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Home for the Holidays
No longer in active publication. Each story was republished by the individual authors.
Home can be a person as well as a place. Everyone deserves a home for the holidays, as the stories in this collection affirm.
The Eighth Night by Jenna Kendrick
Going home for the holiday only to find his parents have made other plans, Kai Meyers is thrilled to reunite with an old friend. Disowned by his religious family, Ari Fisher is used to being treated like a boy toy rather than a boyfriend, and now he only has eight days to reveal his secrets to Kai.
24-Hour Hold by Heather C. Leigh
Detectives Damon Porter and Anderson Malloy are now partners at Denver’s Major Case Unit. The problem is, they used to be boyfriends, and now they’re feeling anything but friendly towards each other.
Learning to Love by Felice Stevens
Returning home for the holiday, caterer Gideon Marks tried hard to push away his high school crush. But Rabbi Jonah Fine wouldn’t let him run again, or keep the secret Gideon’s tried so desperately to hide.
Saving Silas by SJ Himes
Paramedic Gael Dominic wasn’t expecting much from the holidays. Blood, death, and loneliness were constants. So when tragedy puts a wounded Silas in his path, Gael takes a chance on his alleyway angel and love.
Christmas in LaLa Land by Liv Rancourt
For a Danaan sidhe like Aron, touching a human has consequences, while Damian’s hiding some serious scars behind his smile. A holiday trip to LA forces them to choose between acting on their attraction or giving up on love because of the past.
Proceeds from Home for the Holidays are being donated to the Ali Forney Center in New York City to help homeless LGBTQ youth.
Home can be a person as well as a place. Everyone deserves a home for the holidays, as the stories in this collection affirm.
The Eighth Night by Jenna Kendrick
Going home for the holiday only to find his parents have made other plans, Kai Meyers is thrilled to reunite with an old friend. Disowned by his religious family, Ari Fisher is used to being treated like a boy toy rather than a boyfriend, and now he only has eight days to reveal his secrets to Kai.
24-Hour Hold by Heather C. Leigh
Detectives Damon Porter and Anderson Malloy are now partners at Denver’s Major Case Unit. The problem is, they used to be boyfriends, and now they’re feeling anything but friendly towards each other.
Learning to Love by Felice Stevens
Returning home for the holiday, caterer Gideon Marks tried hard to push away his high school crush. But Rabbi Jonah Fine wouldn’t let him run again, or keep the secret Gideon’s tried so desperately to hide.
Saving Silas by SJ Himes
Paramedic Gael Dominic wasn’t expecting much from the holidays. Blood, death, and loneliness were constants. So when tragedy puts a wounded Silas in his path, Gael takes a chance on his alleyway angel and love.
Christmas in LaLa Land by Liv Rancourt
For a Danaan sidhe like Aron, touching a human has consequences, while Damian’s hiding some serious scars behind his smile. A holiday trip to LA forces them to choose between acting on their attraction or giving up on love because of the past.
Proceeds from Home for the Holidays are being donated to the Ali Forney Center in New York City to help homeless LGBTQ youth.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2015
1 person is currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Himes
20 books1,457 followersSoon to be retired former pen name of author Sheena Jolie. See that profile for more up to date info.
I will be moving all my titles over the course of 2022 to my new author name, Sheena Jolie.
If you have questions for me, and want an answer sooner rather than later, find me on Facebook or Twitter as Sheena Jolie.
Website under construction.
I also write as Revella Hawthorne. I write mainly gay romance and erotica, but I am branching out into polyamorous groupings and LGBT+ characters.
Saving Silas is my only contemporary. Everything else is paranormal, urban fantasy, or scifi/alternate universe.
I'm a nomad--I move a lot. My health is sporadic, so when I'm feeling well enough is when I'm writing. Which is good, as otherwise, I think my suffering translates to boring stories. ;)
I've learned the hard way that I can't do release dates until a book is 100% DONE. No projected dates anymore. For up to date and accurate information, find me on Facebook and Twitter. I RARELY come to GR. It'll be months before I'm back again.
Any books I have reviewed are my own opinions and done so without malice. I won't review a book anymore if I can't give it 3 stars or higher. Most of my reviews are based upon how a book makes me FEEL. Entirely subjective and personal. Exceptions are in cases of plagiarism and intellectual property theft or a massively horrible formatting job or erroneous content (ie the title and blurb don't match the interior.)
I will be moving all my titles over the course of 2022 to my new author name, Sheena Jolie.
If you have questions for me, and want an answer sooner rather than later, find me on Facebook or Twitter as Sheena Jolie.
Website under construction.
I also write as Revella Hawthorne. I write mainly gay romance and erotica, but I am branching out into polyamorous groupings and LGBT+ characters.
Saving Silas is my only contemporary. Everything else is paranormal, urban fantasy, or scifi/alternate universe.
I'm a nomad--I move a lot. My health is sporadic, so when I'm feeling well enough is when I'm writing. Which is good, as otherwise, I think my suffering translates to boring stories. ;)
I've learned the hard way that I can't do release dates until a book is 100% DONE. No projected dates anymore. For up to date and accurate information, find me on Facebook and Twitter. I RARELY come to GR. It'll be months before I'm back again.
Any books I have reviewed are my own opinions and done so without malice. I won't review a book anymore if I can't give it 3 stars or higher. Most of my reviews are based upon how a book makes me FEEL. Entirely subjective and personal. Exceptions are in cases of plagiarism and intellectual property theft or a massively horrible formatting job or erroneous content (ie the title and blurb don't match the interior.)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 13, 2015
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ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords
3.25 stars
This started off really well. I was interested in Kai & Ari's history. I liked the two MC's, but I felt like this story was severely under developed. The blurb mentioned 8 nights together and we got night one which didn't go how I thought it would. The next day dealt with the aftermath of not seeing each other over a length of time. That's understandable. What I didn't like was that we didn't see them together for the rest of the days. Things were talked about at the end, that I didn't think seemed realistic at all. For instance Kai doesn't like his parents it seems, hardly talks to his dad and can't stand his mom but he has information on Ari someone he hadn't seen in 5+ years. I didn't mesh well together for me. I didn't feel a connection between the two at all.
24 Hour Hold by Heather C. Leigh
2 star
Anger and Hostility is what I felt towards this story. Ironically that's all one of MC's was able to feel as well. Damon either has a emotional behavioral disorder or he's still pining off someone he hates. That is all I got from this story. Anderson didn't take anything seriously. I get the breaking up over your closeted lover but this seemed like Anderson murdered his best friend. If the other story had no connection between the two, then these two only connection was sexual in nature. I didn't see love, remorse, or them actually missing each other. It could have been better, but between these two and the plot. It was not good at all.
Learning by Felice Stevens
4.5 stars
This was the story I was dreading the most. I always end up ragey mad after reading a Felice Stevens story. I absolutely loved this story. If she would have wrote this as a full length novel then I would have brought it and devoured it. It was so good. I loved both of the mc's. The Rabbi & The Caterer was so adorable. I wanted to gobble them up. I wouldn't call this unrequited love. Gideon has all these feelings about Jonah in High School. Jonah was a perfect kid who loved Gideon but didn't know how to tell him. Through in some hurt/comfort, passion sex, and someone who has any type of issues I'm your girl. I loved how Jonah wasn't disrespectful of Gideon's learning disability. I literally wanted this story to keep going. Really good work by this author.
Saving Silas by S.J. Himes
5 stars. This author is someone I need to be on the lookout for!
This was my biggest surprise out the entire anthology. My favorite story came from an author I had never heard of. I went to get their first book just because of this short sweet story. Silas and Gael were adorable together. Note to author, write more of them. I want to know every little nuisance that happens to this couple. I think this author did a really good job on the knowledge surrounding first responders and emergency workers. I liked the plot of the story, and I'm super surprised at Silas will to survive. He didn't give up and I liked how he decided to help Gael in the fight to stand up to his father. Wow that little action bit towards the end of the story was perfect. I think this connection between the two was perfect and I'd like to see more of them together.
Christmas in La La Land by Liv Rancourt
1 star.
This is the story I'm confused about. The whole fae/fairy magic world mixed in with this realistic subject that doesn't get talked about in the M/M books enough for me confused me. I personally feel like if the author decided to drop this bomb in the middle of the story surrounding one of the characters then it should have set a tone of strictly romance story. It could have been hurt/comfort or realistic fiction, but then this whole fae/magic world just destroys it for me. Even from the beginning it wasn't making any sense to me. It feels choppy with the writing and the plot. I didn't like it at all, and I wish I could have.
ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords
3.25 stars
This started off really well. I was interested in Kai & Ari's history. I liked the two MC's, but I felt like this story was severely under developed. The blurb mentioned 8 nights together and we got night one which didn't go how I thought it would. The next day dealt with the aftermath of not seeing each other over a length of time. That's understandable. What I didn't like was that we didn't see them together for the rest of the days. Things were talked about at the end, that I didn't think seemed realistic at all. For instance Kai doesn't like his parents it seems, hardly talks to his dad and can't stand his mom but he has information on Ari someone he hadn't seen in 5+ years. I didn't mesh well together for me. I didn't feel a connection between the two at all.
24 Hour Hold by Heather C. Leigh
2 star
Anger and Hostility is what I felt towards this story. Ironically that's all one of MC's was able to feel as well. Damon either has a emotional behavioral disorder or he's still pining off someone he hates. That is all I got from this story. Anderson didn't take anything seriously. I get the breaking up over your closeted lover but this seemed like Anderson murdered his best friend. If the other story had no connection between the two, then these two only connection was sexual in nature. I didn't see love, remorse, or them actually missing each other. It could have been better, but between these two and the plot. It was not good at all.
Learning by Felice Stevens
4.5 stars
This was the story I was dreading the most. I always end up ragey mad after reading a Felice Stevens story. I absolutely loved this story. If she would have wrote this as a full length novel then I would have brought it and devoured it. It was so good. I loved both of the mc's. The Rabbi & The Caterer was so adorable. I wanted to gobble them up. I wouldn't call this unrequited love. Gideon has all these feelings about Jonah in High School. Jonah was a perfect kid who loved Gideon but didn't know how to tell him. Through in some hurt/comfort, passion sex, and someone who has any type of issues I'm your girl. I loved how Jonah wasn't disrespectful of Gideon's learning disability. I literally wanted this story to keep going. Really good work by this author.
Saving Silas by S.J. Himes
5 stars. This author is someone I need to be on the lookout for!
This was my biggest surprise out the entire anthology. My favorite story came from an author I had never heard of. I went to get their first book just because of this short sweet story. Silas and Gael were adorable together. Note to author, write more of them. I want to know every little nuisance that happens to this couple. I think this author did a really good job on the knowledge surrounding first responders and emergency workers. I liked the plot of the story, and I'm super surprised at Silas will to survive. He didn't give up and I liked how he decided to help Gael in the fight to stand up to his father. Wow that little action bit towards the end of the story was perfect. I think this connection between the two was perfect and I'd like to see more of them together.
Christmas in La La Land by Liv Rancourt
1 star.
This is the story I'm confused about. The whole fae/fairy magic world mixed in with this realistic subject that doesn't get talked about in the M/M books enough for me confused me. I personally feel like if the author decided to drop this bomb in the middle of the story surrounding one of the characters then it should have set a tone of strictly romance story. It could have been hurt/comfort or realistic fiction, but then this whole fae/magic world just destroys it for me. Even from the beginning it wasn't making any sense to me. It feels choppy with the writing and the plot. I didn't like it at all, and I wish I could have.
December 2, 2015
I'll add to this review as I finish the individual stories.
Saving Silas, SJ Himes. I'll admit, I'm a sucker for the dilemma of escaping family. And Himes didn't let me down. The trouble with these types of stories is that they can get too bogged down and exhausting, and feel rehashed somehow. Saving Silas avoided those pitfalls and was a fresh take, in many ways a brave risk, in dealing with the shootings and trauma that seem to becoming everyday life in our country, especially considering this was a Christmas story. That easily could have gone the path of holiday depression. Instead you get a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat but shows you the beauty of the human soul over and over again. Loved every word!
Saving Silas, SJ Himes. I'll admit, I'm a sucker for the dilemma of escaping family. And Himes didn't let me down. The trouble with these types of stories is that they can get too bogged down and exhausting, and feel rehashed somehow. Saving Silas avoided those pitfalls and was a fresh take, in many ways a brave risk, in dealing with the shootings and trauma that seem to becoming everyday life in our country, especially considering this was a Christmas story. That easily could have gone the path of holiday depression. Instead you get a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat but shows you the beauty of the human soul over and over again. Loved every word!
November 28, 2015
The Eighth Night by Jenna Kendrick~ Rating: 4 Stars
This story was sweet but left up in the air a little bit too much for me. So Kai is a video game programmer who gets tricked into visiting his family for the holidays to just end up dog sitting while his parents go on a vacation. Well one night while getting groceries the elevator stops working while he is on it with another person Ari who is his EX. I loved that they reconnected and I thought it was very sweet but the whole Ari's job and what was going to happen now that they were back together was a left a little up in the air. Otherwise I really did like this story and thought it was very sweet!
24-Hour Hold by Heather C. Leigh~ Rating: 4 Stars
This story is about Anderson and Damon who used to be lovers but Anderson was so firmly in the closet that Damon could not take it anymore so they parted ways. Well Anderson ends up being Damon's partner again with them both being detectives in order for Anderson to help break the case load that Damon's precinct seems to have a lot of unsolved cases. I did really like this story, I thought it was sweet and also very steamy. I loved the falling back in love aspect in this story also. All together I really liked this story!
Learning To Love by Felice Stevens ~ Rating: 5 Stars
With this story we Gideon who had a huge crush on Jonah in high school but also had such a hard time in school too. I can not even put into words how much I loved this story. There was so much sweet and steam between these two men. There was also the fact I loved the way this author wrote these characters with Gideon's reserved but strong when he needed to be but also afraid for anyone to find out what he had a hard time with in school and now.. Then there was Jonah's strong I know what I want and I want Gideon attitude, also the way he cared about Gideon it was just so sweet. I loved the way this author wrote this story and these characters! All together I really loved this story!
Saving Silas by SJ Himes~ Rating: 5 Stars
This story was about Gael who was a medic in the war and is now a paramedic who still has problems dealing with what happened while he was there. Then there was Silas who was caught kissing a boy which causes his father to beat him and makes Silas run away to live on the street hiding from his father. I loved this story about these two men!!
There was the way that Gideon was so protective and caring about Silas from the get go and the way Silas loved Gael from the start who also helped Gael's darkness go away from after the war. There was just so much sweet with this story. I loved the way this author wrote these two characters and this story! All together I really loved this story!
Christmas in LaLa Land by Liv Rancourt ~ Rating: 3 Stars
This story was about Aron who is a rent boy and a fairy. Then there was Damian who delivers his weekly Amazon Fresh delivery. I want to be honest and say this story was just so confusing to me and I felt like I was missing out on some parts of this, so I was really lost through most of this story. I also was not really a fan of Aron for some reason either. So I am sad to say this story was just not for me...
So all together I really liked and loved most of these stories and thought this book was perfect for the holidays!
I would recommend this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
This story was sweet but left up in the air a little bit too much for me. So Kai is a video game programmer who gets tricked into visiting his family for the holidays to just end up dog sitting while his parents go on a vacation. Well one night while getting groceries the elevator stops working while he is on it with another person Ari who is his EX. I loved that they reconnected and I thought it was very sweet but the whole Ari's job and what was going to happen now that they were back together was a left a little up in the air. Otherwise I really did like this story and thought it was very sweet!
24-Hour Hold by Heather C. Leigh~ Rating: 4 Stars
This story is about Anderson and Damon who used to be lovers but Anderson was so firmly in the closet that Damon could not take it anymore so they parted ways. Well Anderson ends up being Damon's partner again with them both being detectives in order for Anderson to help break the case load that Damon's precinct seems to have a lot of unsolved cases. I did really like this story, I thought it was sweet and also very steamy. I loved the falling back in love aspect in this story also. All together I really liked this story!
Learning To Love by Felice Stevens ~ Rating: 5 Stars
With this story we Gideon who had a huge crush on Jonah in high school but also had such a hard time in school too. I can not even put into words how much I loved this story. There was so much sweet and steam between these two men. There was also the fact I loved the way this author wrote these characters with Gideon's reserved but strong when he needed to be but also afraid for anyone to find out what he had a hard time with in school and now.. Then there was Jonah's strong I know what I want and I want Gideon attitude, also the way he cared about Gideon it was just so sweet. I loved the way this author wrote this story and these characters! All together I really loved this story!
Saving Silas by SJ Himes~ Rating: 5 Stars
This story was about Gael who was a medic in the war and is now a paramedic who still has problems dealing with what happened while he was there. Then there was Silas who was caught kissing a boy which causes his father to beat him and makes Silas run away to live on the street hiding from his father. I loved this story about these two men!!
There was the way that Gideon was so protective and caring about Silas from the get go and the way Silas loved Gael from the start who also helped Gael's darkness go away from after the war. There was just so much sweet with this story. I loved the way this author wrote these two characters and this story! All together I really loved this story!
Christmas in LaLa Land by Liv Rancourt ~ Rating: 3 Stars
This story was about Aron who is a rent boy and a fairy. Then there was Damian who delivers his weekly Amazon Fresh delivery. I want to be honest and say this story was just so confusing to me and I felt like I was missing out on some parts of this, so I was really lost through most of this story. I also was not really a fan of Aron for some reason either. So I am sad to say this story was just not for me...
So all together I really liked and loved most of these stories and thought this book was perfect for the holidays!
I would recommend this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
November 29, 2015
*4.5 stars*
November 29, 2015
Home for the Holidays is a M/M romance anthology with stories contributed by five different authors. Proceeds from sales of the anthology will go to the Ali Forney Center, which very aptly, helps homeless LGBTQ youth. Purchasing this book will not only give you hours of reading enjoyment but will also help out others, so you can't beat that!
The Eighth Night by Jenna Kendrick is the short, sweet story of Kai and Ari, childhood friends who reconnect after many years and end up celebrating Chanukah together. 24-Hour Hold by Heather C. Leigh is the detective/crime unit story of Ace and Damian, former lovers who get partnered to solve some robberies. Saving Silas by SJ Himes is the suspenseful story of a paramedic named Gael and Silas, a young man from an abusive home whom Gael rescues while on duty. Christmas in LaLa Land by Liv Rancourt is a paranormal romance involving a Danaan sidhe (fairy) named Aron and an Amazon delivery driver named Damian.
Learning to Love by Felice Stevens was my favorite of the anthology, probably because Gideon reminds me of people I know. Gideon and Jonah were schoolmates growing up, and Gideon has returned to prove to Jonah, and everyone, that he didn't turn out to be the failure they all predicted. He is now a successful caterer! Jonah, to Gideon's surprise, has not become a lawyer as originally planned, but instead a rabbi. Despite his great success as a caterer, Gideon has a low self esteem and a deep secret that keeps him from letting anyone close to him. I won't tell you what happens, but I can say I wanted more, more, more of both Gideon and Jonah!
All of the authors were new to me, except for Felice Stevens, and once again her work stood out and wowed me! I will definitely be looking up a couple of the other authors to see what else they have written, now that I have had a taste of their writing styles. I'm hoping that a couple of these stories, like Eighth Night, might be part of a longer novel so I can read more about the characters and their lives
The Eighth Night by Jenna Kendrick is the short, sweet story of Kai and Ari, childhood friends who reconnect after many years and end up celebrating Chanukah together. 24-Hour Hold by Heather C. Leigh is the detective/crime unit story of Ace and Damian, former lovers who get partnered to solve some robberies. Saving Silas by SJ Himes is the suspenseful story of a paramedic named Gael and Silas, a young man from an abusive home whom Gael rescues while on duty. Christmas in LaLa Land by Liv Rancourt is a paranormal romance involving a Danaan sidhe (fairy) named Aron and an Amazon delivery driver named Damian.
Learning to Love by Felice Stevens was my favorite of the anthology, probably because Gideon reminds me of people I know. Gideon and Jonah were schoolmates growing up, and Gideon has returned to prove to Jonah, and everyone, that he didn't turn out to be the failure they all predicted. He is now a successful caterer! Jonah, to Gideon's surprise, has not become a lawyer as originally planned, but instead a rabbi. Despite his great success as a caterer, Gideon has a low self esteem and a deep secret that keeps him from letting anyone close to him. I won't tell you what happens, but I can say I wanted more, more, more of both Gideon and Jonah!
All of the authors were new to me, except for Felice Stevens, and once again her work stood out and wowed me! I will definitely be looking up a couple of the other authors to see what else they have written, now that I have had a taste of their writing styles. I'm hoping that a couple of these stories, like Eighth Night, might be part of a longer novel so I can read more about the characters and their lives
December 2, 2015
Overall – 4 Stars
The Eighth Night by Jenna Kendrick – 4 Stars
This book was great, the only complaint I have is I wish it was longer. I would love to see a full book of these characters. I would also like to see where they could take their relationship. However this book was a really easy read. The author was able to take two men that were previously best friends and a couple in high school and bring them back together in a wonderful holiday story.
24-Hour Hold by Heather C. Leigh – 4 Stars
This story started out kind of slow but slowly heats up. I loved how the author brought Daman and Ace back together. This was another sweet story and the author was able to being back together two men that were perfect for each other.
Learning to Love by Felice Stevens – 5 Stars
I absolutely loved this story. It was sweet and inspiring. I loved how the author brought a very common learning disorder to life and it gave me hope that Gideon would someday learn to read. I also loved that the author brought religion into the story and they supported gays.
Saving Silas by SJ Himes – 4.5 Stars
This was another great holiday story. This story dealt with a young man who was running from his father after his father finds out he’s gay and gets caught in the crossfire of an incident in Boston. I love how this young man was rescued and he ends up falling in love with his rescuer.
Christmas in LaLa Land by Liv Rancourt – 3.5 Stars
I would have to say this was the story I like the least. Only because was a fantasy/paranormal. I’m not one for stories with fae/fairies in them but it was definitely easy to read. I did love how the author brought Aron and Damian together. There were many secondary characters that were amazing and hilarious. Overall, a very good story.
I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
The Eighth Night by Jenna Kendrick – 4 Stars
This book was great, the only complaint I have is I wish it was longer. I would love to see a full book of these characters. I would also like to see where they could take their relationship. However this book was a really easy read. The author was able to take two men that were previously best friends and a couple in high school and bring them back together in a wonderful holiday story.
24-Hour Hold by Heather C. Leigh – 4 Stars
This story started out kind of slow but slowly heats up. I loved how the author brought Daman and Ace back together. This was another sweet story and the author was able to being back together two men that were perfect for each other.
Learning to Love by Felice Stevens – 5 Stars
I absolutely loved this story. It was sweet and inspiring. I loved how the author brought a very common learning disorder to life and it gave me hope that Gideon would someday learn to read. I also loved that the author brought religion into the story and they supported gays.
Saving Silas by SJ Himes – 4.5 Stars
This was another great holiday story. This story dealt with a young man who was running from his father after his father finds out he’s gay and gets caught in the crossfire of an incident in Boston. I love how this young man was rescued and he ends up falling in love with his rescuer.
Christmas in LaLa Land by Liv Rancourt – 3.5 Stars
I would have to say this was the story I like the least. Only because was a fantasy/paranormal. I’m not one for stories with fae/fairies in them but it was definitely easy to read. I did love how the author brought Aron and Damian together. There were many secondary characters that were amazing and hilarious. Overall, a very good story.
I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2015
A really great collection of feel good holiday stories that make you feel warm and fuzzy but are equally full of hotness for a cold winter's day.
As a collection I loved the majority of these stories. I particularly loved those based around second chances and coming home to the one you love. Disagreements, fears and perceptions are reasons why it didn't work first time around for these guys. Time and distance give them the chance to work out who and what they want from life. They all still have their issues but persistence and understanding is key to them moving forward and becoming complete.
They were all beautifully written with captivating stories and with characters that jumped off the page at you. A holiday special that made me smile.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
As a collection I loved the majority of these stories. I particularly loved those based around second chances and coming home to the one you love. Disagreements, fears and perceptions are reasons why it didn't work first time around for these guys. Time and distance give them the chance to work out who and what they want from life. They all still have their issues but persistence and understanding is key to them moving forward and becoming complete.
They were all beautifully written with captivating stories and with characters that jumped off the page at you. A holiday special that made me smile.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
November 29, 2015
This was a nice anthology of Christmas stories. Second chances at their best. The stories were each a good length for an anthology. I've read quite a few that felt rushed, but this wasn't one of those.
There are 5 stories that will melt your heart and have you ready for Christmas.
There are 5 stories that will melt your heart and have you ready for Christmas.
December 30, 2015
4 Heart Overall Review by Danielle
Let me start with the mention that this is a wonderful anthology. I am not really an anthology person but I am a sucker for a good holiday story and with the wonderful cause I was most pleased to read and review this anthology.
The Eight Night
Fantastic story and what a beginning! Only one problem, it was too short. There was so much more there and I can only hope that the author will decide to make this into a novella perhaps for next years holiday season. I connected immediately with these characters as both Ari and Kai are such interesting personalities. Their story is cute yet interesting and very fascinating to read. So much emotion and background story there. Like I said I really regretted the shortness of this the quick wrap up where there could have been so much more or at least given more attention too.
Rating : LoveBytes_4Hearts
24-Hour Hold
Ooh good and bad cop or a little something like that. The sexual Chemistry is off the charts here in this story. Author Heather Leigh did an amazing job in keeping the fight vs attraction very vivid and attractive to read. Damon is such a Mister Hard Guy but “Ace” Anderson knows a different side of him and that is the reason he came back. Trying to find a way to get through to Damon like he did when they were young and trying to set right what went wrong and trying to find what he has been missing in his life. But let’s just say Damon is not waiting for that to happen and Ace has his work cut out for him because Damon isn’t even considering letting Anderson in. Great story had me enthralled from the first word to the last.
Rating: LoveBytes_4.5Hearts
Learning to Love
Awww this is how a holiday story should be in my opinion, no matter if it is centered around Christmas or Chanukah. Author Felice Stevens drafts a wonderful story about love, acceptance, family and comfort. When Gideon gets hired to cater the Shabbos dinner for his former synagogue he wants to prove himself and show that he made something of his life in the years he was away shredding the bad boy image. He wants to show he is worthy of catering the Chanukah dinner. Finding out that Jonah, the man he was had a secret crush on all those years ago, is the new Rabbi and that he lives there shakes Gideon to his core especially when he finds out after an unexpected encounter that he is also openly gay. Gideon has some secrets he isn’t willing to share and thanks to his right hand man “Rico” he has managed to keep them secret for so long. (Can I say that I definitely there will be a story about Rico in the future) In the end it comes down to trust and love and working out how to deal with both. The beautiful epilogue brought something extra to an already wonderful story.
Rating: LoveBytes_5Hearts
Saving Silas
What is not to love about this story? It is the weak vs the strong…the “angel” and the caretaker. Hard to resist something so nice. I did have some small issues with this mainly what I would call the gangster passages in the story. Where I was ok with the story line of the broken victim. the portraying of the abusive father was like a gangster where he had a very respectable job etc. I loved the interaction between Gael and his “Angel” though, the love they share, the connection is brimming. Silas is broken but Gael is perhaps the one who is even more broken on the inside . The author did a wonderful job in putting back the pieces in both characters. The end was a bit too much in my opinion but in the end I can say I really enjoyed this story also.
Rating : LoveBytes_4Hearts
Christmas in LaLa Land
I am not going to mention too much about this story simply because it just wasn’t for me at all. To a point where I don’t understand why this story was placed in this anthology because it just doesn’t fit. Not because of my taste and feelings about it but just if you compare all the stories. This story is fantasy, very unreal even for fantasy levels and for me the read very difficult. I will address some things in my overall comment.
Rating: LoveBytes_2Hearts
Overall:
What can I say. I had read the first 4 stories and was ecstatic that I picked up this book. Not being an anthology person I really enjoyed all 4 stories I read and drafted out my review already.So I just had to add my 5th review and it was done. I even had the overall piece done convinced it wouldn’t change that much after completing the whole anthology. But then I read the 5th story and I was like what just happened? I mean, after reading 4 contemporary stories I was like am I reading a story from the same anthology? I am still confused how this story ended up in this particular anthology. Let me make clear if you are a fantasy lover there’s a good chance you would see different things than me and understand some parts definitely better than I did, but for me it didn’t make sense so that is why I questioned its inclusion.
The next thing was that I started to wonder about was what should I do with the overall rating. Do I let 1 story out of 5 weigh that high on an overall rating so that it would drop? (normally I would sum up the 5 ratings split them and have an overall rating) Not being comfortable with that I decided to kind of take the middle way. Yes the rating dropped slightly (from 4.5 to 4) but still expressed the fact that I really liked this anthology and would recommend it.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Let me start with the mention that this is a wonderful anthology. I am not really an anthology person but I am a sucker for a good holiday story and with the wonderful cause I was most pleased to read and review this anthology.
The Eight Night
Fantastic story and what a beginning! Only one problem, it was too short. There was so much more there and I can only hope that the author will decide to make this into a novella perhaps for next years holiday season. I connected immediately with these characters as both Ari and Kai are such interesting personalities. Their story is cute yet interesting and very fascinating to read. So much emotion and background story there. Like I said I really regretted the shortness of this the quick wrap up where there could have been so much more or at least given more attention too.
Rating : LoveBytes_4Hearts
24-Hour Hold
Ooh good and bad cop or a little something like that. The sexual Chemistry is off the charts here in this story. Author Heather Leigh did an amazing job in keeping the fight vs attraction very vivid and attractive to read. Damon is such a Mister Hard Guy but “Ace” Anderson knows a different side of him and that is the reason he came back. Trying to find a way to get through to Damon like he did when they were young and trying to set right what went wrong and trying to find what he has been missing in his life. But let’s just say Damon is not waiting for that to happen and Ace has his work cut out for him because Damon isn’t even considering letting Anderson in. Great story had me enthralled from the first word to the last.
Rating: LoveBytes_4.5Hearts
Learning to Love
Awww this is how a holiday story should be in my opinion, no matter if it is centered around Christmas or Chanukah. Author Felice Stevens drafts a wonderful story about love, acceptance, family and comfort. When Gideon gets hired to cater the Shabbos dinner for his former synagogue he wants to prove himself and show that he made something of his life in the years he was away shredding the bad boy image. He wants to show he is worthy of catering the Chanukah dinner. Finding out that Jonah, the man he was had a secret crush on all those years ago, is the new Rabbi and that he lives there shakes Gideon to his core especially when he finds out after an unexpected encounter that he is also openly gay. Gideon has some secrets he isn’t willing to share and thanks to his right hand man “Rico” he has managed to keep them secret for so long. (Can I say that I definitely there will be a story about Rico in the future) In the end it comes down to trust and love and working out how to deal with both. The beautiful epilogue brought something extra to an already wonderful story.
Rating: LoveBytes_5Hearts
Saving Silas
What is not to love about this story? It is the weak vs the strong…the “angel” and the caretaker. Hard to resist something so nice. I did have some small issues with this mainly what I would call the gangster passages in the story. Where I was ok with the story line of the broken victim. the portraying of the abusive father was like a gangster where he had a very respectable job etc. I loved the interaction between Gael and his “Angel” though, the love they share, the connection is brimming. Silas is broken but Gael is perhaps the one who is even more broken on the inside . The author did a wonderful job in putting back the pieces in both characters. The end was a bit too much in my opinion but in the end I can say I really enjoyed this story also.
Rating : LoveBytes_4Hearts
Christmas in LaLa Land
I am not going to mention too much about this story simply because it just wasn’t for me at all. To a point where I don’t understand why this story was placed in this anthology because it just doesn’t fit. Not because of my taste and feelings about it but just if you compare all the stories. This story is fantasy, very unreal even for fantasy levels and for me the read very difficult. I will address some things in my overall comment.
Rating: LoveBytes_2Hearts
Overall:
What can I say. I had read the first 4 stories and was ecstatic that I picked up this book. Not being an anthology person I really enjoyed all 4 stories I read and drafted out my review already.So I just had to add my 5th review and it was done. I even had the overall piece done convinced it wouldn’t change that much after completing the whole anthology. But then I read the 5th story and I was like what just happened? I mean, after reading 4 contemporary stories I was like am I reading a story from the same anthology? I am still confused how this story ended up in this particular anthology. Let me make clear if you are a fantasy lover there’s a good chance you would see different things than me and understand some parts definitely better than I did, but for me it didn’t make sense so that is why I questioned its inclusion.
The next thing was that I started to wonder about was what should I do with the overall rating. Do I let 1 story out of 5 weigh that high on an overall rating so that it would drop? (normally I would sum up the 5 ratings split them and have an overall rating) Not being comfortable with that I decided to kind of take the middle way. Yes the rating dropped slightly (from 4.5 to 4) but still expressed the fact that I really liked this anthology and would recommend it.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
December 15, 2015
*** ARC provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
All in all, this was a fantastic collection of stories! They were just perfect to showcase the Home for the Holidays theme and left me with a huge smile in my face!
Overall Rating: 5 Stars!!!
**The Eighth Night by Jenna Kendrick
Kai is home for the holidays to spend time with his parents, but it turns out his parents had other plans all along, and only wanted him to dog-sit while they were away. He's more than happy when he runs into his old friend/first love on the elevator and invites him over to celebrate with him. Ari has been working as an escort for a long time, after being disowned by his religious family, and while he's never forgotten Kai and is thrilled to see him again, he fears his secret life might be a deal breaker.
I enjoyed this story! I would have enjoyed it more if the ending hadn't been so rushed. All that anticipation and then it kind of fell flat with that sort of HFN. I didn't feel the story was complete, maybe an epilogue could've helped. Anyway, it was a nice, sweet story of reconnection, of hopefully picking up where they'd left things before and making it better.
Rating: 4 Stars!!!
**24-Hour Hold by Heather C. Leigh
Detectives Damon Porter and Anderson Malloy used to be boyfriends, until Anderson refused to come out. Now, several years later, Anderson (Ace) is back in Denver, intent on winning Damon back, but he's not ready to come out of the closet and considering his ex's frosty receiving he's not sure Damon will ever forgive him.
I really loved this Enemies to Lovers story. Ace was a riot and he pushed and pushed until he managed to snap Damon's tightly reined control. It was nice to read what had gone wrong the first time around and Damon's motivations to break things out and I adored the dual POV that gave us a broader view into what they both were feeling in the present. They were both fantastic, stubborn, strong male characters and I just adored them together!
Rating: 5 Stars!
**Learning to Love by Felice Stevens
Gideon is back home for the holidays, intent on making his catering business a success and show everyone, especially Jonah Fine, his school crush and sort of nemesis, that he could make it despite what they all thought of him. Jonah seems really interested in him now that he's back, but Gideon has a secret that makes him push the young Rabbi away. Jonah is not willing to be pushed away, though.
I just adored this story, which is not a surprise, I love Felice Stevens' books and this was not an exception. I really loved the setting, the backstory, the fantastic writing and the imagery that just brought it all to life for me. Jonah was the stuff dreams are made of, so sweet and so determined to make things work, despite Gideon pushing him away. And Gideon was just awesome! I just wanted to cuddle him at times, he had such a hard life and it was difficult for him to get to the place he was now, but I loved his drive to make his business the best he could, despite his limitations. Jonah and Gideon together were smoking hot, too!
Rating: 5 Stars!!!
**Saving Silas by SJ Himes
Silas is running away from his abusive, powerful father and hiding away in an alley when he's hit by a bullet along with others when a crazy man shots into a crowd. Paramedic Gael Dominic finds him and they are drawn together in ways neither of them expected, as Gael helps Silas escape.
I loved this story more than words can express! There's age difference, Silas is 19 and Gael is 33, but they work perfectly. They have both dealt with traumatic experiences that have shaped them into the men they are. Silas hates being touched, but with Gael he can't be close enough. And Gael hasn't left anyone get close to him, except his friend Jim, until he meets Silas. They have great chemistry and are hot together, and that along with the action-packed, fast-paced plot kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page. Just amazing!
Rating: 5 Stars!!!
**Christmas in LaLa Land by Liv Rancourt
Aron is a Danaan sidhe or fairy, and touching humans has serious consequences for the human, such as addiction, which makes his attraction to delivery guy, Damian, not something he can act upon, even when Damian is showing signs that he's equally interested in Aron. But Damian also has a secret that can potentially affect their relationship.
This story was very good! I liked the way the author interwove the paranormal aspect into the book, in a fun, roundabout way that didn't feel forced at all. I loved how Damian and Aron worked together, too, despite them not being able to touch at first, and how even as affected Aron was by their proximity he always kept Damian on the forefront. It was a lovely read for sure!
Rating: 5 Stars!!!
All in all, this was a fantastic collection of stories! They were just perfect to showcase the Home for the Holidays theme and left me with a huge smile in my face!
Overall Rating: 5 Stars!!!
**The Eighth Night by Jenna Kendrick
Kai is home for the holidays to spend time with his parents, but it turns out his parents had other plans all along, and only wanted him to dog-sit while they were away. He's more than happy when he runs into his old friend/first love on the elevator and invites him over to celebrate with him. Ari has been working as an escort for a long time, after being disowned by his religious family, and while he's never forgotten Kai and is thrilled to see him again, he fears his secret life might be a deal breaker.
I enjoyed this story! I would have enjoyed it more if the ending hadn't been so rushed. All that anticipation and then it kind of fell flat with that sort of HFN. I didn't feel the story was complete, maybe an epilogue could've helped. Anyway, it was a nice, sweet story of reconnection, of hopefully picking up where they'd left things before and making it better.
Rating: 4 Stars!!!
**24-Hour Hold by Heather C. Leigh
Detectives Damon Porter and Anderson Malloy used to be boyfriends, until Anderson refused to come out. Now, several years later, Anderson (Ace) is back in Denver, intent on winning Damon back, but he's not ready to come out of the closet and considering his ex's frosty receiving he's not sure Damon will ever forgive him.
I really loved this Enemies to Lovers story. Ace was a riot and he pushed and pushed until he managed to snap Damon's tightly reined control. It was nice to read what had gone wrong the first time around and Damon's motivations to break things out and I adored the dual POV that gave us a broader view into what they both were feeling in the present. They were both fantastic, stubborn, strong male characters and I just adored them together!
Rating: 5 Stars!
**Learning to Love by Felice Stevens
Gideon is back home for the holidays, intent on making his catering business a success and show everyone, especially Jonah Fine, his school crush and sort of nemesis, that he could make it despite what they all thought of him. Jonah seems really interested in him now that he's back, but Gideon has a secret that makes him push the young Rabbi away. Jonah is not willing to be pushed away, though.
I just adored this story, which is not a surprise, I love Felice Stevens' books and this was not an exception. I really loved the setting, the backstory, the fantastic writing and the imagery that just brought it all to life for me. Jonah was the stuff dreams are made of, so sweet and so determined to make things work, despite Gideon pushing him away. And Gideon was just awesome! I just wanted to cuddle him at times, he had such a hard life and it was difficult for him to get to the place he was now, but I loved his drive to make his business the best he could, despite his limitations. Jonah and Gideon together were smoking hot, too!
Rating: 5 Stars!!!
**Saving Silas by SJ Himes
Silas is running away from his abusive, powerful father and hiding away in an alley when he's hit by a bullet along with others when a crazy man shots into a crowd. Paramedic Gael Dominic finds him and they are drawn together in ways neither of them expected, as Gael helps Silas escape.
I loved this story more than words can express! There's age difference, Silas is 19 and Gael is 33, but they work perfectly. They have both dealt with traumatic experiences that have shaped them into the men they are. Silas hates being touched, but with Gael he can't be close enough. And Gael hasn't left anyone get close to him, except his friend Jim, until he meets Silas. They have great chemistry and are hot together, and that along with the action-packed, fast-paced plot kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page. Just amazing!
Rating: 5 Stars!!!
**Christmas in LaLa Land by Liv Rancourt
Aron is a Danaan sidhe or fairy, and touching humans has serious consequences for the human, such as addiction, which makes his attraction to delivery guy, Damian, not something he can act upon, even when Damian is showing signs that he's equally interested in Aron. But Damian also has a secret that can potentially affect their relationship.
This story was very good! I liked the way the author interwove the paranormal aspect into the book, in a fun, roundabout way that didn't feel forced at all. I loved how Damian and Aron worked together, too, despite them not being able to touch at first, and how even as affected Aron was by their proximity he always kept Damian on the forefront. It was a lovely read for sure!
Rating: 5 Stars!!!
December 13, 2015
Over all 4 stars.
Learning to Love - 5 stars - reviewed for MMGoodBookReviewers:
An avid Felice Stevens fan, I devoured Learning to Love! I was instantly intrigued by Gideon and his internal demons and though told from his point of view, I liked laid back, easygoing Jonah, too. Sparks flew between them immediately, and whether clashing in anger, frustration or sexy heat, they (especially broody broken Gideon) had my attention.
Not all was as it seemed; as the story developed secrets were revealed and misconceptions addressed on both parts. Gideon and Jonah had much to discover about each other; their path to love and happiness wasn’t easy but was worth the ride on their bumpy road. To me the heart of the story was Gideon: facing his truths, getting past his demons and, really, learning to love. Bad boy Gideon easily stole my heart as well as Jonah’s!
I easily recommend this book and author - though just a novella, this was a story come full circle. For a shorter read there was so much character development; Gideon and Jonah’s connection was both believable and real. As always with Ms. Stevens and her men, the sexy is hot, hot, hot and the loving sweetness is beyond heartwarming. And don’t forget that guaranteed HEA – after all, this is Felice Stevens!
The Eighth Night - 4 stars - reviewed for MMGoodBookReviewers:
My second read from Jenna Kendrick, “The Eighth Night” was the perfect story to kick off this anthology. I loved Kai and Ari, enjoyed the reuniting of old friends with a bit of history. I easily related to Kai with his parents and their classic Jewish relationship, and I chuckled at their dog Kelev (Hebrew for dog). I also immediately felt for Ari, who had clearly gone down a much different path since their younger days.
Kai and Ari’s chance encounter, their reconnecting and rekindling feelings for one another drew me in even more. Sweet and sexy. I found myself loving them as much as they were loving each other. Knowing Ari’s ‘secret’, of course I worried, wondered how brutal it would be when the truth came out. And what a reveal - Ari’s disclosure was met with a bit of a surprise twist. Way to go Ms. Kendrick; didn’t see that coming!
Ari and Kai got their HEA, though I felt their story ended as it was just beginning; I wanted MORE. Who knows? Maybe Jenna Kendrick has future plans for them. I know I will be watching for more Ari and Kai and absolutely for more from this author. I easily recommend this novella; it’s well written with likeable characters and a good story. And who doesn’t love a Hanukkah romance with a happy ending?
24 Hour Hold - 4 stars
A good story with sexy and funny moments - the end dropped it down a star for me. Missing moments in their story this reader really wanted to be part of.
Saving Silas - 3.5 stars
Good story, good characters, could've used some editing. Too much detail, and really, not a fan of the fade to black non sex scenes.
Christmas in LaLa Land - 3 stars. There was something there but it just didn't click for me...
Learning to Love - 5 stars - reviewed for MMGoodBookReviewers:
An avid Felice Stevens fan, I devoured Learning to Love! I was instantly intrigued by Gideon and his internal demons and though told from his point of view, I liked laid back, easygoing Jonah, too. Sparks flew between them immediately, and whether clashing in anger, frustration or sexy heat, they (especially broody broken Gideon) had my attention.
Not all was as it seemed; as the story developed secrets were revealed and misconceptions addressed on both parts. Gideon and Jonah had much to discover about each other; their path to love and happiness wasn’t easy but was worth the ride on their bumpy road. To me the heart of the story was Gideon: facing his truths, getting past his demons and, really, learning to love. Bad boy Gideon easily stole my heart as well as Jonah’s!
I easily recommend this book and author - though just a novella, this was a story come full circle. For a shorter read there was so much character development; Gideon and Jonah’s connection was both believable and real. As always with Ms. Stevens and her men, the sexy is hot, hot, hot and the loving sweetness is beyond heartwarming. And don’t forget that guaranteed HEA – after all, this is Felice Stevens!
The Eighth Night - 4 stars - reviewed for MMGoodBookReviewers:
My second read from Jenna Kendrick, “The Eighth Night” was the perfect story to kick off this anthology. I loved Kai and Ari, enjoyed the reuniting of old friends with a bit of history. I easily related to Kai with his parents and their classic Jewish relationship, and I chuckled at their dog Kelev (Hebrew for dog). I also immediately felt for Ari, who had clearly gone down a much different path since their younger days.
Kai and Ari’s chance encounter, their reconnecting and rekindling feelings for one another drew me in even more. Sweet and sexy. I found myself loving them as much as they were loving each other. Knowing Ari’s ‘secret’, of course I worried, wondered how brutal it would be when the truth came out. And what a reveal - Ari’s disclosure was met with a bit of a surprise twist. Way to go Ms. Kendrick; didn’t see that coming!
Ari and Kai got their HEA, though I felt their story ended as it was just beginning; I wanted MORE. Who knows? Maybe Jenna Kendrick has future plans for them. I know I will be watching for more Ari and Kai and absolutely for more from this author. I easily recommend this novella; it’s well written with likeable characters and a good story. And who doesn’t love a Hanukkah romance with a happy ending?
24 Hour Hold - 4 stars
A good story with sexy and funny moments - the end dropped it down a star for me. Missing moments in their story this reader really wanted to be part of.
Saving Silas - 3.5 stars
Good story, good characters, could've used some editing. Too much detail, and really, not a fan of the fade to black non sex scenes.
Christmas in LaLa Land - 3 stars. There was something there but it just didn't click for me...
December 8, 2015
This is one of the best holiday anthologies I have read this year! Each story captured the warmth of the season. I love the mixture of Christmas and Hanukkah stories. I am always interested in the different ways the holiday season is celebrated so the Hanukkah stories were especially fascinating to me. Even though the stories were short, the characters were well developed and relatable. Any or all of these stories could be turned into full length novels (hint hint).
Jenna Kendrick's Eighth Night is the story of past love. Two men thrown together for Hanukkah realize their love might not be entirely in the past. Ari is sure that once his secret is revealed that Kai will remain firmly in his past. Kai is sure that Ari is his future, but he only has eight nights to convince him.
24 Hour Hold by Heather C Leigh is a story of two detectives and past lover grudgingly working a case together. Anderson is desperately trying to make amends for past mistakes and Damon is determined to keep him at arms length so he can't be hurt again. Together they will need to deal with the past to build a future, all while trying to figure out who is behind a recent string a break-ins. Anderson will have to prove to Damon that he won't hurt him a second time.
Learning to Love by Felice Stevens is the story of a man who has overcome a difficult past being brought face to face with his high school crush. Gideon has come back to town to prove to everyone that he has made something of himself. The one person he doesn't want to run into is Jonah. Gideon is determined to push him away, alone is the safest he can be. Jonah will need a Hanukkah miracle to show Gideon that he cares.
Saving Silas by SJ Himes is the story of a paramedic suffering from PTSD who crosses paths with an injured young man on the run from his violent father. Can Gael overcome his past trauma to help Silas overcome the danger he faces? They must work together to diffuse the situation with Silas's father and to make each other whole. Once the danger passes do they have a chance?
Liv Rancourt's Christmas is La-la Land is a true fairy tale. This story is about a Danaan sidhe and a human, both holding secrets that are keeping them apart. If they want to spend the holiday and eternity together they will need to open up and reveal all.
I was only familiar with Felice Stevens before reading this, but you can bet that I will be reading more from each of these authors.
Jenna Kendrick's Eighth Night is the story of past love. Two men thrown together for Hanukkah realize their love might not be entirely in the past. Ari is sure that once his secret is revealed that Kai will remain firmly in his past. Kai is sure that Ari is his future, but he only has eight nights to convince him.
24 Hour Hold by Heather C Leigh is a story of two detectives and past lover grudgingly working a case together. Anderson is desperately trying to make amends for past mistakes and Damon is determined to keep him at arms length so he can't be hurt again. Together they will need to deal with the past to build a future, all while trying to figure out who is behind a recent string a break-ins. Anderson will have to prove to Damon that he won't hurt him a second time.
Learning to Love by Felice Stevens is the story of a man who has overcome a difficult past being brought face to face with his high school crush. Gideon has come back to town to prove to everyone that he has made something of himself. The one person he doesn't want to run into is Jonah. Gideon is determined to push him away, alone is the safest he can be. Jonah will need a Hanukkah miracle to show Gideon that he cares.
Saving Silas by SJ Himes is the story of a paramedic suffering from PTSD who crosses paths with an injured young man on the run from his violent father. Can Gael overcome his past trauma to help Silas overcome the danger he faces? They must work together to diffuse the situation with Silas's father and to make each other whole. Once the danger passes do they have a chance?
Liv Rancourt's Christmas is La-la Land is a true fairy tale. This story is about a Danaan sidhe and a human, both holding secrets that are keeping them apart. If they want to spend the holiday and eternity together they will need to open up and reveal all.
I was only familiar with Felice Stevens before reading this, but you can bet that I will be reading more from each of these authors.
December 3, 2015
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this box set.
5 short stories, about finding love in the holiday period.
The Eighth Night, Jenna Kendrick.
Kai is called home to spend Christmas with his parents. When he gets there, said parents dash off, leaving Kai house and dog sitting. Bumping into his old friend Ari, Kai is delighted to reconnect. But Ari has a secret, one that could destroy their relationship before it has even began.
I liked this, it was cute. Hot and heavy, but equally, emotional, especially for Ari. Great short read, by a new to me author.
4 Hour Hold, Heather C Leigh
Damon and Anderson had history, and now they are working together. Tension is high as they figure out whats going on with the warehouse robberies, and with each other.
Great little read, of second chance love. I've read one book by Heather C Leigh before.
Learning To Love, Felice Stevens
Gideon returns home to prove he was someone, he had made it, all by himself. His high school crush is now the Rabbi and Jonah won't give up on Gideon without a fight.
Gorgeous little tale, of high school crush made good. With a twist that I did not see coming too!
Saving Silas, SJ Himes
Paramedic Gael saves Silas not once, but three times after Silas got caught in a shooting. Someone needs saving one last time, but does Silas save Gideon, or Gideon, Silas?
By far, my favourite in this bundle. A damaged hero. An abused teen. An instant attraction. But What I absolutely loved about it, was it is *almost* entirely clean. Oh don't get me wrong, there is heat and passion, steam and more heat, we get the build up but the main event? left totally to your imagination.
Loved that!
Christmas In La-La Land, Liv Rancourt.
This is part of a series, and I have not read any of that series. I could not get into this book, and did not finish it. Did not like it, at all.
overall, 4 stars, but 5 stars to Saving Silas.
**same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, and Amazon.com**
5 short stories, about finding love in the holiday period.
The Eighth Night, Jenna Kendrick.
Kai is called home to spend Christmas with his parents. When he gets there, said parents dash off, leaving Kai house and dog sitting. Bumping into his old friend Ari, Kai is delighted to reconnect. But Ari has a secret, one that could destroy their relationship before it has even began.
I liked this, it was cute. Hot and heavy, but equally, emotional, especially for Ari. Great short read, by a new to me author.
4 Hour Hold, Heather C Leigh
Damon and Anderson had history, and now they are working together. Tension is high as they figure out whats going on with the warehouse robberies, and with each other.
Great little read, of second chance love. I've read one book by Heather C Leigh before.
Learning To Love, Felice Stevens
Gideon returns home to prove he was someone, he had made it, all by himself. His high school crush is now the Rabbi and Jonah won't give up on Gideon without a fight.
Gorgeous little tale, of high school crush made good. With a twist that I did not see coming too!
Saving Silas, SJ Himes
Paramedic Gael saves Silas not once, but three times after Silas got caught in a shooting. Someone needs saving one last time, but does Silas save Gideon, or Gideon, Silas?
By far, my favourite in this bundle. A damaged hero. An abused teen. An instant attraction. But What I absolutely loved about it, was it is *almost* entirely clean. Oh don't get me wrong, there is heat and passion, steam and more heat, we get the build up but the main event? left totally to your imagination.
Loved that!
Christmas In La-La Land, Liv Rancourt.
This is part of a series, and I have not read any of that series. I could not get into this book, and did not finish it. Did not like it, at all.
overall, 4 stars, but 5 stars to Saving Silas.
**same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk, and Amazon.com**
December 1, 2015
“Damon shifts, thrusting his hips forward. I have to hold in the groan that threatens to tear from my throat when his stiff c@ck jabs into my own rapidly hardening d@ck.”
4 happy holiday stars!! Cute little anthology, fast paced and sexy. I love a sexy M/M story and this box set was completely up my alley!
This anthology has 5 short and sweet holiday books. I loved each story and I don’t think I could really pick a favorite! Each one had there own little spot in my heart and I loved each character as if they were my friends!! This anthology definitely made me excited for the holidays. Ha ha
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
December 13, 2015
Four Great Stars! The Eighth Night by Jenna Kendrick Kai goes home for the holidays to visit his parents only to end up babysitting the dogs. One night he gets stuck on the elevator with his ex Ari. The two end up reestablishing their relationship. Where will the two end up? This is a very sweet Christmas story.
Twenty -four Hour Hold by Heather C Leigh Anderson and Damon who were former lovers end up working together as Detectives in the same precinct. They end up getting back together. This is a great story for Christmas.
Learning to Love by Felipe Stevens This is Gideon and Jonah's story. They are high school sweethearts. This is a wonderful story and great characters.
Saving Silas by SJ Himes Gael is a paramedic and Silas is a runaway. This is a great story especially how protective he is over Silas.
Christmas in LaLa Land by Liv Rancourt This is about Aron and Damian's story.
Overall these stories were enjoyable and perfect for Christmas.
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.
Twenty -four Hour Hold by Heather C Leigh Anderson and Damon who were former lovers end up working together as Detectives in the same precinct. They end up getting back together. This is a great story for Christmas.
Learning to Love by Felipe Stevens This is Gideon and Jonah's story. They are high school sweethearts. This is a wonderful story and great characters.
Saving Silas by SJ Himes Gael is a paramedic and Silas is a runaway. This is a great story especially how protective he is over Silas.
Christmas in LaLa Land by Liv Rancourt This is about Aron and Damian's story.
Overall these stories were enjoyable and perfect for Christmas.
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.
December 15, 2015
A wonderful holiday anthology! The stories vary in terms of both mood and content, with an overarching theme of reuniting and/or finally getting together, but they're all engaging and hopeful, and definitely nicely written.
The first one is a short, slightly angsty, very loving "childhood sweethearts meeting again" story with a bit of a hooker!fic flavour, then there is a very over the top, at times even cartoonish cop story of a "coming out for you after a decade" variety, the next one a solid H/C with a first responder and a young man abused by his fundamentalist, powerful father (very nicely grounded and solidly researched), the last one being a poignant but hopeful urban fantasy with a lot of layers and metaphors between the magical conditions and themes of life as a queer person and issues concerning HIV (with a POC love interest!).
The first one is a short, slightly angsty, very loving "childhood sweethearts meeting again" story with a bit of a hooker!fic flavour, then there is a very over the top, at times even cartoonish cop story of a "coming out for you after a decade" variety, the next one a solid H/C with a first responder and a young man abused by his fundamentalist, powerful father (very nicely grounded and solidly researched), the last one being a poignant but hopeful urban fantasy with a lot of layers and metaphors between the magical conditions and themes of life as a queer person and issues concerning HIV (with a POC love interest!).
December 11, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
The Home for the Holidays anthology brings five tales of coming home again. Or finding a new one. I really enjoyed the book and read all the stories almost back to back. If you’re looking for a sweet, wonderful anthology, with a holiday theme and enough angst to give it some weight, then I highly suggest you pick this one up. And as an even better bonus, the proceeds from the sale of this anthology are going to the Ali Forney Center, and that right there is reason alone to buy it. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the stories within either. So it’s a win all around.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
The Home for the Holidays anthology brings five tales of coming home again. Or finding a new one. I really enjoyed the book and read all the stories almost back to back. If you’re looking for a sweet, wonderful anthology, with a holiday theme and enough angst to give it some weight, then I highly suggest you pick this one up. And as an even better bonus, the proceeds from the sale of this anthology are going to the Ali Forney Center, and that right there is reason alone to buy it. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the stories within either. So it’s a win all around.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
December 7, 2015
Home for the Holidays is an anthology of five M/M stories from five different authors. Proceeds from sales is going to help homeless LGBTQ youth.
Except for Felice Stevens all of these authors were new to me. I was able to get a taste for their writing while getting in the holiday spirit.
Each story was short, but sweet and sexy with enough story and holiday cheer. Each had their own twist on the holiday season. These weren’t your typical holiday stories and not just about Christmas.
All in all I enjoyed most of the stories and would recommend this book for some holiday cheer in the form of some sexy M/M stories.
Except for Felice Stevens all of these authors were new to me. I was able to get a taste for their writing while getting in the holiday spirit.
Each story was short, but sweet and sexy with enough story and holiday cheer. Each had their own twist on the holiday season. These weren’t your typical holiday stories and not just about Christmas.
All in all I enjoyed most of the stories and would recommend this book for some holiday cheer in the form of some sexy M/M stories.
April 9, 2016
4 Stars -
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by JLoves2Read from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by JLoves2Read from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
December 22, 2015
This was a really enjoyable anthology. All the stories were well written with a great message of love and second chances. Learning to Love was really touching. I loved Gideon’s determination to succeed despite his limitations and Rabbi Jonah’s determination to love him. The Eighth Night was a sweet story that could have used an epilogue. The ending left me with questions about the Ari’s job and his future with Kai. 24-hour Hold was entertaining, I liked the chemistry between the MCs. Saving Silas was both gripping and sweet, with two endearing MCs worth rooting for. Christmas in LaLa Land was a bizarre and fun read.
January 27, 2016
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
I am not a huge Anthology person. There is invariably one story in the mix that ruins the entire collection for me. It may be a genre thing or a quality thing. Home for the Holidays from S.J. Himes, Jenna Kendrick, Heather C. Leigh, Liv Rancourt, and Felice Stevens did not suffer such a fate, however.
For full review see Prism Book Alliance® http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?p=4...
January 4, 2016
Felice Stevens's Learning to Love
I'm a huge fan of Felice's writing. Her characters are so real. They feel like your friends. Learning to Love packed more emotion in this novella than some full length novels do. I loved Gideon but something about Jonah made me fall hard for him. I felt bad for him when Gideon pushed him away. But he stuck with it and showed how wonderful he is. Gideon is a lucky man.
I'm a huge fan of Felice's writing. Her characters are so real. They feel like your friends. Learning to Love packed more emotion in this novella than some full length novels do. I loved Gideon but something about Jonah made me fall hard for him. I felt bad for him when Gideon pushed him away. But he stuck with it and showed how wonderful he is. Gideon is a lucky man.
December 9, 2015
A very nice holiday read to put a smile on your face, even though you have to work to get to the HEA(lol) I really enjoyed the stories. Love yours Felice! A TBR & plus proceeds go to a great cause. Way to go authors :)
April 12, 2016
Love is in the air
Great set of author's to give us this anthology. Have discovered some new author's whose work I will now and read. Yes, there are some miracles this Christmas Season
Great set of author's to give us this anthology. Have discovered some new author's whose work I will now and read. Yes, there are some miracles this Christmas Season
December 4, 2015
Loved all of them apart from the last which was a dnf.
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