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Stocking Stuffers
An MM holiday romance anthology. A collection of sweet, sexy, fun holiday stories from MM authors.
Titles included in the collection:
Fix Me Up by H.Q. Kingsley
Jingle My Bells by Meredith Spies
Jake's Heart for Christmas by Angelo Diaz
Rebel Without a Claus by Denise Wells
All Wrapped Up by Megs Pritchard
A Christmas Wish by J.P. Sayle
One Room at the Inn by Colette Davison
Until After Christmas by Alie Nolan
Titles included in the collection:
Fix Me Up by H.Q. Kingsley
Jingle My Bells by Meredith Spies
Jake's Heart for Christmas by Angelo Diaz
Rebel Without a Claus by Denise Wells
All Wrapped Up by Megs Pritchard
A Christmas Wish by J.P. Sayle
One Room at the Inn by Colette Davison
Until After Christmas by Alie Nolan
728 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2019
21 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 5, 2019
CHRISTMAS WISH by JP Sayle
This was an adorable long forgotten crush story! Separated for more than ten years and finding love in the place that they called home, Christmas Wish was a starter read for me on this anthology. A good start and I was glad I'd chosen this one as one of the story I read first.
UNTIL AFTER CHRISTMAS by Alie Nolan
Until After Christmas was an adorable read. Loved how Callum's family accepted Henry as their family when Callum brought him to family Christmas gathering. Henry needed family desperately after what happened with his own family back then. I loved Callum's family so much. This one is a must read from this anthology!
This was an adorable long forgotten crush story! Separated for more than ten years and finding love in the place that they called home, Christmas Wish was a starter read for me on this anthology. A good start and I was glad I'd chosen this one as one of the story I read first.
UNTIL AFTER CHRISTMAS by Alie Nolan
Until After Christmas was an adorable read. Loved how Callum's family accepted Henry as their family when Callum brought him to family Christmas gathering. Henry needed family desperately after what happened with his own family back then. I loved Callum's family so much. This one is a must read from this anthology!
December 2, 2019
Rebel Without a Claus was so good. I loved this story. Nick and Kris were so good together. They first meet at a company party but neither one makes a move. It was fun watching them trying to figure out who they were and how they can get to know each other. Once they finally get together, Nick has a bit of an issue because they do come from different backgrounds. It doesn’t matter where you come from if there is love and it will take some outside help for them to realize that. I really enjoyed this story.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 2, 2019
i read all of these and freakin loved them.. the ones who stood out the most for me was hq kingsley and colette davison.. and megs pritchard.. they did an amazing job.. they had sexy and funny stories.. made me smile and laugh.. the emotions and personalities were on point for their stories and it was all around an amazing anthology and i highly recommend every single author in this book!
December 9, 2019
Half and half. Four good reads, four clunkers.
Fix me up - dnf.
Jingle My Bells by Meredith Spies. 3.5* I had a bit of trouble with the timelines (MF died 6 months ago, after Autumn equinox and its now just before winter solstice) but this story was fun. I could have read a longer more fleshed out version of this tbh. I'd hoped to hear Rowan's impassioned plea for the inclusion of demon-borns. Loved Whit's sister. And the scene with the fruit cake...priceless.
Jake's Heart for Christmas - skimmed.
Rebel without a Claus - 4* Fun tale of missed opportunity opposites attract, and a far too tight elf costume. Well written.
All Wrapped Up - DNF at mid Chapter 2.
Christmas Wish - Not for me. Too insta-lovey, considering they had no type of relationship prior to Donovan leaving for Hollywood, and then they take up without getting to know each other despite 11 years passing.
Also the chubby MC turned out to not be chubby at all. He thought he was a 40" waist but he was really a 32! Disappointing.
One Room at the Inn - 4* A good second chances story with HFN ending. I like that it ended that way with the promise of more but no grand plans or declarations. The characters were all engaging and I'd be interested in seeing how they make this work.
Until After Christmas - 3.5* can't go wrong with a fake boyfriends story. This one was cute.
Fix me up - dnf.
Jingle My Bells by Meredith Spies. 3.5* I had a bit of trouble with the timelines (MF died 6 months ago, after Autumn equinox and its now just before winter solstice) but this story was fun. I could have read a longer more fleshed out version of this tbh. I'd hoped to hear Rowan's impassioned plea for the inclusion of demon-borns. Loved Whit's sister. And the scene with the fruit cake...priceless.
Jake's Heart for Christmas - skimmed.
Rebel without a Claus - 4* Fun tale of missed opportunity opposites attract, and a far too tight elf costume. Well written.
All Wrapped Up - DNF at mid Chapter 2.
Christmas Wish - Not for me. Too insta-lovey, considering they had no type of relationship prior to Donovan leaving for Hollywood, and then they take up without getting to know each other despite 11 years passing.
Also the chubby MC turned out to not be chubby at all. He thought he was a 40" waist but he was really a 32! Disappointing.
One Room at the Inn - 4* A good second chances story with HFN ending. I like that it ended that way with the promise of more but no grand plans or declarations. The characters were all engaging and I'd be interested in seeing how they make this work.
Until After Christmas - 3.5* can't go wrong with a fake boyfriends story. This one was cute.
December 24, 2019
This was a pretty good collection of stories for the holidays. Some were really good, some left me wanting more. But it’s a good collection for the holidays. Some are super sexy and some are so intimate it almost hurts. But it’s what makes each story special in it’s way and different. I think overall, it’s a good anthology people will enjoy.
In Fix Me Up, by H.Q. Kingsley, Nettles is getting away to his aunt’s cabin in the mountains to work on his dissertation. But the experiment he was doing went wrong and exploded, causing the lid to fly out a great ways. When he finds it, he finds someone who was hurt by it, and it happened to be his old friend/enemy, Ian. He struggles to get him to the cabin and help him and all he seems to get for his troubles is Ian yelling at him constantly. He didn’t mean for Ian to get hurt. And Ian just thinks Nettles thinks he’s better than everyone else and gets defensive at everything. They end up coming to a compromise, but it may take a Christmas miracle to get these two to stop snarking at each other and remember when they were actually friends.
Communication is always key. Where Ian always thought Nettles was above everyone, he was so far from the truth, it wasn’t funny. Nettles was just passionate about his work as Ian was about snowboarding. He has a smart brain and he is actually very shy. Not at all what Ian thinks of him. But instead of talking it out, they just grew apart and Ian got resentful over something he shouldn’t have. Completely unfair. If anything, I think Nettles should be the one ticked off. He was judged harshly and wrong and it wasn’t right to lash out at him over something that was an accident. I don’t know. I just didn’t like Ian’s attitude at first. Like that saying ‘Never judge a book by it’s cover.’ Well, Ian totally did and I just think Nettles was the bigger person about it by not reacting any more than he did.
Not a bad story though. Angsty of course. Gives it that edge you need.
In Jingle My Balls, by Meredith Spies, we venture into the prejudices of the supernatural world. Demon-born are considered lower than slime, yet if it weren’t for them, the witches who hate them wouldn’t have magic at all. And while some don’t hate demon-born like Rowan, it’s not enough to sway the ones who do. But what makes things even worse for Rowan, is the mixed signals he’s getting from Whitaker, one of the witches in the oldest prominent family. He claims to want to see Rowan be able to join the council, but doesn’t stand up for him when it counts. But both their grandmothers had something in mind to end this mess, and when it came to a head, the greed and power were trying to be fatal.
Prejudices against anyone are so pointless. And it’s stupid for sure when the beings that give you the magic are the ones you shun. But it’s even worse when the ones who claim to adore you, shun you in the same instance. I felt so bad for Rowan. It was seriously not fair to him to be treated like garbage the way he was. Or any of his kind. Especially after all his kind had done for others. But no one wanted to remember that part. They all wanted to conveniently forget what had been done for them. It’s another one of those moments where we need to be able to reach through the books to slap someone. But I loved Rowan. He never gave up. Even when he wanted to, he kept going. Trying to do what he was supposed to and be the best he could be. Even in the midst of all that hatred and greed. That takes character and he’s just the best.
Angelo Diaz brings us a story called, Jake’s Heart for Christmas, that made me cry so bad. Jake has been talking with Declan online for over a year and somehow they’re so comfortable with each other, they tell each other everything. They’re best friends, even though they’ve technically never met. But when Declan loses his girlfriend and his business due to betrayals, Jake figures it’s time to get him out of his funk and meet and spend time together. Declan agrees and when they meet, it’s the best feeling ever for both of them. And Declan is starting to learn something about himself. Especially after a kiss under the mistletoe. But is what he’s feeling real or is it a rebound? And if it’s real, can Jake’s heart really be his for Christmas?
This made me cry so bad. Sad tears then happy tears. I wanted so bad for Jake and Declan to get together. They were just perfect for each other. But with Declan being straight, Jake had to aim his crush elsewhere. Until Declan realized some things about himself after being with Jake. And it was so beautiful. They had an intimacy from being friends that was just amazing already and the feelings of more just made it that much more special. I loved these two. They finally both seemed to get what they’ve both really needed for so long. Someone to love them for them and for real. *sigh*
Next, we have Rebel Without a Clause by Denise Wells. Nick is a struggling actor, working part time jobs to have money to pay rent on a crappy place. While he’s working a bartending gig for a company party, he serves a drink to a man that makes him sizzle when they connect. But the woman hanging on him make him think he’s straight. Then he sees the man again with a woman and two kids and thinks he’s a cheater on top of being married and a father. But when he finally gets to hear from Kris’s lips that they aren’t his kids or wife, but sister and relatives, it’s too late. Kris is gone. And trying to catch him is impossible. But Kris tries to get closer to Nick by playing Santa and it works for a bit, until Nick finds out who Kris really is. And the money becomes an issue. So now it’s up to both of them to find some even ground or it’s going to be over before it starts.
It’s hard on a relationship when you basically come from two different worlds. It’s kind of like the whole Pretty Woman movie. When the worlds collide, it’s often not with good results. The money friends think you’re a gold digger and you know they have nothing in common with poor people that could be your friends. At least that’s how it often seems. But if you truly want something to work, you both have to work past all that and move forward. Find common ground. Quit worrying that money is going to break you. It doesn’t mean you are a kept person or that you have a sugar daddy. It just means that someone has a bit more money. And if it’s one of those people that are good about it and not one of those snobs that think they’re better than everyone because they have money, then that’s even better. It means they were raised right and not raised to be buttheads. It just takes swallowing some pride on both counts and finding common ground. And lots of communication.
In the next one, we have All Wrapped Up by Megs Pritchard. Best friends for years, Roan and Crispin were basically attached at the hip. But just as friends. Both had marriages that ended in divorce, and still they were there for each other. But for Crispin, things are changing. He’s fallen in love with his best friend. He doesn’t know when it changed for him, but it has. And telling Roan has caused a rift between them that is breaking Crispin’s heart. He didn’t want to lose his friend, but he had to tell him how he felt. Now it’s up to Roan to decide where they go from there. Do they move apart, stay friends and forget it was said, or finally move forward into new ground?
It sucks when you feel for someone who you aren’t sure will love you back. Whether gay, straight or somewhere in between, it’s hard. And when you feel like you’ve lost not a possible lover but your best friend, life just seems to stop. It’s so painful. But Crispin knew he couldn’t go on in his life without ever letting Roan how he felt. And I felt for him. It broke my heart and I cried with him. Even if they could never be partners or lovers, he didn’t want to lose his best friend. But what do they do? I just wanted to hug him so hard. When you think you’ve been straight all this time, and your feelings change, it’s huge. So I felt for both of them really. They had a lot they needed to work through to get past the awkwardness. And to decide if they were going to be friends, more or what. A sweet but heart wrenching story.
In A Christmas Wish by J.P. Sayle, we have to deal with a few things. It doesn’t go into great detail but there is an incident of attempted rape.Roman as his forever. He had to leave for now, because his parents job. But he would be back t But in this one, it all comes down to a vow a 17 yr old made. It was his Christmas wish to have o find Roman and make him his. Claim him. Let him know he’s loved. Hopefully, Roman would still be single. When Donavan moves back and finds out Roman is still single, he’s happy because it’s time to stake his claim. And with the help of Roman’s brother, they make a plan for it to happen. And if Donavan thought he was in love before, the new Roman made him even more so. He was as beautiful as he always has been and Donavan wanted him. But he knew he’d have to move slow. Some things happened in Roman’s past and it would take a bit of patience to get through it all.
I hate people who body shame. It’s bad enough that the people with the bodies have trouble looking in mirrors or stepping on scales, but to be made fun of and put down is just pure hell. And like Donavan, I wanted to rip the guy’s throat out. Roman was perfect just the way he was. He was sweet, adorable, and got so much pleasure from the little things in life. But I loved that Donavan was willing to wait even more for him. He knew it would take Roman time to settle in and believe someone actually wanted him and Donavan was more than willing to wait. I loved it.
Colette Davison brings us One Room at the Inn. Three old high school friends, caught in a snow storm on their way home for the holidays. One room left at the inn and they agree to share. But what happened is that secrets on how they feel and felt about each other are suddenly told and everything is changing. Where they felt awkward at first, now they are missing each other and want to make it work. Can they really patch things up after 8 years and make it work, or is it just going to be one night of their dreams?
When friends grow apart, it’s sad sometimes. Especially when they had been so close before. Best friends. Getting in trouble and who knows what. But lives change and they’ve gone their separate ways. When they get together in the inn, they learn a lot about each other they never knew. Playing a drinking game could have been a dangerous thing, but it lowered their inhibitions enough to finally get out how they felt about each all along. But for one, it was a bit harder. He wasn’t out, but meeting his friends again and after their night together, he knew he couldn’t hide anymore. Coming out is never easy, especially when you are almost positive the reaction you get is not going to be a good one. But sometimes, people surprise you. Even friends. And you have to learn, sometimes it’s ok to let go and grab life by the jingle balls and go with the flow.
And last but not least, Until After Christmas by Alie Nolan. I think this one was my favorite. It’s hard when you lose your family over being gay, or different, doesn’t matter how you look at it. The fact is, parents should love their children no matter what. Doesn’t mean they can’t be disappointed, but love doesn’t come with strings. Or isn’t supposed to. So when Callum and Henry strike up a conversation at the Christmas party, Henry agrees to be Callum’s fake boyfriend for the holidays. But what Henry doesn’t expect, is he gets the family he always wanted. Without strings. And between them and how he’s really feeling about Callum, it’s becoming too much. And he runs. And it’s up to Callum to show him it’s ok to be loved and have family.
It breaks my heart when parents make their love come with strings attached. Like we will love you, but only if you aren’t gay. We will love you, but only if you act this way. Love doesn’t work that way. Love is supposed to be unconditional. So I get how Henry feels when he finally finds a family that not only accepts their son, but accepts him as one of their own. It’s overwhelming. It’s like finally being able to breathe but having your breath taken away at the same time. It hurts. But what makes it better, is when you find that love is finally unconditional. It may not be blood family, but it’s family all the same. Doesn’t mean the hurt isn’t still there. But the love helps make it so much better. Because you finally feel like you belong. Like you are finally loved for who you are and not who you are supposed to be. And it’s freeing.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
In Fix Me Up, by H.Q. Kingsley, Nettles is getting away to his aunt’s cabin in the mountains to work on his dissertation. But the experiment he was doing went wrong and exploded, causing the lid to fly out a great ways. When he finds it, he finds someone who was hurt by it, and it happened to be his old friend/enemy, Ian. He struggles to get him to the cabin and help him and all he seems to get for his troubles is Ian yelling at him constantly. He didn’t mean for Ian to get hurt. And Ian just thinks Nettles thinks he’s better than everyone else and gets defensive at everything. They end up coming to a compromise, but it may take a Christmas miracle to get these two to stop snarking at each other and remember when they were actually friends.
Communication is always key. Where Ian always thought Nettles was above everyone, he was so far from the truth, it wasn’t funny. Nettles was just passionate about his work as Ian was about snowboarding. He has a smart brain and he is actually very shy. Not at all what Ian thinks of him. But instead of talking it out, they just grew apart and Ian got resentful over something he shouldn’t have. Completely unfair. If anything, I think Nettles should be the one ticked off. He was judged harshly and wrong and it wasn’t right to lash out at him over something that was an accident. I don’t know. I just didn’t like Ian’s attitude at first. Like that saying ‘Never judge a book by it’s cover.’ Well, Ian totally did and I just think Nettles was the bigger person about it by not reacting any more than he did.
Not a bad story though. Angsty of course. Gives it that edge you need.
In Jingle My Balls, by Meredith Spies, we venture into the prejudices of the supernatural world. Demon-born are considered lower than slime, yet if it weren’t for them, the witches who hate them wouldn’t have magic at all. And while some don’t hate demon-born like Rowan, it’s not enough to sway the ones who do. But what makes things even worse for Rowan, is the mixed signals he’s getting from Whitaker, one of the witches in the oldest prominent family. He claims to want to see Rowan be able to join the council, but doesn’t stand up for him when it counts. But both their grandmothers had something in mind to end this mess, and when it came to a head, the greed and power were trying to be fatal.
Prejudices against anyone are so pointless. And it’s stupid for sure when the beings that give you the magic are the ones you shun. But it’s even worse when the ones who claim to adore you, shun you in the same instance. I felt so bad for Rowan. It was seriously not fair to him to be treated like garbage the way he was. Or any of his kind. Especially after all his kind had done for others. But no one wanted to remember that part. They all wanted to conveniently forget what had been done for them. It’s another one of those moments where we need to be able to reach through the books to slap someone. But I loved Rowan. He never gave up. Even when he wanted to, he kept going. Trying to do what he was supposed to and be the best he could be. Even in the midst of all that hatred and greed. That takes character and he’s just the best.
Angelo Diaz brings us a story called, Jake’s Heart for Christmas, that made me cry so bad. Jake has been talking with Declan online for over a year and somehow they’re so comfortable with each other, they tell each other everything. They’re best friends, even though they’ve technically never met. But when Declan loses his girlfriend and his business due to betrayals, Jake figures it’s time to get him out of his funk and meet and spend time together. Declan agrees and when they meet, it’s the best feeling ever for both of them. And Declan is starting to learn something about himself. Especially after a kiss under the mistletoe. But is what he’s feeling real or is it a rebound? And if it’s real, can Jake’s heart really be his for Christmas?
This made me cry so bad. Sad tears then happy tears. I wanted so bad for Jake and Declan to get together. They were just perfect for each other. But with Declan being straight, Jake had to aim his crush elsewhere. Until Declan realized some things about himself after being with Jake. And it was so beautiful. They had an intimacy from being friends that was just amazing already and the feelings of more just made it that much more special. I loved these two. They finally both seemed to get what they’ve both really needed for so long. Someone to love them for them and for real. *sigh*
Next, we have Rebel Without a Clause by Denise Wells. Nick is a struggling actor, working part time jobs to have money to pay rent on a crappy place. While he’s working a bartending gig for a company party, he serves a drink to a man that makes him sizzle when they connect. But the woman hanging on him make him think he’s straight. Then he sees the man again with a woman and two kids and thinks he’s a cheater on top of being married and a father. But when he finally gets to hear from Kris’s lips that they aren’t his kids or wife, but sister and relatives, it’s too late. Kris is gone. And trying to catch him is impossible. But Kris tries to get closer to Nick by playing Santa and it works for a bit, until Nick finds out who Kris really is. And the money becomes an issue. So now it’s up to both of them to find some even ground or it’s going to be over before it starts.
It’s hard on a relationship when you basically come from two different worlds. It’s kind of like the whole Pretty Woman movie. When the worlds collide, it’s often not with good results. The money friends think you’re a gold digger and you know they have nothing in common with poor people that could be your friends. At least that’s how it often seems. But if you truly want something to work, you both have to work past all that and move forward. Find common ground. Quit worrying that money is going to break you. It doesn’t mean you are a kept person or that you have a sugar daddy. It just means that someone has a bit more money. And if it’s one of those people that are good about it and not one of those snobs that think they’re better than everyone because they have money, then that’s even better. It means they were raised right and not raised to be buttheads. It just takes swallowing some pride on both counts and finding common ground. And lots of communication.
In the next one, we have All Wrapped Up by Megs Pritchard. Best friends for years, Roan and Crispin were basically attached at the hip. But just as friends. Both had marriages that ended in divorce, and still they were there for each other. But for Crispin, things are changing. He’s fallen in love with his best friend. He doesn’t know when it changed for him, but it has. And telling Roan has caused a rift between them that is breaking Crispin’s heart. He didn’t want to lose his friend, but he had to tell him how he felt. Now it’s up to Roan to decide where they go from there. Do they move apart, stay friends and forget it was said, or finally move forward into new ground?
It sucks when you feel for someone who you aren’t sure will love you back. Whether gay, straight or somewhere in between, it’s hard. And when you feel like you’ve lost not a possible lover but your best friend, life just seems to stop. It’s so painful. But Crispin knew he couldn’t go on in his life without ever letting Roan how he felt. And I felt for him. It broke my heart and I cried with him. Even if they could never be partners or lovers, he didn’t want to lose his best friend. But what do they do? I just wanted to hug him so hard. When you think you’ve been straight all this time, and your feelings change, it’s huge. So I felt for both of them really. They had a lot they needed to work through to get past the awkwardness. And to decide if they were going to be friends, more or what. A sweet but heart wrenching story.
In A Christmas Wish by J.P. Sayle, we have to deal with a few things. It doesn’t go into great detail but there is an incident of attempted rape.Roman as his forever. He had to leave for now, because his parents job. But he would be back t But in this one, it all comes down to a vow a 17 yr old made. It was his Christmas wish to have o find Roman and make him his. Claim him. Let him know he’s loved. Hopefully, Roman would still be single. When Donavan moves back and finds out Roman is still single, he’s happy because it’s time to stake his claim. And with the help of Roman’s brother, they make a plan for it to happen. And if Donavan thought he was in love before, the new Roman made him even more so. He was as beautiful as he always has been and Donavan wanted him. But he knew he’d have to move slow. Some things happened in Roman’s past and it would take a bit of patience to get through it all.
I hate people who body shame. It’s bad enough that the people with the bodies have trouble looking in mirrors or stepping on scales, but to be made fun of and put down is just pure hell. And like Donavan, I wanted to rip the guy’s throat out. Roman was perfect just the way he was. He was sweet, adorable, and got so much pleasure from the little things in life. But I loved that Donavan was willing to wait even more for him. He knew it would take Roman time to settle in and believe someone actually wanted him and Donavan was more than willing to wait. I loved it.
Colette Davison brings us One Room at the Inn. Three old high school friends, caught in a snow storm on their way home for the holidays. One room left at the inn and they agree to share. But what happened is that secrets on how they feel and felt about each other are suddenly told and everything is changing. Where they felt awkward at first, now they are missing each other and want to make it work. Can they really patch things up after 8 years and make it work, or is it just going to be one night of their dreams?
When friends grow apart, it’s sad sometimes. Especially when they had been so close before. Best friends. Getting in trouble and who knows what. But lives change and they’ve gone their separate ways. When they get together in the inn, they learn a lot about each other they never knew. Playing a drinking game could have been a dangerous thing, but it lowered their inhibitions enough to finally get out how they felt about each all along. But for one, it was a bit harder. He wasn’t out, but meeting his friends again and after their night together, he knew he couldn’t hide anymore. Coming out is never easy, especially when you are almost positive the reaction you get is not going to be a good one. But sometimes, people surprise you. Even friends. And you have to learn, sometimes it’s ok to let go and grab life by the jingle balls and go with the flow.
And last but not least, Until After Christmas by Alie Nolan. I think this one was my favorite. It’s hard when you lose your family over being gay, or different, doesn’t matter how you look at it. The fact is, parents should love their children no matter what. Doesn’t mean they can’t be disappointed, but love doesn’t come with strings. Or isn’t supposed to. So when Callum and Henry strike up a conversation at the Christmas party, Henry agrees to be Callum’s fake boyfriend for the holidays. But what Henry doesn’t expect, is he gets the family he always wanted. Without strings. And between them and how he’s really feeling about Callum, it’s becoming too much. And he runs. And it’s up to Callum to show him it’s ok to be loved and have family.
It breaks my heart when parents make their love come with strings attached. Like we will love you, but only if you aren’t gay. We will love you, but only if you act this way. Love doesn’t work that way. Love is supposed to be unconditional. So I get how Henry feels when he finally finds a family that not only accepts their son, but accepts him as one of their own. It’s overwhelming. It’s like finally being able to breathe but having your breath taken away at the same time. It hurts. But what makes it better, is when you find that love is finally unconditional. It may not be blood family, but it’s family all the same. Doesn’t mean the hurt isn’t still there. But the love helps make it so much better. Because you finally feel like you belong. Like you are finally loved for who you are and not who you are supposed to be. And it’s freeing.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
December 2, 2019
I’ve only read JP Sayle’s ‘A Christmas Wish: Potters Creek’ so far and I absolutely loved it! I’ve not had anything bad to say about any of her books! Amazing author and always a wonderful read:)
December 1, 2019
If One Room At The Inn by Colette Davison is a sample of what you will find in this book you are in for a holiday treat! I never expected such a horrible snow storm! Making driving to my folks place for Christmas impossible then I remember the Inn so I decide to stop and see if the weather is going to improve before resuming my journey and who do I run into but my two best friends from school. I can't believe it's been like eight years since I seen them but do they look good! We decided to get a table and reminisce about our work, our jobs and our family, and of course our past. Only the weather isn't getting better so we decide it's time to get room, then we could have dinner, stay the night and leave out for our homes in the morning. The only problem is there is only one room left and this reunion is about to get very interesting. What a hot fun holiday read, so very enjoyable! Can't wait to read the read of these books by these other wonderful authors!
December 5, 2019
So I will return to update as I finish each short story
Fix me up was the first.
Nettles is a nerd (couldn't resist the double n's) and Ian is the jock
Together these two could melt the thickest of ice layers
I loved the banter and the opposing personalities
I wish we had more time this holiday season to spend with them
But moms for this covered it seems
Best of luck to both of you 🤗
Fix me up was the first.
Nettles is a nerd (couldn't resist the double n's) and Ian is the jock
Together these two could melt the thickest of ice layers
I loved the banter and the opposing personalities
I wish we had more time this holiday season to spend with them
But moms for this covered it seems
Best of luck to both of you 🤗
January 1, 2020
If you weren’t already in the mood to celebrate the holidays, they anthology will change your mind! A truly wonderful collection dog steamy, sweet stories by some insanely talented authors.
One Room at the Inn by Colette Davison
When Ellis, Zev, and PK get stranded together, sparks fly and attraction blooms again. What I really liked about this story are the different mix of personalities the three have but how they all complement each other’s. Also, for being short it was smoking hot and surprisingly sweet. No spoilers about what happens but I definitely wouldn’t mind being trapped in a hotel, or anywhere, with them. Read One Room at the Inn and you’ll wish for a snowstorm of your own.
A Christmas Wish by JP Sayle
Donavan and Roman are my Christmas wish. “I’ll wait forever if that’s what it takes.” They are so swoony together. I think Donavan is clever with his meet-again, even if he’s a bit overzealous, and Roman is adorable. I want to squish him with all the hugs. I’m glad he has his brother in his life, who I hope will get a story. Thank all the gods for possessive men, jealousy and friends who like to wind them up, so hot! I love series set in small towns. They make me so happy and I’m so excited to visit Potters Creek in the near future.
Until After Christmas
I love fake boyfriends and when you add in a holiday twist, you can’t fail. Thank goodness for holiday office parties and brothers. Henry, my heart broke for him and his pain. Callum is so shy but very sweet. They really are the best gifts that could be given.
One Room at the Inn by Colette Davison
When Ellis, Zev, and PK get stranded together, sparks fly and attraction blooms again. What I really liked about this story are the different mix of personalities the three have but how they all complement each other’s. Also, for being short it was smoking hot and surprisingly sweet. No spoilers about what happens but I definitely wouldn’t mind being trapped in a hotel, or anywhere, with them. Read One Room at the Inn and you’ll wish for a snowstorm of your own.
A Christmas Wish by JP Sayle
Donavan and Roman are my Christmas wish. “I’ll wait forever if that’s what it takes.” They are so swoony together. I think Donavan is clever with his meet-again, even if he’s a bit overzealous, and Roman is adorable. I want to squish him with all the hugs. I’m glad he has his brother in his life, who I hope will get a story. Thank all the gods for possessive men, jealousy and friends who like to wind them up, so hot! I love series set in small towns. They make me so happy and I’m so excited to visit Potters Creek in the near future.
Until After Christmas
I love fake boyfriends and when you add in a holiday twist, you can’t fail. Thank goodness for holiday office parties and brothers. Henry, my heart broke for him and his pain. Callum is so shy but very sweet. They really are the best gifts that could be given.
January 13, 2020
Fix Me Up by H.Q. Kingsley
Nettles Small and Ian Montgomery were best friends once upon a time…
Nettles Small has retreated to his old family cabin, isolated in the woods for the peace and quiet he needs to write his dissertation. He expects a full two weeks of absolutely no disruptions as he buries himself in research and lab experiments. But when an outdoor experiment goes haywire and his equipment explodes across the mountain, knocking an unsanctioned snowboarder off his board, his plans quickly change.
Ian Montgomery is on his way to the winter olympics. he’s trained his ass off for years and finally made it. But on his way to shred down one of his secret slopes, Ian is unexpectedly knocked off his board by an unknown object and the person who rushes to nurse him back to his feet is someone he had never expected to see again.
This is the story of former friends, Nettles and Ian, who meet up accidentally on a snowy mountain. Nettles, a scientist, is at his family's cabin to perform experiments in order to write his dissertation. When one experiment goes awry it ends up knocking Ian, out on the mountain training for the Olympic snowboarding even, out for the count. "In my panic, I forgot one of the most fundamental things about chemicals under pressure. They tended to explore." Nettles feels guilty, even though it was an accident, and he not only drags an unconscious Ian back to the cabin but gives him first add and takes care of him. For his trouble, Ian is rude and obnoxious, even accusing Nettles of doing it on purpose. They don't ever really say why the two former best friends hate each other now. It is mentioned they just grew apart but at one point “I hadn’t seen the guy in like seven or eight years, not since high school graduation when he’d bored us all to tears with his valedictorian speech.
I had a little trouble with this one because Ian just did not grow on me. They end up falling into bed but I couldn’t think why Nettles would want to.
Just a heads up on this story - it isn't as long as you'd think because there are at least four excerpts at the end for other stories in this series. I was a bit disappointed because I felt more needed to be written to explain the jump to love.
Jingle My Bells by Meredith Spies
Rowan
Less than two weeks till the winter solstice and somehow it’s my fault the witches have misplaced their damned bells. If they weren’t such jerks about demon-borns being part of the Grand Council and their plans, maybe they wouldn’t need to use the stupid things anyway. But until they’re ready to admit that without us, there’d be no them, I guess they’re out of luck. It’s just dirty pool to send Whitaker Frost, scion of the Frost witch clan and sexiest man alive ohmygods to my shop when I’ve been accused of hiding those damned bells and endangering the witches’ annual winter solstice ritual to maintain their powers.
Whitaker
No matter what Rowan thinks, I haven’t forgotten our encounter at the summer solstice, and I know for a fact he hasn’t. The way he looks at me when he sees me in his shop just before the winter solstice is enough to set me on fire without the help of any of his demon magic. I don’t blame him for being hesitant with me—I am a witch, after all, and witches have been doing their damnedest for centuries to keep demon-born out of magical communities and gatherings. I wish he’d understand that I not only want him in the council, but in my bed, my life…
This paranormal story of witches vs demon-born was not my favorite. The prejudice against the demon born (Rowan) was so blatant that I wanted him to lose control and blast them all. There is a mystery of missing bells that the witch clans desperately need to keep their powers and Rowan and Whitaker act on their attraction while figuring it all out. I also wondered by Whitaker just let Rowan be so abused at the meetings. I mean, these people were Nasty, with a capital N. The story of how witches came about was creative and clever.
Jake’s Heart for Christmas by Angelo Diaz
Two online friends meeting up for an unforgettable Christmas vacation.
After facing some trouble back home, Declan was more than eager to spend Christmas with his online best friend, Jake, in his hometown of Winterwood. It was everything he’d hoped it would be. The town was friendly, Jake was a ray of sunshine, and the spirit of Christmas was in every corner. What he didn’t expect was the growing connection between him and Jake. The more time Declan spent with Jake, the more the line between friendship and something more started to blur. Maybe the trip to Winterwood was exactly what Declan needed to find himself again.
Now, all he wanted for Christmas was to win over Jake’s heart.
Jake and Declan have been messaging, phoning and video chatting for over a year but they are just now meeting face to face for the first time. Jake has invited Declan to spend Christmas at his cabin when it becomes apparent Declan’sfor the holiday were to spend it “…curled up in his bedroom.” Declan has just been dumped by his cheating girlfriend and betrayed by his friends. Since the two have been planning to meet, this seemed like a good time so Declan makes the trip to Winterwood, Alaska. This is a small town where everyone knows everyone else’s business (like Jake’s crush on the mountain of a bartender, Bruce) and they go out of their way to make Declan feel welcome and to make sure he knows they think he’s handsome. It’s just what Declan needs.
Jake’s best friend, Cassidy, is awesome and perfect. Jake has thoughts of setting Cassidy up with Declan but this isn’t the way it’s going to go. Declan is loving Winterwood and I have to admit, I want a cinnamon roll wrapped apple pie because that sounds amazing.
I didn’t see this as a gay for you but as a finally realizing who you are. And I loved that, as much as I loved Cassidy watching out for Jake.
I want to know how Declan’s friends stole the business from him. It is mentioned but never really explained.
This is a really cute, sweet friends to lovers story and probably my favorite of the anthology. I loved Jake’s attitude towards Declan being a virgin and that Declan knows absolutely that he can trust Jake. Also that Declan has never seen snow before!
One thing that irked me, and it’s just a me thing. “I beamed with my signature charming smile.” Jake, it’s annoying when you yourself decide it’s a charming smile!
Rebel Without A Clause by Denise Wells
I’m the guy who never brings a date to a holiday party. But meeting someone at one is a different story, apparently. The bartender I undressed with my eyes? Whose touch ignited a fire in my soul when his fingers brushed against mine? He’s the one I’m prepared to break all my own rules for.
Let’s call out Jeanette. She is so ridiculous. “Once you’re with a real woman, such as myself, you won’t feel the need to experiment any longer.” What? Kris is at a Coleman party, his family-owned company, and he has to be saved from the oblivious or obnoxious Jeanette by his sister, Kelly. I was happy to see how wonderful Kelly and Nick’s BFF Sarah areas I don’t like when all the women in a story are portrayed as witches. But I digress.
Kris meets the man of his dreams (or maybe fantasies), Nick, working as a bartender at the party. Unfortunately, he has to do his duty handing out employee bonuses and by the time he returns the bartender is gone. Kris is then again accosted by the disgusting Jeanette. “Kissing me. With tongue and saliva. Bile rises in my throat. It would serve her right if I threw up in her throat.” She is awful.
As fate would have it, when Nick finally sees Kris again, He is dressed in a sort of porny elf costume, helping out at the Coleman Santa Village. Nick is an actor but so far hasn’t found much in the way of work, hence the elf. When Kris ends up standing in as Santa, the two get a chance to know each other.
The story is sweet with a lovely epilogue. I had questions, such as what work does Nick end up doing since the whole “he has money and I don’t” was such an issue, but it’s complete as it is.
All Wrapped Up by Megs Pritchard
Crispin Jones had known Roan virtually his whole life, but when his disastrous marriage ended, he began to see Roan in a new light. He wasn’t simply his friend anymore. His feelings had changed to something more.
Christmas was approaching and Crispin had decided that it was the time to tell Roan the truth. The office party seemed the perfect opportunity. Would Roan accept his declarations of love, or would Crispin’s admission ruin years of friendship between them?
How terrifying is it to suddenly realize how important someone is to you but live with the fear it will destroy the best friendship you’ve ever had? That is where Crispin is now. He and Roan have been friends since kindergarten. Both are now divorced from their wives, Roan amicably, Crispin not. Crispin has come to realize that no matter how it ends, he has to be come clean and let Roan know how he feels. “He couldn’t continue hiding the truth, watching Roan move on to another woman. Having to smile and be friendly when he saw them together. IT would break something inside him.”
Roan is a little oblivious but he is a good person. He loves his two-year-old daughter, Veronica, dearly and wants only the best for his ex-wife. “We broke up because it wasn’t working. That doesn’t mean I don’t want her to be happy because I do. She’s a great person and a fantastic mom.” That is who Crispin has fallen for.
I felt so badly for Crispin after he tells Roan how he feels but I also felt for Roan because this is coming out of nowhere at a party where he’s been after a woman, Erica, forever and Crispin knows it. I questioned Crispin’s thinking on having the conversation at the party but also understood he just couldn’t wait any longer. Later, he himself knows it wasn’t the ideal place. “He should have approached him somewhere else, not dumped it on him and at a party where Roan was hoping to chat up Erica.”
I liked this one a lot. Friends to lovers is a favorite of mine, and the fact that Roan doesn’t immediately “yes, I love your guts” made it seem more real. It takes a mind shift, sometimes a big one, to go from a friend to a lover, not to mention never realizing you might be bi. Both of these guys deserve happiness and I am positive they will continue to have it with each other. And Crispin’s inner voice is the best. “Great. My life is falling apart and there’s a spider in my room.”
A Christmas Wish by JP Sayle
Can Christmas wishes come true?
Roman Austin is shy, more than a little geeky, and thinks he’s overweight. Past experience has taught him that he’s better off with his nose buried in a book. Until the boy who left town years ago returns.
Donavan’s return makes Roman face what he’s avoided for years, himself. With each new revelation, can Roman see what is right in front of him? Will past secrets and a meddling brother stop Roman from finding love with the one man he never knew wanted him?
A Christmas Wish is a standalone sweet gay romance, a small-town friendship, and a guaranteed HFN
First off, Roman made me sad in how he sees himself. His brother, Gabriel, is cute. As for Roman? “Me, I resembled one of the farmers’ cows.” He believes his hair is plain, his eyes washed out and his body too heavy. “Having a gay brother who was outgoing and pretty meany any chance I had with the gay population dwindled to zero.”
Even odder is the fact that Donovan, a teenager when he moved away, had crushed on Roman before he and his family moved away. Now he’s returned, having not seen Roman in eleven years, and wants Roman. Umm, you don’t even know him! “Did my Roman have a boyfriend?” He’s not yours, you haven’t seen him in eleven years! Donovan moved to Hollywood with his family and ended up being a successful stuntman. You’d think he came back for Roman but in reality, he was done doing stunts after an accident claimed the life of his friend, so he quit. I would have liked it better if all the “pining for Roman” had caused him to reach out or at least come back because of Roman, not just because he’s done in Hollywood.
This really is insta-love, which in holiday stories I am okay with. And it is HFN, not HEA, so that made a bit more sense. The one thing I questioned was Roman’s whole idea that he’s overweight when he isn’t. Gabriel is a supportive, awesome brother and that was lovely to read.
One Room at the Inn by Colette Davison
Travel photographer, Ellis, is driving home for Christmas, but a freak snowstorm forces him to seek refuge in the Holiday Inn. He doesn’t expect to meet his two best friends from high school there, or to end up having to share a room with them.
Although eight years apart has changed them all, Ellis realizes he still has strong feelings for fit footballer, Zev, and loveable geek, PK. A game of Never Have I Ever and a bottle of Applejack bourbon leads to revelations about their feelings for one another.
Can anything be the same for these three men after an unexpected night of passion?
I skipped this one, as I am not a fan of MMM.
Until After Christmas by Alie Nolan
Henry isn’t a fan of Christmas and usually spends the holiday alone, wallowing in self-pity. Until he gets drunk with his adorable, awkward co-worker at the office Christmas party and somehow finds himself with Christmas plans for the first time in years.
Callum is tired of his family setting him up with random strangers at Christmas, so when Henry offers to pretend to be his boyfriend for the holiday, it seems like he’s found the perfect solution… until real feelings get mixed up into their fake relationship.
Pretend boyfriends – a favorite trope! Callum’s family is just the best and the way they support each other, and then Henry, made me happy. We won’t even discuss Henry’s family, who rejected him. But as happens, fake boyfriends turn into real and in this case it was wonderful.
We do have to address the cover art. A pretty colored cover with two men dressed for winter, snow falling. The problem? There is a Photoshop nightmare happening with a giant arm stretching around the man in front, supposedly of the man in back but it’s really not well done and is so bizarre!
Nettles Small and Ian Montgomery were best friends once upon a time…
Nettles Small has retreated to his old family cabin, isolated in the woods for the peace and quiet he needs to write his dissertation. He expects a full two weeks of absolutely no disruptions as he buries himself in research and lab experiments. But when an outdoor experiment goes haywire and his equipment explodes across the mountain, knocking an unsanctioned snowboarder off his board, his plans quickly change.
Ian Montgomery is on his way to the winter olympics. he’s trained his ass off for years and finally made it. But on his way to shred down one of his secret slopes, Ian is unexpectedly knocked off his board by an unknown object and the person who rushes to nurse him back to his feet is someone he had never expected to see again.
This is the story of former friends, Nettles and Ian, who meet up accidentally on a snowy mountain. Nettles, a scientist, is at his family's cabin to perform experiments in order to write his dissertation. When one experiment goes awry it ends up knocking Ian, out on the mountain training for the Olympic snowboarding even, out for the count. "In my panic, I forgot one of the most fundamental things about chemicals under pressure. They tended to explore." Nettles feels guilty, even though it was an accident, and he not only drags an unconscious Ian back to the cabin but gives him first add and takes care of him. For his trouble, Ian is rude and obnoxious, even accusing Nettles of doing it on purpose. They don't ever really say why the two former best friends hate each other now. It is mentioned they just grew apart but at one point “I hadn’t seen the guy in like seven or eight years, not since high school graduation when he’d bored us all to tears with his valedictorian speech.
I had a little trouble with this one because Ian just did not grow on me. They end up falling into bed but I couldn’t think why Nettles would want to.
Just a heads up on this story - it isn't as long as you'd think because there are at least four excerpts at the end for other stories in this series. I was a bit disappointed because I felt more needed to be written to explain the jump to love.
Jingle My Bells by Meredith Spies
Rowan
Less than two weeks till the winter solstice and somehow it’s my fault the witches have misplaced their damned bells. If they weren’t such jerks about demon-borns being part of the Grand Council and their plans, maybe they wouldn’t need to use the stupid things anyway. But until they’re ready to admit that without us, there’d be no them, I guess they’re out of luck. It’s just dirty pool to send Whitaker Frost, scion of the Frost witch clan and sexiest man alive ohmygods to my shop when I’ve been accused of hiding those damned bells and endangering the witches’ annual winter solstice ritual to maintain their powers.
Whitaker
No matter what Rowan thinks, I haven’t forgotten our encounter at the summer solstice, and I know for a fact he hasn’t. The way he looks at me when he sees me in his shop just before the winter solstice is enough to set me on fire without the help of any of his demon magic. I don’t blame him for being hesitant with me—I am a witch, after all, and witches have been doing their damnedest for centuries to keep demon-born out of magical communities and gatherings. I wish he’d understand that I not only want him in the council, but in my bed, my life…
This paranormal story of witches vs demon-born was not my favorite. The prejudice against the demon born (Rowan) was so blatant that I wanted him to lose control and blast them all. There is a mystery of missing bells that the witch clans desperately need to keep their powers and Rowan and Whitaker act on their attraction while figuring it all out. I also wondered by Whitaker just let Rowan be so abused at the meetings. I mean, these people were Nasty, with a capital N. The story of how witches came about was creative and clever.
Jake’s Heart for Christmas by Angelo Diaz
Two online friends meeting up for an unforgettable Christmas vacation.
After facing some trouble back home, Declan was more than eager to spend Christmas with his online best friend, Jake, in his hometown of Winterwood. It was everything he’d hoped it would be. The town was friendly, Jake was a ray of sunshine, and the spirit of Christmas was in every corner. What he didn’t expect was the growing connection between him and Jake. The more time Declan spent with Jake, the more the line between friendship and something more started to blur. Maybe the trip to Winterwood was exactly what Declan needed to find himself again.
Now, all he wanted for Christmas was to win over Jake’s heart.
Jake and Declan have been messaging, phoning and video chatting for over a year but they are just now meeting face to face for the first time. Jake has invited Declan to spend Christmas at his cabin when it becomes apparent Declan’sfor the holiday were to spend it “…curled up in his bedroom.” Declan has just been dumped by his cheating girlfriend and betrayed by his friends. Since the two have been planning to meet, this seemed like a good time so Declan makes the trip to Winterwood, Alaska. This is a small town where everyone knows everyone else’s business (like Jake’s crush on the mountain of a bartender, Bruce) and they go out of their way to make Declan feel welcome and to make sure he knows they think he’s handsome. It’s just what Declan needs.
Jake’s best friend, Cassidy, is awesome and perfect. Jake has thoughts of setting Cassidy up with Declan but this isn’t the way it’s going to go. Declan is loving Winterwood and I have to admit, I want a cinnamon roll wrapped apple pie because that sounds amazing.
I didn’t see this as a gay for you but as a finally realizing who you are. And I loved that, as much as I loved Cassidy watching out for Jake.
I want to know how Declan’s friends stole the business from him. It is mentioned but never really explained.
This is a really cute, sweet friends to lovers story and probably my favorite of the anthology. I loved Jake’s attitude towards Declan being a virgin and that Declan knows absolutely that he can trust Jake. Also that Declan has never seen snow before!
One thing that irked me, and it’s just a me thing. “I beamed with my signature charming smile.” Jake, it’s annoying when you yourself decide it’s a charming smile!
Rebel Without A Clause by Denise Wells
I’m the guy who never brings a date to a holiday party. But meeting someone at one is a different story, apparently. The bartender I undressed with my eyes? Whose touch ignited a fire in my soul when his fingers brushed against mine? He’s the one I’m prepared to break all my own rules for.
Let’s call out Jeanette. She is so ridiculous. “Once you’re with a real woman, such as myself, you won’t feel the need to experiment any longer.” What? Kris is at a Coleman party, his family-owned company, and he has to be saved from the oblivious or obnoxious Jeanette by his sister, Kelly. I was happy to see how wonderful Kelly and Nick’s BFF Sarah areas I don’t like when all the women in a story are portrayed as witches. But I digress.
Kris meets the man of his dreams (or maybe fantasies), Nick, working as a bartender at the party. Unfortunately, he has to do his duty handing out employee bonuses and by the time he returns the bartender is gone. Kris is then again accosted by the disgusting Jeanette. “Kissing me. With tongue and saliva. Bile rises in my throat. It would serve her right if I threw up in her throat.” She is awful.
As fate would have it, when Nick finally sees Kris again, He is dressed in a sort of porny elf costume, helping out at the Coleman Santa Village. Nick is an actor but so far hasn’t found much in the way of work, hence the elf. When Kris ends up standing in as Santa, the two get a chance to know each other.
The story is sweet with a lovely epilogue. I had questions, such as what work does Nick end up doing since the whole “he has money and I don’t” was such an issue, but it’s complete as it is.
All Wrapped Up by Megs Pritchard
Crispin Jones had known Roan virtually his whole life, but when his disastrous marriage ended, he began to see Roan in a new light. He wasn’t simply his friend anymore. His feelings had changed to something more.
Christmas was approaching and Crispin had decided that it was the time to tell Roan the truth. The office party seemed the perfect opportunity. Would Roan accept his declarations of love, or would Crispin’s admission ruin years of friendship between them?
How terrifying is it to suddenly realize how important someone is to you but live with the fear it will destroy the best friendship you’ve ever had? That is where Crispin is now. He and Roan have been friends since kindergarten. Both are now divorced from their wives, Roan amicably, Crispin not. Crispin has come to realize that no matter how it ends, he has to be come clean and let Roan know how he feels. “He couldn’t continue hiding the truth, watching Roan move on to another woman. Having to smile and be friendly when he saw them together. IT would break something inside him.”
Roan is a little oblivious but he is a good person. He loves his two-year-old daughter, Veronica, dearly and wants only the best for his ex-wife. “We broke up because it wasn’t working. That doesn’t mean I don’t want her to be happy because I do. She’s a great person and a fantastic mom.” That is who Crispin has fallen for.
I felt so badly for Crispin after he tells Roan how he feels but I also felt for Roan because this is coming out of nowhere at a party where he’s been after a woman, Erica, forever and Crispin knows it. I questioned Crispin’s thinking on having the conversation at the party but also understood he just couldn’t wait any longer. Later, he himself knows it wasn’t the ideal place. “He should have approached him somewhere else, not dumped it on him and at a party where Roan was hoping to chat up Erica.”
I liked this one a lot. Friends to lovers is a favorite of mine, and the fact that Roan doesn’t immediately “yes, I love your guts” made it seem more real. It takes a mind shift, sometimes a big one, to go from a friend to a lover, not to mention never realizing you might be bi. Both of these guys deserve happiness and I am positive they will continue to have it with each other. And Crispin’s inner voice is the best. “Great. My life is falling apart and there’s a spider in my room.”
A Christmas Wish by JP Sayle
Can Christmas wishes come true?
Roman Austin is shy, more than a little geeky, and thinks he’s overweight. Past experience has taught him that he’s better off with his nose buried in a book. Until the boy who left town years ago returns.
Donavan’s return makes Roman face what he’s avoided for years, himself. With each new revelation, can Roman see what is right in front of him? Will past secrets and a meddling brother stop Roman from finding love with the one man he never knew wanted him?
A Christmas Wish is a standalone sweet gay romance, a small-town friendship, and a guaranteed HFN
First off, Roman made me sad in how he sees himself. His brother, Gabriel, is cute. As for Roman? “Me, I resembled one of the farmers’ cows.” He believes his hair is plain, his eyes washed out and his body too heavy. “Having a gay brother who was outgoing and pretty meany any chance I had with the gay population dwindled to zero.”
Even odder is the fact that Donovan, a teenager when he moved away, had crushed on Roman before he and his family moved away. Now he’s returned, having not seen Roman in eleven years, and wants Roman. Umm, you don’t even know him! “Did my Roman have a boyfriend?” He’s not yours, you haven’t seen him in eleven years! Donovan moved to Hollywood with his family and ended up being a successful stuntman. You’d think he came back for Roman but in reality, he was done doing stunts after an accident claimed the life of his friend, so he quit. I would have liked it better if all the “pining for Roman” had caused him to reach out or at least come back because of Roman, not just because he’s done in Hollywood.
This really is insta-love, which in holiday stories I am okay with. And it is HFN, not HEA, so that made a bit more sense. The one thing I questioned was Roman’s whole idea that he’s overweight when he isn’t. Gabriel is a supportive, awesome brother and that was lovely to read.
One Room at the Inn by Colette Davison
Travel photographer, Ellis, is driving home for Christmas, but a freak snowstorm forces him to seek refuge in the Holiday Inn. He doesn’t expect to meet his two best friends from high school there, or to end up having to share a room with them.
Although eight years apart has changed them all, Ellis realizes he still has strong feelings for fit footballer, Zev, and loveable geek, PK. A game of Never Have I Ever and a bottle of Applejack bourbon leads to revelations about their feelings for one another.
Can anything be the same for these three men after an unexpected night of passion?
I skipped this one, as I am not a fan of MMM.
Until After Christmas by Alie Nolan
Henry isn’t a fan of Christmas and usually spends the holiday alone, wallowing in self-pity. Until he gets drunk with his adorable, awkward co-worker at the office Christmas party and somehow finds himself with Christmas plans for the first time in years.
Callum is tired of his family setting him up with random strangers at Christmas, so when Henry offers to pretend to be his boyfriend for the holiday, it seems like he’s found the perfect solution… until real feelings get mixed up into their fake relationship.
Pretend boyfriends – a favorite trope! Callum’s family is just the best and the way they support each other, and then Henry, made me happy. We won’t even discuss Henry’s family, who rejected him. But as happens, fake boyfriends turn into real and in this case it was wonderful.
We do have to address the cover art. A pretty colored cover with two men dressed for winter, snow falling. The problem? There is a Photoshop nightmare happening with a giant arm stretching around the man in front, supposedly of the man in back but it’s really not well done and is so bizarre!
December 6, 2019
A CHRISTMAS WISH by JP Sayle
December 10, 2019
This was a great collection of holiday reads. I enjoyed all of short reads , but o had a few faves.
Jingle My Bells by Meredith Spies was a great read about witches, solstice ceremonies, and demon born. With a gated couple on opposing sides that made it oh so good.
A Christmas Wish by JP Sayle was a great high school friends reconnecting after one left . To me, it was a prequel, but it was definitely good.
One Room At The Inn by Colette Davison was a great heartfelt read. Three friends reconnecting and becoming so much more . But what surprised me was all the support that they got from the family. Definitely loved that one.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Jingle My Bells by Meredith Spies was a great read about witches, solstice ceremonies, and demon born. With a gated couple on opposing sides that made it oh so good.
A Christmas Wish by JP Sayle was a great high school friends reconnecting after one left . To me, it was a prequel, but it was definitely good.
One Room At The Inn by Colette Davison was a great heartfelt read. Three friends reconnecting and becoming so much more . But what surprised me was all the support that they got from the family. Definitely loved that one.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 5, 2019
4.5*
A multi talented, multi Author anthology for the festive season this book offers it all, from Santas and their elf, opposites attract, second chances, witches, Demons and the starts of a new series or two (hopefully).
I really enjoyed all of them but loved Ro and Donovan from a Christmas wish, As Ro confronted the past and how that made him see him self, I want to see how their relationship grows. Nick and Kris are really good in Rebel without a Claus as fate has decided they need to be together, throwing them into each other’s orbit time and again. In Jingle Bells Whitford and Rowan are complete opposites as witches and Demon born could be but come together in this paranormal solstice novella. Overall there is something for everyone, as I found them all to be fun, sexy, sweet and full of cheer. A great Christmas read.
A multi talented, multi Author anthology for the festive season this book offers it all, from Santas and their elf, opposites attract, second chances, witches, Demons and the starts of a new series or two (hopefully).
I really enjoyed all of them but loved Ro and Donovan from a Christmas wish, As Ro confronted the past and how that made him see him self, I want to see how their relationship grows. Nick and Kris are really good in Rebel without a Claus as fate has decided they need to be together, throwing them into each other’s orbit time and again. In Jingle Bells Whitford and Rowan are complete opposites as witches and Demon born could be but come together in this paranormal solstice novella. Overall there is something for everyone, as I found them all to be fun, sexy, sweet and full of cheer. A great Christmas read.
December 8, 2019
This was such a fantastic, fabulous, fascinating, sweet, charming, engaging, delightful, marvelous, heartwarming, emotionally charged, lovely, wonderful, funny, grab-you-by-the-feels, and totally awesome collection of holiday stories. I enjoyed reading each and every one, and would DEFINITELY recommend getting this ASAP.
December 4, 2019
This is an amazing anthology filled with sweet, sexy, and memorable holiday stories. Each one filled with emotion and delight at the season and I loved each couple in the stories in this anthology! A great read for the holiday season or anytime really!!
December 3, 2019
I received an arc of Jingle my bells and it was so great, I've read it twice! Just getting into the other stories in here and will update again when I can get to a real keyboard. You should totally check it out!!
January 9, 2020
Fix Me Up by HQ Kingsley is a sweet story about 2nd chance love and opposites attract. Some of the non-consequences of an injury stretched credibility a little, but still an enjoyable story.
I loved the world building and politicking in Jingle My Bells by Meredith Spies. It’s a cute story with likeable characters although the time jump in one part of the story was a little confusing. I’d love to read more in this universe with these characters.
Jake’s Heart For Christmas by Angelo Diaz has a lovely small town feel where everyone knows your business. I loved the supporting cast and how they encouraged Declan and Jake to get together.
My favourite character in Rebel Without a Claus is Nick’s flatmate Sarah. She totally rocks. The two leads took a while to warm up to, especially Kris, although he redeemed himself by the end of the story.
Crispin and Roan are two clueless guys in All Wrapped Up by Megs Pritchard. I liked that their marriages ended for different reasons and they came to their realisation about themselves through different paths. I also liked Crispin’s mother Josephine and her reaction to him coming out to her, and that the girl Roan was going to pick up the party was too.
I enjoyed A Christmas Wish by JP Sayle and was very happy to learn that there are more stories to come about Potters Creek. I thought this was a sweet small town romance, and I liked the supporting cast too, especially Roman’s brother Gabriel. I hope he gets his own story and HEA.
I thought Colette Davison did a wonderful job in portraying a true MMM relationship in One Room at the Inn. Ellis, Zev, and PK’s relationship and friendship felt very real, and came across as a true romance all around. I loved the descriptions of the characters and setting—they sucked me right into the series, and I thought the game they played was a clever way to advance the plot. I enjoyed this sweet, feel good story about old friends who love each other.
Alie Nolan is a new author to me but one I will be keeping an eye out for. I loved Until After Christmas. Henry and Cal’s story is a lovely sweet, feel good story, and I particularly enjoyed the family vibe, and Cal’s family’s reaction to Henry, and how they make him feel part of their family. The epilogue was the perfect ending for these guys.
I enjoyed this anthology of Christmas themed novellas, and how all the stories were quite different.
I loved the world building and politicking in Jingle My Bells by Meredith Spies. It’s a cute story with likeable characters although the time jump in one part of the story was a little confusing. I’d love to read more in this universe with these characters.
Jake’s Heart For Christmas by Angelo Diaz has a lovely small town feel where everyone knows your business. I loved the supporting cast and how they encouraged Declan and Jake to get together.
My favourite character in Rebel Without a Claus is Nick’s flatmate Sarah. She totally rocks. The two leads took a while to warm up to, especially Kris, although he redeemed himself by the end of the story.
Crispin and Roan are two clueless guys in All Wrapped Up by Megs Pritchard. I liked that their marriages ended for different reasons and they came to their realisation about themselves through different paths. I also liked Crispin’s mother Josephine and her reaction to him coming out to her, and that the girl Roan was going to pick up the party was too.
I enjoyed A Christmas Wish by JP Sayle and was very happy to learn that there are more stories to come about Potters Creek. I thought this was a sweet small town romance, and I liked the supporting cast too, especially Roman’s brother Gabriel. I hope he gets his own story and HEA.
I thought Colette Davison did a wonderful job in portraying a true MMM relationship in One Room at the Inn. Ellis, Zev, and PK’s relationship and friendship felt very real, and came across as a true romance all around. I loved the descriptions of the characters and setting—they sucked me right into the series, and I thought the game they played was a clever way to advance the plot. I enjoyed this sweet, feel good story about old friends who love each other.
Alie Nolan is a new author to me but one I will be keeping an eye out for. I loved Until After Christmas. Henry and Cal’s story is a lovely sweet, feel good story, and I particularly enjoyed the family vibe, and Cal’s family’s reaction to Henry, and how they make him feel part of their family. The epilogue was the perfect ending for these guys.
I enjoyed this anthology of Christmas themed novellas, and how all the stories were quite different.
December 28, 2019
3.5 Stars
With eight separate holiday romances, Stocking Stuffers is a good holiday anthology. From the first story, to the last, we get a great variety of stories.
I love Fix Me Up, in which Nettles and Ian, former best friends, are reunited through a mistake. Their story is totally sappy, sweet, and will give you all the holiday feels. There's snow, Christmas trees, and family fun.
In Jake's Heart For Christmas, two online best friends meet up and the sparks fly. This one is a mix of GFY, friends to lovers, and some sweet first time kisses and more.
In some of the other stories, we get an insta-love romance between two complete opposites, a sweet menage romance, and more. The writing is great as we get a super fun friends to lovers tale, plenty of spicy first times, and romantic Christmas romances.
Not every story is my kind of read, so I skipped a few, but Stocking Stuffers has something for everyone.
With eight separate holiday romances, Stocking Stuffers is a good holiday anthology. From the first story, to the last, we get a great variety of stories.
I love Fix Me Up, in which Nettles and Ian, former best friends, are reunited through a mistake. Their story is totally sappy, sweet, and will give you all the holiday feels. There's snow, Christmas trees, and family fun.
In Jake's Heart For Christmas, two online best friends meet up and the sparks fly. This one is a mix of GFY, friends to lovers, and some sweet first time kisses and more.
In some of the other stories, we get an insta-love romance between two complete opposites, a sweet menage romance, and more. The writing is great as we get a super fun friends to lovers tale, plenty of spicy first times, and romantic Christmas romances.
Not every story is my kind of read, so I skipped a few, but Stocking Stuffers has something for everyone.
December 26, 2019
A lot of these authors were a new read for me; A lovely introduction to different writing styles; an enjoyable holiday read
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