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Traditions
When Marcus and James started dating a few years ago, James invited Marcus home to spend the holidays with his close, Christmas-loving family. Marcus quickly realized once was enough, and since then, he’s stayed behind.
But this year will be different. Though the festivity and chaos make Marcus uncomfortable, he loves James, and he’s decided to put aside his unease so they can spend Christmas together—even if it means losing his hotel room to one of James’s siblings, braving the cold to go caroling, and battling the crowds so the children can visit Santa. It’ll all be worth it if Marcus can take his place in the family’s traditions—and maybe begin a new tradition for the two of them.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2016 Advent Calendar "Bah Humbug."
39 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2016
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23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 10, 2016
3.5 stars
Since this short holiday story features an established couple who has been together for several years as well as promise of a surprise from Marcus to his lover, James, I already had a feeling on how it would end. I am sure other readers will do too.
The most important thing is how Marcus gets there and I thought that process was sweet. I loved Marcus attempts to keep the surprise from James; roping help from his future father-in-law. The end result made me literally went awwww.
James’ family seems to embrace the spirit of Christmas in 110% -- they are really big in traditions, including no PDA around the house. Definitely put a blocker on Marcus and James wanting to get some sexy times.
I did like James’ family. They welcome Marcus with ease, James’ mother even insists on Marcus calling her “Mom”. So yes, there might be that no-PDA rule, but I don’t think it’s strictly for the gay couple, but also applies for their other children and their spouses.
I enjoyed spending time, despite it being quick, with this couple and the rest of the family. I just wish that Anderson adds a couple of more pages in the end because I kind of wanting to see prolonged reactions from all the characters.
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Since this short holiday story features an established couple who has been together for several years as well as promise of a surprise from Marcus to his lover, James, I already had a feeling on how it would end. I am sure other readers will do too.
The most important thing is how Marcus gets there and I thought that process was sweet. I loved Marcus attempts to keep the surprise from James; roping help from his future father-in-law. The end result made me literally went awwww.
James’ family seems to embrace the spirit of Christmas in 110% -- they are really big in traditions, including no PDA around the house. Definitely put a blocker on Marcus and James wanting to get some sexy times.
I did like James’ family. They welcome Marcus with ease, James’ mother even insists on Marcus calling her “Mom”. So yes, there might be that no-PDA rule, but I don’t think it’s strictly for the gay couple, but also applies for their other children and their spouses.
I enjoyed spending time, despite it being quick, with this couple and the rest of the family. I just wish that Anderson adds a couple of more pages in the end because I kind of wanting to see prolonged reactions from all the characters.
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
January 5, 2017
I think I am a bit like Marcus. The whole huge family thing stresses me out now. I confess I grew up with it and probably could adjust more easily, but now I'm used to quite times and the absolute NEED to have something happen in order for it to be Christmas makes me stressed.
I wasn't sure about the no PDA thing. Was it for all kids? Only unmarried kids? At one point Marcus thought it was more strictly enforced for him and James than for the others. Maybe he just perceived it that way but I thought it was a dumb rule. Why would it not be acceptable for children to see their parents kiss each other and say thanks at Christmas or hold hands? I understand no making out, but that didn't seem to be the case. They weren't 12 years old. They had been living together for years.
I did like how he surprised James on the plane. That was cute. But on the whole I found the whole family a bit too much for me, even on the page. I would have been hiding out somewhere to get a breather.
I wasn't sure about the no PDA thing. Was it for all kids? Only unmarried kids? At one point Marcus thought it was more strictly enforced for him and James than for the others. Maybe he just perceived it that way but I thought it was a dumb rule. Why would it not be acceptable for children to see their parents kiss each other and say thanks at Christmas or hold hands? I understand no making out, but that didn't seem to be the case. They weren't 12 years old. They had been living together for years.
I did like how he surprised James on the plane. That was cute. But on the whole I found the whole family a bit too much for me, even on the page. I would have been hiding out somewhere to get a breather.
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December 18, 2016 4 Hearts
A sweet low angst story about established couple, Marcus and James and all the traditions that you bring into a relationship and the new ones you make together.
James’ family is OTT when it comes to Christmas; the decorations, the caroling, the visits to Santa and the “under our roof” house rules. Marcus, he had one year of it and that was about all he could handle but after years of letting James go solo, he decides this year will be different.
Marcus and James are a great couple and I love it when we get an established couple that is still so in love with one another. I was eagerly waiting to see what gift Marcus had for James and how James would react and it was super sweet to see how much Marcus was doing so that James would have the best Christmas ever with his whole family and his lover. Another winner in this years Advent Calendar.
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We Unicorn's are reviewing the Dreamspinner 2016 Advent Calendar every Sunday, Jizzmas gang bang style on the blog with the unis who are Santa Jizzians and the Grumpicorns. Check out the rest of the reviews for this story here...
A sweet low angst story about established couple, Marcus and James and all the traditions that you bring into a relationship and the new ones you make together.
James’ family is OTT when it comes to Christmas; the decorations, the caroling, the visits to Santa and the “under our roof” house rules. Marcus, he had one year of it and that was about all he could handle but after years of letting James go solo, he decides this year will be different.
...but if he wanted to impress James, then he needed to suck it up. And he wanted this to be a fantastic memory for both of them.
Marcus and James are a great couple and I love it when we get an established couple that is still so in love with one another. I was eagerly waiting to see what gift Marcus had for James and how James would react and it was super sweet to see how much Marcus was doing so that James would have the best Christmas ever with his whole family and his lover. Another winner in this years Advent Calendar.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
We Unicorn's are reviewing the Dreamspinner 2016 Advent Calendar every Sunday, Jizzmas gang bang style on the blog with the unis who are Santa Jizzians and the Grumpicorns. Check out the rest of the reviews for this story here...
December 10, 2016
That's the Christmas spirit!
Traditions by Ann Anderson was my first book by this author and one of my favorite stories of this year DSP Advent Calendar. I love reading about established couples cause it can be easy to find a HEA but it’s harder to make it works during the years. It’s good to know how two people met and how they achieved their HEA, sometimes it’s better to know what happens later.
I liked Marcus and James’ story. James’ family is huge and a little too much in the Christmas mood, with too many lights to hang, too many carols to hear and sing and too many presents to gift. That is what scared Marcus the first Christmas he spent with them as James’ boyfriend, so much he avoided joining them in the last years. But it’s a family full of love and this year Marcus has a plan he can act only with the help of James’ father.
A very good and sweet story. Plus I loved the ending, being a romantic at heart, it was a winner to me.
Highly recommended.
The cover art by Paul Richmond is simply amazing as everything he does.
Traditions by Ann Anderson was my first book by this author and one of my favorite stories of this year DSP Advent Calendar. I love reading about established couples cause it can be easy to find a HEA but it’s harder to make it works during the years. It’s good to know how two people met and how they achieved their HEA, sometimes it’s better to know what happens later.
I liked Marcus and James’ story. James’ family is huge and a little too much in the Christmas mood, with too many lights to hang, too many carols to hear and sing and too many presents to gift. That is what scared Marcus the first Christmas he spent with them as James’ boyfriend, so much he avoided joining them in the last years. But it’s a family full of love and this year Marcus has a plan he can act only with the help of James’ father.
A very good and sweet story. Plus I loved the ending, being a romantic at heart, it was a winner to me.
Highly recommended.
The cover art by Paul Richmond is simply amazing as everything he does.
October 20, 2017
This is a heartwarming, with family, family 'rules', and what is family means to some people.
This actually cute, how James and Marcus 'must' put on hold their 'funny business' because...rules!
Kinda like my father's rules back then, but yeah, with children around, it was make sense.
But some stealing moments made this one worth reading, and how Marcus finally realized how much James's family means to him.
Isn't it about time to make a 'conspiracy'?
Oh yeah, it's well done and this holiday, everyone's happy with something worth waiting for in the near future.
Recommended.
* I was given the ARC by the publisher for an honest and unbiased review.*
This actually cute, how James and Marcus 'must' put on hold their 'funny business' because...rules!
Kinda like my father's rules back then, but yeah, with children around, it was make sense.
But some stealing moments made this one worth reading, and how Marcus finally realized how much James's family means to him.
Isn't it about time to make a 'conspiracy'?
Oh yeah, it's well done and this holiday, everyone's happy with something worth waiting for in the near future.
Recommended.
* I was given the ARC by the publisher for an honest and unbiased review.*
December 28, 2016
Marcus is not a scrooge, it’s just the sheer amount of Christmas Cheer that his boyfriend’s family packs into the holidays is enough to send a Hallmark movie into a sugar coma. Which is why he has ducked out of the holiday festivities for the last few years. But this year he has a special gift for his boyfriend and a Tradition to uphold. Even if he has to help herd children on trips to see Santa and stand in the freezing cold at 5am to help put up more Christmas lights than any house could need, Marcus is determined to give James the most perfect Christmas gift ever.
This was very much a sugar cookie in book form–sweet and addictive. And over much too quickly.
I enjoyed this short story. I found both Marcus and James to be interesting characters, and the various family members helped make this story easy to consume in one bite. Can’t say that my family has many Christmas Traditions, but I really liked reading about these ones. And Marcus’ grumpy reluctance was a lot more fun because of it (though, really, who actually enjoys visiting mall-Santas–especially when your the adult in charge of the ravening hordes of children?).
This might have been short, but what there was well written and I liked it. Seemed like the perfect book to curl up with as your family is around you and you need a few moments away from the craziness that is the holidays.
3.5 stars
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.
This was very much a sugar cookie in book form–sweet and addictive. And over much too quickly.
I enjoyed this short story. I found both Marcus and James to be interesting characters, and the various family members helped make this story easy to consume in one bite. Can’t say that my family has many Christmas Traditions, but I really liked reading about these ones. And Marcus’ grumpy reluctance was a lot more fun because of it (though, really, who actually enjoys visiting mall-Santas–especially when your the adult in charge of the ravening hordes of children?).
This might have been short, but what there was well written and I liked it. Seemed like the perfect book to curl up with as your family is around you and you need a few moments away from the craziness that is the holidays.
3.5 stars
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.
January 5, 2018
Marcus and James have been together for a while. Marcus is not used to the chaos that is a big family Christmas, so traditionally he stays home while James visits his family. This year though, he surprises James and joins him on the annual trip to see James’ family. James is touched because he knows how uncomfortable all of the family togetherness makes Marcus.
The family is its usual loud boisterous self and Marcus has booked a hotel room so that at least he and James and escape when they need a break. James family is welcoming to Marcus, but they have this weird no PDA rule that feels a bit repressive to Marcus as well. Apparently his family was not accepting of his being gay and this “rule” doesn’t really sit well with Marcus. James’s siblings and their families arrive and there is more chaos.
James’s father is also obsessed with the Christmas lights and the whole family is afraid he’s going to injure himself putting them up. James and Marcus get roped into helping him. But Marcus is actually Ok with that because he has a little something special he’s like some help with.
To be honest, this story felt a little flat to me. There is nothing wrong with the story or with the writing. There are cute moments and I enjoyed the ending, but I just felt like something was missing. I’m not sure what it was. Perhaps it was my mood at the time I read the story. It’s short and sweet, but I guess I just wanted more. As usual, your mileage may vary.
The family is its usual loud boisterous self and Marcus has booked a hotel room so that at least he and James and escape when they need a break. James family is welcoming to Marcus, but they have this weird no PDA rule that feels a bit repressive to Marcus as well. Apparently his family was not accepting of his being gay and this “rule” doesn’t really sit well with Marcus. James’s siblings and their families arrive and there is more chaos.
James’s father is also obsessed with the Christmas lights and the whole family is afraid he’s going to injure himself putting them up. James and Marcus get roped into helping him. But Marcus is actually Ok with that because he has a little something special he’s like some help with.
To be honest, this story felt a little flat to me. There is nothing wrong with the story or with the writing. There are cute moments and I enjoyed the ending, but I just felt like something was missing. I’m not sure what it was. Perhaps it was my mood at the time I read the story. It’s short and sweet, but I guess I just wanted more. As usual, your mileage may vary.
December 13, 2016
Each family’s Christmas traditions are different, but there are a few common elements. Sharing the joy, the laughter, the gifts, and the chaos are a few of them. Marcus in ‘Traditions’ comes from a much smaller family than his partner James, and even though his own family rejected him for being gay and James’s family has fully accepted him, Marcus was completely overwhelmed the one time he accompanied James. He has not been back since and James, while sad that Marcus won’t share this part of his life, has made the trip on his own for a few years.
This year everything changes.
Marcus is still uncomfortable with the idea of all the chaos, but he has come to a decision. Sharing Christmas, never mind the mayhem, is part of what Marcus has planned, and he is determined to make it work. I loved the secrecy with which he sets his plan into motion, and even though I was pretty sure I’d figured out what he was up to, I really enjoyed seeing it happen. The way he integrates his idea into the family traditions is beautiful, and the result – including James’s reaction – is priceless.
If you like sweet, romantic stories, if watching someone else’s Christmas chaos is your thing, and if you’re looking for a read full of love in all its various incarnations, then you will probably like this super cute short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
This year everything changes.
Marcus is still uncomfortable with the idea of all the chaos, but he has come to a decision. Sharing Christmas, never mind the mayhem, is part of what Marcus has planned, and he is determined to make it work. I loved the secrecy with which he sets his plan into motion, and even though I was pretty sure I’d figured out what he was up to, I really enjoyed seeing it happen. The way he integrates his idea into the family traditions is beautiful, and the result – including James’s reaction – is priceless.
If you like sweet, romantic stories, if watching someone else’s Christmas chaos is your thing, and if you’re looking for a read full of love in all its various incarnations, then you will probably like this super cute short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
December 3, 2017
Dual review with Ami on The Blogger Girls
This book was a lot of fun. I really liked that James’ family had such Christmas traditions and that the whole family participated in the traditions. It was sweet seeing how much Marcus wanted to make this season really special for James and I so very much loved James’ parents! Especially his father, who was so set on getting the outside lights up and just didn’t have the time. I also liked that the family really loved Marcus and embraced him so much that they missed him during all the other years he missed.
While I adored the story, I wish it had been longer. It sucks that these stories are so short because I really wish we could really get into them. Aside from that, there were random sentences about other traditions or certain things that weren’t elaborated on that left me a bit confused.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and I loved James’ family, especially his father. I’ll definitely be looking into more books by this author and readers should definitely give this one a go if they’re looking for something quick and sweet!
This book was a lot of fun. I really liked that James’ family had such Christmas traditions and that the whole family participated in the traditions. It was sweet seeing how much Marcus wanted to make this season really special for James and I so very much loved James’ parents! Especially his father, who was so set on getting the outside lights up and just didn’t have the time. I also liked that the family really loved Marcus and embraced him so much that they missed him during all the other years he missed.
While I adored the story, I wish it had been longer. It sucks that these stories are so short because I really wish we could really get into them. Aside from that, there were random sentences about other traditions or certain things that weren’t elaborated on that left me a bit confused.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and I loved James’ family, especially his father. I’ll definitely be looking into more books by this author and readers should definitely give this one a go if they’re looking for something quick and sweet!
November 24, 2017
3/3.5* for this warm story, despite the snow and grumpy Marcus and James’ family with their unfortunate timing and odd house rules!
Marcus has been overwhelmed by James’ family in the past but comes for Christmas to be able to give James his best present.
Marcus has been overwhelmed by James’ family in the past but comes for Christmas to be able to give James his best present.
December 7, 2016
2.5 stars
December 27, 2016
Cute story but totally predictable ending.
December 11, 2016
James, of 'Traditions' by Ann Anderson, is sad that his lover, Marcus, doesn't want to spend Christmas with him at his family's house, but he understands that Marcus isn't used to all the noise and confusion that's inevitable with having so many people under one roof. Marcus doesn't comprehend the significance of his family's Christmas customs or why they continue. But this year, Marcus decides, because it is so important to James, he's going to give it another try.
When they arrive, his family is delighted that Marcus has come but them being there immediately causes a complication. Since one of the family customs is that everyone is to sleep “under one roof”, there isn't room for James and Marcus. Fortunately, they have reserved a room at a nearby hotel. Determined to get into the holiday spirit, Marcus takes in stride things that drove him to distraction before, i.e., James's father's rule of “no funny business under this roof”; getting “attacked” by the kids; fighting the crowds to see Santa on Christmas Eve; and, ultimately, giving up their small bastion of peace and privacy, giving up their hotel when a family member gets sick.
Coming from a family who threw him out years ago when he announced that he was gay, Marcus marvels over James's family and how much they love each other. This year, Marcus is determined to see beyond the noise, inconvenience, and crowded conditions to grasp some of the meaning behind all the “chaos” of the family who opened their arms and hearts to him and, in one grand, sweeping manner, give more of it back.
This story touched my heart. My parents are no longer with me but what I would not give to have one more Christmas with them; another chance for things to be the way they were when I was young. It would be beyond wonderful to take part in the family attending a midnight candle service together, to marvel at my father's “perfectly” decorated tree, to savor my mother's scrumptious cooking, and, most of all, to be able to be in their loving embrace, one more time. Traditions are an essential part of preserving the love and closeness of families. Making memories that will last far into the future, recollections that live in our hearts forever are extremely important. Thanks, Ann, for the wonderful Christmas story and for helping me recapture some of my happiness of times past.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
When they arrive, his family is delighted that Marcus has come but them being there immediately causes a complication. Since one of the family customs is that everyone is to sleep “under one roof”, there isn't room for James and Marcus. Fortunately, they have reserved a room at a nearby hotel. Determined to get into the holiday spirit, Marcus takes in stride things that drove him to distraction before, i.e., James's father's rule of “no funny business under this roof”; getting “attacked” by the kids; fighting the crowds to see Santa on Christmas Eve; and, ultimately, giving up their small bastion of peace and privacy, giving up their hotel when a family member gets sick.
Coming from a family who threw him out years ago when he announced that he was gay, Marcus marvels over James's family and how much they love each other. This year, Marcus is determined to see beyond the noise, inconvenience, and crowded conditions to grasp some of the meaning behind all the “chaos” of the family who opened their arms and hearts to him and, in one grand, sweeping manner, give more of it back.
This story touched my heart. My parents are no longer with me but what I would not give to have one more Christmas with them; another chance for things to be the way they were when I was young. It would be beyond wonderful to take part in the family attending a midnight candle service together, to marvel at my father's “perfectly” decorated tree, to savor my mother's scrumptious cooking, and, most of all, to be able to be in their loving embrace, one more time. Traditions are an essential part of preserving the love and closeness of families. Making memories that will last far into the future, recollections that live in our hearts forever are extremely important. Thanks, Ann, for the wonderful Christmas story and for helping me recapture some of my happiness of times past.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 13, 2016
I love all the thought Marcus puts into making this Christmas special for James. I also like how he makes sure that he respects and follows James' family tradition. It was great to see an establish couple still take the effort to make things even better.
December 23, 2016
Great holiday short story.
Marcus and James have been together for a few years, and spending one Christmas with James's family is more than enough. Every year Marcus comes up with an excuse to not go, but this year he wants things to be different, he's hoping that they can start some traditions of their own. In order to pull off his plan he will need the help of James's whole family.
Super sweet holiday engagement story, is there anything better?!? I love when the whole family gets involved, it just makes it that much more special.
Marcus and James have been together for a few years, and spending one Christmas with James's family is more than enough. Every year Marcus comes up with an excuse to not go, but this year he wants things to be different, he's hoping that they can start some traditions of their own. In order to pull off his plan he will need the help of James's whole family.
Super sweet holiday engagement story, is there anything better?!? I love when the whole family gets involved, it just makes it that much more special.
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