Holiday Scars

Quinlan Empire #3.5

by Deborah Garland

A Spicy MM Holiday Novella set in the Quinlan Empire World.

Assassins and bodyguards don’t do holiday cheer.
But when you’re stuck sharing a bed with your brother’s best friend, the man you’ve secretly wanted for years, you start to believe in Christmas miracles.

BLADE
I thought my partner Jett was straight. Off limits.

Until the text meant for his brother lands in my phone.
Now I know exactly what he feels when he looks at me.

We’re supposed to be taking a break for the holiday away from the city.
Instead, we’re playing with fire in the woods.

Every glance, every breath, every touch is a risk neither of us can afford.
Because in our world, love is a liability.

All we have on this mountain is our secret.
Our truth about what we are to each other.

But what if I want more?

JETT
I don’t talk about the past.
The foster homes. The violence. The scars.
I do my job for Quinlan Empire and nothing gets rise out of me.

Except my partner, Blade.

He’s my brother’s best friend and the one man I can’t stop thinking about when the lights go out.
But that’s a line I can never cross.

Now we’re trapped together in a remote cabin for the holiday.
And the tension between us is thicker than the snow blanketing the mountain.

Blade is temptation and danger wrapped in one brutal, beautiful package.

When he finally touches me, there’s no going back.

Holiday Scars is an MM Romance with an HEA. It is a 25K word NOVELLA, which means it is a SHORT Romance.
If MM and Novellas are not your thing, skip this one!


Tropes:
Brother's Best Friend
Mutual Pining
Wrong Text
One bed/ Mountain Cabine
Forced Proximity
Primal Play
F*k it
Tattoo Claiming
Spicy Holiday Novella with an HEA

*Follow Deborah For Updates*

Genres: M M Romance, Dark Romance, Novella, Forced Proximity, Holiday, Romance, Dark

120 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

About the author

Deborah Garland is a top 45 Amazon Bestselling and a 4x Award-Winning author of emotional, funny, and steamy romances!

She loves pugs, Friday night Cosmos, and that feeling when she publishes a new romance novel.

She lives on the beautiful North Shore of Long Island and in the summer, she escapes to Maine with her very patient husband.

She eats cheap mac and cheese with expensive red wine, her heroes are ALWAYS over six feet tall, and they fall hard, HARD for the girl.

Visit her website --> https://www.deborahgarlandauthor.com/... to join her newsletter and browse her little love stories.

New Releases are always featured, but all books can be read as standalones. Don’t be afraid to jump in. The water’s fine 😊

Reviews

[Whitney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Blade + Jett
Brother's best friend | Work partners

Time of death 85%

This reads like the author usually writes MF. Which they honestly probably do as I've never heard of them in the MM circle before. Just saw this as a new Christmas release and went for it.
There's definitely a reason that all the 4 and 5 star reviews are from people whose goodreads are filled with MF.
The things that bother me in this book are why I stopped reading MF two years ago.
.

Here it goes...

Tell me why Jett literally sees Blade balls deep in some guy a couple days before they end up having sex the first time (also Jett's first time with a man) . But when Blade goes for the condom, Jett says "No. I want you raw. I trust you." 🤢🙄

Not to mention Blade is an asshole. He loves playing with Jett's emotions. They fall asleep cuddling and get caught by big brother Dirk. Blade says its nothing, it means nothing, he's not attracted to Jett, it was just for comfort, Dirk is his rock and takes priority etc.
Jett: "I was just a good time, then? Just for this weekend?"
Blade: "You're figuring it out and I needed comfort." 😡🤬 Motherfucker.
Right before this he had told Jett how much he had always wanted him and was so happy he was wanted back.
Then after all that, it's JETT who makes the move weeks later to become a thing and repair and ASKS BLADE TO MOVE IN. No sorry from Blade. No groveling. NOTHING
Have an ounce of fucking self respect Jett.
.

The dirty talk all sounded so forced and ridiculous. It's like the author took all their favorite lines and just rapid fired them into one scene. I couldn't take it seriously at all.

The first time Jett had ever taken a dick in his entire life and with only the tip in and this was his internal monologue:
"I want more. I would take two cocks if he had them." Lmao no

The final straw at 85% that made me DNF was
The TEXTURE OF HIS TONGUE was "so manly" 😂😂😂
I CANNOT


....


⚠️potential spoilers below in detailed tropes, content and warning lists






Tropes/content:
Friends
Partners at work
Mutual pining
One is gay and one is 'straight'
Confessions through a text meant for someone else
Brothers best friend
Best friends brother
Light primal play
Forest fuck
Cabin
Christmas



Warnings:
Prologue has one of the MCs dying from drowning and the other performing CPR
First chapter Blade has a hookup in a bar bathroom with a random person. Its from Jett's POV after he walks in on it and not super detailed. He peeps through the stall and watches for a sec before he's too jealous and leaves the bar. Neither of them have expressed feelings or anything at this point.
Threats of rape to female side character (not by MCs)
Violence
Murder
Third act breakup
Asshole MC with no groveling

[Crystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

This might be a good read for someone who has read the other 9 books in this series, but as a standalone reader, the characters were too 1 dimensional. There was no real description of them, couldn't ever tell them apart when it was their individual chapters. I had no idea of the dynamic of the "mafia" family they were intertwined with, or how the main characters fit into that world. There was also a lot of back and forth between the main characters, and I didn't appreciate how much control they gave to the brother/best friend over their relationship. Overall, not a book that I would recommend, or an author that I would probably pick up again.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Right Partner to Heal Him -
Blade had been lusting after Jett for quite a while, but didn’t do anything about it, but his attraction heightened to a dangerous level when he gave Jett mouth to mouth resuscitation. Jett’s feelings for Blade had been growing for a while, but he never had the courage to tell him, as he didn’t want to be rejected. However, an accidental text message and a pleasure filled encounter, begun change in the dynamics of Blade and Jett’s relationship.

Unfortunately, Jett’s brother put a stop to their budding relationship, which led to his heartbreak when Blade didn’t fight for them. Nevertheless, the time Blade and Jett spent apart from each other wasn’t a happy one, so the moment they met again, they finally acknowledged their feelings for each other and made changes in their lives to have the happiness they craved.

The story had everything you would expect from a gripping romance story, which drew me in from the first chapter and kept me eagerly turning the pages. This is my first foray into a dark mafia MM romance and I can say without a shadow of doubt, that it was a really enjoyable reading experience. Grab a copy of this book and you won’t regret it.

I received an advanced review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun, gritty, unexpectedly tender holiday MM novella. I love when a book gives me violence, trauma, obsession, and Christmas chaos all in one package, and Holiday Scars absolutely delivered.

Jett and Blade have been circling each other for years, drowning in mutual pining and refusing to do anything about it. Jett is Dirk’s little brother, covered in scars and holding years of foster care trauma behind a stone wall. Blade is Dirk’s best friend—loyal, dangerous, rough around the edges—and convinced that even looking at Jett the wrong way is forbidden.

Then a wrong text drops a nuclear bomb on the distance they’ve been keeping. Suddenly Blade knows exactly what Jett feels when he looks at him. And when the two of them end up stuck in a cabin, one bed, holidays, snowstorm, tension thick enough to choke on… yeah, there was never any hope of staying apart.

I loved the mix of darkness and humor here. You’ll be knee-deep in mafia danger one minute, then laughing at their ridiculous antics the next. Deborah Garland balances the brutal with the tender so well—one second they’re dodging hitmen, the next they’re having emotional panic over feelings, and somehow both work perfectly.

Jett broke my heart. His scars, his silence, the way he carries his past like a weight he refuses to set down. And Blade? Absolutely feral for him. Protective, obsessed, terrified of crossing that brother’s-best-friend line… and yet completely unable to stay away. Their chemistry is explosive in that “we’re going to ruin everything but we can’t stop” way.

This book has all the good tropes:
🎄 Brother’s best friend
🎄 Mutual pining
🎄 Wrong text
🎄 One bed (YES)
🎄 Forced proximity in a holiday cabin
🎄 Bi-awakening
🎄 Tattoo claiming (!!)
🎄 Mafia danger + hitmen in the woods
🎄 Tender, messy, possessive love

It’s not a rom-com—it’s raw, complicated, and a little brutal—but that’s what made it so good. The mix of danger, heat, and emotional vulnerability kept me hooked the entire time.

A dark, spicy holiday treat with a huge heart under all the scars. I really enjoyed this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lenna Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Might be under 200 pages but feels and reads like a full novel, there is not skimping the good stuff nor the criminal pieces that will lead up to the next story, Rhys Quinlan and his fake non fake neighbor girlfriend Fallon, who's father is tied to a event that happened in the cabin on during the guy's Thanksgiving weekend.

John 'Blade', 28, grew up as his dad's punching bag until one day he met his future best friend Dirk and they became tight ever since but Dirk is always have his brother's back and his need to protect Jett for any heartbreak, he will fight. Also Blade got out of a relationship recently just needing hookups after his hero rescue from the last job him and Jett worked he needed the bathroom hookup not knowing his friend and partner would follow him in ... nor did Blade expect a text from a drunken Jett to Dirk about how Jett wants to kill the guy Blade hooked up with because Jett wants Blade... What will Blade do on their annal Thanksgiving weekend in the mountain cabin with his best friend and his object of attraction, Jett???

Jett Fields, 27, older brother Dirk is a tattoo artist, Jett also dabs in the art. Grow up mostly in the foster care system along with his brother but for a short stent the brothers were separated and this short separation caused trauma fearing someone will take his brother from him for good, the physical reminders under his tattoos and how he lives life. But waking up with Blade's mouth on his giving him CPR, Jett can't get the image out of his head nor the feelings of wanting Blade until later in the bar after watching Blade trail some guy into the bathroom and walking in said bathroom and listening in, Jett believes his straight mind just turned a bi when Blade is the only man to turn his head and know Blade will ruin him from any women and men but knows he can't do anything about it but bury it deep and needing to confess to his brother his feelings with a text... that Blade receives and not Dirk... Thanksgiving in the mountains with his brother and Blade ... what could go wrong??

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here is Deborah Garland's "Holiday Scars." It's a MM novella in her (MF) Quinlan Empire series....might just read this one to be honest.

["Assassins and bodyguards don’t do holiday cheer.
But when you’re stuck sharing a bed with your brother’s best friend, the man you’ve secretly wanted for years, you start to believe in Christmas miracles.

BLADE
I thought my partner Jett was straight. Off limits.
Until the text meant for his brother lands in my phone.
Now I know exactly what he feels when he looks at me.
We’re supposed to be taking a break for the holiday away from the city.
Instead, we’re playing with fire in the woods.
Every glance, every breath, every touch is a risk neither of us can afford.
Because in our world, love is a liability.
All we have on this mountain is our secret.
Our truth about what we are to each other.
But what if I want more?

JETT
I don’t talk about the past.
The foster homes. The violence. The scars.
I do my job for Quinlan Empire and nothing gets rise out of me.
Except my partner, Blade.
He’s my brother’s best friend and the one man I can’t stop thinking about when the lights go out.
But that’s a line I can never cross.
Now we’re trapped together in a remote cabin for the holiday.
And the tension between us is thicker than the snow blanketing the mountain.
Blade is temptation and danger wrapped in one brutal, beautiful package.
When he finally touches me, there’s no going back."]

These two were a mess. Between their feelings, their friendships, their pasts, their futures. They didn't know what they wanted...until a near-death experience (or two--and a Christmas-tree-napping) threw their feelings into harsh relief.

Trigger Warnings: drowning/near drowning, violence, fights, threats, gun involvement, mentions of torture, dead bodies/body disposal, childhood physical and emotional abuse, past thoughts of suicide, and more.

#holidayscars #deborahgarland # #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Updated for audio: If Holiday Scars is a must-read – and it most definitely is! – then the audiobook version narrated by Tyler Griffin is a must-must-must-listen. Griffin’s performance is breathtaking as both Blade and Jett. They are both lonely and vulnerable but in very different ways, and Griffin gives each character their own distinct, unique voice. Just a few paragraphs in and I forgot that I was listening to one narrator voice two characters, but rather I was hearing Blade and I was hearing Jett. Amazing performance. You already know you must read author Deborah Garland. Now you know you must listen to narrator Tyler Griffin.

Oh my gosh, what a terrific way to start your holiday reading! Deborah Garland. Mafia romance. Mountain cabin getaway. Snow. Two characters we already knew a little bit but now know a whole lot better. Loved it.

We’ve already met Jett and Blade, partners for the Quinlan Empire: assassins, bodyguards, whatever-is-needed men. We started wondering around the same time Connor Quinlan did about those long, lingering stares each of them was trying to hide from the other. Now we know what that was all about and it makes for a great story.

Jett and his brother Dirk were raised in foster homes and suffered violence, abandonment, uncertainty and cruelty. Jett especially has the scars to prove it. Blade is Dirk’s best friend. All three of them working for the Quinlan Empire, all typical of the Irish Mafia, the O’Rourkes, the Quinlans, extended family, loyal employees – tough, ruthless when necessary, ready to follow orders without question. And the flip side: those big gooey hearts, insecurities and tender feelings with a big helping of possessiveness and obsession thrown in. You can be scared of them and laugh at their antics at the same time.

Blade has thought about Jett for a long time, but he sees two possible roadblocks. The first is that Jett is Blade’s best friend��s brother, instantly off-limits, and the second may be the bigger obstacle – Jett might be appalled, revolted and continuing to work as partners would be beyond difficult. Except Jett’s doing some thinking and wondering now, too. But this isn’t a rom-com. Things are complicated and raw. A series of events – near drowning, a sordid hook-up after a breakup, mixed signals, second thoughts – lead to Jett and Blade sharing a room in the getaway cabin because Dirk’s girlfriend Hana was a last-minute addition to the group. Awkward. And as only author Deborah Garland can write it, full of humor. From the intense connection they feel, next to something that makes you laugh and then to hit men lurking in the woods all in the blink of an eye, and it all fits the story. She skillfully mixes the heated moments with the dangerous and brutal moments. And then throws in some more wry humor.

I received an advance copy of Holiday Scars from the author. I enjoyed every page. It’s fast-paced, skillfully plotted, edgy and riveting, tense, but surprisingly and satisfyingly sweet and tender. Another winner from a favorite author with a little tease for the next book. I voluntarily leave this review. All opinions are my own.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Holiday Scars is a dark, razor-sharp MM holiday novella that proves Christmas stories don’t need tinsel to cut deep. Deborah Garland blends violence, longing, and brutal tenderness into a short but powerful read that leaves a lasting mark.

Jett is a beautifully scarred character—emotionally and physically. His silence about his past, the foster care trauma, and the way he’s learned to survive rather than live makes every moment inside his head heavy and compelling. His yearning for Blade is quiet, aching, and forbidden, which only amplifies the tension.

Blade is everything you want in a dangerous protector: loyal, fierce, and utterly undone once he realizes the truth about Jett’s feelings. The shift from assumed boundaries to undeniable desire is handled perfectly, especially in such a tight format. Once the secret is out, the chemistry is explosive, raw, and intensely emotional.

The forced proximity in the remote cabin is peak perfection—snowed-in isolation, shared space, shared bed, and years of unspoken want finally breaking open. The darkness of their world as assassins and bodyguards contrasts beautifully with the fragile hope of love during the holidays.

This novella doesn’t shy away from brutality or the risks of loving in a violent life, but it also delivers heat, vulnerability, and that dangerous “what if” that makes dark romance so addicting.

If you love MM romance with scars, secrets, brother’s best friend tension, forced proximity, and a ruthless edge wrapped in holiday snow, Holiday Scars is absolutely worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Holiday Scars” is a part of the “Quinlan Empire Series Book.” This story explores the bi-awakening/MM between two friends. Blade and Jett both work for the Quinlan’s. After Blade has to give Jett CPR, it awakens something between them. “Jesus, Blade,” he rasps between rough breaths. “If you wanted to kiss me, all you had to do was ask.” Blade is openly gay - Jett is unsure, but the sexual tension between them…. Jett is his best friend’s little brother. It’s complicated….or is it?

“The heat blows weakly into the backseat, just enough that we both lean toward it. Blade’s thigh brushes mine, barely touching, but it’s enough to light up every nerve I have left.”

Both are trackers/enforcers for the Quinlan’s Empire, the Irish Mob in Lower Manhattan. - both men are hot and handsome - you cannot help but be captivated from the start! You will fall in love with Blade and Jett as they explore each other emotionally and sexually, hoping that everything with work out for them and if they have a future together. The sexual tension between them is off the page! Jett is use to controlling his emotions, but around Blade……he lets the barrier come down and into his heart. To be quite honest, you will not be able to put this book down. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊

[Chris Wolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two broken men. One family to protect. A love neither expected to survive the fire.



Jett and Blade, bonded by loyalty and bloodshed, work side by side for the Irish mafia. Once a year, though, everything dangerous is set aside so they and Jett’s brother can spend Thanksgiving together in a quiet mountain cabin—a fragile haven carved out of chaos. Both men carry deep childhood scars that have shaped the way they navigate relationships, but together they’ve built a small and unexpected family.

Blade has always wanted Jett, but loyalty to Jett’s brother has kept him from acting on the need that nearly burns him alive. Jett has always believed he was straight… until something in Blade—his steadiness, his silent devotion—stirs a desire he can’t ignore. Just as they reach a tipping point, rogue FBI agents target Jett’s brother, forcing the men to shove aside their newfound, fragile connection to protect the only family they have.

Duty, danger, and devotion collide as they fight to keep their world from burning. But once the smoke clears, will they take the terrifying step from brotherhood into something braver, deeper, and lasting?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'His kiss is softer than anything I’ve ever felt. But I’ve seen the kind of lover he is. I heard him behind that stall, the way he took control, the way he sounded. Could I ever be what he truly wants?
Blade pulls off my mouth first, and his breath hits my cheek. Warm and sweet. His glassy eyes look unreadable.
“That,” he says quietly, “made me feel like I can finally breathe.”'

I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Blade and Jet. You can really feel the heat and sexual tension between them; the longing. It's a bit of a slow burn until they finally come together. But when that line is finally crossed? *fans self* It was worth every moment of anticipation! The chemistry between them was scorching.

'Then he pulls back a little so I can see his eyes. Those shocking blues are my safe harbor when we’re in the thick of danger. They will be the same for this, too.'

I really felt connected with Blade the most. His insecurities and loneliness. He's longed for Jett for so long, and while he's always been gay, Jett's was a bi-awakening. Does Jett really want him?

A beautiful romance with hurt/comfort. I loved it! This is the first story I've read by this author and I will definitely be reading more. 5 stars

[VicReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝙷𝚘𝚕𝚒𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚂𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚜

🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆

4.25/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️

↓↓
Blade and Jett have been partners working for the Quinlan Empire as partners for quite some time. Blade is open and out and has been pining for his partner and best friend's brother for the same amount of time. Jett on the other hand, appears to be as straight as they come.

As the story goes one, Jett isn't as straight as he thought, one things leads to another and things develop in to more between them. They have a really great connection that has stemmed from working together and being partners for so long. Their transition to lovers was a little bumpy but it didn't last long before hey were back in each other's arms.

This had a little bit of everything from sweet moments, a little primal scene, a little action and it had spice. A great edition to the Quinlan Empire world.

𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
❄️ Brother's Best Friend
❄️ Mutual Pining
❄️ Wrong Text
❄️ One bed
❄️ Forced Proximity
❄️ F*k it
❄️ Tattoo claiming
❄️ Spicy Holiday Novella with an HEA

[Lil Bit Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

He’s his best friend’s brother. He’s his partner at work. He’s off limits. This all changes in the opening scene of the story when there’s a life-threatening emergency and lines begin to blur. Then, they are trapped together in a remote cabin over the holiday and suddenly those hard black and white lines begin to turn grey.
This story is set within the Quinlan Empire. Both characters had difficult childhoods and carry those scars like shields. They are each strong and guarded because of it. In their line of work, love is a liability.
This is a MM romance and VERY steamy. With the story’s length, there is just the right amount of slow burn to make the scenes, when the characters finally come together, all that more powerful.
This is my first story written by this author and I’m now a fan. The feelings and emotions of I these two characters and the depth of their feelings for one another will touch your heart.
I recommend this novel for mature audience only due to sexual content and violence.
I received this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Brenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

An MM-mm delicious detour back to the Quinlan Empire

Holiday Scars is a spicy detour of a novella back into the Quinlan Empire universe. This time giving two long-time side characters the spotlight and the happily ever after they deserved. I loved getting to see Blade and Jet's relationship finally unfold, especially within a world I already know so well.

The true standout for me was Tyler Griffin’s narration. His solo performance took already captivating words on page and gave them such distinct personalities. Every moment, from spicy to emotional to suspenseful, kept me locked into their story from start to finish. The build-up to the spice was slow and steady and when it hit, it was like an inferno. The longing and and will-they or won't-they was deliciously drawn out and delivered.

If you’re a Quinlan Empire fan and have been waiting for these two to get their moment, this novella is a great addition to the series, and Tyler Griffin’s narration makes it even better.

[Shedevilreads Bookstagram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holiday Scars by Deborah Garland is a dark MM holiday novella romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Tyler Griffin. This book is set in the Quinlan Empire series and can be read as a standalone.

I love Deborah's books. She does a great job pulling me into the story and I can't help but binge them in one sitting. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Blade and Jett. I loved getting both of their points of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.

I can't wait for the next book in series Wicked Deception to be released on February 5, 2026, so I can get Rhys and Fallon's story.

Tyler did an amazing job on the narration. He really knows how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of his work in the future.

I would recommend this book if you're looking for a MM romance, brother's best friend romance, forced proximity romance, or a mafia romance.

[Val · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5⭐️
Wanted to DNF after chapter 1 but gave this a chance instead. I regretted it. Should have DNF instead of skimming because i just didn’t like this book.
Hated Blade!!!! I wanted to bitch slap him.
I absolutely hate when I have to read about the MC having sex with OP. It’s so unnecessary!!!!
In this particular case the author could’ve had the Blade kissing the OM instead of fucking him the bathroom stall of a bar. Also keep in mind that the other Jett is watching him fuck the OM. Not even 2 days later the MCs are having sex raw. Jett saying he trust Balde like you didn’t see him fuck someone else 2 days ago. Look, I’m all for raw sex but it disgust me that Blade had sex with a stranger not even two days before he hooked up with Jett.

MM Holiday Novella
Brother’s Best Friend
Enforcer MCs
One Bed
Forced Proximity
Wrong Text
No OWD
OMD
Intimate Scenes With OP (MC has Sex With OM, on page)
Separation (3 weeks)
Dual POV (1st Person)
HFN

[Cindi]

DNF @ 45%.

My first book of the year and it's a DNF. I've not read any of the books before this in the series, and I've never read anything by this author before. Even so, I was hoping for a good friends-to-lovers story. I almost kept going to see if it would get better, but I'm glad I didn't after reading some of the other reviews.

So many things bugged me. First, it was Hana showing up during Thanksgiving weekend when it's always been JUST a thing for the guys. I seriously despise characters like that, especially when they go on and on like she and Dirk did. Second, I had a hard time liking Blade. Another reviewer said he was playing with Jett's emotions, and I have to agree. And, third, and this is the main thing that made me DNF... I'm not a fan of the author's writing style. Nothing against her, obviously, but it's just not my thing.

Doubtful I'll ever come back to this world.

[Tia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holiday Scars is about Blade and Jett, they are both trackers for the Irish mafia. Jett sends his brother text, but that text goes to Blade, and when they go their annual cabin trip, Jett's brothers girlfriend goes there too, so Blade and Jett needs to share a bed.

There are drowning in the first chapter, so if that is triggering for you don't read this.

After the drowning they go at the bar, where Jett sees Blade fuck some guy in the bathroom, and then Blade and Jett have sex few days later. There elements that I didn't like and elements I liked but in the end this wasn't very good book. I haven't read this series before so I didn't really know what happened, but if you're familiar with the series you might enjoy it more than I did.

--------------------------------------------------------
I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest review

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holiday Scars is a spicy MM novella by Deborah Garland. Holiday Scars is set in the Quinlan Empire world (which is also amazing) but it can easily be read as a standalone.

This fast paced short read had me hooked from beginning to end! Blade and Jett’s chemistry was palpable, and the fact that they were already friends before it turned into something else just made their relationship stronger. The forbidden nature of their relationship just made the spice that much better! Aside from the spice, their healing journey was beautiful.

Holiday Scars is narrated by Tyler Griffin. I really enjoy Tyler’s narration and Holiday Scars was no exception. He did a wonderful job bringing these complex guys to life. He gave Jett and Blade their own unique voice, making it easy to distinguish between the two and I quickly got lost in his wonderful performance.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little novella as part of the Quinlan empire. Mafia MM romace, brothers best friend, yearning, gay/bi-awakening. Spicy, and sweet even with the brutal mafia world it takes space in.
Yearning for your best briends brother for a decade, and finally you get your chance. After a close call on a job, Blade saves Jett from drowning, and the near loss rips open feelings that he tried to bury. Little does Blade know, Jett's been feeling some things for awhile, even though he's not quite sure what that is yet - he just knows that Blade makes him want things he's not dared to want before. But having never exploroed this side of himself, he's not sure what to make of it. And when Jett's brother finds out - will he be okay with his best friend and his brother?

[Emmi (bookish_redpanda) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Format: 📱 eBook 📱 (ARC)
Check CWs before reading

This was a good novella to be read in addition to the Quinlan Empire series, and it certainly helps if you read all the prior books before diving in (I think I've missed two books (my own fault) and keeping up with who's who did get confusing at times).

I absolutely love that Garland is bringing MM into her Irish Mafia books - definitely adds a little something something to the series, and I really love that she picked out a few of my fave tropes to accompany Jett and Blade's story.

As much though as I loved the tropes (everyone knows I'm a sucker for friends to lovers, bi awakening goodness), I feel the story was just missing... something. Could it have worked better as a full length story? Possibly. It felt almost rushed in the going from zero to one hundred, and the "action" of the book felt weirdly thrown in, for the sake of having action in the third act. It was just oddly paced to me, and I think that's why I didn't love it as much as I've loved Garland's other mafia books.

I loved the mix of sweet and spicy, of emotion and tension, and definitely a quick read to get you into the holiday spirit if you enjoy of MM dark/mafia romance.

Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.

[Holley McIntire · Rating 4 out of 5]

We’ve already met Jett and Blade, partners who work for the Quinland Empire. I honestly called this relationship during Connor Quinlands story and I wanted more of it lol. And it’s honestly perfect.

Brother’s best friend. I’m a sucker lol.
A rough upbringing, scars, emotions, miscommunication and leading up to the slow burn makes this read so worth it.
Jett and Blade have to work through those emotions and also Jett has to work with his own identity and his brother ( Blades best friend).
I cannot wait to read more appearances of these two throughout the rest of the of the Quinland series.

I received an advanced copy of Holiday Scars from the author. I enjoyed this whole story. It’s fast past, you also get a teaser into the next book as well. :) This is my own review.

[Dana Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading Deborah Garland and I can say I'm very interested in reading about all the other characters in Quinlan Empire series. This holiday novella had great friends/co-workers who've been pining for each other, and finally give each other the chance. Deborah wrote their hesitation and worry about losing their friendship and work partner relationship really well.

Grabbed me from the first page when Blade saves Jett from drowning with CPR and mouth to mouth - the jokes about kissing and making out start immediately!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novella in the Quinlan Empire world. Blade has been attracted to his best friend's younger brother for years but never acted on it since Jett is straight. When they are out on a job, Jett almost drowns, Blade has to save him, this causes things to change. Jett has been having lustful thoughts of his partner, but when he sees him hooking up with another man, he texts his brother his frustration. Except it did not go to his brother, it went to Blade. Now they are about to spend the Thanksgiving weekend with his brother.

I loved this story, two scarred men finding their home.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jode Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have seen glimpses of Blade and Jett in prior Quinlan books - just enough to tease and intrigue!! But this fast paced story gives us their past stories, updates the present and gives us a hint for their future. This is a perfectly written MM story - tough and gritty but with the love the author always gives her characters - two wounded men that find exactly what they need. Highly recommend the book to this author's fans!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wilmalys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, intense and full of adventure. Blade and Jett belonged together ❤️

This started out with a bang for sure. I enjoyed the story and connection these two had. Jett was sweet and perfect.

Blade was hot and heavy until he wasn't, I kinda wanted to slap him a bit...he was trying to protect Jett but not in the right way.

They had their happy ending so that's all that matters, and all the I sight into Rhys' book was just perfect!! I cant wait.

Jett and Blade were super amazing, I loved the tattoo scene as much as the chase scene 🥵.

[Drea Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holiday Scars is an MM Christmas novella you won’t be able to put down. Deborah Garland’s writing really speaks to me, and this story is no exception. I loved getting a bodyguard romance set in the Quinlin Empire—but then she amped it up with partners-to-lovers vibes, brother’s-best-friend tension, a bi awakening, and even some primal play, all wrapped together thanks to delicious forced proximity.

This novella truly feels like a holiday treat: a perfectly wrapped Christmas present with a big, beautiful bow placed just right under the tree.

[Bookish_Shann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that I actually love the Quinlan Empire Series from this author! But this novella? Not so much. I’ve also realized this is the second MM romance she writes and I didn’t like🫣

It’s a short read but it took me longer than usual because tbh I was struggling. I couldn’t connect to the story or the characters. It felt cringe at times and I didn’t enjoy it unfortunately. Also there really wasn’t much Christmas vibes for it to be a holiday novella.

If you read it, I hope you love it.

It’s on KU.

[Linda Middleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more!!!

This story was so super good. I ate it all up in one go. Jett and Blade made such a good team that I was surprised it took them a while to get their heads out of their ass. Otherwise, this book had all the feelings in the world and I loved every second of it.

Definitely would love to read more on Jett and Blade. Maybe see them get married or something but who knows.. especially when working for the Irish Mob ☺️ things could get crazy and fast.

I’m just glad they got their HEA in the end and Jett’s brother was cool.

[♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖩𝖾𝗍𝗍
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖡𝗅𝖺𝖽𝖾
4 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘚𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧

Gah! This novella was so freaking amazing. I did not. Did. Not. Want. It to END.

This is Jett & Blade's story, and it was building from Lovely Venom.

They are trackers for the Quinlan Empire. They are partners. And they both have feelings for each other, but don't want to cross that line and ruin anything. But one text changes everything, and all that chemistry, well it explodes 🔥

This novella truly did pack a punch, it was spicy, emotional & 100% perfect.