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Ashe Sentinel Connections #4
Winter Blom
Andy Blom is an unpaid winter intern at The Ashe Sentinel, and right away he gets saddled with an “evergreen” – otherwise known as a boring feature that can run anytime over the holiday season. To his dismay, he’s assigned to write about a construction worker who creates metal art. The story wouldn’t be so bad, but he’s uneasy about meeting a macho guy who will no doubt find Andy just a little too … gay. Even if he is in the (fairly transparent) closet. But as it turns out, Lane Cross isn’t what he expects. In fact, Lane is a man of many contradictions, not the least of which is that a man like him could want Andy.
Lane Cross works construction to pay the bills, and makes metal art to … also pay the bills. As a single dad, the enjoyment of his art has taken a backseat to making ends meet. And his love life has taken a back seat to caring for his son, especially when Zach, age 6, sabotages every baby-sitting attempt Lane makes.
Then Lane meets Andy Blom. The man’s Swedish name meaning bloom is perfect for him: Andy is refreshingly sweet and vibrant – even if he gets a bit thorny at any hint that he’s anything but strong and self-reliant. And Zach loves him, which only intensifies the attraction. But when Lane moves too fast, will he scare away the surprisingly innocent young man – or will Andy’s journalistic ethics end them before they ever begin?
"Winter Blom," a holiday novella, is the fourth book in the Ashe Sentinel series. There are very minor spoilers if you read it before the others. However, it can be read as a stand-alone.
40,799 words
Lane Cross works construction to pay the bills, and makes metal art to … also pay the bills. As a single dad, the enjoyment of his art has taken a backseat to making ends meet. And his love life has taken a back seat to caring for his son, especially when Zach, age 6, sabotages every baby-sitting attempt Lane makes.
Then Lane meets Andy Blom. The man’s Swedish name meaning bloom is perfect for him: Andy is refreshingly sweet and vibrant – even if he gets a bit thorny at any hint that he’s anything but strong and self-reliant. And Zach loves him, which only intensifies the attraction. But when Lane moves too fast, will he scare away the surprisingly innocent young man – or will Andy’s journalistic ethics end them before they ever begin?
"Winter Blom," a holiday novella, is the fourth book in the Ashe Sentinel series. There are very minor spoilers if you read it before the others. However, it can be read as a stand-alone.
40,799 words
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2015
48 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Jamison
78 books976 followersDJ Jamison writes a variety of queer men finding extraordinary love through M/M Romance! She is a lifelong reader and has always loved writing and editing, with a ten-year journalism career before she began publishing romance. She has books in ebook, print, and audio, as well as German, French, and Italian translations.
DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.
Join DJ's mailing list at http://tinyurl.com/DJandCompany
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DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.
Join DJ's mailing list at http://tinyurl.com/DJandCompany
Join her FB group at www.facebook.com/groups/DJandCompany
Follow her on Ko-Fi for bonus content: www.ko-fi.com/ReadingDJ
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 28, 2019
2,5 stars
Sweet Christmas story. I can't say I enjoyed some parts, and especially how Lane accepted Andy as a babysitter for his 6 y.o. son, right after meeting him. This felt SO unrealistic!
We get some hot scenes, but only a few. It felt kind of rushed and they jumped right into a relationship and popped the L word way too fast for my taste.
Overall this was light and a sweet Christmas story, with a HEA. It just wasn't for me.
Sweet Christmas story. I can't say I enjoyed some parts, and especially how Lane accepted Andy as a babysitter for his 6 y.o. son, right after meeting him. This felt SO unrealistic!
We get some hot scenes, but only a few. It felt kind of rushed and they jumped right into a relationship and popped the L word way too fast for my taste.
Overall this was light and a sweet Christmas story, with a HEA. It just wasn't for me.
November 12, 2016
*** Andy Blom is a beautiful, blonde, blue-eyed college student,
who is an unpaid intern for winter break, at the local news office. He's 20, still unsettled from his Mom's death, and caring for his younger brother. At least his brother got a baseball scholarship, to ease their burden.
*** Lane works construction and welds art sculptures, too.
His wife passed away, and he's raising his 6 yr. old son. Lane, has dark hair and eyes, a toned body, and is quite handsome. Andy needs to interview Lane about his art works for the paper. During the interview, Lane is called in for a rush job, before the storm hits, and Andy volunteers to watch his son, Zach.
Lane and Zach are both struggling with trying to live after her death. Do they both need to get back into counseling, yes. Are the story and characters perfect, no. It's a story of people who make mistakes, and have issues, and how they think things through and manage to come out on top.
Andy is a virgin, timid, and sensitive about being pegged as a "flower", because of his name.. Each man is attracted to the other, and Andy runs off after he embarrassed himself when they got close at Lane's house. Later they talk more, listen to each other, figure out how they want to proceed, and they both want to see where this goes. Zach (6) has issues with his temper, which need counseling, and Andy seems to be the only one Zach likes being with. A few other events are going on, and Andy finally comes out to his brother, who reacts badly.
Andy just wants to be himself and out and proud. Lane is a wonderful flawed character that does his best, but he falls short. Through the learning process of life he begins to understand what he and his son are going through and why. We get sexy first time everythings for Andy, and the growing bond between the men. Christmas brings challenge and we hope things work out. These men and Zach, need each other. We see them vulnerable and insecure. The strength comes from frank talks and honesty, and this story is interesting, heartwarming, and loving.
a copper rose...
I have loved this series, and this is a feel good Christmas book, too.
I really liked the flaws, misunderstandings,
and how they were worked on. ENJOY !
============================
who is an unpaid intern for winter break, at the local news office. He's 20, still unsettled from his Mom's death, and caring for his younger brother. At least his brother got a baseball scholarship, to ease their burden.
*** Lane works construction and welds art sculptures, too.
His wife passed away, and he's raising his 6 yr. old son. Lane, has dark hair and eyes, a toned body, and is quite handsome. Andy needs to interview Lane about his art works for the paper. During the interview, Lane is called in for a rush job, before the storm hits, and Andy volunteers to watch his son, Zach.
Lane and Zach are both struggling with trying to live after her death. Do they both need to get back into counseling, yes. Are the story and characters perfect, no. It's a story of people who make mistakes, and have issues, and how they think things through and manage to come out on top.
Andy is a virgin, timid, and sensitive about being pegged as a "flower", because of his name.. Each man is attracted to the other, and Andy runs off after he embarrassed himself when they got close at Lane's house. Later they talk more, listen to each other, figure out how they want to proceed, and they both want to see where this goes. Zach (6) has issues with his temper, which need counseling, and Andy seems to be the only one Zach likes being with. A few other events are going on, and Andy finally comes out to his brother, who reacts badly.
Andy just wants to be himself and out and proud. Lane is a wonderful flawed character that does his best, but he falls short. Through the learning process of life he begins to understand what he and his son are going through and why. We get sexy first time everythings for Andy, and the growing bond between the men. Christmas brings challenge and we hope things work out. These men and Zach, need each other. We see them vulnerable and insecure. The strength comes from frank talks and honesty, and this story is interesting, heartwarming, and loving.
a copper rose...
I have loved this series, and this is a feel good Christmas book, too.
I really liked the flaws, misunderstandings,
and how they were worked on. ENJOY !
============================
December 3, 2017
MMRG Xmas Team Bingo Week 4: Knitted Hat or scarf on the cover.
Lovely!!!
This novella is #4 in a series but works fine on it’s own.
Short stories and novella’s can be tricky because sometimes they feel rushed, endings feel abrupt or they feel like a longer story needed to be told.
I think this is the first thing of read by this author and this novella had none of the “problems” that I listed in the previous paragraph.
Though the story itself (minus the epilogue) takes place over a two-week period. The MCs meet each other for the very first time, start getting to know each other and includes some bumps along the way. In this author’s capable hands, set process of the MCs getting to know each other felt like a longer period of time than two weeks because this process at arriving at full on Love was very complete. At the end of the book, I did not feel as if there should have been more story or that things were rushed. It felt just right and left me wanting to read more of this series and more of the author’s writings.
Last but not least, the MCs were the sweetest pair of guys. They weren’t perfect, but just genuinely good people and very human with real-life problems and issues. No manufactured drama and angst just because.
A really good reading experience for me!
Lovely!!!
This novella is #4 in a series but works fine on it’s own.
Short stories and novella’s can be tricky because sometimes they feel rushed, endings feel abrupt or they feel like a longer story needed to be told.
I think this is the first thing of read by this author and this novella had none of the “problems” that I listed in the previous paragraph.
Though the story itself (minus the epilogue) takes place over a two-week period. The MCs meet each other for the very first time, start getting to know each other and includes some bumps along the way. In this author’s capable hands, set process of the MCs getting to know each other felt like a longer period of time than two weeks because this process at arriving at full on Love was very complete. At the end of the book, I did not feel as if there should have been more story or that things were rushed. It felt just right and left me wanting to read more of this series and more of the author’s writings.
Last but not least, the MCs were the sweetest pair of guys. They weren’t perfect, but just genuinely good people and very human with real-life problems and issues. No manufactured drama and angst just because.
A really good reading experience for me!
October 25, 2022
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
Dnf 19% awful.
First of all there's a mawkish manipulative play on grief. Mother lost to cancer, brother doing his own thing for Christmas.
Then they meet, and Andy is left to babysit within minutes, no phone number given, noone checking in, no check he's who he claims...
Then they're kissing. Barely been in same room or spoken yet.
Oh and it seems he's a widow so about to pile on another round of grief.
Moves way, way, way to fast and doesn't feel genuine.
Dnf 19% awful.
First of all there's a mawkish manipulative play on grief. Mother lost to cancer, brother doing his own thing for Christmas.
Then they meet, and Andy is left to babysit within minutes, no phone number given, noone checking in, no check he's who he claims...
Then they're kissing. Barely been in same room or spoken yet.
Oh and it seems he's a widow so about to pile on another round of grief.
Moves way, way, way to fast and doesn't feel genuine.
June 16, 2016
Overall I enjoyed this book. For the most part I liked the characters.
Andy's awkwardness is adorable.
Overall it's a well written, short story.
I did have to suspend reality when Lane was perfectly happy leaving his 6 year old son with a complete stranger, without even exchanging phone numbers, but it IS a novel so....
There are a few mistakes that I found irritating, such as missing words and the wrong name being used (Andy instead of Zach)
It's felt a bit rushed and I wish it had been longer so the author could have taken their time with character development and the ending seemed a little abrupt.
Also at times Lane came across as a bit of a creep...almost pestering Andy to sleep with him...at times it made me uncomfortable.
Andy's awkwardness is adorable.
Overall it's a well written, short story.
I did have to suspend reality when Lane was perfectly happy leaving his 6 year old son with a complete stranger, without even exchanging phone numbers, but it IS a novel so....
There are a few mistakes that I found irritating, such as missing words and the wrong name being used (Andy instead of Zach)
It's felt a bit rushed and I wish it had been longer so the author could have taken their time with character development and the ending seemed a little abrupt.
Also at times Lane came across as a bit of a creep...almost pestering Andy to sleep with him...at times it made me uncomfortable.
May 5, 2017
Truthfully this is a 3.5 for me however since GRs won't allow half stars and I loved the characters so much, I had to round up. The fact that this is a HFN and I would have liked another chapter or two in order to see them solidify their relationship more is what keeps me from loving it.
December 24, 2015
Well written and touching holiday story. I wish that it had been longer so that the insta-love would not have been necessary. I liked the way that Andy and Lane's relationship grew with Zach kept in the forefront. A great feel good story.
July 23, 2016
Again a great volume of the series... This time it was about the intern Andy and the father of a 6yrs old boy called Zach... it was very hot, not that I expected it this way and so, so charming. :3
I really liked Andy, he was a different character than the other boys from Ashe Sentinel. :3
He was sometimes very passionate, something I didn't expect when I first read about him the first pages...
And the sex scenes, woow, hot stuff. :3
5 out 5 stars. :3
I really liked Andy, he was a different character than the other boys from Ashe Sentinel. :3
He was sometimes very passionate, something I didn't expect when I first read about him the first pages...
And the sex scenes, woow, hot stuff. :3
5 out 5 stars. :3
Read
February 21, 2017Light and fluffy little story, with a sweet holiday feel. 3.5 stars.
Read
November 30, 2018Nope. Lane does things no one would/should do on the day they’ve *just met* someone. And Andy’s backstory and innocence feels overdone and cloying. I can’t buy into these guys as real people. DNF @18%.
February 13, 2017
3 1/2 stars.
I loved the interaction between the 2 MCs and the dates for the stories were fun.
I loved the interaction between the 2 MCs and the dates for the stories were fun.
September 4, 2016
When I started reading this I didn't realize that it was #4 in a series but it didn't matter as it seems each book focuses on a different couple.
This was a quick read about a virginal intern at a local newspaper office and a hunky construction worker / sculpte with a children.
This was a quick read about a virginal intern at a local newspaper office and a hunky construction worker / sculpte with a children.
January 1, 2017
Easily read as a stand alone. It's a novella, which always leave me wanting. Simply not enough words to fully develop a relationship. I enjoyed it through.
January 28, 2017
Treacly and trite. Not my cuppa but could work for those readers who have a sweet tooth.
December 3, 2017
A bi artist with a precocious six yr. old gets interviewed for the local paper. A good tug on the heartstrings with an HEA.
June 10, 2017
This book took me quite by surprise! There is more romance and a sense of a growing relationship than sex scene after sex scene. Quite refreshing I must admit.
The story follows newspaper intern Andy as he takes on his first assignment - interviewing artist Lane.
The spark between the two characters is intense and they find themselves inexplicably drawn to each other.
Both have their own issues and skeletons that need to be dealt with before they can move forward with their relationship. Give it a read. You won't be disappointed!
The story follows newspaper intern Andy as he takes on his first assignment - interviewing artist Lane.
The spark between the two characters is intense and they find themselves inexplicably drawn to each other.
Both have their own issues and skeletons that need to be dealt with before they can move forward with their relationship. Give it a read. You won't be disappointed!
January 7, 2019
I really enjoyed this holiday-themed romance between a journalism student intern at the local paper, who’d recently lost his mother, and widower single dad contractor/artist... Andy and Lane have a few issues to overcome, among them Andy’s inexperience and Lane’s young son grieving his mom. Grief, uncertainty, attraction and desire for connection all come together here in just the right proportions. At novella length, I read it in one sitting over a few hours happily passed with these likeable characters.
November 18, 2020
Cute and sweet, just like a holiday story should be. I didn't find Andy's prickliness as endearing as Lane did, but different strokes and all that jazz. Seriously, though, guys? Guys? Get that kid into therapy.
April 4, 2021
3.5 or 3.75
I kept having a hard time placing Andy with the rest of the Ashe people because it was such a different feel from the rest of the series. The grief element did throw me for a bit but it was a nice touch, even if there were times it was touched on more.
I kept having a hard time placing Andy with the rest of the Ashe people because it was such a different feel from the rest of the series. The grief element did throw me for a bit but it was a nice touch, even if there were times it was touched on more.
February 17, 2025
Cute, but I think I would have liked a little more angst or something happening that escalated the emotional connection that they were creating.
The hospital visit was nice, but even then, it was over and resolved too quickly.
The hospital visit was nice, but even then, it was over and resolved too quickly.
July 25, 2017
3.5 stars
Cute story.
Cute story.
August 4, 2017
2.5
A fluffy short thing, slightly too sweet, but... it's a Christmas story.
A fluffy short thing, slightly too sweet, but... it's a Christmas story.
March 16, 2017
Cute short story. Liked the characters. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 4, 2017
I really enjoyed this story. It was a sweet romance between two adorable guys. The setup is a little cheesy, but the overall story is quite good. The characters have depth to them (including minor characters). The setting of the newspaper office is quite clever, and I went looking for other stories by the author when I finished this one.
I particularly liked the way the author handled the very real grief of the little boy in the story. He was as much a main character as the love interests were as opposed to being a prop for the story which can often happen in this genre.
Overall, it was a quick read and a delightful holiday pivk-me-up.
I particularly liked the way the author handled the very real grief of the little boy in the story. He was as much a main character as the love interests were as opposed to being a prop for the story which can often happen in this genre.
Overall, it was a quick read and a delightful holiday pivk-me-up.
April 9, 2016
This is the 4th installment in DJ Jamison's Ashe Sentinel Connections series. She has built a world filled with unique and very likable characters and this book is no exception.
Andy Blom is a 20 year old college student doing an unpaid internship at the Sentinel for his college degree. He is asked to do an "evergreen piece" on a local metal artist, Lane Cross. When he arrives, he is startled to see that the man is crafting a daffodil out of metal and Andy is shocked to find that he is very intrigued by the man for more than just his artistic creations.
As they see one another more often for the article, the fact that Lane was married, his wife died and he has a young son to care for by himself comes out and the completely inexperienced Andy is slightly overwhelmed by the feelings he begins to have for both the father and the son.
I loved how the author brought out the fact that the young son, Zach, was acting out with all the babysitters that his father, Lane had hired at various times and liked her even better for the reasons she gave as to why he might not welcome these women into his life.
I do not want to spoil anything by saying more, but this book is a wonderful read, touching on the very real pain and loss of a death of a loved one and it is handled perfectly. DJ Jamison has a new fan in this reader.
Andy Blom is a 20 year old college student doing an unpaid internship at the Sentinel for his college degree. He is asked to do an "evergreen piece" on a local metal artist, Lane Cross. When he arrives, he is startled to see that the man is crafting a daffodil out of metal and Andy is shocked to find that he is very intrigued by the man for more than just his artistic creations.
As they see one another more often for the article, the fact that Lane was married, his wife died and he has a young son to care for by himself comes out and the completely inexperienced Andy is slightly overwhelmed by the feelings he begins to have for both the father and the son.
I loved how the author brought out the fact that the young son, Zach, was acting out with all the babysitters that his father, Lane had hired at various times and liked her even better for the reasons she gave as to why he might not welcome these women into his life.
I do not want to spoil anything by saying more, but this book is a wonderful read, touching on the very real pain and loss of a death of a loved one and it is handled perfectly. DJ Jamison has a new fan in this reader.
February 13, 2017
Great story.
Loved everything about this!!!
Everything!
The instant attraction and how Andy and Lane worked on their relationship was great to watch.
I wanted to smack Chris but he redeemed himself.
Loved everything about this!!!
Everything!
The instant attraction and how Andy and Lane worked on their relationship was great to watch.
I wanted to smack Chris but he redeemed himself.
January 3, 2017
I really enjoyed this story, but an author who is new to me. Andy is an intern, working at a local newspaper during the Winter break from college. When he is asked to go and interview Lane Cross about his metal working, he is stunned by his immediate attraction to the man.
Already struggling with his sexuality, and the recent death of his Mum, Andy doesn't quite know how to deal with Lane and their immediate obvious chemistry.
Although most of the book is set over just a couple of weeks, both Lane and Andy have to deal with quite difficult issues and come to terms with who they are and who they want to be, but their HEA, although not totally assured, is certainly promising.
This book is actually the 4th in the series and I will certainly look for the others now.
Already struggling with his sexuality, and the recent death of his Mum, Andy doesn't quite know how to deal with Lane and their immediate obvious chemistry.
Although most of the book is set over just a couple of weeks, both Lane and Andy have to deal with quite difficult issues and come to terms with who they are and who they want to be, but their HEA, although not totally assured, is certainly promising.
This book is actually the 4th in the series and I will certainly look for the others now.
December 27, 2016
I do love a sweet m/m romance set during the holidays and this didn't disappoint. My main criticism though, is how quickly Andy and Lane's romance gets serious and they are bandying around the 'L' word. Also, Lane coming complete with 6 year old son, Zach, to give Andy an instant family when he doesn't have much himself, was also a bit too convenient for me.
Still, it is a very sweet tale and Lane is bisexual, which was great, as there aren't enough bisexuals portrayed in m/m romance, in my humble opinion! 3 stars
Still, it is a very sweet tale and Lane is bisexual, which was great, as there aren't enough bisexuals portrayed in m/m romance, in my humble opinion! 3 stars
February 27, 2016
A short sweet read.
This is my favourite of the Sentinel series. Some of previous characters play their part.
Andy an newspaper intern still coming to terms with his mother's death and the part of himself he never told her about meets Lane a single father and a builder who works as an artist in metal in spare time.
Both men and Lane's son Zack feel an instant connection but must work through, anger, grief and mistrust.
A nice read for Christmas.
This is my favourite of the Sentinel series. Some of previous characters play their part.
Andy an newspaper intern still coming to terms with his mother's death and the part of himself he never told her about meets Lane a single father and a builder who works as an artist in metal in spare time.
Both men and Lane's son Zack feel an instant connection but must work through, anger, grief and mistrust.
A nice read for Christmas.
November 22, 2016
I think this may be my favorite so far! Even though the falling in love seems very fast to me the characters, emotions and problems come across as very real. Andy is a sweetheart even though he is a little immature. Its understandable though considering how young he is. Lane is also a great character. Being unsure if the choices you make are the right ones for your children is something that every parent struggles with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews