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Ashe Sentinel Connections #6
Chance for Christmas
Chance Rasmussen returns to Ashe, Kansas, eight years after his high school crush humiliated him with a sext that went viral. He's low on holiday spirit with his personal ghost of Christmas past haunting him, but when his BFF asks him to attend a party as her fake date, he reluctantly agrees. The last person he expects to see there is Joe Stewart, the compassionate prosecutor he hero-worshipped during the lowest point of his life.
Joe Stewart is a great prosecutor, but when it comes to romance he's out of his depth. He came close to love once, but the timing and circumstances were all wrong, so Joe ignored his feelings and threw himself into his work. But when two of his friends drag him to The Ashe Sentinel holiday party, placing him directly in the path of the man he let walk away, Joe realizes he's been granted a second chance.
The spark of attraction is still there, but Chance isn't planning to stay in Ashe past the holidays and the spectre of his past still looms large between them. Can they find a way to build a future together or will Joe only have Chance for Christmas?
Chance for Christmas is part of the Ashe Sentinel Connections series, but introduces the love story of two new characters and can be read as a standalone.
Joe Stewart is a great prosecutor, but when it comes to romance he's out of his depth. He came close to love once, but the timing and circumstances were all wrong, so Joe ignored his feelings and threw himself into his work. But when two of his friends drag him to The Ashe Sentinel holiday party, placing him directly in the path of the man he let walk away, Joe realizes he's been granted a second chance.
The spark of attraction is still there, but Chance isn't planning to stay in Ashe past the holidays and the spectre of his past still looms large between them. Can they find a way to build a future together or will Joe only have Chance for Christmas?
Chance for Christmas is part of the Ashe Sentinel Connections series, but introduces the love story of two new characters and can be read as a standalone.
119 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2016
19 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Jamison
83 books1,003 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
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 27, 2023
RE-READ Nov. 2017 !
*** A wonderful addition to the series, each can stand alone.
Chance 26, was returning to Ashe, Kansas because his dad is sick. The reason he left is a sad one.
Defeated and ruined, he fled to Hollywood, but big fame and fortune has not come.
Joe Stewart, D.A., 35, older than Chance, has never stopped wanting him. Joe handled his legal case eight years ago.
Chance discovered his sister lied to get him home, but Chance begins to see it's a good thing. He and Joe meet at a newspaper Christmas party, and each man still wants the other. Older now, Chance isn't the eighteen year old unsure kid Joe knew. Each man wants the other, but is a fling what they want ? These characters are lovable, and the story plausible.
We get hot sexy times and it's a different story
of a previously unrequited love, now beginning to be attained.
Heartwarming and lovely ! ENJOY !
===========
*** A wonderful addition to the series, each can stand alone.
Chance 26, was returning to Ashe, Kansas because his dad is sick. The reason he left is a sad one.
Defeated and ruined, he fled to Hollywood, but big fame and fortune has not come.
Joe Stewart, D.A., 35, older than Chance, has never stopped wanting him. Joe handled his legal case eight years ago.
Chance discovered his sister lied to get him home, but Chance begins to see it's a good thing. He and Joe meet at a newspaper Christmas party, and each man still wants the other. Older now, Chance isn't the eighteen year old unsure kid Joe knew. Each man wants the other, but is a fling what they want ? These characters are lovable, and the story plausible.
We get hot sexy times and it's a different story
of a previously unrequited love, now beginning to be attained.
Heartwarming and lovely ! ENJOY !
===========
December 13, 2016
This is a sweet, feelgood Christmas read, with nice writing and tight editing. I grabbed it on impulse and haven't read the rest of the series, so I can confirm it works great as a standalone - although my interest in the other books is now piqued too. I loved the awkward interactions between the characters, and the connection between them was very believable.
May 5, 2017
It's no surprise that I am a fan of the Ashe Sentinel Connections series. So of course I was thrilled to have a chance to receive an ARC of Chance for Christmas which is book seven in the series. I'm happy to say that it met all of my expectations.
I really enjoyed seeing Rick & Will, Jorge & Mac, Archer & Tyler, Andy & Lane again while getting to know Chance & Joe. They're story is unique which was very refreshing for me. Though I would have loved for it to be longer that's just me being greedy.
I most definitely recommend this, as well as the previous six books to all of my friends.
I really enjoyed seeing Rick & Will, Jorge & Mac, Archer & Tyler, Andy & Lane again while getting to know Chance & Joe. They're story is unique which was very refreshing for me. Though I would have loved for it to be longer that's just me being greedy.
I most definitely recommend this, as well as the previous six books to all of my friends.
July 8, 2021
I love the crew from the Ashe Sentinel. These characters are not employees of the Sentinel but are secondary characters. Chance is the BFF of one of the photographers and Joe is the local prosecutor. They have a history from when Chance was in high school, but then he moves to CA. Chances comes home after a conversation with his sister and a "chance" encounter at the newspaper Christmas party he runs into Joe again. This starts a bit of back and forth between the two, given their history . They do eventually get their HEA and it is a wonderful story.
December 10, 2016
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
This seventh book of the Ashe Sentinel Connections series can be read as part of the series but also as a stand alone. Because of the new character Chance and Joe it is like a small fresh start.
Joe, attorney and a beefy, trained guy (I must admit because he is described so introverted that he must have been a lean guy, but he’s quite the opposite) is a bit – but not much – older than Chance who left Ashe, Kansas because of his past. He suffered through a huge humilation caused though a highschool crush and went to L.A. to be an actor.
Being called home he is well aware of the ghosts from the past, but the most problems are made by his own mind.
He meets Joe again, the attorney who helped him in the past with his case, and both have heavy sparks flying around them. The chemistry is palpable and I really liked how the story developed from this on.
Because Joe is such a timid, calm character he is mistaken of being shy. But this also causes great, funny and hilarious scenes in the book. I say only: in the flat of Rick and Will. xD But on the other hand you have of course a bit pity with him.
Chance is also a character with a great burden. He is sometimes insecure, tries to be smart and charming, be self-confident but sometimes he stumbles.
Like other books of the series before Rewriting His Love Life or Changing Focus, the book contains not too much sexual interaction. It isn’t really bad this time the sex is a bit more tamed because in the whole context it is fitting. Sometimes less is more and it depends on the character development. And this was good balanced.
That we have a few reappearances of the other character from the series is a nice aspect, it gives a better insight of some of the character. Some named things in the book are only to understand when you’ve read the books before but it doesn’t stop the fun in reading this as a standalone. I have a high connection to Sarah in this book whereas she was in the last books sometimes a bit annoying, though a few actions were over the top in this book. But it is nice to see a minor character also improving.
This book gets 5 out of 5 stars. I really liked it, the balance between Joe and Chance and also the vulnerabilty of both men. Both have a great burden to carry, and both fit very well together.
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
This seventh book of the Ashe Sentinel Connections series can be read as part of the series but also as a stand alone. Because of the new character Chance and Joe it is like a small fresh start.
Joe, attorney and a beefy, trained guy (I must admit because he is described so introverted that he must have been a lean guy, but he’s quite the opposite) is a bit – but not much – older than Chance who left Ashe, Kansas because of his past. He suffered through a huge humilation caused though a highschool crush and went to L.A. to be an actor.
Being called home he is well aware of the ghosts from the past, but the most problems are made by his own mind.
He meets Joe again, the attorney who helped him in the past with his case, and both have heavy sparks flying around them. The chemistry is palpable and I really liked how the story developed from this on.
Because Joe is such a timid, calm character he is mistaken of being shy. But this also causes great, funny and hilarious scenes in the book. I say only: in the flat of Rick and Will. xD But on the other hand you have of course a bit pity with him.
Chance is also a character with a great burden. He is sometimes insecure, tries to be smart and charming, be self-confident but sometimes he stumbles.
Like other books of the series before Rewriting His Love Life or Changing Focus, the book contains not too much sexual interaction. It isn’t really bad this time the sex is a bit more tamed because in the whole context it is fitting. Sometimes less is more and it depends on the character development. And this was good balanced.
That we have a few reappearances of the other character from the series is a nice aspect, it gives a better insight of some of the character. Some named things in the book are only to understand when you’ve read the books before but it doesn’t stop the fun in reading this as a standalone. I have a high connection to Sarah in this book whereas she was in the last books sometimes a bit annoying, though a few actions were over the top in this book. But it is nice to see a minor character also improving.
This book gets 5 out of 5 stars. I really liked it, the balance between Joe and Chance and also the vulnerabilty of both men. Both have a great burden to carry, and both fit very well together.
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
November 24, 2018
Chance and Joe Finding Each Other
Stupid family politics (doesn’t everyone have some of that?) keeps the hero, Chance, from returning home to Ashe...and another issue that traumatized him as an 18 year old kid. The prosecutor for his case was attracted to him back then, but held on to it. Socially awkward, Joe is great at his job...and not much else, he thinks. But what he doesn’t realize is that Chance *also* can’t shake him out of his head. Satisfying story with a good resolution.
Stupid family politics (doesn’t everyone have some of that?) keeps the hero, Chance, from returning home to Ashe...and another issue that traumatized him as an 18 year old kid. The prosecutor for his case was attracted to him back then, but held on to it. Socially awkward, Joe is great at his job...and not much else, he thinks. But what he doesn’t realize is that Chance *also* can’t shake him out of his head. Satisfying story with a good resolution.
April 4, 2021
3.5 or 3.75
I was really confused at the beginning of this book because I didn't recognize either of the characters because they're both new! This was a good take on the reconnecting angle, the pacing was a little strange, I felt like too much time was spent at the party and then there was a tiny time jump that happened but overall super solid.
I was really confused at the beginning of this book because I didn't recognize either of the characters because they're both new! This was a good take on the reconnecting angle, the pacing was a little strange, I felt like too much time was spent at the party and then there was a tiny time jump that happened but overall super solid.
March 18, 2017
Great story. This is a cute short story. Well written with well developed characters. This is probably one of the best stories in this series. I have to say that they got better as they went along.
January 5, 2018
Good
This book is well written and scripted. The characters are intriguing and fully developed. Having other characters intertwined from previous books makes it even more delightful.
This book is well written and scripted. The characters are intriguing and fully developed. Having other characters intertwined from previous books makes it even more delightful.
November 23, 2021
cute holiday story
Great story with awesome characters but it's way too short I wanted more.
It's was really cute and the storyline was well made.
Great story with awesome characters but it's way too short I wanted more.
It's was really cute and the storyline was well made.
December 27, 2016
Just didn't like it.
The plot of this book just didn't work for me. It especially didn't work in the sense of how and why Joe and Chance would ever have a positive romance. The whole book just made me uncomfortable, and I just couldn't and still can't picture a happy future. Jared hadn't changed at all, so I don't see how Chance would want to stay in Ashe. This author's stories just don't work for me. I just don't get a romantic aspect for the characters.
The plot of this book just didn't work for me. It especially didn't work in the sense of how and why Joe and Chance would ever have a positive romance. The whole book just made me uncomfortable, and I just couldn't and still can't picture a happy future. Jared hadn't changed at all, so I don't see how Chance would want to stay in Ashe. This author's stories just don't work for me. I just don't get a romantic aspect for the characters.
December 11, 2016
4.75 / 5 Stars
Another sweet Christmas added to my re-read list.
Chance went through a tough situation when he was 18. He trusted the wrong person and he was betrayed, humilliated and hurt. After such experience, he run away to LA to follow his dreams of being an actor. The only good memory he carries is from the prosecutor that helped him with his case. Now, eight years later he's back to Ashe after he finds out his father is very ill. He's not happy but he knows it's time to see his family again. What he didn't expect was to meet the prosecutor that made a lasting impression again.
Joe knows that work is not everything and that he can't keep avoiding his lack of social life. At least, his friends won't allow it. He's uncomfortable, shy and always putting his foot in his mouth so he prefers stay away from people even if that means he will never find Mr. Right. Nevertheless, Joe's and Chance's paths cross once more and sparks fly. This time he's going to do his best to show Chance he can have a home with him.
This is my second favorite book in the Ashe Sentinel Connections series. Chance has learned from his past mistakes but that doesn't stop him from having other relationships, even if he doesn't trust so easily. He's caring, sweet, proud of himself even if a little hesitant at times. He has done hi best to try to move on with his life, even though sometimes memories are too strong. His character kinds of teach you that when bad things happen, you can't let them stop you from being yourself. Joe, on the other hand, is not the confident prosecutor I imagined him to be, he's awkward and says the wrong things half the time but his feelings for Chance, the need he feels to protect him seems too real to me and makes his character even more loveable.
Overall, this is another fantastic Christmas book, a loving couple and a bunch of old characters that you will remembed if you read the previous books. I look forward to reading the next book.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book*
Another sweet Christmas added to my re-read list.
Chance went through a tough situation when he was 18. He trusted the wrong person and he was betrayed, humilliated and hurt. After such experience, he run away to LA to follow his dreams of being an actor. The only good memory he carries is from the prosecutor that helped him with his case. Now, eight years later he's back to Ashe after he finds out his father is very ill. He's not happy but he knows it's time to see his family again. What he didn't expect was to meet the prosecutor that made a lasting impression again.
Joe knows that work is not everything and that he can't keep avoiding his lack of social life. At least, his friends won't allow it. He's uncomfortable, shy and always putting his foot in his mouth so he prefers stay away from people even if that means he will never find Mr. Right. Nevertheless, Joe's and Chance's paths cross once more and sparks fly. This time he's going to do his best to show Chance he can have a home with him.
This is my second favorite book in the Ashe Sentinel Connections series. Chance has learned from his past mistakes but that doesn't stop him from having other relationships, even if he doesn't trust so easily. He's caring, sweet, proud of himself even if a little hesitant at times. He has done hi best to try to move on with his life, even though sometimes memories are too strong. His character kinds of teach you that when bad things happen, you can't let them stop you from being yourself. Joe, on the other hand, is not the confident prosecutor I imagined him to be, he's awkward and says the wrong things half the time but his feelings for Chance, the need he feels to protect him seems too real to me and makes his character even more loveable.
Overall, this is another fantastic Christmas book, a loving couple and a bunch of old characters that you will remembed if you read the previous books. I look forward to reading the next book.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book*
December 7, 2016
“Chance had gotten his second chance – at Christmas, at family, at love. If that wasn’t a miracle, he didn’t know what was.”
I loved the connection between Chance and Joe, and the lessons they learned about themselves while they got reacquainted. Chance seems to have come so far since he originally fled Ashe, staying away for eight years, but a few poorly phrased sentences seem to strip away the confident veneer and reveal the insecurities that still linger. Joe, on the other hand, has no illusions about his awkwardness outside of the courtroom, and my soft spot for him seemed to grow every time he choked on the taste of his own foot. The connection between these two men felt very natural to me, like they were supposed to be together if they could only stop getting in their own way.
I also enjoyed getting a chance to check in with some of the characters I’ve grown to love throughout this series, and would have loved to have been at that eventful Christmas party. This book may have been set during the Christmas season, but it carries a heartwarming message about finding home, and family, that is relevant year round. This is a good choice if you’re looking for something that just feels good to read…
Please note that I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I loved the connection between Chance and Joe, and the lessons they learned about themselves while they got reacquainted. Chance seems to have come so far since he originally fled Ashe, staying away for eight years, but a few poorly phrased sentences seem to strip away the confident veneer and reveal the insecurities that still linger. Joe, on the other hand, has no illusions about his awkwardness outside of the courtroom, and my soft spot for him seemed to grow every time he choked on the taste of his own foot. The connection between these two men felt very natural to me, like they were supposed to be together if they could only stop getting in their own way.
I also enjoyed getting a chance to check in with some of the characters I’ve grown to love throughout this series, and would have loved to have been at that eventful Christmas party. This book may have been set during the Christmas season, but it carries a heartwarming message about finding home, and family, that is relevant year round. This is a good choice if you’re looking for something that just feels good to read…
Please note that I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
December 8, 2016
A wonderful Christmas story!
This story was full of feeling and I loved reading about Chance and Joe. These two met under difficult circumstances 8 years ago when Chance was 18. Joe felt an attraction to Chance but it was totally in appropriate at the time and he pushed his feelings down deep. Now they’ve met again and he’s still attracted to the Chance that is all grown up.
Chance doesn’t want to be back in Ashe. When he left 8 years ago he’d been humiliated and couldn’t bear the thought of everyone talking about him. When he gets a call that his father is ill he knows that he has to finally return.
I loved the chemistry between Chance and Joe. Both of them are fairly confident men – until it comes to personal connections. Joe wants Chance but is afraid to tell him because he doesn’t want Chance to stay in Ashe just for him.
While this book had lots of feels to it there were also some lighter moments.
All in all this was a wonderful Christmas novella with interesting and well developed characters.
I did a beta read of this story for the author but my review is voluntary.
This story was full of feeling and I loved reading about Chance and Joe. These two met under difficult circumstances 8 years ago when Chance was 18. Joe felt an attraction to Chance but it was totally in appropriate at the time and he pushed his feelings down deep. Now they’ve met again and he’s still attracted to the Chance that is all grown up.
Chance doesn’t want to be back in Ashe. When he left 8 years ago he’d been humiliated and couldn’t bear the thought of everyone talking about him. When he gets a call that his father is ill he knows that he has to finally return.
I loved the chemistry between Chance and Joe. Both of them are fairly confident men – until it comes to personal connections. Joe wants Chance but is afraid to tell him because he doesn’t want Chance to stay in Ashe just for him.
While this book had lots of feels to it there were also some lighter moments.
All in all this was a wonderful Christmas novella with interesting and well developed characters.
I did a beta read of this story for the author but my review is voluntary.
December 10, 2016
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
This book had just what a Christmas read needs. It had sweetness, laughs, feels, friendships, family and strength.
Chance was such a sweetheart. So strong and funny and sexy but with a vulnerability. But saying that Joe was the same but in different aspects of his personality.
I loved the office party Sarah was hilarious.
I enjoyed the grocery store event.
I liked how it wasn't all plain sailing and that both Joe and Chance made mistakes as they were getting together. But I loved the epilogue just when Joe was doubting Chance came through.
I have loved every book in this series. I enjoyed seeing or hearing mention of a few of the previous couples.
I can't wait to see what this author has in store next for us.
This book had just what a Christmas read needs. It had sweetness, laughs, feels, friendships, family and strength.
Chance was such a sweetheart. So strong and funny and sexy but with a vulnerability. But saying that Joe was the same but in different aspects of his personality.
I loved the office party Sarah was hilarious.
I enjoyed the grocery store event.
I liked how it wasn't all plain sailing and that both Joe and Chance made mistakes as they were getting together. But I loved the epilogue just when Joe was doubting Chance came through.
I have loved every book in this series. I enjoyed seeing or hearing mention of a few of the previous couples.
I can't wait to see what this author has in store next for us.
December 26, 2016
So, I also picked this one up because, well, Christmas! Loved Joe getting to have a second chance with Chance (ha), and that while Chance sees him as a hero, inspiring role model, he is also awkward and socially challenged--this means Chance has to re-evaluate his opinion.
It's a nice journey then, for both of them. They both need to take risks, both. I loved how Sarah also stars, because in the other books in the series, she stands out alone in the romance department. Time to set that right!!
Lovely xmas story.
It's a nice journey then, for both of them. They both need to take risks, both. I loved how Sarah also stars, because in the other books in the series, she stands out alone in the romance department. Time to set that right!!
Lovely xmas story.
January 22, 2017
I thought the sexual attraction and romance between Joe and Chance was really nice. I do disagree with the sentence that Joe was too big for Chance to deep throat. And of course, the penetrative sex scene faded to black - so that says a lot too. The friend Sarah was juvenile and disgusting. She had a weird obsession for Chance and was borderline hateful towards him. She could have been left out of the book. I wanted Chance to spend more time with his sister Sierra and start a relationship with his father.
December 20, 2016
Was a great story of a new couple and was glad to see some older couples from previous books (1-4). It was interesting to see how the couple had a past and that the feelings that they had remained. It was also great to see that they were able to mimic a certain scene that lead to a painful memory for one of the MC.
December 8, 2016
I totally liked this Christmas story. Chance and Joe are sweet. It was a great pace, it wasn’t too perfect and sweet, and the story was a great read. I like that it can be read as a stand alone, but that other members in stories are part of this book. I would totally recommend this book.
January 23, 2017
i really enjoyed this one.. it didnt flow as easily as the others did but it still was awesome. the characters were fun and interesting.. they had history and they had to figure out how to be later on.. they had rough times.. and good times.. it was all around a very good story
January 31, 2017
Quick read. I really liked Joe and Chance together and it was great to see all the couples from the first books. I wasn't keen on Sarah and it would have liked to see more interaction with Chance and his family.
Read
December 9, 2016I beta read this so no rating.
Cute, sweet Christmas story with great characters. what's not to like?!
Cute, sweet Christmas story with great characters. what's not to like?!
January 20, 2017
1.5 stars
Nope, that wasn't for me... I'll skip the rest of the series.
Nope, that wasn't for me... I'll skip the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews