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Missile Tow
The hopeful spirit of the holidays. Messages from beyond. Coincidences too obvious to ignore. These are reasons to believe in the magic of Christmas. But can two men, both born on Christmas Day, rediscover their love for the holidays after having their hearts broken?
Chip runs a mercantile in a small town named Missile. Chip is all too familiar with the pain of loss. An only child who has lost his entire family, he faces his second Christmas alone, one year after his boyhood best friend and life partner unexpectedly left him.
Van lives and works in Seattle. Despite his ex leaving him for another man one year ago, and just two weeks before Christmas, he decides to make a big change this holiday. His love for Christmas and a message from the universe motivate him to shake up his life and begin a journey to find love again.
During one of life’s strange coincidences, a chance meeting with Van’s ex-partner’s new man, John, Van’s advised to stop in Missile to buy affordable gas. When he learns his ex’s new partner is from Missile, his curiosity and that message from the universe make him unable to resist a visit.
It’s there, in a town with no lodging and during a once in a decade snowstorm, that Van finds himself without a place to stay. Coming to his rescue? The owner of the town’s mercantile, a man named Chip.
Chip runs a mercantile in a small town named Missile. Chip is all too familiar with the pain of loss. An only child who has lost his entire family, he faces his second Christmas alone, one year after his boyhood best friend and life partner unexpectedly left him.
Van lives and works in Seattle. Despite his ex leaving him for another man one year ago, and just two weeks before Christmas, he decides to make a big change this holiday. His love for Christmas and a message from the universe motivate him to shake up his life and begin a journey to find love again.
During one of life’s strange coincidences, a chance meeting with Van’s ex-partner’s new man, John, Van’s advised to stop in Missile to buy affordable gas. When he learns his ex’s new partner is from Missile, his curiosity and that message from the universe make him unable to resist a visit.
It’s there, in a town with no lodging and during a once in a decade snowstorm, that Van finds himself without a place to stay. Coming to his rescue? The owner of the town’s mercantile, a man named Chip.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2025
3 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 28, 2025
Two men, both Christmas babies, both dumped by their partners just before Christmas and both have been grieving for a year but Van has been communing with the universe and he has decided to change his life. New city, new job and hopefully he will meet his future husband.
Caught in a massive snow storm Van finds himself in the small town of Missile. He skids off the road and hits the trash can outside the Mercantile and when the owner Chip rushes outside and sees Van it’s like the universe has collided. Missile doesn’t have a motel and so matchmaker Bertie, who works for Chip, suggests Chip take Van home with him.
Van is a beautiful soul and lifts Chips dark mood, whist Chip is the steadying influence but encourages Van in his dreams and signs from the universe. They each bring healing to the relationship.
This is a story of fate, coincidences or just maybe the universe does play a part in our lives. Chip and Van are an adorable couple and they have found their soulmates. There are small town characters, some adorable, some not, but special mention to Bertie, she was a hoot and tells it exactly like it is, take it or leave it!
This is a perfect Christmas romance, a page turner that I couldn’t put down and I loved the way the coincidences just kept on coming, but it’s also a story of two men who have been badly hurt and are healing in different ways and the sunshiny optimistic Van certainly helps Chip. It’s just right for a cold winters day curled up on the sofa in front of the fire. Michael writes books that grab you from the first chapter, full of emotions and I love the way he weaves a tale.
Definitely recommend this book.
Caught in a massive snow storm Van finds himself in the small town of Missile. He skids off the road and hits the trash can outside the Mercantile and when the owner Chip rushes outside and sees Van it’s like the universe has collided. Missile doesn’t have a motel and so matchmaker Bertie, who works for Chip, suggests Chip take Van home with him.
Van is a beautiful soul and lifts Chips dark mood, whist Chip is the steadying influence but encourages Van in his dreams and signs from the universe. They each bring healing to the relationship.
This is a story of fate, coincidences or just maybe the universe does play a part in our lives. Chip and Van are an adorable couple and they have found their soulmates. There are small town characters, some adorable, some not, but special mention to Bertie, she was a hoot and tells it exactly like it is, take it or leave it!
This is a perfect Christmas romance, a page turner that I couldn’t put down and I loved the way the coincidences just kept on coming, but it’s also a story of two men who have been badly hurt and are healing in different ways and the sunshiny optimistic Van certainly helps Chip. It’s just right for a cold winters day curled up on the sofa in front of the fire. Michael writes books that grab you from the first chapter, full of emotions and I love the way he weaves a tale.
Definitely recommend this book.
November 30, 2025
This was such an enjoyable, well-written Christmas novel! It's the perfect level of holiday sweetness, with a touch of "Christmas miracles", a lot of passion, a spirit of forgiveness, and a beautiful forever love.
Chip and Van were both born on Christmas Day and are the same age (24). The year before, each man had been dumped by their previous boyfriends and had spent a difficult year in healing and self-reflection. In a bit of a coincidence, each man's ex is currently with the other. When Van stops by the small town of Missile, Montana, for a fill-up, he meets Chip, the mercantile owner. A strong winter storm forces Van to stay with Chip and the attraction is quick and strong with a forecast of a long life of love ahead.
This book is great holiday reading and the romance is perfect! Highly recommended!
Chip and Van were both born on Christmas Day and are the same age (24). The year before, each man had been dumped by their previous boyfriends and had spent a difficult year in healing and self-reflection. In a bit of a coincidence, each man's ex is currently with the other. When Van stops by the small town of Missile, Montana, for a fill-up, he meets Chip, the mercantile owner. A strong winter storm forces Van to stay with Chip and the attraction is quick and strong with a forecast of a long life of love ahead.
This book is great holiday reading and the romance is perfect! Highly recommended!
January 8, 2026
DNF 34%....... I think this book is AI.
If I'm off base, then I apologize. But, to me, there is something very uncanny about the way this book is written. I thought this premise was cute (an apparently 'silly' word according to this author), but something really did not click. Scenarios are odd, descriptions are odd, word choices are odd, and the characters are odd -- beyond the normal suspension of disbelief. Also, one of the main characters, Van, is (I think) offensively stereotypical. He is shallow and judgmental, for some reason obsessed with finding an extremely manly cowboy boyfriend. But when he meets his meant-to-be cowboy, he is disgusted by his apparent lack of care in his appearance and convinced he's too manly to be gay. (what?)
Here's a snippet to give you an idea:
"'Give me your keys. I'm gonna park your rig 'round back in a locked and fenced lot,' he said, holding out his hand.
He used words like gonna, rig, and 'round back, all at once, and in one sentence. Unlike any gay man I'd ever met, he appeared unconcerned with how most people would perceive his choice of grammar."
First of all, that's not really grammar, that's his choice of vocabulary. Second of all, as an American (where this book is set), I don't know anyone that does not almost exclusively use "gonna" in common speech, as opposed to annunciating "going to." Third of all, I don't know a single person that is as concerned with someone's "choice of grammar" as this character seems to be, along with apparently every other gay man. Am I supposed to believe that every gay man I've ever met is secretly (or not secretly) highly critical of things like whether I said "Hello" or "Hey" in a greeting, whether I use slang and contractions (like MOST people), or my accent? Gay men, I BEG you to correct me if I'm wrong.
Maybe you will disagree, but these are the sort of frequent paragraphs that, to me, make this book feel very disconnected from actual human experience. It made one of the main characters unlikable and made it impossible for me to connect with the story. Quite a shame, since I was looking forward to reading this.
If I'm off base, then I apologize. But, to me, there is something very uncanny about the way this book is written. I thought this premise was cute (an apparently 'silly' word according to this author), but something really did not click. Scenarios are odd, descriptions are odd, word choices are odd, and the characters are odd -- beyond the normal suspension of disbelief. Also, one of the main characters, Van, is (I think) offensively stereotypical. He is shallow and judgmental, for some reason obsessed with finding an extremely manly cowboy boyfriend. But when he meets his meant-to-be cowboy, he is disgusted by his apparent lack of care in his appearance and convinced he's too manly to be gay. (what?)
Here's a snippet to give you an idea:
"'Give me your keys. I'm gonna park your rig 'round back in a locked and fenced lot,' he said, holding out his hand.
He used words like gonna, rig, and 'round back, all at once, and in one sentence. Unlike any gay man I'd ever met, he appeared unconcerned with how most people would perceive his choice of grammar."
First of all, that's not really grammar, that's his choice of vocabulary. Second of all, as an American (where this book is set), I don't know anyone that does not almost exclusively use "gonna" in common speech, as opposed to annunciating "going to." Third of all, I don't know a single person that is as concerned with someone's "choice of grammar" as this character seems to be, along with apparently every other gay man. Am I supposed to believe that every gay man I've ever met is secretly (or not secretly) highly critical of things like whether I said "Hello" or "Hey" in a greeting, whether I use slang and contractions (like MOST people), or my accent? Gay men, I BEG you to correct me if I'm wrong.
Maybe you will disagree, but these are the sort of frequent paragraphs that, to me, make this book feel very disconnected from actual human experience. It made one of the main characters unlikable and made it impossible for me to connect with the story. Quite a shame, since I was looking forward to reading this.
December 1, 2025
I think this one wasn’t for me.
I put this book on my tbr as a recommendation from someone online who has recommended other books I’ve loved however this was a miss for me. This is a first from this author for me as well.
The story follows two guys who both got dumped a year prior on Christmas Eve. They both were blind sided and both have yet to move on. Chip is a country guy and Van is more of a city man. Van decided to start new in a different city when he follows a job offer and decides to drive there. On his way he meets chip and the rest is history.
It’s hard to sell me on a timeline that’s pretty much anything less than a month minimum but this one was tough because SO much happens in less than 48 hours.
First off, the MMC’s don’t even meet until about 30% into the book. It honestly was the longest I think it’s taken for MC’s to meet in any book I’ve personally read. I was able to overlook it because the author was giving great back story to each guy and really building the story… but…
The second the two guys met it went down hill for me.
The second thing that wasn’t allowing me to connect is if you took the rose colored glasses off then this story was the beginning of a good horror movie. I get the character was sort of self away of that but I couldn’t look past it. It was giving me “dude run awayyyyyyyy!” Vibes.
Everything just moved so fast and it also couldn’t get over them calling watcher Mister and Boy. It felt juvenile and odd. Can couldn’t stop talking about how gay he was and how straight Chip looked which I thought was oddly judgmental. How does one “look gay” or “look straight” without giving into stereotypes?
Spice wasn’t my preference but still 3/5 🌶️
Overall I think it was a me problem. I’m not an insta love person.
I put this book on my tbr as a recommendation from someone online who has recommended other books I’ve loved however this was a miss for me. This is a first from this author for me as well.
The story follows two guys who both got dumped a year prior on Christmas Eve. They both were blind sided and both have yet to move on. Chip is a country guy and Van is more of a city man. Van decided to start new in a different city when he follows a job offer and decides to drive there. On his way he meets chip and the rest is history.
It’s hard to sell me on a timeline that’s pretty much anything less than a month minimum but this one was tough because SO much happens in less than 48 hours.
First off, the MMC’s don’t even meet until about 30% into the book. It honestly was the longest I think it’s taken for MC’s to meet in any book I’ve personally read. I was able to overlook it because the author was giving great back story to each guy and really building the story… but…
The second the two guys met it went down hill for me.
The second thing that wasn’t allowing me to connect is if you took the rose colored glasses off then this story was the beginning of a good horror movie. I get the character was sort of self away of that but I couldn’t look past it. It was giving me “dude run awayyyyyyyy!” Vibes.
Everything just moved so fast and it also couldn’t get over them calling watcher Mister and Boy. It felt juvenile and odd. Can couldn’t stop talking about how gay he was and how straight Chip looked which I thought was oddly judgmental. How does one “look gay” or “look straight” without giving into stereotypes?
Spice wasn’t my preference but still 3/5 🌶️
Overall I think it was a me problem. I’m not an insta love person.
December 21, 2025
This is a really enjoyable festive romance. Two men who lead quite different lives but were left by their partners, one year ago just before Christmas.
Van has decided to make changes, he wants to be happier with his life choices and those who he is around, which doesn't include his ex. However it's his ex's new partner who points him in the direction of Missile. There he meets Chip, during a snowstorm, with nowhere else to go and Chip is too kind, and has a busybody lady working for him that tells him to take Van home for the storm.
Chip has been mourning his relationship that ended nearly a year ago but chats with two people in the small town of Missile have him at least opening up to the idea of moving forward and celebrating Christmas, something he has always loved. Van is completely unexpected, and completely different from anyone that Chip has met before but there is no denying the mutual attraction they share. From the start there are sparks but also the awareness of how life has changed for them from their previous relationships to now.
It reads a little bit philosophically, with Van being open to the signs from the universe, along with Bertie, Chip's coworker and surrogate grandmother. They have quite a few deep and emotional conversations which are interesting to read and lead to a deep connection between them that builds up very quickly.
A very good holiday romance!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Van has decided to make changes, he wants to be happier with his life choices and those who he is around, which doesn't include his ex. However it's his ex's new partner who points him in the direction of Missile. There he meets Chip, during a snowstorm, with nowhere else to go and Chip is too kind, and has a busybody lady working for him that tells him to take Van home for the storm.
Chip has been mourning his relationship that ended nearly a year ago but chats with two people in the small town of Missile have him at least opening up to the idea of moving forward and celebrating Christmas, something he has always loved. Van is completely unexpected, and completely different from anyone that Chip has met before but there is no denying the mutual attraction they share. From the start there are sparks but also the awareness of how life has changed for them from their previous relationships to now.
It reads a little bit philosophically, with Van being open to the signs from the universe, along with Bertie, Chip's coworker and surrogate grandmother. They have quite a few deep and emotional conversations which are interesting to read and lead to a deep connection between them that builds up very quickly.
A very good holiday romance!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
November 26, 2025
Missile Tow by Michael Robert.
The holidays are full of hope, little signs, and unexplained coincidences—and for Chip and Van, those moments might just lead them to love again.
Chip runs a small-town mercantile in Missile. After losing his family and being left by his longtime partner, he’s facing another Christmas alone. Van, living in Seattle, also had his heart broken last Christmas, but a sudden sign from the universe pushes him to make a change.
A strange coincidence leads Van to stop in Missile during a massive snowstorm, where he ends up stranded with nowhere to stay. Luckily, the mercantile owner—Chip—steps in to help. And from that unexpected meeting, a new holiday love story begins.
The holidays are full of hope, little signs, and unexplained coincidences—and for Chip and Van, those moments might just lead them to love again.
Chip runs a small-town mercantile in Missile. After losing his family and being left by his longtime partner, he’s facing another Christmas alone. Van, living in Seattle, also had his heart broken last Christmas, but a sudden sign from the universe pushes him to make a change.
A strange coincidence leads Van to stop in Missile during a massive snowstorm, where he ends up stranded with nowhere to stay. Luckily, the mercantile owner—Chip—steps in to help. And from that unexpected meeting, a new holiday love story begins.
November 27, 2025
A truly lovely holiday romance. A year after their boyfriends up and leave them for someone else, Chip and Van are ready to move on, they just didn’t necessarily know that until they met.
Maybe it was a coincidence, maybe it was the universe. Chip finally comes alive again after a year of being a shell of a man when Van crashes into his life is the town of Missile.
With Christmas on the horizon, a snowstorm to keep them snuggled away, and some meddling townfolk to keep things lively, love is in the air.
There’s plenty of opportunity to heal in this story, and to choose who you want to be.
Van was a little too ‘peace, love and happiness’ at times, but otherwise their journey was wonderful.
Maybe it was a coincidence, maybe it was the universe. Chip finally comes alive again after a year of being a shell of a man when Van crashes into his life is the town of Missile.
With Christmas on the horizon, a snowstorm to keep them snuggled away, and some meddling townfolk to keep things lively, love is in the air.
There’s plenty of opportunity to heal in this story, and to choose who you want to be.
Van was a little too ‘peace, love and happiness’ at times, but otherwise their journey was wonderful.
November 28, 2025
This is a new-to-me author whose writing style honestly isn't a great fit for me, but nonetheless, it was a story that kept me engaged and reading to the end. I have to admit that I am far more like Chip than Van when it comes to I mean, Van's commitment to kindness at all costs was... ... ... ... admirable, I guess?
Ugh, fine. No guessing. It definitely was.
But I still would have been absolutely ecstatic if they'd actually 😁
Ugh, fine. No guessing. It definitely was.
But I still would have been absolutely ecstatic if they'd actually 😁
December 21, 2025
💕 What an absolutely sweet story. I mean, yes, it’s sad. Our boys were both dumped just before Christmas a year prior. They both have their birthdays on Christmas Day. But it’s been a year now, and the universe has spoken.
Vance has decided he’s grieved enough and a fresh new start is in order. He packs up his car and the universe lands him in Missile, Montana, needing a tow during a snow storm. Stranded in the storm, it’s a lucky thing Chip’s cabin in the woods has a loft and an extra bed.
This is a gorgeous story about healing. About falling in love with Christmas all over again. About letting go of the anger and the heartbreak of the past.
Vance begins to shine in this book. It doesn’t take long for us to realize how much his ex stole of his sunshine. But with Chip and the people of Missile, he shines brighter and brighter. He’s giving and charismatic. Even those who want to hate him just can’t help but love him.
Chip is stoic. Strong and dedicated to the people of this town. To the legacy of his family’s graciousness. The town needs him. But can he learn to let some of that go and put his happiness first?
Bertie and Sadie are two amazing older women who make up the grandmother figures in this book. The only two consistent side characters. And they are absolutely fabulous! Snarky with no filters.
I loved this book for its Christmas spirit, for the way Michael Robert infuses the ethereal and the possibility of the universe pointing you to the right direction because sometimes there’s just too many coincidences. I love both Vance and Chip. The small town feel of love thy neighbour and helping for the sake of helping.
Vance has decided he’s grieved enough and a fresh new start is in order. He packs up his car and the universe lands him in Missile, Montana, needing a tow during a snow storm. Stranded in the storm, it’s a lucky thing Chip’s cabin in the woods has a loft and an extra bed.
This is a gorgeous story about healing. About falling in love with Christmas all over again. About letting go of the anger and the heartbreak of the past.
Vance begins to shine in this book. It doesn’t take long for us to realize how much his ex stole of his sunshine. But with Chip and the people of Missile, he shines brighter and brighter. He’s giving and charismatic. Even those who want to hate him just can’t help but love him.
Chip is stoic. Strong and dedicated to the people of this town. To the legacy of his family’s graciousness. The town needs him. But can he learn to let some of that go and put his happiness first?
Bertie and Sadie are two amazing older women who make up the grandmother figures in this book. The only two consistent side characters. And they are absolutely fabulous! Snarky with no filters.
I loved this book for its Christmas spirit, for the way Michael Robert infuses the ethereal and the possibility of the universe pointing you to the right direction because sometimes there’s just too many coincidences. I love both Vance and Chip. The small town feel of love thy neighbour and helping for the sake of helping.
November 27, 2025
rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
feelings: 😭🥰🥵😍🫠🤣🥹
Missile Tow is the perfect book for a cozy afternoon on the couch.
Chip and Van are absolutely adorable! The two are clearly meant for each other. It takes a while for the two main characters to meet. Normally, that's not my thing, but Michael wrote the backstory so captivatingly that I hardly noticed.
The village of Missile is delightful. The residents are so quirky! Bertie is my personal favorite!
A feel good must read for this time of the year!
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
feelings: 😭🥰🥵😍🫠🤣🥹
Missile Tow is the perfect book for a cozy afternoon on the couch.
Chip and Van are absolutely adorable! The two are clearly meant for each other. It takes a while for the two main characters to meet. Normally, that's not my thing, but Michael wrote the backstory so captivatingly that I hardly noticed.
The village of Missile is delightful. The residents are so quirky! Bertie is my personal favorite!
A feel good must read for this time of the year!
December 10, 2025
Definitely a hallmarky story I can get behind. Delightful story full of fate and Christmas miracles.
I loved especially how reluctant yet forward and eager they seem in accepting how the strings of destiny are woven in front of the main characters.
I loved especially how reluctant yet forward and eager they seem in accepting how the strings of destiny are woven in front of the main characters.
December 23, 2025
A perfect holiday romance!!
January 31, 2026
This was such a cosy, feel-good Christmas romance and the perfect read to curl up with over the holidays. I absolutely adored the main characters and how wonderfully suited they were to each other. Van is endlessly optimistic, always seeing the best in everyone, while Chip is more of a grumpy pessimist, still feeling a little jaded after being dumped by his ex, John.
And speaking of John… just wait until you discover who he actually is in the story! That extra layer of complexity was such a fun surprise and added a lovely twist to the plot.
I really enjoyed the whirlwind build-up of love between Van and Mitch. Second-chance romances are always a treat, and their chemistry was off the charts. That role-play scene in the garage? So good! It added just the right amount of heat while still keeping the story warm and comforting.
The two elderly characters who pop up throughout the book were an absolute delight and brought some wonderful comedic moments that made me smile.
All in all, this was a fun, cosy, and heart-warming read, absolutely perfect for the Christmas season. 🎄
And speaking of John… just wait until you discover who he actually is in the story! That extra layer of complexity was such a fun surprise and added a lovely twist to the plot.
I really enjoyed the whirlwind build-up of love between Van and Mitch. Second-chance romances are always a treat, and their chemistry was off the charts. That role-play scene in the garage? So good! It added just the right amount of heat while still keeping the story warm and comforting.
The two elderly characters who pop up throughout the book were an absolute delight and brought some wonderful comedic moments that made me smile.
All in all, this was a fun, cosy, and heart-warming read, absolutely perfect for the Christmas season. 🎄
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews