’s warm and wonderful.
If you’re looking for a book that’s like a cup of hot cocoa in front of a roaring fire, this is the one for you!
December 19, 2025
This was a warm and engaging holiday romance that blends small-town charm with deeper emotional themes. Tyler’s struggle to redefine himself after leaving the Marines is handled with sensitivity, and his time in Hickory Hollow feels like exactly the pause he needs. Harris provides a steady, grounding presence, and their connection is immediate yet surprisingly tender.
I really enjoyed the ranch setting and festive atmosphere, which added cosiness without overshadowing the emotional journey. The story balances romance with thoughtful moments around healing, trust and choosing a future that feels right. A comforting seasonal read with heart and hope.
I received a free ARC copy and this is my honest review.
I really enjoyed the ranch setting and festive atmosphere, which added cosiness without overshadowing the emotional journey. The story balances romance with thoughtful moments around healing, trust and choosing a future that feels right. A comforting seasonal read with heart and hope.
I received a free ARC copy and this is my honest review.
December 20, 2025
I loved everything about this story, Tyler and Harris hit off from the start and their love just blossomed even if it took them longer to admit than I thought they would. Watching these two effortlessly fit it each others world was so amazing. I was amazed at how well Harris did with Tyler even after learning about his diabetes, he didn’t blink once and doesn’t care how much work goes into being with him. They are absolutely perfect for one another in every way.
Being back in the world of Hickory Hollow was so much fun, I love the little town Kris created in these stories and of course the joy Morgan brings with him anytime he was around. Can’t wait to see how Carrington and Elliott’s story goes, those two are just fighting the inevitable lol 😁❤️
Being back in the world of Hickory Hollow was so much fun, I love the little town Kris created in these stories and of course the joy Morgan brings with him anytime he was around. Can’t wait to see how Carrington and Elliott’s story goes, those two are just fighting the inevitable lol 😁❤️
December 30, 2025
CGM, party barn, tippy tappies, white supremacist, ginger snaps, low blood sugar emergency, sunshine & unicorn farts, chest candy
This is a great addition to the 'Hickory Hollow' series. Featured are MCs unhappily medically discharged Marine Tyler Galloway, and equine sanctuary owner Harris Emery. We see Morgan Hawley and Barrett McKinnon frequently. Also of note is Harris's golden retriever Cheddar.
I like inclusion of the medical condition insulin-dependent diabetes in one of the MCs. It can be scary at times. I think it's a somewhat realistic depiction of it. The imagery is spectacular, and easily imagined. So much is packed in 182 pages. This book is enjoyable and kept my interest throughout. I heartily recommend it.
This is a great addition to the 'Hickory Hollow' series. Featured are MCs unhappily medically discharged Marine Tyler Galloway, and equine sanctuary owner Harris Emery. We see Morgan Hawley and Barrett McKinnon frequently. Also of note is Harris's golden retriever Cheddar.
I like inclusion of the medical condition insulin-dependent diabetes in one of the MCs. It can be scary at times. I think it's a somewhat realistic depiction of it. The imagery is spectacular, and easily imagined. So much is packed in 182 pages. This book is enjoyable and kept my interest throughout. I heartily recommend it.
December 4, 2025
Tyler gets a medical discharge from the marines, and now that he's home, he's still looking for 'what's next'. He delivers a sleigh to Hickory Hollow for their winter festival, and hangs around for a few weeks because he's got friends there. He meets Harris, who runs an animal rescue/refuge, and sparks fly immediately. In the end, Tyler realizes he doesn't really have to go 'home', his future is with Harris.
Cute, sweet, quick Christmas read. Loved the main characters. Some of the side characters from book 1 made an appearance.
Cute, sweet, quick Christmas read. Loved the main characters. Some of the side characters from book 1 made an appearance.
December 12, 2025
Narrative: 📕📘📗📓
Angst: Low
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Humor: 😆
Heart: 💧💧💧💧
Romance: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Burn Time: Quick
When you think chronic illness this one never really ticks a box but maybe thats because the average person doesn't know how bad it can get. (No spoilers) Bethke describes the trials and tribulations with care and trust in the reader not to judge and Harris is no different when he just accepts the problems and reflects solutions.
Its this open easy acceptance thats reflected in the work that makes this such a sweet and easy read and checks all the holiday rom-com boxes.
Angst: Low
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Humor: 😆
Heart: 💧💧💧💧
Romance: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Burn Time: Quick
When you think chronic illness this one never really ticks a box but maybe thats because the average person doesn't know how bad it can get. (No spoilers) Bethke describes the trials and tribulations with care and trust in the reader not to judge and Harris is no different when he just accepts the problems and reflects solutions.
Its this open easy acceptance thats reflected in the work that makes this such a sweet and easy read and checks all the holiday rom-com boxes.
December 23, 2025
This story was... fine. I remember enjoying the first book in the series, but for some reason this one didn't hold my attention as well. There were also a lot of sloppy typos/misspellings that I hoped would be fixed before publication, but since the book is already out, I'm guessing weren't. :( I did like the disability representation, though I don't have personal knowledge with which to evaluate its accuracy. Maybe it just wasn't the right book for me.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for a complimentary copy of this book.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for a complimentary copy of this book.
December 13, 2025
Harris and Taylor are a match made with some holiday magic. This story was a great read. I enjoyed these two getting to know each other and especially Harris seeing Taylor as more than his disease. Anyone with a chronic autoimmune disorder can relate to that. I enjoyed the glimpses of Morgan and Bennett from the first book as well. Both Harris and Taylor have accomplished a lot and they make a wonderful couple, set to make them both better for it.
December 18, 2025
Thanks, GRR for letting me read Hickory Hollow Books 1 and 2!
Festive and heartfelt, Sleigh Bells Ring focuses on reconnection, healing, and love during the holidays. The emotional beats are sincere, and the romance grows with warmth and authenticity. Tyler and Harris' story made me cry a little, not gonna lie... I just loved them so much! I want to hug them and give them all the love they deserve. A lovely seasonal story full of heart.
Festive and heartfelt, Sleigh Bells Ring focuses on reconnection, healing, and love during the holidays. The emotional beats are sincere, and the romance grows with warmth and authenticity. Tyler and Harris' story made me cry a little, not gonna lie... I just loved them so much! I want to hug them and give them all the love they deserve. A lovely seasonal story full of heart.
December 22, 2025
Great addition to the series
Tyler and Harris were great together.
They're both dealing with some heavy issues.
Their attraction and connection was instantaneous.
They each initially think is is just going to be some no strings attached fun with an after the holidays expiration date but that plan is immediately fixed when they both realize just how much they need one another.
I loved the small town spirit, the zebras and Cheddar the dog.
Tyler and Harris were great together.
They're both dealing with some heavy issues.
Their attraction and connection was instantaneous.
They each initially think is is just going to be some no strings attached fun with an after the holidays expiration date but that plan is immediately fixed when they both realize just how much they need one another.
I loved the small town spirit, the zebras and Cheddar the dog.
December 28, 2025
Harris appeared in the previous book and Tyler was mentioned but only turned up in Hickory Hollow for this book. Lucky he did. Tyler has some issues and Harris is great at handling this, much to Tyler's appreciation. They are both on edge about the looming date that Tyler's is supposed to leave but Hickory Hollow seems to be magic for romance. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
December 30, 2025
We have the story of Harris and Tyler.
Tyler was medically discharged from the military due to diabetes. Dealing with all of the change has proven difficult.
Harris has been closed off from much of everything as his traumatic past made life hard. With healing through his sanctuary, Harris not only wishes the same for Tyler, but he wants so much more.
Sweet holiday romance where time, love, and healing can conquer all.
I received this arc from GRR for my honest feedback.
Tyler was medically discharged from the military due to diabetes. Dealing with all of the change has proven difficult.
Harris has been closed off from much of everything as his traumatic past made life hard. With healing through his sanctuary, Harris not only wishes the same for Tyler, but he wants so much more.
Sweet holiday romance where time, love, and healing can conquer all.
I received this arc from GRR for my honest feedback.
January 1, 2026
I loved Hickory Hollow and the way the author showed how things had changed there since Harris left. The idea of the ranch as an equine sanctuary and the details of running it also grabbed my attention. I really enjoy stories where we get a real feel for what a character does in their life. The relationship between Harris and Tyler was lovely to watch develop. The holiday feeling bled into their relationship and we watched them decide that the wanted something long-term.
January 1, 2026
Cute. Tyler, is unexpectedly medically discharged and needs to find a new path in life. He detours to Hickory Hollow to deliver a sled. Harris, returns to Hickory Hollow to run the family ranch as an equine sanctuary. Their friendship is unexpected and they enter into an unexpectedly convenient temporary realationship neither want to end. Cute dilemma of new paths. Good story, great characters, nice cover art. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 9, 2025
This was my kind of location. An equine sanctuary at Christmas time, it does not get more romantic than that. I loved that I could feel the instant pull Tyler and Harris had towards each other. They both needed real intimacy so much and they had so much to give. All the smalltown vibes and of course Cheddar the dog. And yes, a Sleigh too!
December 20, 2025
I love Hickory Hollow. This was perfect. Barrett now has someone there who can relate. Man my heart hurt for Harris. I can’t imagine how devastated Tyler was when he found out about himself. I sympathize with him and his parents. As a parent it’s hard to not go into protection mode. Finding the balance is tough. After reading this it’s obvious what we all want know though lol. One clue. Cary.
December 25, 2025
Thank you for the book; here is my honest opinion:
A wonderful holiday read! Hickory Hollow has amazing Christmas vibes and loads of charm, and Tyler and Harris are lovely together. I loved how easily their connection evolved over Tyler’s holiday vacation. These two were pretty romantic and the author was able to ground their insta connection with some genuine emotion- enjoyed it a bunch!
A wonderful holiday read! Hickory Hollow has amazing Christmas vibes and loads of charm, and Tyler and Harris are lovely together. I loved how easily their connection evolved over Tyler’s holiday vacation. These two were pretty romantic and the author was able to ground their insta connection with some genuine emotion- enjoyed it a bunch!
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