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Cabrini Law #2.5
The Rules of Gift Giving
Winter is about to get a whole lot hotter!
Fruitcake and Fistfights
Their first Christmas together should have been picture perfect, but disaster unexpectedly strikes. Instead of picking out a tree and cuddling under the mistletoe, Elliot and Lucas are headed to the one place that haunts Elliot like the ghost of Christmas past -- his hometown.
Can Lucas help Elliot put the past behind him and give him a Christmas to remember?
A Christmas Tail
It's been almost a year since Maksim nearly lost the love of his life. They've settled down in domestic bliss, but all is not merry and bright.
Christmas is all lights and laughter for most people, but for Val, it brings a host of dark memories. Sleepless nights return as the shadows of the past take hold, and Maksim can't bear to see his lover suffer.
In typical style, he takes matters into his own hands. But will Val reject his unexpected gift?
Catch up with old friends and meet some new ones in these two steamy novellas from the Cabrini Law series!
Fruitcake and Fistfights
Their first Christmas together should have been picture perfect, but disaster unexpectedly strikes. Instead of picking out a tree and cuddling under the mistletoe, Elliot and Lucas are headed to the one place that haunts Elliot like the ghost of Christmas past -- his hometown.
Can Lucas help Elliot put the past behind him and give him a Christmas to remember?
A Christmas Tail
It's been almost a year since Maksim nearly lost the love of his life. They've settled down in domestic bliss, but all is not merry and bright.
Christmas is all lights and laughter for most people, but for Val, it brings a host of dark memories. Sleepless nights return as the shadows of the past take hold, and Maksim can't bear to see his lover suffer.
In typical style, he takes matters into his own hands. But will Val reject his unexpected gift?
Catch up with old friends and meet some new ones in these two steamy novellas from the Cabrini Law series!
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2019
48 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Parker St. John
19 books508 followersGay romance author living in the rainy Pacific Northwest who adores strong alpha men, rugged cowboys, blue collar smokeshows, mortal enemies and childhood friends who will make you SWOON when they fall in love!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 19, 2020
These are two Christmas novellas featuring the MCs from books 1 and 2 of the Cabrini Law series.
Elliot is stressing about what to get Lucas for their first Christmas together when he gets a phone call from his mom informing him that his dad had a heart attack. As Elliot deals with family drama, mostly caused by his older brother's antagonism, Lucas supports him every step of the way.
I liked visiting with these guys again. Their communication is top-notch, which makes it easy to believe in their HEA. This is a tender and steamy story.
Maksim and Val's Christmas follow-up is darker. Val's PTSD is on the rise again, and Maksim does everything he can to support his lover. Fortunately, Val never pushes Maksim away, and the ending is sweet and hopeful.
Elliot is stressing about what to get Lucas for their first Christmas together when he gets a phone call from his mom informing him that his dad had a heart attack. As Elliot deals with family drama, mostly caused by his older brother's antagonism, Lucas supports him every step of the way.
I liked visiting with these guys again. Their communication is top-notch, which makes it easy to believe in their HEA. This is a tender and steamy story.
Maksim and Val's Christmas follow-up is darker. Val's PTSD is on the rise again, and Maksim does everything he can to support his lover. Fortunately, Val never pushes Maksim away, and the ending is sweet and hopeful.
December 3, 2019
I enjoyed Christmas with men of Cabrini Law firm and their loved ones. The book consists of two stories - Elliot and Lucas's first Christmas which happened before Maksim and Val met and Maks and Val's first Christmas after the events of the second book in the series, so it can't be read as a standalone. Both stories have a little bit of sweetness, moderate amount of angst and spots of humor that make it a delightful holiday read.
Elliot wants their first Christmas to be perfect, but everything that can go wrong, does. From gift searching to meeting the family, Elliot and Lucas sure have a busy week. I enjoyed their banter, a bit of steam and Elliot finally making things right with his family. The gift giving is perfect in every way in the end. They are in love and together.
Maks and Val's story is a bit angstier than the other couple's. We see how both men settle into a life together, how they try to open up about their feelings and help Val deal with his PTSD. I loved how Maks was there for Val, held him up when he needed and just loved him no matter what. The help came from unlikely but the cutest source ever, and both men had a lovely holiday with their mutual friend Emma.
I enjoyed both stories since it gave me a glimpse into their everyday lives after all the excitement settled. It might not all be roses, but they are honest and love each other deeply. Good steady paced stories. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
Elliot wants their first Christmas to be perfect, but everything that can go wrong, does. From gift searching to meeting the family, Elliot and Lucas sure have a busy week. I enjoyed their banter, a bit of steam and Elliot finally making things right with his family. The gift giving is perfect in every way in the end. They are in love and together.
Maks and Val's story is a bit angstier than the other couple's. We see how both men settle into a life together, how they try to open up about their feelings and help Val deal with his PTSD. I loved how Maks was there for Val, held him up when he needed and just loved him no matter what. The help came from unlikely but the cutest source ever, and both men had a lovely holiday with their mutual friend Emma.
I enjoyed both stories since it gave me a glimpse into their everyday lives after all the excitement settled. It might not all be roses, but they are honest and love each other deeply. Good steady paced stories. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
June 7, 2020
***4.5 ❤***
February 6, 2021
Loved these two catch ups
Both of these two shirts are wonderful glimpses back into the lives of the first two pairs in the Cabrini Law series.
For Elliot, it's a chance to reconnect with family who hurt him in the past and with Lucas at his side, things might be a bit more positive.
Max and Val, along with Emna, welcome a new family member who brings comfort to them all and especially when Val's PTSD gets too much.
Both of these two shirts are wonderful glimpses back into the lives of the first two pairs in the Cabrini Law series.
For Elliot, it's a chance to reconnect with family who hurt him in the past and with Lucas at his side, things might be a bit more positive.
Max and Val, along with Emna, welcome a new family member who brings comfort to them all and especially when Val's PTSD gets too much.
September 4, 2021
A holiday novella with the MCs of the first two books of Risk Assessment series. Some family drama, cute-sweet moments, and holiday decorations.
April 18, 2020
A long novella!
I’m actually really happy that the stories centred around Christmas wasn’t overly sweet. It stayed true to the characters and their struggles. Loved it!
I’m actually really happy that the stories centred around Christmas wasn’t overly sweet. It stayed true to the characters and their struggles. Loved it!
February 12, 2020
Excellent holiday short stories to accompany the Cabrini Law series. Loved these.
April 13, 2020
Read by Shon
3 Stars!
A cute May/December MM romance.
3 Stars!
A cute May/December MM romance.
September 14, 2020
two sweet short stories ... good to see how they experience time together
February 16, 2025
cute!! i hope another one gets written for books 3 and 4
December 3, 2019
I love Parker St John's characters and these two Christmas stories about them were an absolute treat.
In Fruitcake and Fistfights, Elliot and Lucas are so excited about their first Christmas together in the home they're building. But when Elliot's father has a heart-attack, they have to fly to Kentucky,and then stay there for the holidays.
It's the best occasion to fix the strain between Elliott and his family. And they do,either by talking or breaking into fistfights. It's also the opportunity to introduce Lucas,the love of his life,into the folds.
It was so good to see again how perfect for each other are Elliot and Lucas. How incredibly intense, hot and connected they are. To watch them understand that,when all is said and done,the perfect gift for Christmas is themselves and their love.
A Christmas Tail is only from Maksim's POV, about his heartbreak and feeling powerless to help Val through his debilitating anxiety attacks.
Maksim doesn't do powerless,especially not about something as important as Val's life. The solution is cute,sweet Annabelle,a therapy dog,that instantly bonds with Val.
And their first Christmas is perfect. I love their mismatched family of four:two men and two girls(a snarky teenagers and a furry,four legged one). It's new and old,mixed heritage and customs,but they make them their own.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 is gratitude for life's gifts. Each of the characters knows to appreciate what they've been granted,the love and support they have in their partners and their amazing group of friends. I laughed at their shenanigans and I've been on the brink of tears. And I loved it.
In Fruitcake and Fistfights, Elliot and Lucas are so excited about their first Christmas together in the home they're building. But when Elliot's father has a heart-attack, they have to fly to Kentucky,and then stay there for the holidays.
It's the best occasion to fix the strain between Elliott and his family. And they do,either by talking or breaking into fistfights. It's also the opportunity to introduce Lucas,the love of his life,into the folds.
It was so good to see again how perfect for each other are Elliot and Lucas. How incredibly intense, hot and connected they are. To watch them understand that,when all is said and done,the perfect gift for Christmas is themselves and their love.
A Christmas Tail is only from Maksim's POV, about his heartbreak and feeling powerless to help Val through his debilitating anxiety attacks.
Maksim doesn't do powerless,especially not about something as important as Val's life. The solution is cute,sweet Annabelle,a therapy dog,that instantly bonds with Val.
And their first Christmas is perfect. I love their mismatched family of four:two men and two girls(a snarky teenagers and a furry,four legged one). It's new and old,mixed heritage and customs,but they make them their own.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 is gratitude for life's gifts. Each of the characters knows to appreciate what they've been granted,the love and support they have in their partners and their amazing group of friends. I laughed at their shenanigans and I've been on the brink of tears. And I loved it.
August 17, 2020
2 historias cortas navideñas:
La 1era ocurre despues del 1er libro, y en la primera navidad de Elliot y Lucas juntos. Lucas conoce a la familia de Elliot cuando su padre sufre un infarto y ambos vuelven a su pueblo natal. La bienvenida no es lo que esperaba Elliot, pero Lucas se acomoda bien a su familia y poco a poco todos los aceptan como pareja.
La 2da ocurre despues del 2do libro, y es la primera navidad de Maks y Val. Val esta sufriendo ataques de ansiedad por ser las primeras fiestas que va a estar sin su familia, eso y la presion que siente de pasar todos sus examenes estan haciendo añicos su autocontrol, Maks se preocupa y siente que no es suficiente para que Val pueda apoyarse en el cuando sufre estos momentos, pero recurre a una asociacion que adiestra perros para veteranos, y ahora junto con Annabelle (su perra) y Emma, logran pasar sus primeras navidades en familia.
Ambas historias te ayudan a definir un poco mas los personajes, sobre todo la 2da ayuda a ver la verdadera naturaleza de la relacion entre Maks, Val y Emma y como se convierten en una familia.
Tambien podemos conocer la familia de Elliot, de la que el se siente extrañamente rechazado, y vemos lo que realmente puede unir a una familia cuando los patriarcas son respetados.
La 1era ocurre despues del 1er libro, y en la primera navidad de Elliot y Lucas juntos. Lucas conoce a la familia de Elliot cuando su padre sufre un infarto y ambos vuelven a su pueblo natal. La bienvenida no es lo que esperaba Elliot, pero Lucas se acomoda bien a su familia y poco a poco todos los aceptan como pareja.
La 2da ocurre despues del 2do libro, y es la primera navidad de Maks y Val. Val esta sufriendo ataques de ansiedad por ser las primeras fiestas que va a estar sin su familia, eso y la presion que siente de pasar todos sus examenes estan haciendo añicos su autocontrol, Maks se preocupa y siente que no es suficiente para que Val pueda apoyarse en el cuando sufre estos momentos, pero recurre a una asociacion que adiestra perros para veteranos, y ahora junto con Annabelle (su perra) y Emma, logran pasar sus primeras navidades en familia.
Ambas historias te ayudan a definir un poco mas los personajes, sobre todo la 2da ayuda a ver la verdadera naturaleza de la relacion entre Maks, Val y Emma y como se convierten en una familia.
Tambien podemos conocer la familia de Elliot, de la que el se siente extrañamente rechazado, y vemos lo que realmente puede unir a una familia cuando los patriarcas son respetados.
December 7, 2019
Beautiful souls & Stealth Mistletoe
I’m so happy we got to spend the holidays with the Cabrini Law family.
I can’t wait for Miguel to meet his match. Haha, they are annoying elves and nutcrackers are pretty creepy. I really love Lucas; I mean everything about him, but Elliot, well, he needs all the love in this book. Lucas and Elliot are smoldering together and I love Lucas’s attitude and mischievous nature. Nothing like family reunions, huh? I’m normally not a big fan of the outdoors but Elliot and Lucas changed my outlook. “He’s the one for me.” Gah, these two give me happy, happy sighs. I just love them.
I’m with Maks on Christmas music; a little goes a long way. “I’m never letting you go.” Oh Val, how my heart hurts for you. I’m so happy he has Maksim to watch out for him even when he’s stubborn. Maksim and Val tug at my heartstrings and I like the way they celebrate the holidays. I definitely agree with Maks on stores. I love Emma. She and Mak’s crack me up. I’m really looking forward to Alex’s story and ha, stealth mistletoe. I love how Maks always puts Val first. He makes me swoon and Val is so sweet. I adore their new addition.
I’m so happy we got to spend the holidays with the Cabrini Law family.
I can’t wait for Miguel to meet his match. Haha, they are annoying elves and nutcrackers are pretty creepy. I really love Lucas; I mean everything about him, but Elliot, well, he needs all the love in this book. Lucas and Elliot are smoldering together and I love Lucas’s attitude and mischievous nature. Nothing like family reunions, huh? I’m normally not a big fan of the outdoors but Elliot and Lucas changed my outlook. “He’s the one for me.” Gah, these two give me happy, happy sighs. I just love them.
I’m with Maks on Christmas music; a little goes a long way. “I’m never letting you go.” Oh Val, how my heart hurts for you. I’m so happy he has Maksim to watch out for him even when he’s stubborn. Maksim and Val tug at my heartstrings and I like the way they celebrate the holidays. I definitely agree with Maks on stores. I love Emma. She and Mak’s crack me up. I’m really looking forward to Alex’s story and ha, stealth mistletoe. I love how Maks always puts Val first. He makes me swoon and Val is so sweet. I adore their new addition.
December 10, 2019
Delightful read with twice the pleasure with two novellas one for each of our two sets of MC's.
Fruitcake and Fistfights brings us a focus on Elliot and Lucas as they deal with Elliot's family in crisis. Their are so many sweet moments between these guys as they support each other and learn to love even more. I found their presents really meaningful and so perfect.
A Christmas Tail brings us Maksim and Val as they come into the holiday season. My heart broke for Val as he struggles with his PTSD and with Marksim as he tries to be there for Val. I really loved their journey for the tree and how they created their own special dinner. Some very special moments in this very special story.
This is book 2.5 of the Cabrini Law Collection series and must be read in order. This book builds on characters that we have met in the first two books and builds upon a story arch that already exists. I highly recommend this series.
Fruitcake and Fistfights brings us a focus on Elliot and Lucas as they deal with Elliot's family in crisis. Their are so many sweet moments between these guys as they support each other and learn to love even more. I found their presents really meaningful and so perfect.
A Christmas Tail brings us Maksim and Val as they come into the holiday season. My heart broke for Val as he struggles with his PTSD and with Marksim as he tries to be there for Val. I really loved their journey for the tree and how they created their own special dinner. Some very special moments in this very special story.
This is book 2.5 of the Cabrini Law Collection series and must be read in order. This book builds on characters that we have met in the first two books and builds upon a story arch that already exists. I highly recommend this series.
November 30, 2019
I can say enough, how much I love this series and especially the characters. And with this Christmas edition I got not one but two really good stories.
In Fruitcake and Fistfights we meet up with Elliot and Lucas again and though the circumstances where sad it was great to meet Elliot's family. Once again the author delivered awesome characters that are incredibly developed on so many levels.
The same goes for A Christmas Tail. In this one, Maksim was the one to deliver a tiny arrow covered in all the feels to my heart with way he takes care of his man. I also absolutely loved the introduction of a well working "tool" to handle PTSD and anxeity.
Reading these to short stories definitely put me straight into the Christmas spirit.
In Fruitcake and Fistfights we meet up with Elliot and Lucas again and though the circumstances where sad it was great to meet Elliot's family. Once again the author delivered awesome characters that are incredibly developed on so many levels.
The same goes for A Christmas Tail. In this one, Maksim was the one to deliver a tiny arrow covered in all the feels to my heart with way he takes care of his man. I also absolutely loved the introduction of a well working "tool" to handle PTSD and anxeity.
Reading these to short stories definitely put me straight into the Christmas spirit.
December 2, 2019
FRUITCAKE AND FISTFIGHTS
Elliot and Lucas
The age old question, what do you get the man you love for Christmas. Lucas is pretty sure Elliot is going to love the car he’s refurbished for him. Elliot on the other hand doesn’t have a clue. A family emergency turns their life upside down. This small glimpse into their lives together was nice to see.
A CHRISTMAS TALE
Maksim and Valentine
Maks is worried when Val’s PTSD rears it’s ugly head again. He wants his love for Val to be enough to help him, but he knows it’s out of his hands. All he can do is give him the best present he can possibly find. A snippet of the holiday in the lives of Maks, Val, and Emma. Very hot and sweet.
Two short holiday stories that are sure to please
I received an arc of this book.
Elliot and Lucas
The age old question, what do you get the man you love for Christmas. Lucas is pretty sure Elliot is going to love the car he’s refurbished for him. Elliot on the other hand doesn’t have a clue. A family emergency turns their life upside down. This small glimpse into their lives together was nice to see.
A CHRISTMAS TALE
Maksim and Valentine
Maks is worried when Val’s PTSD rears it’s ugly head again. He wants his love for Val to be enough to help him, but he knows it’s out of his hands. All he can do is give him the best present he can possibly find. A snippet of the holiday in the lives of Maks, Val, and Emma. Very hot and sweet.
Two short holiday stories that are sure to please
I received an arc of this book.
December 3, 2019
What a wonderful holiday treat, times two! We get to revisit with our favorite couples and see what the holidays have in store for them.
In Fruitcake and Fistfights we meet up with Elliot and Lucas where a family emergency causes havoc at the holidays. I loved seeing them again and how the love they share is everything!
In A Christmas Tail we revisit with Maksim and Val. This story has more angst as we see Val struggling with his anxiety attacks. Maksim has a wonderful idea to help Val and let me just say awww!
These two stories certainly add a heaping dose of holiday cheer!
In Fruitcake and Fistfights we meet up with Elliot and Lucas where a family emergency causes havoc at the holidays. I loved seeing them again and how the love they share is everything!
In A Christmas Tail we revisit with Maksim and Val. This story has more angst as we see Val struggling with his anxiety attacks. Maksim has a wonderful idea to help Val and let me just say awww!
These two stories certainly add a heaping dose of holiday cheer!
December 9, 2019
Love it! Sweet, romantic, book with the Cabrini Law guys. How do you find the perfect gifts for someone who has everything? These guys had me laughing, some tears and it's a great book just in time for Christmas.
Elliott and Lucas had to deal with Elliott's father in the hospital and returning home to his family after being away for so long from home. Their story is filled with angst, learning to forgive, and Lucas gave Elliott the perfect gift.
Val and Maks have to deal with Val's PTDS. Mak's gift Val the perfect gift and I loved seeing Emma again.
Elliott and Lucas had to deal with Elliott's father in the hospital and returning home to his family after being away for so long from home. Their story is filled with angst, learning to forgive, and Lucas gave Elliott the perfect gift.
Val and Maks have to deal with Val's PTDS. Mak's gift Val the perfect gift and I loved seeing Emma again.
December 24, 2019
Lovely and sentimental Christmas novellas
I very much enjoyed these two novellas. I’d initially thought they came after book two but the first one must occur before book two.
The first one centers on Elliott and Lucas. The second one centers on Maks and Val. Both did a nice job of not only working their holiday plot lines in an entertaining and emotional way but also giving us more character development so we get to know and understand these characters a little better.
Very enjoyable and a nice holiday read.
I very much enjoyed these two novellas. I’d initially thought they came after book two but the first one must occur before book two.
The first one centers on Elliott and Lucas. The second one centers on Maks and Val. Both did a nice job of not only working their holiday plot lines in an entertaining and emotional way but also giving us more character development so we get to know and understand these characters a little better.
Very enjoyable and a nice holiday read.
May 16, 2020
I cannot get enough of this series. I am enamored of it. Here we get to catch up to Lucas and Elliot and Maksim and Val - and the two stories were quite different. Both had drama - but the first was about finding peace with a family and the latter about adding to the family to bring peace. Sounds corny but they were so feel good at the end happy books meant for the Christmas season and I love authors who give us a taste or glimpse after the regular book ends!
December 4, 2019
Parker St John has been my favorite author find of the year and this Christmas collection of two stories is a wonderful addition to the Cabrini Law series. Both provide us with more insight into the relationships we've been introduced to so far in this series and add depth to these men's relationships.
I loved the way Elliott and Lucas worked together through the visit back to Elliott's childhood home and I adored the way Maksim let his love for Val lead him to find a way to help his lover through an invisible foe.
If you're not already reading Parker St John, you're really missing out on your next favourite series. Trust me.
5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved the way Elliott and Lucas worked together through the visit back to Elliott's childhood home and I adored the way Maksim let his love for Val lead him to find a way to help his lover through an invisible foe.
If you're not already reading Parker St John, you're really missing out on your next favourite series. Trust me.
5/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 22, 2019
Even melted me
My Scrooge-like heart gave an extra thump while I read these two novellas, one for each couple of the series so far. They follow their first Christmases together, touching on emotions and pasts that shaped the men they are now. Not sugary or sappy, just evocative enough of the season of love & hope.
My Scrooge-like heart gave an extra thump while I read these two novellas, one for each couple of the series so far. They follow their first Christmases together, touching on emotions and pasts that shaped the men they are now. Not sugary or sappy, just evocative enough of the season of love & hope.
December 4, 2019
This was a great duo of stories that revisits the couples from the first two books in the Cabrini Law series. I enjoyed seeing the couples become closer as they dealt with the stress of the holiday season. A great seasonal addition to the series.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
December 8, 2019
Perfect holiday reads for these guys!
I fell head over heels for the Cabrini Law cast of characters and these two novellas are perfect visits to their world. I laughed and cried and swooned for them all. I am impatiently waiting for the next book in the series!
I fell head over heels for the Cabrini Law cast of characters and these two novellas are perfect visits to their world. I laughed and cried and swooned for them all. I am impatiently waiting for the next book in the series!
January 17, 2020
Excellent read
It was lovely to catch up with the guys from the first two books again and see how their relationships are growing. Well written enough to be read alone if you prefer
It was lovely to catch up with the guys from the first two books again and see how their relationships are growing. Well written enough to be read alone if you prefer
November 12, 2020
Lovely Christmas read
It was good to catch up with characters that I have liked in previous books in this series. These two stories deal with real issues and I thoroughly enjoyed them.
It was good to catch up with characters that I have liked in previous books in this series. These two stories deal with real issues and I thoroughly enjoyed them.
December 24, 2021
A sweet, romantic (and steamy) book about the first two couples in the Cabrini Law series. Lucas meets Elliot's family and Maks & Val gain another family member (Emma is already in the family). Bith novellas are short but well paced and enjoyable.
June 11, 2022
Like the first, Love the second!
This book was a surprise for me because reading this series was a little disappointing but this book was nice😉! It actually had a little romance along with the sex😁. The last story was the best.
This book was a surprise for me because reading this series was a little disappointing but this book was nice😉! It actually had a little romance along with the sex😁. The last story was the best.
July 11, 2025
I'm so soft for novellas like this. There's definitely a common element to both stories, and it definitely made for the most tender, vulnerable and loving stories for Elliot and Lucas and Maks and Val.
I love love love these characters with all my heart.
I love love love these characters with all my heart.
December 7, 2019
I loved seeing Val and Maks again... I live them SO HARD!
This book was a perfect complement to book 2... awesome read ❤
This book was a perfect complement to book 2... awesome read ❤
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews