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Merry Everything #5

A Present for Parker

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Parker Stephens is a cowboy looking for a place to call home. His only family has kicked him to the curb, leaving him with his truck and the clothes on his back. He doesn’t even have his dog. So when he shows up at the Vermont home of his friends Skyler and Beckett, he’s got no idea what he’ll do beyond the holidays. For now, he just needs to visit and breathe.

Heath Wooledge is used to being alone, working on his vintage farmhouse, and eating a frozen pizza or two. Since he’s never been invited to his business partner Beckett’s house to eat dinner, it stands to reason they’re asking him for a favor. Luckily for him, when they ask if he’ll let Parker stay at his place because their guest room is a mess, Heath can’t believe his good luck. Parker is a sweetheart of a cowboy, and he’s never been more attracted to anyone in his life.

The two have immediate chemistry, but will magic of snowy holiday Vermont make the two of them accept the gift they’ve been given?

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2026

25 people are currently reading
14 people want to read

About the author

Jodi Payne

90 books404 followers
JODI spent too many years in New York and San Francisco stage managing classical plays, edgy fringe work, and the occasional musical. She, therefore, is overdramatic, takes herself way too seriously, and has been known to randomly break out in song. Her men are imperfect but genuine, stubborn but likable, often kinky, and frequently their own worst enemies. They are characters you can’t help but fall in love with while they stumble along the path to their happily ever after.

For those looking to get on her good side, Jodi’s addictions include nonfat lattes, Malbec and tequila however you pour it. She’s also obsessed with Shakespeare and Broadway musicals. She can be found wearing sock monkey gloves while typing when it’s cold, and on the beach enjoying the sun and the ocean when it’s hot. When she’s not writing and/or vacuuming sand out of her laptop, Jodi mentors queer youth and will drop everything for live music. Jodi lives near New York City with her beautiful wife, and together they are mothers of dragons (cleverly disguised as children) and slaves to an enormous polydactyl cat.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Glenn.
438 reviews
February 13, 2026
Worn down by years of bull riding, Parker's battle-scarred body bears a significant number of scars, scabs, bruises, and internal injuries. He has decided to stop bull riding and accepts an invitation from his best friend from his rodeo days to spend time with him, his husband, their children—whom he loves dearly—and some friends.

When asked to stay with their lawyer neighbor and friend due to ongoing renovations at his intended home, an instant chemistry develops. Heath, who enjoys working on his vintage farmhouse, finds Parker’s company well-suited to his holiday plans, which include continuing work on the home. Although it is not explicitly stated whether this was an arrangement made with hope, the two complement each other well, sharing a love of fixing things and Parker's energetic nature. Heath also finds Parker’s lithe, muscular build and lively demeanor quite enjoyable.

When Parker learns that, upon returning home to his mother, he was disowned because he is gay—a situation in which she kept his dog and a large camper that he used as a mobile home—Heath volunteers to accompany him to retrieve these possessions. The journey to Oklahoma serves as a bonding experience for the pair, and the return trip—staying in the camper—culminates in their attraction blossoming into something beyond mere passion.

Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga have a remarkable talent for storytelling. While there are moments of confusion about the narrative voice, the passion the authors imbue in this emotionally moving story compensates for these minor issues. It is a fairly quick read, even if one needs to revisit certain sections to better understand some of the characters.

This is a real Happy-Ever-After that begs for a follow-up story.
Profile Image for Marion.
1,847 reviews
February 23, 2026
This is book 5 in the Merry Everything series. Each book is a standalone read and features a different couple. This is the story of Parker Stephens and Heath Wooledge. Parker is a bull rider and his body is just as scarred and tired as he is. He decides it is time to stop bull riding. But then he is unexpectedly thrown out of his home by his mom due to his sexual orientation. His family even kept his dog. When his best friend from his rodeo days, Skyler and his lawyer husband Beckett, invite him out to Vermont for the holidays; he accepts. Heath is Beckett's business partner. He enjoys working on his vintage farm house and is usually alone. When he is unexpectedly invited to dinner for the first time at Skyler and Beckett's home, he knows that something is up. When asked if Parker can stay with him as their spare room is unavailable, he readily agrees. Heath has plenty of room and is instantly attracted to Parker. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Parker and Heath compliment each other well. I loved watching their relationship grow. And when they travel back to Oklahoma together to retrieve Parker's dog and RV, it gives them the time to cement their relationship. I really enjoyed this book. I loved how they supported each other so well. A nice holiday read. A sweet read that will lift up your spirits.
1,997 reviews10 followers
February 13, 2026
Absolutely amazing!

I loved this book! Parker and Heath will meet when Parker comes to stay with his friends Skyler and Beckett around Christmas when his mother kicks him out. Beckett’s business partner, Heath, will get his very first dinner invitation when Parker shows up and Sky and Beckett don’t have a room for him to stay in while they repair a bit of damage. Heath will agree to let Parker stay in his guest room and it will change everything. At first, neither thinks the other is interested but they soon find out the attraction goes both ways. I love how the two start out and the way their relationship grows. There is a bit of a bump in the road when they return to Parker’s home to get his trailer and his dog and they have to deal with Parker’s mom, who isn’t very nice. But it will all work out in the end for them and they will get their happily ever after!

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
Profile Image for Romantic Reads and Such.
1,175 reviews18 followers
February 24, 2026
4.25*s

Parker has finished his rodeo career and finds himself at loose ends, kicked out by his mother with nowhere to go. And I love his resilience and good humor. The man isn't letting anything get him down and his enthusiasm for life is endearing. Heath, finding himself with a temporary roommate, thinks so too. Although it isn't ever explicitly stated, you just know that Parker and Heath are set up by their friends to spend time together. And it doesn't take them long to fully embrace the attraction that simmers between them. It may be a little fast, but I loved the way that these two just fell into a relationship. The way they support each other, enjoy each other, and fit together is all sorts of sweetness and warmth and fun. With minimal angst, a little bit of heat, and a whole lot of feels, it just brings that holiday feel & satisfaction.

(I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
Profile Image for Sarita Chapdelaine.
1,252 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2026
A Present for Parker is a super sweet story and a great addition to the Merry Everything series. I love Parker and Heath together as well as how easy their relationship is even though it happens very quickly. They are exactly what the other needs and I love that Skyler and Beckett do everything they can to push the two of them together. Parker needs all of the support he can get as he deals with a difficult situation with his mother and Heath is all in to love and support him along the way. I also love that we get to see how well Skyler, Beckett and their beautiful family are doing. The ending is perfect and I look forward to reading more books by these authors.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for CatOnABlueBackground.
318 reviews5 followers
February 10, 2026
Lovely, easy romance between a cowboy and a lawyer

Cowboy Parker gets kicked out of his mother's house (he lived in a rv on her land and had been using her home as a homebase between rodeos). He hits the road to Sky & Beck's house to consider his options. Beck's work friend, Heath has an empty room, so that's where he ends up staying. Parker falls in love with the area, the house, and he & Heath fall in love with each other pretty quickly. From there it's about their journey to get Parker's rv & dog back from his mother, and to map out what the rest of their lives together will look like.

No drama romance, low drama plot. Great characters, found family, medium spice, and an HEA. Loved it.
321 reviews3 followers
February 13, 2026
Cowboy (retired bull rider) and lumberjack-looking lawyer find insta-love over the holidays thanks to nearby friends, snow, and a borrowed guest room.

I wish there had been more information afterwards where to find more with these characters. I wanted more! I liked the found family and the road trip dog rescue mission. (There's a list of other books in the series, but it runs to almost 20 titles, so I was confused about where to go next.)

I also wish it had been clear whether the friends were lying about their room not being available, because I kept getting the feeling they were pushing really hard for this couple.

Sweet and festive, a nice pick-me-up reminder of the positives of snow during this never-ending winter.

(I received a free digital ARC for review.)
792 reviews7 followers
February 22, 2026
These two authors write by far the best cowboy series. With each book I love the Merry Everything series more. In this one, Parker and Heath are the wonderful love story. Parker, thrown out of his own home, feels no sense of family is seeking one desperately. After being thrown out with no place to go he goes to friends, Beckett and Skyler's farm in Vermont. It there he meets Heath, Beckett's new business pattern, changes his life. Due to issues at Beckett's place they ask Heath to let Parker move in with him ad he applies says yes. I love the story at this point as we get cozy romance, with just enough drama, two who will they or want them, and two men with off the chart chemistry. The prefect book to sit in your comfy place with favorite beverage and enjoy.
Profile Image for Heather.
481 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2026
Super sweet, quick read about two lonely men who find exactly what they want, and need, in each other.

Parker knows his time as a cowboy is over - the traveling lifestyle doesn't have the allure anymore, and his body needs a break. When he's kicked out of his family home, he makes his way to Vermont to visit his best friend, Sky and his husband, Beckett. A home renovation accident means that instead of staying with his friends, Parker is staying with Heath, Beckett's business partner. Heath isn't much of hosting, but how can he say no to the sweetest cowboy he's ever met this close to Christmas.

The chemistry between Heath and Parker is lovely, as is their budding romance. Low-angst, high heat, this book was a great read!
Profile Image for Jeanette Waters.
2,069 reviews5 followers
February 24, 2026
Lots of authors write about cowboys. But nobody does rodeo folk like Jody Payne and BA Tortuga. Most of their cowboys are older, a bit broken down. Sexy as hell.
Parker travels from Oklahoma to Vermont to spend Christmas with Sky and Beck's family after getting kicked out of his home. They're happy to host him, but their guest room was flooded due to a broken pipe. Beck asks a coworker to house Parker. The two men are attracted to each other and soon temporary housing leads to playing house. Low angst with steamy sizzle. There are plenty of endearments, "honey", "sweetheart" (Payne/Tortuga staples). And nothing says I love you, like traveling 1,600 miles to rescue your partner's doggie.
I received an advanced e copy of this book and this is my review.
3,075 reviews21 followers
February 23, 2026
Yes, Parker is in need of a home. He heads to visit his friend Sky and his husband and winds up staying with Heath. This turns out to be something that benefits them both. Heath has been on his own and he thought that was his lot but the invitation to dinner and the request that he house Parker turns out to be just what he needed as well. And he is supportive of Parker as well as Parker moves on from the life he left behind. They were truly what each of them needed and this story was emotional, humorous at times but overall hopeful.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Flick.
1,025 reviews8 followers
February 23, 2026
Another wonderful book from this pair

I do love these authors. They always manage to write books that are heartfelt, heartwarming, deal with tough topics and yet never feel overly heavy. Instead, by the end of the book you feel uplifted. Parker and Heath are no exception. There’s a sweetness to how they fall in love where it’s this soft fall into friendship, companionship and then love. Even when Parker had to deal with the awfulness and sheer cruelty of his family disowning him because he’s gay, he had people to show him that he will always have family and support, even if they’re not blood relations. It’s a lovely sweet read that just makes you feel warm inside.
4,948 reviews19 followers
February 24, 2026
Deliciously sweet! Parker is kicked out of his home and the only place that offers shelter, is at his bestie's Sky's place. Heath, Beckett's business partner, is restoring his farmhouse. He lives a lonely, solitary, stereotypical bachelor's life. Parker stays with Heath because of logistic issues at Sky's house. Parker and Heath are both in vulnerable places in their lives. Jodi and BA, created a sensitive story of friendship, acceptance, comfort and compassion. Good story seeing Parker and Heath, two delightful men owning their truths and opening up. Nice cover art! Good flow, nice characters, well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Raven and Chris.
3,351 reviews32 followers
February 10, 2026
Oh I remember Parker! I am so excited to see him find his happy ending. He deserves some happiness and a home to settle in and put down his burden. He loves Skye and Beckett and the kids but when is it his turn? Well turns out, now is the time. Heath is Beck’s law office partner and needs his own cowboy - he just didn’t know it. These two get on like a house on fire and their chemistry will strike the match. They are absolutely perfect for each other and may melt a little bit of snow with the heat. Wonderful addition to the Merry Everything series. Now I have to go read Wrecked again.
Profile Image for Zoe.
229 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2026
Cute Holiday Story

3.5 Stars

This was a cute holiday romance with a bull riding cowboy looking for home and a lawyer who finds himself a cowboy for Christmas. Heath and Parker have very similar silly slightly chaotic personalities, I think they mesh very well together. They have similar humour and they’re both immediately attracted to one another. I really liked Parker’s friendship with Sky and Beck in this book and I’m almost sure that Parker and Heath were set up. I was really happy that Parker found a home with Heath and I love how Heath likes Parker exactly as he is. I was a little confused while reading the book though because there was quite a bit of dialogue so I didn’t feel like I understood the character’s background outside of their relationship and outside of this book. It was a little like I was missing some context for the characters maybe because this is the first book I’ve read in the series. I think the relationship moved at a really fast pace and the entire story moved quite quickly so I would’ve loved to know more about Parker and Heath’s backstories and feelings.

Thank you GRR for the ARC!
Profile Image for Marie.
220 reviews14 followers
February 19, 2026
I received this from Gay Romance Reviews

This is a super cute Christmas story. I will definitely re-read it at holiday time.

Parker is a retiring bull rider and Heath is a lawyer. Parker ends up staying at Heath’s when his friends, the couple Sky and Beckett, don’t have an extra room for him.

It’s a cute cute cowboy and lawyer love story. Parker’s mom is a super piece of shit though.

Parker’s present is a real family and a home with Heath. And Heath gets a cowboy. So much love and fluff on their road trip and a good amount of steam.

No break up.
284 reviews
February 13, 2026
This is a really sweet romance and crosses over with the ‘Wrecked’ universe where we first met Parker. It was great to see Skyler and Beckett again and to catch up with them. Parker and Heath are just so right for each other and I loved that Heath took charge and sorted out the problem with Parker’s awful mother! Spoiler alert, Sheila is just the best little thing ever. BA and Jodi have once again given us just what we need, sweetness, romance and a little bit of heat.
741 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2026
This was such a great Christmas story. The characters were so wonderful in this book. I adored their story. When I read anything by these Authors I feel like I am being transported into the it story. They have this magical of making you feel lime your in their story and just sitting there with a front row seat on the porch watching everything play out. You get such a connection with the characters that you can't help but fall in love with them. I really enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Abby.
284 reviews
February 24, 2026
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

This was a cute, quick holiday read. I loved the found family aspect. Things definitely moved quickly with Parker and Heath, it didn’t feel like a traditional insta-love relationship because of how they get along, things they have in common, and how much they genuinely seem to care about each other as people. I enjoyed the domesticity in the book, it made me believe longevity of the HEA.

Profile Image for D.
1,307 reviews16 followers
February 14, 2026
Parker, who has been introduced to reader's in the Wrecked series, is finally getting his own book. After Parker's mother kicks him out right before Christmas, he comes to Sky and Beckett's place to spend the holidays. Their guest room has water damage so they ask Beckett's lawyer partner to host Parker. Heath realizes hosting Parker is fun and may be life changing for both men.
Profile Image for Rachel Blomberg.
1,513 reviews7 followers
February 14, 2026
Parker and Heath

Parker finally finds his home with Heath. Parker come to visit his friend and fellow ex bull rider Sky and his husband Beck and found a home. Heath always thought he would be alone and is so happy he accepted his law partners call to come to dinner. The road trip to get Parker's dog was so sad the way his mom treated him but he had Heath to pick him back up.
Profile Image for K-Me.
2,898 reviews
February 15, 2026
I rather enjoyed this one. Heath had a lovely vintage country home, and I think the setting here really cozied me in. He had been alone in that home for just a bit long. Having a bull rider like Parker looking for a place to start over and belong. I of course loved all the scenes where Parker was looking masculine helping fix up the home and Heath admiring!
Profile Image for Shelley Chastagner.
2,743 reviews38 followers
February 18, 2026
Jodi and BA are my instant buy dream team. Their Merry Everything series has me excitedly anticipating each new book. Parker and Heath are two pieces of a whole. Meeting and reaching their HEA are almost the same moment. I loved seeing the guys from the book Wrecked with their beautiful family. I can only hope we get another peek at everyone in the future.
Highly recommended authors and series
Profile Image for lori forsyth.
840 reviews3 followers
February 19, 2026
Awesome book I love BA's cowboys

Love this book/series the cowboys are awesome you feel like you are right there with them - you get real life problems, lots of sex & love & the occasional bickering & make up sex!!!! And a lot of hilarious fun
Thank you so much I read this all in one setting - Lori
Profile Image for Lillian Francis.
Author 15 books102 followers
February 22, 2026
Skyler and Beckett from Wrecked set up their two best friends, without letting them know they are setting them up.

Set over Christmas and the New Year, Parker and Heath go from strangers to enforced roommates to lovers and 'I love you's in about the space of a week.

It's sweet, low angst, instalove with holiday shenanigans, a road trip to rescue a doggy, and plenty of domesticity.
Profile Image for Traci S.
2,081 reviews15 followers
February 23, 2026
Thank you for the book; here is my honest opinion:
This was really charming, Heath and Parker are lovely together. This was pretty straightforward, which I actually enjoyed - no needless personal drama. I especially loved that these two do spend the book running from each other, their excitement over simply being together and sharing easy chemistry was super appealing.
Profile Image for Denise GremoryKohta.
4,290 reviews7 followers
February 14, 2026
I needed this one.

I remember Skylar and Beckett’s story and always wanted Parker’s. My heart hurt so much for him. He needed love and support. Thank goodness he knew where to go for it. This one was so worth the wait.
Profile Image for Amanda Reeves.
3,731 reviews39 followers
February 21, 2026
A Present for Parker is the fifth book in the Merry Everything series, each can be read as a standalone. This was such a sweet holiday read about Heath and Parker. I really enjoyed this story and the wonderful characters.
Profile Image for Keith.
2,169 reviews6 followers
February 22, 2026
Christmas and Cowboys

This is a good Christmas themed romance, with friends, family, kids, dogs, and a much talked about but seldom seen cat. An unrepentant and negative parent adds a touch of drama but the storyline is upbeat for the most part. Ends with a promise of HEA.
Profile Image for Diana Brennan.
58 reviews
February 10, 2026
I loved this book it was a much needed cute MM romance with no angst no fights just love ,fluff,fudge,sweetness and steamy moments . I Enjoyed it very much, Thanks for this ARC GayRomanceReviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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