What do you think?
Rate this book
Silver Pines #1
Don't Stop Believing
The Ogre from the Hill
Simon Powell, the town recluse, only comes to town to deliver firewood and get supplies. Two days before Christmas, he sees the new librarian’s car in a ditch and knows he can’t leave him on the road, but it’s too late to take him back to town. He’ll have something he’s never had in his cabin in the ten years that’s he’s lived there…company.
The Book Nerd from the City
Adam Parker moved to the small community to make big changes in his life, but being snowbound with the bearded lumberjack in his rustic cabin was something he’d thought only existed in his fantasies. Simon pushes away anyone who wants to get close to him, but Adam sees what he’s hiding in his heart and he wants it. Badly.
A Christmas to Remember
Adam smells like cinnamon and redemption and Simon aches to run his fingers over the scrape of stubble on his cheeks. To pull him into a kiss. To reignite feelings he’d denied himself for too long. Life is right there, blazing in the eyes of the town librarian. A man who isn’t afraid of him. But he learned long ago that everything he touches gets tainted, and he’ll do anything to keep his darkness away from Adam’s light.
But Adam has something else on his side—he’s been a very good boy this year and all he wants for Christmas is Simon.
Simon Powell, the town recluse, only comes to town to deliver firewood and get supplies. Two days before Christmas, he sees the new librarian’s car in a ditch and knows he can’t leave him on the road, but it’s too late to take him back to town. He’ll have something he’s never had in his cabin in the ten years that’s he’s lived there…company.
The Book Nerd from the City
Adam Parker moved to the small community to make big changes in his life, but being snowbound with the bearded lumberjack in his rustic cabin was something he’d thought only existed in his fantasies. Simon pushes away anyone who wants to get close to him, but Adam sees what he’s hiding in his heart and he wants it. Badly.
A Christmas to Remember
Adam smells like cinnamon and redemption and Simon aches to run his fingers over the scrape of stubble on his cheeks. To pull him into a kiss. To reignite feelings he’d denied himself for too long. Life is right there, blazing in the eyes of the town librarian. A man who isn’t afraid of him. But he learned long ago that everything he touches gets tainted, and he’ll do anything to keep his darkness away from Adam’s light.
But Adam has something else on his side—he’s been a very good boy this year and all he wants for Christmas is Simon.
60 pages, ebook
First published November 3, 2015
8 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Gwen Hayes
35 books1,283 followersGwen Hayes (that’s me) lives in the Pacific Northwest with her real life hero and a pack of wild beasts (two of whom she gave birth to).
She is a reader, writer, and lover of pop culture (which, other than yogurt, is the only culture she gets).
Gwen also edits kissing books.
She is a reader, writer, and lover of pop culture (which, other than yogurt, is the only culture she gets).
Gwen also edits kissing books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
October 25, 2015
Smiling is the worst.
Scratch that.
The cute librarian whose dimples show when he smiles at Simon is the worst.
Who does that?!
A few days before Christmas, Simon Powell, Silver Pine’s sexy, mysterious recluse is forced to come into town for supplies. He figures he’ll just pop into the grocery store and grab some food, pop into the library toogle the new librarian grab a few books, and he’ll be home before the storm blows in and the roads are closed.
Thing don’t exactly go according to plan, however, and a few hours later Simon finds himself back in his cabin, this time with an adorable blind puppy and the town’s completelyirresistible irresponsible librarian. He’s still not quite sure how it happened.
But boy, am I glad it did!
It took me all of five seconds to become totally swept up in this cute holiday story from new-to-me author Gwen Hayes. Admittedly, Don’t Stop Believing isn’t the most original Christmas story I’ve ever read (I felt like I could have plotted this one in my sleep), but it ticked all of the boxes that made me feel happy and squishy inside so ask me if I cared. Well, because you asked, I did not. Christmas story conventions are classic for a reason, friends.
The writing was quick-witted and perfectly paced for a short story, the characters were fleshed out enough to give me a sense of who they each were and engage my emotions without bogging me down with extraneous details, and the setting’s quaint Stars Hollow feel came across loud and clear. Also, Simon is quite possibly the most precious curmudgeon in the world! The man may have had a bristly exterior but scratch the surface and his marshmallow centre will get all over you.
The only thing that I didn’t love about this story were the fade-to-black love scenes. They’re such a frustrating rookie mistake. The first time it happened it pulled me completely out of the story and had me rushing over to the author’s Goodreads page to confirm my sneaking suspicion – Hayes was an established M/F romance author, and Don’t Stop Believing was her first foray into male/male romance. A fade to black – especially for a couple’s first time together – is like dipping your toe in the M/M waters but not fully committing to the cannonball.
*disappointed sigh*
Bottom line: What the story lacks in originality, it more than made up for in the writing, humour, sweetness of its characters, and an abundance of Christmas elements that made me long for a roaring fire and a hot man to curl up with. Also, bonus points for the dopey grin it left on my face. I can’t wait for more Silver Pines stories!
Please note that an ARC of this book was provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Scratch that.
The cute librarian whose dimples show when he smiles at Simon is the worst.
Who does that?!
A few days before Christmas, Simon Powell, Silver Pine’s sexy, mysterious recluse is forced to come into town for supplies. He figures he’ll just pop into the grocery store and grab some food, pop into the library to
Thing don’t exactly go according to plan, however, and a few hours later Simon finds himself back in his cabin, this time with an adorable blind puppy and the town’s completely
But boy, am I glad it did!
It took me all of five seconds to become totally swept up in this cute holiday story from new-to-me author Gwen Hayes. Admittedly, Don’t Stop Believing isn’t the most original Christmas story I’ve ever read (I felt like I could have plotted this one in my sleep), but it ticked all of the boxes that made me feel happy and squishy inside so ask me if I cared. Well, because you asked, I did not. Christmas story conventions are classic for a reason, friends.
The writing was quick-witted and perfectly paced for a short story, the characters were fleshed out enough to give me a sense of who they each were and engage my emotions without bogging me down with extraneous details, and the setting’s quaint Stars Hollow feel came across loud and clear. Also, Simon is quite possibly the most precious curmudgeon in the world! The man may have had a bristly exterior but scratch the surface and his marshmallow centre will get all over you.
The only thing that I didn’t love about this story were the fade-to-black love scenes. They’re such a frustrating rookie mistake. The first time it happened it pulled me completely out of the story and had me rushing over to the author’s Goodreads page to confirm my sneaking suspicion – Hayes was an established M/F romance author, and Don’t Stop Believing was her first foray into male/male romance. A fade to black – especially for a couple’s first time together – is like dipping your toe in the M/M waters but not fully committing to the cannonball.
*disappointed sigh*
Bottom line: What the story lacks in originality, it more than made up for in the writing, humour, sweetness of its characters, and an abundance of Christmas elements that made me long for a roaring fire and a hot man to curl up with. Also, bonus points for the dopey grin it left on my face. I can’t wait for more Silver Pines stories!
Please note that an ARC of this book was provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2015
I really wanted to like this novella, I swear I did! I LOVE snowed-in stories, especially if it has an enemies-to-lovers theme. But this one?? I'm sorry, but I've read better and more compelling versions of this trope.
I do love the winter story involving the small town librarian and a bear-ish guy. But, um, *awkward pause* I've read that story before (Sleigh Ride), and though this book also combines a snowed in scenario, it didn't have enough umph or bring much new to the table.
I also didn't buy the chemistry between "The Ogre" and "The Book Nerd", not one bit. Simon was gruff to the point of rudeness, and his background story didn't really make total sense to me with his self-imposed isolation. Then that was the puppy-fostering aspect to his personality? It was too many conflicting things with too little character development to make them all plausible. The character of Adam also felt one note.
Combine all of that with FADE TO BLACK love scenes (the worst!) and a rush towards commitment at the end, and you've lost me. I think this author needs to increase her word count and make stories where the character's personalities really make sense. Felt like a rookie story to me.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
I do love the winter story involving the small town librarian and a bear-ish guy. But, um, *awkward pause* I've read that story before (Sleigh Ride), and though this book also combines a snowed in scenario, it didn't have enough umph or bring much new to the table.
I also didn't buy the chemistry between "The Ogre" and "The Book Nerd", not one bit. Simon was gruff to the point of rudeness, and his background story didn't really make total sense to me with his self-imposed isolation. Then that was the puppy-fostering aspect to his personality? It was too many conflicting things with too little character development to make them all plausible. The character of Adam also felt one note.
Combine all of that with FADE TO BLACK love scenes (the worst!) and a rush towards commitment at the end, and you've lost me. I think this author needs to increase her word count and make stories where the character's personalities really make sense. Felt like a rookie story to me.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
November 28, 2015
This was super cute. A gruff lumberjack falls hard for a librarian at Christmastime. It's a perfect little holiday read that will make you smile and feel all snuggly.
One star deduction for a particularly egregious fade to black.
Ho. Ho. Ho.
One star deduction for a particularly egregious fade to black.
Ho. Ho. Ho.
October 26, 2015
Cabin story, stranded in the middle of winter.
Unfortunately, I've read a lot of stories, and this one played a well-known trope in which the execution didn't work for me. There's an array of cliches to make the reader go "awww", but they are mentioned too quickly, so that they seemed less tangible. The pacing makes it feel superficial. Then, an awkward leap from the characters circling to engaging. Very awkward. Additionally, the beast references really didn't work for me. Then, tease, tease... next morning. Yeah, with the lead-in I expecting more explicit love scenes.
The improbable grand gesture at the end--I couldn't believe. Too much. Too rushed. In the end, I just didn't believe.
~Copy provided by Netgalley~
Unfortunately, I've read a lot of stories, and this one played a well-known trope in which the execution didn't work for me. There's an array of cliches to make the reader go "awww", but they are mentioned too quickly, so that they seemed less tangible. The pacing makes it feel superficial. Then, an awkward leap from the characters circling to engaging. Very awkward. Additionally, the beast references really didn't work for me. Then, tease, tease... next morning. Yeah, with the lead-in I expecting more explicit love scenes.
The improbable grand gesture at the end--I couldn't believe. Too much. Too rushed. In the end, I just didn't believe.
~Copy provided by Netgalley~
January 2, 2016
3.5 Stars
Simon Powell is an ex-Navy SEAL who's been a bit of a recluse for more than a decade for, in his mind, some pretty good reasons. Yet he's drawn to new town librarian, Adam Parker, every time he comes down from "Ogre Hill" into town.
Neither man is sure if the other is gay, but when a snowstorm forces the two to spend more time than they ever have together before they learn more about each other, and themselves, than they knew.
My only complaint is when the sexy times come around and begin getting particularly hot...it all goes off page.
This is a cute, but short, novella about two men who have been circling each other for a while and finally, through the power of a snow storm and stubbornness, get together to heal past hurts and make Christmas brighter. Sure the "conflict" is resolved rather quickly, and the hurt, etc. that Simon has been dealing with for well over a decade is practically cured in a single day...but it's a sweet romance with some humor and heat as well.
Bottom line: It made me feel warm and fuzzy and has a lovely HEA ending.
Recommended.
Advanced Review Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Simon Powell is an ex-Navy SEAL who's been a bit of a recluse for more than a decade for, in his mind, some pretty good reasons. Yet he's drawn to new town librarian, Adam Parker, every time he comes down from "Ogre Hill" into town.
Neither man is sure if the other is gay, but when a snowstorm forces the two to spend more time than they ever have together before they learn more about each other, and themselves, than they knew.
My only complaint is when the sexy times come around and begin getting particularly hot...it all goes off page.
This is a cute, but short, novella about two men who have been circling each other for a while and finally, through the power of a snow storm and stubbornness, get together to heal past hurts and make Christmas brighter. Sure the "conflict" is resolved rather quickly, and the hurt, etc. that Simon has been dealing with for well over a decade is practically cured in a single day...but it's a sweet romance with some humor and heat as well.
Bottom line: It made me feel warm and fuzzy and has a lovely HEA ending.
Recommended.
Advanced Review Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
November 29, 2015
I'm a sucker and loved this one.
I don't know what it had that some of the other Christmas stories didn't but, whatever it is, it had it.
It wasn’t heavy on the sex, at all really, but that didn’t take a bit away from the story.
Maybe it was the fact that I felt both boys truly felt what was happening and I BELIEVED it.
I don't know what it had that some of the other Christmas stories didn't but, whatever it is, it had it.
It wasn’t heavy on the sex, at all really, but that didn’t take a bit away from the story.
Maybe it was the fact that I felt both boys truly felt what was happening and I BELIEVED it.
November 9, 2015
Every stupid Christmas movie he’d ever seen suddenly made sense. The magic was real.
Yup, the cliché and every stupid Christmas movie is why I read Christmas stories. I say it over and over again but I love them. They are magic, the give me the right amount of feels and they are given special treatment because of the magic.
I’ll be brief since this is a short story… Simon and Adam both fancy one another but neither man has done anything about it or knows if they swing the same way. Mild flirtations happen and an impending snow storm throws these two in close quarters and make them deal with it all.
Snowed in stories are always fun for me. That trapped together, we have to get along even if we don’t want to or we’ll die… okay, it’s not that serious but you know what I mean, right? No matter how long they are forced to be in close company of one another, it’s the in your space and up in your face, that I really like.
This was adorable and totally on par with the Hallmark Christmas movies that I am sucker for.
Simon is grumpy with good reason and an introvert after my own heart. He has a way with dogs and has a thing for the new librarian. Adam, said librarian, is not grumpy but an introvert in his own way and he totally has a thing for grumpy lumberjacks. Give them a couple days snowed in together and things will happen.
Let me tell you this, both of these men are my kind of guy and tossing them together was like the author read my fantasy diary and checked off everything I could have asked for. The humor was great, the intimacy was just enough for this short story though not detailed with sex on the page and I am good with that because these two made me smile when I have having a tough few days.
I could go on, but this was simply a lovely read from a new to me author that I will keep an eye out for future smiles and men who know how to wear beards.
Review copy provided by the author.
June 12, 2020
Re-read June 12, 2020
***** My, my, my, this is a fabulous Christmas story !!! ***** Adam is the new Librarian, and has been pining for the burly, manly-man Simon, "sigh"... Simon is a recluse who comes to town to deliver chopped wood, and get books to read.
In the beginning of a bad snow storm, Simon warns Adam to stay home, to not go to visit relatives, because the roads are horrible. Adam tries to leave town, ends up in the ditch, and Simon takes him home to his place, a cabin in the woods. Delicious sexual tension, an interesting conversation where we learn about both men. There's a big dog and a little dog ... and I don't mean the guys ! Haha.
Wonderfully written, heartwarming, caring and loving, this tale is what a Christmas short story should be.
Highly recommend ! ENJOY !!!
=============================
***** My, my, my, this is a fabulous Christmas story !!! ***** Adam is the new Librarian, and has been pining for the burly, manly-man Simon, "sigh"... Simon is a recluse who comes to town to deliver chopped wood, and get books to read.
In the beginning of a bad snow storm, Simon warns Adam to stay home, to not go to visit relatives, because the roads are horrible. Adam tries to leave town, ends up in the ditch, and Simon takes him home to his place, a cabin in the woods. Delicious sexual tension, an interesting conversation where we learn about both men. There's a big dog and a little dog ... and I don't mean the guys ! Haha.
Wonderfully written, heartwarming, caring and loving, this tale is what a Christmas short story should be.
Highly recommend ! ENJOY !!!
=============================
December 4, 2015
My goodness. That was so sweet!
Simon is really protective with Adam without realizing it. And Adam just keep drawn to Simon since the first time he met him. Mismatched couple. But it worked. :))
*Copy was kindly provided by the publisher through Netgalley for an honest review*
Simon is really protective with Adam without realizing it. And Adam just keep drawn to Simon since the first time he met him. Mismatched couple. But it worked. :))
*Copy was kindly provided by the publisher through Netgalley for an honest review*
April 5, 2016
3.5 stars
This is about an ogre (well, he's more of a grouchy bear) and a somewhat geeky, but cute, librarian. It's a cute Christmas short.
This is about an ogre (well, he's more of a grouchy bear) and a somewhat geeky, but cute, librarian. It's a cute Christmas short.
October 26, 2015
I'm of a mind that nothing could go wrong with Holiday's story. Well, at least for this one, it applied. I even overlooked editing issue here and there, a couple of missing details, and the grand gesture on the plot. Consider this a nice surprise from a new-to-me author Gwen Hayes! *wink*
Simon Powell was a SEAL, injured on duty and relocated himself to a remote cabin in the woods in small town Silver Pines, Washington. He's known as "the Ogre of the Hill". Ever since Adam Parker took over as the town librarian, Simon was drawn to the younger man. But his past hurt that had him avoiding people interfered from getting him close to Adam.
This novella was less than a week length. Heck, it only told a couple of days of Simon and Adam's life; Christmas day and two days prior plus change. But I didn't consider this as insta-attraction, believing there's interest on both parties for quite a while, happening off page.
What I didn't expected was the depth and cause of Simon's hurt that had me clutching my breast. I felt for him, but at the same time wanting to smack him for being so melodramatic for so long. I mean, he's a SEAL for crying out loud! Though I loved how fast he moved to right the wrong when he realized he fucked up.
This is a simple but wonderful holiday story. I wished there's a bit more explanation on Adam's background (like, what had Blake done to made him feel that way about himself), but I don't really care. I guess this story just fit my mood at the right time. I might look for more of the series. Who knows.
Note:
ARC was kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review.
Simon Powell was a SEAL, injured on duty and relocated himself to a remote cabin in the woods in small town Silver Pines, Washington. He's known as "the Ogre of the Hill". Ever since Adam Parker took over as the town librarian, Simon was drawn to the younger man. But his past hurt that had him avoiding people interfered from getting him close to Adam.
This novella was less than a week length. Heck, it only told a couple of days of Simon and Adam's life; Christmas day and two days prior plus change. But I didn't consider this as insta-attraction, believing there's interest on both parties for quite a while, happening off page.
What I didn't expected was the depth and cause of Simon's hurt that had me clutching my breast. I felt for him, but at the same time wanting to smack him for being so melodramatic for so long. I mean, he's a SEAL for crying out loud! Though I loved how fast he moved to right the wrong when he realized he fucked up.
This is a simple but wonderful holiday story. I wished there's a bit more explanation on Adam's background (like, what had Blake done to made him feel that way about himself), but I don't really care. I guess this story just fit my mood at the right time. I might look for more of the series. Who knows.
Note:
ARC was kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review.
November 8, 2015
This was a really cute, schmaltzy holiday read. It doesn't really bring anything new to this very familiar trope, but it was enjoyable for what it was.
July 13, 2018
There is a sweetness to this Christmas romance. However, the warm and cold between the heroes gets a bit dull.
October 25, 2015
I wanted to love this. I have been on the search for a m/m romance for a while and just have struggled to find one that works well for me. I had high hopes with this short novella.
Simon, an ex-Navy SEAL, recluse has a minor crush on the town’s new librarian but a past that he hasn’t let go of yet. Not until one night puts Adam in his path and eventually his bed.
Adam moved to the Small town of Silver Pines for a fresh start and a way to start his future. He knows that Simon isn’t exactly a people-person but that doesn’t stop him from wanting him. When he decides to venture out in the snow storm and is rescued by Simon, he not only gets a chance to know all about Simon, he finally gets a chance to live out his fantasy.
It wasn’t that I did not enjoy these characters, I did. Even with such a short story, I really liked both of them. But I think what was missing was the connection that comes with the more intimate scenes. We got some heavy petting and some heated kisses and then it just fades to black. Now, I get not every romance is going to have elicit sexual scenes, but I think sometimes placing such heat into the buildup and then not finishing the scene leads to disappointment. Not all the gritty details are needed, but something always just feels like it’s missing something.
Overall it was okay but just not enough to really satisfy my need for a great m/m romance.
Simon, an ex-Navy SEAL, recluse has a minor crush on the town’s new librarian but a past that he hasn’t let go of yet. Not until one night puts Adam in his path and eventually his bed.
Adam moved to the Small town of Silver Pines for a fresh start and a way to start his future. He knows that Simon isn’t exactly a people-person but that doesn’t stop him from wanting him. When he decides to venture out in the snow storm and is rescued by Simon, he not only gets a chance to know all about Simon, he finally gets a chance to live out his fantasy.
It wasn’t that I did not enjoy these characters, I did. Even with such a short story, I really liked both of them. But I think what was missing was the connection that comes with the more intimate scenes. We got some heavy petting and some heated kisses and then it just fades to black. Now, I get not every romance is going to have elicit sexual scenes, but I think sometimes placing such heat into the buildup and then not finishing the scene leads to disappointment. Not all the gritty details are needed, but something always just feels like it’s missing something.
Overall it was okay but just not enough to really satisfy my need for a great m/m romance.
November 28, 2015
2.75 stars rounded up
I'm on the fence for this one... I've read a lot of romances with martyr/self-guilt attitude and Simon's was pretty believable that I didn't end up being annoyed at him at all. But the whole relationship built felt a bit forced and not flowing smoothly. The change from reclusive Simon to "I am sorry for everything, I don't want to hurt you, here's my grand gesture" Simon failed to convince me. I just didn't get their chemistry. Maybe if the author adds more pages to this, it will make more sense to me.
I did like the dogs... and Stella ... and the dogs. Oh, and the way that Simon called Adam, "Librarian", was cute.
Noticed a couple of typos that were a bit annoying.
Guess it has potential but the execution is not 'there' yet. However, I was not completely feeling meh about it either, thus the rounded up to 3-stars.
I'm on the fence for this one... I've read a lot of romances with martyr/self-guilt attitude and Simon's was pretty believable that I didn't end up being annoyed at him at all. But the whole relationship built felt a bit forced and not flowing smoothly. The change from reclusive Simon to "I am sorry for everything, I don't want to hurt you, here's my grand gesture" Simon failed to convince me. I just didn't get their chemistry. Maybe if the author adds more pages to this, it will make more sense to me.
I did like the dogs... and Stella ... and the dogs. Oh, and the way that Simon called Adam, "Librarian", was cute.
Noticed a couple of typos that were a bit annoying.
Guess it has potential but the execution is not 'there' yet. However, I was not completely feeling meh about it either, thus the rounded up to 3-stars.
November 18, 2015
Sexy librarian and brawny lumberjack with tons of emotional baggage snowed in together? Yes, please! I really enjoyed Simon and Adam. Yes it was a bit cliche. And yes there was some serious instalove, but I love holiday romance so I really don't care. Very cute short story!!
November 21, 2015
*2,5 stars*
Nah, this didn't work for me at all.... I couldn't connect with Simon and Adam.
Sad, but true..
December 14, 2015
4.5 stars...
January 27, 2016
This Christmas m/m novella hit just the right notes for me. It features a growly, reclusive lumberjack and the new town librarian. It’s short, but unlike many novellas, it didn’t feel rushed. I liked both heroes and it even had just the right touch of holiday cheer.
Simon is a former Navy SEAL, nursing some serious emotional wounds. He has retreated into a solitary life. He lives in a cabin he built himself, just outside of a small town. He rarely ventures out, just enough to keep up with supplies and to sell the firewood he cuts to make a living. He doesn’t really have any friends and he definitely doesn’t have a love life. They call him the Ogre from the Hill and that is the way he wants it.
He isn’t blind, though. And he would have to be blind to miss the handsome new librarian in town. He never intends to act on his attraction, but when Adam is thrown into Simon’s orbit –and inside the sanctuary of his cabin– it’s hard to remember why. Adam knows what he wants and he has no problem letting Simon know, especially once he realizes the attraction is mutual.
It’s a short story and I don’t want to give away too much. But I really liked the sexual tension between these two and there is just the right amount of angst. I never felt like the story was rushed, as I often do with a novella. I believed in the beginning of a relationship that the authors gives us here. I loved Simon and his struggle –and his eventual surrender to Adam. And I loved how Adam looks out for himself when it would be so easy to excuse Simon’s behavior.
My only complaint was the fade to black sex scene. If you can ignore that, I’d definitely recommend.
Rating: B
*ARC provided via NetGalley
Simon is a former Navy SEAL, nursing some serious emotional wounds. He has retreated into a solitary life. He lives in a cabin he built himself, just outside of a small town. He rarely ventures out, just enough to keep up with supplies and to sell the firewood he cuts to make a living. He doesn’t really have any friends and he definitely doesn’t have a love life. They call him the Ogre from the Hill and that is the way he wants it.
He isn’t blind, though. And he would have to be blind to miss the handsome new librarian in town. He never intends to act on his attraction, but when Adam is thrown into Simon’s orbit –and inside the sanctuary of his cabin– it’s hard to remember why. Adam knows what he wants and he has no problem letting Simon know, especially once he realizes the attraction is mutual.
It’s a short story and I don’t want to give away too much. But I really liked the sexual tension between these two and there is just the right amount of angst. I never felt like the story was rushed, as I often do with a novella. I believed in the beginning of a relationship that the authors gives us here. I loved Simon and his struggle –and his eventual surrender to Adam. And I loved how Adam looks out for himself when it would be so easy to excuse Simon’s behavior.
My only complaint was the fade to black sex scene. If you can ignore that, I’d definitely recommend.
Rating: B
*ARC provided via NetGalley
October 31, 2015
The librarian and the lumberjack and the first of many Merry Christmas together. Simon is paying a penance for an incident that was not his fault. If anyone was wronged it was Simon. Simon however has stayed in his cabin as much as possible. He has kept to himself even though the residents of Silver Pines have welcomed him with open arms. Even Adam the new librarian in town has taken interest in silent giant. In all honesty Adam has more than an interest. Adam has a big ole sweet crush on Simon. When the opportunity arises for Adam to get to know Simon better he jumps on it. No one should spend Christmas alone and everyone should spend it with the ones they love.
Some of the not as enjoyable as it could have been with Don’t Stop Believing came from having read several very similar stories recently. That is somewhat my own fault. I’m a sucker for the small town romances. I’ve been reading a ton of male male romances this year. The whole stay at the recluses cabin after ditching your car has happened in my books very recently. So some of Adam and Simon’s story felt replayed to me. It was still a sweet story though.
If you’re looking for a gay romance where the sexy bedroom details are not explicit Gwen Hayes delivers on that or does not deliver if you’re looking for very explicit juicy details where the sex is concerned.
Some of the not as enjoyable as it could have been with Don’t Stop Believing came from having read several very similar stories recently. That is somewhat my own fault. I’m a sucker for the small town romances. I’ve been reading a ton of male male romances this year. The whole stay at the recluses cabin after ditching your car has happened in my books very recently. So some of Adam and Simon’s story felt replayed to me. It was still a sweet story though.
If you’re looking for a gay romance where the sexy bedroom details are not explicit Gwen Hayes delivers on that or does not deliver if you’re looking for very explicit juicy details where the sex is concerned.
November 3, 2015
This was a first for me by this author. I liked it enough for a novella. I like Christmas stories. I did feel like the author left so much open with the characters. Simon was a broody ogre. Sure it only took him a few minutes to get out of his self discovery phase. I feel like if this was the first time that him and Adam got together than it doesn't read like it. Sure they know each other from town, but it just seem like a little bit more of an acquaintance for me. I would have liked it longer, I was really enjoying the ending. For a short it was okay.
November 9, 2017
This is such a nice, fluffy story, good for Holiday season, while miracles happens.
I loved Adam and Simon's dynamic , even I wanted to slap Adam in Christmas morning.
And I loved Stella and her animals :) She's really something.
This short story is enjoyable, sweet, light, without the need to make wrinkles on your forehead.
I'm looking forward to read this author's other books.
Recommended !
I loved Adam and Simon's dynamic , even I wanted to slap Adam in Christmas morning.
And I loved Stella and her animals :) She's really something.
This short story is enjoyable, sweet, light, without the need to make wrinkles on your forehead.
I'm looking forward to read this author's other books.
Recommended !
October 29, 2015
2 1/2 STARS
Not a bad story, but far too quick for me. I was excited about the premise (lumberjack and a librarian, stuck in a cabin during a snow storm? YES PLEASE!) but felt it would have worked better as a novel, not a 60 page novella. What was here was fine. However, I didn't have enough time to really connect with these two men or see their romance unfold. I just wanted more!
Not a bad story, but far too quick for me. I was excited about the premise (lumberjack and a librarian, stuck in a cabin during a snow storm? YES PLEASE!) but felt it would have worked better as a novel, not a 60 page novella. What was here was fine. However, I didn't have enough time to really connect with these two men or see their romance unfold. I just wanted more!
November 4, 2015
Really enjoyed this! I wish it had been longer, but it was stil cute and emotional at the same time. Can't wait for more in the series :)
November 29, 2015
Sweet holiday story.
October 30, 2015
4.5 stars! Adorable! Fabulous Christmas romance. Full review coming to www.thenovelapproachreviews.com
October 2, 2016
1,5 stars. I didn't hate it. It was just kinda meh.
June 19, 2016
I wish this was longer because I really enjoyed the characters and their relationship.
March 13, 2022
too short but fun
2.5 stars
The story is cute and I really like the characters but the book is too short and rushed to be great.
The book starts great with an awesome wounded hero. I can forgive how the librarian ends with his car in the ditch and his ass in a log cabin with a grumpy lumberjack but from there on The events are pushed along with not enough build up or character depth. We learn a bit about our first hero almost nothing about the librarian.
The grand gesture is cute and fun but also is too hurried.
I think it would be great story for a reader magnet or maybe a 0.99 book but I don’t think the read is worth 2.99 as it is now.
2.5 stars
The story is cute and I really like the characters but the book is too short and rushed to be great.
The book starts great with an awesome wounded hero. I can forgive how the librarian ends with his car in the ditch and his ass in a log cabin with a grumpy lumberjack but from there on The events are pushed along with not enough build up or character depth. We learn a bit about our first hero almost nothing about the librarian.
The grand gesture is cute and fun but also is too hurried.
I think it would be great story for a reader magnet or maybe a 0.99 book but I don’t think the read is worth 2.99 as it is now.
January 7, 2016
***Book provided by Gwen Hayes for an honest review posted at Gay Book Reviews
I requested this book because the description reminded me of another story and I wanted to know if it was as good as the one I read. Well I can safely say that it was. I think the author did a good job in touching my heart and making me fall in love with this characters. I think they were perfect for each other and that they complimented the other in different ways.
What I didn’t like was that it was a really short story. The author, I think, can expand on this and take it to a whole new level of greatness. She could have delve deeper into this two characters’ past and expand a little more on their present.
As for that ending I LOVED it and would have been more touching if I’d had more time to connect with the characters. I just found that the author had to do a little editing here and there but it was nothing major Ind I think that be release day it could all be solved.
I requested this book because the description reminded me of another story and I wanted to know if it was as good as the one I read. Well I can safely say that it was. I think the author did a good job in touching my heart and making me fall in love with this characters. I think they were perfect for each other and that they complimented the other in different ways.
What I didn’t like was that it was a really short story. The author, I think, can expand on this and take it to a whole new level of greatness. She could have delve deeper into this two characters’ past and expand a little more on their present.
As for that ending I LOVED it and would have been more touching if I’d had more time to connect with the characters. I just found that the author had to do a little editing here and there but it was nothing major Ind I think that be release day it could all be solved.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews