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Ice and Snow Christmas #2
Ice, Snow, & Mistletoe
John Sullivan is escaping to Denver. Even with a massive snow storm on his heels, he plans to hide away in his cabin in the mountains and ignore Christmas. It’ll be just him and a bottle of whiskey until the new year when he must return to Cincinnati for his best friend’s wedding.
At least, that’s the plan until he runs into Oz at the airport.
Oz … the man who should have been just a fling. The man who was fun and laughs but quickly turned into so much more before he completely kicked John out of his life.
Oz who desperately needs his help…
John is ready to leave Oz stranded at the Denver airport in the coming blizzard, but he finds himself possibly staring down at the reason Oz pushed him away, and John can’t say no.
Second chances don’t come around often, but John is willing to fight for one with Oz.
At least, that’s the plan until he runs into Oz at the airport.
Oz … the man who should have been just a fling. The man who was fun and laughs but quickly turned into so much more before he completely kicked John out of his life.
Oz who desperately needs his help…
John is ready to leave Oz stranded at the Denver airport in the coming blizzard, but he finds himself possibly staring down at the reason Oz pushed him away, and John can’t say no.
Second chances don’t come around often, but John is willing to fight for one with Oz.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2017
About the author
Jocelynn Drake
179 books2,934 followersNew York Times Bestselling author Jocelynn Drake loves a good story, whether she is reading it or writing one of her own. Over the years, her stories have allowed her to explore space, talk to dragons, dodge bullets with assassins, hang with vampires, and fall in love again and again.
This former Kentucky girl has moved up, down, and across the U.S. with her husband. Recently, they’ve settled near the Rockies.
When she is not hammering away at her keyboard or curled up with a book, she can be
walking her dog Ace, or playing video games. She loves Bruce Wayne, Ezio Auditore, travel, tattoos, explosions, and fast cars.
She is the author of the urban fantasy books: The Dark Days series and the Asylum Tales. For gay romance, she has completed The Exit Strategy and Shadow Elite series, and is now working on a spin-off of her MM paranormal series, Lords of Discord. She has also co-authored with Rinda Elliot the following series: Unbreakable Bonds, Ward Security, Pineapple Grove, the Weavers Circle. In addition, she has co-authored with AJ Sherwood the following series: Scales 'N' Spell and Wings 'N' Wands. She can be found at JocelynnDrake.com.
This former Kentucky girl has moved up, down, and across the U.S. with her husband. Recently, they’ve settled near the Rockies.
When she is not hammering away at her keyboard or curled up with a book, she can be
walking her dog Ace, or playing video games. She loves Bruce Wayne, Ezio Auditore, travel, tattoos, explosions, and fast cars.
She is the author of the urban fantasy books: The Dark Days series and the Asylum Tales. For gay romance, she has completed The Exit Strategy and Shadow Elite series, and is now working on a spin-off of her MM paranormal series, Lords of Discord. She has also co-authored with Rinda Elliot the following series: Unbreakable Bonds, Ward Security, Pineapple Grove, the Weavers Circle. In addition, she has co-authored with AJ Sherwood the following series: Scales 'N' Spell and Wings 'N' Wands. She can be found at JocelynnDrake.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
November 24, 2023
A sweet cake full of suppressed feelings. Oh how beautiful. So different from the first book, as the characters are so different too.
I don't really like second chance stories. I don't like that there's already a back story that you have to work out first. Here it's done with just a few flashbacks. Actually, that's another thing that annoys the hell out of me. But here they are kept short and well dosed. It simply worked. And once you get to know the reason for John’s and Oz's break-up, everything just clicks. Of course I was super upset about the whole situation, I would have loved to strangle Oz many times over. But that's also just a sign that the characters got me involved and that I was emotionally absorbed.
And of course there are some nice hot scenes.
“Just fuck me. None of this finger bullshit. Just need you to fuck me,” John begged while at the same time pressing back. 😳
And a bit of romance.
John didn’t want to sleep. He wanted to soak in this moment, holding Oz. He wanted to remember the weight of him. The sound of his voice. This wasn’t about sex. This was about stealing a moment. 🫠
This is where my only complaint comes in: I could have used a bit more romance towards the end of the book. It all worked out wonderfully, but a few extra romantic scenes would have made the book even more perfect.
I don't really like second chance stories. I don't like that there's already a back story that you have to work out first. Here it's done with just a few flashbacks. Actually, that's another thing that annoys the hell out of me. But here they are kept short and well dosed. It simply worked. And once you get to know the reason for John’s and Oz's break-up, everything just clicks. Of course I was super upset about the whole situation, I would have loved to strangle Oz many times over. But that's also just a sign that the characters got me involved and that I was emotionally absorbed.
And of course there are some nice hot scenes.
“Just fuck me. None of this finger bullshit. Just need you to fuck me,” John begged while at the same time pressing back. 😳
And a bit of romance.
John didn’t want to sleep. He wanted to soak in this moment, holding Oz. He wanted to remember the weight of him. The sound of his voice. This wasn’t about sex. This was about stealing a moment. 🫠
This is where my only complaint comes in: I could have used a bit more romance towards the end of the book. It all worked out wonderfully, but a few extra romantic scenes would have made the book even more perfect.
January 7, 2019
I love second chance stories, and this was a pretty good one.
I really enjoyed how Oz comfortably followed John into a gay bar, Oz's first, as he'd never found men attractive before. A smile and a wink, and Oz was jogging across the street to catch up. The lack of gay shame was much welcomed.
We did get an explanation as to why Oz abruptly ended things after several months with John, although they were both very happy.
Which brings us to single men with .
If that's an issue for you, this might not be the story for you, but that plot point didn't overwhelm the story to an annoying level. It was definitely a huge motivating factor in Oz's reluctance for rekindling the relationship, though.
There was also a selfish ex-girlfriend from years ago, still in Oz's present, who threw a bit of drama into the plot, but was blessedly working to redeem her past actions by the end of the story.
Overall, the angst was manageable and the steam was present, but not every page was steeped in "the pene". I'd say it was a nice mix of the two.
So I enjoyed the story, at probably about a 3.5 star rating, but book 1 was still my favorite, with Spencer and Evan, who were also in this story in a limited capacity.
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December 12, 2023
It took me 4 days to finish this because every time that whiny spineless Oz was talking I had to put the book down. I can’t stand books where there’s nothing stopping the MCs from being together yet they act like telenovela martyrs. Oz dumped John because he found out he (Oz) had a daughter (and imo because he was also a bit of a homophobe and he kinda didn’t wanna come out as bi). I didn’t believe even for a second his sob story of how he was afraid John would run for the hills at the news. Yeah, sure. 🙄 John was an inconvenience for him and he didn’t want headaches so he got rid of him. And yet he was still the one acting like an asshole when they met again at the airport. Ugh, my tension is spiking just by remembering it.
And after this bullshit reason John still forgives him and he’s willing to try again only to be dumped AGAIN because of the same bullshit reason. And he didn’t even have to grovel . I loved Lizzy and John but that’s about all I liked. The writing wasn’t too good either what with the author’s often use of “the other man” when referring to the MCs (it’s becoming a pet peeve of mine) .
I was honestly hoping I’d love this more because I loved the first book but ..did I mention I hated Oz ?? 🤣
And after this bullshit reason John still forgives him and he’s willing to try again only to be dumped AGAIN because of the same bullshit reason. And he didn’t even have to grovel . I loved Lizzy and John but that’s about all I liked. The writing wasn’t too good either what with the author’s often use of “the other man” when referring to the MCs (it’s becoming a pet peeve of mine) .
I was honestly hoping I’d love this more because I loved the first book but ..did I mention I hated Oz ?? 🤣
December 23, 2017
Why did Oz have to be such a douchecanoe? I could have forgiven him for pushing John away five years prior, but to do it again because "Oh, my life is just so crazy and you deserve better"?
Nope. I hate that martyr bullshit; it's immature and selfish, and I just can't.
John was a nice guy, longing for a family, who forgave much too easily.
The best part was Spenser and Evan's wedding; oh, and the hot sex.
I'm going with a reluctant three stars because this was an easy read with some sweet moments.
Nope. I hate that martyr bullshit; it's immature and selfish, and I just can't.
John was a nice guy, longing for a family, who forgave much too easily.
The best part was Spenser and Evan's wedding; oh, and the hot sex.
I'm going with a reluctant three stars because this was an easy read with some sweet moments.
December 11, 2017
I was a little worried with this one. Definitely some mixed reviews.
But I ended up really liking it.
Yeah, Oz was a bit frustrating at times and there was a bit of back and forth. But nothing crazy.
But I ended up really liking it.
Yeah, Oz was a bit frustrating at times and there was a bit of back and forth. But nothing crazy.
November 23, 2022
Reread 12/2024.
3,5 stars.
I enjoyed the second installment a bit less this time around, but it still was overall enjoyable.
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Reread 11/2023
Again 5 stars (rounded up from 4,5 because of Lizzy).
Loved this sweet christmas novel.
I adored John and felt his loneliness. Felt how badly he had been hurt by Oz, and how much he longed to make it work this time. It was lovely to see how suddenly understood Oz's fears, and how he fell in love with Lizzy.
A perfect christmas read!
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11/2022
This was even more beautiful than the first book!
I loved John and Oz. Their personalities, their chemistry, how they felt and acted because of their feelings..
And Lizzy!! I loved how Lizzy was a central part of the story and felt genuine and added to my enjoying the storyline. It's wonderful when an author is able to include a child in a romance in a realistic way, but doesn't draw the attention from the romance (but sadly it's really seldom).
Amazing that I felt so connected to the characters on just 150 pages.
5 stars.
And on to the next in the series...
3,5 stars.
I enjoyed the second installment a bit less this time around, but it still was overall enjoyable.
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Reread 11/2023
Again 5 stars (rounded up from 4,5 because of Lizzy).
Loved this sweet christmas novel.
I adored John and felt his loneliness. Felt how badly he had been hurt by Oz, and how much he longed to make it work this time. It was lovely to see how suddenly understood Oz's fears, and how he fell in love with Lizzy.
A perfect christmas read!
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11/2022
This was even more beautiful than the first book!
I loved John and Oz. Their personalities, their chemistry, how they felt and acted because of their feelings..
And Lizzy!! I loved how Lizzy was a central part of the story and felt genuine and added to my enjoying the storyline. It's wonderful when an author is able to include a child in a romance in a realistic way, but doesn't draw the attention from the romance (but sadly it's really seldom).
Amazing that I felt so connected to the characters on just 150 pages.
5 stars.
And on to the next in the series...
November 28, 2017
***2.5 Stars***
Well, I'm super bummed. Walking on Thin Ice by Jocelynn Drake was one of my favorite holiday reads last year, so I was super excited for this follow up with Spenser's best friend, John. Add in a second chance romance and I was downright giddy with anticipation.
Unfortunately, this book ended up being frustrating, underdeveloped and cliched.
John and Oz met years ago by chance. Oz had arrived early for a date with a woman and was hanging out killing some time outside the restaurant when John happened to walk by. Eye contact and a smile piqued Oz's interest. John continued on to the gay bar across the street, leaving Oz to figure out his next steps. He was just newly coming to terms that he may be bisexual, and he really wasn't in the mood for this date to begin with....so he took a leap of faith and followed John into the bar. A couple of drinks, some teasing and flirty conversation, and Oz and John decide they should continue their night elsewhere.
ZOOOOOOOM it's almost six year later and John, quite literally, runs into Oz at the airport. We find out that the men had a casual "it's just fucking but secretly it feels like more" relationship for a few months all those years ago. Oz abruptly ended things, John was crushed and they never spoke or saw each other again.
Turns out, both men are heading to Denver. John to bury himself at the bottom of a bottle in the last place he remembers his family being happy and Oz to pick up his daughter. Blizzard strands Oz in Denver unable to return home to Cincinnati with his daughter, soooooooo John offers up his place until they can fly out.
And so begins my frustration. Oz was just so damn hot and cold with John. Pushing him away one minute with his whole martyrdom routine "my life is too crazy for you," "my focus has to be 100% on Lizzy," blah blah blah and then getting all up on John the next minute.
"You know you're sending so many mixed signals right now. After last night, I thought..."
"I know. I'm sorry. I - I just can't let go."
"Don't want you to."
"This is a bad idea."
Rinse and repeat for almost the entire book.
And let's talk about John. John has crappy parents. Manipulative, selfish, and just plain ol' crappy. Growing up, for two brief weeks every holiday, that wasn't the case. They were all one big happy family while visiting their winter home in Denver....and John longs for those happier times. And this is where Oz and Lizzy felt like a ready made, instant family. John's desperation for it made me a little uncomfortable at times.
Also, we don't really get much of John and Oz's history. Not enough for me to feel connected to the longing they feel for each other and the yearning for "what could have been." We get brief glimpses of a couple of moments, but nothing for me to really sink my teeth into and feel invested in.
I couldn't reconcile the Oz of now with the Oz of past. Past Oz was just discovering his bisexuality, he was tentative and nervous because he'd never been with a man before John, and he's never been with a man since John....and Present Oz was all kinds of controlling, dirty talking, alpha top. Obviously all of this confidence happened while he was with John, and I wish we could have seen that...seen their first night together, how things evolved, how the feelings grew. And I'm not gonna spoil, but that breakup scene was bullshit. It was abrupt and lazy.
And don't even get me started on the cliched "the ex is a monster" situation.
So there you have it. A book I really, really wanted to like but ended up mostly shaking my head at while reading.
December 3, 2017
No soy nada fan de la serie MM que tiene la autora, pero el año pasado leí su novella de Navidad y fue la mejor o de las mejores que leí. Cuando vi que había escrito sobre el amigo de Spenser, protagonista del anterior libro, lo empecé con muchas ganas. Sin embargo, a pesar de que me han gustado los protagonistas y me ha entretenido mucho, creo que se queda a medio camino. Mezcla muchos temas, temas complicados: coming out, hijos, problemas familiares, y al haber tanta tela que cortar no se profundiza en nada. Muchos sentimientos, pero poca explicación y fáciles soluciones.
November 21, 2017
Jocelyn Drake knocks the festive romance out of the park again
Just as in last year's Walking on Thin Ice, this visit to Cincinnati and to Spenser's best friend John is an absolute joy.
Unlike Spenser though, John hasn't found his Happy Ever After and his family dramas have made Christmas a painful event for many years.
When he bumps into the guy who pretty much broke his heart five years earlier, he's ready to walk away, just like Oz did to him, when he realises the probable reason that happened.
Watching these two navigate their way through all the trials of discovering neither had truly moved on was a lesson in how to create tension without ever overwhelming the story.
John and Oz are perfect together, if only Oz can learn that his happiness is just as important as his family life, and if John can persuade him to let him fully into his world.
I also liked that the ex-girlfriend didn't provide the usual obstacle but that she too learnt to stand on her own two feet. I also liked that she was encouraging about John and Oz once she found out and she made Oz open his eyes a bit.
It was also fab to bump into Spenser and Evan again and see the continuation of their HEA with a New Year wedding.
I hope Jocelynn comes back to this setting again.
Just as in last year's Walking on Thin Ice, this visit to Cincinnati and to Spenser's best friend John is an absolute joy.
Unlike Spenser though, John hasn't found his Happy Ever After and his family dramas have made Christmas a painful event for many years.
When he bumps into the guy who pretty much broke his heart five years earlier, he's ready to walk away, just like Oz did to him, when he realises the probable reason that happened.
Watching these two navigate their way through all the trials of discovering neither had truly moved on was a lesson in how to create tension without ever overwhelming the story.
John and Oz are perfect together, if only Oz can learn that his happiness is just as important as his family life, and if John can persuade him to let him fully into his world.
I also liked that the ex-girlfriend didn't provide the usual obstacle but that she too learnt to stand on her own two feet. I also liked that she was encouraging about John and Oz once she found out and she made Oz open his eyes a bit.
It was also fab to bump into Spenser and Evan again and see the continuation of their HEA with a New Year wedding.
I hope Jocelynn comes back to this setting again.
September 26, 2019
My second Christmas novella for the year, not bad for a girl who is no fan of Christmas reads!
I loved the first book, Spenser and Evan were fabulous. This one not so much, and that's all down to Oz and his ridiculous TSTL actions - he irritated and frustrated me no end. Thankfully John, along with the Spenser/Evan cameos, pulled this back from being a DNF because I really struggle with stupid and Oz was an idiot.
I loved the first book, Spenser and Evan were fabulous. This one not so much, and that's all down to Oz and his ridiculous TSTL actions - he irritated and frustrated me no end. Thankfully John, along with the Spenser/Evan cameos, pulled this back from being a DNF because I really struggle with stupid and Oz was an idiot.
November 11, 2017
Last year, Jocelynn Drake wrote one of the best Christmas stories of the season, IMO. This book is like Book 2 of the series, featuring Spenser's best friend, John.
Drake packed a lot into this novella, and she brought the feelz. No doubt about that. And I'm not the biggest fan of her other stories because of all the death and destruction. I like a little less drama in my books, and I figured I'd be safe with this one.
While it's written well with feelz galore, this one fell much flatter for me than Spenser and Evan's story.
John and Oz met years ago anddated fucked for a few months. Oz is bisexual, but John was his first time with a man. Life drama happened for Oz, and instead of being honest, he pushed John away purposefully.
Fast forward almost six years, and the two run into each other again at the airport.
I love the second chance trope, especially with sexual tension as combustible as these two men have. But Oz continues to be a douche nozzle and purposefully pushes John away - because it's better this way. Because John doesn't need Oz in his life with all his chaos.
Ugh. I hate the martyr bullshit. Serious pet peeve of mine. So, despite the writing and the feelz, this author couldn't quite keep the melodrama out of this book either.
It's a sweet holiday story, and if you don't mind the above niggles, give this one a go.
Drake packed a lot into this novella, and she brought the feelz. No doubt about that. And I'm not the biggest fan of her other stories because of all the death and destruction. I like a little less drama in my books, and I figured I'd be safe with this one.
While it's written well with feelz galore, this one fell much flatter for me than Spenser and Evan's story.
John and Oz met years ago and
Fast forward almost six years, and the two run into each other again at the airport.
I love the second chance trope, especially with sexual tension as combustible as these two men have. But Oz continues to be a douche nozzle and purposefully pushes John away - because it's better this way. Because John doesn't need Oz in his life with all his chaos.
Ugh. I hate the martyr bullshit. Serious pet peeve of mine. So, despite the writing and the feelz, this author couldn't quite keep the melodrama out of this book either.
It's a sweet holiday story, and if you don't mind the above niggles, give this one a go.
October 3, 2017
3 Stars
I had such high hopes for this holiday read, mostly due to the fact that Drake's 2016 book Walking on Thin Ice ended up being my favourite Christmas romance of that season.
I tend to rate books against other books by the same author, and even though Ice, Snow, & Mistletoe was a decent, heartfelt holiday read, it simply didn't reach the same levels of awesome that its predecessor (and loosely connected prequel) achieved last year.
I will admit up front that I'm not a huge fan of second chance romances either - a main theme here - unless the reasons for a couple's relationship not working a first time around are solid, with circumstances that are fully understandable. Sadly, I find that most of the time the reasons given for a couple's initial separation simply don't fly with me, usually leaving a disconnect between me and one MC (or both), making it extremely difficult to believe in the potential of their HEA a second time around.
Clearly, this isn't always my reaction; many times I've loved the way second chance romances are explored and executed. However, regrettably, this was one of those times I found myself not convinced with the reasons given for the initial relationship bust-up. It seemed like utter martyrdom on one character's behalf, and ultimately it felt like time-wasted - years, really - when the MCs could have been together and happy.
So, the relationship didn't win me over, but I still loved Drake's smooth and agreeable writing style, and I loved seeing Spenser and Evan a year on from Walking on Thin Ice, getting to see them reach their delicious HEA beyond their initial HFN!
I had such high hopes for this holiday read, mostly due to the fact that Drake's 2016 book Walking on Thin Ice ended up being my favourite Christmas romance of that season.
I tend to rate books against other books by the same author, and even though Ice, Snow, & Mistletoe was a decent, heartfelt holiday read, it simply didn't reach the same levels of awesome that its predecessor (and loosely connected prequel) achieved last year.
I will admit up front that I'm not a huge fan of second chance romances either - a main theme here - unless the reasons for a couple's relationship not working a first time around are solid, with circumstances that are fully understandable. Sadly, I find that most of the time the reasons given for a couple's initial separation simply don't fly with me, usually leaving a disconnect between me and one MC (or both), making it extremely difficult to believe in the potential of their HEA a second time around.
Clearly, this isn't always my reaction; many times I've loved the way second chance romances are explored and executed. However, regrettably, this was one of those times I found myself not convinced with the reasons given for the initial relationship bust-up. It seemed like utter martyrdom on one character's behalf, and ultimately it felt like time-wasted - years, really - when the MCs could have been together and happy.
So, the relationship didn't win me over, but I still loved Drake's smooth and agreeable writing style, and I loved seeing Spenser and Evan a year on from Walking on Thin Ice, getting to see them reach their delicious HEA beyond their initial HFN!
December 5, 2017
Hmmm...not as much love for this one as last years installment of this "series".
I had high hopes for John's story and although this had a lot going for it it just didn't live up to my expectations.
There just seemed something artificial about it. Maybe had there been more to what they experienced together when they first met I would have had more of a foundation for their reconciliation. Truly, even the run in at the airport didn't leave me feeling any longing.
I did enjoy it and I am super happy, it just wasn't true love.
I had high hopes for John's story and although this had a lot going for it it just didn't live up to my expectations.
There just seemed something artificial about it. Maybe had there been more to what they experienced together when they first met I would have had more of a foundation for their reconciliation. Truly, even the run in at the airport didn't leave me feeling any longing.
I did enjoy it and I am super happy, it just wasn't true love.
December 4, 2017
I really enjoyed this book - such a lovely story about second chances in love ❤️
December 2, 2019
I LOVED this SEXY 🔥🔥 novella!!
Second chance stories aren’t t typically my thing, but this one seriously turned my crank! 😱❤️❤️
It’s amazing how much character Drake was able to pack in this story—and it’s this deeper insight into what drives these two flawed men that had me hooked from page one!!
Told in a series of flashback-present day vignettes five years apart, we see what initially drew these men together, what tore them apart, and what brings them back again. Of course, the reason they break apart is due to typical male “I can’t show any weakness or feels,” which I love way more than insta, touchy-feely tales.
This one had plenty of touches! 🔥🔥 And plenty of sexy feels! ❤️❤️ Included for your reading pleasure is an adorable child and a SOLID HEA!!
You need not read the first in the series to understand this one (but the first in the series was FREAKING AMAZING, so why don’t you?!!) ❤️❤️
My rec: yes! And, yessssssss!!!!
Second chance stories aren’t t typically my thing, but this one seriously turned my crank! 😱❤️❤️
It’s amazing how much character Drake was able to pack in this story—and it’s this deeper insight into what drives these two flawed men that had me hooked from page one!!
Told in a series of flashback-present day vignettes five years apart, we see what initially drew these men together, what tore them apart, and what brings them back again. Of course, the reason they break apart is due to typical male “I can’t show any weakness or feels,” which I love way more than insta, touchy-feely tales.
This one had plenty of touches! 🔥🔥 And plenty of sexy feels! ❤️❤️ Included for your reading pleasure is an adorable child and a SOLID HEA!!
You need not read the first in the series to understand this one (but the first in the series was FREAKING AMAZING, so why don’t you?!!) ❤️❤️
My rec: yes! And, yessssssss!!!!
November 27, 2017
*3,5 stars*
This Christmas novella unfortunately didn't push all the right buttons with me.
Yes, the cover is lovely (one of the most tasteful this year) and the story is well written with characters explored in depth.
John and Lizzie are lovable and cute in their own way, but Oz... I couldn't really warm to him totally. It's kind of forgivable to behave like an a*****e if you make up for it in an appropriate way. Not sure Oz really did that. I understood his worries to some extent, but not why he pushed John away the second time.
Still, this is Jocelynn Drake and if you have a minute you'll probably enjoy this pleasant read.
This Christmas novella unfortunately didn't push all the right buttons with me.
Yes, the cover is lovely (one of the most tasteful this year) and the story is well written with characters explored in depth.
John and Lizzie are lovable and cute in their own way, but Oz... I couldn't really warm to him totally. It's kind of forgivable to behave like an a*****e if you make up for it in an appropriate way. Not sure Oz really did that. I understood his worries to some extent, but not why he pushed John away the second time.
Still, this is Jocelynn Drake and if you have a minute you'll probably enjoy this pleasant read.
December 25, 2017
Reread Dec 2019
**** Ice, snow, and mistletoe made it happen.****
John, a successful Lawyer,
has an unsuccessful family. He was going to the family cabin for Christmas...alone.
Oz, owner of his car repair shop,
is stranded by the storm at the airport with his young daughter, Lizzy.
Literally running into each other, Oz and John were stunned. Five years ago they'd been together, when Oz turned John away. John wants to find out why, so he takes them to the cabin. They spend a glorious couple of days, mixed with deepness, so that Lizzy gets a nice Christmas. In turn they get close again. John's family truths come out, and Oz explains his actions, that shattered them both.
Beautiful characters, hot sexiness, and a heartwarming story. Two men who are really two halves of a whole.
Loved it.
ENJOY.
========
**** Ice, snow, and mistletoe made it happen.****
John, a successful Lawyer,
has an unsuccessful family. He was going to the family cabin for Christmas...alone.
Oz, owner of his car repair shop,
is stranded by the storm at the airport with his young daughter, Lizzy.
Literally running into each other, Oz and John were stunned. Five years ago they'd been together, when Oz turned John away. John wants to find out why, so he takes them to the cabin. They spend a glorious couple of days, mixed with deepness, so that Lizzy gets a nice Christmas. In turn they get close again. John's family truths come out, and Oz explains his actions, that shattered them both.
Beautiful characters, hot sexiness, and a heartwarming story. Two men who are really two halves of a whole.
Loved it.
ENJOY.
========
November 27, 2017
Very sweet and entertaining, quick holiday read. I enjoyed it a lot.
Oz and John met six years previously and had a casual kind of relationship but not for almost 6 months before Oz mysteriously and harshly broke things off with John. Obviously they were totally in love but were both too scared to say anything, and that resulted in a lot of miscommunication because these boys didn't talk about anything too real when they were in their casual relationship because that is what they said it was at the beginning, just both of them having a casual, fun time together and that was it.
Obviously, it quickly became a lot more serious for them but they didn't say anything to each other about being more.
We find out why Oz broke things off and why he did it instead of just telling John what was going on, and while I got it, I wanted to smack Oz upside the head. Like! He kept such a big thing from John and broke it off rather than tell him the truth. Boy!
So after all that, they by random chance run into the other - literally - at the airport after 5 and a half years apart and find out they're on the same flight. When Oz ends up stranded in Denver after the flight because of whether, John offers to let him have a room at the house he's staying at.
John's family, aside from his sister, sucks ass, so John has a few of his own demons he's working through, but at John's family's nice cabin in the mountains, he and Oz reconnect, but Oz has some things in his life weighing him down and keeping him too scared to take that leap with John. Again this suffered from a case of "one MC doesn't grovel enough after screwing up, other MC forgives them too easily" buttt it wasn't as bad as it could have been. At least Oz explained things and apologized, and also...okay he and John were super cute and hot together all at the same time, so I was a little more lenient this time, even though Oz totally should have groveled a little more *humph*
Also, the sex was super hot in this. Loved it! This is my first of Jocelynn Drake's books that isn't co-written and I'm happy to say that she is just as enjoyable and good a writer on her own as she is with a co-author. The writing was strong, it kept my interest the whole story, and she created likable, interesting characters with great chemistry.
Definitely recommend this as a quick, entertaining, fun holiday read! :D
Oz and John met six years previously and had a casual kind of relationship but not for almost 6 months before Oz mysteriously and harshly broke things off with John. Obviously they were totally in love but were both too scared to say anything, and that resulted in a lot of miscommunication because these boys didn't talk about anything too real when they were in their casual relationship because that is what they said it was at the beginning, just both of them having a casual, fun time together and that was it.
Obviously, it quickly became a lot more serious for them but they didn't say anything to each other about being more.
We find out why Oz broke things off and why he did it instead of just telling John what was going on, and while I got it, I wanted to smack Oz upside the head. Like! He kept such a big thing from John and broke it off rather than tell him the truth. Boy!
So after all that, they by random chance run into the other - literally - at the airport after 5 and a half years apart and find out they're on the same flight. When Oz ends up stranded in Denver after the flight because of whether, John offers to let him have a room at the house he's staying at.
John's family, aside from his sister, sucks ass, so John has a few of his own demons he's working through, but at John's family's nice cabin in the mountains, he and Oz reconnect, but Oz has some things in his life weighing him down and keeping him too scared to take that leap with John. Again this suffered from a case of "one MC doesn't grovel enough after screwing up, other MC forgives them too easily" buttt it wasn't as bad as it could have been. At least Oz explained things and apologized, and also...okay he and John were super cute and hot together all at the same time, so I was a little more lenient this time, even though Oz totally should have groveled a little more *humph*
Also, the sex was super hot in this. Loved it! This is my first of Jocelynn Drake's books that isn't co-written and I'm happy to say that she is just as enjoyable and good a writer on her own as she is with a co-author. The writing was strong, it kept my interest the whole story, and she created likable, interesting characters with great chemistry.
Definitely recommend this as a quick, entertaining, fun holiday read! :D
December 10, 2017
Re-read December 2020
January 27, 2021
Well well.. here is me reading another Holiday book and I have zero regrets. ZERO people.
Ice, Snow, & Mistletoe was just as cute as the first book in this series. Even though Oz did end up driving me bonkers here and there. It also didn't help that his ex was also annoying and brought on some dumb drama either. No matter what she did, it didn't take me away from wanting Oz and John back together. At least she ended up sort of redeeming herself towards the end. Sort of.
The only thing I wanted more was groveling from Oz. I just feel like John kind of gave in way too easily. Which, I get it.. he liked the guy (possibly loved) and he just wanted a family and shit. But damn make Oz grovel some more. He needed to in my opinion.
In the end, it was cute and I really liked seeing the first couple again. Now I'm off to go find the next book and hoping it's just as cute.
Ice, Snow, & Mistletoe was just as cute as the first book in this series. Even though Oz did end up driving me bonkers here and there. It also didn't help that his ex was also annoying and brought on some dumb drama either. No matter what she did, it didn't take me away from wanting Oz and John back together. At least she ended up sort of redeeming herself towards the end. Sort of.
The only thing I wanted more was groveling from Oz. I just feel like John kind of gave in way too easily. Which, I get it.. he liked the guy (possibly loved) and he just wanted a family and shit. But damn make Oz grovel some more. He needed to in my opinion.
In the end, it was cute and I really liked seeing the first couple again. Now I'm off to go find the next book and hoping it's just as cute.
September 27, 2017
I was going with 4 stars but at the end, that 'enlightening' moment where Oz FINALLY open his eyes and see the light...
It just pissed me of...
It's not like the ex is some all-knowing woman with experience and she poured her wisdom onto him... *Major Eye-rolling*
So yeah... nice holiday novellas but something was missing for me!
It just pissed me of...
It's not like the ex is some all-knowing woman with experience and she poured her wisdom onto him... *Major Eye-rolling*
So yeah... nice holiday novellas but something was missing for me!
November 22, 2017
⛄️⛄️⛄️⛄️⛄ 5 Build a snowman stars ⛄️⛄️⛄️⛄️⛄️
Read for the second time and John & Oz still have the Christmas magic.
I DEVOURED Ice, Snow & Mistletoe, I loved everything about this Christmas romance and it has everything you need for a wonderful read.
John & Oz = two sexy guys ✔️
Lizzie = cute little girl ✔️
Second chance romance ✔️
Snow storm ✔️
Spenser & Evan ✔️
This is my eleventh Jocelyn Drake m/m book this year.
Read for the second time and John & Oz still have the Christmas magic.
I DEVOURED Ice, Snow & Mistletoe, I loved everything about this Christmas romance and it has everything you need for a wonderful read.
John & Oz = two sexy guys ✔️
Lizzie = cute little girl ✔️
Second chance romance ✔️
Snow storm ✔️
Spenser & Evan ✔️
This is my eleventh Jocelyn Drake m/m book this year.
May 19, 2019
4 "Snowed in" Stars!
This was sweet. I liked it a lot. Happy reading!
This was sweet. I liked it a lot. Happy reading!
December 20, 2022
Way too passive aggressive for me.
So much angst in such a short story.
Oz was a huge assh*le to John. If they would have had a simple conversation as adults half of this heartache could have been avoided. Does Oz redeem himself? Meh. To me, not really. More apologies were necessary. Who knew the John from book 1 was such a doormat and pushover.
It ends happy but honestly John could do better than a passive aggressive d*ck like Oz, that will probably leave him in a year. Ugh 😑
So much angst in such a short story.
Oz was a huge assh*le to John. If they would have had a simple conversation as adults half of this heartache could have been avoided. Does Oz redeem himself? Meh. To me, not really. More apologies were necessary. Who knew the John from book 1 was such a doormat and pushover.
It ends happy but honestly John could do better than a passive aggressive d*ck like Oz, that will probably leave him in a year. Ugh 😑
November 23, 2017
This story was kinda sad. No, it was really heartbreaking, in so many ways. And here I was expecting some jingle bells and holly to assist in jump starting my holiday reading. But, don’t let that stop you, it totally ends on a high note and you just know that all those past issues are going to remain in the past.
Oz is bisexual and John is the first man he was ever attracted to enough to explore that part of his life. He was afraid, rightfully so, but John was worth the chance. Until one day he wasn’t, and John is devastated, confused and heartbroken. Fast forward five years and the story begins to unravel all the secrets of why Oz just stopped. Literally just quit anything that was John, or relationships.
I am not a fan of flashbacks, but in this case it was necessary to get the backstory on what changed. In many areas you see the love shining in Oz for John so you know that wasn’t the problem. Once the big reveal is brought to light, Oz is given a second chance…until he almost blows that one, too. But, John is a saint. Truly, the man should have just walked away, but love is blind and love forgives.
This is a fast read and things move quickly, but it is not insta-lovey, per se, but more reunited and second chances. It was sweet in some ways. and heart breaking in others. But, the holidays have a way of bringing us our heart's deepest desires and I was glad that Oz and John finally get theirs.
The Blogger Girls
Oz is bisexual and John is the first man he was ever attracted to enough to explore that part of his life. He was afraid, rightfully so, but John was worth the chance. Until one day he wasn’t, and John is devastated, confused and heartbroken. Fast forward five years and the story begins to unravel all the secrets of why Oz just stopped. Literally just quit anything that was John, or relationships.
I am not a fan of flashbacks, but in this case it was necessary to get the backstory on what changed. In many areas you see the love shining in Oz for John so you know that wasn’t the problem. Once the big reveal is brought to light, Oz is given a second chance…until he almost blows that one, too. But, John is a saint. Truly, the man should have just walked away, but love is blind and love forgives.
This is a fast read and things move quickly, but it is not insta-lovey, per se, but more reunited and second chances. It was sweet in some ways. and heart breaking in others. But, the holidays have a way of bringing us our heart's deepest desires and I was glad that Oz and John finally get theirs.
The Blogger Girls
November 25, 2017
3.8 Stars
Argh, I wanted to like this one more but Oz's hot-n-cold routine got old, fast, and tainted everything. And I wasn't a fan of the "he's too good for the likes of me" self-consciousness act, either. I think that spending more than 6 months with someone would have clued you in by that point that they weren't that kind of materialistic asshole. (And while we don't get the complete 6 months, we do get flashbacks and it never looked or felt like John was that kind of person.)
Again, a Christmas tale with the instant family trope (Love. It.) and a really cute kid. I was worried Ashley (the ex) was gonna be painted with broad, horrible, bitch-strokes...so that bit of character development was a welcome surprise.
I think it's just my own issues, but I don't understand the whole mindset of characters who are portrayed as sacrificing everything romantic until their kid is older/grown. Studies show that kids with relaxed, well-rounded parents are happier and more well-adjusted. So, putting off love & relationships is actually hurting the kid, who won't have any kind of frame of reference for how that's supposed to look when it's their turn. *shrug*
Anyhow, it was nice to see Spenser & Evan again...and that ending!
Argh, I wanted to like this one more but Oz's hot-n-cold routine got old, fast, and tainted everything. And I wasn't a fan of the "he's too good for the likes of me" self-consciousness act, either. I think that spending more than 6 months with someone would have clued you in by that point that they weren't that kind of materialistic asshole. (And while we don't get the complete 6 months, we do get flashbacks and it never looked or felt like John was that kind of person.)
Again, a Christmas tale with the instant family trope (Love. It.) and a really cute kid. I was worried Ashley (the ex) was gonna be painted with broad, horrible, bitch-strokes...so that bit of character development was a welcome surprise.
I think it's just my own issues, but I don't understand the whole mindset of characters who are portrayed as sacrificing everything romantic until their kid is older/grown. Studies show that kids with relaxed, well-rounded parents are happier and more well-adjusted. So, putting off love & relationships is actually hurting the kid, who won't have any kind of frame of reference for how that's supposed to look when it's their turn. *shrug*
Anyhow, it was nice to see Spenser & Evan again...and that ending!
November 25, 2017
I didn't get why John was so into Oz (the beginning of their relationship is shown through flashbacks and not really thorough). Didn't like Oz at all - he supposedly wasn't freaked out about his bisexuality and wasn't so much closeted as oblivious, but that's what we're told. What we're shown - the guy was closeted, scared, made bad decisions, and repeatedly hurt the man he was seeing.
I really didn't like him.
January 3, 2021
3.5*
Another enjoyable Christmas romance. A second chance at romance.
I liked this one although I have to admit not as much as the previous one Walking on Thin ice.
Both John and Oz deserve a second chance. Lizzy is absolutely adorable and a real scene stealer.
Another enjoyable Christmas romance. A second chance at romance.
I liked this one although I have to admit not as much as the previous one Walking on Thin ice.
Both John and Oz deserve a second chance. Lizzy is absolutely adorable and a real scene stealer.
October 23, 2017
A sweet holiday story. Oz and John met 5 yrs before but Oz got scared when an ex showed up saying "You're going to be a father" Oz panics and pushes John out of his life. 5 yrs later they meet at an airport where they are snowed in. John invites Oz and his daughter to his house to spend the holiday and things snowball from there but I'll let you read the story for the HEA.
January 4, 2018
3.75 Stars!
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