What do you think?
Rate this book
Love and Snowball Fights
Lane Freeman supposed there were worse places to be dumped than a place named Christmas Valley. After being ejected from the foster care system, he spent the past five years hitchhiking and moving around. But six months of a steady job at Tal’s Bar and Grill, an apartment, and even a three-legged cat have him almost ready to risk putting down a few roots when Tal’s brother comes home for the holidays.
Dallas firefighter Trey Jenkins reluctantly accepts that Lane isn’t like the other drifters who’ve come through his brother’s place. A fragile attraction begins to bloom between them in spite of the many reasons they each have to fight it. Trey wants to give Lane a family, but experience has taught Lane to depend on no one but himself. Will winter love burn hot in the town called Christmas Valley or will Lane return to his wandering ways?
Dallas firefighter Trey Jenkins reluctantly accepts that Lane isn’t like the other drifters who’ve come through his brother’s place. A fragile attraction begins to bloom between them in spite of the many reasons they each have to fight it. Trey wants to give Lane a family, but experience has taught Lane to depend on no one but himself. Will winter love burn hot in the town called Christmas Valley or will Lane return to his wandering ways?
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2016
52 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Loveless
19 books372 followersJ.R. Loveless began her adventure in writing romance at the young age of twelve. Her foray into creating her own worlds and telling her characters’ life stories was triggered by her own love of reading. She currently resides in South Florida with her dog and two cats, volunteers for an animal rescue in her spare time, and works as a manager for a financial lending institute. Someday she hopes to begin writing as a full-time career and bringing more of her ideas to life.
Her journey into gay romance began in 2005 when she began posting her original fiction on a forum for feedback and readers’ pleasure. In 2010, a good friend urged her to submit to a publishing company, and the day she received the acceptance and contract was the best day of her life. Since then, she has been noted to be one of the most purchased audio books after Fifty Shades of Grey on Audiobook.com, received best gay romantic fiction for Touch Me Gently in the 2011 TLA Gaybies, and even received an award for Chasing Seth in 2012.
J.R. adores her fans and loves hearing from them.
Please subscribe to her website for Newsletters, Blog Post updates, and more! Receive a free short friends to lovers novelette titled White Rain just for subscribing! www.jrloveless.com
Also, if you're on Facebook, her reader group receives exclusive first looks, exclusive WIP snippets, and general interaction with polls, questions, pics, and even some giveaways! http://www.facebook.com/groups/justre...
Her journey into gay romance began in 2005 when she began posting her original fiction on a forum for feedback and readers’ pleasure. In 2010, a good friend urged her to submit to a publishing company, and the day she received the acceptance and contract was the best day of her life. Since then, she has been noted to be one of the most purchased audio books after Fifty Shades of Grey on Audiobook.com, received best gay romantic fiction for Touch Me Gently in the 2011 TLA Gaybies, and even received an award for Chasing Seth in 2012.
J.R. adores her fans and loves hearing from them.
Please subscribe to her website for Newsletters, Blog Post updates, and more! Receive a free short friends to lovers novelette titled White Rain just for subscribing! www.jrloveless.com
Also, if you're on Facebook, her reader group receives exclusive first looks, exclusive WIP snippets, and general interaction with polls, questions, pics, and even some giveaways! http://www.facebook.com/groups/justre...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 20, 2017
Lovely .... *sighing happily*
I remember those good ol' day when I feel my story is something worth reading for.
I felt the same way about this book. The chemistry with (once a bully) Trey and Lane was built from the start.
The way Lane reacted to Trey were strong but he denied that because, you know, it's not easy loving someone just to have to lose them again.
Lane didn't want it to happen. But Trey is one determined guy, he broke his promise to Lane so many times not to touch him, not that I'm complained...and this words from Trey was kinda aww-ing sweet....
""I want to do what you asked of me, to keep my hands to myself, but you make it so hard by being so damn beautiful"
Who can resist such words? Not Lane, not me, not everyone of you I assume...
This is a sweet holiday story with holiday spirit, with a little beliefs that long distance relationship could work out.
I loved how it ended, at least part of it, don't worry, they have their HEA and I'm happy.
My only complain is, the little twist right at the end of the story, I don't think Trey and Lane needed it. But, I'm glad everything's okay in the end.
* I received the ARC from Dreamspinner Press for an honest and fair review.*
December 10, 2019
2.5 Stars
Meh. I've had some great reads this past couple of weeks and so my expectations are pretty high, but I just didn't connect with this one.
Meh. I've had some great reads this past couple of weeks and so my expectations are pretty high, but I just didn't connect with this one.
December 15, 2016
What I expected.
Another sweet story by Loveless. My sweet tooth is satisfied. Review to follow.
Loveless writes the kind of characters I can't help sighing and falling in love with. Lane, is of course, sweet, gentle and kind. Life has thrown him a harsh curveball that has made him shy, uncertain and timid. Lane has also given up on finding what his heart desires most in life... happiness, companionship, and family. Despite his depressing life, Lane is still a good person. He doesn't allow his circumstances to make him bitter, mean or conniving. Needless to say, I instantly fell in love with him and just wanted to mother hen and protect him.
Then there's Trey, Lane's handsome firefighting brother from Dallas. Trey, trusts no one. Especially drifters who come in and out of his brother's restaurant, exploiting Tal's generosity to help those in need. Trey thinks Lane is putting on an act but the more he interacts with Lane, he finally realizes that Lane is exactly who presents himself to be. Trey is instantly drawn but given his brash nature and intimidating size, Lane is attracted and uneasy being around the sexy firefighter.
I found myself saying awe a few times. I already knew this story would be sticky sweet and perfect. I wasn't expecting anything more than what was on the page and it was perfect in its straight forward simplicity.
If you're looking for a sticky sweet romance, look no further than this book. It's guaranteed to warm and melt your heart. Loved it.
Another sweet story by Loveless. My sweet tooth is satisfied. Review to follow.
Loveless writes the kind of characters I can't help sighing and falling in love with. Lane, is of course, sweet, gentle and kind. Life has thrown him a harsh curveball that has made him shy, uncertain and timid. Lane has also given up on finding what his heart desires most in life... happiness, companionship, and family. Despite his depressing life, Lane is still a good person. He doesn't allow his circumstances to make him bitter, mean or conniving. Needless to say, I instantly fell in love with him and just wanted to mother hen and protect him.
Then there's Trey, Lane's handsome firefighting brother from Dallas. Trey, trusts no one. Especially drifters who come in and out of his brother's restaurant, exploiting Tal's generosity to help those in need. Trey thinks Lane is putting on an act but the more he interacts with Lane, he finally realizes that Lane is exactly who presents himself to be. Trey is instantly drawn but given his brash nature and intimidating size, Lane is attracted and uneasy being around the sexy firefighter.
I found myself saying awe a few times. I already knew this story would be sticky sweet and perfect. I wasn't expecting anything more than what was on the page and it was perfect in its straight forward simplicity.
If you're looking for a sticky sweet romance, look no further than this book. It's guaranteed to warm and melt your heart. Loved it.
December 19, 2016
Ooohhhh this was a tough one! I loved Lane and the chemistry between him and Trey started off strong and only got stronger from there, but I had a really hard time warming up to Trey as a character.
Now, in all fairness, I understand that Trey is very loyal to his family and that any nastiness toward Lane was just in defense of his brother, but I still had a hard time liking him after he treated Lane with so much disrespect. There’s something about bullies that really just gets to me.
But, despite his initial doucheyness, Trey actually turned out to be a pretty good guy. He was protective and a tough judge of character but once you were in his inner circle, you were there for life. He was determined and passionate and committed.
And that scared Lane. As a boy, Lane had only known abandonment and abuse, so meeting someone like Trey (and his brother Tal) completely threw him off balance. He wasn’t used to having someone care about him enough to go out of their way to help him just because they wanted to. And in that way, I think Trey was good for him.
I started warming up to Trey and finally forgiving him for his crappy introduction about half-way through the book. He and Lane had a rough start, but Trey seemed determined to make it up to him and prove that he wasn’t out to hurt him.
And oh, the chemistry between these two!!! Lane was that shy boy who was actually a little more experienced than he let on and Trey was the man who was always in control, until he met Lane. Trey couldn’t keep his hands to himself and despite Lane’s insistence that they keep to themselves and not start something that would end the moment Trey’s vacation ended, he always found himself at a loss for words the moment Trey’s body touched his own.
There is a little bit of tragedy and angst sprinkled throughout this novel, but the overwhelming majority is happiness, sexual tension, and A+ snowball fights. This one definitely gets a thumbs up from me!
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
Now, in all fairness, I understand that Trey is very loyal to his family and that any nastiness toward Lane was just in defense of his brother, but I still had a hard time liking him after he treated Lane with so much disrespect. There’s something about bullies that really just gets to me.
But, despite his initial doucheyness, Trey actually turned out to be a pretty good guy. He was protective and a tough judge of character but once you were in his inner circle, you were there for life. He was determined and passionate and committed.
And that scared Lane. As a boy, Lane had only known abandonment and abuse, so meeting someone like Trey (and his brother Tal) completely threw him off balance. He wasn’t used to having someone care about him enough to go out of their way to help him just because they wanted to. And in that way, I think Trey was good for him.
I started warming up to Trey and finally forgiving him for his crappy introduction about half-way through the book. He and Lane had a rough start, but Trey seemed determined to make it up to him and prove that he wasn’t out to hurt him.
And oh, the chemistry between these two!!! Lane was that shy boy who was actually a little more experienced than he let on and Trey was the man who was always in control, until he met Lane. Trey couldn’t keep his hands to himself and despite Lane’s insistence that they keep to themselves and not start something that would end the moment Trey’s vacation ended, he always found himself at a loss for words the moment Trey’s body touched his own.
There is a little bit of tragedy and angst sprinkled throughout this novel, but the overwhelming majority is happiness, sexual tension, and A+ snowball fights. This one definitely gets a thumbs up from me!
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
October 23, 2022
Warning, this is going to be long and ranty.
Alrighty, where do I start? Right now, I'm on page 12 and this is a DNF for me. I rarely ever DNF a book but there's so much that doesn't work for me in it already I don't think I can push myself through this. I'm getting unpleasant visceral reactions on the characters' actions. I'll explain why they bother me so much.
The easiest part to discuss first is the unending monologue. There is hardly any dialogue for the first 12 pages. It's, Lane did this in great detail, then Lane thought this again in great detail, followed by Lane felt this in detail. It's too much. It just goes on and on. What I've read so far feels forced and too planned. Even the characters feel like they've been planned to a formula to maximize the feels from the reader. I like stories to flow as if they had a mind of their own. This one doesn't.
From here on is a detailed reason why the story doesn't work for me, and since I have to go into some detail. I dislike the monologue, but what bothers me the most, are the characters. In the short time I've read the story, I find all of them quite disturbing. Lane has been a vagabond until he settles in Christmas Valley. He works at a restaurant owned by Tal who is one of the only people who can get Lane to talk. Lane has been abused in the past and gets panic attacks, expects to get hit, yelled at, etc. The author writes him as almost totally helpless and wounded to the point that Lane is almost incapable of functioning. He's too unrealistic for me. As for Tal, the boss, the friend. He knows Lane's history, but when he mothers Lane, he yells at him about why Lane isn't looking after himself. Tal doesn't speak gently or move slowly. He's supposed to be this great, kind person but he must be clueless on how to behave around someone with Lane's issues.
Then there's Trey, Tal's brother who shows up all in Lane's face. Aggressive, bullying, oversteps Lane's boundaries such as he has, and touches Lane, which unnerves him to the point he vomits. Lane fears he has to leave Christmas Valley because of Trey. Finally, Tal has a shouting argument with Trey and Trey apologizes to Lane. How? By sneaking up on him, grabbing his hand and not letting go of his hand when Lane tries to pull away. Then again, Trey practically begs Lane to forgive him, then forces money on Lane that he doesn't want. I mean come on, that is so disrespectful! Symbolically, Trey is trying to buy Lane's forgiveness. A truly heartfelt apology and backing off, would have worked better. Trey has absolutely no respect for the small boundaries Lane has erected. Trey refuses to take no for an answer, whatever Lane says or wants, he overrides either by pushing verbally or physically. It's as if Lane is subject to whatever Trey wants to do, no choice, and to some extent, Tal. Think about it. If Lane was a waitress or a woman at a bar and some guy came up to her and did what Trey did to Lane, what would he be called? Even if the guy came up to the woman later, said he was sorry and grabbed her so she couldn’t leave in order to make his point, then offered her money? He’d be a creeper, a harasser and someone would call the police or a bouncer. How can it be wrong if a man does it to a woman, but somehow doing it to a man in a story is acceptable? Is this somehow supposed to be romantic? Abusers and bullies have no respect for boundaries and writing characters like this, hints that this action is acceptable, especially from the other reviews I read, that Trey continues to behave this way even after Lane tells him he doesn’t like being touched. It’s all about Trey making excuses and doing what he wants. I don’t believe this kind of behavior from a fictional character should be put out into the world and made to sound romantic/okay. It’s not acceptable, romantic or okay. It’s an example of the new term going around, ‘toxic masculinity’.
The behavior of Trey against Lane even after he learns from Tal whatever Tal told him, is inappropriate. The actions are of someone who is aggressive and reminds me of a bully/abuser. There is no excuse good enough to disregard someone's physical boundaries if they don't want to be touched except to help an injured or dying person. I am not down for a story of an abused MC with an aggressive MC who is characterized as misguided and just forgive him and all is well.
The few interactions I've read between the characters disturbs me enough it unsettles my stomach. I know some people say if a story is DNF then don't rate it. I don't feel that way. I got enough of an impression from the style of writing, the characters and how the author was portraying those characters. It's enough for me to know that this story absolutely does not work for me. The interaction between the characters, which is too close to abusive/aggressive without respect, cinches my opinion. I know there are better written stories of damaged men who have men interested in them and who respect them. I can immediately think of one such book with a more realistic and better example of such a relationship. Take a read of Ofelia Grand’s Once in May.
I can only give Love and Snowball Fights, 1 Star and wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I wish I could get my money back.
Alrighty, where do I start? Right now, I'm on page 12 and this is a DNF for me. I rarely ever DNF a book but there's so much that doesn't work for me in it already I don't think I can push myself through this. I'm getting unpleasant visceral reactions on the characters' actions. I'll explain why they bother me so much.
The easiest part to discuss first is the unending monologue. There is hardly any dialogue for the first 12 pages. It's, Lane did this in great detail, then Lane thought this again in great detail, followed by Lane felt this in detail. It's too much. It just goes on and on. What I've read so far feels forced and too planned. Even the characters feel like they've been planned to a formula to maximize the feels from the reader. I like stories to flow as if they had a mind of their own. This one doesn't.
From here on is a detailed reason why the story doesn't work for me, and since I have to go into some detail. I dislike the monologue, but what bothers me the most, are the characters. In the short time I've read the story, I find all of them quite disturbing. Lane has been a vagabond until he settles in Christmas Valley. He works at a restaurant owned by Tal who is one of the only people who can get Lane to talk. Lane has been abused in the past and gets panic attacks, expects to get hit, yelled at, etc. The author writes him as almost totally helpless and wounded to the point that Lane is almost incapable of functioning. He's too unrealistic for me. As for Tal, the boss, the friend. He knows Lane's history, but when he mothers Lane, he yells at him about why Lane isn't looking after himself. Tal doesn't speak gently or move slowly. He's supposed to be this great, kind person but he must be clueless on how to behave around someone with Lane's issues.
Then there's Trey, Tal's brother who shows up all in Lane's face. Aggressive, bullying, oversteps Lane's boundaries such as he has, and touches Lane, which unnerves him to the point he vomits. Lane fears he has to leave Christmas Valley because of Trey. Finally, Tal has a shouting argument with Trey and Trey apologizes to Lane. How? By sneaking up on him, grabbing his hand and not letting go of his hand when Lane tries to pull away. Then again, Trey practically begs Lane to forgive him, then forces money on Lane that he doesn't want. I mean come on, that is so disrespectful! Symbolically, Trey is trying to buy Lane's forgiveness. A truly heartfelt apology and backing off, would have worked better. Trey has absolutely no respect for the small boundaries Lane has erected. Trey refuses to take no for an answer, whatever Lane says or wants, he overrides either by pushing verbally or physically. It's as if Lane is subject to whatever Trey wants to do, no choice, and to some extent, Tal. Think about it. If Lane was a waitress or a woman at a bar and some guy came up to her and did what Trey did to Lane, what would he be called? Even if the guy came up to the woman later, said he was sorry and grabbed her so she couldn’t leave in order to make his point, then offered her money? He’d be a creeper, a harasser and someone would call the police or a bouncer. How can it be wrong if a man does it to a woman, but somehow doing it to a man in a story is acceptable? Is this somehow supposed to be romantic? Abusers and bullies have no respect for boundaries and writing characters like this, hints that this action is acceptable, especially from the other reviews I read, that Trey continues to behave this way even after Lane tells him he doesn’t like being touched. It’s all about Trey making excuses and doing what he wants. I don’t believe this kind of behavior from a fictional character should be put out into the world and made to sound romantic/okay. It’s not acceptable, romantic or okay. It’s an example of the new term going around, ‘toxic masculinity’.
The behavior of Trey against Lane even after he learns from Tal whatever Tal told him, is inappropriate. The actions are of someone who is aggressive and reminds me of a bully/abuser. There is no excuse good enough to disregard someone's physical boundaries if they don't want to be touched except to help an injured or dying person. I am not down for a story of an abused MC with an aggressive MC who is characterized as misguided and just forgive him and all is well.
The few interactions I've read between the characters disturbs me enough it unsettles my stomach. I know some people say if a story is DNF then don't rate it. I don't feel that way. I got enough of an impression from the style of writing, the characters and how the author was portraying those characters. It's enough for me to know that this story absolutely does not work for me. The interaction between the characters, which is too close to abusive/aggressive without respect, cinches my opinion. I know there are better written stories of damaged men who have men interested in them and who respect them. I can immediately think of one such book with a more realistic and better example of such a relationship. Take a read of Ofelia Grand’s Once in May.
I can only give Love and Snowball Fights, 1 Star and wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I wish I could get my money back.
February 10, 2017
This review and much more can be found at The Novel Approach
Lane has had a tough life. He lost his parents at a young age and then went into the foster care system, was outed as gay and then rejected by not only his foster family but the guy he had felt safe with, too. He’s been on the streets, but he’s found a place at Tal’s Bar and Grill where he’s had a steady job for six months, an apartment, and even a three-legged cat that he’s taken in. But it looks like all that may be over when Tal’s brother Trey comes home for the holidays, and threatens Lane right out of the gate.
Lane is terrified of Trey. Literally. Like, he loses his lunch after being threatened. He’s practically afraid of his own shadow, so a big, intimidating fireman is definitely a problem. But once Tal gets the idea of what’s happened, and is determined that Lane not have a setback from all the progress he’s made, Trey does try to apologize and get to know Lane. He doesn’t understand the hell that Lane has been through, and he inadvertently keeps doing things that scare Lane. Turns out he’s attracted to Lane, and he is having a hard time keeping his hands to himself. He wants to protect Lane, but he has a hard time doing that without steamrolling his way through life.
When a major storm comes through at Christmas, Trey insists on taking Lane home. And, with a lot of not great luck, things go a bit wrong. They end up stuck together during the storm. Trey tries to convince Lane that he can trust him, but it seems to be one steps forward, two steps back every time he tries. Lane is just so skittish with everything, and Trey is afraid he has just screwed everything up.
Over the course of a couple of weeks, Trey and Lane try to build a tenuous friendship, and maybe more. But Trey has a life in Texas, and Lane is just finally feeling a little bit stable. There certainly are a lot of hurdles to overcome, and Lane has to decide if it’s worth the potential heartache to try to make a go of it with Trey.
While this story felt a bit predictable to me, I enjoyed getting to know Tal and Trey and their parents. Since the story is told from Lane’s point of view, we get a lot of his backstory and motivations for his reactions to things. I was actually surprised that he didn’t just run when Trey confronted him, initially, since I think that was definitely his first instinct. For me, I think this story would have been benefited from a longer word count. I wanted more about Trey’s life and past and what he wanted from Lane besides the sense of protectiveness he felt. It seems like this might be the first in a series, so maybe we’ll get more of the story for this little town and group.
Lane has had a tough life. He lost his parents at a young age and then went into the foster care system, was outed as gay and then rejected by not only his foster family but the guy he had felt safe with, too. He’s been on the streets, but he’s found a place at Tal’s Bar and Grill where he’s had a steady job for six months, an apartment, and even a three-legged cat that he’s taken in. But it looks like all that may be over when Tal’s brother Trey comes home for the holidays, and threatens Lane right out of the gate.
Lane is terrified of Trey. Literally. Like, he loses his lunch after being threatened. He’s practically afraid of his own shadow, so a big, intimidating fireman is definitely a problem. But once Tal gets the idea of what’s happened, and is determined that Lane not have a setback from all the progress he’s made, Trey does try to apologize and get to know Lane. He doesn’t understand the hell that Lane has been through, and he inadvertently keeps doing things that scare Lane. Turns out he’s attracted to Lane, and he is having a hard time keeping his hands to himself. He wants to protect Lane, but he has a hard time doing that without steamrolling his way through life.
When a major storm comes through at Christmas, Trey insists on taking Lane home. And, with a lot of not great luck, things go a bit wrong. They end up stuck together during the storm. Trey tries to convince Lane that he can trust him, but it seems to be one steps forward, two steps back every time he tries. Lane is just so skittish with everything, and Trey is afraid he has just screwed everything up.
Over the course of a couple of weeks, Trey and Lane try to build a tenuous friendship, and maybe more. But Trey has a life in Texas, and Lane is just finally feeling a little bit stable. There certainly are a lot of hurdles to overcome, and Lane has to decide if it’s worth the potential heartache to try to make a go of it with Trey.
While this story felt a bit predictable to me, I enjoyed getting to know Tal and Trey and their parents. Since the story is told from Lane’s point of view, we get a lot of his backstory and motivations for his reactions to things. I was actually surprised that he didn’t just run when Trey confronted him, initially, since I think that was definitely his first instinct. For me, I think this story would have been benefited from a longer word count. I wanted more about Trey’s life and past and what he wanted from Lane besides the sense of protectiveness he felt. It seems like this might be the first in a series, so maybe we’ll get more of the story for this little town and group.
March 26, 2017
A good little Christmas short. The end was a bit rushed & I would've liked more time with them as a couple but overall I liked it a lot.
April 9, 2023
The three legged cat deserved a lot more page time.
June 1, 2025
I started out loving this book but it lost steam towards the end.
After his parents died when he was 15, the sweet and sensitive Lane was in and out of foster homes until 18. He ended up hitchhiking and getting stuck in Christmas Valley where he's looked out for by his boss Tal.
When Tal's brother Trey comes to stay for Christmas, the two start off on the wrong foot, but end up getting trapped together by a winter storm. I loved Lane and his three legged cat. Trey was..interesting. Tbh I didn't like the way he pushed himself on Lane on multiple occassions then used the excuse 'you're just so beautiful'. If he's that beautiful ask him on a date maybe? But Trey is only there for Christmas which is why Lane doesn't give in to his advances. Being without family, Lane doesn't want to get attached then end up alone again. This is definitely worth a read, especially around Christmas but not the perfect love story I hoped for
After his parents died when he was 15, the sweet and sensitive Lane was in and out of foster homes until 18. He ended up hitchhiking and getting stuck in Christmas Valley where he's looked out for by his boss Tal.
When Tal's brother Trey comes to stay for Christmas, the two start off on the wrong foot, but end up getting trapped together by a winter storm. I loved Lane and his three legged cat. Trey was..interesting. Tbh I didn't like the way he pushed himself on Lane on multiple occassions then used the excuse 'you're just so beautiful'. If he's that beautiful ask him on a date maybe? But Trey is only there for Christmas which is why Lane doesn't give in to his advances. Being without family, Lane doesn't want to get attached then end up alone again. This is definitely worth a read, especially around Christmas but not the perfect love story I hoped for
January 30, 2017
I stayed up way past a suitable time and sacrificed coherent thought at work the next morning in order to finish this book.
Good lord I was sucked in. My heart absolutely broke in regards to Lane's character and he just reminded me of a scared abused puppy that stays in the corner whimpering because it's afraid of being abused further.
You will get sucked in and want to protect him from the world. I guarantee it.
Good lord I was sucked in. My heart absolutely broke in regards to Lane's character and he just reminded me of a scared abused puppy that stays in the corner whimpering because it's afraid of being abused further.
You will get sucked in and want to protect him from the world. I guarantee it.
February 14, 2025
If you’re looking for a cute holiday story then this would be perfect for you! I love MM so I had high hopes for this and it did not disappoint!
This is the first book I’ve read from JR but definitely won’t be the last.
This is the first book I’ve read from JR but definitely won’t be the last.
December 24, 2025
I usually love a good hurt/comfort story, but this one was a bit too OTT for me. Trey is home for the holidays helping out at his brother’s bar, where Lane works — and Lane is massively shy. They start off on the wrong foot, and it often felt like Trey just kept pushing his way in instead of letting things develop naturally. I did enjoy the story overall and the ending was solid, but… I don’t know. It just didn’t fully click for me.
December 27, 2016
Book & Author: Love and Snowball Fights by J.R. Loveless
Rating: 4 Stars
This one sweet Christmas story with a little bit of heartbreak and enough love to warm your heart.
I loved this little town with all it’s charm and kind people. With it’s streets named after reindeer from Santa’s sleigh. I was immediately taken with Lane with his broken spirit, timid nature, and scarred soul. It was so hard for him to trust even the most gentle and helpful people. I really rooted for him especially when it came to his heart and Trey. That man needed someone to love him and love him fiercely.
Trey tied so hard with Lane that he ended up doing more harm than good. He just wasn’t used to dealing with someone as sure as Lane was that they were worth nothing before. Trey could see Lane in a way that Lane needed to be seen. He just needed to learn the lesson of patients because Lane needed time to grant Trey the trust he needed to get close.
The whole story had this at home feeling that gave you a great sense of family and love. The one thing that Lane really needed but didn’t trust. Lane broke his own heart just to avoid what he really wanted but didn’t think he could get. The UST was strong in this story which fit perfectly with the slow pacing of the love story and Lane’s low self esteem. The ending was hard but perfect for them.
So much sweet romance and heat all wrapped up in a wonderful Christmas story.
*I received a copy of this book through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/*
Rating: 4 Stars
This one sweet Christmas story with a little bit of heartbreak and enough love to warm your heart.
I loved this little town with all it’s charm and kind people. With it’s streets named after reindeer from Santa’s sleigh. I was immediately taken with Lane with his broken spirit, timid nature, and scarred soul. It was so hard for him to trust even the most gentle and helpful people. I really rooted for him especially when it came to his heart and Trey. That man needed someone to love him and love him fiercely.
Trey tied so hard with Lane that he ended up doing more harm than good. He just wasn’t used to dealing with someone as sure as Lane was that they were worth nothing before. Trey could see Lane in a way that Lane needed to be seen. He just needed to learn the lesson of patients because Lane needed time to grant Trey the trust he needed to get close.
The whole story had this at home feeling that gave you a great sense of family and love. The one thing that Lane really needed but didn’t trust. Lane broke his own heart just to avoid what he really wanted but didn’t think he could get. The UST was strong in this story which fit perfectly with the slow pacing of the love story and Lane’s low self esteem. The ending was hard but perfect for them.
So much sweet romance and heat all wrapped up in a wonderful Christmas story.
*I received a copy of this book through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/*
December 21, 2016
If you are looking for something super, sweet, and utterly sappy (in a wonderful way!) this holiday season – look no further! This book is as sweet as cotton candy with sprinkles on top!
Lane is a “lost boy” with a bit of a sad past who ends up working for Tal who’s brother Trey is visiting for the holidays. Trey is a fireman in Dallas, and that proves to be the biggest obstacle for these two.
Their attraction is instantaneous, but Lane doesn’t want to trust his heart to someone who is going to leave him – again. Trey doesn’t really know what he wants, other than he can’t keep his hands off of Lane and he’d always wanted to be anywhere but his hometown.
There is very little steam in this – in fact at times it walks the fine line of almost feeling like a NA book – but with adult MCs. The Jenkins family is almost too good to be true, but Lane’s foster child upbringing makes them a rich reward for his sweet nature.
Beyond the physical attraction, despite the days spent together, I can’t say I understand what these two see in each other (it’s clear that they are good for one another, but it wasn’t really shown on page how the two complemented the other). Most of the book is a span of a few days being trapped due to a snow storm and during that time Lane was reading for much of the time! Then there’s an odd jump in time to 6 months later and another odd hurdle is placed before our MCs right before their HEA.
But despite some of the odd plot points, this was an enjoyable read, short, sweet, a little sexy and very heart warming.
I enjoyed it for what it was and recommend it to anyone looking for something light this holiday season.
Lane is a “lost boy” with a bit of a sad past who ends up working for Tal who’s brother Trey is visiting for the holidays. Trey is a fireman in Dallas, and that proves to be the biggest obstacle for these two.
Their attraction is instantaneous, but Lane doesn’t want to trust his heart to someone who is going to leave him – again. Trey doesn’t really know what he wants, other than he can’t keep his hands off of Lane and he’d always wanted to be anywhere but his hometown.
There is very little steam in this – in fact at times it walks the fine line of almost feeling like a NA book – but with adult MCs. The Jenkins family is almost too good to be true, but Lane’s foster child upbringing makes them a rich reward for his sweet nature.
Beyond the physical attraction, despite the days spent together, I can’t say I understand what these two see in each other (it’s clear that they are good for one another, but it wasn’t really shown on page how the two complemented the other). Most of the book is a span of a few days being trapped due to a snow storm and during that time Lane was reading for much of the time! Then there’s an odd jump in time to 6 months later and another odd hurdle is placed before our MCs right before their HEA.
But despite some of the odd plot points, this was an enjoyable read, short, sweet, a little sexy and very heart warming.
I enjoyed it for what it was and recommend it to anyone looking for something light this holiday season.
December 21, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
2 stars
Sometimes you know from the beginning of a book that it’s just not the book for you and this was most definitely the case here. While I could certainly understand Lane’s tragic circumstances, I never did warm up to him. After his parents died in a car accident (the most predictable way for parental death in romance novels in my experience), he did have it rough, but his overwhelming shyness and complete hesitation didn’t read well for me.
One of the largest issues here was Trey from the moment he appeared. Trey is protective of his brother and immediately is all over Lane, convinced that Lane is planning to steal from Tal. When I say all over, I mean verbally as well as physically as he’s grabbing Lane’s face forcefully to make him look at him and it was so over the top and abusive. Trey soon realizes the error of his ways and apologizes and all is good. He inserts himself into Lane’s life and won’t take no for an answer. Then, within one conversation Lane thinks Trey is “kind and amazing,” and Trey is telling Lane that this town is his home now and he’s never leaving. It was literary whiplash.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
2 stars
Sometimes you know from the beginning of a book that it’s just not the book for you and this was most definitely the case here. While I could certainly understand Lane’s tragic circumstances, I never did warm up to him. After his parents died in a car accident (the most predictable way for parental death in romance novels in my experience), he did have it rough, but his overwhelming shyness and complete hesitation didn’t read well for me.
One of the largest issues here was Trey from the moment he appeared. Trey is protective of his brother and immediately is all over Lane, convinced that Lane is planning to steal from Tal. When I say all over, I mean verbally as well as physically as he’s grabbing Lane’s face forcefully to make him look at him and it was so over the top and abusive. Trey soon realizes the error of his ways and apologizes and all is good. He inserts himself into Lane’s life and won’t take no for an answer. Then, within one conversation Lane thinks Trey is “kind and amazing,” and Trey is telling Lane that this town is his home now and he’s never leaving. It was literary whiplash.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
January 2, 2017
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
This was a wonderful story. Lane is perhaps one of the sweetest guys in the world and so debilitating shy you can’t help but love him. Trey is very self assured and will to anything to protect his family. They become friends and bond a little while working at Tal’s bar. When they are forced together during a snowstorm it is hard to hide their attraction.
Not many stories cause gut wrenching reactions, but this story definitely affected me (it even had me in tears at one point). Lane’s complete lack of self worth is heartbreaking to see. We see through his eyes how he has been affected by his parent’s death and his continuous denial in the foster care system, he can’t see how he could be worth or wanted by anyone. Trey makes him see that maybe there is a possibility of something more for him. I loved that we got to see Lane and Trey together after the holidays and see how they are adapting to their relationship in their real lives.
Cover art by Bree Archer is great and give a great visual of the characters.
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
This was a wonderful story. Lane is perhaps one of the sweetest guys in the world and so debilitating shy you can’t help but love him. Trey is very self assured and will to anything to protect his family. They become friends and bond a little while working at Tal’s bar. When they are forced together during a snowstorm it is hard to hide their attraction.
Not many stories cause gut wrenching reactions, but this story definitely affected me (it even had me in tears at one point). Lane’s complete lack of self worth is heartbreaking to see. We see through his eyes how he has been affected by his parent’s death and his continuous denial in the foster care system, he can’t see how he could be worth or wanted by anyone. Trey makes him see that maybe there is a possibility of something more for him. I loved that we got to see Lane and Trey together after the holidays and see how they are adapting to their relationship in their real lives.
Cover art by Bree Archer is great and give a great visual of the characters.
December 19, 2016
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is a very enjoyable read. It is quite a simple story, and has some lovely little touches which keep one engaged and keen to learn how the situation is resolved. Even in my warm room, the description of Lane's little under-heated apartment during the snowstorm made me feel cold! And it contrasted well with the warmth that he found when Trey took him to his parents' house. It was easy to understand why Lane was so immature and nervous, and a delight that the story ran on long enough that we could see him grow thanks to the friends and family that he had deserved all along.
A very sweet and charming holiday read.
This is a very enjoyable read. It is quite a simple story, and has some lovely little touches which keep one engaged and keen to learn how the situation is resolved. Even in my warm room, the description of Lane's little under-heated apartment during the snowstorm made me feel cold! And it contrasted well with the warmth that he found when Trey took him to his parents' house. It was easy to understand why Lane was so immature and nervous, and a delight that the story ran on long enough that we could see him grow thanks to the friends and family that he had deserved all along.
A very sweet and charming holiday read.
January 16, 2017
3 stars
A sweet Christmas story
A sweet Christmas story
January 29, 2017
Too predictable, boring, final chapter over the top. Won't stay with me for long.
November 10, 2018
This was so close to being a 5-star read for me... but after such a detailed story, the end was just too rushed! I know the ending was fine... but, I needed MORE! Just a few pages more... :(
To be honest, I was ready to kick some "Trey" ass as soon as he opened his mouth and I appreciate how hard it is when you are seriously attracted to someone... keeping your hands to yourself? But, no is NO! I didn't think he was ever going to figure out what Lane needed to be able to start trusting him... but, he FINALLY figured it out... sorta! ;D
Either way, Christmas Valley was a nice little town with quirky street names and a great place to raise a family and Lane really, really wanted to make it his home... the home he hadn't had since he lost his parents when he was fifteen! Unfortunately, Lane's story is not a new one. Children being let down, forgotten, abused mentally and even physically is a sad truth of some foster care situations. Believe me when I say there are some great foster families out there, but for every one of the great ones, there are so many more of the ones that don't care about the children, just the "check" that comes with them... grrr
I will say that once Trey got his act together... he really got his act together and as it should be with all Christmas stories... we got our HEA! Well, Lane got his HEA and that is what was important! Family... it's what we take for granted until we lose them. So, hug them, spoil them and remember to love them like there is no tomorrow...
To be honest, I was ready to kick some "Trey" ass as soon as he opened his mouth and I appreciate how hard it is when you are seriously attracted to someone... keeping your hands to yourself? But, no is NO! I didn't think he was ever going to figure out what Lane needed to be able to start trusting him... but, he FINALLY figured it out... sorta! ;D
Either way, Christmas Valley was a nice little town with quirky street names and a great place to raise a family and Lane really, really wanted to make it his home... the home he hadn't had since he lost his parents when he was fifteen! Unfortunately, Lane's story is not a new one. Children being let down, forgotten, abused mentally and even physically is a sad truth of some foster care situations. Believe me when I say there are some great foster families out there, but for every one of the great ones, there are so many more of the ones that don't care about the children, just the "check" that comes with them... grrr
I will say that once Trey got his act together... he really got his act together and as it should be with all Christmas stories... we got our HEA! Well, Lane got his HEA and that is what was important! Family... it's what we take for granted until we lose them. So, hug them, spoil them and remember to love them like there is no tomorrow...
January 17, 2025
I almost DNF’d this one….but I kept hoping.
Orphaned as a teen, Lane Freeman exited the foster care system into a solitary life where he’s wary of making any connections. Now he thinks he may have found a home (sort of) in the small town of Christmas Valley, working at a local restaurant. When Trey Jenkins arrives in town to visit his family, initially he’s suspicious of Lane - is he just another grifter out to take advantage of Trey’s brother, who owns the restaurant where Lane works? As Trey gets to know Lane, he realizes how wrong he was: Lane is a sweet and caring guy that Trey wants to get to know better. When a surprise snowstorm strands them together, Lane allows himself to dream of a life that includes Trey. However, Lane learned early that his dreams never come true. Except…perhaps this time…..
It tries hard to be a sweet Christmas romance. But there’s so many things wrong: lousy writing, insipid characters, and a stale story. I know it’s a Christmas story, where the ‘stranded in a snowstorm’ trope is almost a requirement. But it’s all very poorly done.
Lane is a hot mess. He needs therapy and meds more than he needs a boyfriend. Trey seems to try, but Lane is so hot-and-cold, and Trey is so very cardboard that it’s difficult to imagine them ever developing a relationship.
A well-deserved one star.
Orphaned as a teen, Lane Freeman exited the foster care system into a solitary life where he’s wary of making any connections. Now he thinks he may have found a home (sort of) in the small town of Christmas Valley, working at a local restaurant. When Trey Jenkins arrives in town to visit his family, initially he’s suspicious of Lane - is he just another grifter out to take advantage of Trey’s brother, who owns the restaurant where Lane works? As Trey gets to know Lane, he realizes how wrong he was: Lane is a sweet and caring guy that Trey wants to get to know better. When a surprise snowstorm strands them together, Lane allows himself to dream of a life that includes Trey. However, Lane learned early that his dreams never come true. Except…perhaps this time…..
It tries hard to be a sweet Christmas romance. But there’s so many things wrong: lousy writing, insipid characters, and a stale story. I know it’s a Christmas story, where the ‘stranded in a snowstorm’ trope is almost a requirement. But it’s all very poorly done.
Lane is a hot mess. He needs therapy and meds more than he needs a boyfriend. Trey seems to try, but Lane is so hot-and-cold, and Trey is so very cardboard that it’s difficult to imagine them ever developing a relationship.
A well-deserved one star.
July 19, 2021
Lane was OTT dramatic and yes I get he had a bad backstory but there was very little growth and everything set him off. So much internal dialogue as well. Trey acted like a bully when we first meet him and even after he apologizes he still seems to push his agenda onto Lane. Lane says one thing but then he wants something else which drives me crazy. The ending was severely rushed and the injury suffered was so downplayed as to be ridiculous
August 1, 2019
Lane has been on his own since he was fifteen, he has been in Christmas Valley for six months and is finally starting to get comfortable until Trey shows up. Trey rocks his world but not in a good, he doesn't trust Lane to not screw over Tal, Lanes' boss and Treys' brother.
While sparks flew from the beginning between Lane and Trey, I really didn't care for Trey for 75% of the book, he let previous experience color his view and turn him into a bully, but once he proves himself as trustful he put his whole self into proving to Lane that he can be trusted but it was hard to over look he behavior for the first three quarters of the book.
While sparks flew from the beginning between Lane and Trey, I really didn't care for Trey for 75% of the book, he let previous experience color his view and turn him into a bully, but once he proves himself as trustful he put his whole self into proving to Lane that he can be trusted but it was hard to over look he behavior for the first three quarters of the book.
April 22, 2021
Lane has finally found a place he wants to call home after moving around the last five years. He works at a restaurant but keeps to himself due to a not so happy past. When the restaurant owner's brother Trey comes home for Christmas vacation, he immediately assumes Lane is going to take advantage of his brother's kindness. One crazy snowstorm later, Lane and Trey are forced to spend the night together. Over the next couple of days we learn more about Lane's past as Trey tries to fight his growing attraction for Lane. This was such a sweet story about finding family and love. I loved Chloe the cat!
February 28, 2022
It’s OK if you Squint
The characters and developing relationship make the storyline interesting but the reader needs to overlook the improbability of the other story details. The snow storm: no power, roads impassible to vehicles (but no snowmobiles?), candles but no electric lights, fireplaces but no backup generators, just too many convenient literary escapes. There’s a cabin with a loft bedroom and a fireplace downstairs, heat rises but the loft would be “too cold” and the back bedroom would stay warm? Someone has never been in a cabin heated by a fireplace when it’s cold. If you can overlook these poorly supported details, the story is OK.
The characters and developing relationship make the storyline interesting but the reader needs to overlook the improbability of the other story details. The snow storm: no power, roads impassible to vehicles (but no snowmobiles?), candles but no electric lights, fireplaces but no backup generators, just too many convenient literary escapes. There’s a cabin with a loft bedroom and a fireplace downstairs, heat rises but the loft would be “too cold” and the back bedroom would stay warm? Someone has never been in a cabin heated by a fireplace when it’s cold. If you can overlook these poorly supported details, the story is OK.
April 20, 2021
Christmas Valley, Washington, may not be a real place (it’s actually apparently in Oregon), but it’s a great name and setting for this charming story about Lane, a twenty-three-year-old waiter who lost his parents at fifteen, survived the foster care system, and has managed to find a job and some stability working for a man named Tal, owner of Tal’s Bar and Grill.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 31, 2024
“Love & Snowball Fights” is an extremely angsty hurt/comfort small town romance starring Lane and Trent.
Lane has a lot of past trauma due to horrible situations he found himself in growing up, and honestly, he’s pretty broken. I felt protective of him, and I just wanted him to be happy.
As for Trent, I felt differently about him. Trent was kind of pushy and demanding, and something about his behavior didn’t sit right with me.
To sum this up, even if this wasn’t the perfect book for me, I think fans of the hurt/comfort trope and MM romance would probably like it.
Lane has a lot of past trauma due to horrible situations he found himself in growing up, and honestly, he’s pretty broken. I felt protective of him, and I just wanted him to be happy.
As for Trent, I felt differently about him. Trent was kind of pushy and demanding, and something about his behavior didn’t sit right with me.
To sum this up, even if this wasn’t the perfect book for me, I think fans of the hurt/comfort trope and MM romance would probably like it.
May 21, 2021
Ok
First time reading this author and it was just ok. First, I always hate when the blurb never really matches the story. The conflict of Lane being a drifter and Trey worried he might take advantage of his brother was resolved in like the first chapter!
Second, neither Lane nor Trey are very likeable characters. How many times is Lane gonna run and cry in the bathroom. And Trey, how many times does a guy have to tell you no?!?!?
First time reading this author and it was just ok. First, I always hate when the blurb never really matches the story. The conflict of Lane being a drifter and Trey worried he might take advantage of his brother was resolved in like the first chapter!
Second, neither Lane nor Trey are very likeable characters. How many times is Lane gonna run and cry in the bathroom. And Trey, how many times does a guy have to tell you no?!?!?
February 22, 2023
Lane & Trey
Life has beaten Lane into a skittish, shy, wary young man. Trey is a force and not successful in navigating his feelings for Lane and initially does more damage than good when trying to get to know him. During a blizzard, Lane gets a peak at life with a family and discovers feelings for Trey but resists in order to protect himself from being disappointed again. Sweet story and easy read.
Life has beaten Lane into a skittish, shy, wary young man. Trey is a force and not successful in navigating his feelings for Lane and initially does more damage than good when trying to get to know him. During a blizzard, Lane gets a peak at life with a family and discovers feelings for Trey but resists in order to protect himself from being disappointed again. Sweet story and easy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews